The Cardigan Bay Visitor

DOLGELLEY. ACCIDENT. — On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Roht. Evans, Dolgelley, met with an accident at the Glasdir Mines by having his leg squeezed between two tram waggons. We are glad to state that his injuries are not so serious as at first anticipated. INSPECTION OF THE 4TLI BATTALION. —We under- stand that the annual inspection of the 4:h Battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers, now camping in the town, will take place next Monday by General Svvayne, commanding officer of the NorLh-Western District. DR. WILLIAMS'S SCHOOL.—The re-union of old pupils of the above school, which is to be held on 26th and 27th of July next, promises to be a grand affair. The staff and governors will spare no efforts tc make the re-union worthy of the excellent tradi- tion of the school. OBITUARY.—The death took place on Monday of Mr Johtt Pugh, Maescaled, one of the oldest inhabitants of th3 town, at the great age of eighty- six. Mr Pugh was for many years in the service of Mr Williams, the old banker, of Fronwnion, and was held in high esteem by the family and by all who knew him. Great sympathy is felt for those who are left behind, especially his widow. Another native of the town dipd on Monday after- noon, Mr Griffith Jones (Brynrhug), English- terrace, at the ripe age of seventy-four. DISTRESSING NEWS.—A telegram reached the town last Friday from Pwllheli announcing the sad death by drowning of Mr. John Owen, son of Ir. and Mrs. Owen, Brynbras, near this town. The deceased served his apprenticeship with Mr. E. P. Williams, draper, London House, and was highly respected by all. He was an active member of the Salem Chapel, and served in many important offices in the Sunday-school, Christian Endoavour Society, &c. Great sympathy is felt with his father, mother, brothers and sister. Mr. Silvanus J. Owen, Board School master, Croesor, his brother, identified the body at the inquest. C.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL FESTIVAL.—The prepara- tory committee met last Saturday, under the presi- dency of Mr. Rich. Mills, merchant. The Rev Evan Roberts, :Dolgelley, was elected to examine the adult section on the Epistle of St James; Mr W. G. Jones, Goleuad Office, was appointed to examine the middle class in the Book of Samuel and the Rev Trevor Evans, Llanfachreth, to catechise the lower standards in the history of Christ. Mr R. Davies, Dolgelley, was chosen to be the conductor, and the following hymn tunes were selected Regent's Square, Grasmere, Fatherland, Glanceri, Ystwyth, Trelalas, Trecastell, Adgyfodiad, Ascalon, St Sylvesta, Baldducci, Eiriniog, Tydfil, Y Wlad Well, and the anthem, Enaid Cu" (Isalaw). MERIONETHSHIRE CONSTITUTIONAL ASSOCIATION. The adjourned meeting of this Association was held last Saturday at the Golden Lion Royal Hotel under the presidency of the Lord Lieutenant (Mr W. R. M. Wynne of Peniarth). There was a very representative gathering. The report of the Com- mittee appointed to inspect the accounts, &c., was read and confirmed. During the discussion on the report, the President (the Hon C. H. Wynn), Messrs G. H. Ellis (Festiniog), O. S. Wynne, Rev E. Hughes, Mr Jones Morris (Tycerrig), and others spoke as to the advisability henceforth of putting the Association on a better basis so as to obtain the co-operation of all the districts in its working. Committees were appointed in all the polling dis- tricts throughout the county with power to add to their number, and it is anticipated that by next meeting a thorough and effectual organization will be established. TREAT.—Last Thursday, Mr and Mrs Edwards, Blaenau, and Linnet-lane, Liverpool, and the Rev Hugh Roberts, Shiloh. gave a treat to the students and professors of Bala Theological College, who numbered about sixty. The party alighted at Drws-y-nant Station, where Mr Meyrick Jones, mayor of Dolgelley, joined and were escorted up to the top of Arran Fawddwv in charming weather. They visited the several historic places in that grand fastness—Craig Cywarch, Bwlch-y-Gerwyn, Ac. On the summit, a splendid lunch was pro- vided by the last-named reverend gentleman. After descending, the whole company sat down to a sumptuous knife and fork tea at the Hywel Dda Hotel. Drwsynant, which was prepared by Mr and Mra Thomas at the expense of Mr and Mrs Edwards, Blaenau, who also, together with Mrs Pugh, Mr Robert and Mrs Pugh, Helygog, were assiduous in seeing to the needs of the company. After the clothe had been removed, a lively concert was held under the presidency of Professor H. Williams. The inevitable effusions by the bards were more than sustained and songs were giveu by Messrs D. 0. Ellis (Abergynolwyn), J. Williams (Rhiwlas), J. Jones (Nantglyn), and a recitation by Mr H. W. Pugh (Pwllheli). An enthusiastic vote of thanks was given to the genial hosts for their treat. A most enjoyable day was spent. R. W.F. MILITARY SPORTS.—On Saturday last, these sports were held at the camp, which was thrown open to the public by permission of Colonel Platt, C.B., commanding officer, and the officer of the battalion. The whole preparations were admirably carried out by the Committee, consisting of Captain Reynolds, president Lieutenants Douglas Jones, Eric Platt, C. E. Butson, R. G. V. Duff. The weather was charming, and the officers and men went into the spirit of the sports with great gusto, affording much pleasure and merriment ro the hundreds of pecta- tors who were present. The events were as follows —Three legged race 1st, Privates Edwards and Orales 2nd, Privates G. Davies and Griffiths. Tug of War, Regiment v Police 1st. Merionethshire Police. Egg and spoon race on bicycles 1st, Lieut. R. E. ttasbotham. Permanent Staff quarter mile: 1st, Sergt. O'Niel nd, Sergt. Newey. Sack race 1st, Private J. Lovell 2nd, Private II. Lovell; 3rd. Private J. Evans. Victoria Cross race 1st. Lieut. R. S. V. Duff 2nd, Capt. S. Reynolds. Mop tournament: 1, Private W. Parry 2, R. Parry. Obstacle race, 1, Private R. Atherton 2, J Lovell. Needle and thread race on bicycles, Lieut. R. G. V. Duff. Tilting at the bucket, 1, Private J. Lovell; 2, Private Atherton. After the sports, Colonel Platt held a garden pa-ty which was largely attended. Tea was served in the spacious and beautifully- fitted messroom. COUNTY COURT, SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH.—Be- fore his Honour Judge William Evans. A Barmouth Case.—Mr Bishop, contractor and builder, Barmouth, sued Mrs Edwards, landlady of the Red House, for £7 151i1 2d for putting a drain right.—Mr A. J. Hughes, Aberystwyth, appeared for plaintiff and Mr Daniel Williams (Messrs Griffith and Adams) for the defendant.—It appeared by the evidence that Father Wilcock, the Catholic priest at Barmouth, complained of a bad smell in the house he tenanted and it was at first thought that a new closet pan, etc., at a cost of 30s, would do. The Council Surveyor, however, was not content with that and insisted on a new drain. As defendant could not speak English and plaintiff could not speak Welsh, Richard Edwards, plumber, was asked to interpret to defendant the fact that a new drain would have to be made when she said, It must be made a good job of." The work was done under the supervision of the Surveyor and to his satisfaction.—Richard Edwards, plumber, said he acted as interpreter and corroborated plaintiff's statement. He told her in Welsh that a new closet pan would not do, but that a drain would have to be made. There were holes in the traps through which the stench came.—John Adams, surveyor to the District Council, said he had occasion to make a new surface drain and found that the drain from Red House, or Melrose as it was called, was leaking at every joint and saturating the whole soil with excrement at a depth of about three inches below the pavement. A new drain was necess»ry, but he had not given notice as the house was unoccupied at the time.—This being the case for the plaintiff, defendant was called and examined through an interpreter, but^occasionally gave answers in good English though she evidently could not follow English easily. She denied that she had given Mr Bishop instruction s.—The Judge, remarking that he did not require much evidence in a case of that sort, gave judgment for the amount claimed. An Abergynolwyn Compensation Case. —Evan W. Jones, quarryman, Glenyrafon, Abergynolwyn, sued W. H. McConnell, lessee of the Abergyn- olwyn Quarries, for £100 under the Workmen's Compensation Act.—Mr Llewelyn Williams, in- structed by Mr John Rowlands, Machynlleth, appeared for applicant, and Mr Robert Jones Griffith, Dolgelley, for the respondent.—Mr Williams explained, in opening the case, that on the 22nd ot July last year the accident happened. E van Jones, who was fifty-seven years of age, had been working at the quarries for thirty years and was a careful and cautious workman. He had only met with one accident and that was about ten years ago when he lost the sight of an eye. On Saturday before the accident he was told that he would have to go to work in the following week in Nc. 11 chamber. It was an underground quarry. He had never worked in that chamber before. Two workmen were engaged in clearing debris and on Friday the men were engaged in removing rock. Edward Lewis had descended the face of a rock by maD3 of a rope. Evan Jones asked if the rop- wa" safe and on being told that it was used it and was in the act of handing an augur to Lewis when the rcpe broke ) and Jones and Edwards fell to the bottom. Edwards escaped, but Jones falling on his head was picked up unconscious and remained so for three weeks. period, which Mr Williams said assumed total incapacitation. The question to be tried now was whether the man wa3 totally unfit to work.—Mr R. Jones-Griffith said the defence was that defendant was able to work last December.—Mr Williams continued by reading the certificate of February 9th by the quarry doctor which stated that the workman was tit to work. Both the forearms had been broken and the ribs injured, but the bones were firmly united. Applicant, however, consulted Dr Charnley of Shrewsbury, who said the man was not fit to resume his work.—The Judge askod if tne man had been offered employment again at the old wages ? That was a trump card to play.—Mr Jones Griffith said the man had not offered himself. The Applicant was called and said he could not now use tools. His eyesight was much worse. There was lack of power in his heari-just the same as if he had drunk too much. (Laughter.) He could not now look down. If he did he at once fell. He could not tie his boots. By the Judge Could not do any work as his neck was stiff.—Cross-examined: Mr Meyrick Roberts gave him every help and facility for availing himself of the Act. In January after getting up from bed, went to see Dr Davies of Machynlleth who examined him to see if he was improving. On being asked if Dr Davies could not give a certificate because he had been appointed under the Act, applicant said he did not ask Dr Davies for a certificate, hut told him that Mr Meyrick Roberts wanted oue. He did not say that Dr Davies refused becauste he had been appointed under the Act, but he (applicant) had not asked as there was no necessity for it. Mr Roberts asked him to see Dr Rowlands of Towyn. On beirg asked if he could walk across the mountains to Mach- ynlleth, applicant said he could walk on even ground.—Dr Rowlands, Towyn, said he gave a certificate on February 9th that Jones was able to resume work. He could have worked a couple of months before.—Cross-examined In that kind of accident the sooner he went to work the better as the stiffness would be less, There was no com- plaint of dizziness then, but if there was dizziness the man was incapable of going to work on a ledge. He complained that his sight was not as good as it used to be but examined his eye and found no- thing the matter with it. He could see his way about. Afterward told him he wanted spectacles. He was fifty-seven years of age.—The Judge said, upon the evidence, it did not seem as if the employer's medical man had given the certificate with all the results before him. There was the question of dzziness as well as the possible injury to the back. The Act said that if a man was dissatisfied with the certificate of the employer's doctor, he should go to the doctor appointed by the Home Secretary and it appeared by the Act that that gentleman's certifi- cate wa& to be conclusive. He was not giving judgment, but at the present stage he thought the applicant would be entitled to judgment for any arrears up to the certificate of the 9th February and that if there was a conflict of medical evidence, the matter should go to the medical officer appointed by the Homb Secretary to make a fresh examina- tion with a full statement of the causes of injury. Dr Mills Roberts, medical officer of the Dinorwic Quarries, said he examined applicant on the 27th May and came to the conclusion that he could re- sume work. Stiffness and loss of grip were due to want of use. The shoulder was rather stiff but probably due to lack of use. The applicant ought to have gone to some light employment in ten or twelve weeks after the accident. He could have resumed work at the quarry in December. He appeared to have the sight of a man of fifty-seven. Finding that he could resume work after the exam- ination, asked applicant why he could not work when he spoke about his eyesight.—By the Judge: There was a possibility of milingering.—In con- tinued cross-examination, witness thought as re- gards his back, it was muscular and could not be traced to spinal injury.—Cross-examined The grasp cf the left hand was not so good as it had been, but was good enough to enable him to follow his occupation. He could not work on a precipice, perhaps, but any man of fifty-seven was open to attacks of vertigo. On being asked why he had made the serious charge against the man of malingering, witness said he made no charge to that effect, but that was the first thing which occurred to his mind. He could not say that there was any- thing to make that cccur to his mind. On being asked if he believed applicant's statement that he suffered from dizziness and could not lace his boots, witness replied that he believed ic and did not believe it. He, however, tested him for eyesight and dizziness and he stood the test. He could go back and do his ordinary work, but could not earn as much.—Dr Pugh, formerly assis. tant with Dr Davies, who attended applicant for five or six weeks after the accident and again in December, said the applicant was not able to re- sume his work in December. He had suffered a compound fracture of both bones of the left arm and suffered considerable stiffness.—Cross-examined The arm was exercised. The splints were taken off in seven days and he moved the arm himself. He did not agree with Dr Mills Roberts that stiffness was caused by want of use. Massaged the appli- cant in December. Did not see him between December and May. Applicant could follow an occupation, but not his usual occupation.—The Judge said he did not think there was any real vari- ance as all the medical men said that.—Dr Charuley. house surgeon at Shrewsbury Eye and Ear Hospital, said he examined Jones in March last and on the previous Saturday and from the state of his eye- sight did nut think him capable of following his occupation as a quarryman.—The Judge, giving judgment, thought the man's employer had acted very well indeed about the whole proceedings and the Manager did the proper thing in assisting the man when injured in taking advantage of the Act. If the employer had not done more it was because he had very fair reason for dropping payment when he did drop it. The question now to he decided was whether he (the Judge) was satisfied that the condition of the workman was such as to justify the cessation of all payments. The man had received 12s 6d a week up to the end of the year. He was much guided by the evidence of the medical men whether the applicant was unable to resume employment. The medical men were pretty well agreed that applicant was not in a condition to do the work he did before the accident. Whether he ever would be or not was another matter. It was also agreed that he could do work of a light character if that work was well defined and he thought his judgment was shorn of a great deal of importance because in coming to the conclu- sion that the payments should be continued up to the date of the application, he saw it was quite possible that those payments might terminate at any moment because the condition of the man was such that no doubt he could resume work. By the Act the payment might be diminished or increased. There was no evidence that the applicant Jiad earned any money between December and the pre- sent time and therefore he (the Judge) was without one of the means of determining whether the amount should be diminished. The application, he supposed, was for a permanent allowance.—Mr Williams replied that it was but added that the applicant would have to submit himself from time to time to medical examination.—The Judge thought he must take it that the applicant had not been able to resume work up to the present time and awarded him half his wages up to the date of the application. As to the future, the applicant would have to submit himself to the medical man and if he was not satisfied with his ertificate would have to submit himself to the medical referee appointed by the Home Secretary. —Mr Williams said he understood that the Judge awarded 12s 6d a week up to the date of the appli- cation.—The Judge answered in the affirmative and added that the man might be called on the next day to submit himself for examination.—Mr Williams said the man was willing do that at any time.—On the application of Mr Williams, the Judge granted costs on scale B and certified for counsel. A Barmouth Accident.—John Brigg, butcher's manager, Barmouth, sued the Trustees of the English Congregational Chapel at Barmouth for the recovery of lOO damages alleged to have been sustained in falling down an area in Beach-road of that town through defective railings giving way. Since the action had been commenced in the High Court, Mr John Parry aud Mr John Adams and Mr Aspinall had been joined as occupiers. Mr Arthur Hughes, Aberystwyth, appeared for the plaintiff; Mr S. Moss, M.P. (instructed by Mr Oswald Davies) for the Trustees and Mr Breeze, Portmadoc, for Mr Aspinall. — When the case was called on, Mr Breeze objected that his client was not properly before the Court, as he had not been served with notice of junction.—Mr Hughes pointed out that Mr Aspinall had made an inter- rogatory and had been answered which, Mr Hughes contended, amounted to consent.—His Honour ruled to that effect, but eventually decided to pro- ceed with the case against the Trustees, deferring the hearing of the action as against Adams and Aspinall to the next Court. — Mr Arthur Hughes, openiug the case, said the plaintiff was manager at Barmouth in the employ of Messrs Hamer, butchers, of Barmouth and Llanidloes. Opposite the shop in Beach-road was the Welsh Congrega- tional Chapel, an English chapel now occupied by Aspinall, and a cellar underneath. Between the buildings and the roadway was an area of some seven to nine feet deep, approached by stone steps and divided from the roadway by wooden and iron railings. On the 3rd December, 1S97, the plaintiff's attention was attracted by timber in the area and, going across the road, commenced to ask a man at the bottom what the timber was for when the railings gave way and he was precipitated to the bottom of the area and received injuries which made him unconscious and laid him up for eleven weeks, during which time he was attended by Dr Lloyd. The Trustees of the Welsh Congregational Chapel were the owners of the whole and the reversioners after the expiration cf leases they had granted. In 1879 they leased a portion of the pro- perty to the English Congregational Tru-tees for twenty-one years and in 1880, immediately upon the execution of that lease, the English Trustees took down a portion of the iron railings up to their boundary and substituted wooden railings, Practically the same railings had been con- tinued thera for eighteen years and until the accident happened. From the outside they appeared to be secure, but they were rotten inside. The English Trustees continued in occupation of their English cnapel up to 1S97 when they built another chapel and sub leased the premises included in their demise to Mr Aspinall who converted them into a shop.—Plaintiff was called and said at the time of the accident Mr Parry and Mr Adams's men were working in the cellar. The railings- lcoked alright, but he "nail no sooner opened his mouth to speak to Griffith Grffiths, the joiner, who was in the area, than down he went heal over heels." He was under doctor's treatment for eleven weeks. His salary was 35s a week with meat for himself and wife worth 7s or 85. He had taken an engagement at jE2 a week at Sale, but was unable to go there in consequence of the accident and he remained on with Mr Hamer. — In cross-examination, plaintiff admitted that he was in a club and was insured and those brought him in 3:3s a week. He had lived opposite the railings for three years and had been in the cellar beneath, but David Davies had Dot warned him that the tailings were rotten. He was a cyc'.ist and could now cycle pretty well. He, however, could not lift heavy weights in the shop as he used to do and had to get assistance. — Griffith Griffiths, joiner, in the workshop said he was working in the cellar when the accident happened. Where plaintiff went dowu the railings were rotten. He had been putting a strip or nail or two here and there to make them better. The railings were not sufficient to support a little child. He repaired the railings in Mr Adams's time.—T. R. Bishop, builder and contractor, gave evidence as to the rotten state of the railings.—Richard Owen, one of the Trustees of the Welsh Chapel, said the Trustees of the English Chapel took down the iron railings and put the wooden railings at the time that the Welsh Trustees gave the lease. Since then the Welsh Trustees had made no use of the steps, railings, and area.—In cross- examination, witness was asked how the Welsh Congregationalists cleaned the windows in the base- ment, and some amusement was caused by the haziness of the information whether the windows were ever cleaned at all or not.—Dr Lloyd gave evidence of the plaintiff's injuries and paid he had made a remarkably good recovery. Witness said he had known a smaller fall to have fatal results. —Lengthy argument followed as to who was legally liable for the accident and eventually his Honour, while being inclined to non-suit plaintiff as against the English Trustees, said he would not do so until he had seen two leading cases he had in his mind. The legal point appeared to be that the person legally liable for repair was legally liable for damages, Mr Moss quoting a case where a landlord was liable in two conditions, where he re- tained responsibHity for repairs and where at the time of letting he was aware of a state of non re- pair which resulted in damage.—His Honour, in reply to Mr Arthur Hughes, consented to receive through the Registrar from each side cases bearing on the point at issue and intimated that he would make known his decision before the next Court so as to relieve Mr Moss of the necessity of attending should the decision be iu favour of the English Trustees.—The case as against the other de- fendants was deferred to the next Court. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL, TUESDAY, JUNE 13TH.—Present: Mr J. Meyrick Jones (mayor) presiding, Messrs John Edwards, Edw. Williams, Thomas Parry, Ellis Williams, Richard Richards, E. W. Evans, John Edward Jones, John Jones, and Dr John Jones, Messrs R. Barnett (deputy clerk). William Jones (surveyor and inspector), and E. R. Jones (rate collector). SEWER NEAR POLICE STATION. The Inspector, replying to the Mayor, said the work in connection with this sewer would be com- pleted by the following morning.—The Clerk said the bill for the work had been sent in.—The Mayor thought payment should be deferred until the work was completed, but Mr Richard Richards thought otherwise, observing that the reason why persons would not contract to do work for the Council was because the Council did not pay up as they ought to do.—Ultimately it was agreed to pay the bill and a cheque was drawn. THE TRAIN SERVICE. Mr E. W. Evans proposed that the Great Western Company should be written to asking them to issue cheap return tickets to Liverpool, Manchester, and other towns on Wednesdays as well as on Mondays. There was every reason why the return tickets should be issued on Wednesdays, the late train running on those days. The late train did not, however, run on Mondays.—Mr Thomas Parry seconded the proposition and sug- gested that the Company should also be asked to make Dolgelley a centre like Llangollen and Ruabon, so that the inhabitants and visitors could go as conveniently to the Isle of Man and other places as they could from these two towns.—The Deputy Clerk said he had received an acknowledg- ment to the previons application of the Council to the Company. The Passenger Tiaffic Superin- tendent wrote saying that as the arrangements for the ensuing season had already been made and published, special arrangements would have -to be made in the case of Dolgelley if the Company agreed to carry out the request of the Council.— The proposition was unanimously agreed to, the suggestion of Mr Parry being also adopted. STAG INN DRATN. Mr Thomas Parry announced that Dr Walkei visited Dolgelley and in the course of the conver- sation which he had with him with reference to the drain at the back of the Stag Inn and other houses, he said he was quite prepared to permit the con- nection of the drain with the little stream in the vicinity. Dr Walker strongly objected to the pro- posal to connect the drain with the old main drain which had not been in use for a period of thirty years. He (Mr Parry) thought the suggestion to connect with the little stream a good one. The bed of the stream was undoubtedly in need of being cleaned, but this was all that was required to be done.—Mr E. W. Evans suggested that Mr Griffith Jones, who had complained about the matter, should be informed that the Council were prepared to clean the bed of the stream.—Mr Parry asked the Inspector's opinion on the matter and the Inspector replied that he was not prepared to venture an opinion at present.—Mr Parry There is at least a yard of dirt that could be cleared from the bed.—The Inspector: If that is so, it will be all right.—The suggestion of Mr Evans was then unanimously agreed to. PROPOSED WIDENING OF SMITHFIELD-STREET. Messrs Salt and Co., brewers, wrote asking what the Council proposed doing with regard to the pro- posed alterations to Skinner's Arms. They under- stood that the Council wished to straighten the building line aod to set back about four feet, so as to increase the width of the street at that point. They wished to know without delay, so as to pro- ceed with the work.—The Inspector, to whom the letter was sent, stated that he wrote back that the Council could not consider the matter until the Company had submitted plans of the proposed alterations as the bylaws required. A copy of the bylaws had already been sent to the Company, so tint they were aware that plans were necessary.— Mr E. W. Evans proposed that the Company should be written to, saying that the Council would be glad to meet their Architect without delay, so as to arrive at an understanding.—Mr Thomas Parr) seconded the proposition which was agreed to.— Messrs Edward Williams, E. W. Evans, Richard Richards, and John Edwards were appointed tc meet the Architect and they were directed to statt that the Council wished to meet the Company in every way. THE CONDITION OF THE RIVER BED. A DISGRACK TO THE TOWN." The Inspector said he had been requested by a member of the Council to bring once more before the notice of the Council the condition of the bed oj the river Arran and to point out how great was the need of abating the nuisance.—Mr Edward Williams: If I understand the matter rightly the Council have passed nem con to abate this nuis ance. I think the Council should be compelled tc do The work-Mr E. W. Evans I think before de. ciding to go into any great expense in this matter the Council should consider the financial position of the Council.—The Mayor: Yes, indeed. I think Mr Williams should examine the estimate for the ensu- ing year. It is very heavy.—Dr Jones agreed that it was a terrible nuisance, but he failed to see that the Trustees could do anything in the matter. The Council at any rate could not compel tnem to abate the nuisance.—Mr Richards said he had been told that the County Council intended doing something towards abating the nuisance.—Mr Parry Hear, hear.—Later in the meeting Mr Williams again referred to the matter. He said he and three other members visited the bank of the river one day and they noticed the bed to be in a fearfully filthy con- dition. Sacks, old bedding, buckets, tins, bottles, offal of all sorts, and other filth were lying in pro- fusion all along the bed as far as the floodgate of Mr Meredith and as far as the dam. Who was re- sponsible for the condition of the bed ? Who was supposed to have it cleared ?—Mr E. W. Evans The weather. (Laughter.)—Mr Williams: You are quite right. It is so. At present we are depend- ing upon the weather. I heard a person say the other day that a good flood would clear the bed to a certain extent. The flood has not come aud the bed is worse than ever. But I say we must not depend upon the weather. The Council must do something to abate this horrible nuisance.— Mr Richards Did you see the cockle shells in the bed, Mr Williams?—Mr Williams: Yes, also egg shells and other kinds of shells. (Laughter.) It must not go on. Visitors to the town have to pass along side the river on their way to Torrent Walk and other places of the town and the condition of the river 13 enough to frighten them. I say it is a disgrace not only to the town, but to Christianity. (Loud laughter.)—Mr Ellis Williams The river is quite as bad higher up than the places referred to by Mr Williams. It is very bad near the mill. —Mr Edward Williams (looking round the room): It is all very fine for you to shake your heads. This matter is a serious one,—Mr Thomas Parry (sharply) All the members are not shaking their heads. I am not shaking my head. I agree with what you say.—Mr Edward Williams: Well, nearly every member. I must emphasize the fact that it is not a trivial matter to the town, seeing that some of the ratepayers depend more or less on visitors. One person told me the other day that matters were not as bad at Dolgelley as at Llangollen, where the refuse heap adjoined the river. But I say two blacks do not make a white. We must not go by Llangollen. If improvements are wanted in the town they must be carried out and this, in my opinion, is a much-desired improvement. Let us keep up the reputation of the good old town of Dolgelley and not tarnish it in this way. (Hear. hear. — Mr Elliil Williams endorsed the remarks of Mr Edward Williams.—Mr Edward Williams Every portion of the river bed within the boundary of the urban district should be cleaned.The Mayor: Is it true that there are dead dogs thrown in ?—Mr Edward Williams Yes and dead cats and other sorts of dead animals. (Laughter.)—Mr Parry Could the Inspector not do something in the matter?—Mr Edward Wilharlls. We must go further than that.—Mr Richard Richards What Llew Meirion has said is quite true. I have seen people flinging dead animals into the river. I have seen them throw the bodies of animals over the heads of people passing along the river side. Un- less persons are very smart they are made targets of and their heads receive the body instead of the river. (Laughter.)—Mr Edward Williams: I move that proceedings in future be taken against those persons found throwing refuse and dead animals into the river. I think this should be done even if we summon twenty people.—Dr Jones Let us have a report from the Inspector in the first place. —Mr Edward Williams The matter is too serious to wait for a fortnight.—Mr Parry I should think we ought to clean the bed first of all. That would strengthen our hands when we took proceedings against offenders.—The Mayor agreed with this suggestion.—Mr Edward Williams: For goodness sake let us do something to abate this nuisance.—It was then agreed to have the bed cleaned and that notices should be printed and the bellman sent round the town stating that proceedings would be taken in future against persons found throwing refuse and dead animals into the river.—The Inspector said as soon as the workmen were dis- engaged they would be put to clear the bed of the river. He hoped that the Council would take pro- ceedings if the names of offenders were submitted to them. ANOTHER EVIL PRACTICE. Mr Parry referred to the fact that a lot of paper was thrown into the river Wnion at the back of the Cambrian Railway Station.—The Inspector said the paper, which consisted of wrappers round news- papers arriving by train, was thrown into the river by the boys engaged by the booksellers of the town whom he had cautioned. No paper was thrown by the bookstall employees. He would do all he could in the matter. LOMBARD STREET. The Inspector said he had been asked by Mr Richard Williams to refer to the inconvenience caused by rain water to the houses owned by him in Lombard-street.—Mr Parry said Mr Williams hoped if the Council could not see their way to construct a pavement, Mr Williams paying half, that something would be done to prevent water running into the houses. What was needed was to rise that side of the road to the level of the other side, and he proposed that this should be done.— Dr Jones seconded the proposition which was agreed to, Mr Edward Williams observing that a pavement would not cost much more than raising the road. CROSBY BUILDINGS: THE WAY FEVERS START. The Inspector reported that the drainage arrange- ments of a certain house in Crosby-buildings were still very bad.—Mr Edward Williams: Why should this matter come up meeting after meeting ? I have been on the Council fourteen months and this matter has been before us continually during that time. If the houses were owned by some compara- tively.poor persons living at Lawnt or the upper part of the town, proceedings would have been taken long ago. Why was one case treated differ ently to another? I propose that proceedings be instantly taken against those responsible. It is high time to do something definite.—Dr Jones Hear, hear. I second the proposition.—Mr Parry Serve a notice first of all.—The Inspector: I am told that the owners receive no rent for this house,—Dr Jones We have nothing to do with that matter. We have trifled with this case long enough. Let us now do something.—Mr Edward Williams It has come to a crucial point. There is no excuse.—Mr Parry I propose that we write to the solicitors of the trustees first of all. —Dr Jones We must not wait. The sanitary arrange- ments of this house were condemned years ago by the Medical Officer. There was a case of typhoid fever which nearly terminated fatally. There are houses in this town which are nothing but death- traps owing to their sanitary arrangements. I say again, this matter must be attended to. We have delayed taking action for twelve months.—The In- spector We must be clear as to the ownership.— Mr Richards: Could we not do the work and charge it to the owner or owners.?—The Deputy Clerk said the trustees were responsible. He had received a letter from the solicitors to the trustees asking for a copy of the notice served upon the late Miss Griffith with regard to the house in order to have the matter attended to.—Dr Jones The work ought to have been done a long time ago, seeing that there was a case of typhoid fever in the house. —Mr Parry (in a whisper): Don't talk about typhoid fever all the time.—Dr Jones But it was so.—On the proposition of Mr E. W. Evans, seconded by Mr Ellis Williams, it was ultimately unanimously agreed to write to the solicitors of the trustees asking them to do the necessary work forthwith. A DANGEROUS WALL. Mr Ellis Williams called attention to the dilapi- dated condition of the wall between the road and the river Arran, near Penbrynbras. He feared that it would collapse one day whilst children were lying against it and the result might be very serious.—Mr Edward Williams: And the Council would be held responsible.—Mr Ellis Williams It has not got very bad yet and it will only cost a little to repair it.—The Surveyor was instructed to have the wall repaired. ALLEGED DANGEROUS BUILDINGS. Mr Edward Williams referred to certain buildings in Well-street and alleged that they were in a tumble-down stat9 and consequently dangerous to pedestrians. Had the Council power to pull them down, unless the owners did so ?—The Deputy Clerk said he recollected an instance when the Local Board compelled an owner to pull down a dangerous building.—On the saggestion of Mr Parry, the Streets Committee were directed to visit the place and report upon the matter. NO REPORT. The Deputy Clerk, replying to the Mayor, said there was no report from the Medical Officer. STOCKING MATERIALS. Mr Richards asked whether the Council pro- posed putting the resolution to stock materials into effect? It had been agreed to purchase a quantity of materials for improvements from a wholesale firm instead of buying in driblets as at present.— The Surveyor It was passed to buy from £ 50 to £100 worth of materials at a time. I am at the service cf the Council.—The Council took no action in the matter, it being understood that the resolu- r tion was not to be enforced. CHARITIES. [ Mr John Edwards suggested that the Council should arrange a meeting between representatives of the Council and of the Parish Council to appoint trustees of charities in the district.—It was resolved to hold a meeting on Saturday. Messrs Thomas Parry, Edward Williams, Ellis Williams, and E. W. Evans were appointed to represent the Council. T FOR VISITORS. s Mr Parry asked whether the Parish Council con- seated to the Council erecting a seat near Frongoch Factory for the convenience of visitors ?—Mr [ Edwards, who is the clerk of the Parish Council, r thought the consent of the Rural Council and not the Parish Council was necessary.—It was agreed to ask the consent of the Rural Council.—The Sur- veyor said the seat which the Council had ordered to be placed at Peuybank would be placed there shortly. THE QUESTION OF EXTENSION. Dr Jones introduced the question of extension and pointed out that the Rural District Council had agreed to oppose the proposal. As a result of J their opposition, an inquiry would be held by a Local Government Board inspector. He proposed that a committee should be appointed to prepare a case for the inquiry. Seeing that the County Council had granted the extension, he thought it in- cumbent on the Council to put forward a strong case at the coming inquiry.—Mr Richards I do not see that it would be of any ad- vantage to us in the long run if the urban district were extended.—Dr Jones That is your view.—Mr Edward Williams The Council should stand or fall by their previous decision. By all means appoint a committee to prepare a case for the inquiry.—Mr Richards: Nobody can prove that the extension of the district would be to the benefit of the town.—Mr Thomas Parry seconded the proposition of Dr Jones. It would be greatly to the benefit of the Council and all concerned to have the district extended and he was surprised at the opposition offered by the Brithdir and Islaw'r. drsf Parish Council.—Mr John Edwards: I rise to a point of order.—Mr Richards I agree. The matter is not on the agenda.—Mr Parry I am tak- ing the item any other business."—Mr Edwards I do not object to the appointment of a committee, but I object to the Council entering into the merits of the question of exten3ic>n.—The Mayor ruled Mr Parry out of order.—It was then agreed without opposition to appoint a committee to prepare a case for the inquiry and the following were •appointed on the committee-: Messrs E. W. Evans, Thomas Parry, John Jones, Edward Williams, aid the Mayor. THE FINANCIAL POSITION NEXT RATE. The Deputy Clerk then submitted the estimate of expenditure for the ensuing year and also read a statement showing the expenditure last year. He stated that last year it was estimated ftiat £813 would be required for the year and it was thought this would cover the overdraft raised on account of the la.w case and leave a small sum in hand. But they had spent over£143 more than they expected. This increasa in the expenditure was partially due to the fact that £9() Us lid was spent on sewerage works compared with an average yearly expense of f56 spent in tiie preceding live years. A considerable sum of money was spent in connection with the drainage of Smithfitld-lane and Upperfield-street. A sum of £;32 was expended an the Fire Brigade and another jElOon fairs, etc., whilst the repairs of roads other than main roads had cost £110 12s, compared with JE65 in the preceding year. The bill for lighting came to fH2 6s 3d whilst the estimate was only £105. He estimated the expenditure of the ensuing year at £968, which included a sum of fl30 in respect of the deficiency last year. There was also included an item cf £60 towards the repairs of the slaughter-house ere leasing it to the three butchers wlm had been negotiating with the Council. He put f75 down for sewerage and £80 for scavenging including removal of house refuse.—Mr Richards asked what was the amount refunded by the Fire Brigade ?—The Deputy Clerk Nothing as yet.— Mr Richards I give notice of motion to consider at the next meeting the amounts paid to the Fire Brigade,—Mr Parry We have an excellent brigade and one we can rely upon in a ca.se of fire. —Mi- Richards I do not see why we should pay £32 towards putting out fires which occur six or seven miles out of town. I understood that the Brigade would in a short time be able to keep themselves.— Mr Parry But there have been no fires.—The Deputy Clerk, continuing, said he had included an item of £112 for public lighting, being the amount expended last year, and £80 for the repairs of high- ways, £10 for watering streets, £121 salaries of officials, £35 establishment charges, £18 election expenses, £25 library, jE35 instalment of loans, JE12 Fire Brigade. The seven last items, excluding the item for the Brigade, were the same as last year.— Dr Jones The fire Brigade is a credit to the town and district.—Mr Richards The district should pay for what is done to them.—Dr Jones But they subscribe. Mr John Griffith is to be praised for the excellent Brigade the town possesses.—Mr Thomas Parry and Mr Ed. Williams agreed.—Mr E. W. Evans pointed out to Mr Richards that the estimate for this year was only jE12 in connection with the Brigade. — Mr Richards Oh, I see. I thought it was £32.- Continuing, the Clerk said he had put down £10 for the abatement of nuisances, jE15 for name- plates, and £150 for law costs.—Mr Edward Williams The name-plates are worth double the money. They look fine. (Laughter.)—The Clerk added that last year f250 was put down for law costs, but only JE174 was required.—The sum of JE968 was required to be raised by means of the general and district rate. The assessable value of the dis- trict was £5,913 and to raise the sum required it would be necessary to levy a rate of 3s 5d in the pound.—Mr Parry Ugh. That means an increase of lid in the pound on last year's rate which was 28 6d in the pound.—Replying to Mr Edwards, the Clerk said the Council would be refunded the sum of £25 in connection with the salaries of officers.— Mr E. W. Evans said, on examining the bankbook, he found that the overdraft at the bank was in- creasing annually and this was due to the fact that money was paid out of the current rate towards carrying out substantial improvements, that was, improvements which should be carried out with money borrowed and repaid in a period of thirty years or so. It was a great mistake for them to pay for permanent improvements out of the current rates.—Mr Edward Williams Hear, hear.—Mr E. W. Evans: We must look at this matter in the face. Loans are much cheaper in the long run. It is very easy to capitalise a loan. If we proceed as we do now, we shall get more and more into debt and in the end the rate will become a stupendous sum. According to the bank book, there was now £247 10s 7d due to the bank. Last year £228 4s 7d was due, but as there is now about f40 due from the County Council the adverse balance ierreally £ 200,as against £228 last year. Still there ought to be no adverse balance. I might say, however, that the financial position is more favourable than would appear to the members, but the present system of paying <or im- provements is not a wise one.—Mr Parry Give notice of motion.—Mr John Edwards said an increase of lid in the pound was a serious matter and they must try and decrease < the estimate in some way or another. Ihe esti- mates were much heavier in past years when com- pared with the estimates of the old Local Board. Personally, he did not think JE80 was required for the repair of highways which had been well attended to during the past year. He thought JE40 was quite enough for the roads.—Dr Jones said the Ceuncil must face the inevitable. In the en- suing year they must attempt to decrease their expenditure. He thought, as Mr Edwards did, that the estimate could be curtailed in some direc- tion and he proposed that a rate of 3s should be levied for the ensuing year. The real cause for the increase was the costs of the law suit.—Mr Richards The rate used to be only Is lid in the pound.—The Surveyor I must say this, the Council has done more in a few years than the old Local Board did in thirty years.—Dr Jones Hear, hear.—The Inspector I have said all along that it would be cheaper for the Council to secure a loan of from JE300 to JE400. This would decrease the rate considerably.—Mr Edward Williams asked how was it that the assessable value had decreased from £6,120 to £5,913 ?—The Clerk said it was due to the large number of ap- peals allowed by the Assessment Committee.—Mr Edward Williams urged upon the Council to go in for a loan toR carry out important improve- ments. Why should the ratepayers of the next generation not Day towards the benefits provided by the present generation. It was not right or reasonable to call upon the present ratepayers to pay for improvements which would be enjoyed by ratepayers living in the town long after the present inhabitants were in their graves. He was in favour of levying a rate of 2s 6d in the pound as last year and going in for a loan of jE300 or £ 400.—Mr Parry said the assessable value would be increased when the houses of Mr Chidlaw Roberts were occupied.—Mr Richards: But other houses will be left empty. --Ultimately it was agreed to levy a rate of 2s 6d in the pound, the same as last year.—Mr E. W. Evans We talked a lot last year about curtailing the expenditure. I give notice that at the next meeting I will move that in future no permanent improvements shall be made out of the existing rates. EXCUSED. Three persons were excused paying rates on ac- count of poverty. TRAVELLING ON SUNDAYS. Mr E. W. Evans said he should like to be in formed at the next meeting whether the Council could pass a bylaw prohibiting shows travelling through the town on Sundays.—Mr Ellis Williams I do not think carriages with springs can be stopped. —Dr Jones The County Council took the matter up sometime ago, but I don't think they did any- thing.—The Council then rose.