Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

ABERGYNOLWYN. MINISTERIAL.—The Rev W Davies, for many years Congregational minister at Abergynolwyn, has accepted a call from the Independent Church at Llaniestyn, Carnarvonshire. He will leave this village to take up his new pastorate next week. THE NEW YEAR.—The second week of the New Year is observed by the Wesleyans as a special week of prayer and exhortation. On the first three nights of the week the Rev H Hughes (Towyn) and the Rev J W Davies (Aberdovey) officiated, and to the end of the week Mr William Roberts (Maen- twrog), a popular lay preacher, is in charge of the services.

ABERDOVEY. GENEROSITY. Again this year Mrs Howell, Craigydon, and Mrs Lewis, Biyndovey, have shown their deep sympathy with the local poor by gener- ously distributing amongst them coal and other necessaries during the past two or three weeks. THE ABSENT-MINDED BEGGAR.—Collections were made in the Aberdovey Church on Sunday in com- pliance with the Queen's request, to augment the Mansion House fund for the wives and families of our soldiers row fighting in South Africa. The amount collected was 128 Os 3d. This, in addition to the sum|previously [subscribed (.637 Is 6d)lby the Churcbpeople of Aberdovey brings the total sum to z665 Is 9d. The Rev S Evans, B.A., preached morning and evening, the Vicar, the Rev J Row- lands, M.A., being absent owing to illness. The Rev W Williams, M.A., the Bishop's Chaplain, assisted at the morning service. The collection was one of the largest ever made in the Church. CRICKET CLUB.—At a meeting on Tuesday even- ing it was decided to form a cricket club for the town. It was stated that satisfactory arrange- ments had been arrived at with the Cambrian Railways Company in regard to the land between the railway station and the main road, where it is intended to make the pitch. Captain Enoch Lewis was elected president of the club, Captain John Evans treasurer, Mr W Vaugban Thomas and Mr Z Jones (National Schools) secretaries. Captain Edwards and Captain Bill were nominated to can- vass the town for subscriptions towards the club. The following were elected on the committee :— The President and the officers, Captain Edwards, Captain Bill, Messrs R 0 Richards, J Daniel Hughes, R Festin Williams, E L Rowlands, J M Howell, W Jones Hughes, and Arthur Tomlins. The club has excellent prospects.

DOLGELLEY. OF INTEREST TO EVERYBODY.—Once again the annual Clearance Sale, previous to stock-taking, is on at Commerce House, Dolgelley. This season, the extraordinary mildness of the weather, has caused the demand for warmer clothing to be very small, and mateiials to be marked lower Own usual, with the result that the Stock in these Departments are naturally somewhat heavier. The consequence is that those who have not yet procured their regular supplies are now offered Greater Inducements than have before been possible both in regard to Sterling Value and Cheapness, and present purchasers are assured of reaping the full advantage by securing these Goods at Greatly Reduced Prices. This un- precedented opportunity should not be missed without first seeing these Bargains, which are offered at comparatively nominal clearance prices. -John Griffith, proprietor. [Advt.

INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL GOYEllNOllS. FRIDAY. Mr Richard Rees (chairman) presiding. APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT MASTER. The Headmaster wrote enclosing a letter from Mr 0 M Roberts, assistant master at the school, resigning his post. As it was of importance to fill the post of assistant teacher as soon as possible he had appointed Mr E P Evans, assistant master a the Llangefni County School, at a salary of £ 100 a year. The shorthand class was now unprovided for, and he would suggest to the Governors to engage the services of Mr Roberts for this class until about July, he to visit the school once a week and be paid £ 5 and his railway fare.—This was unanimously agreed to. DRILLING. Sergt-Instructor Hewimings resigned his post of drill instructor at the school.—It was decided to ask the present instructor of the local company of "Volunteers to accept the office. SCIENCE AND ART GRANT. The Clerk announced that 134 6s lid had been received from the Science and Art Department as against X20 laQt year. COUNTY GOVERNORS. Mr David Evans, solicitor, wrote that owing to pressure of professional duties he could not represent the managers on the County Governing Body. It was decided to ask Mr It Gillart to represent the managers. THE LABORATORY. The Headmaster said that unless the new labora- tory was completed without the least delayifc would seriously handicap the school in its dealings with the Central Welsh Board as it was necessary for them to make use of it for some part of the school year.—The chairman and the clerk were appointed to see the contractor and to urge him to complete the work as soon as possible.—The Headmaster also complained that residents of the town put their clothes to dry on the school premises.— Referred to the chairman and clerk.

THE GOVERNMENT AND THE WAR. MR. BALFOUR AT MANCHESTER, The Right Hon A J Balfour, M.P-, addressed a great meeting of his constituents in East Man- chester on Tuesday night. He spoke only on one subject—The war in South Africa, which he de- scribed as the greatest war in which within the memory of the present generation this country has been involved. The war was going to be settled, and settled once for all, but it would not be settled easily, immediately, without further difficulty, or without further bloodshed. With regard to the inaction of the Government from a military point of view prior to the outbreak of hostilities, Mr. Balfour argued that if Great Britain had protested against the Boers importing munitions of war the Transvaal Govern- ment would have pointed to that ill-omened enterprise," the Jameson Raid, and said it was for defence and not aggression that they were buying guns and war material. He admitted that we. were unprepared to deal with the military situation which we had to face, but contended that the Government were not to blame. He did not feel that he needed to offer any apology whatever for himself or his col- leagues. Mr Balfour discussed the question of the inferiority of the guns in the hands of the British soldiers. He explained the reasons why lighter guns than some of those used by the Boers had been sent out, and declared that it was a pro- found and complete delusion to suppose that our army was not as efficiently equipped as any other European army. Having discovered the need for bigger guns, such guns were being, and would be, sent out. The Generals had been given a free hand. Though the Government had been slow, yet, having made up their minds, they would be constant. Now they had been forced to the con- clusion that those Slates had always intended the destruction of onr rule in Sou Mi Africa, they would pursue unwavering to the end a policy which at all events would secure amongst its results that no such war in South Africa shall ever be waged again.

-+- SAILORS SUBSIST ON STRAW. The German schooner Kate has been towed into Granton, after having been four months on the voyage from Oldenburg to that port. The vessel had met with rough weather in the North Sea, and for three weeks the crew had subsisted on straw and rainwater, their stock of provisions and water having been exhausted. Naturally tl e men when landed were in a deplorable weak condition. It is believed that the barque Disponent, of Arundel, has been lost with ail hands while on a voyage from the Tyne to Norway. Tne crew numbered eleven, and the captain's daughter was also on board.

MACHYNLLETH. TRANSVAAL WAR FUND.—One of the best minstrel entertainments ever held in Machynlleth took place in the Town Hall on Friday evening, the 29th, the proceeds of which were handed over towards the War Fund, The hall was packed with a most patriotic audience. The chief organizer was Mr Howell, School House, who deserves the highest praise for his gcod work for such a worthy object, and he was ably assisted in the work by Mr Cule, and the utmost loyalty and good feeling prevailed amongst the members of the troupe. Some of the best singers in the town gladly gave their time and talent. Needless to say, each man played his part well, the cornermen keeping the audience in the best of moods. Everyone threw his whole heart and energy into the amusing work, which was a grand success. TRADESMEN'S HUNT.—This annual hunt of the tradesmen of the town with the Plas fox hounds took place on New Year's Day. The meet was at Llynlloedd where those who assembled were enter- tained by Mr Edmund and Mr Rd Gillart. Amongst those present on horseback or on foot were Mr E Gillart, Mr R Gillart, Dr A 0 Davies, Mr D E R Griffiths, Major Bonsall, Mr Daniel, Towyn, Mr It Jones, veterinary surgeon, Mr Jones, Sandilands, Towyn, Mr J Evans, Fronygoch, Mr T Carruthers, Mr Crawford, Mr Pattinson, MrE Breeze, Mr John Evans, ironmonger, Mr E Davies, Dolgaradog, Mr B Pearce, Mr W Sadlier, Mr S Griffiths, etc. The hounds put up a f ox soon after starting and a hunt of some two hours duration took place, during which the fox led the chase up the one side of Cwmrhaiadr, and through the Llyfnant Valley. In all three or four foxes were seen, but all got away. PETTY SESSIONS.- WEDNESDAY. Before Major Bonsall, Dr Edwards, Mr R Rees, Dr Davies, and Mr 11 Gillart. K.-P.C. Pugh summoned Abraham Roberts for having been drunk and disorderly on December 8.—Defendant was fined 2s 6d and 7s 6d costs, in default seven days' imprisonment. SCHOOL BOARD CASES. Upon behalf of the School Board, D Davies Williams applied for distress warrants against Elizabeth Williams, Thos Davies, Ann Evans, John Arthur, John Stevens, Rd Humphreys, and Ann Rees, all of whom had failed to pay the school fines and fees. The application was granted. RATE COLLECTING CASE.—Edward Jones, Lion Hotel, Machynlleth, was summoned by D Davies- Vîlliams, rate collector for the Urban District Council, for non-payment of general and district rates amounting to Cll 3s 6d. The Collector stated that he was authorised to take proceedings by the resolution of his Council to the effect that all those in default at the end of the week should be summoned. Three or four applications had been made. He (the Collector) did not see the defendant personally, but his daughter, who was in the bar, said he was not going to pay.—The Deputy Clerk (Mr Cogan) asked for the counterfoil of the demand note served, and the Collector said he had them with the exception of the first which was delivered in August.—Defendant That you can't prove because you never delivered it.—The Collector: Will you allow me to fetch the counter- foil of the first demand note ?-The Deputy Clerk said it was necessary that that should be produced, and the Collector left the room and presently re- turned and produced the counterfoil which was dated September 1st. The counterfoil of the other demand note was also produced.—Defendant said first of all the rate on Mr Evan's laud had nothing to do with him. He certainly owned the land, but he paid a certain amount for it free of rates, taxes and tithes. He had never been charged with it before.—The Collector said that was the first rate since defen- dant had come into possession of the land. The rates could not be recovered from the landlord. If the conditions of tenancy were as Mr Jones said, the tenant bad his remedy by withholding the amount of the rates, but the tenant was responsible to the Council. If Mr Jones had told him of this -Defendant: How could I when I only had the demand on Friday and the summons on Saturday ?-The Collector That was not the first demand.—Defendant said the first notification he received was a notice on November 8th, in reply to which he sent a letter to the Clerk asking for the particulars at his earliest convenience. The next thing' he heard about it was this demand note delivered on Friday when he (defendant) was not at home. The Collector called again on Saturday morning when he was told he (defendant) would be there on Monday, but on Saturday afternoon the summons came. The Deputy Clerk said defendant was entitled to 14 days after the demand note.—Defendant: Is a rate collector- allowed to deliver a demand note on Friday at your house in your absence, and when he is told you would not be at home until Monday or Saturday to take out a summons ?-The Col- lector I have stated in my ebidence that the first demand note was delivered on September 1st.—The Chairman examined the counterfoil and said the note was dated December 28.—The Collector That was the second. I should like Mr Jones to produce the first.-Defei-i(lant It was never delivered.— The Collector: I delivered it to your daughter.— Defendant (pointing to a lady in the Court) This one ?-The Collector I cannot say which of them. — Defendant How can you say you delivered it to my daughter then ? There is plenty of difference between them.—The Collector: I don't know the difference as well as you', perhaps, but I delivered it to your daughter who was in the bar.—The Chairman I suppose you have a representative at the bar?—Defendant: Certainly.—The Chair- man I suppose you are not particular whether it was delivered to one daughter or the other P—De- fendant: No, so long as he can prove it was de. livered at all.—The Collector said if he had known of this objection, he would have produced evidence to the effect that he delivered the note and that Miss Jones said they would not be paid. The Chairman If you are not pre- pared with your case, it would be better to adjourn. Do you apply for an adjournment ?— Defendant In that case I ask for costs. It has cost me something to be here to-day.—The Col- lector said he had proved the case and did not apply for an adjournment.—The Deputy Clerk said fourteen days should have been allowed after the delivery of the second demand note.—The Collec- tor said that was not necessary when the person was about to leave as the defendant was.—The Deputy Clerk, however, adhered to his statement. —The defendant said he would not have been there that day if he had had ten minutes' chance. He was a respectable tradesman and had never been behind with his rates nor with any other debts and he considered it an insult and an affront that he should have to appear there that day.—The Col- lector: Of course Mr Jones makes these remarks directly to me. I should direct him to the resolution passed by the Council.—Defendant: Why don't you summon others as well then ? Why don't yon summon members of the Council ?—The Collector Who are they ? Defendant: I can point them out. The Collector No, you can't. That is a very unworthy remark to make. There is not a single member of the Council who has not paid.—In reply to the Chairman, defend- ant said he did not deny the rate of the house but of the land.—The Collector said if defend- ant had told him this the matter would have been settled.— Defendant I did not get the chance.—The Collector said he was sorry if Mr Jones had not received the fiist demand note, but he had delivered it.—Defendant: Sorry is not in it, and it was not altogether a mistake.—The Collector It was not that that brought you here. —Defendant: I beg pardon .—The Collector I think you ought to.—Defendant: You as a servant of the ratepayers ought to know better.— The Chairman, after consulting the other members of the Bench, said they had come to the conclusion that there had been some misunderstanding and the case would be dismissed, each party to pay his own costs. Of course the rates would have to be paid. Defendant could make arrangements with the landlord to have the money refunded. The tenant was responsible for the rates.—The defend- ant: May I ask for costs ?-The Chairman shook his head.—The Defendant I think it is hard lines after being here for seven years to be subjected to this scandalous insult when leaving.—The Chair- man I think there were mistakes on both sides.- Defendant It was no mistake. It was nothing but spite.—Mr R Rees and Mr R Gillart, being members of the Urban Council, did not sit on this case.

ABERYSTWYTH. HARBOUR COMMITTEE.-Councillor C M, Williams (mayor) presided over the ordinary meeting of the Harbour Committee on Monday evening. There were also present Alderman T Doaghton, Coun- cillors R Doughton and E H James, with Dr Thomas (medical officer of health), Mr Rees Jones (surveyor), and Mr H L Evans (borough account- ant).—There was 110 business beyond the passing of a few bills.—Alderman Doughton said it would be a great advantage if two more lamps were placed on the Rofawr, one at each end of the ware- house.—The Committee agreed to recommend this to the Public Lights Committee.—The Surveyor reported that the road from the stores to the boat- house had been completed and the other was pro- ceeding. PUBLIC WORK3 COMMITTEES.— The Mayor also presided over this meeting when the same members were' present, together with Councillor Hopkins. The labour sheets for the past two weeks were passed as were several quarterly bills. Dr Thomas presented his report for the quarter ending December. There had been 37 births registored-23 males and 14 females, giving an annual birth rate of 18"7 upon a popula- tion of 7,971. There had been 40 deaths, one of which was a visitor, this left 39 for the towns- people and on a population of 7,971 gave a death rate of 19'6. There had been only one case of infectious disease, viz.: a case of scarlet fever. The patient made a good recovery and the disease was prevented from spreading. The town had not been so free from infectious diseases since the autumn of 1898. Influenza in an epidemic form had broken out and two deaths occurred.—The Mayor Then on the whole you consider the report satisfac- tory.—Dr Thomas Yes.—The Mayor In referring to his question the Corporation will have to seriously consider the provision of an isolation hospital. Two or three months ago the matter came before the i Public Works Committee, and I understood then that it was the intention of the committee to visit-, various sites with a view of being in a position to consider the erection of a hospital.— Alderman Doughton Yes, it was decided.—The Mayor: This question has been discussed off and on since 1893. I believe the necessity of it—especially having regard to the importance of the town as a watering place-is to the minds of a large number becoming very urgent. I think we must be all convinced that if in any summbr season a large number of in- fectious diseases were to break out in the absence of an isolation hospital it would be a serious matter for the town. He had no doubt that when such a place was erected it would raise the town very much in the estimation of the visitors. The Coun- cil would have to consider the matter, and he hoped that when the medical officer pre- sents his next annual report it would contain a statement to the effect that the hospital was being proceeded with.—The Medical Officer said there were two or three cases in the town last season. In large centres the people went as a matter of course to isolation hospitals, and in fact they preferred doing so.—The Mayor suggested that they should include in their report a recom- mendation to the Council to proceed with the work, and then the Public Works Committee could be requested to select a site.— Councillor Hopkins declared that the committee had met and visited certain places more than once.The Mayor No report has been presented.—Councillor Hopkins It is not our fault. We visited the sites, and a report should have been presented.—The Medical Officer said that it was decided to call a meeting of the whole Council to visit the sites. This had not been done.—The Committee agreed to recommend the Council to adopt the principle and request the Public Works Committee to report upon a site at once.-Mr James Evans, inspector of nuisances, reported that a large number of persons had failed to comply with notices served upon them in respect to defective water fittings, troughs, etc., and the Inspector was directed to take proceedings without further delay.

» PRESENTATION TO THE VICAR OF MELIDEN. On Monday afternoon the ht iust., the Rev E 0 Williams, Vicar of Meliden, was the recipient of a pleasing presentation from his parishioners in cele- bration of his restoration to health and his return to the parish. The proceedings which took place at the National Schools, were presided over by Mr Rice J Williams, Ehyd. There were about 200 present. A sumptuous tea was provided for the guests by the committee, and afterwards the presentations were made in an appropriate speech by the Chair- man, congratulatory and appreciative addresses being also delivered by Mr W Horsfall, Bryngwalia; Mr T Edwards, Leckatue; Mr F J Gamlin, Rhyl; and Mr Daniel Roberts. The presentation to the Vicar consisted of a beautiful silver pocket communion service bearing the following inscription :—" Presented to Rev E 0 Williams, Vicar of Meliden, by the parishioners as a token of esteem and regard, January 1st, 1900. He was also presented with a handsomely illuminated address of which the following is a copy :—To the Rev Edward Owen Williams, Vicar of Meliden, Flint. We, your parishioners and members of your congregation, offer you our hearty congratulations on your restoration to health after a long and serious illness; and we trust you and Mrs Williams may enjoy many years of health and happiness. Will you accept a slight token of our regard and esteem for you and her with our best wishes. We desire to assure Mrs Williams of our sincere esteem-by her kindly ways she has already won the hearts of those with whom she has come in contact. May every blessing attend you both in the future and forever more.—Signed on behalf of the subscribers, A Nicholson, R C Welsby, J.P., Peter Morris, Thomas Jones, Wm Horsfall, John Kriller Webster, M Price, secretary.—Dated Jan 1, 1900." Mrs Will iauis was presented with a beauti- fully embroidered banner with Welcome to Meliden." The Vicar in acknowledging the presentation said When 1 received the invitation the other day it came upon me as a very pleasant surprise to know that you though t of me at all during my absence, and I don't know how to thank you adequately for the beautiful address and pocket communion service you have given me, and the hearty welome you accorded to my dear wife, and the more you know of her the more you will appreciate her (applause). The silver communion service is a thing I have always wanted, and you could not give me anything more useful. The address shall always be my most treasured posses- sion, and I promise you that it shall be hung in the most prominent place in the Vicarage (applause). Again thanking you all for the great kindness. Wishing you all "A Happy and Prosperous New Year" (applause). The proceedings terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman for presiding.

-+- RUSSIA AND CENTRAL ASIA. INDIA FULLY PREPARED. The Calcutta correspondent of the London Mail says The general attitude of the press here with reference to the latest rumours of Russian activity in Central Asia is to treat them as another of the usual periodical scares, and to minimise their im- portance. The general impression here appears to be that they are circulated with the view of creatine panic in England, and thus of helping the Boers'. In any case India is wide awake, and fully prepared for any emergency.