Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

ABERYSTWYTH. St. David"s Day Dinner. AN ENJOYABLE GATHERING. The anniversary of St. David., the patron saint of Wales, was celebrated on Friday evening last, March 1st, by a public banquet at the Talbot Hotel. The president of this year's gathering was Mr D. Lloyd-Lewis, National and Provincial Bank, while in the unavoidable absence of Mr R. J. Jones, the vice-chair was occupied by Mr Hugh Hughes, solicitorthere were also-present the Rev. T. A. Penry, Mr E. P. Wynne (mayor), Mr J. D. Perrott, Dr Harris, Mr T. Griffiths, Councillor T. E. Salmon, Messrs David Howell, Edward Evans, T. W. Powell, R. C. Richards, D. M. Davies, Christopher Taylor, Randolph Fear, Stanley Griffith Jones, Vaughan Edwards, R. Killin Jenkins, J. C. Rea, T. F. Fear, Richard Jones, H. T. Humpidge, D. E. H. Davies, D. T. Jones, E. Wvnne Mathias, E. Arthur Griffiths, J. J. Williams, W. H. Jones, T. Kilvington. F. M. Williams, D. C. Owens, J. E. Evans, E. Hiridley, William Thomas (painter), T, Amos Jones, M. Morgan (junr), etc. The banquet was served in the new and well-adapted dining-room, ana ttie catering arrangements left nothing to be desired. Afterwards an enjoyable toast list was entered upon. The Chairman first submitted the toast of The King and Queen and the Royal Family. He said u, at this, their national gathering, lie thought it could be said of himself, if not of all of them, that they could only remember drinking the loyal toast with joy and rejoicing. But on this occasion their hearts were saddened with gloom and grief through the death of their most gracious Queen. He felt sure he could say that in no part of her vast dominions bad the late Queen more loyal and patriotic subjects than in this little corner of the empire. (Hear, hear.) The end had come to a most noble life and brilliant leign. It was a life they could safely say that bad been spent in the service of her people. Let them not think of her by her high titles, but. by her magnificent ideals of womanhood. (Applause.) High and low, rich and poor, the subjects of Victoria had built her monument in their hearts, and she would live in every succeeding age as long as history would remain to be written (Hear, hear.) Although they mourned the loss of their deeply-beloved Queen, it was a consolation to them and to their fellow subjects to feel that the loss they had now so deeply to detplore was allevi- ated by the succession to the Throne of their Prince—the Prince of Wales—and they were proud to find from him that it would always be his aim and endeavour to follow in his late mother's foot- steps. (Applause.) They were also proud of their noble Queen Alexandra, who was1 such a worthy helpmeet to her husband, and whose love of her people had been so marked already. They in Aberystwyth ought to be specially proud of their King and* Queen, and he thought as long as they lived they would always remember very dearly their visit amongst them and the satisfaction they expressed at their visit. (Hear, hear.) They also included in the toast the rest of the Royal Family, He was not sure that tney had a prince at present, but he hoped that by their next gathering they could drink to the toast of the Prince of Wales, and that was the present Duke of Cornwall. He felt sure they would all join with him in saying God bless the King and Queen of England long may they live, and may their reign be happy, prosperous and peaceful." (Applause.)—The toast was then drunk with enthusiasm. Song, The Wolf," Mr. Amos Jones, R.A.M. The Mayor of Aberystwyth (Mr. E. P. Wynne) proposed the toast of "The Bishop, Clergy and Ministers of all denominations." He said he did it with great pleasure, because they had in their present Bishop a very excellent successor to their great St. David, whose anniversary they were there to commemorate. With regard to the clergy and ministers, he need not say anything, because they were all well-known to them, and they all appreciated their services in the cause of humanity The Mayor also expressed his pleasure at having the Rev. T. A. Penry amongst them that evening, whose name he coupled with the toast (applause). Sor.g, Anchored," Mr. C. Taylor. The Rev. T. A. Penry, in acknowledging the previous toast, said though he was not authorised to speak on behalf of all those who were included in this toast, he felt sure there was no class in the community who appreciated the good will and sympathy of their fellows so much as the Bishop, clergy, and ministers of all denominations. It was one of the essential elements of their success that they should have the sympathy and goodwill of their fellows, without which very little could be done, but with which very much could be done, to follow in the footsteps of the good man whose memory they commemorated that night (applause). Song, Vlr. E. W. Mathias. Mr Hugh Hugbes (vice-chairman) proposed the toast of The Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces." He said it was a toast that was always honoured amongst Britishers, whether they were Englishmen, Welshmen, Scotchmen, Irishmen, or Colonials (applause). They were especially proud of their Army that day, notwithstanding the criticisms or the Continental press. They had been told that during the past few months that their generals were incompetent; but none of the Continental powers as far as he had read, had criticised the conduct on the pluck of the British soldiers. Considering the difficulties with which their forces had to contend with in South Africa during this campaign, not only difficulties of climate, but the natural difficulties of the country, transport, and so forth and having to protect some 1,100 or 1,200 miles of railway; still, notwithstanding all that, he believed that there were no soldiers in the world who could have fought as bravely as they had (hear hear). Speaking of the auxiliary forces-the Yeomanry and Volunteers-he said these bodies showed the immense power there was behind the military forces of their country. He coupled with the toast the names of Dr. Harries and Mr. C. Taylor. Song, The Admiral's Broom," Mr. E. A. Griffiths. Dr. Harries, replying on behalf 6f the Navy, said there was never any change in the warm reception given this toast, because there was no change in the bravery of their men. If they read the history of the Boers they would find that they had to be sjamboked before they would fight-they had to be leathered to fight (laughter). When he was a. boy his first experience of the Army was that he joined the Volunteers, and the result was that he was sjamboked for joining. Dr. Harries said it was of no use talking of the small reverses they bad recently sustained. They were nothing more or less than flea bites, and the bull-dog pertinacity of the British was bound to predominate in th. end (hear hear). The speaker also referred t* the conduct of the Welsh Fusiliers during the war, who had made the bravest charge of all, under Kelly Kenny (hear hear). Mr Christopher Taylor responding on behalf of the Army, spok of the wide area over which the British flag now floated as compared with what it was in 1801, when it was only a little speck on the horizon. This was due not to any individual effort, or to any particular body of men. It was due to the indomitable energy displayed by the nation as a whole, and to their soldiers and sailors in particular (bear, hear), Song, Mr Amos Jones. The toast of the evening, that of St David-our patron Saint," was entrusted to the Rev T. A. Penry. In submitting it he said that he felt that a task had been entrusted to him which he wished had been given to someone else, for it was one of those toasts that afforded a scope for eloquence that he could not command, and for the expression of truth, which ought to be helpful to all. In submitting this toast they felt they were carried back into a very far past. That in that dim and shadowv past they believed to see a great and noble Welshman a true son of the soil of Cardiganshire; and one of the first of her many noble sons that had been a credit to the county and to the country at large, and had followed in the footsteps of their great predecessors in serving their fellowmen and bettering their country (hear, hear). There was much they would like to know about St David that was unknown, but the prin- cipal factors of- his life were, he believed, well- known to the company tliatigatliered there fromlyear to year, as the story bad so frequently been told. But notwithstanding the fewness of the facts that they had, they were made to feel that through the long span of time the influence of a great and a good man had come down upon them, and though the factofs of his life be unchronicled; still good- ness had survived that want (hear, hear) Good- ness lived altogether apart from the chronicle that was made of it. Then again, though they were met there, they were met not as any section, but as general representatives of the community at large. For though St David belonged to one particular section of the Christian Church as they knew it at the present time, yet there were no sections then. But even to-day they felt that a great man was a great deal larger than any sect. (hear, hear). He thought that when they met on an occasion of this kind, or any other similar occasion, that they felt that the man was the great question, and not the particular section to which he'might belong or the particular creed to which he mightassent. (hear, hear). They looked back to this great man with great pleasure, and they ought to feel that there was in their history a something that ought to dispel every sense of shame; for it was the great men of their nation that really made them proud of theil nation. They were the builders of the reputation of the nation. And when they unearthed the noble characters that in various ways had adorned the history of the Welsh nation—as they would presently see when it had been properly written, and Welsh history properly studied in their schools—they would more and nlore feel that they need not in the slightest degree feel ashamed of being Welshmen, as so many of their fellow-countrymen used to do in years gone by. Cas gwr na charo'i wlad a'i maco." (applause), Then the fostering of the memory of the great men of the past helped to cultivate an essential factor in the success and well-being of their nation; cultivating that national feeling, without which they could not do very much. And he thought this was a feature of Welsh life that had been growing, especially during the last 25 or 30 years. And this was evidenced by the wide popularity of the celebration of the memory of St. David. Wherever Welshmen met together, not [only in the Principality, but in the whole length and breadth of the British Isles, in all their Colonies, and the distant parts of the United States, they all united in acknowledging a common bond made between them by the memory of a great and good man that bad done so much for the well-being of his country in days gene by. These and similar movements did help, as well as other movements that had grown up in recent years. It was a great thing that they had a University for Wales. It bound then" if not consciously, unconsciously closer to their country, and made them take a greater interest in the well-being of their country and the memory of the great who were head and shoulders above their fellow-men, who had benefitted their country and every movement that assisted to lift the masses of their country and uplifted the tone and character of their countrymen. These were things that ought to be dearly cherished and cele- brated by them as factors binding them together and making them prouder of their nationality and making them more desirous of following in the footsteps of those of the past, and doing what they could in their various spheres for their fellow-men. (applause). The toast was then duly honoured by the loving cup being passed round the room, and Mr Amos Jones afterwards sang an appropriate Welsh song. The next toast was that of The County and Borough Magistrates," proposed by Mr T. W. Powell. They were all aware, he said, what estimable people these were, what auduous duties they had to perform, what intricate cases they had brought before them of diverse characters. It was not by any means an easy task for them at all times to bring that law to bear on the culprits that appeared before them with that sincerity and in- tegrity which they would always wish to exercise. But, it they tell short of having a comprenensive knowledge of the law, they at all times invariably had that very beautiful characteristic of showing sympathy with those that might appear before them. Therefore, he thought they could very heartily drink to thr health, and at all times feel that should it be their unfortunate position to appear before them that they need not fear that in- justice would be done them (applause). Song, The old brigade," Mr C. Taylor. The toast was acknowledged by Mr Edward Evans and Mr T. Griffiths. The latter said some three or four years ago he remarked at this banquet in another room—not so good at this one—that he was then a magistrate of a double-barreled kind. And it carried very well indeed (laughter). Years ago he was made a borough magistrate, and about four years ago he was made a county magistrate. He wished he never took it (Cries of" Oh"). Well, this way, he had to go a long way. In town he could go very well. As to the bench of Magistrates in the town. lie might say there was not a better or cleaner banch in the County of Cardiganshire. Taking the county he could not say so much. It. took a lot of their time to hear evidence after evidence like he had done that day at Llanilar. He was getting rather too old to walk to Llanilar (a voice: Get. a carriage and pair) (laughter). These county and borough magistrates they could not do without them, and he should like very much to see Aberystwyth turning over- board everyone unless they behaved themselves like men. He was very proud of the bench at Aberystwyth. He went also to Llanbadarn-that was yesterday-a very good bench there; Llanilar, rather weak. They lost a very good man at Llanilar, and that was the Earl of Lisburrie. He always came down there, and when he died they ran rather short of magistrates at Llanilar. He Ranked them very much for coupling his name with these people you can't do without" (Hear, hear and laughter). Song, Jack's the boy," Mr E. W. Mathias; song, Help one another," Mr D. M. Davies. The toast of "The Mayor and Corporation," was proposed by Dr Harries, and in the course of a characteristic and humorous speech he said he found that a willing horse was always saddled and heavy-burdened. This had come upon him like lightning from a clear sky. But at the same time, as it was a thread-worn subject, he thought he would be able to cut it very short and make it very brief, and at the same time to do due credit to tne party he bad to refer to. He had to propose the toast of The Mayor and Corporate Body of Aber- ystwyth," a body of men to whom they were in- debted for the welfare and prosperity of Aber- ystwyth. Their duties were onerous; they were far and above what they had to do in other country towns. In most country towns they had to deal with little things, and had only to take a little tobacco out of their pouches and smoke it. But here, as a watering place, they had to contend with the sanitary arrangements of the town. They had to make them perfect, and had to provide a proper water supply. He bad noticed it for many years during his office in Aberystwyth as medical man that the people were quite at ease, quite pleased, add quite happy under the old regime of any water given them, whether it was from the Vicarage pump. or whether it arose through the gravel from the sea, or the water closets (laughter). But the time came when Aberystwyth began to ascend the ladder of prosperity, and then the duties of the Corporation increased, and they proved equal to the occasion. They had everything a watering place could call upon them to provide for visitors. Their sanitary arrangements were pretty well per- fect. Their pavements were good, and their water supply excellent, with 200.000 gallons running waste during the height ef the summer. That was certainly more than any town in England could boast of. They could boast of a little town that was always ready to receive visitors both winter and summer. And if the visitors during the summer were losers by having to pay twice as much, they were gainers as regards health and family pros- perity. With all this prosperity and the doings of the Town Uouncil—let them do whatever they might, let them work morning, noon, and night-they were working now with unanimity, for the reason probably that he was not amongst them (laughter). Probably the Corporation would be better off if he were there. He, however, must find fault himself with some trivial matters. Take the condition of the streets, which, he might say, were not what they should be. That morning he had to put on a pair of Dick's K boots- he told them as a fact— when he visited certain portions of the town. The K boots for certain districts, and the ordinary light K boots for other parts. He was telling them this not as an advertisement (laughter). And he found certainly there was a certain amount of fault to be found with regard to the condition of the streets. But on reflection, when they came to think that this year had been a record year for the past sixty years as regards damp. as regards rainfall—even two months ago it formed a record, and for the previous record they would have to go back to the time of Noah; the soil was saturated ten feet with water and the roads, as a natural consequence, must be in the condition they were. The thing that worried the Town Council was what was to be done. He was troubled with his aqua-terra, which would not hold water (loud laughter). The donkey that drank the water there got drowned last year (renewed laughter). He did not know what would become of it. It was a puzzler. He had bad the best engineers in the world who might understand the question down to Aberystwyth. It was a conundrum (laughter). But the fact was this. The lake bad been leaking. The water had come to the streets of Aberystwyth. His aqua-terra had come on to the streets of Aberystwyth (laughter). When he put on his strong boots that he had that morning— Dick's K Boots-his feet were dry. What had they been keeping out? They had been keeping out r, aqua-terra mud and water (roars of laughter). They started with periwincles, but they were now all dying out. There was only on«^chance for the Corporation and himself now-that the pernicious walking phagocyte would die also (loud laughter). The periwincles were dying one by one. Myra was dead, the little Periwincle had been chucked up, and the old lady had gone, because the two damned cowards ran away last summer, and left the poor lady to be drowned (more laughter). There was only one member of the community that bad a grudge against the town of Aberystwyth, and that was that poor creature, the pernicious, walking phagocyte. He was the only one who found fault, and in order to relieve the Corporate body of the great and onerous duties they had to perform, it was right to assume that he would certainly be able to dissolve the rocks round Castle point, and be able to swallow up, with all his pernicious swallowing capacity, all the aqua-terra of the streets of Aber- ystwyth (roars of laughter). Then the Town Council would be able to say "We want no more Periwincleshereas long as we live in Aberystwyth." He hoped the Town Council might for a long time continue in the straightforward, manly manner thev were going on now, and that the unanimity, which to his mind was the greatest thing they could expect from any body having a diversity of opinion in politics and religion, would also continue. There they were-they worked together as one man, and if they continued in the same way the whole of the little periwincles, the aqua-terra insects and the pernicious, walking phagocyte, and all the rest would be destroyed by mud (Joud lamghter and cheers). Song, They all love Jack," Mr. J. C. Rea. The Mavor, in responding to the toast, referred to the eloquence with which it had been proposed bv Dr. Harries, and said he believed he had been carried away with the little periwincles and the other wincles that had lately been troubling them. He was not, going to apologise for anything on behalf of the Town Council. A good deal of criticism had been passed with regard to the state of the roads of the town for the last month or two, but they were not able to compete with the elements. No doubt the state of the streets had been a cause of great annoyance and inconvenience, but he thougt they would all agree that as a Corporation they were not altogether responsible for it. They had had an exceptional year of rain and dampness, which was the cause of the unsatis- factory condition of the streets. Continuing, Mr. Wynne said he was proud of the honour of being Mayor of the town for that year, a position for which he was indebted to many of the gentlemen present. As a Corporation, he might say they had only one thing at heart, and that was the well- being of the town at large (hear hear). The town had made much progress during the past six or seven years. Six years ago the rental of Corporate property in the town was £ 1450; now it stood at £ 2,500 an increase of nearly £1,000, which was due to the extension of leases. The Mayor said the harbour bad been a white elephant for many years," and they were now indebted through it to the extent of E6,000 or 7,000. He was glad to tell them that now they had a scheme by which they hoped in the coure of six or seven years to wipe out this overdraft. They had already paid off EI,000, and it was their intention to devote £1,000 every year out of the Corporate rental toward liquidating the debt. He hoped the harbour would then be put in such a position as to be a source of revenue to the town. Speaking of the extension of the main sewer, the Mayor said he was sorry the ex- mayor was not present that evenihg, as he had taken an active point in this scheme. This would mean that the sewer would be carried out to sea, and thus avoid in the future the great complaints made in the neighbourbood of Tancae and South Marine Terrace during the summer season. He also hoped that within the next fortnight or three weeks they would have that grand undertaking, the extension of the promenaje, taken in band. He hoped that within the next three weeks they would be in a position to lay the foundatation stone. During the past three or four months, a large stock of stones had been excavated at the quarry in preparation for the work, and within the next two years ne naped they would see tne completion of this improvement. Another scheme he was sanguine would be carried out during his 9 11 year of office was the extension of the borough. That had been under consideration for the last two or three years, and he sincerely hoped that if other works would admit that during the next eight or nine months, they would be able to proceed and get the necessary Government inquiry into the matter and so get all the suburban properties with the borough. Another improve- ment which they had in hand, and which be was told would be carried out during his year of office, was the re-building of the Town Hall, with a com- modious room for himself to sit in. At present they had neither a commodious hall or a com- modious room. That was an object which they hoped to see consummated in the near future; and all the improvements he had mentioned would tend to the advancement and attractions of the town as a watering place (applause). Councillor T. E. Salmon, who also responded, said he was extremely obliged to the company and to Dr Harries for the manner in which they had received the toast. No doubt the doctor had gone a little out of the way in his remarks in commen- ting upon a certain person called Periwincle. (Laughter.) Dr Harries: He is not a person, be is a fish, Sir. (Renewed laughter.) Mr Salmon said no doubt at the present time he was a fish himself by name. (Laughter.) Dr Harries said he must ask Mr Salmon to with- draw his remark as he had not named any person. Mr Salmon said he hoped Dr Harries would allow him the same facility to respond to the toast as had been given him to propose it. Proceeding, Mr Salmon said as one of the junior members of the Corporation, he had endeavoured to do his utmost for the prosperity of the town. (Hear, hear.) His endeavour would always be not to serve the interests of individuals, but the general well-being of the community at large, and in this direction his influence would always be used to make Aberystwyth a winter as well as a summer resort. (Hear, hear.) Money spent by the Corpor- ation in that direction would be money well spent, and in such matters they must not be guided by personal views, nor influenced by any political opinions. He had been elected to the Council as the representative of the Conservative Club, and he was still a Conservative, but his ambition was to do justice to the ratepayers at large. What was good for the Liberals was also good for the Conservatives, and what was good for the Conservatives was also good for the Liberals. Dr Harries had made reference that night to his aqua-terra and the roads of Aberystwyth. The roads of Aberystwyth, no doubt, did hold water, much to the inconvenience of the public. He only wished the aqua-terra of his friend Dr Harries would also hold water, and then there would be no need to go in for a windmill to fill it (laughter). (Dr. Harries What about the tank 7) Mr. Salmon We don't want any tanks, whatever. All we want is more water (renewed laughter). Mr. Salmon continued to say that the present condition of their streets was due to the exceptionally damp and wet weather they bad lately experienced. He could say, without fear of contradicion that they as a Corparation had surveyor who was well able to carry out his duties. He was sorry to see, since he had been a member of the Council, the small salary paid him, con- sidering the important works he had carried out, and other important improvements he had been asked to take in the future. Many thousands of pounds had been :spent in improvements during the past ten years, and all the work had been thrown on the surveyor. Mr. Salmon instanced the case of the workmen's cottages, the responsibility of erecting which was placed upon the surveyor because the contractors' tenders were R15 or R18 above his estimate. Speaking of the prosperity of the town during the past twelve years, Mr. Salmon said the rentals received by the Corporation in 1888 amounted to the small sum of £717. In the year 1901, he was pleased to tell them, they had gone up to 92,600, an increase of £1752. In 1894 the rateable value of Aberystwyth was 929,800 and in 1901 £ 42,000. These figures gave the Corporation encouragement to carry the many improvments which were needed in the town. One of the greatest factors in the success of the town was the Plynlimon water scheme, which cost £ 19,000, and that amount bad now been paid off to within P,6,000 (hear hear). The speaker spoke of the pump house at which the water was formerly raised as an eyesore, and he would do his utmost to have it removed. In conclusion, Mr. Salmon referred to the purchase of property in Mill street, for the improvement of that street, and said the Corporation was endeavouring to come to an arrangement to continue that roadin alinetollan- badarn road (applause). Song, Mr Williams. Mr Christopher Taylor proposed the toast of The Chairman," and said he that Mr Lloyd Lewis should present himself as a candidate for the Town Council, provided his official duties enabled him, as he bad wide experience in financial matters. Aber- ystwyth could only be brought to the front by the expenditure of money. Aberystwyth was con- sidered in the Midlands as a place par excellence as a summer and winter resort, but money had to be expended in bringing the Midlands into closer contact with the town than at present. It should be the Biarritz of the United Kingdom, and every £1 spent by the town would bring a return of £4 or Z5, and in the course of a few years would repay them a hundred-fold (hear, hear). The Chairman, having responded, Mr J. C. Rea proposed the toast of the Vice-Chairman." Mr Hughes, in acknowledging, said he had been a regular attendant at that board for many years. One melancholy spirit had told him that the gathering was going down but as long as he (the speaker) lived, even if he had to bear the expense himself, he would still have the annnal com- inemoration. The toast of "The Press," proposed by Mr Stanley Griffith Jones, and the toast of The Host and Hostess," proposed by Mr Roderick Richardes, having been honoured, an enjoyable re-union con- cluded with the singing of the IJational Anthem.

Aberystwyth Town Council GOLF FOR VISITORS. CHEAPER WORKMEN'S DWELLINGS, The usual fortnightly meeting of the Aberyst- wyth Town Council was held on Tuesday morning at the Town Hall, when there were present, the Mayor (Mr E. P.Wynne) in the chair; Alderman C. M. Williams (ex-mayor), Alderman Peter Jones, Alderman W. H. Palmer, Alderman T. Doughton, Councillors J. P. Thomas,T. E. Salmon, Evan Hugh James, J. T. Daniels, R. J. Jones, and T. Hopkins, with A. J. Hughes (town clerk), and H. L. Evans (borough assistant). BRITISH CHAUTAUQUAXS. A letter was read from the Secretary of the British Chantauqua stating they had taken over for their summer school the Ladies'Hostel and College buildings during the whole of August next. The last time they visited Aberystwyth the Town Council were good enough to welcome them with a mayoral reception. They would be very pleased if this function could be arranged again. If con- venient, they would suggest Thursday, August 1st, as a convenient date. The matter was referred to the Finance Committee. REMOVAL OF TREES. A letter was read from the district manager of Messrs Allsopp and Sons, applying on behalf of their tenant at the St George's Hotel, that the Council would remove the tree facing the front door. The tree was an obstruction to the approach of horses and vehicles to the front door, and hid the portico recently put up. He suggested that the tree be removed a few yards higher up or lower down the street, which could be done without detriment to the appearance of the street. The matter was referred to the Public Works Committee. SCIENCE AND ART INSTRUCTION. A letter was read from the Clerk of the School Board, stating that at a meeting of the Science and Art Committee, held on February 26th, he was directed to apply for a grant of £ 130, under the Technical Instruction Act, to meet the expenses of the science and art classes. Hitherto the sum paid was L100 per annum, but as the Board of Education (South Kensington) would not permit the Com- mittee to earn grams in respect of children under a certain age, their income would be less. Hence the reason of the Uommitteeasking for an additioual £30, They had not received the 9100 for this year and, consequently, they hoped the Council would grant the sum asked for. He hoped to furnish at an early date a statement of the receipts and expen- diture in connection with the classes. Alderman C. M. Williams said he was under the impression that the grant had been paid to the School Board; but the Borough Accountant repliéd I that that was not the case. Alderman Peter Jones said the accounts of the School Board were kept quite distinct from those of the Technical Instruction Committee. The administration of the Act was vested in the Corpor- ation, who delegated their powers to the School Board, and the precept in respect of technical instruction was quite distinct from that in respect of the working expenses of the Board itself. Alderman Williams said that he was under the impression that this Z100 had been included and paid in the usual School Board rate, although not distinctly stated so. The communication was then referred to the Finance Committee. RENEWAL OF LEASES. A letter was read from Mr John Evans, solicitor, stating that in January last terms for the renewal of the lease of 33, South-road were given to Mr Thomas Simon, who intended purchasing the premises from Capt. Owen Rees. It seemed to him from the conditions of the renewal that Mr Simon would (upon his taking an assignment from Captain Rees) be a person fairly entitled to a renewal of the lease, but before proceeding with the assignment, he should feel obliged by a definite reply whether the renewal would be granted to him. Mr Simon would have to leave his present house very shortly and it was of im- portance to him that he should be able to start the necessary attentions at once. After a short discussion, the Clerk was directed to reply to the effect that the course usually pur- sued in all such cases would be followed in this. A letter was read from Mr William Thomas, accepting the terms and conditions granted by the Couucil for the renewal of the lease of 49, North-parade. COB SOCIETY. A letter was read from Mr" Rnfus Williams, secretary of the North Cardiganshire Cob Improve- ment Society, asking for the use of the Corpora- tion Field on the occasion of the annual show on April 1st next. The application was referred to the Finance Committee with power to grant. WEIRING THE RHEIDIOL. A letter was read from Dr Harries enclosing a plan shewing the site of the proposed weir across the Rheidiol. The maximum height would be two feet six inches, and the weir would be so constructed that the planks in the centre would, be removed during the winter. Alderman Peter Jones thought it would be better to have the surveyor's opinion on the matter, and it was agreed that the plan be considered at the next meeting of the Public Works Committee. BALLOT PAPERS. The Clerk said there was great carelessness in sealing the packages of ballot papers at elections, and it would be a satisfaction to him if ,the agents of both sides would have proper seals, and be present, not only at the sealing but at the destructfon of the papers. Having mentioned it, no doubt that the agents would take notice of it. PURCHASE OF CEMENT. The Public Works Committee reported having placed the order for cement with Messrs G. D. White & Bros., London, at £2 Os 6d per ton ex- cluding charges for bags and harbour dues, subject to the test being satisfactory. Alderman Peter Jones (chaiiman) said a consign- ment of 300 to 400 tons bad been ordered, and the tests were now being carried out. Mr Salmon: What are the harbour dues ? Capt. Doughton Ninepence a ton. Alderman Jones: You practically receive with one hand and pay out with the other. Mr Salmon: I understand tradesmen and others have to pay Is 6d a ton, Capt Doughton It may be ls. 6d. on quantities up to ten tons. but beyond that it was ninepence a ton. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. This Committee reported that the surveyor had submitted a plan showing the proposed street widening in Queen's-road, which was approved of, and he was instructed to furnish the Town Clerk with copies of the plan, to be forwarded to the minister of the Catholic Church and Mr W. H. Palmer and to ask their consent to the proposed improvement. Regarding the appointment of foreman for the promenade extention works, several applications had been received, and the matter of selection was left entirely with the surveyor. Mr Salmon Were there many applications ? Aid Jones: Twelve or fifteen. Mr Salmon: What were the average wages asked for? Aid Jones: From 30s up to five guineas. Mr R. J. Jones said as they were about to start the extension of the promenade, he hoped the surveyor would see fit to employ as many men in Aberystwyth as possible. There was a large number of men unemployed in the town, and he hoped the surveyor would give preference to the ratepayers of Aberystwyth if they were competent to do the work. Mr Salmon said he hoped the work of completing the pavements of the town would be carried on in preference to the extension of the promenade. He thought too much attention was given to the promenade, and in his opinion the paving of the streets should be carried out first. Mr R. J. Jones: We are doing it now. Mr Salmon: We are not. Aid Peter Jones said the paving work was being carried out, and would be carried out simultaneously with the extension of the promenade. He did not think anyone would want to stop the extension of the promenade after having gone to the expense of getting the plant. Aid C. M. Williams said it was clearly under- stood that both works would be carried out simul- taneously. Unless the surveyor proceeded with the paving of the streets as rapidly as they thought he should, they could call attention to the matter. Mr Hopkins: The more the merrier. Let's get all the works done at once (laughter). HARBOUR DUES AND CHARGES. In connection with the Harbour Committee, Ald. Doughton said he was unable to be present at the last meeting, but he would be very glad if the Council would instruct the Town Clerk to have the charges for hobbling, boating, pilotage, etc., printed, so that they could be distributed to the owners of vessels using the harbour. At present they had nothing to show them and a great deal of correspond- ence was thus necessitated. The Clerk bore out Captain Doughton's statement, and said he bad had considerable correspondence with regard to one ship now. Mr R. J. Jones, (chairman of the Harbour Com- mittee), said the question of drawing out a new scale had been considered by the Committee, but a delay had been caused by the Harbour Master not having been in good health of late. Aid. Peter Jones said what Mr James referred to was quite a distinct thing to that mentioned by Ald. Doughton. The question under consideration by the committee was as to dues, but Aid. Doughtorf referred to charges made for hobbling, etc., for which there should be an official scale, certified by the Harbour Master. These could then be supplied to owners of vessels sending for such information. He would second the proposal of Ald. Doughton, authorising the printing of the scale for pilotage and hobbling. Mr Hopkins Dontyou think you are putting too much responsibility on the Corporation by doing that? If we do that and print the charges, if any damage occurs to vessels going in and out of the Harbour they would come on the Corporation. The Clerk: There is no compulsory pilotage here, and there is no responsibility on the [Harbour Committee. Mr Hopkins If there is no compulsion what business have we to interfere with the hobblers and pilots. The Clerk: We protect the owners from excess- ive charges. Mr Hopkins: I am afraid we will put our foot in it if we don't mind. Alderman Doughton said every ship using the Harbour had to pay harbour dues, and had to pay them before going out. By not having a printed scale the masters' might refuse to pay if they considered the charges excessive, and the consequence would be that the harbour master would have to stop the ship. Mr Hopkins: I don't say anytii. harbour dues, but about the hobbling arK. v' Alderman Doughton's resolution to have j scale of charges printed was then put to the meeV-I( ing and carried. Mr Salmon Could you not advertise the harbour as well 7 (laughter). Mr Hopkins: Yes, and in good condition. FINANCE. On the recommendation of the Finance Com- tnit tee, labour sheets and biHs to the amount of £ 274 ls Id were passed and ordered to be paid. EXTENSIONS OF TIME. The Finance Committee recommended that the applications of Mr Robert Peake, in respect of his property in Bath-street, and the Eagle Foundry Co for their property in Nortbgate-street, be granted for extension, of time until May, 1902, for carrying out the conditions attached to their respective properties. Alderman Jones said the committee thought it would be better to have the work carried out in the autumn than in the summer. I Alderman C. M. Williams said be thought it was well they should try and lay down some basis with regard to these extensions. He quite, agreed it was not advisable to have the work carried out during the summer, but in the case of Mr Peake terms were given in December, 1897. He was to com- plete the work by November, 1899. being given the full maximum time. The work was not carried out, and an application was made for an extension. The Council extended to May, 1901, so that practi- cally they had allowed 3t years to carry out the work, and now a further extension was recom- mended. If the Council was prepared to treat everybody alike he bad no' objection, but if they did they would have the whole of their re- newals in a rather peculiar position. In the other case mentioned on the agenda, terms were only given in February, 1900, to be completed by May, 1901, although in this case there were two new buildings to be erected and considerable re- pairs to be done to the other premises. So by consenting to the Foundry Co's application they would be only granting 22ryears. There were on the present agenda other applications for extensions, where terms had been granted in 1898, and if they granted Mr Peake's, they would have to grant these also. If there were exceptional circumstances, he would raise no objection, but there had been no effort on the part of Mr Peake to carry out the con- ditions. In a short time they would have people saying, Well, as long 'as councillors have these extensions, why not we have them ? Alderman Peter Jones said the information was given the Committee that the application was made four years ago, but knowing the difficulty there was "with regard to this property, and that there was a portion in the rear that could not be obtained at that time, the Committee thought they were justified in granting this further extension. The sanitary conditions laid down by the Council in respect of this property could not be carried out until the renewal of the lease of 29, terrace, and that had been recently done, and a reservation placed in the lease. He. personally, thought exten- sions should be jealously considered, but under the circumstances in this case, the Committee con- sidered they bad no alternative. There was an advantage to the Corporation, as well as to the applicant himself, by granting an extension in this instance. Alderman Palmer said he was strongly opposed to all extensions. This was the first extension that was asked for, but considering what was said at the last meeting of the Finance Committee about the property in the rear, he agreed to the application. Alderman Williams pointed out that the lease of 29, Terrace, was not contemplated when Mr "eake made his application for conditions, and it could not have interfered with his building. The small portion of land referred to was only intended as a backyard. Alderman Peter Jones said Mr Peake would have no right to open a window at the rear unless this reservation had been placed in the lease of 29, Ter- race. Alderman Williams said in other cases they bad insisted on their conditions being carried out. Mr Hopkins But in many cases you have given a second extension. Alderman Williams For long leases only. Mr Hopkins Yes, and for short ones. Alderman Palmer No, no. Mr Hopkins: Yes, there are several. Alderman Williams: Well, let's have one of them. Mr Hopkins: I don't know one of them now, but you know as well as I do. The Committee's recommendation was then adopted. ENCOURAGING GOLF. The Finance Committee reported that Mr Spar- row, on behalf of the Golf Club, had waited upon them and explained the position of the Club. The Committee recommended that the sum of 9,25 be voted to the funds of the Club. Alderman Jones added that Mr Sparrow informed them that by the expenditure of this sum the links would be placed in a fairly good position. The Committee would have preferred if he were able to present a scheme that would enable them to have eighteen instead of nine holes. However, that was a proposal that might eventually be carried through, and if such would be the case the present links would form part of the plan, provided an arrangement could be come to with the adjoining owners. As a temporary provision, he thought it would be a wise expenditure on their part. Golf was a very popular game at the present time, and likely to be so for many years, and was proving a great attraction at some watering-places on the Welsh coast. He believed the ladies' golf match for this year was to be played at Aberdovey, so it showed what a direct advantage it was to a place of that kind that could offer good accommodation and good links. He did not say they could make the grounds at Pen Dinas anything like those, but still there were a consider- able number of visitors who wished to have some- thing to do in this direction when they came to Aberystwyth. He was speaking to a medical gentleman last week whose sole reason for coming down to Aberystwyth for two or three months was the fact that they had these golf links. If they could increase such visitors, it would be to the advantage of the town generally. Mr R. J. Jones said he had much pleasure in seconding, and endorsed the remarks of Alderman Jones. He thought the advantages that would accrue from the expenditure of this P.25 would be very great. He was only reading the other day that Bournemouth spent P-2,000 on its links, but he had found since that that town had spent £ 3,000. The reason for this large expenditure was that for some time they could not understand why their visit- ors were decreasing, and they found it was owing to the fact that other watering-places on the same coast were spending large sums of money in pro- viding golf links. So the Bournemouth Town Council went in extensively themselves for the same form of attraction. There were one or two families in Aberystwyth now simply for the golf, and there was no doubt in his mind these visitors would be increased when they advertised the golf links. Mr Evan Hugh James said he would support the recommendation provided the Council would be as liberal-minded with the football and cricket clubs. Mr R. J. Jones But they have not applied yet. Mr E. H. James: But no doubt we will get it. Alderman C. M. Williams said he still held to the opinion expressed at the last meeting, that these links were so small that they could not be utilised except for purely local purposes. There should be an effort to secure larger grounds, as it was simply. ridiculous to think of giving promin- ence to these small links with the view of getting visitors to the town. He would be prepared to support a grant of hundreds of pounds provided proper links could be obtained. He fully appre- ciated what Mr Sparrow and the other local gentle- men were doing, but he considered an effort should be made to secure larger grounds, and in order not to thwart their endeavours he would pro- pose an amendment that they grant JS15. Mr J. T. Davies seconded. Mr Hopkins I was at the last committee. Mr Williams does not attend committees now. Alderman Williams: He has not been for the last two, but have attended more than anyone else, Mr Hopkins: I attended the last meeting and you did not. Alderman Williams: That is not the way you put it. Mr Hopkins said he would support the grant of £25, because he was assured at the committee meeting that it would only: be for once. There- fore, if they could get what they wanted for £25, it would be better than spending hundreds of pounds. Alderman C. M. Williams I wish you were right. Alderman DoHghton thoughtj the difference be- tween the £15 and S25 was so trifling that he hoped Alderman Williams would withdraw his amendment. The principal objection he had against the Golf Club was that there was an attempt to make use of the links on the Lord's Day two or three years ago. Since he had been assured by Mr Sparrow that they would not be opened on Sundays, he had no hesitation in sup- porting the committee's recommendation. Mr'Palmer said hebclieved he could speak for the Golf Club, that they intended to try and enlarge their links to 16 holes by next season. On being put to the meeting, only the mover and seconder voted for the amendment, and four for the recommendation, Messrs J. P. Thomas and T. E. Salmon being neutral. The recommendation was thus carried. WORKMEN'S DWELLINGS. The Finance Committee reported that the matter of erecting six additional workmen's dwellings wascon- dered, but having regard to the e^ra work now fends of the surveyor it was decided to defer TprdifMisideration for a month. Public°\Vor*.M. Williams objected to thismater \ii« p r T 'IV the Finance Committee, con i/ V" within the province of the men s houses of van* thought it was their duty .^R they had work- for the poor people of Aberystw\ .-wion and he .more than 3s 6d a week. :iar provision Alderman Doughton said the question WAI. of not the accommodation of the houses, but as to material used in the building. Alderman Williams said when a subject was re. ferred to particular committee it was the duty of that committee to consider it, and it was quite ir- regular for the Finance Committee to take this matter in hand. Alderman Palmer said he thought it was the fault of the acting-chairman for allowing the matter to be discussed. Mr Hopkins :It was the fault of the chairman wha kept away for not preparing an agenda of the busi- ness. I want to be straightforward. Alderman Williams I sent all I had to the borough accountant, so Mr Hopkins is entirely wrong as usual. Mr J. P. Thomas said lie thought as the surveyor wff. ?° busy now that the work of erecting these additional houses should be taken out of his hands and let by contract. He thought the matter was one of great urgency, and seconded Mr Williams that it be referred to the Public Works Committee, and that the report be presented to the next meeting, Alderman Peter Jones said it would be ridiculous to expect a report by the next meeting as the surveyor would have to prepare new plans and specifications. Mr Salmon proposed that a special meeting of the Public Works Committee be held prior to the next Council meeting, and Mr/Evan H. James seconded. Mr Hopkins said this was only an election cry on the part of some members who were coming out as candidates for the Board of Guardians. (Cries of Oh ") Mr J. P. Thomas: How low some members go. Mr Salmon said he was the only member on the Board of Guardians present. He was not there to give an account of his career as a guardian. He was well-known to the town generally and also to the Town Council, without any comments from Mr Isaac Hopkins. Mr Hopkins: I did not mention Mr Salmon; I mentioned others. Mr Salmon: I am the only guardian present, and you must allude to me. Mr R. J. Jones: But there are prospective ones here. (Laughter.) Mr Salmon I am the last person to go and make any comments here for [the purposes of an election cry. I am well able to do that by canvassing. Mr R. J. Jones: Mr Hopkins did not mean any harm. Alderman Williams Things said by some persons had better be left unanswered. Mr Hopkins: Eh! Say that again. (Laughter.) Alderman Williams I don't repeat my statements. Mr Hopkins It is Mr Williams that is trying for the Guardians'iiow. It was then decided that a special meeting of the Public Works Committee be held prior to the next Council meeting. SINKING FCXD. The Borough Accountant submitted a statement in respect of sinking funds for the redemption of loans, and was instructei to invest a sum of zEll89 9s lli-d in 2t consols. LIBRARY COMMITTEE. The resignation of Professor Edward Edwards as a member of the Library Committee was received. Aid C. M. Williams said lie had much pleasure i. proposing the Rev George Eyre Evans in place of Professor Edwards. Mr Evans had taken a keen interest in the library, and in looking up old books. Mr R. J. Jones having seconded, and Mr J. P. Thomas having supported, the election of Mr Evans was unanimously agreed to. FIRE BRIGADE COMMITTEE. This committee had instructed Mr Rees Jones, borough surveyor, to attend the meetings of the National Fire Brigade Union at Cardiff that week, and also authorised Mr Jones to invite the Union to hold their annual demonstration in Aberystwyth this year. Mr Salmon proposed, and Mr R. J. Jones seconded the adoption of the report, and it was carried. —■——^T1

University College of Wales Aberystwyth. THE ANNUAL CONCERT -Active preparations are being made for the annual concert, an announcement of which will be found in another colhmn. CARDIFF AND DISTRICT BRANCH OF ABER- YSTWYTH OLD STUDENTS' ASSOCIATION.—A very cordial meeting of this Branch was held at the Y.M.C.A. New Buildings, Cardiff, on February 23rd The chair was taken by Mr D. E. Jones, B.Sc., pre- sident of the Branch, and among those present were Misses Daniel, John, Jones, Green, Davies, James, Dr Trow, Rev R. J. Rees, Messrs Edgar Jones, Henderson, Jenkins James, J. R. Thomas, W. D. John, O. N. Roberts. J. Griffiths, Glyn Edwards, T. Jones, A. Evans, B. Jones, and Miss Maggie Gilpin and R. Edwards James, hon secretaries. After an enjoyable tea, a pleasant sooial evening was spent. The College song, led by Miss Jones, was lustily sung, and the forthcoming Easter Re-union at Aberystwyth formed a general topic of discussion. The President brought up the question of the pro- posed Ellis Memorial, After a lengthy discussion it was resolved that the next meeting should take the form or a picnic to Caerphilly Castle in June. Mr R. Edwards James was deputed to represent. the Branch at the postponed St David's Day cele- brations at Aberystwyth on March 8th. THE FACULTY OF LAW.—The Council of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, at its meeting in London, as already briefly announced, appointed Mr T. A. Levi, M.A., B.C.L. (Oxon.), LL.B. (London), Professor of English Law, and Mr W. Jethro Brown, LL.B. (Cantab.), D.Litt. (Dublin), Professor of Constitutional and Comparative Law, in the new Faculty of Law which is shortly to be opened in connection with the College. Mr Levi is 26 years of age, and is a former student of Aber- ystwyth. He entered Lincoln College in 1893, and in 1897 was awarded the Carrington Prize, "and in 1897 a First Class in the Honour School of Juris- prudence, also completing his Ll.B. degree in the University of London, gaining a first class in the Preliminary and Final examinations. At the Final Bar Examination in 1900 he gained the Certificate of Honour of the Council of Legal Education, being placed in the first class in each of the four different departments of the examination. In July, 1900, he obtained the degree of B.C.L. at Oxford, and was awarded a Certificate of having obtained First Class Honours in the examination. Since that time Mr Levi has been reading in the Chambers of Mr Cyprian Williams, the Conveyancer at Lincoln's Inn, who testified in the most favourable terms to his qualifications for the Professorship. Mr Levi also presented testimonials from Professors Goudy and Dicey, and Dr Jawes Williams and others. Dr. Jethro Brown graduated at Cambridge with Double First Class Honours in the Law Tripos (1889-1890), and in December, 1892, was elected to the Macmahon Studentship at gSt John's College, graduating as LI.D. in 1898. In 1889 he was elected to a Hundred Guinea Studentship and called to the Bar in '1891. In 1892 he was ap- pointed to inaugurate a new School of Law as Pro- fessor in the University of Tasmania, the Law Classes being the largest in the University, and mainly consisting of lawyers engaged in the actual practice of the profession. At the same time he devoted himself to original work in the Department of Constitutional Law, contributing various articles to the Law Quarterly Review and other journals, and publishing two books—"Why Federate?" (Sydney, 1898), and The New Democracy (Mac- millan, 1899), the latter of which has been accepted by the University of Dublin as qualifying Dr Brown for the degree of D.Litt., and has received high commendation in the English Press. In 1897 while retaining his Tasmanian appointment, Dr. Brown was invited to act as Professor of Law in the University of Sydney during the nine months' absence of Professor Pitt Cobbett. In May, 1900, he resigned his appointment in Tasmania with the two-fold intention of completing during a year's residence in Paris some literary work on which he has been engaged, and of seeking ultimately a University appointment in England. He is 32 years of age. Professor Brown presented testi- monials speaking in the highest terms of his capacity as an exponent and teacher of Law from Professors Maitland, Kenny, and Westlake, of Cambridge, Sir Samuel Way, Bart., Chancellor of the University of Adelaide; the Premier of Tasmania the Chancellor of the University of Tasmania; Professor Pitt Cohbett, D.C.L., Pro- fessor of Law in the University of Sydney; and others.

DINAS MAWDDWY. COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.-The candidates in the field for the represenation of Dinas Mawddwy on the Merioneth County Council were Mr Hugh Puglie Jones, and Mr John Aebel Bullock, the latter being the retiring member. The resnlt was as follows:-Jonc. 139; Bullock, 80; majority, 59. Printing quickly and neatly done at the "Welsh Gazette" Printeries, Bridge Street.

CARDIGAN DISTRICT LETTER. THE TWO-GUIXEA FIGHT. More than ordinary interest appears to have been taken by the public in the appoint- ment* of two elective auditors for the ensuing year, partly owing, no doubt, to denomina- tional rivalry as represented by the candid- ates, and partly to their personal activity. It was, of course, a foregone conclusion that the Baptist candidate would head the poll, but on this occasion he was run very closely by a Churchman who, as a St. Dogmell's man, claimed the vote solid for that portion of the borough, irrespective of Sect. Within two vdtes comes the Method ist • candidate, and one who had an innings last vear. That the distinctions between candidates were sectarian and not political, is shewn by the fact that the nominee of the Xdberal club comes last. The result of the election was as follows :-David Williams, coaehbuilder, 161; John Jones, schoolmaster, 153 David Charles, cabinet maker, 151 David Jones, tailor, 139 Lewis Lewis, solicitor's clerk, 129. About 467 voters Went to the poll, and it is reasonable to ask what is the public gain for all this sacrifice time, and expense ? Practically nil, T^uuse the election was fought on false ISSues, and not on the experience and merits of the candidates. It might safely be asser- ted that no really competent accountant ould make his profession the squib of a tWo-guinea contest. IS IT A SINECURE ? 4 Por some reason or other, it is the common opinion that the office of elective auditor is ? mere sinecure, entitling its fortunate holder to a fee of two guineas, and for this Fe*:son the office is much sought after. You Cannot pick up two guineas in Cardigan vel'y day, for merely nominal seryices, ^eed, that sum represents to the majority of people, a week, or a fortnight's wages ^nder ordinary circumstances. The belief 8eetns to be that it is a position for which no special qualifications are requisite- because they are not demanded, beyond that being a ratepayer, and the appointments from time to time largely bear out this view, 8^ almost every trade and occupation, at one time or another, have been represented in that Office. But the prevailing notion is a very Mistaken one, as the auditing of complex accounts, if it is to be of any value, consists of something more than merely casting up l'mv of figures under tutelage, and signing J'our name with a flourish. The most Perfect confidence in the people who prepare the acconnts does not relieve the auditors of their responsibility, and it is inconceivable that any ratepayer, without a knowledge of the system upon which the books are kept, armed with only an imperfect know- ledge of commercial book-keeping, could COnscientiously undertake the work. He WOuld find himself absolutely dependent Upon the guidance of the officials. The utility of such an audit the public can Weigh for themselves. But it costs them four guineas all the same, and in the event of an election twice as much. As a matter of fact the appointment is not taken Piously, and it is quite clear that the Opinion of the public will require to be eduted a good deal before the office of ^ective auditor will be regarded as one having its serious duties and responsibilities, ■^nd if these .appointments are contested, the contest should wage upon the merits of Uie candidates, and not upon their religious persuasion. MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. The Cardigan Mechanics' Institute (Read- room and Library) unfortunately enjoys j limited popularity amongst mechanics, ougb established so long ago as 1847, but is attributable to the sleepy policy of e Executive Committee Prosperity dually follows wakefulness and enterprise, nd until these qualities are exhibited there IS not much hope for the Institute. A general meeting was held on Thursday when the Rev George Hughes Elided over a small muster of supporters. Hon. Secretary presented the annual statement of accounts to date, which shewed deficit of over £ 15. There has been a ^"tonic deficit for some years, which has only ^•en partially wiped off by the gradual "Sorption of a very handsome reserve fund vided from the surplus of an Eisteddfod. ^his reserve fund was once intended as a j wilding fund, but those airy schemes have Ug since been abandoned, and the money to pay current expenses. There is Nothing now to fall back upon, and the 1 ilolicy of the past five years will not answer the future. For this reason it is impera- *ve that a definite scheme of re-organization ahould be promoted, if the Institute is to f*rvive. A section of its well-wishers are doping that when the old Grammar Schools a*e legally vested in the Corporation, an ^rangement may be come to for the transfer Of the Reading room and Library to such ^Oorns, and this would be a favourable ^Pportunity for pushing the claims of the ^stitute. The question is: When lire the negotiationH for resuming possession of these toojns going to terminate ? The difficulties formalities seem to multiply at every It is some satisfaction to note that he proceeds of the Cinematograph Entertain- T^nt on Wednesday evening, which was oluntarily organized by Mr T. T. Mathias, Priory-street, will be given to the funds the Institute. TELEPATH.

LLANRHYSTYD. cattle fair held here last Saturday poorly attended owing to the bad weather, pi'ices were got, but the suppl\r was small. u Anting quickly and neatly done at the j Welsh Gazette" Printeries Bridge Street.

For downright outrageous blackguardism it would be y hard—to beat this kind of comment: The streets of Aberystwyth are aqua terra- mixed. The Council has a roller brush. I believe it is being kept to brush the hair of the baldish member of the Council. The Coast. J.G. And this by the man who poses as the censor of public morals! This whining egoist would have his readers believe that lie himself is unco' good and immaculate, and that he is the victim of all kinds of unfair- ness, and does not get even bare justice.' This man never hesitates to sacrifice fairness to what he considers smartness. Smart indeed To be bald may be a misfortune but we have yet to learn that it is a disgrace. In face of the above paragraph, which is only a specimen of other, is it a wonder that the public rejoice at the annual scourging of Periwinkle by Dr Harries. __d_