The Cardigan Bay Visitor

ABKKYSTVV YTH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS, Mosuay, JrLV oi.i —Present Mr YV. A. Miller, vice-chairman, pre- aiding; the Rev T. A. Penry, Messrs G. Fosseit Roberts, B. E. Morgan, J. J. James, aod T. E. Salmon, Aberystwyth Edward Jones, CeulaD- maesmawr Thomas Jenkins. Cyfoethyhrenin;, J. B. Morgan, Cynnullmawr Richard James. Henllys Thomas Powell, Llanfihangel Upper I, E. J. Evans, Llangwyryfon John Jon°s, Llan- rhystyd Richard Thomas, Tiryrnynach David Lloyd, Vaenor Lower Richard Jeokins, Llan- cynfelin James Jones, Llanbadarn Lower and Hugh Hughes, clerk. Stati,tic,Out.relief administered duriugthe past fortnight Aberystwyth district, per Mr Thomas Vaugban, £45 S, 3d to 159 paupers, an increase of f2 7s 7d in relief and of '2 paupers. Llanfinang I district, per Mr J. J. Hughes, Od t.. 1S5 paupers, an increase of £1 14a in relief and a decrease of 6 paupers and liar district, pr Mr J. Morgan, £4: is Od to 134 pauprs. i dered of 3 paupers and of £1 163 in relief. Number in the House, 33 last year, corresponding peri-d 44. Xumber of vagrants relieved during the pa t fortnight, 22 last year, 21. The Trea*ure*hip.—The Chairman read a letter from Mr J. R. Rees, the treasurer, nominating Mr H. F. Roberts instead of Mr Broadie Griffith, who has left Aberystwyth for another branch, to sign ot. behalf of the Treasurer.—Tne Guardians consented to the arrangement Boarding Out.—Satisfactory reports were read from the lady visitors in respect of children boarded out. Thr Case oÎDttto.- The Clerk reported on the case of Latto who last week was brought before t u- magistrates on a charge of having deser d his wire and" children. The Clerk added that the man gave a reason satisfactory to the magistrates for leaving his wife. He was a most r.-spectabie man and won the entire sympathy of the magistrates. He had now taken the chddren with him and a girl who was in service at Aberystwyth had giten notice and In- tended going to liv e with her father who had a comfortable home. The Guardians expressed their satisfaction at the report. Plastering.—The tender of Messrs E. EJ wards and Son of f7 15s. for plastering at the House was ac- cepted. The other tender was £9 5: Can a Person £Il,¡,t on Outdoor Relief ?—Mr B. E. Morgan read a paragraph from the Local Govern- ment Board Chronicle in which it was asked if the guardians having offered the house, were responsible if the person refused and harm came to him in consequence. The answer was that the refusal of a person to enter the workhouse did not relieve the Guardians from their responsibility. The proper course was to direct the relieving officer to watch the case.—Mr James Jones asktd if that was good law ?— The Clerk thought it rather quibbling. If a woman said she would commit suicide and the relieving officer stood by, the Guar- dians would not be responsible. He did not think it good law at all.—Mr Salmon asked if the woman refused to enter the House and starved ?—The Clerk That would be suicide. Supposing you tak^ food to a woman and she refuses to eat that sort of food, the Guardians would not be responsible for the consequences. — Mr Salmon A person of that sort would be a sort of imbecile.—The Clerk If you offer the House to a person you offer food and lodging and if that person does net choose to take them, then the Guardians cannot surely be res- pODsible if the person starves. It is the same with relief in kmd. A relieving officer might offer a person an order on a. grocer for relief in kind and surely the Guardians would not be held responsible if that person refused to go to the grocer with the order. The Board rose about half-past twelve. TOWN COUNCIL, TUESDAY, JeLl 4TH.— Present Councillor D. C. Roberts, mayor, pre- siding Alderman Captain Doughton Councillors C. M. Williams, R. J. Jones, E. P. Wynne, Issac Hopkms, T. E. Salmon, G. Croydon Marks, and J. P. Thomas Messrs A. J. Hughes, to<vn clerk: and Rees Jones, borough surveyor. THE OYSTER. The Tow:" CLERK said he forgot his name, hut the man who last year was charged with selling oysters on the Terrace and Parade had called on him on the previous day aud was present to ask the Council to re-consider their decision with reference to not allowing him to Jipon the Parade or the beach. He told the man that he thought the Couucil would not entertain the application. The MAYOR suggested that the application should be referred to the Public Works Committee. Mr MAKKS asked if the matter had nut been already dtcidrd ? The MA\K — Quite so. What was the decision las; year ? The TOWN CLERK replied that the decision was not tc allow. Mr J. P. Ti (OMAS asked if it would not be a con- venience to the public to have oysters and things hawked about the Parade but MrC. 1. WILLIAMS said if petpI" wauled oysters they could be g t in te shops. Captiin Dori.WT.IN believed that the best way to study the lut res's of the ratepayers would be no. to grant th application and moved to that effect, aud it was unanimously agreed to refuse the application, .Mr C M. WILLIAMS observing that refusal v.-ma ie in the interests of the putlLe. CAI-TADOO ROAD. Prote-sor Edwards wrote asking that the name should b", rbccd on Camdog rcad but Mr 0. M. W ILLIAMS p~> nted out that it was a private road and that it was net the practice of the Couucil to nume private streets. It was not part of the Coun- cils duty to do so. There wtre other private streets without names and that was the reason why the mums had not been put up. The MAYOR suggested that the Town Cltrk should WrIte to Professor Edwards to that effect and the suggestion was adopted. FOOTPATHS. The Secretary ot the Footpaths Association wrote as follows in respect of a meeting held by the Committee a year ago;—"July 4th, JS99. Dear sir,— We beg to draw the attention of vuur Council to the unsa'isfa^tory state of some paths within the borough and to call your special atten- tion to the path leading to Brynymor and Cwm Woods which w> consider mot dangerous aud call ing for immediate attention. The Pendiuas path improvements have not been completed. Seats were arranged for to be placed on convenient sptts. but hitherto this much-needed improvement has not betn carried out. In view of the season which is now running, it would be conferring a boon on the walking public to have these seats placed with- out further drlay. We also sail yrar atteutkm to a footpath outside the borough, viz., the one lead- ing fr an Brynllwyd to Clarach. This path has been blocked by the Aberystwytn Improvement Society who have erected high wires across a por- tion of it. The Society has communicated with Mr Croydon Marks to call his attention to the same, but as yet no reply has been received to our com- munication. We ask the Council to take steps to have the path re-opened again to the public." Mr J. P. THOMAS proposed and Mr HOPKINS seconded that tne matter should be referred to the Public Works Committee. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS believed a resolution was passed by the Council about a year ago with refer- ence to seats and stiles on Pendinas and he was under the impression that the whole work had been completed. It was unanimously agreed thaë the Surveyor on hearing from the owners should place the seats on the path. The date of that meeetiHg was the 22nd ot August of last year. The STRVEYOR said the stiles were put in order at the time. Mr MARKS—As this letter will be reported, of course I must make a reservation on the point of law. lrhen the ground was purchased from the present owner, we were protected with regard to that particular path—or alleged path. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—At least your Company was ? Mr MARKS—Yes. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—No matter what protec- tion yon have it does not affect the right of the public. I have been over the path scores of times. Mr MARKS repeated that his Company was pro- tected and admitted that it did not affect public rights. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS added that he did not blame the Improvement Company. At the same time. the Council must do all they possibly could to pro- tect public rights. 1 Captain Dor«;IITON said perhaps Mr Marks would attend the meeting of the Committee when the matter was considered. The letter was then referred to the Works Com- ) mittee. ( POSTAL SERVICE. S The Town Cierk read the following letter from 1 Mr Denniss, manager of the Cambrian Railways s Company;-—"June 25th. Dear Sir,—Referring a to your letter of April 22nd, I have pleasure in in !■ forming you that arrangements have now been s made 'vith the Post Office authorities f.r the I morning mail to arrive at Aberystwyth at 6 40 g instead of 6-55 a.m. as at present and tor the even r ing mail tn leave your town at (5-25 p.m. instead of 6-0, commencing on July 1st. But for the diffi- c culties in the train service between London and rJ We.shporl there would have been an earlier a arrival of the morning mail and we purpose con- s t.nuing the negociat ions in the hcpe that further improvement may very shortly take place and you I: may be sure that this point will be followed up ( energetically." a Captain DOCGHTON said it was an easy matter to I place figures on the time tabic. The great thing t wis to run the trains punctually. The 6 40 would s probably mean eight o'clock. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS suggested that the Town v Clerk should acknowledge "'the receipt and urge 11 upen Mr Denniss to arrange that the mail as far as C possible should arrive at the time stated. It was easy to have 6-40 on the time tables and to find the d mail arriving half-past seven or a quarter to eight, 51 There had been complaints in summc by visitors a owing to the late delivery of letters and the Council should urge upon the Railway Company to keep g time. The Council had a man taking k the time of the arrival of trains at it Aberystwyth during the day and it would J t( be an excellent thing that he should take the time of the arrival of the mail as well. The Council should also urge upon the postal authorities that if an increased number of postmen were required now was the time to put them on and to make proper arrangements. No doubt, Aberystwyth was I lamentably behind in regard to its postal arrange- ments. Mr SALMON said that in other places letters were sorted on the journey and it would affect a great improvement if that were done at Aberystwyth. He had been talking to one or two of the sorters and they said it could be done during the journey. At the present time, sorting in the office after ar- rival meant a delay of over three quarters of an hour. Mr R. J. JONES said that suggestIOn had been made by the Couucil more than once, but the postal authorities found some difficulty in carrying out the suggestion. He thought ic rather premature t) make adverse remarks concerning Mr Denniss's letter. The Council should give him an oppor- tunity of showing whether the trains would be ■punctual or not. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS—But past experience make us rather shy. The MAYOR said there could be no bam in draw- ing attention to the fact. The Council had kept the times of arrival of trains and certainly tne record was no credit to any railway company. Th-re would be no harm in writing the letter as suggested. Mr C'. AI. WILLIAMS hoped there would be an mprovement. He knew that Mr Dennis-, and tee officials were making a great effort tj try t > im- prove the Service. Mr R. J. JONES thought the Company should he encouraged aud not adversely criticised before hand. MrC. M. WILLIAMS said the letter would only express a hope that time would be kept and experience did not justify that hope. Mr J. P. THOMAS said it seemed to him that the Council were discussing two separate thing.one the late arrival of trains and tne other tie delivery of letters. He thought the Council might write to tlia postal authorities and ask for more deliverers. With xegard to the late arrival of trains, there was so much traffic that it was impossible to bring the trains in earlier. —•AT the same time, it was most desirable that punctuality should be kept because there were great complaints by visitors. They suff red in coming and they suffered in going and the suffering they had experienced in coming and the suffering they anticipated in going epoiled the pleasure of their visit to Aberystwyth. Captain DOUGHTON thought in fairness to the post officials at Aberystwyth that they could not do more than at present. The fact was the train did not arrive in time and the remeiy was the punctual arrival of trains. If the trains arrived punctually, the letters would be deliveied in ample time before the departure of the morning trains. It was then agreed to write both to the railway company and to the postal authorities. APPLICATIONS. Letters from Mrs Rea asking for site terms for 10, Portland-street, on the ground that the house would have to be demolished and rebudt, and fiom Mr T. Griffith, 65, Park-walk, Chelsea, for the lease or sale of a part of Budding's Farm, Llan- badarn, were referred to the Finance Committee. ARE THE COUNCIL'S ARRANGEMENTS CARRIED OCT ? Mr J. P. THOMAS thought the present was the time for the Council to consider whether the boats at Aberystwyth were overcrowded. It had been drawn to his att-ntion several times during last week that boats were overcrowded and in the face of the disaster that had recently taken place at Pwllheli the Council ought to look after the inter- ests of the ratepayers and visitors who come to Aberystwyth. He did not know what steps were taken, but means ought to be takeu to inspect the boats. He did not know if there was an inspector. The MAYOR—On, yes. Mr THOMAS—Will you kindly make it known that this inspector should see to it ? Mr R. J. JOEs-He has his duty to perform. Mr J. P. THOMAS—To call his attention to the overcrowding of these boats. 'Captain DOCGHTON rose to answer Mr Thomas, hut the Mayor called on Mr Wynne who was the the chairman of the Committee having the matter in hand. Mr WYNNE replied that he had nothing to p:, plain, but hewoaJd eilf-the spector to the fact. He (Mr Wynne) had no com- plaints of overcrowding and the inspector hac re- ceived strict instructions. Capta n DOUGHTON added that every precaution had been taken with regard to boating at Abery-t- wyth. It was impossible tor anybody to do than the Council had done. T. e boats were in- spected. An insprc or was every year appointed by the Council. He was a stranger and in no way connected with the town. He inspected every boat large and small in the harbour and on the beach. He took note cf everything demanding attention and made recommendations. A copy of the re- Qiiirem-nts was given to the Harbourmaster who as a Corporation official saw that everything recom- mended was carried out. When the recommenda- tions were carried out: he gave the boatman a certi- ficate which he took to the Chief Constable or Sergeant and without which he could not get a 1 cence. Every boat was marked on the outside with the number of pas-enyers each oat was to carry and the Council had now an inspector in uni- form to see tnat the number was not exceeded aud to see that the reguhcions were observed. There fore the Town Council could not do more than it had done to ensure the safety of people goiug upon the sea. In addition to that, the number carried bv boat-i had been considerably reduced. For instance, boats that used to carry eleven had been reduced to and seven to three. Mr J. P. THOMAS said he was exceedingly obliged to Captain Doughton for the explanation, an Tit seemed to hirnthut wha he said was-perfecily true. But his point was this. Was it always with the knowledge of the Inspector or without his know- edge that the boats were overcrowded ? They cer- tainly were overcrowded. OcasiollaIJy in times when there were excursions in the town. He was not going to blame the Inspector whom he took to be ex-Sergeant Morgan. He could not be on the beach all the time because he had ether work to do; but that was his (Mr Thomas's) complaint that dur- ing the times when the Inspector was not on the beach those things took place which might end in disaster and be detrimental to Aberystwyth dining the summer. The MAYOR was sure they all felt the import- ance of the matter mentioned by Mr Thomas and whatever steps the Council could take to prevent .such-a dieaater Asi.that»*t Jlwllheli he was tjire it was their duty to take. But, as CaptainUoiigfetoii had said, the Council had taken every step. ()f (urae, if Mr Thomas informed the Inspector of the cases he referred to, he might take proceedings, it was very desirable that the Council should at the commencement of the season, now their atten- tion had been specially called to the matter, should seriously draw the attention of the Inspector and boatmen to the complaint and require them to be careful in the future. Mr J. P. THOMAS thought that would be sum cient. The MAYOR did not think it would be sufficient as to the past for the statements made by Mr Thomas ought to be enquired into if there had been that continual overcrowding. Mr J. P. THOMAS—I don't say continual. It was last week. Captain DocGHTo-Perhaps Mr Thomas can point out a case. Mr J. P. THOMAS—Not now. I only called at tention to the fact that there was overcrowding in order that it should be attended to. The MAYOR was sure the Chairman of the General Purposes Committee would convene a meeting to consider the statement and in the mean- time a letter could be written to the Inspector. Mr Y\ Y.NNE thought it well if complaints were made to the Committee. There was a case recently of a lady and gentleman going out in a boat and being neariy swamped on the rocks, but it was afterwards proved that it was a private boat and not a hired boat. Captain DOCGHTON said there was one explana- tion to be made on that point. Boatmen were not allowed to lend their boats to private people with- out a certificated person in charge. Mr C. M. W ILLIAMS, referring to a remark about :he police, said the whole matter of licensing was in hands of the Inspector and Corporation officials ind the police had nothing to do with it. PCBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. In the absence of Alderman Peter Jones, Captain Houghton brought up the report of the Works Committee, which recommended that no water iupply connection with private houses at Llan- badara be allowed except those included in the ciieme which was sanctioned by the Council and tpproved by the Local Government Board "od the surveyor was instructed to cut off any private iupply. Mr D. J. Lewis waited on the Committee especting the drainage of his house in Great Dark- ;ate street and the Surveyor was instructed to eprrt on the matter. ] The SURVEYOR said the recommendation as to utting off water supply had been attended to. rhe only connection made in that way was cut off 1 ,nd was now supplied from the town main at the cale applicable outside the borough. ) Mr J. P. THOMAS said a supply of water had 1 leased to Llanbadarn by the Aberystwyth Council for twenty-one years and probably the pplication was in accordance with the lease or Mr £ lughes would not have made it. He should like i o have the matter referred back for further discus- I ion. s Captain DOCGHTON said the private supply of < rater was outside the scheme approved by iOcal Government Board and sanctioned by the 1 'ouncil. c The MAYOR added that if the Llanbadarn people F esired any further concession in regard to water s LlppIy, it; was open to them to make a further appli- t ation to the Council. t Mr J. P. THOMAS said there were at Llanbadarn h ardeners with large glass houses and men who h ept posting stables and horses and carriages and was not far to people who used but little water t ) have to pay for those who used a great deal. li rhe people of Llanbadarn would have to pay for water by meter. In reply to Mr Hopkins, the Tows CLERK said there were certain terms in the scheme for a. cer- tain grant and the Committee could not consider any further proposal. The report was then agreed to. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. Captain Doughton brought up the following re- port of the Harbour Committee :—" Your Com- mittee on the report of the Harbour Master and of the Town Clerk being satistied that a breach of the byelaws under the Explosives Acts, 1875, was com- mitted by the master of the s.s. Marmion,' be- longing to Nobel's Explofilves Co., Limited, in refer- ence to the circumstances attending the landing of certain explosives in the Aberystwyth bour on the 2oth May last, recommend that the Company be writteu to by the Town Clerk, calling their attention to this breach and requiring tin ni to explain why the byelaws were disregarded, and in the absence of a satisfactory explanation and under- taking by the Company that the offence shouhlllDt be repeated, the Council to decide what st-ps should be taken to prevent a rtcurrrence of acts complaiiv-d of. An application was received from the Western Sea F.shery Board asking permission to place not'ces at different places under the Har- bour Authority prohibiting the catching of shell- fish under regulation size. Your Committee recom- mend that the application be granted." In rep y to a question, the TOWN CLERK said he had had no reply from the Explosives Company, he not having sent off the letter before the report was adopteii. Tne report was adopted. F[NANCK COMMITTEE. lr C. M Wiiliann brought up theleport of the Finance Comtn ttee "hich recommended the pav- m vit cf bills aud of harbour annuities on £13,5¡4 15. 4d, amounting to £ 18S S< 9.1, less income tax. A 1 tter was read fiom the Genera! Manag-r of the M. k M. Railway Company (the report continued) making application for a base of premises adjoining their railway, now used by Messrs .'ames and Co as bottnng stores, Your Committee recommend the granting of a lease for a term of fourteen years from the 12th ay last, terminable at the end of the seventh year by six months' notice on either side, at a yearly rent of £20 for the first two years of the term and an annual rent of £25 for the remainder of the term, with permission to the Com- pany to make the alterations and additions to the buildings shown on the plan submitted, to be approved of by the Borough Surveyor, the Company undertaking, at the expiration of the term, to restore, if required, the premises to their original condition to the satisfaction of the Borough Sur- veyor. Your Committee have for some time past had under consideration the question of reducing charges to lessees in respect of Corporation leases agreements for leases and the Town Clerk has been seen upon the matter with the result that he has stated that he is prepared to perform the whole of the professional work involved in the preparation and completion of agreements for leases, and of the leases and counter- parts, for an inclusive fee of two guineas, provided the Council return to the practice which was in force whilst a solicitor was appointed by the Cor- poration and follow the course which your Com- mittee believe is that which is adrpted by all other municipal corporations and owners of large estates situate locally or elsewhere, viz., of requiring such documents to be prepared by the lessors' solicitor. Inasmuch as lessees would secure a very substantial reduction by this arrangement which your Com- mittee have been enabled to make with the Town Clerk, your Committee recommend that in future the Town Clerk, as lessors' solicitor, shall prepare all agreements for leases and leases and counter- parts for an inclusive fee of two guineas, which fee your Committee consider a very reasonable one having regard to the work and responsibility involved. Lessees wiil, of course, as hitherto, be required to the out-uf-pocket expenses for sLimp duty, &c., in addition to the fee of two guineas and that all previous resolutions relative to preparation aud charges for preparation of leases he rescinded. The following report of the Special Committee apro nted to draw up a list of the duties of the Town C erk and the revision of his salary was presented and unanimously agreed to by your Committee and your Committee recommend that the report be adopted by the Town Council {Ti*at ^ittlauoi Cierk shall attend 11.11 meetings of the Council, keep minutes of the proceeding, ahd reeotd therein the names of those present; read over the mimi-ie, of the last meeting and sub- mit th- sa-ne to the mayor or chairman, as the c^e ni ty be, tor signature, and read all corres- pondence recened by bit:, since the previous meet- ing. (2) HeslmJ' prepare and deliver, or cause to he ie!iv -red, all -utnin< uses of the meetings of the Counci a> d snail include in all such summonses a statement of a'i i.usin. to be transacted thereit so far as the same lie known also to include there- in or annex ther to, a copy of every report of com- mittees iutendsd to be laid before the Council. (3) He shall peruse and conduct all correspondence of the C uncil according to their directions and preserve the same, as well us all letters, orders, or iim.nte books, papers. documents belonging to the Conned, and keep copies of all letters sent by him. (4) He shall c immumcate to the- several officers and persons employed by the Council all nider* and d rections of the Council, and report t the Council any neglect or failure thetein which comes to his knowledge. (5) He shall communi- cate to ad applicants for bases and renewal of leases immediately after the Couucil meeting, the terms upon which the Council have agreed to grant such leases or renewal of leases. (Gj He shall give a'l necessary notices of and attend all elections of councillors, auditors, &c., and advise the presiding and returning officers at such elec tions. (7) He shall give all necessary notices of the annual revision of the list of burgesses and to make out any other list that imy be-required by law. (g) He shall prepare' all notices to he given by the Council and see that the same are duly served or delivered (save such as are required to be prepared or served by any other officer). (9) He shall cause to be published all necessary notices and advertise ments relating to the business of the Council, and shall prepare and transmit all reports or returns (parliamentary or otherwise) as to any question or matter connected with or relating to the admini- stration of any Act or Acts of Parliament affec'ing the Council as a municipal corporation, urban dis trict Council, and burial board. (10) He shall give notice and attend all public and other meetmos within the borough convened by the Mayor, in hi official capacity, in-pursuance of a requisition or otherwise. He shall also attend any local inquiry held by the Local Government Board or by any {ii). He shall at wmfbng8 of Zhe finance Committee and Public Works Committee, and also t. attend other committees when requeeted to do so by the Chair- man of such committee. (12) He shall advise the Council and committees on all matters coming officially before them and shall perform all duties from time to time cast upon him by statute. (13) He shall prepare all deeds, bonds, covenants, and 'the PnlS enTe? \V° by' WUh> °r OD bellalf npftv n -ai • conduct all prosecutions at petty or special sessions. (14) He shall perform all legal work required by the Council and no charge for the same shall be made except conveyancing business, parliamentary work, or obtaining provisional orders, prosecu nTnfahairZeVr quarter or gneral sessions. Uo) He shall perform all duties whatsoever anner- tainmg to the office of town clerk, clerk to the Urban District Council and Burial Board, and hall observe and execute all orders and directions of the Council applicable to such offices. Your Com. mittee having revised and defined the duties of the Town Clerk, subject to the approval of the Council have very carefully considered the question of the re-adjustment of his salary. Mr 4 T w u h«d .h, office for nearly ZtL td although his duties have enormously increased for ra" Past' .8 <»l»ry has remained at the the ia? a310an.jL- Enquiries having been made as to borouchq'88 P n tOW" clerks in numerous other Mid to \ry°w ^om.mittee find that the salary K d £ t5 hughes is greatly below the average vorfr £ )0r0^h?- In arriving at a decisis, your committee having regard to the fact that many duti. s connected with the Burial Board Board h per,°rme1d by Mr Hughes as clerk to that ?>VC ^en transferred to the Borough Ac- countant s department, and that the separate salary of £ i.O per annum payable to Mr Hughes thev w8?n °e ?aid S'nCe SePtember last, and ^hf Pn refer the Council to the duties of the Town Clerk a8 defined in the report of the woSTrtr* taD^ MiU1 bt Seen that considerable ^e ha Uh ClT-by the T°wn Clerk for w hich subieot t 'tv,^ ln addition to his salary wdl subject to the exceptions ia Clause 14) in future n hiTd J T u°Wn °lerk and wil1 be included Payment8 ^einthe ill not in future have to be mad Your committee unanimous^ recommend that having re- nade in°th H CrD8ldeuabue ch&n8es aud additions uW I < Wb'ch. the rown Clerk will in Perform, his salary be fixed at £ 1S0 r annum as and from the 1st of January, 1899. J j WlLLIAMS moved and Mr R. J. JONE-^ onded the adoption of the report. Ref"»rinff to eases and agreements, Mr Williams adde,i that it ,aS the charges should be as low as ossible and having regard to the payments made itherto- £ 2 Pis 6d and £ 3 3a for a lfiase ipart from the agreement, he thought Mr Hughes >ad met the Committee exceedingly favourably had quoted a very low figure indeed for that mportant work. That having been done, the Com- L I utiammoudly recommended that the Council nould revert to the system in vogue when a lorporation solicitor was in office and direct that ^Corporation leases should be prepared by Mr iughes which was the practice without xception in other corporations and on large states and it was only reasonable that it nould be adopted at Aberystwyth. He thought he Council might congratulate the lessees of the own in securing that special charge. All parties olding land under the Corporation ^ould only ave to pay that greatly reduced free. Mr J. P. THOMAS said he was inclined to think iat ratepayers should be allowed to go where they ked for their solicitors to look after their deeds, 11 I It would be rather a safety and he did not fcke to force the hands of the ratepayers. The MAYOR—It is leaseholders and not rate- payers. Mr J. P. THOMAS—Who constitute ratepayers. J The MAYOR—Not of necessity. Mr J. P. THOMAS—The majority of them. The MAYOR—I am glad to think that, of course. Mr J. P. THOMAS added that there was safety in looking after the deeds by another solicitor to see that they were as they should bc, as two heais were better than one in that matter as in every- thing else. He did not quite like to bind the lessee to go to one solicitor He would employ Mr Hughes in his own case, but he did not think it fair to bind the whole community in that way. Mr MARKS said in the case of legal work the gen'leman who performed the largest number of transfers was the one most likely to do it properly, ft would be very unfortunate to give it to someone to try his prentice nand upon. Therefore he sup- ported the recommendation. Mr ISAAC HOPKINS said if any one wanted another solicitor to over his deed, he could engige one to go down to the Town Clerk's office and see that the deed was all right before he got it. The recommendation having been adopted, Mr C. M. WILLIAMS moved the adoption of the para- graphs defining the duties of the Town Clerk and fixing his future salary at £180 instead of £100. In doing so, Mr Williams explained that many of the things now included in the Town Clerk's future dutirg had been paid for previously in addition to the salary, such as the preparation of bonds and contracts an 1 prosecutions and so ou. The Com- mittee also obtained returns from fifty-three boroughs and the average was exactly what it'was now proposed to pay the Town Clerk at Aberyst- wyth. He thought that must be satisfactory to the Town CL rk and to the Corporation. In arriv- ing at that figure the Committee also considered the duties hitherto performed by Mr Hughes as clerk to the Buriil Board, A'hich authority hid been dissolved since last September. Fairly speak- ing, Mr Hughes was entitled to compensation, having held that office so long. He. however, made no claim for compensation and readily acquiesced in payment "easing when the work ceased. There might be a small increase in the salary, but it was more of a re-adjustment, as hitherto Mr Hughes was paid partly by salary aad partly by payments for additional work. It must now be more satisfactory to find the duties defined and no future extra payments except such as were defined. Having regard to the dutica, he thought the Committee recommended a reasonable salary. Though in one respect the Town Clerk would not benefit much, in other respect he would benefit by not having to make bills for additional work He moved the adoption of the report. Mr R. J. JONES seconded the proposition. Mr IsAAC HOPKINS thought the Committee was appointed to increase the Town Clerk's salary and from what he gathered from Mr Williams's remarks there had been no increase at all. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said he did not say that at all. Not a very great increase. There was a slight increase. Mr ISAAC HOPKINS said if the Committee were appointed to look into the increase of salary they ought to make something respectable- (laughter)—gentlemanly like—(renewed laughter) —and not a tew pounds. Could they not propose rouad figures, say £200? For his part he liked to pay every man honourably for his work and if he could get a stcander, he would propose £200 or Mr MARKS said he should have pleasure in seconding tnat. If they wanted a professional man to do his work properly they must make him feel that his time was not robbed from more important and remunerative work. Having regard to the duties which had been set down the salary proposed at the end gave the whole thing away. It was not much more than would be paid to a skilled clerk and he thought the silary should undoubtedly be 200 guineas per annum Capta n DOCGHTON sail aftei Mr Williams's ex- planation, he was going to get up and propose the same thing, but Mr Hopkins had been too sharp for him. (Laughter.) The difference bet" e m the pI evious salary and the proposal was about £15 merely. The MAYOR asked Mr Hopkins what his proposi- tion was and Mr Hopkins adopted Mr Marks's two hundred guineas. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said the Committee had considered the matter fully and were equally anxious to pay honourably as the proposer and seconder of the amendment. The Committee con- sidered £180 very fair salary, having regard to the work and to the returns from other tow ns. In 5-ome of those towns the Town Clerk had to per- form all other legal work—parliamentary and other, work. In addition, the Committee were care- ful to arrive at a figure which would be acceptable to the Council and to the town. The ratepayers were very keen in regard to increase of salaries. They scanned everything and went very carefully into things and the Council ought to have regard to that. If further duties were added to the Tow i Clerk, no doubt the Committee would be glad to consider a further increase. Having had a CO]. ver-ation with Mr Hughes, he must say that as chairman of the Committee he must adhere to the report. The Towx CLERK asked to be allowed to say on*- word. Ht felt the delicacy cf the- position. On the one hand he felt exceedingly grateful to the gentlemen who supported the amendment, but if he might be allowed to have the mattl r entrusted to him he would very much prefer, unless it was the unanimous opinion of the Council to the con- trary, to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee who, he knew, had paid careful atten- tion to the matter and had ctrtamly devoted much time and great pains in arriving at what thay con- sidered a prop-r figure. They were better able to judge than thos who had not gone into the matter. He cheerfully and thankfully accepted the recom- mendation and respectfully assed the gentlemen not to press the amendment. Mr MARKS said he should not like to go to a division over the mat er but he felt as a profes- sional man that they should not underpay another professional man so that when he had to perform his duties he chafed under the remuneration paid for those duties. Mr Hughes had been in office nineteen years and he (Mr Marks) would not think of giving a clerk after three years' faithful service so small an increase as £15. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said the real increase would be more than £15. The MAYOR said the Committee went very care- fully into that matter and everyone of them were anxious and very ready to acknowledge Mr Hughes's sfTvices and the w*y be performed his duties since he had Been towii clerk. As mayor that year as well as on a former occasion he had every reason to acknowledge Mr Hughes's great kindness and great assistance. (Hear, hear.) Taking that view of it, the Council might be sure the Committee were very anxious to acknowledge Mr Hughes's services in the way of salary to the greatest extent. The Committee felt that £180 was a reasonable salary at the present time and he trusted that the Council would accept the recommendation of the Committee. Of course it would be possible to re- consider the matter in future but at present he thought it better to have a unanimous vote rather than a division in a matter of that kind. « Mr R. J. JONES concurred and aid he believed the present proposal would meet with the approval of the ratepayers when a larger increase might bf disapproved. Mr Hughes had devoted a great deal of his time to receptions and to their organisation and in that rf spect, to say nothing of othefr respects, was a model town clerk. He was always compet- ent and ready to carry out his duties. As a mem- ber of the Committee who made the recommenda- tion his mouth was shut, but he felt that they were not giving Mr Hughes any great increase. As, however, Mr Hughes was prepared to accept the present proposal in a generous manner, per- haps in the future the Council might consider an application for a further advance. Captain DOCOHTON said he felt strongly that a great deal of the work for which Mr Hughes formerly received extra was now included in his duties, and he did no believe jElSO covered what he got before. If Mr Hughes had been silent, it would have been better. (Laughter.) But the vote would not be unanimous, for he (Captain Doughton) would vote in favour of a larger increase. Mr ISAAC HOPKINS said he could not withdraw his amendment, and it could not be withdrawn without his consent. Mr MARKS, on being asked by the Mayor if he withdrew from seconding the amendment, said he did not wish the matter to go to a division, Captain DOUGHTON then said he would second Mr Isaac Hopkins's amendment that the salary should be 200 guineas instead of JE180. Mr SALMON said that seeing the majority of the Council were not quite satisfied with the recom- mendation of the Committee, would it not be well to refer the matter back again to the Committee to make a further increase which would meet with the unanimous approval of the Council ? If it went to a vote, he should think that 200 guineas was really a small salary for a town clerk, taking into consideration the duties and the way Mr Hughes had discharged them for the past nineteen pears. The work had increased three or four times since Mr Hughes was appointed. The MAYOR then said he would put Mr Hopkins's amendment. The TOWN CLERK again appealed to Mr Isaac Hopkins and Captain Doughton to withdraw the amendment, observing that he was very thankful, but it would be very distasteful to have an amendment. Mr Hopkins and Captain Dougl^on etill declin- ing, the MAYOR put the amendment when the pro- poser and seconder alone voted for it and the report recommendiag £180 was adopted. THE FIRE BRIGADE. Mr T. E, Salmon brought up the repcrt of the Fire Brigade Committee at which there were pre- sent Messrs D. C. Roberts, David Roberts, R. J. Jones, and himself, other members being aonepicu- ous by their absence. The Committee recommended that the Chief Constable should be asked to acce pt the captaincy and undertake the formation of a J i new brigade. The Committee also recommended I the payment of a sum of £1 4s for the services of men at the Mill-street fire. In moving the adop- tion of the report, Mr SALMON said the Committee were of opinion that no better man for the captaincy could be found than Chief Constable Howelt Evaus. They all knew his qualifications and ability, The proposition having been seconded, was agreed to unanimously. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said that three or four member.) of the former brigade rendered very good service indeed. There was no payment proposed to be made to them and he believed that they felt a litt'e grievance in consequence. It would, he thought, be a gracious thing on the part of the Committee to recommend a small payment on the basis of that paid to the other men. Mr SALMON replied that if Mr Williams noticed the report in tne papers he would see the reason why payment was not recommended to other men. Not only did the firemen assist, but some fifty or sixty others rendered service and it would be in- vidious to pick out anybody for payment when all did so well. Mr Rees Jones was asked if he could submit names for the purpose of payment, but he said it would be impossible to do justice by naming a few and not others and that was the reason why payment was not recommended to two or three others. In that Committee meeting the Com- mittee accorded their thanks to all those who ha 1 rendered assistance. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS added that having regard that a vote of thanks was accorded to the three men, he was prepared to move that they should be paid. J Mr REES JONES, on being ask -d by Mr Williams, said t at uhree names had been mentioned by som" and four by others of the old Brigade, and some names had been mentioned to him of men he did not see engaged at the fire. He noticed some of the old Brigade hard at work as well a. others. Mr R. J. JONES said a large number of the general public rendered assistance but ther 5 were the names of three men specially mentioned because of their connection with the former Brigade. The Committee was pleased to find that there was that feeling amongst those men who rendered assistance and moved a cordial vote of thanks to them. Captain DOUGHTON—I remember seeing those men right enough. As Mr Salmon said we ought to see by the report in the papers, we cannot rely upon the report in the papers. Take the Cambrian Netvs itself where was the report that was passed by this Couucil of that vote of censure on the proprietor ? The MAYOR—Order, order. Captiin DOUGHTON—That wa3 not reported. The MAYOR Captain Doughton, we are discus sing the question of the Fire Brigade Committee's report and we cannot go into that now. Captain DOUGHTON—I only wish to explain that we cannot rely upon the reports in the local papers. The MAYOR—But you cannot go into that now. Captain DOUGHTON—It may not suit you. The MAYOR—We are discussing another matter entirely and we cannot go into any foreign matter. Captain DOTJGHTO-Perhaps Mr Mayor does not like it but I am right. The MAYOR—But we cmnot go into it now as it is entirely out of order Mr C. M. ILLIAMS moved an amendment that the three former members of the Fire Brigade should be paid. They said it was a prejudice against them and wilfully kept back. Mr R J. JONES-I am surprised. Mr SALMON said the Committee recognized the work done by the three members of the old Brigade and would re-consider the payment of the men, but excellent services were rendered by the cleaners engaged by the railway companies. They took their torches to the fire and worked hard. He did not wish to say what the members of the old Brigade did there. He was among the first to arrive at the fire and he knew what they did but there were others entitled to payment it they were. Mr J. P. THOMAS seconded Mr Williams's amend- ment, buc. the MAYOR said the amendment was not necessary as the Committee would re-consider the matter and the discussion ceased, Mr R. J. JONES remarking that no doubt the railway men worked very hard on that occasion. LEASES. On the proposition of Mr R. J. JONES, seconded by Mr C. M. WILLIAMS, the applications of Mr J G. Rowe of 65, North-parade, and of Mr David Lloyd of 67, North-parade, were referred to the Finance Committee. A COMMUNICATION. Mr SALMON asked what had become of a letter sent in by the Gas Company and the MAYOR and Mr C. M. ILLIAMS said tt would be considered by the Finance Committee. SEWER EXTENSION. Mr R. J. JONES moved that a committee of the whole Council be held at the harbour at the earliest possible date to consider aud report upon what steps should be taken with a View to the extension of the main sewer." Mr Jones added that be had purposely avoided in preparing that proposition anything that in any way would create a discussion aud he did not wish to comment upon it. Mr ISAAC HOPKINS seconded the proposition, re- marking that in April, 1892, he was the proposer and the Mayor was the seconder of a resolut oa and he should like to know from the Town Clerk or the I' Surveyor what steps had been taken to remedy the sewer from 1892 until the present time ? The Council had been sleeping ubout the i;e^d of the sewer and did not do anything. Mr R. J. JONEsYou will make them sleep again if you di-cttas it to-day. Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said that- notwithstanding all the delay Mr Hopkins suggested, he was looking exceedingly well although he lived close toy. Captain DOCGHTON said in December, 1897, that matter was gone into and three schemes brought forward and the Works Committee decided that the Surveyor should bring in a plan and estimate. Perhaps the Surveyor would say if those instruc- tions were carried out. If su, he (Captain Dough- ton) did not see there was any need of discussion at the present time. The SURVEYOR sai 1 he knew that the Committee met and went into the matter thoroughly and in- structions were given to do certain work which were carried out. The proposition was then agreed to and it was decided to meet at the harbour at 2-30 on Saturday afternoon. Mr HOPKISS said if the Council did not take the matter in hand he would write to the proper quartrr; but Mr WILLIAMS reminded Mr Hopkins that he had already done that. ONE PLACE OUT OF MANY. Mr SALMON called attention to the dilapidated footpaths in Cambrian-street. He added that he knew Cambrian-street was one of the places in- cluded in the list of streets for which a paving loan was to 11e obtained, but as the pavement was full of holes, which became pools in wet weather, the Sur- veyor might do temporary repairs. The SURVEYOR admitted that a little improve- ment could be .effected and Mr C. M. WILLIAMS said that Queen-street also required attention. IN COMMITTEE. The Council then resolved itself into committee when among other mptters considered was the question of the boundary between the Corporation property and the Penglaise Estate at the end of the lerrace, The Town Clerk reported that Mr Hall of Plynlymon House had taken a lease of the fore- shore from the end of Victoria-terrace and Craig- laise point and from the debris down to high water mark which property appeared to be wholly outside the boundary of the Corporation property. A member of the Council enquired whether the carting of debris by Councillor John Jenkins had ceased as requirtd by resolution of theCouncil aud the urveyor, on being asked, replied that carting was being continued up to the previous day. The Committee then unanimously resolved to instruct the lown Clerk to take all necessary proceedings to prevent a continuance of the carting and the Surveyor was directed to erect a barrier across the private road at the back of the Hostel. The members then went back into open Council when tie report of the Committee was unanimously adopted. MR HCPKINS'S LEASE The following letter was read from Mr Hugh Hughes, solicitor, on behalf of Mr Isaac Hopkins — "•4th July. Dear sif,—Referring to my letter of the 1:3th ultimo, on behalf of Mr Isaac Hopkins of South-road, I am instructed by him to state that as the site agreed to be leased to the late Mr Belham is to be sold by public auction, he is pre- pared to withdraw all claims against the Town Council on condition that the Council grant him forthwith a renewal of the lease of his two houses in bouth-road on the terms quoted in 1895. My client is influenced in withdrawing his claim by reason only of the public position that he occupies and! have no hesitation whatever in stating that if he is compelled to Lake proceedings he has a very substantial claim against the Corporation for damages. 0 The letter was referred to the Finance Com- mittee and the Council rose about one o'clock. PITWr WKUNES«AY, JULY 5TH,— Before D. L. Roberts, mayor, Thomas Griffiths, M \v ir"eS' £ Lewis' Isaac Hopkins, and C. M; V\ illiams, fisqrs. "lUlcase aSainst John Jones, carrier, Br dge-street for an alleged assault on the infant oaughtei of Elizabeth Davies, widow, 5, Blue Gardens, on the 21st June, was withdrawn. The rounlahi Licensing Case.— J. G. p. Wemvss Fountain Inn, Trefechan, was charged by Chief Constable Howell Evans with having sold intoxi- cating liquor at the Fountain on Sunday, June lIth, and also with having opened his licensed premises for the sa ° of intoxicating liquor on the same date. K U 11° F -kvans, the chief constable, appeared on behalf of the prosecution and Mr A. J. Hughes for the defence.—lhe case had been adjourned from the previous Court for the production of witnesses. AH witnesses were ordered out of Court.—P.C Jones was the first witness. He said he went through the front door of the premises he was on, having had the key from his superior officer. He was therè from six until nine. Mentioned all the peopie he saw except Mr Roberts's ostler and John Lewiss daughter who was back aud fore. Lovell was not stopping in the road at all, but was walk- ing towards the railway bridge. He came out from the court and walked along the street. He was walking continuously from the place where the bottle tell. It was only forty or fifty yards and only about a minute and a half to two minutes elapsed between the breaking of the bottle and accosting Lovell. Did not search Lovell nor did his fellow officer. Had lost the pieces of bottle since the last Court between the court and the Police Station. There were six pieces of a bottle. Did not pick up the cork did not look for it. Did not say that it smeiled of whiskey, but Lovell admitted that the bottle contained whiskey and that he had it on the previous night. Saw the bottle break and picked up the pieces in going back with Lovell. It was broken in pieces on the pebbled yard. Did not speak to the man named Thomas. At twenty minutes he turned towards the back door which witness could not see. Did not know that he went to the back, door or that the door was open and made no charge on him or anybody He simply reported facts to the Cnief Constable. Had no- thing more to say of Lewis except that he turned towards the back door and remained there about two minutes, when he crossed in the direction of Mr Hobert's stables. Did not see him do anything wrong. William Lewis Jonts also crossed over trom the direction of the back door towards Lewis. The men were disbanded militiamen and the sum- mouses were taken out aft ir they had gone. Had not taken the trouble to see the men about the matter. Did not see the neck of the bottle with a cork in produced because it was not there. Was carrying a big book for the auditor at the last Court and he supposed that waj how he lust tn, pieces of the bottle from his pocket. —Bv Lh" Mayor It was a similar bottle tc that produced.- By the Chief Constable Did not see anyone p;ck up the pieces of the bottle. Before he and his fellow constable moved after the tran-action be- tween them Mrs Wemyss went back out of sight and Lovell went up the court. Saw Lewis Jone- bring out the battle and handed it to Lovell who rook out the cork and handed it to Lewis — P.O. Thomas Rowlands was called and corroborated the evidence of P.C. Jones (which was read out to him) in every particular.—In cross-examination, witness said that John Lewis lÃent towards the back floor, remained there two or thr, e miuutes, and t'ten crossed over to the stables. Went to Lovell immediately after the bottle fell. Did not know Wells, a militiaman. There were several militiamen lodg- ing at the Fountain. Told defendant that Jones brought out one bottle and at nine Mrs Wemyss brought out another bottle to Lovell, which fell and smashed as he was putting it into his pocket. P.C. Jones pointed out the wee spot on the ground Was cooped up from six to nine in the warehouse at that particularly troublesome time of the year. He did not hear the Chief Constable say that he would do a'l he could to assist publicans of the town on whom militiamen were billeted. Did not know that Mrs Wemyss was looking about for a policeman that morniog because she was annoyed by militiamen asking for drink. Did not see John Lewis do anything wrong, and neither defendant nor his wife were present when John Lewis Jones, a lodger, gave drink to Lovell.—By the Chief Con- stable Publicans were not ordered to billet militia- men on Saturday night, the brigade having been dis- banded on Saturday at noon Mrs Wemyss did not complain of annoyance Lovell said in Mrs Wemyss's presence he had the bottle of whisky since the pre- vious night. Mrs Wemyss said she had not seen the man that morning and Lovell then said the bottle he had was what he had the previous night.—By Mr Hughes There was no opportunity for conversation between Lovell and Mrs Wemyss between the detection and the con versation. By the Mayor: Lovell said he had not seen Mrs Wemyss that morning but witness saw him speak to Mrs Wemyss that morning.—This being the case for the polic>, Mr Hughes called John Lewis who has a daughter living in Fountain-court. About a quarter to eight went to the bick of the Fountain and thence to Mr Roberts's stable. Went straight to the stable from his daughter's house without stopping anywhere and remained there about a quarter of an hour. Did not see a living soul excepting Owen. He went to the stable for a brush.—John David Lewis, son of last witness, and living at Trefechan, said he was on the doorstep ot his own house and could see as far as Pickering's shop. About ten minutes to a quarter past eight and looking townwards saw Lovell near the newTre- fechan Chapel, walking towards the railway bridge. He stopped in the middle of the street opposite Fountain court. He was in Witness's sight the whole time. He stopped two or three minutes standing alone saw no policeman. After stopping went on as far as Mary Parry's house, the Beehive, where he met the officers. Lovell was in his sight the whole time and did not go into Fountain-court at all. The policmen could not see witness at that time. They took Lovell into the court and he followed.—By Mr Hopkins The police came from the direction of the railway bridge.—Mr R. J. Jones But that is a very different way com- ing from the warehouse,—Mr Hughes said the officers could get out another way than by Foun- tain-C3urt into Trefechan.—Mr Hopkins In that case they would have to go through Mr Roberts's two yards.—The Chief Constable said he would recall the officers to Stow how they got our.— Witness, continuing his evidence, said he did not set- the officers come out of the warehouse.—By the Chief Constable He saw them coming down from the direction of Penparke. Did not know that Lovell came out of a lodging-house. It was about eight. If the constables said it was about nine they would be wrong. Had not b-en talking to Wemyss about the case, but was always at the Fountain. Was there on the previous night playing dominoes, —The Chief Constable: For what? For beer?— Mr Hughes What a shame, trying to get a ma.n in like that. It is prejudice.—The Chief Con- stable I have no feeling.—^lr Hughes Don't tell me you have no feeling.—In reply to Mr Hughes, witness said he had not been talking to Wemyss about the case.—John Lovell, umbrella repairer, Carmarthen, who had been subpeeaaed from Lltn. idloes, said he slept at Mrs Parry's premises on the Bridge End side of the bridge on Saturday night. —The Mayor said he wanted to know where witness slept. — Witness On the right.—Mr C. M. Williams What premises are there ? Is there a house ?—Witness No. She keeps cattle and all there.—The Mayor: Stables?—Witness: Yes.— Mr Hopkins: Cowshed?—Witness: No; people living in the lowest room.—In further reply to Mr Hughes, witness said he had no money and he asked Mrs Parry if he doss there and she said Yes, and welcome." He had lost a basket of tools the previous night and between eight and nine walked towards John Lewis's house and went back and knocked at the front door of the Fountain. He asked Mrs Wemyss if he had left the basket of tools there. Did not stay there a minute— not a second. Did not ask for nor get a drink. Had not a farthing. West from the Fountain to Dawson's house and afterwards came back and stood on the road opposite the Fountain door on the right-hand side. The two officers came there and copped him, one at each shoulder, and asked him to go back to the Fountain. They asked him if he had had anything and he said he had nothing to get anything with. They hunted his pocktts. That gentleman, P.C. Jones, did. Mrs Wemyss came and the officers asked her if she had given any intoxicating drink.—The Mayor, fearing it might be forgotten, asked from what direction did the police come and witness said they came from the direction of the railway bridge.—P C. Jones! (continued witness) asked Mrs Wemyss if she had sold any liquor and Mrs Wemyss said "No." He then asked to see Mr Wemyss, wno was in bed, and both Mr and Mrs Wemyss denied supplying any drink. He had not been at the hack door nor in the court that morning. It was not true that he had drink that morning from John Lewis and afterward got a bottle from Mr3 Wemyss, but did not get the drink as the bottle broke. He had not a single farthing. He did not say that he had a bottle of whisky the night before from the Foun- tain.—In cross examination, the Chief Constable asked witness if he had a house at Carmarthen when witness said his father and mother had a house iu Water-street and he was born and bred there. On being asked what number of Water- street, witness said it was on the Conwyl-road when the Chief Constable said that was out of Car- marthen, adding, You know that you and I know tach other very well." — Mr Hughes protested and said he would not have it but the Chief Constable retorted that Mr Hughes would have to have it and a great deal more when he asked further questions.—The Mayor said that, taking the view Mr Hughes tcok of the remark, it was not a right remark to make, whereupon the Chief Constable said he meant no harm, which admission Mr Hughes accepted as a solatium.—In further cross- examination by the Chief Constable, witness admitted that he had been convicted twice for drunkenness in Cardiganshire and that there had been a bother about scissors, but it was not stealing. He had also been convicted at Lampeter for having assaulted the police. Could not say whether he had been fined for drunkenness and disorderly conduct You knows." (Laughter.)— The Chief Constable Very well; we will agree. —He went to John Lewis's, the old gentleman's, for a hat. Had not one and Lewis gave him one. Had no drink there. Did not see John Lewis Jones, the militiaman. Remained on the road five or ten minutes to see if anybody could tell him about his basket. Ultimately found it at Dawson's. Got it and put the basket behind the hedge about 200 yards on Penparke road beyond the railway I bridge—The Chief Constable poiuted out to the Bench that John Lewis said Lovell never went out of his sight, whereas Lovell said he went beyond the bridge.—Witness, continuing, said he told tne truth this time at any rate. (Laughter) After he left the back of the Fountain, after the police had taken him there,, he went for his basket and went on the road. He remained on the road near the Fountain five or ten minutes to see a friend of his—Johnny Price. He had a great many friends in the militia.—Ry Mr C. M. Williams It was a mistake for him to say at first that the basket had been taken to tne house near Mary Parry's.—Mr Hughes You were frightened a great deal by all these indictments, Now, to be quite candid, you had a drop too much the night before ?—Yes.—In fact, you were drunk the night before ?—Y'es, sir. (Laughter).—The Mayor Order surely there is no fun ia that to be laughed I about.—Mr Hughes was proceeding to ask witness what he did on the 11th June when the Chief Con- stable contended that Mr Hughes could only re- examine on questions which had been put in cross- examination, whereupon Mr Hughes objected to in- terruption and said if it was continued he should object to the Chief Constable appearing as advocate in such cases as he was not entitled to do so. If he was not treated in the way professional gentle- men were treated in cases, he should object to Mr Evans appearing.—The Chief Constable said he was prosecutor, but Mr Hughes said that did not entitle him to act as advocate. Continuing his questions to witness who had been indistinct as to where he went after he got his basket, witness explained that he found his basket at Dawson's, took it up the Penparke-road, came b-ck, stood on the street near the Fountain the or ten minutes, was then taken to the back door by the police, and then returned for his basket, ultimately lea\ing Aberystwyth about ten o'clock and going on tne road."—Mr Hughes Are you absolut-ly certain that you never went into that court before the police took you there ?—I am sure or I would not kiss the Book.—Although you have heen convicted of being drunk, you claim to b6 be- lieved when you are on your oath ? —Yes, sure.— la lurthur evidence, witness said his last conviction for drunkenness was in 1891 which Mr Hughes said was a long time back. — Airs Wemyss was the next witness for the defence. She said she knew John Lewis well. On the Sunday he did not go to the Fountain nor did she supply him with drink. There were six lodgers on Sunday, four of whom were billeted. Thomas, a militiaman, came to the hack door and asked for drink, but was refused, and becoming abusive she went to look for a policeman, but couid find none. There were four mensaudingatthec irner who accompanied Thomas. About halt-past eight or nine saw Lovell at the front door. He asked for a basket of tools. She answered him and shut the door immediately.— Was it true that yon were carrying a gbss bottle and han ied it to Lovell, and that when trying to put it in his pocket it fell and broke. — Witness: It is not true. It is false. — Did you go into the court either for that man or anybody else ?—No, I did not. I was in my own yard.—Did you give a bottle to anybody—either to Lovell or anybody else ?—No, I did not give a bottle to Lovell at all.— Were you with him or any man when a bottle fell 1 down and smashed ?—No, I never saw a bottle fill down and smash.—Continuing her evidence, Mrs Wemyss said that about eight to a quarter past before Lovell was there she saw the remains of a bottle on the court and asked a little girl of eleven, the granddaughter of John Lewis, who was playing with it to pick it up. After the policeman went there she collected the remains which made up a perfect bottle with the exception of the bottom. About nine, P.C. Jones asked Mr Wemyss how he accounted for Lovell having whisky, remarking that he must have had it there as there was a piece of the broken bottle. Mr Wemyss turned round and asked Lovell when he saw him last, and Lovell replied, last night. The officer then asked Lovell if he had anything there that day and said no, and Mr Wemyss turned round and asked her if she had supplied anything and she replied that she had not. P.C. Jones said, Well, Mrs Wemyss must know all about it or how do you account for this bottle?" She asked where was the bottle and who broke it, and the officer replied that it was not for him to say. From start to finish neither officer told her they had ever seen her in the court with Lovell and that they had seen the bottle break. The officer said Lovell must have had the whisky in the Fountain, because there was a bit of the broken glass.—By Mr C. M. Williams There was no mark on the bottle produced.—By the Chief Constable None of the lodgers were present as witnesses nor was William Lewis Jones.—The Chief Constable Was Lovell supplied with any drink that morning ?—Mr Hughes: The Chief Constable is trying to commit this witness. Hav- ing regard to the way this case has been conducted, I shall advise Mrs Wemyss not to answer any question which might incriminate her.—The Chief Constable: My question is this. Did that man take any drinkables out of the house that morning ? — The Mayor (to witness); Now, wait a minute. (To Mr Hughes): Do you object?—Mr Hughes: Yes, I object.—The Chief Constable: On what grounds do you object?—Tne Mayor: I do not think you can go into that.—Mr Hughes She claims the privilege and that is sufficient ground. I do not know what the answer would be, but as her solicitor I advise her not to answer and she takes my advice.—The Chief Constable (to witness): Did you say anything about a man annoying you ? — Witness I had no time as they accused m ■ of the other thing.—In reply to further questions, witness said that Lovell left the house about a quarter to eleven on Saturday night before P.S. Pnillips came there. She supplied a lot of battles of whisky that night. Lovell was one of the gang and there were about four women who were camping outside and they had bottles of wiisky and beer. She did not hear Lovell admit that he had a bottleof whisky at all. She believed Lovell was sober that morn- ing, but he was a very excitable man and she could not well telL-John George Patrick Wemyss corro- borated his wife's evidence.—Tne Mayor said he should like to ask the policemen how they got out and P.C. Joues, recalled, said they went out by the front door. Lovell was then two or three yards above the door. They took Lovcii to the back door of the Fountain and after coming back locked the door of the warehouse, He did not notice John David Lewis on his door- step.— With reference to the key being in the possession of the police, Mr Hughes aid he had subpienaed John Brenig Edwards and he was not present. It there was no objection he would ask Mr Wemyss a question on that points—Mr Wemyss aid that Mr Edwards swore on his oath that the policemen were not there and if they were there they were there unlawfully. —The Mayor asked if it was fair that that should be stated there ? Did Mr Hughes contend that the police were not in there?—Mr Hughes replied that it was no part of his evidence. —Mr R. J. Jones took it to be quite possible for the police to be there without the knowledge of Mr Edwards.—The Chief Constable said that after those remarks he insisted upon P.S. Phillips being called to say how he got that key.—Mr Hughes Well, don't put it in that way.—P.C. Jones (to Mr Hughes) In fairness to me, I hope he will be called.—Mr Hughes withdrawing his objection in fairness to P.C. Jones, P.S. Phillips was called who said he received the key on Saturday night, the 10th June, and subse- quently gave instructions to two constables to whom he handed the key. —The Chief Constable I do not know if you want to know where the Sergeant got the key ?—Mr Hughes Yes, if he makes a statement like that.—Mr Wemyas said he had witnesses to pruve what Mr Edwards told him. P.S. Phillips added that he sent a constable to a certain quarter for the key. He received the key from him and knew it would open the door of the warehouse. The men also received instruc- tions.—Mr R. J. Jones said there must have been duplicate keys or Mr Edwards must have been aware of it.—P.S. Phillips then wrote the name of the person from whom the key was obtained and Mr Hughes said he was satisfied with the informa- tion so supplied.—Mr Hughes then addressed the Bench, conten ling that it was not healthy that the Chief Constable should act as prosecutor and ad- vocate, for it induced an interest in a prosecution which should only be properly displayed by an advocate. The police were only human beings, and when they identified themselves with the prosecution in that way there was a danger of exaggeration. Commenting upon the evidence, he pointed out that the man who saw the thing from his doorstep as well as Lovell were disinterested persons, and contended that if the police had not lost their pieces of bottle it would have made up a complete bottle with the remains produced which Mrs Wemyss said was on the ground before Lovell came there. There was a man staying in the house at the time like Lovell whom the police might have mistaken for Lovell when looking through a dirty window 30 or 40 yards oft.—The deliberated in private, and on the rfadmission of the public the Mayor said- The Bench have carefully considered the case that has been put before them and the majority have decided to dismiss it.