Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

ABERYSTWfTH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—MONDAY. Present: Mr W A Miller, chairman, Mr W Morris, vice-chairman, Rev T A Penry, Messrs Geo Fossett Roberts, B E Morgan, Ed Jones, Edwin Morris, John Morgan, Rev John Davies, Messrs Hugh Hughes, David Edwards, Evan Lewis, John Jones, W Hugees, with Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk. A CASE OF INSPECTION. The Rev T A Penry called the attention of the Guardians to the case of a woman who was at pres- ent in the lying in ward of the House. She had been delivered of a bastard child and there were three others besides. Now these children were taken and kept either by friends or relatives and not a penny was paid towards their keep by the mother or the fathers. In one case a woman living in Trefechan had two children in her care and he was told that no money was paid. He therefore thought that the Guardians should find out why the woman kept these children.—The Clerk said that the relieving officers were Inspectors under the Infants' Life Protection Act.—Rev T A Penry said that he was informed by Mr Vaughan that the officers could interfere unless money was paid for the keep of the children.—The Clerk said that a fifteen months' old child ought to be in the House with the mother and under the circumstances the officers had a perfect right to inquire into the condi- tion of the child.—Rev T A Penry said that the only excuse the mother could give for the woman taking care of the children was her love for them.- Several of the Guardians questioned that this was the only reason, and the Board directed Mr Yaughan to report to the next meeting. OUT-RBLIEF. During the past two weeks the following amounts were paid in out-relief :-Per Mr Joseph Morgan to 141 recipients z648 18s; per Mr T Vaughan to 158, R42 9s 4d; per Mr J J Hughes to 146, zC38 19s. HOUSE COMMITTEE. The Rev T A Penry presented the report of the House Committee which stated that Mr Penry had been re-elected chairman. Captain Daniel Evans had discharged himself that morn. ing and had asked the relieving officer for a ticket of re-admission the same evening. Perhaps Evans had some good points but he entirely ignored every regulation of the House.- Mr George Fossett Roberts said he had seen Evans that morning and he said he had been refused a holiday a couple of weeks ago, and had not had one for three months.—The Master said that the Master could dock his diet and restrict his holidays for a longer period.

THE PROSPECTS OF TOWYN. Now that the summer season is drawing near the residents are busily preparing for the reception of visitors. Signs are not wanting that the season will be a busy one. It is beyond doubt that there will be a rush for seaside resorts in the British Isles in preference to visits to the Continent. Our venerable Queen has set the monied classes a good example which will have a beneficial effect upon home resorts, and Towyn amongst others is bound to reap some benefit. The action of Royalty in visiting the Continent has been the means of taking away from this country millions of pounds which would have been very welcome to many in this country. If it were possible to get Royalty to visit this part of Wales it would be a. great advantage. The history of seaside places vary a great deal, but it will be generally admitted that the success of many favourite places is one of great suddenness. It rests with the local authority to launch our little barque into the sea of success, so that the tide of prosperity may roll over the town with greater force than anything we have yet experienced. 4

THE PROSPECTS OF BARMOUTH. From many points of view the last meeting of the Barmouth Urban Council was an important one, inasmuch au it marks a new era in the history of Barmouth. For some time it has been evident that Barmouth is extricating itself from the cordon of difficulties with which it was surrounded. Not very long ago we heard of the County Court officers" taking possession of the Council Chamber and all its important documents, a chamber which has been the scene of many a wordy battle. Then we heard of the almost "bankrupt" state of the town. However, recent events show that Barmouth of the near future is to be a more successful Bar- mouth. A gentleman pointed out the other day that one of the best proofs of prosperity in a town like Barmouth is the decoration of the place. If," said our friend, You see a place looking dirty and the tradespeople careless as to the painting, &c., of their establishments, you can't expect much from it. On the other hand, if the painters are busy it is a sure sign of success." Well, painters are busy at Barmouth, and not only the painters but the builders and those who benefit from building eperations. Then the streets are being put in order. The Surveyor and an ex-Councillor paid a visit to Llandudno-the Queen of Welsh watering places- to see how the streets were made there. Indeed, let us at this stage congratulate all those who are concerned in this affair not only for undertaking the work but for the thoroughness with which it is to be carried out. The streets will next season present a different appearance from last season, and visitors will not fail to appreciate this catering on their behalf. In addition to the above the Local Government Board have sanctioned the borrowing of large sums of money which will be utilised towards carrying out improvements which are greatly needed. Last of all, but by no means the least important, is the reduction in the rates. May be a future generation will not thank the Council for what they have done in extending the period of the repayment of loans, but the pre- sent generation no doubt benefits from the arrange- ment. The new blood which has been introduced into the Council promises to work well. ♦

CORRESPONDENCE. To CORRESPONDENTS. — Communications for this column should be addressed to the Editor, and must be written upon one side of the paper only. They should in all cases be accompanied by the name and address of the sender, not necessarily for publication but as a guarantee of good faith.

BOER AND BRITON. To the Editor. Sir,-By the Outlanders is meant" foreigners." The chief cry of the oppressed Outlander is to obtain the franchise. The chief city of the oppressed is Johannesberg, with a population of 80,000, but of these only 600 have the privilege of the fran- chise. If the Outlanders were compelled to pay reasonable taxes only, they could be expected to receive the franchise, but as a matter of imposition the average tax of the Outlander is zC40, whereas that of the Boer, who exercises the franchise, is £ 2 7s 6d. Furthermore the necessaries of life of the Outlanders are open to heavy tolls, or duty rather. Take for instance flour and bacon. The duty on the former is 15s for every 100 lbs. and Is. a pound on the latter. It may be thought by many that the Outlander makes his fortune in the one hundred or thereabouts gold mines of the Transvaal, but it is the other way about. They are the hard-working population and are taxed unreasonably and unmercifully. In 1893 an appeal for the franchise was made, and 13,000 signed a petition to this effect, but the Raad refused it with scorn. In 1894 another and a similar petition was got up and signed by 35,000, but this appeal was also scornfuHy met and checked by more stringent laws. Appealing for the franchise in a fair and peaceful manner proved unavailing, when Dr Jameson was appealed to to cross the frontier which he did about the end of 1895, but he and his little army of Cape Police were met by Cronje, one of the most brutal leaders in the Trans- vaal, at a place called Dornkoop, about six miles from Johannesberg, were beaten and taken prisoners. President Kruger sentenced them to be shot, but the late General Joubert successfully opposed this summary and unjust sentence as he could well forsee the consequences of such a course. The Raid proved of advantage to the Boers to exact more heavy taxes and pass stringent laws. Dyna- mite was made a special weapon against the Out- landers, for it advanced dearer by £ 600,000 a year. The Boer needed it not but the miners required it to work the mines. The question of education is another instance of injustice and false means on the part of the Boer. A law was passed by which means the sum of £ 63,000 was raised, or wrenched rather, from the pockets of the Outlanders towards education, but of this sum X650 only was spent on the education of the children of the Outlanders. There are numerous other details of oppression and bad laws existing in the Transvaal, but the above will suffice to display the tender mercies of the Raad." It is said that Lord Beaconsfield, a few weeks before his death in 1881, spoke very strongly on the stopping of the Transvaal War after the reverse of Majuba Hill. He shook his head and remarked We might easily have vanquished the pigmy we may have to fight the giant in 20 years' time." The prophecy has proved unmistakably true.—Yours, J.R.W.

ALLEGED SHARP PRACTICES AT DOLGELLEY. SEVERAL TRADESMEN DUPED. ACCUSED COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. At Dolgelley on Tuesday before Messrs C E Munro Edwards, E T Watts, R Wynne Williams, J E Jones. Thomas Edwards, and Wynne Williams, a stylishly dressed person named Francis Thomas Benbow was brought up in custody charged with obtaining money by false pretences from various tradesmen in the town. Mr R Guthrie Jones appeared to prosecute on behalf of the police. The accused was represented by Mr R Jones Griffith.- Mr Guthrie Jones said he only intended that day to submit sufficient evidence to enable the Magis- trates to commit the accused to take his trial before a jury. As in all such cases the police were in possession of facts which at that stage of the case could not be brought forward. He believed it would be shown that the accused was connected with a long and large system of frauds.—Sergeant Richard Owen, stationed at Dolgelley, said he apprehended the accused at Conway. In answer to the charges accused replied that what he had to say would be said before the Bench. He found the card produced upon the accused.-W Allen said he was the proprietor of the Star Stores. On the 23rd of April last. about 1.30 p.m., prisoner called at his shop. He said he represented the firm whose name was on a card which he showed. He did say he represented the Direct Supply Cutlery Company. The address was 17, York Street, Bath. He showed some samples of cutlery from a bag which he had with him. He (witness) gave him an order and paid him 5s 2d. The receipt he now produced and was signed by the prisoner. Accused returned him twopence, explaining that it was the custom of the firm to grant discount. He told him that his goods were at Barmouth and that the order would be sent up that night or next morning in a package enclosed in Davies & Co'a (New Shop) parcel. Up to now he Ihad not seen the goods. The addrss that prisoner gave had turned out to be a genuine one. Accused did not offer anything for sale over the counter. He said he had only samples of each.-Detective Sergeant Smith said he was stationed at Bath. Had been there four years and knew the place well. There was no such Company as mentioned by the accused at Bath. He knew the address, 17, York street, as printed on accused's cards. It was a small Temperance Hotel kept by prisoner's wife. No other business was carried on there.—Mr Jones Griffith submitted that the charge of false pretences could not be sustained by the evidence given. The address given by accused had proved to be quite correct. They all knew very well that individuals did and could carry on business under any name they pleased. The Bench retired for a short time. On their return the Chairman said they were agreed that there was a prima facie case for committal. — Accused was next charged with obtaining the sum of 2s 10d from Davies and Co., of the New Shop, by false pretences.—Mr William Davies said he carried on business with his brother under the style of Davies and Co. On the 23rd ult the accused called at their shop. He asked them to look at a printed billhead. He simply said he represented the firm mentioned thereon. They gave an order to the value of 2s lOd, and the goods were to be sent on to them. He bad a receipt J.)r the money he paid. He had not yet had the goods.—Robt Davies said he carried on the Criterion Temperance Hotel and a confectionery shop. The accused called upon him and said he represented the Direct Supply Cutlery Company." The witness asked him for his card, but he replied that he had none, and handed a printed memorandum. He agreed to take goods to the value of 3s and paid for them. The accused showed him samples. He took a fancy to a knife, but the accused w<suld not sell the sample. The goods were to be sent on. He had not yet received them.-A fourth charge of ob- taining Is lOd from Mr Thomas Price, grocer, Bodaran, was commenced, but the witness, Mt Thos Price, junr., was so reluctant in his answers that Mr Guthrie Jones asked for the charge to be withdrawn.-The Bench on the three charges com- mitted the accused to take his trial at the Quarter Sessions. +

CHESTER CUP. Roughside 1 Manners oo. 2 Baldur 3 14 ran.

-———*———— CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of traffic receipts for the week ending May 6th, 1900. Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs and mails, £ 2,796; merchandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 2,885 total for the week, £ 5,681; aggregate from commencement of half-year, £90,513. Actual traffic receipts for the correspond- ing week last year: Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, &o., £ 2,518; merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 2,686; total for the week, £ 5,204; aggregate from commencement of half-year, £ 87,488. Increase for the week, passengers, parcels, &c., £ 278; increase, merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 199; total increase for the week, £ 477; aggregate increase, passengers, parcels, &c., £1,750; aggregate increase, merchandise, minerals, &c., £ 1,275; aggregate in. crease from commencement of half-year, £ 3,025.

Å SITUATION VACANT Will always bring the Largest Number of Replies by Advertising in the COUNTY TIMES." If there is anything you Want Advertise in the "COUNTY TIMES." If you have anything you wish to Sell, Advertise in the" COUNTY TIMES." THREE LINES FOR ONE SHILLING. IN A LL "Jjl DITIONS OF THER "COUNTY fJIIMES."

COMPLIMENTARY BANQUET AT TOWYN. On Saturday evening, at the Whitehall Hotel, through the initiation of a number of friends, a complimentary banquet was given to Sergeant Vaughan, of the 1st Scots Guards, who is a son of Mr Vaughan, Peniarth Uchaf. Sergeant Vaughan returned home a short time ago invalided after going through four engagements under Lord Methuen. On Monday he was ordered to rejoin his Regiment. Mr Vaughan Edmunds, town sur« Teyor, presided over the first part of the proceed- ings, until the arrival of Mr H F Carpenter, of Dolgelley. Mr John Davies occupied the vice- chair. The toasts of the Queen and the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Rest of the Royal Family," having been duly honoured with musical honours, the Chairman (Mr Carpenter) proposed the toast of "Our Guest." He said that Mr Vaughan had seen what no other person present had seen, active service. Since the outbreak of the war he had been to South Africa and had taken part in four engagements, viz., at Graspan, Magersfontein, Belmont, and Modder River. He hoped Mr Vaughan would relate, for the benefit of the oom- pany, a little of his experiences. Now that he was about to rejoin his regiment, he was sure they all wished him God-speed and a safe return (hear, hear).—Mr J Chidlaw Roberts said that as river bailiff before going to South Africa Mr Vaughan had earned the respect and the confidence of those who engaged him, and he was sure that as a soldier of the Queen he was equally devoted to duty. It was a great pleasure to him to be present and to wish him god.speed.-The Vice-Chairman said he had known Mr Vaughan's father ever since he was a boy. He came from a fighting family. His uncle last July won the prize for swordsman- ship at Shrewsbury against all England (hear, hear). He was pleased to see Mr Vaughan follow- ing in their footsteps, and he could do no more than wish him a scathless return.— Col-Sergt Edwards, Corporal H M Edwards, Sergeant E H Daniel, and Mr James Tomlins also spoke.—Mr Vaughan, in responding said he had to thank them for the kind manner in which they bad drunk his health and also for arranging that banquet. He had not been accustomed to public speaking and they could not expect a speech from him.-(A voice Never mind, you can fight). He had done his beat with his regiment, and of his comrades in arms he could say from experience that they had cause to be really proud of them. All through, for various reasons this campaign was a most trying one, and it was hard for anyone to realise the difficulties which had to be surmounted. The first battle in which he was en- gaged was Belmont. Here the Boers opened a heavy fire upon then at a range of 200yards with shells and pompoms. They, however, did but little execution nine only being killed. The ridge was taken at the Doint of the bayonet—just what the Boers did not like (laughter). After this they found the difficulty of fighting the Boers. As soon as they were com- pelled to vacate one hill they fixed themselves on another kopje and commenced the game over again. It was whilst going over the plain to meet them that the Boers had the advantage. However, they succeeded here in capturing their laager and des- troyed their ammunition. Graspan was the next engagement. Here his regiment got it very heavy. The Yorkshire's and the Naval Brigade did great work. It seemed to him that the Naval Brigade tried to do an impossible thing and that was the reason they failed. The Yorkshires fought like real Britons and won the battle. The Modder River battle was more trying than the other two. They were for a day and a half under heavy rifle fire, without anything to eat. They had a little water before starting, but that was a little bit thick like (laughter). The Boers had a great advantage in this battle. The ground rose gradu- ally, and on account of the suddenness with which they opened fire they put our men to a little con- fusion. He paid a high compliment to Col. Paget, who told at the very commencement that where he led his men he would not be afraid to go himself. He found him equal to his word (hear, hear). As regards the battle of Magersfontein, he had not much to say in addition to what they had already read. Of course, there was a good deal of criticism on Lord Methuen. He found him to be a thorough gentle- man, and he questioned whether there was a better man on the field. He treated his men as he liked to be treated himself, and he would like to be under him again. He did not think anything of the Boers as fighters; they were alljright behind the rock or cover—(laughter)—but when in the open they ran before them like hares (renewed laughter). He had a good word to say of the members of the medical staff and the nurses, who were doing very excellent work. Rudyard Kipling was up there and he bad had the pleasure of talking to him. Of course, he knew their little game as well as they did (laughter). He would like as a soldier to thank his employers and other employers for keeping situations for those who were" fighting for their co.ntry.- Mr Samuel Edmunds proposed the toast of the Army, Navy and Auxiliary Forces.Clr.Sergt Edwards and Cpl H M Roberts responded.-Dr Lloyd also responded and referred to the extraordinary amount done by the Army Medical Service and the nurses.—The toast of the Press was drank and responded to by our representative.-The following programme was gone through in the course of the evening :— Song, Red. White, land Blue," Mr John Davies; song, Mr J Carter; song, Mr Parr, Peniarthuchaf recitation, Mr Samuel Edmunds; song, Mr J Davies; Mr W Adams, of Birmingham, gave a clever impersonation of Veste Tilley and Eigene Stratton which was very much enjoyed; song, Cpl Weddall; recitation, Mr Chidlaw Roberts. ♦

Y GOLOFN GYMREIG. ANERCHIAD I Richard Oswald, maban Mr a Mrs H. W. Griffith Boot Warehouse, Towyn. Dy lais a glvw'som yn y Gwanwyn mwyn- Dy wenau arnomydynt lawn o swyn Daeth nodyn newydd, gyda'th lais, i gan Dy dad a'th fam, a chyda'r nodyn, dAn Enyna i ddeffro rhyw obeithion fyrdd A wnant brydferthu a goleuo'u ffyrdd. Fe ddaeth dylanwad eisoes o dy gryd I greu rhyw weddnewidiad ar y bryd. Hardd-wena, Oswald! fel y seren dlos, Ac anfon dy oleuni i ganu'r nos; Goleua hyd nes del yr Haul a dydd,- Tragwyddol wawl i roi dy wenau'n nghudd. Ebrill, 1900. JOHN MAETHLON JAMES.

Council.-In reply to Mr Ellis P Jones, the Clerk said that if the Parish Council did not carry out the scheme and the District Council took it up the cost would fall upon the whole parish and not npon the ratepayers of the village. That would be some. what unfair to those who would not benefit from the supply.—Mr Cadwaladr Roberts proposed that the Medical Officer and Inspector inspect Aber- gynolwyn and report upon the matter.—It was decided that both officers should visit Abergynolwyn and report to the next meeting. MEDICAL OFFICER'S ANNUAL REPORT. It was decided to print the medical officer's annual report upon the health of the district.—Mr M G Williams proposed that the report be printed in English only. The terms used in the English if translated could not be understood.—Mr EP Jones seconded.—Mr Griffith Richards said that if they did not print them in Welsh they might as well send blank sheets to the majority of those for whom the report was meant.—Mr Ellis Williams seconded the proposition, and on a division the amendment was carried by seven votes to four. COMPENSATION APPLIED FOR. A milk seller wrote saying that, as he had been given notice prohibiting the sale of milk, he should require 20s per week for six weeks, as well as fair compensation, for loss of customers and trade.- The matter was referred to a committee. UNEXPECTED OPPOSITION. The Clerk read a letter from the Dyffryn Parish Council saying they would oppose the application for a loan to carry out a scheme for the supply of water to the above place, on the ground of the in- sufficiency of water. A YEAR'S WORK. The Inspector reported that during the year 1899 there were 159 cases reported upon. Out of these 112 had been attended to, 24 were pending or par- tially done, and 23 remained unattended to.-It was decided that notice be sent to all who had not carried out the instructions of the Council with the yiew, if necessary, to take proceedings when the time expired.-In the case of Tyisaf and Tyrefail, belonging to Dr Williams, Rodney street, Liverpool, the Clerk was directed to call his attention to the Medical Officer's report on the houses, and asking him to take steps to close them, inasmuch as nothing had been done. LLANEGWYN DRAINS. The Clerk was directed to write to the Clerk of the County Council to inquire what steps the County Council had taken to improve the drainage of the village of Llanegryn, and also what the County Council had decided to do in the matter.