The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

BLAENAU FESTINIOG. TEMPERANCE.—At Jerusalem on Saturday, Mr W. Lewis Jones presiding, addresses on temper- ance) were delivered by the Revs E. M. Rees and J. J. Jones, Pwllheli, and D. M. Edwards, B.A., Blaenau. ST.M.A.—0:i Saturday night, Mr H. G. Parry in the chair, there was a debate as to whether one's calling should decide position in society. Miss J. M. Roberta, Dorfi-strept, seconded by Mies Janet Hughes, Tanygraig, opened in the affirmative and Miss Williams, Oxford-.3treet, seconded by Miss E. J. Roberts, Boston House, in the negative. There was a majority in the negative. DEATH OF A SOLICITOR.—The death occurred on Saturday morning, at his home in Dolwydd- elen, at the early age of thirty-one, of Mr R. Lloyd Davies, solicitor, son of Mr David Evan Davies, formerly manager of the Prince Llew- elyn Quarry, Dolwyddelen. Deceased, who was articled to Mr Arthur J. Hughes, town clerk, Aberystwyth, left Aberystwyth to take up an appointment at Plymouth, and re- moved thence to BlaenauFestiniog five years ago. He commenced practising on his own account at Blaenau and opened a branch at Trawsfynydd. Deceased had been confined to his room for about a week and death is attributed to heart failure. The greatest sympathy is felt for his family in their affliction. He took a keea interest in parochial affairs and his demise creates a vacancy on the Dolwyddelen Parish Council. The funeral took place at Llan Festiniog on Tuesday. PETTY SESSIONS.—On Thursday week Mr Alltwen Williams, clerk and surveyor to the Urban District Council, summoned six persons for breaches of the Public Health Act. Mr R. Walter Davies conducted the prosecution in each case and evidence was given by David Williams, the sanitary inspector to the Council. Joseph Hughes, 6, Tanyclogwyn-terrace, was charged with not providing a flushing cistern. He was ordered to do the work in a month and pay 7s 6d costs, or be subject to a penalty of C2. A like penalty was ordered in the case of David Williams, Sheffield House, unless he provided slop drains in fourteen days and paid 8s 6d costs; against Owen Hughes, Walter-terrace, unless he provided better drains and water closets in one month and paid 8s 6d costs against William Lewis, 103, High-street, unless he provided a proper gully trap in fourteen days and paid 8s 6d costs against David Roberts, Walter-terrace, unless he removed pigs in one month and paid 7s 6d costs and against William Williams, Pandy'r Ddwyryd, Maentwrog, unless he provided a water closet in fourteen days and paid 7s 6d costs.—Owen Owens, under manager at the Oakeley Quarries, summoned Robert Griffith, London-road, Garn, for contravention of special rules 32, 35, and 36 at the Quarry. The Under Manager said an explosion was reported to him in one of the chambers,:and he found Griffith there hurt. It appeared that defend- anthad used ajumper when a charge failed, hence the accident. Mr R. O. Davies (Messrs R. O. Jones and Davies) prosecuted on behalf of the Company. —Defendant was fined 5s and 9s 6d costs for using the jumper contrary to rule thirty-six, and the two summonses under the other rules were thereupon withdrawn.—Wm. Lewis, Cellor, High-street, summoned by Wm. Evans, school attendance officer, for neglecting to send his two boys to school, was fined 10s.— Jane Morris, Rhydsarn, charged Owen Jones, Rhydsarn, for having assaulted her on October 30th.—Mr R. O. Davies appeared for the com- plainant.—The Bench bound Jones over in X10 to keep the peace for twelve months and ordered him to pay 10s costs. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL, FRIDAY NIGHT, NOVEMBER 15TH.-Present: Mr Owen Jones, chairman, presiding; Mr O. J. Owen, vice- chairman Messrs J. Lloyd Jones, William Owen, Humphrey Roberts, Cadwaladr Roberts, E. M. Owen, Lewis Thomas, Evan Jones, E. Lloyd Powell, J. E. Humphreys, W. J. Row- lands, David Lewis, J. J. Jones, E. T. Pritchard, Lewis Richards, Francis Evans, JShn Hughes, Richard Jones, Andreas Roberts; W. E. Allt- wen Williams, clerk, surveyor, and engineer Evan Roberts, assistant clerk David Williams, sanitary inspector; and Dr Jones, medical officer. THE LIBRARIES. V WAILS FROM THE BRANCHES. I The Libraries Committee reported that 1,074 books were issued from the Central Library during the past month, a decrease of 113 on the corresponding month last year. Instructions as to list of arrears having been given, the Com- mittee directed the Librarian not to issue any books in future to the borrowers who had not paid fines due. Reports as to the Conglywal and Tanygrisiau branches were read, but nothing < came from Llan. The Committee requested the Clerk to report upon the terms and conditions on < which the branch libraries were first started and j in regard to the books presented by donors to the Llan and Conglywal branches. The balance sheet of the recent concert in aid of the library showed a net profit of £ 31 2s 7V1, and a hearty ( vote of thanks was passed by the Committee to < Mr John Cadwaladr, the chairman, for acting as hon. secretary to the Concert 1 Sub-Committee. Consideration as to the deposit of the money was deferred. Letters were read from Mr E. Vincent Evans in regard to the ( controversy which has risen between him and t the Council, and the Committee recommended } the Council to terminate the dispute. (Hear, i near.") The Committee recommended that the j Mining Journal should be substituted for the Army and Navy."—Mr Andreas Roberts pro- posed that the latter should be taken in addition to the Mining Journal," observing that it was as well for the district to be versed in matters affecting the army and navy.—Mr Evan Jones seconded the proposition, which was carried by nine to eight.—The other recommendations were accepted. The sub-committee appointed by the Council to consider the future maintenance of the Central Library and the Llan branch reported having adjourned consideration, and that it was their intention to visit Llan in the meantime. Mr G. J. Bevan wrote stating that at a meeting of ratepayers at Conglywal on November 12th there was a general expression of regret at the decision of the Council to close the Conglywal branch, and a resolution was passed asking the Council to defer putting their intention into effect until the voice of all the ratepayers in the ward had been ascertained. A letter to the same effect and asking the Council to reconsider the matter was received from Mr E. J. Hughes, secretary of the Committee at Tanygrisiau.-Mr Cadwaladr Roberts thought Tanygrisiau was entitled to more consideration, seeing that they contributed £80 in rates towards the Library funds.—The Chairman remarked that the following notice of motion on the agenda stood in the names of Mr Cadwaladr Roberts and Mr David Richards That it is desirable that the two wards, Ystradau and Cwmorthin. and Conglywal, should henceforth respectively have the power and right of dealing with rates appor- tionate to the said wards with a view of carrying on the branch libraries at Conglywal and Tany- grisiau." He regretted to announce that were the motion brought forward, he would have to rule it out of order. He must say, however, that in his opinion it would have been wiser to ask the opinion of the ratepayers of Tanygrisiau and Conglywal before the Council decided to close the branches. At the last meeting, Mr Humphrey Roberts inquired in which way it was intended that the £ 160 handed over by the Eistedd:od Committee was to be administered. Mr Newton Jones had written stating that the money was to be devoted to the purchase of books on the understanding that the Council should open branches in different places in the urban district did the funds allow. Mr Newton Jones expressed the opinion that it was a mistake to open reading rooms in the branches at the expense of the rates. The reading rooms ought to be maintained by means of voluntary contributions.—Mr Cadwaladr Roberts said he was surprised to receive a letter couched in such terms form Mr Jones, but he was glad to say that the Rev J. Rhydwen Parry held a totally different view.—Mr Wm. Owen said the Council were out of order in discussing the matter, having regard to the resolution passed by the Council to close the two branches. For the benefit of the Chairman, who was away at the time, the resolution was adopted, he might say, that two meetings of the Council and three com- mittee meetings were held before the decision was finally come to. The decision was arrived at because of lack of funds and were every inhabitant in Tanygrisiau and Conglywal to vote for continu- ing the two branches the Council could not arrive at a different decision unless a way was shown to get money to keep them going. It was money they wanted. They were all agreed that it would be better to keep the two branches, but they could not do so without £ s. d.—The Chairman: Still I think the voice of the ratepayers in the two localities should have been ascertained. Possibly they might have found a way to surmount the financial difficulty. They might secure sufficient voluntary help-Mr H. Roberts The Commitee mentioned by Mr William Owen exceeded its duty. It was told to look over the balance sheet, but instead of that it took up the question of keeping on the branches. The Chair- ?Ta?> •" But C°uncil adopted their report.—Mr H. Roberts: Yes, but bear in mind that Tany- S™ia?*Vl £ e De Tet' is sti11 alive. (Laughter.) Mr W. Owen Let the two wards show us the way to get money and we shall all be most ready to listen to their behest. As matters stand, I propose we go on to the next subject.—Mr Andreas Roberts said he was of the same opinion as Mr William Owen. They closed the branches for want of funds. If the funds were forth- coming they would be unanimously in favour of keeping them open. There were indications of life in the two localities, and it behoved them to do all they could to preserve that life. With that end in view, perhaps it would be as well to wait a month before putting the resolution in force.—The Chairman It is merely a question of money. If the two localities show signs of being ible to support the branches by means of voluntary funds, then I am sure the Council would bemost ready to reconsider thematter.-Mr Cadwaladr Roberts Why should we find volun- tary subscriptionslmorethanlBlaeaauitself? Why ;hould the Central Library be supported entirely mt, of the rates ?—Mr H. Roberts Let us have 7air play in Tanygrisiau We will have fair alay. How is it that some members are able to pass resolutions at one meeting and rescind them it the next ? Why cannot we do the same ?- Laughter.)—The Chairman repeated that the council would be most ready to help the two ocalities if the latter showed signs of helping -hemselves. A SECRET FOR THE PRESENT. Ihe Chairman, after the report of the Libraries committee had been adopted, asked the Council ,o appoint a committee to inquire into what le considered to be a most serious matter. It vas too delicate for him to mention it at present n open Council. He appealed to the members to accept his suggestion.—Mr C. Roberts proposed that the Chairman's advice should be followed.— Mr Lewis Thomas seconded the proposition.—Mr John Hughes Is it right to appoint a committee in this manner at the instance of one member ?— Mr Cadwaladr Roberts: Chair, chair.—The Chairman (to Mr Hughes): I must rule you out of order. It is a serious matter and I would not ask the Council to do this did I not consider it imperative.—Mr John Hughes This is what I think -The Chairman (interposing): All those in favour of the proposition?—Mr Hughes (sitting down): Well, well.—All the members supported the proposition excepting Mr John Hughes and Mr J. J. Jones, who voted against. —The Chairman expressed regret that the two members who voted against had so little confid- ence in him. They might have the courtesy to accept his word that it was a serious matter. He should be sorry for himself were he held in the estimation of all the members in the same manner as he was held by Mr J. Hughes and Mr J. J. Jones. THE FIRE BRIGADE MOVEMENT. The Committee appointed to consider the establishment of a fire brigade in the district recommended that fire extinguishing appliances should be provided out of the rates that an efficient fire engine should be provided, its capacity for pumping to be 200 to 260 gallons of water per minute that the Clerk should write for particulars and quotations in respect of the engine and fire-escape, ladders, and other acces- sories that a new jet should be ordered that the appointment of a responsible person to look after the hydrants, etc., should be brought be- fore the Water Committee that negotiations should be entered inLo with the County Council for a place in Park-square to keep the engine. At an adjourned meeting, the Committee de- cided that the most suitable site for the fire station would be on the site of the County Buildings in Park-square. At the third meeting of the Committee, it was decided to recommend the purchase of an engine, ladders, and other appliances for an amount not exceeding £400, as per offer from Messrs Shand and Mason that a brigade of eleven members be formed and provided with suitable uniforms, the details to be arranged later and that arrangements should be made to pay the cost of the engine and appliances in four annual instalments.—Mr L Humphrey Roberts inquired whether the upper and the lower parts of the district were to be served and Mr Francis Evans asked whether Llan was included ?—The Chairman said every part of the district was to be served.—The recommendations were unanimously adopted. THE HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. The Sanitary Inspector reported that there were four cases of infectious disease notified during the month, viz., two diphtheria in Bowydd ward, one scarlet fever in Maenofferen, and one erysipelas at Diphwys. There were ten cases last month and the same number in October of last year. Drs. Roberts and Jones notified three cases and Dr W. V. Roberts one.- The Medical Officer reported that there were twenty births during the month and four- teen deaths, showing a death-rate of 14'4. There were no deaths from zymotic diseases or phthisis. The Inspector called attention to the recurrence of a nuisance from pig-keeping at back Blaenafon. The pigstye was within twenty feet :of a dwel- ling house and at the side of the road used by hundreds of children going to and from the Maenofferen School. Notices had been served on the owner before and pig-keeping was aban- doned for the time, but recently the practice had been renewed.—It was resolved to serve a statu- tory notice on the owner. MILK ANALYSIS. The Health, Roads, and Improvements Com- mittee, after considering a lengthy report by the Sanitary Inspector, recommended that final notices of fourteen days should be served upon the owners of dairies, cowsheds, and milk shops who had not complied with the order that the Clerk enquire whether the County Council was liable for the costs of analysis of samples of food, milk, etc., sent from an urban district and that, pending a reply, the purchase of a lactometer to test milk at an expense of 25s. be deferred.—The recommendations were adopted except in the case of that relating to the lactometer.—Mr W. Owen considered that the Council would be standing in their own light by waiting until the County Council came to a decision. Six months might elapse, and in the meantime the Inspector would be losing opportunity after opportunity to test different milk supplies. He proposed that a lactometer should be purchased forthwith.—Mr E. M. Owen and Mr J. J. Jones seconded the proposition, which wasearrie(-i. PONT PEITHYLL. Three tenders for widening and altering Peithyll Bridge were received, and the Committee recommended that the tender of Mr D. Jones, Steam Saw Mills, viz., C99 10s for masonry, concrete, etc., should be accepted and with a view to the completion of the other part of the contract, that the Clerk should obtain written consent from Mr Jacob Jones for the alteration of the water course to the Factory.—The recom- mendations were adopted. MISCELLANEOUS. A letter from the North Denbighshire Building Society as to an alleged dangerous wall at Bron- ddwyryd was received, and the Surveyor reported that there was no sign of the wall giving way.- A letter from the Great Western Railway Divisional Engineer as to an alleged nuisance from the Bowydd river at the Station-road having been read, the Committee directed the Surveyor to meet the Company's Engineer on the spot.—A letter from Mr W. O. Williams, Chester House, asking the Council to clean the surface water culvert at back Manod-road was laid on the table.—A sub-committee, consisting of Mr Wm. Owen, Mr J. Lloyd Jones, and the Surveyor, was appointed to consider the question of the supply of clinkers for the sewerage works. "WORKMEN'S CARRIAGES.* The Manager of the Festiniog Narrow Guage Railway, in reply to the Council s letter as to the condition of the workmen's carriages, wrote stat- ing that the arrangement which he mentioned in his previous letter, viz., that the carriages were be'ng cleaned, washed, and disinfected periodically, was being carried out. It made all the difference at what time the Cuncil's inspec- tor made his inspection.—The Deudraeth Rural Council wrote stating that they had decided to co-operate with the Council in securing better attention; and the Portmadoc Urban District Council wrote to the same effect, and suggesting that a deputation should wait on the Manager. They named Dr Jones Morris and Capt. Morgan Jones as their representatives.—The Health Committee recommended the adoption of the suggestion, Eand that Messrs Owen Jones and Cadwaladr Roberts should represent Festiniog Urban Council.—This was agreed to. EDUCATIONAL. The Technical Instruction Committee passed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr J. Griffith, the organiser of the evening classes. The Committee iccommended that Mr Owen Jones should be earuestly entreated to reconsider his decision to resign his office as representative of the Council on the County School Governing Body. It was resolved to call the attention of the latter authority to the rights of the Council to have larger representation on the Body. Considera- tion of a letter from the School Board relating to a communication from the Board of Education as to the use of the school premises for holding evening classes was deferred until the Committee had had an interview with the clerks of the School Board.—A further letter was read from the Board enclosing a cheque for kS, being grants by the County Council towards the dress- making class for last session.—The Clerk was directed to communicate with:the County School Governing Body requesting them to furnish the Committee with details of the expenditure of the monies voted by the Committee to the County School. A letter was read from Messrs R. O. Jones and Davies stating that grants from the Science and Arts Department in respect of last session's classes had not yet been received.—The Chairman suggested that Mr Andreas Roberts should be added to the Committee; and on the proposition of Mr W. Owen, the suggestion was adopted.—A report was received from Mr J. Griffiths in which he stated that eight bovs and eight girls were receiving instruction at the County School in connection with the experi- mental scheme to furnish secondary education to children too old for the Higher Grade School and too young to start work. Boys were taught arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and elementary surveying and nlottine. nhvsics. in- eluding mechanics and use of measuring instru- ments,chemistry, geology, ironwork (use of chisel, file, and lathe), geography, English literature and composition, and either shorthand or book- keeping. Girls were taught arithmetic (particu- larly money accounts and measurements), English literature and composition, geography, vocal music, needlework,cookery, laundry, and hygiene. The following is a list showing the number of scholars at the evening classes Cookery, 45; laundry, 23; dressmaking, 25; human physiology, 15; elementary electricity, 21; advanced chemistry, 7; advanced mathematics, 7; practical mathematics, 26; mechanics, 17; surveying, 14; advanced electricity, 9; solid geometry, 14; metal work, 11.—The members expressed satisfaction with the report.—Mr Andreas Roberts hoped that the Chairman would reconsider his decision to resign office as county school manager. The work which the Body would have to discharge for some time yet made it imperative that business men like the Chairman should continue in office. (Hear, hear.)—Mr W. Owen also lent persuasion, observing that it was absolutely essential in the interests of the School that men in thorough sympathy with secondary education should take the reins in hand for sorre time to come. (Hear, hear.)—The Chairman said as the Council were bent on his continuing in office, he would do his best to discharge the duties in the future as in the past. (Loud applause.) He was well aware that the School demanded earnest, thorough work on the part of the Managers and, having many other public offices, he was in doubt whether he could find time to do the work. Now that he had promised to continue, it would be his utmost endeavour to merit the Council's trust. (Hear, hear.) He might remind the Council that the Technical Education Committee—a body ap- pointed by them—had under the new system a great task to perform .and the Committee had started very well. FINANCIAL. Wages for the month totalling £ 255 lis 6d and bills totalling £ 158 16s 7d were recommended for payment. A letter was read at the Finance Committee meeting from Mr Phoenix, sewerage contractor, applying for payment of £ 150 on account. The Engineer (Mr Alltwen Williams) said no statement was received in time to be checked and suggested that P,50 should be paid. On a division, the Committee decided to recom- mend th?t no payment should be made this month. Mr Wm. Jones, County Court office, wrote asking the Council to reduce the rent from j220 to m2 or £ 10. It was proposed that the Council should be recommended to adhere to the present rent, but on a division it was decided to recommend its reduction to £15. The Rate Collector's monthly statement showed that £ 320 had been collected during the month including X91 general district rate, B64 water rate, and C51 sewerage. There was a balance in hand at the bank of R707 compared with £ 652 last month.— Mr William Owen saw no reason in reducing the rent of the County Court office to CI5 and moved a recommendation to adhere to the pre- sent rent of X20. Were it a charitable institu- tion he might see reason for the reduction.—Mr E. Lloyd Powell seconded the amendment, which was carried by eleven to eight.—Later on a letter pressing for payment of an instalment was read from Mr Phoenix, the contractor.—Mr J. Hughes proposed that a cheque for X50 should be drawn. The Contractor wanted to pay his men.—Mr Lewis Thomas seconded.—Mr Rd. Jones and Mr J. J. Jones were against payment, the former stating that the Council should record their protest against the habit of Mr Phoenix not to produce statements regularly.—The Surveyor said the statement came on the previous day, but its checking involved time.—On a division, it was agreed to pay dE50 by eleven votes to four. IHE INCOME TAX APPEAL. The Surveyor reported that in company of Mr Richard Jones he appeared before the Income Tax Assessor to appeal for abatement of claims made on the Gas Works, Waterworks, Market Hall, and cemeteries. He was pleased to state that the abatement, amounting altogether to JE40 5s, was allowed. (Hear, hear.) There would also be an opportunity of reclaiming amounts paid last.—Mr John Hughes proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Rd. Jones, who brought the matter to the attention of the Council and; was indirectly responsible for the abatement.—Mr William Owen seconded the proposition, which was unanimously agreed to. ^UNCERTIFICATED HOUSES. The Surveyor reported a certain number of new houses as having been occupied without receiving the necessary certificate. He could not give the certificate because the buildings were not completed according to the plans and specifications approved by the Council.—Mr Wm. Owen thought the Council should adhere strictly to the byelaws and proposed that legal proceedings should be taken against the owners unless the buildings were completed according to the plans and specifications within a month. -Mr O. J. Owen seconded.—Mr Andreas Roberts: Will one monh be enough to complete? -Mr David Lewis thought the term much too little. It would take years to complete the details in some instances.—The Surveyor said the work could be done in less than a month in each instance if the owners set to in earnest.— The Chairman And if it is true that there is the work of years to be done the sooner the occupants are turned out the better. (Laughter.) —The proposition was then agreed to. QUALITY OF COAL AND GAS. The Finance Committee postponed considera- tion of a letter from Messrs R. Evans and Co. regarding the quality of the coal supplied for the Gas Works, etc., and a letter from Mr Griffith, Post Office, complaining of the quality of the gas pending receipt of the Gas Expert's report on the Gas Works.—The Surveyor said he had received many complaints about want of pressure and inferior quality of the gas, and he had written to the Gas Expert urging him to hurry on with the report. THE ROADS. The Surveyor reported that the repairs to the roads were being carried on as rapidly as possible, 285 loads of macadam having been laid during the month. The wall at Cwmorthin-road had been completed. CWMORTHIN WATER SUPPLY. It was stated by the Surveyor that the repair of the water mains had materially improved the water service in Cwmorthin district. THE SEWERAGE CONTRACTS. The Surveyor said little progress had been done during the month in the completion of Sohemes Nos 1 and 2 owing to the delay in the delivery of the iron machinery, syphons, fittings, etc. PANTLLWYD ROAD. Mr Lewis Thomas once more called attention to the deplorable state of this road and proposed that Mr Phoenix, the sewerage contractor, should be directed to make the necessary repairs without delay. —Mr Evan Jones seconded the pro- position which was agreed to. ELECTRIC LIGHTING. The Electric Power Company wrote thanking the Council for accepting their estimate for! electric lighting of the public offices and read- ing rooms and enclosing an estimate for lighting the Market Hall and Assembly Rooms. The wish of the Council as to the lighting of Llan would be laid before Mr Yale immediately on his return to Blaenau.-The Surveyor re- ported that the agreement with the Company had no7v been exchanged. The wires for the public offices and library had been fixed and the fittings had almost been completed, so that in a few days the lamp would be fixed and electric light supplied. He was also given to under- stand that the Company were already making preparations to extend the distributing wires to Tanygrisiau.—Mr Cadwaladr Roberts and Mr Humphrey Roberts asked whether a definite move had been made towards lighting Tany- grisiau ?—The Chairman and Mr W. Owen assured them that the matter was engaging the immediate attention of the Company. They had been given to understand this from Mr Yale.— The estimate for lighting the Assembly Room and Hall was referred to a committee. COMPENSATION CLAIM. The sub-Committee appointed to consider the claim of X10 by Mrs Thomas, Cwmbowydd Farm, as compensation for damage done to a road through her land, recommended that £ 5 should be offered in full discharge, and that the question of pollution of the river should be left in abeyance.—Mr Wm. Owen said the Council admitted no liability in the matter of the pollu- tion of the river.—Mr John Hughes saw no reason in paying compensation in respect of the road, and proposed that the claim should be referred to the agent of Newborough Estate.— Mr David Lewis seconded this proposition.—Mr Powell was strongly in favour of the recom- mendation, observing that this road was most extensively used by the public.—The Committee's recommendation was carried. BANGOR COLLEGE. The appointment of a representative on the Court of Governors of this college was deferred with a view to a promise being extracted from Mr Walker Davies that if re-appointed he would attend, several members stating that it was not right that Festiniog Council should be repre- sented on the Court in name only. REASONABLE CHARGES. Mr E. Jones-Williams, Bettwsycoed, sent an account fort2 for arbitrating in the assessment of damages on Tyisa land, and one for XI for valuing Tyddygwyn land. Regarding Tyddyngwyn, be reported that he had carefully looked over the land where the Council drains passed-paying particular attention to the growing crop of hay—and begged unhesitatingly to say that he could not find any damage what- ever done to the crop.—Mr W. Owen said the charges were exceptionally resonable and pro- posed a vote of thanks to Mr E. Jones-Williams. -Mr Cadwaladr Roberts seconded the proposi- tion which was agreed to unanimously. CONDOLENCE. Mr H. Roberts proposed a vote ot condolence with Mr Evan Roberts, the assistant clerk, in the death of his father.—The Chairman, in seconding, paid a most eloquent tribute to the memory of deceased, observing that the late Mr Robert Roberts was a type of Festiniog's noblest sons.— The proposition was carried unanimously in silence. LOYAL GREETINGS. The Chairman proposed that the Council should send loyal greetings to the Duke of Cornwall and York and offer him their hearty congratulations on his creation as Prince of Wales.—Mr H. Roberts seconded the proposition, which was carried unanimously, the Chairman observing that not only were they good Welshmen but good Britishers.—The Council sat over two hours.

PWLLHELI. MR LLOYD GEORGE, M.P.—An effort is being made to get the member for the Carnarvon Boroughs to address the members of the Democratic Association in the near future. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR SOCIETY.—The members at Penmount were given an address on Sunday night by the Rev J. Jones, F.R.G.S., on the Life of Christ." PRESENTATION.—Miss S. J. Richards, Angorfa, was the recipient on Saturday night, at Pcn- lleiniau School, of a silver card case, subscribed for hy the Male Voice Choir, in return for her services as accompanist. The presentation was made by Mr John Ellis, the conductor of the choir. TEA MEETING.—The monthly tea was partaken of by the members of the Ala-road Church Sewing Guild on Thursday afternoon, Mr Vaughan, Aerial; House, being the entertainer on this occasion. Subsequently a committee was appointed to ar- range for the forthcoming bazaar. COUNTY SCHOOL.—At a special meeting of the Managers, Mr D. H. Davies presiding, fifteen bur- saries were granted. The grants ranged from 30s to £ 4 10s each. The appointment of Miss Fox, B.A., as assistant mistress, in the place of Miss Young, B.A., who is leaving at the end of this term, was confirmed. SCHOOL BOARD.—A special meeting was held on Monday night, Mr O. Robyas Owen presiding.—A mortgage for the lo&n of JE200 from the Public Works Commissioners, repayable in ten years, was executed. The loan is for tie purpose of carrying o-t improvements.—The Town Council having paid JE200 only of the precept for £650, it was resolved to press for a remittance of the balance. AGRICULTURAL SuccEss-Mr T. E. Griffith,' Galltyberen, has won the prize of JEI5 15s open to farmers in North Wales, offered by the firm of Messrs Webb and Son, for the best crop of swedes. Last year, Mr Griffith won the first priz to the same amount, offered by Messrs Proctor aid Son to the farmers of North Wales for excellence in the same respect, whilst he also won the seconrl prize of ten guineas for the best crop of mangolds in England and Wales. SMOKING CONCERT.—A smoking concert was held at the Conservative Club an Thursday night, Mr Cledivyn Owen presiding. Addresses were given by Mr Gordon Roberts (who has just re- turned from South Africa), Mr R. Naylor War- rington, and Mr Lloyd Carter. Songs, etc., were rendered by Mr Parnham, Carnarvon, Mr W. H. Beoskin, Mr G. Davies, Mr John Jones, Mr W. R. Toleman, and the Male Choir led by Mr W. H. Thomas. LITERARY SOCIETIES.—At Ala-road, the Rev E. Myrddin Rees presiding, there was a debate as to whether ladies should be admitted into the medical profession. Mr Maurice Jones opened in the affirmative and Mr W. O. Hughes in the negative. There was a majority of one in the affirmative. — At Penmount, Mr Evan Parry presiding, there was a debate as ;to whether stationary or itinerant Church ministry was the most acceptable. Mr Evans, Board School, opened for itinerant, and Mr R. Price Ellis for stationary pastors. The majority were favour- able to the latter.—At the Y.M.A., Mr Houghton Davies presiding, a paper on "Evolution" was read by Mr Thomas Davies. THE GREAT SCHEME GOVERNMENT GRANT ASSURED.—The Town Clerk (Mr Evan R. Davies) has received official intimation of a grant from the Board of Trade of £ 17,500 towards the projected harbour scheme at Pwllheli. It will be remembered that the Cambrian Railway Company had already pledged themselvea to contribute £ 20,000 towards the scheme while the npgociations with the Board of Trade were pending, and this will be supple- mented by a sum of £15,000 by the Pwllheli Cor- poration. In return for the contribution by the Railway Company fufficient g, ound will be provided out of lands to he reclaimed iu connection with the scheme to enable the Company to extend their terminus into the town at a point opening into Embankment-road. The Board of Trade's letter vrill be read at a meeting of the Town Council next Tuesday, and a public meeting of ratepayers will shortly be convened when the schema will be explained in detail. PLASGWYN SCHOOL. -A meeting of the Managers of this school was held last Thursday evening, when a vote of condolence with Colonel and Mrs Evans, Broom Hall, was unanimously passed. The late Mr Evans had been a faithful manager for a very long period, and bad contributed hundreds of pounds towards education in the parish. The annual report of hit Majesty's Infp»ctor was read as follows :—Mixed school This school well main- tains its reputation for excellence of discipline and thoroughness of instruction. Arithmetic and recitation are taught with exceptional care, while the neatness of the written work merits special mention. So good a school is a boon to the neigh- bourhood. Ihe rooms have been re-floored, the walls panelled, and ventilatiug inlets supplied. Useful and needed apparatus has also been provided, and the walls have been painted and coloured. When an attendance board, clock and thermometer have b-en obtained, the managers will have rendered this one of the most attractive and best equipped schools in the district."—Infant class The teacher is diligent and piuustakiug. The methods of teaching are on the whole sound and satisfactory, at,d the children are well advanced both in the ordinary subjects and varied occupationx." BOTTWNOG COUNTY SCHOOL.-Ar, a well-attended meeting of ladies residing within the fifteen parishes comprising the Bottwnog school district. Mrs Evans, Tynycoed, Sarn, presiding, arrange- ments were made for holding a btziar next August at Bottwnog in aid of the fuads of the school. It wag decided that a stall should be provided by each of the four portions in the district with the follow- ing as officers :—Aberdaron portion, Mrs McNea!, president; Mrs Williams, Scuborycoed, vice- president Mrs Sinnett Jones, Rhiw Rectory, trea- surer; Mrs J. T. Pritchard, Uwchymynydd, secre- tary. Sarn portion: Mrs Watkins, Tryg-trn, president Mrs Williams, Llangwnadl, vice president; Mrs Williams, Pwllcrwn, treasurer; Mrs Williams, Bryncroes, secretary. Bottwnog portion Mrs Davies, Bottwnog Rectory, president; Mrs Dr Thomas, Bottwnog, vice-president; Mrs Williams, Brynmor, Abersoch, treasurer; and Miss Jones, Neigwl Plas, secretary. Edeyrc portion Mrs Hughes, Wenallt, president; Miss Davies, Llaniestyn Rectory, vice-president; Miss Owen, Towyn, Tydweiliog, treasurer; and Miss Williams, Pwllparc, secretary. The following were elected officers to arrange for the refreshment stall: Mrs Griffith, Trewen, president Mrs Jones, Peny- bont, vice-president; Mrs Williams, Bottwnog Pot Office, treasurer and Mrs Jones, Bodnithoedd, secretary.—The Managers of the school will consti- tute the Executive Committee. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, N OVEMBEB 20TH. Before R. Carreg, Esq., in the chair Corbett Yale, Jones-Parry, Esq., and John Thomas, Esq. The New Mayor. -Alderinan R. 0. Jones was sworn in as a magistrate in virtue of his office as mayor.—Mr Carreg offered his congratulations to Alderman Jones on his election to the civic chair of the important borough of Pwllheli. He hoped he would have a happy and prosperous year of office.-Mr Jones-Parry endorsed the remarks.- Alderman Jones returned his thanks for the kind wishes. The office was not new to him, but the responsibilities were getting greater yearly. It would be his endeavour to discharge his duties conscientiously in whatever direction those duties lA.V- —J • An Exchange of Words.— Thomas Owen, plasterer, New-street, Pwllheli, was charged with having been drunk and disorderly and with having assaulted P.C. Wm. Jones on the night of April 5th about half-past eleven.—Mr Wm. George (Messrs Lloyd George and George) appeared for the police to prosecute, and Mr Evan R. Davies defended.-P.S. Jones said defendant was very drunk and made use of profane language, with the result that a crowd congregated. P.C. William Jones, Fourcrosses, went up to him and asked him to go home and defendant turned round and gave him a very severe blow in the face. At first the police thought of arresting him, but at the urgent request of his friends they allowed him to go home.—In cross- examination, witness said there were many drunken people about at the time, but there were few, if any, respectable, sober, people about—Mr Davies: Did the officer, in attempting to take hold of de- fendant, strike defendant's mother ? Witness Nothing of the sort.—Mr Davies (turning to Mr Carreg) This is no laughing matter, sir.—The Chairman I was only smiling, and what do you mean by addressing me in that way ? Am I to ask you when to emile on a person in Court ? I con- sider I have every right to smile.—Mr Davies Undoubtedly, but this case is engaging the atten- tion of the Bench just xiow,-The Chairman I was smiling at a person in Court.-Mr Davies In that case I apologise.—The Chairman You must not be so sensitive—Mr Davies I am not.—The Chair- man You are very sensitive, Because I smile you turn on me.—Mr Davies I am sorry. I only desire -The Chairman (interrupting) Go on.—Mr Davies: If you hai not interrupted I would have gone on long ago.—The Chairman I can smile at you if I like.P.C. Hugh Williams gave corroborative evidence, adding that he did his best to get defendant to go home before the crowd gathered. P.C. William Jones said when defendant struck him he made use of a string of swear words. Mr Davies then called witnesses for the defence. — Owen Owen, defendant's cousin, said he was on the spot and did not sse Owen strike P.C. William Jones, but he saw the latter with his fist in defendant's face. His cousin was not drunk.— Cross-examined, witness said he himself asked Tnomas Owen to go home.—Mr George Why did you ask him ?-Witness: I don't know.—Robert Roberts, Sea View, said Owen was under the influ- ence of drink, but he was perfectly quiet. He did not see him strike the officer, but he was about eighteen yards from the scene -At this point Mr Davies applied for adjournment to enable him to leave by train for London.—The Clerk (Mr Cledwyn Owen) said Mr Davies had been put to a lot of inconvenience at the last Court owing to the application of the police for postponement and it was but fair that the police should meet him this time.-Mr George thought Mr Davies should have applied for adjournment at the outset. Mr Davies But I thought we would finish in time.- The Bench granted the application, Mr Jones-Parry observing that the decision should not be taken as a precedent. I)ismi.ssed. -Robert Thomas, South Beach, master of the Kangaroo fishing boat, was charged by Capt. Pritchard, inspector under the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries United Committee, with having contravened the Sea Fisheries Regulation Acts, on July 2nd last, by using a net with under- sized. meshes within the three mile limit.—Mr Randal Casson (Messrs Breese, Jones and Casson) prosecuted on behalf of the Committee, and Mr R. Ivor Parry defended. Mr Casson explained that the case came to the attention of the Bench in August, when defendant, who did not appear, was fined. But it seemed that by an oversight .the two copies of the summons had not been signed by a magis- trate, and the unsigned copy was served on the defendant, who took advantage of the oversight, being advised, he took it, to do so by his solicitor. It was no doubt very smart, but had he been the defendant's solici- tor in such a case he believed he would have re- commended his appearance to explain the oversight to the Bench. Under the Act the mesh ued within the three mile limit should be 11 inch from knot to knot measured when wet, and in the event of the mesh not being of the requisite size, the Bench had power to impose a fine net exceeding f25. The "Kangaroo was found by the Committpe patrol cutter in the place known locally as the "Gutter," which was teeming with fhh as a rule, and was well inside the limit. After Capt Prichard boarded the Kangaroo," and found the mesh of illegal measurement, defendant said they were in thirteen fathoms of water. If this were true the boat would be four or five milss out, and, therefore, outside the limit, but as a matter of fact the boat was only in eleven fathoms, and, therefore, well within tne limit, Capt Pritchard taking sounding by means of a lead line. When leaving the Kangaroo," after taking the bearings,defendant shouted what he considered to ba the bearings and were his opinion taken as true he wou!d be more within the limit then even the prosecution alleged. The object of the Committee was to improve the preservation of £.-h and it was but right to any that the fishermen of the district, almost without exception, were doing all th^y could to a..sist I.he Committee.—Tne Chairman I don't think you will be completely successful without a steam launch. — Mr Casson We have a steamer paying surprise visits to the district now.—Capt Pritchard, giving evidence, bore out Mr Casson's opening statement, adding that the net would not take in the regulation gauge in several places. -In cross. examination, he admitted that the net was of prop-r measurement in certain parts. It wan true tha,t the net was wet and dirty when measured, but thi- did not prevent a true measurement being taken. He boarded the "Kaagaroo" a month before and found the mesh of the net in use of illegal measure- ment, but no proceedings were then taken. It was not true that he had a grudge against defendant.— —Afterward the ^portion of the net seieed by the Inspector was examined. The gauge would not go through in several places, but went through at one or two points, amid the applause of the large gathering in the Court. The In- spector added that after he examined defendant's net on June 6th he reported the matter but for a reason which was not made known to him, his superiors did not institute pro- ceedings.—Wm. Gould, sub-officer in the patrol cutter, gave corroborative evidence.—Mr Parry, opening the case for the defence, said he understood Mr Carreg to say at the outset that he was sorry the case was brought before them again.—The Chairman I did not say that.—Mr Parry: I am sorry if I made a mistake.—Mr Jones-Parry:! did not understand Mr Carreg to say that.—The Chairman If I expressed regret, it was in the same way as I feel sorry for any case coming on, such as drunken cases, for instance.—Mr Casson And had I understood you to say that you were sorry it was brought forward, I should have withdrawn the case.—Mr Parry I wish to say one word of explanation. Mr Casson has made it appear that I was to blame in the case of the unsigned sum- mons. but it never occurred to me that one copy would be unsigned and the other signed. I took it for granted that tha mistake would be detected in Court, and when I law Mr Cledwyn Owen on the point, he said defendant did the right thing.—The Clerk I never said like that. I am sorry to have to differ. -Mr Parry: I think there has been an attempt to fasten blame on me. -The Chairman and Mr Jones Parry No, no. -Tne Clerk: What I said was that if you considered it best in the interests of your client to ad vis. him to do what he did, then you were justified.— Mr Parry: We will leave it there now. In the course of his remarks, Mr Parry said William Hawkins, the man who made the net, was dead, but he would call evidence showing that at the time the net was made the mesh was quite six inch all round-the regulation size and perhaps a little more. There was no intention whatsoever to defraud or to act dishonestly. He considered it was most unfair that the net, which had been kept in a bag in the Police Station for four months, should be brought there that day and used as evidence. He would prove that a net kept in this manner must of necessity get shrunk and con- tracted. He did not know by what right the net was kept in the Police Station, and why they were refused permission to examine it. He would not enter into that matter now as it would form the subject of a case at another Court.— Robert Thomas, in evidence, said the net was made of regulation size by Hawkins. The gauge went through the meshes on July 6th with eaee and went through them even that day despite having been kept in a bag for four months. When the net was hauled up on July 6th, it was muddy, having been trawled along the mud out- aide the bank. There were thirteen fathoms of water where he was trawling and he was sure that the "Kangaroo" was within the limits.— The keeping of the net at the Police Station was the subject of more questions, whereupon Superintendent Jones said he could not give it to anybody except Captain Pritchard who had en- trusted him with its keep.—Mr Parry But you know you are not keeping a pawn- shop. He added that he had been advised by counsel that the polica had no right to keep the net. Mr Casson We dou't go by counsel's opinion. We go by Act of Parliameat. Replying further to Mr Parry, defendant said the net must have shrunk and con- tracted considerably in the bag during the four months.—In cross-examination, witness sai,i he never said anything to Captain Pritchard about bearings. He had not read the bye-laws for the very good reason that he could not read. — Re-examined, defendant said he could not take the bearings, as it was too foggy.—Replying to the Chairman, Capt Pritchard and Gould said it was not foggy. It was a little hazy, but the land could be seen distinctly.-H. Jenkins, who was in the boat with defendant, corroborated defendant.— Thomas Hughes, the owner of the Kan Larool" said defendant had been in his employ for twenty-five years. The net was made by the deceased Hawkins by means of an instrument (produced), The instru- ment was bound to produce a six Inch mesh when made, but if it was kept iu a bag for three months it must have shrunk very much. It was the worst possible thing to keep a net in a bag. Nets of that nature should be spread out with three cwt. of weight attached. If the net was covered with mud it would be a matter of impossibility to get the gauge through some of the meshes.—The Bench, after a brief consultation, decided that there had been a good deal of crops swearing. There was an element of doubt, and they gave the benefit to defendant, and therefore dismissed the case. (Applause in Court).

SOUTH CARNARVON TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. At the last meeting of the South Carnarvon Branch of the National Union of Teachers, Mr Elias Hughes, the president elect, presided.—The question of appointing a local examination secre- tary to arrange local centres for the commercial and other examinations conducted by the National Union of Teachers was adjourned.—Mr H. Lewis of Llangollen was nominated for one of the three seats on the N.U.T. Executive allotted to Wales and Monmouth.—Mr T. H. Jones, headmaster d Burghley-road Higher Grade School, London, was nominated for the office of vice-president of the Union.- Mr E. J. Griffith, Pwllheli, was eiected a representative to serve on the General Com- mittee arrangiag for the memorial to the late Dr T. E. Heller.-The following were elected local officers for the year 1902 :—Vice-president, Mr R. 0. Hughes, Llanengan treasurer, Mr Walter Jones, Voelgron secretary, Mr E. J. Griffith, Pwllheli press and parliamentary correspondent, Mr Owen Williams, Nevin local solicitors, Messrs Lloyd George and George. Committee Messrs T. Burnell, W. H. Bt-nskin, Williams (Plasgwyu), Williams (Llangybi), and Miss Ellis (Nevin).—A long discussion occurred over a sug- gestion by the Pwllheli School Board that all the sixth standard scholars should be presented for the entrance scholarship examination of the County fchcol and in the result, a resolution was passed declaring the suggestion to he imprac- ticable.

PENRH YJN DE UDI( AETH. TEMPERANCE.—At Nazareth on Monday nigM' under the presidency of Mr A. Osmond M.P., a meeting in connection with the mull** pledge movement was held,|when addresses we delivered by the Rev J. D. Evans, Brynaerau, the Rev W. Lloyd Davies, Festiniog. On Tuesday night another meeting was held at under the presidency of Dr Jones-Morris, P°*, madoc, when address were given by the ReV. Talfor Phillips, Festiniog, and the Rev D. Harlech. It was announced during the by the Rev F. B. Meyer, secretary to the in.oV^ ment, that the million pledges had bean receive with 100,000 over.

BORTH. pichords, SHIPWRECKED.—Mr David Hughes Richftr^| London-place, has recently had a thrilling eXPfu0 ence. He is a second mate, and formed one of crew of nineteen of the s.s. Herschell of North Shields which sunk in four minutes after beiDg into when at anchor in the Crosby Channel by "s.s. Ardeola of Liverpool. The collision to place about 3-30 a.m. last Sunday morning. of the crew as well as Mr Richards mana,^AfteC launch and get into one of their boats. g being in the boat for an hour and a half, they c picked up by the "s.s. Lady Alice Kenl'8 ,0 Preston and landed at Liverpool. Although time allotted to them to escape was so j lives, fortunately, were lost. All, however, their belongings. The fog which was so about 1-30 a.m. that it necessitated their aD ing had, by the time of t,h* collision, cleared or probably many lives would have been lost. ».s. Herschell" (Captain Urell) of 1,056 "9.^ register, owned by Messrs Osborne and Cardiff, was bound from Huelva with copper Ore to Manchester.

NOTES FROM ABERAyRO^ !tiS, The Revs Owen Pry3, M.A., and John WiIllautb Liverpool, have promised to attend the So ill Wales C.M. Association to be held at Aberayr00 April, 1902. — 0 At the last meeting of the Cardiganshire Council it was proposed by a Calvinistic Metbo and seconded by Mr E. J. Davies, another C* i^tic Methodist, that the Rev T. G. Evans, ayrcn, and Mr J. C. Jones, Llanarth, be to represent the county school district of Aber»y (which is more than co-terminous with the A ayron Union) on the County Governing There used to be three members, the two aforelId and Mr E. J. Davies, aforesaid, but it was jt that the district was over-represented flIjj became necessary to reduce the representation ( j, three to two members These factsjmay be sl 011' Scant. That depends on the standpoint of the looker. Their interpretation, like every interP tation, will be tinged by tre spirit of the reader. nI, Miss Evans, eldest daughter of Mr John the watchmaker, died on Tu< sday of phthisis age of twenty-seven years. It is a great bere^ ment for father and brothers and sisters. Sbe a clever milliner aud h^d recently a busine95 the Alban-square. There is a ptrson who throws what she oil The customarily through her bedroom window- eC attention of the Inspector of Nuisances is resp fully invited. The following is taken from a contempo: There will be more on this topic another tb,it "Among the Welshwomen who are making ^jjj way upwards in the dramatic profession, fbis Majorie Griffiths is not the least successful. go week's Candid Friend devotes a whole her portrait and biography. Miss Griffiths, øJJl paper says, although quite a 1° to woman, has already earned the title sseS be reckoned among the rising character a-ctr of the day. She was born in In course of time she grew up having performed that feat, made the 'di8c° that it was necessary for her in some way to ment her income. She next made the 9JJi discovery that she possessed a taste for acting' j,ef promptly proceeded to do what any one position would do. She wrote to Sir Henry and asked him for his advice. It arrived by of post. He recommended her to go to MrgS. make an ingenious arrangement with Miss trailJ Thorne and to persuade that lady to .0b her for the stage. All this Miss lost no time in doing. Her first P performance was in the "Second Mrs Tanque^jj4 in Mr George Alexander's Touring Company^ Griffiths doubling the parts of Aileen "Lady Orreyd." Next she played in at the Comedy, and understudied in the Elephant," after which she again went on t io with Mr George Alexander as Blanche Orleeøtl1 the "Princess and the Butterfly," au se 01), understudying at the St. James's in the d 10 querors." Next she joined Mr John Hare, America played the Duchess of Strood t, ^i Lady Owbridge in the Gay Lord QaeS\ei V so delighted everybody that she was select wf create the part of Miss Carew in the ne\f19Y6" "John Durnford, M.P. and afterwards P Miss Romney," Miss Victor's original par&» jjjj' "Strange Adventures of Miss Brown." too Griffiths is a great walker, and covered Eeveotj miles in one week. The following is an example of the extraord: generosity of the late Capt John Davies. rboi this week. A mechanic had been ill with ty CaP fever. When convalescent, he was visited by Davies, and on leaving he pressed sovereig his hand, with the words, not a word mind." There is much of the spirit of in the churches, no doubt, but there is a greft outside, to be sure.

CENTRAL WELSH BOARD- a P" 4 A meeting of the Welsh Central Board w at Merthyr on Friday. The bronze medal to the Intermediate School of Wales at Exhibition of 1900 was placed before the [ ())' having been forwarded by tha Secretary fot Royal Commission. The offer of a free site jjtf Boards offices at Cardiff was briefly mentione e; to was referred to the Executive, with P^.ti^ discuss the matter with the Cardiff Corp° It was estimated by the Site Committee gp* cost of a building would £ 5.000 if erected s° tj> comply with the conditions laid down bfbetØ Corporation of Cardiff for theCathays site, was an alternate schema whereby theco9* be £ 2,000. The Cardiff proposals would additional burden of £ 270 on the Board already paid for office accommodation.—Tb0, to^i tions were submitted which had been agree the conference of the Central Welsh Bo*r the county local governing bod'c3 regard to the new scienc e& and the proposed superannuation fund for tP. The chief points in these resolutions were t", new grant Bhould be regarded as a block be administered by the County Governing ^<f that the governing bodies should take '^e tuuities of the increase in their income for r ing an annual payment for securing the sa he k 4 ing of the superannuation scheme and 1 j ecutive hoped that the district governing would support these propositions. Anotbef^tjiw of the Pensions Committee was submitted* out certain amendments in the pension fjji^ which were agreed to, and ths same sub-Co was re-appointed to continue the work for year and to spend a small sum for asSIS « connection with the work. t" 1<J The award of the Chief Inspector's g0' fju'vw for 1901 was announced, viz., to CharleS ffix Dodd, of the Wrexham County School, mention being made of Richard J- » (Wrexham), Eleanor Mary John (Aberd^jjet j Cecilia Jones (Barry), Wm. Phiilips (Macn? Rowland John Richard (Barmouth)» Edward Williams (Swansea). The Committee reported having, out of A applicants, appointed Mr H. Hammond oCe *$ M.A. (Oxon ), F.C., head of the public technical school affiliated to the Cn ^er School, to the post of assistant inspeetor ^6pec^* Central Board, to act chiefly as science 1 The executive committee for providing^^ jj» ments for less frequent formal inspection^^t frequent informal inspections reported ^^0^ \)i had drafted a circular to the Board; 01 ^oo\0 suggesting that the formal inspection every alternate year.—This was agre* J vacancy on the executive committee crea ■>* decease of Alderman J. Jones Griffi^ by the election of Mr Charles Lloyd, D.L., chairman of the Carmarthen C°a°^e e*Z jjf ing Beard, and the vacancy caused by g|l« tion of the term of Dr G S. the selection of Principal Rhys, Ox^Uo»t^ agreed that the next meeting of the be at Festiniog in May next.

010 ABSOLUTELY P" 5?^ 1/10, 2/ 2/2 per lb. of Electro SUvei To Sari" j

THE RECENT ACCIDENT ON THE FESTINIOG RAILWAY. Major E. Druitt's report to the Board of Trade on the accident which occurred on October 4th to a passenger train which left the rails near Dduallt Station on the Festiniog Railway was issued on Saturday morning. In this case, as the 6-15 a.m. passenger train from Duffws to Portmadoc was running between Dduallt and Tanybwlch, the whole train was derailed and ran along the ballast for about sixty yards before it was brought to a stand. No passen- ger complained of injury and the fireman and driver were unhurt. The report says :—" Al- though there is no direct evidence as to the cause of this accident, yet from inspection of the line between the scene of the accident and Tan-y-bwlch Station, a mile and a quarter in length, and of the sleepers that were removed from the curve after the accident, I have little doubt but that the derailment was due to the faulty condition of the permanent way at the spot and to the excess of super-elevation of the outer rail. The authorised running speed on the line is seventeen miles an hour, which is reduced 'to twelve round curves, and a super- elevation of three inches on the outer rail of a four-chain curve for a speed of only twelve miles an hour would tend to bring too great a thrust on the inner rail and to spread it outwards, as happened in this case. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the derailment might have been attended with most serious results owing to the nature of the country at the place had the engine turned to the left it would have gone over a retaining wall and fallen a distance of quite twentyfeet. There is no reason to suppose that the train was running at more than the authorised speed of about twelve miles an hour at the time of the accident and, feeling his engine drop off the rail, the driver at once applied his brakes and brought the train to a standstill in a space of sixty yards. No blame, therefore, attaches to Driver Parkins in any way. This mishap will, it is hoped, cause those responsible for the con- dition of the line to take immediate steps to place the permanent way in the most perfect condition possible, this being necessary not only on account of the unusual risks'due to the steep gradient and precipitous nature of the country, but also be- cause the narrowness of the gauge reduces the bearing area of the sleepers on the ballast. Also additional superintendence of the platelayers seems most necessary. "I have been informed by the General Manager that he had decided before the accident occurred to carry out the following improvements, viz.:— (1) Relay the whole line with rectangular creo- soted sleepers of Baltic red timber, in lieu of the 8* half-rouna uncreosoted larch sleepers. Aportion of the line has already been so relaid. (2) Provide the sharpest curves with longer sleepers and guard rails. (3) Provide broken stone ballast for the sharp curves and where the drainage is difficult. (4) Improve the drainage wherever possible. (5) Provide compressed oak wedges in lieu of uncompressed pitch pine wedges. (6) Provide new fishplates where required. Also to appoint a new foreman platelayer to carry out the above and to look after the platelayers generally and repairs to the permanent way. I trust that no time will be lost in carrying out the above, as, judging by what I saw, they are most necessary for the safe working of the line."