Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

Cardiganshire Standing Joint Committee. The quarterly meeting of the Standing Joint Committee for the County of Cardigan was held on Thursday last at the Town Hall, Lampeter. Mr. Morgan 17 .J r 0, 'T' rl Ln" duir. and there were also present, Alderman C. M. Williams, Aberystwyth; Capt. Nicholas Bray, Goginan Mr. David Davies, Yelindre. Lampeter Mr. D. C. Roberts, AUu-ysivvyth; Mr. J. Powell, Blaenwern; Mr. J. Fowden, Lampeter; Mr. Ed, Jones, Talybont; Mr. Lewis Richards, Penuwch- fawr; Rev. J. M. Griffiths, Aberayron; Major Pryce Lewes. Ty^lvn Aeron; Mr. E. W. D. Evans Cwmnant; Mr. J. M. Howell, Abeiayron Mr. H C. Fryer (clerk), Mr. Howell Evans (chief con- stable), and Mr. David Davies (county surveyor;. CORRKSPONDENcm The Clerk read a letter from Sir Mathew White Ridley upon the question of allowances to be made to the police constables on the reserve. There did not seem to be any power to make them any allow- ances at the present time, but Sir Mathew pointed out that they were paying out of the Metropolitan Police Fund 12s to the wife of every constable on the reserve, and 2s a week to each child under 15 years of age, and in the case of unmarried con- stables they allow 8s. a week Sir Mathew intended introducing to Earliament at an early date a Lill giving statutory powers to make these grants. The Clerk said the communication seemed to suggest that they should do something the law did not allow, but they had no constables in the county on the reserve, and, therefore, it did not affect them. The Standing Joint Committee of the county of Surrey submitted a number of amendments which they suggested Parliament should be asked to make upon the Locomotive and Highways Act, and it was agreed that this committee support the same. A similar communication regarding the Police Act of 1890 was read from the Chief Constable of the Lancashire Constabulary, with an enquiry as to whether this committee had any complaints to make in regard thereto. The Clerk said he did not think they had any complaints beyond that which gave constables the power to retire at the early age of 55 years, when they were perfectly able to do their work. SUPPLYING INTOXICANTS TO CHILDREN. The Chairman announced that the following peti- tion had be?n forwarded to the committee The humble petition of the undersigned inhabit- ants of the town of Aberystwyth and district in the County of Cardigan :-That the practice of selling intoxicating liquors for consumption off the premises to young children prevails in the town ol Aberystwyth and other districts of the County. In the opinion of the petitioners the practice tends to encourage drinking habits among children and exposes them to temptations from which in their tender age they should be protected. The petition- ers believe if an appeal were made by the Com- mittee to the licensed victuallers of the county requesting them to absolutely refuse sale of intoxicating liquors to children under 13 years of age. the appeal would be the means of lessening to a considerable extent the practice referred to. The petitioners, therefore, pray the Committee to issue the appeal to the licensed victuallers of the county, or take such other measures as the Com- mittee think fit to prohibit the sale of any in- toxicating liquors to children under the above age. Signed—C. M. Williams, J.P. (Mayor of Aber- ystwyth); B. Ellis Morgan, .J.P.; J. T. Morgan, J.P., D.L., Nantceirio John G. W. Bonsall, J.P.. Fron- fraith; J. Hughes Bonsall, J.P., Glanrheidol; Thomas James. J.P., Aelybryn. Peallwyn Nicholas Bray, J.P., G.man; David Thomas, J.P., Panty- deri, Aberystwyth; David Howell, J.P., George Davies, J.P., Peter Jones, J.P., E. P. Wynne. J.P., D. C. Roberts, J.P., Richard Morgan, J.P., and Edward Evans, J.P., Aberystwyth Archdeacon. J. H. Protheroe, vicar of St. "Michael's, Aberystwyth Rev. Prebendary Williams, vicar of Holy Trinity. Aberystwyth; Rev. J. E. Lloyd. 20, New-street, Aberystwyth; Rev. Thomas Levi, Tabernacle, Aber- ystwytb; Dr. J. Morris, Welsh Baptist, Aber- ystwvth Rev. T. A. Penry, English Congregational, Aberystwyth: Rev. A. Burgess, English Wesleyan, Aberystwyth; Rev. Thomas Williams, English Baptist, Aberystwyth; Robert Doughton, J. P, Thomas, and E. H. James, Aberystwyth. Alderman C. M. Williams said he would have pleasure in. having a resolution on this matter. He found that i a large number of districts action had been taxen in this matter, and either the justices or the Standing Joint Committee had carried resolutions with the request that the Chief Constable serve notice upon all license holders. He would, therefore, move the following resolution:— That the Standing Joint Committee of Cardigan- shire desire to express their opinion, with which they feel sure all licenses will agree, that it is un- desirable, in the common interests of morality and good government, to serve liquor to children under 13 years of age, and most, earnestly request that all licensees will assist the Committee in carrying out this very laudable object, to the best of their ability; and that the Committee instruct the Chief Constable to serve a copy of the foregoing resolu- tion UDon all licensees within the county. Mr. David Davies seconded the resolution, and without anv further discussion it was carried un- animously. FINANCE COMMITTEES' REPORT. The Finance Cemmittee recommended the pay- ment of bills as follows :-Aberystwyth or Northern Division, -247 19s. Od.; Cardigan or Sonthern Division, P-18 17s. 9d.; total, P-66 16s. 9d.; less cash in Chief Constable's hands, £40 5s. 8d; balance required, iE26 11s. Id. The Committee recom- mended that a requisition for the amount of P-800 be ma,le upon the County Council for police ex- penses during the current quarter. Mr. D. C. Roberts moved the adoption of the following recommendatibns of the Finance Com- mittee "Before deciding to recommend the out- lay for the provision of a Police Station at Llan- dyssul, we are anxious to aseertain whether the Carmarthenshire Standing Joint Committee will be disposed to join this County in the expense of erecting a constable's residence, with a Petty Sessional room and cells attached to it, for the joint use of the two counties. We have therefore directed the Clerk to ascertain this point before proceeding further. We are unable to recommend the provision of a constable's house with cells at Borth, under existing circumstances; but having before us a representation from the Justices of the Upper Geneu'rglyn Petty Sessional Division recom- mending the erection at Talybont of a constable's residence with a Petty Sessional room and cells attached, we have directed the Clerk to make in- quiries as to the probability of a suitable site for the purpose being acquired at Talybont. We feel considerable doubts whether there is any urgent need of a further increase of the Police Force; but in view .)f the strong expressions of opinion on this subject by the Secretary of State and the In- spector of Constabulary, and in view of the manifest advantage of the Chief Constable having a reserve man at hi-; disposal for special service when re- quired, and to relieve constables on the sick list or on holiday, we recommend the Committee to authorise the appointment of one additional constable." Regarding the provision of a constable's house" with" cells at Borth, Mr Roberts said the Committee had carefully considered the matter, and taking into consideration the num- ber of persons that had to be locked up at Borth-which were very few during the year-and the fact that was a convenient railway ser- vice from th. to Aberystwyth, they did not feel prepared to rc-.nmmend such expenditure at the present time. There might be a few occasions upon which i: might be convenient to have such premises) but they were so few during the year that they rh.i' they would certainly not bejusti- fied in going i" an expenditure of £ 300 or MOO. Regarding Talybont, a difficulty had arisen as to the Petty S' s-i 'nal room thereat. It would, he feared, be necessary for the justices to meet in a public house unless they could obtain some other room there. Thev all, he was sure, felt that that was not if it could be avoided. On the whole, he thought, the committee would do wise to recommend such an expenditure there for the provision of :t.<n.table s residence and cells and Petty Sessional room. As to the recommendation for the )f an additional constable, the committee did nor feel there was a need for an extra man. if face of the fact that the Home Office, acting on the instructions of the inspector of Constabulary, vas urging that one should be ap- pointed. and -.eoing there would be an advantage to have anrxtr" he comruitteethoiight, although they had been abi:* to do without one in the past, that an extra con.-tuble should be appointed. He was not, however, in favour ol it, but knowing that the Home • v. ure able to force them to do these things they <Uoaght it best to give way with good grace than bo compelled to give way. The Clerk vivoduced the report of the Inspector of Constabulary, which strongly recommended that the force be in'-rcar^wi by one, who would be kept as a reserve, 1 to such places as New Quay, etc., during t-n. ~i>naer months. Major Pry" L wes supported the appointment of an extra coiwr, < >!e. believing that he would be an usful man for the Chief Constable to have, so as to send him wh<vevfr he was required. Mr. Robert- remarked that that was the opinion of the comn' 'vho considered it would meet the wishes 1: IL.me Office in regard to New ^The whole "f: ■ --commendations of the Finance Committee wore Mien unanimously agreed to. T a i, i'i>ONT COURT HOUSE. The Clerk --aid as instructed he had written to the Justices of the Upper Geneu'rglyn Petty Sessional Division as to the necessity of securing a suitable room to >e used as a court house, the j School Board having given notice tu "he school could no longer be used after next March for the purpose, as it interfered to a certain extent with the work of the school. He had received a letter from Mr. Hughes Jones, clerk to the justices, stating that the latter recommended the erection of suitable premises at Talybont, and that the constable at Taliesin be removed to that place. In reply to Major Pryse-Lewes' tiic Chief Couairtolo aaid the constable would pa, rcul ior the house. The Clerk asked whether the justices could not decide to change the petty sessional day from Thursday to Saturday, so as to be -able to continue in the present room. The Rev. J. M. Griffiths thought Saturday would be as convenient to the justices of that division as any day in the week, and they could never have a better room than the room in which the sessions were at present held at the school. If this arrange- ment could be made they would save a great deal of expense. -re i After further discussion, the Rev. J. M. Griffiths proposed, and Mr. J. M. Howell seconded, that the justices of the division named be written to ask- ing whether by changing their day of meeting to Sa turday they could not still make arrangements t!1 for the use of the school. On being put to the meeting, this was agreed to unanimously. LIBRARY ACCOMMODATION AT ABERAYRON. A communication was read from the Aberayron District Council stating that they had adopted the Public Libraries Act, and bad agreed that the most convenient and adaptable room for a library would be the magistrates' room. The Council had applied to the magistrates at Aberayron for the use of the room, and as far as they were empowered their consent had been given. The Clerk said the question arose as to whether this application was most appropriate for this com- mittee or the County Council, but inasmuch as this room was used by the Petty Sessional justices more than for any other purpose, it was better at all events to bring it before this committee in the first instance. The Chairman: I suppose this room is held as well by the judge of the County Court The Clerk: Yes, the registrar sits there occasion- ally. Alderman C. M. Williams But he would have no special claim on this room. The Rev. J. M. Griffiths said arrangements could be made that no books would be issued when the room was used for any other purpose. The County Court only came there once every two months, and sat for about It hours. Major Pryse Lewes said the justices at Aberayron were very pleased to render all the assistance they could to this movement. The understanding was that it would be in charge of a librarian for the issue of books at certain fixed times, and that they would not be liable for any extra expense. He had pleasure, therefore, in proposing that the applica- tion be granted. Alderman C. M. Williams said as a member from the other end of the county he would second the resolution. He thought it ought to give them pleasure to do anything to assist public libraries being opened in the county. The rateable value of Aberayron also was very small, and a Id. rate would produce but very little. By giving them a room free of charge it would be of considerable assistance to them, and he had no doubt but that the County Council would endorse what they would do that day, subject to the District Council agreeing to make good any damage which might be done. The Chairman said the Clerk would send an agreement to the District Council in which they would be asked to undertake to keep the room in proper repair. In reply to Mr. J. M. Howell, the Chairman said the Clerk would now bring it as a recommenda- tion before the County Council. The resolution was then carried unanimously. CHIEF CONSTABLE'S REPORT. The following report for the past quarter was presented by the Chief Constable:—I have the honour to report for your information that the presents state of the Force is as follows:—One Chief Constable, one Deputy Chief Constable, one Superintendent, five Sergeants and thirty-two Constables. I append a copy of the allocation return, which shows the present disposition of the Force. Also a return showing the number of persons summoned and apprehended, nature of crime and bow dealt with, for the quarter ending 31st ultimo, together with a return showing the distribution of Z, ca,es proceeded with under the Intoxicating Liquor Licensing Acts within the several Petty Sessional Divisions for the same period. The total number of persons proceeded against during the year was 1,173, which shows an increase of 82 as compared with the corresponding year (1898). I append a return showing the number of Officers and Constables in each class as well as their pay, also a return of constables doing extra duties, with allowances for the same. On the 22nd October last I promoted P.C's. Lewis Davies, 21, to the rank and pay of a merit class constable Richard Jones, 11, to that of a first class constable, and Charles Charman, 30, to that of a second class constable. On the 20th November last P.C. Thomas L. Rowlands, 13, was promoted to the rank and pay of a second class constable. About 5 p.m. on Satur- day, the 25th October last, a young pony attached to a milk cart, belonging to a man named James Stephens, was left unattended near Messrs Stead dc Simpson's boot shop in Great Darkgate-street, Aberystwyth. Just at that time the Lion Hotel bus was coming down the street, and frightened by the noise the pony bolted away at a terrific rate down street. Near the London and Provincial Bank in North-parade happened to be P.C. John Jenkins, 23, who pluckily rushed at the animal's head, and while endeavouring to check its progress he was thrown some yards away and had a narrow escape of being run over. Fortunately, however, he succeeded in reducing the speed of the pony and diverting its course, and it was easily stopped a few yards further on. The plucky action of the constable was highly appreciated, as it was done at considerable risk, and some of the onlookers spoke to me of his conduct in high terms. The streets were rather full of people at the time, and the action of the constable I have no doubt averted some serious accidents. Under the Act 22 and 23 Vict., C. 32, S. 24, and Sec 24 of the Police Act, 1890, you are empowared to grant gratuities to constables for courageous acts, and although P.C. John Jenkins, 23, did not actually succeed in bringing the animal to a standstill he nevertheless ran a great risk, and I have therefore pleasure in recommending him to your kind con- sideration. The time has again come for supplying constables with new clothing, and I therefore beg to apply for permission to advertise for tenders in the usual way. As the contract should be given out before your next meeting I hope you will appoint a committee, with power to open and accept tenders, as is usually done. I visited all the Police Stations during the quarter, and am of opinion that the Police Stations at Aberayton and Aberystwyth should be painted. I also beg to state that neither the wall nor shed at the bottom of the garden at the Cardigan Police Station (referred to in my report on the 7th July last) have vet been repaired. With those exceptions I found everything in order. Eleven occasional licenses and ten extensions of time were granted during the quarter, as shown by the annexed return. Alderman C. M. Williams, who moved the adoption of the report, said he had made enquiries in reference to the action of P.C. Jenkins, and had ascertained that-the act was a courageous one, and had the animal not been stopped serious conse- quences might have followed. Alderman Williams also enquired whether there was a law the Chief Constable could put in motion to stop these people leaving their horses and traps unattended on the highway. The Chief Constable replied that these persons could be summoned for obstruction. Major Pryse Lewes desired to know why the wall at Cardigan Police Station had not yet been repaired. The Clerk said he did not know the reason, but he knew that the Committee at Cardigan had agreed upon a sum of L3 15s. for the repair of the wall. On the motion of the Rev. J. M. Griffiths, seconded by Aid. C. M. Williams, it was agreed that the work be proceeded with forthwith. The Chief Constable stated, in answer to an enquiry, that the bye-law relating to the necessity of all vehicles carrying lights after dusk, had now been printed both in Welsh and English and cir- culated. The question of securing tenders for constables' uniforms, &c., was referred to the Finance Com- mittee, who were authorised to advei -A dis- cussion arose as to which papers the advertisement should be inserted, and it was eventually decided to advertise in the two police papers and also those newspapers whose representatives v\ i-- i-sciit and who reported their proceedings. MAGISTRATES AND OCCASIONAL LICENCES. Mr. J. M. Howell said nine months ago they asked Mr. T. Griffiths, of Aberystwyth, to conform to a resolution passed by the Court of Quarter Sessions and by this committee, that he should de- sist from granting occasional licences and exten- sions of time at his own home The clerk was then instructed to write to him, and he should like to ask whether he did write, and whether he had got a reply. The Clerk said he had written to Mr. Griffiths pretty strongly on the matter, but had had no reply of any sort or kind. Mr. Howell said he saw that Mr. Griffiths had granted two more occasional licences at his own residence, and both for Masonic banquets, which occurred, he believed, every month at Aberystwyth. He considered they should ask Mr Griffiths to state why he did not conform- with tne general usages of the magistrates. The Clerk: We have no power to compel him. The law is on his side. The Chairman Then I suppose we can proceed no further in the matter? Major Pryse Lewet: We can only make sug- gestions. Alderman C. M. Williams said this matter was discussed by the Court of Quarter Sessions, and an appeal was made by them for the co-operation of all Justices in (his arrangement, and ,i:h one or two exceptions he believed they had responded loyally to the appeal. Mr. Griffiths and Mr. D. Thomas, Aberayron, were the only two who had not fully acquiesced in the wishes of the Quarter Sessions and the Standing Joint Committee, and he believed if Mr. Fryer would write again to Mr. Griffiths, and also to Mr. Thomas, both would fall in with their desires. Mi. J. M. Howell said he was anxious to ascertain what were Mr. Griffiths' reason. If they could get at the reason, then they could argue it out with him. Mr. D. C. Roberts suggested that in the case of Mr- Griffiths, the Chief Constable should call the attention of Mr. Jones, of the Talbot Hotel (where the Masonic banquets were held) to this matter. Instead of applying at the proper Petty Sessional Meeting, the application was left to the last day, and being in the difficulty of requiring this formal consent they went to Mr. Griffiths, and it was then very awkward to refuse it. He thought if the Chief Constable called Mr. Jones' attention to the fact that the authorities desired that these applications should only be made at the Petty Sessional Meet- ings. he would attend to it. The Chief Constable intimated that he would acquaint Mr. Jones of the wishes of the Committee. Alderman C. M. Williams said recently the Lord Lieutenant of the County was at Aberystwyth, and in conversation with him this question, amongst others, was mentioned by him. He felt very strongly on this matter, and thought that the county magistrates ought as far as possible to sign these licenses only at Petty Sessions, and he thought that if this expression was conveyed to some of the justices Mr. J. M. Howell: And the would-be magistrates. Mr. Williams, continuing, said he believed they would fall in with it. Major Pryse Lewes said there might arise occasions when justices would be fully justified in signing occasional licenses at their own homes. Mr. D. C. Roberts said he did not defend the action of these justices at all, but he felt very sorry that this should occur. He was a Mason himself, and did not know whether Mr. Jones' attention had been called to this matter or not. A thing of this sort might have occurred accidentally once or twice, but here it had occurred repeatedly. Alderman C. M. Williams pointed out that the Petty Sessions were held every Wednesday at Aberystwyth, and the Masonic dinner was always held on a Thursday. The Rev. J. M. Griffiths said he would have no hesitation in exceptional cases in granting occa- sional licenses. The Chairman said he never granted any of these licenses unless they came through the clerk of the justices, so that there would be a uniformity of hours. Mr J. M. Howell said if he had not brought the matter before them that day he feared they would very soon find other magistrates in the county departing from the usage already observed. But if they saw this bad-example set by an enlightened town like Aberystwyth-they took all people there to be enlightened—he had a fear that other parts of the county would follow that example. He would propose that the clerk write to Mr Griffiths again asking him to conform with the usages of the general body of the magistrates, adding that there were cases, he admitted, where the licenses could be granted at his home. Mr. Edward Jones seconded the resolution, which was carried. POLICEMAN'S HOUSE AT NEW QUAY. The County Surveyor presented the plan of the constable's house to be erected at New Quay. There being no estimate with the plan, however, it was referred to the members in the Aberayron Union, who were authorised to adopt the same, and have ir sent to the Home Office before the next meeting of the Committee.