The Cardigan Bay Visitor

CEMMES. DROWNING FATALITY.—On Monday afternoon, Mr John Rowlands, coroner, held an inquest at the Independent Chapel, Cwmlline, Cemmes, touching the death of David Jones (63), of Glandwr, Cwmlline, whose body was found in the river Dovey at an early hour on Sunday morning. Mr William Francis was appointed foreman of the jury and the other jurymen were, Messrs David Jones, Edward Wigley, Evan Jones, Richard Daviea, John Whittington, John Jones, Richard Humphreys, John Foulkes, Joseph Evans, Richard Jones, James Jervis, Owen Jones, and John Parry Williams. The first witness called was Rowland Jones, son of deceased, residing at the Terrace, Cwmlline. He last saw his father alive at the Pen- rhos Arms on Saturday afternoon. He saw no signs of drink, but the deceased did drink. Deceased had been in the habit of going to the river, but not lately. Edward Edwards, postman, Cemmes, said he met the deceased on Saturday afternoon. De- ceased asked for a fishing hook and said he knew where there was a fish. Witness had no hook and the deceased then left him and went towards the river. Deceased was not drunk, but he might have had some drink.—David William Williams, carpen- ter, an apprentice in the employ of the deceased, said when he returned home on Saturday he found the house of the deceased locked up. He was out in company with Rowland Jones searching for him until 12 o'clock that night, but they failed to tiad him. Eafly the next morning he went out in the direction of Cemmes, and when near to Bryndovey, found the gate leading to the road open. He went along the road and saw foot-marks leading down to the river. He saw something on the other side of the river and upon examination it proved to be the body of his master lying head downwards in a pool of water. He returned home for assistance and with the help of Richard Humphreys and Richard Williams got the body out. Deceased had his clothes and shoes on. He was not aware that deceased was in the habit of going to the river.-P.C. Hamer Cemmes, also gave evidence. He assisted to get the body out. The deceased was lying in such a position as to prevent him getting out. One of his hands had been bitten by some animal. There was no fishing instrument near.—The jury returned a verdict of accidental death by drowning in the Dovey.

ABERYSTWYTH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, MONDAY, JUNE 19TH.- Present Mr David Morgan, Pentrebrunant, chairman, presiding Mr W. A. Miller, vice- chairman, the Rv T. A. Penry, Messrs G. Fossett Roberts, B. E. Morgan, T. E. Salmon, Richard Edwards, Hugh Hughes, and Edwin Morris, Aberystwyth tne Rev John Davies, and Mr Edward Jcnes, Ceulanymaesmawr William Morris, Cyfoethybrenin J B. Morgan, Cynnull- mawr Richard James, Henilys James Jones. Llanbadarn Lower: Thomas Powell. Llanfihangel Upper E. J. Evans, Llangwyryfon Daniel Morris and David Edwards. Llanilar; J. E.James, Melindwr R. Davies, Trefeirig R. Thomas, Tirmynach Evan Simon, Uchayndre Hugh Hughes, clerk and Dr Bonsall, medical officer. Statistics.—Out-relief administered duriugthe past fortnight: Aberystwyth district, per Mr Thomas Vaughan, f47 19* to 160 paupers, an increase of fl 1 in relief and of '2 paupers. Lianfihange! district, per Mr J. J. Hugh-?, £.31 Is Od to 192 paupers, an increase of £1 201 4J in relief to the same cumber of paupers and liar district, per Mr J. MorgaD, £4,.1 5s Od to 133 paupers, a decrease of 4 paupers and of £1 4s in relief. Number in the House, 36 last year, corresponding period 39. Number of vagrants relieved during the pa t fortnight, 23 last year, 27. Balance in the Bank, £7:H 9s 6d. Thp House.—The Rev T. A. Penry, chairman of the House Committee, reported that the Guardians would recollect that Mr Bircham visited the House on the ISth April and recommended the erection of a boundary wall, but objection was taken to the recommendation on account of the expense. After the previous meeting of the Guardians, the Committee met Mr Bircham who now recommended that the present hedge should be cleared out and well constructed that a thick-set hedge be extended two thirds of the length of the garden and thence across the garden, leaving the lower portion for the purposes of the House and the upper for rougher crops. Mr Bircham also recom- mended that the wing on either side of the House should be raised a storey in order to provide a day- room and bath-room on either side for males as well as for females. He likewise recommended that benches with backs shculd be provided for the women's yard for the convenience of the women and that one vagrant only should be placed in each cell, and that if there w"re more than niue vagrants that a few bedsteads should be erected in the waiting room.—Mr Penry explained that at present the sick, convalescent, and dying had to remain in one room, whereas if another room was provided the convalescent would have a room into which to go for change. With regard to the appli- cation of the officials for rations, the Committee recommended that the officers should be allowed 41bs of beef or mutton and one pound of bacon, one pound of Hour, rice, or sago, and cocoa a3 an alter- native for tea or coffee. —The report was adopted, it being agreed to construct the hedge in the autumn and to ascertain the cost of the additional building.—With regard to the vagrants, in view of the use of the waiting room and the small number of tramps, it was decided to defer the matter for the present. Another Attempt.—Mr Salmon made an attempt with the new Chairman to get out-relief for a woman deserted by her husband by proposing that 6s should be granted. — Mr Edwin Morris seconded the proposition.—Mr Salmon pointed out that the husband had been absent for ten months, and as he had not been found on an offer of jE5 reward, it might be assumed as almost a certainty that the man was now beyond seas.—The Chair- man thought he could not do better than follow the ruling of the previous chairman that out-relief should not be given until the Board had some evi- dence that the man was beyond seas.—The Clerk, who was appealed to, said the Guardians had had a case that morning where a man was found in the country who had deserted his wife for three years. He thought before relief was granted there should be some evidence that the man was beyond seas — Mr Salmon said it was impossible to prove that a man was beyond seas. In the case mentioned by the Clerk that morning, the Guardians had offered no reward.—The Chairman formally ruling that out-relief could not be given, Mr Salmon thought the action of the Board in starving the applicant's children was cruel.—Mr E. J. Evans said Mr Salmon was not in order in discussing the Chair- man's ruling. Vaccination.—The House Committee after con- ference with Mr Bircham, presented a report re-arranging the relief districts in order to make them co-terminous with the vaccination districts.— The report was adopted. M<'sttrs A.8ioitant.-The Rev T. A. Penry moved that an assistant to the Master should be appointed at a salary of 18s per week.—In reply to Mr Richard Edwards, it was stated that "per week" included Sunday, the Master remarking that tramps would have to be looked after on Sundays. —Mr Simon seconded the proposition.—Mr Salmon said there were but three applications and he was not surprised seeing that the officer had to be on duty from seven in the morning until nine at night, as well as to work on Sundays. He thought the salary should be increased to 21s a.nd then they would get a man who would scop—Mr E.J. Evans slid Mr Salmon was out of order as the appoint- ment at IS* had been advertised.—Mr Salmon pro- posed that the salary should be 21s per week including Sundays.—Mr Miller thought the Guardians should proceed and open the applications and if they had a good man who attended to his work there might be an increase of salary.—On be- ing put to the meeting, Mr Penry's proposition was carried and the Chairman opened the applications from Messrs Thomas Dickson, gardener, Y ulcan- street, at present engaged at the House, who thought ls per week very low wages for a gardener, but said doubtless the Guardians would remedy that; Thomas Hughes, Llanbadarn, and Evan Lewis, Voyallt House, Aberystwyth.—In discuss- ing the matter, it was stated that it was difficult to get men capable of pleaching hedges. One of the applicants, it was stated, belonged to a stranded theatrical company. — Mr J. B. Morgan proposed and Mr Miller seconded the appointment of Mr Hughes.—Mr Salmon proposed the appointment of Mr Evan Lewis and Mr Hugh Hughes seconded it; but Mr Hughes was appointed by a majority. Aberystwyth Bate Collection.—Mr Rd. Edwards proposed that the salary of Mr Atwood, poor rate collector of Aberystwyth, should be increased from £80 to £100 and Mr Fossett Roberts seconded it.— The proposition was agreed to unanimously. Dx'trid Council.—A meeting of the District Council was held at two o'clock under the pre- sidency of Mr Miller who was voted to the chair when it was agreed to sign an agreement granting the Belgium Mining Company certain way, water, and other leaves over and under the highway near Red Rock Mine.—Messrs George Jones and Son, the surveyors for the Llanbadarn water scheme, wrote for instructions relative to the taking of water into private houses.—The Chairman said that many wanted to have the water into their houses. He proposed that if the Council did not object, the District Council would have no objection provided that private consumers obtained meters at their own expense and paid at the same rate as was charged Llanbadarn by the Town Council.—This suggestion having been adopted, it was agreed to have notices erected stating that the water was not to be used for washing carriages or watering gardens and was not to be wasted.—It was agreed to make a rate of 2s 6d in the pound for Borth. TOWN COUNCIL, TUESDAY, JUNE 20TH.— Present: Councillor D. C. Roberts, mayor, pre- siding Aldermen David Roberts, Peter Jones, W. H. Palmer, and Captain Doughton Messrs John Jenkins, ex-mayor; C. M. Williams, Robert Doughton, R. J. Jones, Evan Hugh James, T. E. Salmon, J. P. Thomas; Messrs A. J. Hughes, town clerk; Rees Jones, borough surveyor, and H. L. Evans, borough accountant. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter from the Mayor's Parlour, Stoke-on- Trent, on the Workmen's Compensation Act was referred to the Finance Committee. A letter from Mr Baker, secretary to the Non- County Boroughs Association, asking if the Coun- cil had any information to lay before the Com- mittee of the House of Commons on the Fire brigade Bill was referred to the Fire Brigade Com- mittee. P.S. Phillips presented a report of a charabanc being taken all over the town on the pretence of having to call at a certain house for passengers and the matter was referred to the General Purposes Committee to consider what action shall be taken thereon. A letter was read from Mr Russell, general manager M. and M., asking for a lease for twenty- eight years of premises occupied by Mr James as bo tling stores, terminable by the Company at the end of each seven years at a rent of £20 and with power to make alterations according to plan pro duced. On the proposition of Alderman PALMER, seconded by Mr J. P. THOMAS, it was agreed to refer the matter to the Finance Committee, Mr PALMER stating that Mr James was willing to give up the premises. In reply to Captain DOUGHTON, the SURVEYOR said the machinery formerly in the building was now in the Corporation yard. A letter was read from the Local Government Board calling the Council's attention to the neces- sity of providing a disinfecting apparatus and isola- tion hospital, and on the proposition of Mr C. M. WILLIAMS, seconded by Alderman PALMER, it was agreed to refer the matter to the Works Com- mittee. A letter was read from Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk to the Rural District Council, saying that in- habitants at Llanbadarn desired to have water brought into their houses and asking the Council if they had any objection to it. The matter was referred to the Public Works Committee with power to decide. The CLERK said a circular letter had been re- ceived relative to wayleaves, the National Telephone Co., Aberystwyth, being one of the boroughs in the Company's schedule. The matter was referred to the Works Com- mittee Alderman PETER JONES observing that the Council had not committed themselves to any way- leaves up to the present. The Tow:" CLERK s'ated that he had a number of replies to letters he had written with reference to explosives and harbour dues, a subject mentioned at the last meeting. The matter was referred to the Harbour Com- mittee, the Town Clerk being asked to attend. A circular letter was received from the Board of Trade enclosing a return of the number of deaths in connection with harbours. One hundred and thirty-seven deaths occurred in connection with gangways twenty-seven through no protection on the sides of docks and fifty-nine from other causes. The Board of Trade asked the Council's observations theivon. The matter was referred to the Harbour Com- mittee. WORKMEN'S DWELLINGS AND PUBLIC WORKS. Mr C. M. Williams brought up the report of the Public Wcrks Committee which recommended among other things that the plans, prepared by the Surveyor having been approved of, he was instructed to fence off a portion of the field adjoining Smith- field-road upon which it is proposed to erect work- men's dwellings and to allow debris, etc., to be tripped there which will materially reduce the cost of filling up. 1 he Committee also recommended that the Town Clerk should be requested to take the necessary steps for the holding of an enquiry for the purpose of obtaining a loan of £3,300 for the erection of workmen's dwellings. Mr C. M. W ILLIAMS said he was not quite sure whether theCouncil hadpasaeda resolution approv- ing the plans. He should therefore like to move that the plans should be approved. Alderman PALMER much questioned whether the plans had been approved by members of the Council. He was willing that the field should be fenced off but the plans might have to be altered. lr C M. WILLIAMS said the plans had been be- fore the Council and examined by a majority of the members, but he did not know whether they had been formally approved by the Council. Aldermrn PALMER said he had not seen the plans and he thought there were other members who were in the same position. Mr C. M. W ILLIAMS said the plans had been on the tabla of the Cour,cfl, and the Mayor observed that what Mr Williams said was correct. The flans had been before the Council Alderman PALMER thought an enquiry should not he held for workmen's dwellings only, but that the extension of thp promenade and other matters should be included in one enquiry. The extension of the promenade, he observed, was one of the most important things in the town more so than any- thing else. Mr SALMON—Workmen's dwellings as well. Alderman PAUIER said the Town Clerk had been directed to ask for an enquiry into the extension of the promenade. The MAYOR said he had never heard of that, and the Town Clerk thought that Alderman Palmer was mistaken. The MAYOR pointed out to Alderman Palmer that it was true that it had been discussed to have an enquiry for all matters referred to, and it was intended to ask for an enquiry, but it was necessary to have considerable preparations and a number of plans to place before the Commissioner. The plans with reference to workmen's dwellings were practically ready, and it would be a pity to let that matter hang in abeyance when everything was ready for it and it had been practically decided tOI ask for an enquiry when everything was ready. Alderman PALMER said it had been said that the Council could D,9t have an enquiry because it would cost f20 or £25. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—Nothing of the kind. Alderman PALMER—Mr Williams, let me say what I have to say. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—I only want to put you right. Alderman PALMER said he could show that when any enquiry had been asked for the objection was urged that it would cost so much money. Let them then have an enquiry for the whole of the things at once. Plans for the extension of the Promenade were prepared and had been exhibited before the public and there was a talk that the work would be done. Something else cropped up and that matter was then put on one side. Let them decide on having an enquiry for all the things, decide on how much money should be borrowed, and then ask the ratepayers which was to be put forth first. He was willing to spend the money though he had to contribute as much in rates as anybody in the town. He was perfectly willing to get workmen's dwellings, but that matter had been rushed on in the past two or three years—(laughter) —and there were other things of as much importance to the town, because if the town did not have visitors the town could not have money to keep the workmen. It was no use having dwellings if people had no money to live in them. Many of the other things were ready for enquiry. Therefore let the Council askforanenquiry intoall these things. Workmen's dwellings was a kind of election cry for next November aDd nothing more. The MAYOR—Mr Palmer, I do not think you have a right to make a remark of that kind. Mr ROBERT DOCGHTON—Withdraw. The MAYOR-I have heard the remark before. Alderman PALMER—I do not care for anybody and what I have said I have said. It 18 shoving these things forward —— The MAYOR— Are you going to move an amend- ment, because you must bring your remarks to a close. Alderman PALMER—I will move as an amend- ment to leave out the first part. Mr R. J. JONES—I should like to ask one question. I happened to refer almost to the same thing at the last Council meeting, whether it was not possible to include the whole things in one enquiry to be held as soon as it is convenient. It would save expense. I, however, was given to un- derstand by you, Mr Mayor, at the last Council meeting that this matter was now ready, whereas the matter of the Town Hall would have to be con- sidered by the County Council. That being so, I aid I did not wish to impede workmen's dwellings is I think they are a great need in Aberystwyth. Nevertheless, I thoroughly agree with Alderman Palmer that it is desirable to include other matters, such as the extension of the Promenade, which has been before the public for some years, and also the alteration of the Town Hall, plans of whichlhave been piepared. The extension of the sewer outlet is also an important matter which I feel acutely. If the Council can bring all these matters forward in one enquiry it ought to do so in order to save trouble and expense. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON—Too much cargo will sink the ship and it we have too many projects all will be wrecked. Let us go on with one project get that out of the way and then go on with the other. I question whether the Local Government Board will send a man down to enquire into all these projects. (Laughter by Alderman Palmer.) All these projects are enough to frighten the town. Captain DOUGHTON said the extension of the pro- menade, the lavatory on the Castle Grounds, and the restoration of the Town Hall had been decided upon some time ago and Alderman Palmer was quite right in his contention, but all were aware that until lately there were difficulties in the way of the Local Government Board granting an enquiry. That difficulty had now been got over and he did not see why there should not be one enquiry and one loan. The Council would have thirty or forty or fifty years in which to pay it off and the next generation would have to pay for what the present generation were reaping. The MAYOR said the next generation would also reap the benefit. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS replied that the Council must have a distinct resolution with reference to all the projects asking for an enquiry and the Council must begin somewherf. The County Council owning the south wing of the Town Hall, that body must approve the plans. Captain DOUGHTON asked if the plans had been submitted to the County Council. The TOWN CLERK—Yes, long ago. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS added that they had been referred to the Finance Committee of the County Council. The Promenade extension was on some three years ago and a report presented, but he did not believe there was any resolution directing the Town Clerk to apply for a loan. As for the work- men's dwellings, it was ridiculous to attempt to delay a question which was ripe. Plans were ready and he had heard hardly anybody dispute the need but theie was Alderman Palmer saying that the matter had been rushed through. The matter had been discussed repeatedly in Council and at committee for the past three years and he believed the Council was now heartily ashamed of the long delay. It ought to have been completed long ago if dealt with in a businesss-like way. When, however, the matter was brought forward there was any kind of proposal for delay. The thing was now matured and the town were un- animous, for if there was a thing the town felt keen upon it was the matter of workmen's dwellings. He therefore moved the adoption of the report. Mr R. J. JONES seconded the proposition, though he hoped it was possible to include other matters in the enquiry. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS asked to be allowed to say one thing more with reference to Alderman Palmer's remark. It was below his usual method of debate in that Council. He said it was simply electioneering —— He did not know whether Mr Palmer used the word dodge or not. The MAYOR—No. Mr C M. WILLIAMS—Other members of the Council have stooped to conduct of this kind, but this is the first time for Mr Palmer. The MAYOR—And I asked him not to do so. Mr C. M. WILLIAMs-He said it did not apply to you but if it does to those who retire next November, I am prepared to test the town on the question and let Alderman Palmer if he likes retire and test it with me. Mr R. J. JONEs-He made the remark jocularly. Captain DOUGHTON- When I wanted all things included in an enquiry I did not mean to imply that I was against workmen's dwellings. I go heart and soul into it. The MAYOR (to Alderman Palmer)—Excuse me, but I should like to know what you are going to do ? Alderman PALMER—I am going to move an amendment. The MAYOR—Of course, I must allow you to do so because Mr Williams has moved both recom- mendations, but I must ask you to compress your remarks as we have a sale at twelve. Alderman PALMER—I move that the Town Clerk be instructed to take the necessary steps for holding an enquiry into an application for a loan for promenade extension, town hall restoration, and workmen's dwellings. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—These things cannot be gone into without a distinct resolution and the TOWN CLERK said the Local Government Board would not recognize it. The MAYOR said Mr Palmer could vote for the proposition regarding workmen's dwellings and place the other matters on the agenda for resolu- tions. Captain DOUGHTON said if Alderman Palmer adopted that course he would second the proposi- tion. Alderman PETER JmEs said the filling in with debris of the site would take some time so that mat. ter would bear deferring. The Surveyor had been given assistance to prepare for an enquiry for a loan to complete paving, and there would be a re- port on that matter at the next meeting and there- fore he did not think there would be any disad- vantage in dcferrinv that matter for a fortnight. In reply to Mr Salmon, the TOWN CLERK said the cost of an enquiry would be £10 or JE15. Mr SALMON added that he did not see that the small cost justified delay in proceeding with work- men's dwellings. The subject had been agitated by working men for five years at least. He had had the honour of fighting five elections and knew the need for workmen's dwellings. It was of more importance than promenade extension or the other improvements contemplated. He was in favour of all those improvements, but he was more in favour nf doing their duty towards the working class. There were not sufficient proper dwellings at the present time and the workmen who were in dwellings had to pay enormous rent for a couple of rooms. Mr Palmer said it was only an electioneering cry. Mr Palmer, however, had been an alderman for many years. He had fought but few elections. He had had the honour of being alderman for many years and could say and do what he liked independent of the ratepayers. Alderman PALMER—I fought four elections. Mr SALMON added that he knew how many elections Alderman Palmer had fought. He recol- lected Alderman Palmer coming out first; the number of votes he got and the number of votes he got on the last occasion. He had been alderman many years, out the town had changed since the time he was elected and the feeling was different. If Mr Palmer went before the electors with the ideas he preached in the Council that morning, he would find himself at the bottom of the poll as he (Mr Salmon) had found himself. (Laughter.) He was sure the feeling of the town was in favour of going forward with workmen's dwellings. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS saii that the Local Govern- ment Board would not hold an enquiry by return of post and that the Town Clerk in his letter could say that it was intended making other appli- cations. The report was then adopted as moved. MR HOPKINS'S LEASE. Mr SALMON said he understood that Mr Hopkins attended a meeting of the Finance Committee and waive 1 all claims against the Council. That being so, he should like to know why Mr Hopkins's lease was not renewed. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said that Mr Hopkins in- timated in some sort of way that he would with- draw his claim hut the Committee unanimously afr8(ij Vhat wou^ ^e we^ that that withdrawal should be put in writing. Since then there had been two or three meetings of the Commitee and had not received that withdrawal in writing, and until that was done the Committee could do nothing. „ Mr SALMON said that Mr Hopkins had the con- fidence of the ratepayers and was a member of that Council. His word, therefore, ought to be as good as his writing. He said distinctly that he would waive all claims and it was ridiculous that the Council should not take his word. The MAYOR did not think he could allow Mr Salmon to discuss the matter further. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said it was a matter of business, and Alderman PETER JONES said it was advisable to have the matter in writing officially so as to avoid difficulties. COMMITTEES' REPORTS. Reports of the Harbour and Public Works Com- have been already published were A NEGLECTED PLACE. Mr C. M WILLIAMS said that residents of Victoria-terrace were complaining of the delay in placing shrubs on that portion of the Terrace, it being now mid-summer and the shrubs not having been replaced. He had asked the Surveyor since coming to the Council meeting and understood from him that shrubs would be out that day and he should like to know from the Surveyor officially if that was so. The SURVEYOR replied that the shrubs would be replaced that day. MORE VIRTUOUS INDIGNATION. Mr J. P. THOMAS proposed and Mr R. J. JONBS seconded the adoption of the report dealing with a recent statement made by Mr Gibson. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—Before you put that, I wish to say one word. At the Committee meeting on Saturday evening the Town Clerk read a letter received from Mr Gibson, and towards the latter end of it he says, 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." All the members of the Corporation then present were asked personally whether they had had any information whatsoever from Mr Gibson and they all replied that they had not. The MAYOR—Except Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—Except the Mayor. I omitted that. Excepting the Mayor who stated that he had received certain information in con- < fidence. There were four member" not present and i I think it was right that enquiry should be made < to know whether this statement was really correct. ) for clearly we were led to believe that members of j the Corpoiation had been told. That would imply more than one. The four members—Alderman Palmer, Alderman Roberts, Mr Marks, and Mr Salmon—who were absent had been asked and they have had no conversation of any kind nor received any information with reference to the serious allega- tions made by Mr Gibson. Therefore, the only member of the Council who has received informa- tion from Mr Gibson is the Mayor, and I may say for myself, if not for others, that I am exceedingly sorry that the Mayor should receive the informa- tion in confidence. Of course, that was a question for the Mayor. I have no fault to find with him, but I merely say that I am sorry that he received in confidence anything concerning, the serious alle- gation made in a certain speech by Mr Gibson. Mr SALMON—I was not present at that meeting, but I am extremely sorrythatMrGibsonshouldmake these allegations against the town and I am sorry that the thing should crop up in the Council and so advertise the allegation all over the country. In my opinion, if it were not for the steps taken by the Council, this scandal would not be published all over the country. I think there is great blame to be attached to the Council for that. For myself I do not know anything about it. When at South Hook I saw Aberystwyth scandal placarded and was much surprised and went to buy a paper. That was the first thing I heard of it. Ot course I could not say the contrary until the facts had been enquired into. But no doubt there are certain things that encourage Mr Gibson and others to make these allegations. I understand that there is a cowshed where a man and wife and five children are sleeping on the floor in Trefechan. Captain DOUGHTO-Allow me to correct Mr Salmon. That is wrong. Mr SALMON—If it is correct it only gives ground for such allegations. The MAYOR—Ic is wrong. I believe that a family have been in a cowshed, but the moment the officials found it out they served a notice and they have now gone from there. Mr SALMON—I understand that they were there last night. Captain DOUGHTON—No, they were cleared last Friday. Mr SALMON—The authorities should take that into consideration ;n connection with the question of workmen's dwellings. There are no doubt some things that encourage these allegations. Captain DOUGHTON-But that is quite different to the allegations that have been made. The allegation made was that there is a building in this town where little children are done to death regu- larly all the year round. Mr SALMON—I agree that that allegation is wrong. Captain DOUGHTON-The people Mr Salmon referred to assleeping in a cow shed went there last Friday night week. They were not found out until some day last week and were cleared out from there on Friday night and the Mayor knows that they have gone out of the town altogether, so we need not have these allegations against the Council. I take it that the allegations do not refer to the sanitary state of the town. It is a distinct accusa- tion in itself. Mr SALMON- I quite agree with that. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS-ADd no attempt to dis- prove it. The MAYOR—I know that the officials did take immediate steps to serve notice on the man and he has gone from there as Captain Doughton has Btated. The MAYOR then put the proposition and declared it carried. Captain DoUGHTON said it was unanimous but the MAYOR said he had put the proposition for and against and it was not unanimous. MR WILLIAM ROWLANDS'S LEASE. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS moved the granting of a lease to Mr William Rowlands, remarking that serious mis-statements and falsehoods had been made by certain people to the effect that practically no work had been done to his house by Mr Row- lands. That was entirely false. Mr Rowlands had done twofold what he was required to do and the work would ompare with anything that had been done in Aberystwyth. Conditions had been imposed on him which had not been imposed on his neighbours, such as cementing the chimney. Mr SALMON seconded the adoption of the report. Mr ROBERT DOUGHTON was proceeding to discuss the conditions, when the MAYOR said it had been already resolved to grant the lease and could not then be re-opened. At the same time, he felt some difficulty in stopping Mr Doughton, as he had allowed Mr Williams to speak. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said he was in order in doing so in moving the adoption uf the report. Mr R. J. JONES-But it was quite unnecessary. Alderman PETER JOES thought it was whipping a dead horse. The Council were simply carrying out that morning a resolution which had been passed. The MAYOR said he regarded Mr Williams's remark as more or less of a general explanation, MRS JAMES'S LEASE. The Committee made the following recommenda- tion in regard to Mrs Elizabeth James's lease;- The renewal of Mrs E. James's lease having been refused by the Council on the 4th October, 1898, on the ground that the conditions stipulated iu the terms and conditions had not been carried out, Mrs James having applied to the Council to reconsider the conditions as to the placing of new windows in the premises and having stated that she did not require bay windows, your committee have care- fully reconsidered the matter and having received the Borough Surveyor's report upon the condition of the present windows, recommend the granting of the renewal of this lease upon thefollowing termsand amended conditions Original grant, October, 1824 years unexpired, twenty-seven scale, 4 rental, £31 10s less fifteen per cent off, £2p 15s 6d fine, JE120 9s 9d commuted at £4 10s 9d, f5 9s 6 i ground rent, 5s total, JE5 14s 6d. Conditions That the space granted in this re- newal be 153 feet in depth from North Parade new chimney stack of red pressed bricks of best quality the base of the new stack adjoining No 28 to be cemented new sill to one window on ground floor, the conditions to be carried out by the 12th May, 1900; that fifteen feet in depth in Portland-road be surrendered to the Corporation for the widening of this road that a lease of the remaining portion, being 60 feet by 26 feet frontage, be granted on the site scale of 2s. per foot frontage, subject to a cottage being erected within five years and the plans approved of by the Council, the amount for the renewal computed for the terms then unexpired of the existing lease. The terms are as follows should the lease be taken up during the present year :—Frontage, 26 feet at 2s., £2 12& scale, 6 I-5th; fine, ft6 2s 51 commuted at £4 10s 91, 14s lOd ground rent, 2s 6d total, 17s 4d. The lease to commence 12th November, 1896. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS pointed out that that was the only case where the Council had rejected the recommendations of the Surveyor and the proposi- tion was passed in the Council by the casting vote of the Mayor. Alderman PETER JONES said Mr Williams was again reviewing a resolution of the Council. A clerical error had been made in the report and it only required rectification. The SURVEYOR said the words should be left out of the report, "new chimney stack of red pressed bricks of best quality; the base of the chimney stack adjoining No. 28 to be cemented." He had given his certificate that the conditions had been complied with. The amended report was then adopted on the proposition of Alderman PALMER, seconded by Mr R. J. JONES, and the Council went into committee to fix the reserve in the letting of sites. PETTY SESSIONS, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21sT.- Before D. C. Roberts, Esq., the mayor, in the chair, R. J. Jones, Thomas Griffiths, C. M. Williams, Isaac Hopkins, and John Lewis, Esqrs. Condolence.—Mr R. J. Jones, before proceeding with the business, said he felt sure that he would be but echoing the feelings of every member of the Bench: when he said that they heard with deep regret of the bereavement which had befallen Mr Thomas Hugh Jones, a. member of the borough bench, in the death of his wife. He moved that a vote of condolence should be passed with the family and that the vote should be recorded on the minutes.—The Mayor endorsed the remarks of Mr Jones and the motion was agreed to. Charge of Selling Drink on Sunday.— J0hn G. P. Wemyss, Fountain Inn, Trefechan, licensed victu- aller, was charged by Chief Constable Howell Evans with having sold intoxicating liquor at the Fountain Inn, Sunday, June 11th; and with having on the same day opened his licensed premises for the sale of intoxicating liquor.—Mr Arthur Hughes, solicitor, Aberystwyth. appeared for the defendant. P.C. Richard Jones, giving evidence, said, from in- structions received, in company with P.C. Thomas LI. Rowlands, he kept observation on the Fountain Inn, Trefechan. At 7-45 a.m., John Lewis, Tre- fechan, labourer, went down through Fountain- court and turned down towards the back door of the Fountain Inn. He stopped there for a few minutes-and then crossed over to the other side where the stables are situated. He was followed almost immediately by William Lewis .lones, a militiaman, staying at the inn. Jones soon after re- turned to the house. After a stay of ten minutes, Lewis returned to the back entrance of the Fountain and subsequently turned into his daughter's house in the court. At 8-15 a.m., John Lovell, an itinerant grinder, went towards the back door of the inn. In a few minutes he returned up the court for a distance of twenty yards and then stopped. Jones shortly after came out of the house and came towards Lovell. Jones took out from the inside pocket of his waistcoat a small glass bottle and handed it to Lovell. Both Jones and Lovell drank out of the bottle and a few minutes later they parted, Jones returning to the inn. At 8-25 a.m. a militiaman named Thomas went down to the court and to the back door of the Fountain. In about two minutes he returned, but again went away. At nine Lovell returned and after he had walked about for a few minutes, Mra Wemyas, lefendant's wife, came out of the house. Lovell j walked towards her and Mrs Wemyss, who was carrying in her right hand a small bottle of whisky, nanded it over to Lovell. Whilst Lovell was oing to place it in his pocket, the bottle fell down ind broke. They had a short conversation with sach other, after which Lovell placed his hand in his trousers' pocket and handed something to Mrs Wemyss. What he handed over appeared to be money.—Mr Hughes Did you see what was handed over ? — Witness No. — Mr Huhes: Then why should you say it was money.—Witness, continuing, said he after- ward entered the inn and saw Mrs Wemyss. He asked where was her husband and she replied, "In bed. What is the matter?" Witness said You know very well what is the matter. What excuse have you for selling liqucr to this man to-day. She replied, "I did not give him anything. I have not seen him since last night." Addressing Lovell, she said, Have I, Tom ?" Lovell replied, "No." Mr Wemyss shortly after came down- stairs and asked what was the matter. Witness asked him how could he account for the house being kept open and liquor sold on Sunday ? Mr Wemyss replied, I know nothing about it, as I was in bed until now. What was it, then?" Witness then explained that several persons had called at his back door and how Jones and Mrs Wemyss had handed bottles to Lovell and that the bottle given by Mts Wemyss had fallen down and been broken. He showed him the remnants of the bottle which he had picked up. Mr Wemyss then asked Mrs Wemyss if she had given anything out that day and she replied "No."—Replying to the Chief Constable, witness said he was standing about thirty-five or forty yards from the back door and was about thirty yards away when Mrs Wemyss handed over the bottle to Lovell.—In cross- examination by Mr Hughes, witness said on the night previous there were many militiamen in the town. He was secreted in a building when he saw the bottles handed over to Lovell.—Mr Hughes: Do you suggest that Joaes bad no right to give a bottle to Lovell?—Witness: Yes, a guest has no right to take drink outside.—Mr Hughes That is your law?—Witness That is the law of the land, sir.—Mr Hughes asked where were the officers secreted ?—Tne Chief Constable said he would rather not have the name of the place divulged, but he would write it down.—The Mayor was handed a paper with the name, whereupon the Mayor, in a tone of surprise, said it appeared that the police were secreted in a schoolroom which belonged to him. He knew nothing about it until that day. It might as well come out.—The Chief Constable I was not aware that it was your place, sir. (Laughter.)—The Mayor: It is occupied by my tenant.—Mr Hughes (to witness) Could you from the schoolroom see the back entrance of the inn ? — Witness No, not within two yards.—In continued cross-examination, witness said he concluded that Lovell gave money to Mrs Wemyss when he saw Lovell put his hand into his trousers pocket and hand over something to her.—The Mayor: He means that it was his impression that money was passed. That was the impression his evidence made upon me.—Mr Hughes: I only wish the Bench to understand that it was only an impression Mr Hughes asked under what Act the case of keepiog the premises open was taken.—The Chief Constable Generally.—Mr Hughes: Upon what facts 1—The Chief Constable The facts have been given you, sir.—Mr Hughes: You won't give me further information ?—The Chief Constable I don't think it necessary.—Mr Hughes No doubt, I can see your diiffculty. (Laughter.)—P.C. Thomas LI. Rowlands said he accompanied P.C. Jones to Tre- fechan about six in the morning. They secreted themselves in a certain building opposite the inn. —At this stage Mr Hughes said the evidence of his witnesses was diametrically opposed to that adduced by P.C. Jones. He could not understand why Lovell had not been summoned by the police. —The Chief Constable Why should we. You could summon him as a witness.—Mr Hughes said he must apply for adjournment in order to send for Lovell and other militiamen staying at the inn on that day to give evidence.—The Chief Constable said he must object to adjournment.—Mr Hughes said he was surprised at Mr Evans objecting. It was not fair to force defendant in any way. He did not know the evidence would be so opposed.— The Chief Constable: You knew all the facts before the case came on.—Mr Hughes I thought the evidence would be almost the same.—The Chief Constable: Having gone into the case, I object to adjournment. It is not usual to do it. He (Mr Hughes) should have made the applica- tion before the case was gone into. — Mr Hughes You applied for an adjournment in similar circumstances at Tregarcn the other day.— The Chief Constable I did not.—Mr Hughes: I say you did. —The Chief Constable: I did not.— Mr Hughes Then it was Superintendent Phillips. —The Chief Constable I am not answerable tor Superintendent Phillips.—The Bench deliberated and in a conversation which ensued in the mean- time between Mr Hughes and the Chief Constable, Mr Hughes said he would have applied for ad- journment had he known that the evidence of the police was so much opposed to that of his client. He thought the evioence on both sides was some- thing similar.—The Bench granted the application, the case being adjourned for a fortnight.—Mr Hughes Will the police assist me in finding Lovell who is travelling somewhere in the district ? It will be difficult for me to find him otherwise.—The Chief Constable: How can we find him?—Mr Hughes You will assist me in finding him ?—The Chief Constable Certainly. Charge of Cruelty.—John Hughes, Rheidol Ho use, Ponterwyd, carrier, was charged by the Chief Constable with having a horse by working it in an unfit state at Aberyst- wyth on Monday, June 12th.—P.C. Charman said he saw defendant driving a horse and trap in Ter- race-road about half-past five in the evening. The horse had three sores on the back, one of which was the size of a two-shilling piece. When witness told him about the sores, defendant said he would soon be home. Witness said he would have to put pads on the sores or he would take the horse out of the trap and defendant unwillingly went for some pads.—Replying to the Chief Constable, P.C. Charman said the horse appeared to be in pain when he examined it. There was matter on one of the sores.—Defendant The sore was not half the size of a two-shilling piece.—P.C. Powell, Goginan, said he followed the trap on his bicycle and caught it up near Lovesgrove. He examined the horse which appeared to be in pain and found three sores. There were no pads on the collar, and in reply to his inquiry, defendant said he had not put on pads because the saddler said it was not neces- sary to put them on.—Defendant, giving evidence, said the horse was not in pain and moreover there were pads on each side of the sores that day. He was quite certain that there were pads,—The two officers were recalled and said the were quite certain that there were no p¡.ds and there were no signs that there had been pads. Defendant: I can call a witness to prove that there were pads on each side of the sores.—William Evans, mason, Ponter- wyd, said he was being driven in the trap on the day the horse was examined by the police. The sores were not beyond the size of three-penny pieces. Blood ran slightly from one sore. The sores were healed in a few days. He did not con- sider it was a hardship to use the hor&e that day. Hughes was very careful with the horses. There were pads on one side of the collar where the sore bled. He did not examine the other side of the collr. He appealed to the Bench to deal leniently with defendant who had been driving all his life and hitherto had held an untarnished reputation.— The Bench fined defendant 23 6d and costs, the Mayor saying he ought to have padded the horse in the manner he was asked by the police. Vaccination.—John Griffiths, Portland-road, Aberystwyth, carrier, was charged by Thomas Vaughan, relieving officer, with having neglected to have his child vaccinated.—Defendant's wife ap- peared and said she was against vaccination be- cause she had lost one child through it.—It was stated that the case had been adjourned to enable defendant to submit a medical certificate.—The Clerk said the Bench had now no alternative but to impose a fine, no certificate being produced.—A fine of 2s 6d was imposed. Maintenance.—E'oenezer Thomas, Birmingham, joiner, was charged by Thomas Vaughan, relieving officer, with having neglected to maintain his father who has become chargeable to the Aber- ystwyth Union by being admitted into the Work- house. John James Hughes, Talybont, relieving officer to the same union, charged the following four brothers with the same offence Lewis Jones, College Farm, Finchley, dairyman William Jones, Miskin, Glamorgan, collier; John Jones, Miskin, collier and David Jones, Miskin. collier. A letter was read from Thomas, who is a joiner in Manchester, saying he was in bad health and short of work. His father had a comfortable home and a good round sum of money, but he squandered the money.—The Mayor said it was a sad letter from a son respecting his father and the Bench made an order for the payment of 2s 6d a week.—The case against the four brothers Jones were taken together. Mr J. J. Hughes, the relieving officer, said the father was in receipt of 5s 6d relief.—After hearing evidence, the Bench made an order for the payment by each of Is 6d. School Attendance.—D. A. Lloyd, school atten- dance officer, Aberystwyth, summoned the follow- ing for neglecting to send their children to school —Evan Morgaa, Bridgend Inn Evan Daniel, Spring-gardens Albert Dawson, Trefechan Wm. Davies, Butcher's Arms John Lewis, Cambrian- street John Jenkins, Little Oarkgate-street; and James White, Trinity-row.—In the case against Evan Morgan, the Mayor said he did not quite understand summoning a parent when the child had made eleven attendances out of twelve since notice had been served.—The Officer stated that the child was thirteen years of age and was in Standard IV. and the Board directed that the child should attend regularly.-The Bench made an ?u flu at ? and directed the defendant to see that the attendance for the future was regular The Bench gave the son of Evan Daniel another chance with an ultimate chance of y Hong" as they did also Dawson's lad who said he kept away from school for Captain James,—The cae against William Daviea WAS ad. journed for a fortnight for medical certificate.— Illness was pleaded in the case of John Lewis and m order was made to attend.—John Jenkins said his child was "plentyn bach delicate ac afiach," but admitted that he had gone on an excursion on one uf the absentee days.—An order to attend was made.—Illness was also pleaded by Mrs White and the Bench made an order to attend. A Fight.—David Jones, labourer, Skinner-street, Aberystwyth, was charged with having obstructed Terrace-road on Saturday by being in a fighting attitude and striking one Edward Lewis.—De- fendant admitted the offence, but said that Lewis wanted to put money down for a fight between defendant and Lewis's brother-in-law who was going to arrive from the south towards the end of the week. Defendant without waiting for the brother-in-law struck Lewis.—The police said the defendant had been drinking, but there was no- thing against"him.—The Bench inflicted a fine of 58 including costs.

PORTMADOC. CONCERT.—On Thursday evening last a concert was given in the Town Hall, the prominent feature being the amcunt of instrumental music. The Carnarvon orchestra played two selections of music and solos were also given by Messrs J. E. F. Barr on the flute W. P. Jones-Parry, oboe S. J. Norton, bassoon A Corrispn, piccolo and J. Hammond, clarionet. The vocalists were Miss M. M. Jones, Miss Mia Williams, Mr A. J. Dunlop, and Mr H. Vaughan Davies. The singir-g and theinstrumental music were very much enjoyed. The very hot weather was much against a large attendance at the hall. A moiety of the proceeds of the concert was in aid of the fund for the erection of a church parish room. LLANFROTHEN CHURCH BAZAAR.—On Saturday last a bazaar was held at the Board Schoolroom, Llanfrothen, near Penrhyndendraeth, with the object of raising a sum sufficient to enable the in- come of the benefice to be. augmented. The ladies presiding at the stalls were Mrs Manley, the Vicarage, Penrhyn Miss Jones, Church-street, Penrhyn; Miss Hughes, Post Office, Penrhyn; Miss J one., Tyddynllan, Llanfrothen; Miss Roberts, Llan, Llanfrothen Miss Roberts, Post Office, Garreg Miss Parry, schoolmistress, Portmadoc Miss Humphreys, boi kseller, Portmadoc, and Miss Pritchard, Cefn Kyffiu, Mrs Hughes, Vicarage, Portmadoc, and Mrs Captain Williams of Penrhyn presided over the refreshment stalls. The Rev J. Jenkins, Beddgelert, acted as treasurer. The object of the baziar met with hearty approval from very many of the Church people in the vicinity who gave their support. Amongst those who attended the bazaar were Mrs Williams-Ellis, Glasfryn Mrs Percival, Bodawen; Miss Greaves, Brynmawr; Mrs Breese, Morfa Lodge, and Mrs Bromwich, the Glen. The sum realised by the bazaar was sufficient to cover a small deficit which was required to pay over a sum of JE800 to the governors of Queen Anne's bounty, thus increasing the annual income by £24 per annum. PElTY SESSIONS—These sessions were held on Friday last at the Police Station before R. M. Greaves and Jonathan Davies, Esqrs. Activity at Beddgelert.—David Griffith was fined 2s 6d and costs for being drunk and riotous on the 22nd May at Beddgelert.—William Roberts was fined 2s 6d for furious driving at Beddgelert on the 22nd May to the damage of the public.—Richard Roberts was charged with being drunk on licensed premises at Beddgelert on the 22nd May but the service of the summons (by being left at a house which defendant had left) being held bad, a new summons was ordered to be issued. Drunkenness.—On Monday last James Clarkson, was charged with being drunk and riotous on the Beddgelert road on the 11th June aud fined 10s. and coste. Vagrancy.—On the same day Charles Williams, a tramp, was charged with sleeping in an outhouse, at Parciau Farm, Criccieth.—P.C. Wm. Owen, Criccieth, stated that having had complaints about a person frequenting various farms and buildings in the evening and causing many people to be afraid, he visited Parciau Farm on the 11th June and found the prisoner there asleep and apprehended him.— Police-sergeant Jones stated that he had examined the prisoner's boots and found that they corres- ponded with the description given of the boots worn by the party who had been committing burglaries lately at Carnarvon.—The Bench committed the prisoner to seven days hard labour at Carnarvon prison.

W'ESTEKN SEA FISHERIES COMMITTEE. REPORTED IMPROVEMENT IN FISHERY. The quarterly meeting of the Western Sea Fisherii-s Committee was held at the Police Station, Barmouth, on Tuesday, when there were present Mr Henry Bonsall, Aberystwyth, chairman, pre- siding Messrs Charles Williams, Dyffryn John Evans, Owen Jones; and Lewis Lewis, Barmouth E. Wood, Conway Edward H. Owen, Carnarvon Mr Breeze, deputy clerk Messrs Dd. Pritchard, Robert Jones, and Rd. Davies, bailiffs. ENFORCED ABECF. Mr BREEZE, the deputy clerk, apologised for the absence of Mr Casson, the clerk, who, he said, was oh the Continent. Messrs E. Jones, Pwllheli; Henry Clegg, Llanfair and Richard Thomas, Liverpool, wrote regretting enforced absence. FINANCE. The Finance Committee in their report recom- mended that precepts for JE130 up to the end of December should be drawn on the County Council and that the question of season tickets for the bailiffs should be deferred until something definite had been done with regard to the amalgamation echeme.—The recommendations were adopted. A QUESTION OF ORDER. Mr JorrN EVANS inquired whether the spec al meeting of the Committee recently held at Pli l- madoc was in order ? The CHAIRMAN—Yes, certainly. Mr EVANS said he put that question because at the last ordinary meeting it was agreed that mus- sel fishing should be prohibited in the district of the Committee, but now that resolution had been rescinded sc as to make a bylaw permitting mussel fi hing applicable to Conway. The CLERK—Yes, the resolution was passed after the rescission of the previous resolution. It was done at the instance of Mr Lloyd George. Mr JOHN EVANs-It was not in order to rescind at a special meeting a resolution passed at a quarterly meetmg. The Standing Orders state that a resolution can only be rescinded at a quarterly meeting. If what was done at the special meeting is in order, then it is open for any of the members to call a special meeting to rescind a resolution which they have objection to. I propose that the meeting declare the action of the special meeting out of order. J9nes seconded the proposition. Mr WOOD did not see that there could be any objection to making a bylaw permitting mussel gatheiing applicable to Conway, seeing that they desIred it. & j The CHAIRMAN (to Mr Evans)-I must overrule your objection. It should have come on at the special meeting. It was decided at the special meeting that to rescind the resolution would be in order. The question at the present moment is as /Till6 Cr k'16 m^nutes are a correct record or not. Aklerman LEWIS proposed that the minutes should be confirmed, but he must support the argument of Mr Evans that the action of the Com- I mlttee at the special meeting was irregular. The minutes having been signed, the CHAIRMAN called for the correspondence, but Alderman LEWIS and Mr JOHN EVANS thought the meeting should discuss the action of the Committee at the special meeting in rescinding resolutions passed at a quarterly meeting. The CLERK said steps were being taken towards puttmg the bylaw in force. Alderman LEWIS—I hold that it was irregular to rescind the resolutions at a special meeting. The CHAIRMAN—You are out of order now, certainly. As a question of order, what you object itself°U ^ave been raised at the special meeting Mr EVANS read the Standing Orders which stated that no resolutions could be rescinded except at a quarterly meeting. The CHAIRMAN—It is now too late. You should have raised your objections at the special meeting. u ^0HN EVANS—It was certainly out of order did^ ^art °f sPec*a* meet'ng to do what they The CHAIRMAN—Are you drawing attention to the matter? ° Mr EVANS—Yes, I state that it was out of order. The CHAIRMAN-Do you propose anything ? Mr EVANS-Yes, that the resolution rescinding the previous resolutions should be rescinded. The OUAIRMAN-You give notice to move a reso- lution to that effect ? Mr EVANS-Yes. Mr WOOD considered that Mr^Evans and Alder- man Lewis should have raised their objections at the special meeting and the CHAIRMAN concurred. The matter then dropped and when Mr Evans spoke on it later, the Chairman ruled him out of order. THE AMALGAMATION SCHEME. Mr WOOD said he and the Clerk attended the Boaid of Trade conference in London. The confer- ence lasted four hours when there was a good deal of unnecessary "jaw." (Laughter.) The represen- talves of the different fishery committees were per- mitted to make complaints, but they could make no resolutions. The President was very polite and lIstened to all the complaints which were duly re- corded. He stated at the end that due considera- tion would be given to each petition. Regarding the amalgamation scheme, an after-meeting was held when the representatives of the Lancashire Committee and the Western Committee were pre- sent. The Lancashire Committee offered no objec- tion to the amendments of the Committee. The Assistant Secretary of the Board of Trade thought an amicable arrangement could be entered upon, having regard to the fact that it was open to either committee to complain to the Board of Trade at any time after amalgamation took place, after which an inquiry would he held. The CHAIRMAN said the Committee were obliged to Mr Wood tor his report. He might &ay that he also had the impression that these conferences were of the nature of a paternal conclave. They were allowed to say just what they liked, but were pro- mised nothing. Mr WooD-Exactly. Mr Wood added that Mr Casson spoke very strongly on questions pertaining to fishery at the Conference. The CHAIRMAN-Yes, he is always listened to with great attention. The Chairman then read a letter trom Mr Casson regarding the Conference, in which he stated that there did not appear to be the least chance of the amalgamation scheme becoming law this year. He had expressed himself strongly upon what Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., had said at the Cardigan County Council meeting when he alleged that the delay was due to the laxity of the Western Committee. He told them that it was quite an unfounded charge. Mr Fell, the chairman of the Lancashire Committee, and he (Mr Casson) could not get any promise as to the date the draft order would be sent down after final approval by the Board of Trade. The Clerk read a letter from the Lancashire Committee enclosing a copy of the draft order and requesting that it should be kept at the Clerk's office for a period of twenty-eight days for inspec- tion by the public. Mr BREEZE explained that the public could inspect the order at the Clerk's office at Portmadoc during the next twenty-eight days. The CHAIRMAN—Should there be any objection there will be an inquiry ? The CLERK-Yes. BALANCE SHEET. The summary of accounts for the year ending March was submitted and showed a balance over- paid of jE35 2s JOd. The total expenditure was £297 12s Id and the receipts £262 9s 3d. The Finance Committee recommended the adop- tion of the statement and this was agreed to. FISHING IN THE DISTRICT FAVOURABLE REPORTS. The CHAIRMAN, commenting on the reports of the fishery officers, said the condition of the fishery during the last quarter indicated that the work of the Committee was beginning to show good results and as the bailiffs reported a steady and continual improvement all round, he thought the various counties might be satisfied that they, to whom they had committed this responsibility, had tried to do their duty. The advent of haddock in large num- bers in the district was noticeable and if the quality of herrings also improved, he saw no reason why a fish-curing industry might not eventually be set up, though at present and until technical instruction is more advanced this was hardly possible. Large catches of soles and other flat fish had also been taken and lobsters were reported in greater quanti- ties all over the coast. On the other band, owing to some occult reason crabs were not so plentiful and the difficulty of preventing the capture of im- mature crabs was a matter that required attention and he would suggest that the police authorities should be communicated with in order that their bailiffs might be assisted to mora effectually carry out the bylaws. Line fishing was favourably reported upon and the cockle industry had been prosperous in certain por- tions of the district. Trawlers likewise had done well and their regulations were fairly well observed, there being only one case pending with regard to a steam trawler sighted within the limits of New Quay. Altogether he had to report steady and satisfactory progress all over the district. Reports of the officers were then read. Bailiff ROBERT JONES, Carnarvon, in his report said that trawling in the Conway Bay had been good and haddock were found in large quantities in the district. A few years ago t addocks were seldom found on the Welsh coast, but lately as many as three or four boxes had been taken by some of the second class trawlers in the course of twelve hours. The Conway mussel fishermen afforded him great assistance in protecting mussels during the close season. Cockle gathering had been good and there was also a good demand. The Liverpool and Isle of Man trawlers had not troubled him very much during the last five months. There were five of them in the district using six or seven- inch meshes, and three of the boats had longer beams than forty-five feet. Fishing at Holyhead was good particularly in the case of lobsters. One boat manned by two men and a lad landed 580 lobsters in six weeks. For the tirst six weeks of the season trawling in Carnarvon Hay was prevented through stormy weather, but latterly good hauls had been made. Bailiff Dd. Pritchard, Jwllheli, in his report, said that ten second-class and two first-class trawlers had been working from Pwllheli during the past three months and had done fairly well, the first- class trawlers landing as many as twenty-six boxes on one trip on some occasions. Prime fish had been more plentiful this year than they had been for years. There had been no difficulty with the large trawlers this quarter, only two Hoylake boats having visited the bay since the prosecution at Pwllheli. Still, large trawlers used very small meshes and caused great destruction to immature fish. The total amount of fish landed at Pwllheli this .juarter was thirty-one tons. One large trawler caught 133 pairs of fine soles off Bilan in an hour and a half. The average price obtained for soles was Is "id per lb. Crabs were under the average in price this season and were scarce; lobsters up to the average in price and of very fine quality. Scarcity of crabs was due to the continua- tion ot southerty and westerly gales in the winter and spring causing fish to sift out to deep water. They had not yet returned to shallow water. Three tine sturgeons were caught by trawlers off Bilan. They measured six feet long each. Bailiff Richard Davies, Aberdovey, reported that trawling fishing on the whole had been good. Fishermen spoke well of the grounds iu general. Boxes of prime fish in good condition had been taken with short drags, tie had had no complaints from local fishermen of foreign trawlers fishing within thp, limits. He received intimation that a steam trawler "as in the Bay north of New Quay Head. On arrival he found that the trawler had disappeared. He obtained particulars regarding the vessel and reported the case to Mr Casson. He had also reported two cases of catching im- mature crab?. He feared undersized crabs and lobsters were often caught in his district and he had a-ked the police officials to assist in the matter. Line fishing had been good at Aberystwyth and for a time in the Dovey. The cockle beds on the Cardigan side of the Dovey were splendidly stocked with cockles of fine size and quality. Several families were chiefly supported by this industry. He should like to know whether he had authority to search persons' pockets if persons did not show him their contents when he requested them to do so. Also in. catching offenders, was he to seize instruments and all fish in their possession, or only the illegal fish and if he was to take all, what was he to do with them ? He also wished to know his power with regard to trawlers transgressing the bylaws. The CHAIRMAN took it that a forty-five beam was illegal and Bailiff ROBERT JONES replied, Yes." The CHAIRMAN—Why don't you stop them ? The BAILIFF—How can I catch them, sir? There is no vessel fast enough to catch them. Alderman LEwIs-And they must be caught in the act. The BAILIFF said he could only hope to catch them by means of a steamer. He had warned the offending boats which hailed from Douglas and Liverpool. The Chairman and Alderman Lewis were in favour of asking the assistance of the Lancashire Committee who might send their steamer down as they had done before. The suggestion was adopted unanimously. Replying to Alderman Lewis, Bailiff PRITCHARD said fishing showed an improvement on the corres- ponding period last year, especially in soles. There was a fleet of from fifteen to sixteen Hoy- lake boats in the district last year, but this year there were only two strange boats. The CLERK, replying to the Chairman, said he thought the bailiffs had a right to search the pockets of suspected offenders. He was not quite sure of the matter, however, and he would look up the law on the matter and communicate later on with each bailiff on the subject. The CHAIRMAN paid a compliment to the bailiffs for the excellent reports they submitted and said special praise was due to Bailiff Robert Jones. On the motion of the CHAIRMAN, it was agreed to write to the police officers of Merioneth, Carnarvon, Cardigan, and Anglesea asking them to assist the fishery officers in carrying out their duties. The CLERK said proceedings would be taken at Aberayron against the owners of the steam trawler alleged to have infringed the bylaws and also at Aberystwyth against those charged with having captured undersized craba. MISCELLANEOUS. The question of the places to hold quarterly meetings was deferred indefinitely. Alderman LEWIS asked what had been done with regard to the mussel beds on jprivate property at Portmadoc aad the CLERK said Mr Casson in- tended waiting shortly upon Major Roche on the subject. On the suggestion of Alderman LEWIS, it was further resolved to have reports printed and sent to the different county councils showing what had been done by the Committee during tho ensuing year and also that the officers of the Committee should assist the Dovey, Mawddach, and Glaslyn Fishery Board in the extension of the mesh of sal- mon nets, the Committee having granted a request to this effect made by the Board last year. The CHAIRMAN said it behoved the Committee to extend all the assistance in their power to kindred associations. The Committee then rose.

Sir John Austin, Bart., M.P., for the Osgold- cross Division, Yorkshire, has resigned his seat in consequence of a difference of opinion with the local Liberal Association, who had criticised hia conduct in voting against the Scotch Local Veto Bill. It is expected he will offer himself for re- election.