The County Echo

SEWERAGE SCHEME. Animated Council Debate. Surveyor and Sanitary Chairman Criticised. At the annual meeting of the Fishguard Urban District Council, Mr Levi Evans, J.P., presiding, on Monday evening, The Surveyor (Mr D G Wilcox) reported upon the progress of the construction of the new outfall sewer, and stated, inter alia, that, in order to keep the traffic open, he had found it necessary to construct an additional manhole opposite to Windy Hall House. The late Sanitary Committee recommend- ed that the instructions given by the Sur- veyor to the contractors be approved that no connection be made with the main sewer without the sanction of the Council and un- less under the direction and with the ap- proval of the Surveyor and that a request to extend the High-street sewer in order to en- able Mr W D Griffiths to connect therewith be not entertained. Mr E D Jones, in moving the adoption of the committee's recommendations, explained that it was always the case that, in carrying out works, certain minor matters occurred during construction which could not possibly be foreseen, and it became necessary for the Surveyor or the Engineer to give instructions which had afterwards to be approved by the Council. The speaker had gone over the whole of the work with the Surveyor, and agreed that what he had recommended was perfectly reasonable, and had felt justified in requesting the committee to adopt that course. He had again gone over the sewer that day, and there had been one or two other matters which had cropped up since, which would require a similar recommen- dation of approval. They were more or less inevitable, and had to be acted upon at once; he had, therefore, taken upon himself to in- struct the Surveyor to see to one or two things. These matters would come well within the provision made for contingencies in the estimates, which was quite distinct from the similar provision which appeared in the tender. The adoption of the minutes was seconded by Mr J R Richards. Mr B G Llewhelin said that they had heard Mr Jones say that he had taken upon himself certain responsibilities, but he did not think that these had been at all defined by him. But there was one responsibility for which he would like to know who was responsible, and that was the using of Ponh- gain bricks instead of Ruabon, as specified. He wished, also, to ask what was the differ- ence in the price of the respectivr bricks. Until enlightened he considered it to be about There were to have been fifteen manholes originally, but another had been placed in spite of the fact that in the specifica- tions laid before other tenderers, it was em- phasised that the road must be kept open, the sixteenth being now apparently constructed in order to enable the contractors to keep the road open. The difference in cost of bricks for the sixteen manholes would be He thought that it was rather too much for anv man to take such a responsibility as altering the speci- fications, even assuming that the efficiency of the change is equal to that specified. He thought that it was the duty of the Surveyor and the Engineer to carry out the specifications, and, if any change took place, to submit it to the Council. The speaker was understood to say that the Surveyor had told him that he had refused to ask the Council for permission to alter the bricks and that he had told the conr tractors that they must make the application themselves. Proceeding, he asked since when had it been considered that the sand which the contractors were using to mix with the cement was the proper and riaht thing under the speci- fications. He asserted that it was brought right from the foreshore and, speaking some- what inaudibly, was understood to refer to it as muck." Proceeding, he said that, if that were the right sand, if it were the best sand, if it were in the interests of the ratepayers that that sand should be used, then he pitied the whole of the inhabitants of Fishguard-the con- tractors and employers of Fishguard, that they should have incurred such expense to procure sand of a gritting nature Mr E D Jones said he knew nothing about the sand in regard to the bricks he was quite prepared to take the full responsibility of the charge. The Surveyor (interposing) said Ruabon bricks were not specially specified. Mr E D Jones I know that. Mr Llewhelin They were. Mr Jones said he was perfectly in the hands of the Council in the matter ILthe members chose to turn round and say that he had had no business to agree to what he had done trust- ing to the Council to support him in the matter, then he was perfectly prepared to bow to the Council--(laughter)-and request it in the future to deal with the matter itself. The Surveyor had written to him on the matter, and he had looked up the specifications and fouud that it referred to Ruabon bricks or other bricks of equal quality." From his own ex- perience he wfis satisfied that, for the work in question, Porthgain bricks were quite equal, and he had told the Surveyor that he was per- fectly justified in using them if he were of opinion that they were equal in quality. The Surveyor had taken his advice, and the speaker was quite prepared to take the full responsi- bility, being quite sure that the Council lost nothing in the matter. There had been no favouritism in connection with it; it was pure- ly a question of getting the thing done as quickly and as satisfactorily as they could for all parties. If the Council determined that nothing of that sort could be done without its consent, a stoppage of the works would pro- bably result, for there were always.some little matters cropping up which must be settled, and that was why the Surveyor and the Engineer were given certaia powers. For the purpose of determining what were the rights and wrongs between the contractors and the Council" the Surveyor had full power, if he chose to exercise it, to settle however he liked. Reverting to the question of sand, the speaker reiterated that he knew nothing about it, but added that, if it came from Goodwick beach he would consider it amply good enough for any manhole any- where Mr D G Thomas asked why, if the Surveyor approved of the bricks as being equally good, were the manholes being cemented ? The Surveyor replied that the contractors had suggested that they should cement them to make them perfectly watertight. In reply to Mr Llewhelin he said he con- sidered that the cement would hold when the pressure came from the ground. Mr F George dissented. The Surveyor said the manholes could be pointed if the Council so wished. Mr E D Jones said he did not think that that was at all necessary. Mr Llewhelin said that, when reading over the draft specifications he had found Ruabon or Porthgain" bricks mentioned, and had pointed out that no contractor would use the former if he had the option of employing the latter. Consequently the Surveyor had crossed out the latter. The speaker was prepared to prove that every "contractor had based his estimate upon Ruabon bricks. If Porthgain bricks had been considered good enough, why had not they been mentioned at the time ? He regretted very much that Mr E D Jones' name had cropped up, because he had been so useful. The speaker had always been ready to give him credit, but, at the same time, he considered it his duty to bring that matter before the Council that night. The fact that Ruabon bricks had been specified as pointed, whereas these bricks had been cemented over, proved that the very man who had approved of the use of the latter did not believe that they were as good as the former. He did not understand much about bricks but he challenged anyone to say that Porthgain bricks were as good as Ruabon. Mr D Rees contended that Mr* Llewhelin should have brought the matter before the last meeting of the Sanitary Committee, and con- demned any attack upon Mr Jones who had worked so hard for the parish. The speaker also made some remarks based upon the relative prices, which our representative was unable to follow. Mr Llewhelin said the matter had only been pointed out to him since the Sanitary Com- mittee meeting. He had been asked by two members to'call a special meeting to consider it but had refrained from so doing. He had, however, taken the trouble to notify Mr Jones that the subject would be raised that evening. Mr E D Jones said that was the first that he had heard. He contended that Mr Llewhelin should follow his remarks to a legitimate con- clusion and move a resolution that the use of those bricks be not approved. Mr D G Thomas moved and Mr D John seconded that the minute bearing on the sub- ject be referred back to the Committee. Mr T Lewis pointed out that the sewer was I being carried up almost to the houses in Brodog Terrace, and said he had been asked why Ciive Street should not be treated in the same way. Mr Llewhelin said he had intended bringing the subject forward, but in another light, as it was generally understood that the owners of a new street were supposed to construct the main drain, and he wished to know why, in this in- stance, it should be done at the expense of the ratepayers. Mr Richards, who said he had also been ap- proached on the question, asked if it were possible to take the sewer up Clive road. Mr E D Jones reminded the meeting that the ■ lans in question had been submitted to and approved both by the Sanitary committee and the Council, and contended that it was rather going behind the back, seeing that there had been no subsequent alterations, to raise the matter at that stage (hear hear). If those gentleman who had spoken had any reason for complaint why had not they brought it forward at the time when the plans were submitted, or at the Local Government Board inquiry. It was going behind the back to do so after being apparenty approached by clients all over the town. There was a very strong and valid reason why the sewer should be carried up to Brodog terrace, which had nothing to do with I the insinuations which had been thrown out that night that it was due to favouritism. Under the Public Health Act the Council was com- pelled to ca:ry its sewer within 100 feet of any [ joint land on which buildings were likely to be erected. The junction of owners at Brodog terrace was rather peculiar. In order to drain. the terrace the Council need not have gone within more than 100 yards of the nearest house 1 but ith .s been considered advisable to go with- in that distance of the Pembrokeshire Estite, I in order that, if buildings-were erected upon it, the Council could compel the owners to drain into the sewer.—It had also been necessary to fix a flushing apparatus at the end of the sewer and this could not conveniently have been dote at the junction with West-street. Ciive road was purely a new street, and the sewer passed it within far less than the requisite 100 yards distance, Personally he must say that he thought that it was a" little bit going behind one's back to bring that matter up now. It ought to have been brought up at the time. Mr Llewhelin had been one of .those who had gone into those plans and approved of them, and had, therefore, condemned himself, as well as other people, if there were anything wrong about them. Reverting to the subject of bricks he said that he had, some years ago instituted tests, which had proved that Porthgain bricks were something like eight per cent harder than either Ruabon or Cattibrook brickHe did not, he added know why it had been decided to have tne manholes cemented, but if the con- tractor liked to make the Council a present of that work he did not see why it should not be accepted,thoughhe would strongly oppose paying for it. The Vice-chairman, and Messrs Llewhelin and Richards disclaimed any idea of having cast any insinuations, explaining that their sole object was to obtain information to supply to those who had questioned them on the subject. Mr D G Thomas said he was afraid that Mr Jones had done the greatest disservice to his native town which had ever been done before Sensation). After the publication of that meeting's report, Porthgain bricks would be up a hundred percent laughter). Proceed- ing, he said he adhered to this amendment on the grounds of principle he did not believe in a paid oihcial being given power to change a contract to the extent of consulting somebody responsible. The Surveyor was re- sponsible to the Council and the Council to the ratepayers who had to pay ultimately. It am- ounted, of course to a vote of "no confidence in the danitary Committee. Mr E D Jones said he expected that the Committee would accept it as such. Mr D G Thomas Of course that is the old Sanitary Committee we have a new one now. Upon a vote being taken the amendment was defeated by seven votes to six, and the minutes were declared to have been adopted.

Miscellaneous Municipal Matters. Pithy Points From Urban Council Meeting. It was decided to invite tenders for a horse brush for street cleaning purposes. It was agreed that Mr David Howells be invited to provide unbroken stone from Pen- slade Quarry at 2s 6d per load delivered on the roads that he be paid sixpence per yard extra for road hand-broken stones, and that he be asked to supply 100 cubic yards of Maesgwynne or Brodog stone at 7s per yard for experimental mixing with the Penslade stone used-on West-street. A communication from the Fishguard and Rosslare Railways and Harbours Company relative to the proposed railway bridge across the Parrog road was approved, and the suggestions contained therein were approved. The Medical Officer of the Sanitary In- spector were directed to report upon the condition of the Slaughter-house. It was reported that Mr W R Eynon had submitted a proposal for averaging the line of his frontage to West-street at the point where the new, widened thoroughfare joins the old. On the recommendation of the Sanitary Committee the proposal was re- jected, but it was agreed to sanction a front- age tapering from point to point, which the Surveyor announced that Mr Eynon was willing to accept. In accordance with a report of the Medical Officer on a pigsty in High-street, the Sanitary Committee recommended that pre- liminary notice to abate, be served. Mr D G Thomas, as a protest against one case being singled out, moved that the recommendation be referred back. It was pointed out that the Council had no option in view of a com- plaint, and that the notice would be served irrespective of the Council's action, the Sani- tary Inspector being invested with statutory powers in the matter The recommendation was, accordingly, agreed to. The Finance Committee recommended that the Council take into consideration the ques- tion of increasing the Clerk's salary. The consideration of the matter was deferred until the May meeting. Some of the foregoing subjects will be dealt with at greater length in our next issue. Matters of greater importance are reported in detail elsewhere in these pages.

SCLEDDY. Reading Room.—Particulars of the annual dinner of this institution will be found in another column. Tragedy.—At about 8 o'clock on Sunday evening a gentleman visitor, Mr George Mow- bray Nott Bower, staying at Pencraig Man- sion, Llechryd, Cardigarshire, who had been one of the guests at the Langton wedding on the previous Wednesday, was found shot dead in his bedroom, the bullet having penetrated the thoracic cavity. The deceased gentleman, who was well connected and highly respected, hailed from Richmond, Surry, and was spend- ing his Easter holidays with Mr and Mrs Reginald Yorke at Pencraig. He had atten- ded the service at the parish church in the morning, and had spent the afternoon and evening motoring. The tragic event has cast quite a gloom over the locality, where Mr and Mrs Yorke are highly esteemed. At an inquest held yesterday, (Tuesday) a verdict of accidental death was returned.

MAMRE, TRECWN. The Rev. M P Morgans, Blaenanerch, Car- diganshire, is expected to preach at the re- opening services of Mamre Chapel, in addi- tion to those whose names appeared last week.

OUR NEW phemisss Which are now undergoing Extensive Alter- ations, will be called The Central Stores. They are adjoining Mr Thomas Meyler's Drug Stores, and directly opposite Mr Wm. James' Main Street Drapery Establishment. THE OPENING will not be delayed a day longer than is absolutely necessary, the date of which, together with another Important Announcement, will be published Next Week Blackburn OWbd CENTRAL STORES, FISHOUARD.

Fishguard Urban Council. ¡ Unanimous Elevation of I Mr. L. Evans as Chairman. j ———— The annual meeting of the Fishguard Urban District Council was held at the accus- tomed venue on Monday evening, Mr B G 'I Llewhelin, J.P. (the retiring chairman) presid- ing over a full attendance of members. There was a large gathering of the general public, included amongst whom was ex-coun- cillor Capt. Titus Evans. The Chairman said he was sure that they would allow him to say a few words at that meeting, which was an occasion of pleasure and regret — regret because they had lost some of the old members from the Council, and pleasure at welcoming new blood into the Council—(Hear, hear.) He hoped that the new blood would be as successful and as faithful as the old—possibly more so. The first business which they had before them that night was, of course, to elect their Chairman for the ensuing year, but, before he came to that, he would like to review a little of the past year, and possibly the previous year. Referring to the past year, they all knew that during that period the Council had been very I active, and he thought that it had acquitted I itself in a most intelligent manner, particu- larly in regard to the drainage scheme. There I had been a lot of trouble involved, and one gentleman in particular belonging to the I Council had borne more than his share of the work—(Hear, hear),—he need not mention I names he thought that everyone had atten ded the committees which had considered that important question, and had done their duty well. He hoped that the history of the ensuing year would be as good, if not better than that of the last year. He had also to thank the members for the support which they had given' him during the time that he had occupied the chair. He did not suppose that he would ever occupy that position again as things went, he had spent a long number of years on the Council, although it had changed its name and its powers were, of course, gieater, and the independence of the place was greater right through. They had severed their connection with Haverfordwest —(Mr D G Thomas The House of Lords!") —he must confess that at timesHaverfordwest had been somewhat arbitrary. Outside that Council they were going to sever their con- nection with another body—he need not refer to it: they understood it as well as nimself. During the time that they had held that position of independency he did not think that the Fishguard ratepayers in general could complain at least, they had not had to pay more rates, and he thought that they had had larger benefits than they would have had under the old regime (Hear, hear.) If they would allow him to follow a precedent, he would have great pleasure in moving the name for election as Chairman of Mr Levi Evans. He thought that Mr Evans was a man capable of occupying that posi- tion without any bias or favour, and that he would do his duty conscientiously throughout his tenure of oÚice; and he therefore said that he had great pleasure in moving the election of Mr Evans to the chair (applause). Mr D Gwion Thomas said so many wild, irresponsible remarks had been uttered by- irresponsible people in the urban area— Mr E D Jones, J.P. (interposing) suggested that the motion should be seconded before Mr Thomas spoke. Mr Thomas explained that he was second- ing. Proceeding, he said that irresponsible statements had been made that the motive underlying the notice of motion whereunder the principle of seniority had been rescinded had been to prevent Mr Levi Evans occupy- ing the chair. He (Mr Thomas) had had no motive whatever but to do away with a ridiculous and -absurd principle. He had very great pleasure in seconding the motion. Mr J R Richards said he had thought to 'have had the pleasant duty that night to have proposed Mr Evans to the chair. As they all knew he (Mr Richards) had, at the last meeting spoken strongly in favour of carrying out the rule of the first meeting for this year. He knew that, in the case of Mr Evans, it was not a question of seniority, but of ability—(hear, hear)—and he was positive that he would make as successful a chairman as the ones who had gone before him. He trusted that they all, as Councillors there that night, would give him their heartiest and best help to carry out the Chairmanship successfully for the coming year. The motion was carried unanimously, and Mr Levi Evans, then took the chair. He must, he said, candidly confess that he had no ambition whatever for the office to which they had elected him that night. He had several reasons for saying so, and among those was the fact that there were so many gentlemen on that Council who were more deserving of the honour than he was, and were certainly more capable of discharging the duties (Dissent). The duties had, as they were aware, during the past two years been carried out in a most capable manner by two excellent chairmen, who had performed their task to their own credit and to the credit of the Council and to the credit of the town, and he had only to hope that they would, during his tenure of office, extend to him that indulgence and co-operation which they had always extended to his predecessors. The task, as tney were aware, of presiding at a gathering of that kind was a difficult one, but, with the assistance of those of them who were more efficient in the duties than probab- ly even the Chairman, it was to be hoped that the coming year would be as harmonious and efficient, in so far as the duties of the Council were concerned, as had the past two years. He was exceedingly obliged to them for having conferred upon him that honour that night, an honour whi-ch-asrepresenting the ratepayers of Fishguard—was the highest which it was possible for them to confer upon any man, and he felt extremely grateful to them and hoped that he would never be guilty of abusing the confidence which they had reposed in him (hear hear and applause). Proceeding, he said the agenda for that night's meeting was rather a lengthy one, and he had only to express the hope, at the out- set, that, so far as possible, each member would try and observe the Standing Orders by which that Council was controlled—in particular to remember that each speaker on the difficrent amendments had only one opportunity of speaking (hear, hear): He hoped that that would be borne in mind to enable them to carry out the work as quickly and efficiently as possibly. Again he thanked them for their kindness. THE VICE-CHAIRMANSHIP. Mr Llewhelin said that, like a man who had gained hisliberty-(laughter)-heclaimed the privilege of being on his feet again and moving the name of a gentleman whom he thought was very well suited for the position. In the absence of the Chairman he thought that he would make an admirable substitute. He referred to Mr T Lewis. Mr E D Jones said he had very much plea- sure in seconding the nomination. He was quite sure that, if Mr Lewis had occasion to be called upon to preside—which he did not suppose w'buld be the case: Mr Evans' atten- tion to business would assuredly be secured— he would be a most capable man, worthy of the confidence of the Council. Mr D John begged to propose Mr David Rees, whom he thought was one of the old- est members of that Council, and also of the late Parish Council, and one of the council- lors who took the most interest in the rate- payers. He took an interest in every particu- lar point. Mr Thomas said he had intended to make his position clear with regard to the election of Chairman and -Vice-Chairman if he had not been interrupted by an interpellation from one of the councillors, which, to use a com- mon term, had thrown him off his line of argu- ment. What he had wanted to point out was that those ten members who had voted for the principle of ability for the chair were, that night, morally bound to support the candidature of Mr D Rees for the vice-chair, and of Mr L Evans for the chair, because, when they had done away with the principle, it did not follow that they had done away with the reasonable expectations of those gentlemen to occupy the chair in their turn. He thought that he had made it perfectly clear at the last meeting that he was pre- pared to support Mr Evans on the grounds of ability, and Mr Rees on precisely the same grounds. He had very great pleasure in sec- onding the amendment. The opinions of councillors differed as to the interpretation of the word" seniority," but it was evident to any man who paid any attention to literal truth, that seniority stood for a. principle which could not be carried out in that Coun- cil. Mr Rees had entertained reasonable ex- j pectations of in time occupying the chair, 9 J and that was entirely why the speaker sup- ported him. Mr T Lewis said he wished to make his position absolutely clear. He had said that he would rather not act as Vice-Chairman. He had, however, been pressed, and had then said that he would do so on one condition only, and that was that the council unani- mously wished him to do so. As the Coun- cil did not unanimously wish him to do so he begged to refuse to act. A member asked if such a refusal were legal. Mr E D Jones said that, before withdrawing his seconding of the motion, he thought that the matter wanted clearing up. Would the Clerk tell them what the order of election was in the first Council ? He understood that Mr Thomas had taken his stand on the grounds of reasonable expectations. Was Mr Rees next in order of seniority ? Mr Thomas No, but I am certain Mr Lewis wasn't! Mr Jones said they must take it on the order at the first poll. Mr Thomas said that on that ground he could not support Mr Rees, but he had always understood by the procedure which the Coun- cil had taken that seniority had implied pos- ition at the poll. They had appointed their Chairman and Vice-chairman on that posi- tion and they had appointed their Vice- chairman as Chairman tnat night upon the same principle. If he could show that they had been correct he would support Mr Lewis. II Mr T Lewis said he h?d tried to explain the matter at the last meeting. According I to his reading,Mr E D Jones was entitled to the Vice-chair under the principle of seniority I and this was according to the reading of any-, body who would take any trouble to under- stand the meaning as proposed at the first8 meeting. Personally he would have had very much pleasure in proposing him to take the chair, not because he was in the order of seniority, but because he was entitled to a little honour. Mr Llewhelin said he did not see that Mr Thomas' argument was consistent. He had advocated doing away with a principle which, the speaker must confess he had not agreed with, but, at the same. time, having regard to the expectations which were based upon a principle laid down at the outset, Mr Thomas supported that expectation. Mr Thomas said he was sure that the Council could not differ from him if it paid any regard whatever to the English language Two years ago it had appointed its Chair- man on the grounds of priority, and had followed the same course the following year. Within twelve months of that day they had had an election and Mr Rees had stood at the top of the poll with a vote of 254. What were they to do but appoint Mr Rees, who was first upon the poli in the first election which had followed the first meeting of that Council wherein that principle had been put forward ? Mr Rees was morally entitled to the Vice-Chairman on precisely the same principle as had been Messrs Richards, Llewhelin, and Evans. He did not say that the Council had interpreted the minute correctly. Mr Llewhelin repeated that it was incon- sistent. Mr Thomas pointed out that he had prev- iously said that he would be morally bound to support Mr Evans and Mr Rees, inasmuch as they had spent twelve months on the Council under the regime of that resolution. Mr Jones drew attention to the fact that, according to Mr Thomas' argument, the first Chairman of the Council ought to have been Mr Richards, the second Mr Rees, and the third himself—Mr D G Thomas (laughter). Mr Tnomas said the first meeting had inter- preted the principle as priority and the second as seniority. It was the Council who had executed a volte face. Mr E D Jones said he was not prepared to withdraw his seconding unless Mr Llewhelin were willing. Mr Llewhelin replied that he was not. Upon a division being taken the voting was six all." The Chairman: I suppose it rests with the casting vote of the Chairman. Mr E D Jones said only twelve out of fifteen members had voted, and pointed out that every member was bound to vote under the Standing Orders. It was pointed out that the two candidates could not vote and that the Chairman had not done so. Mr E D Jones said the Chairman should vote before giving a casting vote. The Chairman said that, in that case, he must say that he would prefer to support Mr Lewis. This made the voting seven to six in favour of Mr Lewis, who was accordingly elected without the necessity of a casting vote. Mr 0 D Jones suggested that the Council should endeavour to secure an. unanimous vote, but the proposal met with no support. Mr T Lewis, in acknowledging the com- pliment conferred upon him, said it was an honour for which he had not been at all an- xious, but, so long as the Council had ap- pointed him, if he could be of service he would try and do his best (hear hear). A SCENE. Mr Rees thanked those who had voted for him. If he had been a blackguard last year he could have turned Mr Llewhelin out of the chair. Therefore, he would be very care- ful whom he would vote for when he had the chance because there was no straightness in any of them. That was why he had been been keeping himself quiet, to see how they would vote. It was quite right: Mr Vau- ghan was one of them. Mr W J Vaughan I think he has the right to say anything of the kind. Mr Rees: I speak straight. 1 don't go be- hind the scenes to say it. The Chairman This is out of order. Mr Vaughan said he would like to make an explanation. He had met Mr Rees before he came to the meeting, but had never told him that he would vote for him. He believed that every member should be at liberty to vote as he chose. He had supported Mr Lewis because, in his mind, he was the senior member, having been originally elected for a longer term than Mr Rees. He thought that Mr Lewis had equal expectations to Mr Rees, besides being senior member. He had inten- ded no disrespect to Mr Rees—very far from it. CONSTITUTION OF COMMITTEES. The election of the three standing com- mittees was then proceeded with. Mr Llewhelin had prepared a draft list in each case, and considerable amusement was occasioned by a query, emanating from Mr E D Jones, as to whether or not he were a selection committee. Mr Llewhelin explained that he had prepared the lists merely to faci- litate the choice of the Council, which was, of course, at liberty to amend them. The following gentlemen were placed upon- the Sanitary Committee :—Messrs E D Jones, B G Llewhelin, T Lewis, J R Richards, and W Bateman. The Finance Committee was constituted of Messrs T Lewis, 0 D Jones, W J Vaughan, H Williams, D G Thomas, and J R Richards. Messrs D John, D Rees, D G Thomas, F George, D P Lewis, and 0 D Jones were placed upon the Highway Committee, Mr Llewhelin declining to serve on the grounds that a member of the Council—a very intelli- gent man—had suggested that he ought not to be on that committee. The Chairman of the Council is, of course, ex-officio, a member of every committee.

J. FRANCIS (OF MERTHYR TYDFIL) Begs, to announce that he has taken over the Gt«oeery & Furniture and Coal Business Of the late Mr. OUTHBERT THOMAS at the Supply Stores, Fishguard, And at the same time respectfully solicits a continuance of the Patronage which has been extended to his late esteemed predecessor. The Business will be conducted on similar lines to those adopted by the late Mr. Thomas, and customers may rely upon having prompt personal at- tention given to all orders.

j Eisteddfod at Rhosycaerau. A Successful Function. On Friday evening last a very successful eisteddfod was held at Rhosycaerau Chapel. The afternoon being exceptionally fine, large crowds wended their way towards the place from all parts of the district, and shortly after the meeting commenced the ancient edifice was filled to its utmost capacity with an appreciative audience, which proved most orderly throughout the proceedings, The duties of president were in the capable hands of Mr V J G Johns, Manorowen, who, it may be stated, proved the right man in the right place. Mr D B Phillips (Briallydd), Fishguard, conducted the proceedings in fine style, the audience being in fine tone throughout, his ready wit creating roars of laughter. The following were the adjudicators:— Music, Mr T Thomas, L.V.C.M., Pencader literature and recitations, Rev. S A Evans, Goodwick; poetry. Briallydd," Fishguard; prize bags, Mrs Perkins, Penysgwarne, and Mrs Morris, Trefasser, whose decisions, with- out exception, gave the highest satisfaction. The duties of accompanist were ably carried out by Mr T James, Cross Hands (brother of the esteemed pastor), whose servi- ces were much appreciated. Mr J Evans, Cargowil, undertook the duties of treasurer, the post being filled with great credit. The success of the eisteddfod, to a great extent, must be attributed to the hard-work- ing secretary, Mr D Morris, Trefasser, who, despite his failing health, spared no time or effort in order to bring the event to a success- ful issue, and to whom the highest praise is due. Mr T Perkins, Hendrewen, very kindly adjudicated the musical preliminary tests, and Mr E Perkins, Penysgwarne, ably weighed the merits and demerits of the competitors on the essay How does the Irish traffic affect Pencaer farmers." The following were the awards:— Contralto solo, Bendithiaist goed y meus- ydd," Miss Evans, Manorowen Mill. Recitation for children under 15, Hymn 509 Caniedydd." 1 Muriel Howells, 2 Blod- wen Evans. Baritone solo, Y bachgen ffarweliodd a'i wlad" (open to those who had not won prizes before), Mr C Cornock, Trefasser. Solo for children under 12, "No, not one," Emily Miles, Trefisheg. Prize bags. I Miss M Williams, Pantyr- uchain 2 Mrs Johns, Treathro. Juvenile choir, Milwyr lesu." Two choirs competed, viz.: — Rhosycaerau (Mr Tom John), and Harmony (Mr John Williams), the former being awarded the prize. Reading for children under 15, B H Johns, Treathro. Tenor solo, Bwthyn bach melyn fy nhad (open to those who had not won prizes be- fore), Mr C Cornock, Trefasser. Duet, Excelsior," Messrs James Owen (Fishguard) and W Morris (Taibach). Essay, Moses (nine entries). Mr G C Howells, "Echo Offices, Fishguard. Tenor solo, Y By wyd-fad,' Mr Titus Jones, Goodwick. Soprano solo, "Neges y blodeuyn," Miss Evans, Manorowen Mill. Poetry, "Rhosycaerau Church" (three entries). Mr D Morris, Trefasser. Reading music at first sight, Mr W Morris, Taibach. Reading unpunctuated prose, Mr Tom Evans, Swmbarch, Letterston. Male voice party, Sweet Bye-and-by." Two parties competed, viz.;—Rhosycaerau (Mr Daniel Rees), and Fishguard Harbour Wrorks Party (Mr James Owen), the last- mentioned party being adjudged the best. Open recitation, Y Dedwydd Dri," Miss Blodwen Rees, Harmony. Baritone solo, Merch y cadben," Mr W Morris, Taibach. Quartette, Y Deigryn (two parties), the one consisting of Messrs W Morris, Taibach; T Davies, Caerau; and Misses Davies, Caerau; and Harries, Llandruidion, being the winners. Essay, How does the Irish traffic affect Pencaer farmers." I Mr D Morris, Trefasser 2 Mr Joel James, Pantyphillip. Solo for children under 15, Dyma Feibl anwyl Iesu," the prize being divided between Gwladys M Rees and Martha Ann Vittle. Chief choral, Dyddiau dyn sydd fel glas- wdlltyn." Two choirs competed, viz.:— Tabernacle (Fishguard) Harmonic Society (Mr T Lloyd), and Rhosycaerau (Mr Titus Jones), the prize being awarded to the first- named choir for a highly creditable render- ing. At the close, the Rev. J G James (pastor) proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the offi- cials and to all who had helped in connection with the event, this being seconded by Mr E Perkins, Penysgwarne.

HAYSCASTLE. Concert.—A large assembly gathered in the Council School on the evening of Wed- nesday of last week, under the presidency of Mr James Harries, for the purpose of listening to an admirable concert programme, which was very ably rendered by the respective artistes, each of whom came in for a merited meed of applause at the hands of a highly appreciative auditory. Appended are the details of the programme :—Pianoforte solo, Miss Saidie Price song, Mr Richards song, Miss Gibbon (encored) coon song, Master John Williams (encored); duett, Miss Griffiths and Mr Richards (encored) song, Mr Morris; song, Miss Lewis song, Mr Titus Jones (encored) song, Mrs Lewis humorous song, Mr S J Pitt (encored). Part 2 Pianoforte solo, Miss Florence Harries song, Mr Lewis (encored) song, Miss Griffiths; song, Mr A Harries duett, Mr and Mrs Lewis (encored) song, Mr Titus Jones (encored) song, Miss Lewis duett, Miss Griffiths and Mr Morris song, Miss Gibbon humorous song, Mr S J Pitt (encored). At the close of the proceed- ings a vote of thanks to the artistes was pro- posed by the Chairman, seconded by the Vicar, and carried enthusiastically. The Vicar proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman which was carried with applause. Mr S J Pi.tt sang the Welsh National Anthem and conducted the audience in the chorus. A short dance followed the concert.—Re- freshments were supplied to the artistes, the tables being presided over by Mrs and Miss Davies, of Brimaston Hall, and others.— Miss Florence Harries ably discharged the duties of accompanist.

Maenclochog Choir. Success at Narberth Eisteddfod. Maenclochog choir added fresh laurels to their fame at Narberth Eisteddfod on Easter Monday, when they succeeded in carrying off the most coveted prize of the whole day. We extract the following report from the columns of the local Weekly News :—Chief choral competition, Then Round about the Starry Throne' (Handel); £10 10s and handsome silver-mounted baton for contractor two choirs competed, (I) Tenby United, conducted by Mr W Williams, and (2) Maenclochog, conducted by Mr D Evans. There was a scene of great enthusiasm .after the Maencloc- hog choir had sung, the vast audience break- ing out into enthusiastic applause. The adjudicator said that he enjoyed the singing very much indeed, especially in the case of one choir the other, though it was not going to win, did very well. The detailed adjudication was as follows :— No. I Good voices and plenty of tone, but they must cultivate softening them down a bit. They were a little hard and steely. It appeared to him they wanted to be a little more mailable. Pages 2 and 4 were wrong in the tenor leads. When there were con- trasted rhythms, as here, it was very essential to have a clear down-beat on the first note of the bar. His reason for mentioning this down-beat was that he did not think the accident he had just alluded to would have occurred if there had been a down-beat. On the whole, the singing lacked those grada- tions of tone that one liked. He wanted a little more contrast of tone, as well as gentle gradations. Even though not marked in the music, these could be put in with advantage. No. 2 The tone softer and tenderer. The start was not so hard as with No. 1. They had also a better choice of time—one that lent itself to a dignified rendering, aad one that allowed the rendering to be clothed with majesty as well as power, and in this piece majesty as well as power. There was a better climax at page 3 and better intonation right through, though No. I were not serious ly out of tune. The leads were correct and all the parts were together. The colour was warmer and the contrasts better. On the whole, a very creditable performance, and one that gave him a lot of pleasure. He had no hesitation at all in giving the prize to the second choir (applause). Mr D Evans, the conductor, was invested and the eisteddfod. was brought to a close about 7 o'clock.

NEWPORT, PEM. JUST ARRIVED, an extensive assort- ment of Silver and Electro-plated Goods, suitable for Wedding Presents, etc., and will be on sale at lowest prices. An early visit 0/inspection is invited. A large stock second-hand Bicycles on hand and to be cleared at low prices, also new Bicycles of splendid value for 1909. Customers requiring new or second-hand Bicycles will greatly oblige by giving an early call. We are sole agents for all leading makes of Cycles.— WILLIAMS BROS., Jewellers and Bicycle Agents, Newport. Sea News.—Capt J. Isaac, late chief officer I of the s.s. Dalmore,' is joining Capt Luke as chief officer in the s.s. 'Homlea,' with Mr Johnny Owen, Fishguard, as steward. Funeral. — The remains of the late Mrs E Thomas, of Glandwr, Nevern,whose demise at an advanced age was recorded in our last issue, were laid to rest on Wednesday at Gethsemane, in the presence of a large and representative gathering of mourners, included amongst whpm were children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The Rev Mr Gre- gory, of Brynberrian, officiated both at the house and at the graveside, owing to the unavoidable absence of both the Rev Mr Lamb, of Tredissi, and the Rev Mr Morgans, of Tyhen, Dinas. In the chapel he preached an eloquent panegyric based upon the words Canys ni a wyddom, os ein daearol dy o'r babell hon a ddatodir fod i ni adeilad gan Dduw, sef ty nid o waith Haw, tragwyddol yn y nefoedd." At the graveside praver was offered by the Rev T M James, Rector of Meline. Light Lacking.—At Fishguard Petty Ses- sions yesterday (Tuesday), James Thomas, of Rhosmaen, Nevern, who did not appear, was summoned for having ridden an unlighted bicycle at 8.55 p.m., on the 26th ult., on the Newport and Moylgrove road. The commis- sion of the offence was proved by Constable Davies (Newport), and defendant was fined 2s 6d with costs.

HAVERFORDWEST SHARES FISH- GUARD'S OPINION. The opinion expressed in the following earnest statement by a Haverfordwest man is our opinion, too. It is pleasing and en- couraging to know that it is the same over in Haverfordwest as here at home. Mr William H Davies, 11, St Thomas'- green, Haverfordwest, says An attack of influenza left my kidneys weak, and I suffered for ten years with severe pains in my back stab-like pains they were, and after bending they caught me so sharply that I hardly knew what to do. I have a lot of lifting to do at my work, which came hard on me with a painful back. I have often been away from work for two or three days at a time, on ac- count of the dreadful pains. I tried many treatments, but I got no good results. Some months ago I commenced to take Doan's backache kidney pills, and I quickly found that I had got the right medicine. I persevered with the pills, and a course of them have done me a great deal of good; my back is splendid and well now, and my general health is improved. I cannot speak too highly of Doan'a pills. (Signed) William H Davies." Doan's pills are two shillings and nine- pence per box, or six boxes for thirteen shilling. and ninepence. Of all chemists and stores or post free direct from the Foster-McClellan Co., 8, Wells-street, Oxford-street, London, W. Be sure you get the same kind of pills as Mr Davies had

DINAS CROSS We regret that, owing to some inexpli- cable cause, the parcel" of copy from Dinas only reached us just as we were going to Press, with the result that it has been found impossible to insert it in the present issue. MOYLGROVE. Farmers Fined.—At Fishguard Petty Ses- sions yesterday (Tuesday), Benjamin Morris, Fag Nreinonfach, Moylgrove, was fined 2S 6d with costs for having on the 18th ult. per- mitted a carcase to lie unburied at a spot accessible to dogs. During the hearing of the case it transpired that a constable, taking a short cut across the farm, had been directed by defendant past the spot where the carcase lay"—Wm. Jones, Llwyngwydd, Moylgrove, was fined is with 6s 6d costs for having worked a threshing machine which was not properly fenced to protect the fingers of the operator. This decision was reached by a majority of the Bench, Mr W G James, Pant- yphillip, dissenting.—For a similar offence with a chaff-cutting machine, John Jones, Plas Lawrence, Mornington, was mulcted in 7s 6d with costs. PUNCHESTON. License Lacking. — At Fishguard Petty Sessions yesterday (Tuesday), James John, of Puncheston, who did not appear, was sum- moned for having kept a dog without having previously taken out a license authorising him to do so. The constable, who proved the commission of the offence, said defendant told him that, owing to the wet weather, he had been unable to work, and consequently had no money to pay for a license. A fine of 7s 6d with costs was imposed. WOLFSCASTLE. Sealyham Sale. — The Small Holdings Committee of the Pembrokeshire County Council have purchased the Sealvham Estate, from Mrs Victor J Higgon for £ 26,000. The estate comprises about 1,350 acres. It is now chiefly let in small holdings, and, for the pre- sent at any rate, there is no intention to dis- turb the present tenants. ST. NICHOLAS. Poultry Pilferers.— The residents of the locality are at present suffering somewhat severely from the depredations of some anony- mous individual whose speciality is the rob- bing of hen roosts. Fuur or five farmers have been victimised in this manner, the losses in some cases aggregating a couple of dozen birds. In one instance two hens were taken off their broods. It is trusted that, should the culprit continue his raids, he will at least, recollect that incubators play no part in the domestic economy of St Nicholas.

The Langton Wedding. Celebrations at Llanychaer. On Wednesday week, to celebrate the popular wedding of Dr. Thomas and Miss Yorke, a huge bon-fire was lit on the Crug the highest point of vantage on Teelian Farm. The immense structure had taken several days to build, and willing hands had rallied round Messrs Lewis Phillips, of Treilan, and J and D Phillips of Trellwynfawr, to help to construct the pyre, which was composed of several loads of timber, furze, etc., and above, suspended by chains, was a large cask of tar, all the tenants of the Court Estate taking part. At the appointed time (about 8.15) a call was made for Mrs Phillips, of Trellan, to set the huge structure, which was over 25 feet high, on fire. The flames spread with great rapidity, amidst cheers from hundreds of people who had come together to witness the biggest bon-fire in the memory of the oldest inhabitants of Llanychaer, also to wish the young couple long life and prosperity. The fire raged furiously for several hours, dur- ing which time the crowd whiled away the time by singing. Mr Ezekiel Williams also called for speeches, and Mr Phillips (Treilan) explained,that the object of the gathering was to celebrate the wedding of the squire of Court, and said he was pleased at haying had a little to do, as a tenant, to honour one to whom houour was due, and wished the young couple God's blessing, long life and happiness. This was greeted with tremendous cheering, and Mr D Phillips (Treliwynfawr) followed in a similar strain. He, too, was pleased at being a tenant of the Court Estate, and paid a high tribute to the Court family as land- lords. After this, speeches were made by I Messrs Williams, Rees (Garn), Evans (Pen- rhiw), Phillips (Penrhiw Garn), Jenkins (Pen- mynydd), Thomas Davies, F Gibby (Court Farm) aud others. Most of the speakers had Farm) and others. Most of the speakers had been living on the Estate for from 28 to 50 years. A call was made for a word from the | ladies present, and three of them responded in the persons of Mrs Thomas (Ty Cam), Mrs Phillips (Trellwynfawr), and Mrs Phillips (Treilan), the first of whom stated that she had lived on the Estate all her life, and her relatives before her for centuries. Cheers rang out and singing fcllowed, after which Mr F A Davies, Paris House, Fishguard, con- gratulated the tenants on rheir living under the Court Estate, and also on their unity, which enabled them to celebrate the wedding of the young couple in such a royal manner. He also wished the young couple all the blessings of a happy and long life. The com- pany then dispersed leaving the fire still smouldering with memories that will never fade.