The Aberystwith Observer

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL. The monthly meeting of the council was heM at the Town Hull on Tuesday morning. Present- Aldennen John JNlfS, ex-mayor (in the chair) Aldeimen Philip Williams, John Watkins, and David Roberts, Councillors E J. Jones, Dr Harries, T. Griffiths, Peter Jones, D. C. Roberts, C.M. "Williams, E. P. Wynne, John Roberts, Richard James, and D. P. Richards; Messrs A. J. Bught-s, town clerk Griffith Jonrs, corporation solicitor Dr Jones, medical officer H. L. Evans, boiough accountant; atd Bees Jones, torough surveyor. THE RESERVOIR. Mr Hugh Hughes, jun.. Faid that be came there -with reference to the £ 1,000 which the corporation bed agreed to pay Thomas James and Thomas Davies in respect to tllt-ir claim for the Aberystwyth reservoir. It was agrfcd in February, 1883, to pay Thomas Davits jEi 000 less a sum claimed in settle- ment of rates, &c. The bulk of the money had bten obtainfdfrtm the bank, hied he now applied that the council should pay interest on the same. It was agreed that the sum of jgl.000 should be paid, hss the amount owir.g to the council by Mr Thomas Davies, and the matter of interest was re- ferred to the finance committee. THE RATE COLLECTOR made application that his salaty should be paid monthly, which was gtanted. FINANCE. The bills srd salaries were ordered to be paid acd payment of interest on the sum of JE18,333 6s 8d was also ordered. The Corporation in account with the London and Provincial Bank :-Cr., borough fund account, ■sE2,650 18s 2d; gen«r#l district rate account. JE629 12s lOd court fees, £ 40 Is; wateiwoiks loan..El,3127h5d; total, .£3532 19s 5d. Dr., liarfcour fund account.. £ 1,270 lis. 3d waterwoiks fund account, £ 1.015 5s 4d balance in treasurer's lands, J61,247 2s ICd total, £ 3 532 19> 5d. jJFtNAKCE COMMITTEE. Mr Rcblnd Jemf8 Had the following report of the finance committee, held at the Corporation cifices (n Saturday, 3rd May. Present—Aldeiman John Jones, Councillors E. P. Wyllne, C. M. "Williatrcf, Richard Jenes, chairman; RfI s Jems, SBTTtyor. The li botr Üet to. and bills due from the Orpcration on the 3rd inst. were examined and pasted, THE BYE-LAWS. The question of the proposed bye-lows was raisedi and Mr C. M. Williams stated that he had two or thiee 10 add to those at present passed. One was ttat all appJicadons for the use of the Town Hall sliall be made ard decided upon by the mayor for the time being:, it being understood that it be lent only or public meetings and such meetings as are of inurest to tte latef ayers generally. Mr E. P. Wjnne thought it was very unfair that the Mayor should grant the use of the Town Ball indiscriminately as in the fast. There were tnecy fohlir plans in the town, and pf iscns would go and ask the price of thtm, but if thfy thought the price tfo high they went to the Mayor and wlted "Will you give oa the use of the Town HaH?" Mr John Roberts said that if they referred back to the Ii( counts they would find sundry charges for the brrakage of chairs, &c. lie did not know whether nore than one sat on a chair or net (daughter), but he knew that a lot of money was paid in small mars, and that ought to be stopped. It 9 ae agr» ed that tt e preposition should be added -to the stardir g orders. The ether two matters were refemd to cotn- Imittip,p. A short rejort from the public wotks ccmrnittee Was adopted. 1 CCGERDDAN COTTAGES,—W.C. ACCOMMODATION. The Surveyor subnaittrd an estimate amounting to £ 9, of the cost of laying a curbstone in front of Gogerddan cettages. Be also stated that at the last monthly meeting be was instructed to prepare a list of houses having w.c. accommodation, but being without proper water supply for flushing. The Chairman said there were 166 names. Mr C. M. Williams Good night Who would believe such a thing And we call Aberystwyth the queen of watering-places. The Chairman It sounds lad, t'ut it is not so had as it sounds. Dr Hairies, fian'ng thsit Mr Williams' remark might injure the town, said it was the death rate they bad to leek at, and the death late in Aber- ystwyth was lower than in any town in England. Mr C. M. Williams thought it might be healthier Still if this was attended to. The Surveyor said he found the majority of these were t-inf,mg the best-clearsed water clofets in the town. He was not an advocate for keeping them witbent water, but still if was a fact. Mr Richard James proposed that notice should be served upon thfse 166 persons calling upon them to crmply with the law. The Surviyor suggested that before they passed siny rfschttion in the matter they should first of all agree as to certain fittings to be used in connection wilb the water closets, otherwise if any one was allovvtd to use what fittings be liked, they would never have a proper water supply, and there would lie a great waste as well. The Chairman suggested that they should refer the question to the public works committee, so that they should discuss as to what taps should be used. Mr E. J. Jones proposed that this should be dene. Dr Harries asked the surveyor if the wcrk could be completed in six weeks? The Surveyor was afraid not. Mr Peter Jones poirttd out that a resolution was passed some two years ago that all these reports should be first presented to the public works com- mittee, and he thought it would be preferable if these reports had bten presented to the proper authority. Dr Barries seconded the proposition, and both .-epelt5 were accordingly referred. The Town CInk said that he had been requested bj the Mayor to suggest that a urinal might be erected kali way down the steps leading to the beach, opposite Dr Gilbertson's house. The Chairman said there ought to be one oppo- eite the old baths as well. This matter was also referred to the public works committee. THE LATE HS ATWCOD. The Corporation Solicitor faid that be had a long affidavit frcm Mr Edgar Atwoed setting out the documents wbibb he was possessed of belonging to the corporation, and he new atked that a com- mittee should go through th< m to ascertain whether lie was in possession of any more. He had been instructed to take proceedings to enforce the cerder, anJ be had served Mr Atwood with that order when the affidavit was sent in. Mr Atw(,od i,10 ij6?' letter asking tbat some compensation aooeid be made for scheduling these documents, ij 'V charges down at £ 20 he thought it could not he considered excessive, as that sum barely exceeded the ehrk's salary. The order did act provide for the cost of scheduling. The motion vras now adjourned till the 14th May, and be now asked what future course he was to pursue in con- section with that motion. In strictness Mr Atwood ought to pay the costs of that motion. Aldeiman Watkins and Mr Peter Jones were re- luested to ge through the affidavit. Mr John Roberts proposed that the remaining watters aboraid be left to .be Corporation Solicitor Mr Richard James You know what that means. We con t want to throw good money after bad The Corporation Solicitor I may sav that it is contempt of court and if Mr Edgar Atwood does not pay he must remain for ever in quod (laughter) Jones We 8hol,,d net like to part with him yet (laughter). «e«« ^-o'poration Solicitor said tbat unless they stayed his hand he most proceed. J ihe matter then dropped. TIT TT?E SOLICITOR'S BIL1S. nnscJa ii, ea'd a resolution had been passed that the solicitor's account should be ren- dered quarterly, and that he should be paid quar- terly, but for the last twelve months he had not seen aty bill, and they would be in the same mess as tbey were with the late Mr Atwood fcnweGriiffi,th,JutS said that he had sent in his iiinlf^1 y balf-Kaily, but he had discontinued ?SrregXTy had discontinued pay- ke^aid^plnft^ bel to propose that the solicitor The matter was left to the finance committee. A letter FENCING, the CarabriTI"i?!fii!!0,nJtfr Conacher, secretary to ■. ——l^y8 Comjany, stating that the < directors could not agree to extend the fenci- g cf their premises along Plascrug, I ut the xiMinj; fenciBg would be put in an efficient state of I t I ai at once. SURRENDER OF A LEME. Tbo next matter on the agenda was to accept a surrender of the residue of the exist- ing term in all that dwelling-house and premises known as No 52, Marine-tfrrace, Aberystwyth, late in the occupation of Mrs Eiizafceth Jones, but now unoccupicd, and to grant a mw lfase of such premises to Mr liichHrd James for the term of 75 years from the 4th day of October last, at an an- nual ground rent (to I e agreed upon), and to autho- rise the Mayer to affix the common seal to and execute such new lease. On the motion of Mr Piter Jones, seconded by Mr John Roberts, the application was referred to the finance committee. A TOWN BAND. Mr Thomas Ht!ndhy,bandmas er, Derby, made an offer to jrovjde a town band for the ensuing season, on condition that other bands are prohibittd from the terraces, streets, and other public places in the town. Mr Thomas Kain, band matter, Aberystwyth, made a similar (,ffer. Dr Harries said that the band laat year was cer- tainly not much, ar.d the one this year ought to be equally as good, if not better. They had a first-rato batid on the pier, but as for the town band they could not hf ar it a fi w yards off. How* ver, if Mr Kain could not piny during the t'ay time his applica- tion would fall through. Mr E. P. Wynne proposed, and Mr Thomas Griffiths seconded, tl at Mr Handley's off.r be ac- ceptrd, end the latter suggested tt.at the Town Clerk when writing should request him to have a more powirful band than last year. Cairicd. THE lEAfES. The next matter was a motion that five per cent. shall be the rate for commutirg the fine eN the renewal of cor- poration hases, aEd that 4# per cent, shall be the basis of calculation for the payment of capital and interest on the cmount of fine in lieu thereof, and an additional f per cfnt. of ground rent, making together 5 percent, for the renewal of leases. Mr Richard J: mfs proposed to strike out "DDd that" before 4i, also "shall be the basis of calcu- lation," and "for the renewal of leases." He thought the resolution would then read more in- telligibly, and he proposed that the resolution be confirmed. Dr Harries asked what was the meaning ef 41? The Chairn an It u cans £ 4 7s 6d, find the f amounts to 12s 6d, to make up 15. Alderman Roberts seconded the proposition. Dr Harries asked if that was a legal proposi- tion ? The Corporation Solicit r said they had already decided to have counsel's opinion. The finance committee met, and he laid a case before them, when it was received to pass the resolution now before the meeting but he thought it was desirable tliey should pass some resilution doing away with the other. The Chairman Let us 1 ave no contention, if we can help it. Dr Harries We want the thing straight. Mr John Roberts (to the Solicitor) You sent to counsel,did you not ? The Coipcration Solicitor No, I did not. The Town Clerk That case was to be perused by the committee before it was sent off. Alderman Roberts When I secondtd the motion I was under the impression that this resolution embodied the views of our solicitor. The Corporation Solicitor: I may tell you that this thing has been on for some time, and you will remember that the Corporation; although purposing to preceed under the Municipal Act, 1882, adopted the local Act. Mr D. C. Roberts It is not bO. The Corporation Solicitor Be it so, whether you adopted as your basis the Act of 1874 or not I pointed out to you that if you were exercising the power under the general Municipal Corporations Act it would be very dangerous to have a lower basis than the local Act provided. I then pointed out that the local Act required a fine down as well as aground rent. You thought that the Six might be commuted,and a nominal ground rent would but that in my judgment was not the meaning or the spirit of the Att. This resolution modifies the previous resolution, and adopts my view by pro- vitiirg a commuted fine and a ground rent. So far as the principle goes I am perfectly satisfied, but whether the commutation is fair is a matter for your consideration and not mine, if you are satisfied you can justify tbe commuted fine in a rourt of law well and go(d. All I have contended for was tte principte, but I may sity you have your own resolutions to contend with if a lease is called in question; you have passed a resolution requiring 5 per cent., and now you have rtduced it to £ 4 7s 6d. You must be able to face that; bl.t I must point out that A4 7s 6d does mathe matically cover 4 per cent, and rather more on the capital in 75 years, but that contemplated punctua- lity in the payment of rent to the very day, and compound interest on that rent, and one single day will upset the whole of your calculation. Mr D. C. Roberts Mr Jones admits that this is a question for tie council, and then he proceeds to discuss the terms, which he says is the business of the council. Dr Harries Will Mr James or some one explain whether X4 7s 6d does cover jJ100 in 75 years ? Mr R. James Qnite. I brought this resolution tB- Mr Griffith Jones I wish merely to point out this although this is not a legal question it will have to be decided in a legal couit, and this is a point which may have to be fought over in a court cf law. Now, then, the principle was taken but here you are going to adopt a scheme which is ap- plicable to property worth J615,000 or more, and I would suggest that you should adopt one of two I courses either grant these leases with the sanction of the Treasury, in which ease you will be abso. lutely safe whether the basis is high or low, but of course it will be rather troublesome, as you will have to prelare a petition, which must be posted up here for some time, and also a copy with the Town Clerk, and the cost would be heavy. But I would adviee you to adopt that course, or you should have no hesitation in taking counsel's opinion, for it is a very serious question and involves other points than those I have mentioned. Mr Peter Jones, at the finance committee, Wanted me to slate what legal points there were for consi. deration one is whether the corporation in asses- lung tbe ulue 01 a new lease should take into scheme t^e •'ease- You have a big UrAf/Ri1rh«rda7nCOUnSe^8 °P'nion this point. Mr Richard James said he was going to give the reason why be broeght this resolution on. They would remember that some time ago there was a good deal of discussion, and it was referred to the finance committee, where be thought it was thrashtd out; but no sooner was it thrashed out than the Corporation Solicitor found something again, and this resolution was brought on entirely to bring out Mr Jones from some of the meshes in which he was entangled inconnection with the law. He was under the impression that this would suit Mr Junes, and he had actually approved of it. With reference to the 41 per cent., that was the emeunt adopted in other towns, and they knew very well that 41 actually eovertd principal and interest for 75 years. They themselves got money from the Public Works Loan Commissioners at 3f, while they tharged 41, aed he thought the corpor- ation made a profit upon their tenants. Taking into account the grourd rent they made If upon the tenants. He could not understand the contention of the Corporation Solicitor with respect to the Act. He (Mr Jenes) said they did away with the Act, but they took the scale of the Act the same as they took in other towns. Tbfy proposed that JawSe 68 s'lcn^ granted upon the general Dr Harries thought that Mr Griffith Jones bad been rather gagged in this matter, but he had said sufhciett to give the council to know that no lease would be good unless they were authorised by Act of Parliament or without the approval of the Tre. asury. What could they do in the face of that ? There was an Act providing for the granting of these leases, and there was a scale conneetrd with that Act authorising a certain fine, and that fine must ef course be insisted upon; but did that Act authorise the commutation :of that fine into an annuity extending over 75 years ? Mr James said it was done in other towns, but he would like to know where they found it at 4f per cent. Mathematically 4f was actually £ 10% hearing 4 per Mr Peter Jones:: We borrow Jmoney on those terms. Dr Harries, continuinr, said that to do so they must insist on being paid to the day, and the inter- est must bear compound interest to the day. Mr Evans, who was a watchful, careful accountant, told him that out of X600 rents there was < £ 75 due now. He believed that 4" was not sufficient to cover the fine. They should take contingencies into consi- deration. Supposing that a fire would take place at a house where the tenant was uninsured, what about their 4 per ct rit. tben. He was in favour of commuting the fine, if it was possible, but they should not rush into matters without having coun- sel's opinion. The law was clear enough, and what was the use of an Act if they were going to make anothei? It" as a quebtion for actuaries, and not for such men as theimelves, and he did not hesitate to say that nc actuary would commute the fine to less than 5 per cent. He had proper respect for Mr Griffith Jones and Mr Richard James, but he did not care what either of them said when the interests of the ratepayers were at toake. He proposed that counsel's opinion be obtained, and also that the table be submitted to an actuary. Mr Thomas Griffiths serOntll d the proposition. Mr Peter Junes said the question had received a great deal of attention, and they bad taken counsel's opinion upon it on three different occasions, and the last opinion had been expressed by their Corporation Solicitor that they bad the power of granting tettsea. The council then cielegatt d to a committi e to enquire into it, and the conclusion they arrived at was that commutation of the fine would be an advantage to the ce.uneil and would meet the financial position of the present lease- holders bttter than paying down a lump sum. In Liverpool they adopted 41. and if Dr Hurries would 8 have taken the trouble he would have found that 41 more than covers the reptiyment of principal. 8 1 he council bad borrowed money from the Public Works Loan Commissioners on ilnse terms and it they were behind then they charged interest, and if the lessee did not pay he did not see why they should not charge interest. They acted upon the same principle tts thf-y d dat Llandueino and Liver- pool. As to the serieus consequences if they al- te ed the terms, he said they bad done so re- pe.tedly. At one time blocks were offered for building bites at Tanycae, when tht y made a charge of 2s 6d, but as no one came forward that was re- duced to Is 9d. They found also that they expnri- i nerd some difficulty with regard to this matter, and sety few had applitd tor a renewal of their leases for the reason that the terms were too high, and they preferred 1< aviog the l.ases lapse than takitig b, m on such extravagant t, rms. He urged that they were fairly entitled 10 take this step be- cause in 30 or 40 years the ratepayers would have a property worth several thousand pounds in the watuworl-s, and they wanted something to supple, Renl the rates at the present time, and if they adopted the commutation scheme it would meet the difficulty. Dr Hurries said be would fall in with their views as if garde commutation if they could prove that 4i was adopted a, Liverpool. He had the opinion of the first actuary of the day, and be simply pooh- poohed it Mr Rie hard James Name, please. Dr Hatries I shall not nan-e. M r Richard Jamt s After such an assertion as that I think you ought to name, and I insist upon it. Dr Harries You can't it is private property. I have the opinion in my pocket now. Mr D. C. Roberts I should like to have the JlO me. The Corporation Solicitor said that Liver- pool had been quoted, and he would read a )pt'<r which he had received from the Town Clerk:- The lea-e granted by this corporation are for terms ol 75 years. The fines payable on renewals are based upon a fixed scale, of which I enclose a copy. In some cases a ground r,nt is created by payment of 20 per cent of the purchase money, the remaining 80 per cent. being counted at the rate of -24 7s 6d per cent. This has hitherto been confined to building land in the various public parks, but the some facilities will be offered to purchasers at the corporation sale to be held on the 5th and 6th inst I with respect to certain lands within the city. 4; regards renewals thefine must be paid in full before the lease is taken up, together with interest at 5 per cent. commencing one month after the date of the council granting the renewal. I may add that it is customary, but not obligatory, on the corpora- tiobto renew any of their It ases, and also they iii all cases reserve to tht mselves the right of charging interest on an unpaid fine or of requiring a fresh petition. The Chairman then put the amendment, when Aldermen Robi rts and Watkins, and Councillors E. J. Jones, Thomas Griffiths, Dr Harries, E. P. Wynne, and John Roberts (7) voted for if, and Councillors Peter Jones, Richard James, D. C. Roberts, C. M. Williams, and D. P. Richards (5) against. The amendment was therefore carried. Mr Tho" as Griffiths The five again (laughter). Mr Richard James wished to refer to One thing, now that:the motion was lost, about the lease thut he had applied for. He bad every reason to think that the council would grant the lease, and he had prepared to strip the roof of the house to make some alterations, but under the circumstances there was an end of it. Mr E. J. Jones We don't say that we will not grant it. Mr Richard James: I shall delay the whole thing. Dr Harries supposed that Mr James did not wish anything unfair, neither did the Council. Mr Richard James said that as far as he was con cerned he wanted to go on, but he found that he I could not do so, and should now stop the whole thing. Mr E. J. Jones We never discussed the ques- tion with reference to you. The Corporation Solicitor I should like to know whether I am to send the case I have already prepared. Mr Peter Jones: We have bad three counsel's opinion. The Corporation Solicitor I beg Mr Jones' pardon, but we have not had a single opinion upon this case. Mr Peter Jones said they had had the opinion of Mr Joshua Williams and Mr Huddlestou. The Corporation Solicitor Not upon the scheme now before the Council. Mr T. Griffiths proposed tbat Mr Griffith Jones should send the case already prepared. It seemed to him that Mr James wished to throw some obstacle in the way of granting leases. Dr Harries seconded the motion. The Town Clerk believed that every one was In favour of arriving at a practical result, as well as Mr Jones and himself; but it seemed to him that they misunderstood the object of those who voted for the amendment. He believed that the case bad been carefully drawn up he had perused it, and could suggtst nothing, and he therefore thought they should let it be sent up at onoe, and the matter would be settled before the next Council once for all. The proposition was then carried by seven votes to one, Mr D. C. Roberts alone holding up his hand against. THE BATES. For the purpose of giving effect to the resolution passed on the 4th day of October last, whereby it was ordered that owners of certain proprtiees instead of occupiers shall in future be rated pursuant to the provisions of section 211 of the Public Health Act, 1875 to determine to what extent the rateable value of scch properties thall be reduced, such reduced rateable value not being less than two-thirds nor more than fooi-fifths of the net annual value thereof, excepting where the reduced ratable value is in respect of tenements, whether occupied or unoccu- pied, when the assessment may be made on one-half of the amount at which such tenements would be liable to be rated if the same were occupied and the rate were levied on the occupiers. Mr Richard James proposed that where the tene- ments are unoccupied the landlord to pay one-half, and when occupied be shall pay two-thirds.— Carried. THE NEW CHURCH. To consider an application for leave to place a gateway entrance on Plascrug to a footway proposed to be made from Plascrug te the new church on Buarth Mawr. Mr C. M. Williams proposed, and Alderman Roberts seconded, that this be referred to the public works committee. Carried. TANYBWLCH FOOTPATH. Mr C. M, Williams said that he was responsible for the next notice, which was to d:s- u.s the present I' unsatisfactory condition of the Tar.) I¡wlch footpath, and to consider the desirability of nominating two or more members of the council to meet and confer with Mr Vaughan Davies generally in the matter. He said that his business that morning was simply to nominate two or three gentlemen to confer w th Mr Davies, and to point out to him the complete uselessness of the present path. He proposed the Mayor, ex-Mayor, and Town Clerk. After a short conversation, the names of Mr C. M. Williams, M r Isaac Morgan, and Mr Peter Jones were added, and the motion wat agreed to. PIG KEEPING. The next n.atter was to consider what steps if any can be adopted by the council, with a view to alleviating the hardships which will be caused to persons peremptorily required to remove their pigs. This was referred to committee. BANK HOLIDAY. Alderman Watkins proposed, and Mr John Roberts seconded, that the next special meeting of the council bo convened for Tuesday, the 10th day of June next, instead of Tuesday, the 3rd of June tbank Holiday). Carried.

LLANBADARN CHURCH- Few edifices have undergone so complete and substantial restoration within the past few years as Llanbadarn church, a building which has one of the richest histories of its own in this country, and which connects the present with the past in a marked degree. The vicar and parishioners of Llanbadarn have a pride in their church, and hence neither time or expense are spared in its adorn metit. It is one of the simplest built churches in I the Principality there is not the slightest pretence io ostentation or show, and yet there is cot a grander edifice to be seen anywhere, taken in all its parts. The restoration has been a work of years, and is now approaching to some degree of completion. It has been a costly work, and one which never could have been completed by the Rev J. Pugh, the respected vicar, had he not been thoroughly and heartily supported by the parishion- ers and otht-r friends. We can at present only give a Brief outline of the most important work done in connection with the restoration. The chancel window is one of the most handsome that it has been our lot to see. It was "erected in 1884 under the teatamentaty direction of George Ernest Powell, of Nant Eos, who died in 1882. aged 40 years, to the memory of his beloved mother, Rosa Edwyna Powell, who died in 1860, aged 42 years, and to his loving sister Harriott Edwyna Powell, who died in 1857, aged 15 years." The subject 01 this window is the transfiguration of Christ on the Mouat. Our Saviour is the centn. figure, on the right of whom is Moses, holding the low scroll in his hand, and on the opposite side is Elias, these, two personages representing the law and the prophets, and testifying that Christ was the object, of the old dispensation. Then with them on the Mount were the three AposIJes-Jobn, in an attitude of loving wonder and astonishment at the grand spectacle of which he was a witness Peter -the ever forward and impetuous disciple, whose face clearly indicates that the scene was only one which he expected, and that the honour conferred upon bis Lord and master was quite justified and James-tbe fearful apostle, whose hand is held over his eyes, as if he was half afraid of being the witness of such a wonderful scene. Immediately over the head of Christ is a bow representing clouds, and in which there are various tints. Some critics, whose opinions upon such matters are worthy of consideration, have found fault with this portion of the work but to an unpractised eye at any rate this gives an excellent effect, and seems to indicate the rainbow, by which God covenanted with Noah not to again destroy the world by flood, and seemed to renew the covenant with Christ to save tbe world by grace. In the spaces immediately around the bow are angels inside and outside the arch. The side lights are occupied with angels with musical instruments. Just above the figure of our Savior is the band of the Father, and on the two sides of the hand are two angels with the inscription, "This is my (under the hand) beloved son," and under the other angel, Hear Him." In the first row above this are cherubiufts and seraphims with books and crosses. In the other row of the tracery there is the em- bhms of St John, St Luke, St Mark, and St Mathew. Above these, again, are figures repre- senting the crucifixion. The whole window has cost about J6500. We now come to the reredos, on which is inscribed "Laus deo, Gloria in excelsis, Laus deo," which is cut in Sicilian marble. In the highest panel of the reredos and in the centre there is carved the passion Sower in deep relief, and on the other side the branch of the vine with leaves and bunches of grapes. On the north side is the letter A," meaning Alpha, and on the extreme end of the south tide is the letter "O," meaning Omega. The frame- work is of red sandstone from Oswestry, which also fills ill the sides, in which are leaves ca, ved in varied character. The super-altar is of Sisiiian polished marble. The super-altar has been beauti- fully decorated by Miss Loveden, of Peithyll, she having provided a handsome brass cross for the middle, of pyramidal base, in the centre of which are the letters I.H. S." Two tall candlesticks stand OB I each side of it, and also two vases, and two smaller candlesticks at the farthest ends. Miss Loveden has also given two costly caudlebra, each having five lights. The altar is also very beautifully carved, and was executed by Messrs Jones and Willis, Great Castle-street, London. It is covered with an altar cloth, the gift of Mrs Morgan, Nantceirio, which is very chaste and handsome. Miss Loveden has also given an altar chair. The floor within the altar I rails is of Devon marble, supplied by Mr Blackler, of Torquay, which looks very effective. The south window in the chancel is at present closed, but is to be of stained glass erected in memory of the late Colonel Powell, Major Phelp, and Mr Cornelius Powell, by Mr George Powell. The north side window is to be the gift of Mrs Hughes, Glynpadarn, but is not yet put in. The altar rails are in keeping with the altar itself, and the work of Messrs Jones and Willis, and the chaucel door, the vestry door, with the two rood left doors are of the same character, and made of teak wood. Outside the altar rails the chancel is laid with Belgian marble, supplied by Mr Noli. On the floor are laid memorial tablets where slabs were before, with inscriptions, one in memory of the late Mr Morris" Llywelyn Ddu o Fon, scholar, philo- sopher, poet, patriot, born at Pentrefeirangell, Anglesey, March 2nd, 1700. Died at Penbryn, in this county, April Hth, 1765. This memorial was placed heee to mark a spot dear to Wales by his great grandson, Lewis Morris, A.D. 1884, Ac yn ngwybod y cyfiawn, caru Ac yn ngharn, caru pob Hanfod, Ac yn ngharu, pob Hanfod, caru Daw." The other tablet contains the inscription To the glory of God, in memory of Thomas Marriott, gentleman, born at Barlow Hall, Cheshire, on the 1st January, 1771. Died at Aberystwyth 16th December, 1832. Interred in this chancel." The roof of the chancel is boarded and ribbed, and on the walls are carved figures of angels with outspread wings, fourteen in number, which were executed in London, at a cost of < £ 6 each. The walls are coloured with calcarium of light mahogany colour, Miss Loveden again kindly bearing the ex- pense. There are two stained glass windows in the north transept, one in nemory of the late Mr T. O. Morgan, the subjects being Elias on Mount Carmel, and Elias by the brook Kerith, when fed by ravens. The other window is in memory of the late Mr Her- bert Morgan, only son of John and Frances Morgan, born February 15, 1873, died October 30, 1879. The east window in the north transept was erected by the vicar in memory of two of his children-Ann Eliza- beth and Jane. The whole of the chancel restoration, including gifts, is about £ 2,000. The pulpit frontal has been enlarged, and is the gift of Miss Evans, of Carmarthen Vicarage.

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MACHYNLLETH. COUKT LEET.—A Court L"et was held at the Lion Hotel on Wednesday week. After the busings of the Court had been transacted, ubowt sixty gentle- men sat down to an excellent dinner. Mr D. Howell occupied the chair, stJDported by the M"!lt Hon. the Marquess of Londonderry and Mr 0, Slaney Wynne. Mr G. W. Griffiths was vice-chairman. The loyal toasts having'been disposed of the healt,h of Sir Watkin, the Lord of the Manor, was drunk. Mr Williams Wynn (heir to the VVynnstay estates) was present, and the following gentlemen—Mr it. Gillait, Mr J. J. Bonsall, Mr Joseph Evans, Mr David Evans, the Rev Canon Griffiths, Rev E. Edwards, Rhiwlas, Mr E. Williams, Corris, the Rev Mr Edwards, Cerris, Mr Smith, Lluhbrynmair, Mr Lewis Evans, &c. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TH, be- fore the Marquess of Londonderry, Lord Henry Vane Tempest, Messrs Richard Jones and Joseph Evans, Fronygog. Contravening the Explosives Act.-Griffith Jones, Tygwyn, Penegoes, near Machynlleth, was sum- moned by the inspector of mines, tor having con- travened the Act by neglecting to have a mine securely fenced.-Mr Cartwright, of Chester, ap- peared for complainant, and Mr John Rowlands defended.—Mr Cartwright opened the case, and aid the mine was known as Detngwm lead mine, and was at present abandoned, but it was on defendant's property.-The defence was that defendant had no- thing to do with the mine, as he bad not posses- sion.— Dr Foster, inspector, said he visited this mine in 1882, and in consequence of what, he saw he gave a notice to defendant to have it properly secured. It was not in active operation. There are five plti in the neighbourhood. This particular pit is about 40 to 50 feet long. and varying in width from seven to eight feet. It was not in any way Seturtd. lie had seen it on the previous duy, and it was un- doubtedly daog< rous. There was a road within 40 yards of the mine.-HIs lordship said the bench were perfectly aware that it was dangerous, and the only point was thit of ownership, and if the rle- fendant was ihe bona fide owner, no matter whether it was leased or not, if these people did not carry out the term, of the It-ase then the landlord had a pertect right to break the lease -Mr Rowlands said that defendant's father leased the mine to Colonel St.rousberg, and it was afterwards sequestered. Dt Foster, re-called, said he saw defendant about a fortnight ago, when he told him that he was going to prosecute him for neglecting to fence this shaft. He at the same time cautioned him that he need not answer any question, and asked him if he received a notice in 1882, and he acknowledged that he did, and that he asked a miner to fence the pit. who told him that he had done 80, Defendant beggred of him not to be hard upon him before the magistrates, and wit- ness told him that he had better have the work done before the magistrates meeting bst defendant had neglected to do anything up to the previous evening. -Mr Rowlands contended that his client was not responsible, although he admitted that he was the owner of the soil.—Mr Cartwright proposed to use secondary evidence to prove that Mr Rowlands had made this admission, and the latter objected to this course, as the statement was made by him as an advocate. This was a criminal case, and an attorney could not pload guilty for a man in the dock.-His lordship said that Mr Rowlands had declined to call his client.—Mr Rowlands replied that complainant had nol; finished his case.—His lordship said the bench placed the onus on Mr Rowlands, and if he asked for an adjournment he mnst have it.—Mr Rowlands then objected that the notice to produce was insufficient as it was too ge eral.—Mr Cartwright said the notice to produce was given in the only terms that it could be given.- Or Foster said defen- dant admitted to him that he received the royalty.— Captain Richards, Derwenlas, said he recollected Colonel Strousberar having possession of this. It was last worked in 1874, but there were men working there to keep it in condition until 1880. Witness had never seen royalty being paid to defendant.—Captain Edward Davies said he had managed this mine for I 25 years, and he had paid considerable sums in royalty to defendant's father.—Mr Rowlands ad- dressed the bench, and the case was considered in private.—His lordship said the decision of the bench was that defendant should be ordered to fence the land, and pay a fine of 5s and 16s costs. Fishing Sroseculions.—William Charles Drew, of Esger, was summoned for illegally taking salmon in the river Dovey on the 2nd April during the close season. Mr Davies, Dolgelley, solicitor to th« Dovey Conservators, prosecuted, and Mr Griffith Jones, of Aberystwyth, defended.-The Chairman said if this case was brought forward under the Fisheries Act he was prepared to sit; but if it was brought under the Fishery Club he should nut sit, because he was the president of the club.—Mr Davies said the proceed- ings were taken by him as solicitor to the association. -Mr Griffith Jones hoped his lordship would sit.- Mr Jones then proceeded to state the facts of the case, and said that Mr Drew came to reside in this neighbourhood in August last for the sake of the health of his wife, who had since died, but having taken Esger he had to remain in the locality. About the end of March a man named Arnold came to him, and informed him that the season opened on the 1st April for salmon fishing. Mr Drew knew nothing about the river, and gave Arnold the money to get a ticket and licence, and asked Arnold to meet him at the turnpike gate the next morning. On the license produced there was no date pointing out as to the time the season was to opex except that it closed on the 31st October. Mr Drew accompanied by Arnold did fish in the river on the 2nd and 3rd of April, when he hooked two salmon, and at the time that he fished there was with him Griffin, the river watcher, and the under watcher, who gave him every information as to the pools, &c., but neither of them told him that he was doing wrong. The Rev Mr Pro- theroe was also present,and made a remark to the effect that unclean fish were not to be caught. This fish was examined, and was found not to be unclean. Mr Drew tipped the men all round, and on the second time the keeper told him that he had broken the rules in taking salmon in April. He then told Arnold to pack up, and said, Why did you not tell me yesterday?" Defendant then wrote a letter to Mr Phelp, chairman of the board, explaining what he had done, and Mr Phelp replied that the river Dovey was a little later than the English rivers. Mr Thomas, who supplied the defendant with a license, did not send a copy of the rules when sending the ticket and license.—The noble Chairman asked what tisket the defendant had before ?—Mr Griffith Jones said a weekly ticket.—Tke Chairman Mr Thomas did not give you a copy of the rules ?—Defendant No, certainly not, my lord.—Mr Davies I believe that is so.—Mr Jones said he believed this statement would be accepted by the association, that his client had been the dupe of another man.—Mr Davies ad- dressed a few remarks, agreeing with Mr Jones generally, and said that he would leave the case en. tirely in the bands of their worships whether he should go on or not.—In reply to the Chairman, defendant said Griffin was with him, and smoked and helped himself to his brandy (laughter). He was openly carrying a salmon rod, and he had no other tackle with him.—The Chairman said that according to the rules of the club no keeper was allowed to go with anybody to fish, or to receive tips. He had his own duties to perform, and his own wages—After some further conversation, Mr Davies withdrew from the case on defendant paying the costs. William Arnold was then charged with taking sal- mon during the close season, namely on the 2nd and 3rd April.—Defendant pleaded guilty, and he was fined X2 including costs. Kleptomania.- William Williams,Land's End, was summoned by Richard Ridgley, of Llwyngwern, for having on the 7th February stolen a ferret, the pro- perty of Colonel Morris.—Defendant pleaded m, nilty. Prosecutor said he acensed defendant of the theft, when he said that he had not seen it. He missed the ferret from the granary.-Ann Thomas, Llwyn. gwern, said she saw defendant leave the honse, and go towards the granary.—Ann Lewis said she saw the defendant on the day in question with two ferrets in his possession, and Lewis Lewis identified the ferret. -The mother came forward, and said defendant was not accountable for his actions, and had been in an asylum once. A medical cert ficate was also put in to the same effect.-The bench dismissed the present case, but warned him as to his future conduct.—There was a second case against defendant, but that was withdrawn. Leaving Service.- Richard Rowlands, farm servant, was charged with leaving his service without reason. able cause.—Mr Pugh, ef Barhedyn, was the prose. cutor, and he claimed .£1 damages.-Defendant was fined .£1 and 7s 6d costs. Drunk and Disorderly.-Richa.rd Edwards,Machyn- lleth, was charged by P.C. 19 with being drunk and disorderly on the 18th April. Defendant was fined £1 and costs. Edward Jones, ofYstradfawr, was charged by P.C. 14 with being drunk and disorderly on the 15th April. —Fined £ 1 and 10s costs. Edward Evans, for a similar offence, was mulcted in the same penalty. Illegal Fishing.-David Richards, who did not appear, was charged with fishing in the river Twmin, on the 16th April, on land belonging to the Marquess of Londonderry.—Evan Jones, in the employ of the Marquess, proved the case.—Defendant was fined .£1 including costs.-The Marquess did not sit ia this case. Assault.-George Howell was summoned by another lad named George Owen, both of whom r esideat Llanbr/nrnvir, or assaulting him.—Defend ant did not appear, but his father was present, &nd admitted the offence, but sa.id that it was committed under very aggravated circumstances.—Defendant was fined 5s and costs. Two school board cases were disposed of, the de- fendants being fined 5s each. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 7TK- Present—Messrs R. Gillart, chairman, J. Hughes" Jones, vice-chairman, Rev J. Williams, Messrs Edward Hughes, Daniel Hughes, Isaac Jerv ip, David Evans, LI. P. Davies, Griffith Owen, W. Jones, E. Pritchard, Hnmphrey Lewis, and Edmund Gillart, acting clerk. Finomce.—The following out-reliet was adminis- tered during the past fortnightMachynlleth dis- trict, per Mr Thomas Thomas, X28 Is 6d, to paupers; Pennal district, per Mr John Jones, .£34 12s 3d, to 151 paupers and Darowen district, per Mr D. Howell. £ 64 lis 5d, to 270 paupeis. Num. ber in the house, 43, corresponding period last year, 55 vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 61; corresponding fortnight last year, 37. Towyn Medical Officer.-The following letter was read from Dr Grosuolz :-Dcar sir,—Yon have doubt. iess heard of the sad accident that has happened to Dr Jones. Since he met with it, I have been attend- ing for him all the paupers in the Towyn district. I have, as you are aware, acted as his deputy in the Aberdovey district for over six years. I trust that it will meet with the sanction of the guardians if I act as his deputy for the whole district during his illness." The subject was deferred till next meeting. A GENEROUS ACT.—Dr Ti omas Davies, of Pen- rallt, convened a meeting on fuesday afternoon, at the Vane Hall, for the purpose of promoting a scheme to assist Mr Richard Humphreys, who is possessed of an excellent tenor voice, of which Mr Heniy Leslie spoke very highly, to receive a musical eda- cation. The Marquess of Londonderry presided, and said that had been requested to take the chair in order to bring before their notice the anxious wish of a fellow-townsman who was desirous te cultivata and improve the fine voice with which it has pleased providence to endow him. And in order to carry out that improvement it had been suggested that a small purse should be subscribed for him in order that he might proceed to London for six weeks in order to pass a probationary trial, if after that six weeks trial, it should be found impossible to carry out his wishes, no further subscriptions would be re- quired but if on the other hand, it should be found that after one or two years education he might sne- ceed as a professional artist, it would be advisable that a subscription should be promised by these who felt interested in his welfare, as coming from Machyn- lleth iu addition to other sums wliieh might be raised by himself and his friends. In order, therefore. to make a beginning, and especially to show that they at Plas Machynlleth were most anxious to promote home talent, and endeavour to reward praiseworthy energy, his lore ship informed the meeting what they were prepare to do, and he trusted that nis example would be followed by these who felt iøter- ested in Mr Humphreys' career. A conversation followed, when it was decided to accept his lordship's suggestion as to the probationary education, and a sum of -615 was guaranteed,to:which his lordship sub- scribed -EG, to defray the expenses ot Mr Humphreya at the Guildhall school of music, and .£11 10s was immediately promised. The noble chairman said he desired it to be put on record in addition to the -66 which he handed over to the secretary for the proba- tionary trial, he and Lady Londonderry would give £ 10 each annually,and Lord Henry Vane Tempest n annuallyltowards future expenses. It is such nebleamd graceful acts as these which have endeared the name of the Londonderry family to all by whom they are surrounded.

PROGRESS OF ODDFELLOWSHIP. The compilation of the statistics relating to the progress of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows during the past year has just been completed by Mr Collins, the C.S of the Order. On the 1st of January last the Order numbered 579,366 members, against 565,358 at the commencement of the pre- viousyear.showing a net gain of 14,008. This increase is greatly in excess of any year in the last decade, except 1882, when it was 17,449, but over 4,000 ta 1882 were merely reinstated. During last year 38,501 persons were initiated into the Order, but, on the other band, 20,773 persons left from various causes, including 1,000 members belonging to the Edinburgh district. Of those admitted into the Order 27,549 were persons under 21 years of age. The deaths last year numbered 6,968, and the pay- ments under this head amounted to £72,02.), against 6709 deaths in 1882, and £ 69,168 188 paid for funeral benefits. The number of members in Wales is 43,552.

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