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Medical Officer's Annual Keport.
Medical Officer's Annual Keport. INTERESTING STATISTICS. The following is a copy of his annual report presented by the Medical Officer of Health for the Borough (Dr. Abraham Thomas) to the Town Council: on Tuesday:— I now submit for your consideration the annual report of the vital statistics and of the sanitary condition of the district during the year ending the 31st of December, 1904. The general appearance of the town has been greatly improved during the last 10 years, which period has been one of the' great pros- perity to the town. This is partly due to its many natural advantages as a health re- sort, and partly to its importance as a great educational centre. A very large number of modern and substantial houses and villas have been erected within the Borough as well as just beyond its confines. New streets have been built, paved and channelled. Moreover, the leases have been freely taken up and renewed on conditions requiring in the large majority of instances, the total de- molishment of the previous buildings, and in others of considerable structural alterations, depending more or lese on the state of the premises at the time of the application for the renewal of leases. These changes have led to clearance of crowded sites, the disap- pearance of insanitary courts and alleys, the demoliahment of various obstructive build- ings, the widening of certain streets and corners, and the erection of substantial houses, and have given to some districts quite an- other appearance. The general improvement thus effected is further heightened by the carrying out of a complete scheme of paving and channelling of the streets, while those of several courts have also been carried out under the provisions of the Private Streets Act. The completion of the Promenade Extension round the Castle Point, with its pavement and shelters has effected a very great improvement, and has the admiration of visitors and residents alike. On the other hand one effect brought about by the con- tinual building of substantial houses and the catering for visitors, is the fact that there is a great scarcity of houses suitable for the working class, and this scarcity conduces to overcrowding and to paralysing the power of the; sanitary authority. Tlhe Council has since the year 1900 erected 18 houses suitable for workmen's dwellings, and last year com- menced 6 more, which are now nearly ready for occupation, while a dozen more facing this row are in course of erection by builders on leases granted by the Corporation. The Inspection of the Town. I have during the year, in conjunction with, the Inspector of Nuisances, made systematic inspection of various parts. of the town. These inspections included systematic house to house inspection of various portions of the town. Special attention was paid to all the "back to back" houses and to the insanitary areas mentioned in previous reports, such as Trefechan and Penparke. With regard to the "back to back" houses, recommendations were made as to ventilation and lighting of these premises. Three houses in Fountain- court, one in Skinner-street, and one in Sheldon-court were condemned as unfit for human habitation. Overcrowding was found in several instances. As to Penyparke, a number of houses were in a state unfit for habitation, due partly to structural faults. partly to want of ventilation and light; also overcrowding existed in several instances. The results of the above inspections were embodied in one of the reports presented to the Council last year. Action has already been taken to remedy the defects mentioned. Inspection Under the Factories Act, 1901. The total number of Workshops on the register at the end of 1904 was 138. They comprised 21 factories, 21 bakeries, 4 work- shops under the Offensive Trades Act, and 92 workshops or work places. I have visit- ed the majority of these during the year with the Inspector. IJhe total number off inspections including those made at various times by the Inspector amounted to a total of 426. Thirty notices were issued and com- plied with. Nine workshops required lime- washing, in 2 there was overcrowding, while in 7 instances accumulations of rubbish were found in the yards. In three the sanitary conveniences were defective, and in one of these instances a new water closet was pro- vided. Nine bakehouses required lime- washing. There was no instance in which w ork or home work was performed in in- fected premises. In all cases where apprentices were em- ployed the abstract of the Factory and Workshops Act was fixed. The )owners of several workshops where no apprentices were employed applied for the abstracts. There were two underground bakehouses in use during 1904. One of these was not con- sidered in my last annual report as an under- ground bakehouse, but according to the Act as it is three feet below the adjoining road- way at one entrance it has to be considered as such. Certificates of suitability have been granted. There are only three instances where out-workers are employed, and lists have been received and their premises ex- amined and found satisfactory. Common Lodging Houses. The commjom lodging houses were regu- larly visited during the year and continue to be well conducted. The houses were twice limewashed and cleansed throughout. No case of infectious disease was notified during the year from these premises. No change has taken place in the number of houses or lodgers they accommodate, the former being 4 and the latter 63. Meat Market and Slaughter Houses. Periodical visits were paid to the meat market and slaughter houses. No fault was found with the meat offered for sale. As complaints were laid against the manage- ment of the gut scraping premises, I in- spected these premises on several occasions with the Inspector, and failed to find any justification for the accusations. Altera- tions were effected during the year as to the place of the temporary disposal of the offal, and arrangements were made for the daily removal of the offal. The public abattoir was systematically cleansed and lime- washed. The stables in the town have been greatly improved from year to year. Several of the larger stables last year were paved, drained and channelled. The number of cowsheds within the bor- ough is not large. Most of the milk sup- plied to the inhabitants is brought from the rural districts. The registration of these dairymen is not complete, and it is intended to enforce the provisions of the Dairies, Cowsheds and Milk Shops Act in the ensu- ing months. The Drainage. The sewers have been systematically cleansed and flushed. The Surveyor has in- A structions to prepare plans and estimate of cost of converting the open brook and drain which passes at the back of the workmen dwellings between them and the Drill Hall into a proper sewer. The Disposal of the Town Refuse. The scavenging, the collection and disposal of the town refuse has been carried out by the Corporation employees under the di- rection of the Surveyor as in former years. The refuse was deposited on the waste land, between the Cambrian Railways and the river Rheidol. and covered over with soil and lime. This primitive method to be effectual must be well carried out, especi- ally during the summer months. The Water Supply. The town is to be congratulated upon the excellent quality of its water. The source of the supply is a lake 800 feet below the summit of Plynlimmon. The storage cap- acity of the lake is estimated as equal to five months supply. The quantity of water passing into the service reservoir is equiva- lent to a supply of 50 gallons per head for a j population of 8.500. The proposed site of the Isolation Hospital in the neighbourhood of the reservoir may possibly prejudice the 1 value of this valuable asset of the town in the eyes of some people. The Notifiable LifeeWras Diseases. A weekly return of all cases notified dur- ing the year was sent to the Local Govern- ment Boa-rd. The total number notified waa 14, as compared with 28 in 1903, 55 in 1902, 116 in 1901, and 19 in 1900. The fourteen included:—9 cases of scarlet fever, 2 of diphtheria, 2 of enteric, 1 of erysipelas. Two of the 9 scarlet fever cases were in- troduced by visitors, one of the two being a member 01 the Boys' Church Brigade from Staffordshire, and in the absence of an isola- tion hospital the lad was removed at the ex- pense of the Corporation to one of the houses in Greenfield-terrace. Thef other 7 cases occurred in different parts of the town and at various periods during the year. No definite clue could be obtained at to their origin. One of the seven ,a child of four, unfortunately died from the effects of the fever. Three cases of enteric or typhoid fever- were notified during the year, one of these erroneously so. as was subsequently found out. Of the other two, one was introduced by a visitor from the Midlands, while the other was of a very mild type and occurred in a house in Mill-street, where a. similar case was notified in the previous year. The patients made an excellent recovery. Two cases of diphtheria occurred amongst the inmates of one house in Queen's-terrace. A member of this household had been a short time previously at school near Manchester where a fatal case of diphtheria had occur- red previous to the holidays, but no definite proof of contact at school could be obtained Hence the origin of these cases is not per- fectly clear. One of them, unfortunately. ended fatally. The only case of erysipelas notified occur- red in Crynfryn Buildings. The patient, although 70 years of age, made a good re- covery. In the year 1903 small-pox was in- troduced by visitors on two occasions into the borough, but owing to vigilence and prompt isolation, only 3 cases were notified. During last year, although no case of small- I pox was notified, the town was fortunate in escaping the introduction of the disease, as a visitor who spent the August Bank Holi- day week at one of the principal boarding houses on the Marine Parade, waa admitted on the 5th or 6th day after his return from I Aberystwyth, to the Isolation Hospital at his home, suffering from small-pox. This visitor must have been in contact with small- pox previous to his arrival at Aberystwyth. I and the week spent in the town was a por- tion of the incubation period of disease, dur- ing which stage the disease luckily ia not in- fectious. A number of cases of whooping cough occurred during the year, but as this disease is not a notifiable one, I have no means of correctly estimating the extent of the epidemic. Four deaths were attributed to this fever and its complications. Hospital Acoommlodation (for Infectious Diseases. In all my annual reports, as well as on other occasions, I have strongly urged the Council to carry out the Recommendations made by the Local Government Board to the Sanitary Authority as far back as 1893, viz.: To provide sufficient and proper hospi- tal accommodation for infectious diseases. Such hospital provision should include:—(a) A properly equipped laundry; (b) a mortu- ary; (c) a disinfecting apparatus suitable for the efficient disinfection of infected bedding, clothing, etc. The Council agreed in the year 1900 to carry out the recommendations. but has been met with the difficulty of ob- taining a suitable site. The matter was ad- vanced a. stage last year, as the Council, fail- ing other sites, selected as the proposed site for the hospital a piece of land 2t acres in extent, which land is a portion of its own freehold property The Vital Statistics. The number of births registered during year was 192—81 males, 111 females—as compared with 195 in 1903, 176 in 1902, and with 167 the average for the decade. The total 192 is only 3 below the highest total recorded in one year within the borough, viz., 195 registered in 1903, and is equiva- lent to an annual birth rate of 24 per 1,000, as compared with 20.1, the average for the decade ,and with 27.9 the annual birth rate for England and Wales for the year 1904. The number of deaths registered within the borough during the year was 141, as compared with 147 in 1903, 152 in 1902, and with 139 the average for the decade. To the number registered must be added two deaths of 'residents." which occurred at the Union Workhouse, the total deaths therefore amount to 143. In this total of 143 are in- cluded the deaths of 9 visitors. If we sub- tract these 9 deaths the total number for the inhabitants only would be 134, which number is equivalent to an annual death rate of 16.7 per 1,000. But according to the directions of the Local Government Board, visitors (whether invalids or not) who are brought into the town even in a moribund condition and then die in the borough, are for the purpose of these statistics classified as deaths among residents, unless they die in a public institution, such as the Infirmary. when they are termed "non-residents." This method of calculation places health resorts of the size of Aberystwyth at a considerable disadvantage, as there are no Public Insti- tutions or Sanatoria, with the exception of the Infirmary. While during the summer months the population is practically doubled. yet on the other hand the death rates are calculated upon the normal population. The total 143 calculated upon a popu- lation of 8.013, is equivalent to an annual death rate of 17.8 per 1,000 as compared with 16.8 the average for the past decade, and with 16.2. the aver- age rate for England and Wales during the year. In the 76 great towns the average rate was 17.2 per 1,000, while the average for Rural England and Wales was only 15.3 per 1,000. The number of deaths at the different ages was as follows:—Under 1 year, 27; over 1 year and under 5 years, 9; over 5 years and under 15 years, 6 i over 15 years and under 25 years, 10; over 25 years and under65 years, 56; over 65 years 35; total 143. Infant Mortality. The number of infants who died in the borough under one year of age in 1904 was 27, which is equivalent to a rate of 14J deaths per 1,000 registered births, as com- pared with 144 the average for the past de- cade. and with 146 the average for England and Wales in 1904. The principal causes of the infant mortality were 7 premature births (two pairs of twins, as well as one of twins died from premature birth and debility), 2 eases of whooping cough. 2 of diarrhoea, 3 of enteritis, 2 of broncho-pneumonia, 2 of other chest diseases, and 9 of various othe: causes. This death rate among infants, al- though lower than the average for England and Wales, is still higher than it should 1k. in a place like Aberystwyth with its many sanitary advantages, and indicates a lack of proper management and feeding of the infants. Zymotic Diseases. The Zymotic Diseases include small-pox, measles, scarlet fever, diphtheria, whooping cough, diarrhoea and "fever," the latter term denoting enteric typhus, simple continued. and other ill-defined forms of fever. There were 8 deaths from zymotic disease during the year, (viz.: 1 from scarlet fever, 1 from diphtheria, 4 from whooping cough, and 2 from diarrhoea). This number is equivalent to an annual zymotic death rate of nearly 1 per 1,000, as compared with 1.94 the zymotic death rate for England and Wales. The total number of deaths from the zymotic diseases during the last 10 years at Aber- ystwyth was 95 (71 being due to measles, whooping cough, and diarrhoea, while scar- let fever, diphtheria. and enteric accounted j for the other 24), and this number is equiva- lent to an annual zymotic death rate of 1.18 per 1,000. Thirteen deaths were attributed to phthisis (consumption). This number ie equivalent to a death rate of 1.6 per 1,000. while 6 deaths were due to other tubercular lesions. The death rate from tubercular affections in a health resort like Aberystwyth ought to be below, and not above the average rate foi England and Wales. The deaths from bron- chitis (11), pneumonia (4), aud other diseases of respiratory organs (5) amounted to a total of 20. Sixteen deaths were attributed to heart disease and heart failure. Ten deaths resulted from cancer and malignant disease. Meteorological Statistics. The meteorological statistics prove that Aberystwyth has a very equable moist cli- mate. This equality of temperature ex- tends practically throughout the year.. There is a very fair amount of sunshine recorded in the winter months, and the winter tem- perature approaches that of the South Coast health resorts. sauuoiiiowaanHHin
County Sciiool Governors.
County Sciiool Governors. The monthly meeting of the governors of the County School was held on Tuesday even- ing at the Clerks Offices, Portland-street, when there were present Mr. C. M. Wil- liams (chairman), presiding Mrs. Griffiths, Mrs. Elizabeth James, Professor Macaulay, Captain T. Doughton, and Professor Levi. with Mr. David bamuel, M.A. (headmaster), and Mr. John Evans (clerk). Condolence. The Chairman referred to the sad bereave- ment sustained by Mr. N. H. Thomas, one of the assistant masters at the school, and moved that the Clerk be desired to convey to him and also to Mrs. Thomas the sym- pathy and condolence of the governors.— Mrs. Elizabeth James seconded, and the pro- position was agreed to.—The Chairman also expressed to Mrs. James the pleasure of the governors at her recovery from her recent illness.—Miis. James replied that that was the reason she was not present at the pre- vious meeting. She very quickly recovered. It was nothing very serious.—The Chairman also welcomed Captain Doughton as a new governor, and only hoped he would be as faithful and take as deep an interest in the school as his predecessor. Mr. E. H. James. Pupil Teachers' Centre. The Clerk read a letter from the Cardi- ganshire Education Connriittee, stating it I was the desire of that body that the inter- mediate schools of the county should be re- cognised as centres for the training and in- struction of pupil teachers by the Board of Education. The governors were requested to fill up a form ot preliminary enquiries in regard to their school.—The Clerk remarked that there were a host of very important questions to consider before this form was filled up. To begin with there was the ques- tion of how far were they bound to carry out any desire of this kind expressed by the Edu- cation Committee if they did not think it desirable themselves. He had looked at the Code, and at the Education Act, and under section 18, sub-section 8, of the Act he could not see that the powers of County School managers had in any way diminished or been made subject to any greater control than they were previous to the passing of the Act. The Act simply said the powers of the County Governing Body were transferred to the County Education Committee. So they were thrown back entirely on the Scheme, and this was a kind of subject in which the County Governing Body had no control what- ever over the action of the County School managers.—Professor Macaulay asked if the Clerk had heard what was being done in other sohools.—The Clerk replied in the neg- ative, adding that one thing seemed perfect- ly clear, that no centre of the kind proposed would be of any use until the staffs of the elementary schools throughout the county were enormously increased. He found that the minimum requirements for pupil teach- ers would be at least 100 meetings at the school at which they taught, and at least 150 meetingsat the centre. Owing to the great distance at which some of the schools were, it made it impossible to carry out this scheme unless they got the pupil teachers m m different relays. Even if that were done there was the fact that there votild be a long break in their tuition when they went back to their respective schools to teach.— Professor Macaulay: How would it affect the working of the school?—The Headmas- ter: It is very difficult to know, because sometimes they come as half-timers.—The Clerk said it appeared to him from the scheme of the Board of Education that it was clearly contemplated that the practical work of teaching was to run concurrently all through with their receiving tuition at the centre.—The Chairman said the County Edu- cation Committee fully acquiesced in the view the Clerk had taken of the question, that the matter was one entirely for the manag- ers. The Cardigan County School managers wrote to the County Committee stating that Pembrokeshire had made arrangements that their pupil teachers should attend the County Schools for instruction, and the Car- digan managers asked that their school should be recognised as a pupil teachers' centre. The question of how best to arrange such a scheme was a large one. He found in some counties that the pupil teachers spent two whole terms at the county school, and Mr. Legard, who attended the last meet- ing of the County Committee, seemed to take the view that it would be preferable that pupil teachers should have two or three consecutive terms at the County Schools.— Professor Macaulay: I should think so cer- tainly.—The Clerk: Take the present staff- ing of Cardiganshire schools. How many of them could spare their pupil teachers for 36 weeks?—After further discussion, it was de- cided, on the proposition of Mrs. James, se- conded by Mrs. Griffith, that the matter be I deferred until the next meeting, and that in the meantime the Clerk and Headmaster secure all the information possible. Entrance Examination. A letter was read from the Clerk of the District Education Committee asking to be supplied with a list of boys and girls who de- sired to offer themselves for examination w ith a view to being accepted as pupil teachers. The examination would be held in April, and probably the intermediate school in each district would be the centre for such exami- nation.—The Clerk said this letter also seem- ed to be written under the impression that the County Committee had full control over the use they were going to make of the schools.—Professor Macaulay: Perhaps the first thing to do is to enter a protest and assent our independence.—The Chairman said he did not think the County Committee intended exercising any powep otheif than tihat possessed by the County Governing Body. Of course, it was for this committee to watch jealously that their privileges were not curtailed.—It was agreed that the Head- master should enquire whether there were any pupils who wished to enter for the ex- amination. Reduction of Grant. The Finance Committee) reported having considered a letter from the Board of Edu- cation respecting a reduction of the science grant, and the Clerk was directed to write to the Chief Inspector asking him to pay an early visit to the school in the hope, after seeing the improvements already made, he might be able to induce them to remove' the fine.—The letter was as follows:—"The re- port of the Central Welsh Board of the in- spection of this School held in July last hav- ing been under consideration. I am directed to state that. in view of the omission of the School Managers to comply with the re- quirements oi the Board of Education as to the provision, of Science buildings, the Board are unable to report to H. M. Treasury that the condition upon which the Treasury grant depends have been fulfilled. In these cir- cumstances the Board have felt it their duty to recommend to the Treasury that a reduc- tion of one-tenth should be made in the grant in aid of the above-named school."—The Clerk, in reply to Professor Levi, said since the Chief Inspector visited the school per- sonally, two additional benches, at a cost of about £80, had been put into the labora- tory.—Professor Levi said he would like it to be mentioned that this penalty had been imposed directly by the Board of Education and not by the Central Welsh Board.—The Chairman: The letter states they have act- ed on the report of the Central Welsh Board. —Professor Levi: I have good authority for saying the Central Welsh Board did not pro- pose the lessening of. the grant, but the Board of Education did it on their own initi- ative. That being so, it raised a serious question, which he di4- not want to avoid. He would like to know whether any im- provements now suggested by the managers could hope to get the full grant. He thought it was time they went into the matter of the improvement of the science side of the school without delay. He understood that with the present accommodation at the school that with only a small alteration they would be able to convert some part of the premises into a better laboratory than they had now. The penalty was not a serk>H» one, and was only intended as a mere nomi- nal fine. He understood that the deficiency in their school was that they had not provid- ed teaching an well as working room in the laboratory. Under the present conditions it was rather difficult for the science teach- ers to so place themselves as to be Been all the class when doing experiments. He suggested the conversion of the two art rooms upstairs into a laboratory, and he would give notice that at the next meeting he would call attention to the feasibility of introducing extended accommodation in the science department.—They wanted their school to be noted for its science work. It was noted for it at present, but under the present conditions it was quite certain the science accommodation is not what it should be. It was, however, better than that of most other schools which now received lite full grant.—It was pointed out by the Chairman and the Headmaster that great improvements had been carried out in the laboratory, and the teachers did not con- plain at all.—-Eventually, the committee's recommendation was adopted, pjid it was understood that Professor Levir would ÍIl- troduce his motion at the next meeting. School Visitors. Mrs. Griffith reported that the Chairman and herself had visited the school that day. They found everything in splendid older, and the cluldren were busily at work and appeared quite comfortable. — Captain Doughton endorsed Mrs. Griffith's report. im.L-jft »
LLANILAR. SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY.
LLANILAR. SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY. A meeting of tho members of the South of the llheidol Shire Horse Society was held on Friday last at Llanilar. The chair was occupied by Mr. F. R. Roberts, Penwern„ and the schoolroom was packed with farmers. Previous to the meeting the entire house, "Redlynch Blue Blood,f w* brought out for inspection, and was generally admired. It was reported that all the shares had been taken up.,It was decided that shareholders have the use of the horse for JE1. and non- shareholder's for £ 2.—The engagements of the horse were arranged as follows:—Mon- days, Aberystwyth Tuesdays, Llanrhystyd; Wednesdays, Llangwyryfon; Thursdays, Llanilar; Fridays, Crosswood; Saturdays, Capel Sion. On one week the home will travel from Llanrhystyd to Llangwyryfon. via Gilfachafal and the other week via Mabws and Cefnmabws. Tho horse will start travel- ling on the first Monday in April and finish on the 16th July, the number of mares to be served being restricted to 150. Application forms for the nomination of mares have to be in by March 11th, and the fees have to be on or bfor July 15th and th shares to be paid by noon on Monday. March 13th.
HUKill
HUKill Council School Concert.—On Friday last the tenth annual concert was given by the children attending the Council School. Thisi has now become one of the most popular con- certs in Borth and is splendidly patronised, the school being crowded.—The object of this concert is to provide funds tor buying medals, prizes, and certificates for regular attendance. Punctually at 7, Mr. W. Morris, J.P.. Brynowen, took the chair, and the following programme was excellently rendered by the children. In his opening speech, the chairman eulogised the good ob- ject of the concerto and praised Mr. James. the master, for providing such a good treat annually:—Action song, "Snowflakes," In- fants; recitation, Plant y Gwyddel," Bob Vaughan; trio, "Has your neighbour," Anna L. Williams, Rhodwen Llewelyn, Enoch W. James; action song, "Keel Row," standard i and ii. song, L. Pugh; re- citation, Cheap Jack," standards iii. and. iv. action song, drill song, Infants: quart- ette, "Keep the Watchword," M. J. Wil- liams, Florrio Williams. Annie E. Rees, Wm. John Jones dialogue, "Bechgyn yr Ysgol"; action song, Laugh and grow fat," stan- dards v, vi. and viij recitation, "lie Broken Head, standafds i, ii, and iii.; trio, Oh, swift we go," Jennie Davies, M. Delta James, R. Penry Llewelyn; action song, Six Jolly Waggoners," standards in and iv; recitation, Lifeboat Men," standards v, vi. and vii; trio, "Wake," Misses Avarinah J. Jones, Jane Alice Williams and Maud Dav- ies; sketch, "Corporal Muggins on Parade"; action song, An Elf," standards iii and iv; recitation, "A Volunteer,' W. John Jones; action song, On board a Man-of-war," standards v, vi. and vii; recitation, Little boldiers," standards i, ii. action song, "Banjoists," standards v, vi. and vii; dia- logue, Doctor's Mistake," this W38 well ren- dered, and showed great pains in its prepara- tion. Then followed the most important item of the evening, the distribution of gold and silver medals, prizes and certificates. Two had earned the gold medals, value, 12s. 6d. each, for attending for four years conse- cutively without being absent once—William D. Jones and Elizabeth Eleanor Williams. Twelve others had earned the silver medals for attending during the whole year—Thofi. O. Jones, David Llew. Jones, Evan Llew. Jones, E. Hughes. Alice May Edwards, David Davies, Emrys Jenkins, Thoe. Llew. Williams, Thos. L. Davies, Evan Llew. Evans, Edward Wm. Jones, Hugh D. C. Williams. The following received a prize each: Anna L. Williams, Mary ,S. Jones, Abram D. Vaughan, Bob Vaughan, Jennie Davies, Mary LI. Felix Eunice M. Wil- liams, Jenkin T. Jones. Enoch W. James, Richard Rees Davies, W. Jones Morris, T. Rich. Morgan, D. James Morgan, Stanley W. Williams, John W. Davies, W. Dewy James, John Lewis Williams, Thomas Dav- ies, Drusilla Edwards, Florence Williams. Annie E. Rees, Margaret Jane Williams, R. Penry Llewelyn, John Edward Jones, Rich- ard D. Hughes, Gwilym Idris Jones, TTios. E. Evans, John D. Simon. All the others who had not attended the minimum number 350, each received a certificate.—Mr. Morris again spoke highly of the presentations, and hoped that the County Committee would adopH a similar plan. The usual votes of thanks, followed by the singing of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, and God save the King, termina- ted another of a series of most successful concerts.—Much praise is due to Mr. R. A. James, L.T.S.C., the master, and his staff, for the efficient way in which the children performed their different parts. —
LONDON
LONDON Wedding.—On Wednesday, February 15th, a pretty wedding was solemnised at New Jewin, between Mr. Dan Jenkins, 19, Sprmg- street, Paddington, the third son of Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, Pontnewydd, Blaenpenal, and Miss Mary Helena Davies, daughter of the late Captain Davies. New Quay, Cardi- ganshire. The ceremony w performed in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends by the Roev. J. E. Davies, M.A.. pastor. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. Phill Davies, of Shrubland Grove, Dalston. The bridesmaids were Miss Maggie Jenkins, Tilley-street, and Miss Alice Jenkins, Copenhagen-street. The best man was Mr. Evan Jenkins, 68, Well-street. Other members of tlie wedding party wjerc Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, 6, Aylesbury-street, Clerkenwell, brother-in-law and sister of the bridegroom; Phill Jenkins, 31, Haroourt- street. and Evan John Jenkins. Snowfields brothers. Mr. Phill Davies, Shrubsland Grove, and Mrs. Davies brother and sister- in-law of the bride; Mr. Rees Jenkins, Til- ley-street; and Mr. Jack Lewis, 19, Spring- street. On leaving the chapel, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins were greeted with showers of confetti and rice. The party afterwards drove to 6, Aylesbury-street, where a reception and breakfast followed. The presents were numerous and costly. The newly married couple left Paddington by the 3.35 p.m. train for the South coast, where the honey- moon was spent. :I-w._
[No title]
The members of the Manchester monthly meeting of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodists on Tuesday evening presented the Rev. Dr. W. James with an illuminated address as a token of their appreciation of nearly forty years' labour in their midst. The address r-e ferred to the invaluable services Dr. James has rendered to Welsh Methodism not only in Manchester but in the highest councils of the denomination. From the beginning of his ministerial career he has upheld the high- est and most dignified traditions of the Welsh pulpit, and by his wisdom, tact, and judicial i acumen he has been a tower of strength tcJii. j the Connexion generally.
---ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL.
ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL. THE FLATS AS A RECREATION GROUND. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. WELSH NATIONAL LIBRARY, GRANT OF Ei,ooo. Alt REARS OF CORPORATION ACCOUNTS. A meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Coun- oil was held on Tuesday at the Council Chamber, Town Hall, when there were pre- sent the Mayor (Councillor Wm. Thomas) in the chair; Councillor Isaac Hopkins (Ex- Mayor); Aldermen Peter Jones W. H. Pal- mer, and E. P. Wynne; Councillor C. M. Williams, R. J. Jones, J. T. Davies, Captain David James, Captain T. Doughton, R. R. Doughton, and J. Gibson, with Mr. A. J. Hughes (town clerk), Mr. C. Massey (assist- ant borough accountant), and Dr. Abraham BihOIIla8 (medical officer of health). NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY. A letter was read from Mr. Carnegie e weasurer stating that the £ 3,000 promised towards the erection of the public library building at Aberystwyth would be remitted in instalments of £ 500 each as needed from time to time and upon receipt of the archi- tect's certificates. The Clerk remarked that the bites Com- mittee had decided to advertise this week for tenders, and it was hoped to proceed with the building at an early date. CEMETERY ENTRANCES. A letter was read from Mr. Thomas Owen, Fronhyfryd, calling attention to the urgent necessity of providing another drive en- trance to the cemetery from the Plascrug side. At present, all funerals passed through Llanbadarn-road, although in most cases the other side would be, more conveni- ent. Mr. Owen said the faet that all the funerals passed through Llanbadarn-road did not tend to enhance the rateable value of the road, and hoped the- matter would be taken in hand forthwith. The Mayor said he mentioned this matter some years ago, and he believed he was the only one on the Council who was favourable to it. He was glad to find that there was one ratepayer of the same opinion as him- self. He thought it would be a very desir- able thing to take funerals through Plas- crug. The letter was referred to the Public Works Committee. Referred. An application by Mr. George Lloyd for -approval of a plan of a smith's shop at the back of the premises recently acquired by him in Mill-street was referred to the Public Works Committee with authority to grant same if thought advisable. COB SHOW. An application was made by the secretar- ies of the Cob Society for the use of the Smithfield for the annual show to be held on Monday, April 3rd. It was decided to grant the application on the usual conditions. BUILDINGS FARM. A letter was read from Mr. David Jones, the present tenant of Buildings Farm, stat- ing he would take the farm on the same con- ditions as before after the Council had do- ducted for the portion taken by them. He also asked the Council to place a gate on the road leading to Llanbadarn, so as to pre- vent' cattle straying on to the main road. The letter was referred to the Public Works Committee the Clerk being instruct- ed in the meantime to prepare a draft agree- ment. POSTAL MATTERS. An application was made by the Post Office authorities to lay an underground telegraph line from the Aberystwyth Post Office to a point in Baker-street opposite the telegraph pole erected in the Police Station yard, Permission was also asked to fix a stay on a telegraph pole erected on the Railway sta- tion side of the ground surrounding Alex- andra^ road Council School, and to the lay- ing of a three-inch cast iron pipe about two feet below the surface of the ground across the road dividing the school grounds from the Cambrian Railway Station. Mr. J. Gibson: Have we any power to re- fuse that? The Clerk: No. Mr. J. Gibson: I think if we had we might, as they are very wooden themselves The applications were referred to the Public Works Committee. BAND MUSIC. The secretary of the Ratepayers' Associa- tion forwarded a resolution passed by that body, stating it was thought very desirable in view of the extension of the season, that arrangements should be made for the provi- sion of music on the Promenade not later than June 1st. in each year, and this year in particular, as well as muaic at Easter. Mr. R J. Jones said provision would be made for one if not more weeks at Easter They had always had a band at Eastertide. LEASING OF THE FLATS. A lengthy letter was read from Mr. Lewes Pryse, stating he was airaid w much time had elapsed that now it would be impossible for him to get the Flats ready for the show, and it was beyond question that it was too late to get it ready for anything else this season. lie applied for terms last August, but it was not until February 6th that he got those terms in the draft lease, and as there were one or two points in the terms that made it impossible for him to accept them he was doubtful whether, by the time these points had been put beiore the Council j and decided upon, even if the Corporation waived the matters objected to, there would be no time for them to benefit by the ground this year. He was to meet his surveyor on Monday, and go on the ground with him, so an to see if the show could be held there this year. From his report on the draft lease, he was afraid that would not be so. He therefore, felt in duty bound to write to hia syndicate advising that owing to the delay in granting the lease, and the season being no tar advanced, not to proceed with the scheme. It was a pity the matter had been delayed so long, because not only would a recreation ground have been a good adver- tisement for the town, but would also have .given employment to a large number of men. Mr. J. Gibson said the members of the Council were present at about six meetings at which Mr. Pryse made arrangements to attend, and did not attend. They were wait- ing for him time after time, and had to ad- journ the matter to suit his convenience, and he (Mr. Gibson) considered Mr. Pryse was responsible for the greater part of the delay. The Clerk said directly after the Council had adopted the terms, a copy of the same was immediately sent to Mr. Pryse, and a draft lease was prepared. Mr. J. Gibson: I think you can bear me out that we called several meetings at which Mr. Pryse said he would attend but did not. The Clerk: There were some meetings. The Mayor said he was a bit astonished at the letter. His memory, he believed, was fairly correct, and he could support the state- ment of Mr. Gibson, that every effort, from beginning to end, was made to meet Mr. Pryae's viev\> It was a big order, and, surely, could not be settled in a week or two. The delay., in. his opinion, was atri- butable more to Mr. Pryse than to the Council. The Council made every effort to meet him as to time and pnce. The Clerk: I don't think there was any avoidable delay on the part of the Council. Mr. C. M. Williams thought the matter snould now be referred to the Finance Com- mittee with the view to seeing what altera- tions Mr. Pryse required in the draft. If he was unable to carry the scheme through this year perhaps he would be able to do so next year. Mr. J. Gibson: The Cycling Club will come in next. They will come in a good second. They are prepared to go on with the work. gfr "■ .'Sems to me that nothing but an unreserv- grant to Mr. Pryse would be any good. It was agreed to refer the letter to the Finance Committee. THE MAYORAL CHAIN. The Mayor announced that Mrs. James Crugiau, was desirous of adding a link to the Mayoral chain in memory of her late hus- band, who was mayor of the town a few years ago. The Mayor asked the permission of the Council to send the chain up to Lon- don. It would be insured, and every care taken of it. Possibly, he would have his own link put in at the same time. Mr. R. J. Jones proposed that permion be granted, and suggested that those gentle- men who had not added their links should take the present opportunity of doing so. Mr. J. Gibson: I am sorry I cannot oom- ply with your request to have my link put in. (Laughter). The Mayor: You must wait. The Ex-Mayor failed to see why the whole chain should be sent up to London. Every link was the same. The Mayor: But the fixing of it. The Ex-Mayor: Oh, I could fix it myself. (Laughter). The proposition was carried. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. This committee reported having appointed the Chairman (Captain David James and Mr. Thomas Doughton) as a sub-committee, with the Town Clerk and Harbour Master, to consider and revise the schedule of har- bour dues, and the matter being urgent the sub-committee were authorised to forward the revised schedule to the Board. The Town Clerk reported an interview he had had with the Board of Trade with reference to the said schedule, and the question of the limite of the Harbour proposed to be insert- ed in the Provisional Order, and that the Board suggested that a half mile radius sea- wards from the Castle Point would be suffi- cient. The committee recommended that the resolution of the committee, fixing the radius at It miles be adhered to. The report was adopted. REMOVAL OF BEACH SAND. The Ex-Mayor informed the Council that on Thursday and Friday last he saw three cart loads of sand being taken away each day from near Trwyn Gwwningen. Having gone to the expense of R15,000 or R18,000 to build a wall there, and when they got a little sand or gravel to support the wall, they allowed others to carry the sand away. They refused certain ratepayers to take a barrow-ful away, but Corporation servants were allowed to remove it. He had a good mind to summon them, but for the Town Clerk asking him not to. The Clerk: No indeed. Mr. J. T. Davies: I take it that you failed. The Clerk explained that Mr. Hopkins came to him, and he seemed very determin- ed that morning to take out a summons. Mr Hopkins did not ask his opinion. He cer- tainly would not have advised a summons, because in this case the Corporation servants had perfect authority to do what was done. He thought it was right that it should not appear outsidd that they were doing any- thing illegal. He believed the Corpor.vcrwi had a perfect right to remove sand from where it was removed. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. This committee reported that the question of the reported removal of sand by builders und others from the Marine-terrace beach had been considered. The Town Clerk was instructed to report to the next meeting of the committee on the position of the Council in regard to the foreshore. A plan showing the line of pipes proposed to be laid across the Marine-terrace down to the sea, for the purpose of conveying salt water to the baths now in course of construction at the Water- loo Hotel was examined, and the committee recommended that the same be approved, and the application to lay same be granted, liubject to the payment of an annual rent of 2s. 6d. for the easement. The committee recommended, that the engagement of Mr. J. H. Taylor, as clerk of the works of the Harbour Breakwater, be terminated on the 18th March, 1905. The consideration of the plans of proposed alterations to St. Phillips' Hall, submitted by Mr. David Phillips, waa deferred to enable the committee to visit the premises. A letter had been reoeived from Mr. J. H. Taylor, with reference to certain allegations made at the last meeting of the Council as to the alleged defective work on the Harbour Breakwater, which he stated were inaccurate, and asking that the Council should inspect the work. The com- mittee instructed the Town Clerk to for- ward a copy of the letter to Mr. A. T. Wal- misley, and to ask for his observations thereon. The plans of two houses proposed to be erected by Messrs. Owen and Davies in Penparke were considered. The com- mittee recommended that the same be ap- proved, subject to the building line in front being set back so as to provide for a road 36 feet in width. A plan of additional buildings at the back of No. 34, Pier-street, proposed to be erected by Mr. Adler was con- sidered, and was recommended for approval, subject to the width of the passage shown being not less than 3 feet. The report was adopted. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. SANITARY CONDITION OF LLAN- BADARN. The Medical Officer's report for the year 1904, which is printed in another coloum was submitted. Mr. J. Gibson asked that the report be referred to the Sanitary Committee, and called attention to the fact that there had not been a meeting of the Sanitary Committee for some time. He believed a communica- tion from the Aberystwyth Rural District Council was referred to that committee some weeks ago in reference to the Isolation HOB- pital, telling them what their duty was in reference to it. Alderman Palmer: Who is the chairman? Captain James: I have convened meet- ings, but members do not attend. Mr. Gibson is a member. Mr. J. Gibson: I admit the impeachment but there were other members besides my- self. Captain James: Only Mr. Edwards, who is away. Mr. J. Gibson said they heard a good deal from the rural sanitary authority as to what the Town Council proposed doing. He would like to know whether it was possible, having regard to the horrible state of Llan- badarn, to ask their own Medical Officer to go there and give them a report on the rot- ten, stinking, sanitary condition of that village. The Mayor: Strong language. Mr. Gibson: It is. I think the village of Llanbadarn is a menace to the town of Aber- ystwyth, and the Town Council should take some steps in regard thereto. People who are responsible might with advantage be told what is their duty. I should like to know whether it is not possible for our Medi- cal Officer to go there and give us a free re- port on the rotten condition of the village. The Mayor: You suggest that the report be referred to the Sanitary Committee for discussion ? Mr. J. Gibson: Yes. Alderman Palmer proposed the addition of Mr. T. J. Samuel to the Sanitary Com- mittee, he having formerly been an active member. Captain James seconded, and this was agreed to. Mr. Gibson's suggestion as to the village of Llanbadarn was referred to the Public Works Committee. With regard to the setting back of the building line of two houses at Penparke, it was decided, on the proposition of Alderman Peter Jones, that the Surveyor be asked to confer with the agent of the Nanteos Estate with a view to having the improvement car- ried out. They had been granted widths on other parts of the roads, and they had always been met in a fair spirit by the Nanteos Estate authorities. THE NEW ARCADE. The Public Works Committee on the 28th ult., visited St. Phillips' Hall, Terrace-road, now in course of construction, and having examined the plan of the proposed altera- tion to the pine end wall abutting on No. 28, Portland-street, recommended that the plan be approved of. The plan was recom- mended for approval subject to Mr. David Phillips forthwith surrendering to the Cor- poration the existing lease of the premises, No, 28, Portland-street, and taking a new lease thereof upon such terms and conditions as might- be imposed by the Council. Alderman Peter Jones said he saw the Surveyor after the meeting, and suggested to him that it would be well to have the plan submitted in detail, and he believed that would be submitted at the next meeting. The matter was referred to the Public Works Committee as to the details. FINANCE COMMITTEE. This committee recommended payments amounting to JE757 17s. 5d. including JE500 from capital account to Messrs. Edwards, Bros., in respect of workmen's dwellings. Read a letter dated 23rd January, from Messrs. Smith, Davies and Co., on behalf of Mr. Hugh Howell. applying to the Council to accept half of the ground rent due from I Mr. Howell, in respect of his premises in Northgate-street. The committee recom- mended that the application be not acceded to. An application by a lessee of the Cor- poration for an extension of time for pay- ment of ground rent in arrear was considered. The committee instructed the Assistant Borough Accountant to state, in reply, that the ground rent must be paid on or before the 30th March, 1905. The committee re- commended that the application by Messrs. Davies and Owen for a remission of ground rent in respect of the piece of land leased to them inGreenfield-street, for the period during wtoich the houses were being built be nOt acceded to. The consideration of the appointment of a Borough Accountant was deferred until the next meeting of the com- mittee. Instructions were given to the Town Clerk to insert an advertisement in the local newspapers, inviting tenders for the tenancy of the land,part of the "Flats," now held by the University College of Wales, for a period of 5 yean. The committee re- commended that a gran. of £1,000 be made towards the fund now being raised for the establishment of the National Welsh Library. in the event of Aberystwyth being selected as the site for the said Library. The appli- cation of Mrs. Margaret Humphreys for a re- newal of the lease of No. 6. Custom House- street was recommended to be granted. The committee recommended that the amount of the overdraft at the National Provincial Bank be limited to £25,000. The committee explained that an increase in the amount of the temporary overdraft was rendered necessary owing to expenditure on Capital account in respect of which loans have been duly sanctioned, and are now being negociated. Mr. J. Gibson moved an addition to the recommendation of a grant of £1.000 to the Welsh National Library, to the effect that an appeal be addressed to the local authorities of Wales to supportthe claims of Aberyst- wyth for the location of the Library, and that it be referred to the committee to draw up such circular either jointly with the Col- lege, or independently. This was seconded, and unanimously agreed to. OUTSTANDING ACCOUNTS. Mr. J. Gibson reported that the amount of outstanding accounts due to the Council was £1,600. It was a very serious matter. The people who owned this money did not sparkle up at all, although they had had two or three circulars. He had seen the list, and it was a very interesting list A gentle- man in Terrace-road owed £100, and was well able to pay it. He thought they had gone to their limits as far as circulars were concerned. Mr. R. J. Jones: You have given up to the 30th March. Mr. J. Gibson: This money was due in November. Mr. R. J. Jones: But a circular was issued asking that the money be paid by the 30th. March. Mr. J. Gibson: That was only a private letter. Letters are constantly coming in from people saying they cannot pay. What are we to do? Ought it not to go out from this Council that the money must be paid. I think other proceedings will have to be taken to get the money. The Mayor said the amount, as stated by Councillor Gibson, was very heavy. Still, he thought it only right that the difference between the present amount of arrears and the amount four or five months ago should be stated, and when that was given he thought they would find they had made some headway. Mr. J. Gibson The amount then was £2,791 3s 8d. We have since received £1202 12s 6d., and have still out an amount greater than what we have received. Alderman Palmer asked what was the amount of arrears on 12th November last. Mr. J. Gibson: The amount of arrears and the amount due last November was £2,791 3s. 8d. Mr. C. M. Williams: Have you a state- ment show ing what were the actual arrears in November, because the remainder only became due in November. Mr. J. Gibson: But they are due now. Mr. Williams; I think we ought to have a statement showing the arrears paid that were due on the 12th November, so that the ratepayers can see we are paying attention to the matter. We don't want to be too harsh. Alderman Palmer remarked that the not- ices were not sent out until the beginning of the year. Mr. R. J. Jones considered that figures proved conclusively that progress was being made in the work of collection. They had sent out a circular asking that all arrears should be paid by March 30th, and no doubt people would delay payment until the last moment. He did not think there would be any difficulty in regard to the amount out- standing if they waited a little while. The Mayor said he personally was satis- fied that every effort possible was being made to get in the arrears, and he thought they had succeeded very well, considering the bad times. Still, they should continue the effort. Mr. C. M. Williams said in many cases where they granted terms payment was not made until the lease was taken up. The other day they gave terms in Terrace-road near the Station, but no payment was made until the lease had been sent. Immediately, there was a payment of JE90. Alderman Palmer wished to know how much was owing on the 10th November last before the notices were sent out. Mr. J. Gibson said he would ascertain that. Alderman Palmer said he would also like to know the arrears due on the 30th March Next. They should recollect that during February and March the people of the town had to pay their rates, their income tax, and their ground rents. It was a very slack time of the year, and most of them were short of money. He knew it was very hard to get money this time of the year, and when he had to pay JE40 a week for wages and other little expenses money ran short. By the 30th March, most of the ground rents were paid, and he would like to know what the arrears would be then. Mr. R. J. Jones: I am afraid this discus- sion will do us more harm than good. THE PRICE OF GAS. The Town Clerk submitted the report of a committee of the whole Council which had considered obpection to the draft of the Gas Company's Provisional Order as lodged with the Board of Trade, and the answers thereto on the part of the Company, and correspondence in the matter with Messrs. Baker and Co., and Messrs. Sharpe, Parker and Co., the Company's Parliamentary agents. Having regard to the importance of the matter, both to the Corporation and gas consumers generally, the committee in- trusted the Town Clerk to place a statement of facts before a gas engineer to be selected by Messrs. Baker and Co., and to obtain his opinion upon certain points, and generally upon the draft order, and the course the Council should adopt in the matter. Mr. J. Gibson said under the advice of the Town Clerk they were taking the necessary steps to safeguard the public interests in every way. BRITISH CHAUTAUQUA. The British Chautauqua having intimated their intention to spend the month of Aug- ust next in Aberystwyth, the Mayor was asked to invite them to a reception. PUBLIC LIBRARY COMMITTEE. This committee desired to express its thanks to the Council for discharging the ad- verse balance of £13 9s. 7d. due on the Gil- christ lecture scheme. The Librarian had reported that some person had wilfully cut out one of the plates from "Aberystwyth and its Court Leet." The committee re- quested the Librarian to furnish a list of the persons who had borrowed the volume since the date when it was last examined and found to be intact. A vote of condolence was passed with Mr. N. H. Thomas, a mem- ber of the committee, and his family, in their sad bereavement. NATIONAL LIBRARY COMMITTEE. In accordance with notice given, Mr. R. Doughton proposed that Mr. C. M. Williams be appointed a member of the joint com- mittee of the Council and the University College of Wales in the matter of the Welsh National Library. Mr. Doughton the library question was an important one, and if they succeeded in getting the library located at Aberystwyth it would be a great acquisition to the town. He did not think the Council would have too many representa- tives on the committee. Mr. J. Gibson said the committee which was appointed on November 22nd had met, and had practically done all the work. Mr. Doughton thought they could not have too much advice, as this matter was of importance to the town. Mr. R. J. Jones said he was quite pre- pared to withdraw his name. Mr. J. Gibson said the committee had done its work. No doubt, they would like to have Mr. Williams on as a subscriber or non-subscriber. Mr. Williams said he did not want to de- fend himself, but he oould say he had taken far more interest in the Welsh Library than Mr. Gibson had. Mr. J. Gibson Mid he was given a certain number of people to call upon. The com- mittee was out all day and collected £80. and he collected JE50 by himself. He thought Uhe firni had gi-cen £25. He did not know where Mr. Williams' interest came in. As a non-subscriber he had no objec- tion to his being on the committee Mr. C. M. Williams eaid he must ask the Mayor to protect members of the Council against insinuations and incorrect state- ments. Mr. J. Gibson*: There is no necessity for it. Mr. Williams: No. if you acted wisely. 1 The Mayor: Is there a seconder? Mr. J. Gibson: No. Captain Doughton seconded, and on being put to the meeting, the proposition was agreed to. Mr. Williams essayed to address the Coun- cil, but Mr. Gibson interrupted, and asked if they were going to have more speeches. Mr. Williams: If you would be silent, we would not have so many. Mr. Williams is not a non-subscriber to the fund. RENEWAL OF LEASE. An application by Alderman Peter Jones for a renewal of the lease of Nos. 41 and 42, Marine-terrace was referred to the Finance Committee.