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BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—SATURDAY.
BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—SATURDAY. Present: Dr Charles Williams (chairman) pre- siding, Mr Cadwaladr Roberts, Llangelynin, vice- chairman the Rev E Hughes, Messrs John Evans and Hugh Evans, Barmouth; Richard Mills and Williams, Dolgelley David Evans, Mallwyd; John Edwards, John Roberts, and Griffith Richards, Brithdir and Islawrdref; Ellis Williams, Llanaber; Ellis Pughe Jones, Llanddwywe-is; David Tudor, Llanegryn; Hugh Evans and Morris G Williams, Llanenddwyn; Owen Jones, Llanymawddwy Hugh Jones and J Pughe Jones, Talyllyn; with Mr W R Richards, assistant clerk, and the relieving officers.
WHY THE POOR RATES ARE HIGH…
WHY THE POOR RATES ARE HIGH IN THE TOWYN PARISH. A SERIOUS MATTER FOR THE RATEPAYERS. THIRD ARTICLE. [SPECIALLY CONTRIBUTED.] The articles I have written on the above subject and the paper read by Mr R P Morgan at the last meeting of the Towyn Debating Society (as pub- lished in extenso in your last issue) have served to bring the matter of the exceedingly high poor rate paid by the Towyn parish to the seiious notice of the ratepayers, and already some of our most prominent men are seeking some means to bring about a reform. It will be remembered that the contention I have made is that Towyn parish pays £ 291 in poor rate mora than the paupers receiys, in other 'words we maintain our own paupers and assist other parishes to maintain theirs. In my last letter I promised to give some sug- gestions as to how to bring about a reform. This I will now proceed to do. In my opinion the in- justice lies in the assessment of the different parishes in the Machynlleth Union. In order that all the ratepayers may be able to follow me it is necessary for me to state that the poor rate is fixed on the assessable value of the different parishes. Therefore it follows as a matter of course that if the assessable value of a parish is high then the poor rate will also be high in consequence. If on the other hand the assessable value is low then the rate will be a low one. The rateable value of Towyn has increased from £16,113 in 1889 to £19,144 in 1899 whilst that of Mach- ynlleth was £6,189 in 1889 and £7,096 in 1899. Following upon that fact I find that Towyn contributed £ 1,586 9s 7d in 1889 and £1,676 18s 6d last year. Looking at the case of Machyn- lleth, I find that parish contributed JE769 Is 8d in 1889 and £665 13s 5id last year. Why should Machynlletb pay £103 8s 2fd less in 1899 than ten years ago ? While I will acknowledge that the population of Machynlleth has been stationary, I cannot acknowledge that the place has decreased in value. On the other hand, I feel certain a slight increase should have been shown. Let me now proceed to show how matters are worked in regard to the Towyn parish. I have found out that almost house in Towyn that was valued by the over- seers and submitted last June to the Assessment Committee has been raised. The clearest way for me is to put my figures in tabulated form :— As sent by Increased by Houses. Overseers. Assessment Com. £ s. £ No. 1 25 0 32 2 18 0 25 3 70 9 4 5 0 6 5 16 0 20 6 16 0 20 7 27 10 35 8 27 10 35 9 16 0 18 10 30 0 35 11 30 0 35 12 150 0 150 13 40 0 70 14 10 0 10 The above figures show how Towyn is increasing. It shows an increase of about X600 in the Towyn sub-district alone; but what I want to point out and to emphasise as much as I can is the fact that the additions made to the overseers' valuation amounts to about 20 per cent. Even in the matter of small houses of R5 or e7 value the Assessment Committee had no hesitation in adding to our burdens at Towyn. It is reasonable to ask why should Towyn and Aberdovey, who are struggling to work themselves to the front of watering places, be penalised like this by the Machynlleth Assess- ment Committee. I have three alternative schemes to suggest to- wards rectifying matters. The first is that recom- menjed by the Clerk to the Dolgelley Union in regard to the pauper parishes-or parasite? as Mi R Price Morgan calls them—in that Union. Mr Davies advised the members for those parishes which contributed more than they received to care- fully investigate and watch over the expenditure of the parasite parishes. This scheme is one that our present representatives can attend to. To do this they will have to spend a whole day at Mach- ynlleth, and not let the members for the "parasite" parishes do as they like in their absence. The cost per head of out-door paupers in the following parishes is so high that a remedy could easily be made Caereinion Fechan £ 7 12s, Cemmes £ 5 9s Hid Isygarreg £ 5 13s 9jd, Llanbrynmair £ 7 Is 81d, Llanwrin £8 3s 5d, and Scuborycoed £ 8 12s lld. The next scheme is that the Union, or at least some parishes in the Union, should be valued by a competent valuer. The system adopted by the Board has been to base its figures on the rent, especially is this the case in the rural parishes. Now it so happens that rents are comparatively low in Montgomeryshire, and particularly is this the case on Sir Watkin's estate. Therefore ratepayers in those parishes pay small rent and very little rates for perhaps large and commodious houses. Coming to Towyn and Aberdovey we find that big rents are asked for small houses, and to pile on the aeonv of the occupier be is called upon again to pav We rates for the support of "parasite" parishes? I believe if the other parishes were so heavily assessed as Towyn is and taking the houses, &c., into consideration, there would be no need for Towyn parish to pay nearly £300 in excess of what its paupers receive. The third scheme is that an effort should be made to separate Towyn and Pennal parishes from the Union and to form a contributory Union. This is the best suggestion of all. These two parishes are in Merioneth while all the others are in Montgomery or Cardigan. Mr R Price Morgan clearly explained this scheme at the last meeting of the Towyn Debatino- Society. There would be no extra ex- pense iDany branch The same salary as we now contribute (about £ 30) would be enough for the Clerk the fame relieving officer would be trans- ferred früm the Machynlleth Union, and the Work- house would still be at our command. The result would be a nett gain to the parish of £300. I trust that other ratepayers will write their opinions upon this matter.
TOWYN.
TOWYN. MILLINERY.—Mrs Edward Rowlands, 16, Idris Villas, desires to inform the inhabitants of the district that she still continues to carry on the Millinery Business, where customers will find suit- able style, and reasonable charges. Hats cleaned, dyed, and altered. Ladies' Dress Caps made to order. [Advt. STATION ROAD. — The Cambrian Railways Co have sent railings to be erected on the company's property in front of Station road. An application is being made to the company to have the road widened in this part. DEBATING SOCIETY.—" Which is the better form of Government; Republic or Limited Monarchy," was the subject of debate at Tuesday evening's meeting of the Debating Society. Mr R Price Morgan presided in the unavoidable absence of the president. Mr J Whitaker spoke on behalf of a Republican Government, whilst Miss L J Roberts, Board School, read a convincing paper on behalf of Monarchy. A discussion then ensued, those tak- ing part being Messrs W R Williams, B.Sc., A H Jones, D 0 Jones, E J Evans, W H Edwards, T G Roberts, B.A., and Miss Phillips. On a division a majority of two favoured the monarchical form of government. At a committee meeting held subsequently it was decided to devote next meet- ing to a discussion on the week's speeches in Par- liament, members being selected to represent the leaders of the parties. A COMPLIMENT TO THE COUNTY SCHOOL.—At a meeting of the County Governing Body on Thursday last the annual report of the Headmaster of the Towyn County School on the work accomplished during the year was read. It will be remembered that last year was a record year in connection with the school. The report having been read, Dr Roger Hughes (Bala) proposed a vote of congratulation to the Towyn managers on the success achieved by the school during the time it had been in existence. He did not know whether they bad all seen the successes which pupils from that school had obtained, but he thought it was very creditable to the Headmaster and his colleagues, as well as to the Local Governing Body, that they had such a school in the county.—The Hon C H Wynn seconded this proposition, which was carried.-It was decided to ask the other headmasters for their reports. BILLIARD MATCH.—On Wednesday, afternoon, a Billiard match was played at the Corbett Arms Hotel, between teams representing Towyn a*?d Bar- mouth, The games were 150 up. There was nothing brilliant in the play of either teams, the biggest break made being 28. by one of the Bar- mouth men. In the result, the Barmouth men won all the games, winning by 135 points. The Towyn representatives did not do justicd to themselves, and should have won at least two, if not three of the games. A feature of theL;ame was the remark- able display of one cf the Baraionth substitutes (Mr Loxton). He played a stead" game ad through, and eventually won tne game for b's side. All were high their praise of the new billiard room at the Corbett Hotel. GOOD TEMPLARS ELECTION OF OFFICERS.-At the last meeting the following were elected officers of the lodge for the ensuing quarter :—Chief Tem- plar, Mr J Maethlon James; vice-templar and or- ganist, Miss Hughes, Merton Villa marshall, Miss Davies, Arfor terrace; chaplain, Mr Evan Owen, Gwalia; secretary, Mr D 0 Jones, Frondeg; asis- tant secretary, Miss L P Roberts, Madoc House; financial secretary, Miss Daniel, Brynhyfryd guard, Mr John Evans, Caethle; sentinel, Mr R W James; National St; treasurer, Miss S A Parry. There are prospects of some interesting meetings. Addresses were delivered by the Rev J M Williams, Mr J M James, Ilar Davies, and Mr D 0 Jones, and a sons; was given by Master Meirion Davies, to whom a letter of introduction was given to the Festiniog Lodge. WAR OFFICE CALL.—On Monday afternoon Capt Edward W Kirkby, commanding the Towyn Com- pany of Volunteers, who had volunteered his ser. vices some time ago, received a telegram from the War Office notifying him to attend at the War Office with the object of having the charge of a gun. Should Capt Kirkby pass the medical exami- nation he will probably sail for the seat of war in a short time. He is every inch a soldier, and was one of the first Volunteers to offer his services in fact, he did so by means of a telegram on the day the services of the Volunteers were asked for. With the 6 30 p.m. train Capt Kirkby left for London. Time therefore did not allow of a public demon- stration, but many friends were present at the station when he left and wished him every success. Three hearty cheers were given as the train left the station. Towyn will thus be well represented in South Africa.
LLWYNGWRIL.
LLWYNGWRIL. OBITUARY.—On Monday the 22nd inst, the death took place of Miss Elizabeth Ann Williams of Fron- deg (daughter of Mr Griffith Williams, organist). The remains were interred at the Church Cemetery Llwyngwril, on Thursday, when a large number of relatives and friends attended the funeral. The youug lady was 19 years of age and a member of the C.M. Chapel and very highly respected. The Rev E Vaughan Humphreys officiated at the house, and the Rev J E Davies, curate of Arthog, officiated at the Church and the grave. ILLNESS.—The Rector (Rev J E Davies) has been ailing of late, being attended by Dr Lloyd of Bar- mouth, and visited by Dr Dobbie of Chester. The parishioners will be pleased to learn that he has so far recovered as to be able to resume his duties.
ABERDOVEY.
ABERDOVEY. DEBATING SOCIETY.—At the last meeting of the Calvinistic Methodist Literary Meeting, Mr W Jones Hughes presiding, a debate took place on whether the conquest of Wales by the Saxon bad been an advantage or a disadvantage to Wales. Mr T Bowen endeavoured to show that it had been great advantage, and Miss Pugh, Board School, pointed to some disadvantages which had resulted from the union of the two countries. A majority favoured the view that the union had proved a beneficial one. CRICKET—The local cricket club is at present spending about R30 to make a proper pitch on the land between the railway station and the main road ieading from Aberdovey to Towyn. As a large number of cricketers visit Aberdovey during the season, this decision is a wise one. NEW HousEs.-Mr A Williams, contractor, has erected two very fine houses on the front at Aber. dovey. One is being occupied by Dr Bonner. The other (Minydon) is nearing completion. The houses are exceedingly well built and cost about £ 3,000. Captain John Williams contemplates building a new house. THE INDEPENDENTS.—Mr J P Lewis presided over the deliberations of this society on Monday evening, when Mr John Lumley, sen, gave an address on The life of the late Hugh Owen, Bron- clydwr," a prominent figure in the history of Con- gregationalism in the Northern part of the Princi- pality. A debate then ensued on the influence of novels. Mr Williams, R.O., spoke to the effect that novels had bad an elevating effect on the minds of the people. Captain T Walters spoke against this view. Mr W D Evans, hairdresser, supported the former, and Mr Philip Evans and Alderman J Hughes Jones the latter. On putting the question to a vote the latter view was carried by a majority, THE RECHABITES. — On Friday evening the Rechabite Tent held their annual dinner at the Board School. During the year new members were enrolled, the membership now numbering 62. The juvenile tent shows an increase of 18 members, the members now being 39. The Rechabite Male Voice Party gave a part song, after which Mr W D Evans proposed the toast of the Guests," to which Mr W J Ives, Mr John Lumley, and Mr W Jones, C.C., responded. Mr Hugh Lewis contri- buted a song. Mr Ffestin Williams sung the solo of the National Anthem all present joining in the chorus. FOR THE FRONT.—Monday was a memorable day at Aberdovey as the towns people gave a send off to Trooper Potter, fruiterer, of this town, who was leaving to rejoin the Montgomery Yeomanry at Welshpool preparatory to leaving for the front. A desire was expressed in the town to give him a good send-off, and accordingly Mr Van Hove and Mr J Morris, grocer, went round the town to canvass for subscription. Nearly five pounds was collected and presented to him. Hundreds congregated to the station on Monday evening where the trooper had been dragged in a dog-cart lent 'for occasion by Mr J M Howell, Craigydon. Here intense enthusiasm was manifested, and the scene was a touching one. Mr Howell presented Trooper Potter with the pnrse and money and wished him every success and a safe return. Capt John Bell also delivered a stirring speech. Re did not look gloomily at the reverses our army was at present experiencing. The nation bad set its mind upon a victory they would undoubtedly have (applause).- As the train left, fog signals were fired. There was also a display of bunting in the town.
DOLGELLEY.
DOLGELLEY. SERMON.—On Tuesday evening the Rev Evan Jones, Carnarvon, occupied the pulpit at Salena C.M. Chapel and delivered a powerful sermon. THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS. — The Elementary Schools of the town are all still closed owing to the prevailing illness. FREEHOLD PROPERPY SALE. — Last Saturday, Messrs Dew and Son, at the Royal Ship Hotel, offered for sale by public auction the well-built freehold premises known as Nos 1 to 4, Crosby Buildings, situate in the centre of the town. The lot were knocked down at £2,175 to Messrs Solomon Andrews and Sons. A PATRIOTIC FEELING. — Rumour is gaining ground that another attempt is about to be made to form a Volunteer Corps in the town. If the matter is taken up in earnest there is no reason why it should not prove successful. The question has been shelved before, not because of the lack of support but owing to the indifference or something else of the military authorities. THE STATION GARDEN.—Great praise is due to the stationmaster and the foreman for the beautiful appearance the station garden presented during the summer months. The Great Western Railway Company have awarded the second prize of X3 for the best garden to Dolgelly, the first going this time to Blaenau Festiniog. Dolgelly has previously won the first prize, and a determined effort is being made to take premier honours next season. Visitors and passengers have often been struck with the beautiful appearance of the garden.
THE DOCTOR AND THE GUARDIAN…
THE DOCTOR AND THE GUARDIAN A MISUNDERSTANDING. Dr Lloyd, Barmouth, wrote as follows Tyny- coed, Jan. 26th, 1900. Dear Sir,-I observe that the Board of Guardians do not appear to have realised the gravity of the charge brought against me by Mr Ellis Pughe Jones, of Llwyndu. Having been a medical officer to your Boari for upwards of 30 years, I respectfully submit that the Board should insist on the production of the accounts and returns for the period in which I am charged with having sent a bill to the Guardians, and also the pauper, which 1 still deny having done. The Board will find as the result of the investigation that no bill or record can be produced in which there was the slightest possibility of my having m^de a mistake, as neither Ellen Williams, Talybont, nor Ellen Williams, Gotel- wern, are in my accounts. I wish this matter to be thoroughly looked into as I do not consider that the Board should be satisfied with anybody's mere ipse dixit. After reading in several news- papers the unfounded charges brought by Mr Ellis Pughe Jones I sent a letter to the Boatd which wa? read, but for some unknown reasons was not published, but I gave Mr E P Jones a good oppor- tunity to apologise. He has failed to do this, therefore I shall not feel satisfied now to allow the matter to rest here, as it is seriously injuring me in my professional capacity. I request that this letter may be published, as I am sure you would wish everything to be carried out in a straight- forward manner.—Yours faithfully, H J LLOYD. The Chairman What has the Board to say on this matter ?-The Rev E Hughes said he was not present, but it struck him that they ought to look into the matter and examine the bills. lie held in his hands the accounts sent in by Dr Lloyd for the past quarter. That they could pass accounts which were not accurate was a reflection on the Board. As far as he could see from the accounts an apology was due from Mr E P Jones to Dr Lloyd. He did not for a moment mean to say that Mr Jones made the charge purposely, bat that he ract committed a mistake, and a great mistake. accoi)tits did not con tain the name of Ellen Williams, Toprovethathewouldcalluponthe Clerk to read the list.—The Clerk read the list publicly, and said that he did not see the name of Ellen Williams there at all.-The Rev E Hughes said the matter thus fell through. There was not the name of Ellen Williams in the list for the past three years. Dr Lloyd had two separate books with the names of his private and pauper patients. The Board was at liberty to examine Dr Lloyd's books, and to see that it was impossible for him to make a mistake. Mi M G Williams (a member of the Board) had confirmed what Air Jones had said whici made the matter far more seriors. The Poa>d would have to remember that Dr Lloyd was OLJe of its officers, a"d while he continued to do his t duty to their satisfaction they were bound to defend him. It was their piivilege to defend their officers whea in the right and to reprimand them when in the wrong. He did not know what the reply by Mr Jones would be, but he believed that Mr Jones conscieotionsly thought he was right when he made tbe statement. It now rested with Mr Jones to bring forward some further evidence, the bill or some other proof, to support what he had said at the previous meetings. If he failed to do so then an apology was due from him. Every man made mistakes, and to apologise for a mistake was no discredit to anybody.—Mr Ellis Pughe Jones (af,cer a brid interval) said he had only the same tning to say. He saw the name of Ellen Williams at the bottom of a bill in that room. He showed it to Mr M G WFUams for the purpose of asking who she was. He afterwards made inquiries when he went home and found that there had been an orphan girl of that name. In a fortnight he spoke again to lvlr Williams, and said it was quite possible there had been a person receiving physic from Dr Lloyd. He had no other object when he brought the matter forward than to honestly do his duty towards the ratepayers, and to cast a slur upon anyone was far from his intentions. Wherever that bill had gone to, Mr Williams had seen it. lie did not come there to blame anyone. Whatever Dr Lloyd made to him he would not have his character put under foot.—Mr M G Williams asked if Dr Lloyd was not to make an account of every parish by itself.—The Clerk: No, he is to send in a list.—Mr M G Williams I see the names of several not belonging to the parish.—The Clerk: They are all in his district.—Mr Williams I should like to know how much is paid to Dr Lloyd ?—The Clerk: You can find all particulars in the abstract of accounts which are before you to-day.—Mr Williams then stated that he was prepared to take his oath that he had seen the name of Ellen Williams on a bill. He also under- stood that the doctor had been attending a person of that name. He did not see that bill there that day.—The Clerk Dr. Lloyd has never had a bill returned from my office.-Mr. Williams Mr. Jones called my attention to it, and said he did not know of a person of that name. He came to me again in a fortnight and said there was a person of that name living at Talybont.—Rev. E. Hughes (inter- rupting) mentioned the name of another Ellen Williams.—Mr. E. P. Jones You listen, Mr. Hughes and not interrupt. The Chairman referred to a pauper of the name of Laura Williams, whose child was called Ellen Williams. There was another Ellen Williams who was not a pauper.—The Rev. E. Hughes Here is Dr. Lloyd's bill.-The Clerk And it is the only bill sent in by Dr. Lloyd.—Mr. E. P. Jones said he was prepared to take his oath that he had seen it. It was a small bill under the other bi 11.— Mr. U. Roberts suggested as a solution of the difficulty that a reply should be sent to Dr. Lloyd regretting that a mistake had been made.- Mr E P Jones That would mean that I have told a lie I have done my duty honestly. What ever has become of the bill, I do not know.—The Clerk Noth- ing has been don9 to the bill. Every bill that has come to my office has been brought before you and Dr Lloyd has never asked me to return a bill. -Mr Jones pointed out that the bill was receipted on the 7th, whilst the meeting was held on the 4th. -Mr C Roberts There has been a mistake some- where. I want Mr Jones to acknowledge that he is liable to have made a mistake. The matter might then be settled.—Mr E P Jones said he had seen it in that very room.—Several members counselled Mr Jones to accept this course, but he refused, saying he could not get over the fact that be had seen the bill.—Mr C Roberts said the question was getting more complicated. The veracity of the clerk had now been involved.—Mr J Evans sug- gested that it was possible that the bill was in the previous half-year's accounts.—Mr R Mills proposed that the matter be left to a committee to go into and report to the Board. He suggested the names of the Chairman and Vice- C hairman.-T he Chair- man said he did not see it would be of any utility for this committee to meet at all unless Mr E P Jones and Mr M G Williams, as well as the whole Board, were willing to accept their decision as finar. -Mr M G Williams expressed himself desirous to accept the report of the committee as final on the point.—Mr Ellis Williams proposed that the Board also agree to accept a similar report as settling the question, and it was agreed to.—Mr E P Jones however, did not promise to abide by the finding of the committee.—The committee was then appointed as follows: Chairman, Vice. Chairman and the Clerk. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Mrs Francis Evans, Wnion Villa, wrote ackuow-' ledging the vote of condolence passed with her by the Board in the death of her husband. She was deeply grateful to the Board for that expression of of the Board's appreciation of his worth. FINANCE. The Rev E Hughes brought up the report of the Finance Committee. After paying the salaries of the officers, &c., they would have a balance of about £ 50 in favour of the Union. RESIGNATION. The Chairman stated that Dr Edward Jones medical officer for the Dolgelley district, was desirious of resigning his post. He therefore gave notice that at the next meeting he would move, if the resignation should be accepted that the Board proceed to elect a successor.—Mr M G Williams also gave notice that he would move that the Board advertise for a successor. He believed that would be more fair to all parties concerned.