The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

ln PtvLLHELl. COUNCIL, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH.— Alderman R. 0. Jones, mayor, pre- ying Alderman Dr Wynne Griffith, ex-mayor; ^Mermen Wm. Antlio y and H. P. Jonrs ^uticillors W. Eifl Jones, R. I. Parry, J- E. I Qghea, A. I. Parry, Rd. Jones, R. M&son aones, J. Hughes, T. Wiosiow, W. S. Jones, J. cI S. Jones, S. Lioyd Messrs Evan R. Davies, erlr and W. J. Davies, surveyor and inspector. THE WORKMEN. l?it) Qernian Anthony brought up the report of the a a°ce Committee whicn recommended the to economise by reducing the staff labour. \yL. pftiian EL P. Jones seonded the proposition C'1 Was agreed to. JT THE TRAMWAYS. t()e ^a8 resolved to transfer a balance of £ 268 on lje| r»mways account to the general account, it Qe* ,explained by the Clerk that only two per C0 '^tereet was paid on the sum whereas the Sene*01' four per cent, for the overdraft on the C0 account.—On the recommendation of the' Osj.i ^ee, it was agreed to run the trams during ^our8 °f the day for one month as an to cerlIDent, it having been the custom in the P¿lot aile running at the end of the summer season. T>L RECOVERY OF RATES. Co e Clerk, on the recommendation of the Finance "^ttee, was directed to support applications e the magistrates for recovery of rates. ELECTION EXPENSES. expenses in the recent election were re- £ 5 15s, Alderman Anthony remarking did not have to pay exorbitantly for toe ey had regarding the whits mare. (Laugh- THO THE RECENT LAW SUITS. 0{ "inance Committee recommended payment ^3 in Gr-riffith Thomas's costs amounting to €l3 4d and the Council's costs amounting to 6» in connection with the recent backwater Mo* the County Court. The costs had been CC^°n taxation by £ 16.-The Clerk explained Wn °nly charge he made was £ 3 3s. Tne Mtr, of the £ 13 5s 6d was paid to counsel and The Mayor." I think £ 13 is very ■thp 2 The recommendation was adopt* d. c0nh Qblic Works Committee recommended that th6 opinion should be taken with regard to fceih ltIe of the backwater, the recommendation fC8 eome to after a letter bad been received Griffith Thomas's solicitor*.—Mr R. J. Of thought the Council should know the case Thomas in the first place.-Mr J. E. • 8 Is it not the rule to take counsel s Ma!1100 >*» such cases ?—Alderman Anthony ex- the eTd that the Commit'ee considered the Ildge had not given any decision on Nation of title in the recent action. letter of Mr Thomas's solicitors was Sol effect asked whether the Council were Hether° ,.i"ePlftce the fencing taken down and Whether if >y admitted the trespass; further, a proW j as purposed including the backwater fcto neenfi..man'ie lake, the Council would enter rry • T fL l0na for its acquisition —Mr R. I. M^tee'a J k w a ™ry nice let«r.—The Com- decirl J mmeQdation was adopted.— It was the Ra • l? a bill for £ 599, ^eing the costs tho Trustees in action in connection >exn,nne* T°™ Hail in the High Court.—It 8 cOSts "led that th'8 ditl DOt i,!clude the C°Un' H R, T A QUESTION OF POLICT. tipple' ^arry spoke htrongly against the Uocil k^j Paying any form of accounts until the b«th0nv ac\ passed to draw cheques—Ald-rnian J *atfte?T Ald^man H. P. Jones Raid this would I^dthJ'ard uP°a the workman. The latter Alii fepC'r Wa8es on Saturday# and it. was hardly i«* a them waiti°g until the Council met. in ^Rthony added that no cheques could be ftp the 0Oaection witn ordinary accounts except th te<l thSD8eot c.,f tha Council.—The M^yor sug- irv^^tw -^i081103 Committee should go into °0<llitat1|tld a-'so 'n^° question of the borough aPpointnnent, and thiti m as agreed to. CON A SOURCE OF WORRY. jlj. }>cti0 Club wrote complaining of the Oh^'Ses l ^aueed by a hoarding opposite their t|) "Pel, anff S'nS to the English Presbyterian the Oh t'le Committee recommended We authorities should be asked to re- tj0 alte F hughes said the Committee 4k thp rknative but to mske the recommenda- ti(het,11ao il0ard'rig affected the line of sight.— Of.Sbm Anthohy We allowed it to drop last ^lub*5 Cann°t avoid it this time.—The letter ^1 &l1 in ^as rea(^ an<^ stated that the hoarding it \pC°QVtn'0uce an(i a nuisance and that ^Jj^Th48 renaoved, arbitrary action would be leatifill re(lrn endation was adopted, and an r y the Church authorities for another et-red to the Committee. P*irt 0 TEN(J„R L0N COB BACK WALL. vVii.fg thin Were received for the work of re- atn RnWJ l> viz- Mr J- H- Roberts, £ 75 Mr the? ^as £ ^fi 8' ^22 4s 6d.—The Surveyor's esti- °**t tender of Mr Hughes being Cation f8 accepted, provided he signed toe It awn by the Surveyor. A„ CAEAUGWYNION-ROAD. obliee to rcpair this road, it being found Sation rested with the Council. » alsn „ COUNTY ROADS. c'ai „ 8reed to ask the County Council for 0yant to repair the Absrerch-road and ^t of tra^ there is an extraordinary th COUNTY SCHOOL. 0j ?,ne^ buildings were, on the recom- t0ll8^t n 1 ^anitary Committee, whose report Parry, approved. TI^IH DEFERRED. gtoQ>g ten deferred consideration of Mr DieJie fosinre'ior?; 011 sewerage on the ground ha^k0Q m'8ht be materially altered by the arbour scueme. n decir1 J riRB H0SE- 0,Jlt>l r th 8 to tes^ t'ie caPac'ty cf the fire e Water exteasion work had been PI0S- K ol°r to e<u re^erre(i the application of the of W .t^ler he was to proceed against & to th« 8tyeB. located too near dwelling XNfn*11 Aiitv. COns'^eration of the Council.— Jice.^LeVpr j nY I thought this matter had tl 6 Innn .Ut,ed to be the lending question Pigs ar# 1 There are several instances ^Idf rmQ w'thin ten feet of the back not Q A°thony asked whether the to 11 aer^Psctor ,olear on the matter? ^t.—TL,8^hould take action on bis ii Inspector said he was given lohts Q—"Ald^r SUtnmonses had once been >' and Anthony That was ten *>ul to ^—The M ° em kave gone to heaven ter take the t *¥-°r thought it would be as Counoil on the S °.Uld Proo Proposed that the In- seco' *a,thZ kw directed him.- C(i to. c°nded the proposition, which *S°L pl»0' as '» c«ed'0tl a8etlerallv M L the abatement of at the Tn Members expressed the his o v °r -8h°uld take le8al pro- *'«h^ with • |nitlative when notices were Atted 4 the May°r and Mr». i. Nft1 the a°Se special ^ad been dl8mi88ed taI; aUthonty had not Ca»6„ he J proceedings.-On the ^^hinu^shoulV 8hes» jt vras decided h,ch the ter ,AeuP°rt l? tbe Council .11 O TB» notice had expired. Ed^ardCeifllficate for £ ^50 in PUrCL^ to as to the contractor.—The eaCnt CotT>mit^°peTIDg ceremony were Jk^ReM^t [t. and w It wa^ resolved to C6d °*naCe' and to nhfW"ghing machi«e for "'Sh C.tatioo w5b.ta,» estimatea for th. =- of providing offioes at the entrance to the hall was deferred. THE LESSER RAILWAY SCHEME. The draft agreement with the Cambrian Railway Company in connection with the lesser extension scheme was approved subject to certain conditions. —Replying to Mr R. J. Parry, Alderman Anthony sa d this scheme would only come into actual operation in clIose the larger scheme fell thorough. THE FORESHORE. It was reported that a special meeting of the Public Works committee was to be held to con- sider the question of the foreshore.-Aldermari Anthony explained that the Council were paying an annual rent, and they were now trying to find out what were the rights. NEXT SEASON. Applications from two minstrel troupes to coma to Pwllheli next season were deferred. A PROTEST. The Public Works Committee reported that the Contractor of the new Town Hall had to pay f20 to Mr W. Edwards, Shop Crugan, for putting up scaffolding. The Committee protested against what they considered an excessive charge-which would have to be borne indirectly by the ratepayers. SUNDAY BOATING. The Clerk said a deputation from the Free Church Council desired to wait on the Council with regard to this matter.—Mr A. Ivor Parry said the matter was already under consideration and there was no need for the deputation to attend.—The other members agreed and it was resolved to inform the dimputation of this fact. THE GREAT SCHEME. A PUBLIC MEETING TO BE CONVENED. The following letter was received from the Board of Trade: —" November 15th. Referring to youi letter of the 2nd ultimo and previous correspond- ence upon the subject of the application of th* Corporation of Pwllheli for a grant in aid of a fishery and refuge harbour at that place, I am directed by the Board of Trade to state, for the in- formation of the Corporation, that the Lordv' Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury have now signified their acceptance of the recommendation of the Board that a sum not exceading E17.500 may be granted in aid of the contemplated harbour works, such su.n being one-third of the estimated cost. This amount will be granted upon the following conditions :-(I) That the remaining two- thirds of the necessary funds are provided from k.c»l and (,ther sources (2) that, satisfactory assurances are given by the Corporation and their Engineer before any grant is made that at least E500 can be saved by the use of less expensive stone than that originally proposed for the pitching of the embankment within the harbour. It must be clearly uuderstood that in no circumstances will this grant be exceeded, even in the case of the cost of the wcrks proving greater than the amount estimated. Their lordships have intimated that in their opinion th. first half of the grant may properly be piid on a certificate that at least treble that amount has been expeuded on the works and the second half on a certificate that the works are completed and in use. The certificates referred to should lie in the form of a statutory declara- tion made by tiie Mayor and two members of the Town Council and should be forwarded to the Board of Trade. I am to add that it must b- further understood that his Majesty's Government cannot be held in any way responsible either for the details d the design or for the manner in which the works have been executed.—T. H. W. Pelham." The Public Work Committee reported having considered the scheme at length and certain esti- mates on probable revenue were submitted. Points wsre raissd oil engineering questions and the Clerk wa. authorised to see Mr Douglass, the consulting engineer of the Council, in regard to them. At a subsequent meeting, a letter was received from Mr Douglass in regard to the points which were put to him by the Clerk during his visit to London. The Clerk also reported an interview he had had with the Board of Trade on various points. The Committee recommended thut a public meeting should b« held next Tuesday night, that Mr Douglass should be awked to attend, and that Messrs W. Anthony, J, E. Hughes, and A. I. Parry should be asked to ex- plain the scheme. Mr A. IVOR PARRY said he was not sufficiently well acquainted with the scheme to address a public meeting and proposed that Alderman Wynne Gnffith should take his place. Mr RICHARD JONES seconded the proposition, which was eventually put to the meeting and re- jected by eight to five. Another proposition to add Dr Wynne Griffith to the list of speakers was carried. Mr ROBERT 1. PARRY said he did not wish to attach blame to anyone, but he understood that the Town Clerk was to prepare a statement tor circulation amongst the ratepayers before the public meeting was held. He considered the rate- payers should have some idea of the scheme before the public meeting was held, anrt he hacl assureu many of them that the statement would be published in the first place. If the public were l' properly and fairly treated very likely a great deal of the opposition now offered would melt away. Unless some such statement was published before !the public meeting was held, he must perforce move lin amendment. Alderman ANTHONY—I was not aware that a resolution to that effect was passed by the Council. The CLERK-The matter was discussed at the caucus meeting. Mr A. 1. PARRy-There was an informal under- standing that the statement would be published in the first place. Alderman ANTHONY said there was a danger in publishing all the figures just now. Mr R. I. PARRY said the statement need not contain the figures that should be kept a secret for the present. All he wanted was that they should be afforded an opportunity of knowing what the scheme was about some time before the public meeting. The ratepayers ought to have a few days to think over it. Mr J. E. HuoEtFs-It will be a very incomplete statement. Alderman ANTHONY—Yes, of neceesity. He added that they as a Council should make up their minds rue way or the other. The scheme had been before them for five or six years. It was with them when Mr Pughe Jones was town clerk, although in a lesser form. It was with them before their present imaginative Town Clerk came to office. They were anxious to support the fishermen, and the first idea was to have a harbour of refuge for them. At that time they had no idea of having the Cambrian Railway Company to join them. He really thought the Council eiiould, as a body, support the scheme or reject it. All differences should be laid on the table, so to speak, aud thrashed out of existence. They should all try to convince and enlighten each other. He should be very sorry to see members opposing each other at the public meeting. Alderman Anthony then commenced reading the letter received from Mr Douglas,which he said would convince many on the different points that were being raised in the town during the past few days. Mr J. E. HUGHES considered the figures should be divulged through the Press. Alderman WYNNE GRIFFITH thought it impru- dent to make any statement including the figures at this point. Alderman ANTHONY believed in explaining everything as far as was safe. It was the most glorious venture Pwllheli had ever had. It was growing brighter daily. Mr J. E. HUGHES said were the figures dis- closed it ould show the ratepayers how bright a future there was. He believed disclosure would sweep away all the obstacles now in the way. Mr T. WINSLOW-Is it not possible for the Council in committee to consider the scheme in all iti details with the view of having an unanimous opinion on the matter ? We should not be at sixes and seveun at the public meeting. It would not inspire confidence. We should all be agreed to leiid our strongest support to the scheme. The letter from Mr Douglass was subsequently read, the figures which would injure the interests of the Council in the event of publication before the tenders for the construction of the work were received, being suppressed. Mr Douglass stated that the scheme could be carried out for a maxi- mum of E52,500 including all contingencies not excepting discharges. With regard to this point, he could unhesitatingly say that the work of con- struction of the proposed harbour could be executed for a sum within this limit. rhe sum of E52,500 provided a very liberal provision for possible con- tingencies and further requirements which might arise during the progress of the work. The balance for con tinge,, ciei, tidditional work, and other unfore- seen circum, tatices was (Alderman Anthony ex- plained) very substantial. The letter went on to say that the prices which he (Mr Douglass) had allowed in his estimates for the work were liberal, and for certain portions he was convinced were considerably what might fairly he expected to be the value of the items. In this connection, adverting to the point raised in Mr Ptlhani's letter of the^ 15th inst, und r item two with regard to the saving of £ 500 by the use of less expensive stone, he could unhesitatingly say that the prices he had included for the stone in its various forms, walling, pitching, broken stone, filling, &c., were ample for the purpose, and that probably considerably more than this sum could be economized in this itrm alone. Dealing with the second point put to him, viz Whether proper and (ffec tual provision was made for dealing with the two rivers emptying into the harbour," Mr Douglas said he drew special atten- tion to the influence of the two streams upon the possibilities of the scheme in the report he addressed the Council in July, 1899. He recom- mended in that report that the level of the impounded water should be coincident with the levels of the existing sills of the tidal gates, and this recommendation had been observed in the pre- paration of the plans, and was still to be acted upon. It would. therefore, be seen that the damming up of the water in the inner harbour to a level not exceeding the sill level c-uld have no detri- mental effect whatever upon the riparian pro- parties up-stream. Of course, at all times of floods the sluices or gates at the mouth of the rsver harbour might be opened, both in order to take advantage of the tcouriug action uf the surplu> water thus provided and also to provide as steep a fall outside the existing gate sills as possible to enable the witer to flow sway with maximum r-pidity. The fact of, the bed of the inn* r harbour being dredged to a level nowhere less than two feet below the sill level of the two existing gates, and, in places, to a considerable greater depth, was conducive to the rapid efflux of flood water. At present a very large proportion of the bed of .the inner harbour lay at a higher level than the sills rreu'ioued. In the innerlharbour, as designed, the volume of the impounded water was approxi- mately sixty million gallons, while probably the vo:ume of water, lying in the inner harbour at present-, when the surface was at the prCl- Dos»d impounded level, would be barely one-tenth of this quantity. It would thus be readily seen that the area provided in the inner harbour, not to speak of the outer harbour for the rapid discharge of flood water, was enormously increased under the proposed scheme and he had no hesitation in saying that the con- dition of the riparian lands would be materially improved rather than the contrary. He discussed the question with Captain Fredeiick on the oc casionof his recent visit to Pwllheli. He went into th-e matter very carefully with him and he thought he was correct in saying that Captaiu Frederick was perfectly satisfied that no difficulty was to be tpprchended in this connection. As regarded the third point, "that no costs shou'd be incurred in respect of dredging aftl'f the harbour is completed," it was of course imp.)e- sible to absolutely guirantee that there should be no necessity for any dredging in till" future, but his candid opinion was that no dredging would be required in ehher the inner or outer harbour after the completion of the works beyond possibly a very occasional aud restricted use of a Priettman grilb to maintain the berths alongside jettier, wharves, etc., at their proper depths. With jixiicious and careful use of the aluiciog provii-ions, thereshould be no difficulty in maintainingthe bed i f the harbour at the required levels. With rcfcrencf to the fourth point as to the cent of the stone to bo- used ill the construction of embankments, etc,, he could not give this item with exactitude. The vatue of the stone would vary very largely according to the amount of dressing which woul Ve given to it before. leaving the iito-e quarry With regard to the fifth poidt a a to the proportion which the valup of labour would b-ar t.) the whoie cost of .Iw undertaking it wvs impossible at the present stage to give them with any exactnena, s- much depended upon the amount of mechanical plant the Contractor would employ. But in any case it would be a very larg? proportion. Sixth, as regarded the construction of the railway embank- ment there was no reason why this section of the i work should not be pushed on with a view to com- pletion at an eirlier period than the remainder of the contract. This section might, if suitable arrangemen ts were made, be completed within twelve months of the commence- ment cf the work. The. embankment would putially consiat of a strong eton" pitched slope provided with timber on the face to prevent damage by vessels lying alongside. H,- had provided for 1,000 feet run of suitable wharf frontage on the Railway Enbankment. The exact form of this WhHf Lpce would be decided upon at a later data. Whether it would be constructed entirely of walling wid1 vertical face or with a pitched slup, and timber frontage was practically iumaterial as to cost. Seveuth, with reference to the question of alterations and deviations in the existing sewage outfall, such work must necessarily be undertaken and was entailed by the levels hich were to ru e in connection with the new inner harbour. He had made what he considered ample provision in his final estimates for this work. E'ght, hj e-.tim^ted that the whole of the works iuclucirèd under the scheme should be completed withiu two years of the letting of the contract. Mr ROBERT I. PARRY said he was pledged not to support any steps taken to proceed with the scheme until a statement had been circulated amongst the ratepayers previous to the holding of the public meeting. It was unreasonable to expect the rate- payers to grasp the whole purport of the project in the course of a meetirag. Mr RICHARD JONES-Do you consider a vote should be taken at the public meeting ? Mr R. I. PARRy-I have pledged myself to vote against the scheme until it has been thoroughly explained to the ratepayers. Mr RICHARD JONES—Whv not send voting papers to each ratepayer and let them say 41 yes or no to the scheme. Mr R. I. PARRY said that was a matter of detail, and moved an ampndment that a statement should be published prior to the public meeting. Mr SAMUEL LLOYD seconded the amendment. Alderman H. P. JONES said if the Council bad placed their scheme for the purchase of Glasfryo Fawr before the ratepayers it would never have been their Drooertv to day. The harbour scheme with its great possibilities ought to appeal to every- body. But most of the ratepayers—particularly the occupants of small tenemeuts--did not know nor care about the scheme. He must say candidly that there were many who did not care anything for the growth of Pwllheli. The best thing they could do was to explain to the public next Tuesday the scheme as the Council understood it. He believed that the Council were doing their best for the welfare of Pwllheli and every member should throw himself heart and soul into the scheme with a view to carrying it through. The MAYOR—You must keep yourself in reserve for the public meeting. Mr A. I. PARRY-That is just the speech wanted for the meeting. Alderman ANTHONY—Suppose a statement was prepared by the Committee in time for publication to morrow, would we then be agreed? Look at our position to-day. We have passed resolutions and resolutions to get this grant. We have soli- cited the help of M.P.'s. We have been up to London. We have been begging and praying for this E17,500. We have resolutions approving of the principle of the scheme on the minute book, and are we to accept the vote at the public meet- ing as final? I will not subscribe to that plan. I say let us go on with the scheme however the voting goes. Let us take the responsibility. I made myself perfectly clear on this point at the public meeting on the eve of the election. If the vote at the public meeting were to be negative and we were to accept it as final, I don't think we would be men. We know full well that it is possible to pack a meeting with a certain class of individuals. You know there are men —— Mr R. I. PARRY—They have been packed before. Alderman ANTHONY-Yes, and that is one reason whv we should not take it as a test. There are ratepayers, as Alderman H. P. Jones pointed out, who take very little interest in the scheme because it is only a question of rates to them. Tenants of small houses who, as a matter of fact, would hardly be affected by the scheme might be guided by others how to vote as they have been guided before now. Are we to take the result of this meeting as final-a result which, very possibly, might be such as to delight the opponents of the scheme ? Were we to do so, I think we should be running a very grave responsibility. We would appear in the fyes of the Board Jubl™ meeting and iu favour of enlightenment but I au not eoing to vote for taking the voice of the public meeting as final. Mr SAMUEL LLOYD—But that is no p P°Alderman ANTHONY-What is in it.then11f Mr LLOYD-What we want is a leaflet explaining the scheme circulated in advance of the public Alderman ANTHONY—Is the public ™?et.'n8 for the purpose of explanation ? Wha held for except to explain the sc.ieme. y it necessary to leave leaflets at every house I Mr J. E. HUGHES inquired whether a leaflet pub- lished next day would meet the wishes f Mr R. 1. Parry and Mr Lloyd and they replied" Yes." Mr RICHARD JoNES-We are here to represent the ratepayers. We do not represent ourselves. There are ratepayers who would be an honour to any council in the United Kingdom considering this matter, and are we to give them no oppor- tunity of giving their opinion. I think it would be an insult. When I was seeking re-election, I found out what a strong feeling there was against the Council. I put down a large part of the feel- ing to lack of confidence in the Council. 1 say let us respect them. Mr W. S. JONES—The whole scheme will be explained by the four members at the public meet- ing. Mr RICHARD JONES-But what is the good of holding a public meeting if you have made up your minds and will not take the opinion of others. The MAYOR-That was only a personal remark of Alderman Anthony's. Mr J. E. HUGHES- Nevertheless the best answer to Mr Rd. Joues is this What are we here for if the ratepayers have no confidence in us ? Why did they send us here if they have no confidence ? If they have lost confidence in us why do they not take steps to turn us out ? I think we should act like men and undertake responsibility. He added that a large number of ratepayers were not in a position to judge pro- perly. In cases of that sort they had to depend on the opinion of men who were practically pro- fessionals. They could not enter into the details. The work of the ratepayers devolved on the Council and having a knowledge of the work-of the details—of the intricacies—they would be less than men if they shirked the responsibility simply because the matter was difficult. He considered that the fact of the matter being difficult was the very reason which should induce them to tackle it. Mr Robert Ivor Parry and Mr Samuel Lloyd pledged themselves at the recent election meeting to oppose the scheme, and yet at the caucus meeting of the Town Council both admitted that they knew nothing about it. They should never have given such a pledge. Mr SAMUEL LLOYD said if the Council were anxious for unanimity the better plan would be to adjourn the meeting 110 as to go thoroughly into the details and the figures of the scheme. He had pledged himself to vote against the scheme until he h"d enlightenment on different points. First, he should like to know the financial state of the town. The MAYOR—Excuse me, but be in order, do you propose anything ? Do you want to adjourn the meeting? Mr LLOYD-YES. Mr J. E. HUGHES—I quite agree th«t we should go thoroughly iuto the details. It would do more than anything to convince you. Mr LLOYD-If you want to take away the opposition you must have au adjournment of the Council to explain the details otherwise, I must oppose the scheme, and others will oppose it unless they get enlightenment. Mr J. G. S. JONEs-I propose that we do adjourn. Mr W. S. JONES seconded the proposition, which was eventually agreed to. It was decided that the adjourned meeting should be held in private on the following night, and that the public meeting should be held next Tuesday night as arranged. It was further resolved that a statement should be published and circulated amongst the ratepayers in the course of the next twenty-four hours to afford ample time to consider it prior to the public meeting. Alderman W. Anthony, Mr J. E. Hughes, and the Town Clerk were deputed to draft the statement. TIME OF MEETING. On the motion of Mr A. I. Parry, seconded! by Mr J. Hughes, it was decided that in future the Council should meet on the first and third Friday in each month at two in the afternoon. [Hitherto the meeting* have been held once a month.] MAGISTERIAL. Mr A. I. Parry proposed that a suggestion made by Mr Lloyd George, M.P., to solicit the support of the County Council to the petition in favour of a separate commission of the peace for the borough, should be adopted.—Mr J. Hughes seconded the proposition. A PROTEST. Mr R. I. Parry protested against the principle of electing eleven members on one committee. The committee was too numerous. It was against the principles of administration and of economy.— No proposition v.as made. BLAMED FOR THE FLOOD. Alderman Anthony incidentally observed that the Town Council were even blamed for the re- ot-nt flood. The Corporation seemed to be re- garded by some peop!e as a general mat for everybody to wipe their feet on. (Laughter.) THE EMBANKMENT. Fuur tenders were received for re-bu'.lding 210 feet of the Embankment wall. They wete re- ferred to the consideration of the Committee.—The Council sit for over three hours.

POKTMADOC. A SEASONABLE OFFER.—Having regard to Ithe hard winter which is setting in, the offer made to the readers of the Cambrian News by Messrs Evans Bros., drapers, Paris House (particulars of which will be found in our advertising column), must strike all thoughtful housewives as one worthy of every consideration. ENTFRTAINMENT.-MR Fred E. Young, Pwllheli, gave his popular eutertainment at the Town Bali on Saturday night, but unfortunately the perform- ance had been so poorly advertised that the attend- ance was nothing like that which the entertainment merits. The animated photos, which include up- to-date events and local scenes, are really splendid, whilst the part consisting of sleight-of-hand, pap- r- folding, and shadowgraphy is the very embodiment of amusing entertainment. It is understood that Mr Young will pay the town another visit in the immediate future. MOCK PARLIAMENT. -Portmadoc is a Liberal citadel, but the unopposed return at general elec- tions of the member for the Eivion Division and his infrequent visits to the town has reduced Liberal activity to minimum. The Liberal Club has a membership of over two hundred, but it is a matter of grave doubt whether one hsilf of them are Liberals by conviction. Two or three Liberal meetings in the course of about ten years is hardly calculated to imbue the members with the principles upon which Liberalism is founded. The management of the Club has realised this fact for some time, and at the last annual meeting there was expression of opinion on the part of several members that the visits of the member for the Division should exceed the number proverbially allotted to the angels and that something should be done in the Club itself to forcibly impress the members that the institution existed for something more than billiards As a result, Mr Bryn Roberts, M.P., has been written to urging him to hold a meeting in the trl D in the immediate future and to persuade Mr Lloyd George, M.P., and Mr William Jones, M.P., to accompany him. The Club has also made a per sonal effort and on Friday night the effort assumed the shape of a mock Parliament, whose sittings will take place fortnightly. The session was sup- posed _1-:0 open with the Conservatives in power, The Kev W. J..Nicholson having oeen unani mously elected Speaker, the House took it for granted that there was a debate on the Address and Mr Richard Davies, the Liberal leader, moved a resolution of no confidence" in the Govern- ment, and in a Welsh speech, exposed the shame- ful way in which the war had been conducted, dwelt upon what it was costing the country, and showed that domestic re- forms promised by tne Tories in the 1895 general election were no nearer fulfilment to-day than they were six years ago. — Mr R. S. Williams, the ex-colonial secretary, in another fiery Welsh speech seconded the resolution and amid hisses and countercheera laid all the blame on the shoulders of the Colonial Secretary. — Mr C. E. Bree#e, the prime minister, speaking in English, defended the Government in it conduct of the war aud expressed the opinion that no other power could have des- patched 200,000 men 6,000 miles over sea in such a remarkably short space of time. As to domestic reforms, he shouid like to know what had the last. Liberal administration done in this connection dur- ing their three years of office. The Tory adminis- tration bad carried through numerous measures during the past six years.—Mr Jone".Parry, the colonial secretary, in an impassioned speech which stimulated the Tories and infuriated the Liberals, the latter interrupting time and again, es- sayed to show the Government as a patternot care in foreign and domestic legislation.—The views of Mr Richard Newell, the chancellor of the exchequer, who was absent through illness, were reflected by a deputy. -Ultimately the House divided on the resolution, Dr Pierc-, Jones, the member for Morfa Bvchan, acting as teller for the Government, aud Mr T. H. Jones, the member for Snowdon-street, as teller for the Opposition. There voted for the resolution thirty-eight, against twenty seven, tht, Government being thus defeated by eleven votes. The House then adjourned. It is understood that, the Government have resigned office and that the Liberals are now in piwer. Mr Richard Davies will now take up the office of premier, with the following as cabinet ministers :-Chaucell(,r of the exchequer, Mr D. O. M. Roberts; home secretary, Mr W. R. Owen colonial secretary, Mr R. S. Williams under. secretary for the Colonies, Mr R. Lloyd Jones Irish secretary, Mr Harry Evans Welsh secretary, Mr W. Morris Jones secretary for war, Mr J Jones Williams; the opposition leaders will be Mr C. E. Breese, Mr Jones Parry, Mr R. Newel', Mr T. Garth Jones, Capt. J. R. Prichard, Mr R. B. Thorpe, and Mr R. Jones Lloyd. The Liberal whips will be Mr Robert Roberts and Mr David Williams; the Conservative whips, Dr Pierce Jones and Mr J. C. McLean; whilst Mr Llew Davies will be clerk of the House. At the next sitting the Liberal government will bring in a Bill conceding self-government to the Dutch Republics on the Canadian principle, but previous io th, lu. troduction of the measure numerous questions will be put to the cabinet ministers. FOOTBALL. -Bangor College visited Portmadoc on Saturday to try conclusions with the local eleven. Ideal football weather prevailed and some 500 spectators witnessed the game which prnveà highly interesting from start to finish. The team?, who were at full strength, were as follows :-Port- madoc Goal, Robert Jones backs, Roland Jones, Roland Hughes halves, G. Davies, J. R. Jones, and Robert Jones; forwards, W. Morris Joaes, Meeeley Jones, Owen Jones, R. D. Roberts, and William Reberts. Linesman, Mr Harry Hughes. Bangor: Goal, E. Price Evans; back, Hopkins and Trevor Lewis; halves, Hewitt, D. Allen Jones, and Fagan forwards, J. Newton Davies, Caldwell, Tudor F. Jones, Edward Jones, and E. E. Edmunds. Linesman, Mr R. H Hinns. Referee, Mr R. Llewelyn Evans. Portmadoc opened play with their backs to the sun. In the first few minutes, it be- came clear that the game was going to be a fast one. Bangor forced the pace from the outset and would have secured a corner but for Ro!i>nd Hughes. Then,. xt moment the ball was at the other end, G. Davies sending a few iaches wide. Bangor next asscrted themselves* and obtained two corners which they failed to turn to account. Their forwards were playing a magnificent combination game, but they had a tendency to erratic Bhooting in the front of goal and this tendercy was made more marked hy the superb tackling of J. R. Jones and Robert Jones, the former being simply bri!liant at stages. Tudor F. Jones was occasionally able to elude him and backed up by Newton Davies and Caldwell nearly brought down the Portmadoc fortress. Their efforts would have proved successful twice had it not been for Bob Jones, the goalkeeper, who was seen at his best. One save elicited applause not only from the lookers-on but from the players themselves the Bangor eleven clapping hands almost to a man. The Pottmadoc forwards, when opportunities presented themselves, did not work with that precision which charac- terized their play in the p^st few wfeks Their passim; was exceptionally faulty at intervals, and when they did sparkle up, they found more than their match in Hopkins, the Bangor left-half, who showed them a clean pair of heels time and again. Bangor became masters of the situation bye and and bye and penned in Portmadoc. They secured several corners, but the Portmadoc goalkeeper skilfully parried the onslaughts. Smart com bination gave the collegians at least two glorious climcs, but they shot for goal in the manner one would expect a woman to sbout, Jutt before the whistle blew, Pcrtmadoc broke away and Moseley Jones, Owen Jones, and R. D. Roberts almost accomplished the needful. The homesters again showed dash in the opening part of the second half and W. Roberts, receiving from J. R. Jones, who was playing faultlessly, nearly scored. But very soon Bangor once more showed their superiority and indulged in a series of pot shots at the home goal. Roland Jones and Roland Hughes succeeded in keeping them at a reasonable distance for a time and when they actually broke through, Bib Jones proved as wnry as ever. A bully in front of goal tested him to the utter- most, but smart tactics, combined with a little luck, staved off disaeter. It was beginning to 1 ciawn on ttic spectators tnat there was onty on, team in it when Bob Jones, the left-half, changed the venue to the other end. For a few minutes Bangor had their work cut out and had their defence not been exceptionally sound a catasrophe would have been inevitable. But the visitors were likewise fortunate in the possession of a clever cuatoiian whilst Hopkins was playing like a Trojan. After clearing several corners, Bangor assumed the aggressive with greater earnestness than ever. The forwards sped along witti beantiful precision and when within a few yards of the fortress Cadwell sent the ball spinning past Bob Jones giving him not a ghost of chance to eave The reverse stimulated the homesters and in the next ten minutes they played better than they did throughout the game. R. D. Roberts and Bob Jones the right half, and W. Roberts sent in three clinking shots, but the goalkeeper was on the alert. Then Bangor forged ahead and they were in dangerous ^proximity to the goal when the whistle blew the game thus ending in a deserving win for Bangor by one goal to nil. The weakness of ths homesters Jay in the vanguard, not one of the quintette playing anything like a good game. The deft nee was on the whole good, Bob Jones, the goalkeeper, and J. R. Jones, the centre half, taking premier honours, with Bob Jones, the left halfj^a good second.

MACHYNLLETH. COUNTY SCHOOL.—On Friday afternoon, the Governors, staff, and pupils of the County School celebrated by a tea party the honour conferred upon the school by the election of Tom Phillips, a pupil, to a scholarship of jE;80 at Jesus College, i Oxforc). The tea had been organised by Mrs Davies, Maldwyn House, and the other ladies who presided over the tables were Mrs Dr Davies, Mrs John Thomas, Mrs T. R. Morgan, Miss Owen, and Miss Lumley. After a very enjoyable tea, the pupils went through an im- promptu programme of songs and recitations. RIFLE SHOOTING COMPETITION.-The weekly competition of the Rifle Club was held on Satur- day, when the scoring was as follows :— 200 500 600 yds. yds. yds. total h.c.p Col. Strgt. Joues 23 21 22 71 2 Cm pi. Leake 12 21 15 48 10 Pte. Pierce 26 12 10 48 12 Sergt. Instructor Wilson 30 27 25 82 18 Sergt. Sadleir 30 26 24 80 14 Pee. Harris 14 10 4 28 2 C Company. Ptc. Bury 27 24 19 70 10 Fte. Thompson 21 15 17 53 2 Pte. Pvatt 20 17 8 45.. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, WEDNESDAY.—Pre- sent Mr Edward Hughes, presiding; Mrs Thomas, Messrs R. Morgan, W. Jones, Thomas James, R, Hughes, Ellis Hughes, John Jones, J. H. Evans, Evan Evan, David Gillart, E. E,Iwat d Lewis, with Messrs David Evans (clerk), D. Morgan (assistant clerk), J. Jones (master), and the relieving officers. Statistics -Out- relief administered during the past fortnighr, Darowen district, per Mr Daniel Howell, relieving officer, f34 3s to 119 paupers Machynlleth district, per Mr John Jones, reliev- ing officer, E20 9s to 76 paupers Pennal district, per Mr Wm. Jones, relieving officer, £ — -s to paupers. Number of vagrants relieved during i he past month, 126; last year corresponding period, 73. Number of inmates, 36 last year 29. The House,-The Master reported that Lady Londonderry gave the inmates a dinner on November 7th —A vote of thanks to Lady London- derry was proposed and seconded by Mr William Jones and Mr Ellis Hughes and carried unani- mously. Temperance.-A circular letter was read from the National Temperance Union asking the Board to prevent drink being supplied to the inmates during the Christmas festivities, as the majority of the inmates had become such through drink, and it would revive their appetite for it.—The Chairman said drink was not given to the inmates. —Mr Ellis Hughes We have anticipated them.

u,, r s g COCOil "First and FOFBiftOSt Why 7 It has stood the test |p of time. Why ? It is highly beneficial t to all, young and old. p* Why ? It is The typical f English cocoa" (so The A nalyst says). rh." Why ? It is "the most y popular Cocoa of the t:! day" (so the Mcclica' f:;<1 Magazine says). ;t¡ ;g¿J (dI11.ry S UUu Cocoa I Absolutely Pure, I therefore Best. H OAUTION.-HOW TO TEST THP. PUITITY JEAJJG OF COCOAS.- If treated with alkali and IIS chemicals, such cocoas will have a medicinal BB scent when the tin is opened, and it will be a Ha! darker colour when in liquor. CADBURY'S JGJJG Cocoa has no addition of any kind, and is guaranteed absolutely pure. (Sup .tes' GQMEDAL i" Makes BOOTS and HAR- NESS Waterproof as a duck's back, soft as velvet, and wear 3 timi s aslong; pleas- ant odour; Jlows polishing 22 Exhibitions Highest Awards for tmpenorLy Tim 2d. 6d., Is., 2s. 6rt. of Bootmakers, Saddlers. Iron- monger, etc. Mnfy. E. Dltl. wich, London. z659 #ttBinesB 4, borcests. Portmadoc. PATRONISED BY H M. THE QUEEN AND H.R R THE PRINCE or WALES. R. NEWELL, PURVEYOR OF MEAT, CENTRAL BUILDINGS, PORTMADOC; BEACH ROAD, BARMOUTH •' HTrH ctbuot CRICCIETH; CENTRAL BUILDINGS, PWLLHELI, AND MARKET SOIUKR BLAENAU FESTINIOG, feyUARE, Respectfully solicits the favour of your patronage for best quali' y in BEFF \F TTTTnv T A \T» VEAL, PORK, and PORK SAUSAGES (own make) fresh daily. Bacon. All stock carefully slaughtered and cooled at Portmadoc ut der excellent "Iwff Ml gards sanitation and pure water supply. Meat carefully hung in Refrigerator* during^o°t weatk £ X979 North Wales. 1 THE NATIONAL ELECTRIC WIRING CO, LTD., Electrical Engineers and Contractors to His Majesty's War Office, Office of Works, and General Office; also to manv of the principal Supply Authorities of Great Britain Heral Post SOLE AGENTS IN CARNARVONSHIRE AND MERIONETHSHIRE FOR TRP ELECTRIC ROCK DRILL E GARDNER The Company is particularly well qualified to carry out complete installations in Country Honse* Quarries, Collieries, and Factories, and make a speciality of Water Power Schemes ^onses, Extended terms of payment arranged in tbe case of Churoh or Chapel Liffhtinc Appointments kept in any part of North Wales on receipt of one day's clear notioe wi ,i„f wl ws r estimates are prepared free of charge. nouoe, wialst PlaDS, specifications, Manager and Engineer for North Wales— D. 0. EVANS, A.M I E E The National Electric'Wiring Co., TEL. No. 0171 Tn n ?A,NK .pLACE, BANGOR Brioches at Blaenau Festinietr and Station Chambers, Rhyl. °m & °Ca eD^u'rie8 should be addressed, HEAD OFFlCE :-34, V)ct,ria-street, Lordon, S.W. wgi6 _dJ Iaad Llanbedr. 3 tARDst J C!16 c. COALS, LIME, BRICKS, PIPES, &0. BEST HOUSE, STEAM, AND SMITHY COALS. BUILDING AND AGRICULTURAL LIME. I DKLIVERED AT ALL RAILWAY STATIONS IN TRUCK LOADS AT LOWEST PRICES. APPLY TO- ROBE R T RICHARDS PENSARN, LLANBEDR. R.S.O., AND AT TOWYN. DISTRICT AGENT FOR JOHN BAZLEY WHITE & BROTHERS' CEMENT. xl3 Towyn. H. W. GRIFFITHS, BOOT AND SHOE WAREHOUSE, 7, COLLEGE GREEN, TOWYN. THE NOTED "K" BOOTS. Bespoke Work ami all kinds of Repairs DOpnE™sIsB* Blaenau Festiniog. GLOVES! GLOVES! GLOVES! GREAT AND GRAND SHOW AT SIIOP-YR-ERYR Next Saturday and throughout the week. SEND FOR LIST FREE. SPECTACLE SPECIALIST The system adopted by Mr Hugh Jones, Medical Hall, Blaenau Festiniog, of fitting spectacles and eyeglasses is by far the best, the most accurate and economical. bight tested free of charge. Note the address— HUGH JONES, Fellow and Freeman of the Spectacle Makers' Company, Guildhall. London (by exam.) also Member of the British Optical Association (D.B.O.A. certificate), OPTICIAN AND CHEMIST. CHURCH STREET, BLAENAU FESTINIOG. PHILLIP EVANS & Co., SLATE, MARBLE, AND GRANITE, MONUMENTAL WORKS, BLAENAU FESTINIOG. Most Unique collection of MARBLE in North Wales. Appointments can be made with P.E. in any part of North Wales on appli,-ktion. Send for catalogues. y653 ESTABLISHED 1865. EVANS & Co., WATCHMAKERS, JEWELLERS, OPTICIANS AND TOBACCONISTS, 2, NEWBOROUGH BUILDINGS, BLAENAU FESTINIOG. Gold Wedding, Fancy, and Keeper Rings. ur-ii. „ jj.. Electro-plated and Fancy Geodi. With all wedding rings purchased suitable preseote given. A private room for purchasers. Sole agent at Blaenau Festiniog for Henry Laurance's spectacles. y633 COMMERCIAL HOTEL (FAMILY AND COMMERCIAL) MARKET SQUARE, BLAENAU FESTINIOG (Close to the L.N W. Railway Station). Every accommodation for Tourists, Visitors, and Commercial Geatlemen* Choice Wines and Spirits. Mild and Bitter Ales and Guinness Stout. Ordinary Daily from 1 to 2 p.m w991 D. W. EYNON, Proprietor. MR JOHN DAVIES, 17, LEEDS-STREET, BLAENAU FESTINIOG AUCTIONEER AND VALUER (of the Firm of Mr N. Edwards, Berlin House), BEGS to inform the public that he undertakes all sales ot houses, land, furniture, etc. He now holds monthly sales at the Market Hall. This is an excellent opportunity for persons to dispose of old furniture, etc. For further particulars, apply at above address. w990 RAILWAY HOTEL, BLAENAU FESTINIOG. Close to the Great Western and Narrow Gauge, and five minutes' walk from L. & N.W. Railway Stations. COMMERCIAL AND BOARDING. GOOD BEDS, STABLING, CARS FOR HIRE, BILLIARDS, &c. HOT DINNERS DAILY 12 TO 2. z505 GEORGE PENNY, Proprietor. THE GENUINE REMEDY. USE MORRIS EVANS' OILS I BERSONAU, Potelau Is lic, a 2s 6c yr un. At Grydcymalau, Briwiau, Poen, Pydriadau drwg eu rbyw, Ddannodd, Sigdod, neu Losg Tan, Fe wella bob dyn byw. IT AFFORDS RELIEF FROM BURNS AND SCALDS. DIPHTHERIA, PILES, RHEUMATISM, TOOTHACHE, AND WEAK CHEST, FROM BRUISES CHILBLAINS, AND SORE THROAT. THIS OIL WILL GIVE YOU REST. I USE MORRIS EVANS' OILS. Our FREE TRIAL VAN travels the whole of Wales ready to prove the merit of our oils for any or all the above mentioned complaints. Write for testimonials to Sole Proprietors and Manufacturers, MORRIS EVANS & Co., FESTINIOG. y635 trASINE Will cure Headache, Neuralgia and Toothache in a few minutes. THOUSANDS OF TESTIMONIALS RECRIVRI, EASINE will be sent Post Free for Prepared only by- HUGH JONES, MANUFACTURING CHEMIST, MEDICAL HALL BLAENAU FESTINIOG X18H uriccietn. THE GEORGE HOTEL, CRICCIETH, NORTH WALES. COMPLETELY re-built and refurnished throughout by Messrs Maple and Company. All modern conveniences. Baths, etc. Sanitary arrangements believed to be perfect. For further particulars, and Tariff apply to the Manageress. Portmadoc. LLOYD & SON PRINTERS, BOOKBINDERS, 'AND STATIONERS, 125, HIGH STBEET, PORTMADOC. Engraving, Die-sinking, and Relief Stamping neatly executed. Every descriptioE of Account Books m-wle to order. xl41 DO YOU SELL CAKE- PASTRY, OR CONFECTIONERY! If so, drop a post card for Price and Terms of various manufactures. Quality, Al. Variety unlimited. KI R KH 0 P E'S WHOLESALE CONFECTIONERY DEPOT, NEW STREET, PORTMADOC. ESTABLISHED NEARLY 50 YEARS. D. ROB EIKT » & Co., THE LONDON TEA WAREHOUSB PORTMADOC, WHOLESALE AND FAMILY GROCERS, PROVISION DEALERS & ITALIAN WARE HOUSEMEN. y614 ft. H. 0 WEN, BERLIN RESTAURANT (just opened), PORTMADOC. PARTIES CATERED FOR. Pastries, Sultana Cakes, Marble Cakes, Seed Cakes Plum Cakes, and all Fancy Cakes made from the finest ingredients. Teas and Dinners prepared on short notice. y891 RrEAM SAW MILLS, PORTMADOC J. OWAIN HUGHES (Late Thomas Parry), TIMBER MERCHANT. Large Stcck of Timber suitable for Builders, Contractors, Farmers, and others. Mouldings, Doors, and Windows in great variety. Customers' own Timber sawn to sizes. Stock ot Bricks, Laths, Tiles, &e. 581 J. GAS JONES (REGISTERED PLUMBER), HOT AND COLD WATER AND SANITARY ENGINEER. Every description of sanitary work undertaken. Old Drains tested and re-constructed upon the latest sanitary principles. Estimates furnished. 20, SNOWDON-STREET, PORTMADOC. HUMPHREY JOJNES, DRAPER, TAILOR, AND LADIES COSTUMIER Has taken over the business of Mr J. H. Roberts, GWALIA HOUSE, PORTMADO (Two doors from the Town Clock). hA0ld? the First-dass Diploma of the Tailor and Cutter Academy, London. yftjg 11 AND 13, EAST AVENUE, PORTMADOC. W. JONES OWEN, (Late of J. B. Johnstone, Sackville-street, London, W., TAILOR AND OUTFITTER, &c. t New Stock Overcoatings, of Winter Goods. Suitings, Trouser- f Orders promptly Splendid selec- ings at I attended to. tion. reasonable prices. ESTABLISHED 1862. R. BONNER THOMAS, WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER, SILVERSMITH, AND OPTICIAN, 4, BANK PLACE, PORTMADOC. EYE-TESTING DEPARTMENT under the superintendence E. R. ONNEB THOMAS, D.B.O.A., Member of the British Optical Association (By Exam.), Honours Certificate. SIGHT TESTED FREE OF CHARGE A SEASONABLE OFFER. CARRIAGEIPAID ANY DISTANCE FOR Two ISSUES OF THIS PAPER OR 14 DAYS ONLY. EVANS BROS., PARIS HOUSE, PORTMADOC, Ofhr readers of the Cambrian News Bargain Parcels of Blankets and Sheets. Blankets 11/6 ) BOTH FOR 12/11, Sheets 3/6 we]1 worth 18/_ Blankets 15/11 ) BOTH FOR 17/11, Sheets 4/11 } 20/10. well worth 24/- To secure a Parcel you MUST CUT this advertise. ment out as coupon and forward it with postal order for 12/11 or 17/11 to above address The quantity is limited, don't hesitate, but send at once. NOTICE. PLEASE NOTE that the Colwyn Bay JL and District Advertising and Rill Posting Co., Limited, hovo, owing to th, grt Fi .,rea nuw covered by them, adopted a new name uad will in future be known as the WELSH NORTHERN COUNHKS RILLPOST- ING & ADVERTISING Co LIMITED, Carrying on Business in that name at Colwyn Bay, Llandudno, Conway, Abergele, Penmaetimaw r Pwllheli, and Portmadoc. ;z'233