The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

Joint Counties Asylum Carmarthen. QUARTERLY MEETING OF VISITORS. A quarterly meeting of the Committee of Visitors of the Joint Counties Asylum was held at that institution on Thursday the 30th ul't. Professor D. E. Jones presided. There were ailso present: Dr Griffith Milford Dr Lloyd, Adpar; Mr H. Jones-Davies, Glyn- eiddan; Mr John Lloyd, Penybank; Mr W. N. Jones, Tiryda.il; Mr J. W. Gwynine- Hughes, Tregeyb; Mr Jeremiah Williams, LLanel'ly; Dr IStiles" Pembroke Dock; Mr C. M. Williams, Aberystwitih; Mr Llewelyn Rees, Lampeter Velfrey; Mr Robinson, Bon- oath; together with the Clerk to the Visitors (Mr Morgan Griffiths); and the Medical Supt. (Dr John Richards). THE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE COUNTIES. Dr Griffith referring to an item on the agenda said that he did not think that they could discuss t'ue question, of arbitration that day. He had been speaking to one or two of the Carmarthenshire rl-presentatilves, and he thought that that question should be ad- journed until another- day. The Clerk said that he had received com- munications from the three counties. As they were aware, Carmarthenshire would not agree to arbitration. Mr Robinson asked if they could not settle the quotas so that they could do something for the institution. The Commisisoners would not tolenate this indifference. At the present time, the Asylum was in a disgrace- ful state. They wanted machinery and appliances; and the patients were suffering. If these things be settled, the other matters in dLpute could be got on with at another stage. The Commissioners would not- allow them to go on in this indifferent way. He was sorry to, see the patients suffering from the indifference of the committee. Dr Stiles: Should we be in order in discuss- ing the quotas to-day. Dr Griffith said that they came there to represent the various icouinties; land they should do everything they could to make the patients comfortable. The question of arbitration could not be settled after what had happened. He thought that they ought to leave that question altogether. Mr IN". N. Jones said that one item on tine agenda was "to receive the return of the Clerk of the Committee of the lunatics resi- dent at the Asylum from each of the three counties since the date of the last agree- ment." It seemed to him very reasonable that they should each have a copy of that return. He did not know that he would as.k for a special meeting as had been suggested by some of the members, hut if they post- poned it that day, it would, be a great con- venience to four otf the Carmarthenshire members who had a meetmg of the Local Govern)men)t Committee wlhiieh they must attend at any cost. The Clerk .said that he had had an ulti- matum from the Lunacy Commissioners. He had told them that t,he matter would be considered at this meeting. They said that the committee must pledge themselves that they would do something to carry out the recommendations of the Commissioners to put up the buildings required, and to take proper care of the patients. He had informed them that the matter had been adjourned until this meeting. He would communicate with them again after this meeting, telling them what had been done. Mr C. M. Willi aims said that ha vi ng regard to what had taken place since the last meet- ing, it was impossible to do anything in re- gard to. the matter of the quotas. The other item mentioned on the agenda—the drainage, laundry, and the other matters in the Commissioners' report—they could not consider e)itber that day. They had a meet- intg in March; he took it that the reply to the Commissioners would be that these matters had been adjourned until the. March meeting. Since they had given up Rhydy- gorse, they would have to make other ar- rangements to house the patients. They had 70 or 80 patients in. the Asylum more than they had room for. It was no good taking it piecemeal; they were all agreed that those improvements 'were required, but thaat noth- ing could be done until the question, of the quotas had been cleared away. Dr Griffith pointed out that ,there were 35 patients from Cardiff at the Asylum. The agreement was that they were only to be left there until the end of the past year. If the Asylum were overcrowded, he did not see Why they should be inconvenienced, because Cardiff could not find room for their patients. He thought they should write to ask the Cardiff authorities to remove their patients. The v.erK said that he had had a letter from Cardiff asking that the patients should be allowed to remain there until the end of June. He had replied that it could not be done. Dr Griffith said that ithey were mafking £ 9 a week profit out of the patients. If Dr Richards could arrange to keep them there until t4he next meeting, by all means let them remain. Dr Griffith moved that the Clerk corres- pond with the Cardiff people and state thiat the Committee expected the patients to be removed immediately. If there was no room for the patients, he did not see that they should be kept there. He moved that the Cardiff authorities be asked to remove the patienits within a month. Mr H. J. Davies, in seconding, said that they ought not to be asked to connive at o ver-cr o wdi ng. This was agreed to. Mr RooinooIL said that as Carmarthenshire would not agree to arbitration, the other counties would have to take their own way. Mr TV. N. Jones: The Commissioners may take the whole thing out of our hands. The Chairman I hope they will. CHAPLAIN'S REPORT. The Chaploin (Rev Jonathant Marsden) in hi,s report stated: "I have the honour of presenting my annual report, as Chaplain of your Asylum, and am glad to be able to st-ate, that the duties of my office have been regularly dais- charged during the yeatr 1907 with the excep- tion of a very few unavoidable omissions. The attendance of patients, both male and female, at the regular Sunday services, in which maiiy of them join very heartily, has on the whole been good, especially during the last three months of the past year. There have been eleven celebrations of Holly Communion during the year, and the number of patients attending each celebra- tion has varied from 35 oil the first of Sep- tember to 28 on November 24th. For the previous yeart-lie i-biinilber were from 32 to 26. The patients in the wards of the main building, as well as those at Rhydygors and Job's Well House, have been regularly visi- ted during the past year, and I have much pleasure in stating again, that I continue to be on the he-sit of terms with all the inmates of your Asylum-iand they are many-Ai-ho are at all able to benefit by our ministrations. I find that the Nonconformist services have, with one omission been regularly held, well attended, and much appreciated, during the past year. Many of the patients joined very heartily \xr appropriate hymns—English and nelsh—surng by Choir on Christmas Day, under the leadership of our able organist, Mr Savage. The chapel had íboon very nicely decorated for the Christmas season by mem- i Ta*r the Staff, under the supervision of the Medical Superintendent. The choir practices have been held every Saturday at 7 p.m., and generally very well attended. In conclusion I wish to tender my sincerest thanks to the officers and attendants of the Asylum for help and kindness which they are always ready to extend to me." MEDICAfr SUPT.'S REPORT. Dr Richards, the Medical Supt., in his annual report slt,ated "I have the honour to present the 43rd annual medical repolfu of this asylum. On the first of January, 1907, there were resident 696 patients, 362 males and 334 females, including 24 males and 26 females of the private class. There were admitted during the year 110 patients, 66 males, 44 females, including II males and 2 females of the private class. Of these 10 were re-admissions and 7 were trans- ferred from other Asylums. Two of the ad- missions were from Cardiff to complete the number resident on contract. Excluding the 2 .last referred to, the admissions of in- county and private cases nruimibered 108. The aveiiaige age on admission was 42, both for males and for females, exclusive of oult-county cases. The discharges amounted to 64; 37 males, 27 females, including 10 private patients. Of these, 48 were discharged as recovered (25 males and 23 females, including 2 male and 3 female private patients), 13 relieved (10 males and 3 females), and 2 males and 1 female were discharged, not improved. The deaths (numbered 60; 23 males and 37 females, including 5 of the private olass. On December 1st, 1907, there remained 682 patients under care; 368 males and 314 females, including 26 males and 20 female private patients. The average numl>er daily resident was 693 (361 males and 322 females). This figure, it may be pointed out, is the highest on record in the history of the institution since its opening. f The total number under treatment was 806, 428 males and 378 females. The proportion per cent. of recoveries to admissions, exclusive of traiirfem was 46.60; 40.98 for males and 54.76 for females. This recovery rate is also the highest in the history of the Asylum. The proportion per cent. of deaths to the total number under treatment wa.s 7.44; 5.37 for males and 9.78 for females. The proportion per cent, of deaths to the average number resident was 8.78; 6.37 for males and 11.49 for females. The average age at death was 51 for males and 53 for females. Accommodation.—The giving up of Rhyd- ygorse in September necessitated the removal therefrom of 42 male patients. Provision for these was Wade ini the old Infectious Hospital. The 35 male patients who had previously made use of a dormitory in this building were accomimodiated in the tailors' and shoemakers room. There is no available day space for the latter, but it is only right to state that they are out working a large part of the. day if fine. Th :> remova- of the 35 Cardiff male patienits at the expiration of their out-board contract on December 31st, 1907, would have left us on that date with an excess as regards sleep- ing space of two male patients and one female. Owing to the opening of the new Cardiff Asylum being deferred until next April, and I also to the difficulty of finding accommoda- tion elsewhere for such a short period, these I patients still remain here. Remarks on Admissions.—The (reception I of cases at unreasonable hours of the night has heern considerably curtailed, by order of I the committee much to the satisfaction of the staff. There, still prevails in the district a mis- conception as to the necessity of presenting properly filled in reception orders and certi- ficates on the admission of cases; the non- observance of the law m this respect not infrequently leads to trouble and discomfort both for the Asylum authorities, and for the patients and their caretakers. Quite i-e- cently n case was sent in late in the day without the necessary medicail certificates, while another WIg, brou,gbit-,also late at night, without authority for detention of any description. Of the admissions the attack occurred for the first time in 83 cases and 39 (35.4 per cent. of total admissions) of these were in the most favourable class for treatment (1st attack and within three months of admis- sion). Of the oases not favourable for treat- ment 3 males and 1 female were epileptic, 5 males were imbeciles, and 5 males suffered from general paralysis of the insane. 21 cases were 60 years of age amd upwards of which 7 were 70 and upwards, 1 being 80. 33 were suicidal and 36 were dangerous to others. 54 were considered to be recoverable. The bodily health was good in 32, fair in 51, and reduced in 27. The forms of mental disorder were as follows :—Mania 30 cases, melancholia 28, dementia of varying degrees 22, delusional insanity 9, oonfilsiomial insanity 4, stupor 3, insanity with epilepsy 4, general paralysis of inis-ane 5, and idiocy and imfbecility 5. Causation of Insanity 'amongst the Admis- sions.-In 43 of the cases (39 per cent.) there was ascertained a history of heredity in- sainitv or allied disorders. Mental stress sudden or prolonged (feuoh as shock, worry, grief and religious excite- ment) was present in 19 eases; alcoholism was assigned in 11 cases (10 per cent.); pre- vicoug attaxjlcs were known to have occurred. in cases. The incidence of heredity of ims-aiiity and allied neuroses as a causative factor oon- j tinues high and the figure given is probably an underestimate. The percentage of cases due to alcoholic excess is, on the other hand, low, as compared with statistics of asylums receiving patienits from large towns. 1 9 Reemarks on the Cases Discharged.— Of the 48 cases discharged recovered, one was in residence under 1 mionth, 4 were in residence from 1 to 3 months,, 11 from 3 to 6 months, 8 from 6 to 9months, 4 from 9 to 12 months, 8 from 1 to 2 years, 2 from 2 to 3 years, 5 from 3 to 5 years, 1 from 5 to 7 years, and 4 over 7 years. ihe average duration of residence of these cases was one year 9 months, and their aver- age age was 41. Of the 13 cases relieved 4 were in residence under 1 year, 7 from 1 ,to 5 years, and 2 over 5 years. Of the cases relieved ainid -not improved, 11 were taken care of by friends, 2 were senlt to workhouses, and 3 were transferred to other- asylum. s Causes of Death Tuherculiosiis continues to figure highly as a cause of death—the proportion per cent. to all causes being 23.3-ais compared with 31.5 17.5, .25 for 1906, 1905 and 1904 respectively. The average proportion of tuibercuHar deaths for asylums of this size according to the Com- missioners Bine Book (for 1906) was 15.8. Casualties.—The chief casualties—all for- timately non fatal in cha,nacter—were an im- pacted colles fracture of wrist in a female patient who pitched herself out of bed in a moment of frenzy. A compound fracture of lower end of humerus and ulna in an elderly femal,epaltient who was pushed down a flight of stairs by another patient. A dis- location of shoulder joint in a female caused by an accidental fall. All made good recoveries. Two serious attempt's at suicide were made by male patients, viz., F.P., who precipi- tated himself from a window 21 feet from the ground, but sustained no .apparent frac- ture. J.J. flung himself into a tar tank, but recovered from the effects of his immetr- sion in a few days. Escapes.—Six lIrla,le patients (escaped and were out of control for periods varying from a few hours to nearly three days. One of these jumped from a window, a distance of 18 feet to the ground without injury, but afterwards returned to the Asylum of his own accord. General Hoailtb.Excludi,ii(y the cases of tubercular disease—which were far too numerous—the general health has been fairly satisfactory. A few oases of mild influenza^ and a fatal one of enteritis occurred, 3Iud some cases of erysipelas were notified. Treatment.— Electric (baths have been given in selected cases during the year with beneficial results. The phthisical patients were kept in the open air as long as possible; the iheds, in the more teelble cases, being carried out under the verandahs. open-air treatment has recently been advocated for cases of acute insanity (apart from those sufferilng from tuberculosis), and there is undoubtedly very sound basis for its adoption—where it cam be carried out. Amusements and Recreation.—The usual number of female patients joined in an ex- cursion to the sea-side in the summer. The weekly country waliks were much appreciated by many of the able-bodied, and the doinlga of the cricket and football teams were were watched with absorbing infteresft. The dances were held weekly during the winrter months, and Christmas time was celebrated by a successful concert got up byr the staff. Visitors.—The following Unions sent depu- tations to visit their ",patieilfts:Iberyst- with, Cardigan, Carmar,hen, Haverfordwest Lampeter, Liane-my, N ii-fberth, Newcastle- Emlyn, Tregaron( and Cardiff City. The Commissioners in Lunacy (Dr F. Need- ham and 'Mr H. Giffard) paid the statutory visit on October 11th. Farm and Garden.—At tk close of the financial year, March, 1907, the farm and garden accounts showed a, balance ef R316 168 7d. No noteworthy event occurred in these departments during the yCar. The fruit crop was poor but the garden produce iin other directions was much as usual. Hay was un- diminised in quantity, hut defective in quality. The farm live stock continued free fttom disease. Gas.-The net prodtictioni for the year (gas consumed) was 2,646,300 cubic feet. Water works.—The quantity of water used during the year was approximately 10,420,000 gallons. The well was pumped out on ten occasions during the months July to October, 1907. Weekly Charge and Cost.—The weekly charge was reduced at 'the commencenint of the present financial year, April, 1907, from 8s 9d to. 8s 5id. The average weekly cost for the half-year ending September 30-Vh, 1907, was 8s 5.37d. The weekly paymnts by private patients are as follows: 21 at 10s, 3 to 12s, 8 at 14s, 2 at 15s, 8 at 20s, 1 at 25s, 2 at 30s, 1 at 32s. The 35 out-county patients are charged at 14s. Repairs and Building Fund:—The amount in hand at the end of December, 1907, was f;287 10s lOd. Chief Repairs, Alterations and Building Work (completed and in progress).—In the main building, much painting and redecora- tion of wards and other parts has. boon done. Many fire grates have had to be re-fitted, and a large amount of plastering of walls and concreting has been found necessary to repair the inroads of damp, etc. The internal furnishing of this building will shortly require conadderatijon. Owing to the many demands on our available labour, no further progress has been made towards the completion of -the new main water-main from Job's Well to the water tower. There yet remain 75 yards of this, involving some deep cutting and tunnelling, to be laid. A fire escape ladder has been placed in position) outside the Female Hos- pital Ward, and steps are being taken to provide similar ladders for Female 7 and Male 7 wards. It. is unnecessary to further allude here to waiter storage and other fire extinction, means, which were fully entered into in a recent report. Plans and specifi- cations dealing with the laundry extension and sewage disposal questions are in course of preparation. Staff.—The changes in the subordinate staff numJbered 10, including 5 male attend- antsallHl 2 rauirses, who left to take up better posts or to be married. These numbers compared favouraibly with those of similar institutions, where, as a rule, the changes are more frequent. The work of the staff has been performed, often under trying cir- cumstances, An a praiseworthy and efficient ma ninei*. The health of the staff has been, on the whole, satisfactory. Claims for com- pensation were paid by the Railway Passen- gers Insurance Co. in the cases of two of the employees who met with accidents. The changes among the officers have be-en un- usually numerous during the past year. Miss Lilian, Jeffreys was appointed Matron in place of Miss M. Thomas, who resigned. Dr L!. Pritchard rooigned to take up private practice, and was sucoe, ded temporarily by Dr Leslie Craig. Dr W. Gibbon, Acting Medical Superintendent, retired early in July, having been granted a pension, after nearly 25 years' service. The untimely death of Mr G. J. Hodges, the late storekeeper, cast a gloom over the Institution. His 22 years of hard Work in the service of the "Asylum had earne for him the highest respect and regard of the community, and his loss was sincerely deplored. The new store- keeper, Mr W. J. Davies, has applied himself with zeal antd energy to the duties of his office. My thanks are due to Dr Brinley R. Lloyd (whose recent resignation is much regretted) for his willing and able help in carrying on the work of the Asylum; to Mr Reed, the clerk, for whose conscientious services the indebtedness of the Institution cannot be over-estimated; to the Matron and Head Attendant for their loyal co-operation and vailli-aible assistance generally, and to the Engineer for the caie and thoroughness with which he perioms his responsible duties. For the kindness and support which have been invariably afforded me hy the Chair- main and Members of tihe Committee during the half-year in which I have had the honour of holding office, I beg to express my deep gratitude." COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The following is the report of the Com- mittee to the three County Councils:— The number of patients in the Asylum at the date of our last repooifc was 692, niamedy, 363 males and 329 females. The admissions since, that date have been 110, being 61 males and 49 females. The deaths have been 49, of whom 20 were males a.nd 29 were females. There (have been 59 discharges, consistimg of 36 males and 23 females. There remain in the Asylum to-day 694, namely 368 males and 326 females. The charge made for the maintenance of pauper patients from unions within the three counties during the past yeaar was 8s 9d for the first six months, and 8a 5id for the second six months. The aftertooon Service on one Sunday every month is still taken by the Noncon- formist ministers of the town of Carmar- then, and their gratuitous ministrations are much appreciated by the patienits. The foregomg total of 694 patients resi- dent at present at the Asylum includes 48 private patienits, each paying from 10s to 32s per week, as weld as 35 male pa-ti-enu from Cardiff at 14s per head. During -the year ended on 31st March last the total sum received in respect of these private and out countty patients exceeded the cost of their mainttemance (taken at the rate charged for in-cou.nty patients) by the sum of £1,193 2s 7d, and this sum was trans- ferred to the credit of the Building and Repairs Account. By taking in these classes of patienits your Commi tee have managed to keep this account in credit for many years, but the Cardiff patients will be re- moved at the end of thif; year and that will render it necessary for your Committee to have recourse to the c')untie,s. From the report of the Commissio;i,ers in Lunacy on their last visit it will be seen that an expen- diture o fno inconsiderable amount will be required. Your Committee failed to agree as to the re-taki.nig of Rhydygorse on; the expiry of the lease on the 29th September last, and the 42 male patients housed there have been re- moved to the Asylum premises, the old Infeotious Hospital having been suitaibly done up with all requirements for their reception, aftd sleeping accommodation has also been 'provided for 3.3 male patients in the Workshop Buildings for the time being. The Commissioners in Lunacy paid their annual viisit of inspection to the Asylum on the 11th of this month, and a copy of their report is anmexed, together with a copy of a letter since received from them. Your Committee, alt their meeting to-day, having regard to Section, 247 of the Lunacy Act 1890, .resolved to hold a special meeting to seriously consider the position and as to the providing of accommodation to fall in with the requiremellts mentioned in the report, and in, regard to the appointment of another medicl officer. Your Committee rgret to state that Miss Mary Thomas, the Matron, after a period of thirteen years, .very albly and satisfactorily performing her duties, has resigned, and Miss Lilian Jeffreys, who acted as depufty, has been appointed in her place. We aire very sorry to have to record t¡hlA death of Mr G. J. Hodges, who for 22 years and upwards so aJbly performed the duties of storekeeper. His loss will be much felt and his place difficult to fill. Your Committee are advertising for a successor. Your Committee have appointed Dr John Richards, of the Leicester and Rutlan-d Asy- hun, to be Medical Superintendent (in the place of Dr Edwin Goodall, who resigned on his appointment -as Superintendent of the Cardiff City Asylum), and Dr Brinley R. Lloyd as Assistant Medical Offioer, in the place of Dr W. Gibbon. Dated this 31st day of October, 1907. Signed on behalf of the Committee,, John Williams, Chairman. W. M. Griffiths, Clerk to the Visitors.

CARDIFF IN A [ICKLE. The "Evening Express" slays: "The Visiting Committee to th.. Joint Counties Asylum ,at Carmarthen have thirty-five pataents oni their hands i ho ought to have 'been discharged a month ago. They came from asj'lumless Cardiff, and, though it Was poainlted out that ia clear profit of £9 is made on them, it was resolved that the Metro- politans should be removed at oncel. Here ooimesi the puzzle. Where are they '.0 bo taken to? According to present arrange- ments, the new asylum wi'i mot be opened until All Fools' Day next. The magnificent mansiom, with its theatre, church, and all the up-to-date requirements of mad people, is still ,in the hands of the contractors, and imaginative people can see the Commis- boners in Lunacy chasing these 35 lunatics from county to county when the, joint autho- rity shortly releases them, to forego the pleasure of their society, and the L9 profit they 'bring to the exchequer. But this is where the ingenuity of the Cardiff Com- mittee should come in,. If the asylum itself is not yet finished, what of the doctor's mansion and the 1;1,000 piggeries? Surely, temporary lodging could be found in one of these handsome buildings for the 35 uaiwel- Joome guests flow fat iOarfmanthen,. Failing the acquiescence of the doctor, there are the pigs' palaces, though, judging from the re- ported glories of those buildings, they ap- year to be too good for human ibeings. The only other alternative is to board the 35 out with memfbers of tthe ooiramittee, who oõuld take home two or three dumtics each. The result would be meretoriously good, and the committee would Ibe better able, after their studies in close social conclave, to deal with the aberrations of the mentally wealk."

FOR OLD AND YOUNG. MORTIMER'S COUGH MIXTURE FOR COUGIIS, COLDS, WHOOPING COUGH,* ETC., ETC —— OVER —— 70 YEARS REPUTATION IN THIS DISTRlOi. k-, Tills CfLEh H.. T t.1) WELSH KEMED X" Is now put up in caton-4 f iccurely lacked for transmission to aii pa.-?- of w.ii-ld), and contains a Pamphk- written an eminent Medical Authority, deiiiJng with the various beneficial uket of thi,, spviific. Price Is lid aud 2s 9d i)t-r bopi., Ihe larger hottleilf hy far the chcapat.

Carmarthen County reuy :■n-* SATURDAY.—Before Mr Dudley Williams- Drummond, Porttkscliff (chairman); Mr C. W. Jones, Gwynfryn Mr D. L. Jones, Derlwyn; Mr A. O. Davies, Uplands; Mr John, Lewis, Arylbryn (Mayor of Carmarthen); Mr J. S. Williams, Trelech; Mr John Lloyd, Peny- bank and Mr L. A. L. Evans, Pantycendy. CELEBRATING A WEDDING. Mr O'iSir-Iliv,am I Inland Revenue Officer, charged Howell Evans, road labourer, Con- wil, with carrying a giin, without a license. Lr HiU, the Supervisor, said that the defendant had been firing off blaihik cart- ridges to celebrate a wedding. It was not a case which they wished to press heavily; but there was no exemption in the Act for such cases. P.C D. J. Davies charged William Jones, was firing the, gun on the 26th December. Defondaint ran away he saiw wit- ness. He said afterwards that he only did it to celebrate the wedding of Miss Richards. The Chairman said that the Bench thought tihe case could be fairly met by a fine of Is including oosts. TROUBLESOME HAWKERS. P.C. D. J. avies charged William Jones., of no fixed aibode, with allowing three horses to stray on the highway. The defendant, who ia a travelling hawker, had let his horsea loose and, had drawn up the vans on tihe side of the road. Defendant was fined 5s and costs. DRJVING WITHOUT REINS. P.C. D. J. Davies charged David Davies. Pantyffynon, with driving a cart without reins.—Mr Brunei White defended. The Constalble said tha.t the defendant was sitt-intg on top of loads of hay, driving near Bronwydd Station. He had no reins of any kind. When the oonstalble, who was on his bicycle, asked hiiim why hie had no reins, he said that there was no room to pass. Mr White said that the defendant bad walked six milesi at the head of the horse. He had just taken off his coat and placed it under the ihay when the constable came in sight. The Bench fined the defendant 2s 6d and costs. ALLEGED DAMAGE TO A NOSE. Thomas Thomas charged Edward Lewis, Llwynyiywr, Pontyeates, with assault. The defendant admitted striking a blow, hut pleaded justification.—iMr H. B. White appeared for the plaintiff. l'lainitiff said that on the 23rd of January he was .going along the road wfien the defen- dant overtook him and asked him if he was "enough of a boy." Plaintiff said tha.t he was mble to control himself. Defendant then hit him on the lip. He also took off his coat aind said "I'll see that you don't get. home if I have to wait until twelve o'clock. Defenda,iit said that the plaintiff struck hilm with a stone and broke his nose. T. Williams, Gwcndreath View, gave cor- roborative evidence. Defendant said that he was going home, and had a drop of beer too much. These two men began to maike fun of him. He hit the plaintiff with palm of his hand. The plaintiff threw a stone ,and hit witness on the box. It Ibnolte his nose. The nose was not mended yet. The Bench fined the defendant 10s and and 16s 8d costs. EMULATING THE SUFFRAGETTES. Elizabeth Alnlne Davies, living at Dryslwyn Fawr, Llanarthney, had a claim for t3 718 6d arrears under a bastardy order aginat John Thomas, Pantgelly, Oapel Isaac, Llanfynydd a farm servant The defendant, who was in custody, said that he was not guiiilty^ and he would not pay. The Chairman said thaJt the order had been made, iaind defendant ooulld have appealed. If he would not pay, the fmagistrtes would live to send him to prison. efeindant said that he would father go to gaol. The Chairman: You may think better of it in a weak.iStill if you would rather have a taste of gaol, liike the suffragettes, you may Defendant said that he would rather go to prison. The Chairman: You M'm lbe sent to gaol for a month. I Ihope you will enjoy yourself.

LICENSING SESSIONS. This was the annual general licensing ses- ,si-on6. n Capt. Harnies, otke Deputy Chief- Constalble, said that he did not propose to serve notice of objection in any case except the Bench directed him to do so. There ha I been convictions against the White Lion Ferryside; the Smiths Arms, FoelgasteJI and the Quarry Arms, CnVbin, for permitt- ing drunkenness. The^ Chairman said that he had consulted with his colleagues and they decided that they would not order notice of objection to be served. The nia..gitstrute,-h,d takon such a course m some decisions; but they had decided not to do so hre-unlcss there were some more serious cases. Dad any of the licensees apply for a six days licence P Sergt. Williams said that fhe l>eMeved a s:x day lioenise would 'he applied for in the case of Pass-By, .Merthyr. The Clerk mentioned thiart there were some six day licenses already in force. The Chairman said that alll the licenses in the division would be renewed,

A Transaction about an Axe. TH f A special county police court was held at the Carmarthen Guildhall on Tuesday before Mr C: W. Jones, Gwynfryn (chairman), and Mr John, Lewis (Mayor of Carmarthen). William James, Cilgerrwl, Pembrokeshire, was charged with staling an axe. David Jones, Rhydymerdy, Cross Hands, farmer, said: I know the defendant. I lent the defendant the axe produced about two months ago. He promised to bring it back after one or two days. The pay is once a fort night. He did not return it. I did not see it until to-day. I know the axe; there is a mark on it—the letter "T." It isworth 4s. Rolbert YeLiand, Cross Hands, a colliery worker, sa,id that he bought the axe from the defendant a fortnight ago last Saturday. Wttness paid 2s 6d for it; then he went for it and fetched it away. Defendant said mat the 2s 6d was given for a shovel, a mandril, and a wedge. He said that he told the witness that the axe belonged to somebody else. Witness said that he knew nothing about the axe belonging ,tosomelbody else. He got the other tools mentioned as well. The Chairman: You thought you made a very good bargain buying 11 these things for ha:1tf a crown. Witness: If I did not ibuy them somebody else would. The Chairman: That is no justification for you. The witness said that he sold the axe for 2s The Chairman: Then you bad all the other tools for 6d. P.C. Thomas LI. Lewis proved receiving the prisoner into custody from a Pembroke- shire constable at Cilgernan. Defendant gave evidence on oath. He had (been working ten weeks at Cross Hands. He left Cross Hands a fortnight ago bust Saturday. He borrowed this axe of Jones. He had been idle because he was unwell, and his wife was ill at home. He wished to go home. He sold the mandrill, the wedge, and the shovel to the witness Yelland. He told Yelland that the axe and the sledge did not belong to him. Cross-examined by the Constable, defen- dant said that he had left without paying his landlady. But he intended to pay on his return. The Chairman said that the case was dis- missed for want of sufficient evidence. Sergt. Wniiiams: What albout the axe? The Ckrk (Mr Morgan Griffiths) said that the magistrates had nothing to do with that. — a question was raised as to the defendant's iri->aas oi getting back to Cilgerran, and the sum required was voluntarily raised in court.

::r(,r1 :il:"n :}r:Juh. i:oiice Cuurt MONDAY.—Before the Mayor (Mr John Lewis), Mr T. E. Br'gstocke, Mr H. E. B. ltiohards, Mr E. Jainei, Mr W. Mogran G iffifchs, Mr W Spurreli, Mr T. Davies, and Mr Henry Howell. LICENSING SESSIONS. This was the annual general licensing 8âjSÍŒ1J5. The Ckrk (Mr R. M. Thomas) said that during the year there had been convic- tions agaiiiot the iucensees of the Sloop, the Castle, the Ra.Iway- -caveril, and the Square a >d Compass. In the first two, the convic- tions were for keeping open during prohibited hours, and in the last two for esliing on a Sunday.—The applications for these licenses were ladjourned until the 24th of February. OBJECTION TO A GRAMOPHONE. The Clerk said that he had a petition with respect to the New Vine in Mansel street. The neighbours complained of a gramophone which was said to be a groat nuisance. Mr Morgan, Griffiths said that the objection would be disorderly conduct. The Clerk said that ii it were a public nuisance, it would be. Supt. Smith said that he should like to say a word about the New Vine. There had been a meeting of the Watch Committee; and he had been asked to see this lady and ask ther to discontinue the gramophone. The Sergt. had called on her and explained that there had been complaints with regard to it; but it still went on.. Mr (Morgan Griffiths asked how long ago that was. Supt. Smithswid that that was two months ago. He had had other complaints about the house; he police had visited the house, but he had had no report on which he could take action. lie had had a kLtei fium the licensee aski(nig wihy the police had visi- ted the Ihouse. The gramophone was a very loud instrument aand could be heard a con- siderable distance from the house. Mr Morgan Griffiths (to applicant): Why don't you discontinue it? The licensee (Mrs iMcGandie): There are other gramophones in, the town. Mr Morgan Griffiths: If other people com- mit nuisances, there is no reason wny you should'. The licensee: It is not a nuisance; it is a musical instrument. It is allowed in other towns. Mr Morgan Griffiths: Do you tell us that in spite of the petition, you intend to go on with it. Applicant: Not if you wish me not to. The (Mayor: It is a very long petition. You will find that everyone in the locality has signed this. Applicant: Yes; tihey are all relations round there. I am only a new comer to Car- marthen. The Mayor: There are many here who are no relations art a,i.. The question is "Are you going to continue this?" If so, we have our remedy. I he Applicant: /May I ask <a question. Why should this be stopped, when there are others going ill the town every night. The Mayor: Who are the others. Applicant mentioned Mr P. R. Lewis (the chemist), Mr Palmer (uie jeweller), and also the "chip potato man." The Clerk said that the magistrates did not igrant licenses to sell Chip potatoes. Did the neuglhboursobject to Mr Lewis' gramo- phone. Applicant: I don t know. I don't enquire into other people's business. The Clerk: You had better stop this; even if the magistrates grant you the license, it will be a constant source of trouble. The Mayor said tbait the application would be adjourned. The applicant would not have the license that day. Defendant: It is taking my living out of my 'bands. I have to pay my rent and my license. Mr W. Spurreli: You wifl have. no license Jto pay if you don't atop this. Supt. Smith: You will not get your license unless you give this up. Applicant said that she would give it up. The Mayor sad that the application for this license would be adjourned until the 24tli of Felbruary. Applicant could oomtimie to sell in the meantime. NON-ATTENANCE AT SCHOOL. Dd. Evans, a labourer, was fined 10s and costs for not sending his soil to school. A case against Mrs Elizabeth Davies was dismissed, as the defendant promised to see that the oliild att-ended 'better in future. NO LIGHTo. Evam WiMiams, Llwynjpowell, Llanddarog; George Wrighlt, Farmers' Arms, Cannar- then; Thos. Davies, Park Stores, Cairniar- then; and George Jamles, Crown Stores, Carmarthen, were each fined 2s 6d inclusive of oosts, for not having lamps on cari-s after dark.

£ VI YiDRj^M. TT -Rfbert Watere, of Glendower House, Teniby, formerly of Sarnau, Mydrim, Carmarthen, who died on October 5th, left estate, of the gross value of £ 16,948, with net personality, t3,079, and of his will vr8 d011 2''united to surviving executor Mr Robert Macaillay Thomas, of Carmarthen solicitor. The rtesetator left aiinuities of £100 to each of his sisters, Margaret Waters and Maria Bull and he also left Glendower House to them for life The residue of his estate he left m equal shares to his children, the childretn of any deceased child taking bet\nn them t:he to which their parent ii-oti-ld be ent-ilt-led. Pnr -™ ffi *rom whatever cause arwiuf for tof-rciuh. jcurvy, eczema, okin and blood direMes- Pin't)'es- of all kinds, its effects are mar. Tfiousandsof testimonials. In bottles, 2* 94 J WJI J °btmist8. Proprietors, Lincoln and Midland C.-iinties Drag Company Lincoln. Afik f rr i.iarke A Blocd Mixture and do not be persuaded to takfl any imitation. CARMARTHEN Printed and Published by the Proprietress, 34. LAWRZNCR, at her.. Offioe., 3. Blue-street), FBIDAT, February 7th, 1908,