The Carmarthen Weekly Reporter

CARMARTHEN U.VDKll THE SEARCH-LIGHT. Come, come, and sit yon down you not budge i ou shall not go, till I set you up a glass >V here you may see the inmost part of yoi\" —————— SHAKESPEARE, Startling- item of local intdligence- The I horse-brush was seen out last Saturday. •k- ii if The hors<br:;sh has o often been taken out for an airing- after complaints had been made Under the Searchlight" that I feel it my duty to state that this case is an exception to the rule. I don't wish to accept honour when it is not my due. .:tf I have received more thau one complaint of late as to the nuisance caused by the ring- ing of Church bells on Sunday morning. I do not rder to those who complain that they cannot sleep on account vi the inharmonious jangling. I have uo more sympathy with such than with th) j olicoinan who insisted on a ball bein, p-it a st>p to at midnight, because the orchestra kicked up such an abominable row that he was i.ot ab!o to sleep on his beat: These may be cases, but they are not of a character calculated to arouse heart- felt public sympathy. But when the worshippers in one church are irritated by the bell of another at which service is just beginning, the case is different. The ring- ing of a bell under such circumstanccs is absolutely indefensible. Everybody knows at what time the service begins ut their own particular church; and, bell or no bell, they would get there in time if they intended to do so. I commend this idea to the attention of those concerned—although I have but little hope of its immediate adoption. The new I nspector of Nuisances will find his hands full when he comes to Carmarthen if he is a zealous man. There are a good many nuisances which want looking to in this ancient Boiough. The oldest and the most firmly established nuisance is the cohmy of jackdaws who choke up the chimneys, rob the gardens, and generally make life unbearable. Some are grave and reverend seignors; aud others add to their already foul record of crime an everlasting chattering to the aunoyance of the litges and contrary to the peace of our Sovereign Lady the Queen. These letter specimens, I suppose, are the jenny-daws but, what- ever their sex, I wou'd advocate that the Inspector be allowed a penny a head fur their corpses. Another nuisance which ought to be put down is the throwing of dust in the uyesof the public." There is a good deal of this done in various ways but of all these the shaking of UHtts in the public thoroughfares is the lJl(,st objectionable. There is a bye-law to the effect that mate shall not be shaken after Sam; but it is not safe to walk in some fetreetn before noon —except you enjoy having a half a peck of boot-wipings shaken down the back of your neck. sr. The bye-law is an excellent one, just as the cannons at the barracks are excellent pieces of artillery in their way. The guns, however, are not there for the purpo-e of killing anybody neither are the bye-laws in existence to be made use of. Both are apparently for show and in that capacity both go a long way towards impressing those who don't Jiuow. But nobody who does 0$.<$ The Bishop of Swansea, I see, has gone to North Wales to do odd jobs for his brother of Bungor. Of all the situations of which I have any knowledge that of being vicar of a parish is the "softest." It is to me a source of continual regret that I never took orders. Off you go without asking anybody s leave you can stay away apparently as long as you like during other work and your salary gons on just the same If t':ere is i otiling else to be said in favour of the State Church, it must be admitted that she is an exceedingly cenerous employer. # Mr F. Colby Evans wanted a lamp provided on the St. Clears road below Starling Bark for the reason—amongst others—that people coming home late at night have fallen into the pond. Perhaps it is as well that the lamp was not pro- vided. We must not make the downward path too attractive. If there are any people coming- hero late at night in such a condition that they go tumbling into ponds —well let tlitrn tumble Perhaps a few tumbles will fetch them home a little earlier, or else make them take a little more care towards maintaining their equilibrium. The next thing we shall be asked will probably be to provide pavements forty yards wide, because others going home late at night find the present footpaths too narrow r ■ The Guardians have—very properly— signed a petition in favour of the detontion and medical treatment of inebriates. Inebriates have not the slightest objection to being treated" but medical treatment is to them a bugbear aud a roaring lion— whilst the only animal in the whole menagerie which they care about is Old Tom." Many of them recognise fully that gin is a snare of the Evil One and beer the road to the coffin but they proceed on their way just the same. .¡t. It is as ridiculous to send a man or a woman to gad for getting drunk for the 97th time as it would bo to send them to peDal servitude for being epileptics. If the public conscience could only be educated up to an appreciation of that fact, suitable legislation would inevitably follow. Lunatics were treated with a criminal rigour until within a comparatively recent time and in the year 1898 we send a hopeless dipsomaniac to griol We are not so advanced after all as we sometimes flatter ourselves into believing. *• Now-put-ir,g aside medical and legal definitions—no ;n one will deny that the unfortunate who allows his alcoholic cravings to over-ride all considerations of the consequences becomes in course of years virtually insane. Let it be remembered, however, that the Legislature in its enlightenment has already provided for the detention of inebriates—provided the victims themselves tign an agreement to that effect! This is another monumental instance of legislative ineptitude. Fancy lunatics being received at the Joint Counties' Lunatic Asylum only under such conditions In aid of the funds of the Ferryside life- boat, the celebrated comedy, The Parvenu," will be rendered at the Assembly Rooms, on the 21st April, by the following cast :—Mr J. E. Adamson, Mr II. Brunei White, Mr E. Collier, Mr J. R. Phillips, Miss Daisie Wtlls, Miss Muriel Thomas and Mrs J. E. Adamson. Considering that this is the first occasion on which this excellent institution has appealed to the Carmarthen public, and that the cast consists of successful and well-known amateurs, the result may be expected lo be satisfactory in every ZeIA!,U. The Carmarthen Corporation is now pre; ;:red—for a consideration—to allow its labourers to undertake work for private individuals. The Church of England in the "I printing trade is a mero nothing to this! I would suggest that the Council issue posters in this style OTHERS TALK WE WORK."

THE OARMARTHKN CORPORATION (The Old-Established and thoroughly-reliable Firm) Begs to inform its numerous Friends (and Enemies) that It has KOW OPENED UP AN ENTIRELY EW LIE OF BUSINESS. ORDEFS RECEIVED FOR CLEANING DRAINS, MENDING PINE-ENDS, T.VING BACK-YARDS, SWEEPING CHIMNEYS, CURBING; CHANNELLING, SLATING, AND GENERAL HOUSE REPAIRS. THERE ARE NO GOOD WORKMEN IN CARMARTHEN EXCEPT THOSE EMPLOYED BY THE CORPORATION Jobbing--not Jobbery-in aU its branches AT PRICES TO DEFY COMPETITION The Corporation hope3 by civility atui prompt attention to business, combined with high-class workmanship, to receive a fair share of the businsss of the neighbourhood. "RHYDDID, HEDD, A LLWYDDIAXT." ONE TRIAL SOLICITED. If the firm will only come down to this office it can have the poster" executed in red, white, and blue at a reduced price- just to give it a lift off at the stai-t. If I 0 don't happen to be too busy at the time, I don't mind writing a verse of pootry for the ZD p heading gratuitously- < The Board of Guardians has petitioned in favour of pensions being paid to ex-soldiers, weekly instead of quarterly as at present. The result of the present system is that the pensioners are frequently in a hilarious condition for a week and in the workhouse for the remaining twelve weeks. But wo have little chance of a change. There is an extraordinary delusion abroad that the various Government offices are for the service of the public. This delusion is wrong in theory, and unsubstantiated by a single fact. The Public Officosexist primarily for the convenience of the office-holders. It would cause some amount of inconvenience to the latter to pay the pensions weekly; and so the present system must continue- I no matter what inconvenience it causes anybody else. "It. One of the candidates for the vacant Surveyorship stated on Friday that anybudy can call himself a C.E." I daresay this is quite true. But there are many people who take a delight in sporting titles conferred by no responsible authority—mistaking the shadow f.)r the substance. There is absolutely nothing to prevent any illiterate pill-vendor calling himself a doctor" but if he has not the degree af some respectable body (such as, for instance, the medical schools of Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, the Victoria U ui versity., etc), his title is a mere empty sound signifying nothing So 0 r, tD a man may be called Professor because he teaches classics or mathematics in a college; or it may be because he is a conjurer. There is nothing in the mere title. I don't see why people should covet a bunch of letters after their names unless the bunch is an index to their professional merits; but there are fools who pay huge sums to bo made Fellows and Assosciates of bodies which have no actual existence. For instance, I might found an Imperial Association ot Hopeless Noodles with three degrees of MI.AH.N., or L.I.A.H.N., or F.I.A.H.N., open to all who apply and pay the foes. I shall be prepared to consider applications for these eminent degrees from those who covet such destinctions. The Fellowship will be specially reserved for members of public bodies who succeed in obstructing public business and in delaying public improvements for at least six months. Au eight hours day is evidently unknown to German bandsmen. One deputation of exile 1 Fatherlanders was heard on Thursday week to play-evidently without stopping for meals—from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. At any period between those hours their brazen strains might be heard floating from some quarter or other of the town. And yet they all got away from Carmarthen with their lives I Things have latterly come to a frightful pass in Penllwyn Park. The upper end of the town is very badly supplied with water at the best of times but, of all, the Park seems to bo in the worst plight—possibly by reason of the fact that not a single member of the Corporation lives there. The precious fluid has become of late so terribly scarce that the day seems imminent when washing shall be an extravagauce not to bo for a moment contemplated. But I would not advise the inhabitants to come down town in a body with black faces in order to shame the Corporation. The members who could quietly shelve the Water Question for the whole town whilst Picton-terrace was a continual subject of discussion, are not likely to be shamed by anything of the kind that the Penllwyn people can do. The annual musical festival of the English Nonconformist Churches has evidently come to stay. The third event —which takes place at Zion Presbyterian Church on Thursday next—seems, by the excellent programme pi-epi red, to be destined to be au even greater success than either of its predecessors. ALETHEIA.

Carmarthen Town Council. FILLING UP VACANCIES. THE DRAINAGE OF THE ASYLUM. MORE LIGHT WANTED. A meeting of the Carmarthen T^wu Council was held at the Guildhall on Friday. Tho Mayor (Mr H. B. White, the Grange) presided. There were also present: — Messrs T. Daniel, W. Vaughan George, H. Tiernev, C. W. Jones, D. Parcell Rees, W. Vincent Howell Thomas, John Lewis, Walter Spurrell, A. Soppit, D. E. Jones, J. F. Morris, J. T. Lewis, C. H. Williams, Walter Lloyd, E. Colby Evans, David Griffiths, H. W. Richards, James John, Dr Rowlands, Messrs W. Evans, aad T. E. Brigst-cke. MAKING RATES. It was formally agreed, on the motion of Mr James John, that a Borough Rate of Is 2d in the -0, a General District Hate of 28 (JI1, and water-rates (If úd fur dowestic, and 7d for manufacturing purposes should be made. APPOINTMENT OF SURVEYOR. The Mayor said that their next business was to appoint a Borough Surveyor. The three selected candidate? had come down, and ho ['resumed would be called in one by one as their testimonials were read. Mr Walter Lloyd asked tho Town Cierk to road tho terms of the advertisement which called forth the applications. Tho Clcr1; then read the advertisement. The conditions of appointment were that tho applicant should not be more than 35 years of ;J :0 that he should be a "properly qualified civil engineer that he should be required to give his whole titilot-) tho duties of his office and that canvassing would be a disqualification- Mr Waltjr Lloyd asked if the throe candidates who had come down came within the tonus IIf the advertisement. The Chrk snid that all the candidates being under ih.) and having sent in their applications in time, the only point LtpOn which the question could arise would be as to the meaning of the words "properly qualified civil engineer." He did not feel competent to attach any particular meaning to those words one of the candidates was an Associate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers he would, no doubt, be held to by qualified whatever meaning was attached to the words. Mr 1J. ColLy Evans asked who that was. Ti:« Clerk said it was Mr Finglah. Mr Wither Lloyd asked that the names and qualifications of t;i.) three candidates should be read. The Mayor Are you on the committee ? They were read there. Mr W. Yineont Howell Thomas: They were read at tho general meeting. Mr Walter Spurrell I don't think it is the time to ask these questions. It is hard when the three candidates are here to question why they are here. Mr Walter Lloyd I insist on my motion. If there is a mistake made, now is the time to rectify it before making the appointment. The Mayor said that there had been no mistake made in his opir.ioi. The Town Clerk had at the last meeting given a very lucid explanation of the matter. Mr Walter Lloyd I don't think there is any harm to bo done by getting it from the Town Clerk now. The Mayor Ho says he does not know what it is. He says it is a man who has passsed a certain examination. The Clerk No in that case only one would havo been qualified. I don't think the words have a definite enough moaning to exclude anybody except he had no experience of surveying and was not capable of carrying out the work of a civil engineer. Mr J. F. Morris asked if the Clerk ruled that tho three candidates came within the terms of the advertisement. the Cierk said that there was a vagueness r about the meaning of the term civil engineer," which precluded him giving an answer to the question. Mr Tierney There is a vagueness also about the meaning of canvassing." Mr F. J. Finglah's testimonials were then read. He seemed to be at present employed as assistant Borough Engineer at Hounslow. He is 30 years of age. He had been selected assistant Borough Surveyor of Cambridge out of seventy applicants. He had also held a similar position at Aston. He had superintended the carrying out of three sewerage schemes at a cost of £ 45,000; sewage disposal works at a cost of 18,000 and had prepared plans for an isolation hospital. He had also been engaged in laying out cemeteries; and had experience in the making of roads, streets, sewers, etc. He understood the keeping of Main Road Accounts; and had had experience in at- tending Local Government Board enquiries. He was also a Member of the Association of Municipal and County Engineers (by examination). Mr C. H. Williams Ho does not seem to bave had any experience in Water Schemes. The Clerk No he does not. He is a member of the Sanitary Institute Mr Finglah was then sent for, and appeared before the meeting. He said— in answer to many queries from members— that in all the places where he had worked, the water works had been in the hands of companies, and not under the local bodies. The Clerk Do you know anything about steam engines? Mr Finglah said he did. They had engines for pumping the sewage at Hounslow. lie had been singularly fortunate in regard to learning sewerage disposal; four different systems of disposal were in use in the places where he had been. At Hounslow they had been con- gratulated by the Thames Conservancy on the purity of tho affluent which was run into the river. They repaired the Main Roads; and sent in the accounts for them to the County Council. He was well versed in the examination of building plans. 0 Mr C. W. Jones You have had 14 years municipal experience; and you were appointed out of seventy at Cambridge ? Mr Finglah Yes, sir. 0 Mr C. W. Jones I suppose you have had experience in laying water-mains ? Mr Finglah said that a good many of the water-mains had been laid under his super- intendence. He had a theoretical but not a practical knowledge of tho construction of water-works. Mr Tierney asked if the candidate knew anything about laying out recreation grounds. Mr Finglah said he had laid out three. In answer to the Clerk, Mr Finglah said that the rateable value where he was now employed was £ HO,OOD. The testimonials of Mr F. B. Drake, age 33, assistant engineer of Richmond, was then read. The applicant was an Asso- ciate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, and had been also employed at South Stockton and Wigan. He had been engaged amongst other thiD gs in erecting workmen's dwellings, public baths, isolation hospital, etc, etc. Mr Drake, in answer to the Clerk, said that the water was procured from the chalk at Richmond by means of artesian wells. The water-works there were looked after by a separate engineer. The Main roads accounts were kopt by clerks, and the labourers managed by the foremen. Mr John Craig, was next called in. He said ho had experience in making reservoirs, draining workmen's dwellings, etc. in his capacity as engineer in connection with iron-works in Glamorganshire. Mr Tierney cross-examined the applicant as to what constituted a civil engineer." The latter said there was no compulsory degree he had been thoroughly trained, and had had experience of the different classes of engineering work. A great many people were appointed members of the Institute simply by influence and not by merit. Mr A. Soppitt Are you entitled to write C.E. after your name ? Mr Criag Yes Anybody is entitled to write C.E. after his name, whether he has had experience or not. Mr J. F. Morris The gentleman who asked the question could write C.E." after his name if he liked. Mr Craig He could but not A.M.I.C.E. —Before leaving the room, the applicant mentioned that he had had experience in testing gas. Mi Tierney then proposed that Mr Finglah be elected; lie was the best man, and there was no comparison between him and the other candidates. Mr W. Vincent Howell Thomas seconded. He felt that it was their bounden duty to vote for the best man. They had had plenty of experience in appointing surveyors who had not had experience of municipal work. Now that they were making an appointment, they ought to appoint a man with experience of municipal affairs they were not there to appoint a man to manage iron or steel works. They bad to appoint a surveyor for the town, and he considered it a sine qua non that the man whom they should appoint should have municipal experience. He should also like to say that he felt that this indirect canvassing which had been going on was anything but a straight way of going about the thing. He hoped everyone would vote.for the man whom he considered best. Mr J. F. Morris said he had great pleasure in supporting the motion. Tho three gentlemen whom they had had before them were all highly qualified but lie thought Mr Finglah was decidely the best. In him they would have a man who would be a credit to the town as the Borough Surveyor. Mr W. Vaughan George As long as the committee chose three, we ought to accept it that they are all proposed and seconded. The Mayor Do you propose anybody ? Mr W. Vaughan George: Yes, sir. I beg to propose the other two (laughter). Mr A. Soppitt said he was going to vote for Mr Craig. He had been keeping his mind free until he had seen the candidates, and he did not think there was much to choose between the three. Ha had come to the conclusion that Mr Craig was the smartest in manner and in appearance. The Surveyor of a town was brought into contact with all sorts of people of people; and it was essential that he should have a smart appearance and be able to keep a civil tongue in his head. Mr D. Parcell Rees seconded. Mr David Griffiths I propose Mr Drake, to get him in the running. Mr W. Vaughan George seconded. The following was the result of the voting :— For JJr tiiKjlah. Mr C W Jones Mr J F Morris Mr T E Brigstocke Dr Rowlands Mr W V II Thomas Mr H Tierney Mr T Daniel Mr W V George Mr C H Williams Mr Walter Lloyd Mr E Colby Evans Mr R W Richards Mr James John For Mr Craig. Mr William Evans Mr John Lewis Mr Walter Spurrell Mr A Soppitt Mr J T Lewis Mr D E Jones Mr D Parcell Rees Mr David Griffiths 13 8 Mr J. F. Morris then formally proposed that Mr Finglah be appointed. The motion was seconded by several members simultaneously, and carried unanimously. The successful candidate was then called in, and informed by the Mayor of his success. The Mayor congratulated him, and expressed a hope that a friendly relationship would exist between him and the town. Mr Finglah thanked the members for the honour they had done him, and hoped he would be able to perform the duties of the office to their satisfaction.—In answer to questions, he stated that he would have to give a month's notice to terminate his 0 present engagement. APPOINTMENT OF SANITARY INSPECTOR. EXTRAORDINARY HITCH. The appointment of Inspector of Nuisances was then proceeded with in the same way. Mr Wm. WJrnno (35), who was engaged in the Public Health Department of the University College, London, was first called in. In answer to questions, he said he was a plasterer by trade; he held the certificate of the Local Government Board the college was shut for ten weeks in the summer, aud during that time he assisted the Inspector of the Finchley Urban District Council. His present position in the University College was that of a porter —some would call it a beadle (laughter). He could speak Welsh fluently; he was a native of North Wales, but he found that he could converse fairly well with the people of this neighbourhood. His reason for becoming an applicant was not because of the pecuniary increase which it would mean to him, but because his great desire was to get back to Wales. As they knew, there was no place in the world like Wales for a Welshman, and there was nothing like a Welshman for Wales (laughter). He wished to show a testimonial which he had had from Professor Fred Roberts, of the University College-a native of Carmarthen but the Mayor ruled that fresh testimonials could not be considered. Mr James Evans (29), a fitter, of Neath, was the next applicant. He held the certificate of the Local Government Board; had occasionally acted as Inspector at Neath and appeared, according to his testimonials, to bo a highly respected member of the Congregational Church. r, Mr William Morgan (34), inspector under the Llantrisant Rural District Council, was the next applicant. He said he received 290 and uniform in his present position; but he applied for this situation at JE80 because he wanted experience in an urban district. He intended to apply for an advance to Y, 100 in twelve months' time. The Mayor Oh, yes; there is no barm in applying. Mr Morgan said he thought the Inspector ought to have a uniform it gave him more authority. Mr James John moved that Mr Morgan be appointed. Mr Walter Lloyd seconded. Mr P, W. Richards proposed, and Mr W. Vaughan George seconded, that Mr Evans be appointed. Mr Walter Spurrell moved, and Mr A. Soppitt seconded, that Mr Wyune be appointed. On being put to the meeting, Mr Morgan I received 11 votes and Mr Evans 9. Mr James John moved that the Inspector be provided with a uniform. Mr W. V. Howell Thomas seconded. He considered that it gave the man much more authority. Mr A. Soppitt: I propose that the uniform consist of a cap only; and I think I may suggest top-boots as well (laughter). Mr C. H. Williams suggested that the matter be allowed to stnnd over until the next meeting. This was agreed to. Mr James John gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that the Inspector be provided with uniform. The Mayor then informed Mr William Morgan—who had been re-called into the room-that he was appointed, subject to the production cf the Local Government Board certificate. Mr Morgan said that he had not the certificate; Z> but ho would undertake to acquire it within six months if h9 were appointed. He had not stated in his application that ho held the certificate. The Clerk said they took it for granted that he was certificated, as that was a condition expressly stated in the advertise- ment. Mr Morgan Several authorities advertise for certificated men; but they do not adhere to it.—Mr Morgan then retired. Mr David Griffiths then moved that Mr Evans be appointed.—This was seconded by several members, and carried unanimously. Mr Evans was then informed that he was appointed, and Mr Morgan that he had not complied with the terms of the advertise- ment. Mr Morgan What about expenses, your worship ? The Mayor: You had better ask the Town Clerk about that. The Clerk It is a question whether you are entitled to them, as you are here under false pretences. Mr Morgan At Merthyr they said that, and they appointed an uncertificated man. The Clerk We are not responsible for the shortcomings of the Merthyr Corporation. Mr Evans then handed his certificate to the Mayor, who read it through, and found it in order. BUILDING ON THE PARADE. A letter was read from Mr H. G. Powell asking for a lease of some ground on tho Parade near the corner of the garden of Elm Lodge for the purpose of enlarging the Rite of the house about to be built there. The matter was referred to the following committee to report on :—The Mayor, Mr James John, Mr J. F. Morris, Mr W. Vincent Howell Thomas, and Mr Walter Spurrell. ANOTHER LAMP WANTED. Mr E. Colby Evans moved that a gas- lamp be erected on the St. Clears road at the entrance to Mill Bank Cotttages, near the entrance to Peterwell. The nearest lamp at present was that at Starling Park. The Mayor said he did not object to a lamp being erected here, but the result would be similar applications from other parts. Mr J. F. Morris I shall propose the Abergwili-road next. Mr E. Colby Evams mentioned that several people coming home late at night had fallen into the pond here, because of the want of a light (laughter). Mr A Soppitt I want to explain- The Mayor: You have not fallen into the pond, have you ? (laughter). Mr Soppitt said he had not fallen into the pond. He was not aware that this motion was being brought forward. He was rather opposed to it; he thought the erection of a lamp there would bring down a lot of rowdies at night. The motion, not being seconded, fell to the ground. THE MARKET INSPECTORSHIP. Mr Walter Spurrell moved that the motion be rescinded, by which it was decided that that the duties of Market Inspector be per- formed by the Surveyor. He intended to propose that the Superintendent of Police be appointed, as the duties of the latter would take him a good deal more to the market than those of the Surveyor would. Mr James John seconded. Mr C. W. Jones objected they had appointed a Surveyor on the understanding that he undertake the duties of Market Inspector as well. Part of the pay of the police came from the Treasury; and an objection might be raised if the members of the force undertook extraneous duties. Supt. Smith-in answer to questions—said that such duties were performed by the police in some boroughs. He mentioned Barnstaple as an instance. The Clerk said that the Home Office did not absolutely forbid the police to hold other appointments, as long as it was not carried too far. The appointment, if made, would have to be confirmed by the Watch Com- mittee. Mr Walter Spurrell then moved that Supt. Smith be appointed market inspector at a salary of £5 a year. This was carried. A HOUSE IN GUILDHALL SQUARE. Mr D. Griffiths asked if the plans had been passed for the house which Mrs Hodges was erecting at the back of Guildhall Square. The Clerk said he had sent for the acting Surveyor (Mr B. A. Lewis) who could answer the question. He expected to see Mr Lewis come later on to the meeting. THE JOHNSTOWN NUISANCE. Mr A. Soppitt moved that the pipes which had been laid down through the Tygwyn field at Johnstown be taken up. Since the last meeting, Mr Daaiel Phillips, the county surveyor had objected to the pipes on the ground that they formed an obstruction on the county road. A one-foot pipe was now put to meet a sewer three foot wide earth was put up to supply the deficiency. The result was that a dam was formed across the mouth of the sewer so that the water was dammed up to the height of several inches. It would be well too if the committee which was at present considering the question of the drainage of the Asylum would take the question of draining Johnstown into account at the same time. Mr John Lewis said that any member of the Council who went down to Johnstown and saw the condition of these pipes would n°t object to their being at once talien up. The Mayor said that the committee which had been appointed to enquire into the drainage of tne Asylum had not yet met but he believed it would soon meet. Mr John Lewis said that the work of lifting these pipes ought to be done at once without waiting for the report of the committee. The Clerk I don't think the committee can go into a drainage scheme until they get a Surveyor. Mr Soppit said he understood the county surveyor to say that the pipes were likely to raise a flood on the road and that under such circumstances the County Council had authority to remove them. The motion was carried unanimously. CORPORATION MEN AND PRIVATE WORK. Mr Walter Spurrell moved that the Corporation labourers be allowed at the discretion of the Surveyor to be engaged on private drainage work on terms to be arranged between the Corporation and the owners. There had been a good deal of laxity in regard to this matter in the past some people were allowed to have the services of Corporation workmen and some were not so allowed. In his own experience he had had to rely on street corner men when anything went wrong with a drain. These I men were not competent and it was highly desirable to have the assistance of men accustomed to such work, and who had appliances which private individuals did not have. He proposed that in future such arrangements should be recognised and he moved accordingly. It would not be too much to pay Is an hour for the services of Corporation men under such circumstances. Mr C. H. Williams You have often to pay these corner-men four to six shillings. Mr Walter Lloyd moved a direct negative. Too much discretion had been allowed the last Surveyor; he hoped that mistake would not be made again. Mr C. W. Jones seconded the negative. He remembered such a system being in vogue before at this Council; it was found that a good many abuses crept in; and it was eventually considered better that Corporation men should not have anything to do with private work. It would be better to leave the matter in abeyance until the new surveyor came. Mr Walter Spurrell I believe as a matter of fact there is a good deal of this work done now. I don't sea why some persons should be allowed Corporation men to do their work and others not. Better- decide that it shall not interfere with the work of the Corporation I think we should have equality of treatment. Mr E. Colby Evans supported the amend- ment. They had had bitter experience of the abuses which this led to. There were dozens of competent men to do all the work required. On being put to the meeting 6 voted for the amsndment; and 8 for the motion, ~hich was carried.

Carmarthen Borough Police Court. FRIDAY.—Before the Mayor (Mr H. B. Whito, The Grange); and Mr John Lewis. Johnstown. THE POETICAL TRAMP AGAIN. James Williams -the tramp who has repeatedly averted that tho "finger of universal scorn" is pointed at him—was 11 charged with being drunk and disorderly. P.O. Buruhill said that the previous evening he found the defendant drunk and I C, cursing and swearing in Gas-lane. Several Li 9 women complained that the defendant had annoyed them and had threaten, d to repeat his visits if they did not give him alms. Superintendent Smith said that the defendant had been there four times before. Last time he was there he had a month- Defendant: You gave me a pretty severe doing sir, for when those fellows went up to your house, you had to send the dogs after them-but it was not me at all. The Mayor: You remember that ? Defendant: Remember that Oh, yes. I remember anything that is uncharitable (laughter). The Mayor: You can have seven days this time to give you a chance. Defendant Thank you, sir.

Carmarthen County Police Court. SATUKDAY.—Before Rev R. G. Lawrence, Middleton Hall, and Mr C. W. Jones. AN OLD OFFENDER CHARGED AGAIN. P.C Thomas Jones, charged James Owen, labourer, Llanstephan, with being drunk and disorderly, and as defendant did not make an appearance, a warrant was issued for his apprehension. UNMUZZLED DOG. For having a dog unmuzzled on the high- way, Margaret Hughes, Carmarthen, was fined Is and costs.

Carmarthen Board of Guardians. Tho usual fortnightly meeting of the Carmarthen Board of Guardians was held at the Board-room on Saturday. Mr D. D. Jones, Derlwyn, presided. There were also present Mrs R. M. Thomas and Miss Hancocke, Carmarthen Miss Gwyn, St. Isliniael Rev T. Jones, Llanddowror Rev W. Thomas, Carmarthen Messrs David Davies, Abergwili Dr Bowen, Abernant David Griffiths, and David Thomas, Conwil, J. R. John, Laugharne Stephen Stephens, and William Thomas, Llanarthney John Davies, Landdarog, T. Rees, Llandafeilog J. H Thomas; Llangain T. Williams, Llangendeirne; David Evans, Llanpumpsaint; David Evans, Merthyr; D. E. Stephens, New- church James Davies, and John Davies, Trelech and Jonathan Phillips, and Mr J. P. Lewis, Carmarthen. STATE OF THE HOUSE. The master reported that there were 93 inmates in the house against 104 in the 0 corresponding weok of last year. 62 tramps had visited the house during the forinight. TREASURER'S REPORT. This report of the Treasurer showed that there was Y,3,808 19s 9d to the credit of the Board on the previous Board-day. OUTDOOR PAUPERISM. The reports of the Relieving Officers showed the condition of outdoor relief during tho fortnight ending on the previous Board- day to have been as follows:—1st week: 1,078 paupers, a decrease of 105 compared with the corresponding week of 1897; expenditure £ 136 15s, a decrease of t2 12s 9d. 2nd week 1,078 paupers, a decrease of 104; expenditure £ 133 15s 6d, a decrease of 17s 3d. PENSIONERS AND THE GUARDIANS. A letter was read from St. George's vestry drawing attention to the remarks made by Justice Grantham at the Hereford Assizes respecting the benefits which would accrue from paying army-pensioners weekly instead of quarterly. It was pointed out that the pension was often spent on drink in a few weeks, and that for the remainder of the quarter the pensioners were chargeable to tho Guardians. It was decided to pass a resolution in favour of tho proposed change. THE TREATMENT OF DRUNKARDS. A communication was also read from the British Medical Association in favour of the reformatory rather than the punitive treat- ment of habitual inebriates. The principal measure proposed was the compulsary detention in homes of such inebriates with a view to their medical treatment. This petition was also adopted.

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