Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

On the whole Towyn can look back upon the year 1899 as a year of progress. Matters have not made such progress as its well-wishers might desire, but slight indications of progress are notice- able. On Mr Corbett's estate the new and sub- stantially built houses are being tenanted, and next season it is hoped the improved accommodation will draw a better class of visitors. Some people are heard expressing a fear that the erection of new houses will have an injurious effect upon their houses, but it has been clearly proved that as the accommodation increases the popularity of the place is also becoming more known and each year difficulty is experienced in getting apartments. Another season has passed with no organised move- ment to amuse visitors and. to relieve the monotony of the place. Athletic sports were held, and it is probable that this will now become an annual event. We understand that the committee will at their forthcoming meeting decide whether they will also start a flower show for the town and dis- trict. Houses have sprung up on the road to the Beach, at Idris villas, High street, and on the Nep- tune Hall road, so that a measure of progress has been attained. The new sea wall and promenade to the north of the town is looking ship-shape. The Urban Council, apart from carrying out the ordinary routine business, has not decided upon any great scheme for the improve- ment of the place. The scheme presented to their attention by Col. Ruck, Aberdovey, for the electric lighting of Towyn and Aberdovey, has been decently buried in a tin box in the Council office. The attempt to get the Post Office removed to a more central part of the town has been without success, and probably the town will have to go on as it now is for some time. The bridge which the Cambrian Railway Company promised to erect at Towyn Station, to do away with the present dangerous mode of crossing the line, has not been constructed, and some say that the wood from which it will be made has not yet grown. Over and over again has the importance of con- structing parapets been brought to the attention of the Urban Council, but with no tangible result. The resolution passed at the last County Council, may, however, stir them up. Other Castles in the air seem likely to retain their present form through a great portion of the twentieth century. Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn has presented to the men of the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry Cavalry who are going to South Africa a new gun, which is known as the Galloping Gun." It is a quick-firer and can be carried on the back of a horse. A single member of the troop can, with an additional horse, ride with the gun to any particular spot, direct it against hostile forces, and as quickly return if pressed. It would be of special service in fighting from cover. The weapon can discharge 400 shots, per minute and will be very formidable in the hands of mounted Infantry or Yeomanry. Sir Watkin has ordered a parade of the men of the B squadron M. Y. C. for next Monday, at the Town Hall, Welshpool, fat Newtown on Tuesday and at Montgomery and Llanfyllin on Thursday. We are unable to give a list of those who have volunteered as it is not yet complete but what would be far more interesting would be the publica- tion of the replies of the men to the question as to whether they would serve or not. One member of the A Squadron (Llangedwyn and LlanfyIIin) forgetful of the lines Their's not to reason why, Their's but to do or die wrote I am not going to fight against my brother Boer." It is always well to uphold the honour of the family, especially if nothing good is known of the far off relations. # The sending out of the gallant 24th Regiment, the S.W.B., brings the Mid-Wales counties into closer touch with the present campaign in Africa. Reservists from all parts have flocked to the colours and their departure has been cheered by the hearty send-offs of crowds of well-wishers. In the case of a reservist who left Aberystwyth, the local lodge of Oddfellows collected about zC6 and handed it over for the benefit of his wife and child- ren. The members, too, will see that the absent member's contributions are kept up, and in this way they are showing that a brother's regard for those of the same lodge is more than a mere word. No gentleman in Montgomeryshire or indeed in Wales has made greater endeavours to improve the status and increase the usefulness of volunteer and reserve forces than Col. Pryce-Jones, M.P. The volunteer movement in this county owes its in- ception to his efforts, while the movement generally owes much to him for what he has dene in its behalf in Parliament and in the country at large The events of the present crisis have made it quite clear that volunteering is no mere sport or child's play, and Col. Pryce-Jones, in endeavouring to add to the value and the usefulness of the volun- teers as an integral portion of an active reserve army, displays a foresight of a state of things which are bound, sooner or later, to come to pass. The opinions he expressed to an interviewer of a South Wales paper, given under our war news, will command the serious consideration of the many interested persons. The appointment of a day by Royal Command for a general collection in churches,was, it is understood all that the Primate could induce her Majesty to concur in, and probably Dr Temple was not on the whole eorry; for though the Bishops themselves would like the appointment of a Fast Day, they know the dilemma in which it would instantly place them. Early in the reign, as in all previous reigns, days of fasting and abstinence were frequently appointed in times of national calamity, but when Dean Buckland in Westminster Abbey boldly pro- pounded the theory that instead of prayers to God to avert the cholera, people should see after their drains-a sermon which was the talk of the town for weeks-Lord Palmerston was assailed with letters against mechanical fast days." The Queen's reason, however, for objecting to these days was that on the last occasion when one was appointed at the time of the Indian Mutiny, people crowded into Windsor and turned the day into one of merry- making and her Majesty is said to have expressed an opinion adverse to any such day in future. *#* Much useful knowledge is to be gained by a comparison of the rates of the different towns. It is a remarkable fact that many of the most pros- perous and also of the most beautiful towns, are, compared with other towns, very moderately rated. While several of the coast towns of Cardiganshire and Merionethshire have rates which exceed 8s, 9s and even 10s in the dE, it is exceedingly strange that though many of these towns have little or nothing to show for their money there are many towns which manage well, with rates only half as high. One of the lowest rated towns is Lancaster with the combined rates amounting to only 3s 8d in the zC. Lancaster with this small ratio of con- tribution has purchased streets of property in the very heart of the town, pulled down the property, and widened the streets-all on 3s 8d. In addition it boasts a very fine public park. Southport, con- sidered by many the most beautiful town in the king- dom,with beautiful gardens, marine park and streets of asphalt, maintains its establishments for a 4s 3d rate. Leeds cannot do with less than 7s but charges something under 2s per 1,000 cubic feet for gas. The City of York finds 5s 5d sufficient, and also sells gas at a price which puts it within the reach of the poorest. At Barrow-in-Furness the rates amount to 4s 8d, at Leicester 7s 3d, New- castle 4s lOJd, Sheffield 7s 8,td, Sunderland 5s lOd, St Helen's 4s 9d, Wolverhampton 7s 8d. The most striking case is that of Carlisle, which charming city has a total rate of only 5s and supplies its gas more cheaply than any other town or city in the kingdom—Is 3d per 1,000 feet. What is even more striking is that the gas works are at present making a profit of £8,000 per year. We could name a dozen towns where the price of gas is not more than 2s per 1,000 feet.

♦ TOWYN. NEW SIDING.-The Cambrian Railways Co are about to construct a new siding here. SALES. — In our advertising columns will be found particulars of two sales by Messrs Daniel, Son & Meredith. The first takes place on Friday at 17, Idris Villas and the other a Trenydon on January 18th. EISTEDDFODIC.— On Monday over 250 tickets were booked from Towyn to Dolgelley on the occasion of the holding of Eisteddfod Meirion. APPOINTMENT.—Mr William Roberts, Idris Villas, late assistant teacher at Bryncrug School, has been appointed assistant master at the Middlesborough Board School. REPRESENTATIVE.—Captain Edward W Kirkby, Llanfend-gaid, has been appointed a representative member on the Dovey, Mawddacb, and Glaslyn Fishery Board. The number of votes given for Captain Kirkby was 10 as against 2 for the other person nominated. DANCE.—On Wednesday evening a public dance (under the auspices of the Towyn Dancing Class) took place at the Assembly Room. Mr Hughes, Ynysmaengwyn, acted as M.C., and there were over a hundred present. Dr Bone opened the pro- ceedings. Dancing was kept up until about five o'clock in the morning. Mr W R Edwards, Llan- allgo, and a native of Towyn, was the accompanist. Refreshments were supplied by Messrs Lewis and Co., Porthgwyn. ST. CADYAN'S CHURCH.— On Sunday a letter from the Bishop of Bangor, in which was enclosed the Queen's gracious command that a collection be made in all the churches on behalf of Her Sailors and Soldiers, was read. The Vicar stated that a collection would be made next Sunday. It is requested that any gentleman holding the Queen's Commission or any other Official position, should attend Divine Service in uniform or wearing their badges and insignia of office. Mr Wynne, the Lord Lieutenant, has expressed a wish that this should not apply to the Church of England only but to the Nonconformist bodies as well. MR. CORBETT'S RENT AUDIT.-On Friday the rent audit of the Ynysmaengwyn Estate was held at the Corbett Arms Hotel, Mr R Gillart presiding. Nearly all the tenants attended or were repre- sented, and appeared to be in good spirits, the past season having been a successful one for the farmers. The health of Mr Corbett was drunk amid the 1- greatest enthusiasm. Also that of the agent (Mr R Gillart). Other toasts were those of the Queen, the Army, Navy, and Volunteers, and the Host and Hostess. MR AND MRS OXFORD'S TREAT.-Some fifty persons bad been invited, and over forty sat down to the excellent dinner provided with their usual kindness by Mr and Mrs Oxford. Those absent through illness were not forgotten. At the tablesjjwere — Mrs and Miss Roberts, Bodlondeb; Misses Jones and Harris, Bronffynnon; Mrs Jones, Gwyndy Bow Mrs Evans, Afon fach; Mrs Jones, Reform; Mrs Richards, Pontfatthew Mrs Jones, Tremy Fatthew;Mrs Jones,Efail Feurig; Miss Jones, Pwllneuadd-ddu. The Rev T Lewis, vicar, thanked Mr and Mrs Oxford for their kindness, and expressed the hope that others of the well-to-do parishioners would follow the example. Before leaving the room Mrs Oxford presented each woman with half a pound of tea, and Mr Oxford presented the men with tobacco. There were present: Mr and Mrs Oxford, Revs T Lewis, vicar; and It Davies, curate. CHRISTMAS TREE.—At the Wesleyan Schoolroom on Thursday evening a Christmas tree was given to the members of the Band of Hope. The tree was beautifully dressed, and contained a large number of useful and valuable presents, all of which were given by members of the chapel, The following assisted during the afternoon Mrs Evans, Brynmair Mrs Evans, Idris Villas; Mrs Evans, Cad van Villa; Mrs Hughes, Merton Villa Mrs Hugh Evans, Mount Pleasant; Miss Jones, Frondeg; Miss Davies, Arfor terrace; Miss Williams, Idris House; Kiss Hughes, Merton Villa; Miss Richards, College Green and the Misses Parry, Rock View. In the evening a mis- cellaneous entertainment was given. The dis- tribution of the gifts for the Christmas tree created much merriment. At the close oranges and sweets were presented to the children. The Rev Henry Hughes conducted the proceedings.

ABERDOVEY. SUCCESS.-—Mr Evan Jones, son of Mr John Jones, Copperhill street, has passed, at Cardiff, the exami- nation qualifying him as second mate. ODDFELLOWS.—On New Year's Day the members of the Oddfellows' Club paraded the town, and afterwards partook of an excellent repast at the Board School. The balance sheet presented by the secretary (Mr John Edwards), showed that the club is in a sound financial state. Votes of thanks were passed to the secretary and others. SCHOOL TREAT.-On New Year's Day a treat was given to all the children attending the National School. In the evening an entertainment was given at the school, over which the Vicar presided. The Rev W M Roberts exhibited several interesting lantern views. The Vicar impressed upon the children the importance of attending school, which was to be opened the following day. The school has been closed for some time owing to sickness in the town. Several pieces of music were sung very nicely by the school children, under the conductorship of Mr Z Jones, the headmaster.

DOLGELLEY. FOOTBALL.—Two matches were played here on New Year's Day, The Idris Club suffered a de- feat of 3 goals to nil, Portmadoc being the win- ners. The Town Club had a fixture with the Idloes Celtic and were the victors by 5 goals to 1. THE LATE MR FRANCIS EVANS, J.P. — The funeral of the late Mr Francis Evans, J.P., Wnicn Villa, took place last Friday and was largely at- tended, the cortege being preceded by members of the local bench of magistrates, the Oddfellows, of which deceased was a member, the Golden Goat Friendly Society, and others. URBAN COUNCIL V. CARPENTER.—The following statement in reference to the costs of the case against Carpenter (which went against the council) will be interesting Original amount of the building Y.356 5s lOd, to„al reduction in taxir.g £ 37 12s 8d, taxing fee £ 6 7d, leaving the exact amount to be paid X325 Os 2d. Of this amount £ 155 has already been paid, leaving a balance of £170 Os 2d. The Taxing Matser said some of the items were very reasonable. Mr W R Davies, the clerk, had been very reasonable with the council in most of the charges. THE PROPOSED ELECTRIC LIGHTING SCHEME. Some two weeks ago 582 papers were sent round the town seeking the opinion of the ratepayers as to the proposed scheme for lighting the town with electricity. Of the above number 41 more than was required had been sent and 39 were not re- turned leaving 502. Of this number 235 voted in favour of the scheme, 60 against, and 36 neutral, and 171 returned their papers blank. The num- her of those who were against, remainder neutral, or did not vote at all is 267. It is therefore evident that the town is sot ripe for electric light- ing at present. The matter is in the hands of a committee of the Urban Council. WATCH-NIGHT SERVICE.—The annual watch-night service took place at the Wesleyan Chapel on Sun- day night when the spacious chapel was crowded. The Rev D Jones (Barmouth) presided, and the Rev Parri Huws, B.D., was conductor. The open- ing service was conducted by the Rev R Morris, M.A. The musical portion of the programme was well sustained by Miss Maud Jones (Llangollen), Mr Ffestin Jones (Festiniog), Miss L J Price (Bar- mouth), Mr Meirion Davies, Mr W T Lloyd, the Ebenezer Children's Choir. The accompanist was Miss Blodwen Williams, assisted by Mr J Lloyd. OF INTEREST TO EVERYBODY.—Once again the annual Clearance Sale, previous to stock-taking, is on at Commerce House, Dolgelley. This season, the extraordinary mildness of the weather, has caused the demand for warmer clothing to be very small, and materials to be marked lower than usual, with the result that the Stock in these Departments are naturally somewhat heavier. The consequence is that those who have not yet procured their regular supplies are now offered Greater Inducements than have before been possible both in regard to Sterling Value and Cheapness, and present purchasers are assured of reaping the full advantage by securing these Goods at Greatly Reduced Prices. This un- precedented opportunity should not be missed without first seeing these Bargains, which are offered at comparatively nominal clearance prices. —John Griffith, proprietor. [Advt. CHRISTMASTIDE AT THE W ORKHOUsE.-The in- mates at the Workhouse, young and old, were the recipients of varied and gladly-welcomed gifts, through the generosity of those mentioned in the following list. On Christmas Day the usual dinner and tea were allowed by the Guardians. The preparations and other arrangements for the com- foit of the inmates were carried out by Mr and Mrs Roberts. On Wednesday a Christmas tree laden with toys, fruit, &c, the whole the gift of Mr Leigh Taylor, gave the young and old much delight and merriment. Mr Taylor, Major Scott and Mr Munro Edwards attended to superintend and assist at the distribution. The following additional list of gifts is also acknowledged :—Mr Leigh Taylor, round of beef and sausages for extra dinner and supper on New Year's Day, tobacco for the men, tea for the women Miss Fletcher and Mrs Williams, Fly- coed, wraps for women in sick ward, tobacco for men and toys for children Mr and Mrs C E J Owen, Hengwrtucha, tea and china cups and saucers for women, tobacco for the men; Miss Richards, Caerynwch, cheese for the women, to- bacco for the men, sweets and oranges for the children Mr E Griffith, Springfield, tea and cheese for the old people; Mrs D II Jones, Lawn House. tobacco for the men, oranges and sweets for the children; Mrs J Charles Hughes, Bryndedwydd, special mutton dinner and tea; Dr Chas Williams, Chairman of the Guardians, calenig of 6d each to the adults and 3d each for the children. It goes without saying that such gifts gladdened the inmates' Christmastide. BOAltD OF GUARDIANS.—SATURDAY. Dr Chas Williams, Llaneuddwyn, in the chair. THE LATE MR. FRANCIS EVANS. The Chairman, before commencing the ordinary business, moved a vote of condolence with the family of their late friend, Mr Fiancis Evans. He was an old member of their Board, and had served the ratepayers in that capacity for many years. He had also acted as chairman of the Finance Committee, and was most faithful in his attend- ance. They, as Guardians, had lost a good friend, and the town of Dolgelley had also lost one of its best friends. He was especially kind to the poor.- Mr Wm Lloyd seconded the proposition, which was carried in silence. THE BARMOUTH ASSISTANT-OVERSEER. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Govern- ment Board adverting to the failure of Mr John Roberts, assistant-orerseer, to furnish the Guar- dians with the necessary security as to the per- formance of his duties, and desiring to know if he had since supplied them with the security. They also enclosed a copy of a letter sent to them by Mr John Roberts, stating that he was in com- munication with the Guarantee Society, and hoped to be able to complete it in a few days and to hand it to the Guardians.—The Clerk said that up to that morning he had not received anything from Mr Roberts.—The Chairman What is the date of the letter ?-The Clerk Dec. 1st.—On the proposition of Mr M G Williams, seconded by Mr Hugh Evans, it was again decided to leave the matter in the hands of the Local Government Board. THE DOCTOR AND THE GUARDIAN. At the last meeting Dr H J Lloyd wrote pro- testing against a remark made by a member of the Board that he had supplied medicine to a pauper in the parish of Llanddwywe-is, and that the medi- cine had been charged both to the pauper and to the Board.—Mr E P Jones now stated that he was quite sure be had seen the bill. Ellen Williams, Talybont, had been supplied with a bottle on two occasions. He had shown the bill to a member of the Board, who was present that day, and the medicine which the Board was asked to pay for was charged in that also.—Mr M G Williams (the member of the Board referred to) said he had seen the bill, but believed a mistake had been made by Dr Lloyd. The medicine was charged to Williams, Talywern, instead of Williams, Talybont.—Mr E P Jones said he had referred to the matter in the interests of the ratepayers and parishioners. He was now glad that he had shown the bill to Mr Williams, as he felt that his character was as good as any man's.—The Chairman also thought that a mistake had been committed.- Mr M J Morris I am sure Dr Llo) d will find that he made a mistake, and will acknowledge that Mr Jones has done the proper thing in bringing the matter forward.- The Chairman having remarked that Mr Jones was right in defending himself, and that Dr Lloyd had evidently committed a mistake, the matter dropped A WEALTHY PAUPER. The case of Robert Jones, 31 years of age, a native of Corris, who was found wandering, was considered. When found, Jones could not give any account of himself and was consequently admitted to the Denbigh Asylum as a lunatic. On inquiries being made it was found that the man was worth about £400, and in his box were found several bank notes. Atl present the Guardians were being charged for his maintenance at the asylum.-On the