Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

r Town Council Bye-Election, LIBERAL CANDIDATE DEFEATED. One of the most hotly-contested elections experienced in the borough was that which took place on Tuesday to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Councillor Robert Doughton as alderman. The candi- dates were Mr. D. C. Roberts (Liberal and Nonconformist) and Capt. G. Fossett Rob- erts (Conservative and Churchman). Can- vassing had been going on busily for more than a week, both candidates having a large army of supporters. On the polling day strenuous efforts were made to get every possible voter to the poll, each side having motor cars and traps placed at their disposal. The canvassing arrangements were more per- fect than had been seen at any previous election, with the result that the poll was a record one. In all 1,615 burgesses went to the Town Hall and recorded their votes, as compared with 1,519 at the November election, an increase of 96. The Mayoo" was the returning officer, and he was assisted by Mr. Daff Jones, from the office of the Town Clerk. The presiding officers were: Alder- man R. Doughton and Councillors R. J. Jones, J. T. Davies, and Edwin Morris. The poll was declared by the Mayor amid! great excitement shortly before nine o'clock as follows:— Capt. Fossett Roberts 863 Mr. D. C. Roberts 745 Conservative majority 118 There were seven spoilt votes. The result means the gain of a seat to the Conserva- tives. When Capt. Roberts appeared on the ros- trum after the declaration of the poll he re- ceived a perfect ovation, and there were loud cries of "Let's have the flowing bowl." The victorious candidate said the hardly knew how to thank the electors sufficiently for the honourable position they had placed him in that night. He certainly thought it was the greatest honour any man could re- ceive at the hands of his fellow-townsmen. He would always endeavour to show his appreciation of the honour by doing all he could to study their interests. He wished to thank all those who had voted for him on this occasion, and he wished to thank Jus friend, Mr. D. C. Roberts, for his kind and generous action throughout the contest. There had not been a single unpleasant word nor a dishonourable action of any der scription and he thanked Mr. Roberts and all his supporters for their great considera- tion and kindness to him that day. He knew it had been a very difficult matter for the ratepayers to decide, and he felt that some ot them had been placed in a very awkward position. However, he hoped those who felt compelled to vote against him that day would willingly support him on some future occasion. He did not think this was the occasion for a speech, but they could rest assured that he would endeavour with the assistance of his colleagues to carry out those projects which he had mentioned in his address, and he had placed first and foremost the urgent necessity of providing dwellings for the working classes. (Ap- plause). This was not mere election clap- trap. He meant it. He thought it was a disgrace to their town that the poor had no alternative but to live in dwellings which were not sanitary, or that they should be found to live in high-rented houses. That policy would tend, if con- tinued, to drive working men O1)t of the town. (Applause). Mr. D. C. Roberts, who was also received with loud cheers, said he came before them that night as the defeated candidate; but he was not disheartened or disappointed. He wished to thank warmly the 745 that voted for him that day, and also all those who had worked so well for him during this election. He felt he had been thoroughly supported by his friends, and although the result had not been what they would wish still, he felt they had worked well, and it was his duty to give them his sincere thanks. He would like at the same time to say that although he had failed that day he hoped to come out again on some future occasion. (Cheers). Hi's had been a great party fight, and they had failed, but he trusted that on some future occasion they would place their confidence in him and return him to the Town Council. (Cries of "Next November.") He also wished to thank most sincerely Mr Fossett Roberts for his great kindness dur- ing this contest, and also to thank all those who worked for him. No unkind word and nc unpleasant thing of any kind had taken place, and he would look back at the day with every pleasant memory. (Cheers). A vote of thanks was passed to the Mayor, on the proposition of Capt. Roberts, secon- ded by Mr. D. C. Roberts, and the gathering then dispersed. Outside the Hall. there was another great outburst of enthusiasm on the part of the supporters of the successful candidate. Capt Roberts was escorted by a cheering throng to the Conservative Club, where congratula- tory speeches were made. At the Radical Club, Mr. D. C. Roberts was accorded a most cordial reception, and1 an intimation made by him that he would place himself in the hands of the Club for any future election was loudly applauded. RUN OVER IN THE CROWD. What looked at one time like a serious accident happened after the declaration of the poll. Capt. Roberts was lifted into a carriage, and was drawn by his supporter through Portland-street and Little Dark- gate-street to the Conservative Club. Hav- ing addressed the crowd there, he was then conveyed to his residence in Laura-place. When near Downie's Vaults someone fell in the crowd with the result that several others were also brought down, and the carriage passed over them. Evan Daniel sustained severe injuries, and had to be carried home on a stretcher. Thomas Fox, Bridge-street was also badly hurt, and it was at first thought that he had broken his leg, but on the arrival of the doctor it was found that this was not. so. He was carried home by some friends. J. Mcrris, Little Darkgate- street, was also among those knocked down, but he escaped with very little injury.

LLANGORWEV. Presentation.—On Tuesdav, November 26th, a large number of friends assembled (ogetbei at Clarach School to pi-esent the (lev. and At, s. H. J. Stewart with a testimonial on their departure f.otn the parish. The chair was taken by Mv. Griffith Jones, Nartllain, treaguie,, and he was suppoited by Mr. John Harper, Cwm Cottage, secretary. Mr. W. E. Edwards, Cross, Claraeh. The testimonial consisted of a Toll top writing desk, with the following i()<-cJp;ion-r.psented to the Bev. and Mrs. H. J. Stewait as a token of respect and good wishes from the parishioners of Llangorwen on their departure to take no duties at St. Paul's, Ccckett, Glatnoi gan-ii,e." The pi e- seutaiion was acknowledged by the Vicpr in suit- able termCl. Also at the same meeting the rreon or the year's collestion in coo, ecti«in with the S.P.G. missionary boxes was made known by the Secretary. The sum realised was £ 3 12s. 41-0. Alter the rsnal vote of thanks the meeting ended by singing God S'>ve the Kirg."

TALYBONT Afprwolaeth. Cofnodir maiwolaeth M-, John Williams. New street, v, hyn a ^ymerodd le dydd Iau, Tacliuedd 28ain ?r ol cysiudd mauh, yn 58 mhvydd oed. Yr oedd yr ymatiawelig yn enej i- eol o'r ardal hon, ac hfnai o devlo pa'^hns, pp yr oelld yn adna'^yddus iawn yn y rhao ucbaf o Geredipion. Bu am flynvddpn yn gweitbrei n fel lea-, le,' rhwng yma ag Abervstwyth, ac enil'odd yr ymddiriedaeth lwyrar, trwy ei onestrwyd a'i un- plygrwydd. Yr oedd yn gyroydcg towel a cbym- wynasgor. Yr oedd yn aelod ffyddlon a sJo F-IIoM" Bedyddwyr. Etholwyd ef yn ddiacon pan yn 25ain ocd, a llanwodd y swydd hono am 33 o lynyddau, a thryscrydd yr eglwys am ?,7ain o Bvnyddau hydei farwolaeth. Gadawodd dan. fab a dwy ferch a chwaer, ac wyres i alaru ar ei ol. Dydd Mawrth diweddaf daeth tyrfa luosog i dalu y gymwynas olaf i'w weJdillion, pan y gweinydd- wyd wrth y ty gan ei weinidt'g, Parch R Jones (Trebor Aled), ac ar lan y bedd gan y Parch. D H Hughes, Machynlleth, a'r Parch — Evan?, Pen- rhyncoch. Yr oedd yn bresenol hefyd y Parchn. R E Jones (A.), — Davies (A.), Belbesda, — Jen- kins (M.C,), a D Evans, curad. PETTY SESSIONS. The monthly Petty Sessions were held on Tues- day, before Mr J. T. Morgan. Major Barry Taunton, and Mr. Edward Jones A Disputed Collar. John Davies, Llanfihangel, carrier, was changed by John Jenkins, Llanfihangel, farmer, with. having stolen a horse collar from his stable some time in the month of July last. Complainant said that he lost the collar in the month of July, and one day when visiting John Davies' house he saw a collar there very similar to the one he had missed. He asked Davies if it was his collar, and,he said it was; that he bought it some years ago from Hugh Lewis, Carreg Farm. He again said it was very much like the one be had lost, and Davits then -made another statement. He had since spoken to Davies several times, and also to his wife and son, and on each occasion they had denied that the collar was the one he had lost.— By the Bench He had told the police about the affair but as there was a dispute as to the owner- ship of the collar he was advised to bring an action in the County Court.—The Bench were of the same opinion as the police, and said the case, did not come within their jurisdiction. The charge was then dismissed. Jenkins had also intended to apply for an eject- ment order against a tenant of his at Llanfihangel, but as he had not signed the necessary notices the case fell through.

ABEKYSTWYTU PUBLIC HOUSES. MAGISTRATES ASKED TO REDUCE TH7 NUMBER. An influential deputation, representative of the Free Church Council and the Church of England Temperance Societies at Aber- ystwyth, waited upon the local magistrates at the Town Hall on Wednesday to press upon them the desirability of putting in force their powers under the Compensation Act with a view to reducing the number of public houses in the town. Amongst the members of the deputation were Principal Roberts, Archdeacon Williams, Rev. r. E. Roberts, Rev. R. J. Rees, Rev. W. Matthews, Rev. T. A. Penry, Rev. T. Williams, Rev Maurice Griffith, Rev J. E. Lloyd, Messrs. Daniel Thomas, W. H. Colby, Charles Panchen, R. Northey, and P. B. Loved^y. The Rev. T. E. Roberts briefly explained the object of the deputation. He said he did not know whether he ought to refer to the previous day's proceedings. They were not, as temperance people, disheartened at all. Many of them, indeed, endeavoured to make the election a contest on the temper- ance question, but their very respected can- didate did not altogether fall in with their views, and they found that the temperance party, largely, did not take it as a contest between Temperance and the Trade. So they were not dismayed at all, nor dis- heartened in the matter, and should there be any hesitation in their minds because of the result of the previous day's poll they would be very glad indeed Mr. W. J. Watkins (interposing): We are not here to listen to matters of this sort. Mr. Roberts said if any doubt existed in the minds cf the magistrates they wished to have the opinion of the people of the town taken on the question of the diminution of the number of licenses. The Rev. R. J. Rees, secretary of the Free Church Council, said this question to his mind and to the mini of the deputation was not at all clouded by anything temporary, and was quite apart, even, from political conflicts. They appealed to the Bench first of all in view of an explicit promise made by them as long ago as three years last Jenuary. He was then as a new-born babe in their midst, and had the privilege of being a mem- ber of a very large body which appeared be- fore them on that occasion, and after seme eloquent speaking by advocates of both sides and after the Bench had retired and delib- erated they were informed that the majority of the justices had decided to renew all the licenses for that year, but to appoint a com- mittee to meet the brewers and others in- terested in the Trade to consider the report of the late Chief Constable. Since that promise was made a. good deal of water had gone under the bridge, and they came again that day to ask that the promise should be redeemed. They had not come there to point out to any delay in realising that pro- mise, yet they thought that three-and-a.half years was time enough, even for a. body as stately as theirs, to move at any rate with some measure of celerity that might be ap- preciable to the public outside. The reasons they asked them to redeem that promise were briefly these. He found that at the present time there were still fifty licenses alive in the town.- He had been at pains for the last day or two to go through statistics that had been, presented to the county auth- orities by the police, and he found that of the fifty public houses two adjoined each other; twelve were within distances of be- tween ten and twenty yards of each other; tlirteen were between 20 and 30 yards of each other; eight between 30 and- 40 yards of each other; five between 40 and 50 yards of each other; three between 50 and 100 yards; and seven between 100 and 141 yards. The largest distance, therefore, be- tween the furtherest and remotest public house lrom the others was 141 yards. The population of the town of Aberystwyth ac- cording to the last census was 8,013, and there was a public house to every 160 of the population. Until lately they could' hold their heads a little seeing that Cardigan had one for every 78 of the population and Lam- peter one for every 156. The average num- ber for the whole county was one for every 276 of the inhabitants. When they appeared before the Bench in 1904 no licensing meas- ure had then been passed, and it might be said that this work of weeding out public houses would act detrimentally to the in- terests of those who had put their capital into them and whoso livelihood was depend- ent upon it. Since then measures had been taken not by the party to which he belonged, but by a party to which, he thought, they were thankful for taking such measures, and however, much they differed in opinion about some of the provisions, yet they had helped them considerably with licensing reform. Under the provisions of the measure passed by the late Government measures had been taken so that the work of lessening this congestion should not act prejudicially or painfully to anybody involved in the trade. Since that measure was passed it had been put into operation in some centres, but not in this centre of Aberystwyth. In the county borough of Cardigan since 1904, when there were 43 public houses, 13 had been closed, four by compensation. In Lampeter one had been closed, but not by compensa- tion. In Aberayron one had been cbsed and that altogether by the aid of the Act. So since 1901 fifteen licenses had lapsed in the county, and five had lapsed through the auto- matic working of the Compensation Act. In view of the congestion at Aberystwyth, as far as area and population was concerned, and especially in view of the promise the magis- trates had made, he respectfully urged them in the name of the deputation to take into consideration this further matter before the next Licensing Sessions, and to arrange an interview with the parties interested, so that if there were areas in Aberystwyth where public houses could be lessened, and that drunkenness thereby could also be lessened. Principal Roberts said he was there as a number of the Free Church Council and as a. citizen in order to join with the other memoors. of the deputation in urging the vital importance of this matter upon their consideration. He believed they would all admit that this was a question of efficient local administration of the highest import- ance. It was not, therefore, one which it wag competent for those who were respon- sible for the various branches of that ad- ministration to take up or not, but one which it was their duty to attempt to deal with ac- cording to the powers at their disposal. They were there that day in order to press with the utmost earnestness upon them that the time had come, and, indeed had long come, when in the public interest such ac- tion should bet taken. They acknowledged ) the difficulties of the problem, but whatever the difficulties may be the necessity of a solution was even more important than any difficulties that might be in the way. The Rev. W. Matthews, as representing the Church of England Temperance Society, they came before the magistrates that day to ask them to put into operation the com- pensation clauses of the Licensing Act. They had heard sufficient that day to gratify even the most censorious that there was need in Aberystwyth of reform. The Act, as far as lie could understand, was a dead letter. No Act of Parliament ought to be a, dead letter, especially if that Act tended to the benefit of the community generally, and they as representing the Church of England Tem- perance Society believed the magistrates had it in their power to act under the powers g::ven them in a spirit of justice and of model aton and in such a way as to benefit the town without inflicting any personal hardship upon any one. They simply de- sired to press upon the Bench to take into sictfre consideration the question whether the time has not come when they were able to put the clauses of that Act into operation in the town of Aberystwyth. Archdeacons Williams said he believed there were some streets, in the town where there were too many public houses, and where it was hardly possible even for the publican himself to get a. living. He did not think there was any need of reducing the number of respectable hotels which pro- vided accommodation, beds, food, and other things for visitors, but in the districts where there was no suoh acoommodaton, and where there was no food provided, he thought there were many that could be done away with. He thought under the Act of 1904 that could be done without doing injustice either to the owner of the house or to the person who served in the house. He hoped and trusted that the Act, which bad been passed in the best interests of temperance, would be put into operation at Aberystwyth as elsewhere. ] The needs of visitors should be amply pro- vided for, and if necessary fresh licensse should be given to large and respectable I hotels, but where there were two or three, public houses close to one another in the back streets he thought some of those could be done away with. The Mayor said the appeal of the weighty and representative deputation would be fully and fairly considered. He had en- quired of the Clerk, and found nothing had been done in reference to calling the various authorities together. He, however, hoped the magistrates would now make' an effort to call the authorities together, and give due weight to the statements made by one of the most influential deputations that had ever waited on the Aberystwyth magistrates. The Rev. T. A. Penry having thanked the Bench for their sympathetic hearing, the deputation withdrew.

-.J. NEWOA8TLE EMLYN. S.W. Women's Temperance Association.- The usual fortnightly meeting of the local branch of this association was held last Tuesday evening at Bethel vestry. After the meeting had been opened by Miss Ellen Jones, Adpar, a very interesting paper on "Eliza Caerfyrddin" was read by Mi$s S. Jones, Penbuarth. A successful meeting, in the course of which two new members-were added, was closed by Mrs. Davies, Parkytrap. PEN RHIWPAL PETTY SESSIONS. These sessions were held on Tuesday, the magistrates on the bench being Mr. C. E. P. Tyler and Dr. Joshua Powell. Horse and Cart Unattended. Thos Rees, Cibiohrire, was summoned for leaving a horse and cart at Lloyd's terrace, Adpar, unattended on the 13th inst.-IM- fendant did not appear.—P.O. CSiarmpoi stated that at 8 p.m. on the date named he saw the horse and cart standing at Lloyd's terrace, and he waited for some time to see if defendant would turn up. Witness took charge of the. horse and cart and put them in the Lamb Inn stables. Witness said de- fendant asked him to plead guilty in his behalf.—The Bench imposed a fine of 10s. including costs or seven days imprisonment in default. Unlicensed Carriage. John Jones, Penrallt, Llangranjogl, was charged with keeping a carriage without a license.—Defendant pleaded not guilty.— Mr. J. W. Marritt said that on the 22nd July last he saw defendant who promised to take out a license for his carriage, but he did not do so. On the 23rd September wit-- ness again visited Penrallt, and saw the trap in the shed. The trap was not in- scribed. The wheels were slightly muddy and dusty and this in witness' opinion was evid- ence of use within the year; it looked as if it had been used about three weeks before. Witness met Mr. Jones, who admitted using the trap for market purposes, but he would not promise to take out a license, and said he would not use the trap any more this year.-Cross-examined: Witness visited Pen- rallt about three times; and the trap Was always in the shed when he visited theie. He did not go to the shed without asking permission.—Defendant said he had a sum- mons to came to Penrhiwpal on September 23rd., being accused of keeping a trap with- out a license. Mr. Smith asked him several times to take out a license and he replied that he would if he had accasion to use the trap. Afterwards he had a notice to pay 10s. and 15s. license and he replied that he was not going to use the trap. He said distinctly that he did not use the trap dur- ing the year.—The Bench dismissed the case. School Attendance. Fines of ,6d. each were imposed on Martha I-ewis, David Lewis, and Hannah Phillips, all of whom pleaded, guilty for not sending their children regularly to school.—Mr. Tom Jones, school attendance officer, prosecuted on behalf of the District Education Com- mittee. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. THE LIGHTING OF THE TOWN. A meeting of the Newcastle Emlyn Uriban District Council was held at the reading room on Tuesday evening. Mr. Roy Evans presided, and there were also present Messrs John Phillips, W. H. Davies, Thos. Evans, Samuel Davies, E. Mathias, and J. R. Jortes with the clerk (Mr. J. E. M. George), and the surveyor (Mr. Thos. Williams). A Lesson in Reporting. The Chairman, addressing the reporters, said he supposed they had heard of the Tenby decision. He had noticed that in some cases the reports of that body were not exactly accurate, although he had; no doubt that the reporters did their best. He always read the reports, and they were generally very efficient, but in some cases statements were made which were not pub- lished in exactly the same language. He did not know whether the reporters went to the gentlemen who made the speeches after. wards to refresh their memories. He did not suppose they did, but at any rate, he wanted them to see that the reports were correct. He, personally, had nothing to complain of, but sometimes the reports were not absolutely accurate; that was what le was told. He concluded by saying that some members liked to see their speeches in print. Bye--laws. A letter was read from the Local Govern- ment Board adverting to their letter of the 14th iult, enquiring whether the Council had re-considered the question of framing regulations, under the Dairies, Cowsheds and Milkshops Order of 188.5, and also the ques- tion of adopting bye-laws with regard to new streets and buildings. The Board also requested to be furnished with as little delay a'3 possible with a report by the Medical Officer of Health on the sanitary condition of each dairy, cowshed, and milkshop in the district.—The Clerk said that he liad soon the Medical Officer, and who told him that he had made a report, but had not sent it away.-Mr. John Phillips said he was under the impression that they had passed a reso- lution that the Board should be informed that owing to the burden of the existing, heavy rates they could not consider the adoption of new bye-laws. It would mean that they would have to go to the exper se of printing them.-The Chairman.: And it is a fact that at the present time were are not in a better position.—On the suggestion of Mr. John Phillips it was agreed to leave the letter on the tpble until the Council had. seen the Medical Officer's report. Gas or Electricity. A letter was re?d from J. R. P^rkington and Company relative to the elect Pic light- ing project. With regard to the scheme which they outlined in their recent letter the position which they took up was that of engineers to the Company which would be subsequently formed. and, therefore, the subject of charges was rather premature. They however, guaranteed that th3 cost would be lower than eras. As regarded street lighting they asked to be informed: I (1), The number of lamps which would be required: (2) The total cost of same usarg (Iii: (3) Would it be reauired to light them,! in the summer time, and (4) The terms they had from the Gas Company. With this in- formation thev would b?- better able to give terms.—The Chairman SRi-« he was nt. Car- marthen the othe; day and a briber told him that they were about to start an electric scheme, and from the particulars thev had had he was told there would be a saving of about 50 per corit. on the incandescent Iicht, vMiion was supposed ta De cheaper than ordinary gas. So at that rate there seemed to be samethmg im it,.—Mr. John Phillies sai dthat improvements jn electric lamps I would also tend to reduce the cost. There,, was no gal:! companv in existence at New- castle Emlyn already, and when they heard that electricity was more expensive than gas it was because householders who already had gas were chary of having electricity as an extra. light; he thought that was the case at Aberystwyth. Therefore, owing to the small number who had electricity in addition to gas the Electric "Light Company were unable to reduce their prices. It seemed to be a fact that electric light would be cheaper than gas, and in that case the only thing would be to make sure that the Company would be prepared to take the bulk of the shares.—-The Chairman said he had heard that half of the capital had al- ready been promised outside Newcastle Emjyn. He did not know it for a fact, but he only gave it to them for what it was worth.—Mr. Mathias said he thought they were going the wrong way entirely with re- gard to the gas and electric light business. The Gas Company asked if the Council would assist them, and said they were willing to bring the gas to the town without ary shares whatever. The. Council pledged themselves to assist the company in everv possible way. A representative of the Com- pany came to Newcastle Emlyn, but he was met by only the chairman and two members of the Council.—Mr. John Phillips said he did not hear anything about it until it was over.—Mr. Mathias said due. notice was given at the Council meeting, but Mr. Phillips re- plied, that if there was any importance at- tached to it the members should he in- formed.—Mr. Mathias said if he was not at a meeting it was his own fault. Proceeding he said he did not care what come to New- castle .Gtalyn, but let them have a better light than they had. The Gas Compary had been liberal towards them, and tho Council had given their pledge that they would do everything i ntheir power to assist them, and they gave them permission to cut up the road for the purpose of laying mains. The company had sent them an agreement to be signed, and after that he thought it quite out of place to bring up electric light. had plenty of shareholders in a pre- vious electricity scheme but thero re Qlb- stacles in the way of obtaining a fair valu- at ion for the water supply for the turbine.— Mr. W. H. Davies said they had a valuation made, but Mr. Mathias, replied that it ws exorbitant, and as a result they had to wait lour months for the award, which could have been made on the same day the valuer wts in the town. Then it got cold and dropped. Supposing the electric light could be brought for £3,000, and half of the capital had been subscribed, where was the other £1,500 coming from, whereas the Gas Company were willing to bring gas without any shares. He thought they had gone too far with the Gas Company to draw back.—Mr. John Philips asked what pledges the Council had given; he did not think there was anything on the minutes.—The Chairman said he thought Mr. Mathias meant that they were morally bound.—Mr. Mathias was of opinion that they could not withdraw, and the Clerk agreed with him.—The Chairman said in. his apinion they were neither morally nor legally pledged.—.The Clerk said it was distinctly stated by the three members who met the representative that no obstacle would be placed in their way.—During further discussion Mr. Mathias maintained that the Council pledged by the action of the three members.—Mr. J. R. Jones said he understood that the pledge was given, individually only.—Mr. Phillips and Mr. W. H. Davies held that the Council were not bound as it was not a special meeting and no minutes were taken.—The Chairman said they were morally bound to the ratepayers than anybody else.—Mr. Phillips said a large number of townspeople had expressed themselves in favour of electricity, but he suggested that a publio meeting should be called to consider tjje matter.—The Chair- man said that was his idea.—Mr. Phillips said he woidd like the Clerk to ask if the electric light company would come uncon- ditionally, but he was reminded that the local people would then have no control ove. the amount charged for consumption.—Mr. Mathias said they were going for an uncer- tainty when they had a oertainty, but Mr. W. H. Davies said he knew two or three who were willing to take £100 shares. He did not think there would be any difficulty about it if the company took up half the shares.— Mr. Mathias said he hoped those who took up shares would not be similar to those of two or three vears ago, who took up shares,' and then withdrew when it came to tie point. He promised to take up a £100 share "lbthe former company, but, on principle, he would not think of doing so now after having pledged to support the Gas Company, —The Chairman hoped they would not lore both when they had a chance of getting one; he was strongly in favour of the electric light scheme. With regard to the difference of opinion as to whether the whole Council was, pledged by the three members he ruled that the Council was not pledged, but the three members could satisfy their consciences by their votes. He referred to Mr. Mathias' statement that the former scheme fell through, but he reminded them that the circumstances were nothing like what- they were now.—Mr. J. R. Jones said the Gas Company said they would start at 5s per I,000 feet, but they did not say they would not increase it. But as he had promised his support he would vote for the Gas Company. —Mr. Mathias said he was not against electric light, he worked hard to bring it to the town on the former occasion. (Hear, hear). He was one of four who canvassed the town for shareholders, and they received promises for £ 2,500.—Mr. Phillips proposed that a meeting of ratepayers be called., Mr. S. Davies seconded.—Mr. W. H. Davies proposed an amendment that the Cerk should obtain full particulars from both companies first.—Mr. Mathias seconded.— j The amendment was carried. The Mails. It was decided to support a resolution to the G.W.R. asking them to make arrange- monts for a better connection of trains at Carmarthen whereby the mails from London and the North would arrive at the local stations in the morning instead of the afternoon as at present. Poultry Show. The secretaries of the forthcoming poultry show applied for the free use of the Market Hall for tho purposes of the show, and on the proposition of Mr. W. H. Davies, sec- onded by Mr. Mathias, the request was granted. Question of Liability. Mrs. James, Cawdor terrace, wrote stating that she would be prepared to accept the sum of £3 3s. from the Council without pre- judice, in full settlement of the expenses she had incurred in connection with the re- pair of her drain under the Fairfield which had been broken. She hoped the Council would see fit to accept her terms, and other. 1 vase she would be reluctantly compelled to instruct her solicitor in the matter.— The Chairman said the Clerk had obtained the opinion of the "Justice of the Peace" on the matter, from which it seemed that the Council was not liable for the repair of the drain.—On the propisition of Mr. John Phillips, seconded by Mr. J. R. Jones, it was decided to reply to Mrs. James that they declined any liability. Collection of Market Tolls. According to notice of motion Mr. Mathias proposed that one man should be appointed to collect the market and fair tolls, with assistance on busy days if necessary in place of the two men who did the work at pre- sent. He claimed that one man could do the bulk of the work, and it. would, conse- quently, be a saving to the ratepayers if only one were appointed who would me respon- sible to the Council. He proposed that they send out notices asking for tenders for collecting the tolls and cleaning the pens.— Mr. John Phillips asked what was the amount of tolls for the past year, and the Clerk stated that it was £109 14s. 00., which gave a profit after all expenses had "been paid; of j638 2s. Id. and as the proposition received no support Mr. Mathias said he would withdraw. Street Lighting. According to notice Mr. J. R. Jones pro- posed that next year the lamps be lighted during the first dark fortnight in September. —Mr. John Phillips seconded—Mr. Mathias proposed that they stick to the old times, it would be a saving to the ratepayers.— Mr. Thos. Evans seconded.—The original motion was carried. Proposed Wool Fair. Mr. John Phillips proposed that steps be taken to establish a wool fair in the town. He suggested that it should be connected wthono of the summer fairs for a start. Cardigan, he said,_ had made a good thing it Mathias seconded, remarking Anything to assist the ratepayers."—Mr. J. R. Jones: You are not assisting the rate- payers.—Mr. Mathias: I am.—Mr J. R. Jones: You were assisting them to break I their legs in the dark just now. (Laughter). —On the suggestion of the mover details were left to the Markets Committee. I Road Material. The Surveyor reported that he required about 100 vards of stone this year for the roads, which were in a worse state than last year, owing mostly, he thought, to the heavy motor car traffic.—Mr. John Phillips asked if there was any means whereby they could a charge on heavy vehicles for extraordinary traffic, and the Chairman said w UUj i0U7 ^f y W4S extraordinary traffic He added that the 7oads were a positive dis- grace to civilization, and everyone said so who came there.—A question having been raised as to the superiority or otherwise of limestone over the workhouse stone, it was decided to obtain 30 tons of limestone for a trial. The Weighing Machine. The Surve.Fr said he had found out from one of Poole's mechanics what was the lIJattBr with the weighbridge, and he said that the bearings were worn and needed to be filed. He said it would take three dajs at 10s. a. day, together with tramfare and lodging expenses.—It was decided to have the work properly done.

Rumour and Gossip. Lord and Lady Rendel have gone to Cannee.. Owin to continued indisposition Sir Rich- ard Green-Price, Bart., has resigned his seat on Norton Board of Guardians. Mr. J. D. Rees, M.P., paid a visit to Mach- ynlleth on Thursday, and addressed a meet- ing of his constituents in the Graig School- room. The Gogerddan Foxhounds will meet on sold by private treaty last week to a iadv from the Midlands. Plans for a new church to be erected at Talybont, Cardigansliire, were adopted last week Mr. Howard Jones is the architect. The Lord President of the Council has- been pleased to appoint Mr. Oliver Henry Jones to be a member of the court of gov ernors of the National Library of Wales, The Lord-Lieu tenant of Merionethshire, Mr. Wynne of Peniarth, has appointed his. brother, Mr. Owen Slaney Wynne of Dot Rhyd, Dolgelley, to act as vice-lieutenant, during the Lord-Lieutenant's absence from the county, sickness, or other inability. The Revs. D. T Witton Davies (Bangor), D. Tyssul Evans (Cardiff), and Dr. H. Ethe (Aberystwjtli), the three professors of Hebrew and Semitic languages in the con- stituent colleges of the Welsh University have been appointed representatives from Wales at the Oriental Conference to be helc1 in Copenhagen in August next. DEATH OF MISS LLOYD-GEORGE. We regret to announce the death of Miss Mair EJuned Lloyd-George, the eldest daughter of the President of the Board of Trade, which took place, after a short illness on Friday afternoon. She was taken ill at the school she attended in London a few days previously, and underwent an opera- tion for appendicitis on Wednesday. llie operation was suocessfullyj performed, but on Thursday a change for the worse took plaoe, and on Friday afternoon she was seen to be sinking. She died at five o'clock. Mr._ Lloyd-George stayed With his daughter on Friday morning, and after a hurried visit to the Board of Trade returned to her in the afternoon, and was with her when she died. Miss Lloyd-George was 18 years of age, and was about to go to Cambridge. She was a bright, warm-hearted girl who made friends wherever she went, and the sympathy which will everywhere be felt with her parents in their heavy loss will be particu- larly deep in the little Carnarvonshire town of Criccieth, where so much of her life was spent, and where she first went to school. The funeral, which was private, took place at Criccieth on Tuesday. It was requested 1ry the family that no flowers be sent. Telegrams of condolence have been re- ceived by Mr. Lloyd George from the King. The Queen has also sent a very touching message of sympathy. Messages of sympathy have been received from his colleagues and some members of both political parties, also from friends throughout the country. The funeral took place on Tuesday at Criccieth, whither the body was removed by train from Eusiton on Monday. Mr. Lloyd- George was accompanied on his sad journey by Mrs. Lloyd George, his two sons and his little daughter Megan. There were also in the saloon his friends, Sir Alfred Thomas, M.P., Mr. William Jones, M.P., Mr. Lleir* ellyn Williams, M.P.. Mr. Herbert Lewis, M.P, Mr William George, Mr Robert Thomas, Criccieth. and Mr. Clarke, Mr. Lloyd-George's private secretary. The in- terment took place at Criccieth on Tuesday and was private

THE FARMER'S LOT. [To the Editor of the "Welsh Gazette."} Sir,—Allow me through the columns of a paper that circulates so widely in an agri- cultural district to thank "A Farmer s Son" for his letter in your last, calling attention 10 the poor prospects of farmers' children. My heart has often been grieved when I think of their lot, and I believe it is high time that the question should be discussed publicly. I could from my own. experience, draw a very sad picture of the conditions under the majority of Cardiganshire farmers try to eke out a scanty living. It may be the farmer has five or six sons, and daughters assisting him on the farm, and what is their remuneration? Ordinary food. and that not always of the healthiest, and just one suit of clothes annually. And yet in spite of th's niggardly outlay, the farmer often finds it is as much as he can manage to get both ends to meet. Nay more, I could mention the names of farmers who have inherited some land from their fore- fathers to the annual rental say of jE60, to take only one case, but who farm some other person's land at the annual rental of and what is the result. This additional ? £60 of his own is barely sufficient to enable this farmer to pay his landlord the jE80 he owes him annually. It is hardly credible- hut, nevertheless, a fact. The rates are steadily going up, so is the price of farm labour, and there is something to be said on the obsolete methods of farming pre- ~i valent in some parts of the county. But to my mind, the vital difficulty is to be < found in the exorbitant rents, which have greatly increased during the last sixty years. And to a large degree the farmers have themselves to blame for this. Their attachment to the land is such, and the competition for land is so great, that when there is a farm to let, which had practically ruined its previous holder, owing to the im- possible rental charged, you will find another' farmer willing to take it on at a still higher rental. Is not this a suicidal policy? Until farmers as a class are wise enough to unite and co-operate they must remain at the tender mercies of landlords, retired trades- men and London milkmen. Miners, dockers cotton operatives, etc.. all have their strong unions harmers have to fight single- handed, and thus delay indefinitely the happy day of fair rents, fixity of tenure, and agricultural banks with reasonable charges. Might I ask other correspondents to 3tat.e their views on what ought to be a burnintt • question. ANOTHER FARMER'S SON.

Llanfihanqel-a r-Arth. PETTY SESSIONS. The Court sat on Wednesday (yesterday) the presiding magistrates being Mr Chu. Lloyd, in the chair, Capt Stewart, Messrs. T. It. Jones, D. J. Lloyd, E. M. Evans and. U. Mansel. Sworn in.—P.C. Richards, Lampeter was- sworn m to do duty in the Carmarthenshire 1 district. License.—Richard Jenkins, Der- wydd Villa, Llanybyther, was charged by Evan S. Davies, water bailiff, with fishing without a license. Defoxidant did not appear and P.O. Jones said defendant came to hit* r thoprevious day to put in a letter The bailiff said on the 29th October, he was on. duty on I>«ar Meadow where he saw de- fendant with another man fishing for salmon. When witness approached him defendant handed the rod to the other man who had a license. Defendant had no license, and he admitted having fished.—A fine of 10s. and costs, total 22s. A Costly Booze.—Thomas Thomas, Terra t otta Buildings, Newcastle Ðnlyn, was charged by P.C. Joans, Pencader, with beiuir drunk on the 26th of last month. This, said the constable, was his third offenoe this ^Defendant, who did not appear was fined £ 2 and costs. Bicycle Without Light.—Joshua Thomas, Gwasted Abbot. Pencader, who was charged' y ,• iV" with riding a bicycle without" costs ered Pay 10s. including Obstruction.—P.C. Lewis Jones, Llany byther proved a charge of obstruction. < against Emanuel Attwell, of no fixxed abode anJ "e was faifcd £1 inoluding costs. « The Drink. -Thomas Dudley, Abergiar. Lianllwm, admitted the charge of dnnutea- 5 res* preferred against him by P.O. Jones, and fine of 10s. and costs was impooed. Printed and Published by the Proprietor < George Rees, at the "Welsh Gazette 'y Office, Bridge street, Aberystwyth, in the fcuv? y Cardigan, Thursday, Dec. 5th*. iyo7* I f