The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

meant wins that a number of rich people had died in Cardiganshire and there was the in- teresting fact" that the receipts from that item had been steadily increasing. Compared with fourteen years ago, there was an increase of £.3,000. They generally thought of them selves in Cardiganshire as poor people and looked upon themselves as going back, but if that' item was any indication their wealth was increasing and there was that comfort in the fact that they were having large sums of money to help the general welfare of the county. (Hear, hear.) The exponcuture amounted to £ 600 more wan the ^'Pj'> but fortunately, there was a balance at the beginning of the year of ~i 2'uO. 5^ they commenced with a: balance of £ 300 bat in order to work the accounts propcny^a absolutely necessary that they should laYe « balance of £2,000 to £3,000 and, therefore, it balance of £ 2,000 to £ 3,000 and, therefore, it was necessary in order to bund up the balance Ke iouW be a rate of 7d in the pound ip^tood of 6d. The estimate toi t. e next vear had been very bv the Treasurer, who informed him that ne Sd the Surveyors were satisfied that it ollld not be exceeded. It was hoped that the fuU shilling rate for education would no >e reouiS but the Committee recommended feiSce foV the. first half vear m order to be on the s.fe side Tie interm^e educa- tion rate Avas raised from -d. to 4d. 't request of the Education Cw ho would require an additional sum foi tae."1 stvuction of teachers. The estimated receipts tot led £ 33,884, which would leave a balai-ce h° 1 and < f £ 1.800. Ho proposed the adoption of tile report, which was seconded by Di LeAvis and agreed to. Alltymynydd Sanatorium. On behalf of a deputation which attended to urge the claims of AUtvmynydd Sana- torium for support and rate-aid toward main- tenance, Colonel Bavies-l'van? Hi-lnTio^d explained that many of his colleagues had been prevented from attending owing to other engagements and the weatner. The Finance Committee b;d considered all the c.ata con- cerning the matter and it was not for him to enter into it. In the face of the fact that several members of the medical profession were present, it would be impertinent on his part to do so. The terrible scourge of consumption was re- sponsible for 40,000 to 50.000 deaths annually and meant misery in thousands and thousands of families who "had members suffering. It was an established fact that' a certain per- centage of the cases could he cured and that a great deal could be done in the way of pre- vention. The movement was first mooted by Dr Reid and others who enlisted the sym- pathy of certain ladies. and an appeal which was made to the counties was nobly mev. It had been most nobly met bv the poor classes —striliinglv so—and those who suffered mostly from the disease were deepb- interested not only in the checking of if, but also in the Council's proceedings that day. The appeal was responded to in a way which enabled those who had the movement in hand to say that they could build the sanatorium upon the site selected. With regard fo the mainten- ance, a certain number of beds would be taken up privately and it would be quite pos- sible to run the sanatorium as a paying con- cern, but the intention of the promoters was to provide an asylum for noor people who could not afford to Py and for another class who, perhaps, could afford to give small fees. It was meant as a charity and the Committee felt that they had a right to appeal to public bodies to take beds and take part in the maintenance of the sanatorium. He re- gretted that the* Council meetings were held later than those of Carmarthenshire and Pem- brokeshire. He was very proud of this county -(hear, hear)—and should like to see the Council giving an example to fhe other coun- ties, but as they met earlier that was not possible. He hoped the Council would show that it was as deeply interested as Carmar- thenshire and Pembrokeshire were in the matter and would do as much as they had done. Replying to Dr Lewis, who asked whether sufficient money had been collected for the building fund, Colonel Davies-Evans said he was not in a position to go into figures, but roughly speaking £ 5,000 was collected or promised and that was calculated to be suffi- ceint for the building. Dr Lewis saying that lie did not see the object of voting £ 500 to- wards the building fund, Colonel Davies- Evans explained that furnishing, etc., would be required. Replying to Dr Evans, Colonel Davies- Evans said it had not been arranged as to whether there would be a resident medical officer or whether local men would be in attendance. Dr Lev is—I am afraid Dr Evans is count- ing his hens before they are hatched. (L,iiiglatpi-.) The Council having been asked to sub- scribe JB500 towards the building fund of the Alltymynydd Sanatorium, for the provision of accommodation for two beds and to contri- bute JB150 yearly for the maintenance of the two beds, the Finance Committee recom- mended that the Council should subscribe for the provision and maintenance of one bed at least, provided that the scheme of manage- ment and representation was such as they could approve. Tho recommendation was moved by Mr. D. C. Roberts, who said there were several matters besides the question of Dr. Evans which would have to be considered in the future. In the Committee's recom- mendation, it was required that the scheme of management and representation should come before them again before giving the final consent. He was very glad to move the recommendation. He did so on the ground that he felt the County Council had many opportunities of helping good work 'ill addition to the administrative and detail work of which they had so mucii. Anything they could do by a little sacrifice for the welfare of the count,, he was always glad to give it his fullest support. The Council that day was an important one. They .had already that morning supported a big national movement and lat-er on they were going to make a generous effort to help a movement which was for the benefit of the county. They had now a movement in an- other direction, which was equally as impor- tant for the people of Cardiganshire. There were medical men present who knew more about it than he could tell them, but he was influenced by what he saw and read. He was interested the other day in an interview with a prominent, medical man, Sir Wm. Broadbent, who and others working with him, were endeavouring to make a move- ment of that kind for London. From 40,000 to 50.000 suffered every year in London and in 7,000 or 8.000 cases there were, no doubt, great hope of recovery if promptly and effi- ciently dealt with. Sir "William said con- sumption does not run so much in families as in houses." That seemed to him (Mr. Roberts) to open the door for an important matter. There might be means by which certain improvements might be pointed out to the people. They might be taught how to deal more effectively with the disease. It was not only a question of curing those who were already consumptive. Apart from residence in the sanatorium, they could have the educative means in their houses. They could be taught how to prevent the spread- ing of the disease. Referring to informa- tion which he had received from Dr. Reid, Mr Roberts explained that the recommen- dation would make provision for six or eight patients from the county during the year. The Institution would contain twenty-eight beds, eight of which would be for paying patients. There were private individuals and subscribers who would be able to help in their different localities. About £ 7,000 would be required for the building and furnishing, about P,5,000 of which was secured before the memorial stone" as laid by Princess Christian and it was understood that about £ 1,000 came in that day. Another £ 1,000 was expected to be made by the contributions from the County Councils and if the Council was able to help they should make un the actual sum required so as to complete the building and furnishing and leave no debt at the opening of the Institution. Mr Roberts then quoted figures, which showed that in 1903 Cardigan- shire had the highest death-rate in the "whole kingdom. In the three counties, consump- tion was 2% per cent. more fatal than cancer and it was time something should be done to help forward a movement which it was hoped would prevent that terrible death-rate. He believed the recommendation was a step in the right direction and lie believed the Coun- cil would lead. He was glad that they could hold their position by helping, even at some sacrifice, a movement for the benefit of the county at large. (Hear, hear.) Dr Evans seconded the proposition and pointed out that a County Architect had been appointed for the schools where the dis- ease really started and nursing lectures pro- vided—two things which would help in com- batting the disease. Dr Lewis referring to Mr D. C. Roberts's remarks as to the death-rate, said that it was caused by the people who had emigrated to South Wales and London and came home to be buried. Mr. Roberts—All the more reason why we should help them when they come home. Major Lewes said he was glad that Dr. Lewis had made the explanation as to the death-rate. Dr Evans said he had previously pointed out the same reason for the high death- rate. The county was the dumping ground to a certain extent for people coming home to die, but it was a fact that there was a terrible number of cases. Dr Lloyd, in supporting the resolution, said that when a doctor took his own physic, it was a sure proof of Its efficacy. When doctors were struck down by consumption they resorted to sanatoriums and wonderful cures had been brought about. One cf the chief things connected with the sanatorium would be plenty of pure air and abundance of good food, but there would also be regu- lations in exercise and rest. When sent in early to the sanatorium, there was no doubt that patients could be cured and the disease arrested,i buti the practice of sending in patients in the latter stages of consump- tion should be discouraged. They mignt as well be allowed to die at home as to be taken to the sanatorium then. It was very nice to have a sanatorium so near home. There had been no real cure yet for consumption. Whatever new remedies would he found, they would be on the lines of fresh air and gradu- ated exercise. It was their duty now to do all in their power to alleviate the condition of any poor individual who happened to be suffering. (Hear, hear.) Mr T. Parry—May I, as a specimen of a cured consumptive Dr. Evans—I beg to doubt it. (Laughter.) Mr Parry proceeded in spite of many in- terruptions, to quote numerous authorities showing that there were differing theories for the cure of consumption. Mr D. C. lioberts-iBut you have been cured. Dr Evans—Xot very much. Mr Parry considered himself to he in the tightest position he had ever been in. Dr Evans-Quite right. Mr Parry said that if a satisfactorv theory was decided upon, he could sii-allow his con- science and vote a lump sum of £ 5,000. Mr. D. C. Roberts—Could vou? Mr Parry-I believe I could. (Laughter.) He thought the Council were establishing a vicious precedent. He had never seen a more gloomy and misty atmosphere than on the road from Llanybyt'her to Llansawel. He contended that the death-rate from con- sumption was lowering, but imbeauity and that kind of diseases were rapidly increasing. (Laughter.) They must die from something. He attributed the death-rate in Cardigan- shire, not to bad air. but to the abnormally- salted bacon and unhealthy nutrition. The sanatoria craze originated at the time their gracious King received a sum of money from Mr. Cassel, the millionaire, who told the King that he could use it in what manner he liked. There was a cons ..arable perturba- tion in regard to the education rates. If it was for education the people of Cardigan- shire would no doubt double it, but the money was frittered away on all sorts of things and not on education. Several members interrupted, pointing out that that was an extraneous matter. Mr Parry-It is frittered away because they do not know how to buy nourishing things for the coming people. Mr. D. C. Roberts—They have not come yet. (Laughter.) Mr Parry added that he could not support the resolution, for the reason that the people should make a little sacrifice. Dr Evans—The great trouble about phthisis in the past has been the difference between the bovine and human species of it. (Laughter.) Dr Lewis—And we are in the same trouble here to-day. Dr Morgan having replied to Mr Parry that the disinfecting arrangements at the sanatorium would be satisfactory, the resolu- tion was put to the meeting and carried. Mr Parry alone dissenting. Feeding Stuffs. The Aberystwyth Rural District Council having passed resolution asking the County Council to appoint a qualified person or persons to take samples of feeding stuffs and fertilizers with a view to securing more effi- cient enforcement of the Act, Mr Walter Davies moved that the police should be in- structed to act so that farmers could have the same protection as was given under the Foods and Drugs Act. Mr. Thos. Evans (Landugwydd), seconded the proposition. Mr. E. J. Davies complained that the pro- position was too vague and indefinite and asked for more particulars as too how the re- solution could be carried out. The Clerk explained t'hat the present pro- cess was for buyers to pay one-third of the cost of analysis and the County Council paid 7s. 6d., but the resolution meant that the county was to bear the whole of the cost and farmers nothing. The question was whether more samples would be taken and more sat- isfaction given by the new process. Mr T. Parry, who claimed to know a great deal about the subject, said it seemed to him ridiculous to have a promiscuous way of taking samples to the tune of 10s. 6d. with- out the value of having the defaulters taken before the magistrates. The question was one of contract between the dealers and farmers. Mr Walter DaN-ies--Ai,e you speaking to- day for the co-operative or the fanner r Mr Parry saying that he was willing to give a guarantee for all stuff sold by him, said he was sorry to find a lot of grand-motherly feeling about the country. The amount of cheating in manure had been very small. Mr Robert Ellis said lie did not know whether it was indolence or indifference, but the complaint in the past had been that they could not get farmers to submit samples and they asked the Council to give ii.em more advantage when they had not availed themselves of the advantages which had al- ready been given them. The next thing would be that farmers would ask the Council to tie their garters for them. Mr J. M. Howell also spoke against the resolution and said that by adding another inspector to those already employed the Council would be introducing another system of espionage. Mr Walter Davies—You are speaking ior yourself as a merchant now. Mr Howell said Mr Davies had spoken more than once and added that he protested against employing more officers. Dr Evans—It is the same police, the same officers. Major Lewes said that the samples of milk, whiskey, and beer, taken were too few. The moment that it was known that the police could take samples of feeding stuffs would be a wholesome check. On a vote, the recommendation was car- ried. Milk Analysis. Mr Robert Ellis presented the report of the Public Health Committee, which stated that they had considered letters from Brooke requesting that more samples, esp "pi ally of milk, should be submitted for analy- sis. The Chief Constable stated That one great hindrance to the taking of more sam- ples was caused by the absence fVj n the county of the Analyst during the summer months when larger quantities were, sold than at any other period. It was hoped chat Dr. Brooke would be able to make some arrange- ment to meet the difficulty. Dr Lewis said he was very glad the Chief Constable had drawn attention to the Analyst's absence. There was no doubt that the number of samples taken was not suffi- cient, but he could not understand why it was more important to take samples in June or July unless it was because there were more visitors. The necessity for taking samples seemed to be in direct ratio, according to the Chief Constable's opinion, to the quantitv of milk sold. They would find in Feb- ruary and March that the proportion of milk was at its loii-est, so that that nn ¡ro was a little bit' deceptiA-e. One COAV Avas milked sometimes in March and April to serve twice the number of families. The elasticity of milk AA'as very great and nothing equalled it except the newsvendor's conscience. (Laugh- ter). Llanon. where they had to get cneir cream potted at AberystAvyth—(laughter)—■ had twenty-two dairies and was, therefore, entitled to tii-enty-tivo samples. Mr. Robert Ellis saying mat Dr Brooke's attention had been called to the matter, added that the temptation to adulterate was greater when visitors were numerous. Dr Lewis contended mat the temptation was not so great because the proportion of milk was greater in the summer than in April and March. He urged ae necessity of having milk analysed in those months also. Dr Evans agreed and said he had ahvays suggested that there should be uniformity all round. No futher action was taken. Weights and Measures. In his annual report as inspector of weights and measures, the Deputy Chief Constable stated that 10,323 Aveights, 48 scales, and 414 measures had been Arerified and stamped and the fees received totalled R.62 7s. lHd. On the whole the weighing and measuring in- struments used for trade Avere in a satisfac- tory condition and the traders showed readi- ness to comply wit'h the requirements. The Railway Projects. The Finance Committee reported having heard a deputation consisting of the pro- moters and residents in the districts of the proposed light railway from Lampeter to Aberayron and New Quay with regard to their amended proposals for the construction of the railway. Mr Grierson, representing the M. and M. Raihvay Company, also at- tended the meeting. Messrs. Munro Hughes, Aberayron; George Pryse, Tymawr; J. C. Jones, Llanarth; Alderman Joseph Davies, mayor of Lampeter; the Rev. J. W. Wil- liams, vicar of Llanarth; and Mr Evan Hughes, Dihewyd, spoke strongly in favour of the proposed line. Mr Grierson submitted the promoters' proposals and estimates to the Committee as follows :-The length of the entire line being 211 miles, the estimated cost of construction, inclusive of the provi- sion of rolling stock, was put at £ 150.000, being £ 87,000 for the 131 miles to Aber- 2 ayron, and P,63,000 for the 71 miles to New Quay. To make up this capital, the promo- ters hoped that the Count" Council would advance £ 30,000. The Treasury would then be empowered to advance an equal amount, leaving £ 90,000 to be provided by the pro- moters. Towards this, the directors of the M. and M. Company would subscribe L5,000 on the condition that the management was in their hands and they would undertake, after constructing the line, to work it at fifty per cent. of the earnings. The gross receipts Mr Grierson estimated at £10 per mile per week and he showed that such receipts, after providing for working expenses, would be sufficient to Day interest on the advances, debentures, etc., and a fair dividend on the ordinary stock. Alderman J. C. Hariort corroborated Mr Grierson's statement and added that there were good grounds for hoping for a free grant trom the Treasury, also that the landoAvners along the line had agreed to sell the land required at agricul- tural rates, estimated at £ 30 an acre, and to accept the valuation of Mr Dudley Drum- mond. Mr Harford expressed the hope that the Committee would recommend the Coun- cil to advance the LJO.000 asked for on the condition that the promoters satisfied the Committee that they had secured the bal- ance of the capital required. A deputation from New Quay, accompanied bv Mr Denniss, who represented the Cambrian Railways Company, also laid their proposals before the Committee. Mr Timothy and Captain Thomas having urged the claims of the route from Aberystwyth to New Qunv Mr Denniss explained the proposals of his Company. From Llanrhysfyd Road Station to New Quay the length of the line would be twenty-three miles, and the cost, including rolling stock, would be £ 160.000. They hoped that this sum could be provided as follows By advance of the Council, £ 25,000; by advance of other local bodies, 25,000; by the Treasury advance, £ 30,000 by Issue of 4! per cent. debentures, £ 50,000 by issue of five per cent preference stock, £ 25.000; by issue of ordinary stock, £ 25,000, a total of £ 160.000, which, together with the hoped for free grant from the Trea- sury of £ 20.000. would make up the required amount of £ 180,000. Mr Denniss further stated that the principal promoter in co- operation with the Cambrian Railways Com- pany was prepared to undertake through a syndicate to subscribe the Avhole of the bal- ance of capital needed if the local authorities would make the advances asked for. He es- timated the probable revenue at P,10 per mile per week and stated that most of the local landowners had agreed to sell their land at agricultural value and, in some cases, fo take out the value in shares. With regard to the Lampeter-New Quay scheme—the only one referred to the Committee—Mr Morgan Evans (Oakford) expressed the opinion that the local authorities interested should be invited to promise certain definite contributions and suggested £5.000 as the amount to be pro- vided 1iat the Aberayron Rural District Coun- cil and £ 5.000 by other district councils. After some discussion, the Committee, on the motion of Mr Evans. seconded by Mr Robert Ellis, agreed to recommend the Council to undertake to advance by Avav of loan, the sum of £ 20.000," provided that the district councils and other local authorities interested undertake to provide £ 10.000 subject to the condition that the promoters are able to prove that the balance of the required capital had been subscribed in a manner satisfactory to this Committee." Mr Harford had given notice of the folIoAV- ing motion That this County Council do agree to advance to the Lampeter. Aberay- ron, and New Quay Light Raihvay Company, either by way of loan or as part of the share capital of the Company, or partly in one way and partly in another, as the Coun- cil may determine, a sum not exceeding £ 30,000 in order to secure an advance to the Company of an equal sum from the Treasury and to enable the promoters to carry out the projected line and that an application be made for the necessary order authorising the Council to make this ld-jaiiee." Mr Harford moved his resolution in the terms of the re- port. He agreed that some districts would benefit more by the raihvay than others and if they took upon themselves an extra share of the expenses the Council Avould be justified in finding the money. It ívas not worth "íyhile at this stage to go into the merits of the rail- way everyone Avas strcngh* in favour of it and knew all the argument^. The question first arose for a raihvay between Lampeter and Aberayron and he was asked to bring his influence to bear in carrying it through. As one Avent on with the work it was found that the first idea was not what it should be and it was the unanimous wish of all con- nected with the railv that it should be extended to New Quay. (Hear hear.) The cost of the entire section had been Avorked out by Mr Grierson (manager of the M. and M. Raihvay). who was present, and the Engineer and it was much more in proportion than the raihvay from Lampeter to Aber- ayron OAAing to the engineering difficulties. The same rolling stock acquired for the Lam- peter-Aberayron raihvay would be used to New Quay. The line had been surveyed, the Engineer's figures put before the Contractors, and he did not think there would be much difference between the contract and the esti- mate. In regard to the capital, applications had been received from different sources and he had a letter from a London financier who was willing to underwrite the capital and let the whole thing by public tender. (Hear, haer.) It was a, difficult thing at any time to raise a large sum of money for a railway v in any district, but he thoroughly believed they were going to succeed now. If they should fail. it would be through doing their utmost and the Council should give them a chance as had been given to others. The promoters had deserved this chance by their c patience and belief in the scheme. With the grant of the local authorities and the advance of the County Council, they could go to the Treasury and ask how far they would be able to go in the way of a free grant. No scheme and no district more thor- oughly deserved a free grant. It was a poor agricultural country and the railway was for the benefit of agriculture and fisheries, which would improve by having raihvay facilities. Local authorities had met the promoters in a generous spirit and he hoped none were going to throw cold water on the scheme just when they were having a chance to carry it through. They Avanted a little encourage- ment and he hoped they would have it that day. Mr Morgan Evans seconded the proposition because he firmly belieA-ed that it was a fair thing, in the interests of the raihvay, to ask the Council to take a share. He believed that the proportion put on the county gener- ally and the local authorities was a fair one. In the Aberayron district, beside paying the county rate in full like every district, they would, witTi other local authorities, take one- third of the amount locally. He had always supported every scheme that he thought was for the benefit of the county and that spirit ought to prevail-to support a scheme that was, no doubt, for the benefit more particu- larly of a district, but which would, to a great extent. benefit the county at large. Mr E. J. Davies also seconded the proposi- tion and, without indulging in gallery speak- lei i ing, took the opportunity of denying in toto AA'hat he had been giA*en to understand was an erroneous impression that he had opposed the scheme. It struck him as being the ideal i scheme, especially if carried on to Llandilo. L (Hear, hear.) What he had done before was to suggest that Mr Harford's motion should be referred to the Finance Committee, but Mr Harford did not accept the suggestion and failed to have a three-iourth majority of the Council. He now supported the Finance Committee's recommendation, but suggested that a. time-limit should be fixed. Ir. D. C. Roberts, as chairman of the Finance Committee, also seconded the reso- lution and said the scheme had been care- fully considered by the Committee. He heartily supported the resolution, because it was to the interests of the county at large. (Hear, hear.) He believed a raihvay from AberystAvyth to Aberayron would be a benefit to the county at large and to Aberystwyth, but they had had their chance and failed to carry it through. He had said then that any scheme which came before the Council from any part of the county would have his full support. If the present scheme was not carried out he was quite ready to support an- other scheme. Light raihvays opening up any part of the count-- were to their advan- tage. If they could not get one to their own place, let them accept it to the next best place. (Hear, hear.) They could not afford to fight for pet .schemes. He agreed that there should be a time-limit, because if this scheme failed he hoped to have another. He hoped it was not far distant when they Avould have light railways from Lampeter, Aberayron, and New Quay, and from Aber- ystwyth as well. He would like to have a raihvay from Aberystwyth, but he would now loyally support Lampeter and hoped the pro- moters would succeed. He proposed that a time-limit of six months should be fixed. Mr. J. C. Harford asked that the limit should be extended if the inquiry as to the section to New Quay would be postponed. Mr. C. M. Williams said it devolved upon him to say a word or two. They had now arrived on a fair basis by referring the matter to the Finance Committee. He and his friends had not agreed with a previous resolution be- cause the county was not protected and they stood up for what they believed Avas the light thing for a public body like that. As local authorities were prepared to guarantee £ 10,000 and the county to advance £ 20,000, he thought the Council would agree to the resolution unanimously. On that ground, lie thought it was right that he should explain the action he and his fniends had t'aken before. It was simply on the ground that they did not think the Council was pro- tected and that local authorities did not act properly and shoAv that they were prepared to make a sacrifice. Although opposed to the previous resolution, he agreed to the present one. Mr T. Parry congratulated his friend. Mr Morgan Evans. on adopting the wholesome principl.e that local authorities should bear a part of the expense. The Clerk said he had received copies of resolutions passed by the Aberayron Urban and Rural District Councils in faAour of the Committee's recommendation. The Mayor of Lampeter Avrote saying that the people of Lampeter would do everything in their power to further the raihvay. (Hear, near.) Mr E. J. Davies said a special meeting of the New Quay T-i-baii Council was Jwld the previous el-ening, at a request from the dis- trict and not from the promoters, and unani- mously declared their hearts approval of the scheme and also promised to support, subject to the consent of the ratepayers being ob- tained. (Cheers.) Mr. J. M. Howell suggested extending the time limit to twelve months owing to t'he maenitude of the scheme. Mr. D. C. Roberts—Take an example from the conduct of the Council toAvard the other scheme. That is enough of a hint for you. Xo doubt you Avill get another three months. That is what was done before. The resolution Avas then out to the meet- ing and carried unanimously. folloAved by the cheering of the public in the body of the hall.