The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

ABERYSTWYTH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, MONDAY, JANUARY 7TH. —Present: Mr H. C. Fryer, chairman Mr Morris Davies and Mr John Jones, Bridge End, vice-chair- men the Rev John Pugh, Messrs John James, F. Hughes, Penlan, Hugh Hughes, Glynpadarn, John Jenkins, Aberystwyth, Thomas James, Llwynior- werth, David Jenkins. Troedyrhiw, David Lewis, Llanddeinol, T. J. Morgan, Maesnewydd, David Lewis. Llanrhystyd, Griffith Griffiths, Tynant, Richard Richards. Gvvarfelin, David Jones, Rest, James Jones, Llwyuglas, Evan Jones, Nantsiriol, John Morgan. Rhiwarthen, and the Rev J. T. Griffiths, Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk, and Dr Morris Jones, medical officer. Statistics.—Out-relief administered during the past fortnight: Aberystwyth district, per Mr John Jones. £ 39 6s. 6d. to 185 paupers Llanfihangel Geneu'rglyn district, per Mr John D. Jones, f49 ISs. Od. to 214 paupers and liar district, per Mr Joseph Morgan, JE47 10s. 6d. to 171 paupers. Number in the house, 100 last year, corresponding period, 96 vagrants relieved during the past fortnight, 37 an increase of 13 on the corresponding fortnight of last year. The Master reported that 90S vagrants were relieved during the year as against 154 in 1882. Christmas.—The Master reported that Mr B. E. Morgan had treated the inmates to an ample supply of sausages for breakfast on Christmas morning that Mrs Godet, Marine-terrace, had treated them to the concert in the Independent Chapel that Mr E. P. Wynne, chemist, had given them tea, sugar, and cake for supper that Miss Lloyd. Pontllwni. had given each of the inmates a Christmas card and a letter and that Mr Sims had treated them to the pantomime.— The Chairman said he was sure the Board was very much obliged to the la lies and gentlemen mentioned. Pavper Relatives.—Mr Morris Davies, chairman of the Pauper Relatives Committee, reported that the books of the different districts were in a satisfactory state. In the Talybont district. JE24 16s. 6d. had been collected, and f4 18s. was uncollected in the Aber- ystwyth district, f22 9s. 3d. had been collected, leav- ing fl2 12s. 9d. uncollected and in the liar district, X19 14s. Id. was collected, and jE3 5s. Gd. uncollected. In respect to the Aberystwyth district, arrears amount- ing to £ 37 9s. had to be struck off. The sum of 18 5s. was due from Thomas Davies Mrs Owens had gone to gaol for £ 5 12s. 6d.; J. Davies, Tonypandy, j who owed 99 18s., had absconded; and f3 13s. 6d. was due from David Hughes, the whole making a total of £37 9s. WORKHOUSE SUPPLIES. The Rev J. PUGH asked if further gnquiry had been made respecting the sacks of flour. The plea brought forward was that only eight sacks were taken to the workhouse because the carrier could not carry more than eight. Enquiry had been made and it was found that the carrier could carry ten at the time, that he started with ten and dropped two on the road. Was that true or not ? The MASTER (who was addressed) replied that it was true so far as he knew with the exception that he dropped two on the road. The Rev J. PenH-He started with ten ? The MASTER—Yes. The Rev J. PUGH-And only arrived here with eight ? The MASTER—Yes. He started from the steamer warehouse with ten sacks. The CHAIRMAN* thought that if any further question arose on the matter it would be better to refer it to the Committee. The Rev J. PUCH-IT has been referred over and over again. The CHAIRMAN"—It is hardly fair to anyone to have a matter of this sort discussed unless the person whose conduct is discussed have some means of being present himself. The Rev J. PUGK—He was here, and the thing was discussed in his presence. The only reason given was that only eight could be brought tip but if ten were brought from the steamer that falls to the ground. That was the plea brought forward by himself. Alderman JOE-He was here himself, sir. j The Rev J. PUGH—And that plea falls to the ground. There v as nothing else brought forward but' that. The CHAIRMAN—If any further charges are brought forward- The Rev J. PUGK—No charges at all. The CIIAIRIIA-IVe had better refer them to a committee to see whether a true bill can be found or not. Mr JOHN" JAMES—I think, Mr Chairman, I can explain it. I heard that Mr Pugh, Mr Jones, and Mr Morgan had been making enquiries, and I also made enquiries. The large cart from the steamer can take ten sacks, but not the ordinary carriers' carts of the town. Only eight sacks of CI flour were taken from the steamer warehouse, and two sacks of Al were added to make up the load. Those two sacks of Al were taken out at Mr Richards's shop. The explana- tion is quite satisfactory to my mind. The man did not deliver the bill before the ten sacks were sent up. There is nothing in the contract to say that the goods shall be delivered in one or twenty times. A great deal has been made of things having been delivered in driblets, but I find that there is quite a handful of orders sent by the Master to Mr Richards, and how can the things be sent up unless in driblets ? I don't blame the Master for sending those orders. We only meet once a fortnight, and the Master must have the things. On the admission of the Master he ordered Mr Richards to take 151bs. out of a bag of sugar and when he received the or(ler on the Monday he was to keep hack the 151bs. out of the bag. That is only one thing. I have seen quite a handful of orders. The Rev J. Pn;E-I say nothing now about the dribblets. I am speaking about the plea brought for- ward that ten sacks could not be taken when ten sacks could be brought. Alderman JONES—And were brought. The MASTER—I should like to say one word with reference to Mr James's explanation. The invoices sent down to Mr Richards are often sent up in dribb- lets. The Rev J. PUGII—Is it also true that Mr Richard? told vou to keep the labels Cl, and return tiiem to him? MASTER—Yes, The Rev J. PUGII—What is the good of returning the labels afterwards ? Alderman JONES—The Master cannot say that. You say that a request of that sort has been made to you ? The MASTER—Yes. The Rev J. PUGH—What was the object of that ? The MASTER—I cannot say. Alderman JONES—Verbal or written ? The MASTER—Written. The Rev J. PUGH—They could be put on another sack then. The CHAIRMAN—We have no public question before the Board. Mr JOHN* JAMES—The matter has been so well threshed out before —— Alderman JONES—It is not all clear, really. The CHAIRMAN—I think that matters of this sort had better be investigated by the House Committee, or a committee of that sort. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—How many sacks are missing now The CHAIRMAN—I cannot say. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I have heard there is a deficiency of 75, 90, or even 130. The CHAIRMAN—The auditor will be here on the 18th, and then we shall be satisfied. Mr ISAAC MORGAN"—We want to investigate it before that. I saw Colonel Pryse-not that I wish to say that I consider him an authority more than any one else, but he is a gentleman of experience—and he said that thi3 question ought not to be dropped on any account that there ought to be an investigation. The sacks could not all be consumed in the workhouse. I quite agree with the Chairman that the House Com- mittee ought to investigate matters and I told Col. Pryse that I could not attend the meetings as I ought. The CHAIRMAN—Of course persons may have all sorts of ideas, but unless we have some grour.d to go upon what are to you investigate? People ask me occa- sionally what we have done with all the flour. But we are in this position. We have a certain quantity of flou- sent up here. We have it signed for by our officer here, who is in charge of the house, that it has been received, and to all intents and purposes have hee,1 used. What ground, then, have we to suppose that he did not receive it ? Mr ISAAC MORGAN—We want to know what he has don" with the sacks, where he has hid them. Mr JOHN JAMES—He has gone to America. The CHAIRMAN—Who is to find out what he has done with them? You may have all sorts of investiga- tion: but so long as the books are signed by the master, showing that he has received them, we are powerless. I do not see what we have to investigate. The Rev J. PUGIT—Was it also true that the house wa; supplied with tobacco of au interior quality ? The MASTER—Yes, sir. Mr JOHN" JAMES—Then the Master ought to have sent it back. Every packet is branded, and need not be taken unless the Master is party to it. The late Master had to make up a deficiency of £ 120. Is it to be understood that the contractors cheated the work- house to that extent? If so. I believe that Mr Richards did í:nt supply the house during the whole time these deficiencies occurred. Is it to be understood that Mr Thomas Griffiths, Mr Powell, and other grocers who supplied the house chiefly that they were parties with the Master in cheating the workhouse ? Mr MORRIS DA nr.:s-In 1877 Mr D. P. Richards was the contractor. Mr JOHN* JAMES—He might have been, but these deficiencies had been going on for years. Mr MORRIS DAVIES—A year previous to December. Mr JOHX JAMES—But there was not £ 120 deficiency in one year. Surely, it is not to be understood that the previous contractors kept all that from the house. Mr ISAAC MORGA-I agree with Mr James. if the Master and contractors join together there is an end to the matter; but the master had complained about the tobacco. I The CHAIRMAN—I think all these matters ought to be investigated by the Committee. It is not to the credit of the Union, nor fair to anybody to have these matters discussed ex parte. It is much fairer and more likely to get at the truth of the matter for the Com- mittee to investigate, and if there is any real ground for the complaint to bring it before the Board. Mr ISAAC MOR.GA-This has been going on con- tinually, and nothing has come of it. I say, give a man every opportunity, but let there be an investiga- tion. The Rev. J. PUGH-I think it is perfectly right to find out these things. It is a mystery to me since I have been here. I refused to be on the House Com- mittee because I could not understand how things were going on. There is some mystery here that is difficult to unravel. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—The public at large are talking about it. You will agree with me, sir, that Colonel Pryse is an authority. He came to me purposely on this question within a week ago. The Rev. J. PUG II-I don't think the Master was in league with the Contractor about the tobacco. He said it was part of the last supply and he went on with the same thinking that it was the right quality. It was by accident that he found out that it was not the right quality. He then went to the different shops and found out the sort. Mr JOII JENKTNS—And how is it he told it to one member and not to the committee ? He ought to have reported it to us and not to you. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I think it has been reported before about the tobacco. The MASTER—I spoke to the Contractor about it, and he came up here. Mr JOHN JEKIS-You ought to have spoken to us. The MASTER—I wrote to the Contractor, and asked him to come up here. He asked what the boys had supplied, and I told him. He then asked to be allowed to take it back, and I said yes. The CHAIRMAN—I think a matter like that ought to be reported to the committee. 0 Mr JOIIS JA-IIE.,i-He ought not to tell one or two. The MASTER—I do not tell one or two. Mr JOHN* JAMES—And I will say this, that he does not confine himself to the truth. (Uproar.) I will tell you what I mean. This day month I went out to the back to see the boiler, and MrJenkins was there before me. If you remember the Master threatened to give up his place because he said I was against him. I then said I was not against him, but I wanted him to be consistent in reporting one thing as well as another. He said that the boiler was cracked. I said, Better go to Mr Henry Davis and get another," as he was ordered. He goes and tells Mr Jones that I said —— Alderman JONES—He never told me. Mr JOHN JAMES—I was not against him, but all I wanted was to pull down Old Bridge End. (Laughter.) The CHAIRMAN—I think we must stop this for this reason —— Mr JOHN JAMES—Whatever deficiency or irregularity there might be. he ought to report it to the committee, and not to go behind one's back. The Rev. J. Pucii-I only accidentally heard it. I was unable to be present at the last meeting. The CHAIRMAN (speaking amid great noise, Mr. Isaac Morgan and other members trying to speak)- This must be stopped. Mr. ISAAC MORGAx-I cannot sic down here when the Master is charged with falsehood. Mr. John Jones said he did not tell him that. The Chairman tried to speak, but was unable to make himself heard. Alderman J OXEs-Chair, chair, chair! The CHAIRMAN—If the Board take my advice and allow this matter to go to committee, and not bring irregular charges against persons right and left, we should get into little shape but when once you get into an irregular conversation of this sort you don't know where you will end. It seems to me that it is only fair to everybody, if you have any charges to make, that the Master should lay it before the House Committee. Let them hammer it into shape, and if there is any foundation, bring it before the Board. In going on like this we defeat our own ends. We can- not call upon persons to attend publicly, and I really believe we defeat our own ends. The Rev. J. Pnm-Are we, then, out or order in putting questions like that to the Master ? The CHAIRMAN—I don't mean to say that a guardian is out of order in asking a question that bears upon the interests of this union but I think it defeats the ob- ject we have in visw. Mr. ISAAC MOF.CA--T-It was decided to have this matter properly investigated. They ask you how it does not come out; and especially when you see among those people the Lord Lieutenant of the county, you will think that some investigation ought to be. He said he never saw such a thing in his life as leaving things on one side and never having them properly investigated. I agree with Mr. Pugh that if all these irregularities have been in the house it is time for us to put it in proper trim. I think that the Master, who is a perfect stranger to me, has done his duty. The Rev. J. PUGH—One thing after another must not be smothered like they Have been continually. Mr. JOHN JAMES—I move that all these things be referred to the committee. Here is Mr. Pugh throw- ing out all sorts of insinuations. Let it be understood that henceforth all complaints are to be made to the House Committee on Saturdays, and that they report to the Board. It is not right that half-side "charges should be brought against one man and another with- out hearing both sides of the question. I beg to move that the whole of this, deficiency in flour and every- thing else, be referred to the House Committee, and that they shall report this day fortnight the result of their investigation. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I cannot sit down without say- ing a few words, after the insinuation that has been thrown out. Mr James wants to put the cloak that belongs to himself on my own shoulders. (Uproar.) j The CHAIRMAN, after attempting to speak—Order, Mr Morgan, order. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—Of course, I bow to you as chairman. The CHAIRMAN—We must not have insinuations. They are beneath the dignity of this Board. Mr ISAAC -NIORC-A-N When I stated before about David Richards, the contractor, I said nothing against him as contractor. The CIIAII.ITA-N-Are you prepared to speak to Mr James's proposal ? Mr ISAAC MORGAN-I propose that it shall be investigated by the whole Board and not the Com- mittee. Mr JOHX JAMES—Then I will say the whole Board. The CHAIRMAN—The meeting better be deferred until after the audit. The Rev J. Pc-GH-If it is deferred until after the audit, we shall find out how many sacks are missing.. It was then agreed to refer the charges to a meeting of the whole Board, the date to be fixed at the next ordinary meeting. Mr MORRIS DAvIEs-Reference should also be made at the special meeting to the delivery of coals at the workhouse. There was a letter about it, and I think that ought to be investigated as well as the other. The CIIAIP.NIA-The Committee will not limit itself to any matter. Alderman JONES—I quite fall in with the suggestion that it should be open to every member of the Board. Will the members of the press be allowed to be pre- sent ? Mr DAVID JONES, Rest, and other guardians—Oh, yes. of course. The CHAIRMAN—The question is whether it is worth while for the press to attend a Committee meeting. Mr DAVID JONES—If the press was allowed to be present at these Committee meetings it would be much better, I think. THE CHARGE AGAINST THE ABERYSTWYTH MEDICAL OFFICER. After a relief book had been taken, and the excite- ment of the Board a little subsided, the CHAIRMAN said—With regard to the charge against Mr Morris Jones. We live in an atmosphere of charges. I was very sorry indeed that I was unable to come down on Saturday. The Committee met, and took certain evidence and the question is whether we shall have the evidence read or only the conclusion. Mr JOHN JAMES—I think that the evidence should be read to the Board. Mr MORRIS DAVIES—I think it should be stated who were here. Messrs Hugh Hughes, Isaac Morgan, John James, John Jenkins, B. E. Morgan. John Jones, J. Richards, Gwarfelin, and myself. We first of all wrote down the charge, and then called Mr Hamer, Mr Hughes's clerk. He said he had written a letter to Mrs Williams, who did not appear. We sent him for her, but ahe complained of illness, which she said would prevent her attendance. He was given to understand that she did not want to come up, and she almost told him so. She admitted having received the notice. At the request of Mr Morris Jones, after refusing admittance to the press, we called certain evidence. Mr JOHN JAMES—It was understood that the woman was to come up to-day. The CLERK said he had written a letter, and it was delivered personally by Mr Hamer. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I understood that Mr James was to bring her up. Mr JOHN JAMEs-I can bring her up as there is an idea gone abroad that it is a kind of fabrication. I have also heard that this woman has received money for not attending. After what Mr Jenkins told me I took him and Mr B. E. Morgan to see the woman on Saturday night. She appears to have so astonished Mr Morgan that he could not come here this morning. (Laughter.) A great deal has been said about a cock- and-bull story. The Rev J. PeGH-Has she been offered money ? Mr JOHX JAMES—She has not only been offered it, but she has taken it. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I ask that the evidence taken on Saturday shall be read. It says that she had gone up to Mr Morris Jones's and asked to be forgiven, say- ing that she had been pressed to give it. Mr Morris Jones is a Radical, but let him be a Radical or Chartist, or whatever he may be, let justice be done. (Laughter.) Mr Jony JAMES—It is not my wish to suppress the evidence, nor can it be suppressed and I do not know what Mr Morgan is driving at. The CHAIRMAN—I had hoped that this matter had been settled by the Committee on Saturday, but if this woman is to be called again it seems to be waste of time to read the evidence that has been taken on one side. If we have the evidence to-day taken on Dr Morris Jones's side, next fortnight we may have the evidence taken on the woman's side. It seems to me that tke whole matter should stand over. Mr ISAAC MORGAN-The evidence should be read in justice to Dr Jones, to clear his character. If the wicked woman will tell one thing to-day and another to-morrow, can you believe her when the character of a professional gentleman is concerned ? It was all very well to try to ruin a man's character. It was very easy to do that; but I think the evidence, which entirely clears the doctor's character, should be read. Mr ReGlI HGGHES-I think it ought to be read. Don't you think so, Mr Jones ? Alderman JoxEs-Oh, yes I think it is only fair. She told Mr Hamer that she would not attend any meeting. The Committee having several witnesses waiting went into the matter in her absence and as the Committee have taken the evidence I think that it ought to be read. Mr JOlI JEXKIs-Mr James brought the charge here and now he ought to bring the woman to see whether she is telling a lie or not. Mr JOHN JAMES—I will go for the woman if you will allow the matter to stand over. I will let the Board judge for themselves. I have nothing to do with the truth of her statement. I have only complied with the wish of the people. On Saturday night I heard an insinuation that it was merely got up. In justice to myself I now ought to bring this woman here but I should like a guardian to go with me. The CHAIRMAN—The doctor ought also to be here. Mr JOIIX JAMES—I think it was not part of my duty to bring the woman up here. Mr MORRIS DAVIEi-Ill justice to Mr James I stated that it was no part oi his duty to bring her here. Mr James then left the room in company with Mr Thomas James, Llwyniorwerth. On returning Mr JOlI JAMES said—The woman has been taken away this morning at nine o'clock. Mr IHOMAS JAMES—1 he husband told us that the doctor had done his duty that the woman ought not to be taken at her word. They had lost children before and they were to take no notice of what his wife had said. Mr DAVID JONES, Rest-There is something very suspicious in taking the woman away. Mr JOHN JAIIES' In the presence of the Relieving Officer in my shop he made a very different statement. I think myself now that the proper course to pursue is to leave the report without being read. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I understood Mr James to say that the husband said the doctor had done his duty. Did he say that the woman had been taken away ? Mr THOMAS JAMES—He said that the woman had gone out. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I do not think this ought to be left hanging over a professional gentleman for another fortnight. The evidence ought to be read. The CHAIRMAN—The evidence and the conclusion of the Committee may be read. It will not preclude any further statement. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I think that proceedings should be taken against this woman for making a false state- ment. Mr JOHN JAMES—I think so too. I went and saw her and asked her if the statement she had made to me in the stores was true and she replied, Every word of it." "Now," I said, is it true that Dr Jones sat on a chair in the house and was so drunk that he could not get up again ?" Yes, quite true. I said," she added, I will get hold of his arm and help him up." I said, Is it true that you have had half-a-sovereign for not coming up to day?" and she replied, "Yes, quite true." "Did you have no more?" I asked. "Yes, I had half-a-crowlllater on, and signed some paper, but I do not know what it was. I had to put a cross to it." Mr ISAAC MORGAN—Who gave the half-sovereign ? Mr JOHN JAMES—It is not my place to go into that matter. Dr MORRIS JONES—I think Mr James ought to say. I don't know anything of the matter. The CHAIRMAN—Were you, Mr Jenkins, present, and do you make the same statement ? Mr JOHN JEKINs-Every word. Alderman JOEs-Did she name who gave her the half-sovereign? Mr JOII JEKINR-No, she did not. Mr JOHN JAMES—She did mention it to me at the doot and I will repeat it if it is the wish of the Board. I do not know why I should not do so. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I never heard evidence more clear or more satisfactory than' that given on behalf of Dr Morris Jones. It is not always that a man is able to clear himself from charges, however innocent he may be but he was as sober as I am in this room to- day. Mr JOHN JAMES—I will prove that what I stated in the first instance was correct as far as I was concerned. Whether the woman spoke the truth or the untruth I cannot say. I have nothing to do with that. Having heard on Saturday that there was an attempt to put the whole thing on my head as a fabrication- Mr Morpis DAVIE--Not at the Committee meeting. Mr JOHN JAMES—About the town on Saturday night. Mr MORRIS DAVIES-Who by ? Mr JOHN JAMES—Oh, several friends. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—What the husband says clearly proves that this woman is not to be believed-that she is not in her right mind. Mr JOII JAMES—He did not say a word about her mind. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—He said that she was not to be believed. Dr. Jones is quite clear of the charge, and the Board must decide what steps they will take against this woman. The CHAIRMAN—I do not see what steps the Board can take. We cannot bring the woman here against her will. All we can do is to ask the Clerk to read the evidence, an3. let Dr. Jones take any steps he pleases against the woman. A statement has been made by Mr James, and corroborated by Mr Jenkins, I that she did not come because money had been given her. That is for Dr. Morris Jones to take proceed- ings on. I Mr THOMAS JAMES—The husband said that the woman was subject to fits; and often did not not know what she was saying. Aider man J ONES—It was reported that the woman was in a drunken state when she made the statement. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—The woman said that she was pressed to do it, and she went up to Mrs Morris Jones, and begged her pardon. Alderman JoNEs-Was she sober or drunk when she made the first statement? It is reported about the town that she was drunk. Mr JOHN JAMES—She was as sober as I am this moment. A lady came into the shop at the time, and I repeated the question and got answers in her hearing. The woman was as sane on Saturday night as any I ever spoke to. She so astonished Mr B. E. Morgan that he had not the courage to come here to-day. The Rev. J. PUGH-Have you any objection to tell us who gave the money? Mr MORRIS JOIES-I think it is only fair to me. Mr JOHN JAMES—I will tell you what she said with regard to that. It was Dr Roberts that gave her 10s. in the first instance, and begged her not to go against Dr Jones. Mr MORRIS JOEs-And I had nothing to do with Dr Roberts. Mr JOIIX JAMES—And there were four or five other I people coming to her as well. No doubt I can find out who they were. However, Dr Roberts said that he and Dr Jones should not be bad friends, and gave her 10s., and begged her not to go against Dr Jones. Later on he gave her half-a-crown for the same purpose. At that time she signed an agreement, but she does not know whether it said that she had stated a falsehood or not. She could not read it, and had put a cross to it. Mr Jenkins and Mr B. E. Morgan were there, and I think the statement was repeated to the Vice- chairman on the Terrace. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—Did you hear that her husband said she was not to be believed? Mr JOHX JAMES—Any man of common sense could see that the husband did not want to be mixed up in it. Mr THOMAS JAMES—I believe she was not far from the house. Children were sitting on the stairs. The CHAIRMAN—We shall be here all day unless we come to some conclusion, and I think the best way will be to read the evidence. We have had the viva voce evidence; let us now have the written evidence. This matter has assumed such a serious aspect that, of course, it will not stop here. The Clerk then read the evidence taken on Satur- day in respect to the charge against the medical officer for the Aberystwyth district, Mr Morris Jones, which was to the effect that on Friday, 14th December, Elizabeth Williams, having obtained an order from the relieving officer, sent for Dr Jones four times that day. that eventually the doctor came, saw the child, and promised to send medicine. He was intoxicated at the time. No medicine having been sent on the following day, the mother again sent to Dr Jones asking him to send the medicine, whereupon the doctor replied, How can I send the medicine before I have seen the child."—Dr Harries said he met Dr Jones every night during that week at different times in the evening, between nine and eleven each evening on an average. He never saw Dr Jones drunk on any one of the evenings. He was in consultation with him every evening throughout the week. He was certain that it was in the week that the woman sent for Dr Jones, and it was during that week that the child in question died.—P.S. David Evans recollected one night about three weeks ago, about ten p.m., he was parading out- side the lock-up. Dr Jones came along, and exchanged a few words. He said he was going to Nort'ngate- court, and asked if anybody was going in that direc- tion. P.C. Jones was going, and they went off together. Mr Morris Jones was perfectly sober. He t witness) volunteered to make that statement. He could not fix the day.-P.C. Thomas Jones said he accompanied Dr Morris Jones down to Northgate- court, that being included in his beat. When Dr Jones was in the house, be (the officer) stood under the archway. On going down, Dr Morris Jones said he was very tired, and that he was going to see a child. He was perfectly sober. He could not say that he had had a glass that day. He waited for the doctor, and walked back with him as far as the corner of Thespian- street. The night was during the first or second week in December last. He had asked Dr Jones if that was the occasion referred to after seeing the report in the local papers, and Dr Morris Jones said that it was.- John Roberts, Lion Hotel, said that Dr Jones attended his child on the evening of the 14th December about 9.45. Dr Harries as well as Dr Morris Jones were in attendance. They used to come between nine and tell p.m. On the night of the 14th December, Dr Harries and Dr Morris Jones met in consultation at his house about 9.45 or ten p.m. Every night the doctor attended he was sober, nor had he seen any indication of drunkenness during the whole time he was in atten- dance.—Mary Ellis, Great Darkgate-street, said that Dr Morris Jones had been attending her father from 9th December last up to the present time, twice daily from 13th December to the 23rd December last between ten and elevea in the morning and ten and eleven in the evening. He was always quite sober. She used to see him hc-rself as she nursed her father. In answer to Mr Morris Jones, witness stated that the doctor did not ask her to attend to make that statement. She noticed an account in the Cambrian News of what had occurred, and read it to her father. He said she ought to write to Mr Fryer and tell him what state Dr Morris Jones was in. She did not trouble Mr Fryer, but wrote and told Dr Jones that she could vouch for his sobriety. In answer to Mr Morris Davies, witness said she was quite certain Dr Jones was sober at ten p.m. on the 14th December.—Lydia Jones, Dr Jones's wife. said her husband left home for the country about 5.30 p.m. on the 14th December, going without his tea as he was in a hurry. About half an hour afterwards a child from Northgate-court called and asked for Dr Jones to go to Northgate-court. She told the child that the doctor would go down on his return from the country. The child did not bring an order with her, nor did she say that she had one. The same child came again and was .nost insolent. She (Mrs Jones) told her husband what had occurred, and told him of the insolence of the child, and said she had brought no order. Her husband said the woman had no claim on him, but he would go and see the child. He afterwards went to meet Dr Harries in con- sultation. Mrs Elizabeth Williams called at her (witness's) house about 3 p.m. last Monday, when she s iid, Oh, Mrs Jones, I come to beg Dr. Jones to for- give me. I implore him to forgive me. I was driven to it. There were such lots of people in my house." Witness said she had done her husband a great in- justice. She did not send for Mrs Williams, and did not know she was going to call. -Arthur Bassett Jones, son of Dr. Jones, recollected a girl of thirteen or fifteen calling at his father's house a week before Christmas. She asked that the doctor should see her brother in Northgate-court. On being asked she said she had no order. He told her it was not usual for the doctor to attend without the relieving officer's order, when she said she would tell her father, and get him to go to the Board to complain of the doctor not attending. She was in a bad temper. That was the only occasion on which he saw the child.—"The Committee having heard and considered the evidence, and having regard to the fact that Mrs Williams, although invited, de- clined to attend the inrestigation of the charge pre- ferred by her against Dr. Morris Jones, are unanimously of opinion that there was no foundation whatever for the said charge which tended to show that the Medical Officer was perfectly sober on the night in question." Mr JOHN JA-,IFS-I asked the child, and she said that she had the order. Mr MORRIS DAVIES—We had better fix a day to go further into the matter, as it cannot be left there. Mr JOHN JAMES—You may leave it there as far as I am concerned. The CIIAIRIIAN.Will any practical good be done by carrying it further at this Board ? As it involves, Dr Roberts, who was for a long time connected with this Board, is it not better to adjourn the whole matter for consideration at such time when Dr Roberts and others may desire, and leave it as it stands now ? Mr MORRIS JO-NFs-Shall I make one statement. I remember the night very well. Mr ISAAC MORGA-I don't think you have anything to say, doctor. There is evidence every hour of the night. Mr MORRIS JOEs-I was perfectly sober. I went into the house. The woman was sat on the right band side of the lire, with the child in her arms. Howell Williams was standing with his hand on the mantle- piece. Is it likely that a woman with a child in her arms could assist me up from the chair The CHAIRMAN—So far as this evidence goes it ex- onerates the doctor from all blame. In answer to Mr Morris Jones, Mr JOHX JOXES, the relieving officer, said he went to see the people about the coffin, and afterwards about the grave, and no com- plaint was made to him. On the first visit he asked if the doctor had called there, and the reply was, Oh, yes; but the child was bad for weeks, and the poor thing died at last." The husband said that she was I not to be depended upon. The CHAIRMAN said that the evidence entirely exone- rated Dr Jones. The Board had no power to bring the woman up, and the only think was for Dr Roberts or Dr Morris Jones to iudict her at the Petty Sessions for making a false statement. Mr ISAAC MORGAN proposed, and Mr Evan Jones, Nantsiriol, seconded a proposal to the effect that the doctor was exonerated from blame. Mr JOHN JAMES—Better leave it for the doctors to take proceedings. You are going to pass a vote of confidence upon one-sided evidence. It appears to me to be a most ridiculous think to do; and I will move that the matter be left in abeyance until the doctors take proceedings. The CHAIRMAN—I believe the general opinion of the Board is that the evidence exonerates Dr Jones from the charge. Then all we have to do is to admit the evidence until something is proved to the contrary. We have an unsupported statement, and its having been made in public, it is probable that the persons im- plicated in that statement will take steps to clear them- selves. Therefore. I think we had better leave it. Mr ISAAC MORGA-How long are you going to leave matters to hang over the medical officer? I am quite satisfied with the evidence. We cannot compel Dr Jones to summon her. Mr Hucit HuctiEs-He cannot. He must bring an action. The CHAIRMAN—It has been stated over and over again that we believe the evidence. Alderman JONES—I think after the enquiry that has been held it will be expected of us. I don't think it will be fair to the witnesses or to the public unless we express our satisfaction with the evidence. If there are any proceedings they will be outside this Board. I certainly support the proposition that the Board exonerates Dr Jones of the charge that has been brought against him in this matter. The CHAIRMAN—I do not think that anyone has expressed an opinion that he does not believe the evidence. However, I will put it to the Board, al- though I do not think it will help the matter very much. Mr JOHN JAMES—If you put it that he is exonerated I according to that evidence I have no objection to it. Mr ISAAC MORGAN—I only go by the evidence. The nroDosition was then out to the meetinsr and agreed to. n..uo- TOWN COUNCIL, TUESDAY, JANUARY 8TH.— Present Mr John James, mayor, presiding, Alder- men John Watkins and Philip Williams, Councillors Peter Jones, Thomas Griffiths, Isaac Morgan, E. J. Jones, Richard James, E. P. Wynne, D. C. Roberts, C. M. Williams, D. P. Richards, Messrs A. J. Hughes, town clerk, Griffith Jones, corporation solicitor, Rees Jones, surveyor, H. L. Evans, borough accountant, and R. Watkins, collector. FINANCIAL. The Borough Accountant presented his usual abstract. On the creditor side were District rate fund account, £4704s. 3d.; boreugh fund, £1,584 10s. 7d.; court fees, 929 18s.; total, £ 2,085 Is. lOd.; balance due to the bank, £ 2,168 lis. lid. On the debtor side Harbour fund account, £ 1,210 Is. 8d.; water works fund, £1,584 18s. 5d., water works loan, £1,458 13s. Sd., total, £ 4,253 13s. 9d. The Collector's monthly statement was as follows Arrears of general district rate on November 26th, £285 10s. 8d.; amount collected since, 918 4s. 4d.; arrears of water rate, same date, 9324 4a. 6d.; since collected, £ 12 Ss. 2d. INTEREST. I On the motion of Mr WYNNE, seconded by Alderman JONES, it was agreed to pay interest on £ 3,250. SECURITIES. The CORPORATION SOLICITOR said that the Town Clerk's bonds had been signed, but the Collector's sureties objected to the amount of his bond. The Treasurer's bond had been sent to London for signature, and the others were in progress. Mr WATKINS said that the amount fixed upon when he was appointed was JE300, and it was very strange that it should now be advanced to £ 1,000. He begged the Council to reconsider the matter. Alderman JONES replied that the Collector now collected more money than when he was appointed, The COLLECTOR replied that he had to collect one- third more. and according to that proportion his bond should be for JE400. Mr. RICHARD JAMES scarcely thought it was in order to reduce the amount without notice being first given. It had been recommended by the committee and agreed to by the Council and any alteration should be made in a regular way. The MAYOR suggested that the subject should be re- ferred to the Finance Committee. Mr. RICHARD JAMES said the committee had fixed £ 1,000, and the Council had agreed to it, and it was unreasonable that the Council should reconsider the matter merely because the Collector attended and complained that the amount was too high. The COLLECTOR said he was sent for to the Copora- tion Solicitor's office about three week's ago in order to get the bond signed. Mr. Smith had charge of the matter, and he (the Collector) endeavoured to ascertain the amount, but was unable. The TOWN CLERK said he could have told the Collector. The MAYOR remarked that the Collector had no ob- jection when it was first mentioned to him. Mr. EDWARD J. JONES proposed that it should be accepted. Mr. PETER JONES said the best way under the cir- cumstances would be for some member to propose that the resolution should be rescinded, and that E500 should be substituted for £ 1,000. Then the matter would come in a proper manner before the Board. The MAYOR said it could be put on the agenda paper for next meeting, and this was agreed to. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Mr Rees Jones, the surveyor, reported as follows :— Gentlemen,—I have to report that the town is now supplied with water from the new service reservoir. Owing to the extra pressure, mains and service pipes are continually bursting in different parts of the town. I recommend that new mains be laid along the Marine- terrace from the end of Terrace-road to the Queen's Hotel at a cost of about £40, exclusive of pipes which the Council has in stock. The MAYOR did not see how it could be done until the Council were able to borrow money. The SURVEYOR said there were sufficient pipes in stock and Alderman JONES said a great deal of money was now spent in continual repairs. The TOWN CLERK said he had received a letter authorising the loan of 93,000 for the completion of the water works, but he had temporarily mislaid the letter and had not brought it to the meeting. The report was adopted on the motion of Mr PETER JONES, seconded by Alderman JONES and it was agreed to do the work by contract with the exception of laying the pipes. The MAYOR suggested that advertisements should be inserted in the local papers but the SURVEYOR said that a few handbills would do. MEMORIAL. The MAYOR read a memorial from the inhabitants of Gogerddan-cottages respecting the filthy condi- tion of the footpath in front of Gogerddan-cottages, and asking that it should be flagged. The memorialists stated that they paid general district rates and got little or nothing in return. The MAYOR said the footpath was in a dirty state. Mr PETER JONES said the road in that part of the town was vested in the County Roads Board and the CLERK said the inhabitants could indict that authority for not keeping the road in repair. Alderman JONES said that the County Road Surveyor had told him that he was only responsible for the centre of the road. The TOWN CLERK replied that the Roads Board were bound to keep the footpath in repair, but not to put down curbstones and pave it. On the suggestion of Mr PETER JONES, the Town Clerk was requested to ascertain the legal bearings of the question by the next meeting. WHARFAGE. The TOWN CLERK said he had received a further letter from Mr Liller saying that in the interests of the Cambrian Railway Company he could make no further reduction in the amount charged for wharfage of bearers left at the station. The MAYOR suggested that the Company should be allowed to sell the bearers. They were not much use to the Council or to anybody else as far as he could see. The SURVEYOR, in reply to Alderman Jones, said the bearers occupied about iort square yards; and Mr PETER JONES pointed out that the Company only paid £10 an acre for the land. It was decided to allow the matter to remain in abeyance. MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETINGS. Mr PETER JONES moved that the meetings of the Council should in future be held monthly instead of fortnightly and that the Finance Committee should be authorised to sign cheques for the amount of the labour sheets only, so that the men might be paid fort- nightly. Alderman JONES—And that the Finance Committee meet fortnightly in the interim. Mr PETER JONES said the cheques should only be signed at duly constituted meetings of the Committee, all bills to be presented at the Council as heretofore. Alderman JONES seconded the proposition, and re- marked that monthly meetings were held in larger towns than Aberystwyth. In some places they had only ten meetings in the year. It would still be in the power of the Mayor or Town Clerk or five members of the Council to call a special meeting. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS asked if it would not be well to defer that proposition until the Council h-ad the standing orders before them. Then they could insert a clause about signing chequas. Mr PETER JONES said if they passed that proposition to be consistent they would embody that in the rules. The proposition was agreed to, and the Council rose.

CARMARTHEN. DEATH AT THE ASYLUIT.- On --Lhursday evening Mr John Hughes, the borough coroner, conducted an in- quest at the Joint Counties' Lunatic Asylum, touching the death of an inmate, named Thomas Davies, aged sixty-seven, who was admitted as a pauper lunatic from the parish of Llandewy Velfry, in the Narberth Union, in July last. The man died on Tuesday even- ing, and, as is usual in the case of deaths at the asylum (unless the friends enter a protest), a post-mortem ex- amination of the body was made by the medical officials of the institution. When this was done it was found that deceased had eight ribs frtetured-five on the right and three on the left side—all in front. Under these circumstances, Dr Hearder sent an intimation to the coroner, by whose direction Mr James Rowlands, surgeon, also made an examination as an independent medical gentleman-not, as the coroner said, that they could not place confidence in Dr Hearder's testimony, but for the sake of public satisfaction. It was elicited in the evidence that the ribs must have been broken for some considerable time-possibly months ago. There was no complete fracture in any case. The ends ot the bone did not protrude through the skin, and none of the internal organs were damaged frotti the breakages. Dr Hearder stated that it had been found in lunatics all the bones were very easily broken, and in the case under notice particularly so, the ribs after being taken out being snapped with the least pressure between the finger and thumb. The doctor handed a portion of one of the ribs round the room, and slewed how pliable it had become. The medical testimony further showed that deceased had advanced disease of the brain, and all the other organs of the body were unhealthy. Brain disease was deposed to be the primary cause of death, the injury to the ribs having nothing whatever to do with the man's decease. Three- attendants who had successively had charge of the man were called, and proved that he had met with no violence, personal or accidental, whilst in the asylum, so far as they knew. The jury, therefore, returned a verdict that he died from disease of the brain.

LAMPETER. SERIOUS CHARGE OF ASSAULT.—David Jones, from the parish of Llanwenog, was on Saturday brought up-- in custody, before Mr Fowden, at the magistrates' clerk's office, charged with having on the 1st January feloniously cut and wounded David Davies, of Nant- fach, Alltblacca, turner. Complainant stated that on the 1st January he left his home for Llanybyther be- tween six and seven in the evening. About ten p.m.- defendant and he went home together arm in arm. Before parting, defendant claimed 2s. 6d. from com-- plainant, which he disputed, and they had a scuffie- near the house of James Rees. Did not know how it began. Defendant threw him down, and took hold of one of his fingers with his teeth. Witness did his best to get up, but failed. He then felt himself hurt on the right thigh, and blood was coming through his- trousers. John Thomas, weaver, afterwards accom- panied him home. The next day Dr Davies, of Llany- byther. attended to his wounds. Defendant was re- manded till Saturday next on bail.

LLANBRYNMAIR. MARRIAGE REJOICINGS. Last week the usually quiet village of Llanbrynmair was all astir in connection with rejoicings held on the occasion of the marriage of Mr D. Wintringham Stable, nephew of Miss Loscombe, the respected owner of the Gellidywyll estate, with Miss G. M. Law, daughter of Mr G. S. Law, barrister-at-law, and niece of Dr Good- ford, provost of Eton, and of Sir Frederick Halliday, K.C.B. The wedding ceremony was performed at St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, by the Rev -Hughes and the Rev O. Carr, Glynn, on the 2nd January, with full choral service-the two wedding hymns and that for the new year being sung. Over three hundred personal 9 friends were present, sixty of whom partook of the wedding breakfast. The inhabitants of Llanbrynmair- were apprised of the wedding by the ringing of the- church bells, which lasted throughout the day. On the following Friday evening a numerous com- pany, presided over by the Rev J. W. Kirkham, sat down to dinner at the Tymawr Inn to celebrate the event. Among the guests were the Rev J. W. Kirk- ham and his son, the Rev W. Gillmore Kirkham, the Rev John Williams, Messrs R. Francis, Brynaire, E. Jones, Clegyrddwr, Daniel Howell, R. Humphreys, draper, R. Morris, Weeg, A. P. Howell, E. Owen, Esgair-Evan, Tom Jerris, Dolgadfan, Griffith Williams, Llan, R. Jones, Minffordd, and the tenants of the estate. The cloth having been removed, the following toasts were given :—" The Queen," by the President; "The- Prince and Princess of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family," by the Rev W. G. Kirkham. In proposing this toast Mr KIRKHAM alluded to the many laborious duties which had to be performed by one in the Prince's station. He mentioned that the Lord Mayor of London began the new year with 183 engagements, and he doubted not that the Prince of Wales had great difficulty in finding a single spare day. He said that the toast would be received heartily, not only because of the universal respect felt for his Royal Highness, but still more so when they remembered his- Welsh descent, and the high compliment recently paid by him to their beloved friend and neighbour Lord Londonderry in visiting him at Wynyard. After alluding to the Princess of Wales's connection with the Royal Families of Denmark, Greece, and Russia, and to the admiration felt by all for her, he asked them to drink to the health of the Prince and Princess and the rest of the Royal Family. The Bishop and Clergy and Ministers of all De- nominations," proposed by Mr D. Howell, and replied to by the President (the Rev J. W. Kirkham), the Ret- W. G. Kirkham, and the Rev J. Williams. "The Lord-Lieutenant and County and Borough Members," proposed by Mr DANIEL HOWELL, who referred to the labours which Lord Powis had lately taken on behalf of the North Wales College, of which he has been elected the first president. The PRESIDENT, in replying on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant, said that there were only three older magistrates than himself in the county, and that he felt proud to think that not one successful appeal had been made against the decisions he had given in the course of that lengthened period. In proposing the next toast-the health of Mr and Mrs Stable-the PRESIDENT said this was the toast of the evening. They were assembled together on the happy occasion of a wedding, an event which in all ages had been a festive one. He had known Mr Stable from his youth, and could say that he had never known a, more virtuous and genial person. He was connected with a family highly respected at Llanbrynmair, and. descending from a good old stock, they had every reason to believe that he would prove himself a worthy brancn, and would adsl lustre to the name of the good old family of Gellidywell. As to the bride, from his knowledge of Mr. Stable, he doubted not but that she was worthy of him. He had known the late Miss Russell, and a more virtuous and truly Christian lady he had never met. He was only sorry that they in Llanbrynmair were not favoured w ith more of their company. He trusted that many more of the family would be connected for ages yet to come with the Gellidywyll estate. He hoped that all blessing and prosperity might fall to the lot of the happy pair. It was unnecessary for him to ask them to join heartily in drinking the health of Mr. and Mrs. Stable. This toast was drunk with musical honours, and several rounds of hearty cheers. The President called upon Mr. DANIEL HOWEIL to reply. He said it would be a pleasure to him to in- form Mr. and Mrs. Stable of the hearty way in which the toast had been received. He considered that Mr. Stable was fully worthy of all that had been said of him. His career had been a most successful one, and he had now attained a high position in his profession, having been recently appointed resident solicitor of the Prudential Assurance Company. To crown a suc- cessful career he had taken to himself a wife, and in doing this he had accomplished what had seldom been accomplished in this or any other country,—conquered Law by love, and he trusted that the result of the conquest to both parties would be peace and happiness of very long duration. The Rev W. G. KIRKHAM next proposed the health of Miss Loscombe and the other members of the family. He considered that it was a loss to the parish that they had no resident gentry among us, men con- nected with the place by ties of relationship and property. They would be much benefited if they had more of the old blood resident in the place. For » non-resident landowner they could not have one who took more interest, not only in her own tenants, but also in the parish at large. It was something to say that the Gellidywyll estate had not for many ages been in the market. It had descended in the family from age to age. Miss Loscombe's interest in the estate was evidenced by the wise planting done on the estate and the good buildings. The rent roll, examined, would be found very reasonable. Referring to the land question, he said that he thought much of the blame for the present state of things rested with- the farmers. They brought up their sons as farmers,- and England being an old country, and of limited- extent, the result was that there was great compel" tion among the farmers whenever there was a farm to let, He could not believe that landlords were such as they were too often represented to be, and of land- lords, Miss Loscombe had proved herself to be one 0 the very best. This toast also was most heartily received. ANDREW BREES, the oldest of her tenants, in reply said he could only hope that her successors would be equal to her. The other toasts were "The landowners of LlaIl brynmair," "The tenants of the Gellidywyll perty, "The farmers and the success of the farnnnc industry," "Mr Daniel Howell, agent of the estate, and Mrs Howell," "The Host and Hostess," Jervis and Mr and Mrs Williams for the excelle° dinner they had provided. Jervis and Mr and Mrs Williams for the excellen Jervis and Mr and Mrs Williams for the excelle° dinner they had provided. Among the wedding presents, which were numerous, were a beautiful chased tray, the gift of th Rev J. W. Kirkham, and a silver cup from the tenac of the estate at Llanbrynmair.

FIRST PRIZg FOR LAUNDRY WORK.—The Laudresse t- who won the first prize in the competition for the be got up linen, at the Torquay Industrial ExhlbltIOIJ, used Reckitt's Paris Blue and Starcii. ities- HOLLOWAY'S OINTMENT AND PILLS.—The infirm'1 of our nature almost necessitate disease. the blood, functional disturbances and loose Ijv'n8 jj, stantly give rise to despondency, debility, or distemp^o(j In the above-named remedies, the community can a. of do have, at a little cost, the safe and certain mean 3il- I Li preventing or checking, and curing both outward i ments and inward maladies. Ample Plainly ?rS- and very intelligible directions accompany every ^ujre age of both Ointment and Pills, which only re3 jj6r attentive study to enable every invalid to be his o own medical adviser. The earlier these P?-g0ftse, remedies are employed after discovery of the a the more rapid will be their action in expeHlOg the system all noxious matter and restoring-heftl* A