The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

WASTED WEALTH OF WEST WALES. The shortage of coal has doubled the price of peat in certain centres, a fact of great interest to this district yet, at the same time, a source of annoy- ance. West Wales, like some other areas, possesses vast stores of peat; and West Wales is, differing from most other areas in that respect, singularly fortunate in having large deposits of peat closely adjacent to the railways, so that the cost of carriage to market is relatively much lower than is the case elsewhere. The annoyiing feature of the situation is that the demand arises just at that time of year when open-air drying of the peat is all but impracti- cable. Nevertheless, the great addition to fuel supply which the Welsh bogs offer cannot be neglected and tne attention of the Coal Controller, just now devoted to rationing gas and elec- tricity as well as coal, may profitably ije directed to the reinforcement of .supplies which lie ready to hand in Tregaron and Lampeter neighbour- hoods—to name only these two out of many. Even though the Controller does not act specifically in utilization of the peat, he might serve his own ends by ensuring removal of the embargo upon peat-cutting which, it is reported, has been imposed by landowners in some parts of the country an embargo perhaps fully warranted in that it may restrict cutting, only in certain patches for good reason. As things are, how- ever, seeing the urgency of fuel demand and the serious inadequacy of supply, peat must be made available to the fullest extent as a substitute for -coal and it lies with the Controller—insti- gated it may be by local authorities- to ensure for Welsh consumers the great increase of fuel during the com- ing winter which peat will afford- The difficulty of drying is not insuperable. Any landlord hindrance would be effec- tively set aside by omnipotent D.O.R. A. What is needed is that action should be prompt and practical. The use of peat would not be confined to the locality of the deposits, for it has found ready market wherever offered in the large towns, demand always exceeding supply. It can be, as it has been, successfully used with small coal,, so much of which lies wasting, not alone at pit-heads, but in the domestic cellar. The Government has aided agriculture by provision of tractors and other requisites it has helped in timber supply by providing haulage facilities and it can--and should—render any necessary assistance which may be needed in adding largely to the supply Of fuel by bringing into operation the proper utilization of the immense peat resources of the country. To West Wales threatened with grave condi- tions during the coming: winter owing to lack of coal, the matter is of particu- lar concern land whether through County Council action, through inter- vention of the local members of Parlia- ment, or through any other influential -channel, the attention of the Coal Con- troller should at once be drawn to the opportunity of lessening his difficulties in the town as well as country districts.

EDITORIAL NOTES. The Committee on Work of National Import- ance has been in communication with the Min- istry of National Service with regard to the proprietors of grocery and provision dealers -businesses who are liable for service under the Military Service Act extending the age. The Committee-understand from the Ministry that such men will probably be placed in a new list of certified occupations and will not be called up. In view of the increased complexity of food distribution, consequent on rationing orders, the Committee regarded the work of auch men as of national importance. An interesting quos- tion irises out of this announcement. What of the owners of businesses who have recently been called up? Is the Ministry's decision to Jbe re The commonwealth is the common health the common wellness. No nation can prosper long which attaches to its wealth any other' meaning." Thus wrote the distinguished econo- mist, Professor J. A. Froude, many years ago. Time has accentuated the truth of that obser- vation. The terrible mortality of the war will but serve to emphasise the truism in future to a much greater extent than in the past. But public men who design to lead seem strangely slow to learn the lesson. The American Food Administration has decreed that all breweries must close on December 1st and that all beer must disappear from the market as soon as the stocks on hand are exhausted. America has taken Mr. Lloyd George's famous declaration to heart that the Allies are confronted by three great enemies- Prussia, Austria, and the Drink Traffic, and of the three the latter is the greater and most menacing. With America conviction is to be followed by action, stern and determined. Where stands Christian Britain? General Sir Francis Lloyd, opening a Y.M.C.A centre in London, paid tribute to the value of the work done by this admirable organisation. He observed that the work of the Y.M.C.A.' organisation in the future would go on expand- ing, and its usefulness would not diminish after the war. When demobilisation came the Y.M.C.A. would play as important a part in it as it had done in the war. He hoped its huts would become foundation itones for buildings in which work of a national and permanent character would be carried on as war mem- orials to the great work accomplished. The movement having been taken up in Aberystwyth should not be allowed to exhaust itself until a permanent and worthy memorial has been erected to commemorate the sacrifices of local men in the war. As a result of correspondence between him and the Minister of National Service, Mr. Ellis Davies, M.P., has received from the Ministry an intimation that aim advisory committee is to be get up to deal with slate quarrying. Pro- tection certificates will be granted on the recom- mendation of such committee. The Ministry recognises the importance of the industry, more particularly in its relation to the provision of materials for electric plant. It is satisfactory to find that the Ministry of National Service has at last been convinced against its will that it is both advisable and expedient that slate quarries are of national importance. In many cases quarry labour has been depleted to the point of extinction, while other less essential occupations have been more tenderly dealt with. The Ministry may console itself with the re- flection-that "'Tis better late than never." • • • Those who bought national war bonds in the dark days probably will feel surprise on finding how well their investment looks nowadays. "The recovery in the five per cent. war loan of itself is a substantial point in favour of the war bonds," says the City Editor of the "Morn- ing Post," "since these, by the terms of issue, are convertible into the five per cent, stock at ninety-five per cent.—an option, it may be, of somewhat doubtful value when the latter security was at a more or less substantial dis- count, the potentialities of which are greatly improved by the recent upward movement. The strength of the six per cent. Exchequer bonis, too, is a strong point in favour of the national war bonds, although it may be admitted that the former, by reason of the comparatively-early date of repayment, appeal to a special class of investors." Readers would be well advised to buy now, as on October 1st a new series will be issued. Those wno secure the present series will draw their premium on repayment nearly six months earlier than would be the case if they waited. The new series, of course, will be equally good so far as security is concerned. The suggestion of "Cymro," whose letter we print in another column, is not entirely novel, for it has previously been mooted in the larger centres of South Wales, without however receiv- ing much attention. Until the fate of the Church Act (whether it be made fully oper- ative of be altered in its financial provisions) has been finally settled, there is little hope of such suggestions being seriously considered. Episcopalians will not discuss proposals for dis- posing of the bear's skin until it is quite certain that the bear is to be skinned. Nevertheless, it is admitted by them that disestablishment, with some measure of disendowment, is certain. How far they would go afterwards in joint action is questionable, just' as it is questionable whether Nonconformists, witn their strong antipathy to endowments, would accept any public money with its unavoidable accompani- ment of public-.qr, at any rate, semi-public— I direction and control, even in small measure. I On the other hand, the development and im- provement of Sunday School organization and operation is a matter of supreme national con- cern, far beyond denominational or ecclesiastical pre-conception. "Sunday School" means also week-day activities in Christian Endeavour, Band of Hope, Guilds, and other moral and religious agencies now hampered by lack of buildings equipment, and funds; and therefore any proposal for facilitating Sunday work primarily, and so aiding the week-day acces- sories, cannot be set aside contemptuously or by indifference. The Village Clubs Association (of which Sir Henry Reed, K.C.B., is chairman) has been formed to promote the establishment of clubs- in rural villages throughout England and Wales. The idea is to make these clubs the centre of social activity in rural life and to initiate and assist movements for making the lot of those residing in such areas as acceptable as possible. Among those who are on the General Committee are Professor Bryner Jones, Aberystwyth; Mr Tom Jones, Park-road, Barry; Mr. Towyn Jones, M.P., Llandebie; and Mr. P. R. Harrison, 32, Park-place, Cardiff. There can be no doubt but that the question of rural depoulation and the overcrowding of industrial areas is largely due to the arid and depress- ing social conditions of village and rural life. Any movement that tends to make the life of the village and scattered communities more tolerable deserves the support of every reformer. In areas such as Lleyn life for the younger section of the population is almost insupport- able owing to its depression, its utter lack of social and intellectual stimulus, and the absence of means for spending leisure profitably and pleasureably.. It is true that a few resourceful souls manage to find useful and elevating pur- suits; but that gift is not bestowed on aU. Social and religious leaders seem indifferent to the manner in which the younger people spend their hours of. leisure. While they are eloquent in advice and reproof for wrong-doing they are lacking in the matter of. framing a positive policy to counteract, adverse influences. Were our religious bodies half as concerned with positive reforms as they are with negative reproofs, life for the younger section of rural communities would be different and many a blasted life would have been suved. Few readers take occasion to go through, "fever so casually, those earlier volumes of Welsh publications which mark the dividing line between the old Wales and the new—that I aftermath of educational development combined with an echo of 1868 revolt—wherefrom has suc- ceeded the greater days now with us. Those whose memory and participation m public affairs carry for them, a dear recollection of | the 80's—who can recall the 1885 contest of T. E. Ellis in Merioneth, the adoption in 1888 of T.lnvrl George as candidate for Carnarvon, the initial work of O. M. Edwards, and so many more of the gallant company making up the advance guard of Young Wales"-will smile at the pretensions of Parliamentary representa- tives in the old time, while they rejoice at the rapid rise and progress of the better men who succeeded them. As a stimulant to further action, as an encouragement to resolute perse- verance, few more energizing exercises can be suggested than a perusal of the magazines, etc., of a generation ago. Thirty to forty years have worked, not reform, but revolution. There are signs of declension, of slackening effort. of dimmed ideals, and the young men of to-day those who must seize the torch and^ run further forward to the national goal, should go to the library and learn something more of the men and their mission to whom we owe so much. ,=.

THE SEASON ON THE COAST. 300,000 AT ABIERYSTN tTH. TWO AND A HALF MILLION VISITORS. The North Wales correspondent of the Liver- pool Daily Post" writes :— Notwithstanding the war, and in spite of the restrictions imposed on travelling in the shape of increased fares and fewer trains, I do not hesitate to say that the number of visitors to North Wales during the season now coming to a close has been greater than in any previous season. This statement is not based on mere impres- sions gathered from the sight of the crowds of people met with in even the remotest parts of North Wales, such as Aberdaron, Nevin, Aber- soch, etc., but on authoritative figures. Con- sidering only on this point the last two weeks of July and the whole of August, and relying on the basal figures I am about to quote, I calcu- late that quite 2,500,000 visitors have spent holidays more or less prolonged in some part or other of North Wales, from Saltney in the north to Aberystwyth in the south, and from the coast to Off it's Dyke inland. For the six weeks referred to, it is estimated some 350,000 persons have visited Llandudno, at least 300,000 are credited to Aberystwyth, Rhyl has certainly had the benefit of a good 250,000, while 185,000 is a moderate estimate of the paying guests to whom Colwyn Bay ex- tended hospitality. Barmouth must have dealt with 50,000, Criccieth with some 12,000, while Pwllheli was amazed by an influx of strangers much exceeding any previous isitation. Add to these other smaller places, .1 of which were inundated, and the gross number given will not seem to be, exaggerated. f Now what would be a reasonable estimate of the money these people would spend during their stay in North Wales? Would an average of 15s. per head per week be too much? I think not, when it is remembered that the prices of rooms and of food are, on the whole, trebled, or at least double. On that basis we find that the sum of 21,875,000 has been left in North Wales this season by the extraordinary stream of visitors.. A question which will inevitably occur is how was this great multitude fed? The answer to that reveals a. remarkable feat of organisation on the part of Mr. J. R. Hughes, divisional food commisioner for North Wales, on whom the whole division depended for an adequate supply of food. In this case Mr. Hughes took time by the forelock and instructed all the executive officers in his division to supply him with the number of vistors expected in their respective towns. This was done and the figures given show how totally unexpected was the tremendous advent of visitors. For example Llandudno budgetted for 33,000 visitors .per week, Rhyl for ^^000, Col wyn Bay for 21,000. Cnecieth for 2 000, Bar- mouth for 8,000, and so on, and the Food Com- missioner made his arrangements on the basis of the figures supplied by his executive officers. But, as has been shown, all these figures went But, as has been shown, all these figures went bv the board, and the Food Commissioner soon found that he had to meet a much more serums emergency than he had been led to expect. However there was no shortage of anything. Sd doubtte. Vtator* to Nortl, Wales !>ave «; turned home fully convinced that in Nort Wales at any rate, there is nor shortage of any kind of food, except once or twice meat was little tight. So exhaustively did the Food £ £ If s their visitors, but left in the island two months' Stock of food. ^— ———

-— THE CINEMA. to-day. ihe wri.ei u j ot- our plcture SS.TS5. h a-wffi wts = from Card gan to Carnarvon. Does he realise LaS pictures taken in local surroundings cost Leo! six times more than pMjuxj^which^can be taken in film saloons and studios. Is ne practical man or is he only the kil-]oy into other people s business ? Mr. Editor, can enaghten me?—lours.e^

METHODISTIAID CALFINAIDD. Syr,-Godd,ofwch, os gwelwch yn dda, otod fechan yn ngolofnau y "Cambrian News" ar y titl "Methodistiaid Calfinaidd." Yr wyf, yn ostyngedig, yn apelio at y 1Cyfarfodydd Misol a chymanfaoedd y Cyfundeb l wneyd l fiwrdd ar enw enwedig uchod. Ni phregethir Calfin, aeth yr oes hon. Cof genym pan yn hogyn yn Ngogledd Cymru y byddai yr athrawiaeth Gal- finaidd vn cael sylw yn mhwlpudau y Cyfundeb. Yn wir, nid felly yn awr; yn hytrach mae yr enw "Calfiniaeth" yn sawru yn firoenau dyn yr oes oleu hon! Paham na elwir y Cyfundeb yn "Eglwys Bresbyteraidd Cymry" neu Gyin- reig—i uno yn fwy cyson a'r Eglwys Bresbyter- aidd Seisnig. Mentraf ddweyd yn ddiofn a di- floesegn. (a dyna farn miloedd eraill) fod Cal- liniaeth yn gamarweiniol. Os na fu Crist farw dros bob dyn, yn- ddiwalianiaeth yn sicr twyll a ffug ydyw yr Ymgnawdoliad (Avatara), y Croeshoiiad, yr Adgyfodiad, yr Esgyniad, a'r Eiriolaeth. Dyma ddywed y "Drych" Ameri- canaidd: "Mae hi—yr Eglwys Lutheraidd—wedi colli pob hawl i'w cliyfrif yn Gristionogaeth, oblegid dilyna yr 'All Highest' yn ei mawl a'l chefnogaetli ac ymddyga yn gylfeiyb ir ludcl- ew on gynt y rhai a waeddent 'Croeslioelier Ef.' 'Nid oes gerpyn o wareiddiad, heb son am gorpws dirmygedig yr Eglwys Lutherai.dd, ac ni fydd ganddi enny o eglwys fyth gyhyd ag y ydiiebydd y 'Kaiser' ei hun yn ben a chynffon iddi' Fe welir yn niv.edd "Llyfr Emynau y Cyfun- deb Calfinadd" emyn Seisnig fel hyn:- "The dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day; And there have I, as well as he, Washed all my sins away." Newidir, ar bob cyfrif, y ferf fechan "have" am "may" i fod yn fwy cyson ag athrawiaeth y Groes. Ni fwriadodd yr Hollalluog i ddyn gael ei ddamnio yn erbyn ei;. ewyllys, mwy nag i un gael ei ethol neu ei achub. I ba egiwys, neu gyfundeb Cristionogol bynag y parthyn dyn iddi, rhaid cofio ein bod yn gyd- Gristionogion, ac yn Ibyw mewn "gwir ddiogel obaith o'r adgyfodiad 'i fywyd tragywyddol" yn yr "Oes arall anfesurol Dragywydd, newydd sy'n ol." Paddington, Lluadain, "C." Alban Hefin, 1918.

WELSH ENDOWMENTS. TRANSFER TO SUNDAY SCHOOLS. Sir,—The Archdeacon, preaching on Sunday, referred to the deprivation which the Church will suffer through disendowment. I will not repeat his contentions, being anxious to avoid controversy in order to emphasize one point he made. It is a matter of fact, necessarily recoat- nised even by those who favour disendowment, —many of them being, doubtless, as wish- ful as the Archdeacon himself to prevent alienation-that the funds will be diverted from religious to secular purposes. There is anywhere between £ 150,000 and £ 170,000 per annum ultimately involved. Why not transfer this to a national fund for use in religious education through. Sunday schools of all kinds. Let us have a central fund and distribute it by grants per scholar to every Sunday school that satisfies the authority as to adequate staff and equipment. The basis should be the "registered" attend- ance, just as the elementary school grants have been made; and there would have to be inspec- tion and responsible persons for the returns of attendance. We are mourning over the loss of hundreds of thousands from our Sunday schools. Partly of thousands from our Sunday schools. Partly (by no means entirely) this is due to the strik- ing contrast between week-day and Sunday work; partly (largely, perhaps), it is due to failure in providing suitably for the instruction of older scholars. Some of the money, would, no doubt, go to teacher-training; some of it to grants for improved buildings, class rooms, etc., an equation of capital outlay to interest being made. All of it would g £ > to that religious in- struction of children and young persons which is urgently needed. Emulation between the churches would bring in the children now allowed to drift away. The amount available per head—anywhere from 2s. 6d. to 5s., after making necessary provisions—would be of material help to every church. Perhaps your readers, thinking the matter over, will express opinion upon the idea.-Yourg, Cymro. Aberystwyth.

I Crosswood's Son and Heir I I THE COUNTESS OF LSBURNE. A son and heir was born x) the Earl and I Countess of Lis(burne, Crosavood Park, on Sunday week at Watford (Eerts.), who will bear the title of Viscount Vaighan. Her lady- ship is the daughter of Don tuiio and Madame de Bittancouri and was marred at St. Paul's, Knightsbridge, on July 16th, '.914, to the Earl of Lisburne. Lady Gloria Vsjgnan was born in 1916.

,¡ Aberystwyth sessions. P.O.R.A. PROSECUTION. Wednesday, before Peter J.nes and Edwin Morris, Esqrs. John Edwards, Penparket drayman, was sum- moned for having shown a litht visible from the sea. P.C. Moses Lloyd sail when near the Queen s Hotel he saw a ligh near the Pier which was plainly visible fron the sea. He went to the Pier and saw a powerful stable lamp full on, hanging from tie Pier railings, and "ear by in the road vas a Cambrian waggon. He found defendant in Bath-street loading a waggon.—Defendant said he left the waggon near the Pier as the people were not ready for him to carry artices away, so he went to the Coliseum as he lad work there. He had left the lamp to warn people of the waggon and thought the Pier Pavilion kept it from being visible at sea.—As the case was the first of its kind, the Bench find defendant 5s. Ward and Co., bakers, clained from Charles Harding, bread baker, Bryateg, Cambrian- street, 23 19s. 6d. damages fir breach of con- tract. There was a counterclaim for 34s., wages due for four days.—Mr. Jesftop, for plain- tiffs, said Mr. Ward had empoyei the man in reply to an advertisement anc promised to pay his fare from London on coidition that he stayed in his employ for sij months. The advertisement was for a mai at a 2s per week. Three weeks after d,fendant arrived, owing to pressure of visitors, an increase to 45s. was granted. A week or so later defend- ant asked for another increase, and his wage was increased to 50s. One day six bags of flour were sent down for defmdant to bake, and he said he would not do ttem. He eventu- ally did four bags and then let. He paid half fare from London on condititn of defendant staying six months. He also kave him break- fast and dinner and bread for his family. He worked every alternate night and was paid extra for Sundays,-Defendant said he gave notice to leave on the 15th and told Mr. Ward that lie was leaving on the 24fh. The Man- ageress told him that it was pocr bread, which had occurred only since he wasthere. It was a custom for a man to do ten sicks per week, but he did more and Mr. Ward pnmised to give him overtime, but he had not received any.- Mr. Ward said defendant had nat^dooe -7more work than any other man that tad been with him.—Defendant said he finished at Ward's on the Saturday and on Monday morning the con- fectioner asked ir he was comiDg- work. He went back to oblige Mr. Ward, but did not in- tend to stay. The pressure of work made him sick and he did not care for the job.—The counterclaim was disallowed,the railway fare to be refunded by Harding.

CARDICANSHIRE SMALL HOUMNGS. MEETINGS.AT ABERAYRON AND ABERYSTWYTH. A special meeting of Cardiganshire Small Holdings Committee was held at Aberayron on Wednesday wel, Alderman R. J. R. Loxdale ia the chair. The Sub-Committee appointed to visit Wern- feilig Farm reported that the outnouses were in such a poor state that the Sub-Committee could not advise the Committee to take he farm. They approved of the airangements made for certain fields to be giien to Mr. Nathaniel Jones and Mrs. Mary Evwts, to which arrangement the sitting tenant agreed to.- The Clerk reported that he had prepared a plan and had forwarded it to Messrs Roberts and Evans, who are acting for the Abermeurig Estate. The Clerk reported that he had not received a report from Cardigan District re the appli- cation of Mr. Samuel Thomas for part of Tyhen Farm. Aberystwyth District Committee met on Monday; present Mr. Percy Wilkinson, chair- man; Captain Doughton, Messrs. C. M. Williams, Peter Jones, Robert Ellis, D. C. Roberts, John Evans, Hafodycoed; Dr James, William Evans, E. J. Evans, Henry Bonsall, T. J. Morgan, and J. Paith Morgan, clerk. Thomas Jones, Dolpandy, applied for con- tinuance as a small holder of his tenancy of land belonging to Mr. James, Aelybryn. It was stated that Mr. James had let his land of about fifteen acres to his son-in-law and required the field held by Jones on which to keep a cow. A committee was appointed to visit and try to arrange for a small holding on the son-in-law's holding. Edward Evans, Cnwch Coch, applied for part of Cwmnewidion, which was said to be itself a small holding in the occupation of Mr. George 0. Evans. The Chairman said he had tried to accommodate the applicant, but he asked for land in front of the tenant's house and the tenant had offered other land. There was an acute demand for small holdings at Llanfi- hangel and he (the Chairman) could not satisfy the demand. There were large farms, but the bulk of the land was high land, and it was not fair to take the valley land and leave the high land to the farms. It would quite alter the character of the farms. He was, however, most anxious "to accommodate the applicants. He hoped to be able to arrange a small holding • for a discharged soldier.-A. commit,tee was appointed to visit and see what can be done to satisfy the demand. Evan Jenkins, Capel Derwty applied for a small holding on Peithyll, occupied by Mr. James, and a committee to visit was appointed. It was decided to write to Mr. George Pryse respecting an application for a holding on Broginan Fach where the Chairman understood a great Welsh poet was born. It was stated that the applicant was prepared to take gorsy upland as well as valley land. The Chairman undertook to see Mr. Jones, Tyllwyd, with reference to an application by Mr. James Stephens for a small holding. Referring to a, holding at Llandre, occupied by Mr. Owen, the Chairman said ffir. Owen had raised wonderful crops on the bank. With re- gard to the rent, if the County Council took the land it was stated that EIS, afterward re- duced to £14. was asked; but the Chairman valued it at between £ 11 and £ 12, it being said Lthat it was necessary to have a margin be- tween the rent paid to the owner and that paid by the small holder to cover extra outlay. —It having been agreed to write to the Agent of the owner, Mr. C. M. Williams said that if the tenant cultivated the additional land asked for as he cultivated his present holding it would be an asset to the district.

RHERIOL VALLEY. The Rev. G. Bedford Roberts, who recently was awarded a orize of C15 for a novel in Welsh at Neath National Eisteddfod, occupied the pulpit of Bethel Wesleyan Chapel on Sun- day afternoon, having resumed his ministerial duties after a brief holiday. A storm of hail occurred about four e clock on Sunday afternoon in-the upper region of the Valley. A similar storm, so early in Septem- ber, has not happened for a period of half a centhry. ♦ -■ g -=: V.1' ^r 1"V ■ ►—> vi:

Aberystwyth Town Council MORE WAGES WANTED. HOME RULE CONFERENCE. Aberystwyth Town Council met on Tuesday; present Councillor Captain Doughton, mayor, presiding; Aldermen C. M. WilJiams, E. P. Wynne, John Evans, T. J. Samuel,' Edwin Morris, and Daniel Thomas; Councillors Rufus Williams, Dr. Harries, D. Ellis, LJ. Samuel, Rhys Jones, John Morgan, and Enoch Davies; Messrs. A. J. Hughes, town clerk; Rees Jones, borough, surveyor; Gomer Morgan, borough accountant; and James Evans, sanitary in- spector. CONDOLENCE. The Mayor said it was his painful duty to ask the Council to pass a vote of sympathy with its brother Councillor, Mr. David Davies, and Mrs. Davies in the death of their son. The Council could do little to heal their sorrow which had so soon followed the loss of their first I son who died for his country; but he asked the Council to join him in expressing their deepest sympathy with Mr. and Mrs. Davies. The vote was agreed to by the Council up- standing. r CORRESPONDENCE. The Local Government Board wrote calling attention to the provisions of the Maternity and I Child Welfare Act, 1918. I Mr. H F. Crowe, Pershore-road, Selly Park ^r™ofgboats Wr°t6 resPectin £ cl arges for the I The Secretary of the Welsh Region of the Ministry of National Service wrote i.iging the ormation of part-time committees. formatIon of part-time committees. Inspector Richards report ailogcd by boatmen. The Director of Propellant Supplies wrote that it was not possible to re-open the question of erecting a munition factory at Aberystwyth. Mr. W. G. Evans, Terrace-road, asked the Council to stop free bathing on Marine-terrace beach. Letters were received from the Cambrian and G.W. Railway Companies thanking the Council for the resolution"congratulating the companies on their arrangements for dealing with the ex- traordinary holiday traffic. The General Manager of the G.W. wrote acknowledging the Council's resolution as to carrying out of alteration and improvements at Aberystwyth Station, and Mr. Williamson wrote acknowledging the Council resolution resect- ing future alterations and improvements at the Station and stating that the G.W.R. Company was in no .way responsible for recent work having been carried out during the busy season. Professor Findlay. D.Sc., reported on the test of the illuminating power of gas supplied by the Gas Company. The Local Government Board wrote calling attention to Section 2 of the Parliament and Local Elections Act, 1918, postponing the elec- tion of councillors, etc., for another year. Mr. J. D. Evans, secretary of Cardiganshire War Pensions Committee, wrote enclosing copy of resolution respecting the appointment to public offices of discharged sailors and soldiers. The subject of maternity and child welfare was referred to the Sanitary Committee, and the alleged overcharge by boatmen, to the General Purposes. Committee. In reply to Mr. Ellis, the Town Clerk said no application for part-time service had been made either by farmers or possible workers. MUNITION WORKS. The Propellant Supplies Branch of the Min- istry of Munitions replied to a letter from the Council relative to the erection of a factory in Aberystwyth district that the decision to abandon the proposal was agreed to after very careful consideration, and it was not possible to re-open the matter. The question of wood supplies and of a suitable site were the main reasons for giving up the idea. Mr. Rufus Williams understood that the gentleman who came down was satisfied and there appeared to be every certainty of Aber- ystwyth getting it. Abreystwyth, however, seemed to be in the cart all the time. Mr. Morrison agreed that there was something against them all the time. Messrs. Edwards Bros. offered to take on any work and had a staff and machinery, but could not get anything. The Town Clerk said that though there were disadvantages of distance, etc., aI people were prepared to tender and Aberystwyth was on the list of places where work could be tend- ered for and yet nothing was done. Alderman Samuel said the reason why the gentleman who visited Aberystwyth thought the place suitable for works was because there was an abundance of timber in the neighbourhood. The Council ought to try to get at the reason for refusal. The Council ought to tell the department that the gentleman who came down was satisfied with the suitability of the place for works, and that the reply was not satisfac- tory, and ask if there were no reasons at the back of the refusal. Dr. Harries, while agreeing with Alderman Samuel, said he asked where the supply of timber was to be obtained, and was told that it would be chiefly obtained from Montgomery- shire, and perhaps that was the reason for refusal. The site was approved, but they had seen a site in Montgomeryshire. On the proposition of Mr. Morrison, it was agreed to again write to the Department. Alderman 0. M. Williamg said the result was unfortunate. Various officials came down to Aberystwyth. Dr. Harries pointed out the facilities and advantages of the town for works and, as the gnetlemen appeared to be well pleased, their hopes of getting something were raised. Then the Council got letters of that sort. Previously officers had been sent down to enquire into billeting. No district did better than Aberystwyth when soldiers were billeted there. The Corporation spent ESM or 2900 in providing advantages and anticipated that it would have future fair treatment. Mr Vaughan Davies did his very best to help in getting soldiers again for the town. It was pointed out, in the application for works, that Aberyst- wyth was a long distance off; but it was I pointed out in reply that Aberystwyth was open to tender and had ample accommodation and material and they were told that Aberyst- wyth was on the list. The town wished to have an opportunity of tendering, and if the tender was higher than) other tenders then there would be no complaint if the tender was not accepted. He had met three separate officials who appeared to be delighted with what Aberystwyth could offer, but nevertheless the town got nothing. There were places not 100 miles away which were given work which had no better facilities than Aberystwyth. He supported the idea of getting at the root of the refusal. The townspeople somehow thought that the Council was not doing its utmost; but it had been "moving heaven and earth. It was quite disheartening. OTHER LETTERS. A letter by Miss Gwyueira Jones, Buarth- road, respecting the statement made by Nurse- Matron Thomas, wes referred to the Sanitary Committee. Committee. WORKMEN'S WAGES. I The Corporation employees wrote asking for a further increase of wages in order to meet increase in the cost of living which under the present wage would not make both ends meet. Aberystwyth workmen were the lowest-paid men in the country. Other corporations and I private firms had doubled the wages of their employees. The application was not made be- cause of that, but because the applicants were forced to do so by the heavy cost of living. They were obliged to pay the same controlled price for foodstuffs, clothing, etc., as the large towns where correspondingly high wages were received, whereas the applicants on the present scale of wages could not get what is necessary for existence only. Their wages would not meet half way. The applicants asked for a further bonus of Bs. per week, which would not make their wages nearly as much as granted by other corporations. The letter was referred to the Works Com- mittee. SHEEP AND CATTLE. A letter was read from Mr. Lyke, Crosswood, on behalf of Llanilar and Talybont branch of the Farmers' Union, enclosing resolutions object- ing to the system of valuing and guessing tlie live weight of sheep; that all sheep should be | weighed before they were graded, farmers wanted to be paid for actual weight delivered; that all fat cattle should be weighed on coming into the Mart, cattle having to wait three or four hours before being weighed; and that the into the Mart, cattle having to wait three or four hours before being weighed; and that the Council be asked to make it more convenient to get cattle and sheep to the weighbridge. I Mr. Enoch Davies said it farmers adopted the dead-weight system they would get full value for their cattle; and the Town Clerk said that practical effect was now being given to that system. The letter was referred to the Works Com- mittee. ELLISON'S ENTERTAINERS. Mr. :Geld, manager of Ellison's Entertainers, wrote asking for the renewal of the lease of .ri.i. I the Castle Pitch for five years at £ 150 a year, ( as in prevailconditions lL, was necessary to mane •-•ariy arrangements with artibte.3. Alderman C. M. Y\ uua.ms said the Enter- tamers never had so good a season and it was modest to suggest sucli terms. lown Oierk said tnat good entertain- ments had been provided and the application was referred to the General Purposes Committee. MUNICIPAL LIBRARY. The Library Committee reported having accorded a vote of thanks to a lady who has often presented books to the Library for" Great -testimony --Against Scientific Cruelty to Animals, by the Hon Stephen Coleridge. At a subsequent meeting the Committee put on record its appreciation of the faithful services of the late Mr. T. B. Hall who for nine years was libi-arian. His genial manner and courtesy to all made him a great favourite with all who hi^W n ,Llbl?^ deluding visitors, and wS W°Uid be fCJ £ noae m°re than by juvenile readers. The Committee also ex- sfste? whr f° nqC and *-vmPathy witli his duHn* i i UJly mastered to his wants during a long and painful illness. A vote of sympathy with the Rev. T. A. Penry in his illness was unanimously passed. A special vote- ot thanks was accorded Mr. Culliford for a wnh's °rf ,f°5°faphs members of Aberyst w>ths roll of honour and for two enlarged photographs of the tank. A sub-committee wis appointed to consider the appointment of a librarian and to report.. a WHOLE COUNCIL COMMITTEE. A Committee of the Whole Council reported A Committee of the Whole Council reported having considered a letter from the Executive ',J; N,t,onal Confer- u.. a^uuincent ot representatives to a further conference. It was stated that the Council had I already approved the principle and it was decided not to appoint representatives. The Committee reported an interview with Mr. Morgan Hopkin, in which he urged the Council to nominate a Government slaughter house agent aad a Government accountant for Aber- ystwyth, as well as the receipt of a letter from Mr. R. Trevor Y\ Illinois, assistant director of meat supplies, stating that it had been decided to use Aberystwyth slaughter house for the slaughter of stock on the dead-weight basis that the final arrangements would be made by Colonel F. Williams Drummond, live stock com- missioner for the area, and that it was hoped that killing operations would' commence on August 21st. The Committee decided to defer the whole question until a communication is received from Colonel Drummond. Alderman C. M. Williams, who brought up the report, said he should vote against the recom- mendation not to sena delegates to the home rule conference, saying he was not content to entrust the matter to other people. The con ference was tfife only way of securing something of value for Wales and other corporations and councils were sending delegates. It was the only way of ripening public opinion and of securing legislation. Alderman Samuel said he told the Gommittee that not to send delegates was a mistake. The Council had approved of the principle of self- government, and it was the Council's duty to be represented at the conference. The reason given at the Committee for not appointing was that the conference was convened by no official or recognised body. It had been convened by individuals who might have been self-appointed; but it was a conference on a Welsh national question and it would be a scandal if Aberyst- wyth was not represented at it. The conference might be worked for a certain purpose, but if the object was to support a certain place Aber- ystwyth delegates could oppose it. The Univer- sity College of Wales and the Welsh Memorial Association had been initiated by a few in- dividuals. Somebody must start movements of that kind. If there was such a thing as a Welsh Parliamentary party and it convened a conference on self-government tbe same thing would be said against them. He proposed that delegates should be appointed. Alderman Daniel Thomas seconded the pro- posal to appoint delegates and Mr Enoch Davies supported it. Mr Rufus Williams thought the matter should be deferred until after the war when people would be given breathing time. The country was already eaten alive by officials, and self- government would add to the number. Alderman C. M. Williams agreed that it would be a good thing if some thousands of officials could be done without, and perhaps it would hasten the end of the war but it would be well to prepare a scheme of self-government in readi- ness for the end of the war. Glamorganshire wanted self-government on the basis of popula- tion and ratable value, and if other Welsh counties and boroughs were not represented at the qonferenoe undesirable resolutions might be arrived at which might be carried into effect I at the end of the war. Let the Council send delegates in order to frame resolutions accept- able and advantageous to the whole of Wales. It having been decided by eight votes to four to send delegates, the Mayor and Alderman Samuel were appointed. Dr. Harries, referring to the screen at the bandstand, said the place looked like a gipsy's I tent, and urged the Council to go in next year for a proper bandstand. The report, as amended, was adopted. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. The Works Committee reported that the shutters at 48, Terrace, had been repaired and that Miss Vaughan Rees intended to have the premises painted as soon as possible. Mrs. Mary James, Quebec Villa, who was asked to remove the walls of a demolished house near Fountain Court and level and tidy up the site, wrote asking the Committee to allow the site to remain in its present state during the war, and no resolution was passed. The question of I erecting a memorial to the late Councillor Robert Doughton, at or near the Marine Lake, was referred to the Surveyor for report. The Surveyor reported a visit by a Roads Board I Surveyor respecting timber haulage damage to roads and that he had submitted a claim. At a subsequent committee meeting a letter was read from Mr. Parry, Brynawel Hotel, protesting against the use of the hydrant oppo- site his premises by filling water carts, but the Committee was of opinion that Mr. Parry had no ground for complaint. Dr. Harries urged the Council to move in the matter of using water power for the generation of electricity. One way was to do it themselves- Another way was to let others do it and supply the Corporation who could sell at half the present price. The Rheiidol Valley scheme was not dead, nor was he, and perhaps the Council would find that something had been done of benefit to the town. Notwithstanding Dr. O. T. Jones's report, there was not the slightest difficulty i ngetting 1,000 or 2,00 h.p. without storage. The opinion he had formed was based on the opinion of experts and would be found to be the right opinion. He urged the Council to take up the electric plant as soon as possible, believing the debentures would be allowed to remain at four and half per cent. Alderman Samuel said he did not understand that the matter had been shelved; but it was the Council's duty to lobk thoroughly into the matter before moving. He hoped the Works I Committee would seriously consider it. Dr. Harries said that gaugings of the Rheidol had not been made, though the Council had I passed a resolution that it should be done. I The subject was referred to the Works Com- mittee with a hope that the Committee would proceed. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The Finance Committee passed the sum of JS987 4s. 8d. for payment and £1,132 8s. 2d. for sinking funds. The statement of rent collec- tions for August showed that £ 1,086 2s. 4d. had been collected in ground rents, out of EI,910 I 15s. 71d £237 16s. 9d. out of C273 7s. 6d. j workmen's houses rents; and B95 Os 8d out of I S133 16s 4d borough tenement rents. It was re- solved that a new lease of the lifeboat slip should, be granted to the National Lifeboat Institution I for fourteen years from November 12th, 1918. at the yearly rent of Is. I The report was adopted. CLARACH PATH. Mr. D. Ellis said on the Committee return- ing from Alltglaise to see what should be done with the timber on the land the members saw the deplorable state of the path leading down to the beach and thought that something should be done at once. j It was stated that an alternative path had j been offered; and the matter was refeired to I the Works Committee to ascertain how the matter stands. TENDERS. Tenders were received for-alterations and im- provements at Nos. 7 and 9,, Penmaesglas-road, from Messrs. Owen Bros, at £ 625 R. and H. L. Owen, at £ 630; and John Jenkins and Sons, at JE595, and on the proposition of Alderman- Daniel Thomas, seconded by Alderman John Evans, 1 the lowest tender was accepted. .=-

i Uo you prefer touch of Lumbago to ^alf-a-teaspoonfiil of Kruschen Salts in a tumbler of hot water ? If not, get » the Kruschen habit Every morning! Of all Chemists 1/6 ( per bottle. All British ^Laseht/,i

mutnercrart atuelcfts IN MEMORY OF LORD RHONDDA. In connection with the funeral of the late Lord Rhondda, a sum of money was subscribed at the Ministry of Food, ana "Titter a cross and wreath were sent some jC76 remans. This balance, it has been decided, after consultation '031 with Lady Rhondda, shall be devoted to sonie purpose connected with infant welfare, in which Lord Rhondda was greatlv interested. The society decided upon to benefit is the Na- tlvoniaj League for Child Welfare, and- eight shields are to be provided, to be called "The Rhondda Mothercraft, Challenge Shields." These are to be competed for annually, under rules I to be drawn up by Infant welfare and maternity centres and by elementary schools in the British Isles.

Aberystwyth Rural Tribunal. APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSION. ADerystwyth Rural Tribunal sat on Wednes- day present Messrs D. Edwards, Dolfor, chair- man; J. Bunce Morgan, Daniel Jenkins, David James, Penllwyn; John Roberts, Llanbadam; Thomas Jones, Cwjmystwyth; E. J. Evans, D Lewis, LI-anrhystyd; Hugh Hughes, clerk; and tuT' r > national service representative. Ihe case of Evan Jenkins, Albion House, Llandre, forty-four, Grade 1, who was appeal- ing to go to the medical assessors, was adjourned. Thomas William Breanan, Llwyndu, Goginan, twenty-eight, class A, was represented by Mr W. P. Owen.—The Tribunal decided that it had no jurisdiction in this case. The case of Eben Davies, Isfryn, Llanfarian, was adjourned pending application for an agri- cultural oertificate.-The Clerk said he under- stood the Agricultural Committee would not grant vouchers until the question of the quota was out of the way. Ben Thomas, mason, Llanydrew, Llanilar, forty-two, married, said he had been sawyer for fifteen years of home-grown timber used on the Crosswood Estate (a certified occupation) and was previously a lead miner.—Mr Wilkin- son attended and said he meant no disrespect to the Tribunal by not attending the previous sitting as he was busily engaged with meat rationing.—Six months exemption was granted. Hugh M. Evans, Post Office, Goginan, forty- one, Grade 2, married with four children, said he did not attend the previous sitting as he received no notice, the first thing he knew of it being by a local paper. He had been in business seven years. Was postmaster, three girls and a one-armed man delivering letters. He held thirteen acres of land, five and half ploughed, rent C16 10s., and had charge of eight acres held by his father-in-law. His wife assisted in the shop.—Six months. The case of George James, Cyfie, Devil's Bridge, had been adjourned pending examina- tion by a specialist. It was stated that he had been examined, but was not given the result, and the N.S.R. also said he had not reoeived it.—The Clerk said that James should have written to the Tribunal, and the case was adjourned for his attendance. Lewis Howells, Neville-plaoe, Cwmystwyth, thirty-nine, married, Grade 2, said he left lead mining to act as carter for his mother who kept a shop and attend to eleven acres of land. -Six months. John James, Cambrian House, Talybont, fortv-one, married, Grade 3, said he was a mason, bricklayer, and secretary of the 1010 Goch Lodge of Oddfellows, with 224 State members and 98 independent members. Since May was cros-cutting wood, to which work he had gone for the sake of his health, having been ill four and half -months prior to May.—Six months. n Edmund A. B. Phillips, Tre'rddol, Grade Z, married with three children, who was out of date but had received permission to apply, was represented by Mr. Emrys Williams. He was formerly in the employ of Mr. Pugh, coal mer- chant, and now in the employ of the Pitwood Association. He attested under the Derby scheme, but was discharged in July, 1916, at Brecon. Of four brothers of military age, two were in the army and one in Canada engaged on munitions.—Six months. In the cases of John R. Jones, Taliesin, forty- three, married, Grade 2, who held three months exemption, and Roderick Edwards, Gogerddan Arms, Llanbadarn, fifty, single. Grade 2, who held two months exemption, both applying for extension, the N.S.R. pointed out that applica- tion should first be made to the Tribunal for leave to apply, and if leave was granted the applications would be heard at the following sitting. He hoped the Tribunal would regard the matter seriously and not allow it to go out that leave to apply was merely a matter of form.—The Clerk said in future applicants for renewal or extension of exemption must fill up the usual form of application for leave to apply, stilting any additional grounds they might have for extension, and if the application for leave to apply was granted by the Tribunal the form would be treated as an application for renewal or exemption and dealt with at a subsequent sitting of the Tribunal—Leave to apply having been granted and the N.S.R. 4not objecting to the hearing of the two cases before the Tribunal that day, provided it was not made a j reoedent, the cases were gone into. John R. Jones, TaJ- iesin, said he had been district agent for the Pearl for nine years and had seventy-seven State members and collected and paid maternity and sick benefit, filling in extra hours as boot re- pairer, repairing from fifteen to twenty pairs a week, the only repairer in the village. served his time at Llanybyther as a joiaer. His wife kept a grocer's shop.—Mr. Jenkins, supporting the application, said that applicant was a full-time agent.—Six months exemptiiMi was granted.—In the case of RoderickJEd-wards. Llanbadarn (who was represented by Mr. W. V. Owen) he said the business, in which he bad in- vested his all, and been carried on by his father and grandfather before him. He was the onJy one in the business, and if taken would have to be closed. He was willing to give four or five hours each morning, except Saturdays, to hejp- ing farmers.—Six months, to give four hour* a day to agriculture. = i t

DEVIL'S BMDCE. f DEVIL'S BRIDGE SHEEP DOG TRIALS. j Though the weather was not suitable Tor the ] holding of the sheep dog trials a large number I of farmers and visitors assembled in Hafod I field, lent by Mr. Lightfoot, on Wednesday j week. The organisers were Mr Matthew Evans, Llan- eithr, treasurer, and Mr. T. J. Williams, hoo. | secretary. Private A. Morgan Tynllwyn, wy | the starter, and Mr. J. Hughes, Ponterwyd, timekeeper. J The first prise in the open class was awarded to Mr. Edwarc Hopkins, the first pme being a silver cup valued at £ 5, and £ 2. The prise was awarded to Mr. Ehss Bonner, Ochr- rhos. Mr. Hopkins won another first pru» another class. The proceeds were hi aid of the Aberystwyth Red Cross Hospital. i ,= _c

end for some years know and appre- ciate the ability and value of their great leader. Not only the Council of Public Morals, but all the numerous bodies associated with Welfare have one opinion—namely, that the Ministry of Health must be a Ministry which will Carry out in their entirety the great ideas which Lord Rhondda enunciated. The Bill which the Government sanc- tioned is now in the hands of the printers. Much depends on the way in which it has been drawn, and much depends also on the man who will be chosen by the Government to carry it through. Whilst the Council of Public Morals and similar bodies are honour- ing the memory of their great leader, there is a serious and urgent call for a careful watch to be kept in order that, as Viscountess. Rhondda urged last Week, there may not be created I a Ministry of Health in name I but not in fact/' The Council which is raising the Memorial and. every other body must see to it, immediately the Bill is published, that if it fails to fulfil its purpose, it is strenuously opposed, and that no action is taken until a measure worthy of support be introduced.