Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
7 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
----ABERYSTWYTH
ABERYSTWYTH BOARD OF GUARDIANS, Monday, October I 5th. Present: Mr. Edwin Morris, Aberystwyth, presiding; Mrs. Morgan, Penll wyn; Mrs. E. H. James, Mrs. Captain Doughton, Mrs. J. T. Da vies4, Messrs. AV. Thomas, B. E. Morgan, E.. Llewellin, .1. n. Griffiths. Aberystwyth; D. Bonner, Llanaian; John Roberts, TTchayndre; Thomas Jenkins, Llanfi- hangel Lower; R-. L. Thomas, Tirmyn- ach; J. L. Powell, Cwmrheidol; David Lewis, Llanrhystyd: David James, Pen-I llwyn; J. Bunco Morgan, Glanfread; Messrs. Owen Morgan, assistant clerk William Lloyd, master; and the reliev- ing officers. The War The following resolution passed by the Ponte-tract Guardians on the motion of Mr. Herbert Smith, C.C., president of the Yorkshire Miners Asso- ciation, was submitted :—That in the opinion of tlii-s meeting the Government of this country ought to at once make, ade- quate provision for all persons who are injured whilst doing service for the country in this war and in case of doast.ii for their dependents; and further recom- mend that the money required for this purpose should be raised by a special in- come tax to be levied on all incomes ex- ceeding 30s. per week.Alr. William Thomas: We know that the Government is doing all it can and its hands are full. No Government in the case of war has ever been so active. I am sure that the Government will do all that can be done in all directions.—The Chairman said the matter was so important that it could not be discussed without notice of motion On the proposition of Mrs. James, seconded by Mrs. Captain Doughton, the resolution was left on the table. Obituary.-nw Master reported the death at the Workhouse on October 1st of Thomas William Oliver, a native of Aber- ystwyth. TOWN COUNCIL, Tuesday, October 6th — Present: Alderman 1). C. Roberts, mayor, presiding; Alderman C)1 Williams and Cap l. Dough ton; Councillors Daniel Thomas T. J." Samuel, E. P. Wynne, John Evans, Professor Edwards, K. L'ewellin, J. Barclay Jenkins, Ednfin Morris, and David Davies; Messrs. John Evans, deputy town clerk; R. M. Bryden, borough accountant; Rees Jones, borough surveyor; and James Evans, sanitaiv inspector BILLETING OF RECRUITS. The- abstract of letters on the agenda stated that on September 14th the Local Government Board sent an abstract of the speech of the Prime Minister in which reference w::s made to difficulty recently experienced in finding accomro xlntion and suitable catering provision for recruits. Letters dated September 16th and 20th were also received from Colonel Sir John ¡ Barns! oy relating to the billeting at Ali0r- ystwyth of 1,000 men of the Birmingham "Citv Battalion. The said so far the Birmingham Battalion had not obtained permission of the War Office to go to Aberystwyth; but the tiling was not final, and he suggested that the matter should be considered in -committee at the end of the meeting. Mr. Llewellin said if it was considered in Committee the public would not know what the C ouncil was doing. He had been told while in that tocm of the existence of rutnoura in the town that the Battalion was not coming through tle t'iilllt of the I' Council in not answering lectors promptly. That was not the fact. Another rumour .was to ti), effect that the ivas flCt coming berause the College authorities objected. TTnit also wa3 not true. As he knew from Mr. Evans. the deputy elerk, every -top had been taken by the Ccuftcil that could be *'lk.. the reason the Battalion was pot conung was not owing to any fault of the Council, but because the War Office hnd net con- sent. It ha\ ing been decided to read the cor- respondence relating to the matter, the Deputy Clerk ¡;:lid that on P-ftntenib^r 16th Sir John Barnsley wrote., The letter was addressed to the District Council, and there was ;1. little delay in reaching T-. Sir John if Aberystwyth r-(itil(I billot 1,000 of the Birmingham City Battalion at 2s. 9d. pef dnv, saving that be thought the lod<zing-houce keepers wonkl like it ?o" the off-season. Ho immediately replied saving there would be a meeting of the Works Comnrttoe on the fenowmo; even- ing, and on Satnrdav morning, tile 10th. he wired that the Council- would lender every assistance and that was plenty of good rt"com:n-odation. He followed that, up hv;1. letter co"Rratine the telenrram and amplifying it. On Sopteirihor 20th he re- ceived a letter f; nm Sir John Bfvnalcy' saying that he was pnttjrjg the matter be- fore the mil'tary euihoHlies and would write in a few days He (the Deputy Clerk) wrote to Mr AVill-pmson, of the Cambrian Railways, asking h;rn to suTwert the action of the Cbuncil, and Mr. AVilliamson wrote saying that ho had instructed the tym- pany's Birmingham çfit call en John Barnsley and do ovcytirn^ possible y to secure the <??a>taTion for Aherystwvth. On the 24th the Town Clerk Hugb«>s^ wrote to the AW>r Office r-dline att^ntin" to the facilities offered bv A heJ"yt.w-th Yid the neighbourhood, spying there w:i. lo lg ng house aceommodatic'i in the to-.vji for. at least 15,000. and T>olntinrr out the advan- tages of tlie di-strv-t for brigade and divi- sional camps. On the 1st Oct.-b- Mr. Hughes also wrote to Gene-al MeKinnon Tirg'iig him to do wha he con hi and when the letter v as sent t.) the War a copy,v- sent to Mr. A a^.char Divies. wif1 a reouest to suvpeit the anphcation and see that it tcached the right <jna.rteys. In addition to tnat the Cenn-' iJ ^e.nt comes of Mr. Hu'ches's letter to the War Office and Mr. Williamson's circular to al! com- mands at Sh"c.wsbniv. Lichfield, York, Brecon, Cardiff, and Chester. Having re- ceived no rep. he wrote to Sir John Barnsley on the 29th, who replied that he had: asked for permission to send the Bat- talion to Abervstwvth. but so far the authorities had refused to allow them to doso. He was v yry isorsry. He. -Itli a Deputy Clerk) saw Dr. Stephenson, who suceeded I the Rev. War burr on Lewis at Aberystwyth, who would probably have some- mfluenrc-e. I with Sir John. Dr Stephenson kindly wrote and received a reply on Sunday from Sir John saying the Battalion wn ünb too anxious to go to Aberystwyth, but for some reason or other the authorities re- fused to allow them to do m. That was where the matter now stood, except that he wrote to Sir John. Barnsley thanking him for his reply and hoping that something might still be done. Captain Doughton feared there was some misunderstanding and proposed that a deputation of the Mayor and the Town Clerk should be appointed to wait on the War Office. A deputation would do more in ten minutes than ten or twenty letters. The Mayor suggested the addition of It r* Vaujrhan Da vies, and the proposition was a,red to. Mr. David Davies asked if it was true that the Birmingham Battalion had been I sent to gonle other place? Mr. Llewellin replied that there Were three battalions, and one had been sent to some other place. Mr. Barclay .Jenkins thought that the correspondence would prove that the Coun- cil had done whatever lay in its power to get the Battalion to Aberystwvth. He understood from one of t^be Birmingham papers that ore of the battalions had gone into camp at Sutton. CORRESPONDENCE. A report was read from Dr. Findlny sav ing that the illuminating power of gas was 17.2, which was weg above the standard. Mr. Studt wrote asking for information as to entertainments at November fairs— whether they would be stopped because of the war-and the letter was referred to the .Markets Committee, with power to act, as the time is short. A letter was read from the Local Gov- ernment Board sanctioning the borrowing of L534 instead of £ 500 for the improve- ment of Nort-road corner. Mr. J. V. Lewis wrote with reference to the request of the Council to pav Is. each for chairs on South Beach, saying that the payment would amount to the total taking and hoping that the Council would include the r-harge in the charge for bath, ing vans. The letter was referred to the General Purposes Committee. The annual report of P.O. Daniel Thomas, inspector of boats, carriages, etc., was also referred to the General Purposes Committee. I It was agreed to allow Mr. Llewelyn Jones, B.A. post graduate and research I student at the College, to have access to the harbour records in investigating the f history of lead mining in Wales. THE TOWN OLFRK. The Mayor ".I ri it would be observed that the Town Clerk was not present that morning. On Friday morning Mr Hughes telephoned saying that. his brother. Mr. John Hughes, had died. and that he was sorry he would not be able to attend the, Council meeting. He was, sure all mem- bers of the Council would agree with him in proposing a vote of sympathy with Mr Hughes and the family in that sad event. The vote was agreed to by the members upstanding. KING EDWARD MEMORIAL FUND. Mr. Daniel Thomas reported that a total of C417 4s. had been subscribed at Aberyst- wyth to tlie King Edward Memorial Fund for the stamping out of tuberculosis. Captain Doughton proposed that the names of each subscriber should bo advei. tised in the papers, as was done in respect of othe- collections. Mr. Daniel Thomas suggested the print- ing of a list: but it was agreed to adver- tise the subscriptions. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The Works Committee recommended that the Council's consent should be given to the laying of an overhead telegraph line ifrom Trefechan to Penparke and that the Deputy Clerk should write to the Depart- ment stating that the Council feel strongly that the postal authorities should show an equal readiness to meet the reasonable wishes of the Council as,* for instance, in the removal of telegraph posts in Alex- andra-road and Queen-street and calling attention to the stay placed in the Cor- poration yard without the knowledge of the Council which would have to be re- moved to make room for the new sewerage tanks. On the report of the sub-com- mittee re Surveyor's department the Borough Accountant was instructed to pre- pare specimen stores day-book and stores day-sheet suitable for the requirements of the borough. It was resolved to invite tenders by advertisement for the after- math and winter run of Llanbadarn meadows and the field adjoining Plaserug- avenue from 7th October to March 1st. The Committee appointed re buildings on Brynhyfryd Farm recommended that cer- tain buildings should be purchased at D10 and that Mr. Garner had signed agreement of tenancy subject to the boundary fence adjoinitig the footpath and read on the east side was put in good repair. The Surveyor was instructed to visit Lion Hotel Laundry and report what should be done by the owner to put an end to the alleged nuisance caused by smoke. The Committee recommended that demolition orders should be made in respect of a house at Penparke occupied by John Bramner and 4. Foun- tain-court occupied by Margaret AVarring- ton. The Committee approved plans of alterations and additions at Lloyds Bank, Terrace-road. Colonel Sir John Barnsley wrote on the 16th September asking if Aberystwyth was willing and able to billet 1,000 men cf the Birmingham City Battalion for the winter months at 2s. gel. per day per man and the Deputy Clerk u as instructed to reply in the affirmative, that the Council will render every assist- ance, and that there is plenty of good accommodation in the town. Captain Doughton asked if there was not other thing decided by, the Com- mittee on Friday with regard to the appointment of someone to assist the Sur- veyor in taking the levels of sewers? Mr Samuel said the subject was referred to in committee, and it was referred to the Surveyor to communicate with Mr. Diggle, and .he had now .rcc-eired the information.: Captain Dcraghtou- said the Committee intrlrtcd the Surveyor to r-ee if there was not a' young meln in the town or neigh- bourhood in the case of failure to find a I suitable man to apply to Mr. Diggle; and if Mr. Diggle had nobody, to advertise. On the 18th September the Surveyor re- ported that "he was unably to find anybody locally, but Mr. Ditr,4, recommended one of his clerks at 55s. a week. That was a big sum. to P?y, ,«'Pd. it seemed to him absurd to say that there \VieS not a. single I person in the place capable of doing the work and that the Council should pay 55s. a week to a stranger. He could scarcely believe that Aberystwyth was so poor in ability. He proposed in committee that the Council's requirement should be adver- tised. There v, as no record at all on the agenda of what was done in committee. Had they engaged a man? Mr Samuel, chairman of the Committee, on a. point of order, said that sUlreet was not on the agenda. Captain Doughton—It ought to be. Mr. ft ought not to be,^because the matter was on at the previous meeting of the Works Committee and-the investiga- tion was not completed. T!? Mayor pomted cut that any member I had a right to ask ouestions on the Com- mittee's report, so that Captain Doughton was in order. C'otain Doughton—I am not blaming the Chairman of the. Committee. Mr. Samuel—I object to the Surveyor answering because the matter must be re- ported to and considered in committee. Captain Dough top. said he did not olject to that: but with reference to the report of Mr. Pecoek and taking into considera- tion all tll" had been gone through, it appeared that there were some individuals employed by the Council and there was no minute to show who gave them authority to act. If that assistant of the Surveyor's was aupointed without advertising there ought to be some record of it. If not, thete would be no record and no Govern- ment auditor would pass it. The-e was a case in point. He did not want to go into it but that was his reason for referring to the present matter. The Mayor said the matter would fto considered by the Committee, and there would be a report. Alderman AAllliams having remarked that the ordinary course had been followed, the report of jhe IVorks Committee was adopted. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The Finance Committee recommended that payment of £ 2.483 2sr 2d. bills and wages as well as repayment of loans and payments of interest. A list of persons to whom interest was due was printed on the agenda. A letter from the Local Govern- ment Board with reference to officers of local authorities on naval or military ser- vice was again considered and the Mayor and the Chairman of the Committee were asked to see Dr. Rees, county medical officer, and report as to what sum should be paid by the Council to Dr. Reesf in respedt cf the discharge by him of Dr. Thomas's duties and what portion of Dr. Thomas's salary should be paid to him dur- ing his absence on military duty. The Deputy Clerk was instructed to write to ( Air. J. V. Lewis for immediate payment of Is. in respect of each chair placed by him on South Beach this year. .Captain Doughton, referring to the recommendation of the Committee to sell copies of the abstract of accounts at Is. each, said he objected to the recommend a. tion. maintaining that the abstract v as not a correct statement. Surely they could not possibly let it go to the public and charge Is. for it when they knew that it was not correct. He should like to !sk the Bqjrough Accountant, through the Mayor, if he had received the deficiency The Borough Accountant know when: it was in a certain payment in the abstract of accounts. Had the' deficiency been paid into the borough a(%ount.P The Mayor—You refer to the --v4 9 The Borough Accountant—lit has been paid into the bank. Captain Doughton said that proved that what he said was correct—that the abstract of accounts should be rectified, because somebody would find it out ,.O{'e time. They might have :t new or a changed Council, and Air. Bryden night be gone. Then how were they going to explain it 1 hey had a professional auditor and two 1 hey had a professional auditor and two elective auditors and the Mayor's auditor, and that busivess was not foupd out until the committee meeting on the ICth Sep-i tember. Thev knew Mr. Bryden said hi." I knew of it, and yet he did not briug it forward until he was drawn and censured by the Mavor and other members of the. Council w The Mayor—No. I did not censure. Captain Doughton said the Mayor ex- plained to Mr. Brvden that when he knew about that;, deficiency he should have re- ported to the. Council. It was his duty to do so, instead of allowing the abstract to be made out. He (Captain Doughton) be made out. He (Captain Doughton) would not touch much upon that, but leave it the"e; but he objected to the abstract being presented to the public and Is. charged for it, especially when it was not a correct statement. He did not mean to flay that Mr. Bryden was accountable for that deficiency, but he should have reported it when he knew about it. The Mayor would recollect that he spoke very strongly about it. The Mayer—-Oh, yes. Ciptain Doughton—And so did Mr. AVill'ams. c'la'-man of the committee. Alderman -NVililtmq-T take it that the correction win be made before the abstract is distributed Mr. LlewelHn thought they could not alter the abstrart without altering the account. The item might appear in the I next account. Alderman AATilliams said there did not l appear to be any secrecy about it. They ■ did not want anyone to he blamed, except those who were responsible. There was a danger of putting things before the public in that way. Captain Doughton—My dear sir, it is all [ over the town. Alderman AVillin--ns--I,nnie(liately it was I found out the aeco-mts with regard to the chairs on the beach and the collections were thoroughly gone into, and before the meeting of the Finance Committee the money was paid in. Captain Doti (,;I ton--ft was not paid in, I wiIV swear. It is no good trying to smcoth it over. Alderman Wi?liams—I am not. I am as plain as you are. Captain Doughton—There is a talk of hiding things. (Cries of "Order.") Alderman Williams—Captain Doughton is not the only upright man in the Coun- cil. We are charged with hiding things. I never did, and I never tolerate it. The information before the Committee was that the £ 4 had been paid in. Captnm Doughton—I deny that. No- body used that expression. The Mayor—T undcr.tood Morgan to say that he had paid in. Captain Doughton—No that he would be responsible. Alderman AA'illiams said that was the im- I be responsible. pression made upon the Committee, and that was the information given. There was straight talk to Mr. Mcrgan. There had been confusion in the office, and it could not be found out whether it had been paid in or not. He (Alderman AViliiams) j was far from hiding anything, and he was far from hiding anything, and he entered his strong prote-t against inueudoes ¡ or attempts of any member to mislead the public. The Mayor and other members spoke strongly, and it was explained that owing to the condition of things at the time it was possible for the thing to be overlooked, and Mr. Bryden was told that when he found anything out he was to re_ port it. He (Alderman AA'illiams) proposed that a slip should bo inserted in the abstract making the matter clear. As to the charge of Is. for the abstract, the abstract cost Is. 4d. each. Captain Doughton. agreed with the in- sertion cf the slip in the abstract, and the report of the Finance Committee was adopted. Alderman A\ ilRams reported with regard to ground rents that on tho 31st March, J914. the arrears of ground rents were £ 1,350 2<4. 7d.. and the ha^if-year's rent due May 12th, 16s. lOd.. or a total of £2,811 19s. 5d. Up to the 3rd of October th<" Collector had collected £ 1,844 6s. lid., bringing down the arrears to £ 867 12s. 6d. That was one of the best half-year's collection that had been ex- perienced for many years. AY hen Mr. Morgan was appointed in 1912 the arrears cu the 12;11 May made a total of £ 1.640 Tfrs. 5] Th-oy bad only to appeal to Air. Morgan to be diligent and do all he could to get in the arrears and they would soon n ev IN- 0 be wiped off. • Had it not been for theun_ fortunate war. it would have been a record collection, and mapveV was that ?o mucli had been paid. When thev had people paying that large amount it r.howed great anxiety to pay. He believed that every person on the list of ground rnts hat] paid. with the exception of about two Per cent. There, were aberiit- 600 on the list; and they had all paid with exception of about twelve. He tbotight I the Collector had done his best in the eiroumstancps in getting in a la.*ger sum than had hen got in for many years, so that shortly the borough fund w<ifh] be in the state it ought to be. The rates also, he undcrstool, had been paid exceed- ingly well, and the arrears wouxl be ?om_ parntivelv small. The collectors were do- ing all they could to receive any amounts the rate-p&yeis could Day. With regard to ground rent arrears he had teased to after falsehoods to correct, them. The day he was told that the arrears were over £ 4,C30. lie did not say any- tnmg, hut left the person who made the statement. The actual arrears were J3967. In reply to Air. David Davies. Alderman AA'illiams said that interest was charged oil ground rents in oases where leases were not I up, but it was necessary to h¿:Ye a •esolution of the Council before interest could be charged. Mr. John Evans said he asked some time ago how many leases it-ei-e. not taken up, and should like to have a report. Captain Doughton said he should like to know- -as Mr WiUiams had not explained I het- the on thelst March, 1914. were arrears for the previous &ix months, or were they a-rears going bade for a number of years? If the arrears had been accumulating for a number of years, it was high time that they should be got in. What he proposed was that a. list of all Üî arrear above six months should be laid on the Council table. That settle all' nimoms about £ 4,000 arrears, and if anybody asked the ques- tion councillo-s could give an answer. Alderman Williams replied that the hr-dges and accounts would show what arrears wore outstanding on the 31s t Alarch. Captain Doughton thought if any rate- payer wnntc-d to see the ledgers and accounts the Borough Accountant would not show them. AVith all those rumours about councillors ought to be able to say how much the arrears were and how long they had been outstanding. They misled themselves and the public many a time. Let them have a list of all the arrears. Alderman Williams replied that membrs should read their agendas. On the agenda for the 15th Septcmbor there was a state- ment which showed exactly how things stood. The statement showed that the total a l rears up to May. 1914, was £ 2.8U 10s. beL. all(I if the amount collected Bl,428 16s. 3d. AVhat did the public want more, than that? •V long list of persons in arrear was handed to the Town Clerk this year for collection, but action was postponed be- cause of the war. Captain Doughton—But who are they who owe the arrears, and how lbng have the arrears been outstanding? Mr. Llewellin said a list of all in arrear for over twelve months had been laid be- fore the Finance Committee. He thought the presentation to the Committee of a list of those owing the P,967 would meet Capt. Doughton. Air. Barclay Jenkins thought the rate- payers would be satisfied if they saw that every effort was being made by the Council to get in the arrears. It was no business of theirs to know who had not paid, but it was their business to see that efforts were made to get the arrears in. He was not sweet, on knowing people's secrets and whether they were unable to pay and that they owed so much. His business was to see that efforts were being made by the officials to <?et the money in. Captain Doughton rose again to speak, but the Mayor said he conld not allow him to to every speech. Air Samuel agreed with Capt. Doughton that the Coiincil should know who were in .ir--e,ir and had been in arrear for years. Capt Doughton said he was not anxious to know who they are. Mr. Samuel said fln the previous agenda the arrears were stated at t2,811, and he thought the Collector had done well to reduce them to under £1,000. There were, however, a few people whose arrears had been running for years. They paid on account, and it could not be said how long the arrears had lwen running. But the actual arrears u-) f-i March. 1914, were £ 1.350 2s. 7d. Having reduced the arrears to below £ 1,000. the Collector should be congratulated. There were, how. ever, a few who had been in arrear for years, and be was with Captain Doughton in thinking they should be dealt with, and then the accounts would be clear. The discussion then ended, and the Finance Committee's report was adopted. PUBLIC LIGHTS COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The Public Lights Committee recom- mended that, if the lighting companies were prepared to make reasonable reduc- tion in their charges, that from October 1st to December 31st, 1914. all lamps (except pilot lamps) shall be extinguished at 10.30 and that alternate lamps only on the new- Promenade and Marine-terrace shall be lighted. Air Barclay Jenk-ns said the extinguish- ing of the public lights at 10-30 commenced on the 1st October with the view of reduc. ing: the cost of public hdltillg during the winter months. He believed in time the Committee would be in a position to do still better. The two lighting companies were willing to do all in their power to reduce the cost, and they agreed to the extin- guishing of the lights at 10-30 instead of at eleven o'clock, but the Electric Light Company explained that +hey could "ot light the Terrace lamps alternately. The Company was not yet in a position to say what would be the reduction by extinguish- ing at H)-30. but the Gas Company pre- pa-erf to allow a reduction of JS12 lCs. Air. Samuel objected to going back in | the matter of lighting to the position of a- small village all the year round; but Mr Barclay Jenkins said the lights would be extinguished at that hour during the ) winter months only. Air.. Samuel/ then | thought that £ 12 10s. was an inadequate allowance, and Air. Llewellin asked what was the charge for extension of lighting during the A.M.C. week. The report was adopted, the matter of reduction of charge being left for arrange, ment. TENDERS, Etc. Two tenders were received for building site on Penglaise-road and Ave re referred to the Finance Committee for considera- I tion. One tender was by Air. J. Evans, Green Gardens Cottage, and the other by Air. James Daniel, plasterer, at zEl ground rent and L3 respectively. Three or four tenders were received for nftermath and winter run of PIas Crug Meadows, and acceptance was deferred as the meadows might be wanted for recruit training. The Council then went into committee.
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE IOF WALES
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF WALES A meeting of the College Council was held at Aberystwyth on Friday afternoon, Air. D. C. Roberts presiding. Professor R. H. Yapp, who has been at Aberystwyth for eleven years, has resigned on his appointment to the professorship of botany in Belfast University. Five can- didates were interviewed for the vacancy and Dr. J. Lloyd Williams, Bangor, was appointed. Dr. Lloyd Williams has up to the present been adviser in agricultural botany in North Wales. He was born and educated at Llanrwst, and later became a pupil-teacher in the elementary schooL there. Subsequently he had two years' training at Bangor Normal College and proceeded to the headmastership. of an elementary school at Garn Dolbenmaen. During his stay there he took up as hobbies the training of school chairs, and acted as conductor and adjudicator at eisteddfodau. all over North Wales. The most important hobby adopted by him was that of field botany. Tie became thoroughly acquainted with the flcira of North AA'ales. Leaving Cam. he spent four years in London study- ing at the Royal College of Science, where he held the Marshall, scholarship for re- search, and subsequently became a, teacher at the Pharmaceutical Society's School of Pharmacy in Bloomsbury-square. While pursuing his ordinary work at Bangor Col- lege Dr. Williams was asked to undertake the musical work of the College, which he did with marked success, givinc a promin- ent place to Welsh national music. The search for Welsh music for the use of the College choir inspired Dr. Williams with the idea of a Welsh Folk Song, Society, which was inaugurated at the Carnarvon National Eisteddfod of 1S06. The AVelsh drama, too, has claimed his attention. among his published works being "Aelwyd Angharad." written in collaboration with Llew Tegid. In recognition of his research work and discovery, the University of AVales conferred on him the degree of doctor of science. The appointment of Air. J. L. John as agricultural organiser in Montgomeryshire was confirmed. Air. Thomas Jones, Rhym- ney, was appointed physical instructor and director of the gymnasium. Mr. Mat- tfiigley, London, was appointed assistant lecturer in the law department. The arrangements made to help students who are with the colours by retaining their academic status, privileges, and emolu- ments were confirmed. It was stated that members of the staff had applied for com- missions. Aliss Al. Brehner, formerly lecturer in German, and Professor Norman Jones, of the Theological College, were' appointed to take the place of Dr. Ethe, professor of German and the oriental professor of German and the oriental languages, who has not returned from Ger- many, his native eotiiitrv. The war ha also interfered wirii the school of instrumental music recently founded by a generous donor. M. Gaston ]e Feuve, who has been appointed head of the school, is serving under the Bed Cross with the French Army. It has therefore been decided to defer the inauguration of the new school until January and teL further consider the matter at the end of the pre- sent term. i The Board of Agriculture wrote inti- mating their intention of making grants to the College in aid of agricultural econ- omical and zoological surveys. It was reported that Merioneth Educa- tion Committee had decided to continue the contribution of £ 40 in aid of tutorial classes.
SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY.
SHIRE HORSE SOCIETY. The annual meeting of the North Cardi- ganshire Shire Horse Society was held at the Lion Hotel on Monday afternoon. Mr. R. L. Thomas, Brysgaga, chairman for the past year, presided over a large attend- ance of members. The statement of accounts showed that there were sixty-nine nomination fees at £ 2 10s. each, making a total of 9172 10s. thirty-two assisted nomination fees at 25s. each, £40; grant from Board of Agricul- ture in aid of the assisted nominations, £ 40; direct grant from the Boar,£40. The payments totalled L321 6s. 5d., includ- ing £ 315, The hiring fee of Bayham Gallant." Though there was a small de- ficit, tho financial position was considered satisfactory. The deficit of t5 16s. 5d. was paid by Sir Edward Pryse to whom a vote cf thanks was accorded. The Management Committee reported that eighty-eight members were enrolled during the year and that subscriptions of 5s. each were received from four honorary members. The Selection Committee made arrangements with Sir Edward Pryse, for the hire of his shire horse, Bayham Gallant," for the season at a fee of 300 guineas. A service fee of E-2 10s. was Charged to members, and the fee to non- members was fixed at L3 163. Assisted Nominations," at a reduced fee of 25s., were awarded to thirty-two members. One hundred and one nomination/tickets were issued to members, but none was issued to non-members. Eight members did not apply for a nomination, but two nominations were granted to nineteen mem- bers and three to one member. The Committee accepted with thanks an offer of a Cup, generously made by Mr. E. E. Hughes, Falcon Hotel, Llanilar, to the owner of the best mare covered by the Society's horse during the season, and arrangements were made for the competi- tion to take place at Llanilar Show. The cup was handed over to the winner, Air. Isaac Jones, Cefnllwynpiod, at the meeting. The Committee's recommendation that the Society should continue its operations next season, and that application should be forthwith ma for a grant under the 'live stock scheme was agreed to. It was agreed that the fee to be charged to members for nomination to the sire to be hired next season should not exceed £ 3 3s. including the membership subscript tion of 5s. Sir Edward Pryse was elected honorary president with Messrs. J. G. Morris Davies, Hafcd, and Percy Wilkinson, WenaIIt, as honorary vice-presidents. It was also agreed that landowners and others should be approached with the view of be- coming patrons of the Society. A rule was adopted prohibiting the trans- fer of nomination tickets by members to non-members. The Chairman thanked the members for co-operation extended to him during his of office. Of course it was not an easy matter to start a new movement; but he felt assured that all the members did all they possibly could to make it a success and he was gVateful to them for their sup- port. The re-election of the Chairman wns pro- posed but he declined it and said he be- lieved in sharing the honours. Mr. W. Lvke, Lodge Farm, Crosswood, wa's appointed chairman for the ensuing year and the following officials were re- appointed:—Treasurer, Mr. J. R. James. Peithyll; secretary, Mr. J. L. Morgan, Noddfa, Cambrian-place, Aberystwyth; auditor. Mr J. J. Griffith, U.C.W. The following were elected members of the Alanageinent Committe(- Edward James, Caergywydd: Atorsran, Pwll^las; Davies, Penrhyncerwin; John Richards, Tynpvnfarch: Richard Jones, Ynvshir: Isaac Jones, Cefnllwynpiod: E Hughes Davies, Ystrnd Teilo: John Jones, m Ole; Rhoseellanfawr J. James, Abercw mdole; Richard Jones, Nantybenlog. As a. result of a ballot, the following were elected members, of the Selection Committee, Messrs. W, Lyke. Lodge Farm; Richard James, Btynllys; Richard Jones, Ynvshir. The procedure to be adopted in award- ing assisted nominations was referred to the Management Committee.
The War -%
The War THE BATTLE OF THE AISNE. GERMAN PRODIGALITY OF LIFE AND AMMUNITION. Up to Monday there had been no material change of the situation on the River Aisne on the French frontier where the German army holds a strong en- trenched position in the hills over a front extending beyond 100 miles with the allied French and British armies in close contact. The allies have now been rein- forced by the arrival of native troops from India and during the past week efforts have been made by the allies to outflank the German right wing, commanded by General Von Kluck and to cut of its com- munication in the rear. To counteract this attempt the Germans concentrated j large numbers of troops on their right and made desperate efforts to defeat or break through the Allies' left wing. All those efforts were frustrated by the allies, the German masses having been repulsed with heavy losses. The Press Bureau in a statement issued on October 2nd, gives a graphic description of the prodigality of Germany in ammunition as well as in life. The general situation, it says, as viewed on the map, remains practically the same as that described in the previous letter; and the task cf the army has not changed. It is to maintain itself until the general re- sumption of the offensive. No ground has been lost, some has been gained, and every counter-attack has been repulsed, in certain instances with very severe loss to the enemy. Nevertheless, the question of position is only part of the battle; and there has been a considerable improvement in the situation in another important re- spect. The recent offensive efforts of the enemy have been made without cohesion, the "assaults being delivered by compara- tively small bodies acting without co- operation with those on either side. Some of them, indeed, evince clear signs of in- ferior leadership, thus bearing out the statements made by prisoners as to the great losses in officers suffered by the enemy. Further, the hostile artillery fire, has decreased in volume, and deter- iorated both in control and direction. The first is probably due to a transfer of metal to other quarters, but the two latt-e,r may be a direct result of the activity of our j aircraft and their interference, with the enemy's air reconnaissance and observa- tion of fire. Recently the Germans have been relying to some extent on observa- tion from captive balloons sent up at some distance in rear of their first line, a method which, whatever its cause, is a poor substitute for the direct overhead reconnaissance obtainable from aeroplanes. As a consequence, the damage being clone to us is wholly disproportionate to the amount of ammunition expended by the eneiny- For; the past few days it has amounted to"1 pitting certain areas with largje craters and in rendering some vil- lages "unhealthy"—as the soldiers put it. Narrating events from Friday, Septem- ber 25ch, to Tuesday, September 29th the report adds Friday, tho 25th, a Ger- man aeroplane fiew high over the interior of our lines, but drew a general fusilade from below, with the result that the pilot was killed outright and the observer wounded. That Friday night a general ntiiack was made against the greater part of the Allies' position, and it was renewed in the early morning of Saturday. The Germans were everywhere repulsed with loss. Indeed, opposite to one portion of our lilie where they were caught in mass by our machine guns and howitzers, it is estimated that they left 1,000 killed and wounded. Further ineffectual efforts to drive us back were made on Sunday, at eight a.m., and in the afternoon, and artillery fire continued all day. The Germans came on in a T-shaped formation, several lines shoulder to shoulder, followed almost im- mediately by a column in support. After a very few minutes the men had closed up into a mob which afforded an excellent target frout fire. An incident on Sunday serves to illus- trate the type of fighting that has for two weeks been going on intermittently. It also brings out the extreme difficulty of ascertaining yhat is actually happening during an action, apart from what seems to be happening, and points to the value of good entrenchments At a certain point in our front our advanced trenches on the north of the Aisne are not far from a village on the hillside, and also within a short distance of the German works, being on the slope of a spur formed by a sub- sidiary valley running north and the main valley of the river. It was a cilm, sunny afternoon, but hazy; and .from a point of vantage south cf the riverit was difficult exactly to locate on the far bank the well- concealed trenches of either side. From far and near the sullen boom of guns echoed along the valley and at intervals, in different directions, the sky was flecked with the almost motionless smoke of anti- craft shrapnel. Suddenly, without any wa.ning (for the reports of the distant howitzers from which they were fired could not be distinguished from other distant repoiltiO, three or four heavy shells fell into the viil,-t(-,e,. -sending up huge clouds of srnokje. aiid dust, which slowly ascended in brownish grey column. To this no reply was made by our side. Shortly afterwards there was a quick succession of reports from a. point some distance up the subsi- diary valley on the side opposite our trenches, and therefore rather on their flank. It was not possible either by ear or by eye to locate the guns from which these sounds proceeded. Almost simul- taneously, as it seemed, there was a cor- responding succession of flashes and sharp detonations in a line on the hillside, along what appeared to be our trenches. There was then a pause and several clouds of smoke rose slowly and remained stationary, spaced as regularly as a line of poplars. Again there was a succession of reports from the German quick-firers on the far side of the misty valley, and—like echoes-- the detonations of high-explosive; and the row of expanding smoke clouds, was pro- longed by several new ones. Another pause, and silence, except for the noise in the distance. After a few minutes there was a roar from our side of the main valley as our field guns opened one after another in a more deliberate fire upon the position of the German guns. After six reports there was again silence, save for the whirr of the shell as they sang up t the small valley, and then followed the flashes and balls of smoke-one, two, three, four, five, six, as the shrapnel burst nicely over what in the haze looked like some ruined buildings at the edge of a wood. Again, after a short interval, the enemy's gunners re-opened with a burst, still further prolonging the smoke, which was now merged into one solid screen above a considerable length of trench and again did our guns reply. And so the duel went on for some time. Ignor- ing our guns, the German artillerymen, probably relying on concealment for immunity, were concentrating all their efforts in a particularly forceful effort to enfilade our trenches. For them it must have appeared to be the chance of a lifetime and with their customary prodi- gality of ammunition they continued to pour bouquet after bouquet of high ex- plosive Einheitsgeschcss, or combined shrapnel and common shell, on to our works. Occasionally, with a roar, a high- angle projectile would sail over the hill and blast a gap in the village. One could only pray that our men holding the trenches had dug themselves in deep and well and that these in the village were in the cellars. In the hazy valleys, bathed in sunlight, not a man, not a horse, not a gun, nor even a trench was to be seen. There were only flashes, smoke, and noise. Above, against the blue sky, were several round white clouds hanging in the track of the only two visible human souls—repre- sented by a glistening speck in the air. On high also were to be heard the more or loss gentle reports of the bursts of the anti-aircraft projectiles. But the deepest impression created was one of sympathy -for the men subjected to the bursts along that trench. 011 inquiry as to the losses sustained, however, it was found that our nwn had been able to take care of them- selves and had dug themselves well in. In that collection of trenches on that Sunday afternoon were portions of four battalions of British soldiers—the D.vsets, the AArest Kents, the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, and the King's Own Scottish Bord erers. Over 300 projectiles were fired against them. The result was nine men wounded. On the following day 109 shells against them. The result was nine men wounded. On the following day 109 shells -I_ were fired at the trenches occupied by the AVest Kent Regiment alone Four officers were buried, but dug out unhurt. One man was scratched. The village itself was unoccupied.
BELGIAN REFUGEES.
BELGIAN REFUGEES. A contingent of Belgian refugees reached Aberystwyth en Saturday evening by the express train from Euston and received a hearty welcome by the inhabitants. The Station precincts were crowded and the visitors were cheered on making their appearance. The majority of them were women and children, some of the children being orphans. It is stated that the adults are distinguished professional teachers, musicians, and painters of a high station in life. They were evidently pleased by the reception. Particular in- terest was taken in the children who were kissed and fondled by the onlookers as they were taken from the train to the convey- ances. The Bov Scouts under the direc- tion of Scoutmaster Phillips assisted in re- moving the luggage to the Queen's Hotel. In tho evening a large crowd of students and townspeople assembled in front of the hotel and the visitors joined in singing the national anthems. On Sunday evening the Rheidol Choir gave a concert at the Queen's for the entertainment of the Belgians and the singing, particularly of the Belgian National Anthem, was greatly appreciated. Dr. Fleure who accompanied tho visitors from London, issued a statement on Mon- day that the party was not the party for which arrangements had been made. The other party may come later on. As far as possible, those who have offered board and apartments are being considered in allo- cating the present party, hub in view of special circumstances some changes may bj necessary in detail. The visitors convey their thanks for tho kindness shown to them. There was disappointment that the arrangements made for the reception of the visitors had to be abandoned. Several hostesses were in waiting at the Railway Station to receive the parties allocated to them. It is understood that the mainten- ance of a large number of the refugees has been undertaken by a generous benefactor well lyunvn in AVales. The arrangements in connection with the hospitality offered were decided at a meeting of hostesses held on Friday evening at the Presbyterian schoolroom. The prices were arranged as fellows:—-For every man and boy over fourten years of age, 14s. per week; for every woman and girl over fourteen years of age, 12s. every boy and girl. 10a. in- fants, 5s. each. A draw was made for the allocation of the guests. Among those who have interested them- selves in the movement are Miss Fewings, Mr. Thomas Jones (secretary of the AVelsh Insurance Commissioners). Dr. Fleure, Mr. AV. J. Evans (Llandinaui). the Chief Con- stable, Professor and Airs. Barbier, Mr. Ernest Jones and Mr. Emile Evans, Brvnteg. When the Belgian •editprr: visited Aber- ystwyth early in the season and were en- tertained at the Queen's Hotel it was not expected that so many of their countrymen would follow so soon under as. the result of one of the most terrible devastations of a country in the history of the world.
IN THE KANT-S OF GERMANS.
IN THE KANT-S OF GERMANS. Mr. John Morris, of 3, Portland-tstreet, Aberystwyth, arrived home on Friday after oxciting experiences and cruel sulftruig in Germany. He was mate on the Cardiff steamer "Glyndwr." when the war broke out the ship was at Memel in East Prussia, seven miles off the Russian border. Tho ship was laden with coal from Blyth and the cargo, of course, was commandeered, but not being suitable for the navy was sold to a neighbouring paper manufactur- ing firm. The crew were also deprived of their possessions. They arrived at Memel on July 29th. At four o'clock in the morning of August 5th armed soldiers came on board and said they were going to take away part of the machinery. They did so, after saying that if objections were raised they would use force. They also told the crew to consider themselves prisoners of war, and that anybody leaving the ship would be shot. The crew were kept en board in that way until Septem- ber 4th, when, in the evening, soldiers came on board and told them they were to leave the vessel. They were allowed fifteen minutes to get ready, and were told that they were not to take anything away but what they could carry in their hands, as I no one would be alluwed to assist them. The soldiers followed them to their cabins with fixed bayonets, and they had no sooner began to open drawers and boxes than the soldiers commenced shouting, "Como on." That was apparently done to excite them, and cause them to leave behind their valuables. In relating the adventures of the crew tho Chief Engineer (Mr Perrott of Cardiff) states We were marched through the rain to the police-station, where our names were taken down and our pocket-knives and matches taken away. Then wo wore lighted to a ceil by a warder with a para n lamp, and immediately we were inside the doors the bolts were drawn and we were I in complete darkness. The accommodation was terrible. At four o'clock nexo morn- ing a female warder brought us a cup of coffee and a piece of bread which it was impossible to eat. A male warder followed and told us that we had to pay 2d. each for the coffee, but we had no money. Again we were marched through the streets of ATenieT to the station on exhibition, the Ül- habitants sneering and jeering at us. About 40 Polaks.—Russian and Prussian refugees—were marched with us. We were taken to Konigsberg, and the Rus- sians came within three miles of the city, but afterwards retreated. In Konigsberg again the Germans jeered and sneered at the "Englanders" and laughed at us be- cause we were placed in the company of the low class—Polaks. In the fortress of Konigsberg they gave us straw to lie on, and the treatment accorded to us was again of the most wretched character. There were 100 German prisoners of a low type in the fortress, and these were given better food and accommodation than we were. < In the mornings we were served with a little bread and skilly, which con- sisted of flour and water. "Ve had nothing in which to mix the skilly, and were jeer- ingly told to use our hats. The German prisoners were allowed to have tin pans, and some of the prisoners lent us these after they had done with them. Another thing the German prisoners were allowed was coffee, but when we asked for some the officials allowed it to run to waste rather than give it to the ''Englanders." At midday we were supplied with some soup, and in the evening with two ounces of bread and skilly. For eleven days we were detained in the fortress, during which time the number of prisoners increased to nearly 600, consisting mainly of Russian soldiers and Polaks. Even the Russian soldiers were better treated than the "Englanders." The sanitary arrangements were too vile to talk about. One of the least of thei evils was that all males and females had to wash and cleanse them- selves at a water tap in the centre of the yard. When the time came for our re- lease we were again marched to the station under an armed guard with fixed bayonets, and kept marching around the streets. They kept us on the platform for hours, waiting for the train, and we had to go through a trying experience on the very long journey. Many times we begged for a drink of water, but were not allowed it. At Konitz we had a most painful experi- ence. Our carriage drew up opposite a tap on the station platform. On the plat- form were a number of male and female Red Cross nurses. We beseeehed them to give us some water. AVhat they did was to spit in cur faces, jeer at us, and turn on the tap to tantalise us. It was seven o'clock on the following morning when we got to Stettin, and wo had then been thirty-eight hours since we last had bread and. a drink of water. At Stettin, we were put in a pig pen near some slaughterhouses, given a little straw to lie on, and served with about three ounces of bread at eight a.m. They gave us a small plate of soup at noon, and another three ounces of bread at, four p.m. That completed the first day's food. On the three following days we were also given half a pint of coffee at four o'clock. During the whole of our imprisonment we were given no meat. The American Consul, who had be- come aware, of our arrival, came to see us. and said he would do everything pos- sible on our behalf. After a. few days he came and told us that lie had succeeded in getting a passport for four of us who were over forty-five years of age. and supplied us with money to travel to Sweden. Accordingly we took train to Sarsnitz, still in charge of Government officials, were i J conducted to a cattle shed, previously oc- cupied by Polak refugees, and told to lie down and sleep. Next morning an official arrived, and when we presented our pass- port he said it was not worth the paper it was written on, as it had only been signed by the commissioner of police, and that we would have to get one signed bv tho military authorities. After being put off for two days we were told we wouid be released, and then next day were given our passport without any addition to it. Again we were detained for two days and a half out of spite. Eventually we got from Sarsnitz to Trauleberg, and then to Malmo, where we saw tne British Ccnsul, who pro- vided us with money. At the saple time we telegraphed to tile owners, who tele- graphed us money with which to come home. We came home through Chris- tiania, in Norway, and from there to 1!I:iZ'I"" j I Liverpool, arriving in Cardiff on Thursday I without anything but the clothes on us. Feeling against the British is very bitter indeed. AVe would ask them to treat us better, as we were sure Germans were not treated as badly in England. Their reply was, -'English people torture Germans. Nothing is too bad for Britishers. They will do anything in their spite. There are five behind in Stettin—two engineers, two stewards, and one sailor. Their plight is a bad one, and unless something is done they will have a severe struggle to survive the winter." 0<"0 Our of the four Britishers on board tho ship. four only were released, because they were not of serviceable age. Mr. Morris has been heartily congratulated by his friends en his fortunate escape and safe arrival home.
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