The Cardigan Bay Visitor

PON Til H VDFEXDIGAID. TELEGRAPH SERVICE.—Telegraphic serve; open to the public on Wednesday, June 14th. The fact was greatly appreciated by the people and free use was made ot it during the day. Sum of tiie more spirited were eagerly watching for the hour of opening to strike, so as to be tirit. Congratuia tions were received fr. rrs friends, the secretary, Mr J. Rees, being warm'y congratulated bv Mr Edw. Evans of Aberys:wyth early in the morning. SCHOOL BOARD—'Ihe monthly meeting of the Board was held en Thursday, June 8th, when Mr Richard Jones, chair;; an, presided. Other members present were Messrs Thomas Jones, Old Abbey; J. T. Richards and Jenkin Jc-nk ns Messrs J. Rees and D. Williams, masters.— me Board chiefly occupied itself with the a-tendance lists.—As soon as the ordinary business of the Board was over, a special meeting was held to appoint a clerk. Two persons appied. viz., Mr Isaac Jones, LWvynyg-jg, and Mr S. Tivgoning. As the silarie3 .1sked f"r were ahout ulua.] ir nut so, Mr Tregoning was appointed, he having been for twenty-three years clerk to the Ystiadmeurig School Board. PARISH COUNCIL.—Toe Givnnws Upper Parish Council held its second meeting on Wednesday, June 7th. Mr Edward Evans, J. P., who had been elected chairman for the ensuing year, was present and thanked the Council for the honour done to him. He would do his best to attend regularly.— The Clerk presented the accounts f..r the year which were examined and pissed. — Mr William Rowlands gave notice that he would at the next meeting of the Council call attention to the necessity of improving the public paths and erect seats at convenient spots.—The Council, on the proposition of Mr J. D. Jones, builder, heartily accorded a vote of thanks to Mr Edward Evans, the chairman Mr Jones, Dolfawr, late chairman, and Messrs Joseph Jones and Edward Jenkins for becoming guarantors for the telegraph service when they found that the original scheme of the two parish councils would not be sanctioned by the Authorities.—Messrs Evans and Jones replied and stated that it pleased them very much to bj able to be of help. They experienced great satis- faction at finding the telegraph service about being a fact and reality. They could not however let that vote pass without pointing out the share borne by Mr J. Rees, C. l., as clerk of the movement.— Mr J. Rees said nothing gave him greater pleasure than to be of service to nis fellows.

ABERYSTWYTH. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL Mo NDAY, JUNE 12TH.-Pre,ent: Mr J. R. James, Peithyll, chairman, presiding Messrs Edward Jones, Ceulanymaesmawr Lewis Richards and John Morgan, Cwmrheidol William Morris, Cyfoethy- brenin J. B. Morgan, Cynnullmawr W. A. Miller, Issayndre Richard Jones, Llanbadarn G pper; J aes Jones, Llanbadarn Lower Richard Jenkins, Llancynfeiin Thomas Powell, Llan- fihangel Gpper; Evan Richards, Llanfihangel Lower E. J. Evans, Llangwyryfon Evan Lewis, Llanrhystyd Haminiog John JOLCS, Llan- rhystyd Mefenydd J. E. James, Melindwr J. R. James, Parcel Canol Ri-jhard DHie, Tre- feirig Richard Thoma9. Tirymynach Messrs Hugh Hughes, clerk David Davies, assistant clerk John Rowlands, sanitary insnec'or John Hughes. John Edwards, Morgan Edwards, and M. Davies, road surveyors. THE ROADS. At the outset. Mr J. B. Morgan referred ti the difference in the estimates of the road surveyors for the repair ot the roads during the ensuing month. The estimate of ..Ir John Hughes was £1:1 14s '21 that of Mr John Edwards, 91 Mr Morgan Edwards, £:3 3s Gi and Mr Morgan 17s 41. How was it that the r::n0.S in one district required three times as much money io repair them as the roals in an- other districtHe hoped that the surveyors could see their way clear to reduce the expenditure dur- ing the summer months.—Mr E. J. Evans pointed out that the estimates merely covered the wages of the workmen and the work.nen were paid at the same rate in each district. — Mr Morgan Davies, the surveyor, said the reason why his estimate was larger than the others was due to the fart that there were a great deal more workmen employed in his district.—Mr J. B. Morgan Cannot the number be decreased ?—The Surveyor No, because there is more work in my district than any of the others.— Mr J. B. Morgan thought the surveyo-s should exercise care with the workmen and to see that they worked regularly and well. It would be well if they paid surprise visits.—Mr Morgan Davies (the Surveyor): You can depend upon it that I don't advertise my visit. (Laughter.) FINANCE. Bills amounting to between £70 and £80 were passed on the recommendation of the Finance Com- mittee. FRONGGCH MINES. Mr John Morgan reported as to what the Societe Anonyme Miniere (Sirge) Belgium Company pro- posfd doing over and under the highway near Froa- goch Mines. They intended erecting tram rails which would be removed in six months also con- structing a stone culvert to convey water to the mines, erecting a stone wall, a culvert for the tram- way, and wires.—The Clerk submitted a draft of the agreement to be entered into between the Coun- cil and the Company, the latter to yay to the Council 5s a year.—On the proposition of Mr J. B. Morgan, seconded by Mr John Morgan, it was agreed to make arrangements to affix the seal of the Council to the agreement at a special meeting to be held next Monday. CWMSYMLOG ROAD. Mr John Hughes, the surveyor, referred to the road which the :Council proposed taking over in Cwmsymlog and said Mr Pryse Pryse desired to know whether it was true he would have to main- taia the road for a period of twelve months after it was taken over by the Council.-The Chairman Of course not.—It was agreed to write to Mr Pryse Pryse that once the road was taken over, the Rural Council would be responsible. BRIDGE WATED AT LLANGWYRYFON. Mr Morgan Davies, the road surveyor, reported that the inhabitants of the parishes of Llaurhystyd- Mefenydd, Llanrhystyd-Haminicg, and Llangwyry- fon, had requested him to place before the Council the necessity of having a bridge over the river Beidiog in the parish of Llangwyryfon. The roads leading thither were much in use and a bridge would be a great benefit.—Replying to Mr James Jones, the Surveyor said a petition for a bridge at this place was made three years ago.—Mr E. J. Evans thought the Council would be justified in asking the Surveyor to submit an estimate of the cost of a new bridge.—Mr J. M. Morgan Let us decide in the first instance if there is need for a new bridge. It is all very well to order the Surveyor to prepare an estimate before :the necessity of a bridge is clearly proved.—The Chair- man Llangwyryfon is getting on. The sassiwn was held there a short time back. (Laughter). —It was ultimately agreed that a committee should report upon the matter and that the Surveyor should submit an estimate of the cost of a new bridge. M.4E.S.VF.WYDD ROAD. The Clerk to the County Council wrote enclosing an extract from a report of the County Surveyor with regard to the highway leading from Tynpark to Maesnewydd, and stating that the County Council could not consider the propriety of taking the road until the Rural Council had as suggested by the County Surveyor agreed to widen the road and have it macadamised.—The Rev John Davies, who was unavoidably absent, wrote urging upon the Council to try and enter into an arrangement with the County Council. If the road was widened and macadamised and afterward taken over by the County Council, it would be a great advantage to the inhabitants in the district and to the persons who drove conveyances thereon, the traffic on the road being considerable. If necessary,'he was prepared to advocate the procura- tion of a loan, to be repaid in thirty or forty years, to carry out the improvements.—Mr John Hughes, the surveyor, said land would have to be acquired before the road could be widened.—Mr J. B. Morgan and Mr James Jones said to carry out the suggestion of the County Surveyor would mean great expense.—Mr Edward Jones said what the Bev John Davies said regarding the traffic was quite true. The road was much used by conveyances from Aberystwyth to Llyfnant Valley. So narrow was the road in some places that two conveyances could not pass one another. Something would ¡ have to be done sooner or later and it would he an advantage if the County Council and the Rural Council would co-operate.—Mr James Jones It seems to me that the County Council do not wish to improve it.-The Chairman You have struck the nail on the right mark. — Mr Evan Richards also spoke as to the road being much in use.— Ultimately, the Council resolved not to take further action in the matter at present. APPLICATIONS FROM MELINDWR. The Melindwr Parish Cuuncil wrote with regard to the reasonableness of the proposal to erect a bridge over Melindwr brook near Capel Bangor.— The Chairman, in reading the letter, read reason- ableness" as "unreasonableness."—Mr James Jones: Is it Chairman (perusing the letter) No. I see it is reasonable- ness." That is not the proper word however. The proper word is unreasonableness." (Loud laughter.) I expressed this opinion before and I am still of the same opinion. (Laughter.)—On the proposition of Mr J. E. James, seconded by Mr James Jones, it was agreed to appoint a committee to consider the application.—The Melindwr Parish Council also wrote with regard to the dilapidated condition of the handrails of the footbridge near Maesbangor Factory and of the fence alongside the leet near the same place.—It was agreed to provide handrails to the footbridge, but the Council took no action with regard to the fence. PROPOSED BRIDGE OVER CLKTTWR. The C juncil afterward considered the matter of the propo-cd bridge over the Clettwr river, when the Surveyor (Mr John Hughes; reported that the County Council requested to lie furnished with amended plans and estimates.—Mr Edward .Jones said as the County Council pro- posed contributing one-third of the expense of the proposed new bridge, the request demanded their ron-'iuerstion. — Mr Evan Richards concurred an;, proposed that the matter should be further con- sidered at the next meeting. In the meantime the members could consider what would be the best thing to do in the matter.—Mr Richard Jon- kins seconded the proposition.—The Surveyor said the County Surveyor was in favour of erecting an iron bridge.—It was resolved on the propo-ition of :,Ir John \Iorgan, s-conded by -"Ir Evan Richards, that the Surveyor should prepare plans and an estimate of an iron bridge to the next meeting of the Council. INSPECTOR'S RFPORT. The Inspector reported that he had served nctiee upon Mr Thomas Hugh Jones, Aberyst'.vyth, to provide proper drainage arrangements for his house in Quebec COltige, Llaubadarn. Mr Jones wrote stating that he was not responsible for the drain- age, the tenant having hadja ten years'lease on the house, which male him responsible for repairs. The tenant, however, said he was a yearly tenant and that he had no lease. There were two cases of scarlet fever in the house and he had given in- structions to have the place disinfected and isolated. He asked for instructions.—The Inspector further reported that on visiting Gwarfelin, Llan- cynfeiin, on May 25th, he found that the notice served upon the owner rf the two houses thereat last November had not been complied with. He wrote to the owner and he had sent a reply stating that the notice should have his immediate attention. The owner and occupier of the house at Pootllauychaiarn reported as overcrowded had informed him that the house would be vacated in a fortnight. He had visited Llangwyryfon and found that arrangements were being made to carry out the necessary work at Pwlldraenllwyn and Commins, but nothing had been done at Cefncoch, Bryubeidiog, Nantcwtta- fawr, Nantcwtta-fach, and Pencommius. The notice had been complied at Pencwmbeidiog. The notice served on March ISth upon the owner and occupier of Neuadd Farm, Cwmrheidol. the house not being fit for human habitation, had nut been complied with.—The Council authorised the In spector to serve further notices in some cases and to take proceedings in others. BYLAWS FOR NEW BUILDINGS. The Clerk reported that the bylaws in respect of new buildings were now in operation. They had been circulated in the district.—Replying to Mr James Jones, the Clerk said plans of new buildings would now have to be submitted. In the case of elaborate repairs, pians would also have to be sub- mitted, but not in the case of slight repairs. — Mr John Morgan gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that a bylaws committee should be formed. LLANRHYSTYD WATER SUPPLY. The Clerk reported that, as lequested by the Rural District Council, he had called on Professor Ahn Murray and submitted the sample of water analysed by him and also the sample analysed by another analyst. They asked him whether it was possible for the samples to have come from the same spring. Professor Murray compared the samples and told them that it was impossible for them to have come from the same spring. The Inspector afterward saw Mr Evans, who later on sent him the following letter :— In accord with the request of your Inspector, I visited, with him. the sources of the Llanrhystyd vilUge water supplies. Mr Lewis, district councillor, and Mr James being-also present. Prstyl1-yr-E;lwys: This spring-, situated not far from the Church from which it takes its name, was first visbed. An examination of its outlet showed presence of low forms of vegetable life adhering to it, such as spiroiryra, Sec. Under- neath all this is an iron channel similarly coated. After cleansing these, a sample was taken and sealed. My analysis of this sample proves that the water is fit for drinking pur- poses. The rate cf the supply j seventy-five al1ons per hour, I would suggest the occasional cleaning of the outlet. Ffynon Tyncwm Thig sprin is the other source uf supply and arises as a bubbling brook from the base of an uncultivated hillock about a fluar er of a mile al\ ay from the village. The well at present is exposed and a foot or so distant above the spring. I am of opinion th t when this source has been cleansed and made inaccessible to cattie or accidental pollution that this water will be of the very best quality.' There is abundant supply and, owing to its position, lends itself to a gravitation scheme for the whole population of this important village. The scheme will cost, I am told, about €130 and will mean an extra rate of per year for repayment of capital and interest in thirty years. In reference to the difference in the results of the previous analyses, the Inspector informs me that the sample previously submitted en April -22nd is the same water as the present Pystyll-yr-Esrlwys, if so, then some disturbance of the water must have taken place. Wafer is liable to char ge at certain seasons, more particularly in the spring and summer, when life is active and reproducing life III the animal ar d vegetable kingdom. This is nry apparent in a water whose volume is not constant.—Yours respectfullv E. J. EVANS. r —The letter was read amid laughter.—The Clerk also stated that Mr Evans had sent in a bill for James Jones, speak- ing on the general question, asked whether the Council were doing their duty to the people living in Llanrhystyd ? They ought to provide them with a proper system of water supply. Talybont should also be provided with a proper system. It was net right or proper that people should walk miles for water. Some seven or eight years ago the Highway Board were asked to supply Llanrhystyd with water, but the people rose in arms against paying the expense of providing a proper system. The Council ought net to listen to either people of Talybont or Llanrhystyd who spoke against provid- ing proper systems on the ground of expense. It was high time to provide both villages with water on approved systems.—Mr J. B. Morgan pointed out that the Council had spent a lot of money on the water supply of Llanbadarn Fawr before they decided to provide a proper system.— Mr E. J. Evans said clearly something was wrong somewhere. The analysts did not agree. More- over, the Council could not force a proper system of water supply on the people of Llanrhystyd un- less they wished it.—Mr James Jones What is our power, Mr Clerk ?—The Clerk The Council can compel them to take the water unless the source of the present supply is proved satisfactory. —Mr E. J Evans But they say it is all right.— Mr James Jones It would be an advantage in the long run if they had a proper system.—The general question was deferred for a month on the proposition of Mr John Morgan, seconded by Mr Edward Jones.—It was resolved not to pay the bill for £1 10s sent by Mr Evans, it being stated that it was suggested that he should make an in- spection in order to bear out his previous report.— It was proposed and seconded that the Council should refund £1 Is paid to Professor Murray by the villagers for his analyst.—The proposition was rejected by nine votes to four. IN COMMITTEE. The Council then resolved into committee on matters pertaining to Borth. TOWN COUNCIL (Special Meeting), SATURDAY, JUNE 10TH.—Present: Councillor D. C. Roberts, mayor, presiding Councillor John Jenkins, ex mayor; Aldermen Peter Jones and Captain Doughton Councillors C. M. Williams, Robert Doughton, R. J. Jones, R. Peake, E. P. Wynne, Evan Hugh James, Isaac Hopkins, and J. P. Thomas Messrs A. J. Hughes, town clerk ;Rees Jones, borough surveyor James Evans, sanitary inspector, and Dr Abraham Thomas, medical officer. The Tows CLERK said-Isent on Thursday to Mr Gibson, as I was instructed by the Council, a copy of a resolution with respect to certain allegations made by him at a public meeting held on the 17th May and enquiring of Mr Gibson whether the speech was correctly reported and if so whether his would furnish the Council with the authority for the statements and the allegations therein. I sent a copy of that resolution and the paragraph accom- panied by a letter which no doubt all the members of the Council have seen in the newspapers, and on the Slih I received a reply from Mr Gibson to this effect—I do not know whether you wish me to read it. Captain DOUGHTON—Will you please read it out —slowly, please. Mr PEAKE-I have not seen it. TheTownClerkthen read the letters as follows :— TOW CLERK'S LETTER. I have been directed to convene a meet- ing of the Committee of the whole Coun- cil without delay, and if your speech referred to is correctly reported, I shall feel much obliged if you will, for the information of the Committee, furnish me with the authority and information in your possession upon which you made the serious allegations referred to. If you are incorrectly re- ported, I shall be glad if you will furnish me with the necessary corrections.—Yours truly, A. J. HUGHES. J. Gibson, Esq., Senr." MR GIBSON'S REPLY. DEAR SIR,—I a.m in receipt of your letter. I see from the report of the proceedings at the last Town Council, which form the subject matter of your letter, that Mr C. M. Williams and Captain Doughton have virtually accused me of cowardice, of lying, and of garbling a report of my own speech in my own newspaper. I am not so dull, not are the public so dull, as not to see the object aimed at. I am fully aware of the gravity of the condi- tions which exist and I hope the public bodies interested will get them altered. They have greater means in their hands than I have, and it is necessary that constant care should be taken to keep down certain well-known evils. The official who gave me my information and asked me for my help was not an official of the Corporation and I do not see, therefore, what the Corporation have to do with the matter beyond see- ing that the conditions which cause the evil I have publicly referred to are as nearly impossible as may be. If Captain Doughton or Mr C. M. Williams had wished for information they might have asked me for it weeks ago and I would have given them it as freely as I have given it in confidence to other members of the Corporation. I do not think the Town Council for many reasons is the sort of body that I am disposed to entrust myself to, especially seeing that the members who spoke on Tuesday have already decided that I am guilty of offences vhich would, if true, render any- tuing I might say unworthy of credence. I have nothing to say to the Committee. I am, dear sir, with all respect fiat is due to the Council— (ilaug I) — Yours truly, J. GIBSON. M r ROBERT DOUGHTON- Ittike it that this is a flat refusal of t;.e Town Clerk's request. The Town Clerk aks Mr Gibson if he will specify if he has been correctly reported. He does not say whether he has been corrcct'y reported or not. He does not say yes or "no" to the r;quest of the Town Clerk, so I should thiuk by that letter it is a refusal to reply and a refusal to answer. The TOWN CLERK-I take it it is a tacit ad- m.-so.n of the correctness of the report. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON—Yes, sure. Ine MAYOR—Yes and a refusal to give the in- formation, and also that the statement does not re- fer in any way to the Town Council. Tha; is briefly what it amounts to. Captain DOUGHTON—As to the members of the Corporation v. ha are mentiuned hEre in the letter, will they kindly explain more fully the particulars f that portion of Mr Gibson's letter. Mr Gibson says in his reply distinctly that there are some members of the Corporation in the know. I should like these members to explain before we proceed. The MAYOR-I may state quite frankly that since the meeting on Tuesday 1 saw Mr Gibson, and in confidence—absolutely 'n confidence-he told me cei tain things upon which he based his remarks. I am not in a position to state them, to repeat them in any way. I simply state what I know and they are not things that I can in any way use, Caption DOUGHTON—Will you allow me to ask one question ? llie MAYOR—\ts and I presume it is a question I can answer. Captain DOUGHTON—Do you not think it right for you to explain, seeing that such an accusation was I presume that Mr Gibson yave it to you just the same as he gave it in his speech. The MAYOR—No, co. In giving it me he told me it was in confidence and I cannot use it. Captain DOUGHTON—But independently of that, did not your conscience tickle you at the time— (laughter)—seeing that there was a debate in the Council upon Mr Gibson's speech and you being in the know. Mr R. J. JoxEs-No. The Mayor stated that he had the conversation with Mr Gibson after the meeting of the Council. The MAYOR— I have stated distinctly, it was on Tuesday. Captain DOUGHTOx-It states that members of the Council were aware of it before the meeting. Perhaps it was twelve months or more ago. The MAYOR—You will understand that I knew absolutely nothing on Tuesday when the meeting of the Council was held about it. Alderman PETER JONEs-Well, as I understand the matter, sir, at the meeting held in this hall, which has been reported, certain statements were made and those statements are made in a very distinct and explicit manner. I find in the report these words were used There was in this town at the present time a building where little children were done to death regularly all the year round." Well, continued Mr Jones, what I feel with regard to this matter is that it is a very serious imputa- tion and that the Council, being the responsible body for the sanitary condition of the town and, also, I hope, taking an interest in matters of a moral kind- Mr J. P. THOMAS (feelingly)—Hear, hear. Alderman PETER JONES-Should certainly put down as far as they can what appears to me to be a criminal offence. This statement having been made at a public meeting, I do not know any other course than the one pursued at the last meeting of the Council—to try to elicit information whether this state of things exists within the borough. And Mr Hughes, as we have just heard, was instructed to write to Mr Gibson. The reply does not touch to my mind upon the question asked. Capciin DOCGHTO-Not at all. Alderman PETER JOEs-The question is this. Is there existing in Aberystwyth at the present time, and hasthere existed for a considerable period, a den of this description ? If so, I think it would be only reasonable to expect that Mr Gibson, like every other man who takes interest in the well-be- ing of the town, should afford every possible assist- ance in tryiug to bring these people to justice. Captain DOUGHTON—Hear, hear. Alderman PETER JONES—The statement here marie appears to be repeated in another form, because you will find a little lower down in the report of the proceedings that Mr Gibson states There were plenty of people in official positions in the town who knew the fact as well as he knew it and he told the meeting plainly that these people who knew this fact were just simply hypocrites until they rid themselves of the responsibility that was before them." Captain DOCGHTox-Hear, hear. Alderman PETER JONES—Now, having stated that certain officials in the town were cognisant of this state of things, I believe that certain members of the Council invited the officials of the Corporation to attend this meeting, and I find that three officials are present who, I pn sume, would have the knowledge if anyone connccted with the Council had ie, and I anticipate that they wdl give a denial to such a statement that they were aware of such a state of things existing in the town. It seems to me it would be well to know who these hypocrites are. If these gentlemen are aware of this state of things, and Air Gibson appears to be aware of the fact that they are, I think it would be only his duty to assist the sanitary authority of this district in discovering it, so that we may be able to dispense with the services of any man guilty of such things. The question which devolves upon us to my mind leaving aside all issues which may lead us astray' is-do these things exist? And if they do exist, I say that any person knowing it does not discharge his duty as a citizen if he does not give information and ensure proceedings being instituted against the offenders. vVhen this statement was made I was hopeful that an enquiry would be made and I was gratified to find that the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children had deputed one of their most respectable officials to visit Aberystwyth in order to enquire into the allegations that were ro^e. Having seen on Thursday uigbt this letter of Mr Gibson, which was addressed to the Town Clerk and published in Thursday evening's paper, I felt it incumbent upon me to interview the gentleman who came here representing that Society. I may say that I had a conversation of some duration with him in the presence of another gentleman connected with the police force and conjointly with that person I have reduced to writing the statement then made by Inspector New, the inspector of this Society, and with your consent I should like to read that state- ment. The statement made, as far as we were able to jot it down in an hour or so afterwards, was as follows:—"I had an interview with Mr John Gibson, senior, on the 8th June. 1899, and informed him who I was and that Mr Waugh, secretary of our Society, had sent me to Aberystwyth with the view of seeing him so as to obtain some particulars relative to the article that appeared in the South Wales papers concerning some-children being done to death at Aberystwyth. Mr Gibson said There are two rival newpapers in the town and conse- quently my opponents have tried to make out a lot of my speech. I went to the meeting in order to assist them to appoiat nurses and in my speech I intended to refer to the insanitary state of the town. I did not mean any particular building. But the official informed me that children were done to death by being fed with whisky and sour a; -ii were.the children of tramps and that the officials knew it, but they would not do their duty. Captain DOUGHTON—Then he acknowledges it. Mr PETER JONES—If I am not taking up your time 1 should like to point out the difference between the speech and the statement. In the speech it is said "There was in this town at the present time a building where little children were I dune to death regularly all the year round. He knew that to be a fact." Here in his statement to the Inspector it is—"An official informed me that children were done to death by being fed with- whisky and sour milk." Captain DOUGHTON—Well, well. Alderman PETER JOXES (continuing to quote)— They were the children of tramps and that the officials knew it, but they would not do their duty." Continued Mr Jones—Now the difference appears to me a very distinct one between the al- legation made and the explanation given, and be- fore we proceed to read further, I think, really, as I said before, that the least thing we could expect from Mr Gibson, if in the heat of the moment carried away with his eloquence he made a state- ment which over stepped the mark, that he should have the manliness to come forward and say There has been some ambiguity and my intention was not to say there was in Aberystwyth a den for doing away with children." The Inspector also stated "1 then said, Will you please localise r »• the place where the children were so treated and also the official's name so as to assist me to pursue my enquiries ? Mr Gibson replied, 41 shall not divulge the name of the official, as he has "been dead for about twelve months. I did not refer to any particular building and will not tell you anything further. You cannot now do anything as the children are dead and you can tell Mr Waugh that everything will now be alright. (A laugh.) You see the officials do not carry out their duty. Look at that cask there obstructing. If that was in front of my place I should at once be summoned." To hark back, continued Mr Peter Jones, some of us are supposed to be biassed, and. Mr Gibson does not condescend to give us information, but here is a society formed to assist suffering children and put a stop to cruel- ties supposed to be perpetrated on them. Here is a person supposed to be independent who occupies a very high position in his department. I may say he has been ten or twelve years in the detective department in London and, I believe, for ten or twelve years has served in this Society, so he is a man of considerable experience, and further, he stated to Mr Gibson that if he feared any conse- quences from the information imparted that he would relieve him from that position. He would make enquiries and if the facts were as stated, the Society would take the responsibility of instituting proceedings and take the respaosibity of any course they pursued. The Inspector further stated that Mr Gihson appeared to be very much against the authorities and anxious to find fault with everyone, hut when pressed to point out their shortcomings, he would not give any. About six p.m. on the Sth June", the Inspector stated, "laccompanied P.S. Phillips round the common lodging-houses and back streets of the town and found everything clean and in good order. As far as I cm see the sanitary condition of the town is excellent. The cleanliness of the common lodging-houses compared favourably with any place I have ever seen." Now, the speaker went on, in regard to the enquiry as to the place where children were being done to death, this gentleman prcsecuted his enquiries as to the number of deaths which have taken place in common lodging-houses during the past four or five years and he makes this statement with regard to that: I found that deaths rarely occur in these houses. At these houses I visited, three children only have died within the last five yaars. Of these, one was very ill on his arrival in town. Another was the child of the occupier. This child was medicilly attended and certified to have died from inflammation." The MAYOR—From inflammation Alderman PETER JOEii- Yes He gave me more detailed information. One was the child of a milit;aman which was suffering at the oime he came to Aberystwyth. It was attended by a medical man of the town and eventually succumbed to bronchitis and inflammation. Another, the child of the occupier, who was ill for sometime, was also medically attended and there was a case of a still- born child and there were two medical men in that case, so those are the three cases referred to. Mr J. P. THOMAS — Were those in bepuate houses or in one ? Alderman PETER JONFS—Two in one house and one in the other. The Inspector having very care- fully enquired, the result that he has arrived at is to the following effect. :—Owing to the report that appeared in the papers, I was sent here specially to investigate the matter and I am glad to say that the allegation is absolutely without any ¡' foundation." Mr J. P. THOMAS and Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON— Hear. hear. Alderman PETER JOEs-That is the testimony of Inspector New, one of the officials of this Society, It seems to me that it requires no comment. Here are the facts. A certain statement is made by Mr Gibson. He is required to furnish information to the Council and here is his reply. An independent authority came here to make enquiry and this is the result of his judgment and I think it is quite superfluous to add any remarks of mine on the allegation and the answer to the same. Mr J. P. THOMAS (knocking the table jubilantly) —Hear, hear. The MAYOR—Is there anything further ? Captain DOUGHTù-I think the least thing the Council should do is to pass a vote of thanks to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children for their prompt action in fending one of their chief inspectors here to investigate this —— Well, I can- not get hold of a word. The MAYOR—This statement. Captain DOeGHTON-And I propose that the heartiest thanks of the Council be given to Mr Waugh. The MAYOR—Well, I will take that now. Will anyone second Captain Doughton's proposition ? Mr PEAKE—I will second it. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON—Don't you think, Mr Mayor, that it would be well while the officials are here, that they might be asked —— Mr R. PEAKE—As far as I understand those officials have been interviewed by Inspector New. The MAYOR—Yes, but of course the matter is in your hands entirely. Do everything you re- quire. Mr J. P. THOMAS—In the face of wha we have heard and what we know I think we ought to do something in this matter. I do not think we ought to leave it drop just here. It has a very important bearing upon our town and our officials and upon us as members of the Council. I think Mr Gibson ought to be called upon in some way or other to give us an apology or a full statement admitting his errors or in some way meeting the Council and do- ing away and mitigating the harm he has already done. I understand that the ecandal has reached lirge towns some distance from here and they are there talking about Aberystwyth as being the best health resort and chaffing us in the matter. They say, Your children are being done to death at Aberystwyth. You are cracking up Aberystwyth as the best watering place in Wales and there you have such a den carried on there that we really cannot send our peop!e there." In the face of that I think some action ought to be tiken. It we can- nct as a corporate body take action we ought to get someone else in power to do so, or get the Local Government Board to deal with Mr Gibson in the proper and right spirit. I think, perhaps, they can do a great deal of good in that way. They may bring Mr Gibson to his senses because it is amply proved to night that everything he says is not true. If he fails as he has done and will not give the in- formation, he ought to be subprenaed to a greater court. The TOWN CLERK—I do not know whether I should be intruding by saying, I certainly would not advise the CÆnciL to adopt that course inas- much as there is no charge made against any of the Corporation officials and the matter does not affect the Corporation as a corporation in any way. I do not think such action could lead to any result. Mr J. P. THOMAS—I am sorry to hear that. The TOWN CLERK—Of course I give it as my own opinion that is all. Mr J. P. THOMAS—It is a very cowardly thing of Mr Gibson that he does not come forward like a man. The TOWN CLERK—Of course, as to that I do not say a word. It is only as regards the legal position of the Council. Mr R. PEAKE-I would suggest and I would like to propose that the Mayor should report to the several newspapers—the Mayor and Town Clerk certainly, signed by the Mayor, stating that this en- quiry has been held in regard to Mr Gibson's state- ment and to the best of our ability and knowledge failed to get a.ny more information from Mr Gibson and therefore conclude that the whole thing is un- founded. I think that is the only step open to us to take. I certainly do not see, as Mr Arthur Hughes as stated, that we have any claim on Mr Gibson. The MAYOR—All this is in puplic and there will be a full report in the papers of what we do. Mir PEAKE—Do you not think it better to come from the body itself. The MAYOR—It will be fully reported in the papers. Mr J. P. THOMAS—Can we give any guarantee that such statements will not be made yearly in future? The MAYOR—I do not see how we can deal with that, Mr Thomas. You see we have the Town Clerk's letter to Mr Gibson and his reply. Those are in the hands of the public and there will be a report of this meeting. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTOX-I will propose that the Mayor should ask the officials now to give their denial to it. I suppose they cannot but deny it and while they are here I think they should have an opportunity of corroborating the statement made by the Inspector. MR PEAKE—That is begging the question, that, sir. The TOWN CLERK—If I may intrude for one moment, the statement made by Alderman Jones has been made that the several officials have been interviewed. They areall here andjif the statement re- ported by Alderman Jones is correct I suppose Alderman PETER JONEs-I may say further I do not know if I said the Chief Constable, the Super- intendent, the Sergeant and the officers of the police have been asked and they state emphatically there is no such a thing existing in Aberystwyth. On their authority they state it. Dr THOMAS, the medical officer-I should like to say a word. I should be willing to give any infor- mation in my power if Mr Gibson wanted any in- formation in the matter. I believe that the death returns that we have will give Mr Gibson every opportunity to prove if can by any means his statement. It is my duty as medical officer of health to analyse all deaths that occur in Aber- ystwyth during the year. I have to put the deaths in the different ages and classify the deaths under I different headings. I Can say this, that the infant mortality of Aberystwyth last year was 114 per thousand of the population that of England was 166. A death or two as alleged by Mr Grbson would alter the statistics immensely, but there is not the slightest ground for supposing that. Any information I can give I will willingly give to eluci- date this enquiry, but I do not think for one moment there is such ground for that charge, I emphatically deny it on behalf of the officials. As regards the common lodging houses, I took the Inspector of the Local Government Board around the common lodging houses. He said, I Dever, saw such common lodging houses outside Abfr- ystwyth." My quarterly and annual reports refer to the excellent condition of the common lodging houses. One of the deaths referred to as occurring in a common lodging house I attended to pro- fessionally and I can speak well of the condition and cleanliness of the common lodging houses. Besides speaking as an official, I should like to speak also on behalf of the medical practitioners of Aber- ystwyth. With all their rivalry and differences of opinion, I do not think for one moment that one of them would cloak over mischief like this. I think they would all he willing and glad to hring it to official notice. I also say that on behalf of myself as medical officer of health and officials generally. There is not tie least possible chance of there being any truth in the allegation of Mr Gibson. Captain DOUGHTox-I made it my business to ascertain the deaths at the Workhouse. The Workhouss building is outside the boundary of the borough and I find that only seven deaths have occurred at the Workhouse for the past eleven years of children under two years of age and two of those were stillborn. Mr C. M. WTLLIAIS-1 should like to ask the Mayor if he will kindly ask the members of the Council if they have had any information whatever from Mr Gibson. The Mayor has at once stated that since last Tuesday's meeting Mr Gibson has given him certain information in confidence. From the reply he published you may imply that he gave information to more than one member. He states, "If Captain Doughton or Mr C. M. Wiliiams had wished for information they might have asked for it weeks ago and I would have given them it as freely as I have given it in coufitlence to other members of the Corporation." I should feel obliged if you, Mr Mayor, will ask each member. The MAYOR—\ erv well will any member say. Captain DOUGHTON—I have asktd the same question before. Mr C. M. Y\ ILTJAMS—I think possibly we nny as well have the thing asked and answered because some members may say "I did not say anything, but if I was asked I would say." The MAYOR then asked each member separately and all denied receiving any information from Mr Gibson. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—I feel that if all the mem- bers of the Council were here it would be the same, and we are bouad to come to the conclusion that there is no member of the Corporation who has been made acquainted with the terrible state of things or it would be his duty ia some way or o her to take action with the view of revealing it and putting an end to it. We have a large num- ber of the Council here present and I feel sure it would be the same if all were present. I think it is one of the gravest charges that has ever been made against any town in the whole country. Al- derman Jones has read to you a portion of the speech which, if it is correct, is one of the most terrible state of things that I should say could exist in any civilised country. Mr Jones stated that possibly Mr Gibson might just in a moment when he was eloquent have gone a little bit be- yond what he anticipated but here we all find on June 2ad, in a column in which I think Mr Gibson takes a great deal of pride, and I suppose if Mr Gibson is ever in a good mood it is in writing this column, he repeats practically every word that he does in the speech. The report, I suppose, may be taken as correct, because he says practically the same thing in his letter-" little children are surely done to death." That is after the report had appeared in the other paper. He appeared to be anxious to repeat the statement. In fact, he goes on, The facts are well-known, for they were given me by an official who did not confine his in- formation to me. 1 myself have made statements in the presence of responsible persons," Now I be- lieve that fully bears out the statement he made at the previous meeting. Can it be possible that we have amongst us a single individual who could re- main silent when he knows that these most terrible and horrible things were carried on-little, help- less children being actually put to death ? A building, as he states, in this town where they are put to death. It was our duty, as a Corporation, to take the parliest opportunity of asking Mr Gibson to verify that statement. We have no right to make any comment upon the statement until we have given Mr Gibson an opportunity of either putting the information in writing or at- tending a meeting and stating the full facts to us. Possibly you will pardon me for making a comment upon a portion of his letter. I an not dealing with any statement that Mr Gibson writes in his paper. His notes or articles I do not wish to make com- ments upon but here is his letter which has been sent back to the Town Clerk wherein I am sorry to say he starts with three falsehoods—three distinct falsehoods. The MAYOR—Mr Williams you are discussing this matter. Mr V\ ILLIAMS—I am bound to defend myself and put matters right when false charges are made against me. and put matters right when false charges ard made against me. The MAYOR-I only mentioned it. Of course you can go on I won't stop you. Mr C. M. WILLIA-.NIS-It states here that I accused Mr Gibson of cowardice and lying and garbling the report of his own speech in his own newspaper. Now, gentlemen, did I say a word at the last meeting of the Council ? Did I charge Mr Gibson in any shape or form? I was particularly careful not to, I simply seconded the proposal that the Council should form themselves into committee to investigate the whole charges. I saw that they were the most serious, the gravest charges ever brought, and it was our duty to in- vestigate the matter and give Mr Gibson an oppor- tunity of making good his statements. Now, I see, in the face of that I am charged here with having charged Mr Gibson with three things. I say these things are absolute falsehoods. The public can read the report of what I said at the last Council meeting, and they will see I am correct. I must confess it is difficult for a man to coolly discuss the matter when a person deliberately states three dis- tinct lies about him and then goes on to say that the public are not to be gulled. No. that is the only pleasing feature I have in my mi Ind-that the public will not be gulled, and if the public read the staterrent they will know that I am innocent of the charges, as the Mayor is. At the end of his letter he states All the members who spoke on Tuesday have adready decided that I am guilty of offences which would, if true, render anything I might say unworthy of credence." I had not arrived at any conclusion on Tuesday, I was only too glad to give Mr Gibson an opportunity of revealing what appeared to be one ot the most terrible things that could exist in any town and the very start of his reply to the Town Clerk is evasive, ignoring the whole question except charging me with stating three things I never'did say. I appeal to Mr Mayor if I said one word that could be construed in that way. I have the Cambrian News report here and I challenge anyone to say that it could be so construed. I came here, as I do to-night, perfectly unbiassed. I did not come here without reading the letter in the Cambrian News and I was surprised to find it in the Cambrian Newa without being read first in the Council. I do not mind that, however, as I believe the Council courts enquiry. Of course our town is not a paradise, but I do not believe it is possible for a building such as Mr Gibson describes to exist. I believe in the report read by Mr Peter Jones. Mr Gibson now says they were killed by whisky and other things and that they are tramps' children. If so, they must be in a common lodging-house, but we have an official statement that only three deaths have occurred at common lodging houses during the past five years. I may say that I took the trouble myself of going down to the Registrar's house and asking to see the register of deaths and I only find two. Possibly the third w is a little beyond the five years. Now, if the children have been put to death by any pro- cess whatever, surely they must have been buried. I take it otherwise we may have some terrible reve- lations one of these days. I don't know anything about the cold flags, but if the children have not been buried they must have been put somewhere else. The more we consider it, the graver it be- comes. Mr Gibson admits the gravity of it and he says the public bodies will now do their duty but the Town Council is precisely in the same position as it was before. The Council had no information before and they have no information now. It is the duty of every citizen to give information and to put down anything wrong. If sanitary matters are not right it is the duty of any ratepayer to point it out, for even officials cannot be everywhere and the Corporation are anxious to remedy matters. I have been at a large number of watering places and I go to the worst places that they have--(laughter)-and the worst place in Aber- ytswyth is almost a paradise as compared to what there are in other towns. The more we think of the statement the more we see the evil effect it must have on the town. You may say what is the use of making an effort to advertise Aberyswyth. to get the town to have a band to entertain visitors, when you have statements such as that made by Mr Gibson going broadcast. I think it has been in an immense number of papers with the heading "Aberystwyth Scandal." I am told of places where the people were running out thinking great murders were being done. (Laughter.) I bhink a great wrong has been done to the town of Aberystwyth. Mr Gibson raises the whole ques- tion and there are insinuations and inuendoes in it, but no plain statements. I believe Mr Gibson says he is anxious to make Aberystwyth a great place. It is a very queer way of making it great I must say. [ believe there are some people who will believe the statements and then in the summer I have not the slightest doubt that other watering places will make capital of it and the ratepayers of the town will suffer heavily. I think the only mistake we made was not to call a public meeting as soon as the report appeared, but it was left in the ordinary way and we went into it without any feeling and with the endeavour to get at the actual state of things. We cannot do more than repudiate it by saying that the Corporation, most of them, knew all the houses fairly well. I, personally, can claim that I know nearly every household in Aberystwyth. I think I have been to every house in Aberystwyth time after time and there is not a house that could answer to this description, a house where little children are put to death regularly. It is enough I to make our blood run cold. If he made the state- ment on the impulse of the moment at the meet- ing, bat cold-blocdedly and deliberately he repeated the statement in his paper that children are surely put to death. Before, we were not aware that it was not an cfficial belonging to the Town Council who gave him the information. Must a man be "ague in this way ? If we believe the statement this state of things has been going on for years and Mr Gibson has been enjoying himself. The moment he makes it public we take action and all we can get is an evasive answer. I only wish that tne Council could go further in this matter. Mr J. P. THOMAS—Hear, hear. Mr VV ILLIAMS—To put a stop to this once for all. We know the past history of these matters. About the beginning of this year we saw in the Cambrian New* 1 think the heading is sufficient, I won't go further- Municipal Murders." But we are the only municipal authority at Aberystwyth and at the end of that article he says "We believe that the negligent local authorities are liable for heavy damages for these deaths and sooner or later action will be taken by the relatives of the. sufferers." I only point out that the heading is so striking. A large number spoke of it at the time, but notning was so definite as this ;-but now Ave come ti th;" and I believe it is our duty to say that there is not a shadow of ground for making these state- ments-that it is absolutely incorrect. But there is one other thing. We have done this but I am sorry we cannot undo a great deal of the evil of this busing. IN-e shall not know directly who has ceased coming to Aberystwyth, but would you if you were an utter stranger come to Aberystwyth, and you know with the keen competition we have to face that it behoves us t'j be above board in this matt-r. I do not know how the Mayor feels in this business. If the case is so terrible as stated I feel ^confident that the Mayor would not rest his head on the pillow without taking some action to let some official know it. If the Mayor is possessed of the information he does not look alarmed. The MAYOR—Mr Williams must not draw infer- ence", I have stated my position truly and I think you must be fair to me. You must not draw any 1nferenc0S. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—If you say lam unfair-- The MAYOR—I do not say you are. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—It is not my desire or wish to be unf dr to anybody. The MAYOR—The only thing I can say is that it is so. I have had a certain statement from Mr Gibson given me in confidence. Captain DOCGHTo-As mayor or as a man ? Tilt: -NIAYOP. -Well- Captain DOUGHTON—Well, if it is as mayor it should be given in Council and should not be in confidence. The MAYOR—I have given you my position. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—The Mayor has acted fairly and given it without being asked. The MAYOR—I think in common fairness to Mr Gibson I may say that he did not know that the particular part of his speech was not appearing in his paper. I think Mr Hall can bear me out in that if he is asked. He made the speech at a meeting at which there were representatives of other papers. Mr R. J. JONES—I suppose, Mr Mayor, you did cot receive any info-mation from Mr Gibson that was in opposition to what Alderman Jones has read The MAYOR—Oh, I cannot Ray that. Mr R. J. JONI?S—I am exceedingly sorry that you should have uttered it at all, because in your capacity as Mayor I am sorry you should say that a certain statement has been made. You have had the statement by the Inspector from Cardiff and as far as Mr Gibson has stated it seems there are no grounds for the allegations, and I feel as member of the Council very sorry indeed that anything should be confided to you as mayor of the town. The MAYOR-It was not confided to me as mayor. Captain DOUGHTOx-I am edad to hear that. The MA YOR—It is simply an iacident—a detail- and I shall be out of this quickly. Mr R. J. JONES.It is rather a serious matter for the town. The MAYOR-Well, I put myself in your hands entirely. I should be very pleased to retire out of this position. Mr R. J. JONES, Mr C. M. WILLIAMS, and others —Oh, no. The MAYOR—That is my position. I am entitled to he quite free. I hope you will accept it as such. I cannot vote in this matter. I have simply told you my position clearly. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—I think some resolution on the part of the Town Council ought to be drawn up, that private enquiry and public enquiry have been made and that we who know the locality know all the circumstances. I think the resolution should say that having investigated the matter we feel there is no ground whatever for making the allegation and of course we regret that Mr Gibson has not complied with the wish of the Council in frankly supplying us with the information in order that we may contradict the terrible painting that has been done.' Mr R. J. JoxEs-He admits that he cannot give it to the Inspector. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—It is always a very sate thing to make charges and then decline to give in- formation. The MAYOR—That is his position. I do not wish to defend Mr Gibson as to his course of action. That is the statement and he has to take the responsibility. He has given me certain informa- tion, but of course it cannot be used. MrC. M. WILLIAMS—I am sure you want to be fair to me and I want to be fair to you. Am I (referring to the statements in Mr Gibson's letter) to be charged with this ? Am I guilty? The MAYOR—I cannot help it. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—If I am guilty, I am utterly unfit to sit by you anywhere. If I had said those things you would have stopped me. The lAYOR-l did not stop anybody. I did not stop Captain Doughton. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—You have here charged deliberately —— Captain DoT-TclITON-Did you ascertain, Alder- man Jones, from the Inspector whether the Society intended taking this matter further? Alderman PETER JONES—What the Inspector says is that there is not a tittle to justify the Society taking this matter further. I think we may pass a resolution of this kind—that certain statement3 were made by Mr Gibson alleging (giv- ing the words). The Council after that requested Mr Gibson to furnish particulars on which the above statement was made. This Mr Gibson re- fused to do. I think a record of that kind and that we therefore beg to record the strongest dis- approval of Mr Gibson's conduct in making that allegation and refusing to give evidence bearing on the same. I think we all agree on that. I quite understand your position, Mr Mayor. You met him in your private capacity and not in your official capacity as mayor and therefore the con- versation which took place was of a confidential nature. It was made as such and accepted as such and I am sure will be retained in your hands as such. But as far as we understand matters, certain statements are made. Mr Gibson is asked to assist us in giving evidence on that subject. This Mr Gibson has refused to do. I think the reasonable result would be that we record our dis- approval of Mr Gibson's conduct in making these serious allegations and refusing to support them when desired to do so. I therefore move a resolu- tion to that effect. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—I should like to add that the Medical Officer and other officials have been making enquiries as well as members of the Coun- cil, so we are fully justified in going further than you have stated. Alderman PETER JONES—I do not know whether you could divide it into two—namely, the first portion recording what you consider Mr Gibscn's conduct in the matter. You may say the investi- gation has been made by orficials and the Inspector and, giving the result of that, that there is ab- solutely no foundation for the allegation. Mr ROBERT DOUGHToN-Yes, yes divide it in- to two. Very well. The MAYOR—I should like to point out one thing. That is so as far as the information you have got to-night; but, of course, it does not follow that Mr Gibson has not had some foundation. Alderman PETER JONES—All I say is that Mr Gibson has been afforded an opportunity and that he refused to give the information. If he has get some mysterious information that he wishes to keep we have no cognizance of that. We can- not be cognizant. All we are cognizant of is that a certc%in speech was made in this hall. We as the representative body of this town, immediately we became acquainted with that statement, required Mr Gibson as a citizen, and as we might expect from his writing that he took a keen interest in the matter-we desired him to furnish any in- formation without taking any responsibility him- self. If he would only give information in the proper way to the police authority or to this Society they would take the responsibility. Those two things are explicit. He refused to give in- formation to enable us to sift the matter thoroughly and under those circumstances we gxpress strong disapproval of Mr Gibson's conduct in the matter' and, in a subsequent resolution, our confidence that after the investigation by the Inspector that the allegations are perfectly groundless. The MAYOR-Then you propose that ? Alderman PETER JOEs.-Or I will second Mr Williams Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—I will second Alderman J ones's proposition. The proposition having been agreed to without contradiction, Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON asked if it would be sent to the papers ? Alderman PETER JONES presumed the papers who had referred to the matter would publish the resolutions, and the meeting separated. SCHOOL BOARD, TUESDAY, JUNE 13TH.-Pre- sent: Mr Peter Jones, chairman, presiding Mrs Griffith, Waterloo; Mr Wm. Thomas, Mr T. B. Hall Mr Roberts, clerk Mr Saer, headmaster and Mr Lloyd, attendance officer. ^Miscellaneous.— Miss Richards, ex-P.T. in the girls department, applied for an increase of salary from £ 35 to £ 40 per annum and it was agreed to place the application on the next agenda.—It was agreed to write to the different Sunday schools in the town suggesting that in future the outings should be held in one week so as not to interfere with school attendance. Attendance, it was stated, was seriously affected when the excursions were spread over several weeks. Science and Art.—A meeting of the Science and Art Committee was held when, in consideration of the large amount of work and correspondence, it was agreed to increase Mr Roberts's salary from f7 10s to JE15. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14TH.— Before C. M. Williams and Thomas Griffiths, Esqrs. Wandering I I)ro,t(l. -David Evans, Treharris, Glamorgan, collier, was charged by Alfred Thomas, Aberystwyth, stationmnster, for having wandered abroad and slept in a railway carriage on June 13th. Defendant was fined 2s 6d. Maintenance.—Thomas Vaughan, relieving officer, Aberystwyth, charged George Evans, IS, Wood- land terrace, New Tredegar, Monmouth, for having neglected to maintain his mother, Hannah Evans, who is chargeable to the Aberystwyth Union.— Defendant having paid co"ts, the case was with- drawn.—James Phillips, Northgate-street, Aber- ystwyth, labourer, was also charged with a similar off nee.—The Relieving Officer stated he saw de- fendant on Friday night, but he refused to pay, bccause one of his other brothers did not pay any- thing. The CHoe was adjourned for a fortnight for the appearance of his brother, defendant to pay 6s which were due. Vaccination. John Griffiths, Portland-road, Aberystwyth, We,S summoned by the Vaccination Officer for having neglected to have his child, Anne Griffiths, vaccinated.—The mother's sister appeared and .stated that the child was ill and the mother was also ill. -Tbe case was adjourned for a week for defendant to produce a doctor's certificate,—John Williams, Gogerddan-eottages, joiner, was also summoned for having neglected to have his child Mary Elizabeth vaccinated.—Defendant was fined 10s and costs. Exemption. — W. H. Hollier, Bridge-street, ap- plied for an exemption under the Vaccination Act for his child, Emily May,-The application was granted. TOWN COUNCIL COMMITTEES. FINANCE.—A meeting of the Finance Committee was held on Tuesday evening, there being present Mr C. M. Williams, chairman, presiding Alder man Peter Jones, Mr D. C. Roberts, Mr John Jenkins, Mr R. J. Jones, and Mr Rees Jones, sur- veyor.—It was agreed to recommend the continu anee of the grant of JE30 to the College for scholar- ships. In looking over the bills, one being for green paint, the Chairman asked if any of the seats had been painted green and the Surveyor saying the y 11 seats on the South Marine terrace had been so painted, the Chairman thought it would be a relief if the seats on the Terrace were also painted green.—The Chairman stated that Messrs Gihsons' bill had been sent to the Town Clerk to be checked, but as the Tcwn Clerk was too busy to see to it, the matter would have to stand over to the next meeting.—The question of workmen's dwellings was mentioned when it was agreed to recommend that the site of the houses should be made a general tipping ground for clean debris which it was under- stood would be the means of saving f20 in the cost of each house. It was also agreed to recom- mend that app!ication should be made to the Local Government Board for power to borrow money for the erection of the houses.-Alr R. J. Jones pressed forward other questions on which it is in- tended applying for loans, including the renovation of the Town Hall and the extension of the main sewer when Mr Peter Jones thought the extension of the sewer might be done in connection with the harbour wharf wall which, it was stated, required underpinning.—It was suggested that the matter should be considered by the Harbour Committee after visiting the spot and inspecting the wall. HARBOUR COMMITTEE.—A meeting of this Com- mittee was held on Monday evening, when there were present: The Mayor, presiding; Messrs E. H. James and J. P. Thomas, with Mr Rees Jones, surveyor. There was no business beyond the pass- ing of bills. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE.—A meeting of this Committee was held on Monday evening, there be- ing present Alderman Peter Jones, chairman, pre- siding the Mayor, Messrs E. H. James, J. P. Thomas, Isaac Hopkins, John Jenkins, and Alder- man T. Doughton, with Mr Rees Jones, surveyor. —Mr Purton's application for a supply of water by meter for certain purposes referred to the Com- mittee from the Council was considered. It was agreed to grant subject to the water being used for electrical purposes only.-A letter was read from the L. and N. W. Railway Company asking what the Council's terms would be for the erection of an advertisement board on the Terrace.—It was decided not to entertain the application.—The Sur- veyor asked for assistance in preparing tracings of the plans of the flagging to be done in the town, there being so much outside work to do that he had very little titre for office work.—The Mayor re- marking that they could not allow outdoor work to be neglected and that it had been usual to allow assistance in cases of that kind, the Surveyor's request was granted.—The Sanitary Inspector pre- sented his usual report which showed that twenty- seven streets and 29S houses had been visited dur- ing the month. Twenty-eight notices had been served, out of which twenty-five had been complied with.—Instructions were given on the report.— Captain Doughton asked what about the caravans by Trefechan Bridge ?-The Mayor proposed and Captain Doughton seconded that the Surveyor be instructed to have that part cleared of all caravans. —The proposition was agreed to and it was also decided that the Surveyor should take legal pro- ceedings if necessary.

LLAJS AFAN. CHORAL FESTIVAL.—The annual choral festival of the Anglican Churches of the district, including Llanafan, Llanbadarn, Lledrod, Llanilar, Rhostie, Llanfihangel Creuddyn, was held on Wednesday. The Rev D. Jones, B.A., vicar of Abererch, and the Rev 1). Ambrose Jones, M.A., were the special preachers. The singing, which was very satisfactory, was conducted by Mr John Jones, Llanafan. There were crowded attendances at each ser- vice.

YSTKAD MdUfilG. TRIENNIAL ELECTION.—A Vestry Meeting of the parishioners of Ystrad Meurig and Lledrod Upper, presided over by the Rev J. Jones, Bronmeurig, was held at the Schoolroom, Swyddffynon, on Satur- day to test the feeling of the ratepayers concern- ing the election of five members for the School Board for the ensuing three years; A vote by ballot was taken and resulted in the return of the old members by a substantial majority, namely, Mr Jenkins, Shop, Swyddffynon the Rev J. Jones, Bronmeurig Messrs J. Parry, Mynachdy; W. Owens, Tyndraenen and R. Jones, Gwenhafdre. A contest has been avoided for the past twenty- two years. On Thursday, June Sth, the Board met for the first time when Mr Parry was re-elected chairman, Mr Rees Jones re-elected vice-chairman, Mr Jenkins re-elected treasurer, and Mr S. Tregon- ing, Ystrad Meurig, re-appointed clerk.

TOW YN. VOLUNTEERS.—News has reached the town that Captain Piper and his hosts of volunteers are coming again. Preliminary arrangements are already being made for their reception. The number of volunteers will be a^large one. The men will arrive in August. EXTENSION OF WATER MAIN.-The water main has been extended along Neptune-road to Fairland and so have the sewers. It is fair to assume that the building schemes;so well started on this beauti- ful spot will be proceeded with at once. NEW SEA WALL AND ESPLANADE.—These works have been commenced and will be pushed cn with the greatest vigour, so as to be completed before winter. People who go down to look at the opera- tions wonder at the magnificent view from the land at the back of the sea wall. A gentleman the other day declared that of all the beautiful views on the coast, the view from Geulangcch excels them all. PROPOSED TESTIMONIAL.—There appears to be a feeling, especially among the older section of the community, that some marks of esteem should be given to the retiring postmaster. His long and satisfactory services, extending over thirty years, would appear to entitle him to some recognition and it is understood that several gentlemen in the town have the matter under consideration and are arranging for bringing it to a head. THINGS OF BEAUTY.—Towyn is growing in size and it would be very desirable if its beauty were to grow apace. Church-street has been improved very much indeed during the last two years, but the porch at the entrance to the graveyard and the hearse house adjoining it are certainly not things of beauty and do not cause joy for the present, let alone for ever. Could not the Vicar, who has had so much done for the Church, be prevailed upon to removed this eyesore ? Hewould earn the gratitude and the esteem of many if he could bring the north end of Church-street to correspond in beauty with the south end of it. In Station-square there is a pillar box which is certainly an object of wonder and has been so for the last ten years. No one has wondered at its beauty, but most have done so at its ugliness. A distant relation of this pillar has been erected on the Esplanade, but it is somewhat better looking. A beautiful marble tablet commemorating the laying of the foundation atone of the sea wall and of the Esplanade has been encased in an ugly pile of blue brick at the northern end of the Esplanade. It is difficult to find who is responsible for this thinsr of beauty and more diffi. cult to account for the way people are allowed to put up erections of this kind on public streets and thoroughfares without submitting plans and obtain- ing authority. These things of beauty certainly deserve the attention of the public.

By a great fire in the Elswick Ordnance Works, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Sunday morning, three of the largest shops wer- demolished and damage estimated at £200,000 was done. A vast quantity of valuable material was destroyed, including several guns, completed and uncompleted. Two or three thousand men will be thrown out of work. Our readers will remember that Lord Rendel is connected with these works.

CARMAHTHEX. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.—At the County Police Court, on Monday, Joseph Turner, Alias Joseph Webster Furness (45), was charged with obtaining food and lodgings from John Isaac, landlord of the Stag and Pheasant. Llawdlawddog, on the 9th and 10th June. by false pretences. He had repre- sented himself to be in charge of a gang ft men who were about to relay the telegraph wires from Carmarthen to Aberystwyth. This was not true. P.C. David Lewis caught him at Llaunhangel-ar- arth, where he was endeavouring to sell lllb of suo-ar for Is and 3'.b of candles for 4id. Mr Jamc" John, solicitor, Carmarthen, prosecuted. Prisoner on oath said he had married a Chesterfield boiler's daughter and s-rved seven aril a haif years apprenticeship to that man. It tr anspired that the Police GaviU-i contained a statement ot a man answering to prisoner's description «as wanted for similar offences on siuutur representa- tions. Prisoner was committed to the Quarter Sessions.