The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

HOW TO CURE PIMPLES It is truly remarkable how Cadum, the new medical discovery, causes pimples to disappear. The very worst cases are frequently cured in a week, and often in even loss time. Cadum causes pimples to dry up and fall off, leaving the skin as soft and smooth as a baby's. Pimples are a disease of the skin, and are not caused by bad blood, as many people suppose. Cadum cures these annoying and disfiguring facial blemishes because it can be applied direct to the trouble, amd Its soothing, antiseptic and healing powers stop the itching at once. Cadum is just as efficacious in'other skin troubles, such as blackheads, blotches, rash, acne, eczema, psoriasis, chafings, etc. 7 !d. and I/I5 per box, at all chemists.

BY OUR PUZZLE EDITOR. A XEW CROSS PUZZLE. With a little stiff card you can make a clever puzzle in five parts that when properly put together forms a cross. You must, take special care when preparing it to get your lines very correctly drawn, and perfectly straight from point to point, or the effect will be lost. The card may be cut with a sharp knife and a ruler, or with sharp scissors along lines drawn in pencil. I have numbered all the five parts, as a guide to help you put the cross together, and you will soon find it easy to remember where each piece goes, as they are all rather different. in shape. Of course you will not put any numbers on your puzzle, because you do not want everyone to see at a glance how it goes. It wouldn't be much of a puzzle then, would it? ALADDIN. When I was a beggarly boy, And lived in a cellar damp, I had not a friend nor a toy, But I had Aladdin's lamD When I could not sleep for cold, I had fire enough in my brain, And builded, with roofs of gold, My beautiful castles in Spain! Since then I have toiled day and night, I have money and power good store; But I'd give all my lamps of silver bright For the one that is mine no more; Take, Fortune, whatever you choose- You gave, and may snatch again; I have nothing 'twould pain me to lose, For I own 110 more castles in Spain! James Russell Lowell. A GOOD OUTDOOR GAME. Do you ever play the game of "The Jolly Mil- ler" I am telling how to do it, in case some of you do not know. One player, chosen as the miller, stands in the centre of a circle formed by the rest of the players walking round and round in couples, arm in arm. As they walk—they sing this song: "There was a jolly miller and he lived by himself, As the wheel went creaking round he made his pelf. One hand on the hopper, and one hand on the bag. As the wheel went creaking round he made his grab." At the last word the couples change partners. Each outside player moves forward and takes the place of the inside player in front, who slips into his late partner's place. If the miller can manage to get into a place first the player who is left without a partner must stand in the centre of the circle and be miller. MINIATURE DOLLS. Have you ever thought of a doll less than an inch high? I have just been reading about the work of a clever Indian girl, who lives in Mexico, and makes these tiny wonders. Once many other women made them but this girl is the only one left. The first thing she does is to make a tiny framework of wire and cover it with fine silk. Next the clothes are cut, fitted and embroidered, finally the hair is dressed, and the features, hands and feet formed. It seems scarcely possible that such tiny garments as those worn by these dolls can be embroidered, but they are; the needle is almost too small to be held, and the eye is hardly to be seen. The tiny models are in all kinds of native cogfuines, they are dressed as dancing-girls, .flower-girls, Indians and priests, and when you look at them through a magnifying glass all the details are perfect. I have seen many specimens of the pottery made by the Mexican Indians; the wee jugs and vases of different shapes, exact copies of what are in daily use, but only about half an inch to one inch in height. You wonder haw the fingers of grown-up people can model such tiny things. AN EGG PENGUIN. Of all funny birds I thought the penguin was the funniest, when I saw the pictures Sir Ernest Shackleton and Captain Scott showed of their journeys in the Antarctic, and I have found how you can make quite a good one with the help of an egg. You want a pointed one rather than a round one, and then you must cut out shapes drawn below in stiff writing paper to be afterwards painted black, or in black paper if you have it. You will want two pieces like A, which fastened on cither side of the pointed end, wiil form the head and beak of the bird. The backs and wings are made from a folded piece cut like B, and having the open edges from 1 to 2 and from 3 to 4 gummed lightly together the space between 2 and 3 is of course the fold in the paper, and so does not want joining. Next come the feet, one like C and the other like D, the point sticking out behind the latter forms the bird's tail, when they are attached to the body and bent into shape. Black in all the parts I have blacked", leaving the eye and a line for the beak and let them got quite dry be- fore sticking on. The egg if you blow it first will be quite light enough to stand easily and firmly when the feet are attached, and yon will have a very comical bird. I I have been well supplied with letters this week: Percv West, Jonas Rawlinson, and Dorothy Walter write about their prizes: Lena Vine writes though she is very busy and so does Edith Tompkins. I don't think anything pleases me quite so much as these letters from girls and boys who have left school and begun to work, because I know when one has ever so many things to do how difficult it is sometimes to find room for letter-writing. Violet Partridge is' a new member for the Sunbeam Guild. it is very nice of Mabel Bryant to introduce her. You know I want everyone of you to work hard to get at least one friend to join us; it does not-cost anvtliing except some thought and perhaps a few pence, in the year, and just think what a lot of plea- sure vou can give to some poor child, a P^ure that comes back to you too and makes your Christ- mas so much the brighter. The answer to tha verse wanting a word in each line has been sent in bv Will Bridges, Violet Green, Frances May Mar- shall, Marv A. Williams, Esther Evans, and Phoebe Roberts. I must explain for the benefit of some new readers that our prizes are only offered for a competition announced every fortnight, with which is always printed a coupon. The puzzles and riddles are for you to try of course, and I like to have the answers, but if you want to compete for a prize, watch the announcements and coupons. Two new members this week are Winifred Twort and Elsie Napthine; the latter asks whether I will re- ceive her stamps, but I do not want any except foreign ones that I can pass on to any readers who collect. Nevertheless I thank her for the offer and have put her birthday into my book. Here is Mabel Hunt's letter. How I should like to see that old church; I am always so interested in old buildings. Dear Miss Iardalc,- You will see by the above address that I have moved. I am sorry to say I do not like this place, it is so lonely. The church here is the third oldest church in England. It is just, like an old barn, we have three miles to go to post a letter, so you see it is very inconvenient. I hope these few lines will find you quite well.- Yours lovingly, Mabel Hunt. MANY HAPPY RETURNS OF THE DAY. On July 31 we must send our hearty good wishes to Harold Park and Christopher Featherstonhaugh; on August 2 to Winifred Inglis who is one of our Senior Associates; and August 5 brings a crop of birthdays Mabel Stannard, Clarrie Cooper, James Fayers and Evelyn Adams. OUR PRIZE COMPETITION. There will be six prize Competitions every quar- ter, in each of which EIGHT PRIZES will be awarded. All readers are heartily welcome to join in these competitions without any formality whatever, except the filling up of the coupon, which accompanies the announcement of each com- petition. This coupon MUST in all cases be en- closed with the entry. PUZZLES. ACROSTIC. My first is in battle, and also in boar, My second is in eagle, but never in soar, My third is in eating, and also in ate. My fourth is in cherry, but never in date, My fifth is in hamper, and you will see My whole is the name of a very large tree. FRUIT CHARADES. 1. (1) A dark colour. (2) A boot polish maker, 2. (1) An evergreen tree. (2) A delicious and useful fruit. 3. (L) A bright colour. (2) A mongrel dog. (3) To make wild speeches. (Winifred Twort). BURIED ENGLISH TOWNS. 1. Dnusdlaren. 2. C'harwih. 3. Oupmatothsn, 4. Thyloump. 5. Rithbong. 6. Kirdeanheb. (Christie Partlett.) P.S.-Will readers please note that all letters and Competition entries should be addressed to "Miss Grace Mardale, Box 16, Kendal." I shall be de- lighted to hear from any of you about yourselves and your doings, or to receive any suggestions for our Column. ♦

NATIONAL EISTEDDFOD OF WALES MEETING OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. A' meeting of the Executive Committee of the, National Eisteddfod was held at the Council Chamber on Friday, the 22nd inst., the Rev. T. R. Walters, M.A., R.D. (chairman), presiding. A letter was read from Mr. J. D. Jones, post- master, who is leaving the town. He expressed a desire to resign his seat on the "various committees. The Chairman expressed the great regret which they ali feit at Mr. Jones's departure from Car- marthen. They trusted that he would retain his seat on the various committees—especially Gorsedd. Mr. C. E. Davies and Mr. Wheldon supported the Chairman's remarks, and a motion was placed on record to that. effect. The programme of the competitions in the Musical and Arts and Crafts sections were before the Committee. The Chairman asked the members not to dis- close any of the details until the proper time for publication. He also asked the representatives of the Press not to print any particulars, as a contract had been entered for the official programme, and to print any of the details would be an unfriendly act to the contractor. Rev. E. L'. Thomas asked if a similar request had been addressed to the printers of the draft programme now before them. The printers declared themselves pledged to secrecy, and the meeting then discussed and adop- ted the programme. The Rev. D. J. Thomas moved that they expres9 their thanks to the various committees for the way in which they had carried out the work. Mr. Wheldon, Mr. C. E. Davies, and Mr. Rich- ards spoke to the same effect, and the motion was carried unanimously. The Printing and Advertising Committee re- ported that they had received three tenders for the copright of the official programme—Mr. Lewis Evans, Swansea; Messrs. Davies, "South Wales Press," Llanelly, and Messrs. SpurrelJ, Carmar- then. Messrs. Davies offered 100 guineas for the copyright, and this offer was accepted.

AMHkMVk tmtm M [:jr HYARCHERSC^I if GQMMMTIJRMS I jjftk: REGISTERED Facsimile of Gnc-Q">:cc PMct. Archer's Golden Returns The Popfcctloti of Pipe Tobacco* COOL, SWEET AND F'R"(;R!IIT.

JOINT COUNTIES' ASYLUM, CARMARTHEN QUARTERLY MEETING OF VISITORS. The quarterly meeting of the Committee of Visi- tors of the Joint Counties' Asylum was held at that Institution on Thursday, the 21st inst. There were present: Mr. C. M. Williams (chairman); Mr. W. X. Jones, Tirvdail; Rev. John Williams, Cardigan; Dr. Griffiths, Milford: Dr. Style. Pem- broke Dock; Mr. D. Evans, Manordaf; Rev. Pro- fessor D. E. Jones, Carmarthen; Mr. J. Williams, Llanelly: Dr. Williams, Drim; Mr. J. W. Gwynne- Hughes Tregeyb; Mr. Llewelyn Rees, Narberth; Ir. John Lewi, Meiros Hall; Mr. Robinson. Bon- cath; Together with the Clerk to the Visitors (Mr. Wallis-Jones). and the Medical Superintendent (Dr. John Richards). THE CLASSIFICATION OF OFFICIALS. The Clerk said that the Carmarthenshire County Council had signified their approval of the classifica- tion of the officials for superannuation purposes as agreed upon by the Committee. The Chairman said that the Cardiganshire County Councu had not had a meeting since the scheme was passed, but it had been before the Finance Com- mittee, and they had approved of it provisionally. Ho supposed they could take it for granted that Pembrokeshire would agree. Dr. Griffiths said that he could not say whether they would or not. Mr. Robinson said that they were bound to allow the pensions. It was no use for the County Coun- cils to object. He would like to impress that upon their friend, Dr. Griffiths. MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT. The Medical Superintendent, in his quarterly re- port, stated: During the quarter the admissions numbered 34, the discharges 8, and the deaths 16. The number in the Asylum on the first day of the quarter were 345 males and 327 females, and on the last day of the quarter 356 males and 326 females. In the course of the report, the doctor stated: "Of the admissions, three were private patients, including one male criminal. The attack occurred for the first time in 25, the second in 5, the fourth in 1, and in 3 it was congenital. The ascertained factors in causation, alone or combined, were as follows:—Neurotic or insane heredity, in 7 cases, previous attacks in 6, mental stress in 11. senility in 5, epilepsy in 3, alcoholism in 3, priva- tion in 2, and injury to head and overwork in 1 each. The forms of mental disorder on admission were: Mania in 11 cases, melancholia in 14, general paralysis in 3, imbecility in 3, insanity with epilepsy in 2. and senile dementia in 1. Of the admissions, 11 were suicidal, and 6 dangerous. The bodily health was good in 2, fair in 25, and reduced in 7. Of the admissions, 16 are possibly recoverable. Of the discharges, 6 left recovered, and 1 relieved, in- cluding 1 private patient, 1 being not improved (reception order irregular). The deaths numbered 16, and were all due to natural causes. No inquest was held during the quarter. A violent male patient, in a struggle with another patient, sus- tained a fracture of a rib, from which he made a good recovery. One male patient escaped, and was out of control for 24 hours. No resort was made to restraint or seclusion in the treatment of patients. The general health was fairly satisfactory. The Institution was visited bv denutations from the Cardigan and Llandovery Boards of Guardians. A kitchen maid left at the end of her month's proba- tion, and her place was filled by another. The coal porter was promoted to the post of attendant, ren- dered vacant by the appointment of the carpenter- attendant. as chief carpenter, and his post was filled by another. A temporary assistant painter was ap- pointed in accordance with a resolution passed at the last quarterly meeting of the Committ." Mr. W. N. Jones proposed. Mr. John Lewis secon- ded, and it was unanimously carried, that the re- port be adopted. DISTRICT AUDITOR'S REPORT. The Local Government Board Auditor reported as follows:—"The Midland Counties Audit District. 58, Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, 28th May, 1910. My Lords and Gentlenien,-I have to report that I completed the audit of the accounts of the Visiting Committee of the Joint Counties' Lunatic Asylum for the year ended the 31st March L last on the 26th instant. The total receipts on the Maintenance Account amounted to £ 16,441 9s. 7d., which included £ 1,675 Ife. 3d. received for the maintenance of private patients and E105 9s. for Bank interest, and the total expenditure on this account, including the sum of JE660 2s., being the "Excess of weekly charge on Out-County Private and Criminal Patients," which was transferred to the Building and Repairs Fund Account, was £ 16,458 18s. 9d. The balance on this account at the end of the financial year was £4,322 18s. 3id. 2 BUILDING AXD REPAIRS ACCOUNT. The receipts on this account amounted to LI,087 2s. 4d., and the expenditure to £ 1,175 15s. 6d., and there was a debit balance of 920 9s. 83d. at the end of the year. A sum of 17s. 6d., which would have been allowed as discount on an account of H. and J. Proctor, Limited, for ;619 10s. 9d. for pro- vendor for farm, had the same been paid within one month, has been lost through the account not being discharged within that period. I trust steps will be taken to avoid loss of discounts of this nature in the future. Your attention has again to be drawn to the fact that there was no minute authorising the transfer of the excess charges in respect of Private Out-County and Criminal Patients from the Maintenance Account to the Building and Repairs Fund Account. For further information as to the accounts I beg to refer you to the Statutory Financial Statement as signed by me.—I am, my Lords and Gentlemen, your obedient Servant, W. F. M. PBOVIS, Assistant District Auditor." Mr. Robinson said that attention should be called to the remark about the discount. Mr. David Evans-I suppose it will be attended to in the future. Professor Jones-I move that that be done. Mr. W. N. Jones seconded, and the motion w'as carried unanimously. DEFERRED. The next business on the agenda was '.To con- sider the plans and specifications as the Drainage, Laundry, and other matters mentioned in the 1907 Report of the Lunacy Commissioners." Mr. Robinson said that he would propose that this be adjourned until the next meeting. Professor Jones-I protest against that. Mr. W. N. Jones-I don't see why it should be adjourned. Dr. Style moved that it be deferred until after the conference. This was agreed to. A NEW SOURCE OF REVENUE Mr. Robinson moved: "That a Sub-Committee be elected to take into consideration the advisability of building a new house for the Medical Superinten- dent on a site to be selected by the Committee, and utilizing the house he would vacate for private patients of a superior class; to rebuild a new Laundry and supply same with all modern appli- ances; renovate the existing Laundry, and utilize same for Male Patients' dormitories; thoroughly overhaul.the w.c.'s, and drainage in connection with the Asylum, and do what is necessary as to the disposal of the sewerage; also to consider whether it would be advisable to build convalescent wards for patients who are slowly recovering from their mental ailments; and to purchase not less than 60 acres of land adjacent to the Asylum. The Sub- Committee appointed to have power to visit modern and up-to-date Asylums to enable them to form an opinion whether further improvements should be carried out for the benefit of the patients beyond what is stated in this resolution; in fact to make the present Asylum complete in every respect and equal to the Asylums lately built in the United Kingdom. Those members who may find it con- venient to visit the respective Asylums to have their out-of-pocket expenses allowed." In moving the motion, Mr. Robinson said: "Mr. Chairman,—Some months ago I mentioned a scheme, in fact I gave you an outline, of what I contem- plated should be carried out to make our Asylum up-to-date in every respect. I, however, stated in mentioning the matter that I would not propound my scheme until I thought there was a possibility of the unfortunate differences between the respective counties being adjusted, otherwise my efforts would prove abortive. From what I can learn there is now every probability of the matters in dispute between the respective counties being referred to arbitration; that being so. I consider it most oppor- tune to state my views as to what. should be done to make our Asylu ma modern one in every respect, as during the last 18 years little has been done: matters have been utterly neglected through the unfortunate disputes, and through this we have incurred the opprobrium of the Commissioners in Lunacy. I feel confident that if we further neglect to carry out the wishes of the Commissioners the

ORIENTAL TONIC ROYA NON-ALCOHOLIC A DELICIOUS SPARKLING RESTORATIVE.

11 I nmuSMOS of Mt *—r* iTOOTHVACHf AND ^^NEURALGIA I CMMtSTS I [POWDERS M ) rUWUtiKo TS Promptly arrests QUINSY and COLDS

DOAN'S INVESTIGATIONS CONTINUED TENBY MAN COMES FORWARD. Our recent announcement, that we were arranging to conduct an enquiry into Doan's numerous local cases, has met with the widespread appreciation of our readers. To-day a well-known Tenby resident comes forward and .gives his personal experience, which lie authorises us to publish for the benefit of others. Mr. Wm. Cuff, of 17, St. Domingo Place, Tenby, is a well-known and much respected resident of that town. "A few years ago," says Mr. Cuff, "I used to lie troubled very much with bad pains in my back, probably caused by my getting wet. They became so sharp that they quite prevented me from moving about. At my work I do a lot of stooping, and I remember the time when I have been almost 'set.' There were also symptoms of urinary disorder, and now and again I suffered with my head, sometimes coming over so dizzy that I could not stand for long. My appetite fell away, and I was easily tired. "I tried plasters for my back, but I don't believe they did any good at all. "A neighbour who had derived benefit from Doan's backache kidney pills advised me to try this medicine. I sent for some, and was glad to find the pills soon gave me ease; my back became less pain- ful. and the urinary complaint was corrected. I could eat and sleep better, and my health generally was improved. I can certainly say that Doan's backache kidney pills cured me, and I think it only right that- I should let. others know of the benefit I have received." OVER 3 YEARS after his cure. Mr. Cuff said:— "I am as well as can be. and I never let a chance go by of speaking for Doan's backache kidney pills." Doan's backache kidney pills are two shillings and ninepence per box, or six boxes for thirteen shillings and ninepence. Of all chemists and stores, or post free direct from the Fostcr-McClellan Co., 8, Wells- street, Oxford-street, London, W. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mr. Curt nad.

management of the Asylum will be taken out 'of our hands by the Home Secretary. If that step is carried out we shall find that a far greater expendi- ture will be incurred than if the improvements men- tioned are carried out by the Committee. I esti- mate an expenditure of about JSl9,000 will be suffi- cient to carry out all the improvements I contem- plate as stated herein. On the face of it this appears. I admit, a large amount, but divided be- tween the three counties according to their assess- able rateable value the interest on £ 19,000 at 3 per cent., and I feel sure, on the security we could borrow at the rate mentioned, would only average JE550 per annum; the money borrowed to be re- paid by annual instalments in 21 years, which, with interest, would average £1,253 yearly. I also mentioned that the principal and interest can be paid off, and recoup the ratepayers all the expendi- ture incurred, and I propose doing same by opening up our Asylum for taking in a superior class of patients, and to occupy the Medical Superintendent's house, which he will be vacating. I consider the house eminently adapted for the class of patients I have mentioned. It is. as you are aware, well situated in lovely grounds, and has a grand and commanding view of the Vale of Towy. Moreover, to take in patients of the class mentioned would be very much appreciated by those having relatives mentally afflicted, and I cannot End that there is any private or public Asylum in the Principality taking in patients such as I have described. I be- lieve there would not be the least difficulty in filling tho Medical Superintendent's house, and relatives of paltientos would gladly pay for tho superior accommodation we should give them, from 35s. to 50s. per week. Our Medical Superintendent informs me that the house is large enough to accom- modate 25 patients, and In going into calculations with him we estimate that a most liberal diet could be provided at a cost not exceeding 18s. each per week. Now, taking say 10 patients at 35s., 8 at JE2. and 7 at 50s., this would amount to JE51 per week, and for the latter price patients would have the option of taking carriage drives. This, of course, will entail extra expenditure, but I have, as you will observe, allowed for same, in my statement:— ESTIMATED EXPEXDITUBE. £ Superintendent's House 1,500 New Laundry 500 Modern appliances for saiii, 200 Convalescent Wards and Dormitory 6,500 60 acres Land 8.000 Drainage schemc 250 Furniture for house—Private patients 650 Carriage Landau 40 2 Horses 70 Harness 15 Furniture for Dormitories and Convalescent Wards 250 10 Cows, at £ 15 150 Contingencies 875 ;Elg,ooo RECEIPTS. I estimate the Medical Superintendent's house would accommodate 25 patients as follows:— £ s. d. 10 patients at 35s. for 52 weeks 910 0 0 a „ at 40s. ,„ 832 0 0 7 at 50s. 910 0 0 £ s. d. Cost of milk from April 1, 1909, to March 31, 1910. 387 3 7 Less depreciation of cows, etc. 87 3 7 300 0 0 Potatoes for same time as above 228 0 0 Less cost of seed, etc. 28 0 0 200 0 0 Say further profit obtained from additional land 100 0 0 £ 3,252 0 0 EXPENDITURE. Cost of board and lodgings for 25 patients at 18s. per week for 52 weeks 1, 1'7 0 0 0 Board, lodgings, and uniforms 3 Junior Attendants | For married charge attendant and 1" wife to cook J Coal and gas, estimated 25 0 0 For additional hand to assist farm bailiff 45 0 0 Depreciation of furniture, horses, harness, and carriage say 100 0 0 Coachman's wages at JE1 52 0 0 Interest at 3 per cent., and sinking fund (same to be paid off in 21 years) on £19,000 1,253 0 0 £ 2,945 0 0 This leaves in addition to paying off the loan, and all expenses in working the establishment for private patients a further profit of J6307, assuming the Asylum always possessed the maximum number of private patients. For the information of the Com- mittee I wish to repeat that I cannot find in the whole of the Principality a private Asylum to take in patients, nor can I find any County Asylum that takes in patients of a superior class, such as I have alluded to. What a contrast to England. There one finds a good number of private Asylums which take in patients from 3 to 20 guineas per week, and the proprietors of these Asylums, I can assure you, find it very lucrative. By taking these private patients it would greatly benefit the town of Carmarthen, causing a great number of their friends to come to see them, and their additional expenditure would naturally be appreciated by the hotel and shopkeepers. For the further information of the Committee, and to justify my statements in reference to private patients, I have obtained some statistics from one of the Asylums in York- shire. It is a County Asylum, and their Committee have laid themselvos open to take in patients. They have, of both sexes, about.60 patients, and charge from 2 to 2g guineas per week, the cost of providing for these amounting to 18s. each per week. I should also mention this is one of the most modern and up-to-date Asylums in the United Kingdom. I find they have Sick and Receiving Wards, Convalescent Wards, Epileptic, Feeble and Infirm, Refractory and Chronic Wards. I must now bring my remarks to a close, and I trust after the Sub-Committee have digested my scheme that they will adopt it in its entirety. Assuming, how- ever, they do not approve of the whole, I trust they will not lose sight of the fact that a large expenditure must be incurred, and in my opinion the only part they can delete is the new house for the Medical Superintendent. If this is done then no private patients can be taken in, and this is, as you will observe, the most profitable according to the statement given. In going into the question of ways and means, and for the moment assuming we did not make a profit on the private patients, I find a half-farthing rate would for the three counties be about sufficient, with what we should save on milk and potatoes, to pay the whole of the interest and sinking fund. A rate of Id. on the assessable value produces:— £ s. d. Carmarthenshire 2502 5 0 Pembrokeshire 1416 Cf 0 Cardiganshire 955 4 0 L4383 9 0 d. in the £ thus producing £ 610. I believe the 8 Committee wiil admit that this would not be an extravagant sum for the three counties to pay when taking into consideration that our Asylum would be brought up-to-date in every respect. As an illustration, if a person is rated at £100 per annum ail he would have to contribute would be about Is. per annum-not a very onerous burden to bear- nor do I believe that a rateoave rwould begrudge the sum, knowing that it would be the means of bringing greater comfort and happiness to the un- fortunate inmates of the Asylum. I wish further to point out to the Committee how essential it is to have Convalescent Wards for those patients who are slowly recovering from their mental ailments. In my opinion it retards their recovery when they have continually to be associated with some of the dreadful chronic cases we observe when visiting the patients in the respective wards." Professor Jones said that he seconded this with very great pleasure. It would be very beneficial to the town as Mr. Robinson had said. Dr. Griffiths said that ho declined to have any- j thing to do with the purchase of land until the matter in dispute was settled. He was sorry that the statement had been made that he had voted for the purchase of land. He hoped that they would soon all be of one mind, but in the mean- time ke declined to vote for the purchase of land. Dr. Style said that he was very doubtful whether they would be able to get so many private patients of the class referred to. If they built a new house for the Medical Superintendent with this idea he was afraid that they might be let into a hole. As for the other part of the scheme it appeared feasible provided the cows were healthy and the climate continued favourable for the growth of potatoes. He supported Dr. Griffiths not because he objected entirely to the proposals, but because he thought the time was unsuitable for making any such sweep- ing resolution. Mr. John Lewis said that he did not think they could go on with this in the face of the resolution which they had in the loks, that everything was 1 to be postponed until the matter in dispute was settled. He did not agree with the proposal to build a new house for the Medical Superintendent. The present house is right in the middle; it is in the best place at present. He thought it would be better to have new wards for patients. The doctor's house being right in the middle, he could easily be called night or day. He did not think that this wouid make any difference to the scheme, as, according to tho speech of Mr. Robin- son, the profit was all to come out of the milk and the potatoes. Mr. Robinson said that the profit on the whole thing would be £ 1,600 a year, as they would be paying the interest and re-paying the capital. He was willing to defer the matter, if so desired, until after the conference. APPOINTMENT OF CLERK. The meeting then went on to consider applications for the post of clerk at J6120 a year. There were 91 applications, but it was stated that 12 or more were disqualified, as they were over the age limit (35). The Rev. John Williams thought that they ought to adhere to the other clause in the advertisement— that the applicants should have held similar posts. Dr. Griffiths said that if they did that they would be confined to a very small selection. When they appointed a store-keeper that point was raised too. They had, however, appointed a man who had never before been employed in an Asylum, and he was a very good man. Rev. John Williams said that they were not dis- cussing the last appointment. They were discuss- ing the terms of the present advertisement. The Chairman said that they had thought of putting a clause in the advertisements that appli- cants should have had Asylum experience. They thought that that was too narrow, and they Jiad put in that. he ought to have had "experience of similar work." The Rev. John Williams then suggested that they should have considered who could speak Welsh. The Chairman said that all that the advertise- ment stated was that a "knowledge of Welsh was desirable." Rev. Jolm Williams—Then you don't think it de- sirable? The Chairman—Desirable, but not essential. After some discussion, it was decided to reduce the applicants to the following eight:— Mr. H. R. Bruce Dyke (29), assistant clerk and steward Kent County Asylum, Maidstone. lr. W. James Davies (30), Asylum store-keeper, Carmarthen. Mr. W. Davies (35), manager, The Brewery, Car- marthen. Mr. E. Twist Jones (26), Asylum clerk, Chester. Mr. Levi Idwal Morris (28), grocer, Pontardulais. Mr. J. W. Nesbitt (35), Magazine-row, Carmar- then, sergeant-major, R.G.A. Mr. Jacob W. Rogers (25), Spring-gardens, Fish- guard, magisterial clerk. Mr. S. F. J. Thompson (24), Fountain Hall, Car- marthen, official receiver's clerk. After several ballots the list was reduced to Mr. W. Davies, Mr. J. W. Nesbitt, Mr. J. W. Rogers, and Mr. S. F. J. Thompson. At the next ballot Thompson and Davies each got nine votes. and Nesbitt and Rogers five. Finally the voting was: Thompson, 9; Davies, 5. Mr. Thompson was therefore appointed. It was decided to allow the retiring clerk (Mr. Reed) a pension of JB78 8s. a year. APPOINTMENTS. It was reported that Dr. Race, the senior assis- tant medical officer, had resigned, and it was decided to adveitise for a junior. It was decided to allow Mr. Ben Thomas, the head attendant, a superannuation allowance of B106 15s. Id. The following pensions were also allowed to other attendants who claimed their superannuation:—Mr. J. Evans, £ 43: Mr. J. Thomas, JB46 17s. 2d.; Mr. J. Lodwick, J659 3s. 3d.; Mr. G. Davies, JB58 5s.; Mr. D. Lewis, B52 5s. Dr. Richards drew attention to the need of ap- pointing a seamstress. A good deal of sewing was done in the wards by the nurses and patients which he did not think desirable in a place reeking with phthisis. It was decided to authorise the appointment of a seamstress. SICK PAY. Dr. Richards said that there was a resolution to give a month's full pay to attendants who were ill, and half-pay for two months. "Mechanics" were only allowed a week. The question was as to the meaning of the term "mechanics." Hitherto it had been held only to include the painte; and shoe- maker; but tha question now arose of the carter, farm bailiff, and gardener. It was decided to allow the carter the privileges of an attendant, and to defer the consideration of the other cases. This was the end of the business. PRESENTATION TO MR. BEN. THOMAS. At the conclusion of the formal business a meet- ing of the Committee was held to make a presenta- tion to Mr. Ben. Thomas, the head attendant. The Chairman (Mr. C. M. Williams) read a letter from Sir William J. Collins, M.D., who asked that the enclosed gold medal of the Asylum Workers' Association should be presented to Mr. B. Thomas for long and meritorious service. In making the presentation, Mr. C. M. Williams said that Mr. Thomas had always been attentive to hjs duties and kind to the patients, and they wisheci him many years of life to enjoy the pension which he had so well earned. Mr. Thomas, in accepting the medal, said that he was much obliged to the chairman for his kind ex- pression. He felt very sorry to sever his connection with the Institution. Mr. Ben. Thomas, who has just retired from the post of head attendant of the Joint Counties' | Asylum, Carmarthen, after nearly 41 years' service, is a "St. Peter's Boy," having been born at Allty- cnap, Llanllwch, Carmarthen, on December 31st, 1841. He commenced his duties at the Institution on the 11th of October, 1869, when the late Dr. G. J. Hearder, M.D., was medical superintendent; the late Dr. E. P. Davies (afterwards of Lammas- street), assistant medical officer; the late Mr. W. E. B. Gwyn, Plas Cwrt Hyr, chairman of the Visiting Committee; and the late Mr. Charles H. Hughes, of Quay-street, clerk to the Visitors. Mr. Thomas had not been at the Asylum 18 months before he was appointed head attendant (in April, 1871) by Dr. Hearder, without having made any application for the position. This showed the Medical Superin- tendent's high opinion of his capabilities, and this opinion he evidently entertained up to his death in 1894, in which year Dr. E. Goodall, M.D. (now chief of the Cardiff Mental Hospital), was appointed medical superintendent. During Dr. Goodall's stay at Carmarthen Mr. Thomas enjoyed the confidence and goodwill of the latter, his assistance in the ad- ministrative work of the large Institution being continually acknowledged in the Medical Superin- tendent^ annual xoport,5 On Dr: Goodall18 re- moval to Cardiff, Dr. J. Richards, the present medi- cal superintendent, succeeded him, and this gentle- man also has cheerfully acknowledged in his report the assistance which Mr. Thomas has rendered him. During his long connection with the Institution, Mr. Thomas has seen numerous changes in the assis- tant medical officers. Dr. Martin succeeded Dr. E. Parry Davies, and he subsequently became Superin- tendent. of the Trinidad (West Indies) Lunatic Asylum. After his appointment lip the, above I Asylum, Dr. Martin gave Mr. Thomas a pressing invitation to become his chief attendant, offering him JB150 per annum, with house, etc. Other assis- tant medical officers under whom he served are Dr. Powell (now of Barry), Dr. C. P. Parry, Dr. Fred.' Hearder, Dr. Gibbon, Dr. James, Dr. Alice V. Johnson, Dr. Brinley R. Lloyd, etc., and the present assistant officers, Dr. Percy Race and Dr. Doig. Previous to joining the staff of the Joint Counties' Asylum. Mr. Thomas had had 13 years of a sea- faring life. five years of which he was connected with the Royal Navy and the remainder with the Mercantile Service. During that time he visited all parts of the world, and was shipwrecked four times, having some thrilling and hairbreadth escapes. On the 12th January, 1860, when 11 miles off the Land's End. in the schooner "Caroline," of Llan- elly, with -a cargo of copper ore from Falmouth to Llanelly, his vessel was run down by the schooner

"Orwell," of Leith, and all hands were drowned with the exception of himself. He managed to jump on bord the "Orwell" before his ship went down. Another occasion was in 1862, on the day of the death of Prince Albert, while coming home from North America in the barque "Ajax," of Bristol, while in mid-ocean, she borached to and capsized, and the crew (of which Mr. Thomas was a member) were lashed on her weather side for two days and two nights. Mr. Thomas was at Calcutta in 1364, during the great cyclone, 'when 20,000 lives were lost on land and water. He was wrecked twice on that day—in the morning in the full-rigged ship, "The Tartar of Greenock," and during the afternoon in the full-rigged ship, "The Admiral," of New York, which some of the crew of the "Tartar of Greenock" had managed to board. The crew had to dismast her, otherwise she would have capsized. Four of the crew and Mr. Thomas got ashore on the thatch roofs of the junks which bring down merchandise from the interior, and they found themgllves in hospital next morning, having been taken there by their rescuers. Mr. Thomas was also presented with a gold watch and chain by the owner of a sailing vessel, of which he was one of the crew, for his promptitude in avoiding a collision wuth another vessel in St. George's Channel. The owner was on board, and witnessed the occurrence, and so thankful was he for his de- liverance from a watery grave by Mr. Thomas's seamanship that he acknowledged it by the above worthy action. Mr. Thomas was for some years bosun of the "Lady Eugidia." of Glasgow, the com- peting passenger ship with the "Great Britain" and "London," who were trading from the East India Dock, London, to Melbourne, and. who, at that time, were competing with one another for the sailing supremacy of the ocean. These few reminis- cences show that Mr. Thomas has led a strenuous life. Up to a couple of years ago he overlooked all the outdoor and indoor work of the Asylum in the matter of building and repairs, as well as his usual duties as head attendant, and the thorough way in which he performed them evoked general praise. His severance will no doubt prove a great loss to the Asylum, and he will be sorely missed by the patients, all of whom love and respect him for his kindness and consideration for their welfare. Mr. Thomas now retires on a well-earned pension, after nearly 41 years' service on the staff of the Asylum, and hundreds of friends will join us in wishing him a further long length of life to enjoy it. Mr. Thomas has only just received the gold medal of the Asylum Workers' Association for his long ser- vice in the treatment of the insane, and has the distinction of being the only person in Wales hold- ing this coveted gold medal. The only other person in the Asylum service awarded the gold medal this year was Nurse A. Fraser, matron, Robben Island, South Africa. Mr. Thomas was invited to attend the annual meeting of the Asylum Workers' Association at 11, Claridon-street, Cavendish-square, London, on Wednesday, 25th May, when Sir William J. Collins, M.D., M.P., the president of the Associ- ation, would have personally presented the medal. Mr. Thomas was unable to attend through indis- position. and the medal was consequently forwarded to Carmarthen for presentation.