Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

MACHYNLLETH. THE agents for the sale of the COUNTY TIMES are Messrs T Parsons & Sons, Burcombe House, and Messrs W H Smith & Son, Railway Bookstall. Fox HOUNDs.-The Plas fox hound met at Maeh- lyn, near Pennal, on Monday. Major Bonsall and Mr Richard Gillart were present on horseback and a large number of farmers were on foot. A fox was soon found and for the space of two hours a gallant hunt ensued, the hounds eventually killing the fox in the open. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL—TUESDAY. Present: Mr W M Jones (chairman) presiding, Messrs Richard Gillart, Edmund Gillart, Richard Owen, John Pugh, Thomas Smith, Richard Rees, Edward Rees, and J M Breeze, with Mr J Rowlands (clerk), Mr D P Jones (assistant clerk), Dr A 0 Davies (medical officer), and Mr John Jones (sur- yeyor). COUNTY RATING. A circular letter was read from the Montgomery County Council enclosing the basis for county rating and stating that objections would have to be made by a certain time. The existing basis was £6,463, and the new basis £ 7,196 18s 3d.—It was stated that as the Council based its figures upon those of the Board of Guardians objections should Come from that body and not from the Council. NOTIFICATION OF DISEASES. The Local Government Board wrote in regard to the notification of infectious diseases, stating that the Infectious Disaases Notification Act of 1889 had now been made compulsory for Urban and Rural Councils.—The Clerk said he had sent a copy to every medical officer in the district informing them that they were to notify all cases of infection for which a fee of 2s 6d would be given.-The action of the clerk in this matter was approved of. A LOCAL ARCHITECT APPEARS BEFORE THE COUNCIL. The Streets Committee recommended that plans submitted by Mr G H Williams, architect, be approved of.—Mr Williams attended the Council meeting, complaining that plans drawn out by him had been repeatedly rejected by the Council. As a native of the town he felt that he did not re- ceived the encouragement which he thought he was entitled to by the Council. The result of having his plans rejected was that his name appeared in the local papers as one unable to prepare plans in accordance with the Council's bye-laws. What made the matter singular was that other Councils passed his plans. The Machynlleth Council did not even furnish him with the reasons which led them to refuse his plans.—The Chairman: Has not the surveyor told you the reasons why ?—Mr Williams: I have been with the surveyor and he openly told me that he was ignorant of the bye-laws.—The Surveyor: I told you that you had a copy of the bye-laws and you ought to study them. He added that there was no privy accommodation shown on the plan.—Mr Williams I have come to an nnderstanding with you as regards those at the back which were to be used. In that case it was not necessary to show them on theplan.-The Surveyor: I was told that after the plans were rejected.—The Surveyor and Mr Williams continuing to argue the matter between themselves, Mr J Pugh said he did not think the Council could possibly do anything against Mr Williams. On the other hand they were desirous to assist him in every way they could. At the same time Mr Williams must know that it was necessary to have offices and to show them on the plan. The Council did not deal different with the plans sent in by Mr Williams than they did with those sent in by other architects. -Mr Williams said he now felt satisfied that it was not the Council's fault.—Mr R Gillart said he was sorry that Mr Williams should think for a moment that the Council were against his success. As one member of the Council it was far from his intention to injure him in his profession at all. It was necessary in the interests of the town that sanitary arrangements should be shown on all plans.—Mr Williams pointed out that the plans he had sent in were far from complying with the by- laws. They were sent in by mistake. Still the Council had approved of these plans.-The Clerk: Your initials are affixed to them.—Mr Williams They were my plans; I am sorry they were sent in by mistake.—Mr E Gillart then proposed that the new plans be deferred in order to go before com- mittee.-This course was unanimously agreed to. THE SEWERAGE WORKS-A DEAD LOCX. The clerk read the letters that bad passed between him and Mr J M Howell, Aberdovey, in regard to the purchase of a piece of land for the 11 purpose of the new sewerage works. Mr Howell pointed out that he had a strong objection to selling the land for the purpose named, feeling that the further the sewerage works were from his property the better. As regards the harmlessness and effi- ciency of the antiseptic treatment, which the Council proposed to make on his land, he felt that there were other fields closer to town than his prop- erty at Ogof Fach.-The Engineers, (to whom Mr Howell's letter had been sent), wrote that they had fixed upon Ogof Fach, as it was the best site in their opinion. It was more level. There were other sites that could be utilised for the purpose. As .regards the efficiency of the treatment there was ample testimony of its efficiency from people who lived much nearer to the works than would be the case here.—Mr Howell having received a copy of the above, wrote again pointing out that he had a strong objection to selling his land for the purpose mentioned—The clerk suggested that a committee should be appointed to interview Mr Howell.—Mr John Pugh said Mr Howell was wrong in thinking that the treatment was an antiseptic one. It was the sceptic one. Perhaps when he understood, that he would change his opinion.—Mr E Gillart: Mr Pugh is sceptical (laughter).-The committee appointed to see Mr Howell, are the chairman, MrE Gillart, and the clerk. STREET REFUSE. Mr E Gillart brought to the notice of the Coun- cil the fact that the street refuse was not carried f away according to the arrangement made. Refuse could be seen about the town at such a late hour as 12 noon. That was not the fault of the carter, but of the townspeople, who did not put their boxes out in time. The attention of the public should be drawn to this matter.—The Surveyor was instruc- ted to attend to it. THE VACANT SEAT. The Clerk said that the matter of the seat vacated by the death of the late Mr Joseph Evans had been brought before the last meeting. The usual way was to declare the seat vacant ana to elect a mem- ber by the next meeting.—The matter was ad- journed. LAMP-LIGHTING. Mr John Jones, one of the Council's workmen, was appointed to light the street lamps during the winter at a salary of one shilling a eight.—Mr J Pugh and Mr R Gillart spoke in favour of this work. RATE COLLECTING. Mr Davies-Williams, rate collector, reported that acting upon the Council's instructions he had issued summonses leturnable at the next Petty Sessions. As regards the summons issued against Mr Edward Jones, Lion Hotel, Mr Jones laid great stress before the magistrates on the fact that he was summoned for the non-payment of rates and appeared to be very indignant stat'ng that that was the first time that proceedings bad been taken against him. He was unable at the time to contradict, but he was since in possession of evidence that Mr Jones had been before them on a previous occasion for the non-payment of the general district rate. At the last meeting the Council directed him to collect the second instalment of the rate. Out of C480 15s 9d due on that day he was pleased to say he had collected £319 10s 3d, so that day, including the vacancies which were to be deducted, the amount due was £161 5s Td. If orders were made upon those summoned he hoped by the next meet- ing to be able to present a clean sheet, without any arrears whatever.—Mr Edmund Gillart said the Council had been placed under some disadvantage as to the recovery of rates owing to the fact that the second instalment had become due at a short interval after the first was demanded. He had previously referred to this matter pointing out that there had been a tendency on the part of collectors in fthe past-he did not refer to the present collector-to go round for the second instalment to the good payers before clearing the first instal- ment from all ratepayers; that was to say, those who paid regularly had to pay twice before the bad ones paid once. That was not fair to the good payers. He (Mr Gillart) had not paid his rate because of this.—Mr Pugh You ought to have paid (laughter).—Mr Gillart said that perhaps Mr Pugh had adopted the same course. He did not pay on that principle. He had always paid the rates regularly but if his name was found this time on the bad list that was the cause of it. Owing also to the late time at which the rate was made it was difficult to collect the rates. It was very essential that the rate should be done at once, and if possible presented to the next meeting. This would do away with the unpleasantness of collecting two instalments so close together. He had heard people complaining that no sooner was one rate collected than the other was demanded.—Mr Breeze thought it was a mistake that the Rate Collector had not seen Mr Jones, Lion Hotel, before issuing the summons. Proceedings were sometimes taken when the money could easily be collected by calling. A call should be given after the demand note was sent.—The Chairman observed that it was only fair to the Collector for it to be known that he had called on more than one occasion at the Lion Hotel. -The Rate Collector assured Mr Breese that he need not be afraid that he had not called often enough for the money.—The Chairman remarked that the suggestions of Mr Gillart were worthy of their attention. ENFORCED ABSENCE. Lord Henry Vane-Tempest wired to the Chair- man regretting his inability to attend as he was away from home. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—WEDNESDAY. Present: Mr David Evans, Pennal, chairman, presiding; Mrs Maglona Lloyd, in the vice-chair; Messrs John Owen and Richard Morgan, Towyn William Jones and J Hughes Jones, Aberdovey; John Jones, Darowen; E M Jones, Llanbrynmair; Humphrey Jones, Pennal; Wm Evans, Scubory- coed; Ellis Hughes, Cemmes; Edward Hughes, Llanwrin Rowland Jones, Caereinion and John Rowlands, Machynlleth; with D Evans, clerk; D Morgan, assistant clerk; and the relieving officers. STATISTICS. Amount of out-relief administered during the past fortnight, Machynlleth district, per Mr John Jones, X23 6s 4d to 87 paupers; Darowen district, per Mr Daniel Howell, £ 42 16s 6d to 138 paupers Pennal district, per Mr Wm Jones, £31 7s to 107 paupers. Number of vagrants relieved during the past fortnight 32, a decrease of ten as compared with the corresponding period of last year. THE RECENT CASE. At the last meeting the Board bad under con- sideration the question of the dismissal by the magistrates of a charge brought against two vagrants for having absconded from the House, the defence made by them being that they were unable to get their clothes dried. The Master, on being questioned in regard to the statement, said he never entered the room, and considered he would be risking his life if he did so. The Board appointed a committee to look into the matter.— Mr Edward Hughes now reported on behalf of Mr Wm Evans and himself that they considered the stove big enough if coal was put on it often.—The Master was instructed to attend to this matter in future. FAIR DAY. The consideration of the abstract of accounts was deferred to the next meeting on account of it being fair day.

— ♦ — REVIEWS. Messrs Newnes & Co have issued some excellent volumes for February. The Sunday Strand will commend itself, on perusal, to all who delight in the best class of Sunday reading. It has some notable articles and stories by the best writers. The Captain is still the ideal magazine for the rising young men. It is first favourite in the best schools. Sixpence will purchase 120 pages of read- ing "matter with 140 illustrations in the Strand for February. It contains an illustrated interview with the greatest living battle painter, and a splendid article on Peculiar Pets," each worth the price of the magazine. The Wide World continues in interest. There is a vast deal of literary matter, well illustrated, for the money, and the narratives are for the most part fascinating. Though coming in a world of splendid illustrated papers the King has secured a sound hold. The war pictures are amongst the cleverest we have seen. They are excellently reproduced on good paper. Another of the Newnes' publication which must be mentioned is Hearth and Home, a weekly journal intended for ladies. It gives the latest fashion, with well- written notes on society, sport, art, music, &c.

DEATH OF DR. EDWARD JONES, J.P., DOLGELLEY. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. Dr Edward Jones, of Dolgelley, passed away peacefully at his residence, Caerffynon, Dolgelley, at 11-30 on Monday night, in his 66th year. The county of Merioneth has lost in Dr Edward Jones its most prominent figure. For many years past he has been its leader in many respects, Politically the county has suffered more during the past twelve months than at any other time. Mr Thomas E Ellis, M.P., whose character was ad- mired by all, and whose example was worthy of emulation, was taken away a few months ago, and now Dr Edward Jones, the other leader of the party in the county, is called to rest. Dr Jones was born at Dolgelley on the 21st of February, 1834, his parents being Hugh and Ann Jones, Eldon-road, who were very highly respected in the town. He commenced life as a painter and glazier, but he was prevailed upon to study for the medical profession. He was apprentised to Dr Lloyd, of Plasbrith, and after serving for about four years he entered St. Andrew's College, where he received his M.D. in 1861, and was made a member of the College of Surgeons, Glasgow, in 1862. He established himself at Dolgelley, his native town, where he soon gained the confidence of a large clientelle by his ability as a doctor and the assiduous interest he took in his profession, and he maintained this high reputation to the last. Some years ago he took his sops into part- nership, and between them they held all the public appointments in the district. As a public man Dr Edward Jones in no way served his county better than in the cause of edu- cation. When the Welsh Intermediate Education Act was passed in 1889, he was made chairman of the Joint Education Committee appointed to frame the scheme for the county. In this office he worked energetically, and it is worthy of note that there are now in the county seven Intermediate Schools with about 500 pupils, all of which are doing excel- lent work. The County School erected at Dolgelty is a monument to Dr Jones' efforts on behalf of Intermediate Education, as it is more indebted to him than to anyone else. The buildings cost a sum of £ 2,600. He took much interest in Dr Williams' School, and was one of those who were instrumen- tal in getting the school established in the town in 1877. This school is well-known throughout the country, and the buildings alone are worth over £ 10,000, and is free from debt. At the time of the passing of the Elementary Education Act in 1871, Dr Jones took the foremost part in the erection of Board Schools in the town, and it was at this time that he made his mark as a leader. He spoke and worked vigorously in favour of the establish- ment of Board Schools, and in this he was strongly opposed by the Church Party, led by the then Rector of the Parish, and now Dean of Bangor, whose skill as a debater was great. It will be remem- bered that when the Government appointed a Com- mission—consisting of the late Mr Henry Richard, M.P., Lord Aberdare, Professor Rhys, Sir Lewis Morris, and Lord Emlyn- to inquire into the need for an Education Act, Dr Jones, although he did not offer evidence, exerted himself to get evidence to lay before the Commission. In connection with the recent Land Commission he was also instrumental in getting farmers to give evidence. The deceased took an active part in securing a Nonconformist Cemetery close to the town, and from the first has acted as the Chairman of the Burial Board. Amongst his other public appointments and offices are — Justice of the Peace in 1878 (on the nomina- tion of Lord Mostyn, the lord-lieutenant at the time); first Chairman of the County Council, an office which he held with conspicuous ability for three years. He occupied for some time the Chairmanship of the Finance Committee and was an alderman of the Council. For some years he had been Chairman of the County Governing Body and his re-election bad become an annual event. As Chairman and member of the Standing Joint Police Committee he has performed valuable work for the county. He was Chairman of the Local Managers of the County School, Yice-Chairman of the managers of Dr Williams's School, ex-Chairman of the West Merionethshire Monthly Meeting, and treasurer of the C.M. Sustentation Fund. He was a member of the Council of the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and from its establishment has been a member of the Council of the Welsh University. He also held the post of medical officer of health for the Union, to the Urban Council, to the Oddfellows' Club, and the Rechabites' Club (Ladies' Branch). In politics Dr Jones was a staunch liberal, un- flinching in support to the party in which he believed, and at the time of the death of the late Mr David Pugh, the liberal secretary for the county and Mr Edward Breeze, Portmadoc, he was made the leader of the forces, and the late Mr T E Ellis, has received from him valuable assistance in con- tested elections. Through his exertions, assisted by others, the organization of the party in the county, is a model one, and here it should be stated that Dr Jones's son, Mr R Guthrie Jones, Solicitor, is the general secretary for the county. The deceased had for some years been a member of the National Liberal Federation. Often when speaking in public he quoted some striking passages of Welsh poetry, which as a rule had a thrilling effect upon his hearers. The writer well remembers the touching remarks the deceased made at the memorial service at Bala after the late Mr T E Ellis, when he quoted from the works of Williams, Pantycelyn. Again at the county meet- ing held at Dolgelley in connection with the County tund for the maintenance of the wives and families of our soldiers now fighting in South Africa he delivered a most impressive address, again quoting from the works of Welsh poets. Throughout his life, the deceased was a consistent member of the C.M.denomination,and for many years held the digdified position of elder. Some years ago, when the English cause was started at Dolgelly, he became a member, and was its chief supporter. Some people severely criticised his action in inden- tifying himself with the English cause when he was such a devoted Welshman and an admirer of the Welsh pulpit, but he did so with the object of furthering the cause in a town which did not pro- vide adequately for the English-speaking people. One of his most marked features was his determina- tion. In some quarters, even in his native town, this lost him some friends, but, as a politician, this same quality was his distinguishing feature, and compelled his political oponents to respect him. As a temperance advocate, he was one of the strongest in the county, and at the time of the 'election of a successor, to the late Mr T E Ellis in the county representation, when the United Kingdom Alliance intervened, Jie declared that he would prefer to have his arm cut off altogether than to raise it for a person who was not a supporter of temperance legislation, Dr Edward Jones's last public act is alike inter- esting as it is indicative of his whole character. He attended a meeting on Tuesday held at Aber- ystwyth, in connection with the generous offer made by Lord Rendel some time ago to subscribe oS250 annually towards schools in the district. At this meeting he was instrumental in getting an annual subscription of R30 towards Dr Williams's School, to be spent in scholarships, and a further sum of £10 each to all the other intermediate schools in the county. Last Wednesday (his last public appearance) he presided at the meeting of governors of Dr Williams's School and made this pleasing announcement. The Hon C H Wynn moved a hearty vote of thanks to him for his successful effort and for the interest he generally took in the welfare of the school. This was unanimously passed. On the following day he was found not to be in his usual health, having caught a chill whilst inspecting his new residence at Llys Mynach, where he had intended ending his days in retirement. He gradually grew worse, and complications intervening matters took a serious turn. On Monday Dr Carter, a specialist from Liverpool, arrived by the five p.m. train, to find that the patient was beyond medical skill. Early in the afternoon Dr Jones called the whole family to him, and bid them farewell, a most touching incident. He afterwards became unconscious, and died peacefully at 11-30 p.m. In the troubles and pleasures of life he had a worthy helpmeet in Mrs Jones, who was always great in her attention to him. Of the marriage, which took place in 1859, there are six sons and one daughter, as follows :-Dr John Jones and Dr Hugh Jones, M.B., both of whom were in partnership with their father; Mr W Harvey Jones, N. and S. Wales Bank, Barmouth; Arthur Jones, South Africa, trader; Osborne Jones, engineer; and Mr R Guthrie Jones, solicitor, Dolgelley; and Miss Jones, the only surviving daughter. The funeral is arranged to take place on Friday, at 1 30 p.m., at the new Nonconformist cemetery, where the deceased had selected a spot where his remains are to lie. There will be a short service at Salem Chapel. At the fortnightly meeting of the Petty Sessions on Tuesday. Mr 0 Slaney Wynne, who presided, referred in very eulogistic terms to the services of Dr Jones to the county and the business was ad- adjourned for a fortnight.—The business of the Urban Council was also adjourned on Tuesday evening, as a token of respect to the deceased.