Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. Mr John Roberts, Towyn, who distinguished himself la;st week by obtaining 4th place on the list of successful candidates for the National Diploma in Agriculture, has again been successful in passing the examination for the Professional Associateship of the Surveyors' Institution in Land Agency. The subjects include—Agriculture, Land Surveying, Building construction, Forestry, Book- keeping, Land drainage, Law of the farm, Geology, and Agricultural chemistry. The positions obtained at this examination are not disclosed, but it is a noteworthy fact that Mr Roberts stands unique in possessing these two diplomas. The first six of the above subjects were taught by Mr Williams, the lecturer in Agriculture. COLLEGE CELTIC SOCIETY. ADDRESS BY PROFESSOR KUNO MEYER. A lecture was given on Friday evening last at the examination hall of the College, under the auspices of the Celtic Society, by Professor Kuno Meyer, of University College, Liverpool, on Early problems in Irish literature." The chair was taken by the president of the Society, Mr. W. Jenkyn Jones, M.A., who introduced the lecturer to the meeting as one of the highest authorities on the language, literature, and history of the Celtic people. On that account, it was but natural that they as Welshmen should feel towards the lecturer not only the admiration which they were wont to connect with the accomplished scholar and suc- cessful investigator, but also a glow of genuine gratitude on account of the signal services he had rendered to the literature that naturally lay nearest their heart.—The lecturer commenced by pointing out the influence that Irish literature had had upon that of Wales. The older language, viz, middle and old Irish, was, however, only gradually being understood. As yet, much of it was hope- lessly obscure. Celtic studies were at present in a stage at which Teutonic or romance philology were at the beginning of this century. But by the patient use of scientific methods, a full understanding of the older language would in time be obtained. The lecturer then pro- ceeded to define the problem of investigation into the age and date of the enormous mass of Irish manuscripts belonging to the earliest period. It was only with the knowledge of the Romanalphabet and the introduction of bookwriting which came with Christianity, that Irish literature was first fixed in writing. On this account, the study of early Irish Christianity was indispensable for the student of Irish literature. Christianity spread with remarkable rapidity in Ireland, for the Irish had, no doubt, been prepared for Christianity by their political and social institutions, in which in- tellectual pursuits ranked high. The lecturer then gave an interesting account of existing manuscripts dating from a period before 900. These were to be found mostly in Continental monasteries. In Ire- land there had been wholesale destruction of manuscripts during the Viking period. At that time also many manuscripts had been removed by Irish monks for security to the great Irish mon- asteries on the Continent. From the 12th century downwards there is no lack of Irish manuscripts, either in Ireland on in the libraries of Great Britain. The safest test to ascertain the age of any piece of Irish composition was the linguistic evid- ences it carried. The history of early Irish litera- ture can be written when each text, as it has reached us, no matter how late the copy may be, has becn subjected to a critical examination of language and style. While at the same time its subject matter, and the circumstances under which it wa./jcomposed, and the literary milieu, have been taken into account. For the successful accom- plishment of this work, the investigator needs the spirit of Browning's grammarian, who, when classical law was first discovered in Europe, deter- mined not to live but know," and devoted his life to solving a few preliminary difficulties in the grammar. The lecturer then gave a classification of the manuscripts already examined according to subject matter. It was a recognised fact that Ire- lant could boast of having been the means of conveying the learning and civilisation which was the basis of all mediajval culture to the Tuetonic and romance nations during the 7th and following centuries. Wherever during this period erudition in any branch of art and science is fcJhnd, whether in Northumbria or on the Continent, it is either directly or indirectly traceable to Irish languages. The lecturer concluded by comparing old Irish literature with that of other countries.—Professor Anwyl proposed a vote of thanks to the lecturer, saying it was a matter of congratulation that they had secured the services of one who could speak as an expert and an authority on the subject he had selected.—Mr. M. H. Jones seconded the vote, which, on being put to the meeting, was on-rriecl with acclamation.—The lecturer, a German by birth, gave his audience a pleasant surprise by acknowledging the vote in Welsh.

+ Opening of the Season. MR. GILBERT ROGERS AND HIS MERRY TROOPERS. Mr. Gilbert Rogers and his merry troopers inaugurated the season 1900 with a grand concert on Saturday evening last at the Royal Pier Pavilion. Their appearance was welcomed by a large audience, the spacious hall being comfortably filled. Mr. Rogers deserves praise for having taken one step in the direction of making the season at Aberystwyth a lengthier one, viz., by bringing his troupe down at least one month earlier than was the case in former years. Those present at the concert on Saturday night also had a foretaste of the excellent fare which Mr. Rogers will continue to provide throughout the season. He has gathered around him a splendid organisation of talent, each of the artistes being a star in his speciality. The entertainment was a refined one, yet there was no lack of the mirth-provoking, and in some of the items the artistes displayed ability of a high order. The audience were unstinted in their appreciation of the excellence of the programme, and on almost every appearance each artiste was recalled. To enumerate some of the principal items, we may mention that Mr. Rogers himself gave a patriotic song, in which complimentary allusion was made tojthe loyalty of the Canadians, Australians, and volunteers, who came to the assistance of John Bull in his hour of need. Needless to say, the song was enthusiastically received. Mr Arthur Thatcher is an old favourite with Aberystwyth audiences, and his comic songs were original and well rendered. Mr Harker Nicholls with his musical interlude, Mr Will Growson with his bone solos and comic songs, and Mr Will Powell with his songs and dances also deserve special mention. Miss Cissie Conyers, the possessor of a sweet soprano voice, also gave a finished rendering of the popular song, When the heart is young." The programme was as follbws :—Opening chorus, Come Away song, Killarney," Mf Sydney George; comic song, Smoking his pipe of peace," Mr Jim Bailey; coon song, Sandman's Coming," Mr Harker Nicholls; sc .scing, 11 The distant shore," Mr Phillip Somers; song and dance, Tricky Ways," Mr Will Powell; ballad, Over the hills (" Shop Girl "), Mr Harry Currie; comic song, "Ding Dong," Mr Arthur Thatcher; descriptive song, Kiss and be friends," Mr Harry Fife; comic song, Peter Snuff," Mr Will Crowson; ballad, "Asleep in the deep," Mr Seymour Richard; patriotic song, Mr Gilbert Rogers; comic.interlude, Mr Harker Nicholls; song, When the heart is young," Miss Cissie Conyers; comic song, Mr Arthur Thatcher; solo violin, 11 6th Air. Varie De Beriots," Mr J. W. Anderson; dance, Mr Will Powell; bone solo, Mr Will Growson; Acme Musical Grotesque.

.» CRICKET. LAMPETER COLLEGE v. CEREDIGION C.C., I ABERYSTWYTH. This match was played at Lampeter on Saturday last in lovely weather. Appended are the scores:— LAMPETER. A. Griffith, b Yearsley 4 L. T. P. Jones b G. Jones 7 LI. Griffith b E. T. Jones 12 J. Goodridge b G. Jones.0 M. H. Ridgway b Yearsley 18 Rev W. Horne b Yearsley .24 A. S. Jones b Yearsley.15 E. O. G. Meyrick b Parry 1 D. R. James not out 2 J. G. Deighton ct Boycott b Yearsley 0 W. Z. Jones c & b Yearsley .0 Extras.6 Total 89 CEREDIGION. Gaer Jones b Goodridge .0 J. H. Yearsley b J. G. Deighton .11 Tudor Jones c Alcwyn Jones b D. R. James.25 J. D. Giffard b D. R. James .0 C. Jones Ibw b D. R. James .1 C. Parry b D. R. James 0 F, E. Boycott c & b D. R. James. J. Wright c D. R. James .0 S. Peake b J. G. Deighton.4 C. Jenkins not out 2 W. Morgan c Ll. Griffith b J. G. Deighton 2 Extras 7 Total. 53 U. C. W. v. U. C. N. W., BANGOR. This match was played at Bangor, on Friday, May 11th, in fine weather, and before a large crowd of spectators. Bangor College, though generally victors in football, have never before succeeded in beating the U. C. W. at cricket; but on Friday, after a most exciting game, in which the result was doubtful almost up to the Inst over, they accomplished their hearts' desire. Winning the toss, the home team batted first, and compiled a total of 61. The innings of U. C. W. gave evid- ence that the men were out of practice, and they were all dismissed for 51. Still hopeful of success, the visitors sent Bangor in a second time, and actually got 7 wickets down for 20 runs, but the last men made a stand, and the innings realised 45. U. C. W. were left with three-quarters of an hour in which to make 56; and though the first wicket put on 22 runs in 10 minutes, the task was found impossible, and when stumps were drawn they had lost 8 wickets for 42. Consequently the match was awarded to Bansror on the result of the first innings. On Saturday U. C. W. played Portmadoc on the latter's ground, and the match was drawn. College record 92, of which G. R. Johnson made 44, and Portmadoc lost 5 wickets for 77 runs.

LLANILAR. CYFARFOD PREGETHU.—Er's llawer o flynydd- oedd bellach dydd mawr neu wyl flynyddol y pen- tref ydyw cyfarfod cystadleuol y Groglith, eithr ar ol yr oedfaon gogoneddus a gafwyd nos Lun a dydd a nos Fawrth ddiweddaf, erys y Groglith mewn perygl i golli y llawrif; ond os felly ni fydd yr hiraeth yn fawr na thorcalonus, oherwydd fod y golled ar draul yn enill yr hyn sydd well a mwy gwerthfawr. Fel y crybwyllasom, cynhaliwyd yr oedfa gyntaf nos Lun, a'r arwyr oeddynt y Parchn. John Evans, Llanfaircaereinion, a'f. Mordaf Pierce, Llanidloes. Cafwyd oedfa fendigedig. Nis gall- asai dim fod yn fwy priodol a hapus i ddechreu y cyfarfodydd na'r testyn a ddewiswyd gan y Parch. Mr Pierce, a chafodd Seion Carmel eu deffro a'u swyno mewn modd na phrofwyd ganddynt ers tro. Yr oedd agwedd farddonol y pregethwr, barddon- iaeth cyfansoddiad y bregeth, a swyn melus ei thraddodiad, yn hawlio, ie, yn caethiwo sylw, ystyriaeth a gwrandawiad mwyaf astud pob enaid presenol. Gwedi i Paul baratoi galonau y gynull- eidta mor otalus a phianu yr had gyda r tatn zei wele' Apollos yn ei ganlyn ac yn dyfrbau yn nefolaidd dros ben. Ar y cyntaf disgynai gawodydd mwynaidd megis gwlith, ond cyn y terfyn dyma'r cenllif yn llifeirio, yi oedd fel pe tae dyfrgistoedd y nefoedd wedi gorlenwi a'r llif- ddyfroedd yn ymarllwys i lawr yn ddidor. Oedfa i'w hirgofio ydoedd hon. Boreu Mawrth am ddeg meddianwyd y pulpid gan y Parch. Mr. Evans, a chafwyd eto wledd ysbrydol. Yn y prydnawn llwyddodd Mr. Pierce i swyno ei wrandawyr yn llawn mor gyflawn a'r nos o'r blaen, eithr difrifol ofnadwy ydoedd pan yn ymdrin a geiriau segur a phechadurus. Bydded bendith ar ei sylwadau grymus. Yn yr hwyr pregethodd y ddau wr parchedig i gynulleidfa enfawr, a chafwyd hwyl neillduol. Dylasem sylwi fod diolchgarwch yr eglwys a'r ardal yn ddyledus i Mr. John Jones, Tyncoed, y blaenor hynaf, am ddarparu yr wyl hon. Melus moes mwy, Mr. Jones, gydag ychydig o eithi iadau.

ABERAYRON. Mayor's Banquet. There was quite a civic gathering at Aberayron on Thursday evening—the first of its kind, we are told, in the history of the town. Wherever there is a multitude of councillors there is not only wisdom but also a feast. Whether this feast be for the mind or the body depends upon the place of their assembly. On the said evening a goodly number of our city fathers and their faithful officials gathered together at the well-known and comfortable hostelry of Lloyd Jack Arms" to partake of an excellent spread prepared by our hostess Evans to order of the Mayor, Mr J. T. Evans, J.P., the Chairman of the Urban District Council. When the company met at half-past eight, it numbered sixteen good men and true. The function combined social ease with civic dignity. And when many a stormy debate in the Council Chamber was brought to mind, need we wonder that someone roguishly whispered in sur- veying the peaceful gathering, Wele mor ddaionus ac hyfryd yw trigo o frodyr ynghyd"? Dr Wil- liams was unanimously elected to preside over the company, and he filled the chair in every manner worthy of the gathering and the occasion. The vice-chair was alloted to Mr B. C. Jones, the Council's faithful clerk-clerk too, be it remem- bered, in the best and oldest meaning of the term, that is to say, in all that the word meant in the days when every parson was croud of being called a clerk, for they were the only learned people in the land; and, goodness knows, where would our poor Council have landed itself in many a storm and stress but for Mr Jones' knowledge of the law. A capital toast list had been drawn up, and they were submitted in the order following:—" The Queen was proposed in a loyal and graceful speech by the Chairman, who referred to her long reign and noble example, and the good that would result from her visit to Ireland. Aberayron is not with- out its ambitions as a rising (sic) watering place, and Dr Williams tickled the brass tympanum of his audience's ear in an unmistakeable manner when he reminded them that Her Majesty gave a fine example to those ladies who flee Riviera-ward, by showing them that there were many resorts in these Islands well worth visiting for health and pleasure. In this the audience agreed with Her Majesty and the Doctor; for it cheered to the echo — a cheer, had you heard it, would make you believe that Aberayron stocks would jump up fifty per cent. The toast was drunk with applause. The next toast was the Navy, Army, and the Volunteers" proposed likewise by the Chairman in a felicitous little speech. Once upon a time, said Dr Williams, it was the Army and Navy" but things had been reversed by now, and the last had become first; for, after all it was the Navy with its gallant tars and not the Army with its Tommies that was Britain's strongest bulwark. Nay, our noble "Jacks" have just proved themselves to be heroes on land as well as on sea (hear, hear). In referring to the splendid work and tact of" bobs," Dr Williams said they all should be proud of the fact that Aberayron could reckon its son's among his noble army (cheers). He need not add that he referred to Edwin Davies (applause). When they remembered that a fellow townsman of theirs was amongst those who so heroically helped Mafe- king to hold out, how welcome was the news from day to day that they were still holding out" (cheers). The toast was received with unbounded enthusiasm. In few, but appropriate words, Coun- cillor J. Hugh Jones proposed The clergy and ministers of all denominations." The Rev Evan Morris, who responded said he was glad that the clergy and ministers were thus coupled in the toast and he hoped it would prove a good omen. For the work of the gospel was such that should heartily unite all in one strong brotherhood. As to the war be could only hope and pray that it would end soon, and result in much good. The toast having been cordially received, Councillor David Evans next proposed Our host and hostess." Mr Evans said he was glad to be present at such a pleasant and enjoyable gather- ing and he hoped that the Mayor's Banquet, or whatever they might call it, which their :Chairraan had initiated, would become an annual function. Why not have a Mayor's Day at Aberayron as in other, and smaller towns 1 He tendered the best thanks of the company to their host and hostess. The toast was received with acclamation. Mr J. T. Evans acknowledged on behalf of himself and his daughter, Mrs Rees, who acted in the capacity of hostess. It gave him great pleasure to see so many of his fellow members present. When he first sent out his invitations he had some misgivings as to the result, especially as it was tbe first attempt to do a thing of the kind. The result however had proved to be far better than his best hopes for all the members were present except one, who, unfortunately, was unable to attend through illness. He thanked them one and all for their kind and ready response and of hearty co- operation. The Chairman in proposing the toast of the landlady of Lloyd Jack Arms, paid a warm tribute to Mrs Evans and Mrs Jones for the creditable manner in which they had done everything that evening. The toast having been received with enthusiasm, the Chairman then asked Mr B. C. Jones to favour the company with a short account of the work of the Council. Mr Jones said he was but a poor speaker, but he would endeavour to say a few words-In the first place, Mr Jones, said he should like to see the Council giving more attention to the small but important improvements that required their attention. Truly, the water question must some day be settled, but, the improvements he had in mind, and that needed the Council's attention were minor ones such as clearing the beach and its approaches. Something should be done to get more sand to gather on the beach, and to have bathing machines on it duriug the season, these things will have to be done if they hoped to see the town patronized by visitors. Councillor J. Hugh Jones had done much good work in this direction, in years gone by, by having a groyne built. A few groynes would do good work in the way of collecting sand; and he should like to see two or three put down. There were many other things the Council could do, and had power to^do at present, and the Bye-laws they were aboutvto adopt would give them still more power, and he hoped they would make good use of it.—Councillor Evan Lewis and Mr John Watkins (surveyor) having added their thanks to the host and hostess for their kind invitation, a most enjoyable evening' was brought to a close with a general expression of hope that the gathering would be made an annual one.

TREGARON. PARISH COUNCIL.—A meeting of the above Council was held last Friday evening, Mr Bebb, Maesllyn, in the chair. There were also present Messrs H. W. Jonesiin the vice-chair, J. Evans, tailor, E. Caronian Evans and Thomas Rees. It was proposed and seconded that the sum of P,15 be voted towards the expenditure of the general expenses of the Council for the next six months, no other business of importance was transacted. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Tregaron Board of Guardians was held on Thursday last at the Town Hall, when there were present:—Mr Evan Evans, Lledrod Lower (chairman); Messrs E. Lloyd, Blaenpennal; D. J. Williams and Rees Evans, Caron Lower; Richard Jones, Caron Upper; Thomas Jones, Doithie United; David Davies, Gorwydd Thomas Davies, Gwynfil; Peter Davies, Llangeitlio; Rev T. R. Morgan, Lledrod Upper; Thomas Edwards and Hugh Herberts, Nantcwnlle; William Jones and Lewis Oliver, Ysbytty; and Charles Jenkins, Ystradmeurig; with Mr Jenkin Lloyd (clerk), Dr Lloyd (medical officer), Mr Morgan Morgans (workhouse master), and Rees Rowlands (relieving officer). THE CHAIRMAN RETURNS THANKS. The Chairman at the outset said he saw he had been appointed chairman for the ensuing year at the previous meeting. He had not imagined being placed in such a position,' and would not have accepted it had he been present at the time. He had been in a dilemma as to what he would do under the circumstances, but several of his friends had pressed upon him the duty of accepting the office. He would have his weaknesses, but hoped the members would assist him during his term of office, and he thanked them for the honour con- ferred upon him. It was an honour, and to main- tain that honour would be his object (hear, hear). THE PAUPER'S INTEREST. In the case of Margaret Davies. Tynllidiart, a sister of whom had recently died and left a con- siderable sum of money, the Chairman, Master and Clerk were appointed a committee to guard the old woman's interest, and to enquire as to how the amount had been disposed of. STATISTICS. The amount of out-relief administered during the past fortnight was £ 39 to 140 paupers. The number of paupers residing at the Workhouse is 28 as compared with 31 the corresponding period of last year. Eight vagrants were relieved during the fortnight. MEDICAL OFFICER'S SALARY. The following communication was read from Dr. J. Morgan, Mount Hazel, Pontrhydygroes:—" As is well known to your Board, the Union formerly used to be divided into two sanitary districts, but some years ago on account of the Local Govern- ment Board not being willing to sanction a less salary than Z20 for each district, your Board, for the sake of econoqjy, decided to amalgamate the the two districts, and appoint one medical officer of health for the whole Union. Now, I understand that the Local Government Board are bringing pres- sure to bear upon your Board to increase the salary of your medical officer of health, and in the event of your Board deciding to fall in with the wishes of the Local Government Board, I trust you will be good enough to again divide the Union into two districts, and so enable you to treat your medical officers with impartiality, and I need not tell you that on account of the Union being so extensive and scattered, two medical officers could do the work much more satisfactory than one. In case your Board determines to have only one medical officer of health for the whole Union, as at present, I beg to appeal to your honour and sense of justice to reconsider my salary as medical officer for the upper district. On referring to the list of paupers for 1898 (I had not the 1899 list by me), I find that there are 79 paupers in the lower district, for which a salary of £50 is paid, which is at the rate of 12s 7d per pauper. In the upper district there are 66 paupers, and the salary is Z20, which is at the rate of 6s per pauper, or less than half the amount per pauper of what is paid for the lower district. I am far from thinking that my friend Dr. Lloyd is overpaid for his work, consequently it is quite clear that I am very much underpaid, for if I were paid at the same rate as my friend, I ought to be receiving about £41 instead of IZZO. I trust that you will take the foregoing facts into your consideration, and I feel confident that having done so you will consider my request only fair and reasonable. After some discussion, it was decided on the proposition of Mr D. J. Williams, to defer the com- munication for a fortnight, in order that it might in the meantime be considered by the Rural District Council, inasmuch as it affected that body also. LEGAL EXPENSES. A bill was presented by the Finance Committee for the amount of £29 7s 10d., received from Messrs David Lloyd & Son, Lampeter, for advice given as to the course the Guardians should adopt in order to obtain repayment of the money spent in the maintenance of Benjamin Elias, son of Elinor Elias, deceased, who is a lunatic at the Carmarthen Asylum and chargeable to their Union, he being now entitled to a sum of about £120 on the death of the above deceased. Mr Herberts enquired what the bill was chiefly made up of. The Clerk replied that it was chiefly made up of 6s 8d's, there being no fewer than 34 of those items in the bill, Mr D. J. Williams who, with the master, in- structed Mr Lloyd, said there was a verbal under- standing that the expenses would not be more than £3 or E3 10s Od. He considered the solicitors should have written to them if they thought the expenses would have been so great. The members felt that the bill was an exorbitant one, and after some discussion decided that Mr D. J. Williams should take it to Aberystwyth in order that it might be taxed. A CASE OF DELUSION. It was reported by the Relieving Officer that a pauper, who was 100 years of age, applied for an increase in the amount of relief granted her. Mr Oliver proposed, considering her exceptional age, that she be granted an increase of of 2s a week. Mr Wm. Jones said he had questioned the old woman, and according to her own reckoning she was only 95 years of age. Nothing, however, would induce, her to give up the idea that she was not a centenarian. Mr Oliver then withdrew his resolution, but it was agreed to grant an increase of Is weekly. RURAL DISTRICT COFNCIL. The usual fortnightly meeting was held. follow- the meeting of the Board of Guardians, Mr David Davies (chairman), presiding. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Mr S. Tregoning (road surveyor), presented his report for the half-year ended March 31st last. The expenditure, he said, was Z30 less than for the corresponding half-year of last year. Two things accounted for this-viz., the departure of one of the workmen and the illness of others. This was a great loss in the work of repairing roads, especially considering that the number of workmen formerly was too small. He had failed to get anyone in the place of David Davies, College, on the Grogwinion- road, and as the traffic on this road had increased greatly, it would be necessary to take this work in hand as soon as possible, although he did not know how, owing to the amount of work delayed in the other parishes, and it was alniost impossible to remove the workmen from those places. The Penpompren Bridge was now completed to his satisfaction, and if Mr Lloyd, the county surveyor, approved of it, the contractor was entitled to be paid for the work. A good footbridge had been thrown over the river Towi at Nantstalwen. Mr W. Jones enquired what was the surveyor's estimate to put the roads in proper repair for the the next six months in face of the fact that there was so much illness amongst the workmen. The Surveyor said he could not give the amount, but thought he should have the P,30 saved last half- year for this half-year. Mr Wm. Jones pointed out that there were no men on the Cwmystwyth road, the traffic over which was very heavy at the present time. The Surveyor said that he had three men on the road at the end of the previous week. The keep- ing of these roads in repair could only be done at the expense of roads in other parts of the district. The Rev T. R. Morgan said there was a complaint amongst the workmen at being removed from one part of the district to another. They were not willing to go from their own district to the Grog- winion road to do heavy work, and then when they returned had heavy work at home again. The Surveyor would have to meet the requirements better, or there would be a further scarcity of labour. The Council eventually gave the Surveyor auth- ority to appoint a man for the Cwmystwyth road, and also directed him to prepare an estimate of the cost of the maintenance of the roads for the ensuing six months. Mr Morgan Jones also submitted his half-yearly report, as road surveyor. As to Caron Lower, they w*re aware, he said, that the roads in this parish were in rather a bad state owing to his inability to get men to work. He was glad to state that great improvement had been made during last winter, especially in the Square and Abergwesin road, where a great quantity of macadam was laid. Other roads in the parish had been attended to, and he asked the Council to again borrow the steam roller to repair the road leading from Tre- cefel to Llanio. The roads in the Llanbadarn district required more macadam, particularly that leading from Stag's Head to Pomprencarreg, and he strongly recommended the Council to have at least 100 yards of stone from Llanddewi, as there was none to be bad in the district. The roads in Gwyn- fil and part of Bettws Leiki required the same treatment, and it was alsifViecessary to cut the crown of the Brynffynon hill, as the traffic on this road was heavy. With regard to the condition u £ I the roads generally, he thought he could state that they were in a fair condition, and no effort on his part would be spared to still improve them.. He hoped the Council would proceed with erecting the proposed brictge and culvert s now under their con- sideration. The expenditure for the last half-year was P-168 19s 6d, which was equal to E2 8s per mile. It was decided that the Suveryor have 200 tons of stone to be used in the places mentioned in his report. Considerable discussion took place as to whether the stones should be broken by hand or by the steam crusher, and eventually a proposition was carried as against an amendment that they be broken by hand. Mr D. J. Williams then proposed a further amendment that 100 tons be broken by hand and 100 tons by the crusher, in order to ascertain which would be the cheaper method. Mr William Jones strongly objected to this further amendment, declaring it to be illegal; and notwithstanding the Chairman's assurances to the ] contrary, he persisted in his objection. I Mr Williams' amendment was, however, iiltl- mately carried, and became the substantive motion. MEDICAL OFFICER'S SALARY. The Clerk said he had received a further com- munication from the Local Government Board, who stated they were not prepared to entertain the present proposal with the view to the repayment of moiety of the medical officer's salary from the county fund, and the Board must request the Council to reconsider the proposal with the view to an appreciable inciease in the salary. Mr William Jones proposed that the two medical officers be appointed at a salary of E20 each, and Mr Lewis Oliver seconded. Mr Rees Evans proposed as an amendment, and Mr Thomas Jones seconded, that Dr Lloyd's salary be increased to £25.. The amendment was carried by nine votes to five.

London Letter. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. I London, Wednesday Afternoon. THE WAR. Lord Roberts has hitherto made a triumphal progress towards Pretoria. The occupation of Kroonstad is from the military point of view, I am told, of great import- ance, as it will necessarily follow that the country between it and Bethlehem will soon be under the rule of the English Army. Once Bethlehem is taken the railway to Natal can hardly be held by the Boers, and then a shorter line of communications with its base at Durban will be at the service of the Commander-in-Chief. There is no doubt that the lines of communication will from this time onward be the objective of the Boers. If they can do serious damage to the railway anywhere north of Bloem- fontein, Lord Roberts' army will be in danger of starvation. It now appears that had Cronje held out for a longer period he might have forced Roberts to withdraw, for we hear that the soldiers were nearly starved at Paardeberg. Of course this pre- supposes that the Boers could in some way have cut off the British supplies, but they have done more difficult things than that. This only proves what an element of chance there is in all military manoeuvres. THE CENSURFV GENERALS. It appears that the two generals who have been most heavily censured are both closely connected with Wales, viz., Warren and Gatacre. The former was* born I believe at Bangor, and the latter is connected with some of the most ancient families of North Wales, and owns an estate in Montgomery- shire. Baden Powell, I am informed, has absolutely no Welsh blood in his veins, and is more Scotch than English. So Wales, at any rate, in the matter of generals comes out a bad fourth, but takes a leading place as regards its soldiers. The feeling of surprise and disgust at the behaviour of the Government in the matter of the Spion Kop despatches has not been allayed by subse- quent events. Everybody is asking for Lord Methuen's despatch concerning Magers- fontein, and for Lord Roberts' despatch of the battle of Paardeberg. The Welsh Regiments, as is well known, suffered terribly at Paardeberg, and it is incumbent on the Welsh Members to demand an ex- planation for the totally unnecessary slaughter which took place there. It is unfair that Buller, all of whose tactics were governed by the humanitarian principles of not throwing away a single life uselessly, should be censured, and that the general responsible for the slaughter at Paardeberg should be let off scot free. THE CYMMRODORION SOCIETY. On Wednesday evening Professor Lloyd, of Bangor College, delivered a lecture before the Cymmrodorion Society on Wales and the Norman Conquest. The title given to the lecture was rather unfortunate, as very little was said about the Norman Con- quest, the lecturer's remarks being mainly directed to the prowess of Griffith ap Llywelyn, the Welsh prince, who died in 1063. Some interesting points in Welsh topography were discussed, and it was made very clear that the study of topography is a very useful adjunct to the critical treat- ment of history, especially Welsh History. An amusing incident took place during the discussion on the paper. Mr Lloyd had expressed astonishment that Professor Free- man in his History of the Norman Conquest should have treated a certain place called Rhydygroes- at Upton, in Worcestershire, whereas it was practically certain that Rhydygroes was in Montgomeryshire, probably near Forden. Mr Willis Bund, however, succeeded in enlightening the Society completely on this point, for he gave a satisfactory and amusing explanation of the error. It appears that about 1861 Professor Freeman and Mr Bund were both staying at a country house near Upton, in Worcestershire, called The Ryd (Rhyd t. Professor Freeman, who was then writing his history, was much interested in the place-names of the district, and asked Mr Bund if he could locate Rhydygroes. "Certainly," said Mr Bund, "there is the Rhyd, and there is a cross a short distance away, that will account for Rhydygroes." The Professor, without further ado, accepted the explanation and innocently inserted it in his history. Mr Bund afterwards ex- plained that he dared not, as long.as tho Professor lived, correct the mistake for festr of drawing upon his devoted head that boundless store of good Saxon invective which the Professor had at his command. ANOTHER TESTIMONIAL. We are always getting up testimonials in London, some of them deserving and some undeserving. There can, however, be no doubt at all that the testimonial to the Rev. John Elias Hughes of Wilton Square will receive the support of every one, irrespective of creed, who knows something about Welsh life in London. Mr Hughes is, I think, one of the senior ministers here, and he has devoted himself to the work of his chapel and to charitable and other work chapel outside his chapel with a sincerity and whole-heartedness which everybody has admired. In spite of his ill-health he has continued to preach and to conduct the chapel work. Few men, suffering as he does, would ever go beyond their own threshold, but his protracted ill-health has not hindered him from preaching every Sunday, and, if anything, his sermons have been more effective of recent years. THE REV. OWEN EVANS. Much sympathy is felt for the Rev. Br. Owen Evans, of King's Cross, who has had the misfortune to lose his wife recently. Dr. and Mrs Evans had been married for over fifty years, and it was only last xear that they celebrated their golden wedding. Dr. Evans has been pastor of the Welsh. Tabernacle and of the Fetter Lane Chapel, which preceded it, for over forty years, and is the senior as well as the most influential of the Welsh ministers in London. He has also found time, in spite of his multifarious ministerial duties, to publish several valuable theological treatises, all of which have had a large circulation.

Cardigan County Governing Body. The quarterly meeting of the Cardigan County Go- vey ing Body was held on Wednesday at the Town He Lampeter. The following members were pre- set -Messrs. D. C. Roberts, Aberystwyth; L. J. Roberts, H.M. Inspector (for Aberayron); Jenkin Lloyd and Dr. Lloyd, Tregarn, Rev. Uwilym Evans, Aberayron J. C. Harford, Lampeter; Rev. William .James and Dr. Evans, Llandyssul; and Mrs. James, Broucastell, with Mr. H. C. Fryer (clerk). ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN". Mr D. C. Roberts having been voted to the chair pro tem, the Clerk announced that Principal Ruberts de- finitely declined to accept office as chairman for the ensuing year. He would try to attend as often as he could, but under no circumstances would he take the chair again. Mr D. C. Roberts, ]W iwilym Evans, and Mr J. C. Harford were then proposed in turn, but the three declined. Dr Evans then proposed the name of Rev. Thomas James, Llandyssul, who was not present that day, but usually attended. He had done a great deal for education in the past in the county. The Rev Wm. James seconded, and the proposition was uniMimously agreed to. LETTERS OF APOLOGY. The Clerk reported that he had received letter, re- gretting their inability to attend, from Principal T. F. Roberts and Mrs Jessy Williams, Aberystwyth, the latter owing to the visit of H.M.'s Chief Inspector to the Aberystwyth County School. The Chairman pointed out that that would probably account for the absense of Alderman C. M. Williams and other members from Aberystwyth. CARDIGAN FREE SCHOOL. The Clerk said he had received correspondence as tn f.ViA nrnnnfiArl rnmnrnmifip with the Cardigan Town Council with regard to the Free School premises in the Guild Hall at Cardigan. The members would remember that it was decided to accept from the Corporation of Cardigan £12 a year for these rooms, and that that sum should be expended in scholarships for children of poor parents residing in the borough. A letter was read at the previous meeting from the Charity Commissioners, in which they said they could not so apply the money. He was then told to write to the Commissioners explaining the whole circum- stances of the case. He did that, and received the following reply on April 2nd :—" I am to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 28th ult., and to state that the provisions of the County Scheme are binding on the Commissioners equally with all Parties interested, and that it is not seen that the provisions of the scheme affecting the present point can bear any other construction than that placed on them in the letter addressed to you from this office on the 16th December last." Hfrhe Clerk explained that as this interest in the Free School of Cardigan was part of the property of the County Governing Body, it must be used for the general fund and not allocated to any particular school. To meet that difficulty lit; suggested that it might be necessary for the schema to be amended, and perhaps in the meantime the difficulty could be got over by the Governing Body making a grant every year of £ 12 to the Cardigan managers to be used in this way for scholarships until a binding agreement could be entered into. In reply to that the Secretary to the Commissioners said—"I am to add, with reference to the last paragraph of your letter, that it is not understood under what clause of the County Scheme the County Governing Body consider that it would be competent for them to make the annual grant referred to in the paragraph." The Clerk said of course there was no clause, but it waf. left to the Body to administer the fund in the way ttey thought best. He (the clerk) sent a copy of the letter to Air, Morgan Richardson, as a member of this body and the Mayor of Cardigan, and asked him what he suggested should be done. Mr. Richardson, replied that someone should interview the Charity Commissioners, and explain how the matter Istood. He also said, if Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., would accompany him, he would be very glad to go himself, as lie knew the circumstances of the case. He (the Clerk) saw Mr Yauguan Davies, and he said he would be very glad to accompany Mr Richardson. That day he had received a letter from Mr Richardson which was to the effect that he had had an appointment with the Charity Commissioners on the previous Tuesday, and attended with Mr. Vaughan Davies. A promise was given then that they should hear in a few days whether the matter could be brought before the Board for re-considera- tion or not. The Commissioners object to local scholarships "on principle," but they could see some justification for an exception in the present case, and the chief points made were that they should have the approval of the other local boards acting under the Governing Body, and also that the rent charge of iEl2 a year should be properly secured. He (Mr Richardson) explained that the represent- atives of the other boards sitting as members of the Governing Body understood their scHeme and accepted it as a compromise. He also saw Sir Francis Mowatt at the Treasury, and understood from him that there would be no difficulty about their obtain- ing leave to charge their corporate property with the £ 12 annuity, but he promised to write to him again definitely. The Clerk said it seemed that the whole thing was now in course of settlement, and all they had to do was to wait until Mr Richardson heard further from the Commissioners DATES OF INSPECTION. The Clerk reported he had received a communica- tion from the Central Welsh Board fixing the date of the inspection of the different county schools as followsAberystwyth. May 10th; Tregaron, May 11th; Llandyssul, May 15th; and Cardigan, May 16th. The Chief Inspector having asked for a conference with the Governing Body, the Clerk was directed to call the next meeting at a date suitable to the Inspector. INSTRUCTION OF PUPIL TEACHERS. The Clerk reported having received from the Den- bigh County Governing Body copies of suggested scheme for pupil teachers' instruction, providing for the instruction of such teachers in the county schools. Mr L. J. Roberts explained that conferences had been held in Debiglishire, and this scheme was the outcome. It had been practically adopted for the whole of Denbighshire, and he would like very much to see a scheme of a similar character recommended for Cardiganshire. The scheme having been read, it was decided that it be placed on the agenda for consideration at the next meeting. COOKERY INSTRUCTION. A report by Miss Bertha Jones upon her work as cookery instructress during the past quarter was read She expressed herself pleased with the pro- gress made, but the cooking-stove at Aberystwyth was not large enough, and at Tregaron she had only half the utensils required. The Clerk said there was a strong desire to form a. cookery class for women at Aberayron, and applica- tion had been made for the services of Miss Jones. It was agreed that Miss Jones be allowed to take such a class, provided that it did not interfere with her present duties. On the motion of Mr. Jenkin Lloyd, seconded by Pr. Evans, it was decided that the School managers in each district be a committee to supervise th6 cookery and laundry instruction provided at their schools. MANUAL INSTRUCTION. The question of the. propriety of making further provision for manual instruction in the County Schools was placed on the agenda, but was deferred 10 the next meeting, the Clerk in the meantime to jet information on the subject from Glamorganshire I ;nd Carnarvonshire. MEETING PLACES. Dr. Evans gave notice that he would move at the text meeting the advisability of holding the meet- jigs of the Body at the different places where the schools were situated.

Grand EVENING- CONCERT At the request of the tradesmen and their assistants MR. GILBERT ROGERS AND HIS TROUPE OF MINSTRELS (ColiSiSC of 17 first-elass Artistes) WILL AGAIN caVK AN I ENTERTAINMENT At THE ROYAL PIER PAVILION. On Wednesday, May 23rd. Prices Reserved Seats, 2s; Front Seats, Is. Back Seats, 6u. Doors open at 7. To commence at 8. GRAND PROGRAMME.

Births, marriages and Deaths. BIRTH. JONEs.-On May 14th, at 1, Blossom Avenue, Bourn- brook, Birmingham, the wife of Mr. R. J. Jones, of a son. MARRIAGES. HOWELL-ROWLANDS-may 9th, at Bangor, Mr. Geo.. P. Howell to Miss Jane Rowlands, Cwmhwylog, near Aberystwyth. DEATHS. ROBERTS—May 9th, Hugh Roberts, shoemaker, High* street, Aberystwyth, aged 69 years. DAVIES.-May 7th, aged 81, David Davies, formerly of Ty'nygornel, Bala. DAVIKS.—May 7th, at 28, Freegrove-road, West Holloway, London, Catherine, wife of the Rev. Owen Evans, D.D., of King's Cross Tabernacle. Printed and Published by the Proprietor, GEORGB REES, at the "WELSH GAZETTE" Printeries Bridge-street, Aberystwyth, in the County oi Cardigan. Thursday. May 17th, 1900.