Potter's Electric News

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SALMON PRESERVATION". people have any idea of the worth of a s&lmoa river-that is to say, of what it may he made to bo worth. We read in the admi- "EaMe and lucid works of Mr Lord, the North American traveller, of rivers in British Oolum- Ma which are so crowded with salmon that 3Wtkmg but an open basket, for them to lumhle into as they attempt to leap up the faUs, is needed to take them by hundreds and thousands in fact, there are sava -e tribes, dependent upon the salmon for their winter tfDJSsistence, who thus capture them to any .extent they may require. Myriads of salmon ■as?, yearly taken hundreds of miles from the eea; myriads die after and during the labours <of spawning; yet does not the number seem id -decrease, as every year there are still fresh myriads to be taken. For though many other JJ-eans than that which we have named are esiipioved to take the fish, yet it is needless to -p.ar that stake nets, impassable weirs, and pol- lutions are unknown. The rivers are in a state of nature, and Nature, being merely left to herself, produces a wondrously bounti- ful harvest But though nature produces so great a harvest that we, with our depleted .1 and almost ruined rivers, are amazed at it, yet is it not quite possible that, by aiding na- ture, even this great harvest might be immea- surably increased ? We know perfectly well that this is so as regards the land; and, from lhe littie we do know as regards practical pisciculture, we have every reason to believe ■,i"kat it would be so as regards the water. For example, it is admitted that the produc- tion of a river is only bounded by the extent <Q £ its spawning beds but, when deposited ■naturally, we know very well that not one in five hundred becomes a smolt, and not one in ■■si thousand becomes a salmon. The natural vaste in an ordinary salmon spawning bed is -.esormous, particularly where the salmon are plentiful and plough up each other's redds; -.md probably, although a vast quantity of ova has been shed, but a very small portion of the spawning bed will in the end be actually oc- cupied with it. Nature has recognised the necessity for this great waste by providing a corresponding fecundity on the part of the salmon. Now, we know that a thousand salman ova can easily be hatched on about a square foot of gravel, whereas probably, in the natural course of things, not one (scum will be hatched to the square yard upon ike ground capable of being used for spawn- ing purpose? in any river; consequently, in the arrangements or deposit of the ova be- tween these two extremes there must be a very -wide field in which the labours of man may Increase the production of nature. We firmly iaeliove that, with the thousands of miles of Triers which we possess, there is literally no limit to the possible production of salmon in L the British Islands; and that, as a matter of £ @od, all other sources of supply would be thrown entirely into the shade, if our snlmon risers had fair play, and, beyond this, were judiciously cultivated. That this would be th-e case, the reader will hardly fail to see, if ke will consider that the fish can reproduce itself thousands of times in the course of a yxsar, while no other animal of the like im- portance, and which we can cultivate to any threat extent and use for food, can possibly approach it in this respect. Moreover, while the feeding grounds of our ordinary food-pro- rtiuciag animals are limited, and we may say very limited, those of the salmon are the vast <oee&n itself, which is capable of feeding far saoro fish than we are capable of producing. It is astonishing thnt these facts-for they vire facts which cannot be disputed-do not 12,alee themselves more apparent and more .appreciated by the great mass of educated Eagiishiiien, who have so long had their at- tention called to this subject. That all these results will be obtained in the future we can- doubt; but in the meantime there is a very trite proverb which says that 'while the grass groscs the steed starves,' and we could with thAt some effective method could be hit upon -of expediting the good work. Before, how- ever, we can come to cultivation, we must bring back our rivers to their natural state as ikr as pcssible; and to do so there are three -well-known difficulties which we have to com- bat-viz, obstructions, pollutions, and over- fishing, To remove obstructions, it is neces- sary not to pull down weirs, which, under the jig-Ms that have grown up, we have no title to ,J.01 but to provide some method by which -salmon may obtain a free passage to the spawning beds; by passes, stairs, or by what- ever method this can be done, it is indispen- sable that it should be done. As regards filiations, they must be prevented. If the m.efuoo matter can be rendered innocuous, well ■&mI good; but if it cannot, then we have a Jsssfc right to require that it be put into some ■othex receptacle than the river. With respect ;to over-fishing, it is also indispensable that -63me more stringent regulations as to the size, ibr-iiiation, and time of usage of nets, should .he maintained until the stock in each river be ■BJ far increased as to permit of closer fishing, 'These are the three great requisites which in the first place it is necessary to obtain before .&ny effective step can be taken towards the victual cultivation of our invaluable river property. The question that concerns us all is, what m the best method of obtaining these ends'? TihiSr-e are really very large numbers of per- ,taw interested iu doing so, and efforts are i constantly being made from all quarters i, this direction; but these efforts are isolated. and to an extent futile; for, though th< opinions upon this subject which actuate the whole body of salmon fishery reiormers an tolerably identical, and their views the same, yet there is no common centre of action,, nc precise bond of union, which would give to that action, if it were concentrated, a great and irresistible impulse. What is really wanted is one universal salmon fisheries association, designed and worked with the simple and sole view of developing our salmon fisheries^ If such an association were formed—if anglers, proprietors, fishermen, tacksmen, and others who are interested in the matter, were to sink any trifling differences they may have, throw their lot into one common cause, and work this great question as it ought to be worked, nothing could stand against it, for it would speedily beat down all opposition. It is not sufficient to say that public opinion will do this or do that—that public interests are con- cerned, and therefore we may safely leave the consummation to the public. No great mea- sure ever was achieved yet by such means. Meetings and speeches and newspaper articles are of little value, if they do not lead to some. sort of united action; and in obtaining the ends we seek there is a great deal to be done which cannot properly be done without or- ganization.—The Field, June 29, 1867.

L OCA L IN T E L L I Gr E N OE. HAVERFORDWEST RIFLE ASSOCIATION. This meeting commenced on Monday and was con- tinued yesterday. The shooting for six prizes was completed, bnt the last stages of some of the princi- ua) ones will be shot to-day. We shall give the result of the meeting in our next issue. BAPTISM BY IMMERSION —On Friday evening last. !he Rev. Joseph Tombs, Rector of Burton, administered the Rite uf 13aptidm by immersion to a few of his Adult Parishioners. HuTHESDA CHAPEL,—MR William Davies, solicitor, has presented to this chapel a harmonium lor the use of the choir. The instrument is an excellent one, and we are informed cost the sum of Go guineas..This is an act nf great liberality, and we have no doubt that Mr Davies's generooty is !ully appreciated, as the instrument will prove of great assistance to the choir. TKETOTALISM -On Monday evening week Mr Smyth, of the West of England and South Wales Temperance League, delivered a second lecture on this subject at the Corn Market House, Haverfordwest, and was listened to by an attentive audience. Mr. Smyth is a very excellent advocate of the temperance cause, and well calculated to el, much good. LLASRHIAJ.—'The Llanrhian National School were bountifully entertained with tea and cake at, the expense of Mr" Harries, of Trevaccoon, on Thursday, the 18th instant, after their examination by the Government. Inspector. We are happy to find that the children acquitted themselves very saiWaotcriiy before the Inspector, and enjoyed themselves equally afterwards at their games. ROYAL FKMBROKUSHIUE ARTILLERY MILITIA -The non-commissioned officers on the staff of this regiment were entertained at dinner on the loth inst. by Lieutenant Harries, of Heathfield. The dinner took place at the Queen's Hotel, and was exceedingly yvell prepared. After justice had been d.one to the good things providt-u, various toasss were drdhk, and amongst. them was the health of the eentlem;in to whose generosity the company were iudelt-'d for the entertainrm nt. The arrangement* were excellent, and reflected great credit on the pro- prietor of the establishment, Mr Ben. Davies. PORTSMOUTH.—On Wednesday at three o'clock the Duncan, 81, Captain George Hancock (hearing the broad pennant of Commodore J. W. Tarleton, C.B.), the Euyal George, 81, Captain Thcmas Miller, the Revenge, 73, Captain George Le G. Bowyer, the Donegal, 81, Captain Edward W. Tumour, the Lion, 60, Captain John M. Hayes, C.B., the Irresistible, 60, Captain John Borlase, C.B., and the Dauntless, 31, steam frigate, Captain Edward P. B. Von Donop, left the anchorage at Spit head and proceeded to sea at the west end of the Wight, for a week's cruise. The squadron left the anchorage in good order, a good line being maintained, HAVERFORDWEST BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOLS.—These schools were given their annual treat on Tuesday. The children, numbering upwards of 400, assembled a' the Chapel, and marched in procession to a field near Port- field House, where they were regaled with tea and cake. The afternoon was very fine, and was spent in various amusements. At the conclusion of the proceedings, Dr., Davies delivered an able address to the children, who sang several hymns with excellent effect. During the afternoon, the teachers of the school presented a tea service to Mrs Noot, in recognition of the assistance afforded by her in the preparation of the school treat. RAPID DELIVERY OF LETTERS. — The Postmaster General has recently again called attention to the in- creased rapidity in the delivery of letters which would result from the more general adoption of house-door letterboxes, and hopes that those householders who have not hitherto provided letter boxes will not object to do so as by that means, at a very moderate expense, they < an promote the convenience both of themselves and of 'he..ir neighbours, and at the same time render an im- portant aid to the public service. Another consideration which ought to weigh with the public in facilitating the delivery of letters is that the letter carrier as a rule is very poorly paid, and the time which is not required for postal business, is employed by him in some other occu- pation which furnishes some small addition, to his sdary. When postmen are detained at the door, the time which they have for the pursuit of their own busi- ness, is seriously diminished, and they suffer a loss is consequence. It is an old saying that time is money,' and its truth is fully realised by many postmen who have large families, and who without the aid derived from some other occupation cou:d not maintain them on the miserable stipend paid by the 1 oat Office. WHAT PRESERVATION HAS DONF.—TYNE SALMON. — The following appeared in the limes of Thursday last: Since Sunday there have been large catches of salmon in the Tyne and its estuary. The wet weather appears to have attracted enormous numbers of them from the sea to meet the freshets.' At any rate the oldest inha- bitant never saw so many fish leaping in Shields Har- bour as there were on Sunday and Monday. On Tues- day fully 400 prime salmon were caught in one tide at the mouth of the Tyne. One boat caught 300 in two shots upon the Herd Sand, and another boat caught 112 on the north side of the water. At least 500 salmon woyld be caught at the various fishing stations on the Tyne on Tuesday morning. Very prime fish w.s selling wholesale at from 7d to 9d per Ib, and good cuts of the choicest quality might be bought retail at lOd per lb About 70 years ago the Tyne had a great reputation as s salmon stream, but within ten or fitteen years of out 'ime it had dwindled to comparative insignificance. The Tyne receives the swwage of the towns of Hexham. Newcastle, Gateshead, Jarrow, North and South Shields, and a number of large villages. 'Hush' from tht lead mines finds its way into the South Tyne, and th, chemical and other large manufacturing works below Newcastle pour their liquid refuse into the stream. A tew years ago it was thought that the pollutions whicl found their way into the town from the various lurgi factories on its banks would destroy the salmon entireh; but since the weirs have been removed in the uppe reaches of the iiver and the salmon have been well pro tected in spawning time. fish have reappeared in grea a imbers and are increasing every year, CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL, NEYLAND.-The Sabbath icnool Anniversary of the above place of worship was elebrated on Sunday week. The commodious chapel was ■rowded both in the afternoon and the evening, when "/ell-adapted recitations, various portions of The Book 'nterspersed with beautiful and telling singing by the '¡wir. were given in a highly satisfactory manner. On Vlonday, our friends took the children of the sehool to Picton Castle for their annual treat, at which place all teemed to enjoy themselves exceedingly w 11, partici- pating richly of all kindness desirable, which were imply and promptly granted us—such as permission to see. and admire the magnificent flower garden with its flowers of various hues, and its deeply interesting foun- tain, which, tt the will of the kind gentleman, who led us through, forced up its crystal waters in spite of gravi- tation for a considerable distance to the regions of the air, which as it ascended in its diverse forms was a -ight most pleasing to the eye, and greatly amused most of the youngsters all was truly symbolic of the most "xqnisiie taste. We read of our larger schools in the larger churches of our larger towns enj 'ying their larger parties; and we are glad to find that Neyland, though comparatively small, is not backward in this respect. the first in the van for this year was the Presbyterian School, which took Benton Castle, that romantic place. for their recreation and enjoyment. The second in the fifdd were the Baptist friends, who visited Lawrenny Paik, with its commanding views, its lovely walks, iis swift deer and its fine castle. The third in the range was that of th(> Chapels; and last, but not least, we hear that the Wesleyan School is going to Tenby to enjoy themselves. The Sabbath School has warm hearted, intellectual, and active friends at Neyland both ministers and the respective people of their charge seem to act on the principle that it is one of the best institu- tions of OUT land. Communicated. EONCATTI DISTRICT HIGHWAY BOARD.-An ordinary meeting of this Board was held at the Boncath Inn, on Tuesday the 16th inst, members present: Maj r Lewis, of Clynview, chairman Messrs Williams, of Penalltddu; Williaihs, of Blaenpwildu Morgans, of Morfa; Thomas, of Hendrewilyni; Phillips, of Trerhys; Bo wen of r ac newydd; Rees, of Granant; Davies, Crug Ifan; George, of Llantood Morris, of Llandre, Thomas, of Ffvnonegla'sion; 'ihomas, of Parkneithu, George, of Penaihhyn Davies, of Trefygiri, and Bowen, of Pen- r th. The quarterly accounts of receipts and expendi- turewere examined and allowed, & cheques were signed on W a)f f the different parishes in the district payable to 'he surveyor. after the audit of the fifth parish (d iirit Dogmells) accounts, the general business came under consideration. The chairman drew the attention rf the surveyor to Cilfowir Hill and M untpleasant r a I. On the motion of Mr Rees, of Granant, it was resolved that '.he Clerk for the future should post notices to the guardians seven days prior to each and every meeting of the Board. Cipt. Bowen, Placenewydd, called the attention of the Board to the justice of equali- zing, & of otherwise making a new apportionment of the s'dtries of the Clerk, Treasurer and the Surveyor, as about one half of the roads of the parish of Saint Dog- mells are now repaired by the Surveyor of Highways appointed by the Corporation of Cardigan. A reply was made by a Guardian, that no repairs were made, and .-ome portions of the n.ads were in a dangerous state. Mr George, of Llantood, taid Saint Dogmells was justly rated t -wards the salaries as the parish was represented by three Guardians, while most of the parishes were represented by one, and several of them were rated to the repairs of the roads to greater cost at the last or- dinary meeting; of the Board in their orders for contri, butiiin. Mr Williams, of Penrailtddu The length of the parish roads is no criterion, otherwise, what would become of Clydey parish. I don't think Mr Chairman that the subject brought before the Board by Captain Bowen can be entertained. If I am correct this cage was before the Board some months ago. Then, the application was to reduce the salary of the three officers so far as the share or portion of the pariah of Saint Doarmells, when it was resolved that the matter or ap- plication could not be entertained by this B )&rd if I am wrong moit likely the Surveyor can put us right. The Surveyor in reply to the Chairman, stated that at the quarterly meeting held in January last, a copy of a certain resolution passed at a vestry held in and for the parish of Suint Dogmells in December, 1866, was read and that to the best of his recollection it was in su stance that the vestry is of opinion that the part paid bv the parish of Saint D gmells towards the salaries of the officers of the Board should be reduced to at least one half as much, that upwards of one half of the roads in the said parish are now under the management and superintendence of the Surveyor appointed in and for the Borough of Cardigan. It was signed by six or seven of the inhabitants present. A long discussion of a full B ard ensued and a resolution passed, that the applica- tion could not be entertained. The Surveyor handed over to the Chairman the South Wales Highway Act, 23 and 24 Vie., c. 68, and directed his attention to sect. 11. The section was read by the Chairman, and was as tollows :-I The salaries to be paid to the Clerk and Treasurer of each district, shall, by an order to be made by the Highway Board of such district, be paid out of the moneys levied for the repair and maintenance of the Highways, and shall be apportioned and charged upon the parishes within each respective district in the same manner, and in the same proportion as the County rate shall be chargeable at the time of such order made.' The Surveyor further directed the Chairman's attention to section three of the said Act which gave power to the County Roads Board to appoint Surveyors and salaries, &c. And the salaries of such surveyors shall be paid out of the Highway rate, and shall be, by an order made by If e County Reads Board, apportioned amongst and char, ei upon tt e paris'ies within each respective district, in ihe same manner and in the same proportions as the C jnn'y rate shall be chargeable at the time the order is made.' The Surveyor also said, that he was advised that it was the Highway Board as to the Clerk and T e surer, and the County Roads Board as to the Sur- veyor. As the County rate was assessed on the entire parish, the Boards (Highway and County Roads Board) had no power to make any estimate as a basis for a sub- division of it. The subject dropped. A resolution of a vestry from the parish of White Church was read by the Chairman, signed by three of the inhabitants, urging the Board to give instructions to the Surveyor to repair a vt certain road leading from Pengroes Einon to Clyn-maen Gate in the said parish of White Church. The Surveyor in reply to the Chairman, stated that he was satisfied that the road was a Highway. As the case had been discussed itt e la-it Board when the Guardian of the parish (who iva* nuw absent) was present, and funds were refused, the application was postponed. The 'Surveyor laid before the Board an order of the magistrates made at a special sessions at Pontselly in May last for the repair of the r al leading from Lancwm road to Cwmmorgan river in the parish of Kilrhedyn, directing the overseers of the said parish to levy and collect and pay over the sum of £ 16 los 8d to the Treasurer of the district. A cheque was signed for the sum payable to tLe Surveyor.— Chairman,—Gentlemen, we have to elect a Clerk to this Board to dny in consequence of the resignation of Mr Thomas the salary is £ 10, with an allowance of £2 10s for office rent and stationery. I hold in my hand two applications which I will read. The Chair- man then read the two applications, one of which was from Mr T. Griffith?, auctioneer, and the other from Mr John Evans, assistant overseer of the parish of Kil- gerran. Mr Williams, of Penalltddu, proposed Mr fhomas GrifEths as a fit and proper person to be Clerk of the Board, which was seconded by Mr Morris, of Llandre, and the Chairman declared Mr Griffiths unani- mously elected. Mr Griffiths was called into the B jard. r Jom and was informed by the Chairman that he had oeen unanimously elected. Mr Griffiths returned his nost sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Chairman and Guardians for their kindness in favouring him with the Clerkship of their Board, and promised to use his best mdeavours to fill the office to the satisfaction of the Board. On the suggestion of the Surveyor, Mr Grif- fiths v Ri authorized to make complaints on behalf of the lioard against the overseers for non-payment of the I rders of contributions in arrear and not paid to the t'reasuier as directed by the Board. The next ordinary [ meetiDg was fixed to be on the 22nd day of October, 186,.

HAVERFORDWEST PETTY SESSIONS, These session were held at the Shire Hall, on The!1 day, before the Mayor, John Madocks, Esq, and Jabol Harvey, Esq. ASSAULT. Thomas Mortimer was charged with assaulting Caleb Williams. This case was settled. INDECENCY. Mary Ann Paynter and Sarah Lewis were charged with indecency in the public streets. The ca-e was fully proved, and f The Bench committed the defendants to prison {or, one month with hard labour; to pay the costs, an'1 in default of payment of costs to be further Linprison^i for seven days. THE POLICE FORCE. Mr John Harvey There is one matter to which I wi!U to direct the attention of the Bench. At the last pe$ session, I made some remarks upon the inadeq nancy 0: the police force of the town since that time I havebce" favoured with a report of the Inspector of the Constat''1' iary, which was sent to the Mayor on the 1st. of Octob6'; 18!i(5. I do not propose to read the whole of the rep°r'' J do not know that I .ihouid b- justified in doing f0' but I believe I may he permitted to stnte the gi,;t ofit, The Inspector reports that at least eight officers and col* st ibles are necessary for the proper watching and pfo" lection of the borough, and that force should consist O. one head constaWe, a sergeant, three first-class eonslS' tiles, and three second class constables. The cost oftbe force altogether, after deducting one-fourth tor the Government allowance, would by £ 373 6-> 7d, whicJ would be £ 83 6s 9d in excess of the present cost, wbi"'1 is £ "290. He also makes another calculation in rc to an ama gamation with tiie counry: but I don't thi°» that, notion is palatable in the town. Here the like to keep their privileges, whatever the cost will *>ei but supposing that amalgamation took place, the cos' would be £ 2o more That difference is in consequent of there being a head constable and sergeant reside"' here belonging to the county. I don't press that raattet at all I simply make the remark upon it. Superb' tendent Cecil, under the direction, I presume of | Mayor OB Council, has made a calculation, by which estimates that, after receiving the Government allowance the extra cost would be £54 16, Gil. I will not say mor8 upon the subject now; but 1 wish it to go forth to ',he town that, an at expense of £J 00, the police force M31 be doubted and made quite adequate to protect the towv, 1 have brought this matter forward, and I wish to we'" tion publicly that at the next quarter sessions I sbdl' move that the magistrates present a memorial to the Council praying them to take the of the police into consideration. If it be not attende" to, I shall then advise some u terior measures, lor I !Jaçe no doubt there arc some means of making the lilHtJOrities employ a sufficient police force.