Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

FESTINIOG URBAN COUNCIL. The ordinary monthly meeting was held on Fri- day, Mr Owen Jones, ehairman, presiding. The Chaiiman said that apart from their usual work they had to consider their obligations under the new Education Act. He felt it WIIS their duty as loyal citizens to carry out the provisions of the Act to the best of their ability and to make the most of its defective clauses. They as a Council had the power, apart from the County Council, to levy a rate for technical education. They should by no means relinquish their hold on their scheme of technical instruction especially adapted to the district. In regard to elementary education the Council had the power to appoint two members to ee our of the County Council as a local eom. W»l*if p« r k°Ped they would give the North it« ■(. ,0IL awConfer#nc0 a hearty reception cu Vh'S J°,BlaenaU duri°J? year. «Q„4 J ^.ed,cai Officer of Health (Dr R Jones) pre- Od nn report. for December, showing- 28 births registered, and 10 death., being at the rate of 10.3 per thousand. He regretted to report the prevalence of measles in the Maenofferen and Diphwys wards. They had to close the infant school on that account. The outbreak was of a, very severe type, and was found to have been imported into the district from South Wales. If measles was inclnded in the notfication list they could soon find out the first outbreak and check the spread of the disease. In the B!aenau district in 1896 and 1897, a similar type of fever appeared, and37 deaths occurred from it. Special care had been taken to check the spread of the infection, which was as deadly as scarlet fever. Dr. Jones further recom- mended preparations for dealing with a possible outbreak of smallpox in the district. The Chair- man stated that they failed to get the members of the Deudraeth Council to meet them to discuss the proposed joint f3ver hospital to be provided by beth authorities. Dr Jones sa;d he did not wish the Council to get alarmed, but to be in readiness. The Chairman agreed that they should be ready to meet any case that might occur among them. The Sanitary Inspector (Mr D. Williams) re- ported that during 1902 95 cases of infectious diseases ha,d been notified, as against 72 for 1901. The County Council Main Roads Committee had sent a letter asking the Council to appoint members to meet a Sub-committee appointed to make full inquiries as to the condition of the main roads of the district and to arrange terms for the coming three years. Messrs Owen Jones, William Owen, and J. Lloyd Jones, were appointed. A resolution passed at the Christmas Eisteddfod, and signed by Alderman W. P. Evans, was read asking the Comncil to take the question of enlarging the public hall under their consideration. A committee of nine were appointed to consider the matter and report.

VENEZUELA. ARBITRATION PRELIMINARIES. It is stated that President Castro has made it a condition that the blockade of Yenezuelian ports shall be raised before Mr Bowen, who is to repre- sent Venezuela at the conference at Washington, Proceeds with the preparation *f the protocol for the adjustment of the claims of the Powers. It is also said that in this respect Yenezuela will have the support of Italy, while the United States will throw the weight of its moral influence on the same side. Further fighting, ending in the defeat a Revolutionist force which attacked the city, is eported to have taken place at Cumana on the 3rd mst. «

At Colwyn Bay on Saturday Mr Aneurin Wil- snffi18'WaS ^ne(* an^ <*>sts for stopping, without cient cause, an express train between Llan- ^nct^on and Chester by means of the com- unicattou cord. The defendant and two ladies, Chf»Eflnten<^e(^ &°*D £ to Llandudno, got into the ?f express by mistake, and on finding out the panv r- 6 ea<*anfc stopped the train. The Com- provld e(^ that communication cords were not nfer i°r USf °.D'y *n cases °f personal danger, Upheld thia^ ^convenience, and the justices

MR. CHAMBERLAIN IN AFRICA. A special correspondent at Johannesburg tele- graphs that the amount of the contribution to be made by the Transvaal to the cost of the war will be announced by Mr Chamberlain in a few days. He believed it will take the form of a. contribution towards those war expenses for which no provision has yet been made by the Imperial Parliament. The arrangement is satisfactory to Mr Chamber- lain as well as to tre financiers. Mr Chamberlain's speech in reply to the addresses of welcome on his arrival at Johannesburg made an excellent impres- sion. He said he had come there in the hope that be might be able to strengthen the hand of Lord Milner in the gigantic task to which be had devoted such conspicuous, ability and patriotism. The Colonial Secretary spent most of the Saturday in hearing the views of different leading man. On leaving Johannesburg he will travel by train to Potchefstroom, and from there by road to Mafe- king, and thence to Kimberley and Bloemfentein. A further message from Johannesburg states that the communication3 between Mr Chamberlain and several prominent men have been extremely cordial and give promise of a successful issue. The details of the different financial schemes, includincl the allocation of the Imperial guaranteed loan of £30,000,000, have been discuseed with Lord Milner. In regard to the war contribution the general impression is that it also will be £ 30,000,000, to be employed in such a way that the payment can be spread over three years.

CARDIGANSHIRE QUARTER SESSIONS. The Cardiganshire Quarter Sessions were beld at Lampeter on Thursday, Mr Willis Bund (chair. man) presiding. Mr Evan Jones, Manoravon, qualified as a magis- trate for the county. A committer, representative of each petty sessional division, was appointed to draw up rules for the enforcement of the new Licensing Act.

RATING APPEAL. Captain Yaughau, of Brynog, appealed against the assessment of lands and plantations ill the parish of Trefilan, the respondents being the assessment committee of the Lampeter Union. Mr Lloyd Morgan, M.P. (instructed by Mr Daniel Williams, solicitor, Lampeter), appeared for the appellant, and Mr Arthur Lewis (instructed by M J. Ernest Lloyd, clerk of the assessment committee) for the respondents.-In 1900 the union was valued, for the purposes of a new assessment, b Mr Oi-yen Price, Nantyrhaiarn, Breconshire, and he then fixed the gross estimated rental of the land and plantations in question at X71 10s. and R,7 7a re- spectively. Captzin Vaughan failed to obtain a reduction on appeal to the aaeesament committee, and entered the present proceedings.—Aftet a lengthy hearing, the assessment was reduced from X71 to X63 and the plantation was reduced to 5s. per acre, the appellant's costs being allowed.

_n ,-+-- — PERSONAL. Mr E. P. Thompson, of Whitchurch, has been placed on the commission of the peace for Shrop- shire. Lord and Lady Trevor left Chirk for London on Saturday. Lord Trevor has completely recovered from his recent illness. The health of the Bishop of Shrewsbury is im- proving, but his recovery is very slow. The exhibition of Old Masters at Burlington House, London, includes Reynolds's The Countess of Powis" and Romney's The Hon. Charlotte Olive." The Earl and Countess of Bradford have returned to Wesfcon Park, Shifnal, from Clynne Paik, Swan- sea, where they have been on a visit to Mr Graham Vivian. The Ven. Archdeacon Protheroe, who has been indisposed, is now convalescent. The Marchioness (D) of Londonderry, who (says the Lady's Pictorial) is stronger than she was, spent Christmas in London at her new house in Grosvenor Place. Lady South w, n, of Knolton Hall, has sustained a bereavement by the death of her brother, Mr John Walrond, eldest sen of Sir W. Walrond, M.P., which took place at San Remo. The Volunteer Decoration has been conferred upon Lieut.-Col. T. A. Wynne Edwards and Sur- geon-Lieutenant Colonel E. Williams, 1st V.B. Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Mr William Evaas, of Birmingham, a leading Welsh Nationalist, is on his way to America. After visiting New York and Philadelphia Mr Evans will proceed to China, India, and other Eastern coun- tries, returning by way of Australia. Mr J. Herbert Lewis, the member for the Flint Boroughs, has returned to his residence atCaerwys from Grand Canary, where he has spent the last month. His health baa considerably improved by the change. +

The Fez correspondent of a Madrid paper tele- graphs that fighting is proceeding between the Sultan's troops and the Pretender's forces. It is also said that the inhabitants of Fez have risen against the Sultau. The British residents in Fez loft that city on the 8th inst., and have reached the coast. At the monthly meeting of the Holywell Urban District Council on Monday night, Mr T. A. Lam- bert (chairman) presiding, it was decided to request the police to co-operate with the officials of the Council in putting a stop to the prevalent use of bad language in the Market Hall and the streets generally. The clerk of the County Council wrote notifying that that body had decided to make a grant of J3100 to the Council towards the improve. ment of High street, the work to be dome to the satisfaction of the county surveyor. Mr Balfour is again confined to the house through indisposition, and has been compelled to cancel all his engagements for the present. A Blue-book just issued shows that in the last ten years the expenditure of the country, apart from war charges, has increased from £ 62,069,000 to £ 103,359,000. The cost of the army has gone up by over £12,000,000, and that of the nayv by nearly £ 17,000,000.

ABERYSTWYTH BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Board was held on Blonday, when there were present, Mr Hugh Hughes, chairman, the Rev T. A. Penry, Mrs Evans, Mrs Colly, Mrs James, Messrs B. E. Morgan, D. James, Edwin Morris, G. F. Roberts, D. Morgan, D. M. Williams, John Bowner, Ed. Jones, J. B. Morgan, Thomas James, Rd. James, James Jones, Richard Thomas, John Jones, Evan Jones, John Roberts, R. L. Thomas, Lewis R. Lewis, Thomas Jenkins, with Mr Ed. Llewellin, deputy clerk. THE RATING APPEAL CASE. The deputy clerk presented the bill of expenses incurred by the Assessment Committee in fighting an appeal against the assessment of property in Terrace road. The bill had been taxed but the total amount was jE186 Os 6d. He estimated that the ease would C03t £200, and that sum had been provided for in the estimates for this half-year.— Mr Edwin Morris That is less than £ 300 (laughter). -The Rev T. A. Penry That ia a consolation. I suppose that we have no option but to pay it.—Mr Goo. F. Roberts proposed that it be paid.—Mr J. B. Morgan seconded and it was agreed to. CALLS JN ARREAR. The Deputy Clerk reported that after the cheque for the bills predated that day had been drawn, there would be 291 Os 3d i. the hstbds of the treasurer. The County rate contribution amounting to £ 1,413 15a lid due on December 20th, had not yet been paid ii. There were elaven parishes in arrears with tin calls, the total reaching £ 26E.— On the motion of Air G. F. Roberts, seconded by Mr D. James, instructions were given the Clerk te take the necesaary steps to obtain payment. RESIGNATION OF MR SALMON. The following letter was read Aberystwyth, January 12th, 1903. Gentlemen.—I tender with muck regret my resignation as a member of the Board of Guard- ians, etc. In taking this step I desiro to convey to the Guardians my Fincere thanks for the courtesy and forbearance which has always been shown to me during the many years I have bad the jhoneur of a seat en the Board.- I am yours faithfully, T. E. SALMON.—The Deputy Clerk pointed oat that the letter must in the first instance go to the Local Government Board, who would then declare oeat vacant. The Guardians postponed any aotion until an answer had been received from the Board. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master reported there were 48 paupers in the House as compared with 42 in the same week of last year; b2 vagrants had been relieved during the week, as < ompared with 36 in the same period of 1902. SMALLPOX PRECAUTIONS. Mr G. F. Roberts asked if the Master was taking any special precautions in examining and disinfect- ing the elothinj of vagrants in order the better to check any outbreak of smallpox. This was done in Montgomeryshire and be hoped that it would be done at Aberystwyth.—The Master replied that no special steps were being taken.-Rev T. A. Penry But you do examine them F-The Master Yes, both here and at the police station. Of course we have been on the look out for them as there are cases so near as at Newtown, and we always examine the vagrants. Our stove is so small that it is rather difficult to fumiga.te.- Mr Roberts really thought that something should be done to dibinfect the clothing. This was a necessary pre- caution and one which was taken in ether places. It was a matter of great importance to watch for any signs of sickness amoEgat the tramps as no doubt smallpox had been brought it.to the district by vagrants.—Rev T. A. Peary asked if they had the means to disinfect the olothing. The Master: Partly. Mr Roberts: Whatever the cost may be we ought to get what is necessary at once. It had been a great loss to Newtown, and it would be a great loss to Aber- ystwyth. He guggfcsted that perhaps the Master and medical officer could discues what arrange- ments should be made.—Mr Ed. Jones was of opinion that the House Committee should take it in hand. — MrB. E. Morgin The House Committee have many ) lungs to do. we areaiinere now let's settle it. I should never have thought of it.—Mr Roberts suggested that the medical officer and the Master shouid report to the House Committee on the following day.—Mr B. E. Morgan thought that the doctor in company with Dr Thomas, medical officer for the town, should guide the Board in its actions.—This proposal did not find favour with the Guardians.-The Master explained that if the clothes were disinfected in the day rooms it would be enough to suffocate the vagrants who slept in cells a:l round this room.—The Deputy Clerk: Perhaps that would cure them (laughter). -Mr Richard James seconded the proposal that the doctor and Master report to a meeting of the House Committee to be held on the following day, which was then agreed to. STATISTICS. During the past two weeks the following sums have been paid in out-relief: -Per Mr Vaughan, £5114¡¡ 6d to 170 recipients; per Mr J. J. Hughes, £ 42 3s to 145 recipients; per Mr T. Morgan, X49 19s to 164 recipients. THE CASUAL WARD. The Rev T. A. Penry reported that the House Committee had met to consider the letter of the assistant relieving officer (P.S. Phillips) and they were of opinion that the present arrangement of supplying tramps with tickets for common lodging houses when they reached the town too iate to ob- tain admission to the house should be continued for the next three months, the officer to have larger discretionary powers to deal with the tramps. The fact of the matter was that they were compelled bv the law to admit vagrants at any hour.—The report was adopted. — -» THE IRISH LAND PROPOSALS.—Mr Michael Davitt, in a letter to the Irish press criticises the financial basis of the Irish Land Conference scheme as too favourable to the landlord interest. The only way, he says, in which the country could be considerably reconciled towards the extravagant terms offered to the landlords would be by the hearty co-operation of the landlords in the kindred task of settling the national as well as the land question. If Lord Dunraven and his friends wish to obtain the hest terms possible for their property, they will, Mr Davitt adds, insist upon the ereation of a national authority as an absolutely indispenaibla part of the land settlement plan.

CO UNTY TIME 5 AGENTS. ABERYSTWYTH.—County Times Office, Portland Street; Mr Jenkins, Stationer, Great Darkgate Street; Messrs Smith and Son, Railway Bookstall Mr J Roberts, tobacconist, Terrace Road; Messrs Evans Bros., Pier Street; Mr Alban Griffiths, Thespian Street. ABERDOVEY.—Mr G. Williams, newsagent. ABERGYNOLWTN.—Mr Richie Pngh, Egryn Cottaga ABERMULE.—Mr T. W. Jones, signalman. BARMOUTH.—Mrs. Arnfield, Stationer; Messrs Smith & Son Mr William Jones, 2, Morfln Terrace, Beach Road. BBRRIEW.—Mr J. Gornall; Mr J Williams, Grooer BETTWS.—Mr E. B. Morris, Top Shop. BETHLEHEM, LLANFAIR.—Miss Jane Pryoe.The Shop BWLCHYCIBAP.—Mr Watkin Gittins, smith. BUTTINGTON.—Mr T. Leighton, Railway Co!t*ge*. CASTLE CAEREINION.—Mr E E Jones, Post Office. CHIRBPRY.—Mrs Morris, New Cottages. CHURCHSTOKE.—Mr G Morris, Grocer. CORRIs.-Mr. Evan Edwards, Bookseller, Glunrdea CAERSWS, Mr J. F. Jones, Hawthorne Villa. CEMMAES. Mr E. Edwards, Uwchyrafon. C ir.No.—Mr John Owen, Rhos Cottage. DOLFOR.—Mr Albert Williams, Post Office. DINAS MAWDDWY.—Mrs Evans, Post Office. OLGKLLEY.—Mr. E. Y. Williams, Newsagent. ELLESMERE.—Mr V. C. Everett, Stationer. ORDBN.—Mr W Jones, Fron. GLANDOVEY JUNCTION.—Messrs Smith and Son. GARTHMYL.—Mr E. R. Owen, Nag's Head. GUILSFIELD.— Mrs Poston. HYSSINGTON MARSH.—Mr William Perkins. KERRY.—Mr William Bebb. LLANIDLOES.—Messrs Smith and Son; Sergeant Hushes, Police Station. LIVERPOOL.—Messrs Conlan & Co., 5, Crosshall at. LLANI^YNMAIR.—Mr W Daniels, Wynnstay Shop LLANBADARN FAWR.—Mr Simon, Post Office. LLANSURIG.—Mr Davies, Blue Bell Inn. LLANDYSILio-Air E H Roberts, City House. LLANDYSSIL.—Mr W. Corfield. LiiANFAiR.—Mr E. James, butcher, Pool road. LLWYNGWRIL.—Mr W. M. Griffith, Cambrian Stores. LLANERFYL.—Mr Thomas Roberts, Tanllan. LLANFECAAIN. -:Air Maurice Edwards, 2, Brook cottages. LLANSANTFFRAID.—Mr E Davies,Cambrian Cottages LLANYMYNECII.—Mr J. Tilsley, Chemist. LLANFYLLIN-Mr Watkin Lloyd, Temperance; Mr S. Bryan, Bookseller. LEIGHTON.—Mr H. Gwilt, Pantybwc'i. MACHYNLLETH—Messrs G Parsons & Son, Burcombe House, Maengwyn Street; Messrs Smith and Son MEIFOD.—Mr J Davies, Post Offloe. MERTHYR YALE.—Mrs Powell,;Poat Offioe. MONTGOMERY.—Mr W P-;Marshall, Post Office. NEWTOWN—Mr Atkinson, Lady well street; Mr F W Cooke, Stationer; Messrs Park and Son, Stationersj Mr C. J. Newell; Messrs Smith and Son, Railway Bookstall; and Mr J. Griffiths, 37, Broad Street. NEW MILLs.-Mrs Jane Thomas. OPENSHAW (MANCHESTER).— Mr H Butterworth 304, Ashton Old Road. PORTMADoc.-Messrs W. H. Smith and Son. RHAYADER.-Mrs Pryce, Wye Cottage. OSWESTRY.—Mr J W Williams, Cross Street Messrs Smith and Sou Messrs Bayley and Cu; Church Street; Mrs Lewis, Leg Street; Mr Lawrence, Trinity Street, Albert Road Miss Wilson, 67, Church Street; Mr G E Evans, Beatrice street. POOL QUAY.—Mrs Pryce, The Shop. SHREWSBURY.—Mrs M A. Rainford, 9, Castle Gates TOWYN.—Mr Lewis Lewis, Coilege Greee Mr 1, P Jones, 2, National Street; Mr R W Jeies, Berwyn House; Messrs W H Smith and SOD, Railway Bookstall. TREFBGLVTYS.—Mrs Williams, Belle Tile. TKEFNANNEY.— Mr Richard Haigh, Old Shop Gyford. TRBHABKIS.—Mr James Jones, 21, Themas Street. TRH»YNON.—Mr Richard Thomas, Draper. WsLSHroeL.—County Tim" Office, 21, Berriew Street; Mr C. H. Gwynne, Broad Street; Messrs Smith and Son, Railway Bookstall; Mr A. J. Blair, Berriew Stret.

BUY YOUR DAY BOOKS & LEDGERS AT THE "COUNTY TIMES" OFFICE. 15 Per Cent. Cheaper than London and Birmingham Houses. PURCHASERS SAY: THE BEST VALUE EVER HAD." "COUNTY TIMES" STATIONERY DEPARTMENT WELSHPOOL.