Welsh Newspapers
Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles
20 articles on this Page
ABERYSTWYTH.
ABERYSTWYTH. The number of visitors that come to Aber- ystwyth is evidently increasing year by year. The pressure and overcrowding of former years has been relieved by enlarged accommodation. The Marine Parade in the evenings is a good gauge of the number of visitors in the town, and that favourite resort is already pretty lively and crowded during the customary parade hours. The Town Band gives excellent selections of music and adds considerably to the enjoyment of the even- ing. Boating is now getting brisk. In the immediate neighbourhood of the town are some charming country walks over paths and lanes that command lovely vipws of a wide expanse of sea and hills. Praiseworthy efforts are made by the local Footpath Society to improve these walks and to make the visitors better acquainted with them. The Castle Grounds are well looked after. The flower beds and the walks are clean and tidy. This delightful spot, which is well provided with seats, is open to the public, and is well patronized during the season. It commands exquisite views of sea, sky, and mountain, Several large excursions juried during the week, and it is satisfactory to nnd that no untoward event of any kind happened to mar the pleasure of the thousands who visited the place during the past few days,
«» TOWYN.
«» TOWYN. The week end trains brought a good number of visitors to the place. The weather on the whole has been exceptionally fine and favourable, uhe occasional showers of rain serving to make life more comfort- able. Anglers are having good sport. The country is at its best just now; and, in Towyn you are at once at the seaboard and in the heart of a beautiful country where sea and mountain air mingle together, Cycling is carried on with vigour by young and old, the roads being in excellent con- dition.
LLANDRINDOD WELLS.
LLANDRINDOD WELLS. The Wells are well patronized this season again. Visitors arrive daily at the prin- cipal hotels. The Gwalia, Brynawel, and the Bridge are as popular as ever. The country is glorious just now. Fresh breezes blow o'er hill and dale, and the new mown hay is sending its sweets upon the air. There are some excellent cycling runs in the neighbourhood. A short run will take the visitor to a wild and picturesque country. Several important conferences are to be held at this place during the rammer.
DOLGELLEY.
DOLGELLEY. Tourists are having grand weather. Torrent Walk is as popular as ever, and its cool, shady paths are very welcome in these hot days. Cader is still without a rival as a centre of attraction. Magnificent views are obtained from its summit during these bright and sunny day: The most popular drive with visitors is that along the banks of the Estuary to Barmouth. The scenery along the road is truly superb. The Marian is well patronized in the evenings. This excellent piece of land could be laid out to better advantage. Could not a few pleasure boats be added to the attraction of the Marian ? A slight weir at the lower end would give a fine sheet of water for boating.
[No title]
ii. Llanbadarn Church is full of history. The village in its present state has little besides the church and its large burial ground, with the two incised crosses to remind one of its former great- ness yet it was once a Cathedral city. Its name is derived from St. Paternus, a confessor of the early British Church, a cousin to Cadvan. He came to Wales from Ireland, where his father Petranus lived, and was first of all in the famous college of Illtid, in Glamorganshire. From Llanilltyd, Paternus removed and founded a congregation at Llanbadarn (sometimes called Mauritania), in the northern part of Ceretica, or Cardiganshire, and thus from him called the parish of St. Patern—by the Britons Llanbadarn-fawr— i.e., the great church of St. Patern, the adjunct mawr" being latinized into Mauritania. There he established a college, which numbered 120 members, and was governed by an ceconomus, a provost, and a dean. After a visit to Ireland to see his father, he returned and founded various churches and monas- taries, became a friend of St. David and St. Teilo, with whom he is said to have made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, and there to have been consecrated a bishop, and on his return to Llanbadarn to have t here held his episcopal palace, i I. Lldhbadatii Church was burnt down five times in the early wars, viz. A.D. 720 By the Saxons in the reign of Roderick Molwynog. 988 By the Danes Meredith ap Owen. 1038 By Llewelyn ap Sitsyllt lago ap Edwal. 1071 By the Danes Bleddyn ap Cynfyn. 1106 By Ithel and Madoc „ Griffydd ap Conan. In the year 1111 it was rebuilt or rather re- stored by Gilbert Strongbow, Earl of Stygil, and by him given to the monastery of St. Peter's, Gloucester. It may, therefore, be concluded, that the figure formerly fronting the grand entrance to the church was originally intended to represent St. Peter, in compliment to those monks of the Gloucester monastery, under whose protection the church was placed. The other figure in armour may have repre- sented Gilbert Strongbow, particularly as the effigy bore a coronet, and an inscription in Welsh, as a compliment or towards a reconciliation with the Welsh people of the district which he had lately conquered. The style of the building is that of the 12th century, and of the oldest kind of Gothic archi- tecture to be found in this country, the pointed arch being visible throughout the structure, It formerly enjoyed the privilege of sanctuary: not only were the church and the churchyard deemed sacred as to any secular interference, but within the precincts of certain boundaries ap- pointed by the bishop, all animals had the liberty of feeding in perfect security. On taking up the flags preparatory to putting down a new floor, about 1869, an immense quan- tity of human bones was discovered immediately underneath the stones between the chancel and the pave showing no decent order of burial. From what cause could such a quantity of human bones be laid there ? They were probably the human bones found in the large cairns at Penygarn near Bow Street, which it is known were removed to Llanbadarn in carts for interment, and were probably burried in the church, and in this very spot. Next week I hope to say something about the two valuable stone crosses, the bells, and the registers. Was this in Aberystwyth ? A devout minister at a prayer meeting prayed- "0 Lord, keep me humble and poor! A deacon followed, 0 Lord, keep him humble, and we will keep him poor PHILIP SIDNEY.
WIT AND WISDOM.
WIT AND WISDOM. While I was at the seaside, I only found one thing as cheap as in London. Indeed! Whatever was that ? Postage-stamps. Wife: It seems that our vicar is delightful in society. In after-dinner conversation he interests all the guests by his witty talk. Husband: Well, it is to be wished that he would have his dinner just before beginning his sermon. An old countrywoman was present when her case was tried in court, When it came to the question of damages, her counsel whispered to her, What will you take ?" "Well, sir," she said, if it's no ill convenience to his lordship, I'll take a little warm ale." Your neighbourhood is charming, said a tourist to a native; but what a strange idea to pave the roads with these dreadful pointed pebbles! What can you expect, sir ? The mayor is a shoe- maker. Mr. Grumpy: I say, waiter, do you call this steak fit for a Christian to eat ? Waiter: Well, sir, we don't trouble ourselves about the religion of our customers. Little Laura: And when I am grown up, I shall get married, and have a grand wedding, but I shan't invite you to it mamma. Mamma: Why not, my dear ? Laura Because you didn't invite me to yours THE NEW GIRL. You may waken us," the mistress said, "When the coffee's on. and the table spread." The new girl answered. If I be late In gettin' up, ye needn't wait; I ain't particular whin I ate." A GOOD ANSWER. He: Do you know the difference between a looking-glass and a lady ? She No. He: It is that one reflects without speaking, while the other speaks without reflecting. She Ah! and you, sir. do you know the difference between a looking-glass and a gentleman? He: No. She: Well, the looking-glass is polished, and gentlemen sometimes are not. An Irish lady, having a few hot words with her husband one day, had occasion, a few moments after, to send her servant for some fish for dinner. Bridget," said the mistress, "go down into town at once and get me a plaice." Indade, an' I will, ma'am," said Bridget, an' I may as well get wan for myself, for I can't stand the masther no more than yerself." It is told of a certain bishop that, while dining at the house of a friend, he was pleased to observe that he was the object of marked attention from the son of his host, whose eyes were firmly rivited upon him. After dinner the bishop approached the boy and asked, Well, my young friend, you seem to be interested in me. Do you find that I am all right?" "Yes, sir," said the boy, with a glance at the bishop's knee breeches. You're all right; only (hesitatingly) won't—won't your mother let you wear trousers yet ?" A COMEDY OF ERRORS. "That's for ladies only," said the guard to an old rustic who travelled with his life mate in a com- partment set aside for the daughters of Eve. Beth matar ? said the countryman. Must come out," the guard replied, as laconically as an Abernethy. Enw'r tad. be sha'r dyn ? mumbled the aged passenger, "ydaeh chi am dynnu gwr oddiwrth 'i wraigl" Rhaid i chi fyn'el, John bach," said the old dame, consolingly, and See that paper, man." cried the guard. Dyna chi, John, ma' e' wedi dod a'n traws nine o'r diwedd 'run fath a gwr a gwraig y plas." Sha'r ddynas, he sy wedi dod ?" Welwch chi'r hen bapur glas 'na, John baeb ? IVel, a be'dy hwna ?" "Be sy gyda'r hen Seison yma i ysgaru yw 'e rhaid i chi fyn'd, John." Time being up at last, the official cried, Must I use force ?" Ow! na fe, John, y diffors y differs whined the old dame as her aged consort toddled out, mumbling the while, Ca nhw 'i talu am rlien gastia brwnt 'ma."
--_-__--THE RHYL FORESHORE…
THE RHYL FORESHORE QUESTION. EVIDENCE BEFORE THE HOUSE OF COMMONS COMMITTEE. The Hybrid Committee of the House of Com- mons appointed to consider the Local Government Provisional Order Bill relating to Rhyl met on Friday under the chairmanship of Mr. Baldwin, the other members present being Mr. Brodie Hoare, Mr. Oldroyd, Mr. Tomlinson, and Mr. M'Kenna. Mr. T. W Russell, secretary to the Local Govern- ment Board, and Mr. Boyce, one of the permanent officials Mr. Samuel Smith, M.P., and Mr. Lloyd- George, M.P., were in attendance. Mr. Wedderburn, Q.C., and Mr. Lloyd repre- sented the Urban District Council, the promoters of the Order. Petitions against the Bill were presented by Mr. Bramwell Booth and the Salvation Army (counsel Mr. Lewis Coward), Mr. William E. Williams (Mr. Llewellyn Williams), and the Com- mitter of Privileges of the Wesleyan Conference (Mr. F. G. Thomas). The Chairman, at the commencement of the proceedings, said: The Committee expects that the arguments and evidence shall be confined to the real points at issue. Mr. Wedderburn, in opening the promoters' case, stated that the opposition to the em was confined to one sub-section of one clause, yiz. :.—" The Council may from time to time make jby-laws for defining the parts of the beach, sands,^r foreshore within the district, or of any such parade or esplanade in which any musical per, £ v«:;iianec or other public exhibition or the ;any oral address, lecture, or sermon may be permitted, and for prohibiting the use for any such purpose of any other part of such beach, saijds, foreshore, parade, or esplanade." Rhyl, counsel explained, was a growing watering-place with a resident population of 8,000 and an additional population of something like 30,000 during the summer months. One of the leading attractions of Rhyl was its foreshore and sea sands. By an Act obtained in 1852 the limits of the town were fixed at high-water mark. In 1872 another Act extended the limits of the town to low-water mark, thus extending its boundary for a distance of half a mile. At that time the owners of the foreshore were the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, but in 1878 the Council acquired rights over it at a cost of nearly £1,100 in order to add to the attractions of the town. In 1892 they obtained from Parliament certain powers in regard to the foreshore, and the position at the present time was that the Council had power to monopolise parts of the foreshore to erect buildings and to make by-laws and regulations as to the uses of these buildings. Mr. A. Rowlands, town clerk, was called and examined by Mr. Lloyd. After going over the history of Rhyl he said that the Council formerly had all sorts of applications to go to the foreshore for speaking, concerts, shows. &c., and that the power was exercised with considerable effect in restraining the use within reasonable limits. They had had trouble with the Salvation Army. Its representatives were so unreasonable as to refuse to move away a few yards so as to be no longer between the hut of a phrenologist and the stand of nigger minstrels (laughter). Then last summer there was very serious trouble for weeks wijh the Rev. Mr. Woods. He was instructed by the Council to take proceedings against him, but found on enquiry that they were utterly unable to deal with Mr. Woods. He one day went to the sands to see what really took place, and found that Mr. Woods was not really delivering an address, but was wrangling with people round him and shouting himself hoarse. Mr. Oldroyd: Was this on a Sunday ? The witness replied that these scenes took place almost daily. It was in consequence of their lack of power that the Council took the steps which led to the promotion of this bill. Cross-examined by Mr. Coward, he said he did not admit that the public were at present entitled to the free and unrestricted use of the foreshore. Mr. Coward: t ap; red in that case for the Salvation Army, and you may take it from me that the whole question was one of the beach. Did you in 1892 try to get inserted in your bill that Eastbourne section?—No. Under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1882 "a council may from time to time make such by-laws as to them may seem meet for the good rule and government of the borough and for the prevention of and suppression of nuisances." Mr. Lloyd: But we are not a muncipal corpora- tion. Mr. Coward My argument is that your power should be limited in a similar way. Mr. Rowlands: All we want is reasonable control for securing the proper uses of the foreshore. Mr. Coward: But you are asking to be able to make a bye-law enacting that certain parts only of the breach can be used. By Mr. Llewellyn Williams: He did not say any breach of the peace had been committed, but the peace had been endangered. The police were in- structed to "pounce upon" Mr. Woods if he com- mitted any breach of the law, but they found they had no power. Powers committed no breach of the law, and he was driven away by the force of public opinion. Witness himself asked Powers to go to some other town and come back—(laughter) —but he would not stir. He was considered an impostor and bad character, and was at last found out to be one. Mr. Williams: But there are impostors in every town, and other towns don't come to Parliament for Powers to get rid of them. Further cross-examined, the witness said that before Mr. Woods came from Llandudno he asked for permission from the Council to speak on the foreshore, and it wasrefused. And when you say you want powers to deal with men like Mr. Woods, you want power to refuse ?— We want power to regulate the foreshore. Several attempts have been made to arrive at a compromise ?—Yes. The first was at a conference at Prestatvn, at which you and two members of the Council met Mr. Lloyd-George and Mr. S. Smith?—Yes, but we did not officially represent the Council. You were willing to accept the compromise then agreed upon ?—Personally I was. The Chairman: what was the compromise ? WTitness That sermons and lectures should be delivered on the foreshore between Queen-street and Edward Henry-street. In reply to further questions, Mr. Rowlands said that the distance between the two points he had named was about 200 yards. The Council would not accept the compromise be- cause they did not think it gave the opponents enough (laughter). By a subsequent compromise the area was extended to the space between the pier and Edward Henry-street. In his opinion even that was worse than the bill would have given. Has it ever struck you that the opponents would accept less as a compromise than they would be entitled to under the bill ? It came from them. They were afraid of being driven into the sea or into the wilderness (laughter). We assure them that we would put them in a safe place, comfort- able, and convenient to everybody, but the misfor- tune is that they mistrust us (laughter). Do you propose that each preacher or lecturer should apply to the Council as to the place and time when he should speak ?—Yes, because that would be better for themselves and for everybody else. We will be satisfied with anything that will enable us to prevent the repetition of the scenes I have described. But would not the power to prevent and suppress nuisances be sufficient?—We will be satisfied with anything that will prevent the scenes about which we have bad memorials and complaints from the inhabitants. Re-examined: The Council wished for powers of regulation, so that sermonising and lecturing and negro minstrels and other things should not be mixed up, and thus prevent the objectionable scenes that had occurred. The Chairman asked the witness if he could give any reason why his Council were not satisfied with a clause similar to that possessed by Paignton, and the reply was that the clause in the bill was drafted by the Local Government Board. By Mr. Oldroyd: The power asked for would un- doubtedly restrict the present use of the foreshore for certain purposes, bat he denied that the public had common law rights over that portion of the foreshore the Council purchased from the Office of Woods and Forests. Mr. M'Kenna: Do you understand the distinction between the Paignton clause and your own ? Witness: Ours is more comprehensive. Mr. M'Kenna By the Paignton clause you would be able to make by-laws to put a stop to public speaking which led to disorder. By your clause you can make by-laws to prevent public speaking, whether it led to disorder or not. Do you desire power to limit public speaking whether it leads tc disorder or not Witness: When it leads to disorder. Mr. A. L. Clews, chairman of the Rhyl Urban District Council, in answer to Mr. Lloyd, said it was desirable in the interests of the town that the power asked for should be granted, and that the Council should have power to locate preachers and lecturers at a part of the foreshore which, while equally frequented by visitors, was not used for other classes of entertainment. There was no desire to exclude preachers and lecturers altogether. Mr. Coward: Would it not satisfy you if you had powers to stop preaching or music which might lead to disorder ?—In my opinion that is not sufficient, because I wish to secure for those people who do not wish to hear sermons a certain portion of the promenade where they would not be sub- jected to that sort of thing. Then if you have power to stop free speech which might lead to disorder is not that sufficient ? —What is sufficient for me is what we ask for in the bill (laughter). Mr. Coward That you have not got yet. By Mr. Llewelyn Williams: The difference between the Free Church Council and the local authority was very small, He thought the Free Church Council would have been perfectly safe in the hands of the District Council; but, unfortunate- ly, they desired to force the Urban District Council. They distrusted the Council. It was the fact that at the last two meetings of the Council this matter of the right of free speech on the sands bad led to disorderly scenes. But he must say that the disorder was entirely the action of the opposition. He thought at the time that these scenes were taking place they were forced forward for the purpose of being used in this inquiry. He thought that Mr. Elwy Williams deliberately gave a bad tone to the meeting for the purpose of prejudicing the Council before the Committee. The Council was divided in opinion on the subject, Re-examined They did not desire to stop the right of free speech but to allocate it.to a particular part, not only to prevent disorder but to prevent discomfort also. The question at issue was not one of principle, but as to the particular place to be allocated for preachers and lecturers. They were quite prepared to agree to any place the Local Government Board might indicate. At this point the Committee held a private con- sultation, and on the re-admission of the public, the Chairman said the Committee wish to say that the evidence of the promoters so far has gone to show a state of things on the Rhyl foreshore which appears to point to the need of a modification of the existing law. The Paignton clause empowers the local authority to make and enforce by-laws to provide for the preservation of order and good conduct among persons frequenting the sea shore. Mr. Wedderburn did not know whether the Com- mittee would indicate any further opinion. As he understood it. What had been done was very nearlv to arrive at an agreement with regard to limiting the area. He was not sure that the best chance of coming to an agreement would not be upon that point. Mr. Williams said his clients would have ac- cepted that as a compromise two months ago, but now they would be more likely to come to an agreement on the lines suggested by the Com- mittee. Mr. Wedderburn said the other evidence he had would deal in detail with what occurred last year. It was not a very pleasing story, and for that reason he did not particularly desire to press it. He had also the evidence of the Town Clerk of Eastbourne, which would show that there they had in theexercise of a clause something like the Paignton clause defined parts of the beach, and that this had worked very well. The Chairman The Paignton clause was the one which the Police and Sanitary Regulations Committee usually adopted in these cases. Mr. Wedderburn said Paignton was a very different place to Rhyl, It was a small place out- side Torquay, and he did not know that the Paignton clause would quite meet the position. What Rhyl sought to do was to prevent disorder arising; what the Paignton clause did was to enable them to deal with the matter when disorder had arisen. Rhyl wanted to be ahead of disorder, and not to have disorder ahead of it. The Chairman: Ti n Paignton clause provides for the preservation of order. Mr. Wedderburn s; id that until they had got misconduct they could not deal with the matter. Another point was that under the Paignton clause various local authorities had made by-laws such as Rhyl was asking for by this order, and the question had arisen as to whether they had the power to do that, and accordingly the promoters thought it better to ask in clearer terms for what they wanted. Mr. Coward thought the parties should accept the suggestion of the Committee, and confer on the matter. The Committee met again on Thursday. Mr. Lloyd, on behalf of the Urban District Council intimated that the parties had not been able to come to an agreement on the basis of the suggestion made by the Committee yesterday, that the Paignton clause would meet the requirements of this case. The opponents were willing to accept the Paignton clause in its entirety, while on the other hand the Council were willing to accept it with the addition of absolute power of prevention within certain limits, viz., between the Pier and Edward Henry street. To that, however, the opponents objected, and there the negotiations broke down. Mr. Lewis Coward, for the Salvation Army, ob- jected that this amplification of the Paignton clause would bring it within the vice of the original clause in the Order. The Chairman I don't know whether you would like to have an opinion from the Committee now. We have had an opportunity of informally consult- ing together. Parties having assented, The hon. member proceeded* to state that at present the Committee were strongly and unani- mously of opinion that no powers should be given beyond the Paignton clause. Mr. Coward accepted that decision, although he considered that the Paignton clause weakened the common law. The Chairman: That may be. but it has been given for several years by the Police and Sanitary Committee. Mr, Llewelyn Williams, on behalf of the opposing ratepayers, said that they were perfectly prepared to accept the Paignton clause if in the opinion of the Committee it would not detract from the right of free speech on the sands. That was all they had been anxious for. Mr. Coward It is not for the Committee to con- strue the clause. That must be left to the courts. Mr. Williams I am only asking for an opinion. The Chairman: We are not lawyers. Mr. Lloyd, after consulting with the representa- tives of the District Council, said that after the intimation of the Committee it would not be reasonable or courteous to carry the matter further, and they would therefore accept the Paignton clause with the necessary alterations, as the Rhyl Order applied not only to the foreshore, but also to the parade and esplanade. The Chairman There is no objection to that. Theamended clause, brought up by the promoters, began—" The Council may make and enforce by-laws for the prevention of danger, obstruction, nuisance, or annoyance to persons using the sea- shore," &c. The first sub-section enabled bv-laws to be made with regard to bathing; the second, by-laws with regard to cycling on the parade and esplanade; the third, by-laws regulating the erection of booths, &c., on the beach, sands, or foreshore within the district, or on the parade and esplanade for the playing of games on the sea- shore, and generally for regulating the user of the sea-shore for such purposes as shall be prescribed in the by-laws; the fourth, by-laws regulating selling or hawking; the fifth, by-laws regulating the user of the seashore for riding and driving and the sixth, by-laws to provide for the preserva- tion of order and good conduct among the persons frequenting the seashore. The counsel for the ratepayers urged the Com- mittee to allow the original subsection with regard to the erection of booths, &c., to remain, instead of what he considered was the wider subsection of the Paignton clause, his objection being specially to the concluding words, and generally for regulating the user," &c. The Chairman: The Committee are entirely of opinion that the Paignton clause should be adopted in every respect. Mr. Williams: The Rhyl District Council only asked for the words contained in the Order, and if these words satisfied them before, why should they not satisfy them now ? The Chairman: That does not prevent the Com- mittee taking the Paignton clause. Mr. Williams My point is that it would prevent any future trouble. The Chairman We are quite unanimous on the point. I don't think it will make the slightest difference to your clients. The bill as amended was then passed and ordered to be reported to the House.
LLANDYSSUL.
LLANDYSSUL. WELSH INDUSTRIES EXHIBITION.—Great inter- est. is being manifested in the coming exhibition at Aberystwyth, under the auspices of the Welsh Industries Association. Applications are already coming in to the Secretary for space to exhibit, and there will, no doubt, be a large number of entries from the weaving capital of South Wales. It is to be hoped that the Llandyssul weavers will secure good places, and their early applications are a healthy indication in this respect.
LLANGRANOG.
LLANGRANOG. LOST AT SEA.—The boat in which Mr. Jones, retired mariner, went out to fish last Friday week, has been recovered at Llangranog, but no clue to the missing occupant, has come to hand. It is now felt certain that he must have perished in the gale which sprang up that night. VISITORS.—Visitors are already arriving and before long this charming and quiet little resort will be quite busy. The weather is very favour- able at present and it is hoped it will be the means to enable visitors to flock in in crowds.—" The more, the merrier," is a good motto for the season.
CORRIS.
CORRIS. Y LINE FACH.—Yn mrawdlys Dolgelley yr wythnos o'r blaen llwyddodd Mr. Walter Long, A.S., i gael dedfryd yn erbvn y Corris Railway Com- pany am i'r cwmni gyineryd meddiant o lain o dir perthynol i Ystad y Goedwig yn nghymdogaeth Pont-Evan. Yr oedd v cwmni wedi codi ty ar y tir, ond wedi mynef1.i mewn i'r achos yn fanwl profwyd nad oedd ganddynt un hawl iddo.
[No title]
All letters must be written on one side of the paper and accompanied by the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, but at a guarantee of good faith. Correspondents are urgently requested to send their letters to the office as early as possible.
ABERYSTWYTH PUBLIC FOOTPATHS.
ABERYSTWYTH PUBLIC FOOTPATHS. SIR,—I trust that immediate steps will be taken to preserve the public footpaths in the neighbour- hood of the town. Many of these paths have been narrowed considerably during the past few years, and many have been practically closed altogether, and some are hedged with barbed wire, which makes it almost impossible for anyone to walk along with ease and safety. Is it not illegal to put barbed wire fencing along public paths and roads. Has not the County Surveyor noticed any between the Town and Devil's Bridge on the main road ? VIATOR.
FOOTPATHS.
FOOTPATHS. SIR.—As one who has wandered along and traced out many of our local footpaths, may I urge the Footpath Association to continue its keen scrutiny over the various paths in our neighbourhood. Better now than when possibly a path is closed. Right of way is one of the oldest laws, and often keenly contested when either blocked up or taken away by landowners. Friendly counsel and mutual goodwill do more than quarrelling; gladly will I give what aid I can to help the Association in any matters within its province. RATEPAYER.
*> THE IRISH TUNNEL.
*> THE IRISH TUNNEL. The scheme of connecting Ireland with Scot- j land by rail is undoubtedly "magnificent," but it is not business." The deputation which waited upon Mr. A. J. Balfour on the 7th instant to press the claims of the scheme and to ask for Government assistance was certainly a distinguished one, but there its qualifications ended. In presenting a colossal scheme of this description for serious consideration by the Government, one would expect to find among the spokesmen a man of well-known financial ability, or some experienced railway administrator to show that the undertaking would in all probability pay for itself, or at least be able to pay expenses. The nature of the proposals made to Mr. Balfour does not impress us favourably, and their modesty arouses our suspicion. All that is asked for is approval by the Government, and when the tunnel is completed a guarantee of 3 per cent, on the outlay and of an equal amount towards the reduction of a possible deficiency. This demand on the face of it does not look extravagant, but its vagueness bids us be wary. We should like to know what an "approval" con- sists of. One is given to thinking of an approval" as a polite expression of good wishes, a benign sympathy, or a mere assent—the last to be em- bodied later on in a Railway Bill. If this approval be defined in any of these terms, then we absolutely refuse to believe that financial support can be found from sane men. Financiers are the last class of people to engineer concerns on the strength of simple approbation, unless it be backed by a written agreement to ensure them a profit. The investing public will certainly fight shy of the tunnel, and the financiers have little hope of unloading shares on the market. It is little wonder that Mr. Balfour should express his surprise to find that the pro- moters were willing to take the whole risk of financing the tunnel to its completion. It is evident that the modesty of the demand for ap- proval caused him to pass it by, and to proceed to the guarantee, as the real crux of the matter. If, as they assert they can, the promoters can raise the necessary £12,000,000, on an approval that they would have us believe is non-committing, it is obvious that this approval is nothing more or less than a sugar-coating to the money guarantee. We can thus dismiss the approval and examine the conditions of the guarantee. Granted the guar- antee, the approval, we imagine, is granted too. If a bona-fide risk were taken by the promoters until the opening of the tunnel, it would not be unreasonable to expect them to make a profit commensurate with the risk undertaken. The three per cent. guarantee for interest on the bonds, and the three per cent. against loss does not look excessive, but a closer examination of the conditions shews an unsatisfactory state of things to the guarantor—the British taxpayer. Ih the first place the £12,000,000, including £2,000,000 interest for the promoters or financiers, is given as an estimate only" The history of the Manchester Ship Canal occur to us as an example of the powers of expansion possessed by engineering estimates, and Mr. Balfour very pertinently pins the deputation to a more precise limitation in this respect. The British taxpayer would object to having to pay a guarantee on a capital enlarged beyond the amount that could ever hope to earn a dividend. The probabilities of earning have, if at all, been based on £ 12.000.000, and if the sum required should exceed this, it does not seem to us that the traffic is capable of a corresponding increase. Eminent geologists have no doubt been engaged to investigate the geological conditions, but they are not omniscient, and their estimates are based on probabilities. Faults and fissures may exist in mid channel, and these would increase the engineering difficulties enormously, and render the original estimates worthless. No doubt money would eventually drive the channel through, but to pile on millions and expect to get a very good rate of interest on it is not, to our thinking, a fair bargain for both parties. Let us examine the risks taken by the promoters. In the first place, their interest, estimated at £2,000,000, will be guaranteed until the completion of the tunnel. The time is not stipulated, and this investment may run on for an unlimited time, paying a good interest on a Government backed bond. Allow that the tunnel is finished within five years from the date of the guarantee—yielding 4 per cent, interest—and that the tunnel failed to pay its expenses, the promoters by being in a position to force the Government per annum, would soon take advantage of their power to come to terms and clear out without much loss to themselves. If the tunnel does pay a dividend, the Government receives nothing for the risk it undertakes, and the risk is out of all proportion to any benefit that would accrue to the public benefit. It is not stated whether the Government is expected to guarantee 3 per cent. towards making up a loss, and then to guarantee an additional 3 per cent. interest. In that case we should be called upon to pay £600,000 per annum should the tunnel prove to be a failure. Of course, we do not expect that any Government would be so imbecile as to bind itself without taking these points into consideration, but we have only to do with the demands made by the deputation. Based on these demands, our opinion is that the pro- moters have everything to gain and little to lose; as taxpapers we have little to gain and much to lose. A British Government security is "gilt-edged," and to look for 3 per cent. on such an investment is cool, especially when we bear in mind that the 2! per cent. interest allowed in the Post Office Savings Bank results in a loss to that establishment, The result of issuing 3 per cent. Government guaranteed shares would be to put the shares at a premium, and enable the original shareholders to make a good thing out of it. We have no doubt that a large passenger traffic might be secured between Ireland and Scotland, but we are doubtful as to England. When the steamship companies find their trade threatened, they will soon put on boats that will reduce the journey, say from Manchester and other large towns within easy reach of Liverpool, to Belfast, Dublin, and the South of Ireland, to such a time as will make it futile for the Railway Company to compete with them. One has to reckon with the prejudice that is sure to exist against submarine travelling, and with the very large number of passengers who enjoy the sea trip. Schemes are now on foot to make new communications by sea with Ireland, and one of them promises to reduce the journey from London to a space of time that Holyhead, with its fine mail service cannot hope to accomplish it. in. As to goods traffic, the Tunnel would be com- pletely run out of it by steamer competition. No goods train could ever be run between Manchester and Liverpool at the rates paid by shippers between Liverpool and Dublin or Belfast. Steam freights are getting lower every year with the advent of labor saving machinery, and cheaper steamers which are run at less cost than their predecessors. The goods are better handled by the steamers, the risk of damage is very small, and the insurance rates very low. Fourteen hours is ample time to ship goods in Liverpool and get delivery in Dublin, but a goods train would require at least two days before making its appearance. A steamer starting from Glasgow the same time as a goods train for any port in Ireland, would be there, dis- charged, and on its way back before the goods train could arrive. How this Tunnel is going to pay for itself, we fail to see. The traffic, both passengers and goods, would have to be very heavy, and we do not see that it will even, iE all probability, assume a respectable bulk. We arc not told by the military authorities that it will be of strategic value, and looking at the thinly populated districts on either side within immediate reach of the tunnel, we cannot bring ourselves to mourn its almost certain fate. As an egineering feat. e'est magnifiqne, mais,"—to compete with the present carriers— c'n'est pas ]a guerre."—COMM.
Advertising
Business Notices. TAILORING ESTABLISHMENT, 13 pIER JgTREET, ABERYSTWYTH. DAVID JAMES. Suitings, Coatings, Trouserings, &c., in the best fashion and at reasonable prices. Cricketing and Boating Suits made to order on the Shortest Notice. FOR WELSH WOOLLEN GOODS GO TO ROWLAND MORGAN, LONDON HOUSE, ABERYSTWYTH. WM. THOMAS, COAL AND LIME MERCHANT, ABERYSTWYTH. BRICKS, SLATES & PIPES of every description always in Stock. DAVID MORGAN, DRAPERY AND » MILLINERY ESTABLISHMENT, Jg pIER STREET, ABERYSTWYTH., DAVID EVANS, WATCHMAKER, JEWELLER & OPTICIAN, GREAT JQARKGATE ST., ABERYSTWYTH, (Opposite the Lion Royal Hotel,) Invites your attention to his Choice Stock of JEWELLERY, Comprising all the Latest Designs and mast Fashion- able Patterns in GOLD, SILVER, PEBBLES & JET SILVER PLATE SUITABLE FOR PRESENTATIONS. GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES IN GREAT VARIETY, H. H. DAVIES, PHOTOGRAPHER, rIElt STREET, (Removed one door above.) ABERYSTWYTH. HH. D., having removed to larger premises, • begs to inform the public generally that he is now enabled, with the be ter facilities at his disposal, to execute all orders p omptly. In thanking his numerous patronisers for their kind support in the past, he trusts that his care and attention will merit a continuance of the same. MRS. M. E. DAYIES, CONFECTIONER. pIER STREET, A BERYSTWYT HAVING given up the Confectionery business, -i-JL begs to thank her numerous customers for their past support and to state that she will still retain her DINING ROOMS which she trusts will continue to receive a share public patronage. I. AND G. LLOYD, COACHBUILDERS, ALFRED PLACE, ABERYSTWYTH. Carriages made to order on the shortest notice. Experienced Men kept for all Branches. CARRIAGES FOR SALE. SUMMER FASHIONS. C. M. WILLIAMS BEGS respectfully to announce that he is now showing a good selection of NEW GOODS SUITABLE FOR THE PRESENT SEASON. NEW HATS AND BONNETS. NEW MILLINERY. NEW FEATHRRS AND FLOWERS. NEW RIBBONS AND LACES. NEW DRESS MATERIALS. NEW GOWNS AND SILK SCARFS. NEW SILK UMBRELLAS, &c. NOTED HOUSE FOR STYLISH HATS AND BONNETS. SPECIAL ATTENTION PAID TO MOURNING ORDERS. GENTS' NEWEST SHAPES IN HATS AND CAPS, TIES, SCARFS COLLARS, CUFFS, &C. Inspection respectfully invited. C. M. WILLIAMS, GENERAL J^R APERY jpSTABLISHMENT, I 10, PIER STREET, ABERYSTWYTH. in Printing.. ♦ OF EVERY DESCRIPTION QUICKLY AND NEATLY JQONE AT THE "ttlelsb Gazette" | PRINTERIES Jg RIDGE ST. & ^URAY;S INN RD" ABERYSTWYTH. QHARGES MODERATE, ESTIMATES FREE ENGLISH AND WELSH WORK. BY RELIABLE AND COMPETENT MEN. TRANSLATIONS ON EASY TERMS. GWNEIR POB MATH o Argraffwaith YN DDESTLUS A BIT AN YN SWYDDFA'R "Ulelsb Gazette" HEOL Y BONT A INN RD A BERYSTWYTH, AM BRISIAU RIIESYMOL. 0YFIEITHIR L LA WYSGRIFAU QYMREIG A SEISXIG AR DELERAU RHAD. EVERY KIND OF ARTISTIC AND COMMERCIAL Printing. QUICKLY AND NEATLY DONE AT THE H Wlsb Gaztt" PRINTERIES, BRIDGE STREET (TOP OF GRAY'S INN ROAD), A B E R Y S T W Y r H.
. ABERDOVEY.
ABERDOVEY. The banks of the charming Dovey is an ideal place for spending a holiday, and the Estuary is at its best just now. Verdure clothes its banks to the water's edge, and long stretches of its hard sands are adorned with the myriad pink blossoms of the thrift. The road along the banks of the river to the picturesque village of Pennal affords one of the most glorious promenades in the King- dom. At your very feet the blue water breaks into ripples against the grey rocks and beyond are the hills of Cardiganshire dotted with hamlets, farms, and white cottages. The hills above the town command fine views of sea and mountain. Next month there will be a grand Regatta on the Estuary. Captain Macartney Filgate and his colleagues are already making active preparations for the event.
ABERAYRON.
ABERAYRON. It will be good news to many who annually visit this watering place to know that the Urban District Council is taking steps to make the life of the visitor more enjoyable while staying at Aberayron. For attracting visitors, nothing is equal to a good, clean beach. The carriers are getting busy and visitors are arriving daily. The weather is most enjoyable.
BARMOUTH*
BARMOUTH* The recent welcome showers of rains have made the weather ever so much more enjoy- able, and our numerous visitors are again having bright sky and bracing air. The local authority is alert and active, and every effort is made to entertain the visitor with safety and comfort. How many generations of children must have carried away sunny memories of the innocent days when they sported on the sands of Barmouth. Every summer the sand is the rendezvous of thousands of little items of mortality,' and just now they are having a rare old time of it. There is a Selbcrne Society at Bar- mouth. Cannot the members do something to put a stop to the shameful and un- scrupulous manner in which the hills are robbed of their rare plants ? These plants are, and have been a source of attraction to hundreds, if not thousands of the best men and women that have ever visited Barmouth. Verb. Sap.
.>— BORTH.
>— BORTH. Visitors are coming in daily, The weather is delightfully nne. The golf links are in capital order. The tournament to be held in August is expected to turn out a great success. Dr. Jones, the secretary, is making excellent arrangements.
^ LLAlN vjrlN.AiNO
LLAlN vjrlN.AiNO<J« Llangranog i one of the most charming resorts on Cardigan Bay. Far from the maddening crowd the visitor can here spend his holidays in peace and seclusion. The order of the day seems to be bathing and eating; for all have splendid appetites while sojourning here.