The Cardigan Bay Visitor

TuWYN. I; INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL MANAGERS, SATUR. Mr H. Haydn Oones, < chairman, presiding Mrs Rowlands, Mrs Roberts, the Rev Humphrey Williams, Messrs J. Hughes Jones, William .Jones, John Evans, William Jones, J. Meyrick Roviert3, Humphrey Jones, and William Kvans, clerk. FINANCIAL :iTA. TE The Chairman read the audited statement of accounts which stated that during the year gnnts had been received from the County Governing Body to the amount of £54,5 and from the Science and Art Department, f215 10s 5d. The sum of £152 ISs 4d ha,1 bpcn received by the holding of concerts, the tuition feea amount-id to £IO 4s 10d. and an amount was received on account of Hugh Owen's charity of JE46 3a 2d. There was a balance in hand at the begiuning of the year of £4,83 14s Oid. Among the items of expenditure were- salaries and capitation fees, £6.H 19s; purchase money of playground, £2:0. The balance in hand waa f502 6s 6.1. (Hear, hear.)—The Chairman observed that last year they only received £250 from the County Governing Body, so than in the amount received this year there was a considerable amount which waa due for the preceding year. The accounts had been audited before the quarter's salaries had been paid, so that that amount had to be deducted to arrive at the actual balance up to date. The balance exceeded last year's balance by about £ 19.—Mrs Rowlands thought the Head- master was to be congratulated on the large amount of the grant from the Science and Art Department. The Chairman: It enables us to kepp an extra teacher.—On the proposition of Mrs Rowlands, secondedjby the Rev Humphrey William*, a vote of thanks was passed to the auditors, Mr Bowen and Mr Hugh Thomas. DRAINAGE uF BOYS' PLAYGROUND The matter of draining the boys' playground wa3 referred to a committee with authority to consult an expert on the question. APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT MASTER. There were thirty-four applicants for the post of assistant master, four of whom were specially re- commended by the Principals of Aberystwyth and Bangor colleges. The Headmaster declared three of the latter to be the most suitable of the whole number for the school.—After s me conversation, it was decided to reduce the number to two, Messrs Derry Evans, Aberystwyth College, and R. Williams, Bangor, for final selection.—Mr J. Hughes Jones then proposed that the two be asked to come down to be interviewed by the Board.—Mr Meyrick Roberts asked what better they would be after seeing them ?—Miss Rowlands said that some candidates appeared before the County Governing Body and after seeing some of them they would not think of appointing them. — Mr Meyrick Roberts asked whether that was not from a lady's point of view, and Miss Rowlands replied that the men were equally strong in the matter.—It was then decided to interview the two applicants. INCREASE IN SALARY. On the proposition of Mr Meyrick Roberts, sec- onded by Mr J. Maethlon James, it was resolved to increase the salary of Mr Williams from £100 to £120, he having been a year in the school and his work having been very satisfactory.—The Head- master said the results of Mr Williams's teaching had been very good. SCHOLARSHIP EXAMINATION. The Headmaster said that in accordance with the instructions of the Managers he sent notices to the elementary teachers of the district calling a conference.for the purpose of considering arrange ments for the scholarship examination. A syllabas was drawn up and it was decided that the examina- tion should be held some time before the end of the present term; that an outsider be appointed examiner and that the questions should be printed in order that teachers might have an idea in future of the nature of the questions put.—The recont- mendatious of the conference were approved of and Mr E. W. Jones, headmaster of the Barmouth Connty School, was appointed examiner. MISCELLANEOUS. On the proposition of Mr Wm. Jones, it was agreed that the summer holidays should commence on July 27th and extend to September 19th.-It was decided to sell the hay in the school ground by tender.—It was resolved to hold a meeting for the distribution of prizes next Christmas.

ABERY8TWYTH. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JrrNE 28TH.— Before D. C. Roberts, Esq., mayor (in the chair); R. J. Jones, 0. M. Williams, E. P. Wynne, and Thomas Griffiths, Esqrs. Alleged Drinking on Sunday.—The case in' which J. G. P. Wemyss, Fountain Inn, Trefechan, was charged with having kept his premiss open on Sunday and sold drink was farther adjonrned for a week, it being statrd trut Mr A. J. Hughes, solicitor, who appeared for defendant, waa not aLl to be present. Maintenance of a Father.—James Phillips, North- gate-street, Aberystwyth, labourer, was summoned by Thomas Vaughan, relieving officer to the Aher- ystwyth Union, for having neglected to maintain his father who has became chargeable to the union.—The Relieving Officer said the case was adjourned a fortnight ago to find a brother of de- fendant so as to summon him for the same offence. He had failed to find him. One brotner already paid 2s a week for the maintenance of h:s father.— The Bench made an order for payment of Is a week against defendant. School Attendance.—William Davies, Butcher's Arms, Aberystwyth, innkeeper, was summoned by D, A. Lloyd, school attendance officer, for negleci- ing to send his child to school. — Defendant's wife appeared and produced a medical certificate and the Bench dismissed the case. Alleged A.8ault.-A case in which John Jones. Bridge-street, Aberystwyth, carrier, was charged by Elizabeth Davies, 5, Blue-gardens, Aberyst- wyth, widow, with having assaulted her daughter was adjourned for a week, neither party appearing. A Source or Annoyance.—Richard G. Williams, Trefechan, Aberystwyth, pedlar, was charged by P.S. Phillips with having obstructed the free passage of the highway on the Castle Grounds on the previous day.- P.S. Phillips said he saw de- fendant pestering three persons by offering them his wares for sale. He stood in front of people and would not let them pass, and if he siw a person on a seat he sat near him and otf-red his wares. Visitors and inhabitants complained about him and said he was a great source of annoyance. He had warned him months ago.—Defendant said he asked persons in a polite manner to buy his wares. He did net annoy them.—The Chief Constable eaid visitors had also complained to him about the man. He pestered them on the Castle Grounds, the Promenade, and the streets.—The Mayor said they were determined to put a stop to this annoyance and he suggested to defendant that he should leave the town.—Defendant said he was in weak health owing to an accident which he had sustained and he could not travel about from place to place. If the Bench wished it he would only go to the.Castle once a day in future.—The Mayor We are not going to give you any permission. You have been here long enough and the certificate was not granted you on the understanding that you were to remain here for ever.—Defendant I have only been here since August 6th last.—The Mayor We are troubled too much with persons pestering visitors.—Defendant: It is hard that I should have to suffer for others.—The Mayor But others only remain here a day or two.—Defendant: But others do not attempt to lead the Christian life I lead.— The defendant having promised not to go on the Castle Grounds and Promenade in future, he was bound over to come up for judgment.—The Chief Constable If he offends again you can take away his licence. Sleeping Out.-George Austin, London, labourer, was charged by P.C. Powell with having slept in a hay abed near Trefechan.—Defendant was dis- charged on promising not to repeat the offence. Application.—A man named Barnes, who said he was under an ejectment order to quit the rooms he occupied, asked whether the Bench could stay the order for a few days ?—The Clerk said the Bench had no such power. Acknowledgment.—A letter was received from Mr Thomas Hugh Jones, J.P., acknowledging the vote of sympathy passed by the Bench with him and the iamily in the death of his wife. TOWN COUNCIL COMMITTEES. PUBLIC WORKS.—A meeting of the Public Works Committee was held on Monday night when there were present Mr Peter Jones, chair- man, presiding Captain Doughton, Messrs E. H. James, Robert Peake, Isaac Hopkins, Robert Doughton, D. C. Roberts (mayor). J. P. Thomas, A. J. Hughes (town clerk), and Rees Jones (borough surveyor).—Labour sheets for the two weeks ending June 24th amounting in the total to JE103 4s lid were passed. They consisted of £63 lis 3d in respect of the town department, £2 198 6d in respect of the waterworks department, £34 5s 2d in respeet of the harbour account, and £2 9s in respect of the Burial Board account.—The Clerk submitted a letter giving particulars of a meeting of representatives of municipalities and district councils held recently at Manchester at the instance of the Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, with re- gard to the proposal that the municipalities and district councils should become their own insurers. The scheme provides for the formation of a mutual insurance association confined to local authorities for the purpose of meeting claims of injured work- men and others in the employ of the Council whose cases came under the Workmen's Compen- sation Act and Employers' Liability Act. It was at first intended making the insurance applicable to employees at gas works only, but the amended scheme made it applicable to all classes of work- men. The conference resolved that the premium was not to exceed 3s per cent., and in the event of a reserve fund being formed, an additional charge of Is 6d per cent.—The Chairman said the charges were very low and suggested that the Town Coun- cil be recommended to write to the Mayor of Stoke- on-Trent stating that the provisions of the pro- Dosed scheme met with favour at Aberystwyth.— The Mayor said the Council must not commit thpmselves. He understood that the charges of th e insurance companies were becoming lower.— Captain Doughton thought the suggestion of the Chairman would be agreeable to all the members i the Council.—The Committee ultimately agreed] to make a recommendation, as suggested by the ( Chairman.—The Clerk to the Aberystwyth Rural ( District Council wrote stating that the Rural Council had received applications from some of the inhabitants of Llanbadarn Fawr to provide them, with a supply of water by mellon of service pipes connected with the main. The Rural Council de- sired to knew whether the Town Council had any objection to their acceding to the applications pro- vided the work was carried out in accordance with the suggestion of Messrs George Jones and Son, their engineers. The matter was urgent and they would like to have a speedy reply.—The Chairman saM if the Town Council granted the application it would mean cutting off the supply to half a dozen county families residing in the vicinity. The mini- mum charge to the Rural Council amounted to f36 a year and from £2-1 to jE30 a year was received from the families he had mentioned. Therefore, the application would mean a reduction in the revenue. At the same time, as the Rural Council were the authority for that district it was but right that they retain the entire control over the water- works.—The Surveyor said the Town Council would have to bear in mind that there were many persons in the town wfo would like to be supplied with water on the meter system. There was a pro- bability that some of the people of Llanbadarn when supplied on the meter system would be sup- plied cheaper than the people of the town.—The Mayor It would not do to supply them with water at a, cheaper rate than the ratepayers of the town.— The Chairman agreed.—Mr Robert Doughton sug- gested that the matter should be deferred.—In a conversation which followed it was stated that cer- tain persons in Llanbadarn had connected their houses with the main without obtaining the sanction of the Council.—The Chairman said it was a seri- ous matter.—Mr J. P. Thomas If it is true.—The Surveyor I know of at least one case.—Mr Peake There are two or three I know about.—The Chair man and Mr R. Doughton said the persons who con- nected their houses without consent had committed a serious breach of the bylaws.—The Surveyor was directed to look into the matter and report thereon. —The Clerk, adverting to the application of the Rural Council, said it altered the whole basis of the preseat arrangement which had received the consent of the Local Government Board.—The Committee resolved to refuse the application and that the Rural Council should be informed that the Town Council would be glad to receive a modified application.—The Clerk said he had received a form showing that the Telephone Company had re ceived a licence. Aberystwyth was included in the schedule.—The Mayor said if the Town Council at any time thought of adopting a scheme apper- taining to telephones, the present arrangement would not be an interference ?—The Clerk Not at all.—The Surveyor pointed out that the telephone wires were not very far from the ground in some places. Were the Company not compelled to put the wires at a certain height ?—The Clerk Yes, the height prescribed in the regulations of the Board of Trade.—It was agreed that the Clerk should report further on the matter.—Captain Doughton asked how matters stood in connection with the harbour railway ? If the Council construc- ted a siding leading from the present goods terminus of the M. & M. Railway to the harbour it would be a source of revenue to the harbour department and a great saving to those who had to snip material. —Mr. R. Peake It will mean a thorough repair of the old railway.—The Chairman: It will mean the construction of a new railway. Plans have been prepared by Mr Reea Jones, the borough surveyor, and I think before we go into the matter it would be well for all the members to examine the plans. We might take the matter up at the next meeting and in the meantime the plans could be examined.—Mr J. P. Thomas referred to the charges made at present, and Mr R. Doughton referred to the need of a retaining wall, where- upon the Chairman said those were matters of de- tail which could be gone into after the plans had been examined.—Mr Isaac Hopkins said the M. & M. Railway Company at one -time charged Is 6d. per ton for carriage of material from the Station to the harbour, but the charge had been reduced to 9d. and Is. now. He should like to know whether if the Town Council went into the expense of providing a new siding, the Railway Company would make any charge for taking material from the Station to the landing jetty.— The Chairman said that was a matter which would have to receive their serious consideration. The M. and M. Railway Company would have to be approached on the subject.—The Mayor thought the Railway Company ought to meet the Council in the matter if the Council went to the expense of providing a, new siding. The Frongoch Mining Company and other mining companies were anxious for the Council to construct a new siding.—It was then agreed to defer the matter until the next meeting and that in thf meantime the Railway Company should be approached on the matter, and the members examine the plans.—Mr D. J. Lewis, Great Darkgate-street, attended the meeting and said he had a serious complaint to make with re- gard to the drainage of his house. About two years ago, it was found that the drains of the house of Mr Edwards, bookseller, and his own house were not connected with the main drain, but with an old sewer. When the discovery was made, both houses were connected with the main drain by means of one pipe. The drainage was times worse and he traced it to the syphon in the pipe. If the Council removed the syphon, he had no doubt matters would come all right.— The Chairman said the syphon was the one approved hy the Local Government Board and was the one used in connection with all the drains of the town.—The Surveyor said the drain connecting Mr Edwards's and Mr Lewis's houses with the main was constructed in the same way as the others and the syphon used was the same.—Mr Lewis said immediately the syphon became full, the cellar was inundated with drain water up to their ankles He had heard other ratepayers complain about the syphons.—Captain Doughton suggested that the syphon should be removed.—The Surveyor That would mean a contravention of the bylaws.— Captain Doughton said it could not be helped. It would be better to contravene the bylaws than allow ratepayers to suffer in that fashion.—It was agreed that the Surveyor should inspect the drain and report thereon.—Mr Hopkins said he had also a grievance. Tne Council had raised the road in front of his workshop higher than the footpath with the result that surface water found its way into his premises continually. uast Tuesday the workshop was half full of water which ran down Custom House-street and South- road. He was away on that day. On coming home found that considerable damage had been done.—The Mayor said what Mr Hopkins said was quite true but he must bear in mind that there was an unusual fall of rain on Tuesday. It was not a case of raining but pouring.—Mr Hopkins: But water runs into my shop when there is only a little rain. It has taken place half-a-dozen or a dozon times of late.—The Chairman said the Surveyor could look into the matter. He had ordered some gullies and perhaps a gully would meet the case.— Mr Hopkins I never had water running into my shop before the road was raised.—Mr Peake Before the road was raised water ran from your shop into the street.—Mr Hopkins Yes.—The Chairman It is a reversal of the order of things. (Laughter.)—It was agreed that the Surveyor should look into the matter.—The Committee then rose. HARBOUR.—The members of the Harbour Com- mittee met on Monday when there were present Mr Robert Doughton, chairman, presiding Messrs E. H. James, David Roberts, Isaac Hopkins, J. P. Thomas, Captain Doughton Messrs A. J. Hughes (town clerk), J. Thomas (harbour master), and Rees Jones (borough surveyor). Bills and accounts amounting to a small sum were passed.—Captain Doughton said he had been requested by the bailiff of the Western Sea Fisheries Committee to ask the Committee to permit him to post notices in the borough as to the size of crabs and lobsters which could be legally captured. Very few appeared to know the legal measurements. He proposed that permission should be granted.—Mr E. H. James seconded the proposition which was carried. The Committee afterward discussed in private a case of alleged infringement of the bylaws on the part of a certain vessel in landing explosives.—The Harbour Master suggested that a new post should be pro- cured whereon to place the danger light. The present pillar was in a rickety condition.—The suggestion was adopted.—The Board of Trade sent a circular dealing with the fatal accidents which had occurred in one year in connection with dilapi- dated and unprotected gangways at harbours.— The Clerk said the letter related more es- pecially to large seaports like Cardiff, &c. He did not think it incumbent upon the Aberystwyth Corporation to take any action in the matter. The Harbour Master might have some suggestions to make.—The Harbour Master replied in the negative.—Captain Doughton said there were places at the Aberystwyth Harbour which were not protected. He certainly thought the steps leading from one of the gangways down into the water should be railed off. If a person fell down the steps and sustained an injury, the Council would be liable.—The Clerk No, not at all.—Captain Doughton I have made my re- marks.—The Clerk As long as you leave the steps without being railed, you are not liable. If you once put up railings and let them get out of repair and an accident occurs, then the Council would be ) liable. No railings have been erected in the case of the steps, however, and therefere the Council would not be responsible in the event of an acci- dent. It would be desirable, of course, to have the steps railed off, but you are not bound to do so.— Mr J. P. Thomas Would the Corporation not be liable if a person fell into the harbour ?—The Clerk: No.—Captain Doughton I do not think that is so. —Mr J. P. Thomas said the Liverpool Corporation had to pay compensation recently owing to a man having sustained an accident, as the result of rail- ings which had not been properly erected.—The Clerk Not properly erected. You have not erected at all and therefore you are not liable.— Captain Doughton: I have brought the matter forward and my conscience is now clear.—Alder- man David Roberts referred to the rickety state of the parapet on the Penyranchor side and took it that the Council were liable in regard to thia rail- ng.—The Clerk Yes. The railing id there 80\- and, if an accident occurs owing to its rickety state, the Council are liable.—The Committee then FINANCE.—A meeting of the Finance Committee was held on Tuesday night when there were pre- sent Mr C. M. Williams (chairman), Mr D. C. Roberts, Mr T. E. Salmon, and Mr E. P. Wynne, Messrs Rees Jones (surveyor) and H. L. Evans (borough accountant). The bills were passed, after which the Committee resolved itself into committee for the consideration of one or two subjects referred to them.

FIRE AT ABERYSTW YTH. GREAT GAS EXPLOSION FEARED A SPLENDID WATER SUPPLY AVERTS DANGER. About midnight on Thursday a fire broke out in the Skin-preparing Works and Wool Stores in Mill- street, belonging to Mr A. J. Watkin James of Dolybont. The works adjoin the Steam Laundry and Electric Light Works,with the Tabernacle C. M. Chapel on the opposite of the street. Within a few feet of the back wall of the works is immense gas-holder recently erected by the Aber- ystwyth Gas Company. The fire of itself was not an exceedingly serious matter, but fears were enter- tained that at any moment the flames and the heat might cause an explosion in the gas-holder consequences that are fearful to contemplate. Immediately with the alarm, a large number of people went to the spot, but many almost imme- diately left fearing an explosion others ran for buckets and endeavoured to cope with the fire pend- ing arrival of fire appliances. People in the adjoin- ing houses all cleared out and went to places of safety, among them being some women in a delicate state of health. The premises consisted, as has been stated, of tannery pits and wool stores. 10 the basement were pits for the curing of sheep skins as well as of a fire-place for wool drying. The ground floor ahove contained wool storing rooms, and there is a floor above that, which contained on the night of the fire several tons of wocl and skins. On the eastern corner of the building, in the upper storey. was the office of Mr Hopkins, Mr James's Aber- ystwyth buyer. Mr Hopkins was engaged in office work on Thursday night and left about seven o'clock. Mr William Parry, Mr James's skinner, was in the works about half-past nine when everything ap- peared to be alright. About five minutes to twelve a student of the University College of Wales lodging in Mr R. Ellis, coal merchant's house, Mill-street, saw that the place was on fire and rushed to the Police Station to give the alarm. P.S. Phillips happened to be coming from the directioB of Shiloh through North-parade and on meeting the student at the junction of Chalybeate-street and hearing of the outbreak, he, in company with P.C's. Cnarmanand Rowlands, went at once for assistance. P.C. Row- lands went to Mr Rses Jones, the borough surveyor, who, on the resignation of the Fire Brigade some time back, under circumstances which are well known, was directed to make temporary arrangements for dealing with a fire pend- ing the organisation of a brigade. P.C. Charman aroused Mr David Edwards, the turncock, and socn afterwards Mr Evan Evans, one of the carters engaged by the Corporation, went down to the Fire Brigade Station in Smithfield-road. In the meantime someone had gone to the Gasworks to set the hooter going to alarm the town. For some cause, at present unexplained, the hooter for a short time refused to act, but it was eventually sounded. P.S. Phillips and Mr Evan Evans lost no time in endeavouring to get the appliances out of the station where, in the absence of the keys, they burst open the door. They had brought out the reel when Mr Rees Jones, the surveyor, came and with the assistance of people who were now beginning to arrive, they took it to the site of the fire in Mill-street and attached it to the hydrant. There was immediately a mag- nificent supply of water under very high pressure, the service reservior being between two and three hundred feet above the town and kept plentifully supplied from the lake of Plynlymon mountain, some eighteen miles off. A crowd of about a hundred persons had by this time arrived. When the water was turned on it was found that the hose was so defective in several places that the water rushed outin streamsandadelayoffiveorseven minutes occurred in removing the defective lengths and substituting good one?. Meanwhile Mr Peake, the former captain of the Fire Brigade, and many members of the Brigade had come on the scene. Mr Peake, probably finding that the work was being properly attended to by the Borough Surveyor and his men and fearing a gas explosion, went home to turn off the gas from his house. About this time the fire had obtained a strong hold of the centre of the eastern side of the building. not far from where the office was situated and within dangerous proximity to the gas-holder. The flames lighted up the whole locality and afforded considerable help to the men engaged in making good the hose. Notwithstanding the time thus lost owing to the state of the hose, a powerful stream of water was got on the burning building within fifteen minutes of the alarm. Two hoses were eventually brought to play on the fire and excellent work was being done by engine cleaners from the Railway Station, Corporation workmen and others. Messsrs W. Michael, R. Davies, W. Jones, audi R. Wcrthington, members of the late Fire Brigade, lent a willing hand in extinguishing the flames, and Mr Rea, Terrace-road, was conspicuous for the excelleut work he performed on the burning build- ihg. Other members of the Brigade were also present. Councillor T. E. Salmon, the chairman of the Fire Brigade Committee, was among the first on the spot and was joined soon afterwards by the Chief Cons'able and other public men of the town. It is understood that the pre- mises arc insured. The excellent water supply and the willing and able way in which Mr Rees Jones and his men; tie late members of the Brigade; the police officers; Mr Jack Rea, and others worked saved the situation. In twenty minutes from the commencement, the fire was got under and in an hour it had been completely extinguished and all danger had passed. Mr Rees Jones, the borough surveyor, says he was called upon by a constable a. little before mid- night. He at once hurried down to the station and when he got to the Square he was met by Mr James Evans. the inspector, Mr Evan Evans, and P.S. Phillips, and others who had already had the fire appliances out and were bringing them up. Mr David Edwards, the turn- cock, also was soon on the spot. The reel was taken to the site of the fire and the hose was attached to the nearest hydrant. Strange to say, the hose burst in three or four places and fresh lengths had to be substituted for the broken ones, but ulti- mately two streams of water were brought to bear on the fire, which was got under in a very short time. Mr Jones is grateful for the ready assistance given by everybody and especially by Messrs Bill Jones, Michael, and R. Davies, former members of the Brigade. The bursting of the hoM, he said, was a mystery to him

NEW FIRE BRIGADE. TO BE FORMED BY THE CHIEF CONSTABLE. A meeting of the Fire Brigade Committee was held on Friday evening, there being present Councillor T. E. Salmon, chairman, presiding; the Mayor, Alderman David Roberts, and Councillor R. J. Jones, with Mr Rees Jones, borough surveyor. —The Chairman said as they knew an outbreak of fire had occurred the night before which might have ended more seriously than it did. He was pleased to inform them that the Committee a short time ago left the fire appliances in the hands of the Sur- veyor in case of an emergency, and he thought the expeditious manner the Surveyor and the workmen with the aid of volunteers from amongst the spectators dealt with the fire last night reflected great credit on them. Considering that the town was with- out a proper fire brigade, the work was carried out in a very satisfactory manner. He was sure he was expressing the minds of the Committee when he said that they were very proud of the way in which the Surveyor dealt with the fire the night before and of his having put it out in so short a time. He hoped they would be able to make arrangements for the formation of a fire brigade that night.— The Mayor said he was present at the fire the night before and he was bound to say that he was very pleased to see the very satisfactory way in which Mr Jones and his men carried out the work and the great assistance rendered by the police and by volunteers from the town. Of course they knew that the Surveyor could not form a brigade and they did not ask him to do ho. They simply asked him to take temporary charge of the fire appliances and to make arrangements to deal with such an emergency as arose the night before. He was sure they all felt thankful to Mr Jones for the energetic and cool way in which he undertook the work and with such a satisfactory result. There could be no doubt that a very serious fire was prevented. —Mr R. J. Jones said he was not present at the fire, but he had heard very satisfactory reports as to the conduct of the Surveyor and the men he had under his supervision. He was very pleased to hear the account of the Mayor. They had no brigade, but they left the arrangements in the hands of the Surveyor with every confidence that he would be most capable to undertake any duties which might arise before the constitution of the brigade. He supposed that that meeting of the Committee was called before the fire occurred. The Chairman Certainly.—Mr R. J. Jones thought it would be well that that should be clearly under- stood.—The Chairman said he was sorry he had teen unable to call a meeting sooner. As they knew, he had been away from town and he did not think that it was absolutely necessary to come up from New Milford at great expense, being satisfied that the matter was in good hands.—Mr R. J. Jonea Juatso.— The Mayor then said be would be very pleased to propose that Chief Constable Howell Evans be asked to undertake the formation of a fire brigade. He did not suggest that it should be entirely a police brigade, but he thought that in future their brigade should be in the hands of some of the officials. The Chief Constable, connected as he was with the police, would be a very excellent man to take charge also of the fire brigade in the town. The brigade would be made up. no doubt, of young men selected from volun- teers from the town and perhaps some members of the police force. He believed that Mr Evans could be prevailed upon to undertake the work and he had great pleasure in proposing that he be asked to undertake the formation of a brigade. He took it that the rules of the brigade and the number of members and such matters would be considered again by the Committee in conjunction with the Chief Constable. — Mr R. J. Jones seconded the proposition. He did not think they could possibly find an abler man for the woik than the Chief Constable in more ways than one, be- cause he would have his men under discipline at all times. He was sure that it would be a matter of great satisfaction not only to the Council, but to the whole town if they were able to get the Chief Constable to accept the appointment. He be- lieved the Mayor had spoken to Mr Evans and he himself had spoken to him. He thought he felt disposed to accept the appointment if it was made unanimously by the Council.—Alderman David Roberts said the proposal was a wise one and one which he thought would bs successful. He was not present the night before, but he had been told that the Surveyor hai performed his duties in a very able manner, as well as those who had as- sisted him, viz the police and volunteers from the town.—The proposition was then carried unani- mously.—The Surveyor said he had a small ac- count to be passed by the Committee. It was for services rendered by men last nil(ht. Of course, there were many helpers who assisted in putting out the fire and he would like very much to give them some recognition for their valuable services, but these men were those actually engaged by him to render assistance in case of fire. Some of them were on duty all night. He was very much ob- liged to the Committee for their kind wor's, He was very pleased to find that what was done last night met with their approval. If they would allow him to express an opinion, he thought they were taking a wise step in asking the Chief Constable to take charge of the brigade. He would always be very glad to render any assistance in his power to the brigade.—The men mentioned by the Surveyor were Messrs James Evans, Dd. Edwards, Jenkin Humphreys, and Evan Evans, whom he had specially engaged to hold themselves in readiness in case of fire.—The Chairman said these men rendered great assistance to the Surveyor.—The account was recommended for payment and it was decided to submit it to the Insurance Company for their consideration.—The Chairman next proposed a vote of thanks to all who had assisted in the operations the night before. He might specially mention the former members of the Brigade, who did very good work, namely, Rill Joues, Michael, and Richard Davies. — The Mayor seconded the motion, which was carried, and the Committee rose.

BAKMOUTH. A WELL-KNOWN PREACHER.—On Sunday, the Rev Thomas Hill of Birmingham preached at the English Wesleyan Chapel morning and evening. There were large congregations on both occasions. HAY HARVEST.—The hay harvest has been com- menced and keeps the farmers of the neighbour- hood busy every day. There are splendid crops everywhere. DR BARNARDO'S DAY.—The annual street collec- tion on behalf of Dr Barnardo's Homes took place on Saturday. The work was undertaken by young ladies from the County School and others. CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOUR.—A meeting of the Christian Endeavour Society of the Caersalem C.M. Chapel was held on Sunday night, when a paper was read by Mr John Roberts on God in thetCreator." A discussion followed which wafc taken part in by several members. A GOLFER IN TROUBLE.—On Tuesday morning, the police found sleeping in a railway carriage a man named Mark Parker, who came to Barmouth as a professional player of golf but with whom things appear not to have gone well. He was brought up before Alderman Lewis Lewis and John Evans, Esq., on Tuesday morning. The nngistrates took pity on the man and merely bound him over to come up for judgment when called upon. SUNDAY SCHOOL TRIP.—On Friday the Sunday School pupils, teachers, and members and the con- gregation of the Siloam Independent Chanel had a day's trip to Harlech. A little rain tell in the morning but soon ceased, having merely made the road more comfortable for travelling. The day afterwards was charming, the sun not being too powerful for out door games. The ancient and historical Castle was visited by young and old and all enjoyed themselves thoroughly. OBITUARY.—The death took place on Friday' of Mr Edward Jones, better known as Teddie' Jones, son of Mr John Jonts, Beach House, at the age of nineteen. Deceased was a favourite with the young and old in the town and his death has caused general sorrow. He was the first member of the Lodge of Oddfellows who has died since its establishment in the town five years ago and the members took part in the funeral ceremony in their regalia for first time on Tuesday. The funeral was large attended. Much sympathy is felt with the deceased's family. AN EXPLANATION.—Mr John Evans and Alder. man Lewis Lewis write to say that in consequence of previous engagements. they were both unable to attend the special meeting of the Western Sea Fisheries Committee at Portmadoc on the 5th May and therefore could not object to the rescinding of the resolution passed at the previous ordinary meeting which was in contravention of the Standing Orders. They had no alternative but to draw the attentiontoita.s being irregular at th i ordinary meeting held on the 20th. Although ruled out of order, the original resolution still holds good. LAUNCHING OF A NEW BOAT-On Thursday afternoon a new boat, which has been built by Mr Hugh Evans for Mr Lister, was launched in the harbour. The boat was built to a model drawn by Mr Lister whose skill in this direction is well known. The design is stated to be a good one. The boat. which is expected to sail well, requires very little ballast and has a small draught of water. It is intended for pleasuring purposes, but it can also be used for fishing in the bay or harbour. The launch was witnessed by a large number of people. DRINKING FOUNTAINS.—A correspondent writes: —" It seems that there are only two drinking fountains in the town, one for men and the other for beasts. The one intended for the use ot animals is in good working order, but that erected for the higher order of beings has not had a drop of water running from it for years. It must be very aggra- vating to pedestrians who, hot and thirsty, are gladdened by the site of the fountain and antici- pate a refreshing drink of the unsurpassable Bod- lyn Lake water, only to find that it is dry, not through lack of water, but, owing to pure negli- gence on the part of the Urban District Council. This would seemingly be a matter for the temper- ance agitators to take up, for what has a poor, thirsty soul to do in such a case as this but adjourn to the nearest public house ? HARBOUR TRUST.—On Tuesday, a special meeting of the Trustees was held, when there were present: Alderman Lewis Lewis presiding, Messrs John Evans, C.C., Evan Richards, Edward Lewis, John Richards, John Garnet, Richard Owen, the Harbour Master, Treasurer, and the Secretary.—Mr Williams, of the firm of Messrs William Griffiths, Son, and Adams, solicitors, Dolgelley, attended for the purpose of having the agreement signed in which the Trustees relinquish their rights to a portion of land at the back of Abermaw-terrace to Mr Gibson, solicitor, Sittingbourne, who in lieu thereof gives the Trustees and the public the right of road in front of the Terrace, together with a plot of land for the purpose of erecting a tower which will command a full view of the whole bay.—The agreement was signed.—The Trustees hope shortly to be in a position to commence the work. PRESENTATION.—On Saturday evening a meet- ing was held at the Masonic Hall for the purpose of presenting Mr Williams, former stationmaster, with a purse containing about f50 and an address, which were obtained by means of subscriptions by the inhabitants. The Rector presided and in making the presentation spoke of the esteem in which Mr Williams was held in the town and the regret which his departure caused among all sec- tions of the community. Mr R. Jones, N. and S. Wales Bank, Dr Lloyd, Mr Simms Bull, Mr Hugh Evans, and Mr William Griffith also spoke and testified to Mr Williams's popularity and to the satisfaction which he gave to all classes in the dis- charge of his official duties. Mr Williams then re- turned thanks, referring to the kindness which he had received at the hands of the people of Bar- mouth.—The address was as follows :—" To Mr B. Williams, who was for six years stationmaster of the Cambrian Railways Company at Barmauth- Sir, we, the undersigned, members of a. committee, for ourselves and on behalf of the inhabitants of Barmouth, as well as for friends and well wishers, are anxious to express the deep regret we feel at your departure from Barmouth, a regret which can be ameliorated only by our sincere regard for your future welfare which we are glad to find will be materially enhanced by your appointment to an important sphere of duty at Oswestry. The in- terest and activity which you and your family have evinced in connection with every movement likely to benefit the town and district of Barmouth, as well as your loyal and indefatigable devotion to the welfare of your employers, the Cambrian Rail- ways Company, and the conspicuous manner in which you have rendered valuable and timely assistance in circumstances of need and distress or suffering among your employees as well as others has been the means of eliciting the highest admiration and eulogy of every i friend and admirer of sympathy and practical charity. While deeply sensible of the loss which the town cannot but sustain in the departure of one who during a period of six years has become so thoroughly acquainted with the interests of the inhabitants and visitpra to Barmouth, we con- gratulate you heartily upon having co.nmended I yourself to the notice of the general manager of the Cambrian Railways Company, C. S. Denniss, Esq., who after due consideration has come to the conclusion that your great service, tact, and experience merited promotion to the charge of the Oswestry agency, and we rejoice that the General Manager has been equally thoughtful in the appointment of a successor to you at Barmouih who is in every sense worthy of his confidence. Finally, we all sincerely join in wishing yourself and Mrs Williams and your family long and prosperous life to enjoy the fruits of your successful career in the past and further laurels which we hav e every reason to believe await you diligent application to every duty entrusted to your care and we earnestly pray that the divine head of the Church in His own wise providence will grant you and yours health to carry out in its integrity the usefulness of a life so worthily begun, and as a token of our appreciation of you we ask your acceptance of this purse and its contents." The addresa was given signed by Mr Dalies, manager of the bookstall, and Mr Wm. Griffith, the secretaries, and other members of the Committee.

NORTH WALES VIVISECTION SOCIETY. MEETING AT BARMOUTH. On Friday afternoon the first annual meeting of the Welsh Section of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection was held in the Masonic Hall, Barmouth, under the presidency of Mr R. J. LI. Price of Rhiwlas. The chair was supported by Miss Frances Power Cobb, Hengwrt Mrs Price of Rhiwlas Miss Blanche Atkinson, Barmouth, and others, and there was a large and representative audience in the body of the hall. The CHAIRMAN said—In rising to open this meeting—the first annual meeting of the North Wales Branch of the Anti-vivisection Society—I cannot commence better, after having read the letters of ladies and gentlemen who apologise for non-attendance, than in congratulating the Society upon the great strides that have been made since we last met in this room. The Hon. Secretary has received letters expressing regreb at being unable to attend this meeting from, I am sorry to say, a large number of those who had promised to attend and assist us, commencing with her Majesty's lieutenant of the county, Mr Wynne of Peniarth, who expresses great regret at being unable to attend, he being called &way to London. Letters have also been received from Miss Gwyneth Vaughan, who was expected to be present as one of the principal speakers to-day the Rev Z. Mather the Rev Hugh Price Hughes, London the Rev Watkin Davies, Llanfachreth the Rev E. T. Watts Dr Williams, Bala the Rev Mr Williams. Bontddu the Rev Arberth Evans, and others. I am very glad to see so many subscribers and sup- porters in this meeting whom I congratulate on the fact that since the last meeting this branch of the Society has made large and generous strides. (Cheers.) We in Wales fortunately have not so arduous a task before us as is before our brethren in the north of England and in London. VVales, I am glad to see, is comparatively free from the crime of vivisection. Our ranks here stand in the nature of reserve forces to be brought forward if necessary to supplement and aid the ranks in other parts of the country. That the fight is going cn with the greatest possible vigour we have only to read in the newspapers and to hear of the various meetings that are taking place day by day in the north of England where I am glad to see that the working men—the backbone and sinew of the country—are taking up the subject as it ought to be taken up and forced to the front. (Hear, hear.) Modern civilization tolerates the killing of man in war and the legal execution of criminals but you know as well as I do that the mediaeval tortures of the rack and thumbscrew have been swept away, not so much by legislative measures as by the force of public opinion. I think you will agree with me that the old Latin proverb—vox populi, vox Dei-still holds good. The people will prevail and I believe we strengthen our cause much more by fighting it on the p'atform, and in the park, and in the circus, and the gallery than by trying to secure r the interests of members of Parliament who will never listen to anything whatever unless they are afraid they will lose their seats by not listening. (Laughter.) The literature of our Society has received many new supporters during the past year. Many of YOIl have seen the ■very excellent work published by the Society called the Abolitionist and I cannot do better thau ask you to support the cause by not only subscribing to that paper, but by recommending it to your friends in general. I think one of the most valuable pieces of information placed before us in its pages is that stating the in- crease in the number of deaths caused by diseases which have been commonly supposed to be cured by means of vivisection. The increase in the number of deaths is about double what they were before those means were employed. Though the popula- tion has increased yet, unfortunately, the deaths increase year after year by leaps and bounds, and when this fact is once grasped the medical profes- sion will see that they are on the wrong track. (Hear, hear.) J have also before me a very inter- esting pamphlet which I have only jmt seen, written by a man widely known throughout the medical world, a gentleman holding in France the same position as the editor of the Lancet holds in England, and is the editor of two medical journals. He goes into the serums and various scientific things best left to the medical profession and makes one or two statements, not very fashionable I was going to say, on Pasteurism which is so much to the fore to-day, which statements, I think, are most important. He gives statistics to prove that during the few years Pasteurism has been in exist- ence in France the number of deaths arising from the bites of rabid animals, instead of being de. creased, as might be expected to be the case, has exactly doubled; so that the conclusion which comes to the mind is that if Pasteur never lived and his institute was never established, five per cent of the wretched creatures brought under his process would still be alive and well. (Hear, near.) I think this is the most striking instance of the abuse of science that has yet been brought to my knowledge. (Hear, hear.) As we have several mat- ters on the agenda and a great many more eloquent speakers than I to address you, I shall not take up more ot your time except in again congratulating the North Wales branch on the rapid strides it has made, thanks to the effioient work rendered by the honorary Secretary and other officers, to whom, I am sure, we owe our very best thanks. (Ap- plause.) Miss ATKINSON, the hon. secretary, then read the following report :—" The first Welsh Anti Vivisec- tion Society was founded in Barmouth on June 23rd, 1898, and now numbers 290 members. Sub- scriptions for the year now ended have been re- ceived amounting to jE80 6s 4d. The expenses have been chiefly incurred in printing and dis- tributing literature on the subject of vivisection— the first work of this Society being to make known in Wales the terrible cruelties involved in experi- ments on animals. It is hoped that a sound and intelligent public opinion will thus be gradually created and the Committee earnestly desires that every member may feel pledged to help forward this work—not only by money, but by moral and practical support. The Committee has to record two losses during the past twelve months. Mrs Ashmore resigned her post when she left the neighbourhood, but is still a friend and subscriber. The deeply-regretted death of Lieut. Col. St Clair is an irreparable loss to our Society. Shortly be- fore the sad event occurred he had sent an addi- tional subscription and his zeal, interest, and judgment were an invaluable help to the cause. The Committee is glad to state that a South Wales branch has been formed under the presidentship of Lady Windsor. The original section will for the future be known as the N. Wales Section." The new organ of our parent Society— The Aboli tionist—affords information concerning the work of all the branches of the British Union. It will appear on the 15th of each month. Each number of The Abolitionist will contain eight or twelve pages of letter press and a cartoon by Mr Cecil Aldin. This artist's name and the contributions of sunh eminent writers as Mr William Watson, Mr Blackmore, and the Bishop of Durham ensure both literary and artistic distinction for the new periodical. All members of the branch are invited to become annual subscribers to the The Abolitionist which cannot be distributed gratis. In conse- quence of the illness of the Hon. Secretary last winter, a secretary was appointed and has greacly helped forward the work of the branch. During the past twelve months three pamphlets translated into Welsh have been widely circulated and 10,000 new leaflets printed. Beside these, selected par- cels of literature are constantly sent to enquirers from all parts of Wales. The essay in the Welsh language, whiclf was awarded the first prize at the Barmouth Eisteddfod, will be shortly published in pamphlet form. A circular letter appealing for in terest and support has been sent to all the clergy and Nonconformist ministers throughout Wales. The expenses of Mr Williams's lecturing tour in N. Wales were largely defrayed by Miss Cobbe. Mrs Rathbone also made a special donation to this ob- ject. v Nine public meetings have been held and well attended and it is tc be hoped that during the coming winter further efforts will be made in this direction in country districts. In order to carry on such work, ample funds are necessary and will, the Committee trusts, be generously sup- plied." Miss Atkinson added that the balance in the bank at the end of the year was £19 11s 5d to the credit of the Society. Having read the report, she would like to say a word about the work referred to briefly in the report The past twelve months had been chiefly sowing time. They must wait for the harvest and she anticipated an abundant harvest in due season. It must not be thought that the total results of the twelve months work consisted in 296 members or in so much more subscribed. That was not all that had been done. Seed sown did not produce immediate fruit. That was not nature's way and they all knew that of a thousand seeds nature did not bring one to bear. People, however, did not stop sowing for that reason. That sowing of the seed of knowledge of vivisection during the past year did not perhaps immediately produce a great crop of new members and much money, but it was certain that all knowledge spread was pro- ducing a harvest. (Hear. hear.) They might uow be certain that to-day there were hundreds of people in Wales who a year ago did not know what the word meant. (Hear, hear.) To-day they were in a position to make up their minds as to whether vivisection was right or wrong and that was what that Society wanted people to do. From one end of WaifS to the other an appeal had been sent by the Society to the ministers of religion to help the Society in putting a stop to what was believed to be an abominable sin. (Hear, hear.) The Society had had many letters of sympathy and of int> rest. They had had many letters asking for. information and she need not say how very gladly that informa- tion was supplied for her firm belief was that the one thing needed to abolish vivisection was that the great masses of men and women should know what vivisection is. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) It was not for her to enter into the arguments for or against vivisection-if there were any for. Stie had never heard them. She would leave the sub- ject to be dealt with by ethers but her own belief was that there were many men and women who would rathersuffr pain and rather face death itself if that must be than that they should get cures for diseases or freedom from pain or prolongation of life by doing wrong: (Cheers.) Vivisection was a sin against God, a sin against man, and a cowardly and cruel and mean sin against creatures which were man's servants and in many cases man's friends. Having investigated them. men and women had put an end to other horrors and when they had investigated vivisection they would put an end to vivisection. What the people, then, wanted, was light—physical, moral, and intellectual light. (Hear, hear.) The Society also wanted She would rather have sympathy with- out the shillings than the shillings without the sympathy but at the same time the Society wanted both sympathy and shillings. (Hear, hear.) She wanted to appeal to the people who, as the Chairman said, had the great movement in their hands rather than to the people of rank and title. She was tired of appealing to the people of wealth and title. She had taken a directory and picked out all the pretty names of Wales and appealed to them for supper for the Society and few of the names now appeared in the list of members. Titles looked very nice on the back of report and the Society was glad to get them but if the Society could not get the titles let them have the people, for it was the will of the people that would abolish vivisection as it had abolished many another wrong. (Cheers.) Even they poor women who had not got votes could do something, for they were fighting a wioning and not a losing cause. (Applause ) Councillor JOHN DAVIES, Dyffryn, then moved the adoption of the report and congratulated the Society on its years' progress. He had read to some measure about vivisection before the meeting held twelve months ago and had been in doubts how to justify the means employed to attain the end in view. Miss Cobb's address at the first meeting in June of last year entirely I urned him on to the side of anti-vivisection. (Cheers.) A sign of the good work performed by the British Union was that it was causiog consternation in the enemies' camp. (Laughter.) Many present bad read the controversy which occurred in Liverpool a few weeks ago on that subject. In that con- troversy Dr Church remarked that the first object of the medical profession was the desire for know- ledge—the desire to investigate the mysteries of nature. That was tbe very thing he found vivi- section to have in view and that desire could be traced not so much to the desire to cure diseases and prevent them as to selfishness in the desire to become famous by some discovery in order to ap- pear in the drawing rooms of society as a great cientist or specialist. Dr Gordon Stables said that ten per cent of vivisectionists had not a part- icle of truth in view—only to feed their desire for fame and honour. (Cheer.) He had no great faith in legislation. Let them rouse the'conscience of the people, for as the poet said There is on earth a diviner thing, Vile as it is, than parliament or king, (Cheers.) The Rev Mr OWEN, Arthog, seconded the pro position and the report was unanimously adopted. The Rev ERNEST JONES next moved the re- election of the officers and committee of the North Wales Branch who were :—President, Mr Richard Lloyd Price, Rhiwlas, Bala. Vice-presidents: The Lady Windsor, Mr W. R. M. Wynne (lord lieut. of Merioneth), the Rector of Barmouth, Rev Hugh Price Hughes. M A., Mrs Foulkes, Miss Gwenllian Morgan, and Mrs Rathbone. Committee Captain Bailey, Miss Cobbe, Mrs El wards. Rev Arberth Evaus, Mrs Hewins, Dr D. A. Hughes, Rev Z. Mather, Mrs R. L. Price, and Mrs Talbot. Hon. IIwmbers Very Rev Dean Howells, Miss Hearn (Mariaune Farningham), Mr Edward Griffi h, J.P., Mr Samuel Smith, M.P., Miss Gwyneth Vaughan, Mr John Herbert Lewis, M P., and Mr Alfred Thomas, M. P. Hon. treasurer: Mrs Blakey, 1, Borthwen-terrace, Barmouth. Hon. secretary Miss Blanche Atkinson, Tyn-y-ffynon, Barmouth In the course of a well-delivered address, the rev. gentleman added that they were all quite convinced that very good work and especially a public 'rusade depended for its success, upon an energetic working committee and experience had shown that the soul of a committee, was its secretary. The past work of the Committee so thoroughly deserved the confidence of the Society that they could not do better than place the Committee and officers in office again to carry on the good work they had so successfully commenced. (Cheers.) Like Mr Davies, he was a recent convert to anti-vivi- section. He did not believe that the same argu- ment would convince everyone, but an argument that appealed forcibly to his mind was this. They must admit that vivisection was a cruel practice but he was inclined to think that there might at times be justifiable cruelty. Nevertheless he felt at once that he reached higher and safer ground when it was argued effectually that vivisection was useless cruelty. (Hear, hear.) It had been S'l by some that vivisection was not cruel and it w a-i found that the medical profession was undecided in "that matter. Before the royal commission, one medical man said that vivisection was not cruel as the creature did not feel at all and another medical man said that unless the creature did not keenly feel all the pain, then the experiment was useless. They were then forced to the conclusion that if there was any value in the experiments that value depended entirely on the fact that the poor dumb creatures must be made to suffer keenly while under experiment. (Cheers.) Moreover, vivisection was making torture a science, con- verting it into a fine art, and who could estimate the moral effect of that sort of thing? They had heard it said that when young students entered vivisecting rooms they began to feel a pleasure in torture,. It, however, seemed to be wholly incon- sistent with the character of the medical profession that it should be educated to feel a pleasure in pain wherever it existed. (Hear, hear.) And then, what about the results of vivisection experi- ments even assuming for the moment that import- ant facts had been ascertained by vivisection ? He believed it was undeniable that if a certain drug had a certain effect upon an animal it by no means followed that that drug would have the same effect upon a human being. A sheep or goat could eat hemlock with impunity, but when Socrates was made to drink hemlock it killed him. Again, henbane was a perfect poison to fowls but when sheep or goats eat it, it was quite harmless. There- fore they must come to the conclusion that the facts of vivisection were not proofs when applied under different conditions to different animals. (Hear, hear.) As against the doubtful good vivisection did, he believed vivi- section developed the selfish side of man's nature. At first sight it seemed feasible that the animal should suffer foi the sake of man who was called the lord of creation. Reference had bean made to the Bible and to the light of the Bible and it seamed to him that the greatest and sublimest light for man was not selfishness but sacrifice. (Cheers ) There were some things more terrible than war and there were scientific investigations and so-called facts in science that were not worth the pain caused in finding them out and it was on that ground they could oppose vivisection in all its hideous forms. (Hear, hear.) There was also no limit to that cruelty. The division between vivisection upon animals and upon human beings seemed to be gradually but slowly disappearing and he understood that in Norway experi- ments were made upon foundlings. (Shame.) Anti-vivisectors had upon their side righteousness, truth, and light, and in the end would be sure to prevail. (Applause.) Miss HARRISON seconded the proposition and re- marked that being a nurse she could sav that no experiment in vivisection had ever been'shown to prove of profit to the human subject. Drugs had a different effect on animals to what they had on the human being. There was no operation in surgery initiated or brought forward from which any human subject had benefited by vivisection. All they need know for medical science they could know from the human body in disease. The proposition having been carried, the Rev E. HUGHES moved a proposition approving of the policy of and pledging the meeting to support the British Union for the abolition of vivisection. In doing so, he said the supporters had to contend against ignorance and bigotry which lay in the way of every reform. Locally the battle against had been fought in an unmanly way by anonymous correspondence in the Cambrian News, but did not have the support of that in- fluential paper and met with well-merited defeat, thanks to Miss Cobbe, the president of the British Union. He hoped that the Society in North Wales would not rest upon its oars, but would do its best to work the people up to the proper degree of enthusiasm and so carry conviction to those who were responsible for legislation. They must also utilize the Press, because the Press was the inter- preter of man's thoughts. (Hear, hear.) He was glad to find that the Union had engaged the services of a properly-qualified medical man who would be able to deal scientifically with the subject. (Hear, hear.) The rev gentleman then referred to a large anti vivisection meeting held recently in London and remarked that in ten years licences for vivi- section had increased from 75 to 224 and the number of animals vivisected from 1,069 to 8,800, while on the Continent the oper ttions were not confined to animals, but were extended to human beings. Wae- it not reasonable to suppo-e that the desire existed in this country? As God was love and mercy,, cruelty and torture were a transgression of the law of God and therefore a gross sin. (Cheers.) Mr SHENDON, delegate from the South Wales Branch, spoke of the work done in South Wales, and tne proposition approving of the policy of the Union was adopted. Captain BAILEY, Tanllan, moved a vote of thanks to the Cha'rn-.an for presiding and to the speakers- which the Rev E. HUGHES seconded and it was agreed to unanimously. The CHAIRMAN aid the speakers had said, Let there be light," and in that connection he was glad to know that a qualified lecturer had been engaged to go round the country. It was an old adage, but a true one, "The best gamekeeper is a converted poach* r." No doubt that was so because he knew both sid, s of the question; and he felt that a qual fied medical man would make the best lecturer. (Hear, hear.) In the death of Dr Lawson Tait, anti-vivisectionists had lost their brightest ornament and staunchest supporter. Let them hope that his mantle would fall upon others. (Hear, hear.) He hoped that soon ladies of refinement and culture waul. have votes, for it always seemed to him to be a striking an maly that a highly-intelli- gent woman should be debarred from the franchise when it was given to the drunken chimney sweep or the ignorant coalheaver. They all knew what it came to, for when the coalheaver voted he only voted as his wife told him unless he was bribed by a pot of beer to vote for the other side. (Laughter.) The meeting then separated.

ABERA- f RON. SCIENCE AND ART.-The Science and Art exam- inations were held at Aberayron last week, two at the Intermediate Schoolroom in inorganic chemist y and mathematics and the third at the British Schoolroom in physiography. Thirty-seven pupils appeared at the two first named and five at the latter. WEDDING—Miss Elizabeth Jane Lewis, 4, Port- land-place. Aberayron, was married on Wednes- day, June 28th, at Neuaddlwyd, to Mr John Nicholas of the Drug Stores, High-street, Llandilo, by the Rev T. Gwilym Evans, minister, in the pre- sence of John M. Howell, registrar. A sumptuous breakfast was laid by MlbS Jones at Cefnwig House, 4, Portland-place, to a large number of guests comprising the bride and bridegroom, Mi ft Jones, aunt 10 the bride, Miss Nicholas, sister of bridegroom, M ss Lewis, sister of the bride, Miss Jones, cousin, Mr N cholas, brother of the bride- groom, Captain Timothy Davies, uncle of the bride, and Mrs Davies, Mr David Jones and Mrs Jones, aunt of the bride, Mr Timothy Lewis, uncle of the bride, Rev T. Gwilym Kvans, Alderman J. M. and Mrs Howell, Miss Jones, cousin, Miss Jones, Mrs Evans, 3, Portland-place, Miss Jones, 6, Port- land-place, Miss Jones, 6, B lie Vue-terrace. The toast of the Bride and Bridegroom" was pro- posed by Mr Howell and spoken to by the Rev T. Gwilym Evans and Mr Timothy Lewis, Lone, and suitably responded to by Mr Nicholas. The happy couple left at mid-day for the Isle of Man. A liet of presents will be given next week. PICTURESQUE ABERAYRON.—At last the book called "Picturesque Aberayron." being a guide to the town and district, has made its appearance. Three or four years ago. Miss Evelyn Lewes of Tyglyn Aeron was awarded the prize for the best guide to Aberayron, at an eisteddfod held in the town. The adjudicators were the late Venerable Archdeacon Griffiths and Mr L. J. Roberts, M.A., H.M.I.S. After having perused a large number of guides, including those to Bristol, Bath, and the Isle of Man, the guide to Aberayron does not dwindle by comparison. The authoress has writ- ten tersely and to the point, and there is not a subject of interest to the visitor which she has not couched. Its contents are ranged in chapters, with the headings Introductory and Historical," A walk through the tiwn," Walks and Excur- sions," "General Information." The illustrations are Y Bont," "Alban Square," Dolgwartheg," Bird's eye view of the town," Hengeraint Wood," "Quay Parade," "Lovers' walk," Belle-Vue Terrace and Trinity Church." There are thirty-fire trade advertisements within and on its covers and although they give an idea of the commercial resources of the town, the list is nevertheless remarkable for the names that are not to be found in it. A useful appendix has been .embraced in the book, which will prove uspful to those amont; the visitors who will want to arrange day exci.-ions or to cyclists who may roam at will. The appendix he, tiVA sketches, arranged as follows Lampeter and its Collee," by the Rev J. M. Gritfths, vic»r What Visitors trink of Aberayron," by Lord Lisburne, General Rawlinga, Mr Burghadt Rev D. Jones, M.A., vicar of Lam- peter, Mr Hugh R. Wi! iams, Local Government auditor; Neuaddlwyd," by Mr Gwyn.Joues,B.A., Ab rayron to Llangeitoo," by Mr John M. Howell Aberayron and the Bicycle," by Mr Charles Nathan, ltc. Dr Burghardt makes a special point of the chalybeate spring which he dis- covered and brought before the notice of the public He writes, The chalybeate spring is certainly one of thejbest in the kingdom it is a carbonate of the protoxide of iron, dissolved in a very pure water. The common chalybeate spring are sulphate of the protoxide of iron, dissolved in water much charged with sulphates of calcium and magnesium and salt, hence the- iron in the common chaly- beate spring is nut nearly so easily assimilated by the system as the iron in the car. bunate or true chalybeate waters. Yours is a first- rate true chalybeate spring." Dr Burghardt also writes, That Cardiganshire folk are most amiable and friendly to all strangers." The chapter on general information might be more comprehensive and minute. But there is no rojm for grumbling. With the materials she had at hand, the authoress has done well. She planne 1, built, and embellished the work in a manner that does her great credit. She has shown herself to possess a far-seeing and discriminating eye in her selection of poetical escutcheons for her chapters, e.g., over the chapter called "Introductory and historical," she has placed the following lines by Longfellow :— A region of repose it seems, A place of slumber and of dreams, Remote among the wooded hills; For there no uoisy railway speeds, The torch race scattering- smoke and gleeds. Again, over the chapter A walk through the town" is the following couplet from Shakespeare: I'll view the manners of the town, Peruse tbe traders, gaze upon the buildings. The book is a good sixpennyworth and will prove to be a valuable advertisement to the town. The Urban Council has shown a laudable appreciation of its value as such and of their appreciation of the services of the authoress and of the devoted and painstaking publisher by ordering four hundred copies of the guide.

LONDON. THE WELSH CHURCII.—It is estimated that in South London alone there are over 15,000 Welsh speaking people, for whom, up till January, 1897. there was no Church of England place of worship where the service was read and the sermon preached in the Welsh language It was therefore felt by the Welsh-speaking members of the Anglican com- munion south of the Thames that this want should be supplied. Certain prominent South London Welshmen, who were very much interested in the project, approached the Bishop of Rochester with a view to such a place of worship being provided. The Bishop at once took the keenest interest in the proposal and requested Canon Allen Edwards, vicar of All Saints', Devonshire-road, Lambeth, to see what he could do to help on the movement from time to time and to report to his Lordship. Even- tually, in l898, thanks to Canon Edward's exertions, a chaplain was appointed in the person of the Rev Lewis Roderick, a Welsh clergyman. Up to that time no building had been secured, and Sunday evening services in the Welsh tongue were held in one of the rooms of the Surrey Masonic Hall, Camberwell New-Road, whilst through the kindness of the Rev Dr Purte, vicar of St. Matthew's Denmark Hill, the holy communion was celebrated n Welsh at the latter Church. This went on for a considerable period, when the building known as the Congregational Chapel, in the Camberwell New- road, the property of the Congregational body, re- cently came into the market. At one time a large and highly-respectable Nonconformist congregation worshipped in the Church, but in later years their numbers so dwindled down that the Dissenters dis- continued the services and the church was closed. The leading movers in the Welsh community at once seized their opportunity and bought the lease which runs for fortyfive-years. The large sum of money necessary for the purchase has been guar- anteed by Mr Francis, of Francis and Son, the well. Known Brixton grocers. The Church in question is a very fine building, with seating accommodation for 450. Its central position near Camberwell Green, rendeis it most convenient of access from all parts of South London. Services were held in this church for the first time, at its opening by the Archdeacon of Southwark, on June 8th last, when the Rev Canon Allen Edwards read the prayers in English, the Rev L. Roderick, the newly-appointed chaplain, read lessons, and Archdeacon Richardson was the preacher.—South London Chronicle.