The Carmarthen Journal and South Wales Weekly Advertiser

CARDIGANSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL. MEETING AT ABERAYRON. A meeting of the Cardiganshire County Coun- cil was held at the Town Hall, Aberayron, on Thursday (8th inst.). There was a very long agenda paper, and the proceedings lasted from eleven o'clock in the morning until four in the afternoon, an hour for luncheon being allowed when the meeting was half over. The Chairman (Mr Peter Jones, Aberystwith), owing to some delay on the road, was not present at the com- mencement of the meeting, and in his absence, on the proposition of Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, the Karl of Lisburne was voted to the chair pro tem. • COWTAOIOUS DIHEASES (ANIMALS) ACT. The following local committee, on the proposi- tion ef Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, seQonded by Mr D. J. Davies (New Quay) was appointed to carry out the provisions of the Con- tagions Diseases (Animals) Act :— Tregoron- Councillor John Jones, Nantcwnlle; Alderman Roderick Lloyd, Penybont; and Coun- cillor J. Owen, Blaonpanal. Lrrmpetcr-Alderman Wm. Jones, Glandennis; Councillor E. C. Davies, Cellan; and Alderman J. Davies, Tanycoed. Aberayron-Conncillors Morgan Evans, Llanarth; Daniel Jenkins, Ystrad; and Evan Morgin, Llan- saiDtffrnid. Llandyssttl-Mr Charles Lloyd, Waun- ifor; Councillor T. Thomas, Llandyssul; and Alderman Davil Davies, Maengwyn. Troedyraur- Councillors W. 0. Brigstocke; J. Davies, Llan- granog; and Thos. Thomas, Abcrporth. Peitrhitv- jpol—Alderman David Lloyd. Adpar; Councillors D. Griffiths, Penlan; and John Powell, Blaenwern. Ltanilar-The Eirl of Lisburne; Councillors Morris Davies, Ffosrhydgaled; and W. Davies, Yspytty. Treddol-Aldermen T. Morgan, Maes- newydd; D. Jenkins, Maesteg; and Councillor John Morris. Llanbadamfawr—Councillors J. T. Morgan, John James, and D. C. Roberts. On the proposition of Mr Morris Davies, it was agreed that Deputy Chief Constable Lloyd and Supt. Williams be appointed inspectors for the whole county, under the same Act, in their respective divisions. The question whether mileage was to be allowed them was deferred until the report had been received from the Joint Standing Committee, who had that question under consideration. CORRESPONDENCE. The Clerk read a number of letters received from the several Government Departments, of which the following were the most important:— EXPLOSIVES ACT. The Clerk said he had received a letter from the Local Government Board asking what had been done towards carrying out the Explosives Act, and that he had replied that the powers under that Act had been delegated to the magis- trates in petty sessions. THE LUNATIC ASYLUM. The Clerk said there had been some doubt in the minds of the Council as to whether the visitors of the Lunatic Asylum would be a com- mittee of the Council or a committee of the Asylum. If they were a committee of the Coun- cil they would have to examine and go into all the accounts of the Asylum. The Local Govern- ment Board had, in a letter received by him, settled that question, as therein they ordered that only an abstract of the accounts should be sent to the Council, thereby showing that the visitors were a committee of the Asylum. GRANT IN AID OF LOCAL TAXATION. The Clerk read a letter from the Local Govern- ment Board stating that they had made payment of £ 1,536 to the county treasurer in respect of the sum to be paid by them in aid of Local taxa- tion. RSPORT FROM THE MAIN ROADS COMMITTEE. The report of this committee, drawn up at a meeting held at Aberayron on the 17th ult., was presented, and stated that the committee recom- mended the Council to delegate to the finance committee powers to order monthly payments to contractors for the supply of road materials. The following estimates for expenditure for the three months ending October 31st had been adopted by the committee :—Lower District Wages and materials, £195; repairs to bridges, £84. Upper District Wages and materials, £ 232; bridges, 9868 8s (this sum including X545 balance due to contractor for the Aberyst- with bridge). It was also resolved that applica- tion be made to the Local Government Board for their consent to the sale of the toll-houses in the county; and that the garden near the North Toll-house, Aberystwith, be reserved with a view to exchanging it for land required for widening the road adjoining. An application from the e Llandyssul District Highway Board to the Council for an order declaring certain highways to be main roads having been considered, it was resolved that the following (being one member of the Council from each Union within the county) be a sub-committee to consider the whole question of main roads throughout the county with special reference to the proportionate mile- age within each union, and to report to the committee, viz. :—Aldermen C. M. Williams, David Davies, and Wm. Davies Councillors W. Picton Evans, Daniel Jenkins, and W. H. Jones. The sub-committee having reported in favour of repairing the old Penybont bridge, it was resolved that the question be referred bask to the sub-committee, with the suggestion that they should consult Mr Szlumper, the late county aacveyor, and obtain his opinion as to the possi- bility of repairing the present bridge, or the necessity of erecting a new one. The questions at issue with regard to the south wing of the Aberystwith Town Hall having been considered, it -was resolved that the members of. the Council reeident within the Aberystwith Union (with the exception of those representing the, borough) be t committee to meet the Aberystwith Corporation with a view to a settlement of the disputed ques- tions, and to report to the Council. The subject of the general management of the main roads was deferred to the next meeting of the committee, and the Clerk was directed in the meantime to collect information as to the working of the systems in vegue in other counties of Wales. It was decided to recommend no alteration for the present as regards the clerks to the sub-com- taittees. Mr J. 0. Davies (New Quay) moved the adoption of the report, and was seconded by Mr James James (Llanrbystid). Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, asked why the bridge at Llanarthen was not mentioned in the report, and also why Mr Szlumper was recommended for the work on Penybont bridge. Was he going to be paid for it, or was any charge Of inefficiency against their present surveyor intended ? The Chairman explained that the omission of mention of Lluarthen bridge was an oversight in drawing up the report. The bridge was reported on, and the committee were unable to recommend the building of a new bridge owing to the great expense. As to Mr Szlumper being called in, the case was this. The sub-committee recommended the repairing of Penybont bridge, but the county surveyor did not share their opinion, and as there was this difference of opinion it was thought better that a third party should be called in. There would be no charge made by Mr Szlumper. He might add that he (the chairman), Alderman James, and Mr Szlumper, had visited the site on the previous day, and Mr Szlumper had recom- mended the erection of a new iron bridge, and not the repairing of the present one. He (Mr Szlumper) also thought the circumstances of the district required a smaller bridge than was at first anticipated. The County Surveyor said the only difference between the committee and himself was as to foundations of the present bridge. There could be no doubt as to the economy of repairing the bridge, but the foundations had been undermined by the floods, and he could not recommend the committee to build on bad foundations, though they would save by it. Mr Morris Davies, Ffosrhydgaled (Llanfarian), said very many of those living in the upper district were opposed to building a new bridge at that spot at all. The bridge was situate at the bottom of a hill which was so steep as to be almost useless to the public. Major Price Lewes, Tyglyn Aeron, called attention to the very insecure state of the approach to the lower Aberayron Bridge. He proposed that the county should repair it. Mr Morgan Evans, Oakford, seconded, and it was agreed to refer the matter to the Main Road Committee. The report was adopted. Mr J. Watkin Davies (Llanfair) moved a similar resolution with reference to a bridge at Glanrhyd; Llanfair Clydogau, 07er the river Clywedog. -Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, seconded, and this was also agreed to. Rev. John Jones, Strata Florida, moved for a bridge over the river Meurig. -Blr T. W. Davies seconded, and it was carried. THE CONTROL OF THE POLICE FORCE. Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, moved- That in the opinion of this Council the police force should be wholly under the control of the representatives of the ratepayers; and that in view of future legislation on local government the clerk be directed to invite other County Councils to join with this Council in making a strong repre- sentation to Parliament to this effect. It required, he said, little or no oratory on his part to convince the Council that police manage- ment through joint committees was a great mis- take, and if a mistake it behoved the Council to show the authorities that it should be rectified. However exciting the meetings might be to the members of the committee (laughter), and how- ever amusing it might be to outsiders to read the accounts of those meetings (laughter), he con- tended that the little experience they had had of joint committees in that and other counties con- demned Parliament for accepting such an anomaly of local government, the alpha, and omega of which should be the entire control of the police. Alderman Daniel Jones (Llanon) seconded, and the Rev. Thomas Thomas (Llandyssul) and Mr J. M. Howell (Aberayron) supported the motion, which was carried. GRANTS TO THE ROYAL FAMILY. Mr James James (Llanrhystid) moved— That this Council protests against any further grants being made to the members of the Royal Fami!y. He said it was out of no disrespect to the Royal Family that he brought that -question forward. If the Government had accepted Mr Morley's amendment he would never have done so, but the question was left an open one as to whether further grants were to be paid, and he wished to have them put a stop to in the future. The view of the district he represented, whatever other districts thought, was that it was nonsense pay- ing so much money to the Royal Family. The Royal Family should, seeing' the large salaries paid them, be taught to economise, and the money saved should be used for the younger members, so that further grants need not be taken out of the pocketa of the poor of the country. The cost of the Household, too, might be cut down, or part of it paid out of the hand- some salary given to the Queen. Rev. Thomas Thomas (Llandyssul) seconded, and said that without any discourtesy to Her Majesty the Queen he could not understand how the Royal Family could spend £ 700,000 or £800,000 a year without any compunction of con- science, knowing that thousands of the people of the country lived in extreme poverty and even on the verge of starvation. The Earl of Lisburne said that while he had no desire to see any narrow limit placed en the dis- cussion by the Council of questions of vital importance, he did think that the resolution moved by Mr James was unnecessary, especially after the very full discussion of the subject that had just taken place in Parliament and the intimation given by Her Majesty the Queen. The settlement of the question might very safely be left with their representatives in Parliament. His lordship could not help thinking that, as purely administrative bodies, there was too great a tendency to take up the time of County Councils with discussions on questions more or less political, and he deprecated the time being so applied until, at least, they had been able to carry out the work entrusted to them. He, therefore, moved, as an amendment, that the discussion of the motion be not proceeded with. Mr Morgan Jones, Penylan (Llandygwydd) seconded, saying that he did not know that the County Council was intended to give an opinion on political subjects, but thought that they were simply formed for the discussion of county business. He hoped the county of Cardigan would be a loyal county. Alderman David Davies (Maengwyn)—We are loyal. Alderman Jenkin Jenkins (Felincoed) quite agreed that any further discussion was unneces- sary. The greater part of the Council was of one mind on the subject (laugbter). Mr Morris Davies objected to the motion on the ground that it was political. It was the first motion that had appeared on the agenda papers of that Council which, to his eyes, wtCn purely political one. The Council had only been in existence since the 11th of April, and he really thought that before they attempted to run they should learn to walk. They had an immense amount of work before them which closely touched the interests and pocket of that county, while the subject of that resolution did not touch them any more than it touched any other part of England, Ireland, or Scotland. All the other motions which they had had to consider had in some particular manner touched the interests of the county. He was not such a fool-they must pardon such a strong term-as to suppose that they could act without any political references at all. Such references cropped up in their school boards, boards of guardians, sanitary committees, and came even into their churches and chapels. All this was very much to the detriment of the county in general; and, in fact, in Welsh-speak ing Wales they had a great deal too much politics introduced into public life ("No, no.") He knew his position on that Council too well to need to be told it. He knew he was one of a humble minority, but that humble minority had tried to do their best (hear, hear). He, there- fore, urged upon them all, and more particularly Mr James James, to do the work they were bound to do, and to leave work such as the subject under discussion, which had a strong political application, until they had learnt to walk (hear, hear). Mr James was a member of the Main Roads Committee, and he ought to know that that committee had an immense amount of work before them, and if he would give his attention to that he would have a great deal to do without attending to matters such as the subject under consideration. When he (the speaker) was elected he told his constituents that he did not come to that Council as a poli- tician, and he would oppose, no matter which side brought the question on, any subject which was solely a political one (hear, hear). Before matters such as those were discussed, they should attend to the business they ought and were obliged to do. They should put their own house in order before they pretended to dictate to the House of Commons (hear, hear). Mr J. Davies, Cilcennin, could not see what politics had to do with that question at all. It behoved those who had been elected on the Council to protest against extravagance in any shape or form, whether in Parliament or in the county, and they would not be doing their duty if they did not do so. The amendment was first put and lost, and the motion was declared carried by a large majority. THE APPROACHES TO BRIDGES. Mr J. Hugh Jones (Aberarth) initiated a dis- cussion with refsrence to the payments hitherto made to the several Highway Boards and others for keeping in repair the parapets, copings, and approaches to and roadways over the county bridges, moving that they be discontinued, and that the county road surveyor be authorised to repair the same in like manner as the main roads are now repaired, and that no money be paid henceforth for either of the above purposes.— After a discussion, it was thought better to refer the matter to the Mains Roads Committee, by whom the whole roads question was being con- sidered, and Mr Jones withdrew his motion*. INTERRUPTIONS BY STRANGERS. Col. H. Davies-Evans rose to a point of order. There were a great many strangers present, and he saw some of them were even sitting amongst the councillors. If the Council allowed this the least they (the strangers) could do was to refrain from expressions of opinion (hear, hear). He had noticed one gentleman in particular who not only had been giving vent to very strong expres- sions of opinion, but had actually interrupted the chairman when he was on the point of putting a I motion to the meeting. That was very improper (hear, hear). Col. Davies-Evans then pointed out the person who had called forth these remarks. Mr Morris Davies thought a certain portion of J REPORT OF IHE FINANCE COMMITTEE. Mr D. C. Roberts (Aberystwith Borough) brought forward the report of this committee. He Baidthe matters in it needing attention were two. First, as to the new county basis which was referred to them. They found, after considering the question, that they were not legally authorised to take any steps in the matter, but that an assessment committee must be appointed by the Council to assess the county, to consist of not more than eleven. They had, therefore, taken upon themselves, as the matter had been referred tO them to name the committee, with the result that the following eleven gentlemen were approved of Col. H. Davies-Evans, Lampeter Union Alderman Levi James, Cardigan Union Alderman D. Davies and Councillor T. Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn Union Major Price Lewes and Councillor Morgan Evans, Aberayron Alderman Jenkin Jenkins and Councillor D. Davies, Tre- garon; Alderman C. M. Williams, and Councillors Morris Davies and D. C. Roberts, Aberystwith. ine otner item was me payment or a sum ot £3!J 8s. for the Lampeter borough election. As a rule when they recommended a payment it im- plied that they approved of it, but in recommend- ing the payment of that particular sum they felt that although unwilling to authorise it, discretion was, perhaps, the better part of valour, especially after having had the experience of the taxing of the bills for other parts of the county. They thought that the cost of the election for so small a borough was very great indeed, seeing, too, that Aberystwith only cost E55, and Cardigan 245 He proposed the adoption of the report. Alderman C. M. Williams, Aberystwith, seconded, and it was agreed to. THE BOUNDARIES OF UNIONS. Reports were read by the Clerk which had been received from the committees of the variousunioini upon the proposals of the Boundary Commis- sioners. The recommendations of the several committees agreed with those of the Commis- sioners, and were as follows :-(I) That the parish of Yscuborycoed be transferred from the Union of Machynlleth to that of Aberystwith, in the county of Cardigan (2) that the parish of Llanfihangel Ystrad remain as at present in the Aberayron Union (3) that the parishes of Llan- fihangel-rhos-y-corn, Llanllwni, Llanybyther, Llanycrwys, and Pensarreg, now in the county of Carmarthen, and in the Union of Lampeter, be transferred from such Union, and be con- stituted into a contributory union, to be called the Llanybyther Union, wholly within the county of Carmarthen, and to have the use of the Lampeter workhouse, upon the terms, conditions, and regulations to be from time to time fixed and determined by the Local Government Board (4) that the present municipal borough of Cardigan be extended so as to include that portion of the hamlet of Pantygroes as was added to the Parliamentary limits by the Boundary Act, 1868, and that that portion of the parish of St. Dogmell's as was included in the borough of Cardigan should be a separate parish, and be transferred to and form part of the county of Cardigan, and that so much of the parish of Llangoedmore, in the county of Cardigan, as was situated on the left bank of the river Teifi be amalgamated with the adjoining parish of Manordivy, and with the county of Pembroke and (5) that the 12 parishes in Cardiganshire forming at present part of the Newcastle Emlyn Union be made into a contri- butory union to be called the Llandyssil Union. All these reports were agreed to, the only one to which any opposition had been shown by the outside public being that relating to Cardigan borough. The Clerk was authorised to draw up a memorial embodying these recommendations. THE SEAL. Three designs for the seal of the county were submitted to the committee appointed to con- sider the matter, and the description of the one finally adopted was given as follows :-Emblem The University College at Aberystwith mottoes, "Cardiganshire County Council," "Cynghor Sirol Ceridigion," Goreu arf, arf dv% "Cymrufydd." SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEE. The next matter was to consider the subjoined resolution, passed at a meeting of representatives of County Councils and of fishermen of Cardigan Bay, held at Barmouth, on the 21st of June last That this meeting is of opinion that the County Councils of Carnarvon, Merioneth, Cardigan, and Pembroke should without delay apply jointly to the Board of Trade for the formation of a Sea Fisheriea Committee under "The Sea Fisheries Act, ) SS8." Col. H. Davies-Evans said he had attended the meeting at Barmouth, and they were all unani- mously of opinion that such a district should be formed for the Bay. It was now, therefore, for that Council to consider how they should com- municate on the subject with the other Councils. The best thing for that Council to do would be to pass a resolution informing the Board of Trade that in their opinion such a district should be formed, and leave the Board to take the necessary steps. He formally moved the resolution given above. The Clerk thought the three counties should make the application jointly. Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, seconded, and it was agreed to. On the suggestion of the Chairman, the Clerk was authorised to take the necessary steps to get the resolution carried out. CONSERVATORS FOR THE TEIFI FISHERY DISTRICT, Messre D. J. Williams, Penycefn, Tregaron; Evan Davies, Gilfachyronw; Thomas Harris, Llechryd and Thomas Lewis, Handyssul, were selected to represent the Council on the Teifi Fishery District. These gentlemen, the Clerk stated, were appointed on the 11th of-April last, but it was then found that they could not come into power until October 16th, when the year for which the present conservators were elected had expired. As there would be no meeting of the Council until after that date, the re-appointment had to be made at the present meeting. STANDING ORDERS COMMITTEE. Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, asked if the Standing Orders Committee was now in existence, as a question had been referred to them at the last meeting, but no report had been sent in. The Clerk said that committee had not yet got full information on the subject, but would be ready to report to the next meeting. ABERAYRON TOWN HALL. Messrs J. M. Howell (Aberayron) and J. H. lones (Aberarth) were appointed a committee to grant permission for the use of the Town-hall, Aberayron, for meetings, &c. RAILWAY RATES. Alderman Levi James, Cardigan, detailed what had happened at the meeting of the joint confer- ence at Carmarthen on this subject, and moved that a further sum of £ 50 be expended, jointly with the counties of Carmarthen and Pembroke, to engage the services of Mr Impey in opposing the revised schedule proposed by the railways, and in getting up evidence against it, &c.-The Earl of Lisburne seconded, and the resolution was agreed to. PLACE OF MEETING. It was resolved that the next meeting should be held at Lampeter. SUNDAY CLOSING ACT. Rev. D. Morgan (Goginan) moved- That in the opinion of this Council the Sunday Closing Act has been a decided success in this county, notwithstanding the abuse made of the bona fide traveller clause, and that a petition be presented to the Royal Commission that the Act, with such amendments as will render its success complete, may be continued. Rev. T. Levi (Aberystwith Borough) seconded, Mr Morgan Evans (Llanarth) supported, and it was carried. The Rev. T. Levi wished to name persons as witnesses before the Commission, but this was ruled out of order. BRIDGES. Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, moved that the attention of the Main Roads and Bridges Committee be called to the urgent want of a bridge over the Gwenffrwd, near Cilpill, on the road between Tregaron and Aberayron, and that the committee be requested to report on the same to the next meeting.—This was seconded and agreed to. tne nail in which the Council met should in future be allotted to members only. The gentle- man to whom Col. Davies-Evans had alluded had interrupted him (the speaker) once or twice, and said things which had pained him very much. The Chairman thought it very improper that anyone should display any feeling or act in the manner stated by the previous speakers. He agreed with Mr Morris Davies as to a certain part of the hall being alloted to councillors only. EXTENDED RAILWAY ACCOMMODATION FOR SOUTH WALES. Major Price Lewes, Tyglyn Aeron, said he desired to call attention to the almost entire lack of railway accommodation in the county of Cardigan. They had some railway accommoda- tion-it was a much abused line, but he felt thankful they had that. In the past railways had been built very expensively and extravagantly, I and it had now come to pass that railway exten- sion had almost ceased in Wales. He had taken a great interest in that question, and he came to the conclusion that there was no chance of remedying this unless some speculative syndicate built a railway fur their own profit, or some leviathan railway company thought it was to their interest to do so. However, when the county councils were established he thought he saw an instrument that might be used in altering the present state of affairs. How, might be asked, was that to be done ? In this way. They must try and get the Government to aid them in building such railways as were required, this aid being granted either by a loan or a guarantee of interest on capital. On the Continent the railways belonged to the governments, and even in the British Empire the Colonial governments had spent a lot of money in helping forward rail- way communication. In Australia the railways were government railways, and paid an interest, taking them all ronnd, of something like 4 per cent., and inCanada two millions had been spent in subsidising lines, and in guarantees by the government, and even, the English Government, in the case of the Intercolonial railway, lending their i%id.. The result was that in those colonies the people were happy, prosperous, and doing well. In Great Britain it had hot been the habit for the Governinent. to build railways, but they had already begun to realise the principle for they were advancing money to Ireland for that purpose, & there was now a bill before Parliament for doing the same fnr light railways or tram- roads. Although, therefore, the Government had never taken np that question in England, he did not see why they should not make a new departure. One of the greatest needs of the country was the building of railways—the build- ing of them by Government or the State-aiding of them—and if the council went with him in that matter, and other counties joined, the idea would become a popular one, and would spread, so that before long a great extension of railways all through the country would result. The great roads of the country had hitherto been the turnpike roads, but the country had now arrived at a stage when railways should be the main roads, and all through the country there should be lines of railway to enable the farmer to get his produce quickly and cheaply to the market, and so benefit everyone. If they looked at railway statis- tics they would see that where a railway was advantageously located, and economically con- ducted, it paid 4 or 5 per cent. and he believed that if they were to establish a certain number of railways in that part of Wales they would pay the same. He would like to indicate a few of the routes over which railways might run with advantage. They had all that day come to Aberayron, and it must have been apparent to them as they came along that they passed splendid farms, through fertile valleys and excel- lent farming country in many parts, and that there was a large traffic over the roads. From this, one would say that a railway in this part of the country would pay. Some of the liues which the railway might take would be these. One might start from Aberayron and go to Lampeter, or he would prefer to Llanybyther and away to Llandilo. He believed such a line as that, economi- cally constructed at a cost of, say, E6,000 a mile, would pay a good dividend, and be of great benefit to the country. Another might run from Aberayron by the Carrog Valley and join the xr M^Rai,way and another from Llandyssul to New Quay. It appeared to him that the latter might not be a locality in which a broad gauge jpoA/ik k" a narrow gauge, costing, say, £ 2,000 a mile, would, and if this was done they would see New Quay a most flourishing place. In the same way a line might run from Aberayron to Llannon and all along the coast, and wherever the railway touched they would see a great change. Then, take Pembrokeshire. The north was absolutely without railways, and one going from Haverfordwest to Fishguard, and a line from St. David's to Newport and up to Crym- mych, would be an immense boon. Such lines, he was sure, economically worked, would pay 4 per cent., and if the scheme looked well they should urge the matter forward (hear, hear). Let them agitate for railways in that part of Wales (hear, hear), and never stop until they got them (hear, hear). He, therefore, moved the following resolution That the Council invites the Councils of adjoin- ing counties to form a joint committee to consider the whole question, and to draw up a scheme to be urged on Parliament for a system of railways to be constructed by aid of Government loans or other- wiae. Mr James James (Llanrhystid) seconded, say- ing that they in the county were great losers in not having railways. Mr Evan grant ( Llandyssil iogogo) supported the motion, hoping the Council would take up the question warmly. Alderman Jenkin Jenkins, Felincoed, said that of all the eleven notices of motion on the agenda paper that was the best (hear, hear). The motion was carried unanimously. Mr Morris Davies (Lianfarian) moved that the clerk be instructed to forward copies of the resolution to the County Councils of Carmar- thenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Breconshire, ask- ing them to consider the matter. Major Price Lewes seconded, and it was agreed to. ° COUNTY COUNCIL EXPENSES. Mr J. M. Howell (Aberayron) proposed, and Mr J. Davies (Cilcennen) seconded, that the general purposes committee draw up a scale of charges for the future regulation of the expenses of County Council elections. This was carried. CONSOLIDATION OF LOAN DEBTS. Mr D. C. Roberta (Aberystwith Borough) moved- 6 That it is expedient that steps should be taken to consolidate the .oau debts of the county, and that application be made to the Local Government Board. He said the total amount of the loan debts was £ 17,183, out of which JB9,000 was borrowed within the last two years for the rebuilding of the bridges swept away by the floods of 1886. Quarter Sessions was only able to spread the repayment over a period of 14 years, and it was ridiculous that for permanent works such a short time should be allowed for the repayment of capital. By the Local Government Act means had been granted by which the loans could be consolidated, and thA I repayment spread over a period of 30 years. Mr Morgan Evans (Llanarth) seconded, and the motion was carried. THE COST OF THE MAIN ROADS. Mr Daniel Jenkins (Ystrad) moved that the clerks to the sub-committees be instructed to obtain information as to the labourers employed on the main roads, and the cost of the mainten- ance of the roads per mile for the last two years and during Mr Vaughan's and Mr Preston's surveyorship and also that the clerks of the Highway Boards be asked to give information as to the labourers working on district roads adjacent to main roads, and the cost of mainten- ance of such highways per mile. Mr Evan Morgan (Llansantffraid) seconded, and it was carried. RESOLUTIONS FROM OTHER COUNCILS. Resolutions were read which had been received from other County Councils. One was from the Merionethshire County Council to the effect that it was desirable to take advantage of the powers given in the Local Government Act to form as soon as possible one Welsh National Council, composed of delegates from the 13 Welsh County Councils in Wales and the borough County Councils; and the other from Glamorgan- shire, relating to provision in lunatic asylums for I Nonconformist patients. Both were ordered to be put on the agenda paper for the next meeting. Mr Morris Davies suggested that the clerk should be empowered in future to put all such resolutions on the agenda paper without further orders, and this was agreed to. The proceedings then terminated.

THE PROPOSED BUTTER FACTORIES FOR CARMARTHENSHIRE. The Carmarthenshire Farmers' Club some time ago deputed Mr W. J. Wilson (agent to Sir Arthur Stepney Bart., M.P.), of The Dell, Llanelly, and Mr D. H. Thomas, of Derllys Court, to visit butter factories in England and Ireland. On Saturday afternoon, at the Boar's Head Hotel, Carmarthen, these gentlemen fare an interesting account of their experience during a recent week's tour, and the meeting unani- mously agreed that, from the statistics presented by Mr Wilson, they were encouraged to do what they could to form an association that would establish butter factories and dairy schools in Carmarthenshire. It was thought that one of each should first of all be tried- as-an experiment; ond it was contended that, if properly worked, they would not be long before they had several in the county. They were decidedly of opinion that such steps must be taken as would ensure Government aid. It appeared that Scotland, by helping itself, was getting 21,300 per annum as an agricultural grant towards dairy schools and agricultural education, while Nerth Wales only received one grant of £200 and South Wales nothing. The members of the club present at the meeting expressed a firm determination to induce their brethren at the next nuarterlv .11 A- gathering to give their best support towards the carrying out of the project aforenamed.

WONDERS OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. The construction of the English language must appear moat formidable to a foreigner. One of them, lookiimg at a picture of a number of vessels, said, "See what a flock of Ships He was told that a flock of ship# was ealled a fleet, and that a fleet of sheep was called a flock. And it was added for his guidance, in mastering the intri- cacies of our language, that a flock of girls is called a bevy, that a bevy ef wolves is called a pack, and a pack of thieves is called a gang, and a gang of angels is called a host, and a host of porpoises is called a shoal, and a shoal of buffaloes is called a herd, and a herd of children is called a troop, and a troop of partridges is called a covey, and a covey of beauties is called a galaxy, and a galaxy of ruffians is called a horde, and a horde of rubbish i. called a heap, and a heap of oxen is Ca»i j a OTe> a drove of blackguards is ealled a mob, and a mob of whales is called a shoal, and a shoal of worshippers is called a con- gregation, and a congregation of engineers is called a corps, and a corps of robbers is called a band, and a band of locusts is called a swarm, and a swarm of people is called a crowd."

SMALL FARM AND LABOURERS LAND COMPANY. Lord Wantage presided on Monday at the Westminster Palace Hotel, over the general meeting of the Shareholders in this Company, and proposed the adoption of the Report. He stated that the Company jwas formed, in 1885, for the purpose of buying land, and disposing of it in quantities and on terms suited to the wants of different classes of purchasers, especially of those who were desirous gf becoming owners ef small portions of agricultural land. They were pro- ceeding in that way with fair success. No doubt they had found that there were more persons desirous of letting than there were persons desirous of buying. That was not exactly what they had expected when they were instrumental in forming the Company, and, to a certain ex- tent, they had been disappointed in not finding as many purchasers as they could have wished. A man with 6001, to Bool. who desired to devote himself to the cultivation of land had two courses open to him. He might very well pur- chase twelve to 15 acres, and still have sufficient to build a house. Such a man would have to deprive himself of immediate comforts, but in the end he thought his course would be wiser than that which was generally adopted by agri- culturists who had saved some money, and who, as a rule, hired land. With the capital he had mentioned a man might hire 200 acres If two or three good seasons followed, the tenant pros- pered but if such seasons as we had had over- took him he was very likely to lose all the money he had saved, and he had not the land nor the house which he might otherwise have had. He still indulged in the hope that there might be in England more men willing to purchase and cultivate land. At present there were more who seemed disposed to hire land, and that was the reason why the company had not, so far, made the profits as a dividend-earning company which they would otherwise have done.—Mr E. Stafford Howard seconded the resolution, which was carried, and the meeting closed with the usual complimentary vote.

AMMANFORD JOTTINGS. There was another scene on the Cross Roads on Saturday 'night last. This time no one can say it was the fault of the police, for they were about the village on duty, and their backs were only just turned when a scuffle arose, which must have been alarming to the peaceful inhabitants. Nothing serious happened, but really when such things are possible we do want more police. Will no one of influence speak in behalf of this ? I observed in the IFfstem Mail last week an admirable letter about Bettws new bridge, and I have since been making some enquiries on this t. point. The arguments in favour chiefly have been on behalf of farmers, who would wet an" immense saving in fetching lime but a"larger field is opened up in the Swansea trade. A waggoner froni Swansea, who has travelled tho road for a dozen years, says the bridge woukl- save ium 25 minutes each way. He is only one of very maMy. A little enterprise shown bv the Glamorganshire and Carmarthenshire County Councils would enable the tradespeople of Swan- sea to crofes the mountain and find a good road and a short cut to Attirratiford and other neigh- bouring places. ° « '1 • Again, Pontardulais is a growing place, and a good road from the new bridge to Pontardulais would be a great boon-in f;tctl the road from Pontardulais to Swansea being fairly good, I am not sure that that route would rot°be better between Ammanford and Swansea than the one through Llangyfelach. It is a serious public question, and should be brought before the respective County Councils. „ :■ t IS>1 r ¡f. 1-, I hear a rumour about the water scheme, viz., that our County Councillor, Mr Jones, of Tiiy- dail, is in favour of postponing the question for two years. Now I have given expression to some views of the opponents of the scheme, so I have pleasure in giving now expression to the feelings of a supporter. He says, "If the scheme is worth carrying out, it is worth doing at once. It would be a great pity to have a water ftmine, and possibly an epidemic of fever, and then to have to go in for a water scheme after all. A public meeting ought to be called, and Mr Jones ought to be present to hear what the feeling of the inhabitants is on the subject. I quite approve of the suggestion in THE JOURNAL that we should have a rural sknitary authority of our own. and deal with this question and the drain- age. So far my friend —1 ### "I I may as well give some statistics from an impartial point of view. The Llandyfao scheme with 6-inch mains and 4-inch branches will cost wTith mains and 3-inch branches, t/,000. It would be folly to sink the ship for a u ?i°rt i °5 tar,' an<* is carried, I shall vote for the larger one. Now, for such a purpose, the Local Government Board will lead the money at 4 per cent., repayable in, say, 30 years, so this will not mean £100 a year. There are some 350 houses built and building at the present moment, which would be fed with this water in Ammanford and Bettws alone. It it worth while ? The place is growing every day more houses will have to be built at once—pro* bably another 150 before next year is out. V 1 am told that a competing scheme to the Llan- dyfan scheme is to sink for water at Ammanford, and pump the supply from a large well. This seems impractical and costly. When once the pipes are laid from -Llandyfan the cost of maintenance will be trifling-hardly worth men- tioning. I learn that there will be plenty of competition at the Eisteddfod. There is a lot of hard practis- ing going on locally for it, and several choirs and i parties are known to be coming from a distance. Every inhabitant of Ammanford and the neigh- bourhood must wish the undertaking success. I am sorry to find that the cricket club officials are too inert to get up athletic sports this year. There seems to be a want of backbone in the club, which is fatal to any great success in any direction. There are a lot of people who love cricket in the place. Cannot some one be found who will infuse a little life into the club. V # Ou Tuesday, Miss Prothero, of Cwmcoch, gave her annual treat to her Sunday School. The whole of Penygroes was alive with excitement and happiness the sight of which must have been a reward to Miss Protheroe for all her trouble and care. I am told that the Cwmcoch Sunday School n the largest in the whole neighbourhood and that, too, in Llandebie parish, where there are two other large Church Sunday Schools. I wish, without offending anyone's susceptibilities, I could stimulate leaders of other schools to emulate Miss Prothero's successful work. It is true that she occupies an exceptional position, and consequently has a better chance of success. A friend of mine told me once that he did not know which would have most effect in Penyuroes a proclamation by the Queen or one by Miss Prothero. But with all this in her favour the success of her school is due to more than her popularity, and I fail to see why other ladies should not become as successful as she is. V I have been promised an account of the Prim- rose League Fete at Wernoleu on Thursday. It is said that Professor Clarence's entertainment was wonderful. I shall be able to send a full account next week.

On Sunday night two young men, supposed to be tramway conductors, were drowned while bathing in the Mersey close to Seaeomb landing- stage. A cabman heard screams, and ran for a lifebuoy, but before he returned the bodies had disappeared, Both bodies were discovered on Monday The place at which the accident happened is known to be very dangerous, and bathers have been warned against using it. It is doubtful whether the Scotch grouse season will be an average one. The dry summer has iffected the birds much, and large numbers have been found dead on the banks of dried-up streams. The moors of West Sunderland and paithness have not suffered soseverely as those urther South, and on these moors some good iport will still be obtained. Deer forests are more latisfactory than grouse moors, deer being report- n good condition. On Saturday afternoon Princess Beatrice and rrince Henry of Battenberg visited Southampton or the second time, the occasion being the laying if the foundation-stone of the new headquarters If the Gordon Boys' Brigade. Messrs Charles Hill and Sons, shipbuilders, of Bristol and Cardiff, launched from their Albion )ockyard on Saturday afternoon a splendid steel marque, built to the order of Messrs Troop and on, St John s, New Brunswick. The vessel, which •as christened the Nellie Troop, is 237ft. long nd her carrying capacity 2.200 tons. She was built under the special survey of Lloyds to class 100 A. Hundreds of spectators gathered on the banks of the river to witness the launch, and as the vessel left the stocks the National Anthem was played. Great activity in the gun and ammunition I trade is noticeable at the Birmingham shops, particularly at the works of the Gatling Gun Company, where large contracts are in hand from several Continental and Eastern Governm«nt« A very large order has just been rece"ed?rom Roumama for military pistols and cartridges, and the Home Government has placed an order with the Gatling Company for a-pounder quick-firing cartridges, in additioi, to the large order for Martini rifle ammunition in process of delivery. t mliff -e caPab,e of firi»g 850 shots a minute, ia being constructed for the Shah of i-ersia, to embody the positive feed and other important improvements recently added to this well-known weapon. Another order is for Gatliligs for the new fortifications at Copen- hagen. r COLMAN'S SlNAPISIII. Tbe improved Mustard Plaster. Certain in effect, safe for young children and persons of deHcate skin ready for use at any moment; does not scorch or blister, aod is perfectly cleanly. Of all Chemists and Grocers. Wholesale of J. & J Colman, 108, Cannon Street, London.