The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

ABERYSTWYTH. COUNTY COURT, FRIDAY, JANUARY 17TH.- Before his Honour William Evans, deputy judge. Onbiishee.—In this case William Evans. bai iff, Llanbailarn, was plaintiff, Richard Claridge and Wife Dyff>yn C«stell, defendant and Edward EH is, auctioneer, garnishee. Mr W. P. OWFN appeared for the plaintiff and Mr John Evans for the garnishee. It appeared that the b iliff ha obtained judgment against Claridge for jE9 13s. Before plaintiff obtained judgment, Mr Ellis was called in under process of the Court to sell furniture t.) satisfy £17 rent due to Mi L^vington. Claridge was in London and was only able to send his wife and ten children 10s. a week for their maintenanc e Whw, therefore, the landlord threatened distress Clardge told his wife to sell everything, and, with the children. go to Londor. She then authorised Mr Ellis to sell everything, and he consequently swe the lot, realizing f.43 17s. lid. He paid sums out to Mrs Claridge to pay her and the children's ralway fare to London, and to provide them with fcod and decent clothing which, with his fees, ex- iwraated the balance after paying rent with the ex- ception of El 8s. which was piti-I into C art. Mr Jwen contended that as Mr Ellis was acing as bailiff (as was shown by the sale poster) he was en- titled to such fees only as were provided for by Court scale, whereas Mr Evans contended th"t as Mr Ellis acted on instructions from Mrs Claridge he was entitled to ordinary auctioneer's fees -The Judge decided that Mr Ellis acted as bailiff in eespect of the whole of the sale, and was entitled to scale fees only.-Mr Owen then contended thaI Mr Ellis was not entitled to have sold more than was'sufficient to satisfy the rent, but having sold the lot and Mrs Claridge having received the sum- mons in respect of plaintiff's claim (which was in- curred through his paying out an execution on Claridge'e goods) he should have kept the money in hand to satisfy that summons.-The Judge having ascertain-d that judgment was not ob- tained until after the sale, said he knew no authority by which a man was bound to hold money in hand on receiving notice of action. He therefore gave judgment only for such sums as the Registrar should find to have been charged by Mr Ellis acting as haihff beyond the scale fees. Davies v. Chamberlain. -Evan Davies. fish seller, Aberystwyth, sued John Chamberlain for the re- covery of El 6s. for herrings. Mrs Davies said the herrings were sold for il 9s. in October two years ago. Defendant paid 3s. on the following Satur- day but though he had since promised to pay the balance he had not done so. He sold the fish Mrs Neale, giving evidence, also said the defendant sold the fish. -Defendant, on the other hand, said the plaintiff had tried to cure one lot of the fish, but Aberystwyth fish would not cure, and the fish going had, he had to give them to a man for his pigs. He'produced a letter from Evan Jones say- be had received a cask of berrJDge. -As it appeared that defendant acknowledged having received a box of fresh herrings which did not go bad," the Judge made an order to pay a guinea.—On the Judge asking how he could pay, defendant said he was only receiving 15s. a week and had seven children.—Plaintiff said she had eight children and no man to help her, whereas the defendant's wife worked as well as he and they had a lot of pigs in the stye. Defendant had plenty of money to get drink on Saturdays.—The Judge made an order for the payment of 2s. 6d. a mon h. Williams v. Jones.-William Williams (Will Teiiwr), shoemaker, Gas Works, sued Mrs Jones, Bee hive-terrace, Trefechan, lodging-house keeper, for the recovery of £1 the value of tools and clothes alleged to have been detained. When the case was called on, the plaintiff xaid he had no money to pay the Court fees, but he produced what he called a character from the Home Secretary. The Registrar said he had seen it before.—Plaintiff then asked "to be trusted," but the Judge said he had come to the wrong shop for trust. (Laughter). Plaintiff then retired for a short while and i e- turned with la., but was teld 2s were wanted.— Ultimately the 2s. were produced and the casi- was proceeded with. He stated that nine months ago he was lodging at the defendant's and his clothes and tools had been kept after he left her place, He left for fear he would get slaughtered. (Laughter). —Defendant stated that Captain Evans, of the Church Army, brought the plaintiff to her house between ten and twelve one night and told her he had a respectable man who wanted lodgings and she took him in. One Sunday after coming from the Sunday School -the saw P S Davies, a private constable, and the plaintiff, near her house, and on going there found that the plaintiff said he had lost 2s. She gave him all his clothes and some shoemaker's tools she had given him (belonging to her late husband) and he took everything away.—On being asked by Will (the plaintiff) how much money he had lost in her house, defendant exclaimed, laughing, Name of Goodness, how could you lose anything when you had nothing to pay your lodgings with on Saturday ?" She did not live in Beehive-terrace 9 months ago.-Wm. Morris, North Parade, who was called by plaintiff, said he gave plaintiff an order to make three pairs of boots, but he said he could m t make the boots because he had no tools, and he could not get the tools because he owed money forhis lodgings. He said he owed eighteen pence. Gave him the eighteen pence and had not Seen his boot", or his tool. t-ince. (Laughter). -The Judge having said Mr Morris's evidence did not carry the c-se much further, plaintiff asked that the case might be adjourned for the truth.The Judge said that was what he wanted, but he must get some witnesses to give it.—P.S. Davies, who was in court, was called and said he stopped at ti-e lodging house for a quarter of an hour and saw plaintiff take everything away. Four years ao plaintiff accused some one of taking 2s.-Plaintiff I lost £ 7 5s.—Defendant: Oh.— P.S. Davies added tt>at it was a common lodging house.—Plaintiff sa>d the Sergeant was a cruel sergeant and h.d taken his bed fr ,m ul,der him five times—P.S. Davies said he had executed orders of ejectment, and the Judge said the Officer had only performed his duty.— Plaintiff then said he could not have got a character from the Home Secretary unless he was an honest man.—The Judge asking to see the character, plaintiff produced an empty envelope marked wi, h the Home Office. He added that he was a splendid workman.—The Judge said the envelope WAS marked 1894 and was addressed to Beehive-terrace —The defendant, however, said she had not lived there for a year and a half —The Judge said he would adjourn the case, but intimated to the defendant, tht she need not at-end the next court. De Son Tort.-The Cardigans-hire Coai Company, Cros-wood, sued Morgan Jones, labourer, Llan- gawsai, as executor de son tort of Morgan and Elizabeth Jones, deceased, for El 8 for coals -Mr Hugh Hughes appeared for defendant, and having proved full administration of the deceased's estate, judgment was given for the defendant without costs. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, MONDAY, JANUARY 20TH.—Present Twenty guardians. F.-nanci,il.-The rrpoit of tile Finance Committee which recommended the payment of bills, &c., amounting to about JE70, was adopted. The Industrial Tlainer.-A communication was read from the Local Government Board statirg that from a report received from Mr Bircham respecting industriat training under Miss Bennett, it appeared that the number of children under her training was less than would allow of an award being grante i in respect of her salary.-The Chairman (Mr W. A. Miiler): So we will lose the gra- t -Mr Ellis Morgan (Aberystwyth) asked how much the grant wa- and the Clerk replied it was fl3 6s 8d.—Mr B. Ellis Morgan observed that they h<d been ex- pecting that action for some time.—Mr J Bunce Morgan (Uianireaaj as&ea it they could do without -an iudustrial trainer, and Mr Ellis Morgan replied that they could not, adding that in another fort- night the required number of children necessary to have under training to procure the grant might be made up.—In reply to a question, the Master (Mr William Jones) said thrte children received training, and the required number was six.-The Chairman sugg-sted that the letter be referred to the House Committee to make some new arrange- ment—Mr Hugh Hughes (Aberystwyth) proposed this, and Mr J. Bunce M rgan sec nded the pro- position, observing that the House Committee would look carefully into the matter. —The Chairman, re- plying to a question, said it would not be advisable to dismiss the industrial trainer. 10 a fortnight, perhaps, several more children would be admitted into the house.—The proposition was then agreed to. The Hou8e.-The Master reported that the number of inmates in the house was 50, as again-t .58 last year, and the number of vagrants relieved, was 38, against 50 last year corresponding period. The children and a number of the inmates attended a performance of the Prince of Wales cantat at St Phillip's Hall on January 15th at the invi. atioll of the Committee. Mr Geddes Smith, Brynymor, presented the inmates with a number of illustrated papers on the 17th January.—On the proposit on ot Mr J. M. Williams (Borth), seconded by Mr Ellis Morgan, a vote of thanks was accorded the donors for their kindness Lunatics in Workhouses.-In accordance with notice previously given Mr Hugh Hughea proposed thar. the following resolution forwarded by the Chorlton Guardians be adopted :—" That the grant of 4s a week at present given to Board of Guardians to pay for pauper lunatics in County Asylums, Registered Hospitals, and Licensed Houses, should also be given for chronic pauper lunatics who are maintained in workhouses wards under special regulations and to the sa'isfaction of the Commissioners in Lunapy."—Mr Salmon (Aber- yatwyth) secouded the motion, which was agreed to unarimoisly. The Treatment of Casuals.—The Chairman, in accordance with notice, proposed the adop! ion of the following resolation sent by the Ulverston Union: That in the opinion of this Board it is desirable that the Local Government Board should amend or alrer the several orders containing regulations with respect to casual paupers or such other orders as may be affected so as to provide for diff-rent treatment of bona fide working men leaving their places of reside ice for some other defined locality in seach of employ- ment, and are further of opinion that some system if certifio<e.< ouht to be devised whereby bou ) 50e working me,, should travel in search of C work without being subject to the same reatmt nt as the ordinary casual pauper and sug- gests that a conference of poor law authorities ( ought to be heiu so that this particular question ( might be discussed in the hope of obtaining a con sensu-9 of "pinion as to the best means of dealing ( with t.t,e question "—Mr Miller sail they were all human being, there and hoped they would pass the t resolution unanimously. Working men only left I th- ir homes to go in search of work when com- p lied to do so. If they failed to get work in one place he only alternative they had was to go to a wo. khouse for the night. On their arrival thrre they w* re placed in a damp, miserable cell, given ..IX ounzes of bread, and a pint of gruel for supp- r and breakfast, and before they were discharged they had to break three cwts. of stones, and were .as,cia,ed wi'h the professional tramp. If they happened to call a second time they were given nille c-Ats of stone to break, and if they called twice within two months they were detained for three days and compelled to break nine cwts. of atones each day. He (the speaker) would like to see a system employed by which those men could obtain a ticket showing they were bona fide working men, and eiiti, ling them to the same treatment as ordinary paupers and allowing their discharge early in the morning. He had felt strongly on the poiti, f.-r some tinne, and the Guardians ought to adopt a system of that kind. His experience of several men who had come down in the world was th- when they entered a workhouse and were forced to hreak these stones it took the heart out of them, and they developed into professional tramps. If they sent a resolution of that kind to t e Local Government Board it might be the means of ameliorating the present treatment of tramps.—Mr David Davies seconded the proposition, and it was agreed to unanimously, and the Board rose. TOWN COUNCIL, TUESDAY, JANUARY 21ST.— Present: Councillor T. D. Harries, ex-mayor. presiding; Aldermen Peter Jones, W. H. Palmer, David Roberts, and Captain Douehton Councillois D. C. Roberts, William Thomas, John Jenkins, R. J. Jones, Isaac Hopkins, Robt'. Doughton, and John Watkins; Messrs Charles Massey, acting town clerk R. es Jones, borough surveyor, and H. L. Evans, borough ascountant. LEASES. A letter was read from Mr D. C Roberts saying he bad purchased the old Custom House and ask- ing for a renewal of the lease. It was agreed to place the subject on the next agenda. SUB POST OFFICE. A letter was read from Mr D. Morgan, Pier street, saying he had been authorized to close the sub-post office at one on Wednesdays in winter and five in sum er, but the authorities first wished the matter placed before the Council. On the proposition of Alderman PALMER, seconded by Mr C. M. WILLIAMS, the alteration was approved. MR. R. J. JONES AND ALDERMAN PALMER. Mr R. J. JONES then said-At; the last Council I gave an intimation that I would at the first oppor tunity refer to a statement made by Alderman Palmer with reference to the election of Captain Doughton as aid- rman of this Council. I find that Mr Palmer is present this morning, but before I proceed with the statement I hope you will permit me to ask one or two questions arising from tho statement of Mr Palmer,and if he answers them or, rather, withdraws, I shall not proceed with the statement of what occurred between him and me at the private room in his hotel. I wish to ask two questions from the statement made by Alderman Palmer at a previous meeting. According to the report in the Cambrian News he said Captain Doughton went to certain members of this Council and said that he was asked by other members oi the Council to vote against Mr Griffiths being mayor of the town. He also said that if he voted against, Mr Griffiths to be mayor the Liberal party of Aberystwyth would make him (Captain Doughton) alderman. He said that to a certain meeting of gentlemen, and therefore he demanded tha,, they should make him alderman so that he should stick to their side." Now, continued Mr Jones, the question I wish to ask Mr Palmer is,"Did he on that occasion state that Captain Doughton ever demanded from me to be made alderman of this Council ? Aldetman PALMER—I can only answer-the statement I made is as nearly verbatim as possible what Mr Jones told me in my private place. Mr R. J. JONEs-That is your answer. Then the second question I wish to ask is, did I on that occasion state to you that Captain Doughton had met a certain number of gentlemen and demanded to be made alderman as you are reported to have said on this occasion ? Alderman PALMER—You told me a meeting after the election. Mr R. J. JONES-I wish you will give me an answer to the question. Alderman PALMER—That there was a meeting held after the meeting to consider the election of mayor and Captain Doughton demanded to be made alderman. Mr R. J. JONEs-I said that Now, sir (to the Chairman), I ask permission to state frankly what took place between Mr Palmer and me on that oc- casion. On the 13th December last I had occasion to call on Mr Palmer on private business I was taken to a private room, and as soon as I entered Mr Palmer said, what did I mean by voting for Captain Doughton as alderman of the town ? Then I said that he (Mr Palmer) could not say anything for I was told that Captain Doughton had been ap- proached by members of his (Mr Palmer's) party and told that if he voted straight for them they would vote for him to be made alderman, and therefore Mr Palmer could not, on that score, com- plain of my conduct as I only did what his palty were prepared to do. Those are the words w ith reference to that. Mr Palmer said it was not true — (Mr Thomas Hear, hear)—and I said he was not responsible for the whole of his party and could not say it was not true. Mr Palmer said his party were unanimous to elect Mr Griffiths as mayor. Then I said that could not be correct for he (Mr Palmer) himself at the private meeting held by the Council to select mayor proposed Alderman Peter Jones to be mayor, and afterwards Mr William Thomas suggested Mr John Jenkins, and I said YIU could not possibly have been unanimous from so doing." Then the conversation dropped after Mr Palmer endeavoured to explain why he proposed Mr Peter Jones. Those are the very words as far as I can remember that transpired be- tween me 'and Mr Palmer on that occasion, and I would not have entered into the matter at all had it not been that a deliberate S'atement had been made that Captain Doughton had come to me to demand to be made alderman and not only came to me, but that he also met a certain number of gentlemen of this Conncil with regard to the same question. I deny that absolutely aud un- reservedly. Never such a thing was uttered by me in his private room at the Belle Vue Hotel. I could not have said it. Captain Doughton never approached me with regard to a demand to be made alderman. But 1 was told that Captain Doughton had been approached by members of the Liberal party and told that if he voted straight fo. them they would make him an alderman. On th. occasion when this statement was made by Alder- nun Palmer in the Council I felt it would be unkind on my part to contradict it or even to continue the controversy, because I felt he had overshot the mark and that the excitement and condition h- was in would not permit me to continue the discussion. I, however, intimated that as soon as Mr Palmer was present at a fature Council I should feel it my duty to vmay the whole matter because I consider that the statement made by Mr Palmer was m stuu warrantable, and in addition, was a great breach of confidence. I always respected Mr Palmer and never expected that any conversation between him and me in his private room would have been dis- closed to the Council and through them to the public. If he stuck to the truth and nothing but the truth I should not have been on my feet to con- tradict the statement, but having involved Captain Doughton and other gentlemen in that conversation it behoves me to clear Captain Doughton of the whole thing. I say emphatically that I never told Mr Palmer that Captain Doughton ever demanded to be made alderman of the Council and I have no recollection and no information from my friends that Captain Doughton ever met any members of the party with reference to that question. The statement I have made is as nearly true as possible of what really transpired between Mr Palmer and me and I was quite surprised that he touched upon the ques- tion when I entered the room saying, What business I had to vote for Captain Doughton." If I told you all what he said about Captain Doughton it would surprise you all. I will, however, re- frain from doing so. I will not use the words. I shall not be doing justice to the Council by re- peating the words. I hoped that this morning in his cooler moments he would have withdrawn the words he used in reference to me. I feel sorry that I have to refer to the matter, and I feel sorry that I have to state that such a great deal of the statement he made is perfectly untrue. I leave the matter entirely in the hands of the Council and to the ratepayers, having given an absolute and un- reserved denial to the statement. Captain DOUGHTON AS long as my name has been mentioned I think it only right that I should be allowed to say a word or two. The statement of Mr Palmer is nothing but a fabrication of false- hoods as Mr Jones has shown.' Mr Palmer was my catechiser at that meeting, and he asked me if any of the Liberal party had asked me if I would vote for their side. The answer I gave him then was, "I won't answer the question but now I state distinctly before the Council and it shall go to tne public what I have never stated before, that a deputation of the Liberal party came down to my office and aitked me if I would take the alder- manship from the Liberal side ———— M D. C. ROBERTS—Name. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—Name. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON-Name. Captain DOUGHTOlf-R. J. Griffiths or J. R. < Griffiths I think they call him. I Alderman P ALMBR- Who is he ? < Mr ROBERT D UGHTON—He is no member of the louoctl. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—Certainly not. Captain DOUGHTON-A member of the Liberal mity. (Cries of No, no "). From the Liberal Iub. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON—Not a member of the Council. (Uproar). Captain am on my feet. So I mpposed he came as a deputation from the Liberal dty. Mr D. C. ROBERTS—Of course you were wrong. Mr C. M., WILLIAMS—Certainly. Captain I OUGHTON—He came to my office and sked me if I would take the aldermanship from bhe Liberal side. I laughed it off. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTuN-Ob, he was only making fun of you. Captain DOUGHTON (contemptuously)-You are a fine b, .dy. Ever since I have been in the Council you have been nothing but a laughing stock. The CHAIRM N—Order. Mr HOPKbs-It was in the Liberal Club where they always used to make mayors and aldermen. The CHAIRMAN—Order. Mr HOPKINS-And that is the reason I did not second Mr Thomas and othe, 9 because they were alwa% a made in the Liberal Club. Alderman PALMER—In respect of Mr Jones, all I (Mn say is that I did not as S'lon as he entered my room tax him with making Captain Doughton alderman. Mr R. J. JONES-As soon as I entered the room you asked me why I voted for Captain Doughton. Alderman PALMER—It was as soon as I finished bui-iness. Then we came to gossip afterwards. Mr "ILLIAM THOMAS—Business first. Mr R. J. JONES-Not on that occasion. Alderman PALMER—I did not know that I should have said anything about it because after Mr Jones told me I saw notice on the agenda of Mr Hopkins' resolution. When I had only just heard the state- ment a day or two before, on Tuesday it was fresh in my memory. Mr WM THOMAS—Wil! you allow —— The CHAIRMAN—Business now. I do not see what this has got to do with anybody except Mr Jones and Mr Palmer. Mr WM. THOMAS—As a statement has been mane reflecting on myself, will you not allow me two lilies by way of explanation ? The CHAIRMAN-Certainly, two lines, and I am glad you are going in for that sort of thing. Mr WM. THOMAS—As to Captain Doughton being made alderman I never had the least idea or any member o the puty as far s I know, and every m.-mber of the party resented it strongly. Mr R. J. JONES As far as you know. Mr WM. THOMAS-As far as I know. Mr R. J. JONES-But you are only one member. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON rose to continue the discussion, but the CHAIRMAN said if they only knew how the senior members of the Council appr. ciat. d that nonsense he was" sure Mr Duughton would sit down. (Mr Doughton sat down). ELEVATIONS. Mr John Jones. Northgate-street, applied for leave to put his building three feet higher so as to provide healthy and comforta.bl bedrooms. Mr Salmon attended and objected to the building b, ing taken above his house which had been recently raised to its present height with the approval of the Council. Mr JOHN JENKINS said the Public Works Com- mittee had made a mistake in allowing Mr Salmon to have bedroom* in his altered building 8'2 only. The matter was referred to the Public Works Committee wi h power to approve or disapprove tne application so as not to stop the buiding. THE AGENDAS. The Finance Commirtee reported with reference to the agen ias as folhws The letter of MrJohn Morgan re agendas was considered, and after full e. qiiii-iea your Committee was satisfied that the agcud,s printed by Mr Gibbon are in accordance with t e contract." The Clerk read the following letter from Mr Morgan — GENTLEMEN,-Messrs Gibson in their letter say that the statements contained in my two letters are utterly un- founded." One of the statements which I made was that! the agendas are seldom issued on Thursdays. That is a fact. And yet Messrs 3ibson do not shrink from saying that the statement is utterly unfounded." So much for the value of their reply on that point. The other state- ment I made was that the pages of the agenda as now printed are shorter than they were when the agendas were printed by me. The accuracy of that statement can be tested by any person who will compare them. And yet Messrs Gibson stigmatise this statement also as "utterly unfounded." The remaining portion of theirletter is more ingenious than ingenuous. By admitting that the agenda for March 28th is shorter than the one for January 31st they are giving away their whole case and proving mine. The one for March 28th was, as I will ex- plain later on, shorter than the others, and yet Messrs Gibson have made that the standard for all the agendas The Finance Committee arrived at their decision on the assumption that the short agenda was given to Messrs Gibson as a sample by the Borough Accountant, but Messrs Gibson themselves do not say so. I challenge the Borough Accountant to state—(1) That he gave them a copy of the agenda for March 28th as a sample of the length of page required; (2) that he gave them any instructions whatever as to the length of the pages. Messrs Gibson had done the work before, and knew perfectly well the proper length. For a couple of months Messrs Gibson printed the agendas on demy 8vo. instead of royal 8vo. In the month of June the attention of the Council was called to that fact, and the Borough Accoun- tant then stated, in reply to a question put by Mr Wm. Thomas, that the pages were not equal in size to the sample. Messrs Gibson thereupon used royal paper, but continued, in the face of the Borough Accountants state- ment, to make up the matter to demy instead of adding the necessary number of lines! These are facts which can not be controverted, and are easily proved. And now as to the agenda of March 28th. The pages were inten- tionally made short by the printer for a technical reason. The paragraph at the top of the last page would come into the preceding page if the pages had been all of the usual royal 8vo. length, but there would have been no room for the necessary blank for the signature of the Town Clerk. Therefore the printer threw over sufficient lines to make a reasonable show, instead of having a skeleton page. I find that Messrs Gibson have also made short pages for technical reasons. At the Committee meeting on Tuesday evening, Mr D. C. Roberts stated, according to the reports, that there was no ground whatever for the insinuation made by Mr Morgan I challenge Mr Roberts to compare, in open Council, this year's agendas with those of last year, and he will find that there is every ground for my plain state- ment. The Council contracted for royal 8vo. pages of matter, and they have had demy 8vo. Mr Roberts also, at the Committee meeting, misinterpreted what the Borough Accountant said. The Borough Accountant did not say that the agenda of March 28th was the one he gave Messrs Gibson. His words were-" I really could not say," and Messrs Gibson did not say as stated by Mr Roberts that the Borough Accountant had supplied them with that sample. What they do say is-" We took our pattern," &C., which is most probable. Of about sixt} agendas which I printed only three or four had short pages, and yet it happened that Messrs Gibson took one of these as their pattern. It is for the Council to find out whether any instructions were given by the Borough Accountant contrary to the intentions of the Council. The Clerk also read this further letter from Me-sis Gibson GENTLEMEN,—In reference to the alleged dishonourable conduct, breach of contract and acts of fraud brought against us by the late contractor for the Corporation printing, we beg leave to lay before the Council the following additional facts, rendered necessary by what transpired at the meeting of the Finance Committee on ruesday night last when this question was discussed. It will be seen by referring to tne agenda of February J f may have been the agenda sent to us to tender from, that it is precisely the same size as those printed by us. We believe, however, that it was the agenda of March 28th that was sent to us to tender by. Both these agendas, however, were practically the same length of page and the point is not, therefore, worth labouring. To put an end to all doubt to meet Mr C. M. Williams's contention, and to make perfectly cleat that we hav? acted according to our contract, we enclose you the original pattern copy and manuscript taken from our files which show that the first page of the last agenda printed by the late contractor was the copy of the first agenda printed by us and the other pages of the old agenda were supplied to us as the pattern for the new agenda. As regards the alleged breach of contract in not issuing the agenda so that the law might be complied with, we are in no way responsible. Even last Thursday we received copy after twelve o'clock. We are under no contract to issue the agendas at any particular time, and we have received no complaints about it. Trusting that this explanation will be satisfactory to you. The CLERK explained, wish reference to the re- ceipt of the copy after twelve, that it was no fault of his. A member of the Council brought it, and he sent it in at that time. He frequently sent it in at that time. The Clerk then laid before the Chairman the copy" of the first agenda printed by Messrs Gibson, a portion of which was an altered copy of the last agenda printed by Mr Morgan. Mr WM. THOMAS asked if they were the same Size ? The CLERK believed that the type was the same length, but the paper was not the same size. It anything the type was a little more. He added that he would take the agendas to Alderman Palmer who had been a printer, and would under- stand the matter. Alderman PALMER, having examined the two agendas, said it would cost as much for the com- positor to set :up the type io one case as in the other. The only slight difference in cost would be in the cost of the paper which would oe very smalt wh-ther demy or whether it was royal. The CHAIRMAN said he thought Mr Palmer had been in many trades but not in printing. (Laughter). Alderman PALMER—I move that we go on with the next business. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS thought he was fairly entitled to a few words considering the way he bad been attacked, not only himself but his business attacked which was grossly unfair and the paragraph itself any man ought to be ashamed of it. Two or three had lately appeared. He had no objection to being attacked as a public man, but he protested against the vile way his business had been at acked of late. The email paragraph that appeared after the last meeting of the Finance Com- mittee was to the effect at the meeting of the Finance Committee of the Aberystwyth Town Council on Tuesday night, Mr C. M Williams took up the position he usually occupies when our business being discussed." The week before there was another note to the same effect-that he alwaj a interfered with his business. Now he wished to give Mr Gibson a challenge to produce a single case where he had unfairly interfered with his business. He had been on various committees when Mr Gibson's tenders had been opened and he appealed to Mr Roberts and others to eay if he had ever acted unfairly when Mr Gibson's tenders had been opened. Whenever Mr Gibson had been lowest he had had the contract. He had even proposed the acceptance of Mr Gibson's tender when It had been lowest. He challenged contradiction, and p otested againat insinuations made week after week that he (Mr Williams) interfered with his (Mr Gibson's) business. It was untrue from be- ginning to end, and he challenged Mr Gibson to prove it. So much for that. He now came to the agendas. He did not know what he might have been made to state at that particular committee. He was put down as having taken great pains to measure the ag ndas. It was true he compared two or three agendas, but since then he had tiken the trouble to measure them all. In the letter Mr Gibson sent to the Finance Committee he did not in any way say that that was the agenda he actually had for a sample All he said was that he took as pattern the last agenda printed by the pre- vious contractor, and submitted that his (Mr Gibson's) agenda was not smaller than that tor the 28th March. That statement no one disputed. The Borough Accountant was not quite sure as to what agenda was given so be (Mr Williams) did not press that matter. That morning they had the agenda of February 28th which was assumed o be of the same size as the other one. Then Mr Massey stated that it was they who sent that. The CLERK said it was his writing on the agenda and he assumed it to be the copy of the first agenda printed by Mr Gihson. If Mr Evans coul,i tell him the date of the contract he could say whether it was the first copy or not. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said the only point he wished to make of it was that when tenders were iuvited it was usual for patterns to be in the hands of the one inviting the tenders, and in that case he took it the pattern should have been in the pos- sesion of the Accountant. But they were not quite clear whether there were samples of that particular agenda. Mr Gibson stated that he had clearly carried out his contract by that sample. Was that so ? Those were the last two agendas of he previous contractor. They were royal octavo and measured 10 x 61 inches. The first printed by Mr Gibson was 8! x 5i and the second and hird were of the same size. When the fourth was issued attention was called to the size, and anyone could see at a glance that they were not of the same size. The matter (type) it was true was ot t.be same size; but was it fair to take only two agendas? Mr Gibson was the contractor from September, 1892, until January, 1893, and immedi- itely the agendas became of the altered shape. They were 10 x 6 and the matter measured 7 inches and sometimes more. At the end of that period Mr Morgan became the contractor and con- tinued until March, 1895. During that time he printed sixty-two agendas and with the exception of three or four, the whole measured seven inches and some up to 71 and in those three or four agendas not a single page could have been saved if he bad given the full seven inches. In April last Mr Gibson again became the contractor. He had printed about twenty up to the present time. There was a specimen he sent of the size of the p per and in no case had the printed matter ex- c. eded 6! inches. If the average printing on the twenty agendas was of the same length as that of the late contractor one page could have been saved in six agendas. He need say no more. He left the public to judge. That was a statement that could be verified hy examining the agendas. Mr D. C. ROBERTS said the Finance Committee thoroughly examined the matter, and were thoroughly satisfied that the agendas were in accordance with the contract made with Mr Gibson. That had been entirely borne out. The Committee had the agenda of the 28th March, and the Borough Accountant said he believed it was the one from which the tender was taken. Mr Gibson also believed it was the one given. There was no one present to say it was not so. The Committee, with ho two statements, he thought, were entitled to come to the conclusion that the tenders were based on that agenda. Again that morning there was a further confirmation of that fact that the agendas ,A ere in accordance with the contract. They had the authority of Mr Palmer, who not only fought in Italy, but had knowledge of the printing trade, and he said that the agendas were in accordance with the contract. He (Mr Roberts) would like to see, as arising out of that, more definite arrange- ments in future. (Mr WM. THOMAS and Mr C. M. WILLIAMS: Hear, hear). It was only fair to any contractor that there should be a proper sample marked and kept in the office. There was another matter with reference to printing. The Town Clerk should have all matter in his hands at the proper time and the printer should be supplied with it by a certain hour on a certain day, because it was impossible for any contractor to prepare the agendas in time when supplemental matter was handed in after time. In future contracts there should be more definite understanding. As far as the present matter was concerned, he thought the proposals of the Finance Committee, which were borne out, were the right conclusions, and perfectly satisfactory to the Council. Mr R. J. JONES, as chairman of the Committee, confirmed what Mr Rober's had said. The Com- mittee had entered into the matter very fully. According to the one that was supposed to be the sample there was more matter in Mr Gibson's agenda than in that of Mr Morgan's, and according to that sample the Committee could only come to the conclusion that Mr Gibson was perfectly cor- rect, and that he had carried out the conditions of the contract. He (Mr Jones) therefore begged to move the adoption of the recommendation. Mr JOHN MORGAN, printer, who was present in the room during the discussion—May I, sir, just mention a word. I won't keep you a minute. The CHAIRMAN—I do not know in the absence of Mr Gibson. Alderman PETER JONES said if Mr Morgan and Mr Gibson explained to the Council the position the Council would be investigating the matter indefi- nitely. Written statements had been made, and after the information imparted the Council were certainly in a position to come to a conclusion. It seemed to him that morning that the Council had been playing Much ado about nothing." He would not impute to any tradesman the considera- tion whether he would gain a paltry couple of shillings in the course of the year or not. The sum was so very small. The difficulty had arisen through not defining the thing very accurately, but the dispute seemed to him to be whether the thing should be a quarter of an inch one way or the other. The printed matter was practically the same. The practical outcome would be a more definite contract in future. The CHAIRMAN thought the battle should then be continued in the journals over which the two gentlemen presided. Mr John Morgan then handed in to the Chairman agendas and made a remark to him Me C. M. WILLIAMS-Qh, Mr Morgan, you can It ave it to the public to judge. Leave it to them. Don't bother. The CHAIRMAN—Where are we now ? Mr C. M. WILLIAMS-I suppose we are between the Cambrian News and the Observer. Mr John Morgan still coming forward, Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said 11 Peidiwch when he resumed his seat, and it was understood that the recommenda- tion of the Committee was agreed to. VENTILATION. The Public Works Committee's report having been adopted, Dr HARRIES moved that the Sur- veyor should be instructed to visit Bir- mingham and Nottingham for the purpose of reporting upon new Manlove and Co's destructors recently erected in those towns. The Surveyor stated that the cost of a former pattern would be £ 1.000, but the CHAIRMAN pointed out that the new pattern would not cost more thanf250, and that, though a good man would have to be employed to work it, a man need not be in attendance night and day as was necessary with the older destructors. Mr WM. THOMAS seconded the proposition, saying that the expense would be small in compari- son with the importance of the subject. Mr R. J. JONES supported the proposition, and it was agreed to. There was also on the agenda the question of ventilating the sewer, but on the suggestion of the CHAIRMAN who said the work must be efficiently and effectively done, the matter was deferred for the Surveyor to present a sketch of the drainage system of the town and the dimensions of the drains. TENDERS. The tender of Messrs Williams and White for Nine Elm cement at 40s. was accepted, and the tender of the Eagle Foundry at jE21 10s. for repair- ing the steam srane. CROSSINGS. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS thought it had been agreed to complete the crossings of the town and suggested that the woTk should be gone on with before the approaching summer. The present crossings had been greatly appreciated. Alderman PETER JONES believed the Clerk would have a financial statement to read at the end of the meeting for their guidance. He did not know whether the expenditure might be covered by a loan. Mr R. J. JONES remarked that the Local Govern- ment Board were very slow in granting the Council powers to proceed with the Promenade extension. Mr D: C. ROBEILTs-Very slow. THE MINSTRELS. The subject of the engagement of the minstrels, being on the p tper, Alderman PALMER said the General Purposes Committee had two or three times recommended the engagement of Mr Collins, but the matter had been deferred. He had now written and wanted to know whether he was to be engaged. He (Mr Palmer) moved that Mr Collins should be engaged. The CLERK sc.'d he was continually receiving letters. Mr Collins paid £ 30 for the privilege, and paid it to the day punctually. Mr WATKINS seconded Mr Palmer's proposition, remarking that Mr Collins gave a very good enter- tainment, and was a very respectable man. The Chairman was about to put the proposition te the meeting, when Mr HOPKINS asked the Council to be honest and straight. Was there no other communication ? Captain DOUGHTON moved that the Council ad- vertise for applications, and then they could act fairly towards everybody. 1 Alderman PALMER, replying to Mr H, pkins, said there was another applicant who was willing to pay 950. Mr HOPKINS asked Mr Palmer why he did not say that before, and repeated his desire that mem- bers should be just and honest to the Council. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS observed that it was a good thing they had one just and honest nun among them. Alderman PALMER said he put the notice on the agenda before he bad any applicttion from Mr Wood offering 950. Mr Collins brought a respect- able troupe, and at the end of last seas n the Com- mi -tee expressed a hope that next season the troupe would be even better in point of ability. Mr Collins promised to comply; but the Council could hardly expect him to bring a better troupe and also pay more money The fact that the Council was taking money at all from the man was ad< ersely commented upon in the newspapers. Mr Collius paid the money to the day. the Council might get someone to promise more m, ney and not pay at all. If the Council engaged Mr Collins thf-y would be sure to get a respectable troupe, whereas if they delayed matters they might find themselves with the most miserable troupe next summer. Mr R. J. JONES asked when the application was received from Mr Wood, and who was he ? The CLERK believed it was received last Friday, and sent immediately to Mr Palmer. That morning he had received a letter from Mr Wood enclosing" a photograph of his troupe (whi jli had not arrived), and saying he had supplied Rhyl for two seasons. Mr R. J. JONES said that at the end of last season Mr Collius was anxious for an eirly engage- ment so as to engage his troupe. As Mr Wood had supplied Rhyl was he not a good caterer ? He offered t30 last year and then Mr C llins offered the same sum. Perhaps Mr Collius would now ffer f50 The CHAIRMAN remarked that he could not speak from experience, but from hearsay he could state that Mr Collins's troupe was an excellent troupe and that he was a credit to the town. He (th Chairman) should vote against any change. It was n t a matte money. Knowing Mr Collins he would rather let him have the privilege for nothing than risk things for the future. The town had got a good man let them stick to him. Mr D. C. ROBERTS endorsed everything the Chairman had said. He knew that Mr Collins's troupe gave satisfaction. The Council had to look to something more than F.10 or 920, and they ought to get some amount of continuity. Once they got a good troupe which was improving year after year, was it wise to make a change for the sake of £ 20? Once they broke the continuity the town might be twenty years before getting another so good a troupe as that supplied by Mr Collins. The CLERK said that Mr Collins had continually written complaining of the shortness of time in which he had to engage good men, and all the letters had been tent to Mr Palmer. Mr HOPKINS asked if Mr Collins was the only respectable caterer in great Britain ? He proposed that the matter should be deferred for a fortnight. Mr JOHN JENKINS seconded the amendment, but the proposition to re-engage Mr Collins was carried by a large majority. THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD. Captain DOUGHTON asked if any reply had been received from the Local Government Board relative to the application for a loan ? The CLERK replied that there had been several communications which had been attended to by Mr Hughes. Captain DOUGHTON asked if it was likely an en- quiry would be held? The CLERK replied that he could not tell what the Board anticipated doing. They were sending queries continually. COMMITTEE. The Council then resolved itself into committee at which it was agreed to defend an action 0 ejectment if brought by Mr Richardes, Penglaise, in respect of a portion of the hostel i e, an i to appoint certain members of the Council to act with the Town Clerk in the matter. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22ND. —Before Griffith Williams, Esq. Adjournment —Anne Felton, rag picker, Tre- fechan, was summoned for having been found drunk at the Fountain on New Year's day, and J. G. P. Wemyss, the landlord, was summoned for having hold drink to a drunken person, and with having permitted drunkenness.—Mr Massey said that Mr Hughes was instructed in the case, but was away under doctor's advice. He, therefore, asked for adjournment for a fortnight.—The application was granted. No Quorum.-Mr Griffith Williams attended at the usual hour-half. past ten —and granted the adjournment as asked for above, one magistrate being empowered so to do. There were down for hearing a charge against Thomas Morris, of the Waterloo Hotel, for having obstructed the high- way with an omnibus on the 15th, and a charge against Mrs Jones, 29, Chalybeate-street, of shaking carpets on the highway after eight o'clock in the morning on the 20th January.—Mr Morris was re- presented by his son. and Mrs Jones attended in perain.-The police were sent out to hunt more magistrates, but were unsuccessful at eleven o'clock, when Mr Griffith Williams said that inasmuch as there was no quorum of magistrates, he would adjourn the Court for a week.—Mr Edwin Morris (defendant's son): We have not to come here again for this paltry offence ?—Mrs Jones (another de- fendant) Indeed, Icannot come here ag*in.—Mr Edwin Morris: Cannot you dismiss the case ? It is not worth talking about.—Mrs Jones You'd better pass it over. I cannot waste my time to come here.—Mr Edwin Morris It is too bad.- The Clerk (to the Magistrate) You must remember it next sessions that thene people have been here to-day.-Mr Griffith Williams (to defendants): It is not your fault.—Mr Edwin Morris No.—Mr Griffith Williams: We shall have to bear it in mind that you have been here to-day half an hour. -Mr Edwin Morris: I have been here an hour. I was summoned for ten.—Mr Griffith Williams You are summoned for ten, but you are not sup- posed to be here until half p»st ten.—The Clerk We gave the usual half hour's grace, and now they demand it.—The Court was then adjourned for a week.