The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

[ALL RIGHTS REIiERYED.) PRACTICAL AGRICULTURE BY PRIMROSE McCONNELL, B.Sc., F.G.S., (Author of A Notebook of Agricultural Fuii ano Figures," "Elements of Farming," eta.). DECLINE IN COWS. The Board of Agriculture report on tho live stock of the country shows that all our classes have be- como reduced in number, and that apparently the whole thing represents a reduction in capital as well, a* farmers have not made up for the want of stock by laying out the money in any other way. The most important decline, however, is in the case of cows and heifers. It appears that during the last year there has been a reduction of eighty-three thou- sand head, and that this comos on the top of a reduction on the previous year of forty-five thou- sand, 90 that in two years we have a double reduction in the milking population of the country to the tune of very nearly 130,000 animals. This is a very serious decline indeed, and several reasons are advanced to account for it. It is suggested that the slaughtering of calves is one of the causes. The writer thinks that this is not the case at all, because calves have been slaughtered for veal for generations back, and there does not appear to have been any greater slaughter-un less evidence is forthcoming to the contrary—in recent years than there was in the olden days. Fewer cows, of course, means fewer calves born, and if we have 130,000 fewer animals we must have a correspondingly smaller number of calves. It is proposed by some to get legislation to force people to rear calves. Tnis is the kind of nonsense some people talk who would like to see other people compelled to supply them with a living. Everyone sells or rears to euit himself. If rearing paid us so extraordinarily well, then there would be a competition for calves greater than there is, and everyone would be rearing all that is worth rearing. The writer rears all his heifer calves and sells all the males. If there is any in- ducement to rear everything, then somebody could buy these males and carry out the rearing. If these animals are slaughtered for veal it is because it pays the people concerned better than the other way, and any legislation to the contrary would be too grand- motherly to pass muster. DIFFICULTIES OF DAIRYING. Various other reasons are suggested in the above report. The principal ono as far as the present Writer is concerned appears to be the ordinary diffi- culties of dairying. The work in itself is very exacting, and is necessary to be done at all times as compared with any other kind of farming. This •ttoans that only those who have been brought up and accustomed to it care to carry it on. So long as dairying paid well crowds of other people took up the trade, but now the boot is on the other leg; th.er kinds of farming are doing as well, or better ''an dairying, and consequently these secondary ''airy folks, if they might be so termed, are going back to the other kinds of farmnig. There is not a sufficient rise in the price of milk and its products to tempt anyone to start dairying now. and the future is not looking very rosy, because in addition to the natural difficulties of the business the restrictions and inspections by law are beginning to get im- possible. No one is bound to carry on dairying unless they like, and if the conditions are made as ,difficult as we are promised, then the number of dairy farmers will decrease, and so also will the number of dairy cows. More legislation in this particular branch of farming is threatened, and the ultimate outcome will be a still further decrease in the number of milk cows. Once the decrease is such M. to reduce the quantity of milk so low that buyers will be comi-,cting with one another for a supply, then tho prices will go up. and it will be worth while taking up dairy farming once more, but in view of what lias passed and what is, promised for the future there is every likelihood of a still further reduction in the number of cows taking place. CONCERNING WAGES. What fixes the rate of farm wages in many districts is sometimes a puzzle. Generally speaking, supply and demand rule the prices in this matter, as in all other cases: if there is a big demand for workmen of vaiious kinds, then there is a tendency for wages to rise if there are a lot of unemployed than there is a tendency to fall. Unionism may prevent the opera- tion of this natural law for a time or to a certain degree, but not for all time-the natural law will assert its force sooner or later. There is no fixed standard of living by which one may say whether a man is underpaid or overpaid. A labourer may bQ (:;irning a pound a week alongside an artisan who is (I.arning two pounds; the cost of living must be similar in both cases, so that the wages received have nothing to do with this. In other words there is very little connection between wages and prices. One limit there is, and that is the ultimate cost to the Public: if wages rise too high, and thus tend to make things dear. then cue public cease to buy. An instance occurred some years ago m the case of butter, when it rose to a very high price. Tho consumers refused to buy it, and took to jam and margarin, so that the price to a certain extent even- tually regulated itself. Another case is where dear larnb and mutton brought in the use of Canterbury tainb. and all these recent productions have come to stay. and have oertainly had an effect in keeping ùown. the cost of production and living, whioh is another way of saying that it kept down the amount of wages. SKILL ON THE PART OF A WORKMAN certainly does a great deal towards fixing the rate of wages. A good man is worth more than an inferior one, and in the long run will get the most money, or at any rate he will get the best chance. £0 put it another way, when work is slaok, the master very naturally pays off the inferior men first, endeavours to keep on a good one, so that skill in this way counts to the benefit of the workman. As has been pointed out several times in these Columns before, in the matter of farm wages, th"re iii likely to be a great influence thereon by the fnrther U¡,e of labour-saving machinery. This is begiun ng to show itself in farming, whereas in lots of other M'ts and crafts machinery has been introduced on an enormous scale. When we follow this out in farming there is likely to be a very big turnover in the Methods of doing work, and in the cost of the same. OLD IMPLEMENTS. It is remarkable how many farmers continue to "tick to their old implements, long after they are almost completely worn out, or in any case out of "ate. This indeed is a very great mistake, because ones not only do with fewer repairs, but they ^fe all the mora recent improvements, and do the Work much more effectually, and therefore pay best "J the long run. Old implements are practically out date as regards their design in any case, and it ^'°uld pay to get new ones merely for tho purpose of havmg the benefit of improvements. In every other art or manufacture the scrapping of old machinery is nstantly in force, and manufacturers never hesi- r?to to get rid of even quite a new piece of machinery i there is something better on the market which will imProve the methods of production. They have °und out long ago that it pays best to have the very appliances. The same thing, however, does not seem to apply to farming, and this is a very great pity. There is no need to have A SCRAP HEAP about a farm, that is, there is no need to keep old implements stored about the premises if a new one has been bought in, because one can always sell an old thing to a second-rate man. There is always a demand for old half worn-out binders, mowers, culti- vators, and a dozen other of the ordinary implements of the farm. Therefore as the old ones are sold the price received helps to buy the new one, and in any case there is always the value of the old iron. It is remarkable sometimes when one travels about many inrms to find out how much of old truck" there i. lying about in odd corners in the shape of old iron and wood implements rusting and rotting to pieces. These could have been sold while they were still in working order, and even at the worst they are worth their value as old iron, but many farmers never seem to realise this, but keep on with the old things about them just as they have always been accustomed to. SOIL EXPLOSIVES. Attention has been called in these notes on former occasions to use of explosives in the breaking up of sub-soil, but &orne recent remarks in one of our farming magazines brings up the subject once more. The present writer has been arguing in favour of sub-soiling for over a quarter of a century now, and we have never yet reached anything like effective work in this line. Ordinary steam cultivation is of comparatively little use, for it does not go deep enough, but the good effects which have resulted from the shattering of the subfoil by the use of dynamite in several different countries is 110 remark- able that it appears that wo cannot do too much in this line. The writer knows of a case where the owner of some steam tackle had fitted on to his plough a tine in front on each plough body. In ploughing, the ordinary furrow was turned over at about ten inches deep, and the corresponding tine ripped up the soil for something like. 8 inches more But he had to get the implement specially made for himself, as none of the steam plough makers had such a thing in stock. ASTONISHING RESULTS. The results were somewhat astonishing, as the land when subsoiled remained dry all winter in spite of the excessive rains, and in wheat gave a crop of from eight to nine quarters per acre. The fact that tho thing was due to subsoiling in this particular case was proved by the results appearing on the lines of water furrows, where the cultivator in crossing these had dropped in a few inches deeper: in the suc- ceeding crop there was a strealc of darker and stronger crop, and the only explanation forthcoming was that the extra few inches deeper had very much more benelt on the crop which grew on these strips of land by allowing the water, roots, and air to go down still further. The idea of using an explosive is to rack the bottom soil so completely that it is practically equal to draining, and in this way the water is allowed free access downwards. The pity is that it costs so much, as it is necessary to bore holes at every four yards apart, and put a cartridge with a fuse in each, so that the expense totals up very high per acre. Nevertheless, apparently the results war- rant the outlay, as the improved crops are so very much better. On the other hand, we might get sub- soiling done by steam power as above, if the makers and owners of steam cultivators would agree to do the same. ANSWER-S TOGORRESPONDENT. Teat Dressing: C.L.E.—A good dressing for sore and warty teats is made of carbolic acid, 1 oz.; glvcerine, 1 oz.; and linseed oil, 10 oa. Any chemist can suggest and make up a suitable dressing, however. Manuring: G.McK.—You must use only such manures as basic slag, s perphosphate or common Iiiiie-any kind of lime and phosphate without any of a nitrogenous nature. A dressing also of salt up to 10 cwt. per acre acts as a check to too rank a growth of top." P.S.—The author will be pleased to answer through this column such queries with regard to matters of, Agriculture, etc., as are likely to be of general interest to readers. Letters should be addressed to Primrose McConnoll, 69, Highgate, Kendal.

MARKETS GRAIN. NEWPORT, Wed., April 29.-Tbere was not a, very large volume of business on 'Change to-day, and all commodities showed an upward tendency. Wheat and flour were very steady at slightly better prices. Bran and sharps were very scarce, in good demand, and fully 2s 6d per ton dearer than last week. Maize continues scarce and dear on spot, and there was also an advance to-day in forward posi- tions. Barley and oats were 3-J dearer on the week. HEREFORD. Wed., April 29.-Srn all attendance. Wheat nominally 4s to 4s Ld. Nothing doing in barley and oats. Maize 6d per quarter dearer. CATTLE. NEWPORT, Wed., April 'The market was well-stocked in all departments to-day. There was a keen trade at the following prices :-Best beef, to 7d per seconds, 7d to 7^d; cows, 5 £ d to 6d; wether mutton, lOjd to lid; shorn wether, 9jd; ewes, 8d to 83d; lamb, Is to Is Id; calves, 9d to lid; pigs-porkers los, baconers lis, and sows 9s per score. HEREFORD, Wed., April 29.—Over supply of beef, and be,t quality did not make more than 8d per lb.; other sorts from 5d to 7d. Sheep were also 4 cheaper, wethers not making more than 9d; fat lambs, lOd to Is; ewes and lambs, 70s; porkers made 62d to 7d per lb., and baconers 4zd for a limited supply. LEICESTER, April 29.—Larger show of cattle, and pri-ces hardiy so high as last week, especially the heavier weights, which made about nd per lb., while the best light-weights made 7td, against 8d last week. Sheep and lambs numbered a.bout 1,250; best light- weight hoggs fully as dear as last week, making 9d per lb, but the heavier weights at 8Jtd were id per lb 4 down on the week. Lambs in very good request, best quality making Is to Is Id per lb. Pigs decidedly cheaper, bacons making 9s 6d to lis 6d, and porkers 1h 6d to 12s 6..1. per score. LONDON. Metropolitan Cattle Market, April 27.— Smaller supplies of cattle, the majority coming from the Eastern counties, with a few Scotch beasts; trade slow all day, owing to the very poor trade in the dead meat market, but last week's prices were about maintained. 1st quality Norfolk Shorthorns and Scotch cattle realising about 5s 2d, with a few of the choicest weights up to 5s 4d, per 8 lbs. Not quite so many sheep and lambs shown, the latter -being much shorter; practically all the sheep were clipped, but trade was slow owing to the high prices asked. Small Downs were very dear, making 9kd per lb., 2 while Cross-breds realised from 8d to 9d per lb. The few woolled sheep on offer were sold early at 10.d to lid per lb. Fat lambs were a firm trade. small Down lambs readily making 12d, and other sorts lid, per lb. Fat ewes were also in firm de- mand, the best Downs in wool making 8d per lb. SALFORD, April 28.—Although there were fewer cattle on offer than last week, trade showed no im- provement, in fact prices were rather lower all round, the retail trade of the district not being very good, and no doubt affecting the market here. Light-weight sheep maintained their price, but the heavier sorts were difficult to dispose of at prices under those of the previous week. South-country lambs easily made h. and Welsh up to lis 2J, per lb., trade being good. The supply of bacon pigs at Manchester included 490 Welsh. 107 South of Eng- land, 110 Yorkshire, and 90 others: trade slow for all classes at lower values, best quality making lis 9d to 12s 3d. and fat sows 9s 8d to 10s. per score. WOLVERHAMPTON. April 29.—Nearly 400 fat beasts on offer; trade very slow at a further fall in price on the wook, prime Hereford* making 41s 6d per live cwt.. while a few were sold to weigh at nd per lb. Over 2.100 sheep penned: trade very steady. last week's rates being again maintained. Pigs much cheaper, bacons and porkers making lis and 12s per fcore respectively. LLANGEFNI. April 23.—At the fair to-day about 200 store cattle and 155 pigs were shown. Cattle were all Black Welsh Runts, yearlings making from £ 8 to £ 11 10s, and two-year-olds from £ 13 10s to £ 15 15s: the majority of cattle were purchased by graziers in the neighbourhood, the few dealers pre- sent being apparently unable to give the high prices demanded. Demand for store pigs was not so good

m TT THE CONSTRUCTION AND FINTSI-F. THE SIMPL CITY, EFFICIENCY ■ EISWNJGR AND DURABILITY I OFTHE NIEIOTTE $EPA ATOM EPA HAVE SECURED V. "OR IT THE LARGEST SALE IN THE tHM BRITISH EMPlftE A MELOTTE win Day for itself in a few in increased yield of Cream and Butter alonc. GRAND PRIx Numer- r r T ous other Awards. I Write for Catalogue. Testimonials and name of ■ nearest Agent to the H Melotte -Separator Sales Co. Ltd. I BRISTOL.

MR. BALFOUR ON IRELAND Mr. Balfour, the greatest parliamentarian living, delivered a great speech at Coventry on Saturday night. Among other things he said:- He Home Rule good or bad. it ought not to be forced on the Statute-book at this moment without the people of the country having their full share of responsibility in an action fraught with so much peril to the community. It is quite evident, I regret to say. that there is behind the Government a violent, a noisy, tut neither a large nor representative body, which is out for blood and determined at all hazards t, sacrifice everything but their own political preju- dices. and determined that the whole forces of il'e Crown should be used to crush the most loyal and most devoted of their fellow-subjects on the other side of St. George's Channel. Nothing can deal with this Ulster difficulty but fl-e clean cut separation of the North-East of Ireland from any scheme of Home Rule. I mil confident that not only is it wisdom, but that thing plse-nothing, nothing else!—will save us from civil war. There is no uso pottering round this question; there is no use fencing with it; there is no use erecting a barrier between us and the naked -r,ith. If you want to avoid civil war in the North-East of Ireland, the North-East of Ireland must not be pit, under a Parliament in Dublin.

The only hyghnlc Vermin EK- terminator, 10 ,in" I! ',1, Mid 5/ from (l (Jhemjt8. or ietvicChe:rvica> CII. Lt".d:l,E.¡;, SOLDBV T 7, hall Sq,, Carmar¿h(!n

NEWCASTLE-EML YN The fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held at the Workhouse. Present: Mrs. Evans.. Esgereithm; Messrs. John Lewis, Meiros Hall (chairman); T. Davies, Wessyn; J. Davies, Aber- iiinon; Enoch Jones, Mock; Rees Evans, Cross- hands; Ben. Rees, Alltwalis; Evan Evans, Llan- dyssul; T. Davies, Cilwaunyddfawr; T. Bowen, Llandre; J. Rees, Plas; J. Phillips, Glanrhyd; Nathaniel Thomas, Penbank; Evan Davies, Fforest; J. Ll. Davies, Pantseirifach; T. Morris, Cefnmaec- mawr: Rev. D. Jones, Gwernllwyn; J. Hughes, Pengwern; D. Jones, Penrallt; Daniel Lewis, Bron- deg; Dr. Jenkins, Henllan; J. O. Jones, veterinary surgeon; J. Davies, Penlan; W. Jones, Ogof; D. T. George (clerk); F. W. Probert (assistant clerk), and Dr. D. Q. Lloyd (medical officer of health). STATISTICS. During the past fortnight the following sums were paid in out-relief :lr. D. B. Datviea, jE55 17s. to 153 paupers; Mr. Elias Rees, L49 la 7d. to 142 paupers. Bank balance, LI,101 lis. 7d. MASTER'S REPORT. During the past fortnight 25 vagrants were re- lieved at the House, as compared with 134 for the corresponding period of last year. Inmates, 19; last year, 21. A vote of thanks was passed to the Rev. Gruffydd Evans, B.D., vicar of Newcastle-Emlyn, for con- ducting Divine service at the House on the 28th ult. The Chairman read a letter from the family of Mr. J. Davies, Pontgarretg, stating that he died that morning. The funeral to take place the follow- ing Tuesday. The Chairman further proposed a vote of sym- pathy with the family, and added that Mr. Davies had been a faithful member of the Board for about 16 v ars. and was always a friend of the poor Mr. T. Bowen, Llandre, seconded the motion, which was carried in silence. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE. On the motion of Mr. Evan Evans, seconded by Mr. T. Bowen. Mr. T. Davies, Cilwaunyddfawr, was appointed 011 the Assessment Committee in place of Mr. Davies.

Rural District Council ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. THE ALLTWALIS COTTAGES. The annual meeting of the above Council was held on Friday last., THE CHAIR Tho chairman, Mr. Rees Evans, Crosshands, upon vacating the chair, thanked them for the kind asistance given him during his period of office. He also wished to thank tho Clerk (Mr. George) and the Medical Offioer of Health (Dr. Lloyd) for their support, and he did not wish to forget the Press who had assisted in carrying out the work har- moniously. He had pleasure in proposing that the vice-chairman (Mr. T. Davies, Cilwaunyddfawr) be elevated to the ohair. This was seconded by several and carried unani- mously. On the proposition of Mr. Evan Evans, Uan- dyssul. Mn D. Jones, Penrallt, was appointed vice- chairman. ALLTW ALIS WATER. Following the report "of the sanitary inspector, the Clerk was directed to wrfte to the Carmarthen- shire Education Committee drawing attention to the need for a water supply for the Alltwalis Council School. THE ROADS. A petition was received that the portion of road leading from Tycerrig to Cnwcvfran be taken over by the District Council. It was decided, on the suggestion of the Chair- man, that a sub-committee should visit and report. HOUSING ACT. A letter was received from Mr. Hy. Davies, Ffynonaubach, near Pantyporthman, Llandyssul, stating that he saw in the CARMARTHBN JOURNAL that a closing order had been made regarding his house. He wished to know on what ground had they decided to do that. The Medical Officer of Health stated that when they visited the place there was nobody at home, but they could see that the house was structurally unfit. The Clerk was directed to reply that if the house was repaired they would further consider the matter. POSTAL. A letter was received from the Post Office Sur- veyor's Office, Cardiff, stating that it was the inten- tion to close the Pencader and Pentrecourt offices on Wednesday afternoons, and Llanfihangel-ar- Arth on Thursdays, and asking whether tho Council had any objection to such an arrangement. It was further pointed out that when the offices would be closed, the telegrams would bo delivered by the other n-aarest offices. The Council unanimously decided to protect against such a step being taken, as it would inter- fero with the business of the publio CALLS. The Clerk submitted the estimates for the cur- rent half-year, and which were as follows:—Re- ceipts: From L.G.B., £ 141; other receipts, £ 4- left for calls, £ 899; total, £ 1,044. Expenditure! Salaries, £ 80; notification of infectious diseases, £ 5; establishment charges, BlO; audit stamp, L3; death returns. £ 1; district roads, £ 785; working balance, £ 150; total. £ 1,044. The calls were apportioned as follows:—Cenarth £ 96, West Cilrhedvn JB78, Llan- viha ngel-ar-Arth 2210, Llangeler £ 278. Penbovr L133; total, 795. It was decided to levy a rate of 9d. in the £ whioh is Id. lower than last year. ALLTWALIS HOUSING. Mr. J. Lewis, Meiros Hall, stated that he had been speaking to many who had visited the place, and he had been told they were nice clean houses. Mr. Ben. Rc^'s said he had lived at Alltwalis for 18 years. He would by all means support that the old people should be allowed to live in these houses. After they died let them burn the dwellings or do what they liked with them, but he was against dis- turbing the old people It was absurd to consider the question of building new houses, as no one would live there afterwards. Mr. J. Lewis—And they are quite clean. Mr. B. Rees-Yes. Dr. Lloyd said the houses were condemned under the Housing and Town Planning Act, and they were not fit for families with children to live there He, however, objected to the way in which Dr. Hughes "soandalised" them throughout Wales. There was no need to cast a blot upon Alltwalis itsef. The tenants were old people. If they were young, the houses would have to be closed. On the proposition of Mr. J. Lewis, it was de- cided to give notice to tho owners to repair the same. INSPECTOR'S REPORT. Mr. W. L. Michael (sanitary inspector) reported as follows:-No infectious diseases have been notified during the month. The damp-proof course to the new house for Mr Davies at Aberarad has been found satisfactory. The deputation appointed to consider the water supply at Cwmpcngraig visited the place and recommend that water be obtained from the same source as before. I am now given to understand that Dr. David Jones, Dangribyn. and Mr. W «n. Jones. Ogof, are prepared to pay all the expenses connected with this scheme, if they are allowed to lay connections from the supply cistern— which then will have to be provided-to their re- spective houses. The Council are asked to supply pipes, only, of the same length as before. Inspections under the Housing and Town Planning Act arc being proceeded with and the housing books with the recommendations are presented for your consideration and approval. The medical offioer of health and myself are of opinion that the following houses—which were deferred at the last mpetmg- are unfit for habitation :-Troedrhvwgroes. Tyuchaf. Trysordy. Alltwalis, also Maesvfelin, Gwyddgmg. We wish to point out, however, that there is only one elderly occupant in each house. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Mr. W. L. Mioiiael (surveyor) reported as fol- lows, upon the roads, &c.The steam-roller is now

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LAMPETER Mr. T. Gwarnant Williams presided at a meeting of the above Guardians on Friday. OLD AGE PENSIONER. Mr. J. C. Harford drew attention to the case of an old age pensioner who was frequently an inmate of the House, and asking if something could not be done whereby the old man could retain his pen- sion. The matter WM left for the clerk (Mr J. Ernest Lloyd) to communicate with the authorities. REPAIRS. At the suggestion of rr. Harford, permission was given to the Master to procure the necessary quantity of cement for the purpose of repairing the flooring of the old coal cellar, which had now been transformed into a workroom. PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS. A letter was read from Mr. D. Ti'vv Jones. clerk to the Lampeter Parish Council, asking the Board to reconsider their recent decision and allow the Parish Council to hold their meeting in the board- robm of the Guardians. The matter was directed to be put on the agenda for discussion at the next meeting'. REPRESENTATIVES. The Chairman and Dr. Price were appointed to represent the Board on the county committee for the administration of the Mental Deficiency Act.

Rural District Council THE CROOKED MADE STRAIGHT. At a meeting of the above on Friday. Mr. J. Griffiths, Bwlchmawr, presiding, the surveyor re- ported that corners in tho roads in the parishes of Llanwenog and Llanwnen had b*en widened, and the spots concerned were vastly improved. Mr. Richards, Pentreshon, gave the land required free of charge. A vote of thanks was tendered to Mr. Richards. The Surveyor also drew attention to sharp bends in the roads in the parish of Cellan. The matter was left with Mr. Tom Davies and Dr. Price to see the landlords concerned, and report at the next meeting. ESTIMATES The estimateg for the coming half-year was £ 470; corresponding last year. C642.

CARDIGAN The annual meeting of the Cardigan Rural Dis- trict Council was held at the Guildhall, Cardigan, on Saturday last. Present: Messrs. S. G. Davies, J. Gwendraeth James, T Davies, Verwig; James Davies, Mount; Evan Davies, Penalltybie; Wm. Jones, Llwvngrawvs; Evan Williams, Ffynonfair; Thomas Hughes, T. Griffiths, D. Davies (clerk), Thomas Evans (surveyor), and Ivor George (inspec- tor). Mr. J. Gwendraeth James, after having paid a tribute to the retiring chairman (Mr. S. G. Davies), said he had pleasure in proposing Mr. Thomas Davies, Verwig, to the chair. This was seconded by Mr. Evan Davies, and oarried. On the proposition of Mr. Wm. Jones seconded by Mr. James Davies, Mr. J. Gwendraeth James was elected vice-chairman. RHOSYGADER STILE. The question of repairing the Rhosygader-ucha stile came up for discussion, when Mr. J. G. James proposed that the roadmen be instructed to put same in repair. Mr. Evan Williams said he understood that Mr. Jenkins had fetched the flags from Kilgerran with- out the sanction of the District Council. He moved that they take no further steps in the matter. Jenkins should not have fetched the flags without the Council's orders. Mr. T. Hughes—He asked Mr. Jenkins to bring the flags from Kilgerran if he went there before he (Mr. Hughes) did. Mr. Evan Davies seconded Mr. J. G. James' motion. Mr. Evan Williams, in supporting his amendment, said that the cost would not be passed by the audi- tor. It had been done behind the Council's back The Chairman—Was there a seconder to Mr. Williams' amendment? Mr. E. Williams—There was no need to second the amendment. Let them ask the Clerk and he would tell them that the auditor would not pass the expenditure The Clerk-Oh dear, yee. The motion was carried. WHERE WERE THE PLANS? The Inspector, in his report, stated that he had inspected the site of the vestry which was proposed to be erected at Blaenanerch, but he had not seen the plans. Mr. T. Hughes—Had he not seen the plans? The Inspector-No, they had not bo £ n deposited Mr. J. G. James moved that they distinctly gave orders that if the building was proceeded with i before the plans had been submitted that proceed- ings be taken. Mr. K Williams—No, no, we shall call a special meeting. Mr. J. G. James—Oh, no, no., Mr. E. Wiliams—Are you the boss then?—You shall see. Mr. S. G. Davies proposed that if the plans were sent to the Inspector that he could pass them. Mr. T. Huglws-The plans had already been be- fore one inspector, and he had passed them Mr. S. G, Davies' motion was seconded, and car- ried. THE GENTRY "MuST" REPAIR. The Inspector reported three cottages on the Blaenpant Estate, and recommended that closing orders be made respecting two of them. and orders for repairs for the other. Mr. E Williams—They must watch or Dr. Rees would come down upon them and report them as happened in the case of the cottages at Alltwalis. Mr. T. Hughes—Were they going to turn people out of their houses with no place to go to? If so, he would go out through the door and never trouble the Council any more. If they were obliged to do anything of that sort it was a shame. It should not be pressed in the open country to that extent. The Chairman—He had seen houses in the town of Cardigan and he considered there was far more liberty in that sense in the town than in the country. He did not think it right that they should interfere in that way. As Mr. Hughes had re- marked it was an awful thing to turn people out of their houses. ir. E. Williams—It was not the Council that wished to throw them out, but Dr. Rees would come down on them as a council. If anybody ought to be compelled to repair the houses tho gentry should. They had an inspector who was paid, and who lately had an increase in his salary so that he could do his work properly, but when h. brought cases before them they went against him Mr. J. G. James—The houses in question would u be sold with the estate, and he proposed that the matter be adjourned until after the sale. The Inspector—You should send that resolution to the Local Government Board. Mr. J. G. Jameg--No need to do that. You fill in your papers as we say.. You are our servant and not our master. The working classes could not afford—many of them—to pay £ 5 5s. rent for a house. If a new houee was built costing £ 150, the rent at 35 per cent. would amount to £.5 5s. Mr. T Hughes-You can't build a new house for JE150. Mr. J. G. James-Private enterprise would not permit of houses being built, then they should lend money at the same rate of interest as-they paid to working men who deposited their money in the Post Office Savings Bank at an interest of 2 per oent, It was decided to adjourn the matter until after the sale of the Blaenpant Estate. ABERPORTH BEACH ROAD. Mr. T. Thomas, Plas, Aberporth, wrote calling attention to the road leading down to the beach, and which was in a serious condition. If the same would not be attended to at once, he had no alter- native but to apply to other authorities. He would be glad of an early reply, as the matter was one of importance to the community at large. The Surveyor—He would suggest that a sub-com- mittee should meet on the spot. Mr. E. Williams—They had passed that the sur- veyor was to repair the road as far as high water mark. The Surveyor—If he had to repair the road as far J as Mr. Thomas wanted him to, he would have to repair it much further down thar where he considered the high-water mark to be. Mr. E. Williams-Mr. Thomas knew well enough where the high-water mark was. It was decided that three members should go and visit the spot and report to the next meeting. SOAP Mr. Evan Williams had a motion on the agenda "that the highway sunrveyor be henceforth engaged by the Council on an average of four days a week." If the surveyor could do his work in four days there was no reason why they should confine him for the whole week. Mr. Williams was told that his motion was not in order. Mr. E. Williams-Let the surveyor then act on his own responsibility. The surveyor wae firmer on his feet than they thought. Mr. J. G James-Tha.fs soap (laughter). TRACTION ENGINES. Mr. J. Gwendraeth James drew attention to the liability of steam traction engines to put hedges on fire, and remarked upon the liability of the owners of the same to oompensate for any damage* done in that way. He would propose that the atten- tion of the County Council be drawn to the matter. This was agreed to. ON THE TABLE. A letter from the Llandugwydd Parish Council protesting against the proposed alteration to the corner on Brynbwa road was ordered to lie on the table, and the surveyor was instructed to procetd with the work at once. EASING CORNERS. Mr. E. Davies gave notice of motion to ease the corners (a) between Penlon, Parcygors and Pea- main and (b) by Coedycwm, Cwmcoy.

LLANDOVERY The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Friday when there was present-Mr. Dar;d Davies (chairman), Alderman T. Watkins (vice- chairman), and Messrs. El P. Lloyd, Rees Lewis, Thomas Evans, W. Thomas, Thomas Wi'.iams, Richard Thomas, E. Harries, Morgans, GwvnTe. Nicholas Nicholas, L. Roderick, G. Morgan, W R. Lewis, Daniel Lewis, the clerk, Mr. D. T. M. Jones, the Medical Officer, Dr Morgan, the Relieving Officer, Mr E. Williams, the Surveyors, Messrs. E. Williams, and Tudor Lewis, and the Master, Mr. J. C. Evans. OUTDOOR RELIEF. Mr. E. Williams, reported that the number in re- ceipt of outdoor relief for the week onding April 23rd, was 127, cost L22 10s. lid.; corresponding week last year 116 cost J620 2s. For the week ending April 30th 127, cost JB20 178. 6d., corresponding week last year 116 cost JB20 2s. INCREASED COST OF VAGRANT RELIEF The Master reported that the 8 ounces of bread given to vagrants with gruel was more than most of them could eat. He had therefore instructed the Matron to give them 6 ounces subject to the Board's approval The Master said that formerly they did not give them gruel with the bread At present some of them left some of the bread behind It was decided to leave it to the Master's diQrretion as to the- quantity he should give them, the < rman remarking that some had better appetites than others. The Vice-Chairman—They will soon say tney want more. None of them are bashful (laughter). Mr. Richard Thomas dealing with the way ticket

[ WHY WASTE MONEY. BY PAYING AN ABSURDLY HIGH palc. -FOR 4 CRJtAm SEPARATOR ? Has proved itself to be equal to One Month's Trial Free. Awarded Silver Medtl B.A.8.E. 1906. and the Germax AgricnKvil Society's THE HIGHEf&T AWARDS IN EUROPE. tto others at double the prioe. It is OinLBAITEBD for 10 years, and to skins ae clean, turii easier, anfl be smtpler to manage timn maajr <il the -I n»a*>hiiK'S, and (superior in every respect to the lower-priced ones. BS» Sales over 179,000 in 9 years. m 27 £ 4 15b. 18S. and othe R. J. FULLWOOD & BLAND, HN f- 31 to 35. Bevenden Street, LONDON, N.

Rural District Council A meeting of the R.D C was held afterwards when the chairman, Mr. Thomas Evans. J.P.. Abernant, presided RHANDIRMWYN BRIDGE. It was reported that the Bridge over the Towy at Rhandirmwyn was now practically completed. It was decided that a oheque for £100 be paid on account to the contractor, in respect of the balance due to him. THE LLANELLY WATER WORKS. There was a prolonged discussion in respect to the arrangements to be made with the Uanelly Rural District Council, in reference to the repairing and maintaining of the roads for a supply of water from the Llanddeusant district, and the clerk was given instructiom to write to them on the subject. SURVEYOR'S ESTIMATES. The Surveyor's estimates, which were adopted, for the ensuing year were submitted as follows:— District No. 1, £1,445; No 2, £ 973; No. 3, E449. Last year's estimates were as followsDistrict No. 1, £ 1,180; actually expended, £1,115, beime £ 65 less than the estimate. D istrict No. 2 esti- mate, £ 883; actually expended, £ 1,122. Amount spent beyond the estimate £239. Distriot No. 3 esti. mate £ 413; actual expenditure. Jb44Q The esti- mate was therefore exceeded by J527. Mr. Williams, surveyor for District No. 1. was complimented on the fact that the expenditure in his district was jE65 under the estimate. An application was reoeived for a subscription for the National Library of Wales. Mr. Lewis Roderick gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that this Council do sub- scribe a small sum. The questions of the Llangadock and Mothvey water supples were again under discussion. Mr. E. P. Lloyd said that one pump in the village had being repaired at his own expense, and he was going to bear the cost of repairing another pumpL He believed that they would be able to halve a pure supply without burdening the ratepayers with an expensive scheme which they did not want. Dr. Morgan said that he had just been told by the Surveyor that there was a scarcity of water there now. Mr. E. P. Lloyd-I don't think there is a scarcity in the backwayt 3 The Surveyor—There is not sufficient for the village. Mr. E. P. Lloyd-We are going to put two more pumps there. The SurveTor-Thafil not sufficient. Mr. E. P. Lloyd-I think we had better call a parish meeting. It would be a dreadful thing to burden the ratepayers of Llangadock with a big and expensive 9chemet Dr. Morgan said that some of the wells were con. taminated. Mr. E. P. Lloyd-The post-office well is quite pure, and there are two or three others which are 80. Dr. Monz-an-Tw.o or three of those that are used are contaminated. Mr. Roderick expressed the view that districts when their supplies were complained of should do their best ofciheir own initiative to remedy matters, otherwise this Council would be compelled to move. If Llangadock. as Mr. Lloyd had said, wished to avoid a heavy rate they should make some effort to improve their present system. Mr. B P. Lloyd said that another pump which he was going to have repaired with the one which had already been done would help a good deal. It was decided, on the proposition of Mrt. E. P. Lloyd, that a parish meeting be called at Llan- gadock to discuss the aubjeot. A letter was received from the Mothvey Parish Council to the effect that that body was going to give the question of an adequate water supply their attention,

Two hundred veers is the reputed age of the fine tortoise for which Miss Elleti Biddell, of Ipswich, who died recently, made provision in her will. The tortoise was in Miss Biddell's possession for 69 years. It has now passed into the custody of Mr. Herman Biddell, a well-known Suffolk agriculturist.

PERFECT Cream Separators Have a Larger Sale than all Others- n Because they are better than all others. SILVER MEDAL R.A.S.E., BRISTOL, 1913 TRY ONE FOR A WHOLE MO-WH FREE OF ALL COST. Stocked by Local Agents :— D. O. Jones, Carmarthen

as it has been, prices ranging from 24a 6d to 27s 6d for pigs of eight to twelve weeks old. LLANYBYTHER (Carmarthenshire), April 27.— At this fair about 460 cattle were shown, including some good two-year-old steers, which made from J615 to B16 each, while a large number of yearling steers and heifers made from JB7 to L12. Cows and calves were a very good trade, and realised from JE12 10s to JB21 per head. Store sheep numbered about 220, and sold well, Welsh ewes and lambs making from 60s to 60s per couple, and Mountain ewes and lambs 2711 to 32s. Store pigs numbered about 120, and were all cleared, pigs of 8 to 12 weeks realising from 19s to 28a each. PROVISIONS. LLANDILO, Sat., May 2.—The market to-day was a Tery full one. Trussed poultry was very scarce. Quotat lont3: -Fresh butter. Is O^d and Is Id per lb; tub ditto, 18; eggs, 15 for Is; poultry- live duck., 51 per couple; trussed chickens, 6s 6d per couple; trussed fowls, lid per lb. Fannel— White, Is id; shirting, from Is to Is 2d; coloured serge, from Is 6d to la 9d per yard; blouse flana; Is 2d; costume cloth (single width), 3s per yard; wool-white in the grease, 2a 2d per lb; brown, 2s 8d; black, 2s lOd; best black (fine), 3s 8d CARMARTHEN, Sat., May 2.-There was a good supply here, and trade was brisk. Quotations: Butter—in casks lljd, in pats Is and Is Id per lb; fowls 2s 9d and 3s each, chickens Is 2d per lb; cheese 42s per cwt; and eggs, 14 and 15 for Is NEWCASTLE-EMLYN, Fri., May I.-Good at- tendance and large amount of business transacted. Butter in unsalted lumps for factory llgd per lb., 2 .in casks salted Hid to llid, and rolls Is to Is Id: eggs, 7g per 120; poultry—young fowls 4s 6d to 5s 6d per couple, old ditto £ » 9d to 4s, and ducks 4s 9d to 6s; light baconers 9s per score, and heavy pigs 8s 6d to 5s 9d; fat lambs 5id per lb., yearling sheep 4d to 4d, and lambs 5d to 5; rearing calves 25s to 35s each, store cattle (good demand)—yearlings JE9 to JE11 each, two-ycar-olde 211 to JB14 10s. cows and oalves JB15 to JB16 10s, heifer and calves JB11 to £ 13 fat oows 218 to 25s per cwt., fat bulls 26s to 30s, and best fat heifers and steers 33s to 37.. LLANDYSSUL, Tues., May 5.—The attendance both of buyers and sellers was good. and a heavy amount of business was transacted at slightly lower prices than prevailed last week. The large supply of butter was readily 'bought up at lid per lb., a further drop of d., for fresh unsalted lumps for factory blending; salted in tubs and casks-best grades lid. scoonds id less, pound rolls ex-basket Is to Is Id, shop pounds 18 Id to Is 2d. Slightly better supply of live poultry offered at 7d to 7 £ d per lb. and from 4s 6d to 5s 6d per couple for cockerels and pullets; old fowls 2s 3d to 3s per couple, ducks 6!d to 7d per lb. and up to 6s per couple; trussed fowls lid to Is per lb. Pigs continue in good demand, but are lower than last week by 3d per score—light- weight porkers 8s 9d, middle-weight 8s 3d to 8s 6d; heavy baconers 8s 3d, weaners or litters 21s 6d to 26s each. Lambs 5d per lb., yearling sheep 4.d, sheep 3d to 4d. old sheep d-all in wool. Calves 5d to 5d per lb., two-year-old heifers and bullocks 34s to 36s per cwt. for best quality, good quality 32s to 34s, young fat bulls 30s to 33s, old fat cows 27s to 28s or from J612 to J616 each. rearing calves from 25s to 30s each. cows with calves Elb to ElS 10s, heifers with calves JE9 to JE11, two-year-old storers J310 10s to £14. BUTTER. CORK, Sat., May 2—Firsts 104s, seconds ;J2S, thirds 88s, fresh from 105s per cwt. AMMANFORD MAY FAIR -Ammanford May Fair was held on Saturday, when there was a large attendance of farmers and dealers. Cattle had a ready sale, but prices were slightly down. Cows and calves realised up to JB17, yearlings up to j69, and two-year-olds J612. Small pigs were in good demand at 26s to 34a, GLAMMANFACH FAIR.—This fair was held at Llandilo on Tuesday. Yearling store cattle realised from JE7 to JE12 10s, two-year-olds from JE:9 to JB14 10s. cows and calves from "s to -16 10s. young bulls from £10 to E15, and b.en cows froiti :69 to £14. LLANDILO BRIDGE MART.—At this mart on Monday 54 head of cattle, 67 cows. 2 cows and calves, and 6 bulls were put up for sale. The cattle went up to JE27 17s 6d, bulls to £ 25 10s. calves to J66 Is or 6d to 6d per lb. liveweight, and oows and calves to JE16 17s &d. Lambs to the number of 315 and ewes 125 were offered, the prices being for lambs 7^1 per lb. and ewes 4.Ad per lb. Two humued and fifty- seven porkers were also offered, the prices per score ranging from 9s to 9s 9d live weight. The auction- eers were Messrs. J. Howell Thomas and Sons.

on the Capel Ewan road and is expected to finish in the district on Thursday next. liuring the month the fingerpost has been erected at Cwmcathan, Pen- oadur, the pipes laid on tne Blaenblodau-road, Llan- fihangel, and the footpath to Troedyrhyw Well, Velindre, has boon properly repaired and a surface drain made to carry away the water from the Council's highway. The deputation appointed to consider the ques- tion of a bridge over the River Bran on the Waun- 'Iwen I gilwen-Cringan-road, Velindre, and also the taking over of our Penrhyw-road, Drefach, duly visited these places and recommend that a bridge be built in the former case and that all Penrhyw-road, seeing that there are 19 new houses, be taken over and maintained by tho Council. I also met the Llanfiliangel-av-arth members and went over the Highgate, near Bwichmeredith-road— this is a mere track &bout four miles in length, in most plaoe* it is almost impossible to drain away surface water. The formation only of this road would mean very oonsiderable expense. Tho water supply of Penralltisaf. Penboyr, is being interfered with, the pipes under the road leading to the farm are too small and the laying of 9in. pipes is suggested. The grievance of the Cilrhedvn Parish Council as to water from the Highway breaking up their foot- path through Cilwaunydd wood. could be removed by diverting the water and laying a short length of 9in. pippfi. The road improvement near this spot. which I was instructed to see to at the last meeting, only means about a week's work for two men. I am given to understand that the haulage will not fall on the Council. I wish to call the Council's attention to a dan- gerous place at Rhyd. Cenarth, there is a drop of about 8ft. by tho roadside here, and there is very little protection.

system said that. they bad now completed the period from October when they started, to March, he said it would be well if they could get details of the extra cost etc. The Master undertook to supply them. He said that the cost had gone up from 2&d per head per week to Is 9jd. It was reported that newspapers daily and weekly had been sent by Alderman Watkins and Mr. Garner, Stone-street. The num- ber of inmates were 25 against 30. Vagrants re- lieved 49 against 59. Services had been conducted at the House by the Methodist Denomination and the Rev. H. If or Jones (BJ. iFour porkers had been sold at the Mart at JE2 10s each. The profit on the garden and pigs for the half-year was JB7 ISs. lld. Visits had been paid to the House by Mr. RicharJ Thomas and Alderman Watkins. who as usual made satisfactory reports. The servant at the House applied for an increase of salary. She reoeive- at present £ 18 and has been in the employ of the Board since July, 1912, and has it was stated carried out her duties most satis- factory. The Vioe-chairman gave notice that be would move at the next meeting that the salary be increased by £ 2. COUNTY PRECEPTS. The Clerk said he bad received County Precepts payable on or bofore the 15th of June at 6d. in the £ totalling £ 1,193 13s., and a special rate under Section 18 of the Education Aot. 1902, on the differ- ent parishes totalling 11 log. 3d