The Welshman

CARMARTHEN, FRIDAY, OCT. 28. I THERE is now every probability that Mr Potter will, after all, be returned for the Pembroke Boroughs at the approaching General Election. Mr Meyrick has intimated his intention of re- tiring, if the electors wish him to do so, as will appear from the following letter which he has addressed to us TO THE EDITOR OF THE WELSHMAN." SIR,—In a letter inserted in your journal a short time since, on the subject of tho Pembroke Boroughs, and their future representation, I intimated to you that I was hardly at liberty to withdraw in favour of any other candidate without the sanction of my supporters at the last election. Some of these have most kindly expressed a wish that I should again undertake their interests others seem to think that the trade of the district will be best fostered by the election of some gentleman more versed in com- mercial affairs than I can pretend to be. As, on the last occasion, I came forward less from my own wish, than from repeated assurances that my ser- vices were needed, so I now most willingly retire, on an intimation, however flight, that those services will be better performed by another. I remain, Sir, Your most obedient servant, THOMAS MEYRTCK. Leighton Hall, October 24, 1864. This letter will be read with great satisfaction, and we have no doubt that proper representa- tions will be made to Mr Meyrick in the course of a few days, which will induce him to retire in favour of Mr. Potter. There is no wish to overlook the claims of Mr. Meyrick, but it is believed that the commercial experience and in- fluence of Mr Potter would prove of immense service to Milford Haven. The very generous way in which Mr. Meyrick is prepared to sacrifice every personal consideration for the benefit of our great harbour will not be for- gotten by llie electors of the Pembroke Boroughs, who will, we have no doubt, take the first op- portunity of expressing their sense of such noble conduct. With the assistance of Mr. Meyrick, and the support of those who are prepared to sink politics in order to secure an able com- mercial representative, Mr Potter is sure of being- returned by a large majority. This is not a party question. Sir Hugh Owen has fallen short of the expectations that were entertained at his election. He has, in fact, done nothing for his constituents, and those who were once his warmest supporters are now in favour of Mr. Potter. It is not improbable that Sir Hugh, seeing that he must inevitably be defeated, will spare the Boroughs the inconvenience and unpleasantness of a contest.

IT has been determined to convert the Kid- Welly Canal from Burry Port to Cwmmawr into a railway. The shareholders in a meeting on Tuesday last at Pembrey, after considering a report of the committee recommending the change, made the necessary arrangements to apply to Parliament in the next session to raise a capital of Y,50,000 for the purpose. It is also proposed to extend the line from Cwmmawr to the end of the Great Reservoir near Cross Hands, and to make branch lines to Kidwelly, Carway, and Trimsaran. The estimated cost of these works is X1977 per mile, and the whole dis- tance being sixteen miles, the total cost will be £ 31,633. We believe the shareholders have done perfectly right in confirming the report of the committee. A railway from Burry Port up the Gwendraeth is absolutely necessary for the working of the valuable seams of coal that enrich the valley. This was felt so long ago as the year 1802, when an Act was passed for making and maintaining a railway or Tram- road, from or near a certain place called The Flats, in the parish of Llanelly, to or near to certain Lime Rocks called Castell-y-Garreg." That was in the early days of railways, when their powers were not understood, and the heavy traffic of the country found an easier transit over canals. The existence of the Old Carmarthenshire Railway did not long ago at all interfere with the Kidwelly Canal, which runs for some distance pretty nearly parallel with it. At that time the canal very pro- bably had the advantage, for the railway ceased to be worked, and the canal had all the carry- ing trade to itself. The Gwendraeth owes much to the canal, for without the facilities it gave for the carrying of coals, the collieries in the Valley could not have been worked, except on a small scale to supply the local demand. It succeeded for many years in meeting all the requirements of the district, but the general prosperity of Wales has reached the Gwen- draeth, and for some time there has been a desire to extend the working of coal and iron in the Valley, and the only difficulty was in i the means of transit. The canal was supposed to be inadequate to meet the demand from any new works, and capitalists would not venture. They have said, Make us a railway through the valley over which we can send our coal for shipment at Pembrey, or Llanelly, or into the English Markets, and we will work your col- lieries." That is not an imaginary case. Several capitalists have actually used the very words we have written, after inspecting eligible mineral property in the district. Five or six years since efforts were made to resuscitate the Old Car- marthenshire Railway. They were then unsuc- cessful, but in the last session of Parliament powers were obtained, and the line will shortly be made, following pretty nearly the old route. And in 1863 the Carmarthen and Cardigan Company proposed to make a line from Kid- welly to Pontyberem, running alongside the canal nearly the whole way. The 0 Bill was rejected by a Committee of the House of Lords, not on its merits, or as was supposed at the time because the committee had no confidence in its promoters, but on account of some in. formality which could not be looked over. We understand, too, that the Carmarthen and Car- digan Company have under consideration a pro- posal to make a line direct through the Valley, and also to extend the lime line several miles beyond its present terminus. It is probable that application will be made in the next session for these new works. There can be no doubt, then, that a railway through the Gwendraeth is an absolute neces- sity for the working of the minerals. Although the Old Carmarthenshire line runs very nearly parallel with the Canal, strictly speaking there will be no competition between the two lines. They will each serve different collieries and top-c ther open up the minerals in a manner which one of them could never do. Besides, the new line begins at the improving town of Burry Port, an excellent place for the shipment of coal. The dock there admits vessels of 500 tons regis- ter, and has on the sill of its gates fifteen feet of water at neap tides. New docks to almost any extent could easily be made at this port, which possesses many natural advantages. A considerable trade already exists, and in addition to the extensive copper works of Messrs Elking- ton and Mason, new silver-lead works are in progress. In fact, a large manufacturing and shipping trade is springing up at Burry Port. The new line then goes on to Kidwelly, which bids fair to become the centre of a thriving trade. From Kidwelly the line follows the course of the canal, as we understand, as far as Cwmmawr, where the canal itself terminates. The line will go further, stopping for the pre- sent near Cross Hands. Thus it will be seen that all the collieries in the Gwendraeth will be accommodated, as the line will be acces- sible even to those collieries that are on a lower level. It is rather an awkward valley to ascend, as the incline is very steep, but the survey which has, just been made is considered satisfactory. Once Cross Hands is reached a short extension will bring this line into the Carmarthen and Llandilo Railway, and in that way open a communica- tion between the collieries in the Gwendraeth and the northern parts of South Wales, and, in short, with the best markets in the country. This must become a- valuable mineral railway.

REPRESENTATION OF THE CARMARTHEN BOROUGHS.— The Speaker's writ for the election of a successor to the late Mr David Morris was received by the Sheriff of Car- marthen on Tuesday. The nomination is fixed for Mon- day next. CARMARTHENSHIRE INFIRMARY.—A collection in aid of the funds of the above institution, amounting to 13s. Id., was made at Penygraig Chapel. 2ND AND 6TH CARMARTHENSHIRE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. —Orders for the ensuing week.—These companies will parade in the Wool Room, on Tuesday, at 7.30. p.m. Class firing on Thursday, at 2 p.m. CONCERT.—On Tuesday ovening, a concert, under the patronage of Capt. Browne Edwardes & Capt. Warren, was given at the Assembly Rooms, by the Carmarthen Choristers, led by Mr David Jones. There was a crowded audience, and the various singers were loudly cheered. Miss Roberts presided at the piano. CARMARTHEN TowN COUNCIL, The retiring coun- cillors are, for the eastern ward-Mr Brodie, Mr David Davies, and Mr John Davies; and for the western ward Mr E. B. Jones, Mr T. Jeptha Jones, and Mr W. Jones. The nomination will take place to-day. We have not heard of any opposition, and it is probable that these gentlemen will be re-elected. TEETOIALISM.—On Tuesday evening the Rev. R. Thomas, of Baugor, North Wales, delivered a lecture (in Welsh) on Teetotalism," in Water-street Chapel There was a large audience, who repeatedly applauded the eloquent lecturer, and a cordial vote of thanks was awarded him on the motion of Mr J. Thomas, Parade, seconded by the Rev. W. Morgan, Union-street. LARCENY.—On Wednesday last, before Richard Jen- nings, Esq. Dennis Sullivan, of Danybank, Carmar- then, was brought up by P.C. Benjamin Lewis, on a charge of stealing two sacks, value 2s., the property of John Williams, of Llachwenny, Abergwilly. Prisoner was remanded until next Saturday, and admitted to bail. WESLEYAN MISSIONS.—The annual services in con- nection with the Wesleyan Missions in this town were held this week in the English Wesleyan Chapel. On Sunday, the Rev. J. Codd, of Swansea, preached. On Tuesday the public meeting was held. It was presided over by W. de G. Warren, Esq. The principal speakers were the Rev. T. Llewellin, of Birkenhead, and the Rev. Mr Rogers, of Haverfordwest. Mr Geo. Bagnall, the Rev. J Philp, and the Rev. Mr Wilcox, also took part in the proceedings. UNION-STREET CHAPEL. —The anniversary meetings of this chapel were held last Sunday and Monday even- ings, when sermons were delivered by Mr Hugh Price Hughes, in English, and by the Rev. E. Lewis, Bryn- berian, and the Rev. R. Thomas, Bangor, in Welsh. As many were obliged to leave on Sunday evening, on account of the crowded state of the congregation, Lam- mas-street chapel was kindly lent for the Monday even- ing service, and that spacious buUding was filled in every part with a crowded and attentive audience. The collections towards liquidating the debt amounted to X64 12s Hd. EXTENSION OF THE NARROW GUAGE RAILWAY SYSTEM IN SOUTH WALES.—Our readers will see by an adver- tisement in another column, that the Llandilo and Car- marthen Branch of the Llanelly Railways is so far advanced towards completion, that it will be opened for mineral traffic on the 1st of next month. The bridge over the Gwilly is not yet quite finished, but it is pro- bable that by the middle of November the line will be opened to the Junction with the Carmaithen and Car- digan Railway, where it is intended to transfer goods to the broad guage, both for stations on the Carmarthen and Cardigan and the Great Western Railways, until the laying of the third rail on the Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway to Carmarthen Town and Junction Stations can be completed. Carmarthen will then be in direct narrow guage communication with all parts of the world, via the Swansea Vale and Vale of Neath Rail- ways. This will be far the nearest route to Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, and the North, and to Staf- fordshire and the Eastern and Midland Counties. The establishment of agents for the sale of lime and coal at the stations on the Carmarthen and Llandilo line will cause a considerable reduction in the prices of those articles through the whole of the district through which it passes. THE BOROUGH TOLLS. On Wednesday last these tolls were put up by auction by Mr Morris Evans, in the Council Chamber. There was a pretty good atten- dance of bidders, and a keen competition ensued. The first lot—the rents, tolls, and stallage arising from the Provision Market, including the Wool-room, and also the Cattle-market and Slaughter Houses, was put up by Mr Bullen, of Swansea, at XIOOO; Mr Hodges bid up to L1110 Mr Percy to £ 1300; Mr King, Waterloo- terrace, to E1310; Mr Lawrence to £1320; and was ulti- mately knocked down to Mr Anthony for L1330, being X30 under last year's rent, and an increase of JEoO over the preceding year. Lot 2-the Quay and Landing Dues, and the dues arising from the Crane and Weigh- ing Machine, was put up by Mr Anthony, at S50, and knocked down to Mr Percy for L62, being L14 less than the rent of last year, and an increase of £ 12 over the preceding year. JOINT LUNATIC ASSYLUM.—APPOINTMENT OF MEDI- CAL SUPERINTENDENT.—A meeting of the Committee of Visitors was held at the Shire Hall, on Thursday (yesterday), for the purpose of appointing a medical superintendent for this asylum. There were present- Earl Cawdor, (Chairman); Lord Dynevor; Sir T. D. Lloyd, Bart., Bronwydd; D. Pugh, Esq., M.P. J. H. Scourfield, Esq., M.P.; J. Johnes, Esq., Dolauoothi: Dr Lwellin, Dean of St. David's J. Jones, Esq., Blacnos; D. Prothero, Esq., M.D Llandilo; W. D. Jones, Esq., M.D., Lancych; J. L. G. P. Lewis, Esq., Hcnllan; and N. Roch, Esq., Paskeston, Pembroke- shire. Twenty-five candidates had sent in applications, accompanied by testimonials, from whom the following four were selected, viz. Dr S. W. Duckworth Williams, assistant superintendent at the Nothamptonshire General Lunatic Asylum Dr Fairless, of the Old Royal Asylum, Montrose; J. Tregelles Kingston, Esq., of the North and East Riding Asylum, Yorkshire; and Francis Wilton, Esq., now assistant medical officer at Gloucester County Asylum. Mr Wilton, who had sent in very high testimonials, was the successful candidate, and was appointed at a salary of L300 per annum, with un- furnished appartments, coals, garden pooduce, and washing. AUERGWILLY FAIR,-This fair was held on Thursday (yesterday). There was a good attendance of buyers, and store cattle met a ready sale at remunerative prices. Two-year-old steers fetched from X7 to j611 10s each, and three-year-olds sold freely at from X12 to X14. There was a great demand for heifers in calf, which were eagerly purchased at from S7 to P,9 each; There was not a brisk sale for cows with calves, but a good many were disposed at from 110 to X12. There was a good attendance of butchers, and fat stock fetched from 6d to 8 JD per lb. CARMARTHEN POLICE CouRT.-At the Shire Hall, on Friday, before V. Davis, Esq., mayor, and J. Hughes, Esq. Thomas Davies, haulier, Lammas-street, was charged with drunkenness and disorderly conduct. Ser- geant James said: Last night about 12 o'clock, I was called to the Three Compasses Inn by the landlord, to turn the defendant out. I turned him out. He was very drunk, and he went home singing and making a great noise, and creating a disturbance. About half- past one he came down to the Plough public-house, and went in there. He came out a short time afterwards and made a great noise, singing and shouting. I then took him to the station house. He was very riotous. The police have been repeatedly called in to the assistance of his wife to protect her from ill-usage. He is very violent when drunk. The defendant was sent to prison for fourteen days.On Monday, before J. Hughes, Esq., and J. L Philipps, Esq.—Special con- stables were sworn in for the ensuing year.-Edwat-d Barry, an Irishman, was charged with drunkenness and riotous conduct and was fined 5s and costs, and in de- fault of immediate payment he was committed to the House of Correction for seven days.—The charge of as- sault preferred by Ann Hughes against George Davies was adjourned for a week.—The complaint of the over- seers of the parish of St. Peter against John Griffiths, for neglecting to maintain his wife, was withdrawn.-On Wednesday, before the Mayor, and J. Hughes, Esq. William Evans was fined 5s and costs for being drunk and riotous.—Robert James was charged by Mr John Morgan, cooper, Blue-stroet, with absconding from his service. Complainant stated that the defendant was his apprentice, under an indenture dated the 31st Dec. 1859, and had absconded from his service since the 5th of this month.—William Jones, police-constable, stated that he apprehended the prisoner, under a warrant, at Llanelly, on the previous day. He found him on board the William," in Llanelly Dock. The defendant, who promised to return to his employment, was dis- charged on payment of costs. CARMARTHEN PETTY SESSIONS.—These sessions were held at the Shire Hall, on Saturday last, before Capt. Davies, J. G. H. Philipps, Esq., and Grismond Philipps, Esq.—P.S. David James, of the Carmarthen Borough Police, charged Thomas Davies, of Bryncyme, Llan* gunnor, with being drunk and riotous near Carmarthen Bridge Gate, Llangunnor. Fined 5s and costs.—Eliza- beth Richards, Garllegan-fach, Mydrim, was fined Is and costs for allowing her cart to be used without her name thereon; and Joshua Davies, of Penygraig, Treleach-ar- Bettws, was fined Is and costs for a similar offence.— David Jones, of the Bridge End Inn, Llangunnor, grocer, was charged by Mr Owen Thomas, inspector of weights and measures, with having two defective weights in his possession. Fined 10s and costs.—Leah Richards prayed for surety of the peace against Walter Stephens, of Tyrgarn, Llanddarog. It appeared from the com- plainant's evidence, that she was, on Saturday, the 15th inst., in service at Tyrgarn, where the defendant was also in service, and was alone with him in the house, waiting her master and mistress home from Swansea, and about eleven o'clock at night he cursed and swore at her and threatened to strike her on the head with a chair she left the house and went to her parents, and was afraid to return until the defendant was bound over.—The defendant was bound over in jE5, and his father, Thomas Stephens, of Wern, Llanddarog, in j65, to keep the peace for six months.—The complaint of Margaret Walters, against William Rees, of Ponty- berem, blacksmith, for damaging her cart while out serenading, was compromised. LETTING or TOLLS.—A meeting of the Carmarthen- shire County Roads Board, for the purpose of letting the the several toll-gates and bars, within the Carmarthen, Three Commotts and the Llandovery districts, was held in the grand jury room, at the Shire hall, in Carmar- then, on Wednesday last. The members present were— Richard Jennings, Esq., of Gellydeg, (in the chair), Grismond Philipps, Esq., of Cwmgwilly, R. Goring Thomas, Esq., of the Ferry Side, and David Jones, Esq., of Durlwyn. Although the room was crowded, there were not so many bona fide bidders present as on former occasions. The Clerk put up the Carmarthen District at £2380, and no one would bid; the Three Commotts dis- trict was put up at £2480, and the Llandovery at £2000, with the like result. Tenders were then issued, and freely distributed, and only five persons returned them—Mr Alfred Russell Colman, of Merriott's gate, Somersetshire, having offered the largest sum for each lot, his tender was aci-epted, and the three districts wero let to him as follows :—Carmarthen district, £2405, being £135 less than it was let last year to Mr Percy the Three Commotts district at £2500, being JE40 less than it was let last year to Mr James Willing and the Llan- dovery district at £2070, being j6130 less than it was let last year to Mr Adam Williams making altogether a decrease of J6305 in the whole county as compared with last year and an increase of £ 145 over the letting of tho preceding year. ST. CLEARS.—ACCIDENT.—On Monday last, Mrs Priscilla Homes, of this place, in returning from Melet farm, in the parish of Laugharne, across some fields, her foot slipped, and she fell, fracturing her right leg near the ancle. She is attended by J. L. Thomas, Esq., surgeon, and is progressing favourably. LLANDILO.—RIFLE CORPS.—On Wednesday last the members of the 1st C. R. Volunteers were invited by their Captain to a dinner at the Cawdor Arms, Llandilo. About seventy sat down to the entertain- ment, which was the best that could be given. The loyal and usual toasts were given and responded to in a hearty manner, which characterises every assembly of Welshmen. When the Captain's health was proposed, it was received with intense enthusiasm, and the com- pany spent the whole evening as agreeably as possible, there being not a single drawback to their enjoyment. PETTY SESSIONS.—These sessions were held on Satur- day last, before William Peel, and J. W. M. G. Hughes, Esqrs. David Thomas, of Fairfach, Llandilo, was charged by P.C. Henry Hopkins, with being drunk and incapable. Defendant pleaded guilty. Fined 5s and costs.—David Jones, of the Cross Keys, Bettws, was charged by P.O. John Davies with keeping his house open on Sunday morning before half-past twelve. De- fendant admitted the offence. Fined 15s and costs. KIDWELLY.—This ancient place has one of the finoot cUuxch spires in the Principality. There was a clock placed there some eighty years ago, and kept time well until the year 1855, when it ceased to work through infirmity. No effort has since been made to get it restored until now, when Owen Bowen, Esq., unsoli- cited, supplied the tower with a very handsome clook- After consulting the Vicar and churchwardens, Mr Bowen instructed Mr Benson, of Ludgate Hill, London, to come down and see the place, make a clock, and place it in the church spire, which has been admirably carried out. There is once more in that fine old spire a clock manufactured for the place with two massive dial plates; one facing the west, so that passengers going by train can read the time; the other, facing the south, which is visible from a long distance. The clock strikes quarters on different bells, and the big bell," so called, strikes the hour. This gift of Mr Bowen is a great boon to the place, which the inhabitants fully appreciate. We hear that the Corporation are preparing for improve- ments, and we shall be most happy to see this old Corporation once more in a flourishing state. BETTWS.—On Tuesday last, a thanksgiving meeting was held at the above church. Prayers were read in the morning by the Rev. Mr Williams, St. Paul's, Llanelly, and the Rev. Mr Jones, rector ofLoughor, de- livered a very able sermon in English. In the evening the Rev. Mr Evans, vicar of Llandebie, read the prayers and the Ruv. Mr Williams, of Llanelly, and the Rector of Loughor, preached in Welsh. Both services were well attended. LLANDEBIE.—DEATH BY BURNING.—On the 20th inst., a distressing accident happened to a'l old woman, named Mary Rees, but generally known as "Marl Rees Owen," who has lived of late with her stepson, OweØ Owens, near Saron, Llandebie. It appears that on the day in question Owen Owens and his daughter went out, leaving deceased alone in the house, and on the daughter's return, which was not till late in the evening, she was horrified to find the poor old woman lying a per- fect heap of cinders across the hearth. She presented » most pitiable spectacle, one of her thumbs and a great many pieces of flesh being burnt completely off the bones. She must have suffered the greatest agony, as some ohildren had heard her groaning for hours, and although they gave an alarm it seems no notice was taken of it. There appears to be great blame on tho part of the persons residing with her, for leaving her so many hours alone, as she was upwards of 95 years of age, and scarcely able to move out of her chair. LLANELLY. — THE LLANELLY BRANCH OF the WESLEYAN MISSIONARY SOCIETY.—The annual meeting was held in thfc English Wesleyan Chapel, Hall Street, James Buckley, Esq., Penyfai, in the chair. The chapel was well filled by a respectable audience. Addresses were delivered by tho Chairman, the Revds W. R- Rogers, a returned missionary, and chairman of the dis- trict, T. Llewellyn, of Birkenhead, (the deputation from the Parent Society), and the Rev John Philp, of Carmar- then, the speeches being all appropriate and interesting- A collection was made at the close in aid of the missions. Sermons will be preached in the chapel on Sunday next, by the Rev. John Philp. NARROW ESCAPE OF THE LEOPARD STEAMER from FOUNDERING.—On Saturday evening last, as the Leo- pard steam trader from Bristol was crossing the Burry bar, a regular hurricane blowing and a high and heavy sea, running at the time, she was unable to proceed for some time, the Capt. (William Thomas) who was at the wheel, was thrown with great force, and was much injured on his side and chest. It was soon found that everything was all right, and they arrived in the neW dock without receiving mueh if any damage. The Capt. is now quite recovered. DR WILLIAMS'S SCHOLARSHIPS AGAIN.—The week before last we announced that Mr Edgar Williams passed a successful examination for one of the above prize scholarships this week we have to record that Mr Llewellyn D. Bevan, B.A., of New College, London, has successsfully passed a competitive examination In Latin, Greek, Mathematics, sacred, ancient and modern history, Whately, Paley, and Locke. Mr Bevan is the son of Mr Hopkin Bevan, of the Savings Bank, in thiS town. This examination was in Divinity only. POLICE.—On Thursday, the 20th inst., before C. Nevill, at the copper works. John Harries, of Cae- main, marine store dealer, was charged by Lewis Good- man, of Merthyr Tydfil, with having on the 20th inst., stolen from him a German silver watch of the value of 10s. The complainant declining to prosecute, the pri- soner was discharged.—The same defendant was again charged with being drunk and disorderly on the 20th inst., at Llanelly. He was bound over to keep the peace for three months, himself in £10, and two sureties in £10 each. PETTY SESSIONS. — These sessions were held at the Town hall, on Wednesday last, before Lieut. Col. Cowell Stepney, and J. H. Rees, Esq. David Evans, of Big111 farm, in the parish of Pembrey, was charged with being at an improper distance from his cart, whereby he had no control over his horses. He was fined 10s and costs- William Clement, and John Jenkins, colliers, of Falin- foel, were charged with being drunk and very disorderly at Velinfoel, on Saturday night last. Both defendants were find 5s each and costs. Frances Williams, daugh- ter of Benjamin Williams, green grocer, Prospect-place, was charged by Anne, wife of John Read, of the same place, with having on the loth inst., unlawfully and cruelly ill-treated a rabbit by cutting off its leg. The complaint was dismissed want of sufficient evi- dence.