The Aberystwith Observer

EPi¿lLL,Y QLARTEIi SESSIONS. These sessions were !;oM at the Town Hall Lampeter, 011 Tuesday, when the following magis- tiatea were present:—Col. Lewes, Llaullear, in the cha.ir Col. Pry Ee, lord lieutenant of the county; Mr J. G. W. Bonsall, Fronfraith Lord Vaughan, Crosa- wood Mr Morris Davies, Ffosrhydgaled Mr Vaughan Davies, Tanybwlch; Colonel Evans, High- mead; Mr J. W. Szlnmper, Aberystwyth; Major Price Lewes, Tyglyn Aeron; Mr H. S. Richardes, Bryneithyn; Mr W. B. Powell, Nanteos; Mr B. 8. Morgan, Aberystwyth; Mr John James, Aberystwyth; Mr T. H. Maddy, Dolaeron Mr E. J. Jones, Fron- y-?og; Mr G. W. Parry, Llidiarde; Mr T. J. Waddingham, Hafod Mr R. J. Davies, Cwrtmawr Mr H. Tobit ftvans, Noyadd; Captain Jones Parry, Tyllwyd; Dr John Rowland, Garth; Mr Charles Lloyd, Waunifor; Rev Rhys Lloyd, Troedyraur; Capt. Stewart, Alltyrodin Mr J. E. Rogers, Aber- meurig; Mr J. 0. Harford, Falcondale Mr W. Jones, G andennis Mr Morgan Evans, Oakford Mr John Fowden, Lampeter Mr F. R. Roberts, clerk of the peace; Major Lewis, chief constable Mr Hutchins, county surveyor Mr Perrott, county treasurer pro tern D.C.C. Lloyd and Supt. Williams. UK-APPOINTMENT OF ANALYST. On the motion of the Rev Rhys Lloyd, Mr W. Morgan, Swansea, was re-appointed county analyst. THE LUNATIC ASTLUM. The Chairman said they were very much indebted to those gentleu, en whohadaaton the lunatic asylum committee as their representatives, and he proposed their re-appointment. Mr H. S. Richardes seconded, and it was agreed to. THE COUNTY TREASURERSHIP. Colonel Pryse rose to propose a county treasurer in the room of Mr A. J. Hughes, resigned. In pro- posing Mr Perrott, manager of the National Provin- cial Bank at Aberystwyth, he said that in making the appointment the county would save a salary, which was of great importance, so that the rates should be limited as much as possible. They had probably all received a printed application from the bank, there- fore he should not read it, but would read a portion of Mr Perrott's letter, in which he stated he was authorised t-> intimate to them that the bank would keep the accounts free of charge, excepting the out- of-pocket expenses necessitated by attendance at the court meetings at Lampeter. 'I hat was quite necessary in any case. He would not say much in Mr Perrott's presence, but he was much trusted and respected by all. He had experience in the manage- ment of banks at Brecon and other places, and dur- ing a residence of five years in London he was •engaged in organising rhe law depart- ment at the head office, where he had the opportunity of gaining considerable know- le'ke on law matters in general. And if it should be the pleasure of the court to appoint him as treasurer two of the directors would become sureties for any amount fixed by the magistrates, and although his name would be used the b (;, k would be the actual custodians of all moneys. The Colonel then referred to a paper which had been circulated throughout the county; he did not know who it was written uy, hut understood it was written to deprecate the bank being appointed treasurers. The paper began by saying that under a statute of George n.-he thought the writer might as well go back to Queen AlIlie-the appointment should be held by a person or persons resident it, the county, implying that a difficulty might arise by the appointment of a cor- poration. but that difficulty would be got over by the appointment of Mr Perrott in particular. The next paragraph stated that the National Provincial Bank be ng a corporation, the directors were not resident iR the county, but he though' that difficultv would be got over in the same way as the first. The paper also referred to the fact that the treasurer had to attend Quarter Sessions, to prepare estimates for rates, and keep the various accounts of the county. Mr Perrott was manager of a branch doing an extensive business, and certainly he was quite able to keep any quantity of accounts, and to do them :n a satisfactory form. He believed the finance committee had fully tested the abilities of Mr Perrott already, and in reference to legal matters tLQY could always leave them in the hand* of the Clerk of the Peace. Having referred to one or two other matters in the paper, be concluded by proposing that Mr Perrott be appointed treasurer. Mr \V. !on(>s.Glandennis, asked whether Mr Perrott 1 would accept the treasurership gratis without any charge whatever r Mr Perrott Certainly, to the best of my ability. Mr J. G. W. Bonsall ,-econded the proposition on the score of economy. Considering the great distress amongst the farmers principally and he ratepayers in the county it behoved them to consider before they unnecessarily determined to pay a salary, and having an opportunity, of appointing an official without a salary they should consider whether they were justified in paying a salary. Mr Perrott managed one of the principal branches, and had given proof of hi" ability in preparing the accounts since Mr Hughes had resigned, and he thought they could not do other- wise than elect him. The Chairman said they first had to consider the question of the expenses out of pocket. Mr Perrott's statement was somewhat indefinite, and it was pre- ferable to state a fixed sum—a liberal one. Colonel Pryse said that Mr Perrott had only a few days ago entered on the duties, and it would be very I difficult for him to give a strict account of what the cost would be. He suggested that they should leave this matter to the financ ■ committee to deal with. Mr Perrott said that 15s would cover the expenses of each visit to Lampeter. The Chairman said it was preferable to arrive at a I fixed sum, and suggested .£10 a year. The motion was then agreed to. It was understood that there was another candidate, but his name did not transpire Tile security was fixed at a sum of .83,000. AERON FISHERY DISTRICT. On the motion of Mr Maddy, Major Price Lewes Capt Longcroft, Mr Edward Williams, Aberayron' and Mr Vincent Pell, Brynog, were appointed con- servators for the Aeron Fishery district. Mr Maddy then presented the accounts of the dis- trict, showing that there was a balance against the board of £ 2 13s 3d, which was due to him as secretary. The Chairman read the accounts showing that £ \6 10s had been received from salmon licences £ 11 7s 6d for trout licences, £ 3 5s 6d fines, and X4 14s 6d subscriptions. COUNTY RATES. The Chairman said that at the last quarter sessions he brought forward the question about preparing a new basis for county rates, but since then he had been informed on the best authority that in all prob- ability the County Government Bill would be brought forward this session, and would become law, therefore with their permission he would withdraw his proposal and ask them to sanction some altera- tions in certain parishes where certain parts of land were detached from one parish and put in another parish, and thus sanction the work of the County Roads Board Committee. These alterations were carried out ia accordance with the alterations made in the Union Parochial Assessment Committee. They were agreed to. VISITING JUSTICES. Mr Brenchley and Capt Stewart were re-appointed visiting justices, on behalf of the county, of her Majesty's prison at Carmarthen. THE LUNATIC ASYLUM. The report of the visiting justices to the lunatic asylum at Carmarthen showed that the number of patients was 505—266 males and 239 females 77 had been admitted during the quarter-40 males and 37 females, and there had been 40 deaths. The present charge for maintenance was 7s 10^d per week per head, but in consequence of -the reduced cost of maintenance it was proposed to reduce the charge to 7s 34d. The report of the last visit of the commis- sioners in lunancy stated that they found everything most satisfactory. The committee had arranged to make certain improvements in the house, and the report testified to the efficient management under Dr Hearder. The Chairman supposed that the sum of 7s 3jd for maintenance was lower than in any other asylum in the United Kingdom. Mr Morris Davies said it was, and they had been able to do this by voting a snm of X700 from the reserve fund in reduction of the cost. MR. FRYER AND COUNTY BUSINESS. The Chairman intimated that he had received a letter from Mr H. C. Fryer requesting that his name should be struck off any committees that he might be on—and particularly the bridge committee, as it was very probable that lie should not be in the county for some little time to come. He (the chair- man) very much regretted that Mr Fryer should have proposed this; but at the same time perhaps the kindest thing they could do was to acquiesce in the request. He directed the Clerk of the Peace to strike off Mr Fryer's name. MISCELLANEOUS. Communications were read by the Chairman from Whitehall, one of which was in reference to the i American Acts to prevent the emigration of foreigners under contract or otherwise into their country, and asking Quarter Sessions to take such steps as they thought desirable to give publicity to the Acts in question. A letter was read from the Agricultural Depart- ment authorising the Court to make from time to time such regulations for the prevention of swine fever in the county as may be necessary. Major Lewis said there was no swine fever in the county at the present ime. The Local Government Board called attention to the Foods and Dru&*s Act, and asking to be provided w. th a c ipy of the reports made by the county analyst during the several quarters in 1887 to be forwarded in the month of January, and also for the reports of any legal proceedings taken. Major Lewis said there was little or nothing to report, as no legal proceedings hud been taken. THE COUNTY BRIDGES. The court was proceeding to the consideration of the County Bridges committee's report and the report of the County Surveyor when Mr Vaughan Daviea asked them to take into con- sideration, before the chairman read the report, whether he should read the amounts required for each bridge or take the sum in the lump. If each amount was stated and it got into the press it would gire contractors an idea of the proposed cost of each bridge. It was decided only to give the lump sum. The committee reported that the bridges were in a deplorable state and would require a large amount to place them in a state of repair, the estimated amount being £ 2,145. Mr Vaughan Davies said he had taken the highest estimates the Surveyor had put in, and in one estimate there was the difference between a stone bridge and an iron bridge at Penybont, near Aber- ystwyth. The Chairman continued to read the report, in which there were three recommendations which they asked the court to sanction :—That the Surveyor be directed to personally inspect every bridge in the county at least once in the year, and report to Quarter Sessions that he has done so; that the Surveyor should send in a report upon all work done, together with a list of such bridges as he had per- sonally inspected three weeks before each Quarter Sessions (so that it might come before the finance committee); and that the Surveyor give notice of his intention to visit any bridge to some member of the bridge committee residing in the dis- trict where such bridge is situated. These recommendations were approved of. Portions of the Surveyor's report were also read, which stated that he had drawn up plans, &c., of the proposed new bridge at Penybont, near Aberystwyth, the cost of which he estimated for stone .£1,500, and iron £ 1,150. The bridge at Ponterwyd over the Rheidol was in anything but a satisfortory state. The contractor for the Aberystwyth bridge had asked for £ 1,500 on account of the work done, and he said he should be able to certify for this amount dur- ing the present quarter. Capt. Jones-Parry asked whether it was not advisable to leave Penybont bridge, unless it was absolutely necessary, until Aberystwyth bridge was finished. Mr Vaughan Davies said the bridge was in a terrible state, and there was nothing to prevent the whole thing sliding into the river. Capt. -tones-Parry did not want to risk the life of anybody, but if it was possible to leave it, it was very desirable. THE GRAND JURY. Before rising for lunch the Chairman proposed to swear the grand jury, as follows :—Messrs W. B. Benjamin, nne], Clarach (foreman) T. G. Davies, Penrhiw William Davies, Llwynfynwent John Evans, Trefaes-issa; Evan Evans Tanyresger; Daniel Evans, Tynant Robert Guthrie, olgwybedig Edward Jones, Llaethliw John Jones, Penralltwen; Lewis Jenkins, Gorslas John Morgan, Pentre Rd. Owen. Noyaddfawr; and W. H. Truscott, Terrace- road, Aberystwyth. The Chairman briefly addressed them, and said there was no business to go before them, and he was glad to say that he found by the Chief Constable's report that drunkenness was decreasing throughout the county. In dismissing them he wished them the lHmal compliments of the season. ABERYSTWYTH BRIDGE. After lunch the court proceeded to consider the recommendations of the Aberystwyth bridge com- mittee, and it was decided to allow a sum of X10 for an office for the clerk of the works in Bridge-street. Mr F. R. Roberts was appointed clerk to the com- mittee. Other details were left to be carried out by the committee. Mr Vaughan Davies proposed that Mr John James be appointed on the bridge committee for the county in the room of Mr H. C. Fryer, resigned. Mr Szlumper seconded, and it was agreed to. PENYBONT BKIDGE. Mr Morris Davies asked that before they proceeded to rebuild Peny bont bridge the feeling of the rate- piiyers of Llanb ,c1arn-y-Croydd¡nissaandAbery,twyth should be consulted. It would be a very grave mis- take to build the bridge in the position it now occu- pied,but it should be built on a place to be fixed upon hereafter higher up, so that they might be enabled to make a road from the south turnpike in a semi-circu- lar direction to meet the bridge and avoid the diffi- culties they now experienced in facing that dreadful hill. If the bridge was erected 100 or 15U yards higher up the parish would be able to make a road that would be of considerable convenience to the public, whereas the road they now had was not so. On the sngge-tionof the C'h drman this matter was left to the bridsres committee to ascertain the feelings of the ratepayers, and to bring in a report. RATES. A county rate of Id in the X was Bgreed to. No police rate was required. CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. The following report was submitted by Major Bassett Lewis :— I have the honour to submit for your inspection my returns for the quarter ending 31st December, 1837. The number of persons summoned and appre- hended during the quarter amounted to 262, viz., 232 males and 30 females. Of those one was committed for trial, 167 summarily convicted, 19 compromised, and 75 discharged. I beg to state that on the 12th and 23rd December, at the request of the solicitor employed, I attended sales under distress warrants for tithes in the parish of Llanddewi Aberarth, and took with me, on the 12th, a force of two superin- tendents, two sergeants and 26 constables, and on the 23rd a force of two superintendents, two sergeants and 40 constables, one sergeant and 15 eonstables being from the county of Carmarthen. A large con- course of people were assembled on both occasions, and had it not been for the presence of the police a disturbance would probably have taken place, though on each occasion Mr Mora-an Evans rendered good service in keeping the people in order. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. D.C.C. John Lloyd reported I have the honour to report that during the last quarter I, as Inspector of Weights and Measures, made surprise visits to the following places, viz:— Bow-street, Goginan, Llanfihangel, Pontrhydfendigaid, and Aberystwyth, and tested 524 weights and 36 measures by compar- ing those in use "with the local standards. The weights and measures I found accurate and correct. I also during my inspection tested 124 scales, six weighing machines and three weigh bridges. With the exception of two scales I found no inaccuracy. I have instituted proceedings against the owners of the two scales referred to. Superintendent Williams reported :—I have the honour to report that during quarter ending 31st December, 1887, I have inspected 666 weights, com- pared and stamped 59 measures, at Lampeter and Ystrad, Talsarn. The weights found deficient in weight through ordinary wear were adjusted and stamped. The fees charged amounted to £ 3 14s, which sum I have paid into the National Provincial Bank of England, the county treasurers.

A WELSH AMERICAN PAPER ON WALES. We quote as a curiosity from the" Drych "-an American paper-the following, and only hope the manifesto against tithes may not be accepted as a proohof the writer's shrewdness and veracity:- Of all parts of the United Kingdom, Wales has degenerated most in the direction of dishonesty within the last 40 years. Previous to that time the character of the Welsh people for honesty stood high. To be a Welshman, like being a Quaker, was a passport to confidence, but it is not so now. It is not unfrequent for a professedly religious man to turn out a thief and a swindler, and we often hear of a Welshman slipping away quietly across the Atlantic to escape his creditors or the police. The credit cf the Welsh in many parts of the United States is become as low as that of the Irish. Unless a change for the better soon takes place, our national charac- ter will be ruined."

GAZETTE NEWS. NOTICE OF DIVIDEND. John Griffiths, Gartheli, Cardiganshire, farmer; final dividend 6s 1Hd in the X, payable January 5th, it Old Bank, Lampeter.

CILCENNIN. CHIEF RENTS. — Mr C. E. Howell, collector, ittended at the Commercial Inn, on Thursday,'the 22nd December, to receive the chief rents for the manor of Haminiog. PLYGAIN.-As customary, a plygain was held at the Wesleyan chapel at six o'clock on Christmas morning. The attendance was large, because there was no service held at either of the other two places of worship at the time. The Rev T. Phillips, minister, officiated, and chose for his text the 14th verse of the first chapter of St. John, and delivered a very impressive sermon. Billheads, for "Christmas Bills," are printed at the Observer Offioe.

BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the board was held at the union workhouse on Monday. Present — Mr Morris Davies (in the chair) Mr John James, ex-ojjicio Rev Prebendary Williams, Messrs C. M. Williams, John Morgan, and John Jenkins, Aber- ystwyth; Rev J. M. Griffiths, Llanfihangel Geneu'r- glyn Messrs Thomas James, Llwyniorwerth; Richard Hughes, Cefnhendre Evan James, Tanrallt; David Thomas, Hrysgaga; John Jones, Moelglomea David Jones, Rest; Rev J. T. Griffiths, Llanilar; Mr Thomas Evans, Trawsnant; and Hugh Hughes, clerk. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that there were 67 paupers in the house, against 65 in the corresponding fort- night of last year. The number of vagrants relieved was 27, against 15 in the correspond- ing fortnight of last year. FINANCE. The following out-relief was admistered during the past fortnight :—Aberyatwyth district, per Mr John Jones, .£35 8s 6d, to 149 paupers, corresponding fort- night of last year, .£38 10e, to 161 paupers; Geneu'r- glyn district, per Mr John D. Jones, .£46 13s, to 177 paupers, corresponding fortnight, .£t8 12s 6d, to 186 paupers; Ilar district, per Mr Joseph Morgan, .£41 6s, to 166 paupsrs, corresponding fortnight, £ 43 12s, to 173 paupers. The amount in the bank to the credit of the union was .£5505s lOd. MR FRYER'S RESIGNATION. The Chairman said the following letter had been received by their clerk from Mr Fryer. He had heard that Mr Fryer had met with an acciderit-that he had been shot in the face, and he was so injured that he was unable to write, and the letter had been written by Lady Parker, and signed by Mr Fryer:- "Dear Sir,- Will you kindly express to the guardians my grateful acknowledgment of the compliment they have again paid me, by so unanimously wishing me to reconsider my decision and withdraw my resigna- tion. It was not without very serious thought and the most grave consideration that I arrived at the conclusion that circumstances made it my duty to resign the chairmanship of the board. That necessity I can assure the guardians none of them regret as much as I do. But circumstances really leave me no choice and I am obliged to adhere to my resolution, and to ask the board to accept my resignation at next Monday's meeting. Reiterating my sincere thanks for the very kindly feelings evinced towards me to the very last by the guardians,—Believe (me, dear sir, yours truly, H. C. FRYER." The Chairman said that Mr Fryer's resignation had come at last. It would not do to receive it in actual silence, but he did not propose to occupy much of their time, for two reasons. In the first place, it would not be necessary to tell the guardians anything about the good results which had come about owing to the chairmanship of Mr Fryer. But there was another reason if he knew anything of Mr Fryer's character, he (Mr Fryer) would be the first to depre- cate a course of making a long speech. Mr Fryer would say, "perhaps it is true that during my chair- manship there have been happy results,and if you have been pleased to appreciate them that is sufficient thanks for me; but it would have been impossible for me to have brought about these results if it was not for the loyal support given me by an intelligent board, and an intelligent body of officers." Be that as it may. they all knew what Mr Fryer had done for the board and for the ratepayers. But they as a board would remember Mr Fryer more especially for the way in which he did his work. Since 1871 they had had very hot discussions and debates, and during these by inuendo, sarcasm, or downright insult had hurt the feelings of their brother guardians, and also outside remarks might have been said for which they were afterwards sorry but he did not think that anyone had ever heard Mr Fryer make a remark which would hurt the feelings of anyone that was a charitable and Christian trait in his character which the board would remember him by. One of the first things to be done was to appoint a successor. It was determined to proceed to the election of Mr Fryer's successor at the next meeting of the board. The Rev Prebendary Williams proposed the follow- ing resolution :—"That we, the members of the Aber- ystwyth Board of Guardians, remembering the marked ability and great impartiality with which H. C. Fryer, Esq., has presided over this board for the space of 14 years, accept his resignation as a serious loss to the public in general and the board in particular." Mr Thomas James seconded the resolution, and said he could reiterate all that had been said by the chairman as to Mr Fryer, as he always conducted the business in a business-like a.nd gentlemanly way, and he had very great pleasure in seconding the resolu- tion. Mr David Jones said he was very sorry to lose Mr Fryer, who had acted as a gentleman to his opponents as well as to his friends. Mr John James endorsed all that had been Said, and he felt very much that they were about to lose Mi- Fryer. He was v&ry much surprised to see that he was about to resign. He thought that Mr Fryer really never had any opponents he was always so fair and impartial that no poison could have found the least fault with im. It would be very difficulttoget one who would act so fairly and impartially as Mr Fryer had. They would all regret that he should have cause to sever his connection with the board. The Rev J. M. Griffiths said that during the time he had been a member of the board, whenever Mr Fryer was present, he had been more than pleased with the way in which he conducted the business of the board. He had seen him act under great provo- cation, but he never saw him so much ruffled as to say a word to his opponent in argument that would hurt his feelings. Mr C. M. Williams felt that words were inadequate to give expression to their feelings. This was the first board in the new year, and the chairman had wished them a happy new year,but in one sense it was a sad new year. as they had lost Mr Fryer as chairman. He thought they would all say that a better chairman than Mr Fryer that board never had had. During the time that he had been in the chair he had conducted the business in such a way as was satisfactory to all the members, and his great aim had been to adminis- ter justice. His knowledge had been of great advan- tage to them, and he feared that it was not until they had lost him that they would be able to rightly appre- ciate his services. In taking his leave of them Mr Fryer was taking with him the best wishes for a long life and happiness. Mr John James said they would proceed to the election of a chairman that day fortnight, and he should like it to be understood that whoever was elected it would be for one year only, so that there should be no feeling if they felt disposed to change at any time. He thought it preferable that they should have the same chairman for not more than two years, and then they would not feel the loss so much as they now felt the loss of Mr Fryer. He would like to see some of the farmers in the chair, as it would give them more interest in the work of the board. RESIGNATION OF THE FIRST VICE-CHAIRMAN. Mr Morris Davies (first vice-chairman), who spoke with evident feeling, said that at their next meeting their first work would be to appoint a chairman, and the next work would be to appoint a first vice-chair- man, as circumstances would very likely prevent his attending the meetings of this board in future, at least for some time during the year he believed that he should be prevented from attending the board as he had been attending since the death of poor Mrs Fryer. He felt it necessary for him to give up because whoever was selected as chairman must not only be a person who would devote a great deal of his energies and time to the management of the union—that was if he wished to leave it in as good a position as he found it—but he would require the loyal and constant support of his vice-chairman. He could not promise to give him that support, as it would be out of his power. He had therefore to ask them to accept his resignation, and it was better that he should go now. [Here Mr Davies completely broke down, and it was found necessary to proceed with other business so as to give him an opportunity of getting the better of his feelings.] Later on, Mr Davies asked them to excuse the difficulty he found in proceeding, but it was a very difficult thing for anyone to say good-bye to any body of gentlemen with whom he had worked for so long. He asked them to accept his resignation at the end of that meeting, as he found that he really must devote more of his time in the future to his own affairs. He could not possibly attend to the board in the future as it was necessary that he should do. He thanked them for the great support which they had given him in the past. Mr C. M. Williams rose with a view of making an appeal to Mr Davies, but that gentleman begged of him to desist, and Mr Williams, in complying with his wish, said he should refer to the matter again before the board rose. The relief lists were disposed of, and Mr C. M. Williams raised a question of irregularity on the part of the house committee in doing certain work without first of all getting the sanction of the whole board. He quite approved of the work which had been carried out; and the Chairman admitted that an irregularity had occurred owing to an over- sight, at the same time he counselled a little more peace on earth and goodwill towards men in that board. After this matter had been arranged, Mr C. M. Williams again adverted to the resignation of Mr Davies, and said he could not allow the remarks made by that gentleman to pass unnoticed. Mr Fryer had resigned, and Mr Davies had come to the conclusion also to resign, but he thought he should not be allowed to do so without a strong expression on thQir part asking him not to do so. What would become of the board if the two most important persons were to leave ? He asked Mr Davies to continue until April, and if he then found that he was going to leave the district, all well and good. Mr Davies had been there for the past twelve or thirteen years, and no one had taken greater interest, acted more con- scientiously, or bean more anxious to do the best for the unions than Mr Davies. Now that Mr Fryer had gone, be thought the board would not be doing its duty if it did not recognise Mr Davies's services for the past and ask him to withdraw his resignation, and the board would ehow its loyalty by electing him as chairman until April. He thought it was always usual to elect the first vice-chairman to fill the chairman's place, and they ought to do the same thing if only merely as a compliment for the time and labour which Mr Davies had bestowed upon that institution. For thirteen years Mr Davies had never spared time nor trouble, and had come into town nearly every fortnight to attend meetings of the house committee. The least they could do was to appeal to Mr Davies to withdraw his resignation, and allow things to take their course, and personally he had no doubt th,t he would be unanimously elected as chairman. Although Yet in accord politically with Mr he had always been able to co-operate with him except on one or two occasions. The Rev J. M. Griffiths said he thought Mr Williams had expressed rightly the feelings of the great majority of the board, and he implored Mr Davies, to reconsider his decision and allow things to take their course. Mr J0hn Morgan perfectly agreed with all that Mr Williams had said. The Chairman said he had thought it all out, and The Chairman said he had thought it all out, and he believed that if the members wanted the support of the old members now was the time, and if circum- stances would not have prevented his attending the board he should certainly have kept on, however inconvenient it might be. He thought it was better that the mate should go with the captain. He had not got the force to carry on the work as he had done in the past; hø. could not do it. Mr U. M. Willia-ns again appealed to Mr Davies, as they never had more need of him than now. The Chairman: I am particularly anxious for a holiday. The Rev Prebendary Williams said it would cer- tainly be better for Mr Davies to leave them as chairman than vice-chairman, if he did leave them in March. The Chairman said he was most anxious to retire. He wished to be unfettered so as to attend to his own personal affairs. The Rev J. M. Griffiths, after again appealing to Mr Davies, to which Mr Davies did not reply, said they would accept his silence as an answer until March, and the board would not accept his resigna- tion. This concluded the business.

THE MARKETS. A meeting was held at the Assembly Rooms on Monday afternoon, to consider the best means of im- proving the markets and fairs in this town. It was convened by the markets committee of the Towit Council, and among those who were present were Mr D. C. Roberts, mayor, Aldermen John James and Peter Jones, Councillors Richard James, B. E. Morgan, Griffith Williams, John Morgan, John Jenkins; Messrs A. J. Hughes, town clerk; Vaughan Davies, Tanybwlch; J. Jones, Penbwlch; David Rees, fantygwyfol; Jas. Jones, Tyllwyd; E. Richards, Pen- uwch; H. W. Morgan, Broneirion; R. Richards, Cwrt; J. B. Morgan, Glanfread — Richards, Gwar- felin, &c. Mr Richard James, the convener of the markets committee, was voted to the chair. The Chairman explained the object of the meeting, and said that so far it had been considered that the fairs were not properly advertised, and there was a feeling amongst the Council that they should estab- lish other fairs, such as wool and sheep fairs, in addition to the markets which were already partly established, such as monthly markets and horse fairs. It might be that other questions would arise, as to the necessity of improving the markets, and such a day as the present (which was very wet) might very likely be the means of suggesting an improvement which woald make the farmers feel more at home. The Town Clerk said the main object of the meet- ing was to elicit from the farmers any suggestion which they might have to make for the improvement of the markets. He pointed out that this town almost stood alone in regard to the market accommo- dation, because if a farmer sent in two kinds of articles he had to send in two different people to sell them. In most towns they had a vegetable market, a corn market, and so on, but in this town they had no method. If any of them had a suggestion to make the council would be glad to entertain it and to con- sider it in the most favourable light. Mr Lewis Williams said that about thirteen years ago a horse fair committee had fixed the time for holding the horse fairs; the one was in May, to be held before the Lampeter fair on the 8th, and there- fore their horse fair ought to be held on the 7th, and the other horse ought to be held on the 17th Septem- ber, before the one held at Machynlleth on the 18th September. Mr Vaughan Davies, in seconding this proposition, peinted out the great importance of the markets, which required improvement. He believed that no town in the United Kingdom required to be improved in this respect more than Aberystwyth, because if they wanted to sell a horse or an egg the moment they entered Aberystwyth it seemed every man for himself and God for us all, because the stranger could not tell where he was to go to sell his produce. He then pointed out the great difficulty which any- one had to find a market, and also alluded to the fact of selling from door to door, and .suggested that a proper market should be provided for the sale of different articles. After some discussion it was pointed out that the great necessity was to appoint a committeee of farmers to consult with the markets committee, and eventually draw up a report to place before a meet- in? of farmers, and the following farmers were selected to call a general meeting of their brother farmers to consider the question :—Mr Rees, Panty- gwyfol; Mr Richards, Penuwch Mr John Jones, Penbwlch Mr William Richards, Cwrt; Mr Morgan, Glanfraed; Mr Richards, Gwarfelin; Mr Vaughan Davies, Tanybwlch; Mr Morgan, Fron. The proceedings then terminated.

YSTRAD MEURIG. FRIENDLY SOCIETY.— ANNUAL MEETING.-On Monday, the 2nd inst.. a meeting was held at the Ystrad Aleurig schoolroom. At eleven oclock, a service was held, and the Rev J. J ones, vicar, preached an excellent sermon for the ocaasion on 2 limotheus 1st chapter and part of 12th verse. At one o'clock all the members sat down to a dinner provided in the schoolroom by Kr Tregoning, and presided over by the Rev J. Jones. After dinner, the rev gentleman alluded to the report and valuation of an actuary on this society, stating that it will undoubtedly be a very safe plan for the members of the society to act in accordance with the report. Mr T. Jones, trea- surer, made some remarks on the same subject. Mi- Daniel Morgans proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev J. Jones for presiding, and for all his kindness towards the society in every way, especially so for his handsome gift again this year. This was se- conded, and carried unanimously. The chairman responded, and stated that nothing gave him more pleasure than to assist the society in every way in his power. Mr Tregoning, the secretary, announced that the past year had been a very heavy one on the sick and burial funds, and only once since the society has been in existence has there been so much money paid out in one year. At the same time he was very glad to say that there was a good balance rem lining in hand to be banked this year. At half-past two a meeting was held in order to appoint officials for the ensuing year. The Rev J. Jones presided, when the rev gentleman was re-elected chairman, Mr T. Jones treasurer, and Mr S. Tregoning secretary. Mr De Courcy and Mr Ball were appointed auditors, and Mr J. Jenkins and Mr J. Jones stewards. De Courey and Mr Ball were appointed auditors, and Mr J. Jenkins and Mr J. Jones stewards.

ABERAYRON. SCHOLASTIC.—On Saturday evening a meeting was held in the Assembly Rooms, to select a master for the Grammar School which is shortly to be opened. Mr W. B. Hughes was the one selected out of 34 applicants. Mr Hughes has passed the intermediate B.A. examination of the University of London. TOWN IMPROVEMENTS.—On Saturday night, the 31st December, the new street lamps, which are 17 in number were lit for the first time. The light emitted by the duplex gave general satisfaction. They have been erected at a cost of about .£30, and the com- mittee, composed of Messrs David Evans, J. H. Jones,' J. M. Howell, Dr Williams, Rev Evan Morris, and Mr B. Gold, deserve great praise for the way in which the work has been carried out and brought to this successful issue. I TITHE AGITATION,—More distress warrants have I been served upon persons in the parish of Llanddewi- Aberarth for tithes due to the late Rev Henry Morgan. On Saturday, Mr Bruckshaw, the bailiff, served notices to the following persons: — Capt Jenkins, Aberarth Mr Jones, Ddol, Aberarth; Mr Rowland Pugh, Aberarth and Mr David Jones, Bryn, near Aberayron. The sales will probably take place at the expiration of the usual ten days of grace, as all the persons distrained upon are deter- mined not to pay without a reduction being made.