The Welshman

CARDIGANSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. I i The last meeting of the Cardiganabire County Council,  as at present constituted, was held at the Town-hall, I Lampeter, on Thursday, the 21st ult., Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., chairman, presiding. There were also present: Sir Marteine Lloyd, Bart., Bronwydd; Mr J. 0. Harford, Falcondale Mr 0. M. Williams, Aberyst- wyth Mr E. Lima Jones, Aberayron; Mr E. Jones, Talybont; Mr J. James, Ffynonhowell, Llanrhystyd Mr Thomas Evans, Llangranog; Mr John Powell and Mr Thomas Morris, Troedyraur; Colonel J. R. Howell, Llandygwydd; Mr J. F. Morgan, Maesnewydd; Mr E. Davies, Gilfachronw; Dr Lloyd, Aberbank; Mr Evan Richards, Penwobfawr Mr Joseph Parry, Goginan Mr Edward Evans, Strata Florida Mr I Thomas Davies, Llangeitho; Mr David Davies, Llan- ddewi brefi Mr D. J. Williams, Tregaron; Mr David Jones, Penbryn Mr Peter Jones, Abervstwyth; Mr I William Evans, Llanfihangel Mr Benjamin Jones, Llanilan Mr Thomas Morgan, Yspytty Mr Robert Doaghton, Aberystwyth; Mr A. T. Joseph, Devil's Bridge; Mr E. H. James, Aberystwyth Mr William Davies, Llanwnen Mr James Stephens, Cardigan Mr Evan Morgan, Llantiantff raid; Mr Morgan Evans, Oakford; Mr Daniel Jenkins, Nantownlle; Mr James Evans, Llanarth; Mr Walter T. Davies, Felinfaoh; Mr John Jenkin Davies, Llanfair: Mr Jenkin Lewis, j Ciloennen also the clerk (Mr H. C. Fryer), the chief- constable, and other officials. The Demise of the Crown. The Chairman said no doubt they anticipated what the nature of the first proceedings at the meeting would be. He was going to ask them to pass a vote of condolence with the Royal Family of this country on the terrible Joss which they and the people had sustained by the death of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. With their permission, he would read what was intended to be forwarded: May it please your Majesty, we, the Cardiganshire County Council, desire most respectfully to express our participation in the profound and universal sorrow occasioned by the death of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, and our grateful sense of the many blessings whicn the nation had enjoyed during her long, and glorious, and beneficent reign. We are deeply sensible of the grevious loss which your Majesty, your illustrious Family, and the Empire have sustained, and we desire to tender to you and her Majesty Queen Alexandra an expression of our sincere sympathy and condolence. As Council of the Countv which is the seat of the oldest constituent college of the University of Wales, over which we hope your Majesty will lnng preside as chancellor, we feel especial pleasure in offering you our most dutiful congratulations on your accession to the Throne, and an assurance of our deep and loyal devotion to your person. We also wish to express the earnest hope that your reign may be as long, and peaceful, and as prosperous, and your rule as wiee and beneficent, as that of her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria, whose loss we are now so deeply mourning. We trust, too, we mav be permitted to assure you of the intense joy the appointment of his Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York as Prince of Wales would be hailed by the Principality." The Chairman then proceeded to speak of the world-wide respect shown for our late Sovereign, by rich and poor, high and low, and trusted that she was now in the safe keeping of the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, acd that her son, King Edward, might follow in her noble footsteps. They bad all been touched by the first promise made by the new King to the Empire that he would endeavour to copy the example set by his beloved mother. He sincerely hoped the Duke of Cornwall and York would be created Prince of Wales on his return from the Australian tour. He was pure the giving to it of a prince would be the greatest compliment that could be paid to the Princi- pality of Wales (hear, hear) Everyone, he concluded, wonld ioin with him in wishing "God save the King." The mem ber", at the request of the chairman, rose to their feet, and the motion was silently carried. Appointments. Councillors Major Price Lewis and E. Lima Jones, Mr Daniel Watkins, and Captain Sterry were re-ap- pointed conservatorr of the Avron Fishery District. The Rev. Llewellyn Edwards was unanimously re- appointed member of the court of the University of Wales. The Clerk stated that Mr Edwards would be quite willing to continue. He had attended very well during the last three years. The possible number of attendances was seven, and he bad made six (hear, hear). The next item was to appoint a member of the County Governing Body in the place of Mrs Annie James, who had left the county, and resigned. The Clerk—Bearing on that, I have a letter from Mrs Jessie Williams, who is a member of the County Governing Body, also resigning her membership on the Body, as liibe is going to leave Wales. She has taken a great deal of interest in secondary education generally. She is leaving Cardiganshire, and is changing ber skies to Canada. Therefore there will be two vacancies. The Council decided to adjourn the matter. The Bridge over the Dovey. The Clerk said that & resolution was submitted by the Merionethshire County Council with reference to the bridge over the Dovey, which was used by the Cambrian Railway. It had been, up to the present time, a swing- ing bridge, so as to let vessels through. There was a proposal on foot to convert it into a fixed bridge, and the resolution asked that certain persons should be ap- pointed as a deputation to take steps to prevent that. It was stated that one end of the bridge did not touch Cardiganshire, acd some members did not think there was any necessity to interfere. The Clerk said that Merioneth and Montgomery were moving in the matter. Mr Peter Jones said the bridge was within a few yards of the boundary of Cardiganshire. He thought they should interest themselves in the matter, and moved that they join with the other counties in opposing the substitution of a stationary bridge. This was eventually carried. Deferred. I A communication was received impressing upon the Council the desirability of converting the road from Penywch to Aberarth, distance about 7 miles, into ja main road. Mr 0. M. Williams-If that matter is opened the Council will have to consider the whole question of main roads throughout the County. I propose it be deferred till the next meeting. This was seconded and carried. Sheep Scab. The Clerk said that sheep scab was evidently troubling their neighbours as well as themselves. He had received a communication, from which it appeared that the counties of Worcester, Radnor, Salop, and a few others had formed a joint committee for the purpose of issuing regulations with regard to dipping, the regulations of the Board of Agriculture at present in force having failed to stamp out the disease. The Chairman thought they were all agreed some. thing should be done, and he invited the farmers on the Council to give their opinions. Mr Jones, Talybont, said he did not believe in the dipping, and other members agreed with him. Mr C. M. Williams suggested that the matter should be placed on the agenda for the next meeting, and this was carried. Ancient Monuments. The Clerk made reference to an Act for the pro- tection of ancient monuments, which gave county councils power to buv any such structures and protect them. If at any future time the Council wanted to purchase an old monument they might do so (laughter). Main Roads.-Southern Division.—" Road- making in the Past." The Chairman of the Main Roads Committee for the Soathern Division (Mr Thomas Evans) presented the report of the Committee, and formally moved its adoption. The Committee reported that at their meet- ing Councillor William Griffiths raised the question of the par of the roadmen, which he considered should not be uniform, but graduated according to the age, powers, and ability of the men. Complaints were aiso made that upon some of the roads indifferent workmen were employed, but no action was taken. No report was forthcoming from the sub-committee appointed to con- sider the questions of the care of the Aberayron County Hall and the remuneration of the hail-keeper. The surveyor presented his quarterly report, and it was resolved that the cutting down of the hill at Pantsod and other work specified be allowed at a cost not to exceed 940 that the clerk endeavour to ascertain the exact position of the Lampeter borough boundary by Troedyrhiw a vote of thanks to the retiring chairman (Mr Thomas Evans) for his able and courteous conduct in the chair during the past year was passed. The Surveyor (Mr David Davies) had supplemented his report with a very interesting paper on Road making in the past," from which we take the following: As it is now the end of the Century, it would perhaps be very interesting to give a few hints on the history of road-making. The early history of road-making in this and other countries is very obscure. The first roads were probably mere tracks, worn by the foot of man and beast. The first real road of which we have any record in this country before the days of the Roman Conquest was the great causeway through what is now known as Southwark. With the early Roman roads we are, perhaps, familiar. Constant traoes of their remains are found in various parts of our country, and the work in connection with them was carried out in a magnificent manner. With such an ex- ample of splendid roold engineering, we may well wonder bow it was that after the Romans left these shores the art of road-making seems to have been lost for so many centuries. After the Romans, history seems to be a blank on the whole subject for more than 1,000 years, and then it only refers to the disgraceful condition of the roads through- out the country. Even so late as the reign of Charles I I we find a proclamation issued in 1629 which speaks for itself as to the bad condition of the roads. No carrier or other person whatsoever shall travel any wain, oart, or with carriage with more than two wheels, nor with above the weight of twenty hundred, nor shall draw any wain, cart, or carriage with more than five horses at once.' We also find that so late as 1763 there was but one stage coach from Edinburgh to London, which started only once a month, and took from 12 to 14 days to peform the journey. In the year 1770 Arthur Young, who had made a tour in some parts of England, says of the turnpike road to Wigan, Let me caution all travellers who may propose to travel this terrible country to avoid it as they would the devil, for a thousand to one they break their necks or limbs by overthrows or breakings down. They will here meet with ruts which I actually measured 4 feet deep, and floating with mud only from a wet Summer what therefore must it be after a Winter F' The history of Iroad-making, therefore, is only a little more than 100 years old but then, what a marvellous history it is In 1770 we hear of a main turnpike road with ruts 4 feet deep, with probably very little tiaffio upon it, and then compare any of our main streets or roads in any of our large cities constructed and paved on modern lines. It is indeed a history brimful of advance and enterprise. I Who were the pioneers of this great stride in civilisation ? John Metcalf, Macadam, and Telford were the three great surveyors to whom Great Britain is in debt for their services in road making, &c. So far as I can learn I believe that John Medcalf was the first road engineer in this country who understood and practiced scientific road construction. He was born at Knares- borough in the year 1717, and became totally blind when about 25 years of age. Notwithstanding this terrible calamity, such was his energy and insight that his advice was sought far and near for the improvement of roads which he used to inspect by walking over them, and tapping the surface with a stick, alter which he could give advice as to what was to be done. To John Macadam we owe much. In 1815 he was appointed surveyor-general of the Bristol roads, where he had great scope for displaying his abilities. So enthusiastic was he in his profession that he spent several thousand pounds from his private means in carrying out various improvements, a sum which was afterwards refunded by Parliament in 1825, with a pre- mium of L2,000 for the great services he had rendered in the cause of better highway communication. In the year following Macadam's appointment at Bristol, the Carlisle and Glasgow Road Act was passed, and Telford commenced the construction of this,—the first metalled highway as we now know it. The best road machinery ever invented is the steam roller, and, like many another invention 4 was the result of evolution,' the first attempt of the kind having been made in Liver- pool in 1866, when a heavy horse roller was dragged along by an ordinary tractun engine. From this emanated a complete steam roller, which is now in use all over the world. More improvements will un- doubtedly be made this century again." The report of the Committee was appointed, and the Chairman complemented the Surveyor on his paper, which he said was very interest ng. He bad read it with great pleasure, and congratulated him upon it. I Main Roads.-Northern Division. I At the Northern Main Roads Committee, the Sur- veyor (Mr R. Lloyd) reported, among other matters: 11 1 have paid I have paid special attention to the pruning and trimming of the roadside hedges and trees, and I am glad to bear testimony to the willing and obedient con- duct of most of those to whom I have given notices, but I regret to say that a few have not yet complied with the instructions. It grieves me to inform you that I am afraid I shall have to summon some of the county magistrates for not complying with the notices sent them." The following resolutions were passed That the agreement made by Alderman James James and Councillor Evan Jones, on behalf of the Conncil, with Major J. H. P. Hughes, of Alltlwyd, for the widening of the road at the entrance to the village of Llanrhystyd be approved and confirmed and that the sum of £11 10s be paid for the erection by Major Hughes of the proposed wall in accordance with the plan. That having rfgard to the very small amount of traffic passing that way the Committee hesitates to 1 reoodamend the expenditure of L60 upon a temporary bridge at Bodooll, and instructs the surveyor to make arrangements for the passage of travellers on foot and horses by the old bridge during the erection of the new structure at the Devil's Bridge. Councillor Henry Bonsall again drew attention to the injury caused to the road by the water streaming down from the rail- way bridges near Bow Street and Llanbadarn, and the Clerk was directed to communicate on the subject again with the authorities of the Cambrian Railways, and to inform them that legal proceedings would be taken unless the matter complained of be remedied without delay. The report was adopted. I Finance Committee.-Lampeter's Claim for i Pavements. Councillor Daniel Jenkins presented the report of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer informed the Committee that the balance in his hands on the 31st of March, 1900, on account of the Police Pension Fund, amounted to E403 139 4d, and that in accordance with the Act this sum had been invested in India 21 per cent, stock. The Clerk informed the Committee that he had received the Local Government Board's sanction to the borrowing of the sum of j6200 for the expenditure npon the additions, &o., to the Lampeter Police Station, the amount to be repaid within a period of 30 years, and it was resolved that the sum of E200 be borrowed from the Police Pension Fund, and that it be repaid by annuity, or equal instalments of principal and interest combined within a period of 30 years, the interest being at the rate of 3 per cent. per annum. The question of what offer should be made to the Lampeter Town Council in respect of their expenditure upon pavements along the old main road in the borough, amounting to JS236 4?. 7jd, was discussed, and the Local Government Board wrot to say they considered that they ought to proceed to direct a local inquiry into the dispute unless the County Council were in a position to inform them that the difference was one which was likely shortly to be determined by agreement between the parties. A discussion ensued, and, as a claim for a considerable amount in respect of pavements was now also being made against the County Council by the Aberystwith Town Council, it was decided to inform the Local Government Board that the Council desired to receive the claims of all the urban authorities in the county before deciding what offer should be made to the Lampeter Town Council. The report was adopted. Technical Instruction. I The Technical Instruction Committee reported that the centres at which dairy schools should be held during the coming eummer were considersd, and it was suggested that they should be held at Blaenportb, Mid- Aeron, and Llanfair, should the farmers and residents in those districts desire it. A list of the centres at which horticultural courses had already been held was laid before the Committee, from which it appeared that in the year ended Maroh, 1900, three courses had been held, viz., at Mid-Aeron, Lampeter, and Tregaron, in the year now ending eight courses, viz., at Aberayron, Lampeter and Felinfaoh, Penllwyn, Chancery, Llan- dyssul, Llwyndafydd and Llangranog, Rhydlewis, and New Quay, and the Clerk informed the Committee that applications for courses had been received from four other districts, viz., Caewedros, Mydroilyn, Brongest and Maesllyn, and it was resolved that the arrangements proposed for holding these courses during the Spring j months be confirmed. It was also resolved that the sum of JE20 voted to the Cardiganshire branch of the Welsh Industries Association towards the expenses of the expert teacher of dyeing and weaving be paid. The report was adopted. The Protection of Wild Birds. The Committee appointed to consider the birds to which further protection should be extended in the County recommended that application be made to the Home Secretary for an order prohibiting the taking or killing of the following kinds between the 1st day of August in any year and February 31st in the next Bittern, buzzard, kite, kestrel, gull (except black-backed gull), heroo, wren, golden-crested wren, goldfinch, linnets, skylark, woodlarb, etonechat, chough, king- fisher, dipper or waterouzol, spoonbill, owls of all kinds, woodpecker, and bullfinch. Sir Marteine Lloyd said the kestrel was a most destructive bird, and considered it should be eliminated from the list. Mr J. C. Harford opposed this view. He thought a feeling prevailed of endeavouring to preserve the kestrel. They were not very numerous in the country now. There were other small birds that did a lot more harm. After further discussion the matter was deferred till the next meeting, II perhaps," remarking one member, the new council will be able to give us the Welsh names of these birds (laughter). Elections. Saturday, March 23rd, as being the most convenient day on the wh ile for the county, was fixed upon as the day for holding the poll for District and Parish Council elections. The Newcastle-Emlyn Lock-up. The Council were asked by the Clerk to fix their seal to an agreement with the Carmarthenshire County Council relative to the Newcastle-Emlyn lock-up. This county," said the Clerk, have always had a share in the use of the cells there. A new lease has been granted, and this is an agreement with Carmarthensbire which gives to this county the right, as long as the lease lasts, to use the cells there. and petty sessional room." It was stated that the matter had been well thrashed out, and the seal of the Council was ordered to be fixed to the agreement. Resignation of the Public Analyst. I The resignation of Dr H. Lloyd Snape, public analyst, upon his appointment as director of technical instruction under the Lancashire County Council, was received. The Chairman said they received the resignation with regret. They were all grateful to Dr Snape for the services he had rendered, and the very excellent manner in which he had carried out his work, and he congratu- lated him upon having received such an excellent appointment as he had secured in England. Dr Snape, in his letter, thanked the Council for all they had done in the past, and expressed his gratitude at the co-operation he had received from the police throughout the county. Mr Peter Jones endorsed the Chairman's remarks, and with reference to the appointment of a successor, sug- gested that full consideration should be given to it a tthe next meeting. This was carried. History of Police Work." I The Chairman thanked th6 Chief-Constable for his excellent history of police work in the county, past and present, which he had had printed in pamphlet form and distributed amongst the members ot the Counoil. It was most interesting and instructive, and afforded very pleasant reading. He congratulated tho Chief-Oonstable upon it (hear, hear). Notice of Motion. I The following notice of motion appeared on the agenda by Councillor David Jenkins That an additional polling place be appointed in Lledrod electoral division, to be situated at Swyddffynon." Mr Jenkins not being present, the motion was not dealt with. The Council then rose. I After the meeting, Mr Vaughan Davies, M. P., enter- tained the members and officials to an excellent luncheon at the Black Lion Rotel, as a close to his year of office as Chairman. On the termination of the repast, Dr Lloyd, Aber- bank, on behalf of the members, thanked Mr Vaughan Davies for his generosity, and proposed his health in most felicitous terms. Mr Vaughan Daviesjbriefiy replied.

I RUBBING EASES PAIN. By instinct the hand flies to the part hurt, but to eliminate Aches and Pains a safe stimulating medium or lubricant is necessary, and its physical condition should facilitate the process of rubbing. Such is ELLIMAN'5 EMBROCATION. Elliman's For Rheumatism, Lumbago, Elliman's Sprains, Bruises, Elliman:, Fresh Cuts, Elliman's „ Sore Throat from Cold, Ellimanl.s Cold at the Chest, Elliman's 9, Neuralgia from Cold, Elliman's „ Chilblains before Broken, Elliman's „ Corns when Painful, Elliman's 9, Cramp, Stiffness, Elliman's Soreness of the Limbs Elliman's after Cycling, Football, Elliman's Rowing, &c. Bottles, 8id., is. jid., 2S. od., 4s. Elliman, Sons & Co., Slough, England. f5431

"LINSEED COMPOUND" cures Coughs and Colds. Gives immediate relief. 9^. and 1^5id. Before Mr A. H. Jones, Mr C. H. L. Fitzwilliams, and Mr A. E. Jeremiah, at Newoastle-Emlyu, on Friday week, Inspector R g >rs brought on a case of religiouii theft, charging Eb&nezer Havard, of Tynewydd, Conwil, with stealing a Welsh (Hughes) commentary on the New Testament, valued at 35s., and a quantity of bed clothing, being the property of Evan Mathias, of Waen, Cilrhedyn. The goods were discovered under a search-warrant at Tynawydd, by Inspector Rogers and P.O. J. W. Johns, the prisoner being then in Glamorganshire, and was apprehended at Tonypfindy. The defence was that the goods were given him by Evan Mathias' wife, which was denied. The prisoner consented to be dealt with summarily, and fined £ 3, including costs, in default to be imprisoned for 14 davs. BOLLOWAYS PILLS AND OINTMENT effect wonderful cures of bad legs and old wounds. If these medicines be used according to the directions which are wrapped round each pot and box there is no wound, bad leg, or ulcerous sore, however obstinate, but will yield to their curative properties. Numbers of persons who had been patients ia the large hospitals without deriving benefit, have been cured bv Holloway's Ointment and Pills, when other remedies had signally failed. For glandular swellings, tumours, scurvy and diseases of the skin there is no medicine that can be used with so good an effect, and though the cure is rapid, it is also oomplete and permanent. CARDIGANSHIRE ASSIZES.—The winter assizes for the county of Cardigan were opened at the Town-hall, Lampeter, on Monday morning, before Mr. Justice Bruce. There were no criminal ca?e8, and his lordship was presented with a pair of white gloves. The case of John Williams and David Williams v. David Griffiths, was an action brought by the executors cf the late Mrs. Griffiths, of Joppa, Llanrhystyd, to revoke a will made at the instance of the deceased's second husband.— Judgement was given in favour of plaintiffti. -Thomas Jones, Cwrtnewydd, Llanwenog, auctioneer, claimed jE112 from James Parry Owen, Ffynonlefrith, Llan- dissilio, alleged to be due on a promissory note.- Judgement was given for plaintiff for the amount claimed, with costs. rhe high-sheriff (Dr. Garrod Thomas) entertained the grand jndge, members of the bar, &o., at a luncheon prepared at the Black Lion Hotel. On Tuesday was heard an action brought by Dr. Beddoes, of Aberystwith, against the Rev. John Pugh Morgan, a clergyman in Radnorshire, for alleged breaohes of covenants of a leasee executed in respect of a house at North-parade. Aberystwith. The chief breach of covenant, plaintiff alleged, was that a drain, which was in existence when the lease was executed, had been afterwards demolished, and a new drain con- etructed under the house plaintiff occup;ed.-The case was adjourned to Carmarthen for argument by council and judgment.

OLD CASTLE TEA ABsweomvPuRE 1/10, 2/ 2/2 per lb. of all Grocers. II Electro Silver Tea Service FREE.

WHITLAND MALE VOICE PARTY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE "WELSHMAN." SIR,—Hurrah! "Wil" has been beaten. Whitland Party won at Laugbarce Eisteddfod, in epite of Wil's earnest prayer that they might lose, and in spite of our champion baritone's absence. The party deteriorating, eh? Funny way of doing so, is it not? Now, Mr Editor, your readers can judge for them- selves the value of Wil*Li aslerl ions. In fact, they are devoid of all truth, and are the outcome of bad feeling and ignorance. He tried to slander the party, but the boys have shown what they are and if Wil wants to be esteemed at Whit'and in future, let him act the man, and publicly apologise for making such a base and unfounded statement. (t Wil" again shows his ignorance by stating that he (the cheerful and benign character baritone) was a member of the party when he won last summer. He was not a member then. No, Wil" bach, I am cot able to do tho double C. Try again, you have a very strong power of imagination. I am not afraid to tell the truth, and have proved that my last letter was the essence of truth, by the party's success and by Wil's acknowledgment that he is not a member of the party. "Wil & Co's" conduct in making such slanderous and truthless statements have been rightly condemned throughout Whitland, and to think that this man can stand up and exhort people to follow the Master— Well, to say the least, he has got plenty of cool cheek. Having proved that the party are better than ever they were, I will coLclude by thanking you, Mr Editor, for your kindness. I remain, (Still) WILLIAM BACH. Whitlacd, February, 1901. (Still) WILLIAM BACn.

WHITLAND RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. TO THE EDITOB OF THE "WELSHMAN. SIR, --A few weeks ago, you criticised the actions of the Whitland District Council with regard to the appointment of a sanitary inspeotor and their muddling over a water scheme for Whitland. It would appear from the letters you have since published from the defenders of the Council that such criticism is highly improper, and is only indulged in by by Hooligans and Yahoos. Your correspondents may, however, rest aseured that, even at the risk of being call d Hooligans, etc., the electors of the district will still look to the public press to ventilate grievances, and will themselves exercise their undoubted right to criticise the proceedings of any public body. Vulgar epithets and threats of violence are the usual weapons of a bad cause. That complaints against the Council have been well founded is sufficiently shown by the attitude of the Local Government Board, who have reversed the decision of the Council in the matter of a special rate, and have called for the qualifications of the proposed sanitary inspector. Mr Davies should endeavour to muzzle his friend "Health," instead of the critics. If, as ''Health" suggests, the wells are contaminated with excre- mentions, animal joices, and slops in general," the Council have been guilty of disgraceful weakness in not providing a proper watfr supply. And if Mr Davies and fellow-councillors are not judges of pumps," it was all the more necscarj that they should secure a sanitary inspector who is, rather than a young man of brilliant moral character and great possibilities." The CouncU should understand that the ratepayers expect them to secure the best value for money, and that is not d- ne by engaging persons who may become competent, when qualified men may be obtained for the same salary. In view of the coming election, Mr Davies' answers to the following questions weuld te interesting:- 1. Has the Whitland water been condemned on analysis? 2. Did the Council consult their medical officer or any expert authority as to the qualifications required by- a sanitary inspector ? 3. Are future appointments, say, for example, medical officcr of health, to be filled irrespective of qualifi- cations ? 4. Have the C, uncil decided to continue separate highway accounts after being informed by the County Council that such Accounts are illegal ? 5. Was there a scandal with regard to the filling np of a quarry? And, if so, what steps were taken to prevent similar occurrences ? 6 Why do the Council pass resolutions and not carry them out ? I will conclude by observing that it is now genuraUy known that Latin quotations may be culled from the end of Nuttall's and other dictionaries therefore, those who use them must not be surprised if they are credited with obtaining them from that source. Yours, etc I Whitland, 22nd February. G itolqw.

I TO THE EDITOR OF THE WELSHMAN." Sm,II Billy Bray" has appeared before the publ,41 in the form of a donkey, believing that the multitudes will follow him even to perdition, attracted by the music of his braying. His incongruous medley of catechisms betray spleen and jealousy, and his attempts at law reading proves that he is well versed in the amenities of stupidity and ignorance. Mr Rees Davies, surveyor, or the Council have not committed any irregularities prejudicial to the interests of the public on "gutter," "bridge," or waste" questions. No encroachments permitted, only encroachments upon the time of the Council by Billy Bray and his braying fraternity. To suggest the sinking of more wells is ridiculously absurd until the liquid of the existing ones has been submitted to analytical tests. Let us hope that Billy Bray may succeed as a well sinker. He has failed to receive emolument for the labours of his head as the absence of thinkirg lines on his face proves. We wish him prosperity and posterity. The roads are in excellent oondition-thanks to the diligence and ability of the Survejor-and the County Council may devote their energies to eolve the rabies question. We strongly advise Billy Bray to employ his life of leisure more judiciously, and exhaust his time in quest of personal adornment. The unsanitary state of his premises is an outrage upon decency and laws of health. Less braying, more cleaning! Utter- ing slanderous statements, and employing the shafts of ridicule, are the occupations of the Father of Lies. We are determined to explode this vicious cl que, and throw their poisonous darts back into their faces. Yours &c., KEEN AND PENETRATIVE. [The long letter cn this subject, signed G. G. W. reached us rather late, and must stand over till next week.—ED ]

BOARDS OF GUARDIANS. -THEIR OFFICIALS AND THEIR CONSTITUENTS. I TO THE EDITOR OF THE WELSHMAN SIR,- We hear some very odd things from America from time to time. At first, Edison startled us; but now he is nobody compared with M. Tesla, the electrician, who is going to communicate with the planet Mtirs-35,000,000 miles distant. I fancy he may succeed —and for this reason (sic), the said planet has possibly lost its orbit-aye, the solar system itself is about to collapse through the temerity—the blasphemous temerity -of this little creature called Man, who, forsooth, has the appalling audacity to have a sly peep into the sanctum sanctorum of Britidh officialism. When the said BGards want victuals for the poor people-inmatfs of the Uniors-it is got by tenders, but when any official is wanted, is it so ? No, though it may be almost a sinecure office. Indeed, lately, a rich official had his salary advanced on the plea that the price of coal had gone up, and that, consequently, the expense of keeping his" offiuhl ifre" had increased. Did the members of that particular Board at the time take under their consideration whether some of the rate- payers-aye, even farmers-bad enough fuel to cook their children's breakfasts before going to school without going out in search of a few..faggots from the fields. Is such a piece of legislation j worthy of the glorious British constitutions ? If the British Parliament advance the salaries of the Lord Chief Justice of England, the Attorney-General, or any of those eatellites, probably they would have to consult their constituents. But our local Parliaments arrogate to themselves the power to dispense with such ceremonies, and in the amplitude of their wisdom, practically deprive their constituents of thinking for themselves. Officials, to us you scrape and bow, An' we G. will get it you, anyhow, For we are the Jupiters. Men of England, wherefore plough, For the lords who lay you low ? Wherefore weave, with toil and care, The rich robes your tyrants wear ? Wherefore Bees of England forge Many a weapon, chain, and scourge, That these sticgless drones may spoil The forced produce of your soil ? c. < The seed ye sow, another reaps, The wealth ye find, another keeps; The robes ye weave, another wears, The arms ye forge, another bears. Speaking of guardianE— Is the Lord Chancellor The guardian and official protector Of His Majesty's people Who may be legally oppressed, helpless 6nd feeble ? For we have it on the authority of the pi eon, That I.L.S. is humbugging and tireless, So that lawyers think they have immunity To do as they like with impunity. Incorporated Law Society. Tours, etc., Pontyberem. UFBN EVE.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. In the House of Commons, on the 20th nit., the debate on the address was resumed by Mr Tully, who made an amusing speech on the drinking habits of the Scotch. Prospects of Temperance Legislation. Mr Tully brought himself several times into conflict with the Speaker, who warned him against irrelevancy and repitition. Mr T. W. Russell rebuked Mr Tully for treating one of the most serious questions of the day in a spirit of levity. He did not want a Handy Andy posturing for the amusement and contempt of English members. A shout of "Order" immediately arose. Mr Russell stated that he had been referring not to the hon. member, but to the tons of the debate, which was more worthy of Samuel Lover's novels than of the House of Commons. He proceeded to argue that there was an ample margin short of the impossible for moder- ate and reasonable legislation by the Government. Mr Caine indicated points on which the two sections of the Royal Commission were quite unanimous, and which would be accepted by all moderate men as a reasonable basis of legislation. The Home Secretary said there were some misconceptions. A deputation recently waited upon him, and asked him to introduce a large and comprehensive measure of licensing reform based on the Majority Report. He had been most unwilling to encourage the deputation in the belief that he would attempt to settle the large questions involved in the Majority Report; but that answer was not meant to exclude the Government from dealing with many of the important points on which the two sections of the Com- mission were agreed. Compensation was not at present proposed, but without it there was not the smallest chance of the public being induced to sanction the extinction of licences if the scheme which the Govern* ment had proposed in 1888 had been accepted, there would have been millions of money available for com- pensation in the hands of the holders of licensing authority. He reserved to himself the explanation of the Bill when he introduced it. But it would deal with habitual drunkards, with the back-door service of drink, and many ether points. It would not be coffined to a mere chucking out proposal. Sir H. Campbell- Bannerman said he had always favoured giving the control of licensing to the inhabitants of the district. He did not think that a settlement on that principle would be difficult to achieve. The Home Secretary had confined the measure to the cne question of dealing with drunkenness on the premises, and that could not be accepted as at all satisfactory. After some further discussion, the House divided, and the amendment was rejected by 273 to 146. In the House of Lords, on the 21st February, there was some discussion on the subject of soldiers and others invalided home from South Africa. Welsh Hospital in South Africa. I In the House of Commons, on the same day, Mr Brynmor Jones (Swansea District) asked the Secretary of State for War whether Lord Roberts expressed a wish that the Welsh Military Hospital in South Africa should be maintained there for three months longer than the term fixed for its continuance, and that the executive committee of the hospital agreed to maintain it for a further period of three months; whether Lord Lansdowne on the 5th of November, 1900, accepted the offer of the committee; and whether the hospital was broken up or disbanded on the 15th of November, 1900; and, if so, why ? Lord Stanley, who answered the question, said—The reply to the first two paragraphs is in the affirmative. As regards the third paragraph, the hospital was absorbed in No. 2 General Hospital on Nov. 15 for con- venience of administration. Mr Brynmor Jones—Arising of that answer, I should like to ask whether adsorption means that the staff of the hospital were continued on at the same terms as before, and whether it is to be understood tout the fnnds collected are being applied to a hospital absorbed in the ordinary hospital? Lord Stanley said he must have notice of those questions. A Pembroke-Dock Man Pensioned. Mr William Jones (Carnarvon, Arfon), for Mr Llojd Morgan (R., Carmarthen, W ), asked the Financial Secretary to the War Office whether his attention had been called to the case of Thomas Reynolds, a fireman, belonging to his Majesty's Naval Reserve, who in August or September of 1899 left Pembroke-Dock in charge of tims-expired men, and was stabbed by one of them in the eye, and, in consequence, lost his eyesight, and whether, seeing that Reynolds was discharged with- out a pension or compensation and left destitute, and in view of all the circatnstanc68 of the case, he had any power to grant him any compensation or allowance, and, if so, whether he would exercise such power. Lord Stanley—Yes, air; Reynolds has been granted Is. a day for life. There was some conversation in the House of Lords on the 21st ult., as to the steps which the Government intend to take with reference to a recommendation— contained in the report of the South African Hospitals Commission—that a departmental or other committee of experts be appointed, to inquire into and report on the steps needed to effect certain reforms in the Army Medical Department. Lord Lansdowne informed their Lordships that it was the intention of the Secretary for War to have recourse to the best expert advice which could be got. In the House of Commons Lord George Hamilton, in answer to four questions as to Count von Waldersee's projected expedition into the interior of China, statfd that the Government bad asked for further information as to scope and purpose. Sir J. Gorst announced, in answer-to Mr Kenyon, that until the final julgan-nt had been give in the case of The Queen v, Cockor- ton," in reference to the illegality of the School Board payments for science and art classes, the status quo would be maintained. The Government wou d wait to see what the final judgment was before thev decided what action they would take. Mr Chamberlain, reply- ing to Mr Tully, stated that Sir A. Milner's salary as administrator of the Trausvaal and Orange River Colonv was XS,000 and as High Commissioner of South Africa, L3,000, The two speeches in which Mr. T. W. Rue-ell seconded an amendment to the address, advooating the introduction of Compulsory Land Purohase in Ireland pre-euted, both in style and matter, the greatest possible contrast. Mr. Redmond's was a calm and closely- reasontd oration, in which there was not a thrill of emotion or passion. Mr, Russell's was a torrent of deolamation, such as might have been addressed to an audience of peasants on an Irish hillside. He denounced the administration of the Irish Land Laws and the rapacity of the landlords. He added, there was now a new Ireland to deal with Ireland was unanimous and would remain unanimous. By Compulsory Purchase, they would buy out the fee simple of Irish disaffection, they would buy ont the Irish trouble. The remark was met with dissenting criea of Ob, oh," and Mr Dillon exclaimed, No, not at all." Yes," replied Mr Russell, with the warmtb of a confirmed anti-Home Ruler 11 we shall buy out the Irish trouble. Ulster is waiting for what the Government is g>iag to say. I know they will say that they must carry the address, but this movement will live." Mr. Balfour gave the reasons briefly why the Government could not enter upon a great chimerical scheme of Compulsory Purchase which would cost a hundred and twenty millions sterling. He admitted that for onoe Ireland was agreed, and that righteousness and peace had kissed each oth^r in the persons of the mover and seconder, de defended the administration of the Land Acts, and mentioned that about two and-a half millions of acres had been already transferred from the owners to the oocupiers. But the Government would be lunatics at large if they made themselves creditors of the Irish tenants to the amount of one hundred and twenty mllions, with the possibility of finding, at some future day, the Irish LEaders for- bidden the tenants to pay their instalments. Mr. Wyndham, rising after dincer hour, admitted, amid much Irish cheering, that the Land Act of 1881 was a great evil, and bad paralysed the chief industry of Ireland. The Land Commission had cost two millions of money, and of that amount a million and a half might be credited tc fixing fair rents. He next replied elaborately to the charges brought by Ma: Russell against the administration of the Land Act. Many of the charges, he said, were not supported by evidence, and could be,only properly called scandal and the remark was loudly cheered by the Ministerialists. Sir H. Campbell Bannerman supported the amendment, and, amidst loud opposition cheers, declared that the House could not disregard this demand put forward by ninety. five ptr cent, of the Irish people. Mr. T. W. Russell moved the closure, which was carried by 251 votes to 132. A second division was taken, when Mr. J. Redmond's amendment was rejected by 235 votes to 140. In answer to Mr D. A Thomas (Merthyr Boroughs), in reference to a new coinage, the Chancellor of the Exchequer said—It does not rest with the Master of the Mint to decide what the quarteringa of the Royal Arms should be. His duty is only to consider whether they should be represented on the coinage. Unless they were altered, of course, they would be represented if at all, in their piesent form. Before any new coinage issued, the question whether any alteration of the present designs is advisable will be fully considered, including the point mentioned by the hon. member. In the House of L"rd a on Friday, Lord Braye had on the notice paper a qustion addressed to the Prime Minister, asking whether bo could hold out hope th-it the Government would bring in a Bill to abolish the oath imposed as obligatory on the Sovereign, in which 11 Almighty God was invoked to bear witness that doctrines which the Roman Catholic Church holds as lawful and sacred, and aleo as vital and fundamental, were false Lord Salisbury said they all deplored the language in which the declaration was coucted, and he very much wished that it could be otherwise expressed but when it came to altering an enactment which had now lasted, without serious question, for 200 years, and which was originslly included in the Bill of Rights, it was a matter that could not be done without very considerable thought. His Lordship pointed out that it would lead to great discussion, not, perhaps, in that House, but in the House of Commons, and he had seen that the Leader ot that H.use had stated that, for the present year, he did not see any possibility of his having the requisite opportunity of bringing the question forward. Lord Herries said that before tho end of the session he would again bring the matter before the House. On the same day, in the House of Commons, Mr Balfour, replying to Mr Healy, said that the declaration made by the King against trans-substantiation was required by the Bill of Rights, which was still in force, and could not be repealed by the Statute Law Revision Act. Mr Herbert Gladstone moved for a new writ for electing a member for Maidstone, instead of Mr John Barker, whose election had been declared void. Mr Caine moved, as an amendment, that no writ should be issued until the House had the printed evidence. Mr Asquith supported the motion, and Sir H. Campbell- Bannerman the amendment. Mr Balfour thought the writ should be issued, but several of his followers dis- agreed. The amendment was rejected by 224 to 157, and Mr Gladstone's motion was agreed to. The debate on the address was resumed by Mr W. O'Brien, who moved an amendment condemning the attacks at present directed by the executive in Ireland against the rights of free speech and combina- tion, and claiming that the legislation protecting the Trades Union in the exercise of their rights of combina- tion against capital and non-Union labour should be extended to all agricultural associations of a similar character. He attacked the castle, the judges, the land-grabbers, the packing of juries, and the manu- facture of bogus charges. He said the League represented 500,000 farmers and labourers in Ireland. The Attorney-General for Ireland denied that there was any analogy between Trades Unions and the League, and insisted that there had not been a single prosecution except for intimidation and boycotting. When he made a certain statement as to the withdrawal of men from juries, an hon. member called out, "It's a d-d lie." Order, order," at once exclaimed the Speaker; If I knew who had used that expression I would take very severe measure towards him." Mr W. Johnston said it was Mr Bryn Roberts, and Mr Roberts replied, Please name the ruffian who says that." The 1 Speaker reprimanded them both, and they both apologised to the chair, and the Attorney-General for Ireland resumed and concluded his speech. I Mr Wyndham said that the Trades Union Act laid down that any member of a Union interfering with another person in the exercise of a lawful calling was liable to fine and imprisonment. In short, if the sup- porters of Mr W. O'Brien's amendment had read the Act the former would not have been moved. Mr Healy followed in support of the amendment, and the House divided, the amendment being rejected by 203 to 109. The debate was again adjourned. Board Schools and Middle Class Education. In the Lords on Monday, Rord Reay asked the Lord President of the Council whether the Board of Education contemplated any administrative and legislative measures on the questions raised by the judgment delivered in in Regina v. Cockerton. The Duke of Devon- shire said it was desirable that the appeal by the London School Board against that judgment should be decided by the Court of Appeal, and possibly by the House of Lords; that the Board of Education could not introduce legislation to render litigation unnecessary, as a subject affecting the powers and duties of the School Boards ought to be decided by the highest tribunal in the land but no disturbance of the present state of things would take place until the Appeal had been heard. In the course of his remarks, the Duke indicated that until Parliament had decided upon the Secondary Education Bill of the Government, it was highly in- expedient either to encourage or promise. the School rr" rmn—M-i-n-rw-TT ■ ■ IWII ill « 11 irTTTTmrrr—wiw—1 < 1M1 MiBili Board that they would be permitted to make further advance in the provision of a type of education which 1 was not contemplated when School Boards were I established. Earl Spencer briefly protested against this view. Mr. Bryn Roberts Active. I In the House of Commons on Monday, Mr Brodrick was questioned about the pay of the Maggersfontein prisoners, when the troops in South Africa had been paid, the progress made with obtaining rifle ranges, the destruction of Boers' houses in Ventersburg, the camps provided for Boers, and many other matters. One question by Mr Bryn Roberts was put in order to ascertain which were the two Colonial corps that had been guilty of insubordination but the Secretary of War declined to name them, his refusal leading to several heated interruptions by the hon. member. Mr Brodrick said that it was a cruel thing to make public an incident which all regretted, and which, in the an incident which all reg, language of Lord Kitchener, brilliant services in the field had since entirely obliterated. A volley of sym- pathetic cheers rose from the Ministerial benches. Mr j Bryn Roberts then asked what was the cause of the ( insubordination. Mr Brodrick replied that it was a mistake in regard to the discharge of the corps, which had been fully explained, and further reference to it was most unjust. Rising amid Radical and Nationalist cheers, Mr Roberts asked what was the period of service. I do not know, because I have not asked for the name of the corps." The hon. member had brought the accusation against another corps which was named, and brought it without any justification. This incident I then terminated amid Ministerial cheering. The debate on the Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne was resumed by Mr Gibson Bowles, who had on the paper an amendment in favour of suspending the construction of two docks at Gibraltar until an inquiry had been made regarding them. Mr Balfour said the Government had resolved to inquire into the matter, and he invited Mr Gibson Bowles to give them his invaluable assistance. After some discussion, the subject dropped. Surrender of Troops in South Africa. Mr Lambert then moved an amendment calling for the publication, as early as practicable, of the pro- ceedings of the full inquiries into the circumstances that have occasioned the surrender of considerable bodies of troops in South Africa. This amendment led to a lively discussion, in the early part of which Sir William Harcourt called upon the Government to give a categorical statement of what they intended to do in reference to the full inquiry which they had promised. Mr Brodrick said that Courts of Inquiry had been held in all cases where it had been possible to hold them. There had been twenty such courts with reference to twenty different operations, and in a large number of cases officers had been made unaccountable. Where- ever a Court of Inquiry showed a prima facie case against an officer, he would be tried by court-martial, which was a public court, and would give publicity to the case. But in delicate questions coming before Courts of Inquiry, where the conduct of officers was brought under review, he was not sure that it would be wise to subject them to re-trial at the bar of public opinion. Sir H. Campbell-Bannerman professed great dissatisfaction with the answer that an inquiry would be granted "if asked for," and he insisted that an explicit promise of a full inquiry had been spontaneously given by the Government. Mr Balfour repeated Mr Brodrick's statement, and on being questioned by Sir W. Harcourt whether all cases of surrender would be dealt with by court-martial, answered in the affirmative. A later question, however, brought out that it was only future surrenders and not past surrenders that were to go to courts-martial, which produced derisive protests from the Opposition. Sir C. Dilke ejaculated across the floor that Mr Wyndham had made a specific promise, to which Mr Balfour replied that a public pledge would, of course, be redeemed. "Your promise was a voluntary one," exclaimed Sir Charles Dilke. Mr Asquith advised Mr Lambert to be satisfied with Mr Brodrick's statement, and not to divide the House. The amendment was accordingly withdrawn. In the House of Lords on Tuesday, Lord Averbury moved for a select committee to report on the hours of labour in shops, with a view to diminish them. Lord Salisbury, on the part of the Government, con- sented to the appointment of such a committee, though he did not seem hopeful of results. Questions by Welsh Members. In the House of Commons on Tuesday, Mr Herbert Roberts (Denbighshire, W.) asked whether the Post- master-General was aware that inconvenience was frequently caused in Wales by the appointment of post- masters not able to speak Welsh in districts where a large proportion of the inhabitants transacted their business in Welsh, and whether it was the practice when making such appointments to issue the advertisement in such a form as to ascertain the qualifications of the candidates upon this point. Mr Austen Chamberlain It is the practice of the de- partment when making appointments to postmasterships at places where a knowledge of Welsh is necessary to ascertain that, the candidate whom it is proposed to appoint possesses such a knowledge. Mr Herbert Roberts (R., Denbighshire, W.) gave notice that that day four weeks he would call attention to the conditions of the tenure of agricultural land in Wales, and to move resolution. Mr Afred Davies (R., Carmarthen Boroughs) asked the Secretary for the Colonies if he would lay upon the table of the House all the communications that had passed since the annexation of the Transvaal Republic between himself and Mr Rhodes or other persons in respect to the claim of the Transvaal Government with reference to the Jameson Raid, and also the ground of any set-off which could prevent the British Government enforcing its claim. Mr Chamberlain—No communication has passed on the subject since its annexation. Mr Dillon resumed the debate of the address, protest- ing the barbarity of carrying off women and children prisoners in the late war. Mr Channing supported him, and Mr Brodrick replied. Mr Keir Hardie advocated an armistice in order to arrange terms of settlement. Mr Dillon moved an amendment, which was lost by a majority of 109. Mr Balfour then moved that the main question of the address be put, and this was carried by a large majority.