The Cardigan Observer and General Advertiser for the Counties of Cardigan Carmarthen and Pembroke

Crowded out:—Committee-man, School Board, Burial Board, Town Council, Newchapel Petty Sessions, &c. We are pleased to find that Mr. T. R. Nicholas, of the Brecon Old Bank, has been gazetted as 2nd Lieutenant of the Cardigan Volunteer Corps. SCHOLASTIC.—Mr. Benjamin Parry Griffiths, Glastir, near Moylgrove, has passed satisfactorily his matriculating examination at Oxford. Mr. Griffiths was a late pupil at the Cardigan Collegi- ate School, and afterwards studied at the Bristol Grammar School. ST. DOGMELLS.-Miss Maggie Williams, sister of Mrs. Evans, .of the British School, St. Dog- mells, has passed successfully her examination for certificate as school mistress, at the Swansea Training College. Hollo way's Ointment and Pilla.-Rheumatic Pains, Tic-Doloreux.—These diseases are unfortu- nately very prevalent in this country, and are fre- quently most distressing, sometimes for years baffling all medical skill to alleviate the sufferings of the victims. In no case have Holloway's Oint- ment and Pills failed to produce a cure. The Oint- ment exerts a peculiar and soothing influence over the nerves and muscles, relaxing spasms and sub- duing pain. The attack soon becomes milder and the intervals between the paroxysms longer, until they cease altogether. The Pills restore the body from a weak and debilitated condition to a state of health and strength. Persons bedridden for months with rheumatic pains and swellings, after using the Ointment have been cured in an incredi- bly short period. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held at the Board-room of the Workhouse on Wednes- day last. Present-Messrs. J. T. W. James (in the chair), T. H. Brenchley, W. O. Brigstocke, R. D. Jenkins, O. Thomas, B. Rees, T. Williams, J. Lewis, L. Davies, James Evans, T. Llewellyn, T. Jenkins, and J. Hughes. RETURN OF PAUPERS. The Clerk, in compliance with a resolution of the Board, made the following return, shewing the number of paupers in each union, and cost of main- tenance for the year 1876:— Number Total Average cost Unions. of cost. per week. Paupers. P. a. d. Cardigan. 1231 6897 2 It Aberayron 441 2900 2 6J Aberystwyth 857 5507 2 5f Newcastle-Emlyn 1128 5838 2 0 Carmarthen 1986 12391 2 4f Llandilo-Fawr. 698 4321 2 41 Haverfordwest.. 1923 10757 2 If Narbertli 1009 5606 2 14 Pembroke. 1095 5945 2 1 Mr. Brigstocke We are better situated than Aberayron, though we have 800 more paupers. Mr. Brenchley: By that return Mr. Bircham's figures are fallacious. If the Union was properly rated the poor rate would not exceed Is. 8a. in the f. COUNTY BOARDS. The Chairman read the following report:— The committee appointed by the Board of Guard- ians of the Cardigan Union to consider the provis- ions and enactments of Mr. Sclater Booth's Bill for the formation of County Boards, have to report that they find great difficulties in the way of ap- plying the same satisfactorily in this neighbour- hood. If we take the proposed unit of the Petty Sessional District, the largest Petty Sessional Dis- trict with which we are concerned is the Hundred of Cemaes; that Hundred forms part of four Poor Law Unions, about half being in our Union; there are six or seven parishes in the Haverfordwest Union, one large one in the Newcastle-Emlyn Union, and four in the Narberth Union; one half of the Guardians of the Cemaes district are almost strangers to the other half, and therefore quite un- acquainted with their respective administrative abilities. In: the other Hundreds of Kilgerran and Lower Troedyraur similar difficulties exist, though not to so great an extent. We cannot take the en- tire Poor Law Board of the Cardigan Union as a unit, seeing that one-third of the Union is in Car- diganshire and two-thirds in Pembrokeshire, but it appears to us that, if it could possibly be arranged, the Poor Law Board would make the best basis as they make payments to the Lunatic Asylum, and form the machinery by which the Asylums are carried on, and it might happen by the Petty Sessional plan that some Unions might not be re- presented at the County Board. The members of a Poor Law Board also being in the habit of fre- quently meeting and acting with each other become acquainted with each other's business qualifica- tions, and therefore have the means of knowing who would be the best men to vote for. We beg to suggest that perhaps a property qualification on the rateable value might be fixed, by which one (or perhaps two) members might be sent to the County Board of one county, and one member perhaps to another County Board; for instance, our Union might send one member (or perhaps two) to the Pembrokeshire County Board, and one to the Car- diganshire. In each case the guardians should only vote for members of the boards of their respective counties. And whereas we believe the averages of the areas, population, and rateable value of the Rural Poor Law Unions are much larger than those of the Petty Sessional Districts, and it is proposed to send two members to the County Board from each such district. We think from two to five might be sent from each Union, and one or two from each portion of a Union situated in different counties. The report was adopted. ST. DAVID'S DAY AT CARDIGAN. The First of March (St. David's Day) although usually celebrated in various parts of Wales, was not observed as such in the town of Cardigan, un- til the present year. This year the day was cele- brated in the town with unusual eclat, the only drawback to mar the success of the proceedings being the state of the weather, which unfortunately proved very unfavourable during the whole of the afternoon. The emblem of the day-the leek-was conspicuously worn by children and many grown- up people. As previously arranged, all the busi- ness establishments were closed by 2 o'clock, and at 5.30 a procession of the Volunteers, Coastguard, The Mayor and several members of the Corpora- tion, tradesmen, and others was formed, headed by the Haverfordwest brass band, and paraded through the town, returning to the Guild-hall, where A GRAND DINNER was provided for the occasion, to which a very large company sat down. The Volunteers, who mustered to a great number, and included several of the Newcastle-Emlyn detachment, were enter- tained to dinner free of charge, each wearing an artificial leek in their shakos. The caterer for the dinner was Mr. Trollip, and we need hardly add that an excellent bill of fare was provided, and that all consequently satisfied their inner man. At the conclusion of the dinner, Mr. R. D. Jen- kins, was voted to the chair, and Mr. T. Davies, Bank House, vice-chairman, amid much cheering. The Chairman then proposed the first toast, viz., "The health of the Queen." Our present Queen was an illustrious lady, and a pattern to all the soTereigns of the world. He was sure if ever a Queen reigned in the heart of her subjects, it was the Queen of England and the Empress of India. The toast was enthusiastically drank with three times three. The next toast was "The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Royal Family." They all knew that the Prince of Wales promises fair some day to become a great and good king. He was a splendid sportsman, and as an Agriculturist was a pattern to them all. He (the chairman) had an excellent opportunity lately of watching the Prince's move- ments at the Agricultural Show, and judging from the interest taken by him in the Show, he was sure there was not a man present who was more fully up to the merits and demerits of every animal They should all be proud of the Prince of Wales. (This toast was also enthusiastically drank, amid much cheering.) The Chairman then gave the next toast, which was sure would be responded to most loyally. They were met to enjoy themselves on St. David's Day, and he hoped all loyal Britons, after seeing the gathering held that day would endeavour to keep it up in the future. He wished to propose the health of their noble defenders by sea ana by land -the Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces. He was one of those who believed that the best way to se- cure peace was to be prepared for war. God forbid they should be called into action, but he thought if that would be a necessity, that as the men who fought under Marlborough and Wellington, and in more recent dates, they would be found perfectly equal to the emergency. He expected some gentle- man would be present to respond on behalf of the Army, but as he was not present, he would couple with the toast the names of Mr. Herod and Major Picton Evans. Mr. Herod said it gave him great pleasure to re- spond on behalf of the Navy. He thought the enemy would find just as good a nut to crack now inside an iron ship as those of former days* Our Bailors were not then taught to use the rifle in all its practices. He did not wish for war, because war meant thousands of widows and thousands of orphans. God forbid that we should be involved in war, but it was our duty to defend our Queen and country. He believed that never a sailor had sailed but that loved our Queen. There was a time when sailors despised the red coats, but on associ- ation with the Army during the Russian War and in Africa, it put a different feeling into them to- wards soldiers. At present the Naval Reserve men could not leave the shores of England without a proclamation, but should war break out, and their services be required, they would no doubt be equal to the sailors of the fleet. In St. Dogmells battery they had the finest body of men he ever clapned his eyes on. The gallant Admiral was expected to inspect the battery shortly, and he should like if he came when there was a good number on. They knew that an application was lately made to re- move the battery from St. Dogmetls to Fishguard. 420 men had joined the battery from the neigh- bourhood of Cardigan, while only 71 from that of Fishguard. Referring to torpedoes the speaker said that there were torpedoes now constructed on the Whitehead system which would explode at a speed of 25 miles an hour, and he thought the en- emy would find the Jacks matches. Major Evans hoped there would be some gentle- man present to respond on behalf of the Army. But the Army however was well remembered by the assembly present. The present crisis was an important one for the army. Although a small body they were never so efficient as at present. The Reserve Forces were also in an efficient state, as there were 200,000 ready, in case of an emer- gency, to come foiward to a man; and since the formation of Volunteer Corps, that number has been increased to half a million. He wished to return his sincere thanks for the manner in which the toast had been received. The Chairman next gave "The Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all Denominations." Rev. W. C. Davies, vicar, in responding, said that the commemoration of that day took their minds back over thirteen centuries. The speaker then referred to a controversy that took place that time with St. David, the Bishop of Menevia, as to whether sin was original The question then was simply a matter of dogma, as to whether it existed or not, but the great difficulty of our days was to get rid of it, so that we are moving onward a little. St. David was a Prince .of Car- diganshire, and he was glad that we were likely to have one of our Princes a clergyman. Who knows but that he may again become the champion of truth. On the whole, the clergy of the present day were anjearuest body, each trying to do his best in his own way. He rejoiced to think they were not bound down slavishly in their opinions. Ministers of all Denominations were an important body, and although they did not agree, they worked together as well as they could for the overthrow of their common enemy. He concluded by thanking them for the toast, and said that the best way they could show their appreciation of their services would be to work with them. Song, "The Volunteers," Mr. Ethel Lowther. The Chairman next proposed the health of Col. Pryse, Lord Lieutenant of the County. Mc. Dermott's War Song, Mr. Lewis, National Provincial Bank. The County and Borough Members was next proposed. No constituency could boast of two better members. He believed both were equally honest in their views, and he was one of those who believed that all parties should be represented in the House of Commons.. Song, "The British Flag," Mr. T. G. Griffiths. Mr. Frank Miles next proposed The Mayor and Corporation of Cardigan.' The Mayor, in acknowledging the toast, said that thev were a very nice company present. Al- though Cardigan was a small place, they were a very happy lot here. He hoped ere long the im- portance of the town wpuld be increased. He felt they were at present isolated from the world, but they hoped to be linked to it shortly, by means of a railway. For himself he would not leave a stone unturned; they had worked hard so far, and if they persevered in the future as in the past, he hoped that in a few months they would be able to commence operation! Unity is strength; and it is quite in our power to bring the matter about. Song, by a Newcastle-Emlyn Volunteer. The Chairman then proposed a special toast, viz., "Success to the Volunteers of the County." Major Evans, in responding, reviewed the past history of the Corps. It was started on the 19th March, 1860. A strong corps was got up then, which has never since ceased to exist, although every other corps in the county has. During that I time 795 members had been enrolled, and 306 had resigned. He had no doubt that many of those who had resigned would, in case of invasion still be found in the ranks. In the year 1875—6, the corps received a Government grant of JE127, and the fol- lowing year it was increased to upwards of £144. That indicated that the Volunteers of Cardigan were still going onward. The last time he had only to report two non-efficients in the whole corps, and they were the surgeon and chaplain. The next toast was "The Town and Trade of Cardigan." Mr. T. Davies, vice-chairman, in responding, said that during his experience of 31 years, he had witnessed great fluctuations in trade, but still on the whole they generally travelled over even sur- face. They never made rapid fortunes, but he be- lieved there were as solid a lot of tradesmen in Cardigan as were to be found anywhere. They did not go in for wild speculations, but were satisfied with small returns. He had witnessed great re- vulsions in the shipping interest at Cardigan, which was to be regretted had now fallen off. If they were alive to their own interest, they should follow the advice of the Mayor, and make every effort to get the Iron Civilizer to Cardigan. The bringing of a railway was a heavy undertaking, and it could not be done without tne united action of alL He had that day attended a meeting of the directors at Crymych, and he was in the proud position of being able to tell them that out of a subscription of £14,000, upwards of dE12,000 had been subscribed in Cardigan alone. He always held there was money in the town, if it was only asked for, and he hoped that before two years hence, the railway whistle would be heard at Bridge-End. Mr. Woodward, in responding to the same toast, said he believed the trade of Cardigan was in a far more favourable position than other places, and he had no doubt if the railway came it would be increased. The shipping interest had entirely died out, and there was one thing which he had men- tioned several times in the Council, but seemed to slide by unnoticed, viz., the navigable state of the river. He should like to see gentlemen of influence take the matter in hand. Song, Mr. Chettle. Rev. W. C. Davies then proposed the health of the Chairman. The Chairman felt the kind manner in which the toast was proposed and received was more than he deserved. He was at present in very good health, although he could not expect to see many more years. That time 41 years ago he first celebrated St. David's Day. There was no place next to his home nearer to his affections than Cardigan. Mr. Woodward's allusion to the state of the river was a very great drawback to the place, but he thought they would be in a better position to consider the matter when the railway came than at present. He was confident then that if the case was properly represented to the Board of Trade, there would be a greater probability of having better communica- tion by water likewise. Song, "Derry Down," Mr. Marshallsay. The Chairman next proposed "The Royal Naval Reserve, coupled with the Coastguard generally." Mr. Herod and Capt Gillespie responded. Song, Mr. R, M. Roberts. The next toast was "The Agricultural Interest," coupled with the name of Mr. Parker, who briefly responded. Song, "We'll all go a hunting to-day," Mr. Parker. Success to the Whitland & Cardigan Railway," was next proposed. Mr. T. Davies, who is one of the directors, said he had already dwelt at sufficient length on the railway. The present opportunity should not be lost, as there were two important advantages by commencing operations at present. First, the la- bour market; labour was now superabundant. They could get enough men now at a moderate price. The other thing was the state of the iron market; the price of steel rails at present was far below one third of what they cost four years ago, and he calculated they could save about £ 14,000 in the price of rails at present. Under these circum- stances it would be unwise to delay, as those two things form the greater part of the cost in connec- tion with the railway. They should not allow this unusually favourable opportunity to pass without obtaining the very great desideratum of a railway to Cardigan. Song, Cymru am byth," Mr. R. D. Jenkins. The Chairman then proposed The Ladies," coupled with the name of the Rev. D. H. Davies, chaplain of the Corps, who briefly responded. Song, Mr. Chettle. The Strangers" was next given, and afterwards a song The jolly, jolly farmer," by Major Evans. The Chairman next gave A The health of Mr. Frank Miles," who in acknowledging the toast re- lated how he became an artist. He once happened to draw the head of a lady, and that little drawing attracted the notice of an American, who applied to him for some copies of it. He had reason to believe that by this time about 17,000 copies had been sold. Song, Corporal Lewis. The following toasts were afterwards given :— "Success to the Cardigan Art Class," associated with the name of Marshallsay, who responded The Press," responded to by Mr. H. F. Davies; "Health of the drill.instructor, Sergeant Toller"; and "The Caterer, Mr. Trollip." A vote of thanks having been passed to the Chairman, the proceedings were closed with "God save the Queen."

A REFUTATION. To the Editor of the CARDIGAN OBSERVER. SIR,—In the reply written by H Well Wisher," in your contemporary's last issue, he states that the Committee of No. 1 Choir, alias Cardigan United, alias St Dogmells and Cardigan United, alias Tivy-Side (2) Choir, had invited, the differ- ent leaders of the various places of worship to attend their committee, even condescending to ask our personal opinion," &c. We, as leaders of the singing in our respective Chapels cannot allow such a deliberate falsehood to pass without being em- phatically contradicted. We never were asked by anyone to attend their committee, nor did anyone condescend (mark the word) to ask our personal opinions. We may say that some of us were asked to join their choir after the rumour had been spread that another choir was about to be started. (Signed), JOHN EVANS, Bethania. THOMAS EVANS, Capel Mair. DAVID DAVIES, One of the leaders of the singing at Tabernacle.

CARDIGAN CHOIRS. SIR,—Referring to that part of Well Wisher's" letter in your contemporary, which referred to me, I hope you will allow me to say that the state- ments made by him are altogether untrue, viz., that I had received an invitation to the commit- tee of Choir No. I." A few weeks before that choir was formed, Mr. G. Higgon talked to me about the advisability of forming a choir to compete at the Coming Eistedd- fod, and the best way to bring that about. I gave him my humble opinion that the first step was to call the different conductors of singing in our var- ious places of worship, and others connected with singing in the town, to a committee called for that purpose. Shortly afterwards, I was surprised (not having heard anything further in the meantime) to find that a choir had been formed, and that the Guild-hall had been granted for its use,, and to hear afterwards that they had met on the follow- ing Thursday to commence practice. Saturday evening following, I again happened to meet to Mr. G. Higgon, when I was asked to join the choir (which then had been formed); I an- swered in the negative, and hinted to him that all had been brought about in a very private and one- sided way: and asked him why was I not informed of the meeting of the choir like the others I He answered that he had intended to inform me of it, but that he had no time, having been very busy. I leave your readers to judge how much time it would take to let me know. It was no wonder that I 1n return said that I had no time to attend the practices of the choir. The above are the true facts in relation to me, and I positively deny that 1 had any invitation whatever to a committee of their choir. I hope this will suffice to prove that I am not to be blamed in the matter. Hoping that Well Wisher will be much more careful in future not to attack persons publicly without firm grounds, and that both choirs will do credit to the town of Cardigan,—Yours, &c., Pendre, Cardigan. THOMAS EVANS.

Births, Marriages, and Deaths. DEATHS. LEWia.—On the 28th ult., at Catherine-row, in this town, Griffith, son of Mr. David Lewis, mariner, aged 3 years and 5 months. STALLARD.—On the 4th instant, at High-street, Cilgerran, Eliza, the beloved wife of Mr. John Stallard, aged 28 years. THOMAS.—On the 5th inst., at Middle Mwldan, in this tows, Miss Sarah Thomas, formerly for a long period in the service of the late Miss Lucas), aged 76 years. DAVIES.—C>n the 8th inst., at Pwllhay, in this town, after a long illness, Mr. Benjamin Davies, for many years ostler at the Black Lion HoteL t