The County Echo

PENNY WISE." By a majority of one the County Education Authority, at its recent meeting, negatived the proposal made by Mr. W. L. Williams (Fish- guard) to appoint a clerk of works to superin- tend the erection of various schools at present in course of construction. The debate which preceded this remarkable decision was so replete with misstatements and false logic as to tempt one seriously to discount the value of our vaunted democratic system of govern- ment. Wisdom may repose in the midst of a multitude of counsellors, but too frequently its modesty prevents it from unduly obtruding itself upon the public gaze. The Committee appears to be labouring under a grave delu- sion as to the nature of the duties of a clerk of works. Briefly, it may be said that lie acts as the architect's deputy, and scrutinises the quality of the materials used and the work- manship executed, being invested with author- ity to condemn and reject anything which fails to comply with the specifications. To imagine that the architect can efficiently dis- charge these duties in person in various parts of the county is, to display an amount of ignorance scarcely creditable to a public man. Periodical inspection of the progress of the 1 works is worse than useless, for it engenders a false sense of security. Better, far, to trust implicitly to the honour of the contractor than to indulge in such a mockery of super- vision. Everyone possessing the most casual knowlege of the building trade is aware that one day's work is frequently hidden from view by the next, and that no supervision can be efficient which is not both constant and sys- tematic. It is true that, as stated, payment cannot be made to the contractor without the production of a certificate as to the architect's satisfaction, but how is that gentleman to satisfy himself as to the quality of foundations which are buried beneath the earth, of walls which have been plastered,of woodwork which has been painted ? The list might be extend- ed indefinitely, but sufficient has been said to indicate the farcical nature of any certificate grated under such conditions. One is tempted to wonder whether the eight members of the Committee who voted against the proposal would allow buildings of their own to be erected without any supervision of the work being made ? We question it. From the Fishguardian point of view the question wears yet another unsatisfactory aspect. Every hour which the architect devotes to the duties which ought to be discharged by a clerk of works adds to the delay in the completion of the plans for the much-needed new school in the town, and at the same time complicates the financial impasse with the Board of Edu- cation. The subject will doubtless be re- opened at the September meeting of the Com- mittee, but meanwhile the work is progress- ing. In the public interest it is sincerely to be trusted that this penny wise" policy may not prove ultimately to have been a pound foolish one. PROGRESS! THE equible standard of excellence maintained by the entries at the annual show promoted by the North Pembrokeshire Farmers' Club, affords ground for a considerable degree of satisfaction in an age when the meat market is being steadily undermined by cheap foreign imports, not merely of frozen carcases from the Antipodes, but of living beasts from Argentina and elsewhere. It may be accepted as indicative of the fact that, whatever may be the case in the areas which have been adversely affected by the foreign lairages at Birkenhead and other cattle ports, the Southwalian farmer is capable of maintaining —possibly of exceeding—the high standard of excellence which prevailed when Britain's resources sufficed for her needs. Greatly-as we desire to see Fishguard and Goodwick elevated collectively to the status of a pros- perous port and high-class watering-place, we sincerely trust that the day is far distant when such developments will undermine the agricultural and cattle-breeding industries of population in the triune towns -iu merely by the depopulation of their rural environs, Pembrokeshire, as a whole, would be the poorer rather than the richer! Equally gratifying, from the promoter's point of view is the financial success which attended the venture. Sordid considerations intrude in every walk of life, and the waning of public interest in cattle breeding would inevitably sound the death-knell of all such functions, whose object it is to encourage the industry. Hence, it must afford the keenest satisfaction to Mr. V. J. G. Johns, who has thrown himself so assiduously into the onrous work of organisation, to realise that, but for the threatening climatic conditions early on Friday morning, the receipts would, in all probability, have exceeded all previous records. NEW INDUSTRY AT LETTERSTON. IN an age when so exalted a potentate as the Kaiser regards the role of a commercial tra- veler as compatible with the Imperial dignity no excuse need be offered for devoting editor- ial space to the latest venture of Mr. Thomas Williams, of the Pendre Cycle Works, Letter- ston. Encouraged by the success which has attended his recently-erected corn crushing- mills, he is now launching forth in a new direction, and Letterston will shortlv be en- dowed with a butter and cream manufactory. The situation of the town, in the heart of a wide agricultural area, practically assures the success of the project, which is the more wel- come by reason of the fact that hitherto the nearest factory has been the at St. Clears, and therefore out of the reach of the farmers of the northern end of the county. The British nations are slowly awakening to the fact that only by systematic organisation and centralisation can they hope to compete, in the matter of dairy produce, with their more methodical Continental neighbours. It is, as yet, pre- mature to anticipate that our Government will do for us what that of Denmark has done for the peninsular kingdom: meanwhile how- ever, much may be achieved by private enter- prise, and Pembrokeshire is the richer com- mercially for the possession of so far-seeing a resident as Mr. Williams. That his venture may be crowned with success, and that lie may thus be led to still further efforts to stimulate local prosperity, will be the earnest desire, of all who have at heart the welfare of the county. HONOUR THE FLAG! THE effective nature of the stage decorations at the Temperance Hall, Fishguard, on the occasion of Friday night's concert, reflected the highest credit upon Mr. Antony, who although unavoidably absent, was, we under- stand, responsible. Our purpose is not, how- ever, so much to praise" Antony" (pace, Shakespeare)—nor, for the matter of that, to bury him—as to point a moral which should appeal to every Celt, from Amlwch to Barry Island. The decorative scheme embraced flags of many and varied portions of the Empire, likewise banners whose design must have been conceived during a heraldic nightmare, yet nowhere was apparent the standard of the Principality. Welshmen are proud of their ancient lineage, of their native tongue, of their national institutions despite long residence across the border, they hardly ever become Anglicised; yet their historic flag is seldom to be seen, unless figuring in a motley assemblage displayed to garnish an English holiday. At a moment when the capital of the Empire has just dedicated an annual festival in honour of the flag which poetic license alleges to have "braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze," it behoves Welshmen to rescue from oblivion the leonine quartette which symbolises their individuality as an integral, yet distinct, portion of the Empire. We do not advocate the local suppression of the historic Union Jack, whose glorious traditions and senti- mental significance endear it to every son of Britain. Far from it But we do plead for a resuscitation of the ancient banner of Cymry. ESPERANTO. IT wonld be matter for profound regret, were public opinion misled by the editorial article upon Esperanto which appeared in Monday's issue of the South Wales Daily News." That the author thereof had make no effort to render himself conversant with his subject must have been patent to all who have per- used the most elementary treatise on the in- vention of Dr. Zamenhof, whom Cambridge University is this week welcoming with open arms. Esperanto does not aspire, nor ever has aspired, to supplant the living tongues of the earth. It is essentially an auxiliary I language, and, as such, is capable of confer- ring incalculable benefits upon humanity. Bi-lingual Welshmen should be amongst the I first to appreciate a project which would facilitate a free interchange of ideas with every foreigner encountered, be his nationality what it may. Were the ideals of the Polish doctor achieved, every human being would learn Esperanto precisely as the Welshman learns English. His native tougue would remain the medium of his thoughts, his social life, his worship but la lingvo inter- nacia would enable him to travel the world o'er, speaking a tongue familiar to him since infancy and readily intelligible to all with whom he came into contact. But, it may be urged, an artificial language must necessarily be characterised by a paucity of words and an absence of idiom which would preclude it from ever taking rank above a jargon, such as Judish. Even so, its value would be im- measurable, but in point of fact, Esperanto offers to those thoroughly conversant with its constitution a more extensive vacabulary, and a less tautological phraseology than does any living language. Considerations of space preclude us from substantiating this assertion in detail, but its accuracy will be apparent tn anyone who will devote an hour to the study of the subject, as expounded in the official text books of the movement.

Religious Progress at Goodwick OPENING OF BERACHAH CHAPEL. Highly significant of the material progress of Goodwick is the phenomenal advance which increasing population has rendered both necessary and possible in the number and size of the various edifices devoted to the spiritual requirements of the community. But a few weeks have elapsed since the English Congregationalists opened a new place af worship, whilst the local chapel of the Baptists is on the eve of enlargement. A movement has also been on foot for some time towards the erection of a new edifice for the Church of England. The Catholics have also established themselves as a flourishing religious community. The latest evidence of progress is afforded by the Calvinistic Methodists, who on Tues- day evening formally inaugurated their new chapel. Z, For over half a century the old Berachah Chapel was the only place of worship in Goodwick, and naturally it is not without a pang that the members of the congregation will part from a building to which sentiment, long association, and traditions have so close- ly endeared them. The change had, how- ever, became imperative, and the generous contributions which have, from time to time been devoted to the building fund, have rendered possible the erection of a building which from both an ornamental and a pic- turesque point of view will be a credit to the denomination. The new chapel, which is faced with stone from the Forest of Dean, and is equipped in the most approved modern style, has been erected by Messrs Nicholas Brothers and Arthur Davies, at a cost of some [1,700. The inaugural ceremony took place on Tuesday evening, being initiated by the res- pected pastor, Rev J. D. Symmonds. Elo- quent discourses were subsequently delivered by the Rev Phillip Jones, of Llanelly (late of Tower Hill, Fishguard), and the Rev W E Prethrych, of Swansea. The services were continued yesterday (Wednesday). The Rev W. Rees, Harmony, opened the morning proceedings, and sermons were preached by the same two ministers as on the preceding evening. In the afternoon, prayer having been offer- ed by the Rev Ivor James, Atherton, Lanes., appropriate discourses were delivered by the Rev William Evans, of Pembroke Dock, and by the Rev Phillip Jones, Llanelly. Arrangements had been made to serve tea on the lawn at the rear of the Glendower, but the persistent downpour of rain rendered this impossible and the meal had to be partaken of under cover. The evening service was opened by the Rev Thomas Lamb, Morva, impressive sermons being subsequently delivered by the Revs P Jones and W. E. Prytherch. Special hymn-papers had been printed for capaoreweon pinging, under the hearty congregational character. f We understand that Captain Harries, of Goodwick Bridge, to whose open-handed generosity the congregation owes so much, has doubled his donation, thus contributing [50 towards the extinction of the debt on the new edifice.

Goodwiok's Growth. The proposal of Right Hon. John Burns to introduce legislation having for its object the authorisation of public bodies to direct and control the laying out of building areas with- in their jurisdiction, should arouse particular interest in Goodwick, where the opening up of building estates upon a considerable scale appears to be imminent. On the ultimate fate of the measure will largely depend the future of the town as a watering-place, for, once operations commence, the builder will speedily either make or mar it. Meanwhile the Haverfordwest Rural Dis- trict Council is fully alive to its responsibili- ties, and is taking every possible advantage of such powers as are already vested in it. The Committee appointed to deal with matters relating to the Council's building bye-laws which met at Goodwick, recom- mended that the responsible persons in charge of the new chapel at Goodwick Hill be asked to sign an agreement that they will remove the steps in front which are outside the given building line, when called upon to do so. The nmmif-tflo .1c, vn/^r>T-n m ,1 Lt.L xt 1 1 r aiou i^umucilU lllaL iliC VlClft should write to the G.W.R. Company inform- ing it that the temporary huts put up near the bridge should have been kept back 15 feet from the centre of the present road, and that, they have encroached on the Council's rights. The Committee is doubtful whether the huts are partly built on land previously given to the Council or not. Upon a report to this effect being presented to the Council, the Clerk was instructed to write informing the Company that the huts had been erected too near the highway, and that, had they not been of a temporary character, they would have had to be removed. Speaking at the G.W.R. Company's half- yearly meeting on Friday, Mr Alfred Baldwin said there were three steamers working on the Fishguard-Rosslare route, but there were hitches. Passengers complained of the small steamer substituted and the directors there- fore thought it desirable to order a fourth steamer which would give relief in other directions. Proceeding, he said the direct route to South Wales and the route through the West of England were now complete. They had justified themselves and were doing well. In reply to a question, he said the esti- mates for the Fishguard and Rosslare route had already been exceeded.

Results of County Schools' Examination, The official list of the candidates who quali- fied for entrance scholarships to the County Schools at the examination held on July 6th last has just come to hand. In Fishguard County School seven scholarships were offered, for which there were twenty-seven candi- dates, but out of this number only six were suc- cessful in winning scholarships, these being Rowland Daniel, Joseph Rees, Victor Lewis and David G Williams, all of Newport School; Vansel Mathias, Dinas School and Sarah A Nicholas, Henner School. In the St David's School, Samuel James was the only successful pupil out of eleven candi- dates for four scholarships. Narberth School.—There were severn scholar- ships offered, and out of seven candidates three only proved successful. Milford Haven School.—Six scholarships were offered, but out of eleven candidates three only were successful. In the Haverfordwest School, there were three scholarships offered to boys and three to girls. In the boys' section there were eight successful candidates out of the thirteen who tried, and five girls successful out of fifteen. Pembroke Dock.—Ten scholarships offered, ninety-three candidates out of which number eighteen were successful, five being equal. Tenby School.—Five scholarships three candidates one successful.

SOLVA. Mercantile.—We join in congratulating Mr Vaughan Davies, second son of Mr and Mrs Davies, Trelodan, Solva, upon his success in gaining a master's certificate at the examina- tion held at Cardiff recently. Mr Davies is a young man for whom we venture to prophesy a bright future, if spared.

LODGINGS TO LET for Workmen at No 1, Smyth-street, Fishguard.

FISHGUARD. Window Transparent Papers in all shades may be had at the Echo Newsagency- High-street and West-street. Tabernacle.—The Rev W. Lloyd, of Tre- degar, formerly pastor of Ford and Horeb Congregational Churches, Letterston, officia- ted at the Tabernacle Chapel on Sunday evening last, preaching very impressively to a numerous congregation. A SOUVENIR.—Now on sale at the Echo Newsagencies, a Souvenir of Fishguard and Goodwick," a bock containing a collection of sixteen permanent views of Fishguard and Goodwick, with descriptive letterpress, and which has been produced at considerable expense. The price is only one shilling. A better collection of views would be almost impossible to produce. The Sanitary Inspectorship.- The adjourn- ed committee meeting of the Urban Council on Thursday evening last had under consi- deration the applications of the nine appli- cants for the post of sanitary inspector and surveyor, the number having been reduced from thirty-seven to nine at the previous meeting. After again carefully considering the applications and testimonials of the ap- plicants the council unanimously resolved to select three out of the nine to appear before a committee of the council on Monday afternoon next so as to enable them to decide which 1 of the three to recommend to the council at its meeting the same evening. COAL-Now due, a cargo of Best Large House Coal, 20S per ton ex-ship.Cuthbert Thomas, Fishguard.—Advt. Hermon Sunday School.- To-morrow (Friday) Hermon Sunday School will journey by train leaving Goodwick at 9.40 to Rose- bush for the annual tea treat. Mr. W. O. Thomas, Railway House (the superintendent) has been most assiduous in his efforts in having the arrangements complete and it needs only a fine day to make the outing a very enjoyable one. The school will meet at the chapel afterwards marching to the station. All connected with the church and school are heartily welcomed. Cattle Show.—A detailed report of this annual function and of the concert by which it was followed will be found elsewhere in this issue, whilst comments thereupon appear in the editorial column. Salvage.The Crystal," which sank in the roadstead some twelve months ago, and was afterwards salved, which has been under repair in the harbour at Lower Town, is approaching completion. Lifeboat.—Mr W J Vaughan, hon. secretary to Fishguard Branch of the Lifeboat Institution requests us to state that the post of Superin- tendant Coxswain for the Fishguard lifeboat is now vacant by reason of the resignation of Mr James Thomas, and that applications for the post must be forwarded to the hon. secre- tary on or before Thursday the 23rd inst. Full particulars as to salary will be supplied on application to Mr Vaughan. The Farmers Arms.—At the the Cemmaes Petty Sessions, held at Eglwyswrw on Tues- day, Mr W. J. Vaughan, solicitor, Fishguard, applied for the transfer of the license of the Farmers' Arms, Fishguard, from the late Capt William Harries Davies to Mr Alfred John Williams, which was granted. Mr Vaughan, in applying, stated that the appli- cant had been in occupation since shortly after the death of Capt Davies, during which time the premises had been well conducted. Choir Outing.On Thursday last the choir from Hill Park Baptist Chapel, Haver- fordwest, numbering about 60, visited Fish- guard for their annual outing and were cater- ed for at Symmons' Temperance Hotel and Restaurant, Tower Hill. Straying Cattle.—At the Cemmaes Petty Sessions held at Eglwsyswrw, before Messrs T Corby and D J Edwards, on Tuesday, Per Burke, a travelling gipsy, was sum- moned by Supt Brynn, for having permitted three horses to stray on the highway at Fishguard on the 20th ult. P.-c. Rowlands proved the offence, and defendant, who did not appear, was fined a shilling in respect of each animal with 4s costs. Parish Council.—A meeting of the Fish- guard South Parish Council was held on Tuesday evening last at the Girls' National ^h^ojroom, Mr_W. G. James, J.P., Pantyihil- J. 'H. Davies (dm), J. L. and the clerk, Mr A. J. Hodges. The only business of public interest transacted was that of passing some small accounts for payment. A Nuisance to Lower Town.—At the Cem- maes Petty Sessions, held at Eglwvswrw, before Messrs T Corby and D J Edwards, on Tuesday, David Jenkins Thomas, of Lower Town, Fishguard, was summoned for having behaved in a disorderly manner whilst under the influence of drink on the 8th inst.-P.C. Rowlands testified to the commission of the offence in Oua v Street, and stated that the defendant had previously broken a window belonging to Mr Henry Evans by throwing stones. Witness bad a great deal of trouble to induce him home. He added that he was a jrrc^~ nuis- ance to the inhabitants of Lower Town by reason of his drunken condition and the disturbance which he created.— This bei!1g- defendant's second offeree within a yar, hr- was fined 10s with 6s 6d costs, being allowcd until Saturday night to-obtain the money. Forthcoming Marriage.—A marriage has been arranged between Alwyn Foster, fourth son of John Foster, of Coombe Park, Whit- church, Oxon, and Muriel Frances Corbett, third daughter of the late Uverdale Bennet Corbett, of Crabwall Hall, Nottingham, Chester. Miss Corbett is the sister of Mrs O'Donnell, of Fishguard, and the prospective groom is not unknown in the town. v^ricket.—Jr ishguard Cricket Club will en- tertain St David's on Saturday afternoon. In the improbable event of fine weather prevail- ing an interesting match may be anticipated. Lawn Tennis. Entries for the second annual tournament promoted by the Fish- guard Lawn Tennis Club, and which com- mences on Monday next, are coming in apace. Amongst those who have signified their in- tention of participating is Miss Douglas, sister of the gentleman who has, for many years, held the English championship. It is to be trusted that the function will be favour- ed with better weather than were the recent international contests at Wimbledon, when the game was—for probably the first time in historv- oiffcially graced by the presence of Royalty. Otter Hunt.—On Saturday morning the hounds met in the Square, and a fine drag was followed along the Gwaen Valley. No find took place until Pontfane had beca passed, and ultimately the otter succeeded in escaping. Amongst those pariicipating were Mr Harries, (M.F.H., Carmarthen),Mr Thomas, and party, Trehale; Mr Forbes, Saundersfoot, Dr and Mrs Thomas, Whitland; Miss Hut- chinson, Capt Fowler, .Mr Harvey, Capt Thos Harries, Swansea; Mr C Pool, Barry Island Mr Thomas, Lochturffin Mrs Owen, Bryny- mor; Mrs Thomas, Mr Tombs, Miss Bowen, Carmarthen Mr and Mrs Carver; Miss Katie Rees, Miss Evan Thomas, Miss Jones, Mr Phillips, Lloyds Bank, Mrs Swete, Mr. Guild and Mr I Burns. Sir Marteine Llovd joined the hunt en route. It is hoped tli:. the pack will visit Solva next week, and th t a further meet at Fishguard will be arranged at an early date, Saturday's run having been regarded as one of the most successful on record.—A run to Pontfelinmorris took place on Monday, there being present Mrs Thomas, Miss Hutchinson, and Miss Rees, together with a goodly compliment of gentlemegV. The river proved to be in a very swollen con- diton. A very fine drag was hunted,and in thf, jungle a vixen was discovered, and. a terrt., unearthed a cub, both of which: weye forte atelv saved. Telegraphic Breakdown. Ccnside*e inconvenience was occasioned on afternoon and evening, and early on the following morning by a telegraph breakdown which left Fishguard isolate; and necessi- tated the forwarding of telegrams by pest. The defect, which developed between four and five o'clock in the afternoon, was not remedied until 9.30 a.m. Bethel English Baptist Church'.—Yesterday (Wednesday) this congregation, whose spacious new home in West-street is speedily approaching completion, held a Sunday School tea in the Temperance Hall, in which it is temporarily quartered. An excellent re- past was done full justice to by a large gathering. Among those who laboured dili- gently to promote the comfort of the guests were Mesdames James, Phillips, Allen, Evans (High-st.), Rees (Brynawel), and Griffiths (Castle Stores), and the Misses Davies (2), Harney, Ladd, Evans, Gwennie Griffiths, and Lilian Edwards. Gramophone selections en- livened the proceedings. Subsequently a public reception-partIculars .of which are crowded out of the present issue, but will appear a week hcn?e-—was extended to the new pastor, the Rev D P David.