The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

#nsi.c MR J. EDWARD JONES, VIOLINIST, HAS a few vacancies for Pupils.—For Terms, apply 5, PIER STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. o251 MR CHARLES PANCHEN ORGANIST ft CHOIRMASTER, ST. MICHAEL'S PARISH CHURCH, ABERYSTWYTH. Hon, Looal Examiner (Scholarships), B A.* RECEIVK PUPILS FOR SINGING. ORGAN, PIANOFORTE, FLUTF AND HARMONY, 20, New-etreet, Aberystwyth. Next term begins on May 3rd, 1909. • —— Mr. J. CHAS. McLEAN, (fellow of the Royal College of OrganÜts. ) Gives lessons in Organ. Pianoforte, Singing and Theory. Addresji-Portmadoe .Llys Dafydd j339 Aberystwyth 3, Queen's Terrace ARTHUR C. EDWARDS, Mas. Bac. Oxon., F.R.C.O., Organist and Choirmaster of the Holy Trinity Chure Sometime Deputy Organist of Llandafl CathedraL Examiner to the London College of Mime. GIVES LESSONS IN Organ, Pianoforte, Singing (ladie 8 or boy voices), Choir Trailing, and all branches of Musical Theory. Pupils prepared for Exam- inations, For terms, apply, Tan-y-graig, Trinity-road, Aberystwyth. j982 i Cbttcaium CAERLEON HOUSE Collegiate School for Girls. RICOGNISED PBISCIPALB Miss RHODES AND Miss RICKS, B. i. PUPILS PREPARED F;r London and Welsh M&Lriculation, Cam- bridge Looal Associated Board ef Royal Aoademy of Music aad Royal College of Malic; Trinity College and other examinations. Physical Training, Hockey, and Tennis. g6 VICTORIA SCHOOL, Boarding & Day School, VICTORIA (MARINE) TSERA.CE ABERYSTWYTH. PBIHCJIPAL MISS KATE B. LLOYD, Pnplls prepared for the Loteon and Weith Matriculations, Cambridge Looala and Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Muio and Royal College of Mnsio, eto. SOMERVILLE SCHOOL BOARDING & DAY SCHOOL 14 & 15, SOUTH MARINE TERRACE ABERYSTWYTH. PKINOIPAL MISS MARLES-THOMAS Pnplls have very successfully passed various pablio examinations The eenrse of work is specially arranged with a riew to preparation for the University College, where scholarships have already been obtained Great attention is paid to physical Edwas. cation. GYMNASIUM ANDSWKDISH DRILL, MEITHRINVA, PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR BOYS NORTH ROAD, ABERYSTWYTH. PRINCIPALS • <? MISSES TROTTER t Mias GRACE WILLIAMS Boarders received. Prospectns on application Summer Term begins Tuesday, May 4th. 1285 ST. PADARN'S CONVENT, ABERYSTWYTH. Boarding & Day School, Conducted by les Relipienses d. St. Esprit. Nead-Mistress.- Sceur Marie-Henri, B.A. Separate Kindergarten. q406 BARMOUTH. COUNTY SCHOOL, BARMOUTH, Headmaster ED), UNO D. JONES, M.A (Lend.) Soienoe Master, E. R. THOMAS, B.80. Assistant Master, MB. JOHN LLOYD, B.A, Assistant Master, Mr ROBSON PEACOCK. Senior Mistress, Miss L. M. M. ADAM, M.A. Assistant Mistress, Miss W. GITTINS, B.A Cookery Mistress, Miss M. E. OWEN. Masic Mistress, Minti F. WILLIAMS. Drawing Master, A. J. HEWINS. Boarder8 taken by the Headmaster. R. LLEWELYN OWEN, Clerk. TOWYN. TOWYN COUNTY SCHOOL. THE School Buildings are large and -L commodious, are admirably snited for their purpose, and includg Headmaster's House, built specially fer the accomtnodatfon of Boardersj the ordinary Class Rooms, Mnsio Rnom, excellently equipped Chemical and Physical Laboratories Science Leotnre Room Workshop, Kitchen, and laundry. Pupils are prepared 'for the Universities, Profession, and Commercial Life. SUCCESSES DURING 1907. London Inter B.Sc., 4 London Matriculation. 7 Matriculation of City and Guild's Institute, 1 Educational Institute of Scetlaud, 1 Hon; ours Certificate Central Welsh Beard, 5; Senior Certificate Central Welsh Board, 8 Junior Certificate Central Welsh Board, 19 Board of Education, second and third stages, 48; Women Clerks (Civil Service), 1; Mnsio Certificates, 15. SCHOLARSHIPS, &0. David Davies' Scholarship of f40 per annum Aberystwyth College Entrance Scholarship of f20 per annom at Aberystwyth College Stud- entship of the Talue of E100 per annum at Royal College of Soier ce, London Rendel Scholarship of f20 per annum County Exhibition of £ 1 per annum. During the last nine years Scholarships, etc,, of the value of E2,570 have been gained by pupils direct from the Sohool. Tuition Fees, 6 per ananm. For Prospectns, Boarding Fees, ko. apply t Headmaster, or bo E. J. EVANS, Towy lerk to the Gevenrnors, COUNTY SCHOOL, PWLLHELI. The Staff in as follows:- Headmaster, Mr D. R. WILLIAMS, M.A. Mies AGNES PARRY, B.A., Hons., Wales Mise J. D. CALLAWAY, Art Mistress. Miss MURIEL PRICE, B.A., Walss. Miss ANNA DAVIES, Cookery Mistress. Mr C, W. H. GREAVES, B.Sc., Hens.. XVales. Mr. ARTHUR B. DAVIES, B.Sc,, Hons.. w»iff .Mr NORMAN McLEOD, A.R.C.M. Pupils are prepared for Central Welsh Board Oxford and Cambridge Lecal and University Exam inations and considerable attention is paid to Art Music, Manual and Technical Work and Fhysloa Exercises. TUITION FEE, £4 101 Po. ANNUM. Next Term begins Monday, September 14th; O. ROBYN8 OWEN, J783 Clerk to the Governoisl DOLGELLEY. Dolgelley County School (The Dolgelley Grammar School, endowed 1666), An oxcellent general education is provided at very moderate cost. Preparations for THE UNIVERSITIES, THE CIVIL SERVICE, and COMMERCE. Well Equipped PHYSICAL & CHEMICAL LABORATORIES and MANUAL INSTRUCTION ROOMS. Boarding Accommodation of the most modern and approved type at the new Headmaster's Houso. For Prospectus, Terms, List of successes, &o., apply to the Headmaster or to W. T. LLOYD, k.745 Clerk te ti-ot Governors OSWESTRY SCHOOL A SMALL PUPLIC BOARDING SCHOOL FOUNDED 500 YEARS AGO. Excellent Buildings with all modern require- ments. There is, close to the School, quite* separate bnilding, at Ifor&n House, with Board- ing arrangements, and separate grounds, for pupils ranging from 7 to 13 years of age, nnder the direct management of the Headmaster's wife. His Grace tke Archbishop of Canterbury, on his visit to the School when it oeiehrated its 500th year on Nor. 4, 1907, nid-" He wished God-speed to Oswestry School, which had so long and notable a record, and so great a place in the loeal, and more than local, annals of the country." Next Term begins January 18th, igos. For full particulars, apply to J. J. LLOYD WILLIAMS, M.A., o772 Headm»»t«r,

Jacts anb fancies Why do fashions change so fre- quently ?"—"I don't know. It may that they're trying to elude some of tne people who follow them." Willie: Elapa is going to let you marry sister.—Featherstone: How do you know? —Willie: He said after all it was better than nothing. Imported Fortune-Hunter So your father speaks very highly of me, does he? —The Squatter's Only Daughter: Yes; just to rile mother! Sunday School Teacher: Don't you want to be an angel, Tommy ?—Tommy: I am t In no hurry. The baseball season s com in' pretty soon. "Is he a cultured gent-leTr.an?" Yes, indeed. No matter how pretty the servant girl may be, if he's your guest at dinner, he never notices her." Mrs. Mulligan: Oi hear Mrs. Casey is givin' a party on Monday. Her youngest daughter's oominrr out ?-Mrs. Dugan: An phwat was she in for. The following is the conclusion of an epitaph on a tombstone in East Tennessee: —"She lived a life of virtue, and died of cholera morbus, caused by eating green fruit in the full hope of a blessed im- mortality, at the early age of twenty-one years, seven months, and sixteen days. Reader, go thou and do likewise. "In the South Sea Bubble heaps of people "Wer irretrievably burst," is information de- rived from a third boy while a fourth says: Hannibal had the greates feet in history this is shown by his famous march. A man named Dunlop remarked that he bad never heard his name punned upon, and did not believe it could be done. "There is nothing in the world more easy sir," replied the punster; "just 'lop oif Ixalf the name and its 'dun. An African monarch was being shown round some engineering works when the manager's clothes were caught in the machinery, and he was whirled round and round in alarming fashion. Luckily, his clothes gave way, and he was thrown on the floor. The delighted visitor roared with laughter, and said something to his inter- preter. "Sah," said that functionary to the manager, his Majesty say he am very pleased with the trick, an' will you please do it again?"

JJrom the Japcta Being averse to raffling, the promoters of a bazaar at Bangor last week. in aid of a Nonconformist chapel, refused the offer of a motor car from a member of the congregation who thought it might be raffled for. In the House of Commons Mr. J. Hodge moved the second reading of the Unem- ployed Workmen Bill, commonly known as the "Right to Work Bill." Mr. J. Ward seconded the motion. Mr. Maddison moved and Sir M Levey seconded the re- jection of the measure. After speeches by Mr. Shackleton, Mr. R. Harcourt, Mr Ridsdale, Mr. Scott Dickson, and Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, Mr. Burns stated the attitude of the Government. On a divi- sion, the motion for the second reading reading was defeated by 228 votes to 115. At the Royal Academy banquet on Friday night, speeches were delivered by the Prince of Wales Mr. Asquith, and Mr. McKenna. Speaking of the hospitality which the Royal Academy was always ready to afford in the shape of wall space to portraits of public men, the Premier said he thought, after the previous night, there was no picture hanging on those walls that would attract more general attention, or be surveyed with more mingled feelings, than the portrait of the Chancellor of the Exchequer.. The Bangor City Council, who are just now removing the contents of the Town Museum from the old to the new build- ings., last week made a most interesting discovery in the form of an oil portrait of the famous "Dick Aberdaron." On the tack of the portrait is the following in- scription:—An original portrait of that eccentric and celebrated self-taught Welsh linguist, Richard Robert Jones, of Aber- daron, Carnarvonshire, the last taken from life three months previous to his demise, aged sixty-five, August, 1843,-by Richard Fitzwilliams, Liverpool, two being taken at the same time. The fellow to this is the property of the Right Honour- able Lady Gardner, Kinmel Park, Den- bighshire, North Wales. Knew twenty- two languages; master of fourteen. After accepting, with regret, the resigna- tion as vice-principal of Professor Rees, who has been appointed principal of Bala- Bangor College, the Executive Committee of the Governing Body of Brecon Memorial College have decided to abolish the office of vice-principal. The change will not in any wav affect the denomination. The Very Rev John Marshal Lang, principal of Aberdeen University father of the Archbishop of York, died on Sunday. Mr. Burns, M.P., speaking on Satur- day evening at the banquef given to twenty-five leaders of German Trade Unions now visiting this country, said that he believed that there would never again be a war in which England, France, Germany, or Russia would be involved, because the people were becoming wiser than their patriots, better than their l*ress, and in some cases saner than their leaders.

WASTING AND PARALYSIS. Two Operations fail to benefit. A Ladv's Remarkable Cure by DR. CASSELL'S TABLETS. Mrs Webber, 62, Cecil Road, Cowick Street, Exeter, writes I wish to let you know of the great benefit I have derived from Dr Cassell's Tablets. I suffered frojn lasting of the chest, paralysis of right arm and hand, loss of voice, and heart weakness nrv doctor advised an operation, hut as I had had two before and was no better, I refused. I tried many things to no good until at last a friend advised Ih to take Dr Oassell's Tablets. I did so with absolutely marvellous results. I shortly regained my voice and was able to mov.i my arm and hand. I can walk now briskly and feel no bad heart effects and :ln1 better than I have been for years and In fact I feel a new woman. I have put 1 miich flesh, especially on my chest, and Illy friends are astonished to see me cured and looking so well." I'r CasseJl's Tablets are a safe and cer- tain cure for all forms of" nerve Mid physical weakness, loss of flesh, prostra- vVi ^ieai't weakness, anaemia, debility, Children's weakness, indigestion, and stomach troubles. Price, lOAd., Is. lid., n 2s. 9d. of all chemists. o475

ABERYSTWYTH RURAL COUNCIL, Monday, May 3rd.- Present: Messrs Wm. Mason, Llancyn- felin, chairman; David Jones, Llan- badarn Lower, vice chairman; the Rev N. Thomas, Llanbadarn; Messrs J. Richards, Ita vid James, Treeing; W. T. Lewis, iiorth; Dav.d Jones, Llanychai- arn; Isaac Jones, Llanilar; John Rob- erts, Uchayndre John Davies, Llanfi- hangel Lower; T. Oliver Jones, Thomas Jones, Llanfihangel Upper; Lewis Rich- ards, LI. J. Lewis, Cwmrheltlol; E. J. Williams, Ceulanamaesmawr; E. J. Evans, Llangwyryfon; Wm. Jones, Cyfoethybrenin; John Jones, Vaenor Lower; D. Sinnett Jones, Llanrhystyd; J. Pugh Lewis, Parcel Canol; J. James, Llanbadarn Upper; Hugh Hughes, clerk; E. Llewellin, assistant clerk; J. Hughes, inspector; and the surveyors. The Chair. This being the annual meeting, Mr David James was voted to the chair pro tem.—On the proposition of the Rev N. Thomas, seconded by Mr LI. J. Lewis, it was unanimously agreed to appoint Mr W Mason, vice chairman, as chairman for the year.—In taking the chair, Mr Mason re- ferred to the departure of the Rev N. Thomas who had been one of the most use- ful members of the Council.—Mr David Jones was unanimously appointed vice chairman on the proposition of Mr Wm. Jones, seconded by Mr John Roberts.— The usual committees were appointed. Maps. Mr W. H. More, Crown agent, Har- lech, wrote asking for an ordnance map showing where the Council desired to widen the highway leading to Nantmoch and the Crown land required for the pur- pose.—It was agreed to comply with the request, and Mr J. Richards suggested that each surveyor should be provided with a map showing the parish roads marked in red.—Mr W. T. Lewis: I pro- pose that Mr Richards should do so. (Laughter.)—Mr Richards: That remark is quite out of place. (More laughter.)—It was stated that most of the Parish Councils were supplied1 with maps and no further action was taken. Borth. Mr James Williams, clerk of Cyfoethy- brenin Parish Council, wrote asking the Rural Council to apply to the Local Gov- ernment Board to confer urban powers with regard to the lighting of Borth.— W. T. Lewis gave a notice of motion to that effect and explained that the cost would be charged on the portions of the two parishes comprising the village.—A letter was read from the Local Govern- ment Board inquiring what was the pre- sent position of the sewerage question at Borth.—The Clerk was directed to reply that a reply was awaited from the Parish Council and Mr W. T. Lewis explained that a petition opposing the scheme was being signed. Llanafan. Mr Wm. Davies, clerk to the Llanafan Parish Council, wrote enclosing a report and resolutions dealing with the road lead- ing from Dolgwybedyn to Llanafan and the provision of an efficient water supply for the village.-—It was agreed to refer the report to a committee of local mem- bers to meet Mr P. Wilkinson, estate a2;ent. Parson's Bridge. The Surveyor (Mr David Davies) estimated the cost of repairing the well known Parson's Bridge at Devil's Bridge at J340. it was stated that a mine had been re-opened in the vicinity and the bridge was largely used by visitors.—On a vote, it was decided to contribute £20 toward the cost, provided an equal amount was obtained in the locality. Sanitary. The Inspector reported having been in- formed that dressing operations had started at the Vaughan lead miae and that the brook was in danger of being polluted, as it was muddy and highly dis- coloured by the washings from the mine. He visited the place with a view to ascer- tain what means and to what extent the Company had endeavoured to settle the detritus. They had constructed six catchpits of a fairly good size and one smaller. The capacity of the whole he estimated would hold 70,000 gallons which, in his opinion, was far too small for the proper settling of the detritus. Be- fore the brook could be kept clear, the catchpits should be large enough to hold the water from one full day's dressing and two sets should be constructed to work alternately. He had written to Captain Edwards that no pollution would be allowed in the brook and received a reply that he would do his best to prevent pollu- tion. He had met the County Surveyor and members of the County Council re- garding the draining and channelling at Pwllhobi, and it was agreed to recommend that the channelling and kerbing on the south side of the road should be removed and a six inch closed drain substituted in its place; that the. water on the north side of the road should be conveyed to the drain at a point where it left the existing channel; that the foul road side channel should be filled in and levelled with road macadam so as to do away with the con- tinuous nuisance; that the kerbing and channelling slabs which had been removed should be relaid higher up on the south side so far as they would reach and that an additional thirty yards of stone chan- nel and kerbing should be purchased and laid so as to make the full length to the stand post and the water tap at a point where the roads led to Glandwr. If the recommendations were carried out, they would effect a vast improvement and in all probability would meet the demands in a satisfactory way. The cost was estimated at about J332. After opening and in- specting the water mains at Borth, it was found that a length had corroded so much that the flow of water was greatly hin- dered and new pipes were required to keep the supply going as decided by the Parochial Committee. The wooden trough- ing at Borth was in a decaying condition and had probably broken, as big stones continually came down with the water and often caused a 'blockage. Plans and alterations and additions at Ffosrhydy- galed for Mr Morris Davies were recom- mended for approval, also plans of semi- detached villa" at LTangawsai. The dis- trict was free from infectious diseases.— The report was adopted and the Inspector was directed to make another visit to the lead mine.—It was sted that the County Council were prepared to pay half the cost of the improvement at Pwllhobi, but the Committee had declined to inspect Dolhalog drain. New Footbridge. Three tenders were received for the erec- tion of the new footbridge over the river Rheidol near the Factory, Llanbadarn, but the matter was further deferred, the Clerk saying that he understood the County Council were not favourable to make contributions toward footbridges. He added that about £200 was spent an- nually on new bridges which accounted for the increase in the estimated expendi- ture. It was unreasonable that all the expense should be borne by the present generation, while future ratepayers would benefit from the improvements. He sug- gested that the surveyors should prepare a list of bridges required with the view of making an application to the Local Gov- ernment Board for a loan.—The Rev N. Thomas agreed and the suggestion was adopted. Llanilar Water. Consideration of the lease with Mr Loxdale, Castle Hill, regarding the water supply at Llanilar was deferred. It was stated that the lease was for ninety-nine years at the nominal rent of Is. a year. Notice was received from five ratepayers requiring the water rate to be charged on the consumers.—The Clerk explained that the cost would be charged on the whole parish if the notice had not been received. -It was decided that the Inspector should ask the landlords to bear the expense esti- mated at £40, in order not to levy a rate.— Mr W. T. Lewis said he was glad that other places beside Borth were beginning to provide for themselves instead of placing additional charges on the district. Gratuity. Mr David Davies, surveyor, applied for a gratuity for preparing plans of bridges in his district during the past two years. On the proposition of Mr E. J. Evans, sec- onded by the Rev N. Thomas, it was agreed to allow JB4 10s. New Culvert. On a notice of motion, Mr Oliver Jones proposed that ji culvert should be erected across the brook between Devil's Bridge and Pontrhydvgroes.'—A letter was read from Mr J. G. Morris Davies, Hafod, calling attenion to the dangerous condi- tion of the place.—It was agreed that the Surveyor should prepare an estimate of the cost of the improvement. Expenditure. The Clerk submitted the estimate of expenditure and contribution orders re- 1 quired for the half year ending Septem- ber 30th. The expenditure included J3150 tor manual labour, £ 120 materials 'n*Vr improvements, £ 240 salaries, and £ 450 working balance, makng a total of £ l,fc>o aJter deducting the agricultural rate-, contribution 01 £2.0. The actual amouiu spent in the corresponding period of last year was £1,297. There were balances of £480 in favour of the parishes. The con- tributions required for the half year amounted to £1,201 for general expenses, being an increase of £288 compared with the corresponding half year. There was an increase in all the parishes. The amount required for special expenses was £ 43.—The Assistant Clerk having ex- plained the estimate, it was adopted. ANNUAL MEDICAL REPORTS. Dr. J. James, Talybont, in his annual report as medical officer for the northern division, reported as follows:—" The area of the district is 68.921 acres. It contains about 2.300 dwelling houses, having an average population of 3.2 persons per house. The population, according to the last census, is 7,425. The district is divided for the purposes of these statistics into three localities corresponding to the registration sub-districts, viz., Aberyst- wyth. Geneu'rglyn, and the Rheidol, having respectively a population of 1,832, 3,387, and 2,206. The number of births was 152. being 89 boys and 63 girls. This is 24 below the average for the preceding ten years. The birth rate is 20 per 1,000, as compared with 23 for the previous decade which is much lower than the rate for rural England and Wales, viz., 26.2. The number of births and the rate for each locality is as follows:—Aberystwyth, 46 hirths and 25 per 1,000; Geneu'rglyn, 78 births and 23 per thousand; Rheidol, 28 births and 12.7 per thousand. The birth rate for the R.heidol district is extremely low. There were twelve births of illegi- timate children, seven being in Geneu'r- glyn, four in the (Rheidol, and one in the Aberystwyth locality. The number of deaths was 131. being 64 males and 67 Temales. This is less than the average for the previous decade, which was 153, but is nine more than the preceding year. The death-rate per thousand is 17. The aver- age for the last ten years was 20. As five deaths of non-residents occurred at the Union Workhouse, the number is reduced to 126, and the corrected death-rate is 16.9. Fifty-nine deaths, or forty-five per cent., were of persons over sixty-five years of age, 47 or 35 per cent. were of persons over seventy, nineteen were over eighty, three over ninety, and one was ninety- six. Two deaths were caused by accidents. The number of deaths and the rate per thousand for each locality is as follows:— Aberystwyth, thirty-four deaths and the rate of eighteen per thousand; Geneu'r- glyn, fifty-four deaths and the rate 15.9; Rheidol, forty-three deaths and the rate nineteen. The corrected rate for rural England and Wales was 13.8. The emigra- tion of the adult population in great num- bers in search of work must be considered in estimating the death-rate for this dis- trict. The number of deaths of infants under one year of age was eleven, and the rate is seventy-two per thousand of the registered births, which is a record rate for this dis- trict and compares most favourably with the rate for rural England and Wales, viz., 110. The causes of deaths of infants were whooping cough one, diarrhoea two, tubercular disease one, premature birth two, convulsions four, other causes one. The ages at which deaths occurred were as follows:—Eleven deaths under one year of age; six between one and five years; four between five and fifteen years; twelve between fifteen and twenty-five years; thirty-four between twenty-five and sixty- five years; fifty-nine above sixty-five years forty-seven over seventy years; nineteen over eighty years; and three over ninety years. The principal causes of deaths were as follows :—Whooping cough, three epidemic influenza, two: diarrhoea, two; phthisis or pulmonary tuberculosis, seven- teen other tubercular disease, one; cancer fourteen: bronohitis, thirteen pneumonia, three pleurisy, one premature birth, two heart diseases, eight; accidents, two, all other causes, fifty-eight. Pulmonary tuber culosis or consumption of the lungs caused seventeen deaths, and one death was due to other tubercular disease, making a total of eighteen from tubercular diseases, being 13.7 per cent, or nearly one-seventh of the total deaths. The average number for the previous ten years was 254. There- fore there has been a considerable diminu- tion in the number of deaths due to this prevalent affection. Also three of the deaths were of non-residents. There were fourteen deaths from cancer, the average for the preceding ten years was ten. Seventeen deaths were caused by bron- chitis, pneumonia, and pleurisy, and eight by diseases of the heart. Five deaths occurred from infectious diseases, other than consumption, viz., three from whoop- ing cough, two from epidemic influenza, and one from enteric fever. The number of notifications was sixteen, being seven cases of diphtheria, seven cases of scarlet fever, one of enteric fever, and one of erysipelas. Five cases of diphtheria occurred in Taliesin, and also one case of laryngitis which was fatal and most probably diphtheritic. The school drains were found to be in a very bad state, the ventilation of the schoolroom defective, and also the village is in an insanitary state. One case of diphtheria occurred at St. George's-terrace, Llanbadarn, and one at Glanfread. Nothing could be found to account for the origin of these latter cases. Four cases of scarlet fever occurred in the Clarach school district, viz., at Porth- angel, Hengwm Farm, and Glanycoed, also one case at the Chalet, Cwmpadarn, and one at Brook House, Llanbadarn. The enteric fever case was imported from Car- diff and was fatal. One case of erysipelas occurred at Tre'rddol. This village is lii an insanitary condition. Prompt measures were taken in all the above cases to prevent the spread of infection and the houses were disinfected. The fol- lowing schools were closed for various periods owing to the existence of infectious diseases:—Ystumtuen. owing to whooping cough, from January 8th to January 31st; Borth National, owing to influenza, from February 3rd to February 11th; Goginan, owing to whooping cough, from January 31st to February 29th; Talybont, owing to influenza, from February 5th to February 22nd, and owing to mumps from Septem- ber 30th to October 26th; Llancynfelin, owing to diphtheria, and bad drains from March 25th to May 4th: Clarach, from August 10th to the 18th for purposes of disinfection. Fifteen new houses were built, viz., one in Llancynfelin, two in Talybont three in Bow Street, two in Cwmr pa darn, one in Ponterwyd, two in Llan- gawsai, two in Llanbadarn. The byelaws as to new buildings .were observed. Very little was done during the year to improve the water supply of the district. A pump was repaired at Waunfawr, a house sup- plied at Cwmbrwyno, and two wells pro- tected at Ponterwyd. No improvement was made to the supply of the places mentioned in my last annual report and in former reports. Those were Talybont, Borth, Taliesin, Goginan, Llanfihangel, Pentregeuffordd, Darren, etc. To the foregoing must now be added Commins- coch and Ystumtuen. A meeting of the Talybont Committee was held ana it was decided to improve the supply from the Penlon and Wern sources. I hope it will be a success. Nothing has been done to protect the Borth supply from being pol- luted. This is an urgent matter, and unless it is taken in hand soon the annual excuse will again be made that the season is approaching. Nothing has been done to the Taliesin supply. I humbly beg 00 refer you to my last annual report concern- ing the water supply of the above pl»ces. The following schools are still without water supplies, viz., Talybont, Ysturituen, and Clarach, and the Rhydypennau supply is inadequate. A scavenging cart has been obtained for Borth and refuse i removed twice a week during summer. It should be employed in winter as well as summer. Doldau Common was fenced in and thereby abominable nuisances cauetl by tramps nud by the tipping of refuse prevented. The drainage of Llangav,s«i and Commixis- coch was improved. Several dwelling houses in Ystumtuen were repaired, and the Borth mill leefc was cleaned. The drains at Llancynfelin Council School were put right and the schoolroom properly ventilated. A start has been made to put the Borth Council School in a sanitary condition. Many nuistffices caused by pig- sties and manure heaps were abated, and many privies were erected. After all these years of sani^^ry work it is time that every dwelling house should be provided with this very necessary and samtary, accommodation. About 450 houses we^e inspected and notices were served upon those responsible to carry out repairs and to remove nuisances. The year 1908 was not very productive in snnitary improve- ments as far as this district is concerned. The regulations with respect to slaughter houses were enforced and ten new licences were granted. The slaughter houses were inspected and found satisfactory. Dairies and Cowsheds and Milkshops.— The model regulations with respect to dairies cowsheds, and milkshops have been adopted in their entirety by the District Oolitic 1. Twenty-six cowkeepers were registered. Their cowsheds were inspected and found fairly clean, but many were defective in ventilation and in air space. There are a great many cowsheds in the district which are uncleanly kept and badly ventilated. The cows, because they are never groomed, are in a most dirty con- dition. Their udders are never washed, with the result that the milk is filthy and con- taminated with cow manure. It is hardly safe to drink milk unless boiled, and butter is bitter and unwholesome from the same cause. Greater efforts are urgently required to ensure cleanliness of cowsheds and milch cows. The cows should be in good condition and their udders clean and healthy. The dairies and the milk utensils should be scrupulously clean. Th?re are seventeen factories and thirty-nine work- shops registered. These were inspected and no cause of complaint was found. I append forms as required by the Local Government Board and the Home Office In his annual report for the southern division, Dr Rees, Llanilar. stated .-—-The district has an area of 61,582 acres and con- tains 1,438 houses, an average number of 4.2 persons per house. The population accord- ing to the last census is 6,031. The density of population is one person to 10.2 acres. The number of births registered was 120, 68 males and 52 females, giving an annual birth rate of 19.9 per 1,000 as against 18.4 and 19.4 per 1,000 in 1907 and 1Q06. The number of deaths registered was 97, 41 males and 56 females, giving an annual death raw of 16 per 1.000 as against 16.25 and 18.14 per 1,000 in 1907 and 1906. Forty- five deaths (or 46 per cent.) were of per- sons 65 years and upwards against 40 and 42 per cent. in 1907 and 1906. The mortality of infants under one year of age was 11. giving a rate of 92 per 1,000 of registered births against 126 and 111 per 1,000 in 1907 and 1S06. Seventeen deaths were due to tuberculosis. Although the disease is pre- ventable and in the earliest stages curable, it is very prevalent and will undoubtedly continue to be so until the people at large are educated as to the great value or Sresh air and dry houses and the following out of the natural laws of eating, drinking, clothing, and exercise. Llanybyther Sanatorium, which was opened a few months ago, will be of service not as a curative institution only, but also as a training college for health necessaries, be- cause the patients after returning to their several homes will impress their friends by their mode of living, the inestimable value of fresh air, liberal and wholesome diet, and scrupulous cleanliness. I am glad that the Council is giving the institution such generous financial support. As con- sumption is the greatest scourge of our country and claims more victims in a year than the most deadlv campaign with which we are acquainted, I think the time is arrived when sanatoriums should be sub- sidized by the Government. For as Dr Acland tersely said a few days ago, "the cost of a Dreadnought spent in the cam- paign against tuberculosis would save more lives than would be lost by any attack made on this country by a foreign fee." The regulations issued by the Local Govern- ment Board with respect to the notifica- tion of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis among poor persons came into force on January 1st. The object is to prevent the spread of the disease, but as the scope of the Act is limited to persons in receipt of relief from the poor rate, I am afraid as far as this district is concerned that but little benefit will be derived. To bronchitis and pleurisy were attributed seventeen deaths. These chest complaints were pre- valent in the early part of the year. Per- sons of all ages were attacked; but more than seventy-five per cent. of those who died were over sixty-five years of age. In- fluenza was often the precursor of these diseases which doubtless lowered the vitality of persons and rendered them more susceptible to other adverse circumstances. Heart diseases claimed sixteen vict'ms against seventeen in 1907. Not much significance can be attached to tiese figures, as most of the persons Mhose deaths were attributed to this cause were well advanced in years, and heart trouble in those cases was often but one indcation of a general decay of the system. There were eleven deaths from cancer, tie num- ber being, I believe, the highest ecorded for the district. The disease according to the statistics is on the increase throughout the Kingdom. Unfortunately preventive measures are impossible, as veiy little is known of its cause. StreDuous effortB are made by scientists to elucidate the mystery and it is to be hoped that ipiportant dis- coveries will be made at an early date. Seventeen cases of an infectious nature were notified against fifteen in 1907. Two scarlet fever cases occurred in the locality of Bethel. The other cases occurred in the Devil's Bridge schoa area among mem- bers of three households. The infection had probably been conveyed from Aberystwyth. All the patients made good recovery. The diphtheria cases except one were confined to Llanfihangel parish. The first case occurred 111 May at a semi-detached cot- tage called Castell" where the sanitary arrangements generally were unsatis- factory. The patient, a school girl, was not medically treated jill the sixth day of illness and unfortunately succumbed to the effects of the disease. A week later two cases occurred at Slanrhyd'. This cot- tage is somewhat dilapidated and exten- sive repairs are recuired. There was strong reason for belijving that the infec- tion in other cases vas contracted from the first case. In September a case occurred at Rest Cottage, Llanafan. This house overlooks a laige dung heap and stagnant pools of sewage, the effluvium arising from which is very injurious to health. One case of erysipelas occurred at Bankymor. In all the infectious cases, strict isolation as far as possible was enforced and precaution taken to pri/cnt their spread. No great sanitary ''mpiove- ments were effected during the year, and at the present rate of progress I fear that many decades will elapse ere we reach any- thing approaching to a state of perfec- tion. Year after year I have endeavoured to enumerate the more palpable defects, but as most of them are still existent, I deem it my duty to direct your attention to them once more. A systematic inspec- tion was made of houses in the locality mentioned below. The minor defects found were for the most part remedied forthwith. The dwelling houses at Cwm- ystwyth, Rhosygell, and Bethel are of a very poor type and hardly fit for habita- tion, but general demolishment is imprac- ticable, because so drastic a procedure would result in the depopulation of a wide area. Probably, very few new cottages would be erected owing to the increased cost of labour nd building material and the low rents obtainable in these places. This state of affairs is very vexatious from a sanitary standpoint, as we are compelled to adaot a tardy weeding-out process. By this means general desolation is tempor- arily obviated. There is no water supply at either Fethel or Cwmystwyth school. During recent years Devil's Bridge neigh- bourhood' has much improved. Few new houses have been built. Here and there minor defects were found which have been subsequently remedied. The school has no water supply. At Pontrhydygroes many houses were found without privies and A few with leaky roofs and damp walls. At Trisant the water supply is obtained from a well situated some distance from th<3 houses and school. It is liable to pollution. The well should be walled in ind a pipe laid from it to a place more convenient for the consumers. The cost of carrving out this improvement would be small. Owing to the stagnancy of lead mining, the hamlet of New Row is a de- clining one. Nearly half the houses are vacant. Windows, roofs, and floors are in many houses in need of repair. The Capel Sion school buildings have not been in a satisfactory state for some time. I understand that the Education Authority intend carrying out substantial repairs m the coming summer months. The priviea were found on more than one occasion in a filthy condition. Water is obtained from a surface well liable to be contaminated by decayed leaves and other impurities. Steps should be taken to have the well pro- tected without delay. The well at South- gate was walled in some time ago and the water gave every satisfaction until re- cently when it became muddy. It was discovered that the muddinees was due to the presence of the contents of the road channel which entered through a crack 111 the masonry. At Pentrebont the water supply was adequate throughout the year. Five or six houses in this village are in a dilapidated condition and must bo de- molished, if not repaired, without delay. I alluded in previous reports to the de- plorable state of the gullies at this place 'and also at Pont Llanio and Pentrellyn, as they are receptacles of slop water and every other refuse. During dry weather especially, the gullies, with their noxious contents, are a source of danger to health. I trust closed drains will be substituted at an early date. I believe the drains at Pentrebont and Pont Llanio could be effi- ciently flushed by the overflow from the water tanks supplying the villages. Many houses in Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn parish were found in need of repairs. Three nigstyes in the village were a nuisance. The water supply to which rererence has been made in more than one report, is now taken in hand and I hope a suitable new source will be found without much difficulty. The school premises were thoroughly fumigated after the outbreak of diptheria in the summer. At Llanafan, a few house were found with- out privies. The water supply is unsatis- factory. It is obtained from three or four wells which become almost dry in the summer. I am pleased to learn that the parish council intends to carry through a scheme to improve matters. There is no water supply to the school. At Llanilar, the water supply is still in the unsatis- facorv state described in previous reports, though I believe the Council de- cided many months ago to carry out that much needed improvement. I trust there Tv-ill be no further delay, as after rainfall the water is quite unfit to drink. A house to house inspection was made oil Llan- rhystyd village and surrounding districts. Eavestroughs were conspicious by their absence. A few houses were unprovided with privies. Pigstyes were also in some cases found too near dwelling houses. On the whole, the village will compare favour- ably with any in the district. There is, however, one great defect. The water supply is obtained from wells and pumps situated in many instances within a few yards of refuse heaps and pigstyes and, therefore, liable to be polluted by the sewage percolating through the gravelly soil. Tanyfynwent well, supplying the lower part of the village, was almost dry during July and August. It is hoped by draining the surrounding area and fixing a large cistern to secure an ample supply- Some of the farmhouses in the parish are in need of extensive repairs. Notices are being served by the Sanitary Inspector on the owners to do the necessary 1 work. At Chancery three privies were found in a filthy state. The water supply has of late been unsatisfactory owing to mrface pollution. This could be easily orevented and the improvement should be carried out without delay. Four slaughter houses ware licensed at the end of the year. These were inspected and found in a fairly satisfactory condition. Undoubtedly there are nany more premises used as slaughter houss in the district and unless the owners comrly with the requirements of the bve- lawsregarding registration ,etc., legal pro- ceed ngs will be taken against them. A largi number of dairies and cowsheds were inspected. Most of the dairies on the large farms are well ventilated, spacious, and clean. Many on the smaller farns are dark, damp, and quite unsuit- able It is apparently the practice to use the dairy for not only milk but provisions gercrally. The majority of cowsheds are diik, badly urained, and ill-ventilated. Tfc cows are in a state of general filthi- ne:s and are milked by men and women wlose hands are fouled by the manure that corers the udders and teats. Is it there- fo'e surprising that samples of milk taken at different places have been fiound on analysis to contain organisms identical wth those found in the excreta of cattle? Ptre milk of good quality can only be ob- tained from healthy cows, kept clean, uider hygienic 'conditions and properly fel. With the laudable object of incul- cating cleanliness among cow keepers, I think it would be wise for the Council to folow the example of the authorities at H;rr<5gate and other places in issuing cae-ds which should be hung up in the cow- sheds and drawn up in the following terms cleanliness be the motto in every- thing associated with the production of milk. Cowsheds, clean walls, ceilings, floors, window bottoms, and corners; animals, clean haunches, udders and teats; covmen, clean hands, overalls, and cap when milking; utensils, clean cans, strainers, milking stools, etc. Do not keep the milking vessels in the cowhouse. N.B. This card to be constantly hung up in the cowshed." There are on the register eleven factories and thirty-five workshops and workplaces. Practically they are all places where there are only one or two persons employed, usually as apprentices, but as they are factories, etc, according to the meaning of the Act it is necessary to specially mention and classify them. They were visited once at least during the year and found in a satisfactory condition. The inspection of school children was commenced in October. Nearly Ø1û children were examined and of this number fully ninety per cent had de- cayed teet'h. As this defect renders proper mastification impossible, it is probable that dyspepsia will be a scourge of the rising generation. The other deSects found will be enumerated in the special report to the Education Committee. Parents do not seem to be interested in these inspections to the extent they should, and, without their co-operation, but little benefit can be derived from the Act. INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MANAGERS, Tuesday evening, May 4th.—Present: Mr C. M. Williams, chairman; Captain T. Doughton, the Rev J. A. Morris, Mrs Griffith, Mrs E. H. James, Professor Morgan Lewis, Messrs R. Richards, J. Gibson, John Evans, clerk; iind D. Samuel, headmaster. Appointment.—Notice was read from the Town Clerk of the appointment of Councillor Gibson as the Town Council's representative. Financial.—Bills were passed for pay- ment as recommended by the Finance Com- mittee. It was decided to transfer £100 from the general fund' to the repairs and improvements fund for the past financial year and future years. The Clerk was directed to draw a cheque for the amount of the Central Welsh Board examination fees, the Headmaster to ascertain the amount. Staffing and Salaries.—The Clerk was directed to write to Mr N. H. Thomas ask- ing whether he was prepared to reconsider his resignation and remain on the staff. The Chairman with Professor Lewis and Mr Richards were appointed to make arrangements for the filling of vacancies on '1100 expiration of the appointments of Mr N H Thomas and Miss Cruickshank and report to the next meeting. A letter was read from Miss Cruickshank stating her willingness to continue her services during the term. The question of reviewing the salaries was deferred until the next meet- ing. On the consideration of a letter from the Director of Education, the Man- agers were of opinion that the present basis of apportionment under the county scheme (under column 4 schedule 4) was as equitable as anything that could be sub- stituted for it. Visitors Report.—Captain Doughton, re- porting on his visit to the school, said he found everything clean and it appeared' to him that extra care had been taken (Turing the recent, holidays to get the place thoroughly clean. There were several little matters which required attention, including the wire connecting the electric belk from the central hall which was damaged, the chimney pot of the Headmaster's house which was ugly and dangerous, and the garden which was a regular wilderness and idle before it was cleared. No bene- fit was derived from the garden. It was contemplated converting it into tennis courts, but that would mean expense and it would be necessary to have a man con- tinually in charge. He suggested that the garden should be let and thought it would produce from £10 to £]5 a year. The Chairman had been able to have the space between the bicycle shed and the adjoining building bricked; but nothing had been done regarding the playground. Referring to the arrears of fees, he said the amount outstanding was less than | when he made a previous complaint. The amount outstanding then was about £200; but the total on March 31st was about JB123, including JB67 in respect of pupils who had left school. During April 50 was received, reducing the outstanding amount to £73. He could not understand why the fees of old pupils were not col- lected.—Mr Gibson asked whether I was the duty of a manager who visited the school to report on a financial subject ? If so, they could discuss the financial side of the school at every meeting.—Captain Doughton thought he was entitled to do so in regard to the fees.—The Chairman said Captain Doughton had dealt with the fees on a previous occasion, but strictly speaking, it was not part of a visitor's work.-—Mr Gibson: I should think not. We should have a notice on the agenda, i or discuss it in connection with the finan- cial statement. I do not mean to dis- parage Captain Doughton's statement in any way.—Captain Doughton said that since he called attention to the matter the arrears were reduced. He also referred to the cut trees which had not been removed in front of the school.—The Chairman ex- plained that the question of the fees was in the hands of the Clerk and Headmaster and the Clerk added that he had used all the pressure possible short of taking pro- ceedings. Replying to Captain Doughton, he said that some of the arrears were hope- less.—The Chairman said it was intended to use the garden for agricultural instruc- tion and tenders would be invited for the repair of the playground.—There was no other public business. PETTY SESSIONS, Wednesday, May 5th. —Before the Mayor (J. T. Davies, lisq.), W. J. Watkins, and Edward Evans, Esqrs. School Attendance.—Wm. Jones, tailor, Trefechan, and Evan Morgan, Rallt, were summoned for neglecting to send children to school.—Mr Lloyd, the attendance officer, said the summons was served on Mrs Morgan on Saturday since when the boy had been absent five time.-The Bench made an prder to attend in the case of Morgan and ordered the payment of costs.—Wm. Jones attended with the boy and said he was sent to school, but liked to look after Mrs Parry's cows.—The Bench made an order to attend and told the bov that if he did not do so he would be sent to the "Clio." Maintenance.—James Owen James, 67, Park-street. Penrhiwceiber, was sum- moned for leaving his wife and two child- ren to become chargeable to the union.— Mr Thomas Morgan, the relieving officer, said the wife and children had been ad- mitted into the Workhouse.—Defendant said he had been ill and put in a medical certificate saying he was suffering from in- fluenza dur;ng March and April and wa- unable to work.—Defendant's wife, who appeared with an infant in arms, said SIK- lived at Goginan before going into the Workhouse. Her husband went down South in November, and had been sending her rr-<)P. -y. -Defendant said he was earn- ing 2s 6d a day and a percentage which made about Pi Is a week.—Asked by the Clerk if he did not feel it a disgrace to allow his family to be in the Workhouse he said he felt it keenly.—The wife said she was willing to live with her husband and the Bench adjourned the case for a month to enable an arrangement being come to. Skating Rink.—Mr Meyric Hughes applied on behalf of Mr Perkes, manager of the Rink Company, for a music and nancinp- licence for the Rink.—The Chip' Constable said he had no objection provider1 that certain hours were fixed.—Mr Hul-li< supposed it would not be wanted aftev eleven o'clock, the same as other licences.- The Chief Constable said he had no ob jection to 8 to 11 and the Bench granted the licence for those hours.

ABERYSTWYTH & ABERDOVEY Steam Packet Company. The annual general meeting of th. shareholders of the Aberystwyth anc Aberdovey Steam Packet Company was held on Friday afternoon at tin offices on Rofawr. Alderm Pete Jones took the chair and there were present Mr. Hugh Hughes. Mr. William Thomas Alderman Isaac Hopkins, Coun- cillors G. Fossett Roberts and J. Gibson, Mr. T. W. Powell, Mr. Edward Evans, Captain D. J. Lloyd, Capt. Humphreys, Mr. John Owen, Princess-street, Mr. Daniel Morgan, Mr. J. Morgan, Bryny- mor-terrace, Mr. J D. Williams, green- grocer, r. R. J. Jenkins, secretary, and Mr. Kilvington, traffic canvasser. The balance sheet showed share capital at £5,000 in 1,000 shares at jG5 each, of which L3,800 have been issued. The first mortgage debenture at five per cent, stands at £ 1.955. Creditors were stated at £ 631 15s. 3d. and the balance of pur- chase money of the Grosvenor" at £ 1,210. On the assets side the purchase price of the ship was P,5,,420 15s. 3d., including extra fittings; balance on sale of the "Countess of Lisburne," £1,140 4s. 4d. debtors for freights, k361 4s. 5d. cash, L17 6s. 5d.; insurance paid in advance, £ 106; and balance transferred from 1908, loss reserve transferred, L72 18s. 9d. The year's earnings were X2,771 14s. 8d. Load- ing and discharging cost t442 14s. 6d. poit charges and harbour dues, L437 Os 10d fAbervstwvth, £ 339 14s.) wages of crew, C441 19s. 2d. coal, L290 17s. lOd. repairs, JB228 19s 6d. hire of steamer, £ 430; carriage by rail, J388 3s. lOd. cart- tage, L65 10s. 4d.; insurance -6136 5s. 7d. loss of ten per cent. incurred by sale of "Countess of Lisburne," £ 126 13s. 9d. agents commission, JE111 19s 4d. rent at Aberystwyth and Livernool, £ 74 15s. rates and taxes, £ 17 15s. 7d. stores, £ 78 15^. 6d. legal expenses, £ 20; claims, £ 10 15s. lld.; bad debts, JB6 Is. 3d.; canvasser's sztlarv and expenses, L14 6s 4d. and in- terest on mortgage. L24 8s. 9d. The balance sheet had been prepared and the accounts audited by Messrs. Graham King and Co. who regretted to report a large adverse balance as the result of the Company's trading for the year an un- satisfactory result which seemed to be entirely attributable to the breaking down of the old steamer. During the time that boat was on offer for sale and temporarily laid up for repair it was necessary to hire another steamer in order to retain freights and good will. That hiring cost the Com- pany J3450. There was also a serious loss in freight for the year, there being a de- crease of £512 in the gross earnings. The sale of the old steamer resulted in a capital loss of £ 1,266 IBs Id., which the auditors suggested should be wiped off over a period of ten yoars and had therefore charged the past year's profit and loss account with JE126 13s. 9d. The new steamer had been running about two months in the period covered by the accounts and it was trusted that the increased carrying capacity in the present- year would show a good profit, especially as the working expenses were practically the same as in the smaller boat. The report of the directors was as fol- lows :—Your directors, in presenting the annexed balance sheet and profit and loss account for the year ended 31st December, 1908, regret to state that there is a net loss for the twelve months of L478 6s. 2d. It will be observed that a sum of L228 19s. 6d. was expended on repairs to the s.s. "Countess of Lisburne," and a sum of £ 430 was paid for the^hire of another steamer during the time the s.s. "Coun- tess of Lisburne" was on offer for sale and temporarily laid up for repair, in order as far as possible to retain the freight and goodwill. There was a considerable falling off in the traffic during the negotiations for the sale of the s.s. Countess of Lis- burne," as the steamer chartered by your Company, having to call at other ports. was not able to meet the requirements of the freighters at this port, and this accounts for the decrease in the gross earnings during the vear. It is hoped that all this will now be obviated as the s.s. "Grosvenor" has a carrying capacity of 250 tons, as against the 120 tons of the s.s. "Countess of Lisburne." and the atten- tion of the shareholders is called to the fact that the working expenses of the s.s. Grosvenor" will be about the same as those of the s.s. "Countess of Lisburne," with the great advantage of having a carrying capacity of 130 tons more than the s.s. "Countess of Lisburne." It is hoped that all the shareholders will assist the directors and officials in developing the trade of the steamer, so as to wipe off the existing loss and that the directors may be in a position to declare a dividend before the end of the coming year. The directors who retire by rotation are Mr. Peter Jones and Mr. John Owen. but they are eligible for re-election. There are four vacancies to fill in addition to the above. The Chairman read a telegram from Mr. Greyson, Liverpool (from whom the "Grosvenor" had been bought and to whom shares to the value of £ 1,210 had been transferred, representing the balance of the purchase money) regretting being unable to attend the meeting and saying he felt sure the future of the Company would be satisfactory in spite of the present adverse balance. The Chairman said he felt sure he was expressing the feelings of all present in proposing a vote of sympathy with h. George Davis in his illness, M-itli- a hope for his speedy recovery. Mr. Davis had taken a very keen interest in the steamer. The proposition having been unanimously agreed to the Chairman, proceeding to move the adoption of the report and balance sheet-, regretted that the adverse balance formed so serious an item. They must, howe^r, bear in mind the excep- tional year the Company has passed through owing to repairs to the Countess of Lisburne," which represented £ 228 19s. 6d., and in hiring another steamer during repairs and pending the disposal of that! boat. The amount expended for hiring was L430. It would be observed that Mr. Graham King drew attention to that very heavy item and also to the serious decrease in receipts. That decrease was attributable to a certain extent to the comparatively small tonnage of lead ore sent back to Liverpool during 1908. That traffic was something like L270 which, with the cost of repairs and of hire of steamer, made up a total of something like L800, and in the main accounted for the pad year's position of the Company. The only question now seemed to be how to meet the future and what steps should be taken to increase the gross receipts. The steamer's earnings were pretty much the same during the past three months as what they were in the corresponding period of the preceding year and if the Company could by any means increase the tonnage from Liverpool, say to the extent of £ 10 or £ 15 a week, that would entirely alter the position. He believed by combined action on the part of those connected with the trade and traffic of the district they would be able to achieve that result. He was hopeful of the mineral traffic. Two or three mines in the district were being developed in such a way as to lead him to expect considerable increase of traffic from that direction. If they could get an increase of JB250 in the wav of back car- riage—the expenses would be about the same-a.nd Tncrease the traffic from Liver- pool by £10 or J315 a week, the Company would be in a position to pav a very fair dividend. Mr Greyson, who sold the ship, took a very bright view of the future and possibly it would be well if they were to bear in mind his name in the appointment of directors. If they could get somebody in Liverpool to take an interest in the traffic, it would bring about an increase. The boat discharged at Aberystwyth on Mondays and in the ordinary course had two or three days a week to spare, and if the Company could get extra traffic from any of the ports on Carhgan ay it w mid enhance the value of the property and in- crease the receipts. As a formal matter he moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet. Mr. Hopkins observed that the expenses of the two steamers were about the same. The Chairman said that was so. The former boat carried 120 tons, but now the Company had a boat capable of carrying 240 tons, and expenses were about the same in the case of both boats. The only thing was how to increase the gross earnings, on which depended the dividend. Mr. Hopkins seconded the adoption of the report and balance sheet and the prok- position was agreed to. Mr William Thomas asked the Chairman if he could say what had been the average load of the new steamer ? How far did it go to justify her purchase? The Chairman replied that the average receipts for the corresponding period last year were £ 65, and this vear 968 and some shillings. The gross receipts for the two periods were practically identical. Mr. William Thomas asked if there had been larger loads carried? The Chairman replied in the negative, and so far the only advantage in the larger boat was that 10 traffic had been left behind on any occasion. With the "Countess of Lisburne," ten or fifteen tons had been left behind from one voyage to .another which greatly inconvenienced freighters and resulted in loss to the Company owing- to traffic being diverted to the railway. No cargo had been lert be- hind since the purchase of the new boat. Mr. William Thomas asked vhat had been the heaviest load carried since the purchase ? The Chairman replied I. 78," adding that the boat fas capab'e of e;»rrying double the quantity though the working expenses of the two boats wa9 identical. The only question was how to get the traffic. Proceeding to the election of directors, Mr. Peter Jones and Mr John Owen were re-elected. The Chairman, saying that there were four other vacancies, proposed the election of Mr Greyson and his nomina- tion was unanimously accepted. Captain Humphreys proposed and Mr. Gibson seconded the p'ection cf Mr Robert Owen, the ship's brokar m Liverpool. Mr. John Morgan asking if Mr. Owen could be servant and master too, Mr. Hughes on being appealed to, said there was no disqualification and the election was agreed to. For the two other vacancies. Mr. Fossett Roberts, Captain Lloyd, and Mr. Gibson were proposed. Mr. Gibson withdrew and Mr. Roberts and Captain Lloyd were elected. This concluding the business, the Chair- man hoped the Company would meet on the next occasion in more favourable cir- cumstances. Mr. Hughes asked if the tradesmen of the town generally supported the steamer and, on the Chairman saying he believed they did so fairly, added that it would be a serious thing for the town if, in conse- quence of the Company not being able to pay its way and diswit nivug the steamer, there would be no competition with the railways. The Chairman agreed, remarking that the steamer was a distinct and direct advantage to the tradesmen of the town because it supplied keene.* competition with the railways. He knew from ex- perience in his own business that more was charged for sending goods to Oswestr"- than to Liverpool. It was fortv per cent, higher to Oswestry than all the way to Liverpool, and that was entirely attribut able to the competition of the steamer. Mr. Powell asked a question as to the allotment of new shares? The Chairman replied that the balance of 242 shares, representing £ 1,210, was allotted to Mr. Grevson. Mr. Greyson, however, was willing to dispose of a por- tion of his interest if anyone was cievrous of purchasing shares, and it would be desirable if they could be taken up by people who could help in increasing the traffic. Mr. Hughes thought the tradesmen of Aberystwyth should take up shares, but unfortunately they would not do so until the Company had turned the corner. Could nothing be done do influence the Town Council to put up a stage to enable the steamer to unload at neap tides. The steamer was now occasionally neaped, The Chairman replied that the cost of the stage had been included in this half- year's estimate of the Council. The neap- ing of the steamer might happen several times a year. On the proposition of Mr. Fossett Roberts, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr. Jones for presiding and the meeting terminated.

ABERAYRON Oyfarfod Dosparth.—Cynaliwyd cyfarfod dosparth M.C. dosparth Aberaeron, yr hyn a olyga gyfarfod o swyddogion yr eglwysi, yn y Tabernacle; Aberaeron, prydnawn dydd Gwener, Ebrill 30ain, Mr John Hugh Jones yn llywyddu. Penodwyd Mr J. H. Jones a Mr J. R. Evans i ymweled ag eglwysi y dosparth ar ran casgliad yr L20,600 at ddileu dyled y neuadda.u. Yr oedd hwn yn gyfarfod olaf y tair blynedd, ac felly yn gyfarfod ethol swyddogion am y tair blynedd nesaf. Cyflwynwyd diolch- garweh gwresog i'r hen swyddogion, sef Mri J. H. Jones, cadeirydd, a Mr S. E. Davies, Aberarth, ysgrifenydd. Dywed- odd Mr J. H. Jones wrth gydnabod y diolch, ei fod ef wedi derbyn bendith ys- prydol wrth ddilyn y cyfarfodvdd, a (hym- hellai y swyddogion ieuangach i ymroi i'r gwasanaeth yn amser eu haspri. Dewis- wyd drwy bleidlais ddirgel y swyddogion canlynol am y tair blynedd nesaf:—Cad- eirydd, Mr John M. Howell; ysgrifenydd, Mr J. R. Evans: trysorydd, Mr Morgan Evans, Bryncerni.