The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

Charge of Embezzlement at Car- marthen. COMMISSION AGENT COMMITTED TO THE ASSIZES. The weekly Borough Pouice Court was held at the Carmarthen Guildhal'l, on Monday, before the Mayor (Mr John Lewis), Mr C. W. Jones, <Mr W. Morgan Griffiths, Mr T. Davies, iMr James Davies, and Principal W. J. Evans. The principal business before the court was a charge ofemlbezzlement preferred by the "Welshman. Newspaper and Steam Printing Company" against Thomas Daniel, of the Three Salmon Inn. 1)11" J:1. Brunei White appealed for the prosecution, and Mr Win. Howell, Llan.eily, for the defendant. Mr Brunei White in his opening statement said that iif the defalcations diecovered had amounted to a small sum under £.50, he did not think their worships would have been troubled with the case. They had, however, risen to a considerable amount. Mr W. Howell Isaid that Mr White ap- peared to be opening that day in the same manner as, according to the report, he had opened last week. On the previous occasion Mr White appeared to have said a lot of things he could not prove. He could not openouipon matters which he could not prove and npon things which had as much as case as Noah's Ark. He said that he would not make any charge out- side the Borough, and he opened in these matters for the case of creating prejudice. Mr White You ought to he thankful that I do not bring charges outside the Borough. Mr Howell: You have no right to open on these things you cannot prove, to create pre- judice and ruin this man's character. You have no right to open except what you Can prove. Mr White then! proceeded to outline the charges. Mr W. Howell said that the witnesses ought to be ordered out o court. Mr White: In a criminal charge. Mr W. HowetH said that in a criminal case, cf all others, the witnesses ought to be out. The following evidence was then, called. Mir David Williams, manager and secretary of the "Welshman" Company, said: In March, 1905, the defendant made applica- tion to be engaged as a traveller for the wholesale department. He offered his ser- vices at 10 per cent, commission. On the 8th March, h's application was passed by the directors I produce the minute by which he is engaged on cojaimission "at the rate of 10 per cent, on all orders he may receive." I informed the defendant of the decision. I handed jam a bag and samples. I informed him that each week he should bring his orders to the office and write them in. an order form supplied !by the firm. Each customer was to have a separate sheet. He had access to these order sheets, which were in the front office. He had to hand the order sheet to myself or my son. These were totalled up, and the commission paid on the total. Mr White: Did he sometimes suggest to you when you paid him the sammission that— IJlr Howell: I object; that is a most lead- ing question. I don't think you ought to educate witnesses in the box. It is all right for you to educate them on Saturday -night. Mr White: We do not do that here. Per- haps you do at Llanelly. W litness continued: He travelled first in the town. After a few weeks heoogan to go out of town. I spoke to the chairman of the Company, and said that as long as he went out of towm, we should pay him his railway fare. Each week he was to fill up from his official receipt fortm the "Journey casr rocept." iHe had to collect money in respect of the orders wlhih he had (himself received. Mr C. W. Jones: Was he to receive any salary in addition to the commission of ten per cent. Mr !D. Williams: No, sir. He used to hand the whole of the money shown in these sheets to me without any deduction what- ever. IJlr White: Did he exer suggest to you that there was anything due to him Mr Howell: That is 'a very objectionable way of asking a question—to put a direct question to which the answer is "Yes" or "No." It is ai leading question. Mr White: How shall I put it ? Mr Howell: I aim not here to educate you. Mr White said that this was the defence; and he wished to have it put on the deposi- tions. Mr Howell said that he was much obliged to Mr bite; but the question ought to be put in a regular way. He could not eonceal from himself the fact that Mr White was very anxious to get a conviction in this case. Witness continued: In July, 1907, I caused a statement of all theamounlts in the whole- sale department to be sent out to customers. I sent a circular with them. Mr White a question about the cir- cular. Mr W. Howell: You are proceeding in the most flagrant manner to prove the contents of a written document without producing the document. When the liberty of a sub- ject is involved^ it is necessary to do things in a regular manner, according to the rules of evidence and law. Witness continued: After the circulars were sent, I saw the defendant about the latter end of August. Two parties wrote to me saying that their accounts were paid. I spoke to the defendant about this. I men- tioned the names—one in St. Clears and the other in Saundersfoot. Mr Howell: I object to that. We are not charged with that matter. It has nothing to do with the case; it is absolutely irrelevant Mr Blagdon-Richaids: YOIU have any printed receipt forms. Witness: Yes. I have not all the books. I'here are three books missing. Mr White asked a question3with regard to a conversation regarding the accounts. Witness^ nerd not say what they were. Mr Howell: Then I object. You cannot go into a general deficiency. You must go in/to a specific case. The Clerk said that it wtas not irrelevant to gilve the occasion. Witness said that he had a- talk with the defendant about this account. Defendant said, "Certainly not. Not one of them paid me. I shall see them and get an explanation out of them, why they say Ilniave been, paid." Mr Howell said that this was mere general account. Mr White said that he mentioned this as the reason why they dismissed the defendant. Mr Howell: That is not so. You are try- ing to prejudice the case. Witness continued: He would be going down in that direction the following M eek Ho said that one of them had paid an account but not the Welshman" account. I called at the Ilhiree Sainton to enquire of him. He was illlot there. I wirfoto to him. Mr W. Howe#: I object to that except the posting of the letter is proved. The Clerk said that the receipt of a letter could be assumed from the fact that an answer wtas received. Witness continued: He called on me on Monday the 16tlh December. I accused him ot receiving money at Feiwyside. Mr Howell: I object to that. TSiere is nothing about Ferryside in this information, it it was a youngster, instead of a gentle- m?<3vt experience I overloo'k it; but it looked now as if he f, trying to prejudice the case against ^ls,h!ld ™ OT Se case, ill, JS utterly irrelevant. .The Mayor (to Mr White): Perhaps you will confine yourself aiS irnil^i: „„ v, the Bo rough cas^L mudl aS to Witniess continued: I accused him of re- ceiving money at Fem-yside and Llanste- phan. In reply to the Ferryside case he sand The Clerk: Let us get on. The Mayor: ('online yourself to the Witness: I said "We are going to-day to call on the "wholesale customers in. Carmar- then;, and I hope everything will be correct." In leply, he said "You may depend upon it; you wilt1 find everything correct." I had samples, and requested hum not to solicit any more. I asked him to call! the following morning the l th rust., so that he n^ght bf able ex-! plain if any of the accounts were incorrect. He promised to call; but he never did I drd not see him from that day until last JIoniday. I laid inform at on. on th 4th of October, and a warraait was issued for his arrest. Mr White wanted to proceed with the oases In one way, and the Clerk had arranged them an another. b The Clerk said that, it would make an awful muddle of the depositions to take them in the order suggested Iby Mr White. After a little discussion a.s to the atfrftnge^- monts, Witness continued: I produce an order sheet from Williams, Cardigan Arms, for lis 6d, dated lltih, 9s 6d on the 17th April, and 3s 6d om the 1st June, 1907. On the "Cash journey sheet" for June 22nd, I found a sum of 19s entered. She paid £2 2s; but 19s was handed to the Company. The OIrksaidtThlalt if it was alleged that part of the money was paid, they should have the whole account and a. statement of the amount which was paid. Witness sa d that he had not received an account of the rest of the money paid by Mrs Ann Williams. There was no account of a sum of JE1, from Mr W. Phillips, of Lammas street. There was no accouiTc of a sum of £2 lis Od received from John Jones, Woods Row, nor of a sum of £1 Os 3d from Margaret Jones, Banley Mow; nor of a sum of £1 Is received from Mr W. Evans, fish- monger, Queen street, ^either was there any account of a sum of £1 Is received from Mrs Sarah I-iewis, Johns town. Cross-examined by Mr Howell, witness said that the defendant was a mati.ve of Cair- marthen. He had had every confidence in the defendant. Can you give me a general idea as to how much a week on, an average he would earn in his employment?—That would depend en- tirely on his orders. Never mind that. What is the average. You have been; at this case since October?—I had other work to do. Mr Howell: Yes; I dairesay. But this is a very important matter. It involves a man's character aind his future. Can you tell me on an average how much he would earn? Witness: I cannot say exactly. Some weeks he would earn £1.. Mr ,Howell: I suggest that on an average he would not earn more than 4s or 5s a week ? Witness: That is wrong. On an average I should think about 15s a week would be his average during the whole of the time he was in our employment. Will you swear tha't?—I would not swear it without looking at tlhe book. Mr Howell: Well lock at your book. Witness said that he would give the figures Mr Howell could make the average. From March, 1905, until September 1907, the de- fendant received £93 as commission and £16 158 2d for railway fares. Mr Howell: How much is that ? W i't.ness: I cannot tell. Mr Howell: You are a practical accountant The Clerk said that it amounted roughly to i.35 a year. Witness Twelve shillings a week nearly. Mr Howell asked if the defendant had to deduct his railnvtay fares from his salary? Witness: Certainly not. The Clerk He would not deduct it from his salary. Mr Howell: From his receipts. In point of fact didn't he often deduct the railway expenses from his receipts? Witness Never. Did your directors resolve to prosecute in this matter?—Yes. There was a groat division of opinion amongst them?—Not that I know of. Will you swear that?—Not as far as I know. Didn't they express themselves at the meeting?—They expressed their sorrotw. Didn't they express an opinion that this was a case of account?—No; that was not brought hefore them. Do you lead your directors, or do they lead you?—In. what- way? I don't under- stand that question. Do you carry out their express wish and resolution, or do you amplify a little bit on your own account?—Of course, as manager, I have to carry out the resolution. I have to define the duties of persons who come into our employment. Mr Howell: Isn't that pretty clearly de- fined here in the resolution. There was nothing said in that resolution about collect- ing money. Mr Howell, addressing the Clerk, said that he hoped this would be taken down, 80 that the Judge and jury, ii the case went to trial, might see that. The Clerk: I will take down as much as you like. Mr Howell (to witness): There is not a word in that resolution about his doing any- thing about collecting money. The Clerk Do you wiish that .taken down. Mr Howell: Certainly; I do not ask a question which is not a considered question. The Clerk: Very well; it is on the notes. It is a matter of comment. It is not usual to put comments down. Mr W. Howell put the question to witness in another form. The Clerk: You cannot expect me to take all this down. I am really not shorthand writer. I caniruot do it. Witness said that the collection of the money was matter of detail for him to carry out as mamager of the company. Mr Howell: Was there any contract between you and him? Witness: Yes, and I engaged him. "What were the terms of the contract?— To solicit orders and to carry out my in- structions. Tell me all the terms?—The terms were what I have already stated—that he was to collect as well as to receive orders, althouigjh there was no detail. I think I am justified in saying that you led the directors, and not they you?—They leave it to the manager, because he knows a good deal more than they albout the business. He used to go and come as he thought fit? Oh, no; hie was under <na!J~control. Your control?—Certainly, he was under my control. If he wanted to go away, be used to ask my permission to go. Mr White: I ask that this be taken down. Did you specify each week where he was to go?—We used to consult each other. Witness produced a list in the defendant's handwriting of the places he was to visit. He was not in our exclusive employment. I gave him a obainacter to apply for one. I said he could work for them, so long as it did not interfere with our work. He was employed by a soap firm, a postcard firm, and also for incandescent mantles. Mr Howell: He used to go on your business at h's own discretion. Witness: He was under my control. Llan- elly was a place where it did not pay us to go to; I told him not to go there. Pembroke was a place that it got not worth calling. Do you suggest that there was anything to prevent hiim going where he liked—if he wanted to go for the soap firm? The Clerk said that there was a distinction between cases in which; there was traiin fare and cases in which there was not. They could say that certain jourlneys would not pay his train fare. Witness said that the defendant used to assist occasionally in the office, for whioh he was paid extra. He got then 4s 'a day. Mr Howell said that he only had 2s or 3s. Mr David Willia.ms said thlait he got 4. He was only employed a few times to assist in the accounts. Defendant sometimes vent out without an official receipt book through his own fault. On one occasion there was not an official receipt book in the office. In answer to another question, Mr Davi:1 William's siadd thlat two receipt books were missing. Mr Howell: We are getting on a little bit now. Witness said that the defendant admitted that he had lost these books. I cannot ten whem, they were lost. Mr Hoiwell: I bellieve, (Mr Williams, voil wish to he a little fair in this matter. "Will you swear that some of the items for which yo.u are pmsecutingjare not included in the COl^J1'tenfoils of these"books. Witness: I have not seen, th'em. I cannot ear. These booksi have nothing to do ill1. I [had ito do with the cash sheets. Was nt not at the request of your son. licitic, that he came there?—Not that I know of. He eauruo there hiimiseilf. My son spoke to me about him. Wasiivt the money oftentimes handed to you without any form at aI?—Wrell, I don't know. I cannot say. Will you swear that the money was not from time to time handed to you without any form at all ?—Not since we adopted this form. Witness again said that since the forms were adopted, no money Was received with- out them. No money was to be deducted train fares. He was paid the train, fares every week. Mi.' "White: Where are the receipts? Witness produced various sm/all cheques for aums varying from 4s upwards. He explained that when the amount was paid in cash, a cheque was drawn by hiilm, and en- dorsed by the defendant. T Mr Howell: Where do you suggest that he oousld get money to pay his train fares except ho took it out of this? You allowed him nothinig 3Jt tall for potty Witness: No. The werk: Did you ever give aim any money to carry 001 with. Witness: No. 'Mr Howell: Where did you think he was to get money to pay his train fares? Witness: He was working for other firms. He might be doing very well. Mr Howell: Where do you think he could get it out of 12s a Week. The fare to Pem- broke is 6s lOd. Mr Williams eaiid that it was not quite so much. Mr Howell asked some questions regarding the cheques which had been drawn and en- dorsed to represent sums paid in cash. Mir Morgan Griffiths said that to carry out Caine's system of book keeping a cheque had to be drawn for every sum paid. Witness said that from September, 1905, until the defendant left the employment of the Company, he never paid in money with- out one of these sheots. Mr Howell asked the witness if he thought that anybody could exist in these days when everything was so dear on the sums which he was paying the defendant. Witness: I do not think I should express an opinion on that point. It would depend on the paiity who is employed. If he does not think that he is getting sufficient from the company, he should take his discharge. '1r Howell, referring to a receipt for 8s, asked tha, witness what it was for. Witness: It would be a commission on an order for JE4 I suppose. Mr Howell: You suppose? I want to know what the orders were on whiich this was a commisaioji. You say thait you were not paying him on general account P What were the orders. Yoa discussed the legal difficulties of the case on Saturday night. You tried to prepare yourselves on Saturday night. Witness: No. Mr Howell: Do you mean to say that you had not a discussion about it on. Saturday jfghSt ? Witness: On Saturday might ? Mr Howell: Yes, on Saturday night. It is no laughing matter. H is a very serious matter. You como here to charge a man with crime against the wish of a strong minority of your directors. What were the orders on which these sums were commission ? Witness said that he had not the sheets with him. Mr Howell: I ask for the order sheet for the 11th March on which you paid that money. Witnees: I haven't got it here. I could get it here. The Clerk said that the witness could not be expected to bring all the papers and books there. Mr Howell said that there was nothing but payment on account from time to time. There was nothing like a final settlement. The Mayor said that this would be a con- venient time to adjourn. The Court, which had been sitting since 11 o'clock, arose at 1.30 p.m., and resumed a.t 2.15 p.m. After the adjournment, Mr "Williams again entered the box. One of the magistrates asked: Haven't you finished with Mr Williams. Mr Howell: No, I am only beginning. Witniess admitted that he oould not trace tho orders for which these sums paid were commission. Your son, Bertie tried this little game, and he could not do anything?—Yes, and I tried it myself. What did you give him for it?—Nothing except his wages. What was thalt?-253 a week. Who else did it?—I went out myself. Some one else besides yourself. You could pay yourself all rigjht; you had the whole thing in your handss ? Witness said that hejhad employed Mr Halliday James and also Mr Phillips. They got their wages, 258 a week, whilst they were doing it. Mr Howell: Do you think any man can pay hiisi travelling expenses and live on these small sums? Witness: I can't say thlat. He had other commissions. Mr Howell: Then he was not in your ser- vice he could go where he liked. In answer to IMr Howells witness said that he was unable to trace the orders for which the .several sums paid were commission. Witness said that he had not been able to do so. Mr Hnveld: You have had three quartetrs of an hour. Witness said that it would take him a wihole day to go through all the papers. Mr Bertie Williams replied to some of the questions regarding the accounts. Mr 'Howell: I must protest against iMr Bertie replying. He is the oause of half the mischief. Mr Howell asked again for the orders in respect of which these sums were Commission. Witness: It is beyond me. Mr Howell: It is beyond you because it was not in respect of any particular order. The Clerk: You are taking a lot of time over a little point. Mr Howell: When a man's character and future life are at stake, you cannot take too much t.ime. It might take months. (To witness): You never masked him 'by written document to account? Witness: No. Mr Howell: Then, 'he never refused to account. I ask that that be taken down. The Clerk: Really! Mr Howell: I insist on its being taken down. (To witness): Do you 'know that for three months he was so badly paid by you that he could not pay for his lodgings. Witness: I don't know. He never com- plained to me. Mr Howell: Weren't the first lot of orders entered on plarn paper in Welshman wrappers. The Clerk: It might have been entered on vellum. Mr Ho«well: I must respectfully ask to have it taken doiwn. Weren't the orders taken on plain, paper frequently because there were no printed Witness: No. Did you promise him five per cent, extra for collecting lbiad debts?—I do not remem- mer it. 0 Mr HowelH: You had a lolt; of bad debts at Laugharne? The Clerk asked what thils had to do with the case. Mr Howell: It is a test of memory. The Clerk: I am putting your stuff on the notes. Mr Howell: Please don't call it stuff. The Clerk: I may call it your evidence. I am putting your evidence on the notes. iMr Howell again pressed for particulars, but not being able to get an answer, he said "I daresay that is how they do things at the Welshman." Mr Howell commented on the fact that the witness could not remember certain things. The Cler'k: He cannot reqjemlier the Flood. Mr Howell: This is only two or three years ago. The Flood is several thousand years ago. The Clerk: If I put down, everything he can't remember I should want a lot of paper. Mr Howell (to witness): Don't you think you went over the Tiead of your directors when you got him to collect mioney. Didn't. you try to get a littSle more out of him ? Witness: That is my business. Mr Howell: Do you think it fair to ask hum to collect money when he was engaged by the directors to solicit orders on com- mission. Witn ess: He could have objected. Then I Should have noiwn what to do. Mr Rlagdon-iRicbards suggested that this was mot kvtfoss-examliinfcittiibn. Tt argu- ment. Did Mr Howell want the witness to say what he thought. Mr W. Howell: Yes; some witnesses don't think but most of them do. This concluded the ûidcniOe of the first witness. Mrs Ann Williams, cf the Cardigan Arms, Water street, said that she gave the defen- dant orders on account of the Welshman Company, and paid him the money. Mr C. W. Jones pointed out that the. bill was partly in ink and partly in pencil. Mr Howell: I daresay that is how they do things at the Welshman. That's th kind of people they are. Witness Ba:i d that she ailwiays found him to be a most respectable young man. Mr Howell: Ho was a most respectable young man, until the Welshman put their trail on him. Mr W. H. Phillips, grocer and confectioner living at 42, Lammas street, gave formal evidence respecting his transactions with the defendant. He paid money to him on account of the Welshman Company. Maggie Jones, daughter of Mr JOOll Jones, Wtoodis-row, and Margjartet Jones, Barley Mow; William Evans, fishmonger, Queen street; Sarah Jenkins, White Mill terrace, Johnstown, grocer, gave similar evidence. Supt. Smith said that at noon on Satur- day the 4t'h inst., he received the defendant into custody at Ferndale from the police there. "Witness read the warrant carefully to him. Defendant said, "£8 19. All I have to say is that I utilised the money towards my expenses. I lam sorry I did not give myself up at Poiitardulais and face it." Mr Howell rose about 3 o'clock to address the Bench, and delivered a speech which. lasted an hour and a quarter. He quoted case after case decided in the High Court on the law of embezzlement. He said that em- bezzlement was a psychological fact; it represented a certain attitude of mind on the person who committed it. It was neces- sary that the fact of misapprcpriafcion should be concealed. If a person* lost or spent money he contended that did not constitute embezzlement unless he took steps to conceal his having done. Whatever might be the nature of the offence, it was not embezzle- ment without some such criminal conceal- ment. Moreover, the defendant was not a "olerk or servant." He was simply a com- mission agent, who was not under the con- trol of the company; he was engaged in other business. It Was purely a case of account between them. No account had been demanded. The Welshman Company miight have their remedy, but not in this way. Whilst Mr Howell was reading one of the numerous cases, Mr White said: I should read further on. Mr Howell: I can conduct my case in my own way. I will not be led by you, because I think you are not fit to lead me on a ques- tion of this kund.—Continuing his argument, Mr Howell said that the collection of money wa" qurte outside the defendant's contract with the Company. Mr C. W. Joues: Then the Company would have to go round and collect the accounts themselves. Mr Howell said that if the Company could not protect them selves by a more compre- hensive resolution, they must abide by the consequences of their own folly. The col- lection of money had no; hi no; to do wi h the contract with th? comoany than, il"Mr David Will iams had asked Eim to clean boots or scrub kettles. He arfcett them 1100'- to send this case for tllîial What niagj ic wa: there aJbout tho Welshman Newspaper Co. that thev ought to have something done for them which no sensible miar would do for anybody else. This young fel'rx v OUGHT not TO 00 ruined for life becanso the "Welshman" had a grievance and wanted to rub a bit of dirt into Iron. He was mot n servant or clerk. The said thai. his was the' fourth time Mr Howell had said so. Mr Howell said that when you wished to impress a thing on peoples' minds, you could not soy it too often. It was the most ob- vious things which were sometimes the most neglected. <:> Mr Thomns (-he Clerk) had been so long engaged in rcadi"ig property law that lie had neglected psychology and the most ordinary facts cf life—Mr Howell then went on to quote an American law book— just to show what another Anglo-Saxon oommunJtr which had grown twice as large as ourselves thought of the subject. It was a imiatter of impoBsibil i'ty for this young man to live on 58 or 8s a week, and to get train fares out of it. He supposed that Mr Wil- liams had been reading about cheap Chinese labour in the Trans vail, and he thought he would try a little bit of Chinese labour on behalf of the "Weshman" Company. He •had tried to make this young man a white slave—paying him sums ranging from 4s to 9s 9d. The Bench committed the defendant to the Assizes which open on Saturday. Bail was renewed.

Bronchial Catnrrh. A LADY'S GREAT CURE BY VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. Mrs J. Brown, of 2. Fairfield Ir<1.. Chelms- ford, writes"For ;ab nt a year I suffered severely from Bronchi i Tatarrh; I tried several patent medicir.. s ;f!ic fouid none so successful as Veno'is L'i&tninig Cough Cure. After taking only 3 dcse3 I obtained great relief, both in breathing and coughing, and after taking your greet remedy for a little time I was quite well again. I lam never without a bottle of Veno's Lightning Cough Cure in the house, .and shall continue to re- commend it to my friends, as the finest medi- cine for coughs of anv kind. Veno's Lightning Cough Cure ¡o: safe and certain remedy for crigjhs nnd colds, bron ohlitis, asthma, catarrh, and all chest and throat trouble#. Price 9id., Is Hd., and 28 9d a bottle, of all chemists.

Carmarthen Board of Gnardians. The fortnightly meeting of the Carmarthen Beard of Guardians was held at the Guildhall on Saturday, Mr ID. L. Jones, Derlwyn, pre- sided. There were also present Messrs John Williams, and D. H. Da vies. A'bergwili; D. Williams, Abenant; B. Phillips and John Daivie•. Coinwil; B. 11. Thomas, Laugharne town John Bedford, Laugharne pansh; W. J. Thomate, and W. Bra zed 1, Lllamiarrthney; Herbert Walters, Llandetfedog; E. Davies, Llangunnock; E." Williams. Llanfihangel- Abeicowin.; D. T. Gilbert, and John Lewiis, Llangendeime J. T. Williams, Llanginning; D. Phillips, Llangunnor; Griffith Morris, Llanpumpsaint; John Francis; Llanstephan John Phillips, Llarnvi.ni o T. Davies, Mertliyr D. Edwards, Newohurch W. H. Thomas, Mydrim; John Jones, Ferry .side D. Bowen and J. S. Williams, Trelech William Wil- liams, Llangain Stephen, Stephens, Llan- arthney; J. T. Lewis, J. P. Lewis, E. A. Roigeiis and the Rev. A. Fuller Mills, Carmar then. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master reported that Mr John Howells the towmporter's son had kindly entertained the inmates with phonogrcph selections which were very much enjoyed. There were 63 inmates in the he-use as compared with 81 on the cor responding day last year. OUTDOOR RELIEF. The reports of the relieving officers showed the amount of oudoor relief distributed during the fortnight ending on the previous Board day to have been as follows:—1st week, 955 pauper a decrease of 68 as compared with the corresponding week last year; expendi- ture, £140 2s Id., an increase of £7 6s 6d; 2nd week 976, an increase of 54 expenditure £174 14s; an increase of £9 5s Od. The treasurers report sihowed the balance in hand on the previous Board day to have been £1.959 13s 7d The business of the meet ng was purely formal.

Take This To-Day TO YOUR CHEMIST AND GET THE NEW REMEDY FOR NERVES, STOMACH AND KIDNEYS CCSrS ONLY A FEW PENCE. A new ;(.medy has lately ueen brought to liriht which is now being recommended and prescribed everywhere.' It io made from a i-emons prescription noted specialist, .d is called Dr Cabell's Tablets. It costs only a 'few peiic. ,J<aiftt we advise ail persons, young or who arc suffering from any votfin cf to- o or bodily hweakness, or sue e„;r.pllain,s as indigestion, weakness of the k dneys and hack, palpitation, loss of flesh or I :H>pPtit:e,(<.weak lungs, and those who are in ii ;y "ivay/'thin, weak, nervous, or badly daveloipetl, õtotry these tablets. Stout people mviy take i Iie-m without fear of increase of adipose tissue, because of their extraordinary power of converting fat into son lit healthy ?»!O;k1, bore and muscle. The price is 10d, and any chemirft will supply Dr The public are to bo con- g''ntul«ted in now being able to secure this jf ui-vu.- re:a-«By,^and.alI who it are aston is marvellous strengthening effect.

Carmarthen ftnral District Council The monthly nieetin gof the Carmarthen Rural District Council was held at the Guild hall on Saturday at 1 p.m. Mr J. S'Williams Trelech, (chairman of the Council presided. ALLEGED ENCROACHMENT. The matter of the alleged encroachment at Lianddarog.—Mr W. J. Thomas said that it v. as quite clear to anyone who 'knew the spot that it was a.n encroachment on ifhe road.— The Chairman said that they would either have to let the matter drop or take legal proceedings.—The Clerk said that they could j knock the railingis down.—iMr W. J. Thomas said that it was Mr John, Davies, the local councillor, if anybody, who ought to make that.—Nothing was done in the matter. APPLICA FOR AN INCREASE RE- FUSED. Seven road labourers in the Llangendeirne sub-district applied for an increase in their present wages—18s a week. They said tha.t labourers in the collieries got better wages than they did.—iMr J. Phillips said that he did not think they were entitled to a rise in their wages at this time of the year. What could tihey do now—The Surveyor (Mr Gomer Henry) said that they were plashing hedgea Mr W. H. Thomas seconded Mr J. Phillips' proposal that no increase be allowed. He sand that the economic conditions were quite different on the two sides of Carmarthen. In the Llangendeirne district coal mining was the principal industry and not agriculture as it was on the other side of Carmarthen. The colliers earned as mnchas 10s a day and the labourers 5s to 6s. Rents and cost of living generally had in consequence gone up. He know that some' of the members would oppose the application on the ground that they had the interests of the ratepayers at heart. He considered that they would serve the interest of the ratepayers by giving a little advance instead of letting all the good men go away and leaving the roads to the old and the niieni who were n/ t fit to Itok after them.Good roads were required now-a-days. In Carmar then he believed the men, got £1 Is a week; ill Kidw.dy the .men got £1 4s on the road. He would give an advance to the good men Mr J. LewM seconded.—Mr Gilbert said that when thrs came up before, he advocated an advance .a1!lroll11iCl. He agreed now with Mr Thomas. Wages were higher in this district Even on the banks, men earned three timees as much as on the roads. If these men left now, Mr Gomer Henry wcukl have great diffi cu'ty in getting others to take their places. Edwards asked if thev would put the l "di.ng cc?Te in foTce. Th wages of the copiers mI:2;ht come down.—Mr Gilbert said that m .any ca-e. the wages at the collieriea would ibe agood deal higher than on the road Mr J. Jones supported Mr Thomas's propo- rtion. It 1"000lle advance were not givein they would shortly find that thev had no ■labourers 'in the Llangendeirne district — The Chairman agreed, but lie thought that the road labourers in the other subdistricta would require a rfee as well.—Mr W. J. Thomas said Ithat if the others would allow the Llangendeirne sub-d:strict. to manage its roads. the members from that sub-district would gladly allow the othei-s to do the came —On a division 16 voted against an increase and 8 for it.—Mr John Jones asked that the be taken dcwn.— Mr B. Pliillips was against this, and so was the majority of tho Council. ANOTHER BRIDGE WANTED. \.1r B. Phillips brought forward an appli- cation by the two parishes of Abernant and v.onwil tor a bridge at Pencaerau Mill. Tho fartmers were wiling to do all the haulage. 1 here was a cluapel at Blaenvcoed and & burial 'ground which had to be approached through the river. There was also a mill and a smithy in the neighbourhood —Mr J Phillips said that tihey had a contribution [rn™ the district towards every bridge they built. They ought to have one in this case +f T1 1! (Llangunnor) said t_iait lie did not know a p!<ace in Carmarthen sfhire ulhere there was any jneed for a bridge' there was no traffic there—Mr E, Daviea supported the proposition to provide a bridge He thought the locality ought to contribute. —Mr D. G. Bowen. said no bridge was needed. —The .Surveyor (Mr Oad Pi'oith^r-^) said that it would cost £10 and the haulage It would not do to build slight bridges nowrthey had to carry the steam thrasJiang machines. 1 Thomas sand that Mr D. G. Bowen had noii made the .m'ost eloquent epoch' bnt had made the most convincing speech Hy-Pokp like a man who knew his sifbject « eu.—j me:mibers voted for the bridge and it.—Mr W. J. Thomas said that tho local]ij had contributed £ 800 torn-aids the Dnystlwyn bridge; towards Cwmyglo £100 and Llanddotwror £ 80.—It was decided to ask the locality to contribute one third of the total cost in money or mlarteria1. A MYDRIM HIGHWAY. Mr W. H. Thomas made an application for the Council to take over a highwav above 400 Madsyc.™^ and Garlleganfach.-Mr E tv i 1<)0" orice it was taken oyer pHiam the present fair state would not be s^iffic ent for the people. If 25 vards of material were put- on it, nobody could say any th.uw it was carried that the road be taken o <'n, lnrt. to its being put in a condition approved of by the Surveyor. CARMARTHEN: Printed and Published bv tbe Proprietr. M. LAWRENCB, at her Offices 3 Blue-etreeb, FBIDAT, January lith, 1908

Carmarthen County Petty Fespions This Court was hefld at the Shire Hall on Saturday ^before Mr F Dudley Williams-Drum mond (chairmiani); Mr C. W. Jones, Gwyn- fryn (vice-chairman); Mr John Lloyd, Peny bank Mr John Lewis, Ar-y-bryn; Mr Hamlin Buighes, Middloton Hall; Mr J. S. Williams, Trelech. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. John King, farmer. Glyn Abbey, Llangen deir-ne, was summoned at the instance of H. uuuuuuuuuu uuuu uuu mmm D. Williams, school attendance officer, for having neglected to send his ohild Lizzie Mary King, aged 7 years and 10 months, wonking in Standard 1 to Oarway "School. Out of 69 possible attendances, "the child had on.ly made 43. In answer to Mr C. W Janes, witness said that the school was one and a half miles from the house, and the child would have to walk three miles a day to and from the school. Sho was in good bodily health. He had before been summon/eel in re.Sipeot of this child, and on that occasion was fined 28 6d and costs. The Bench imposed a similar fine in this instance. DRUNKENNESS. P.C. Charies Vincent chavrged John Evans, Fach, Llangunnor, farmer, with having been drunk on the 4th inst. Defendant pleaded guilty. Witness said that he saw defendant about 5.10 p.m. on the day maimed Ivinig down in- capable on the footpath at Stickle-baoh. He spoke to him, and to )i. him home Defendant was fined 2s 6d and costs. FALSE PRETENCES. David 'Morgan, farm labourer, of no fixed abode, was -6banged by P.C. W. James, with ■ba.vniip; obtained a pint of boer from the Carpenter's Arms, Abeiigwili, by false pre- tences. Margaret Mary Thomas, granddaughter of the landlord, said that on the 26th uit, defen da nit came to the houfe aibout 2 p.m. and said he wished to leave a box of fishing tackle for Sam Evamis, Trelew, for doing which he was to receive a pint of beer. He then left tho box (produced) and had a pint of beer. From that time she did not see him. She saw Sam and in consequence gave the box to P.C. James on the 29th ult, but did (not look inside it. Henry Evans, White .Mill, recognised the box m being his. He missed it from the dresser his 'kitchen a month ago. lie valued it at. £1, as it contained some good fishing tacklo. P.C. JJames deposed that he Was makino- enquiries on the 23rd of last month, in the course of whiich he visited the Carpenter's Arms, where he was handed the box by Miss Thomas. He procured -a warrant and arree- ted defendant, who denied all knowledge of the affair, but when on the way to Bromwydd Arms Police Station he remarked "Don't bo hard on me. II found the box in my pocket the day after, and knew northing about it It is all through the drimik." I:> Defendant, pleaded guilty, and elected to be dealt with summarily. He said tha.t he remembered nothing of how it happened. He was very sorry, and would never do such a thing again. It was all through the drink He was a native of Cardigan, and had been in the London Police orce. Two (previous tbnviotibns were proved against the_defendanit, and the Chairman in passing sentence df one month, with hard labour, said that he was sony toliear that he had such a_ bad record. The BeiHi were deahng with him mercifully. They hoped he wonild turn over a new leaf when he came out of prason.