Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

_I< LAMPETER. GK.XE :03iTi'-—Mr Harford has, with his usual generosity, sent to the Mayor a contribution of £5 tie the Lampeter Branch of the Soldiers and Sailors' Families Association. He adds. I shall gladly subscribe again later if more is needed," It; all act in Mr Harford's spirit mure will not be Heeded. "DANGERS TO HEALTH."—A very appropriate lecture on Dangers to Health," illustrated by 3magic lantern views, was delivered by. Mr H. W. Jones, borough surveyor, on Friday evening last, at the B-ard Schools. The lecturer dwelt chiefly on irains and sanitation. Considering the short notice given Mr Jones to prepare the lecture, it was very interesting and instructive, especially to builders. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer for his able address. CHILDREN'S HAPPY EVENING ASSOCIATION.— On Friday evening last the fourth of the series of happy evenings came off at the Board School. The upper standards were entertained in the Girls' School, under the management of the Secretary (Miss Edith Davies), who has rendered valuable assistance to the association since it was inaugnra- ted. She was ably assisted by Miss Annie Owen, Miss A. Hughes, Mrs Tom Lloyd. Miss E. Evans Miss Parry, station-terrace, and Mr D. F. Lloyd. jfcembers of the Committee. A magic lantern entertainment was afterwards given ny Mr Tom Lloyd. assisted by Mr D. J. Davies, at the lower school. There was a good attendance. FANCY DRESS BALL.—A pretty and successful fancy dress ball was held at the Old Grammar School on Wednesday week. Promptly at 8.30 a large number of persons attended, I attired in costumes representing different characters. The duties of hon see were ably carried out as usual by Mr David Davies, Oaxton Hall. and Mr D. F. Lloyd acted as M.C. The room bad been gaily decorated by the Misses ,a Edith Davies, Jenny Jones, Messrs A. R. T. Jones and David Davies. The dances were interspersed with songs and recitations and the enjoyable pro- ceedings did not end until 2 a.m. Songs were rendered by Messrs A. Pearce, S.D.C., and D. F. Lloyd. and Miss A. Hughes, and recitations by Mr W, T. Phillips, S.D.C. The following ladies pre- sided in turn at the piano Misses M. H. Hughes, Station-terace, Daisy Evans, Taliesyn House, M, Owen and A. Hughes, Station-terrace; Edith Davies, Spring Gardens; Sibyl Williams, Hen- faes House, andM. J. Jones, Hope, Refreshments were also supplied. THE LATE MEMORIAL SERVICE.—Mr D. J. Jones, The Priory, writes :—Sir,—It is more than probable that many besides myself were greatly surprised after reading your correspondent's report in your last issue, of the united meeting held by the Non- eomformists at this place on the day of our late Queen's funeral, that he should have omitted' to Mention the name of the Rev Daniel Jones, Baptist Minister, amongst those that took part at the said meeting. It may be said that this rev gentleman took as prominent apart, if not more, indeed, or let me sav, quite as much as any other Nonconformist minister in connection with this memorial service. It was he, in fact, that was appointed to the oHice of secretary to the committee in order to carry out the arrangements, and, besides all this, he delivered a very pithy and pathetic address at that meeting which was very warmly applauded by the audience that had congregated together. I cannot conceive what could have been your correspondent's reasons for ignoring his name in this way. I am notable to bring myself to believe that it was done intention- ally or for a certain purpose. It may be that he is in a position to give to the public some satisfactory explanation of how this unhappy and unpleasant incident occurred. As regards the rne'eting itself I may say it was one of the best of its kind that I ever attended. The large edifice though capable to hold from 1,200 to 1.500 people, was literally crammed from top or bottom, and scores were obliged to turn away for want of standing room. [We much regret the omission referred to, which was by no means -1 done intentionally or for a certain purpose." That part of the report was to reach us by a later post, but did not arrive in time for publication.-ED. JJ G.] SCHOOL BOARD. This Board met on Thursday, February 7th, when there were present the Rev D. Jones, M.A. (chair- man), Rev E. Evans (vice-chairman), and the Rev R. C. Jones, Messrs John Jones and J E Lloyd, with T. Lloyd (clerk).—The Rev R. C. Jones moved, and Mr John Jones seconded, that the resolution passed at the last meeting, that a new building be erected on another site, be confirmed.—The Rev Evan Evans and Mr J, E. Lloyd supported the motion, which was eventually carried, the Rev D Jones enly voting against.—The Rev Evan Evans (vice- chairman), and Mr Thomas Lloyd (clerk), were ap- pointed to represent the Board at the inquiry by the Board of Education in reference to the pro- posed secondary school for girls, to be held on the 14th inst.—It was resolved that Mr John Rees and Mrs Rees, Peterwell-terrace, be appointed cleaners of the Peterwell School, from March 1st next.—The Clerk's return of the attendance for Janu- ary was read, and showed the following figures :— Number on rolls 356, average attendance, 298; Peterwell, boy's, 84: girls, 85; infants,82. St Mary's 82; nett result, 83-7.-The Clerk said he had received a letter from the Board of Educa- tion approving of the resolution of the School Board to replace the present building by a wholly new school which would be in the interests both of immediate educational efficiency and of ultimate economy. The Board of Education would be pre- pared to sanction a loan for the new school on fulfilment of the usual conditions. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. The Rev T. C. Edmunds presided over a meeting of this Council which was held at the Board's room on Friday last. The other members present were Messrs James Jones, Caerau; J. G. Marsden, Dyff- ryn; David Price, Fronbedr; David Davies, Tyncoed; T. H. R Hughes, LLanwnen; Evan Davies, Llan- wenog; B. J. Evans, Llanfair; David Davies, Velin- dre; S. Davies; David Lloyd (clerk); Dr E. C. Thomas; John Jones (surveyor); and Parry Thomas (inspector). ANNUAL REPORT. Dr E. C. Thomas submitt, d his annual report on the sanitary condition of the Lampeter Rural District during the year 1900. The population was estimated to the middle of each year, and he calculated it was decreasing, as the census to be taken in 1901 would probably show. The number of births was highest in 1894, oeing 100; and lowest in 1898, being 74. The deaths were highest in 1895, being 88; and lowest in 1897, being 56. The .population estimated to the middle of 1900 was 3,888. Number of births, 78; the birth rate esti- mated per 1000 population being 20. The number of deaths under one year was only 2, being by far the lowest for the last seven years. The rate per 1000 deaths registered being 25. The number of births and deaths were fairly uniform throughout during the past seven years. The average number of birth, in the whole district from 1894 to 1899 was 90, and the number of deaths 71. The number- of cases of infectious diseases notified during the year 1900 was as follows: Membranous croup, 1; scarlet fever, 4; enteric fever, 3. He thought it would be well to adopt some plan of informing parents that when no medical man was in at- tendance, as was often the case in cases of fevers, that they were under a penalty if they neglected to notify such cases to the Medical Officer of Health. Those that had already seen cases of erysipelas, measles, scarlet fever, and diphtheria were able to suspect their presence when they occured in the family. It was oftsn found that fevers first broke out in a mild form and when the necessary precautionsjwere taken they were nipped in the bud. The number of deaths at all ages was 58, under 1 year 2.; and under 5, 2; 5 and 15 years 3; 15 and 25 5; 25 and 65; 23; 65 and over, 20. A notice was given to the managers of the Llanwenog and Trefilan to provide a water supply for their respective ^chooL-, and they were endeavouring to comply with the request, though they nact not succeeded so tar. Silian school bad to be closed on account of scar- letina being prevalent in the district. The Llanfair school had had its drain repaired but the class-room was^not properly ventilated, neither were the privies properly kept. The Llangybi school would soon be srrpplied with water for the children and closets were in course of construction. The Bettws school had its play-ground in a bad condition as the road water flows over it. Typhoid fever broke out in the localities of Llanwenog and Llangybi. The case at Llanwenog was traced to have been caught at Liverpool and one of the other two cases which occurred in the same house at Llangybi was brought from Bew lley, the man having been engaged at the water works." The wife also caught the infection and died. Three cases of scarlet fever were notified at Brynhirfran, Cellan, two cases at Caeffynon, Silian" three cases at Blaenpant Lampeter. One case of membraneous croup occurred atMaesgwynne Llanwnen, and the last diedj, The report was con- sidpre. satisfactory, ar.d the Medical Officer was greeted to furnish copies of the forms he requires at the next meeting. F01:E3T The Chairman read a letter which he had received from Mr J. C. Harford, Falcondale, stating that the road from Trocdvrhiw to Silian was in a bad state, and caused, bth himself and all the people of Silian great inconvenience, in fact when buildkie a cottage at Blaenpant. carts had to go round by Derigoch. The roa< i was an old county road as far back as 100 years ago, and was shewn on the old Parish map as the main road from Lampeter to Aberystwyth. When the present main road was made the road from Troef-lvrbiw ceased to be the main road but-remained chargeable to the district, for once a road has been a u ain road it canno' ever become a private road. and the authi-.i'v chargeable for maintaining such roads was the District Council, E: did net i%-isli to see a gn- t deal of money spoilt ou it, nor did he wish j to see the District Council take immediate steps to make the road fit for traffic. The ffrst part of it was rocky and only required t he holes filled up and some ditches made. The next portion from Blaen- pant to the cross roads was very bad, auclirequir--d the surface being taken off and stones put on. After this the road again became locky and was in a very bad state. He had suffered greatl,.incoiiven- ience owing to the neglect of the District Council to maintain the joad. Mr B. J. Evans proposed, and it was agreed to defer the matter, so as to allow Mr Harford to find out whether this road was a main road or not. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The Inspector reported that-in company with the Medical Officer of ilealtli he visited, inspected, and disinfected a house called Plasbach, No 1, situate in the parish of Silian, wht-re there was a case of scarlet fever. The hou-e was ,0 badly drained as to render it unfit for human habitation. The window also were not in a proper state of repairs. Defects were also found at No 3, Plasbach. Silian schoolroom was in a fairly good condition. The report was adopted. DEFERRED AGAIN. The recent petition by the roadmen in the smploy of the Council and which has been ad- journed on two or more occasions, was considered again. The Surveyor said he had written to the Survey- ors of the Aberaeron and Tregaron Councils for a statement showing what wages they paid their roadmen, and the former only replied. The state- ment showed that they were paid at various stages. their age, &c being taken into consideration. It wasr resolved that the Surveyor should pro- duce a like statement at the next meeting. HEDGE PRUNING. The Surveyor asked what was he to do with people who did not comply with his request by not pruning hedges according to the law. He said he would have to serve notices on four county magis- trates, and who was going to sit on the Lampeter bench ? Mr Hughes (pointing to one of the coun- cillors) you are one. Mr Hughes replied that he bad had no notice. The matter then ended. A DANGEROUS FOOTBRIDGE. A letter was read from the clerk of the Llan- fair Parish Council stating that owing to the high water in the river Tivy, they were unable to pro- ceed with the work of erecting a footbridge. Mr B. J. Evans pointed out that the footbridge was a hundred yards from the Tivy. If immediate steps were not taken, no doubt someone would be injured or drowned, as the place was very danger- ous. Ultimately it was agreed that if the work would not be completed within a fortnight, the surveyor should do the work at the expense of the Parish. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE Mr David Davies presided over this meeting. VALUATION LIST. Supplemental valuation lists were presented from the Parish of Pencarreg, and were approved of. F PORTING RIGHTS.. Mr William Davies, assistant overseer, applied for a certificate showing the reduction made by the Assessment Committee on the sporting rights of Mr Harford from £80 to 10s. The application was granted. TOWN COUNCIL. This Council met on Wednesday, December 6th, when there were present Professor H. Walker (mayor), in the chair Alderman John Jones, J. E. Lloyd, D. T. Jones, Councillors Evan Davies, J. J. Davies, Samuel Davies, Daniel Jenkins, A. Price, Daniel Griffiths, and Daniel Evans, with D. Llovd (clerk). E. D. Hees (assistant clerk), K. W. Jones (surveyor and inspector) and Lewis Davies (build- ing surveyor). INSPECTOR'S REPORT. The Inspector in his report stated that the com- mon lodging house had been inspected, and was found in a satisfactory state. The town was free from infectious diseases of the notifiable class, and in a fair sanitary condition. All the shop awning standards had been pulled down, with the exception of one. Owing to Mrs Thomas. Carmarthen, refus- ing to remove her commodities, which she offered for sale on the pavement near the Fountain on Harford-square, he requested the Corporation haulier to remove the same into the Market-place-. On the proposition of Councillor J. J. Davies, seconded by Councillor Daniel Evans, it was agreed that the wagesjof the lamplighter be increased from 5s to 6s weekly. The report was then adopted. FINANCE. Alderman J E. Lloyd, chairman of the Finance Committee, reported that the bills had been ex- amined, all bad been ordered for payment with the exception of Mr Megicks for two bags of cement at 10s 9d each, which the committee considered was overcharged. On the proposition of Alderman D. T. Jones, seconded by Councillor D Jenkins, it was agreed that the bill be paid, and that the attention of Mr Megick's be called to the overcharge. STREET PAVING. One of the items on the agenda was the passing of a resolution applying to the Loan Commissioners for the loan of LSOO, which was the estimated cost of carrying out necessary paving improvements at Bridge-street, High-street, North-road, Peterwell- t, rrace, and at other minor places. Mr Ernest Lloyd thought it unnecessary to borrow the full amount of the sanction at present. They had already borrowed £ 1,700. He proposed that P,300 only be applied for, his estimated cost of the work being £ 304. Mr Arthur Price-seconded the proposal. Mr John Jones was inclined to think the amount proposed insufficient. Mr Lloyd said they were about to carry out the work on bsth sides of 13ridge-street, as far as wh re the road branched off. Mr J. Jones said it was suggested that kerbing should be laid as far as the Butter Factory. Mr Lloyd explained that there was a part of Bridge-street where paving was not needed. That omission would consequently enable them to pro- ceed with the work at minor places. It had occurred to him that L300 would be sufficient for the present. Mr J. Jones said they would be on the safe side if they asked for Z350, especially as they contem- plated placing kerbing as far as the Butter Factory. Mr A. Pryce observed that when they had plenty of money in hand it was inclined to be used too freely, If more than £300 was required it could be taken out of the rates. Mr Tivy Jones was of opinion that E300 was ample for the work intended to be carried out in the immediate future. The Mayor remarked that the question to him seemed a very narrow one. Mr J. Jones obviously thought that L350 would be needed. If so they had better not land themselves in a difficulty. The estimated cost of the work was exactly £ 304. If they intended kerbing to the Factory, that would incur an additional expenditure, and he was of opinion that if they were to be on the safe side that £ 350 should be asked for. He was inclined to think that the paving should be carried on down to the bridge. He did not see why the houses near the bridge should be without flagging, whilst those higher up derived benefit. The Town Clerk reminded the Council that the County Council would have to be informed of the proposed improvements. The Mayor Let us keep fully alive to what we should do towards the County Council, so that we do not involve any more expense. Alderman J. Jones moved as an amendment that E350 be borrowed for the contemplated improve- ment of the streets. Six voted in favour of the amendment and four against. The amendment was, therefore, carried. MR HARFORD AND THE MAINTENANCE OF MAIN ROADS. The Mayor said a number of questions bad been raised by Mr J. C. Harford respecting certain main roads which Mr Harford considered should be maintained by the Council. They were the Station-terrace to the Station gates, the bridges over the Dulas and at the end of Mill-street, and a road leading to the quarry. Almost immedi- ately on arriving home after the last meeting of the Council, he (the Mayor) found a letter, dated January 1st, sent bttMr Harford. It was as follows —"I should be very sorry to bring an action against the Town Council without first acquainting you with the circumstances and asking you to try and get the matter decided. I have told your Surveyor fully and the matter has been on your agenda, but no notice has been taken of it. I refer to certain roads and bridges. One is the road to the station gates which is in every sense of the word a public road, and which is in a very disgraceinl state. I am quite aware that you might come upon me or rather upon the builders who have been using it from my quarrv, but that does not vitiate the title of a public road. 1 do not think either that the railway company is liable, asit outside theirpremises. There is the bridge at the end of Mill-street, which street was an old parish road before the Council took it over, and the bridge there should be closed or mended. Then, again, there is another bridge on a parish road, which goes past the Butter factory, which also requires attention and is probably unsafe. So far the general idea is that I should keep in order all roads and bridges that either go past or ne;r any properties of mine as if I was personally a cor- poration, company, or other great borly instead of being merely an nmfortunate landlord. What I ,ifisto see that the mads and bridges are ke^t a proper state by the rigutful tarties. If the j law decides against me, then I must do it, but at any rate it will be best to get the matter settled." The Mayor said he replied to the effect that he hoped the Council would arrived at an athicable settlement without resorting to legal proceedings, and premised to lay thft.matter before the Council. Mr Harford replied by letter on January 3rd, which was as follows: I do not think there is any need for me to answer y ur Clerk's letter. There is, as you say, no TJec; for friction in the matter and there is no feeling as far as I am concerned except the imperative need of some settlement of the road question at Lampeter. As regards the various roads, perhu; s I did not (i x- plain fully enough. The first f>wiu Station-road around the station to the- big railway gare. ii is true, does not lead to my quarry, as also the Aber- ayron road leads to my house, but is not. in any way any private road or I should have the power of closing it with a gate and preventing people trucking their cattle over the bridge. From the mill is a continuation of your road, called Mill- street, which you have taken over ana is part of an old parish road. I understand that the road past the Butter Factory is a: pari,sh road and must be a very old one leading to the British camp. There is another road I have not mentioned which goes past the old blacksmith's forge towards Silian which originally was a main road, but is now I believe a parish road. As there is no Lampeter parish council and no Silian parish council, and no one seems to have any authority for maintaining it, now the question arises are we merely to rely on your Town Clerk's good pleasure or how are we to settle the matter? I propose finding out the authority and will gladly confer with you before taking action. I propose to get the matter settled z, by whoever is the most competent authority, as I, personally, do not see why I should repair all the roads. After all I, and all my tenants, are but rate- payers, and what the public uses they should repair." He replied briefly and received a tur- ther communication on January 11th which said As you intend discussing the matter of the roads at the next meeting of the Council I; will give you shortly the particulars. I have examined the old parish map of 100 years ago and find the road past the Butter Factory is an old parish road and more- over a public road and has been so for more than 100 years. All, however, that I ask the Town Council is to keep the bridge in order that crosses the Mill Leet, below the Butter Factory, and to repair the roads within their boundary. As regards the road from the station to the railway gates, that matter is more complicated. The .road you, as a Council, have taken over and call Mill-street is marked on the hundred years man as Mill-lane, but at that time was not confined beyond the Mill. As far as I can see, as there was no rail- way, the part round the Mill was to Glandulas Farm. When the railway was made in 1867, the Company had to make a road of some sort to get to the railway gates for loading cattle, and the chief question is whether they made the whole road or whether they made only that portion from the Station- road to the bridge going to the Mill. The piers of the bridge were built by the railway company and I will get further information. It is, of course, the duty of the Town Council and not of a private individual to see that roads are kept in order, and it is to the advantage of the public that roads such as these should be taken over if asked by a railway company, for, though the public can obtain rights over a private road, they cannot compel a private individual to maintain any road whatever. Perhaps it might be as well to tell you the history of the Station-road. For years the Town Council maintained that the Peterwell Estate ought to repair and keep in order this road. Failing here, they tried the railway company and eventually found .that? they had to keep it in order themselves. Meanwhile the public had suffered for years. I con- tend that now the public suffers very greatly owing to the shameful state of the roads to the railway gates where all cattle, etc., are trucked. And even if the road does belong to the railway company it would, in my opinion, be the duty of the Town Council to nr-ike arrangements with the railway company to put the road in fair order. The Council should take it over, as it. is in every sense of the word a public road. I hope I have given you a clear explanation, and that you will be able to dis- cuss the matter fully at the next meeting of the Town Council." He had received an additional letter to these, but it added nothing specific to the case, which had been stated fully. It seemed to him that out of these letters two Questions arose. First, it was a legal question upon which they would have to ask the advice of the Town Clerk. They would, of course, be guided by him as to whether they as a Council were liable for the repair of these roads. If they were liable they would have to set to work to get the necessary defects placed in order. If the Town Clerk said they were not liable for the repair of these roads, then the second point would arise It was conceivable that a road which was not theirs legally, would, in the pnblic interest, be worth their .while taking over. If so, it was their duty to do so. He 'now asked the Town Clerk for his opiniun in the matter. The Town Clerk said he had not only considered that case in its legal aspects, but happening to be an old resident of the town, having lived there since 1846, he could almost remember what roads had been maintained by the public since then. Take the Maesfelin-road to the Factory, which was a road leading up to Mount Pleasant. Beyond Mount Pleasant there was a kind of a roadway going up to the woods, along the side of the plantation to the top, but on no occasion had this roadway been adopted or main- tained in any aspect or form. Therefore, as far as the Council was concerned, they were under no obligation to pay for the repair of that road. There was a certain class of road which was kept by the owner of the land through which it ran, and another being called the occupation road, the Maesfelin-road "being one of these. There was the Quarry-road which had simply been made to gain access to the quarry, but with regard to the road which led from that to the station, he said that a number of cottages called Glandulas were built and the owner of the Glandulas Estate constructed a bridge over the Dulas, it being simply an accom- modation road for these cottages. Mr Harford was quite mistaken as regards the taking over of Station-road. The Railway Company made that road at their own expense. They ultimately asked the Local Government Board to take it over. They were told that it could not be taken over unless placed in a thorough state of repair. Two magistrates were then called to certify that it was in a fit condition to be taken over. This process was fully gone through and the road was taken over. He thought Mr Harford to be wrong in that respect. As regards the road leading to Silian. it was originally a turnpike road running past the blacksmith's forge to the forest. There should be some record of the Quarter Sessions to show how that road was given up. He maintained that road- way had never been repaired by the parish since it was called a main road. This wan the only road upon which he did not feel confident. That matter, therefore, rested between the Rural Council and Mr Harford, who could not compel the borough to maintain these roads. The Mayor said Mr Harford intended taking action against the Council if the roads were not taken over. Mr Tivy Jones aked the Clerk who was liable for the maintenance of the Quarry-road ? The Clerk replied the ownejs or occupiers. Mr John J. Davies thought that the railway company and the persons who made use of the road be asked to maintain it jointly with Mr Harford. Mr Tivy Jones remarked that Mr Harford rested on the legality of his case only. He had launched the threat at the Council. The Mayor observed that it was conceivable that in the interests of the public it was desirous that the road should be taken over by them and kept in After further discussion, Mr Ernest Lloyd said to meet the feeling of the meeting he would pro- pose that they dispute the legality of maintenance, but if any application made in the ordinary way to take over these roads was made it wonta be con- sidered by them. Mr John Jones seconded the proposition which was agreed to. ANNUAL HEALTH REPORT. Dr Abel Evans, the medical officer, submitted his annual report for the year ended 31st December 1900 upon the sanitary condition of the Lampeter Urban District. The population at the last census in 1891 was 1569; and he estimated the population at the present time to be 1750. an increase of 181 over the number recorded when the last census was taken. The total number of births registered was 38, 23 males and 15 f(-rrities-wliieli gave a birth- rate of 21 in a 1000. The total number of deaths registered was 27, equivalent to a death-rate of 15sper 1000, After deducting three, the number of persons being invalided at the time who came to reside in the district, the death-rate was 13.12 per 1000. He was glad to state that this year the deathrate was approximately the average death- rate, being much lower than that of 1899 which was the highest, if 110; on record at least for very many years. It him much pleasure to state that no deaths resulted from any zymotic disease. In March scarlet fever broke out at Giendale Bridire-street, the patient being the maid-servant. As soon as the patient had recovered, the room was fumigated with sul.jh^r vapour, well scrubbed and 't a washed with a solutvn of carbolic acid. In the month of May diphi heria broke out at Blacnpan an House, High-street, a child of seven years of aze went with her mother on a visit to some relatjves and friends at Pontypri'ld, It was there, no dOubt that the child became infected. By isolating the case and using disinfectants freely, also by pre_ venting any persons ent ring the premises, tlle in- fection did not spread. In October, chicken-pox was very prevalent in :be town. It was, however, I of a mild t n > deaths occurred from it. During the whole of November measles Was very prevalent indeed it became so prevalent that it was advisable to recommend the authorities to close the schools, which they did at once. The disease was of a mild type, resulting in no deaths. In the first week of December, diphtheria broke out at 12, Old Buildings, St David's College. One of the students had such a severe attack that for days he (the doctor) was ap- prehensive of the result. Here again isolation and disinfection were promptly resorted to, and as soon a> the patient recovered the room was fumigated, washed with a solution of carbolic acid, re-papered, and the bed and bedding destroyed, At 60, Bridge- street, where baking was carried on, the house was :>i want of cleaning and whitewashing. He thought it was the duty of the Inspector to visit this house requently, and see that his instructions were carried out properly. The town had a regular supply of water during the whole of last summer, Now that the new water scheme had been com- pleted, he did not believe that they would have any occasion to complain of scarcity of water at Lam- peter for many years to come. The baking and lodging houses were regularly visited and found in a satisfactory state, with the exception of the one referred to. The slaughter-house was regularly visited and always found clean. The report was considered very satisfactory. TENDERS. Two tenders were received for the proposed ad- dition to the slailghter-house, viz., Mr John Jones, Drover's-road, £ 29; and Mr Win. Jones, Bryndewi, E27 10s. The tender of the latter was.accepted. MARKET COMMITTEE'S REPORT. Mr D. Tivy Jones, chairman, brought up the report of the Markets Committee, and said he bad met the Chamber of Commerce, who had formed a scheme for advertising the town markets. The Chamber intended issuing a monthly circular, and wished the Town Council to supplement their efforts financially. A resolution was passed at the committee recommending that the Council grant them a sum of money to advertise the town. He had since received a letter from the Chamber stat- ing that they would rather not take the responsi- bility of advertising the town. The Mayor said he had also received a com- munication from the Lampeter ChamBfcr of Com- merce, stating they were anxious that the fairs and markets of Lampeter should be brought more pro- minently before the public, but felt that this could not be done unless all persons interested worked willingly together, and did what they could to secure the desired improvement. The Chamber would, therefore, be greatly obliged if the Council, through its Markets Committee, were to take special measures to that end, and were they to do so, the Chamber would be only too willing to assist by every means in its power. ? Another letter was read stating that the Chamber of Commerce did not wish to compete with or interfere unnecessarily in the work of the Council but only wished to co-operate and to assist the Corporation in every possible way to improve the prospects of Lampeter generally. Fairs and markets were decreasing, and something must be done immediately to improve them. They also found that the neighbouring towns were advertising the fairs and markets, and that cattle and sheep were trucked or re-trucked to the neighbouring towns for sale. Also, the neighbouring parishes, such as Pencarreg, Llanycrwys, and Cellan, were sending their butter and poultry for sale to Llan- dilo. It was their duty to try th,jl' utmost to get these people to bring their produce to Lampeter. With a view to securing that, they, uggestcd that the Council and the Chamber of Commerce should undertake the following things:—To advertise the markets systematically and regularly to secure dealers to attend the fairs and markets regularly to get the agricultural show and other societies to co-operate with them so as to get. the farmers and breeders to bring in their stock to meet the dealers and not to sell at home; also, to establish sheep and wool markets in the months of May and June; also, to do their best to advertise the town as a place of resort. Likewise to advertise the school, so as to get all the advantages to the neighbourhood that should be got, and also to establish a Girls' School. They now found that parents were sending their children to the neigh- bouring towns to be educated, such as Tregaron and Pencader. They should also get the railway facilities improved. They also found that it would be to the advantage of the town if the two oodies could co-operate so as to bring about the building of an Assembly Rooms, so necessary to the interests of the town. With a view to advertising the above and bringing it forward, the Chamber was prepared to bring out themselves, or assist the Markets Committee in bringing out a circular with a view to advertising the markets and fairs. Consideration of this lengthy communication was referred to the Markets Committee for further consideration. THE PROPOSED GIRLS' SCHOOL. A letter was read from the Clerk of the School Board, stating that Thursday, the 14th inst., at the Board Room, had been fixed as the date for holding the Board of Education's enquiry into the proposed establishment pf a secondary school for girls at Lampeter. The Board wished the Council to appoint representatives to attend the enquiry. On the proposition of Mr J. Jones, seconded by Mr J. E. Lloyd, it was agreed that the Mayor and ex-Mayor should represent the Council. PROPOSED ASSEMBLY ROOM. The Mayor said the Committee appointed to deal with the proposed assembly room had in- structed Mr Ll. Pryce to draw plans and prepare an estimate of an assembly room suitable for the town. These plans were now produced, the first being a stone structure to accommodate an assem- blage of 300 at a cost of £ 1,400 and would consist of a large hall, a billiard-room, and a reading- room. Without the two mentioned rooms, the cost would be £800. The other plan was one of corrugated iron, the cost of which was estimated at £715. He thought that of the two the stone building would be the cheaper in the end. He had been in communication with Mr Harford with regard to getting him to renew the offer of a site at the back of the Red Lion Inn, but it was not renewed. He had also spoken to Mr Lloyd about renewing his offer, Mr Lloyd also refusing, but offered another site, which the Committee thought was most suitable. It was situated at the back of the big building at the corner of Bryn-road, and Mr Lloyd offered it for the price he paid for it, plus the interest. Councillor A. Price spoke stroJgly in favour of having a stone building, as it would last much longer than the iroa one. He had no doubt that such a building would pay well in time to come, as it would be most convenient to hold concerts and other public meetings. The different places of worship would also patronize it by holding their singing festivals there instead of going to other towns as at present. He would suggest that a building sufficient to accommodate about a thousand people should be erected. The money raised at the last eisteddfod, which was about £200;, would be contributed towards it. Councillor Evan Davies suggested that another eisteddfod be held towards the same object. All the members spoke- in favour of having a stone building worthy of the place, and the matter then ended.. SOLDIERS' ANDi SAILORS' FAMII»IB3 ASSOCIATION A circular letter was read by the Mayor from Mrs Davies-Evans, Highmead, Llanybyther, making an urgent appeal for further support towards this Association. In 1900 a sum of Z462 15s 8d was paid into the Lord Lieutenant's fund, and out of this P.295 8s 6di hacf been paid to thirty-three families. The Mayor spoke most strongly in favour of supporting the movement, and stated that he had drawn out a programme for a systematic collection to be made in the town by ladies, provided their assistance Gould be obtained. He bad divided the town as follows:—High street. The Common and its suburbs,. Mrs Walker and Miss Jones, Hope; Bridge-street, Mrs Evans, Grantham House, and Mrs A. Price; Station-terrace, Mrs Tivy Jones; College-street, Mrs Davies; Peterwell Terrace and Mount Walk, Mrs. S. D., Jones; Fentrebach, Miss Price, Doldrement; Falcondale cottages, Mrs Taylor- BOARD OF GUARDIANS. A meeting of the Guardians was held at the Board Room on Friday, February 8th, the Chair- man (Mr Dd. Davies, Felindre), presiding. The other members present were, the Rev R. C. Jones, Lampeter (vice-chairman) Messrs L Davies, Llan. ycrwys T. H. R. Hughes, Llanwnen; B. J. Evans, Llanfakclydogau; Dd. Price, Lampeter rural; Dd. Davies,. Cellan; James Jones, Llanwenog; Dd. Evans and Thos. Edwards, Pencarreg; D. H. James and John Thomas, Llanllwni; John Davies, Llan- ybyther; J. G. Marsden, Silian Samuel Davies, Bettws Bledrws; Evan Davies, Llanwenog; The Rev T. C. Edmunds, Trefilan; with Dd. Lloyd (clerk); E. D. Rees (assistant clet-k); Dr Abel Evans medical officerland Dd. Parry and Dd. Evans (re- lieving officers). STATISTICS. Amount of out-door relief administered during the past fortnight, per Mr Dd. Parry, for the Lam- peter district was 233 7s 6d to 127 paupers per Mr Dd. Evans, for the Llanybyther district, was Z41 18s 6d to 128 paupers. Number of inmates in the House, 21; number of vagrants relieved during the past fortnight was 23, corresponding period last year 21. MATRON'S REPORT. The Matron reported that it was her painful duty to inform the Guardians that her hushand, the master of the house, died on the 31st ultimo. An inmate named Margaret Davies, aged 87 years, from the parish of Llanwnen was admitted into the house on the 24th November last, and died on Tuesday last, the cause of death being senile decay. The report was adopted, and in reply to a guardian the Assistant Clerk said he bad so far attended to the master's books. THE LATE MASTER. A letter was read from John Davies, one of the inmates, asking the Guardians to be kind enough as to allow their matron, Mrs Jones, to remain as their mistress. Mrs Jones bad, he said, during her stay been very kind and had done her work well. The Rev Rees Jones proposed a vote of con- dolence with the matron and the deceased's relatives in their sad bereavement. Mr Lewis Davies seconded the motion. The Chairman, in supporting, said every time Mr Bircham came to the Workhouse he spoke most highly of Mr Jones. He believed that he could say that Mr Jones had given them every satisfaction as a master. One day last week he met Mr Williams, the district auditor, who also spoke most highly of him. Mr Williams said that the late master kept his books far better than any other master within his district. Mr Lewis Davies suggested that as one of the inmates had sent such a good and sympathetic letter, notice should be taken of it. In reply to a Guardian the Clerk said that ac- cording to the regulations, whenever a master or matron died, the matron, or whoever survived, must perform the duties of both offices until the end of a quarter. The present quarter would end March 25ih. The Chairman said that applications for the post had been received, but being premature they would not be considered. Mr Samuel Davies suggested that the applicants should state the salary required, and their age should be between 25 and 45 years. Mr Lewis Davies seconded. Mr D. Evans moved that the salary be fixed by the Guardians. The Rev T. C. Edmunds proposed that the salary of the master be £ 35, and that of the matron £ 15. • The Rev R. C. Jones proposed as an amendment that the salary of the matron remain the same, viz. £ 20, and that the salary of the master be reduced by Z10, that was from iMO to £30. Mr Marsden supported the latter amendment. This was seconded, and declared carried. ADVERTISING. A letter having been read from a local Welsh paper asking for a share of the advertising, The Rev. T. C. Edmunds, after some discussion, moved that the advertisement for the post of master and matron be inserted in it. The Chairman, the Rev Rees Jones, and Mr B. J. Evans were in favour of having the advertise- ment inserted in the M'ehh Gazivtte, but the Rev T. C. Edmunds moved that they were out of order, as his proposal was the first Mr B. J. Evans proposed and the Rev Rees Jones seconded that the advertisement be inserted in those papers which reported their'meetings, and therefore it was agreed to advertise in the Weigh Gazette. THE DIETARY TABLE. The Clerk said that Mr Bircham, the Local Government Board Inspector, had made some al- terations in the new dietary table which had been prepared by the late master and approved of by the Guardians. It was resolved that the alterations be made as suggested by Mr Bircham. 119 JOSEPH DUDLEY. A letter was read from the Carmarthen Asylum stating that Joseph Dudley had died on the 31st January. VOTE OF SYMPATHY. On the proposition of the Chairman, and seconded by Mr Lewis Davies, it was unanimously resolved That the Guardians of Lampeter Union, in the Counties of Cardigan and Carmarthen, de- sire to convey to their Most Gracious Majesties King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra their heartfelt sympathy in the bereavement their Majesties and the Royal Family have sustained through the death of Our late Beloved Queen and they beg to add their respectful assurance of loyal devotion to their Majesties, and of their hope and prayer that their Majesties may enjoy a long and glorious reign." THE BOARD AND THEIR CLERK. The Chairman asked all the officials present to retire, as the further business would be taken in committee to consider the following letter to the Chairman from the Local Government Board :-Local Government Board, Whitehall, S.W., 6 Feb., 1901.-Dear Sir, I am directed by the Local Government Board to advert to their letter of the 12th ult., and to inform you that they have now received from their Inspector, AT& Bircham, the report of the Official Inquiry, helcJby him on the 17th ult., with refer- ence to the proceedings of Mr D. Lloyd, the clerk of the Guardians of the Lampeter Union. Before proceeding furt her,in the matter the Board desire me to draw attention to the provisions of Section 2 of the Poor Law Officers Superannuation Act, 1896, and tq observe that as if they understand,to be the case, Mr Lloyd has attained the age of 65 years, and has not contracted out of the Act, it is competent to the Guardiaus, without any approval on the part of the Board to require him to retire upon payment to him of the superannuation allowance to which he may be entitled under the Act.—I am, sir. your obedient servant, L. B. Knollys, assistant secretary.