The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

Cardiganshire Assizes. CLAIM AND COUNTERCLAIM. HAPPY AFTERNOON AT ABERYSTWYTH. The Assizes for Cardiganshire were held at Lampeter on Friday before Mr. Justice Atkin. The high sheriff was Cecil Wright, Esq., Borth, the under sheriff F. R. Roberts, Esq., and the sheriff's chaplain, the Rev. E. P. Davies, Borth. His Lordship attended divine service at St. Peier's Church in the morning and tihe Assizer were opened jahortty 'after eleven o'clock when, there being no prisoners for trial, the High Sheriff presented t]'e Judge with the customary white gloves. A jury was empanelled of Messrs. David Jones, jeweiler, Lampeter; Albert Rees, gro- cer, Cardigan; Jenkin Thomas, Cwmmawr Wm. Williams, draper, Lampeter; Henry Edwards, miller, Lampeter; Jonathan Grif- fiths, Ffrwd; James Edwards, Castell; David Hughes, Maestir; Titus Morgan, Argoed; John < Wilson, Pendre; David Thomas, butcher, Lam- peter; and Joseph Thomas Webb, jeweller, Cardigan. Claim for Slander and Counterclaim for Assault. Wm. Adler, hairdresser, Pier-street, Aber- ystwyth, claimed damages from Dr. and Mrs. Dykes, Great Witely, Worcester, for Mrs. Dykes having on the 9th August in the pre- sence bf Mrs. Adler, Miss. Carey, and cus- tomers, said with reference of a charge of Is. 4d. for cutting and singeing her child's hair, "It is an extortionate charge and a fraud. It is nothing but extortion and a cheat. You are a German; y*-s, »ov. are a German." Special damages were claimed on the ground that a lady whose name was un- known who required professional and skilful attention left the shop. Mrs. Dykes claimed damages for having been struck by Adler on the same date, to which Adler replied that he used no more than necessary force in re- moval on her refusing to leave the shop and that he reta-ned her umbrella in order to get her name and address. Mr. Marlay Samson (instructed by Mr. T. J. Samuel) appeared for Adler and Mr. Llewelyn Wilaiams, M.P., an Mr. Gtiffith Jones (instructed by Mr. Martin Woosnam, New- town) for Dr. and Mrs. Dykes. Mr. Samson, in opening the slander case, said that plaintiff was a Russian by birth and came over to England when a boy and in 1897 became naturalised. After being em- ployed in various places in England, in 1899 and 1900 was employed at AberysSwyjth by Mr. Joinson whose sister he subsequently married and commenced business on his -own account. On the 9th of August of last year f 's. Dykes went to the shop with her little L-y and girl and required the little girl's hair cut and singefl. The charges were dis- pVved in the shlo. Before the war the rge for each operation was 6d. an after the war in conse- quence of increased costs was increased to 8d. After narrating what followed, counsel said plaintiff put the matter in the hands of Mr. Vv. P. Owen, who on the 16th August wrote to < Îendants- 'Dear Sir and Madam,—I have been con- tv it-ed by Mr. Adler of this town with re- gard to Mrs. Dykes having in his shop in the presence of customers called him several time"- a German and also in addition charged him with extortion with the result that customers who had come there by appointment walked out of the shop and he in consequence "lost their patronage and sustained a loss in his business. As you will, I am sure readily under- stand, to charge anybody and more especially a foreigner with being a German at the pre- sent time casts upon him the greatest insult that can be said against anybody and nothing is more likely to cause a severe loss and in- jury to his business. I have known my client for a good many years and know as a fact that he is not a German and is in no way connected with Germany; but, on the con- trary, has offered to enlist and has brothers who have- been fighting with the allied cause ?:nd are now prisoners of war. Notwithstand- ing his keen feeling my client does not wish to make money out of this matter in any way -nd is out to clear his character. Mrs Dykes had no justification whatever ftr the state- ment which she made and in these circum- stances I think that it is only right that she should 'withdraw unAoTyiilfiona^y the state- ment she made and apologise to Mr. Adler in srch a manner as he may be advised for what she has done and also maemniry mm from all costs. If this is done I think the matter can be arranged." On th.; 20th August Mr. Woosnam replied— "Dear Sir.—Dr. Dvkes has forwarded your letter of the 16th to him and his wife, written by you on, behalf of Mr. Adler. It is absolutely wrong to state that Mrs. Dykes (who iR my daqghWr) called your client a German. She remonstrated with your client about what she considered excessive charges which she bad a right to do. The remonstrance seems to have aroused in your client the worst instinct any man could possess and in his ungovernable, tamper he struck my daugh- ter a severe blow in the back as she was turning to leave and when she confronted him after the blow was struck he broke the umbrella she was carrying. From the effect" of the blow my daughter has not yet re- covered and experiences great nervousness and serjous consequences may ensue, as my daugh- ter is in a dslicate state. of health- If you advise your client to take the proceedings you threaten I will, of course, accept service and I must ask you whether 'you would be pre- pared to accept service of such proceedings as 1 may advise Mr. Dyke and his wife to take." In the absence of an apology, continued Mr Samson, Mr. Adler issued a writ for slander. His only object was, as a business-man, to dear his character. His father was killed at W-saw in one of the first Zeppelin raids. Wm. Adler, giving evidence, said he was hairdresser at Aberystwyth since 1905. He was born in Warsaw'in 1879 and came to thir- country when about fifteen, learnt the busi. lies-, of hairdresser and wig maker; and was employed at various places. He produced his certificates of naturalisation in August, 1897. First went to Aberystwyth about the end of 1899 and served with Mr. Joinson about two years. In 1905 marrieu Mr. Joinson's sister and commenced business on his own account. The charges before the war were 6d. each for hairdressing and singeing and 8d. each after the war and those charges were -hung up in the shop. On the 9th August Mrs. Dykes 'entered the shop and wanted her little girl's hair cut and singed. After finishing he told 'her that the charge would be 3s. ld. including a cake of soap, and Is. 4d. for cutting and singeing. She said it was a terrible charge and that she had never paid more than lOd. He said he formerly charged Is. Mrs. Dykes went in the shop to Mrs. Adler and, on Mrs. Adler asking him how much she was to take Mrs. Dyke said Is. He said it. was Is. 4d. whereupon she took up the change and said it 'Was nothing but extortion and a fraud. There was a lady in the shop ".rho came by appoint- ment and two other ladies. MTJ. Dykes said to thein "'Have you ever seen such a charge— 1.1!. 4(1. for cutting a. child' hair." He said sho had not b?pn charged Is. 4d., but 8d. for haircutting: that she was misleading and that the child had had its hair singed and cut. Mrs. Dykes said, "You are a German." He said. "You had bstter be careful what you say." She again said, "Yes, you are a Ger- man." He begged the lady to withdraw the remark, telling her it was a very serious thing to say. Sho repeated, "You are a German." lIe asked for her name and address and she said she would not give it. The lady who was there by appointment first went out and then the two others. There were people look- ing in at the window and, thinking they might come in, he asked Mrs. Dykes to go out j and pushed her towards the door about six or eeven feet, just enough to push her along. She turned round and struck him with all her force with an umbrella. He put up his arm to ward off the blow and then got hold of the umbrella and took it. Afterward he noticed that the handle was loose. The Judge asked if the weapon was in Court and Mr. LI. Williams replying "No,added that it was a borrowed one. Plaintiff, continuing, said Mrs Dykes wanted the umbrella back and he said she should have it if she gave her name and address. She came back a second time and Mr' Adler said she could have it if she could prove that he (plaintiff) was a German. The Judge asked for fewer details and re- marked that it seemed to have occupied the ..hole of the happy afternoon at Aberystwyth. Plaintiff, again continuing, said the next time she came back with a gentleman and was again told she could not have the umbrella without giving name and address. The gentleman said he (plaintiff) could ncl have it. He asked the gentleman, "Can I have your 'address," and he gave the "name E. Wilson Jones, Belle Vue. The gentleman said the umbreila must be mended and sent to that address by half-past nine next morn- ing. On the following day between ten and eleven they came with Supt. Phillips and on Mr. Phillips saying the name and address should be given the umbrella was handed over. Mrs. Dykes wrote her name with 62, Marine-terrace as address, but he noticed that the home address was not given and he ran after her and she added, "Care of Mr Woos- nam."—Cros^-examined His native language] was Polish and Russian. Probably Adler was German for eagle and he had known many Germans of the name, but not German Jews. He was of Jewish descent of which he was proud. He did not' say she could have the hair cut and a cake of soap for 2s. 9d. and was not annoyed because she would not have the soap. He did not say, "You dare to say I charge you too much. You ought to be ashamed of yourself.' He was perfectly calm and not out of temper. He was much calmer than in that witness-box. (Laughter.) She did not say, "If I had known it was not an Englishman's shop I would rut lave come into it." He did not say, "Do ou insinuate that I am a German?" "You dare call me a German," nor did Mrs. Dykes say, "I did not call you one." ifhe rei tated, "Yes, you are a German." Asked if I e said, "You are a liar," plaintiff said le Jid rot use that word, but said "You are rot -,I ting the truth." He did not go up snouting to her. He did not strike her a violent blow in the back with his clenched fist as she ,Ls walk- ing out, nor catch hold of the umbrella, and wrench it away from her. Wilson Jones did not charge him with having assaulted Mrs Dykes, and Mrs. Dykes did not. say he struck her a violent blow in the back as she was leaving. He did not reply, "That is your d- English talk. I know you English." He took the umbrella to save himself from a second blow. The Judge, announcing adjournment, sug- gested that it was a case for composition; but after adjournment the case proceeded. Mrs. Eliza. Adler said Mrs. Dykes called her husband a German, that. Mrs. Dykes refused to go out of the shop, and that Mr. Adler pushed her out gently. Mary Carey, Harrowgate, who vas plaintiff's assistant in August, said Mrs. Dykes said the charge was extortionate and a fraud and said three times that Mr. Adler was a German. During the dispute Adler was not angry. Mrs. Dykes, in her evidence, said she did not see the charges fixed up in the shop. On being told the charge was Is. 4d. she said she would pay though it was too much: Adler said she ought to be ashamed to say he charged too much to which she replied that it. was extortionate and had she known it was not an Englishman's shop she would not have entered: that lie must be a foreigner or he would not have charged so much. The man was highly excited and did not know what he was saying. He asked, "You insinuate that I am a Ger- man? You shall answer for this." She di not call him a German. She put the change in her purse. Adler came round the counter gesticulating and hit her between the shoulders with clenched fist. She held up her umbrella and Adler seized it. She was very much up- set and the children were crying. She did net call him a fraud or a cheat. When Wilson .J onts said he would put the matter into tli hands of the police, Adler said, That is all your d- English bluff." She did not c: him a fraud or a cheat. She did not remem- ber being asked for her name and address.- Cross-examined: She did not recollect Adler saying that she could not have the umbrella until she proved that he was a German. She said nothing when Wilson Jones was in the shop.—By the Judge: She did not then say that Adler had given her a violent blow.- Cross-examined: She did not recollect seeing two ladies in the shop. She called him some sort of foreigner, but never thought anything about a German. A Russian to her was quite as objectionable as a German; but she did not call him a Russian or a German. She was very .much annoyed, but did not call him anything to express her annoyance. The Judge having ascertained that Mrs Dykes lived about ten miles out. of Worcester, remarked respecting the increased charge of 2d. for haircutting and for singeing that if prices had not gone up at Worcester it was about the only place where things that had not gone up except judges' salaries. Aber- ystwyth was not expected to be a place where in the season the wind was tempered to the shorn lamb. Wilson Jones, a graduate of the Welsh Uni- versity and now reading for the bar, said h went with Mrs. Dykes to Adder's shop anr" told her she had better remain outside. Wh<^ Adler saw him he said, "Hullo, you are an- other of them. Do you want to call me a German, too?" He toid Adler that he had the- lady's umbrella and had assaulted her and told him to repair the umbrella. When Adler robed for the lady's name, witness said it was ,.iinecoss,i,ry for him to have it. He told Adlev that un;ess the umbrella- was repaired I '!ld sent around in the morning the matter would be put in the hands of the police and he replied, "That is all d bluff. I know I the English." In reply to Adler, Mrs. Dykes ■jaicl she did not call him a German and wit- ness interposed. He understood that the reason for his wanting her name and address was becaus3 she had called him a German. Supt. Phillips said he weni with Mrs Dykes to Adler's shop for her umbrella to which Adler replied "Yes; the lady insulted me and tailed me a German and I want. her name and address." Mrs. Dykes' said, "I did not call you a Geiiiani I said you must be a foreigner or you would not have charged me so much for cutting the child's hair." Vv ness said, "Both of you might have been using heated words." Mrs. Dykes gave her name and added to it at Adler's request.—Cross- examined: Mrs. Dykes said she had been in- sulted and pushed out of the shop. Dr. Dykes said his wife went to Aberystwyth for the benefit of her health. She made a statement to him on the 10th August, yvas very much upset, and her condition was quite consistent with having received a blow. She was confined, to her bed on returning home which he ascribed to nervous shock and had been ill more or less since.—Cross-examined: She sajd she had looked and saw no signs of a. bruhe and he took her word and did not examine for himself. He did not go to Adle; because he was afraid of the consequences to Adler if he did. During her cross-examination, Mrs. Dykes had to be attended to and fainted shortly after Mr. Samson commenced his address to the jury. The Judge in ramming up said damages could not be given fo" saying a man was a German unless special damages Tere proved: but if written damages could be given for libel. The jury gave a verdict of Is. to, Mr Adjer for slander and of Is. to Mrs. Dykes for assault and the question of costs was reserved for arg^m^ni at Carmarthen Assizes on Mon- day. A to Carmarthen the order respecting coats was the costs to be subject to set off one against the other."

DEVIL-;S BRIDtGE. "Radical Noncon." writes to the "South Wales Daily News:—"I don't care'for curates as a rule, but must ask you to give a line or two about a Cardiganshire cleric who has shown himself a gentleman and Christian. One of the work-on-the-land girls arrived at the rail- way station in the hilly area, five miles from destination end, by misunderstanding, no one met her. The Curate found her stranded, un- able to find Tier way, and not only gave her tea, but walked the five miles to show her the way, and then had to foot it back again in face of the keen east wind After the evening service on Sunday, con- ducted by the Rev. E. M. Davies, eurate-in- charge, a meeting was held to consider the holding of a concert in connection with the Sunday School. It was decided to get a con- cert up at the Woodlands. It was also arranged to make the presentations to the Rev T. N. and Mrs. Jones of Hafod at an entertain- ment on Wednesddy.

BANK CHANGE. From the 23rd inst. the name of the London and Provincial Bank Ltd. will be changed to the London Provincial and South Western Bank Ltd. ) I

"No Famine, But- LORD RHONDDA AND FOOD POSITION. CONSUMPTION MUST BE REDUCED. Lord Rhondda was the principal guest of the Aldwych Club last week at a meatless and rationed luncheon. In proposing the health of the Food Controller, Lord Burnham wh6 pre- sided, described Lord Rhondda as possessed of brilliant imagination and an unsullied record. Lord Rhondda said that he welcomed the opportunity of a frank talk on some of the problems of the Food Ministry. SUCCESS OF THE WORK. j He fully realised that he had made mistakes —a man who did anything worth doing was j bound to make mistakes—and there would be mistakes in the future, but after six months' experience of the difficulties he was amazed on balance at the success his staff had achieved. (Applause). Touching the difficulty of securing. adequate supplies, he reminded them that two-thirds of I our supplies in peace time came from abroad- of wheat, for instance, four-fifths, and of meat 21bs. in every five-though tuat was a lw figure. The same applied to butter and mar- garine and other fats, so they would see what a difficult problem it was to persuade people to make 21bs. go as far as five. » REDUCTION ESSENTIAL. "Without wishing to alarm the public," proceeded his lordship, "I must say it is absolutely essential that they must greatly re- duce their consumption of food compared with the position before the war. But if they will realise the situation and act up to it there is no need to talk of famine. What we recom- mend for the "greedy grottsersl,* the hungry German would look upon as luxury. (Applause). "We have reached the stage which Germany reached two years ago. Theirs is a perilous position. Their wheat crop last year was bad, their potato crop has not come up to expecta- tions. There is a good deal of grousing and grumbling here because some of you may have only a pound of meat a week, whereas in Ger- many they are glad to get half-a-pound, and I think with the help of America—and we are going to get that help—we can smile at the attempt of Germany to defeat us. (Applause). DEFENCE OF THE FARMER. He had nothing -but praise for the farmers, but in regard to the sliding scale for cattle, which it was said he initiated, he wanted to say that the scheme was initiated before he took office. (Applause). He saw a letter that day stating that Lord Rhondda should have taken the advice of the Board of Agriculture on this question. As a fact he had taken that advice, and he submitted to the Chairman a letter in proof of that statement from the Board of Agriculture. It was said also that the Food Ministry was to blame for the killing of 70,000 cattle for army purposes. That arrangement was made several months before he came into office. As regards the ploughing up of grass land, that was a mft^ter entirely outside his depart- ment. As a farmer himself, he will- ingly ploughed up his land when told to do so by the Food Production Depart- ment. He had nothing to do with the moving of ships from port to port; that was for the Shipping Controller. We must discipline ourselves to obey orders," he said, "and resist the attempts that are being made to set class against class. I believe that in the main all classes are acting patriotically, and that those who come after us will recognise the sacrifice we made in this battle of civilisation. (Applause). As regards the restaurants in the West End, I want to say that in regard to the appeals for economy in foodstuffs I believe the rich and middle classes have responded much more generally than have the wage-earning class. (Applause). They may not have thought the appeal was made to them. But the wage-earners must recognise that they are three-fourths of the population, and that the duty of economy devolves upon the wage-earning classes as on the wealthier and very small section of the I population." (Applause). NO MEAT FAMINE. On the meat question there was no evidence that farmers were deliberately withholding supplies, and he had many assurances that they were satisfied with the prices under the grad- ing scheme. Many farmers were agreeably sur- prised at the prices they got. There was no prospect of a meat famine such as afflicts Germany. We could economise without anv undue hardshin, but must reduce the amount eaten during the next few months considerably. A census of cattle taken last month showed the number of cattle in tne country to be only five per cent. less than in June. (Applause). That was an actual census It had been charged that they did not sufficiently consider the interests of the pro- ducer, but he conceived 'it to be his primary duty to protect the interest of the consumer, and especially the poor consumer. He had said that and would stand by it. He claimed to have had a large measure of success in preventing the rising of. prices and in lowering them where possible. WHEAT: CONTROLLER'S ANXIETY As to bread, though he regarded the future with anxiety, there was no immediate cause for alarm. Bread would have to be darker, and they might not think it quite as palatable, but for every man and woman in a normal condition of health it would be perfectly holesome. They wanted to urge the consumption of potatoes, which were very plentiful, and they lot only wanted them used in the place of bread, but also in the manufacture of bread. It was also possible that they would have to prohibit the use of wheat in cakes, pastry, and fancy biscuits. Lord Rhondda, continuing, said that with regard to preparing the ground for compulsory rationing the food control committees were taking wide advantage of their powers* Schemes in spite of the difficulties of initiations, were working satisfactorily in several places, and he welcomed the tendency for areas to work together. He also expressed approval of the ¡ local schemes of rationing, and said it would aid the distribution of food, would accustom the public to it, and would provide experience of the lines on which rationing could follow. He was in favour of the increased representa- tion of Labour, the co-óperr,:iv8 rsovernent, and women upon the committees, and would I not hesitate to allow a small increase over the number of twelve where it was believed that the committee would bo strengthened by an addition of people representing those interests. He claimed that they had prac- ticallh, eliminated profiteering. He was told that they should allow free play for the laws of supply and demand, but under that free play prices had nearly doubled. If they had been allowed to continue, they would have gone up another 100 per cent., and such things" as meat would have been outside the reach of the poorer people. He adopted the plans of fixing prices, and of the twenty-one articles which previously showed such great increases thirteen now showed re- ductions. He confessed to disappointment with regard to the action in the erection of communal kitchens. They could be of great use in a national crisis, and 'they were going to put more ginger into the establishment of tlose kitchens. Under Mr. Clvnes they proposed to establish a consumers council and he hoped they would anno ice The names next v eek.

YSTUMTUEN. + A meeting was held on Wednesday in con- nection with the War Savings Association at the Council School. The speaker (Mr. Jenkin James, M.A.), explained the object and neces- sity in a lucid manner. On account of the in- clemency of the weather the attendance was not large. The chair was taken by the Wes- leyan minister (the Rev. G. Bedford Roberts). He thanked those who had contributed during the past year and urged others to follow their example. Amongst those who have assisted in war savings are Masters Benjamin James and O. Daniel of Penrhiwceir. Mr. James was thanked on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. David Mason, Ystumtuen. A concert was held at the School on Satur- day evening, a report of which will appear in next week's issue.

PENRHYNCOCH. The widow and daughters of the late Rev. Henry Evans, Baptist minister, desire to thank their numerous friends and acquaintances foi their kind letters of sympathy with them in their recent sad bereavement.

Lecture by Mr Peter Jones ABERYSTWYTH IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS. At the Liberal Club, on Thursday week, Mr. Peter Jones, a former alderman of the Town Council, gave a lecture on "The Old Town Commissioners." Mr. J. R. Griffiths, Market- street, president of the Liberal Club, pre- sided over a fair attendance. Mr. Peter Jones coramenced his lecture by referring to the government of the town by the old Court Leet and the transference of local government to commissioners under the Municipal Corporations Act of 1835. A Bill, promoted by Aberystwyth, received the royal assent in July of that year and contained powers for paving, lighting, removing obstruc- tions, erecting groynes for the protection of the town against encroachments of the sea, and the provision of a water supply which was said to be not sufficient, and the construc- tion of reservoirs. The Commissioners were empowered to borrow £ 4,000. The cost of that Act was 2867 2s. 3d. The Brynymor water- shed was to be tapped, the old reservoir in Brynymor Dingle was constructed, and that supply was to be supplemented by water from grounds about Cefnhendre and Penglaise where another reservoir was to be constructed. Under that Act the old Town Commissioners were elected. Among its original members were Mr. Mathew Davies (father of the present member of Parliament for the county), and Mr. John Miller, agent of the Crosswood Estate. Mr. Millter's son, John, who farmed Morfa Mawr, near Llanon, was considered to be the most scientific farmer in Cardiganshire in those days. Another son, David, was a captain in the navy and was reported to be one of its smartest officers. Willoughby was an able advocate at Aberystwyth but, being too much inclined to worship Bacchus, ended his days in poverty. Other commissioners were Mr James Davies (father of Mr. Morris Davies, Ffos- rliydgaled), Captain William Julian, Mr Robert Edwards, draper; Captain John Smith. Bonsall, who lived at Crynfryn House, afterward used as the Old Infiwnary in Little Darkgate-street; ) Mr. Edward Evans, proprietor of the Belle Vuù; Mr. John Parry, town clerk; and Mr. Benson, wine merchant, whose business was taken over by Mr. Joseph Downie who left £37,000 for the sick poor of Aberystwyth. The brothers Mr. Horatio Hughes, t solicitor, Mr. James Hughes, Glanrheidol, and Mr. John Hughes (Mr. A. J. Hughes's uncle), wielded great influence in the town in those days. Mr Thomas Jones, Ropewalk, was another com- missioner, as well as Mr. Edward Lock, custom house officer, and the uncle of Dr. Rice Williams who obtained the lease of a large piece of Corporation land at a nominal ground rent, from 49 to 63 on the Terrace, and built the old baths on the Penrhyn. A Dr. Edwards, Queen-street, was one of the first borough magistrates who did not scruple to drink to excess himself but fined others on the ground that while he could afford to drink they could not The late Mr. Lewis Pugh Pugh's grandfather, who was a saddler, was said to have made £ 7,000 a year from Cwrnvstwyth Mines. Mr. PoweU, Nanteos, and Mr. Pryse Prvse of Gogerddan were also commissioners, showing that neighbouring landowners took interest in the town, as the town had a right to expect present-day landowners to do. The ex-officio members were the Mayor and the Curate of St. Michael's. Mr. William Henry Thomas, the first elerk, received a salary of k-10 a year. Others who were subsequently appointed members were Mr. John Roberts, tanner, grandfather of Major Fossett Roberts; Mr. F. R. Roberts, father of Mr. F. R. Roberts, solicitor: and Mr John Matthews, land surveyor; Mr. W. i Williams, estate agent, Gogerddan; and Mr. J. Jones Atwood, afterward solicitor to the Corporation, who had a retentive memory and was well versed in the doings of the old Court Leet. Speaking of some of the doings of the Commissioners, Mr. Jones said that in 1835 the Surveyor was required to remove the pig market from Heol y Moch to the top of High- street, and as Queen Victoria had then come to the throne it was decided to alter Pig-street to Princess-street. At the beginning of 1836 it was decided that the meetings should be open to the public. The meetings were held in the old Town Hall, then standing on the site of the Town Clock, and were sometimes adjourned to the Gogerddan Arms. Mr ColtHart was the designer of the present Town Hall. Mr. George Bush, engineer for the Harbour, was requested to report on the difference in the expense in carrying out the whole of the works contemplated in tie Improvement Act and the carrying out Iof water works only and that he should allow Mr. Page to estimate the cost of common sewers in the town. Referring to the fish supply, Mr. Jones said that large catches of herrings were made in the Bay and sold at five for a penny. There were two or three fishing boats and there was generally a good supply in the market, including Teify salmon, with oysters brought from Milford by Jack Peel and the father of Mr. Richard Morris, currier. Referring to the operations of the Commissioners and of the Town Council which ultimately superseded the Commissioners, Mr. Jones said in 1837 it was agreed to light the Marine-terrace by means ot oil, and in that year the Commissioners gave Mr. William Morley Stairs, Stroud, Gloucestershire, liberty to erect gas works and agreed to pay S3 a lamp for eighty public lamps. He referred to Mr. Balcombe of the Queen's Hotel, who was a member of the Council, as probably the ablest man connected with the public life of Aber- ystwyth, and to Mr. Jonathan Pell, Belle Vue, another member who rendered great service to the town. Referring to public institutions, he spoke of the faithful services of Mr. J. F. Roberts of Manchester, and of Mr. Stephen Evans of London, who saved the College from being closed. Speaking of Mr. David Davies of Llandinam, and of Mr. Stuart, afterward Lord Rendel, he asked Welshmen to abandon I the cry of Wales for the Welsh, for there was no 0113 who had rendered greater service to Wales and to the College than Englishmen like Lord Rendel. The town was also indebted to the Rev. Thomas Charles Edwards, the first principal, who stuck to) the College when others were inclined to leave if I On ythe proposi'tion; of Councillor Barclay Jenkins, seconded by Alderman T. J. Samuel, and supported by Alderman C. M. Williams, who regretted Mr. Peter Jones's retirement from the Council, and Mr. John Jenkins, Prin- cess-street, Mr. Jones was thanked for his interesting and instructive lecture.

YSBYTTY YSTWYTH. The sad news of the death of Mr Job Evans, the son of Mr. and Mrs. J)avid Evans, Pantyr- hedyn, was received with manifest sorrow. The I deceased met his end through an accident in one of the pits at Tylorstown. The body was brought home and interment took place on Tuesday. Much sympathy is felt with the parents and family in their bereavement. A concert for welcoming soldiers on their home-coming was held at the Ysbytty C.M. Chapel last Saturday. In the absence of Dr. Morgan, the chair was occupied by the Rev. D. J. Jones, B.A., vicar. A varied and inter- I esting programme was gone through. One soldier. Private William Jones, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Jones, Dangraig (late Fforddlas), was present. He was presented with JE1 by the Treasurer (Mr. J. Jones, Rhiwlas). The usual votes of thanks were accorded. On behalf of the War Agricultural Com- mittee, Mr. Tom Morgan, Tangelli, called the attention of the meeting to the importance of tHe Land Cultivation Order and the duty of every occupier of land to do nis utmost. was decided to hold a meeting on Tuesday so that the smallholders and Tanners may make their'wants known. The meeting also resolved to ask the Education Committee to start a school, of "tfiineralogy at Ysbytty Ystwyth. A great deal of activitiy is shown at present in the district and preparations on a large scale are going on towards opening new places and for working some of the old mines. It is to be hoped that the terprises will succeed and that the shareholder. will not allow their money to be spent in making a grand machinery show on the surface. As mining is of such a vital importance to the country at present it is to be hoped that the miner who does this un- healthy work will get a decent living wage. Up to the present the lot of the lead miner has been a hard and sad one, his life shortened through his unhealthy work, and bis family starved through insufficient wages. Celt Pad—wholesale terms from Cambrian News," Aberystwyth

RHEIDOL VALLEY. It is gratifying to notice that Erwtome Mine is making considerable progress, in spite of difficulty in securing labour. The inade- quacy is made up by the introduction of a new compressor for the working of rock drills. This compressor is an improvement on the old style of mandrill; and Captain Brennan, the manager, is to be congratulated on his enterprise. Many improvements have been effected by him. Blende obtained here is of an exceptional quality. At the Rheidol Mine Mr. Llewelyn Griffiths has been engaged as carpenter, and Mr. David Thomas and Mr. 'Hiomas Jenkins, miners. They are residents of Ystumtuen and Ponterwyd. Representatives of the Company who are negotiating with refer- ence to Caegynon Mine are expected to visit the mine during this week when it is to be hoped they will oiiie to terms with the owners and commence operations immediately. The road leading from Capel Bangor up the YJléy is in a bad state, being unsafe and dangerous. Its condition is partially but not all due to timber traffic. The upper portion, vvLicli is the most picturesque appears to be neglected and people are asking What are we paying rates for?" The county road is rn ,yj:l' vhat a highway should be, and the Surveyor, Mr. T. E. Owen, Aberystwyth, deserves praise for discharging his duties fo ablv. Gunner Evan David Morgan, R.F.A., son of Mr. and Mrs. Evan Morgan, Gellfach, left on Monday after a short furlough. The hos- pital officials where he was a patient looked after him well. He has now gone to rejoin the battery with the good wisheo of, his friends in this valley. Gunner E. D. Morgan felt grateful for the kindness shown to him by everyone during his furlough.

BARMOUTH. The Women's Institute, to which Mrs Llew- elyn Owen 4nd Miss Suffield have been appointed secretaries, promises to do good work. It is proposed to secure a central shop to be used as a communal kitchen, one lady having very kindly offered to defray the rent, which is a substantial sum.

U.C.W. Lectures. PROFESSOR FOSTER WATSON ON FREEDOM. At the University College of. Wales, Aber- ystwyth on Thursday evening, Pioiessor Foster Watson gave the first of a series of lecures on freedom. There was a small but select and intellectual audience. There was, commenced Professor Foster Watson, an especial difficulty in dealing with a subject like freedom, because everybody thought he knew everything about it, and in the next place, the number of ways the word could be used made the word ambiguous. Thus it was said "I am free f6r tue day," "I am free to tell you," "He is free with his money," and the word was used to define that state of mind when four and twenty happy boys came bounding out of school. Striking a common J factor, freedom might be described as a condi- tion of doing what one pleased to do unrestrained by any external pressure or authority. Yet with a general definition like that it was diffi- cult to find a state of mind in which there was no pressure from without. If there was great difficulty in making oneself clear as to freedom of the individual-physical freedom- there was still more difficulty in considering the aspect of social freedom. When the re- straint was voluntary people were said to be free; but all social concerns involved a certain amount of give and take. When, however, the inner mind of the individual and the outward pressure from social) society coalesced, then people regarded themselves as being free. In that case more depended on attitude than even on substance. So when they considered the subject of government, as long as they had a government which went on with the full con- sent of the governed they might be said to have freedom; but directly they had a govern- ment which was chosen or which was in power without the consent of the people or against their consent, they had tyranny, and the state of mind of the individual was slavery which led to resentment and might eventually lead to revolution. The attitude of the mind consti- tuted their idea of freedom. As to restraint, limitation, and pressure from outside, when they came to the supreme case of religion it was found that the religious devotee absolutely preferred to accept the divine will rather than his own and felt a joy in subordinating his in- dividual will to the universal will. Thus perfect freedom might be found in absolute service which was full of restraint. That was closely associated with another idea. Joyful co-opera- tion between minds which recognised each having common grounds might be put in terms of happiness. Freedom was the condition in which a man could obtain happiness, if he could obtain it at all..Therefore be came to consider happiness; and in doing that he should be obliged to go right across the ages. The historic foundation of happiness came down from Aristotle who defined happiness as the active exercise of a man's vital powers along I the lines of excellence in a life affording full scope for the development. The aim of free- dom was the foundation or environment of vital purposes known as human excellences a.nd should aid rather than hinder their develop- ment. In a word it was personality. The soul, the spirit, the mind should be free to accom- plish the task. They spoke of a nation being free when every grown-up member of the nation had some voice in the government and tried to form a sound opinion. There was at the present time-and it was sure to be more and more as means of communication between peoples grew-an increase of propaganda—the making of people fall in with the denomina- tional or particular political views of propa- gandists. Propagandism to a large extent was a distinct hindrance to freedom because it was an attempt to bring oth^r people to subscribe to exactly the same shibboleths as those held by the propagandist; whereas, from the point of view of freedom, what was wanted was to get everybody to think for himself. Therefo-- a great deal of personal influence in a com- munity was in real danger in directing and influencing a great number of people, because if the influence was successful there would be a great lack of freedom in getting people to think for themselves. The type of a great leader of man was he who would put the thing fairly and justly and impartially and leave the truth to appeal to the individual. That idea of freedom was based on the open mind-open to think and reason for itself. People had grown too much in the past in the faith of prophets, of leaders, and of those who thought they had to tell others what to think. A treat deal of education in future, he believed, would consist in showing the young how to find out for themselves. If that was true of the in- dividual, it was equally true of a nation. A nation was said to be free when its own chosen government managed its own affairs internally and its foreign relations without interference or dictation from any other nation; and so j they came back to the old idea that freedom was freedom from restraint. There were also the questions of freedom of the family and of the school—the relations between parent and child and between teacher and pupil. Hitherto I schools had been carried on with the idea that there must be great restraint. He was sure, however, there was a new spirit abroad in which the freedom of the child would be re- spected as was the freedom of the grown-ups. j Let them look at the problems that arose in connection with economics, such as the claim I for a living wage, for the comforts and refine- ments of living for the poor as well as for the rich, and the claim for the development of personality. There was the problem" of machinery and its mechanised human beings and restraints comparable with a system of slavery. There were also the restraints on free- dom imposed by tradition and authority in religion, literature, and art. If the nation wanted to be free, it should get away from wanted to be free, it should get away from that which restrained them in the exercise of I vital powers along the lines of excellence. There was no freedom without the power of reasoning which would bring all the passions, good and bad, under control and within sight and reach of judgment, thought, and mind. Neither was there freedom in any community where there was standardised uniformity, regu- lations, and pressure to produce specific actions on specific occasions. The test of freedom and progress was diversity. The real things that moved the world were not the outward condi- tions but what was precious in the ideals that underlay those outward conditions. What were those ideals all making for? What were the excellencies? If they wished to test the progress of mankind they must do it by measuring how far individual man and in- dividual nations through the course of history had been developing within themselves in in- tellectual and spiritual freedom, because when once they had the spirit of freedom in a man or in a nation it worked cut into all sorts of other forms of history which was only the manifestation of the leal substance.

UNIVERSITY COLLECE OF WALES. On Tuesday of last week Mr. Henry Baynton, who appeared at the Coliseum, gave a lecture at the College on "Shakespeare." Professor J. W. H. Atkins presided over a large attend- ance. The recitations were well rendered and the Lecturer gave what, in his opinion, was the correct translation of the works of that bard, giving quotations applicable with regard to the present war. A vote of thanks was accorded the Lecturer on the proposition of Miss L. Winstanley, seconded by Mr. Austin Davies.

D Do you prefer "a touch of Lumbago • to half-a-teaspoonful of Kruscben Salts in a tumbler of hot water? If not, get the Kruschen habit Every morning! Of all Chemists 1/6 per bottle. All British e/rJA& i:ØcfafJ'.

The Meat Shortage. FOOD CONTROLLER'S STATEMENT. Lord Rhondda's forthcoming public statement < on the meat shortage promises to be of excep- tional interest, especially as he will probably deal full with the census recently taken ÕL live stock in this country under the scheme v hich was outlined some time ago. I rather think, writes a London correspondent, that what he will have to say will be a keen dis- appointment to the Central Powers if they had cherished any notion that we were really I reaching the point of famine in regard to meat suppliers It must be remembered that this is a time of the year which, even under normal I conditions, produces a shortage of meat ready for the market, and the Food Department fully expected the present condition of things, which was practically unavoidable. The situation will be eased somewhat by the release of a large number of beasts for slaughter from Ireland, but the public may as well understand that the quantities will not be equal to those of j last year, and must content themselves with the knowledge that in the ration per head of the population we shall fare much better than the enemy and most neutral countries. The recent census has, I am told, yielded reassuring facts as to the store cattle left in this country, but the deficiency and cost of feeding-stuffs have been factors in producing the present situation.

I Agricultural Executive. < ¡ STOCKS OF GRAIN. A meeting of the Agricultural Executive Com- mittee was held at Lampeter on day. There were present Mr. Richard Evans (in Ithe chair) ;Mr. Ben Davies, Mr. M. L. Vaughan Davies, M.P., Mr. John Jones, Mr. J. Buncs Morgan, Mr. D. J. Williams, Commissioner John Roberts, and officers. A number of special appeals against the Culti- vation Orders from various farmers and small- holders in the county were referred to the Dis- trict committees; but the districts would be ex- pected to keep up their quotas, and if a reduc- tion be made in one part a corresponding in- crease should be sought elsewhere. It was pointed out that a number were now now offering their land too freely to the Com- mittee. Some of these were well able to do the work themselves or pay for the labour. It vae decided that such cases would be carefully in- vestigated and no leniency shown. This offer- ing of land to committee was only an attempt to escape their share of the burden they were called upon to shoulder, which at a time like this was unfair and mean. It was true that a few persons had been called upon to do the im- possible. These would have the consideration of the Comrpittee. Circumstances had arisen since the issuing of the orders which would necessitate a modification. The question of horse ploughing engaged the attention of the Committee. Efforts would be made to secure efficient civilian ploughmen to train soldiers to plough. Reports were received that a number of farmers in the county were at a loss to know how to dispose of their grain, especially barley. Lack of accommodation would not allow of in- definite storage and the grain would itself deteriorate. The Ministry of Food Orders pre- cluded farmers from grinding barley and feeding it to-animals. At the same time the Govern- ment showed no disposition to purchase and re- move the grain. It was decided to urge the Food Production Department to take immediate steps to examine existing stocks of grain and to bring- the purchaser (whether miller or mer- chant) into touch with the producer.

FELINFACH. A public meeting to urge investment in war bonds and war savings certificates was held at Felinfach Schoolroom on Thursday. Mr. J. Lethian Davies, C.M., occupied the chair. Ex- planatory speeches were delivered by Mr. J. M. Howell, J.P., Mr. G. H. Lloyd, and Mr. Daniel Jenkins, Aberavron. A hearty vote of thanks was given on the motion of Mr. Thomas Jones, The Kennels, seconded by Mr. J. Davies, AUt- cafon Woollen Factory.

Meatless Menus. COOK CAREFULLY. HARICOT MOULD WITH SHARP SAUCE. Cook a pint of previously soaked haricot beans in stock till tender, then drain and rub half of them through a sieve; mix with a little white or brown sauce and a gill of good stock. Chop finely half a small onion, and fry to a golden colour in butter, dripping, or other edible fat. Add the whole cooked beans, toss them a little, and mix in some finely-chopped p'arsely. Next add two ripe tomatoes, previously peeled and cut into rather thin strips, half- teaspoonful of mixed herbs, and mix carefully. Have ready a well-greased pudding mould lined with slices of hard-boiled egg, and the puree of haricot beans. Fill the centre with the whole beans, then boil or steam for about one hour. Turn out on to a hot dish and serve with sharp or piquante sauce. POLENTA FRITTERS. Boil up i-pint of milk and a gill of water, and stir in 2i-ozs. of semolina or Florador with -OZ. of cooking fat Stir tlii boiling and cook for ten minutes; then mix with two large table- spoonsful of grated cheese and spread on a dish. When cold cut into rounds or squares, egg and crumb them in oatmeal or biscuit meal, and fry in deep fat to a golden colour. Drain, dish up, and serve hot.

PLEASE ENROL mv name in the LEAGUE OF NATIONAL SAFETY. I realise that economy in the use of all Food and the /A checking of all waste helps my country to 1 IpJ I complete Victory, and I promise to do all in my N[ Y power to assist this Campaign for National Safety NAME _J_ (Mr., Mrs. or MisSt. 1 ADDRESS yj COUNTY i NO MEMBERSHIP FEES. Anyone over Sixteen years of age may join. 'OA j Sign and Post this Coupon to Cambrian si*' News," Aberystwyth. i Certificate of Membership together with badge i will be sent free in due course.