The Montgomery County Times and Shropshire and Mid-Wales Advertiser

ABERYSTWYTH. SAD FATALITY TO A CHILD. On Saturday afternoon an inquest was held at the Aberystwyth Infirmary before Mr John Evans, coroner, touching the death of Sarah Williams, aged four vears, the infant daughter of John Williams, labourer, Cambrian Cottages, who was run over by a wag-gonet.te-conveying the Evortou football team to the football ground-on the pre- vious day. The parents have had on a previous occasion to mourn the loss of another child by fall- ing out of a bedroom window, and previous to that another of the children was run over by a trap and sericsly injured Mr David Watkins, builder, was foreman of the jury.—John Williams, the father of the deceased, residing at Cambrian Cotcages, said that the child was four years of age, and he last saw her alive abou noon on the previous day.— Daniel Evans, 16. Prospect street, mason, said on the previous afternoon he was in Llanbadarn road, and about 4-15 the Lion bus drove up in charge of Parry and filled with the football players. He saw three little children playing in front of the horses. Two of them got out of the way, crossing over to separate sides of the road, but the deceased hesita- ted, first making for the pavement, and then starting back, fell between the horses and the front wheel. He was of opinion that the wheel struck the child down. Both wheels passed over her. A man named William John Matthias who was in the bns jumyx <1 down and picked the child up. The bus was coming along at a slow trot in the middle of the road; and the driver was, in his opinion, perfectly sober. There was no time to pull the horses up.—By a Juryman The child was frigh- tened and did not know where to run.—Edward Morgan, Llanbadarn road, corroborated the evidence of the previous witness. The child never moved after the first wheel went over her. If she had remained in the spot she ran to, instead of backing, the wheels would have only just passed her. The bus driven at an unusually moderate pace, and Parry was perfectly sober. There were two or I three sitting between the driver and the side on which the accident occurred.—Dora Hughes, nurse at the Infirmary, was called to say that the deceased was received at the House about 4-15 and she died in about five minutes after admission to the Houso. —Parry, the driver, desired to say that he knew very little about the accident. He saw the little children clearing away from the front of the bus, and then he felt the young horse or the near horse giving a jump, and he gathered from that that the deceased fell between the horse's heels and the front wheel. There were two men on the box seat. He never knew that the accident happened until he heard shouting.—The Coroner said that he did not think that drivers generally gave enough of room in passing little children on the street. It often was the case that older people were confused under similar circumstances, and he thought that drivers of vehicles should be more careful.—Parry said that there was a coal wagon coming against him, and he was only driving on his own side.—The Coroner What I have said applies to every driver generally. —In answer r.o Mr John Lewis, one of the jurymen, Parry said that the last he saw of the child was when the horses had passed her.—In answer to Capt Hughes, P.S. Phillips said that Parry was a very careful driver and the Coroner held the same opin- ion.-A, verdict of accidental death was returned no blame being attached to the driver. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—MONDAY. Mr. J. R. James presided over the ordinary meet- ing of the Board, held at the Workhouse. There were also present Messrs David Lloyd, W. A. Miller, B. E. Morgan, Hugh Hughes, John Jenkins, Richd. Edwards, William Mason, T. E. Salmon, J. P. Thomas, J M. Williams, Evan Lewis, W. Richards, John Jones, David Davies, Evan Richards, J. B. Morgan, James Jones, E. J. Evans, Griffith Morgan, Thomas Powell, Daniel Morris, Richard Rowlands Thomas James, and R. Davies; with Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk. THE AGRICULTURAL RATING ACT. A letter was read from the Local Government Board, stating that the amount due to the common fund under the Agricultural Rating Act reached £ 1,021 17s. lOd.; for school attendance expenses, Ell 8s. 6d.; separate charges on different parishes, 91 7s. 6d. STANDARD OF CONTRIBUTIONS TO COUNTY RATES. A printed statement was received from the County Council officials, stating that the net annual value of Aberystwyth Union, based on the present valuation standard, reached £ 96,306; net annual value of the agricultural land in the parish, £ 42,059 6s.; ret annual value of the buildings and other hereditaments not being agricultural land in the parish, CS4,246 14s. assessable'value of the parish being one-half the amount, in column 3 added to .toe amount in column 4. REPAIRS. The House Committee recommended that the tender of William Roberts for flagging the kitchen floor, at 212 10s., be accepted. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master reported that there were 41 in the House, and during the fortnight 44 vagrants had been relieved, as compared with 64 during the cor- responding period of last year. OUT-RELIEF. The following amounts were paid in out-relief during the past fortnight :—Per Mr John Jones, X43 4s, to 153 recipients; per Mr J. J. Hughes, £ 53 19s, to 202 recipients per Mr J. Morgan, X43 7s, to 136 recipients. CASES OF ILLEGITIMACY. The Master reported that there was admitted to the House a middle-aged woman with an illegiti- mate child.—Some of the Guardians stated that the woman was not destitute and that she had no occasion to come into the House. The woman' was called in and questioned, and it was decided that she should remain in the House and that the clerk be instructed to take steps to obtain evidence.— Complaint was made that the relieving officer had not informed the Guardians of the case before admitting the woman, and the Chairman told the officer (Mr Hughes) that he must be more careful in future.—Mr Salmon objected to the chairman censuring the officer when there was no ground for complaint. The officer had done his duty.—Amid loud cries of "order" and "chair" Mr Salmon resumed his seat but insisted upon the names being recorded, which was done. ASKED FOR SIXPENCE AND LOST THREE SHILLINGS. A male pauper in receipt of 3s out-door relief applied for the relief to be increased tQj3s 6d. His application was supported by Mr Salmon, but no one seconding the proposal the Board decided to offer the House.—Mr Salmon declared that it was a disgrace to the Board that they should act as they had done. Simply because a man applied for 6d extra the Guardians took all from him. A LLANBADARW OUT-RELIEF CASE. At the meeting of the Board held a month ago, it was decided to offer the house to a male pauper at Llanbadarn. In the meantime the relieving officer (Mr Hughes), acting, as he says, upon the instructions of a Guardian in this district, gives them relief in kind to the amount of 4s, and Mr Jenkins proposed, and Mr James Jones seconded, that the officer pay the money.—Mr Miller moved that they pass it on this occasion, but that the officer be asked to be more careful in future.—It was decided to pass the claim. AN ABERYSTWTTIJ CASE. Mr J. M. Williams asked what had been done in the case of the man Dawson, of Trefechan, whiuh had been adjourned.—Mr Jones, relieving officer, said that he found out that Dawson was getting 18s a week from the Gas Works.—Mr J. M. Williams said they ought to be more careful. He went to see the books at the Gas Works when the man applied for relief, and he found that the man was getting 18s a week, aud that he was paid over R2 in a lump sum. Was it not awful that these people should come and ask for relief, and saying that they were only in receipt of 3s per week when he was getting 18s a week ? A THREE MONTHS' MENU. During the consideration of Mr Joseph Morgan's book he reported that he had granted 5s relief to a man named Captain Daniel, who was in a destitute state. He made a minute examination of the man's house, and found that there was only a par: of potatoes and mashed potatoes there, and he believed that it was the samg as he saw three months ago.- The House was offered. SHORT-HANDED AT THE HOUSE. Mr B. E. Morgan proposed that they rescind a re- solation passed on December 7th, objecting to giv- ing the Master any assistance. The Master had stated that owing to overwork he was ill and the Matron had been compelled to carry out duties of the industrial trainer whose services they had dis- pensed with. It appeared to him (the speaker) absolutely necessary that they should have some- one to assist the Master. It was impossible for the Master to look after the House, the garden and the tramps and he held that they ought not to entrust to the care of paupers, work that should be done by an assistant.—Mr Miller seconded the proposal. He had noticed as far back as two years ago the absolute necessity for the appointment of an assis- tant at the House. If there was any accident in the Honse the Board would be held responsible.— Mr David Davies asked how many paupers were in the House when the Master was appointed.—Mr T. E. Salmon supported the motion and pointed out that the Master had increased work in the office.- Mr Jenkins and Mr James Jones also supported the motion but on being put to the vote it was lost by 12 votes to 8. 9 THE ABSTRACT. Mr Hugh Hughes wished to propose a scheme for the reduction of the abstract and with this in view the consideration of the tenders was adjourned. TOWN COUNCIL.—TUESDAY. There were present Councillor R. Doughton (mayor), Councillor T. Griffiths (ex-mayor). Alder- men W H Palmer and T Doughton, Councillors C M Williams, E P Wynne, J Hopkins, R Peake, E II James. W Thomas, D C Roberts, John Watkin, and R J Joues, with Mr A J Hughes (town clerk), Mr Chas Massey (assistant clerk), Mr H LEmus (accountant), and Mr Rees Jones (surveyor). THE LATE DEAN. A letter was read from Mrs Phillips, St David's, wife of the late Dean Phillips, thanking the Mayor and Corporation on behalf of her children and her- self for the kind sympathy shown with the family in their bereavement, and added that it was a gratification to them to find that the "old vicar" still held a warm corner in the hearts of his friends at Aberystwyth. BATHING MACHINE BUSINESS. Mrs Eliz. Lewis appealed in a letter to the Council for an early decision upon the bathing machine licences. As regards the claim of Mrs E. A. Davies, she denied and intended to resist any claim that lady might bring forward with regard to the property now in the possession of the writer. The letter was referred to the General Purposes Committee. THE VOLUNTEERS. A letter was read from Mr W. J. Watkin, of Cartrefle, accepting on behalf of the new volunteer corps, the vacant bacon-curing house at an annual rental of £20, the surveyor to put the place in a good condition.—The Surveyor said that ho had had instructions to prepare the place.—Alderman Doughton Your estimate was £60 for doing the work.—The Surveyor: That was the estimated value of the material. The expense of putting the place in order will not be one-fourth of that.— Councillor Thomas bore out this statement, snd said that now he understood that they were to put the place in order, and he would propose that this be done, and that the tenancy commence on the 25th March.—Councillor Williams seconded, and it was carried. BRYNYMOR TERRACE. A letter was read from Messrs Smith, Davies and Co., stating that they had been instructed by the occupiers of Brynymor Terrace to take action against the Council, unless the road was put into proper repair. Their clients had no desire to harrass the Council or the Surveyor and had no wish to take legal proceedings if it could be avoided but thev desired to point out the serious disadvan- tage under which they laboured.—The letter was .referred to the Public Works Committee with power to act. THE CARTAGE OF SAND FROM THE BEACH. IT MUST BE STOPPED. A petition bearing the signatures of sixty owners and occupiers of the Marine Terrace was read. The petitioners declared that the removal of the sand whilst interfering with the beauty of the beach placed the safety of the sea front in danger, and they attributed the damage done last year to the taking away of the natural barrier. The petitioners asked that the cartage be stopped.— Whilst admitting that the petition was umnerously and inflnentially signed, Councillor Thomas thought that as the season was so near at hand that the discussion of it should be deferred for the present, but in any case they ought to consider the matter before next autumn.—-Alderman Doughton said that on Saturday evening they would be having the highest spring tide of the year— 21 feet odd—and if the carting from the upper part of the beach was prevented the tide would level the beach aud the nnsightly boles that the Council were compelled to fill up last year would be avoided, and he would move that the Surveyor be instructed to prohibit the carrying of sand or gravel from the beach within thirty yards of the front of the parade during the remainder of the season.—Councillor Thomas said that this did not deal with the main question.— Alderman Doughton said that it would do because he did not think that they would be able to cart away an ounce of sand after that season.— The Town Clerk said that they must provide against the wholesale removal of sand, because in six weeks as much injury could be done as in the year. He was going to suggest that builders should not be allowed to take more than what they required.—Councillor Thomas said that the builders were providing their usual stock for the summer. He was of opinion that the proposition of Capt Doughton would meet the case. The Town was divided OD, the point, as was also the Town Council, atl&he not 660 t"hey would gain much by limiting the builder* until the 1st May.—AldSrt&an Palmer said that surely something would be done in answer to the petition. That question had been before the Council for the last five years, and had always been pooh poohed. About twelve months ago he called attention to the beach, and Mr Thomas said something about the Board of Trade interfering, and that they should not say anvthing. Now he wanted it to be put on one side for another six months-Conncillor Thomas What, what (laughter).—Alderman Palmer: Put it away until next year, that's what you said. Continuicg, Alder- man Palmer pointed out the serious damage that was done to the Terrace on the last big storm, and he moved that the Surveyor be instructed to stop the removal of sand for the present.Alderman Doughton Yon must first rescind the present re- solution as to the close season.—Alderman Palmer: I move that we rescind the resolution.—TWfe Mayor: That is out of order (laughter).— Alderman Palmer Out of order! We can ten our Surveyoi to stop the cartage.—The Town Clerk said that the resolution could be passed as a matter of urgency, and confirmed at the next meeting of the Council. —Councillor Hopkins said that the resolution upon the books was illegal because the sand was not theirs. They took upon themselves to sell the sand, and they had no authority to sell it. It did not belong to the Corporation it belonged to the Board of Trade.—Councillor Wynne seconded the proposal of Alderman Doughton. He was of opinion that the Surveyor should take steps to prevent the cartage of sand like last year.—Councillor Peake said that the Council had no wish to hamper the builders, but the matter was a serious one, inas- much as during the last twelve months the beach had diminished tremendously. Since last November 5,000 loads of sand had been taken from the beach. They ought to look the matter straight in the face, and he would second Alderman Palmer's proposition.— Councillor Watkin agreed that they ought to close the beach at once. But in order to meet the builders they might change the last day from May first to April first. If they allowed them to carry until first May they would take away as much as ever had been taken. Some builders had been carrying away sand which they would not require for another two years. — Councillor Peake And selling it afterwards. — Councillor Watkin pointed out that with an eighteen foot tide the water was around the flower beds and such a thing had not been seen for ten years and he asked what would it be with a twenty one foot tide. He would sup- port the amendment if Alderman Palmer altered it to April 1st from at once."—Alderman Doughton said that the last spring tide was 20 feet and flhe one to take place on Saturday would be 21 feet and it would occur about 8 30 p. m. He mentioned this so that the people on the Terrace might know when to protect their property. If his amend- ment was carried it would be the means of stopping the cartage as there was no sand below the thirty yards line. — Coun- cillor Roberts said that he had been compelled to come to the conclusion that the removal of the sand from the beach seriously affected the parade. He would vote for a resolution which would put a stop to the removal of the sand. He would support the amendment if Mr Watkin's suggestion was included.— In reply to Councillor Peake, Mr Rees Jones said that he did not think the removal of sand was the reason for the tide beating on the Parade, because in 1865, when the Pier was carried away, the water not only came on the Terrace, but it came with a regularflood down Terrace-road; but he must say that the continual cartage of sand must endanger the safety of the sea wall.—The Mayor Do you think that these contractors are carting more than they want ?—The Surveyor Yes; they make sure of it—(laughter)—whether they want it or not. Some of them have large quantities in stock.—Alderman Palmer Yes, and they're selling it.—Councillor Williams said the climax had not been reached that week and they ought to consider to same extent the great inconvenience that would accrue to the builders; but he thought that the resolution proposed by Captain Doughton would meet the case. The Council were not altogether free from blame in the matter as some years ago there was a cry for the erection of three or more groynes at the lower end of the Terrace. Two were put down but another was badly needed between those already constructed, and as the Council itself had been neglectful he thought that they ought not to close the gap without giving the builders notice. He hoped the Council would not divide but would agree to limit the space.— Councillor Wynne And the quantity.—Councillor Thomas said so far as he could remember he did not as Alderman Palmer said propose to defer the matte! when it was brought on some time ago; and he certainly did not do so that day. He did not want to defer it for six months, but simply /to let the six months pass by. He was in favour of Capt. Doughton's resolution.—Alderman Doughton Mr Williams said that I stated there was no sand below the 30 yards what I said, was, that it would be a difficult thing to get some.—Alderman Palmer agreed to amend his resolution to read until the first of April.—Councillor Williams, referring to the remark made by Councillor Hopkins respecting the right of the Council, said that his opinion Councillor Hopkins was entirely in the wrong to make that statement. Our legal advisers have advised us to the contrary, and a member of the Council should not—■—. — Councillor Hopkins: Don't you bring my name in or I will give .— Councillor Williams: I hope I never shall; you are not worth it. You make statements, and wo have a right to contradict those statements. I ask the Town Clerk if we are doing a thing which we have no right to do. — The Town Clerk said that he should like it to go out to the public that the Board of Trade and the Corpor- ation perfectly understood each other. The matter had been referred to eminent counsel, and he hoped before their next meeting to hear counsel's opinion. At all events the Conncil did not admit the inter- ference of the Board of Trade, and if the Council said that they were in the wrong why they gave their case away completely.—Councillor Hopkins: I wish to say that the Council are going fast into law with the Board of Trade and Board of Health. -Councillor Williams: That is only your opinion.- Councillor Hopkins: I'm a member of the Council, and I say that you are driviug the town into law. Mr Hughes told me many times that the Council will be sure to go one of these days.—The Town Clerk (severely): When did you hear me make such a statement ? I never made, such a statement. —Councillor Hopkins: You told me we should be fined one of these days if we did not mind what W3 did were doing.—The Town Clerk To say that I stated that members of the Council were dragging the town into litigation then all I can say is that it is a mis-statement.—Councillor Hopkins: That is what I understood.—Councillor Williams: Mr Hopkins will withdraw.—Councillor Hopkins That is what I understood.—The Town Clerk said that he had no recollection of making such a statement, and he credited himself with common sense enough not to confer with any individual member of the Council and criticise the conduct of his brother councillors (hear, hear).—The following amended resolution was then put and carried Resolved that the Surveyor be instructed to prohibit cartage of sand from the beach within 30 yards of the front of the paradt during the remainder of the season and no person having stocks already in hand shall be allowed to remove sand until such stocks be exhausted. THE RESERVOIR DINGLE. A letter from the owner of this dingle was read, protesting against the filling up of the dingle, and calling upon the Corporation to take away the rubbish already laid down.—The letter was referred to the Public Works Committee. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. The following report of the Committee was read and adopted :Mr Weller, the town gardener re- quested permission to obtain the usual quantity of flower seeds. Your Committee recommend that the gardener be authorised to purchase the quantity at a cost not exceeding £5. The plans of Shiloh School room and Minister's house were submitted and approved of. Your Committee recommend that the Borough Surveyor be authorised to purchase 5,000 bricks for the ventilating shaft. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. The Harbour Committee reported as below and it was adopted :—A letter was read and considered from Messrs E. Cockey and Sons, of Frome, asking for a quotation onpbrbour dues for about 80 tons of material, comprising a gas holder for the Aber- ystwyth Gas Company, and your committee recom- mend that a special rate of Is per ton be quoted, and instructed the Borough Accountant to com- municate to that effect with the firm. Your Com- mittee recommend that tenders be invited for supplying the Corporation with seven timber mooring buoys for the Harbour. A BAND FOR THE PROMENADE. Upon the recommendation of the General Pur- poses Committee it-Was decided to accept the offer of the Town Band to perform on the Terrace from June 5 t. Oct. 2 at £10 per week each evening from 7 until 9.30. The band will also be engaged during Easter week the same terms. The ques- tion of a new band"Sta.nd was discussed and it was agreed to await the report of the Surveyor on the old one. LANDJJFFCAR TOWN HALL. The Finance Cqp>onittee reported that a latter read from MS Griffith Williams, in which he offers to sell to t hijl Corporation a quantity of land near the Town Hail n £ bvided t|p$Corporation built fc-wall three feet high above ms premises. Your committee recommend that the Corporation should bear two-thirds of the cost and Mr Williams one' third. The Surveyor's estimated cost being £25 for the whole. The wall hereafter is to be treated as a party wall for all purposes.—Agreed to. PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT. Councillor E. P. Wynne moved that the following be referred to the Public Works Committee That it is desirable to continue the boundary wall between St. Michael's Place and the churchyard in a westerly direction as far as the back of No. 12, Laura Place, and that the Vicar of Aberystwyth be applied to for his consent to the demolition of the existing entrance to St. Michael's Church yard from Great Darkgate Street, and to the re-erection thereof in the line of the first-mentioned wall."— Proposition agreed to. WORKMEN)S DWELLINGS. Councillor Robert Peake moved That the reso- lution of the Council, dated 16th February last, adopting the plan of the building sites on the field adjoining Buarth Mawr and Plascrug be rescinded, and that in lieu thereof the plan of the said sites as since amended by the borough surveyor, and sub- mitted to the Public Works Committee, be adopted." By thel new arrangement the houses will have a better appearance and there will be a greater num. ber erected at a less cost in-respect of road making. —The resolution was seconded by Alderman Doughton, and carried, and it was referred to the Finance Committee to fix the ground value and grant sites. RE-APPOINTMENT. On the motion of Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Peake, Dr Thomas was re-appointed medical officer of health. VALE OF RHEIDOL RAILWAY. The Town Clerk informed the council that the Board of Trade had withdrawn their block to the bill and it would now go through the House of Lords. Of course the rights of all parties were reserved and the great object was to avoid delay. He suggested that the fishermen should be invited to send representatives to a meeting of the council in committee and discuss the question of the moor- ing as he was given to understand that th., men were anxious to meet council if a proper mooring ground was prepared for them.—Councillor Jones proposed and Councillor Williams seconded that this be done, the latter adding that it would be better for the whole of the council to be present.— Councillor James seconded this. — Alderman Doughton said that it was not boatmen themselves but the petty secretaries who were the cause of all this.—Councillor Hopkins Alderman Doughton did not blame the boatmen-—The Mayor: Now now, he did not name you. Councillor Hopkins He has been the stumbling block from beginning to end, and said that he coold stop you to build if only for himself. He then spoke of the currents in Tre- fechan and the tides, but where are they now ?— Alderman Doughton said Mr Hopkins and the lest were too thick headed to see it themselves, and would have known nothing at all about it if he had not pointed it out (laughter.) The resolution was adopted. PETTY SESSIONS.—WEDNESDAY. Before Messrs R. Doogbton (mayor), T. Hugh Jones, Isaac Hopkins, Thomas Griffiths, E. P. Wynne, C. M. Williams, and Edward Evans. DRUNKENNES.— Thotnas Richard Jones, black. smith, Portland Lane, was charged with being drunk and disorderly on March 13th.—P.S. Phillips said that about ten minutes past eleven on Saturday night he saw a crowd of people on the corner of Terrace Road. He went over to the crowd and saw the defendant drunk and disorderly. He was cursing and swearing, kicking his hat about the street, and shouting out that it was unfair that he should be struck on the eye. Two of his friends took Jones home.—Defendant pleaded guilty, and was fined Is and costs, in all 8s 6d. THE BEST MAN IN TOWT*.—Edward Davies, Poplar Row; William Davies, Comminscoch; and Thomas Thomas, Comminscoch, were charged with being drunk and disorderly in Northgate Street on Satur. day evening last.—P.C. Thomas Davies said that about 20 minutes to 12 on the night in question he was on duty in Northgate Street. He heard a row in Skinner Street, and, upon going there, he found the defendants wanting to fight. The two Davises were kept back by their friends, and the other man complained of being knocked about. He ordered the men home, and after a little while tbey went away. The men were drunk. — P.S. Phillips corroborated the evidence given by P.C. Davies.— David Thomas, tailor, said about eleven o'clock on Saturday night they went into the barber's shop. Edward Davies came up, and said I'm the best man in town." For swiming ?" said one. Or for flying," he replied, and then one of them got a smack on the face, and he got his friends away. Edward Davies was turned out of the barber's shop. —Edward Davies: What, me turned out? No, I was not; it was these other two who were turned out.—Edward Davies were fined 10s and costs, and William Davies and Thomas Thomas each Is and costs. ADJOURNED SESSIONS.—WEDNESDAY. Before Messrs R Doughton (mayor), Thomas Griffiths, C. M. Williams, Thomas Hugh Jones, I R. J. Jones, Edward Evans, Isaac Hopkins, and John Lewis. ALLEGED ADULTERATED MILK.—David Phillips, and Margaret Phillips, Terrace Road, were charged with selling milk adulterated with 8 per cent of water. Mr Tolm Evans prosecuted, and Mr A. J. Hughes, town clerk, defended.—Mr John Evans, in his opening statement, said that Dr. Snape had made an analysis of the milk on the day that it was purchased, and he found that it was adulterated with 8 per cent of water. Now Somerset House had made an analysis, the milk having been sent down on March 4th, and thev found that there was 5 per cent of water. On the day after the sample was sent to Somerset House Dr. Snape made a second analysis, and he found that the per centage of water was 5"4. He was proceeding to show that the analysis of Somerset House was brought about under certain rules, but Mr Hughes objected to this. Mr Evans further stated that on the first occasion the name of Supt. Phillips was ommitted from the summons, and it was for his friend to say if her was prepared to waive objection to this and go on with the case.—Mr Hughes said that he was willing to waive technicalities if Dr. Hatfield's certificate of analysis was accepted and admitted, :n his absence, as evidence.—Mr Evans agreed to this course and called P.S. Phillips who said that on the 11th February he purchased a pint of milk from the female defendant under instructions from Supt. Phillips. Margaret Phillips was iu the employ of David Phillips. He told her that the milk was wanted for examination, and he divided the quantity of the milk in the presence of the defendant. The rest of the evidence given nt the previous hearing was read, and in answer to Mr Hughes, P.S. Phillips said that the miik was measured out to him in the usual way. There might have been three or four gallons of milk in the can. In September last a sample of milk was taken from the same defendant and analysed, but there was no prosecution.—Supt. Phillips had nothing to add to his evidence already given respecting the handing over of the milk for examination.—Dr. Snape, publici analyist for the county, said that he made the analysis on the same day that the milk was received. Assuming the milk was of the poorest quality it must have contained at least 8 per cent of added water. He made a second examination after the milk was sent to Somerset House.—Mr Hughes objected to the question being put. It was not usual to explain away the contents of a certifi- cate.—The Clerk held the same opinion.—Cross- examined by Mr Hughes, Dr Snape said the analysis was completed on the 12th or 13th of February, and the certificate was sent in on the 18th Febru- ary. He went by the Somerset House standard but did not know of any legal standard. He only wished there were because there was such a great difference between opinions. The quality of milk depended very much on the kind of feeding, date of calving, the method of milking, and the kind of herd. He was not prepared to say what was the average quantity of water found in ordinary milk but the solids varied from 8t to 14 and the water might be 91 to 95 per cent. In the analysing of milk he followed Dr Bell's method. Delay in examination of milk brought about a loss in the fats. it would be a difficult thing to say if skim milk was added in place of water, but he would pledge himself that water had been added. -Re-examined by Mr Evans The quantity of fat found in the milk was higher than that usually found in pure milk, and if skim milk had been added there would have been a reduction in fatty matter and an increase of non-fatty matters. He considered that Dr Hadfield had not taken Dr Bell's method. On March 5th he made a second examination.—Mr Hughes objected to the question. It did not arise out of his cross-examination.—Mr Evans: I am going to show that Somerset House are generous to the defendants.—Mr Hughes: We will waive their generosity (laughter). — Re- examined by Mr Evans: If he had known the original source of the milk he would have expected to find the adulteration greater.—Elizabeth Phillips, sister to the defendants, said that she put the milk into the cans. There was no water in the cans and no water was added to the milk. —Margaret Phillips, sister of the last witness, said she sold the milk in;, the same state as it came from the1 cow?.—Gross-examined: She had received no complaint about the milk.—Mr A. J. Hughes then called David Phillips who proved the despatch of the milk to Professor Hatfield. The .analysis of Professor Hatfield showed that there was 11*23 of fat and non-fatty solids, but some of the fat bad been lost in gas, accountable to the sour condition of the milk. Professor Hatfield further said that he was of opinion that the example was a pure one though poor. Mr Hughes contended that now was the worst time of the year for the cows to give milk, as they were without pasture and heavy in calf.—The Bench considered the case in private, and decided to dismiss the charge.

ABERDOVEY. THE DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION.— This event is likely to pass off quietly, as it is not expected that any opposition will be offered to the re- election of Mr W. Hughes Jones, who at present occupies the chair of the Towyn and Aberdovey Council. Mr Hughes Jones has proved himself a trustworthy representative, and it is to be hoped that no aspirant for local honours will cause the ratepayers the expense for an election. SEWERAGE WORKS.—These works are progressing at a most rapid pace. It is expected that the sewerage work in the streets will be completed this week, and that a start will be made on the outfall at the commencement of next week. Between the water works and all the expense is estimated to be between £8,000 and £9,000. After these will be finished Aberdovey will be in a proper condition to receive the large influx of visitors that are expected during next summer. ACCIDENT.—Whilst following his occupation as a carter, on Monday, Mr William Russell, Railway Court, fell from his cart on his back, and sustained some injuries. Being helped by some kind friends it was found that his injuries weie not so serious as were at first expected. He was taken home, and we are glad to understand is coming on well. GOLF CLUB.—Great progress is made with the preparations for Easter. Large number of visitors are expected to take part ip the competitions, while the links have undergone much improvements On Wednesday, April 21st, a handicap competition is to take place for first and second prizes, and a foursome handicap competition (match play) for teams of two players (first round).

TOWYN. INCREASE IN SALARY.—At the meeting of the Merioneth County Council held on Wednesday, it was unanimously resolved to increase the salary of Inspector E. J. Evans, Towyn, inspector and adjuster of weights and measures, by JE30 a year. GOOD TEMPLAR'S LODGE.—The weekly meeting was held in the Schoolroom of the Welsh Independ- ent Chapel on Friday, the chief templar presiding. A long discussion took place on matters appertain- ing to the lodge. SUDDEN DEATH OF MISS SHUKER.—The sad news of the very sudden death of Miss Mary Shuker, Tradyddan, created quite a sensation in this town last week. She was the only daughter of Mrs Shuker, and was held in high esteem by the inhabi- tants of Towyn. It seems that she contracted cold whilst staying the South of France, where she was stayinn over the winter, being accompanied by her mother. She was about 23 years of age, and great sympathy is felt with the mother and the bereaved family. She was buried this week at Shrewsbury. On Sunday morning, at St Cadvan's parish church, the organist, Mr J. P. Williams, played the Dead March in Saul. WESLETAN GUILD.—The ordinary meeting of this Guild was held on Tuesday evening in the Schoolroom of Ebenezer Chapel, the Rev. Robert Jones presiding. The proceedings took the form of a literary entertainment, the first item on the programme being a song by Miss Jones, Frondeg, followed by an animated disoussion on the Welsh Language Whether its continuance is an advan- tage or a disadvantage to Wales." The affirmative side was taken by Miss Davies, Arfor Terrace, and the negative by Mr John Jones, Red Lion Street. Messrs Wm. Evans, A. Henry Jones, Rd. Brown, D. O. Jones, John Jones, liar Davies, and Evan Hughes took part. On a division being take. a majority of two was found to favour the affirmative side. Then followed recitations by Messrs Wm. Evans and John Jones. Mr A. H. Jones took the prize for the spelling bee, and Messrs Evan Hughes and D. O. Jones for impromptu speaking.

« CORK BUTTER, Thursday.—Ordinary, firsts, 101s; seconds, 88s thirds, 79s; fourths, 62s fine mild, 94; mild, 86s; mild kegs, 00s. In market, 110 firkins, classified thus—Prime, 1; firsts, 1; seconds, 54 thirds, 35 fourths, 1; fine mild, 6; mild, 2; unbranded, 10; kegs, 0.

I CAERSWS BOAR;) OF GUARDIANS \» E r> N a: s o A Y At the fortnightly meeting of this Board, Mr B. R. Bennett, chairman, presiding, there were also present Mr Richard Evans, vice-chairman. Rev T. H. Hughes, Messrs John Lewis. Dai-id Hamer, D. Man JOCle, C. Morgan, \Y. Francis, Evan Powell, Matthew Dflvie;, M. K. Davies, ichard Pryce. Vviiliam Aideraor., John Whiiticase. Richard Bre«:«. liiebani Andrew*, E. Moi ris. N. Dennett, 1 homas Mitis, Evan Lewi. John Lewi. David Lloyd, T. E. Kmsey, E. P. Davies, with Mr Richard Lloyd, clerk, MrC. Taylor, depusv i;l--rk, Mr Bir- cham, Inspector of the Lnoal (.iovi-niuieiiii Board, was also present. The minutes were read and approved. CONFERENCE WITH THíè LOCAL GOVNUXMKNT INSPECTOR.. Mr Bircham ha.; a conference with the Board in private. Onhe reporters being ro-admitted the Chairman said, addressing them I may tell the reporters rumour littie talk or advice front Mr Birciiam has been to form a committee to bring this matter forward, which will be done in a formal way. —Mr Bircham The Local Government Board has had the reports sent to them and they observe from these reports that the matter has not been spttled or completed and left in an indefinite state. I have recommended the Guardians to add some members to the original committee and to go into the matter thoroughly. — Mr John Lewis asked if the report of the discussion was a written or a printed report.—Mr Bircham said they were slips from a newspaper,. There was no letter or signa- ture. — Mr W. Francis: It was very kind of the' party to send it, however.—Mr David Hamer Was there any post mark to show where it was sent from.—Mr Bircham said the slip pasted opaper was sent to him from the Local Government Board. It was agreed that the committee should meet at CaersITS on Friday next the 2oth instant, at 11 o'clock.—Mr D. Hamer proposed that the com- mittee have refreshments (a laugh.)—Rev T. H. Hughes said he suppejsed they could have them on the same terms as usual. — Mr C. Morgan and the Chairman would give instructions to provide luncheon for the committee. LOCAL TAXATION. A circular was read from the Gateshead Board of Guardians asking the Board to recommend that members of the Assessment Committee be added to the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into matters connected with local taxation.—After souie discussion it was agreed, on the motion of Mr John Lewis, seconded by Mr E. Powell, to adopt the re- commendations of the Gateshead Union. OUT-DOOR RELIEF. A number of out-door relief cases were then considered. THE APPOINTMENTS OF MEDICAL OFFICERS. A circular was read from an Essex Board of Guardians, suggesting that it was desirable that Boards of Guardians should have greater control over district medical officers, and that the appoint- ment should be made for no longer than three years.—Mr C. Morgan asked the Board to support this resolution. Ho thought it was an abomination to the country that a man who had just passed an examination of the Royal College of Surgeons should be appointed for life. He thought that three or five years was ample time, and if he was a good man he would have no fear of removal from his office.—Mr D. Hamer seconded the resolution which was carried unanimously. STATISTICS. The number of tramps in the first week was 33, against 83 last year, and in the second week 35 against 66. Relief in Newtown district, per Mr Robert Lloyd, £66 la, to 258 persons; in Llanidloes, per Mr R. Owen, £78 lis 6d to 337 persons; in LlanwDog, per Mr James Hamer, JE40 14s 6d to 154 persons.— The Rev D. Jones conducted service at the House when 20 attended, and the Rev G. Phillips on the following Sunday when 19 attended. —The Visiting Committee reported that they had visited the House and had found the inmates comfortaole. THE PAYMENT OF COLLECTORS. The report of the Assessment Committee on the memorial from the Collectors, asking that they should be paid a fixed salary based on the average of their receipts for the last three years, was read. (In consequence of the working of the Agricultural Rates Act the collections are much reduced in certain parishes, and poundage formerly paid on the larger collections would not be adequate if paid on the smaller collections). The committee recommended an addition of Id in the pound on the collections made in all the parishes exoept Llanidloes and Llanllwchaiarn.—Mr .Richard Jones proposed the adoption of the report, and a Member seconded.—Mr O. Morgan did not think that an increase of Id in the nound would be equivalent to the loss, particularly in the parish of Kerry. He moved as an amendment that it be remitted back to the Assessment Committee to receive a deputa- tion of the collectors and to report to the Board of Guardians.—The Rev. T. H. Hughes seconded the amendment.—Mr Bircham, in reply to a question, said that if they raised the salaries of the collectors and the Agricultural Rates Act were not renewed they would be unable to reduce them.—The amend- ment proposed by Mr C. Morgan was carried. THE AMALGAMATION QUESTION. The report of the committee on the amalgama- tion of the Workhouses of Montgomeryshire was read. It ran as follows :—" Your committee met on the 26th of last month and went into the present cost of management as careful as possible. We find it impossible to get at it exactly as the fuel and some other things of the officials are blended with maintenance, so we have done the best we could and have arrived at the following conclusion. First, what we have to pay Master and matron, £70; nurse, £20; porter, £20; medical officer, £40; chaplain, £50; night nurse and char- ing, £20; rations for officials, £100; furniture and property, £70; buildings and repairs, £70; coal for officials, £10; total, £486. As you seemed afraid at the last meeting lest the committee should commit the Board in any way we acted canseously and have not invited any of the Forden Guardians to meet us to discuss the question or arrange terms until the Board give us power to do so. But in order to have something to lay before you we have assumed that they will accept 4s 6d per head per week and that we send 60 inmates to the House; that will be 7id per head per week more than it costs us to maintain them here, as the present cost is 3s 1, exclusive of the staff and establishment charges. Now, assuming that we have 60 in the House (which is about the average of our indoor) that would be JE1 17s 6d per week, or JE97 10s annually. To this we add £50 for superannuation, making a total of £147 10s. This taken from the cost of the staff and establishment charges which is JE486 would be £338 10s saving to this Board annually or perhaps more and Forden Union would save nearly as much if they took our paupers on the foregoing terms, for if their maintenance is 3s Id as shown in the balance sheet then they (the Forden Board) would have Is 5d per head per week towards establishment charges, which on the pro- posed number 60 would amount in the year to £224 which appears to us no reasonable Board would refuse. This arrangement would be a saving to both Boards of £338 10s and £224, a total of £562 10s, and this sum may be aagmented by nearly £1,000 more by the amalgamation of the four Houses.—Signed, C. MORGAN, JOHN LEWIS, EVAN LEWIS, MATTHEW DAVItCS, E. JONES. Feb. 17,1897." Mr John Lewis It appears to me that the purport of this report shows our position.—Mr C. Morgan said they had arrived in his opinion at a time when thfey should take active measures or drop the ques- tion officially. He felt very ill-disposed to take the latter course because he believed he was expressing the opinion of most of the members when he said the thing was practicable and could be carried out entirely. He did not say they had occasion to regret the apparent delay in the prosecution of this great question-he meant by great question, the amalgamation of the Unions of the County, which, he maintained, were unnecessary and wasteful. [By Unions the speaker obviously meant Work-, houses.] They all felt the importance of this question and he felt much pleased at the position they had obtained in the public mind at the present moment. He remembered when the thing was first mooted out of a Union of 24,000 inhabitants there were fery few who believed in the scheme for want of understanding it. He would fearlessly assert that now 90 per cent. of the ratepayers of this Union believed that they were wasteful and that they shoutd alter the system of indoor maintenance and also believed in the final success of this soheme. He was also very much pleased that they had with them the good feelings of the other Unions. They were becoming aware of the vast amount of saving they would finally effect. A few years ago the Inspector of the Board of Trade had been able to throw oil on troubled water, and if they had his sympathy now they would be proud. He (the speaker) was pleased to see that at Forden he had made some remarks with wisdom and justice, and reading carefully between the lines of his remarks he found a peculiar feature in them, namely, that Mr Bircham was not adverse to amalgama- tion (laughter). One thing he said at Fordea was that he did not see the utility of further spending money on tramp accommodation. What did he mean ? The remark made there relieved them of one enemy—a dirty little herring that had been drawn across their path. That red herring had been most prominent, and he thought that Mr Bircham's remark might perhaps carry it off. There was another thing that he suggested, and he thought he had done that ex- ceedingly wisely. It. w.3 a thing that he had thought of for a number of years. It was that lunatic paupers should bo accommodated in their own workhouse?. (Mr Bircham Hear, hear.") They were too apt to sc,n,-l poor lunatics to Bicton to get out of maintaining them there (at the Workhouse.) That being so it was evidpnt tiO his mind that the Local Government Board were not far from (a Member From the kingdom of Heaven "much laughter.) advocating the scheme of amalgamation. He was aware that the work they had to deal with was of a most import- ant character. They had 6^,000 people to consult, and not only 62.000 people, but men of position and men of power. They had Her Majesty's In- spector to deal with. Once they got Mr Bircham vo say that they were rigH, they might go forward il l) the scheme. He a-ked whether it was cheaper to have four Houses in the County of Montgomery "lan one House, and whether i was better to keep Forden House one-third Hill or to hoard their ooor out among their relations. He asked Mr Bircham w hat be would suggest to them. They were, he miijht say, a body of intelligent men. They had a valuation of £17,000. He asked whether it was better to keep this house one-sixth or one-seventh full. He would ask whether they should keep the cursed building there at a.Jl of "Oh! Oh !") He was sorry to have used the word, but he felt strongly. They would have to act with wisdom and dispatch. There were several courses open for carrying on the work. The first was boarding out. That was good enough. The secoud, by asking the other boards to co-operate with them,"and thirdly, by petitioning the Local Government Board, where- in he would hope to have the help of Mr Bircham. But what he considered best was asking the co- operation of the other Boards of Guardians. For that purpose he asked them to adopt a resolution asking them to join. They had said that they had not taken the right acrior;, that they had uot called them together. It was the chairman of the Mach- ynlleth Board who suggested this course. It was a course that he (the speaker) had advocated from the first, and therefore he would nut trouble them farther with recommending it,. The matter was so full and pregnant with points of truth and justice that he was sure they would adopt the resolution. He moved that the time had come for the four that he was sure they would adopt the resolution. He moved that the time had come for the four Workhouses in the County of Montgomery to be unified, one house being adopted for all, and that this Board of Guardians respectfully invite six members of the other Boards to a conference to be held at a convenient centre. He thought that if they met that they could discuss the matter and mnuy points would be revealed that were now in the background.—Mr Evan Lewis seconded the motion.—Mr Bircham said he did not wish to interfere with the boundless freedom of discussion which he hoped would be in- dulged in over this matter. But Mr Morgan had read between the lines uf something he had said at Forden and bad made the lines so wide apart, and had put a great deal in between.—Mr C. Morgan: There was plenty of room (laughter)—and he would not be responsible for the inferences he had so freely drawn from what lie had said at Forden, and which related to Forden as well as to this Union. He had repeatedly recommended that harmless lunatics should be kept in their own Workhouses, and prevent the spending of large sums on county lunatic asylums. He had no authority with the authorities of county lunatic asylums, but where- ever he went he found immense Bums of money spent on the lunatic asylums and here they had two places which had brick and mortar accommodation and also the advantage of being far from large towns and having ground for recreation so useful and needful for the inmates. As to the accom- modation for vagrants at Forden, all he had done was not to press on them to spend money on pro- viding accommodation. He had been asking them to make cells instead of the accommodation they had. They were making accommodation which he thought dangerous from fire, and he said he would not press for that accommodation, as the tramps were diminishing. They had not the vagrant ac- commodation that they had at Caersws. He was sure Mr Morgan would not wish to commit bim to any opinion that he did not express. His opinion was only of value when he came to be consulted. He wouid be glad to help with any information and he supported the remark about boarding out. In a country like this he was sure it'was the best way. —Mr C. Morgan: Do you find in your experience that old people are boarded out ?—Mr Bircham No; you board them out by giving them out-door relief. That's your way of boarding them out.- Mr C. Morgan asked if he diA not think tbat it was »—I.nnig r u ii i-i _lL Board (Cries of Oh oh !")" that they pelled by two or three men who knew no bettet than themselves to send harmless pauper lunatics to Bicton. Why should they not be boarded here ? -Mr Bircham said it was within the power of the Guardians to take destitute people of unsound mind into their workhouse if they provided proper officials for them.—Mr C. Morgan said they had the Master and a clergyman.—A Member: And a medical man.—Mr Bircham They must have two medical men. That was the provision of an Act of Parliament, passed by the representatives of the free electors, and not by a rotten Local Government Board. They had no power to shut up a man in a workhouse under, the care of a clergyman and a Master.—Mr C. Morgan said access to an asylum was too easily obtained.—Mr Bircham said if he were to agree to that he would be saying that a magistrate and a doctor's signature was not bona- fide.-Mr C, Morgan said that m this House people who were noisy and disturbing the sleep of other people were sent to the asylum, and for no other reason whatever.—The Clerk said some years ago the list of lunatics in the baylum was to be reduced and they were asked to say what number could be located in the Workhonse, and only two or three were found to be fit.—Mr Bircham said the Guar- dians had power to send visiting members to the asylums, and to report to the Guardians.—Several members expressed their ignorance of this rule. Mr C. Morgan said they went into the asylums and were buried there.—Mr Bircham said it was their fault for burying them they were the sextoa-se- The resolution moved by Mr C. Morgan was then passed unanimously.

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A YOUNG LADY. At the Police Court, Barmouth, on Monday, a charge of having obtained food and money by false pretences was alleged against Agnes Eileem Greatorex, hailing from Nantwich, Cheshire. It appears that she has been staying with Mrs Evans, Richmond House, Barmouth, from the 8th to the 23rd of February. She represented herself as a very wealthy lady, having met with an accident at Llwyngwril, and had sent her trap to Dolgelley. She also stated at her lodgings that she expected some valuables the next day, but nothing came. At the end of & fortnight, after. having received the best attendance that could have been extended to a lady, she left the place without settling with Mrs Evans, owing her over X4 for food and lodg- ing. A warrant was issued, and she was appre- hended at Dublin, and brought to Barmouth. Oa Friday she was brought before Mr Lewis Lewis on the above charge, but the case was remanded until Monday. On Monday, before Mr Lewis and Mr Morris she again appeared. Mr W. R. Davies appeared to prosecute on behalf of the police.- Mr arid Mrs Barron Evans, Richmond House, gave evidence as to what the prisoner said and did dur- ing the fortnight she stayed in their house.- Superintendent Jones proved that the tale of the trap accident was utterly false, and that she was quite destitute at the time.—Sergeant Williams proved arresting her in Dublin, and when the warrant was read to her she made no reply.—She was committed for trial to the Quarter Sessions.- There was also another charge brought forward against-her by Mrs Arnfield, Dolgelley, of obtaining food and money by false p-tences.-After evid- ence had been given, the magistrates decided to commit her for trial on one charge only.—She is a young lady of prepossessing appearance, about 27 years of age, and is well-known in the neighbour- hood of Machynlleth, having been charged theM with minor offences. She also figured last week is a local divorce sait.

4ST Ytfu will receive special attention, if wbeB writing to advertisers, you refer to the advertise- ment appearing in the COUNTY TIMES. CAMBRIAN RAILWAYS.—Approximate return of traffic receipts, for the week ending March 14th, 1897. Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, horses, carriages, dogs, and mails, £ 1,759; mer- chandise, minerals, and live stock, £ 2,630; total for tke week, 94,389 aggregate fnom commence- ment of half-year, £ 43,834. Actual traffic reoeiptf for the corresponding week last year: Miles open, 250. Passengers, parcels, Ac., 91,754; merchandise, minerals, Ac., 22,196; total for the week, £ 3,950; aggregate from commencement of half-year, £ 41,348. Increase fcr the week, passengers, parcell, &c., R,,6 increase, merchandise, minerals, &406. £ 434 total increase for the week, £ 439; aggregate increase, passengers, parcels, &c., 297; aggre- gate increase, merchandise, minerals, &0., £ 2,389; aggregate increase from the commencement of halt" year, £ 2,486. CRICKET FIXTURE CARDS execnMd in th* best style, and on the shortest notice, at tA* COUNTY TIMES Office, Welshpool.