The Aberystwith Observer

ABERYSTWYTH BOARD OF GUARDIANS- The fortnightly meeting of the board was held at the boardroom of the union workhouse on Mon- day morning. Present-Mr Morris Davies (in the chair), Mr John Jones, Bridge End (vice-chair- man), Messrs S. Davies, Glanyrafon; John Jenkins, Moelcerni; David Jones, Rest Isaac Morgan and Jehn Jenkins, Aberystwyth; Thomas Jones,Cwmere; William Jones, Tynywern; David Davies, Rhydlas; Thomas Evans, Trawsnant; and Hugh Hughes, jun., clerk. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that during the past fort- night there were five admitted, and one discharged, leaving 91 in the house, being a decrease of one on the corresponding fortnight of last year. The number of vagrants relieved wall 35, being an in- crease of 15 on the corresponding fortnight of last year. FINANCE. The following eut-relief was administered during the past fortnight :—Aberystwyth district, per Mr John Jonps, Commerce House, .£39 13s Od. to 170 paupers; Geneu'rglyn district, per Mr John D. Jones, .£63 Is Od, to 214 paupers; liar district, per Mr Joseph Morgan, .£48 48 OJ, to 176 paupers. The amount in the bank was shown to be £538 14s Id. STOCK-TAKING. Mr Lewis Williams presented his report as to the stock in the house, which was very satis- factory. XlCrHT TO LAND. Mr Thomas Preston, county roads surveyor, wrote :—There has been a piece of ground (ap- parently waste) enclosed by Mr John James ad- joining the corner of Aberystwyth union garden wall. Mr James states the piece of land in ques- tion was given by the union authorities in ex- change for land taken from hiii field to enlarge the union garden. I should be glad to know before the end of the present week whether any such arrange. ment was made, as I have to report upon the matter to my board on the 1st July. Mr John Jones said that was the arrangement. It was the property of the guardians before. The Chairman said that Mr Preston wa9 referring to the piece used as a broken stones depot. The Clerk promised to write to that effect. APPLICATION FOR INCREASE OF SALARY. The Master of the workhouse applied for an in. crease of salary, and would feel obliged if the guardians would raise it to the same as that re- ceived by the late maater. Mr John Jones gave notice that he would bring the matter forward at the next meeting ot the board.

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TRE'RDDOL. PETTY SESSIONS, THURSDAY, JULY 3RD, before Mr H. C. Fryer and Mr William Jones, Bryn- owen. Alleged Drunkenness,—Frank Johnson, Penybank, Llanfinangel, glover, and Geo. Hall, Taliesin, gloxer, were summoned by P.C. Thomas Jones for being do UII k on the roadside, on the 21st uIt.- Adjourned till next. petty sessions. Explosives Licenses.-Mr Adam Mason, secretary of the Ystradeinion Mining Company, applied for a renewal of the license for storage of gunpowder.- Granted. A similar application, made by Mr Richard Jones, Penrbylog, on behalf of the Blaenceulan mining company, was also granted. Leaving Service. — Mary Humphrey?, Felin Newydd, Furnace, was summoned by Mr David Samue), Ptnrhycgerwin, Scyborycoed, for leaving his senice without notice.—The complainant said that he hired the defendant on the regular hiring day at her home as a general servant, for X5 10s a year. On the Tuesday following Whit-Monday she compia" ed that she felt ill, and on the following day his wife asked her to wash, but she said she could not. She asked witness for some money, as she wished to see a doctor, and he gave her 5s. She then went home, and refused to go back, but gave no reason for her conduct. He after" arda found out that she was carrying bark for other people for about nine days or a fortnight. He bad paid her lis, and become responsible for another H".—For the defence, Richard Thomas, defendant's step- father, said that he had been working at Penrhyn- gerwin, and kt m' al time found there was no butter on the bread, and the latter was very red. He said that he would not stay there with such food, and defn dant said he would give notice butcomplain- ant said he would send her to gaol. She often com- plaiued of the food, and complainant was in the habit of lodging tramps about the house.—The bench decided to annul the contract, defendant to forfeit the sum of 10<, and each party to pay own COSIS. Overseers —Mr John Richards, Tynpynfarcb, was appointed overseer for the township of Tyry- naynach, in the room of Mr David Williams, Troed- rhiwsiiri, deceased, LLANYCHAIARN. SUNDAY SCHOOL TREAT.-Through the kindness and at the expense of Mr and Mrs Waddicgham, of Hafod, the LlaDychaiarn Church Sunday schools last Friday enjoyed a most delightful trip to Hafod. Mr and Mrs Waddingham,through the Misses Davies, of Cwmgoedwig, had provided that all should meet at the Llanrhystid Read StatioD, and go by train to Crosswood, and then to Hafod by conveyance sent to meet ns. The journey through the beautiful Ystwyth valley was delightful, and the cavalcade in high spirits reached Hafod by 11.15 a.m. As we entered the park and saw Mr and Mrs Waddingham in front of their magnificent mansion the temptation to cheer was quite uncontrolable, and cheer and song for a while made the majestic i hills around us echo and re-echo to the sound. Mrs Waddingham had always been and deservedly so a great favourite with th<, schools, hence this spontaneous burst of gladness; After arriving and alighting, we were most cordially greeted by our host and hostess. The kind hearted pair shook hands with each and all. The greetings ever, we rambled for a while about the extensive mansion, enjoying the varied and highly picturesque scenery around. Soon, however, the dinner bell recalled ns, and about 150 persons sat around the tables, which were plentifully supplied with beef, mutton, puddings, &c., &c.. to which we did ample justice. A plentiful supplyi0f non-intoxi. cating drinks was provided. Dinner over, we then dispersed in companies to enjoy in the grounds and gardens. M'iny wended their way to Hafod Church (Eglwys Newydd) to see the beautiful monument of the Johnes, and were well satisfied for their trouble. We had seen monuments of the kind before, but this one stands alone from all we had previously seen. The angelic expression of the dying daughter; the mother overwhelmed with grief, the sober and most anxious cast on the noble face of the father, all speak volumes, ti ough 'tis but mute and motionless marble that we see. The tables were spread for tea at four p.m. The tf8 and cake was very heartily enjoyed. Tea being over, we assembled in front of the mansion, and the Bev D; Jenhinsjwas elected to ths chair, and after a thert address calltd on Mr Charles Davies, Rhydygwin, superintendent of the Cwmgoedwig-Sunday school, to propose a vote of thanks to our host and hostess, which he did in a very appropriate speech. He declared that if they at Hafod should get tired of Mrs Waddingham that we should never be more pleased than to see her back again amon" us (prolonged clieeis). Mr Joel Mor-jan, superintendent of the Mission House school, seconded the prop, sition in a suitable speech, ending with some good Welsh verses of his own com- position. It was supported by Mr W. Edwards .in Welsh and Mr O.CMen in Welsh and EngKsh he also read Encllsa and Welsh verses composed for trie occasion. These were f.illnwprt by Messrs Joel Evans, T. Griffiths, J. Jones, and B R CvTes C.M., all declaring themselves highly satisfied: Mr 'and Mrs Waddinghim replied in Welsh and English. A vote of thanks to the Misses Davies, of Cwmcoedwig, and Mrs Richardes Brjnj reithin, for their efforts witn the Sunday schools and to Mrs Davies, Cwmcoedwig, and Squire Waddingham for having trained their children to take interest in Sunday schools and kindred benevolent and Christian works, was proposed by the IttlV U, Jenkins, and seconded by Mr R. R. Davies, C M and carried with enthusiasm and acclamation. A vote of thanks to Mrs Davies, the Hafod cook, and Mr Oliver and the servants for their kind attention was carried, and responded to b\ Mr Oliver. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close. After bidding adieu to our h at and hostess we started home and reached there all safe and sound by 10p m May we be often called te Hafod is our universal wi-h. CORRBSPoSnBNT. HARLECH MUSICAL FESTIVAL. The Harlech musical and temperance festival was held on Saturday, within the quadrangle of the old castle. The original institution of the festival was meant to bring about a much desired change in congregational and choral singing, and to advance the causes of temperance. The choirs present this year were Portmadoc, Dolgelley, Penrbyn, Tal- aarnau, Cioesor, and Harlech. The general con. ducter was Mr Rees (Eos Morlais). The first meeting commenced at 10.40, and in an interval of the musical programme, Mr W. R. M. Wynne Penianb, the president, delivered an.address. At two o'clock in the afternoon the second meeting commenced, Mr Charles Williams, M.D., Sefconig, being in the chair, and there was some very good choral singing,the leadIng position being given to the Dolgelley choir, under the direction of Mr 0. 0. Roberts. In the evening the whole proceedings were taken up with th > performance of Handel's "Messiah," Miss Rees, Miss Etherington, Eos Morlais, Mr H. Jones, and Mr J. Henry taking the leading parts. The qoadraBgle was filled by an appreciative audience.

THE LEASES QUESTION. OPINION OF COUNSEL AND ACTUARY. The following is the case submitted and the JO* plies :— CASE, Copy of the Aberystwyth Corporation Act of 1874 accompanies. By section 48, power is given to the corporation to renew leases granted prior to the 9th September, 1835, for seventy-five years as therein mentioned. Difficulties have arisen as to the con- struction of that section and the schedule therein referred to, and Mr Joshua Williams's and Mr Elphinstone's opinions (accompanying) have been taken thereon. Mr Elphinstone suggests that the council should grant renewal leases under 5 and 6 William IV., chap. 76, sections 94 and 96, now re- pealed but substantially re-enacted by the Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, section 108. The Town Council of Aberystwyth have decided upon the report of the fiaaace committee to adopt a general basis for the reuewal of leases. The following is a copy of the report :— "A meeting of the finance committee was held at the Corporation Offices on April 12th for the purpose of considering the terms upon which they would recommend the council to grant renewals to all holders of corporate leases. Present: Mr J. Jones, mayor, Messrs G. Green, D. C. Roberts, C. M. Wil- liams, Peter Jones, Richard James, E. J. Jones, I Isaac Morgan, A. J. Hughes, town clerk, Griffith Jones, solicitor to the corporation, and John James, convener. After a lengthy discussion, it. was agreed to adjourn until Monday, the 16th, for the purpose of obtaining further information from the corporations of Liverpool und Llandudno. 011 Monday, the 16th of April, your committee met again to consider the renewal of the corporate leases, present Messrs J. Jones, mayor, R. James, D. C. Roberts, Peter Jones, E. J. Jones, G Green, C. M. Williams, A. J. Hughes, town clerk, Griffith Jones, corporation solicitor, and John James, convener. Your committee unanimously recommend that the gross estimated rental be taken as the basis, ot granting a renewal of leases, provided that the com- mittee be satisfied that it be a fair annual value. They also unanimously recommend that the fine payable on the renewal of corporate leases be com- muted into an annual payment calculated at five per cent. on the amount of the fine, after deducting the existing ground rent (if any). For example, suppose a house valued at JE43 per annum, subject to the ground rent of £7, which would reduce the amount to be calculated upon to .£36, adding the X7 ground rent to the said commutation, but in case of no ground rent, the full annual value to to be calcu- lated upon. The following figures will enable the public more easily to understand the terms upon I which the council will be prepared to grant renewals of cornorate leases :— -PC- £ s. d. £ s. d. Annual value 43 0 0 Ground rent 7 0 0 36 0 0 4 Thirty years unex- ————— pired (according to scale).144 0 0 at 5 per cent 7 4 0 Present ground rent to be continued for the term of 75 years 7 0 0 14 4 0 Annual value 43 0 0 4 Thirty years unex Dired .172 0 Oat 5 per cent 8 12 6 The annual value of the one subject to a ground rent of.£7 weuld be X14 4s, and the other without ground rent would be.£8 12S. Mr James added that he had put as clear as he possibly could what was the intention of the committee." The fine mentioned in the schedule to the Act is commuted into an annual payment of X5 per cent., but there is no ground rent added. Several applications for renewal of leases have been received. The following is a list of such ap- plications and the terms upon which the council have agreed to grant renewals Estimated Rental. je s. d. Mr David Lewis, Marine-terrace 60 0 0 Capt Richard Watkins 55 0 0 Capt J. Richards. 55 0 0 Miss James 60 0 0 Mrs Miller 55 0 0 ,t Messrs iiees, coacnouuaers, aiary-st; Each of the lessees of the above leases is possessed of the whole term,and it is proposed to surrender the present term and grant a new lease for seventy-five years. The premises of which the new lease is to be granted consists of buildings. The fine commuted into an annual payment is calculated upon the number of years expired below seventy-five years, as was really the intention of the promoters of the Act of 1874. The basis upon which the corporation propose to renew leases are different. to those pro- vided by the Act of 1874. The leases proposed to be renewed were all granted previous to 1835. The foregoing statement was submitted to the Finance Committee, with the intention of laying the same before counsel, whereupon they decided in order to comply with the Local Act of 1874 (assum- ing that the Act contemplates a fine and a ground rent in addition), to apportion the five per cent, provided for by the resolution before mentioned as follows :— £ 4 7s 6d thereof to be considered equiva- lent to the fine commuted into an annual payment, and 12s 6d, the remainder thereof to be considered the ground rent. The following notice was accord- ingly put on the agenda That five per cent. shall be the rate for commut- ing the fine on the renewal of corporation leases, 4i per cent. for the payment of capital and interest 8 on the amount of fine in lieu thereof, and an addi. tional A per cent. of ground rent, making together fi Vp per Cftn t." Counsel will gee that by the resolution (pages I and 2 of this case) it was provided that there should be at least five per cent. paid to cover the fine, and lie ground rent. The present leases contain what is now at least little more than a nominal ground rent. The council propose to grant the new leases under the general Municipal Corporations Act, 1882, but this difficulty has suggested itself-whether the corpora- tion can take the value of the surrendered lease into consideration in fixing the terms of the new lease ? The Act of 1882 contemplates that the new leases should be granted in possession and at full value of the property at the time, which would be after the surrender of the old lease. Can they then allow for the value of the old lease in fixing the rent of the new? Of coursp, with the assent of the Treasury, the corporation have power to grant lease? upon any terms, but to obtain the assent of the Treasury in- volves trouble and expense. Counsel will please advise the corporation, the intending lessees and their mortgagees of the present leases which are intended to be surrendered :— 1st, As to the terms contemplated by the Aber- ystwyth Corporation Act, 1874, on the renewal of leasers, whether it requires alfine and a ground rent, and if both, whether the ground rent need be more than nominal. 2nd. Whether counsel advices the Corporation (assuming they have the power to grant leases under the General Municipal Corporation Act, 1882) to grant and the lessees and their mortgagees to accept the new leases on a lower basis than those provided by the Local Act of 1874, whether the corporation can grant leases upon either of the scheme set out in the case. (1st) Assuming that they are not substantially In accordance with or equivalent to theterms of the Act of 1874. (2nd). Assuming that they are substantially in accordance with or equivalent to the terms of. the Act of 1874. 3rd. Whether the corporation can, in granting renewed leases under the Act of 1882, take the value of the surrendered leases into consideration in fixing the terms of the new lease and generally upon the ease. The Local Act of 1874 seems to have been drawn on the supposition that there were no leases except for terms of seventy-five years. To such leases the 48th sect. of that Act can be applied, but it seems inapplicable to leases of any other term. Recourse in case of other leases must therefore be had to the Municipal Corporations Act of 1882, sect. 108. This section has nothing in it requiring a lease to be at the best rent, and the reason is obvi- ous. A corporation might rt quire to let its land for providing market buildings, artisans' dwellings, or other quasi public purposes, for which the full rent, as for a dwelling house site, could not be ob- taiaed, and prob ibly also the necessity for renewals was intended to be provided for. My answers to the above questions are therefore as follows: 1. The 48th section of tbe Act of 1874 is obscure, but I think it assumes that the lease will be simply renewed as it stands, that is at the olil rent. The amount of the fine is fixed by the schedule, without reference to the amount of rent, and no provision is made for varying the fine, according as the rent is raised or lowered. Necessarily, therefore, the rent must remain the same. The expression "such annual refit as may be agreed upon must refer to the cases contemplated by subs. (1) where the lease is renewed as to a portion only, and the rent of that portion has to be agreed. There must, therefore, on any renewal made un- der sect. 48, be both the old rent renewed, and a fine taken where the lease is renewed as to the whole or an agreed apportioned rent, and a fine where it is renewed as to part only. 2. Where the existing leaso is not for 75 years the renewal must be under the Public Act of 1882.1 am of opinion that the corporation-are not bound even in cases where the Act of 1874 does apply to grant renewals under that Act, but may grant them under the Public Act of 1882. The corporation are bound to make the best bar- gain they reasonably can under the circumstances, and when granting leases under the Act of 1882, should obtain, if they can, terms equal to or better than those specified in the Act of 1874; but if they cannot obtain terms equally good they may accept terms less good. 3. Under the Public Act of 1882 leases can be granted for not exceeding 75 years on any terms the corporation think proper, except that where the term does not exceed 31 years no fine can be taken, and the fine may be fixed on the principle of the schedule to the Act of 1874 if that is considered the proper amount, but the corporation should fix the best terms to be reasonably obtained. In fixing terms they may (and in fact must) take into consideration the value of the surrendered lease. EDWD. P. WOLSTENHOLME, 2, Stone Buildings. June 30th, 1884.

CASE. The Aberystwyth corporation are empowered to renew leases upon payment of a fine according to a scale. By that scale the fine is to be paid down. A suggestion has been made that its equivalent should be paid by annual payments in the shape of rent instead of a payment down. Considerable discus- sion has arisen as to what is the equivalent of a present payment of .£100, paid by an annual sum for 75 years as rent secured on house property. The houses will consist of stone buildings, with slated roofs, let at rents raging from P,5 a year to .£80 a year. Aberystwyth is a watering-place, and most of the town is built on corporation property. It has been suggested that £478 6d should be paid annually as an equivalent for .£100 paid down. It is agreed that 4s 5Jd with compound interest at X4 per cent. will, mathematically speaking, make up £100 in 75 years. But although this is mathematically correct there are a number of circumstances that ought to be taken into account in fixing the equivalent of £ 100 payable by annual rent. The following among others will readily occur to an actuary 1st. It is said that compound interest is never practically- made in its integrity. In practice, a larger sum ought to be laid by annually and im- proved at interest. The calculation of 4s 5!d con. 2 templates the punctual payment of the rent to the very day, and on its carrying interest from that very day to the end of 75 years at £ 4 per cent. As a matter of fact the rents are frequently months in arrear. 2nd. Then again the payment of a £100 down makes the same absclutely safe to the corporation, whereas if payment by rent for 75 years it is subject to contingencies such, for instance, as where the premises are burnt down by fire when not covered by a poliey of insurance. The leases will of course provide covenants for insurance, still there may be neglect in keeping up the policy and fire may occur while such policy is not kept afoot. This it is con- tended is another contingency that ought to be taken into account in assessing an annual sum pay- able in lieu of .£100 paid down. If the premises were burnt and tor some reason or other not rebuilt there is of course the risk of losing the ground rent for the remainder of the term. 3rd. The property may become reduced in annual value in 7b years so as not to be sufficient to pay the commuted fine in the shape of ground rent. This, however, is not very likely except where the old lease has almoetentirely expired when the ground rent will be about three-fourths of the actual rent received. Other circumstances may have a bearing upon the case which may occur to the actuary. Another branch of the subject is the rate of inter- est that ought to be paid during the 75 years. This depends largely on the rate of interest the corpora- tion would derive from a payment down. For the actuary's information tue following facts may be stated. There is now and has been for some years past an overdrawn account due to the corporation treasurer amounting to < £ 2,000, upon which ,f,4 per cent, is paid besides bank charge?. There is also due from the corporation .£30,000 on mortgage bearing interest at the rate of £ 4 per cent. The renewal scheme by annual payment in the shape of rent if generally taken up would yield the corpora- tion an annual sum of from X2,000 to £ 3,000. The question that arises up on the foregoing is what annual rent, taking all centingeneies into ac- count, would be an equivalent to .£100 paid down, leaving the actuary to fix the rate of interest and compound interest under the circumstances before mentioned. To justify the charge of X4 per cent the Govern- ment and Public Works Loan Commissioners are quoted who receive principal and interest by annual payments. The corporation of Liverpool is also instanced where a similar schedule to that adopted at Aber- ystwyth for payment of fines is in use, but there they do not under any circumstances commute the fine payable under the schedule into an annual pay- ment, but when selling property by public auction they commute the purchase money into annual pay- ments of X4 7s 6d per cent. Commutation of the purchase money will pro bably enhance the price of the property at the auc- tion. Besides they insist upon payment of X20 per cent. down. The actuary will please advise the corporation (1) what rate of compound interest ought to be allowed to make up the capital of JE100 at the end of 75 years. (2) What interest the lessees ought to pay in the meantime looking at the benefit the corporation would derive if the fine were paid down. (3) What total sum ought to be paid annually as an equivalent to a present payment of .£100 under all the circumstances before mentioned. And generally on the case. ANSWER.—The answer to the foregoing case can only be approximate, and the approximation must depend upon the rate of interest at which the cor. poration can invest its funds. Replying to the third question—If the corpora- tion can invest its funds so as to obtain interest at the rate of 4 per cent per annum, then I think a practically equivalent annual rent for 75 years in place of £ 100 paid down would be.£4 10s 9d. If the corporation can obtain only 31 per cent, interest on its invested funds, then I think the equivalent annual rent for 75 years would be £ 4 5s 9d. This estimate takes into consideration the fact (whieh is referred to in the case) that compound interest in Its strict integrity, cannot be made at the rate of interest at which money is primarily inves- ted and the estimate has also regard to the fact, that there is a further loss in respect of compound interest by receiving money in annual rents in place either of a sum down, or in place of interest on invested capital; because, frequently, annual rents are not so punctually paid, as is the interest on invested capital. There is alio another aspect of the case not re. ferred to in the foregoing instructions, which pro. bably ought to have some weight in estimating the amount of annual rent, namely It may be more convenient to many tenants to pay an annual rent than to pay a sum down and in making my esti. mate, I have had regard to that point, believing that such convenience warrants a somewhat higher charge for rent than a bare mathematical calcula- tion would provide. It is proper to state that the foregoing opinion 1 is one founded on the general cirl'urns:ances of the case, calculation being modified accordingly. If the rate of interest required to be provided for the corporal ion he 4 per cent, then an annual rent of X4 5s M only would provide that interest, and leave 5s 9d per annum to accumulate at com- pound interest 31 ptr cent. for 75 years, whieh accumulation would in ihat time amount to £100. Or if the rate of interest assumed be 31 per cecis the annnal rent mielit be £ 4 Os 9d only and X3 16, being deducted f.om that rent, would s'ill leave 5s 9d per annum to accumulate ai 3t per cent. com- pound interest for 75 years as before W. H. TYNDALL, Actuary Atlas Assurance, and Inland Revenue Butiuvoleut Fund, Cheapside, London 5'h June, 1884.

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL. A meeting; of the Council was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday morning. Present—Mr John James (trayor), Aldermen Philip Williams, D. Boberts, and John J ones,Councillors Isaac Morgan, Peter Jones, Dr Harries, D. C. Roberts, Richard James. C. M. Williams, and John Huberts Messrs A. J. Hughes, town clerk Griffith Jones, corpora- tion solicitor H. L. Evans, borough accountant; Rees Jones, borough surveyor; and Dr Jones, meii- eal officer. TANYBWLCH FOOTPATH. The Town Clerk said that he had seen Mr ^aughan Davies on the previous day in regard to Tanybwlch footpath, and if it would be convenient to the committee he would meet them at the Town Clerk's office ,bat (Tuesday) afternoon, and if ne- cessary would proceed with them to the footpath. Mr C. M. Williams said it was a very important matter, because he had met two parties of visitors who had asked him if the old path was closed up, as they had been warned off and told the path was by the river side. They went to look at it, but thought it was too much to venture en that path, And they said if Aberystwyth was going on in that Way it would soon go down. Mr Griffith Jones had told them that the agreement was really not bind- ing, and he thought if it was fairly put before Mr Vaughan Davies he would surely meet them. The Town Clerk He has promised to do so. It was agreed that the committee, with the addi- tion of Mr C. M. Williams, should meet Mr Davies. PENGLAISE FOOTPATHS. Mr C. M. Williams thought it would be a good thing if the Mayor and Town Clerk waited upon Mr Roderick Richardes, Penglais, and asked him to take down the notices threatening people who went O'er footpaths ou his land. People were now afraid to go on these paths, and if the matter was uut be- fore Mr Richardes he believed he would meet them, as be was desirous of doing all he could. Mr Isaac Morgan said the notices did not mean for them to be excluded from the paths, but stran- gers did go through the middle of the fields. The Mayor said the notices did affect some people as described by Mr Williams but he ad- mitted that what Mr Morgan said was also true. Mr C. M. Williams suggested that notices asking them to keep to the footpaths should be erected. The Mayor and Town Clerk undertook to see Mr Richardes. THE PATHS ON THE TERRACE. The Mayor read a letter addressed to Mr Rees Jones frem Dr Rice Williams, asking him it he would be kind enough to take the measurement and make an estimate for curbing and flagging opposite lis house on the Terrace, so that he might make an application to the Council for the same to be done. Mr C. M. Williams Is he going to do it? The Mayor said that Dr Williams had spoken to Irim about it, and he told him to ask Mr Rees Jones to prepare an estimate. The cost would be ,£9 12s. Mr C, M. Williams thought that when they bad a little money to spare there were other places in greater need of Sagging The Mayor thought that a few yards in front of Dr Williams' private house would be a great im- provement. Mr D C. Roberts said there were poorer streets 3n other part8 of the town in which they had re- vised to do anything for want of means. Alderman Jones did not consider the application ought to be taken into consideration at all. Alderman Williams proposed that it be referred to the public works committee. Mr Richard James seconded the proposition. On being put to the vote, four voted in favour, and Alderman James against. The motion was therefore carried. 8XATS ON THE TERRACE. Mr C. M. Williams suggested that Mr Rees Jones should remove the existing seats opposite Victoria Terrace farther back, and that three more seats Should be added. Alderman Williams seconded, and it was carried. URYNTMOR WALK. Mr Isaac Morgan proposed that a few labourers should be engaged to put this path in a better atate. It was one of the most beautiful in the neigh- bourhood, but was so steep that people could Aearcely ascend or descend. Mr D C. Roberts sfconded the proposal. Dr Harries remembered the time, about four years ago, when Mr Peter Jones was deputed to see Mr Fryer in connection with that path. Perhaps he had a repot t to bring in on the matter. Mr Peter Jones said that he did sec Mr Fryer, bot his connection with the estate ceased just then. It was so arranged that the path should be in a line with the garden wall, and when the question of Renewal of the lease of the ropewalk came on it Was suggested that they should get a road acress to meet that. The Mayor said the council should also retain the Old path across Mr Roberts' field. Mr Roberts denied that there had ever been a Path there at all. He had been there 8i years, and fhen he took it there were swedes sown right from the top to the bottom. The Mayor said there was a path there, and person who blocked up a path was under a fenalty of 40s for doing it. Mr Roberts said he did not do it, but people Walked through his ground there now. „ The Mayur It is one of the most ancient paths 18 the town. Mr John Roberts said he had possession of the ground, and quiet possession, and he should stop any person goiug through it, or summon them. The Mayor Then the proper course will for the tnrveyor to go through and try it. Dr Harries: Mr Roberts' ground is not very sacred in any way. The matter then dropped. MAJOR TWiilOCH's REPORT. Mr C. M. Williams asked the Town Clerk what steps be bad taken to distribute Major Tulloch's re port ? The Town Clerk said he had spoken to the Mayor, and in the first instance he thought of send. ing a few copies to the lodging-house keepers. Mr C. M. Williams proposed that che matter should be referred to the finance committee, as it was advisable that copies should be sent to all the medical men and hotel keepers throughout the kingdom. Mr Peter Jones seconded the proposition, which Was agreed to. the COCKMI. DOCUMENTS. The Corporation Solicitor said that he had made all enquires for documents belonging to the cor- poration, and he had not been able to get any fur- ther papers. He would now like to know what Course the corporation wished to take with regard to the pending motion against Mr Edgar Atwood. So far there was absolutely no evidence that be had them, farther than that he appeared to have charged for them and drawn them up. The Town Clerk asked the council to provide a suitable tin box for the safe custody of documents. Some of the documents were with the Corporation Solicitor, and some with him. The Corporation Solicitor further suggested that the corporation should have a document book. Mr Isaac Morgan proposed, and Alderman Williams seconded, that these matters should be re- ferred to the finance committee. Carried. The Corporation Solicitor said as to the docu. ments, it was a matter for the council to say whether Mr Atwood was to pay the eosts, which amounted tof5 or £ (S. He (Mr Atwood) had made a most voluminous affidavit, and asked the council to pay him for it. Mr Peter Jones suggested that they should re- lieyehim from payment of the costs for the services which he had renaered (laughter). This was agreed to. THB WATER SUPPLY. The Surveyor reported that Salisbury House, in Llanbadarn-road, was without a proper supply of water. The water was supposed to be obtained from a spring close to the house, and which supplied mShinh jal€r manufactory. The cistern from water wotCT ,h> 3°d» It was stated that the house belonged to Mr George Green, and the tenant had complained. h* Ry°P98ed that a proper supply should be given. He had suggested to Mr Tanner that he should report it, and he was very glad to find that lie had done so. Mr John Roberts seconded the proposition. lit Blohard James a&ked if that was the same cistern a) the soda works were supplied from ? The Surveyor It is from the same source. Mr John Jones asked if there was a cistern be- longing to the house now ? The Surveyor said there was. Some twelve months ago he had instructions ta take a sample of water from one of the houses in Llanbadarn-road for analysis. That was done, and it was found to be such that they could not condemn it. Mr Richard James said this well was very much lower than the sewers, and the reasonable conclusion would be that the soil percolated into this well. Dr Harries said it very much depended as to when the water was taken. It they took it now in fine weather it would be simply absurd. The watt-r should be taken the day after a heavy rain, when the space should be suGking in from the surround- ing parts. If Dr Jones watched for a good heavy rain and then took the water it would be a fair test. The Surveyor said it was not the quality he was complaining of, but the deficiency. Mr Richard James suggested that the medical officer should examine the pump at Trefecban. Having gone to the expense of getting a pure and abundant supply of water, it would be rather serious if through indifferent supplies it should be the means of bringing in any disease. Mr D. C. Roberts seconded the proposition, but suggested that the medical officer should examine any wells they had in the town. The proposition was agreed to. WASHING ALLEYS, ETC. The Muyor suggested that Mr Rees Jones should use the hose for the purpose of cleansing the courts in the town. This was referred to the public works committee. THE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. Mr John Roberts said that he had been deputed by the committee of the Agricultural Society to ask the Mayor and Corporation to kindly lend the use of their field in Smithfield-road wherein to hold the next show. On the motion of Mr Richard James, seconded by Mr C. M. Williams, the application was acceded to. THE BYE-LAWS. The Town Clerk reported that the whole of the bye-laws had been approved of by the Local Govern- ment Board, and the corporat on seal was ordered to be attached. The matter of printing the bye-laws was referred to the sanitary committee to obtain tenders, &c. THE LEASES. The consideration of the opinions from counsel and actuary respecting the leases question was de- ferred until they had be, n published in the local papeis.

EOYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. The annual meeting of subscribers to the local sub-branch of the above society was held at the Town Hall on Tuesday afternoon. The Rev T. A. Penry was voted to the chair, and there were also present-Mrs Captain Cosens, Dr Roberts, North- parade, Mr Morris Davies, hon; sec., the Rev John Williams, Mr Grove, and Mr Robert Ellis. The Secretary reported that during the past year there had been more subscribers and more money than in the previous year, so he hoped the sub- branch wouid continue a few years at any rate. The amount last year was £19 88 6d, and this year < £ 22 0s 6 The incidental expenses amounted to £1 4s, leaving a balance of JE20 16s 6d. The Rev J. Williams proposed, and Mr Grove se. conded, that the balance be sent to the head office at Carmarthen, Carried. The Secretary said that during the past year there had bec n) eleven prosecutions, and fines in each case had been inflicted, except in that of the ill- treatment of a bull, which was dismissed, although it was a very bad case. A rope was tied to the bull's leg and horn, and the rope cut into the flesh very deeply. Mr Ball, the inspector, had spent twenty-1 hrt e days in the neighbourhood. The Secretary promistd to submit a suggestion made by Mr Grove that pigs when bought and sold should be marked with raddle instead of cut, to Mr Colaoa, the general secretary. A lett r was read from Mr Colam asking the branch to use its influence with the county and borough members to™support the bill illegalisiug pigeon-shooting and oppose another bill which would extend the use of steel traps in catching ground game, and on the motion of Mr Robert Ellis, seconded by the Rev John Williams, it was agreed to acquiesce in the terms of the letter. Colonel Pryse was re-appointed president, and Mr Waddingham vice-president, and the Rev Chancellor Phillips, Rev T. A. Penry, Mrs W. Wil- liams, Mr B. E. Morgan, Rev J, Williams, Mr R. Ellis, and Mr Grove were appointed on the com- mittee, the latter taking the place of Major Legge. Mr Morris Davies was re-appointed hon. secretary. The Chairman proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Morris Davies, upon whom, he said, the life of the society depended. This was carried, and the pro- oeedings terminated.

BOROUGH MAGISTRATES' COURT. Wednesday. Before Mr John James (mayer), Dr Rice Williams, and Alderman P. Willi;im3. SCHOOL BOARD PROSECUTIONS. Margaretta James, Queen's-roai Thomas Davies, Cambrian-court, painter; Mary Evans, Mill-street; O. Rogers, Portland-lane, groom; and M. Richards, Bridge-street, widow, were summoned for neglecting to send their children to school.—Mr Ravenhiil ap- peared for Mrs James, and said that since the case had been adjourned the child n id attended regularly, and he asked the bench not t > inflict a penalty, but simply to make an order, with which the bench com- plied. Davies produced an infirmary ticket, but it did not identify the child in question, and the bench inflicted a fine of 5s. Evan", Rogers, and Richards were ordered to attend. DRUNK, &C. John Davies, alias Denbigh Terrier, pedlar, was charged by P.C. Daniel Jones with being helplessly drunk on Trefechan bridge on Tuesday atternoon. Defendant pleaded guilty, and said he was very sorry. Defendant was fined 2s 6d and costs, or 14 days. Thomas Lewis, Llangawsai, sailor, was charged by P.S. Evans with being drunk on licensed premises, 24, Great Darkgate. street, on the previous evening. Defendant said he had nothing to say; he drew his pension on Tuesday, and he had not a penny now. He did sot know where it had all gone. There were two fines now unpaid, and he was again fined 10s and costs, or 14 days, time to pay being re- fused. David Williams, Morristown, Glam., tramp, was charged with being drunk aud begging on Tuesday. P.S. Evans said complaints had been made about defendant by several gentlemen being begging and drunk. Defendant pleaded gailty, and sail he was very sorry. He had lost his arm, and could do nothiBg, and he begged to be let eff this time. The bench deeided to dismiss the case, on defen- dant promising to leave the town. ASSAULTING A FATHER. Theophilus Jenkins, Crynfryu-row, mariner, was summoned by David Jenkins, Crynfryn-row, boat- man, for assaulting him. The complaiuant said that on the previous day he had a fe v words with his wife, when the defendant (his son), was sent for, and came in and struck him down. Witness had been a Salvationist, and on this day happened to have a glass of ale, and his wife was making fun of him because he had taken a little drink. The case was adjourned for a week, the son not being present.

TALIESIN. BOARD SCHOOLS.—The following is a copy of H.M. inspector's report on the Mixed School (S. Prosser, master):—"This school is in very good order, and considering that the pupil teachers were all m the first year, has made good progress during the year. In the examination in the elementary subjects the reading and spelling were good, and the hand- writing excellent throughout. The arithmetic was somewhat unequal, being good in the first and third, and pretty fair in the other standards. Of the class subjects, the geography and recitation were good, the grammar (which was taken for the first time by the girls) was fair. The needlework, which was taught according to the third schedule, was very fair. The singing was excellent." Grant, X100 14i Id. Infants' School (D. Lewis, mistress) :—" This school has improved in attainments during the past year, and is now in a fair condition. Greater attention should be paid to arithmetic, and a larger proportion of the scholars ought to answer questions on the object lessons given. The amount of fees col- lected is very small, and the attendance seems low." Grant, .£2348. The annual examination in drawing was held at the mixed school on the 28th April, and the results are as follow: In free grade freehand, 21 children passed fair, nine good, and one excellent. Lewis Lloyd, of Taliesin (whose exercise was ad- judged excellent), will receive the usual Government prize from the Science and Art Department, South Kensington. Grant, £ 217s. The supplementary grant received for the past year was < £ 20 8s 8d, and thus the sum of all the grants for the year amounts to X147 3s 9d. At the recent Tre'rddol Eisteddfod the first prize for handwriting was equally divided between Evan Davies, of Tre'rddol, and Sarah Louisa Jenkins, of Henhafod, and Mrs Fryer's prizes for the best workman's shirt were awarded to Ann Cecilia Prosser (first; and Elizabeth Christiana Prosser (second), the four being pupils in this school. In connection with this school it may also be stated that Miss Elizabeth Ann Egerton, formerly a pupil teacher here, having gained a second class Gove rJl- ment certificate as an elementary teacher, was appoin- ted head mistress of Wern British school, Llanbryn- mair. The following is a copy of the report of Mr Temple, H.M.I., who examined her school in May last:—" The children are clean, cheerful, orderly, and intelligent, but I should like to see rather more life and spirit in them. It should, however, be borne in mind how thoroughly Welsh they are. Some allowance being made for this in the lower classes I think the school entitled to the merit mark of excel- lent. The reading of the higher classes and their repetition and class subjects deserve decided praise. Their arithmetic is not so good. A. Humphreys has passed well. She should be informed that she is now qualified under both Articles 50 and 52. Percentage of passes 90; amount of grant.859 12s Od." This being her second favourable report at the same school, Miss Egerton has duly received her parchment certificate. It now becomes our sad and painfuldutytochrenicle the death of Rowland Morris, a young man who re- ceived his education at the Taliesin board school and subsequently served for three years in the capa- city of pupil teacher at the same place. At different times he had suffered from very serious attacks of inflammation and fever, which ultimately left him completely shattered in health. After a brief sojoura in London he returned home, and for a few months during the past winter he was re-engaged as assistant at the board school, but he gradually became weaker and broke down just before the last examination. He lingered in great weakness and suffering till Monday, the 30th June, when death put an end to his long and painful sufferings. He was buried in the new cemetery grounds on Friday, the 4th July. The funeral, which was very I arge, was attended by all the teachers and scholars of both schools, and as a last tribute of respect to the deceased they marched in procession, singing at intervale ieuan Gwyllt'a well-known hymn, "Ar ol gefidian dyrus daith." The singing was frequently broken by the sobbings of the children, Thus ended the short career of one whose memory will long be cherished for his kindness, sympathy, and tact in teaching the young children entrusted to his care. HOW MANY PEOPLE SUFFER. It is often remarked how many more people than formerly complain of feeling unwell. It is not that there is a greater amount 01 contagious diseases afloat, for there is proof that the extent and strength of such are far less than of yore because of better sanitary arrangements and greater attention to cleanliness and other matters. The enormous prevalence cannot be doubted ef pains in the back, side, and chest; ener- vated and languid feelings loss of energy; distress and fulness of the stomach, with often a sense of dtadly faintnessat its pit, which eating does not stay; sick-headache, so-called biliousness unpleasant breath a sense of weariness when ris- ing in the morning, with an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and toss of appetite, or non-enjoyment of food. These are but the mildest effects of "feeling unwell," and yet how great is the distress and suffering, with hindrance to business and plea- sure, they give ri-e to. The cause is not far to seek it lies in the stomach and digestive organs, which have become impaired to the distress of nearly all the other functions of the body. Assuredly could the stomach always be kept in well-regulated condition through lite, it would tend to far greater longevity than is now the case. The stomach is a wheel within wheels and just as an erratic tendency on the part of a small bat still important wheel of a clock leads to the disarrangement ot its whole f nction as a time-keeper, so does the failure of so important a wheel as the digestive organs in the mechanism of the human frame throw, by their impaired vigour or inaction all the parts depending OR them-and they are legion--out of gear. Just as the wheel of the clock will require to be adjusted that accurate time may be kept, so must the impaired organs of the stomach be restored to their original vigour. Digestion must be promoted by increasing the flow and strenifth of the gastric juice, and this "Seigel's Curative Syrup" will effectu- ally do. It will impart strength to the stomach, invigorate the liver and impart tone to the bowels, to the greater enjoyment of life and health of all who use it; and that it so may be tested by a perusal of the Testimonials in an Almanac, which will be furnished free of charge to any applicant by the Pro- prietors A. J. White (Limited), 17, Farringdon Road, London, B.C. The syrup can he obtainedfrom any chemist or medicine vendor. NURSE EDDA'S BABY SOOTHER is unequalled in relieving Infants ftvm Gripes, Wind, Colic. Guaranteed no narcotic (an absolutely safe cure) Is per bottle.