The North Wales Express

NOTES AND COMMENTS- Mr Bircham, the Local Government Board Inspector for North Wales, made a speech at the Bangor Guardians' meeting on Friday, which should hare the careful consideration of all our local Guardians. During his speech he made revelations of a startling character with regard to the slum life of Bangor. The district which Mr Bircham had visited was one of the worst in Bangor, but the cases he brought before the! Board are by no means isolated ones. In other parts of the town, notably in the neighbourhood of Dean-street, Brick-street, &c., and Garden Square in particular, the hemes of the poor are particularly squalid. In the course of some enquiries, our correspondent was told of a couple of houses, one of which had been turned into a stable, with a door of communication between it and the other house. This house had only a kitchen and a loft, in which a large family made their home, and the stench from the stable, and the heap of dung which was gathered in the back- yard,-which itself was not more than an ordinary breakfast table,-was such as to throw the strongest man off his feet. Owing to its insanitary condition, the house has been visited by typhoid fever, which carried away a number of victims, while during the last two or three years consumption > has also claimed its victims there.

As it is, we fear that our Town Councils must take the matter in hand, and the attention of the Bangor Council should at once be called to the facts. The attention of the Carnarvon Coun- cil has already been drawn to this matter, but the councillors don't seem to have taken the matter with any degree of warmth. We fear that. as many of our local councillors are them- selves property owners, they are more swayed by esprit-de-eorps than they should be in dealing with the matter. One matter certainly requires explanation in connection with the last meeting of the Bangor Guardians, and that is, the reasons which the chairman had for ruling oat of order Mr T. Edwards' motion calling the attention of the City Council to the facts laid before them. We cannot help thinking that the motion was very much in order, for it affected the interests of the poor to a very great extent. That the chairman should have ruled otherwise seems to us exceed- inglv strange, and Mr Edwards should certainly bring the matter up again, and also, if possible, get the guardians to institute a thorough enquiry into the state of affairs both in Bangor and in other parts of the Union, for we learn that the state of things in Glasinfryn is even worse than Bangor. The Carnarvon Guardians should also make a similar enquiry, as well as the guardians of the other Unions in the district. Our Unions seem to breed more paupers than the other Unions of the country, if the figures of the Local Government Board are criterion to judge from, as they undoubtedly should be.

THE list of new Mayors which we give in another column shows that our local Councils are very partial to the principle of allowing each member, so far as it is possible, to have the opportunity of filling the Mayoral chair. In all our boroughs, except Beaumaris, the Councils have elected new Mayors. In Beaumaris Mr Hugh Thomas was once more elected to the honour. In Conway, also, although a Conserva- tive filled the chair during the year that has just ended, the Conservatives have once more elected one of themselves as Mayor. Dr Pritchard has filled the chair before, and one would have thought that the dignity would fall to the part of another gentleman who has not yet enjoyed the honour. Still, both parties seemed at the Coun- cil meeting to be unanimous in the election, and it is to be sincerely hoped that all will cordially work together to get the borough out of the terrible muddle in which it has been placed.

The ensuing year will be an important one in the history of the country on account of the completion by Her Majesty of her 60th year of her reign. We hope that our local authorities will not be behind in worthily celebrating the interesting event, and in this matter a great deal depends on the public spirit shown by our mayors. We think that the matter of worthily organising the festivities can be left to the good sense of the gentlemen who have been elected to the chair in all of our boroughs.

An interesting fact in connection with Mr Williams, the new Mayor of Pwllheli, is that he is we believe, the first of the nautical fraternity to honour the chair of the borough. The villages on the sea-board of Lleyn and Pwllheli have bred a large number of young men to dare the perils of the deep in order to keep up the commercial greatness of Britain, and it is befitting that they should be represented among the illustrious body of men ^who have filled the mayoral chair. At Carnarvon the honour has fallen to the part of Mr Edward Hughes, whose services on the Conn- cil on behalf "of the town and all its public institutions are too well-known to require any commendation. Mr Hughes has served the town for 16 years, and his business capacities and great common-sense especially fit him for the important post which he is called upon to fill. During his year of office an important local event will take place. We refer to the two new schools which it is proposed to build, one as a girls' elementary school and the other as an intermediate school. The building of these two schools will probably be begun during the year, and it is to be hoped that they will be an ornament to the town. I

At Bangor, the unexpected has happened. Up to the end of last week the general opinion of the townspeople was that Mr John Evan Roberts would be re-elected to the Mayoralty. He had fulfilled the duties of the office with so much dignity during the last year that all the members seemed anxious to re-elect him. It seems, how- ever that the Conservative members of the Council held a meeting at the end of the week, when they determined upon nominating Dr Grey Edwards. This sudden change took everybody by surprise. As the rule, on which the parties had acted during the last few years, was that each party should nominate their candidate in turns, the Liberal party were compelled to fall in with the wishes on the opposite party. A protest was, however, made at the Counatl meeting against such ungrateful conduct on the part of the Conservatives, and we believe that it has caused no little comment in the town. Dr Grey Edwards has been on the Council for nine years, I. and will undoubtedly make a popular Mayor, but in such a crisis as the one through which the I town is proceeding at present, it is unfortunate that the town should lose the sound business tact and great qualifications of Mr Roberts as a financier from the mayoral chair.

We fear that there is not much hope for Car- narvon in the race for the Welsh University Offices and the Welsh Museum, wùess it wakes up at once, and takes up the matter with more spirit than has distinguished its actions for some time past. The "British Architect" this week publishes a design for the offices which Swansea propose to offer to the University if it will locate them there. The Corporation of the town is promoting a bill to make a gift of any portion of their valuable property as a site for offices, or to spend £ 25,000 on building on any other site which may be acquired in the town.

At last the Penrhyndeudraeth Guardians have surmounted the difficulties which faced them in the Administration of the workhorse. A new master has been appointed, and the difficulty with regard to the nurse has been honourably settled. Their action towards the nurse, however, at first threatened to be most dishonourable, through their action in proceeding to advertise for an- other nurse after pressing upon Nurse Williams to stay. But now Miss Williams has been re- appointed, and All's well that ends well."

His Honour Judge Lewis has given a most important judgment at Dolgelley on the question of late trains. If this judgment is upheld in the Courts above, it will have great effect on the railway Companies. The .authorities of the Lon- don & North Western are by no means free from blame in this respect, especially in the summer season. At Carnarvon tha trains are often late in arriving, and indeed we often think that the railway authorities in Wales seem to have more regard for their own benefit than for the conven- ience of passengers.

THE SLUMS OF BANGOR. At the fortnightly meeting of the Bangor and Beaumaris Board of Guardians on Friday, under the presidency of Mr H. Thomas (chairman), Mr Bircham, the Government inspector, in the course of an address to the Board, said that he was glad to find that the union now stood 42nd on the list of unions in the matter of relief, as compared with 52nd last year in his list of 53. He was very glad to find that the pauperism for the month of Octo- ber this year showed a considerable diminution as compared with the same month last year, which he thought was due to an increased recognition of the fact that out-door relief was not the unmixed benefit that some people seemed to think it was. In this connection Mr Bircham stated that he had visited one of the out-door relief districts of the union in Bangor—namjiy, Kyffin square-aad he was sorry to say that he found trom 90 to 100 cases in the part of that district which he was alone able to go through. In regard to several of the cases, he was sure that a more intimate knowledge on the part of the guardians would result in the knocking of these cases off the outdoor list. In one case he found a woman going about the streets in a wretched state, going from house to house. She got 2s 6d a week from the guardians, and she was 60 years of age. Her husband was in the asylum, and she had no other home. She had two daughters living with her, one 22 years of age and the other 16 years old. The elder daughter was unwell, and the other knocked about, earning a copper or two. The old woman wandered about from house to house, and the night he saw her she was lodging with another pauper as poor as her- self. In another case a young man, 22 years of age, got 5s a week and some linseed meal, but he lived with his mother, who was married, and had two children. Her husband was a cabdriver, out of work, who slept in a small room near the roof of the hovel, formed by a few planks thrown across, and reached by a ladder from the living- room. A married sister lOG Led after the young man. and his mother gave him food. She was a hawker with little means, and the mother drank. It was a VPrv poor and dirty place. In his (Mr Bircham's) pinion that was a case in which the young man, "Tho was in receipt of outdoor relief, would be far "tter in the Workhouse infirmary than where he as, though he was bound to say that the yorg man said he would prefer to be where he was. Still, he thought the guardians ought not to give way in such a case as that to the preferences of the pauper. Such cases as he had mentioned showed the neces- ILv sity of exercising the greatest care in giving out- door relief at all. In another case he found the guardians were giving out-doorj relief to an old man 7i years of age. He had a small pension, and the guardians were giving him 6s 6d a week as outdoor relief. That was all very well, but he found that tlas old man was living with a married son and a married daughter, whose husl^ad was a tailor, in one room down stairs, the sleeping room being like the one he had already described, a ceiling room. This sleeping room was divided by a partition. In one division the old man slept with two of the sons of the tailor. In the other part there were three beds, and in these the tailor's wife slept, together with a girl of 13, who had left the school, a boy of ,11 years of age, a girl of eight, a girl of 18, who was in service with a barber, but came home occasionally to sleep, and an infant one year and nine months old, making a total of nine persons sleeping in one room. He (Mr Bircham) was certain that if the guardians hod gone round that room the relief would be dis- continued, but it was a class of case which would not appear in its true light on paper, or in the re- port of the relieving officer. In other parts of the district he could not but be struck with the tidi- ness and apparent respectability of the homes subsidised by out-door relief. They did not seem to be pauper homes at all. On the other hand, there? were houses where never a Monday passed without the rent collector calling for and receiving his rent, and where the tenants found it impos- sible to get necessary repairs done. This contrasted badly with other parts of the district where the landlords did repairs and the houses were kept in a respectable condition, while the rents were actually less than those of the hovels he had spoken of.

BORWICK BAKING POWDER Best Baking BORWICK BAKING POWDER Powder in the BORWICK BAKING POWDER IWorld BORWICK BAKING POWDER Wholesome, BORWICK BAH1NG POWDER Pare and free from Alum Mr R. Casson, of Ruthin Grammar School, has been elected to a foundation scholarship of the value of £70 a year at St. John's College, Cam- bridge. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS Grown in our British Colony of Ceylon. Mr Herbert W. Wills has prepared a very handsome design for offices for the Welsh Univer- sity, a national Welsh museum, art gallery, and record office at Swansea. The designs have been prepared for the Swansea Corporation. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS. From tlifi Sweet-scented Island of Ceylon. At the adjourned meeting of the Rhyl Urban District Council held on Tuesday, considerable dis- cussion toek place upon a proposal to provide a wharf and warehouses at I y <. and to escablish a harbour of refuse. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE TEAS DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE I'BAS The jnn!t Luscious Tea in the World. i

CARNARVON TOWN COUNCIL. Election of Mayor. The annual meeting of the Carnarvon Town Council for the election of mayor took place at noon on Monday in the public room of the Guild Hall. There was a large attendance of the general public, though not so numerous as in previous years. The Mayor (Councillor Richard Thomas) presided, and the other ^members of the Council present were Aldermen W. P. Williams, M. T. Morris, John Williams, W. J. Williams, Norman Davies, D. T. Lake; Councillors Edward Hughes, Issard Davies, J. R. Hughes, J. P. Gregory, W. Hamer, ;T. M. Lloyd, R. Parry. G. R. 'iriffith, H. Lloyd Carter, David Pierce, John Rees, R. E. Owen, J. T. Roberts, R. 0. Roberts, J. Fletcher, W. G. Thomas, Mr J. H. Roberts (town clerk) and other Corpora- tion officials. The Mayor having' announced that the first business af the meeting was the election of mayor, Mr J. R. Hughes immediately rose, and said, that he had great pleasure in proposing a gentleman who he believed would worthily fill the chair. That gentleman was Mr Edward Hughes (cheers). The Council generally would agree that Mr Hughes, who had lived in the town for 36 years and had served 15 years on the Town Council, had proved himself worthy of the esteem of all who had the pie -sure of working toitl. him. As he was the chairmflu of the Ferry Committee he felt that this would be an auspicious year for Mr Hughes, it being the hope of the Council that they would be able to promote an Act of Parliament for the purpose of improving the ferry. Mr Hughes's noble character and unassuming manner were also such as to command for him the support of his fellow members (cheers). Mr Norman Davies seconded the proposal, with the observation that whatever virtues belonged to the appellation of "Hogyn o'r dre" he believed Mr Hughes was entitled to them. The past year had been a singularly uneventful one, but he anti- cipated that for two things, one being Imperial and the other local, the ensuing year would be different. The first was the sixtieth celebration of the accession of Her Majesty the Queen to the throne—(cheers)—and he hoped that on that occasion the town of Carnarvon would not be lacking in its display of loyalty uader the leader- ship of the chief magistrate. The other matter was the improvement of the Anglesey and Aber ferries, upon which the Council contemplated large expenditure, and with regard to this project he believed that the Mayor, from the experience which he had gained on the Ferry Committee, would be able to guide the Council in a safe man- ner (hear, hear). There being no other nomination Mr Hughes was declared duly elected amidst cheers. The retiring Mayor, in giving up the chair and chain of office, heartily congratulated the Mayor- elect. He hoped that he would be given strength to perform the duties of the office, and that the ensuing year would be a prosperous one, and whatever he (Mr Thomas) could do by way of assisting him he would always gladly do it (hear, hear). The Mayor, who was cordially received, returned thanks for the honour unanimously conferred upon him. He felt a difficulty in expressing pro- rerly his thanks, but he assured the meeting that he would do everything in his power to merit the honour bestowed upon' him as mayor and chief magistrate of the ancient borough, and would make every effort to follow in the footsteps of the noble men that preceded him (cheers). He considered it to be his duty to accept the office, and having accepted it he felt that the position was such an honourable one as to call: forth his best energies to promote all movements having for their object the improvement of the town (hear. hear). It was a strange coincidence that it was 36 years this month that he entered upon busiuess at Car- narvon (applause). His premises were in Eastgate street,fthen about half its present width. That was a long time ago, but since then the town had made steady progress; the streets had been im- proved, many public buildings and some charitable institutions had been raised, so that Carnarvon was now generally considered to be one of the most forward, and, certainly, from a commercial point of view, one of the most important towns in North Wales (applause). As the town increased the Council carried out tho necessary improve- ments. In the sanitary, water, and gas depart- ments, all had made steady and marked progress. There is not a town in North Wales whose finances are in such satisfactory state. These things were brought about by hard work, and the honour lies with the different committees into which our Council is divided, and he felt sure that every mem- ber would continue to carry out any new scheme to a successful issue. MOLe remained to be done. In the present day, when commercial enterprise was so great, he did not think that Carnarvon could afford to stand still. Care should also be bestowed upon their public institutions. He was proud that the establishment of one of these, viz., the Cottage Hospital, was due to one of his predecessors in office. That institu- tion had already done noble work, and whatever course might be adopted to further enhance its sphere of usefulness he would be pleased to tender it his warmest support (applause). Another im- portant matter which deserved attention was edu- cation. The importance of this would be evident when they bore in mind that the people who were now young would soon be the pillars of the town in all its movements. He looked forward with confidence to a day during the ensuing year when the foundation of the new intermediate school buildings would be laid down (cheers). The town had for the space of two years seen what excellent work the school had done, and at the annual distribution of prizes one was inspired with ad- miration. He had hoped to be able to make cer- tain suggestions relative to the shape which sup- port to these institutions should take, but owing to the shortness of time he would prefer making no announcement at present. Both as mayor and ] magistrate it would be his object to fulfil his duties honestly and faithfully. In conclusion he wished to move a vote of thanks to the ex-mayor for the manner in which he had fulfilled the duties of the chair during the past year (cheers). He had discharged those duties faithfully, endeavouring always as far as possible not to tread upon one party or the other in the Council, and he hoped that Councillor Thomas would long be spared to continue his public service as a magistrate and a member of the Town Council (hear, hear). Mr J. R. Hughes seconded the motion, which was agreed to and acknowledged by the retir- ing mayor, who repeated that he would be always only too gla,1 to join any movement having for its object the advancement of the town. DEPUTY MAYOR. The Mayor appointed Mr Norman Davies as his deputy. PRESIDING ALDERMEN. As presiding aldermen for the western ward Mr J.R.Hughes moved the election of Mr M.T.Morris, while Mr J. T. Roberts moved Mr W. J. Williams. The former was carried. Mr Norman Davies was, on the motion of Mr John Raes, seconded by Mr Carter, elected presiding alderman for the eastern ward. The meeting then adjourned till the even- ing for the transaction of general business. The ordinary meeting of the Council was held at half-past six in the evening, under the presidency of the Mayor, the above-named members being present, with the addition of Council'or R. S. Parry-Jeoes. FINANCIAL. The Finance Committee reported that the fol- lowing sums had been received during the month ending 24th October: District fund account, JE268 5s lid; water, JE36 10s; gas, jEl9oOs6d; other rents, tolls, &c., JE47 17s 8d. PRINTING CONTRACT. On the recommendation of the Finance Com- mittee it was resolved that the Welsh National Press Co. be offered the printing work for two years at the prices quoted by them, the same being the lowest sect in. COED MAWR' WATER RENT. At a meeting of the Finance Committee two letters were submittod from the occupier of Coed AJawr objecting to pay more than a certain sum r ~*ater, which sum it was alleged by her was agreed upon when the service main was laid. Oa the recommendation of the com- mittee, it if as resolved that the water rent for Coed aaawr be the current rent in the £ for the time being, upon the annual value, like all other houses, and as paid by the occupier fcr the first three years, there being no evidence of any agreement to the contrary. PAVILION WATER RENT. A letter dated 26th October was read at the Finance Committee from the secretary to the Pavil- ion Company, offering to pay at the r&te of £ 1 per annum, as heretofore, for water used for ordinary purposes for which the Pavilion was usually let,and to pay such sum as might be agreed upon for water used at any entertainment of an unusual character, the company also to pay the sum of 15s which the secretary advised Mr Bostock he was not liable for, last Februaey. The Council resolved that these terms be accepted provided it was agreed that the payment of JEl covered only the use of water for the present water closets and urinals, and small quantities for any occasional entertainments, such as tea meetings, the accountant to see that a proper agreement was drawn up and executed. PAVILION ROAD. A letter from the Pavilion Co., dated 24th September, was read at the Finance Committee, refusing to comply with the request of the Council, communicated to them on the 12th Angust, that they should enter into an agreement to pay a nominal rent of 23 6d per annum to enable the Corporation to keep possession of the trust land belonging tc the Institute, added to the Pavilion Road in 1894. It was resolved that the Company be informed that. the Council insist upon this being done. GAOL WATER RENT. The Accountant's report upon this matter having- been read, it was resolved that the p'ison autho- rities be requested to agree to an advance in the rate charged per 1000 gallons or water supplied to the prisou, on the ground that no charge per £ of rateable value was made in respect of water sup- plied for domestic use. RATEABLE VALUE OF RAILWAY STATION BUILD. INGS. Further correspondence respecting this matter was read at the Finance Committee, and the Ac- countant was directed to offer a compromise by meeting the Company half way in the dispute, and to ask, in the event of this being refused, whether they were ready to leave the matter to the decision of the original valuers of the premises, expenses to follow the result. WATER WORKS DEPRECIATION FUND. On the recommendation of the Finance Com- mittee it was resolved that the sum of JE200 be placed on deposit at the Old Bank, as the first payment into a fund to be called she Water Works Depreciation Fund, to be at the disposal and for the use of the Sanitary Committee for renewals of water mains. This payment to be made out of the water current account. ALL NIGHT LAMP. A letter was read at the Gas Committee, signed by a number of men passing to their work in the early morning under the arch between Greengate street and Bank quay, praying that the lamp under the arch be lit during the winter months before 6 a.m. The Council resolved that this lamp be kept lighted during the winter months until day- light. COKE TO SELL. On the consideration of the minutes of the Gas Committee, Mr Gregory suggested that checks for cwts of coke be issued, it being a hardship upon poor people to have to collect a certain sum of money to buy a larger quantity. He had been approched by several of these people respecting this matter The Mayor explained that he was informed by the Accountant that these ehecks were already given. Mr Gregory: I am glad to hear that. LLANBEBLIG CHURCH GAS SUPPLY. The Gas manager reported the result of putting en extra pressure of gas at the works up to 22-10ths during services, and it was ordered that an esti- mate be submitted of the cost of laying a 3-in C.I. main to different points in the direction of the Church, commencing from the present C.I. main by Dinorwic Street. PRESSURE OF GAS. The Gas Manager was directed to report as to the pressure in different parts of the town, also to ob- tain prices of registering portable pressure gauge, and to put on a little extia pressure Saturday nights to meet the increased consumption on those nights. PLANS. At a meeting of the Sanitary Committee plans of a proposed book depository at St. David's road for the Calvinistic Methodist denomination were submitted. The Surveyor having reported that the plans were in accordance with bye-laws, except a drain in the cellar (which could be altered), they were passed subject to the alteration. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. On the recommendation of the Sanitary Com- mittee it was resolved that legal proceedings be taken again H. J. Angel, 4, Pool street, for a breach of the Infectious Diseases (Notification) Act, 1889, by not notifying that he was suffering from scarlet fever. VOLUNTEER CAMPING GROUND, Capt. Ware, Adjutant, wrote, stating that he had received an order from the War Office, to chose a camping ground for the Carnarvon and Anglesey R. W. F. Volunteers, about 800 strong. He had chosen the Upper Park, and would like to know whether ths Corporation would be willing to allow an encampment to be made there, and what would be the daily rental, and charge for water. It was resolved that further particulars be obtained, and that Messrs J. Issard Davies, J. P. Gregory, J. T. Roberts, and R. E. Owen, be asked to report thereon ANGLESEY FERRY. Capt Lewis, lessee of the ferry, attended a meeting of the Committee, and the Chairman (the Mayor), explained to him that the attention of the committee had been called to the question as to whether the "Arvon" had been built according to plans and specifications sub- mitted to the committee, and approved of by them. Capt. Lewis stated that with the exeption of some slight alterations the vessel was according to plans, &c., and that he would produce the plans and specifications for the inspection of the committee,- The committee, after inspecting the repairs to the pier damaged by the recent storms, recommended that two new cross pieces be put in where shown by the surveyor and the carpenter, and that no more new timber be purchased, but that the repairs to the deck be completed with as much sound timber as remains of, those on the shore.— The account of John Griffith, carpenter, for wages for the five weeks ending 31st October, 1896, viz., JE37 18s 7d having been certified, was recommended for payment. The minutes of the Council were adopted. ELECTION OF CCFMMITTEES A SCENE. Upon the Mayor* announcing that the next busi- ness on the agenda was the election of committees, Mr J. T. Roberts and Mr H. Lloyd Carter rose simultaneously. Mr J. T. Roberts: I was the first (laughter). Mr Carter: My proposition is this ——— Mr Roberts: Will you rule, Mr Mayor, who is in order. Mr Carter maintained that he was the first to catch the speaker's eye." The Mayor: Really I cannot say who was the first up. Mr Carter: I will move my resolution, and I am sure my friend will give way. I Mr Roberts: I don't know about that. A Voice: Toss up (laughter). The Mayor: Mr Roberts claims to be the first up. Mr Carter: But I say I am (laughter). The Mayor: I am sorry I am not able to say who was the first to rise. Mr Roberts: I am willing that the Council should decide upon the question who rose first. Mr Carter eventually sat down amid cries of hear hear. Mr Roberts then proposed that the following should constitute the Finance Committee:—The Mayor, Messrs W. J. Williams, R. N. Davies, T. M. Lloyd, J. Issard Davies, H. Lloyd Carter, D. Pierce, R. o. Roberts, W. G. Thomas, and R. S. Parry Jones. The proposition having been seconded, Mr J. Be Hughes proposed that the committees be re-elected en bfo<•, with the alteration_that_Mr Richard Thomas take the place of Mr Owen Jones upon the several committees of which the lattei gentleman was a member, and also the place 01 Mr R. S. Parry Jones on the Gas Committee, and that Mr W. G. Thomas take the place of Mr J. R. Pritchard on the Finance Committee. Mr J. T. Roberts maintained that Mr Hughes' proposition was not Jan amendment to his motion as to XTmauce uommittee. The Mayor remarked that the Town Clerk ruled the amendment in order. Mr Carter said that much time had been spent last year in the election of committees, and these had done their work very well. He, therefore, failed to see why they should now waste time by taking each committee by itself. Mr Hughes' proposal met the equity of the case. Mr J. T. Roberts objected to Mr Hughes' amendment, because his motion did not mean the re-election of the committees en bloc. He pro- posed to remove Mr Parry Jones from the Gas Committee, and substitute Mr B. Thomas. He further objected because that one or two of the committees were rather unwieldy, being so to such an extent that some members did not think it worth their while to attend the meetings. It was all very well for Mr Carter to say they had worked very well. Mr Carter himself had attended the meetings of the Highway Committee only four times. Mr Carter: And you have not attended at the workhouse. Mr Roberts: The Finance Committee, as pro- posed, is practically the same as before. It was necessary to substitute someone for Mr J. R. Pritchard, and the gentleman who had taken his place in the Council had been proposed. On a division the amendment was declared car- ried, 12 voting tor it, and 11 for the original proposition. A PARK COMMITTEE. Dr Parry proposed that a sub-committee be ap- pointed to look after the Park. He contended that it was very important that the Park should be pro- perly looked after, and; complaints had been made that things were in a more or less unsatisfactory state. The committee should report to the Council quarterly. He suggested the following names :— Dr J. Williams, Messrs D. T. Lake, J. Issard Davies, W. Hamer, and J. T. Roberts. Mr J. R. Hughes: There is a sub-committee to look after the park. (Turning round to Dr Parry, who sat by his side, he sai,p," Have you done, Doctor ? "). Mr Rees: Is the proposal seconded. (After a pause) I will second it. Mr Hughes then proceeded to state that the Highway Committee had carried out the work which would be done by the proposed committee. Dr J. Williams said it was unusual to appoint a sub-committee from the whole Council. The Town Clerk understood it was proposed to be a committee by itself. Dr Williams observed that the Park came uAder the supervision of the Highway Committee, and if they were to take away part of the business of the committee they would minimise its duties. If the Highway Committee did not look after their business the whole committee should be found fault with. Dr Griffith did not think it was necessary to have a special committee for the Park, but he thought there would be distinct advantages in having a Park sub-committee under the control of the Highway Committee. Dr Parry thought the Highway Committee was too large, and it would be an advantage to have a committee such as had been proposed, the park not being exactly a highway. Ultimately a committee comprising the gentle- men already named, with the addition of Mr Gre- gory, was appointed. VOTES OF THANKS. At the meetings of the various committees votes of thanks were accorded to ttie chairmen for their services during the past: year, viz., Mr W. J. Williams (Finance), Dr Parry (Gas), Mr M. T. Morris (Sanitary), Dr J. Williams (Highway). A MISTAKE. Mr J. T. Robeits said he regretted to have to call attention to an incident that took place at the morning meeting when Mr J. R. Hughes proposed Mr M. T. Morris to be the returning alderman for the Western Ward, and he (Mr Roberts) proposed Mr W. J. Williams, but on a division the mayor declared that the original motion had been carried. He (the speaker) maintained that such was not the case, the voting being equal. Mr Parry-Jones was not present, and those who voted for the amendment were Dr Parry, Messrs D. Pierce, R. O. Roberts, R. E. Owen, and himself, five also voting for the original motion. Therefore, it was potent to all that Mr Morris was not elected, and he did not know whether that gentleman would like to sit down quietly and consider himself duly elected. The Mayor explained that he had counted the hands raised and so made a mistake, Mr W. P. Williams, who was debarred from voting, having raised his hand. Mr Carter observed that the mayor had, rightly or wrongly, declared that Mr Morris had been elected, and he hoped that he would not be called upon to exercise his casting vote, seeing that Mr Morris' name was first mentioned. The way out of the difficulty was for the mayor to give his casting vote, but he did not think the matter was worth further mention that night, and he would ask Mr Roberts not to carry it further. The Mayor: I would be glad if Mr Roberts could see his way clear to do that. Dr Parry observed that if it was the opinion that they as a majority did not mean any insult to the retiring returning officer by not re-electing him, and thatTif Jjthe public knew Mr Morris was only appointed by a close division, he was willing to let the matter drop. Mr J. T. Roberts rose, when Mr J. R. Hughes called upon him to aecept the ruling of the chair and sit down. Mr Roberts I take upon myself (Turn- ing to Dr*Griffith): I wish Dr Griffith would stop his cockling. The Mayor hoped that no personalities would be indulged in. Mr Roberts retorted that it was impossible for a man to keep his temper. He went on to say that he proposed Mr W. J. Williams, and another gentleman was declared to be elected by a majority. He considered it was his duty to Mr ;Williams to bring the matter forward, and after that he was satisfied, and he would withdraw (hear, hear). PROPOSED REARRANGEMENT OF THE WARDS. Mr Carter proposed that application be made to the Local Government Board to divide the wards for municipal purposes on lines similar to those adopted in connection with the county council elections. Anybody who knew how the wards were at present divided must'be of opinion that a more inequitable and a more eumbersome division could not be made, and he asked whether the time had not arrived when a sub-division of the town should be made. His resolution was simplicity it- self, and if they passed it by a majority, and an application was made, he was firmly convinced it would not meet with any opposition whatever. At Bangor a similar division to the one proposed was in force. There would be no increased expense with regard to printing were the change brought about. Mr J. Issard Davies seconded the proposition. Mr W. J. Williams observed that there was a great deal in what Mr Carter had said concerning this matter, but much could also be said against the proposal. If they were to do anything 1 hey ought to equalise the wards «nd get them pro- perly represented. Mr Carter said that the ex- pense would be the same, but he (Mr Williams) did not think he was correct. Instead of having two presiding officers Mr Carter: I don't say that the expense would be the same. I said as regarded the printing. Mr Williams admitted that the expense of printing would be the same, but the expenses of presiding officers would be doubled. A commis- sioner would also have to come down to inquire into the whole matter, and this would me.>n ex- penditure. Moreover, he did not think they could make an application even if the majority of the Council voted in favour of the proposal. Mr Carter You are not right; you are not up to date in your laws (laughter). Mr Williams: I think it is right. Mr Carter explained that the Municipal Cor- porations Act of 1893 did away with the necessity for a two-thirds majority, and an application j could now be made when decided upon by a majority of the whole Council. Mr Williams said that another point raised was that of rateable value, but he believed that the population ought to be taken into consideration as I well. He was not in favour of tinkering with the I work; it ought to be done thoroughly either by increasing the number of councillors or by re- arranging the wards. However, he did not think it was advisable to do either at present, and he moved a direct negative. Mr J. R. Hughes remarked that he would like to look more fully into the matter, as he was not at present prepared to vote one way or the other, and he suggested that a committee be appointed to give the subject their consideration. Dr Parry said he sympathiseed with Mr J. R. Hughes. A committee had been appointed for this purpose, and he thought Mr Carter was a member of lit. Mr Carter: I do not think, Dr Parry thought there was much to be said in favour of a resolution of the kind proposed, but they were not yet in a position to come to a con- clusion respecting the matter. After further discussion it was resolved on the motion of Mr J. Tssard Davies, seconded by Mr M. T. Morris, that the matter be referred to a com- mittee. Mr J. T. Roberts: A living committee (laughter). Mr J. R. Hughes proposed that the committee should be composed of the following Messrs W. J. Williams, J. T. Roberts, H. Lloyd Carter, and J. Issard Davies. Mr J. T. Roberts: I will not go. Mr W. G. Thomas: You ought to have two from each ward. Ultimately the following committee was elected Messrs W. G. Thomas, Carter, J. Issard Davies, and W. J. Williams.

COtflffON DISEASES. 2.—THE LUNGS. Lung troubles in the British Isles are mere com- mon than any other diseases. Simple catarrhs or colds lead to bronchitis and inflammation of the lungs. In addition to these minor troubles the lungs are subject to diseases due to germs, such as consumption. When at a mean sea level the oxygen is plentiful, all the breathing capacity to the lungs is not used but ascend, say, a mile above sea level, and all the lung substance is called into play. That is how consumptives are sent to places a mile and more above sea level, where they are benefited and sometimes cured. Pneumonia is another desease due to germs. More care is re- quired in cold, damp weather, to keep them free from trouble than any other organs of our body, The question of a pure air is a vital one, and exercise in all weathers in the open air is of the utmost im- portance. But over and above all is the absolute necessity for keeping the body in robust health. See how quickly a weakly, anaemic person catches cold, and bow soon it flies to the lungs. Dr Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa, with its pure Caracas Cocoa, Kola, Extract of Malt and Extract of Hopa, is not a medicine, but imparts nourishment and comes to the rescue by building up strength and vigour. Mothers who would keep their children in good health should give them morning and evening Dr Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa made with hot milk. Delicate men and women who have weak lungs to be hale, robust, and healthy should use Dr Tibbies' Vi- Cocoa morning and evening, and all men who have to be exposed to the bleak uncertainty of our trying climate should fortify themselves before they face their daily toil with Dr Tibbies' Vi- Cocoa, and they can then brave the fury of the elements with equanimity. The writer speaks from personal experience and from observation of beneficial effects on others. Tea opens the pores and temporarily excites coffee, stimulates the action of the heart, whiles Dr Tibbles Vi-Cocoa gives strength, stamina, and builds up and strengthens the lung tissues. It is indeed a won- derful food beverage. Nothing has ever been discovered that can approach it in giving lightness of heart, joy of life, fleetness of foot, and that general feeling of comfort which only comes from a full capacity to enjoy every pleasure, moral, intelectual and physical. Dr Tibbies' Vi-Cocoa is made up in 6d packets and 9d and Is 6d tins. It can be obtained from all chemists, grocers, and vL.r<*in or from Dr Tibbies'Vi-Cocoa, Limited, Suaio.«L, II vise, Cannon Street.. London, E.C. Merit, and merit alone, is what we claim for Dr Tibbies' Vi-Cocaa, and we are prepared to send to any reader (a postcard will do) who names this paper a dainty sample tin of Dr Tibbles Vi-. cocoa.

I SHIPPING. CARNARVON. Arrivals:—W. S. Caine (s), Cupt Williams, from Liverpool; Craignair (s), Williams, ditto; Chris- tiana (s), Griffith, ditto; Ceres, Roberts, Llan- elly; Ann, Lloyd, Llanaelhaiarn; Dorothea, Roberts, Newport, Mon; Beatrice Hattaah, Nurse, Dublin; Main, Phillips, Newqaay; Margaret and Ann, Thomas, Beaumaris; Duke of York, Bur- rows, ditto; Eliza, Jones, Sligo; Mersey, Hughes, Llanelly: Rhos, Hurst, ditto; Virtue' Huxley, Bangor; Elizabeth, Williams, Cardiff Cambria, Williams, Liverpool. Sailings:—W. S. Caine (s), Capt Williams, for Liverpool; Christiana (s), Griffiths, ditto; Craignair (s), Williams, Penmaenmawr; Flagstaff (s), Jones, Liverpool; Kite, Jones, Portdinliaen: Bli,za Francis, Edwards, Dmndalk; Talarvor; Ellis, Harburg; Cambria, Williams, Portdinor- wic; Herbert (s), McCourt. Liverpool.

NEVER TRUST. Never trust those who promise too much at a time The patent medicines which pretend to cure at on ce" n a single dose;" or in ten minutes," convince us that they are unnatural in their operation, and that therefore, either the promise made is a false one, or that the remedy is worse than the disease It is not at once that a man becomes Consumptive; it is not at a single meal "that you acquire Indigestion and Dyspepsia; it is not in ten minutes that your Liver becomes sluggish and out of order. No. These com- plaints and others which might be named are gradual in their hold to release you at once," in ten minutes" or at a single dose." As the disease, so its cure. Steady and certain is Its approach. Steady and certain should be its retreat. It is in this fact that the secret of the wonderful, the unparalleled success of Gwilym Evans Quinine Bitters lies. It conforms to Nature's laws, adapts itself to Nature's requirements, If the constitution has been slowly, steadily, and certainly undermined by disease. So is it Slowly, Steadily and Certainly re-boilt by this excellent remedy. It does not pretend to miraculous instantaneous effeet cures. If the disease is deep-rooted and of long standing, a sudden and forcible uprooting would do more harm than good. Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bitters loosen first one hold of the disease on the body, then another, and yet another, taking away one by one the clammy fingers of disease, and re-placing them with the warm, glowing touch of health and new life, not only removing the disease effectually, but giving New Life with every dose taken. The more recent the disease the more easily removed. Try this great Natural Remedy. Try it now. Recovered Patients say it is an Unfailing Remedy. Everybody says it is the Best Remedy of the Age. Above all things see that you get Gwilym Evans Quinine Bitters, with the name Gwilym Evans" OD label, stamp, and bottle. It is sold in Bottles al 2s 9d and 4s 6d each. SOLE PBOrMBTORS QUININE BITTERS MANUFACTURING COMPANY (LTD.), J22 LLANELLY. SOUTH WALES.

At the Liverpool County Court, on Monday, Judge Coleridge gave judgment in an action f brought by Mr J. P. Davies, of Chester, against F. B. Thistlewhite and P. R. Perry, to; t <■* tile use and hire of three tentd used at th i.:ar>dudi>0 National Eisteddfod in June last. Judgment w;is given for the plaintiff for the amount -u, with costs. DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE Tt A& c DELICIOUS MAZAWATTEE B DELICIOUS MAZAWATTBF \2DELICIOLTS MAZAWATTE^ DELICIOUS MAZAW ATT E h 11 t-A S. Jlfce Popular Tea of theJ)ay,D*my and ;)ay