The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

ABERYSTWYTH. ABERYSTWYTH, MOIDAY.- Wheat, 7s. 6d. to 8s. Od. W bushel; barley, 4s. 9d: to 5s. 6d.; oats, 3s. 6d. to 40. Od.; eg's 20 for a shiHing; salt butter, Os. lOd. to Is. Od.$!b.; fresh butter, Is. id. t« Is. 6d.$Tb.; towls, 3a. 6d. to 5s. Od.$couple ducks, Os. Od. to Os. Od.; geese, Os, Qd, to Os. Od. turkeys, Os. Od. to Os. Od. each; potatoes, Os. Od. to 8s. 6d.$cwt. CONCERT.—The Freemasons of Aberystwyth gave Pro- fessor Parry a complimentary concert on Tuesday. LLANBADARN CHURCH. The morning English services will commence next Sunday at Llanbadarn Church. THE LATE MB. WM. ALBAN ATWOOD, L.K.Q.C.P.I., M.R.C.S.-A *short notice of the career, of the above amiable and widely-known member of the medical profession will no doubt, be acceptable, and interesting to those.of his professional brethren, and others whose good fortune it was to know him m life. The late Mr. Atwood was the second son of Mr. J. J. Atwood, solicitor, Aber- ystwyth, wherAie was born in 1832, and who still sur- vives him. In early life he had some idea of going into the Church but being adventurously inclined, the attrac- tions of Australia on the discovery of gold there were too great to be resisted, and thither he went, and remained some three years. This was the time of our war with Russia when, being offered a commission in her Majesty's army, he resolved to return to England in order to serve his country in the Crimea; but before reaching home, he learnt by newspapers received from a passing vessel that Sevastopol was taken, and the war over. It now became necessary for him toseek another path in life, and on the advice of a valued, intimate friend, be decided to adopt medicine for his profession, and entered as a student at St. Bartholomew's. Mr. Atwood was admitted a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of London in 1860, and immediately on obtaining his diploma commenced private practice at Notting Hill, where he resided till his death, ^vliich took place at Ramsgate, on Sunday, .April 7, sud- denly from apoplexy —Extracted from "Lancet," May 17, im.' CHILDREN'S SERVICE.—On Sunday afternoon, May 19, ( a children's service and festival'of song were celebrated in St. Michael's Church. There was a large attendance of little ones as well as of children of bigger growth." The Rev. H. N. Grimley read and intoned the prayers, and the Rev. Canon Phillips gave a short address on the par- able of the Ten Virgins, mostly explanatory of marriage customs in eastern countries. ROUGH WEATHER.—During a heavy gale on Sunday, May 19, a large ship was observed in the bay, evidently out of her course. She was seen on two occasions as if in distress, but eventually she was steered out to sea. On Tuesday morning the Ann of Portmadoc, a fishing boat, was run ashore on the beach near the Belle Vue Hotel during a rough sea. She sustained little or no damage, and can be easily got off again at high tide. COUNTY COURT, THURSDAY, MAY, 16TH.-Before Homersham Cox,.Esq., Judge. Th Llanbadarn Well Case.—Mis3 Mary Griffiths, Peny- fron, Llanbadarn Fawr, claimed of the School Board ClO damages for obstructing her ancient right of way to a well at the corner of defendants' school. Plaintiff also applied for- an injunction to restrain the defendants from a con- tinuance of the obstruction. The Llanbadarn Fawr gehool.Board demanded le4 14s. from John Griffiths, for damages done to Penyfron Board Schools.—Mr. A. J. Hughes appeared for the School Board and Mr. Edmund Kimber, London, for the Griffithses. The case Mary Griffiths v. the Llanbadarn School Board was first gone into, it being agreed that the decision should be conclusive in both cases. Mr. A. J. Hughes, and Mr. Kimber opened their respective cases.—Mary Griffiths, 42 years of age, said the old well was in the north-western corner. It was about a yard deep. There was water in the well throughout the year. Her father and mother drew water from the well, and witness had also drawn water from it. Before the extension of the schoolroom, witness went to the well around the front of the house, and also at the end of the school. She used the water for making tea, and all other purposes. Between 15 and 16 years ago the school authorities blocked up the way to the well at the back, and her brother John pulled the wall down. No pro- ceedings were then taken against him, but the Rev. John Pugh had a conversation with her mother, who did not care to be deprived of the water. In consequence of the stoppage of the way her mother dug another well behind her house on the side where the earth closett now existed. Mr J:. J. Atwood was {the Vicar's lawyer, and she heard Mr. Atwood say to Mr. Kilin, with reference to the extension of the school, Don't go any further without the consent of Margaret Griffiths." Since last February twelve months she had been compelled to go to Pistyll Padarn for water. She had complained to Mr. J. G. W. Bon- sall, the chairman of the Llanbadarn School Board, of the loss of the water. Some fifteen years ago pipes were put down from the well in the corner to the road, and in rainy weather some water ran out, but it was not drinkable.- Cross-examined: Her father died in 1846. John and Ann Jones had been her tenant for the past seven years, but she had not called them. Aim Jones got water from behind witness's house. That well was half on her side of the wall, which was built sixteen years ago. There was no water coming from the pipe to supply anyone. Her mother was very careful of the well in the corner, and covered it over with thorns to keep the school children away from it. Her mother kept ducks, but they did not go to the water. She could not say that the well was used as a privy by the school children. She would swear that they did not, as she and her mother made tea with the well water. If they did they would have been punished. The boys frequently told her mother that their companions had used the well as a urinal; but then her mother would have the well thoroughly cleaned out. Her mother complained to the schoolmaster when the children* committed a nuisance. She recollected attempting to sell a piece of land to the Llanbadarn School Board, and she gave a plan showing her property to David Jones, the clerk to the Llanbadarn School Board. She got the plan from her brother John. She made her first complaint to the Board about three years ago. She did not bring an action until she failed to sell a piece of land. The extension of the schoolroom left a very small space between the building and the rock, and a person would have to squeeze himself through to get at the well. She had got through two or three times.—By the Judge She had not used the water in the old well for sixteen years, but had got water from a well behind her house.—Re-examined: The school authorities had blocked up the old well by a wall and by the extension. The boys did not use the well as a privy. -By the Judge The coal-house was built in February, 1877. The closets were built on the school side, and the roofs rested on the wall built sixteen years ago.—Thomas* Griffiths, brother of the last witness, and defendant in an action, age thirty-nine, said he recollected, the place thirty-five years. Thirty-five years ago his father got water from the well in the corner, and had a way to it both in front and also behind the school. His mother also used the water and the way to it. The water was used for all domestic purposes. They got water from no- where else. About fifteen or sixteen years ago an obstruc- tion was made by extending the school, but he was able to get through to the well until the school authorities erected a coal shed near the school entrance. The pipes were laid from the well to the road-way to satisfy his mother, but he did not think it conveyed water. At any rate the water in the pail was filthy, and not drinkable. About two or three years ago the coal-house was built. When the old well was shut up another was dug by his brother behind the cottage and underneath the wall. The closets were put up two years ago, and the new well was filled up with rubbish, mortar, and stones. -By the Judge He could get at the new well, but the water was liable to be contaminated by the closets. Part of the new well was under the wall, upon which the closets rested. The wall was about ten inches off the closets.— Mr. Hughes submitted that there was no claim for pol- luting the water or stopping up the new well, but for damages^for'obstruction of right of way.—Cross-examined: He had a good memory, and could remember from four years of age. He had been in London seventeen years, and the extension had been made in his absence. If he opened the well at that moment there would be sufficient water to supply half-a-dozen houses. He did not believe the pipes had been properly laid. The well was two feet deep. He was behind the school on the previous day, and the rocks were dripping with water; and if he opened up the well there would be sufficient water to supply six houses. His sister now got water from Pistyll Padarn.— John Griffiths, 36, said he believed he was the son of the late John' Griffiths. When they wanted water the whole family got it from the old well until about two years ago, for all domestic purposes. Some individuals" closed up the well and afterwards made an extension of the school. The family then got water from what had been called the new well, which was in reality the end of a drain leading from the old well. The rock which projected near the side of the old well was his father's freehold property, and his father excavated the rock for the well. The foundations of the earth closets interfered with the drainage from the old well.—Cross-examined He pulled down the wall 16 years ago, but did not pull it down a second time because he did not think proper. The water ran towards the east. He never knew that boys used the well improperly.—John Humphreys, shoemaker 64, who had lived in Llanbadarn all his life, said the late John Griffiths was his brother-inrlaw, Griffiths died 32 years ago. He lived in the cottage about 15 years. He did not know where John Griffiths got water, and he did not know that there was a place near the school where water could be got. A place had been dug at a corner of the school and the neighbours got water from it without asking anvbodv's consent. There was whioh fimo through the pipes, but people had no faith in it since the erection of the closets. After the extension of the school it was impossible to squeeze through to the old well.— Cross-examined There being no closets attached to the school the cifildren went here, there and everywhere, but he never saw much nuisance near the well. The water in the well was the droppings from the side of the rock, and not a spring.—Jane Evans, 53, said at seven years of age she saw her father and a labourer dig the well in the corner. The children were not allowed to go to the well for water, but were supplied at the house. After the extension of the school she had squeezed through and had obtained water. Since that time a coal shed had completely closed the aperture.—Mary Humphreys, 44. Mary Lewis, 70, John Hughes, weaver, 67, and Morgan Rees, 66, also gave evidence.—His Honour said he should not call upon Mr. Hughes for the defence. If the evi- dence had proved anything it was that the general public hadfas much right to the well water as the Griffithses. He was not sure that the well was a well according to the legal definition. The plaintiff (Mary Griffiths) would therefore be nonsuited.—Mr. Hughes asked for costs on the higher scale, and also for judgment for the amount claimed by the'Llanbadarn School Board, and his Honour granted the application, but hoped the Board would not press for more than ordinary costs, and the actual amount of the damage. Mr. Hughes said he would see that the recommendation was communicated to the School Board. Several cases were adjourned to the next Court. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 22nd.-Before David Roberts, Esq. (mayor), J. W. Szlumper, Esq., John Rees, Esq., and John Watkins, Esq. Drunkenness.—J. D. Jones, painter, Bridge-street, was charged by Mr. Supt. Lloyd with having been drunk at Aberystwyth on the 14th May.—Defendant, who was re- presented by his father, was fined 2s. 6d., and costs. School Board Caaes.- Ed ward Watkins, master mariner Sea View Place, first summons, 2s. 6d., and costs, alto- gether, 5s.; Mary Hawks, widow, High street, first sum- mons, excuse, sickness, ordered to attend school; Morgan Evans, stoker, Prospect-street, 2s. 6d., and costs; Joseph Jones, ship carpenter, Trefechan; Thoa. Smith, painter Moor-street, and Evan Humphreys, mariner, Penmaes Glas-road, 5s., including costs each.—The Clerk prose- cuted, and the attendance officer gave evidence. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, MONDAY, MAY 20.— Present; Mr. H. C. i Fryer,' chairman, Mr. Morris Davies, and Mr. Abraham James, vice-chairmen, the Rev. W. Davies, Messrs. John James, Aberystwyth, John Jenkins, Isaac Williams, John Jones, Tre'rddol' John Paull, Richard Morris, John Pryse, Hugh Jones,' David Rees, James Morgan, Edward Hamer, David Morgan, John Morgan; Hugh Hughes, clerk; David Jones, assistant clerk; Morris Jones and J. E. Hughes, medical officers. Statistics.—Oat-relief administered during the past fort- night: Aberystwyth district, per Mr. T. G. Thomas, £47 14s. to 206 paupers; Llanfihangal Geneu'rglyn dis- trict, per Mr. John Jones, 265 2s. 6d. to 274 paupers; liar-district, per W: Joseph Morgan, jB52 7s. 9d. to 208 paupers. Number in the house, 72; vagrants relieved, 49, an increase of 32 on the corresponding fortnight of last year. Balance in the bank, 2,343 6s. 6d. ° The Aberystwyth Election.-The Chairman asked if any order had been received from the Local Government Board respecting the Lte Aberystwyth election.—The Clerk replied in the negative, and said he expected to have received an order to fill up the vacancy. rm. THE ALLEGED IRREGULARITIES. j.1. TO- i l IKSIAI^ 8a*d the following was the report of the Workhouse Committee on the investigation of the stores in the House Gentlemen,—Your House Committee met at the Workhouse on Saturday, May IMi, ana took stock (by actual weighing) of all the groceries, provisions, and necessaries in store in the house, and also made a minute inspection of the Master's books. The Committee met again on Tuesday, May 7. in order to con- sider the results of the previous stock-taking and inspection of the books. On this occasion there were present Messrs. H. C. Fryer, Morris Davies, A. James, Edward Hamer, John James, David Rees, Edward Lloyd, J. Williams, and J. Jenkins, mem- bers of the Committee also Messrs. James. James, D. Morgan, and J. Edwards, members of the Board. After a comparison of the quantities of goods actually in store with the amounts shown by the Master's books as in stock, and a careful consider- ation of all the facts and figures before them, your committee arrived at the unanimous opinion that although serious defi- ciences are shown to exist in the quantities of some of the stock, and irregularities in keeping the books are apparent, there is no evidence to justify an assumption of fraud on the part of the Master. Your Committee, therefore, recommend that the Master be retained at his post, but that he be called upon to make good in cash to the satisfaction of the Committee, the de- ficiencies shown to exist in the stock on May 4th, the day of the 3 bUCK- On behalf of the Committee, H. C. FRYER, Chairman. That, he might add, was the unanimous conclusion arrived at by the members of the Committee, and there was a con- siderable number present, after the matter had been thoroughly investigated. Mr. JONES, Tre'rddol—Did not know whether it was right or wrong, but he should like to make a few remarks upon the soap business. He believed the amount con- sumed at the Aberystwyth Workhouse was 40 lbs. per week, which was about double what was consumed at other Workhouses. The CHAIRMAN said he should be glad to hear anything that was said, but at the same time he would remind the Board that the Committee had gone thoroughly into the investigation. Mr. JONES remarked that the day of reckoning would have to come. At Machynlleth Workhouse 16 lbs. were used, and at Newtown and Llanidloes 15 lbs. The CHAIRMAN said if Mr. Hamer were present, he would be able to show that in those Workhouses a much larger quantity of soft soap was used than at Aberystwyth. Mr. JmiEs said he would prove that more soap had been used at Aberystwyth during the past year than at Newtown and Llanidloes, Machynlleth, and Ruthin com- bined. The Master of the Machynlleth Union had told him that the consumption of soap depended a great deal. upon the number of imbeciles and the number of confine- ments in the House. The CLEHK said tltat 29 lbs. were used at Aberystwyth last week. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES said that told all the worse. The ASSISTANT CLERK added that the consumption was 31 lbs. in the first week of the March quarter. Mr. Joir, s thought it right that the public should know why he had- taken the course he had taken. He had been blamed for ever bothering himself about the soap question, and he thought it fair to show that there had been a consumption quite different from that at other Unions. He could prove i in writing. Mr. JOHN JAMES thought all the Guardians admitted that. Mr. JONES remarked that Mr. Pugh had called what had occurred, "little irregularity." Mr. Moitnis DAVIES said he must protest, as a member of the Board, agafnst such definition. It had been all along called "alleged irregularities," and he protested against it. The CHAIRMAN uaid the question was, were the mem- bers of the Board prepared to go through the whole proceedings again after the Committee had devoted two afternoons already to the investigation. Mr. JOHN JAMES said it was rather unfortunate that Mr. Jones, Tre'rddol, did not attend the committee meeting. Mr. JONES admitted that the report was correct. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES said the Board could carry the matter no further, and therefore he moved the adoption of the report. Mr. PAULL seconded the motion. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES said the committee all agreed that the matter was most unsatisfactory, but there was no criminal fraud. Mr. JOHN JAMES remarked that the committee had thoroughly investigated the subject, and he did not think any good could be gained from a further discussion. Mr. PAULL said be had been told by an old guardian that stock was not taken when the master took office, and that therefore he had to bear a heavier burden than he ought to bear. Mr. JONES, Tre'rddol, said he did not wish to bind the master down to a hundred pounds or so, but he thought some remark should be made upon the large consumption. The CHAIRMAN remarked that in taking stock the com- mittee found that there were some .things which had not been put down upon the books. If, however, the Board went into the question of soap again, they could not help going into the question of flour, and into the other subjects. The guardians would see that by the com- mittee's decision a heavy penalty was inflicted upon the master. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES-A tremendous penalty. The CHAIRMAN said it was reckoned at over £100. It would be a very heavy penalty for the Master. Mr. JOHN JAMES said the Master had not the option to make up the goods, but had to pay the money value of the deficiencies. Mr. JQJJES said at the last meeting hp was contradicted when he was making a true statement. The CHAIRMAN did not think that. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES said if people outside knew Mr. Jones's character they would not doubt his statement for a minute. Mr. JONEs-According to what is used in other Unions loilbs. of soap ought to be sufficient here. The CHAIRMAN remarked that the committee did not hesitate to state that there had been too much soap used. Mr. ABRAHAM JAMES added that the committee did not justify Thomas, the Master. The CHAIRMAN said if they had justified him, they should not have asked him to make good the deficiencies. They had not taken the deficiencies of one or two'years back, but altogether. It was quite possible that all those things had not been all sent into the workhouse. In fact Thomas might have been the victim. All the committee said was, that in spite of the deficiencies they could see nothing to justify an assumption of fraud on the part of the Master. Mr. JONES, Tre'rddol, said he quite agreed with it. The Master said he had received all the goods. He could say, I might have been cheated." He believed that the con- sumption of soap was 401bs. before March. The CHAIRMAN thought that by dividing the total of what came into the house, the consumption would be 401bs. per week. The ASSISTANT-CLERK said 401bs. was put down as the consumptipn per week for the quarter before March. Mr. ABRAHAM JAMES suggested that in future all orders should be signed by the House Committee, and that the Master should see that the quantities were sent into the house. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES said what he was going to say would lead up to the subject referrred to by Mr. James Mr. Davies then went on to suggest the formation of two committees composed of three members each, one of which to superintend the building, &c., and then to fix the exact amount of deficiency, the value of it, and see thf.t the money wa3 paid forthwith by the Master, to order goods to carry on the maintenance of the house, and to see to the extra number of pigs, &c. The CHAIRMAN said the Board had not yet decided upon the report which had been presented. Mr. JONES, Tre'rddol, said he had no amendment, but only a few remarks to make to justify his conduct. The. CHAIRMAN did not think that at all necessary. Mr. MORRIS DAVIES then proposed, and' Mr.' PAULL seconded, the adoption of the report in its integrity. The CHAIRMAN read the report over again, and Mr. MOORIS DAVIES suggested that the words fraud of any kind by the Master" should be altered to "fraud on the part of the Master." The Master, he added, had been' dishonest to the Guardians. There might be such a thing as moral fraud,, though not criminal. The CHAIRMAN did not think the Board could observe such niceties. Mr. ABRAHAM JAMES said he should like to ask the Board about intoxicating drink. He should like to have the opinion of the Board-upon the question whether they thought it proper to have it in the house. Mr. JOHN. JAMES said the water was not good. Mr. ABRAHAM JAMES said the water was good enough. He drank water. Most of the men in the house had ruined their constitution and everything that belonged to them, and why should the Guardians give them beer- treat them with the horrid stuff ? (Laughter.) Mr. MORRIS DAVIES-Oh, Mr. James. Do you call beer horrid stuff? (Laughter.) Mr. ABRAHAM JAMBS—It is horrid stuff. (Laughter.) The CHAIRMAN said he believed that in some unions the medical officers did not allow any intoxicating drink, and he understood that it had had a good effect. Mr. JOHN JAMES said the quantity consumed at Aberystwyth was very small. The CHAIRMAN said fourteen pints a week were allowed. It was a medical question. The CLERK remarked that none was allowed the Master. Mr. ABRAHAM JAMES said he wanted'to stop alcoholic drinks going to the workhouse. The CHAIRMAN said the Clerk could make enquiries as to the results in other unions. The CLERK stated that the drink was allowed to inmates who had disagreeable work to perform. Mr. ABRAHAM JAMES believed tobacco would do quite as well. Mr. PRYSE thought Welsh cheese should be consumed, as English cheese created a relish for beer. (Laughter.) The CHAIRMAN said that 21bs. of English cheese were allowed per week, but that was for the officers. The in- mates used Welsh cheese. He thought Welsh cheese re- quired a drop of beer with it. (Laughter.) Mr. ABRAHAM JAMES said he also thought the auditor should have his dinner elsewhere. Mr. JOHN JAMES said it was really getting unreason- able. It seemed to be mean and paltry in the extreme to forbid the auditor the use of the fire and cooking utensils. Mr. ABRAHAM JAMES also believed some of the Guar- dians got a good feed at the Workhouse. (Laughter). Mr. JONES, Tre'rddol, said there was an impression abroad that the auditor had been getting excellent dinners at the Workhouse. He thought it would be mean to stop him having the use of the fire. The CHArRMAN said the question had been put to the Master about the auditor, and he replied that the auditor brought provisions and Mrs. Thomas cooked them for him. It no doubt saved him time, and very likely ex- pease. Mr. PAULL thought the latter very likely. There was one hotel where the visitor had to pay 8s. It was called "cooking his goose." (Laughter.) Mr. JOHN JAMES did not think the Master would sup- ply anything for nothing in the future, for if he did so it would all have to come out of his own pocket. A long conversation then occurred as to whether two committees should be formed, or whether the work should be given to the House Committee. Eventually it was decided to convene a meeting of the House Committee for next Saturday at two o'clock. t > ROWN COUNCIL, TUESDAY, MAY 21.— Present; Mr. David Roberts, mayor, Alderman Thomas Jones, Councillors John Jones, Bridge-end, George Green, Thomas Griffiths, Peter Jones, J. R. Jones, Thomas Davies, John Jenkins. Mr. W. H. Thomas, Town Clerk, Mr. D. Lloyd, Mr. Rees Jones, Surveyor, Mr. David Jones, Accountant. INTEREST. On the motion of Mr. JOHN JONES, seconded by Mr. THOS. GRIFFITHS, it was agreed to pay interest on 2500 due on the 17th May. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Mr. REES JONES, town surveyor, reported as follows:— Cnjnfryn R(-,w.-In accordance with instructions received at the last meeting, I have made a close inspection of this yilace, as well as of the flight of stone steps leading from the Row to the Marine Terrace. The nuisance eomplained of could in my opinion be remedied to a great extent by the placing of an ad- ditional grating at the northern end of the row of houses. The waste water would thus be intercepted. Oh inspecting Mill-street I found that the occupiers in that street and locality invariably complain of the noxious smell arising from the uncovered drain which "runs from the Gas Works to the river. I must say that it would be very desirable to have the drain covered in, but of course the work would necessarily entail a somewhat heavy cost. I beg to draw your attention to the apparent necessity for urinal accommodation in different parts of the town. Mr. JONES, Bridge-end, proposed, Mr. THOS. DAVIES seconded, and it was agreed to adopt the report as it re- ferred to Crynfryn Row. The MAYOR believed the Corporation could not carry out the covering over of the drain at present. Mr. JoNES, Bridge-end, thought the work should be done. The question had been considered before, and the expense estimated at £600. The MAYOR suggested that the water in the culvert near the station should be turned into the drain. The SURVEYOR believed the expense would be half as much as the expense of covering over the drain. Eventually it was decided to direct the Surveyor to see if the work could be done, and at what expense. Mr. JONES, Bridge-end, said the urinal accommodation had beeh' agreed to many times, but the question of a water supply had prevented it being carried out. The MAYOR thought one should be erected at the end of North-parade. People would then see that urinals would not cause a nuisance. Mr. GREEN proposed that two urinals should be erected, and that one should be placed near the Market in St. J ames's-square. Mr. JONES, Bridge-end, seconded the motion, and it was agreed to, the question of price, sites, &c. being referred to the Public Works Committee. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Mr. JONES, Bridge-end, convener of the Public Works Committee, reported as follows :— A meeting of the Public Works Committee was held on the 18th May, on North-road, present, Messrs. D. Roberts, mayor Thomas Jones, G. Green, Isaac Morgan, J. Jenkins, J. Jones' Bridge-end, convener, and R«es Jones, town surveyor. Width of School-laiie. -The Committee met- Or. H. C. Fryer by appointment respecting the width of School-lane. It was agreed, and it is hereby recommended that the width of this street be 30 feet in the clear. The Surveyor was ordered to ascertain the correct limits of the boundary between Sir Pryse Pryse, Bart.'s property and that of the Corporation on the north of School-lane, by comparing the map produced with the conveyance map, and to report to the Council. The SURVEYOR said he had compared the maps, and found that they agreed. The boundary was 145 feet down from the National School wall. Mr. JONES, Bridge-end, moved the adoption of the re- port, and it was carried, DRAINAGE OF PENPARKAU. The MAYOR read a letter from Mr.* J. T. MORGAN, stating that his uncle did not agree to have the drain run- ning through Penybont Farm, but he would agree to a yearly rent of one guinea, to retain the power to stop the drainage at any time should it become necessary. He would U" not^agree to alease, but would undertake hot to disturb the drain without giving three years' notice. The MAYOR said he supposed the drainage would again have to stand over for a time. ° Mr. JONES, Bridge-end, said the Corporation could drain another way, but some houses would then be left out. As they were, however, on Mr. Morgan's property, the Council would have to call upon him to provide drainage or pull the houses down. The subject was eventually referred to the Public Works Committee, as was also the question of laying pipes through a part of the Nanteos Estate. THE WATER QUESTION. Mr. R. Gilbertson, M.R.C.S., Mr. T. D. Harries F.R.C.S., Mr. Jacob Roberts, M.R.C.S., and Mr. J M. Jones, M.R.C.S., attended the Council with respect to the water question, Mr. GILBERTSON said—We have come to represent to the Town Council the threatened dearth of -water this summer. Simon's well is virtually dry. I do not know, but these three gentlemen who have visited the well say that it is now dry, and unless something be done, we fear that we shall be badly off in the summer time. I have spoken to some members of the Town Council, and they tell me that more water may be had by opening up Simon's well. If anybody thinks so let it be done, or at any rate let something be done. We are quite sure that something should be done in order to avert a great calamity in the summer. It is not only my opinion, but it seems to be the opinion of a great number of the townspeople, that we cannot rely upon the Flats as a permanent source of water for the town. We have abundance of proof that there is not a sufficient supply, besides which it is an ex- pensive plan. We cannot expect that another scheme can be brought into operation this summer, and therefore we think that the most should be made of the present supply, and if the Council think they can find more water by opening up the well at the Flats by all means let it be done at once. It is a matter that has already seriously affected the town, and will affect it still more. Mr. GREEN-I should like to say a word or two in reply to what Mr. Gilbertson has now stated. I think that the idea respecting Simon's well having become dry has originated from a reply which the Town Surveyor made to a question which I put at the last meeting. Mr. HARRIES—We have seen the well. That is the origin of it. Mr. GREEN—I would inform you all that you are labouring under a great mistake if you suppose that Simon's well is any drier now than any time you have known it. There is as much water flowing now from Simon's Well as ever there was, and it is not in any way diminished or likely to be. Last summer the town was admirably well supplied, yet from Simon's well proper we had scarcely any water at all, because the pipes which connected the well with the pipes at the time were com- pletely stopped up. In consequence of that a new line of pipes has been laid to the well, which now convey the whole of the water, so that altogether with the water we had last summer and the Simon's well water the town will have a greater supply this summer than the last. But I quite agree with one thing which has been men- tioned by Mr. Gilbertson that we should have more water, and I have many times made proposals in order to accom- plish that object. I hope the presence here of these gen- tlemen to-day will assist me in carrying out what I am quite sure will settle this question. It is plain that the scheme which has been laid down, and for which the town has been put to the expense of getting Parliamentary powers, has not been carried. out. The pipes have not been laid in such a manner as to command the deep sealed springs, neither has that ground in which springs are known to exist been' connected with the well. By cutting the drain near Mr. Hughes's house a large quantity of water flowed out. That was seen by the com- mittee and I think if that water was gauged it would be found that there wasupwards of 200,000 gallons there per day. At any rate there would be equal to that quantity there, and I think that water should be analysed. There is no doubt but that it is pure spring water- .as good water as can be had. If it were connected with the 9-in. pipes laid on this side of the railway, and another pump placed by the side of the present on the Council would be able to give the inhabitants of the town at any rate 50 gallons per head per day. The total cost would be no more than that of the extra pump and some other improvements' for the engine and boiler, which would not be more than £110. That money would be repaid in the first year's working. I have stated that over and over again, and why it has not been done is a thing I cannot understand. With regard to Simon's well being dry it is no such thing. The pump kept on at work for several hours makes no im- pression on the water. In fact. same time ago they tried to empty the well but failed to do so, although the pump was working at double its usual speed. u Mr. GILBERTSON—What depth from the surface are the pipes from Simon's well ? Mr. GREEK—About 9 or 10.inches below the bottom of the well. Mr, THOS. DAVIES—About 2 feet from the surface. Mr.' GREEN—There is the same quantity flowing from Ae. welLagrTCertherc was. -r Mr.. PETER JONE3POssibly Mr. Rees Jones will make a statement on the subject. Mr. GREEN—If you call upon Mr. Kee3 Jones I shall call for the engine men, because his statement varies totally from theirs. I have watched the pump fre- quently and find that it makes scarcely any impression upon M^^PETHR JONES—I think it better that Mr. Rees Jones, ,being a paid official of the town, should be relied upon.' I cannot conceive why Mr. Green should object to any person 8 statement before it was made. It is for Mr. Green to ask further questions if what is said does not agree with his ideas. I should like also to call your attention to a statement made by Mr. Green. He says that there is 200,000 gallons in the drain near Mr. Hughes's house, and afterwards he informs you that if that water were conducted into the pipes you would be able to supply each inhabitant with 50 gallons of water. Now the inhabitants of the town in summer are about 10,000, so that it would take 500,000 gallons to supply them at 50 gallons per head. Mr. JONES, Bridge-end—I think Mr. Green has offered an insult to the surveyor in wishing to accept the state- ment of a person earning 18s. per week in preference to his statement. Mr. HARRlEs-I should like to say award or two. WQ are all allowed to form and express our opinions. I went up to the well twice recently. On one occasion I took with me a great supporter of the Flats scheme, Mr. A. J. Hughes, and also Mr. Temple, and I asked them, is there enough water there to supply the town ? They both said, there was no water there. Mr. Green must think us idiots or blind, if we could not see what water was there. There was not two gallons of water in the well. It is strange that Mr. Green should see ratings which are not to be seen by other people. We, however, to-day want to support his views. If there be a sufficient quantity of water in Simon's well let it be tested by opening it up. It cannot be done in the winter when there is plenty of water everywhere, but it must be done in the summer, even though it is objectionable to do so then. I believe that if you do dig deeper, you will find no more water than you find now. As to Mr. Green's talking about there being a quantity of water in the well, gentlemen, vul- garly speaking, it is all bosh. We axe not all blind. Mr. GREEN-I should like to ask Dr. Harries where the town was supplied last summer? Mr. HAttRIES-OUt of the.cracks left in the water pipes. Mr. GREEN—I did not leave the cracks in the pipes. Mr. HARRIES—Your men did. Mr. GREEN—No, my men did not. You said that there was not a drop of water in the well. Mr. HARRIES—There was a drop there; but do you object to sinking the well. ..■> Mr. GREEN—No, but I object to sinking the well when there is an abundance of water. All I wish to avoid is the waste of money. If you take the trouble to go up to the well you will see that there is plepty of water there. If you spend 2200 you would get fifty gallons of water for every inhabitant. Go up there and put the engine on at full speed and then you will see the water coming up. Mr. GILBERTsoN-Has any reply been received from Mr. Arnold Taylor ? The TOWN CLERK—No. The MAYOR—Let us hear what Mr. Rees Jones has to say. Mr. REES J OWES, the surveyor-I will speak about the pumping, shaft connected with Simon's well. As to billion's well, a week last Saturday I went up there on being informed that the water had sunk down to the bottom. I found that such was the case, and I could hear the water dropping down to the pipes. As to the quantity of water in the pump well, about three weeks ago I was going up in the afternoon to Plas Crug walk, when I saw muddy water coming out of the discharge pipe, I went into the engine shed and asked the men what they were doing, and they said they were pumping the mud out of the bottom of the well so as to clean it. I believe that the water was below the bottom of the well, and that the engine was pumping the mud up from the bottom.. Mr. GILBERTSÔN-How much water was there running in the tunnel ? The SURVEYOR—The pump was keeping it down. Mr. GILBERXSON- What is the power of the engine ? Mr. GREEN—9,600 gallons per hour. The MAYOR—Were they able to clean the well? The SURVEYOR-Yes. Mr. GREEN—The engine man, Hugh Morris, told me yesterday mornin, that they never had the well dry. They had made an effort to pump the well dry by putting the engine on at double speed but they could not do it. Mr. HARRIES-If you turn the river Rheidol into the pipes you can get plenty of water to keep your engine going to all eternity. It is the quality of the water that is important. Mr. GREEN—As to the quality eut off the connection with the reservoir, open the valve, and put the engine on at full speed for six hours, and then take the water and get it analysed. You will then see what the quality of the water is. Mr. HARRIES—You have had the water analysed. Mr. PETER JONEs-I beg to move, sir, that a committee of the whole Council meet next Friday and try to devise ipeans to supply water to the town this summer. Mr. GREEN—I will second it provided these gentlemen accompany us. Mr. JONES, Bridge-End—With or without I will second the motion. At the same time I hope the Council will request the medical gentlemen to attend. We will visit the well and afterwards hold a meeting of the committee. After a conversation, Mr. HARRIES said-You will never satisfy us Mr. Green. We have come to the opinion that the well should be sunk deeper. The MAYOR-Sinking the well is a serious matter as it interferes with the elevation. Mr. JACOB ROBERTS—If the spring from Mr. Hughes's field could be connected there would be a great addition to the water supply. <» It was then arranged to meet at Plas Crug at three o'clock on Friday to visit the well, and to afterwards meet to decide upon an adequate water supply for the town for the ensuing summer. RAJES. A general district rate of Is. 6d. in the pound, and a water rate of Is. in the pound was al- lowed and signed by the Mayor and the requisite number of Councillors. PAINTING, &C. Mr. PETER JONES, on behalf of Mr. James, convener of the Finance Committee, recommended that the tender of Mr. Gornall for painting, plumbing, and glazing, and Mr. Richard Jenkihs's tender for gas fitting, be accepted. The recommeniation was adopted on the motion of Mr. Green. BOATS AND BATHING MACHINES. It was agreed tograiit licences to owners of bathing machines. Messrs. Edward Humphreys, John Watkins, and Peter Jones, were appointed a committee to inspect the pleasure boats before the owners were licensed. In- spector P. S. Evans reported that the bathing-machine keepers gave greater satisfaction last year than ever he had heard of before. Mr. THOMAS DAVIES thought the bathing machine owners could afford to keep a man to rescue persons who were in distress when bathing. Mr. PETER J ONES—Better have a lady who is able to swim. Mr. JONES, Bridge-end—Are there no ladies able to swim? Mr. PETER JOEs-Oh, yes, capitally."(Laughter.) The Towi CLERK—Well I think you had better have a man at the gentlemen's machines. No ladies have been drowned. The MAYOR—We will leave that to the Committee. Mr. PETER JONES—Perhaps Captain Humphreys will aspire to the honour. (Laughter.) CASTLE KEEPER. There were five applications for the office of castle keeper-Thomas R. Davies, R. Newell, John EVARS, John Edwards, Poplar-row, and John Edwards, late Market Tavern. Thomas R. Davies was the old castle keeper. He sent in two testimonials, one from Mr. Rd. Parry, and the other from Mr. T. C. Evans. The latter trusted "that your lordships would re-appoint him." Robert Newell said in his application, I am well known to most of the Town Council, as I have been employed by them for the last six years to coal tar the churchyard," &c. The votes were taken by ballot" and eventually John Edwards, late Market Tavern, was elected. MR. BAILEY DENTON'S ACCOUNT. The TOWN CLERK said Messrs. Bailey Denton, Son, and North, had applied for jBlOO on account of business done in respect of the Melindwr Water Scheme. Mr. GRBEN re-expressed his opinion that the engineers should be asked for their bill of expenses up to the present date. After some conversation Mr. J. JONES, Bridge-end pro- posed, Mr. J. R. JONES seconded, and it was agree to pay the £100. MORTGAGEES. The MAYOR said the next subject was to consider the replies received by the Town- Clerk from the mortgagees of the i-nuiiicipal property and general district and water rates, to the applications made to them, whether they were willing to accept a reduced rate of interest on the amounts due to them respectively, or to allow the same to be paid off on six months' notice to be given by the Corporation, aiid to take such further steps in the matter as to the Council should seem meet. Mr. LLOYD read the names of those persons who con- sented to the reduction and those who did not consent. The total amount of the loan was 235,000. Out of that sum the lenders of 219,100 consented to take 4 per cent., and the lenders of 27,300 refused. On the motifln of Mr. JOHN JONES, seconded by Mr. GREEN, it was agreed to authorize the Town Clerk to give six months' notice to each of the mortgagees who have given him notice that they prefer to receive their mortgage money at the expiration thereof. The next subject on the agenda paper was to enter into an agreement with the proposed lenders, that they will, at the expiration of six months, advance to the Corporation such an amount as may be required to pay off the present mortgagees who require their mortgage money to be paid up. After a short conversation, Mr. JONES, Bridge-end, was requested to communicate with certain persons to ascertain whether they would be reaay to lond money in six months' time. CORPORATION STREET. Misses E. Williams, Gayney Griffiths, Mary Jane James, Annie Jenkins, and others, residents of Corpor- ation-street, called attention to the nuisance of placing carts and other vehicles opposite their respective houses on every Monday and other days. The Inspector was directed to request that the carts should be sent elsewhere. DELIVERY OF LETTERS. The MAYOR read a letter from Mr. William Meredith, saying that some months ago he was engaged for several weeks in obtaining signatures of ratepayers and others, to a memorial to the Postmaster-General praying for an earlier arrival of the mail train. As the body of the ratepayers had been benefited, he requested some re- muneration from the Council. The members were of opinion that those persons who had engaged Mr. Griffiths, should pay him, although it was acknowledged that his services had been beneficial to the town generally.