Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
5 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
From the Banks of the Dovey.…
From the Banks of the Dovey. Useless to attempt to disguise the fact—the great city of Machynlleth is just at present dull-iiiagiiiii- cently dull. Of course this is exceedingly unusual and regrettable, and all that sort of thing, but the fact remains, though we trust it will soon take its deparcure. The weather is not a matter which any decent self-respecting person cares to mention—at least in public. The war appears to be at a .stand- still, or our interest in it is. The myriad improve- ments we project are as yet "in nubibus,"—in short one's daily doings might almost be chronicled after the manner of Mark Twain's "boy," who aspired to keep a diary. MONDAY.—Got up, washed, went to bed." TUESDAY.—Got up, washed, went to bed." WEDNESDAY.Got UD. went to bed." It has been observed that diaries and demoralization are subtly connected, and the fact that on the third day one example gave up washing certainly looks bad. The question as to the best locality for the proposed Rifle Range appears rather a vexed one. We heartily approve of this brigade, and are fully conscious, not only that a proper range is necessary, but that the Common undoubtedly seems the best place for the purpose. Mr. Richard Rees should be congratulated upon his success in bringing the matter before the County Council. Yet the notion of firing across a public road, however apparently disused or un- frequented, is hardly commendable—for reasons which everybody may divine. The argument that because no accidents befell during similar occasions thirty or forty years ago is not one that will bear much handling. Firing across any public thorough- fare constitutes a certain danger to the community, unless the said community is sweetly swathed in blankets and fast asleep in bed during the practising period. Is there posititively NO other spot which would serve as well as that selected ? And if not what precautions are to be taken against injury to the chance passer-by ? Very visible precautions they would need to be, and the hours for practice made public. Then what about those unfortunates whose business may lead them along that road pre- cisely at those periods when it has become unsafe. Are they to act as involuntary targets, or is there to be a system devised whereby they, their sisters, and their cousins, and their aunts, may pass along in safety-market days, fair days, funerals to be attended. The Forge road is by no means deserted, it is no path- way in the wilderness, and such interruptions may also prove trying to the marksmen. Many of us have read with much interest the paper on "Intermediate Education," (which appeared in the columns of this paper) by the Headmaster of Machynlleth School. We in Wales have learnt a good deal about this subject, but in England the question is little understood, the majority of English folk vaguely imagining that an Intermediate School is merely a Board School re-christened, with a dash of University Extension flavouring thrown in, so as to simulate a faint aroma of culture. The result of recent examinations has rather shaken this conviction, however; consequently, we are glad to see the subject so clearly and competently defined. With Mr. Meyler's views on this matter it would be hard to quarrel, and his decision upon the .advisability (one might substitute the term necessity) of teaching English literature widely and thoroughly will commend itself to every educated person. One difficulty which all these schools have to contend with is the firmly-rooted conviction that a year-two at the outside—is sufficient to metamorphose the rough material into the finished article—shapely, polished, and ornamented—an hallucination which certainly does not exist in England. The fact that class singing banishes what a well-beloved Master terms "accidie"—(which curious complaint was registered and guarded against many centuries ago under the term Acedia ")—will be new to most of us, but the class singing of the Intermediate School is very pleasant to listen to, at all events—whether it be classified as remedy or accomplishment. We gather this from a contemporary :— St'KNK—MAFKKING. COLONEL BADEN-POWELL AND MAJOR VETERAN. Col. Baden-Powell: Look here, I'm getting fairly sick of sending wires to say All's well," while the whole show is falling to bits as fast as it can. And these sorties are getting expensive-we can't afford many more of them. Major Veteran But we captured 26 Boers and 12 head of cattle-or was it 12 Boers and 26 cattle ?-or did the cattle capture the Beers ?-or-or-12 head- yes-also tails of e,attle-or- Col. B.P. (with dignity): Major Veteran, you're muddled, sir' Go and take a basin of horse-tea, and report to me when you've recovered from it. (Exit Major Veteran, muttering something about Little-Bo-Peep.") Col. B. P. (dejectedly): He's done for, and did not the fiery, blood of Cambria surge within my veins, were I not a son of gallant little Wales, did not the same invincible spirit uphold me which upheld my great ancestor, the mighty Owain Glyndwr. I should be damn near -ailing out. I'm first-chop, my officers are first-chop, the men—poor beggars-are choppier still, yet I fear, I fear (Starts up); Ha Whom do I hear swearing in my own dear native tongue Enter Private (salutes) If Col. B. P. (sharply) Your name ? Private David Evan Rees Jones, sir. Col. B. P: Welsh ? Private J: Yes, indeed, sir. Col. B. P From where ? Private J Abcayron, sir. Col. B. P. (slowly) Ab-er-ay-ron: An Aberayron man! Good Lord Hurrah—hurrah JVao we'll hold Mafeking till the crack of doom (Exit), striving frantically to embrace Private Jones. MAGPIE. L
ABERDOVEY.
ABERDOVEY. SHIPPING.—-The s.s. Telephone arrived on Wed- nesday morning last from Newry with a cargo of grain and potatoes for Mr G. Davies, merchant. The ,s.r; lolite of Glasgow arrived on Monday with a cargo of cement. Ketch Consort of Hull arrived on Tuesday, Schooner Morning Star" of Aberyst- wyth has just finished trading with slates. LECTURE.—On Tuesday evening last at the National Schools, a very successful lantern lecture in aid of the Literary Institute was given by the Rev. Gwynoro Davies, Barmouth. The lecture was well attended in spite of the inclement weather, and a fairly good sum will be handed over to the Treasurer towards this well-deserving institution. The subject of the lecture was "From the hills of Wales to the hills of Caanan," being a description by Mr Davies. THE LADIES AMBULANCE CLASS.—At a meeting of the members of the Ambulance Class held on Friday evening there were present Miss Hughes, Miss Owen, Miss Roberts, Miss Thomas, and Miss Rawson, secre- tary. It was proposed by Miss Hughes, and unani- mously carried that the money left over (all expenses having been paid), amounting to 22s lOd, should be xent to the fund for the Welsh Hospital in South Africa. Votes of thanks were passed to Dr. Bonner for devoting his time to the class, and to Mr Evans and Mr F. Williams for their kind assistance, also to the School Board Managers for allowing the use of the room for the nominal sum of 2s 6d.
TOWYN.
TOWYN. SPOKTS.—A committee has been held to make arrangements to hold an Athletic Sports on a grand scale during the summer. Messrs. J. D. Latimer and M. Edwards have been appointed secretaries. RIFLE SliOOTING.-At the weekly shooting com- petition held at Towyn on Saturday by the mem- bers of the Towyn and Machynlleth Volunteer Corps, the prize of 0 silver spoon for the best shoot- ing was won by Colour-Sergeant J. C. Edwards. LETTERS FROM THE FRONT.—The parents of William Jones, Cadvan Arms, who is amongst the Volunteers who have gone to the front, received a letter from him on Monday. He shys that lie is in good health, and has received orders to get his bundle ready. Mrs Jones, 14, Maengwyn-street, has also had a letter from her son, Corporal E. L. Jones. In this letter he describes how they spent St. David's Day on board- ship. The cook gave them one leek, and they had to divide it between several. DONE-COMPLETELY DONE.-Two gentlemen in the scholastic profession, well-known in this town, who are ardent lovers of sport, bargained with one another to make a run by train to see the 'Varsity boat race. One of the two told his pal that there was till capital train leaving Machynlleth at 1-30 in the night—of that he was positive-for he had seen the bills. So they hired a trap at the hotel; and having found a third pa} to joiii them, off they started at nine last Friday evening, all three full of hopes and enjoyingthe race prospectively as they drove alongside the Dovey. Never mind* the night they said, we'll be on the banks of the Thames in the morning. They arrived at Machynlleth shortly after midnight, and imagine their surprise when they found the whole place as dark and still as death. There was no sign of a donkey moving to say nothing of the din and bustle of a train. Being in extremis, one had the pre- sence of mind to strike a match and have a good look at the train bill at the station, and lo, it said 1.30p, m. and not a.m. The party returned home in the small hours of the morning crestfallen and dismayed, and they swore Uwpetition parliament to adopt a saner method of counting time. WMLKYANISM,—The annual meeting of the Wesleyans of this circuit was held on Saturday, when the Rev. Henry Hughes, the superintendent of the circuit presided-There were also present the Rev. J. W. Davies, and Mr. E. L. Rowlands, Aber- dovey and Mr. E. Evans, Abergynolwyn, circuit stewards, and many delegates from the churches at Towyn, Aberdovey, Abergynolwyn, Llwyngwril, Llanegryn, Bryncrug and Carmel. lot was resolved to invite the ministers of the circuit to remain for another term. The invitation to the Rev. Peter Jones, Dolgelley, to succeed the Rev. H. Hughes, Towyn, was considered and confirmed. It is understood that Mr. Jones has accepted the invita- tion. The question of providing a house for a* ordained minister at Aberdovey, was also con- sidered, and it was resolved to ask the Aberdovey Church to submit a report on the matter. The various reports of the delegates on the work ef their respective churches were very favourable. It was resolved to hold circuit meetings in Towy. during August next, to celebrate the centenary of Welsh Wesleyan Methodism. Arrangements will b" made in the meantime for a large and represen- tative gathering worthy of the objects in Tiew.
Aberystwyth Town Council.
Aberystwyth Town Council. A special meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Council, acting also as the Urban District Council for the borough, was held on Tuesday morning at the Council Chamber, Town Hall, the members pre- sent being the Mayor (Alderman C. M. Williams) in the chair, Mr D. C. Roberts (ex-mayor), Alder. man T. Doughton, Alderman D. Roberts, Messrs R. Peake, J. P. Thomas, T. E. Salmon, R. Doughton, E P. Wynne, and I. Hopkins, with Mr A. J. Hughes (clerk), Mr H. L. Evans (borough accountant), Mr Rees Jones (borough surveyor), and Mr C. Massey (assistant clerk.) THE LATE PRINCIPAL EDWARDS. The Mayor, before proceeding to business, said he thought it would be the wish of the members of the Council that be should refer to the recent death of Dr Thomas Charles Edwards, of Bala, who, as they were aware, was the first principal of Aber- ystwyth College. He had asked the Town Clerk to draw up a resolution to be recorded on their minutes, which was as follows:—" That this Council record their deep regret at the death of Dr. T. C. Edwards, and the national loss that Wales has consequently sustained. Deceased during many years laboured earnestly and success- fully in the position of first principal of the Uni- versity College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and to his efforts, not only in Aberystwyth, but through Wales, was to be attributed in a great measure the present position and prosperity of the College, and particularly the cause of education in Wales generally." The Mayor added that most of them would remember the splendid efforts that he put forth in the gloomy days of the College, when the town was almost in despair that the College was about to be closed. He was courageous, and his energy and enthusiasm aroused practically the whole of Wales, with the result that there appeared to be a unanimous feeling that this powerful institution of education should be retained. And ultimately the full Government grant of £4,000 a year was received toward it. Afterwards, they remembered, a large portion of the building was burnt down. Then again, it appeared a rather gloomy outlook, a large sum of money being required to re-erect and provide sufficient class- rooms. But again, with his enthusiasm and the great confidence Wales had in him, money came flowing in freely from all directions, with the result that the College was restored, and almost every year it was now increasing in success. He did not think that Dr. Thomas Charles Edwards would have left the institution had it not been for the death of his father, who was the principal of Bala College, but he believed that lie felt—other- wise he would not have left-that Aberystwyth was perfectly safe, and prospering from year to year, and the nuraber of students also increasing. He was sure that this resolution only barely recorded his great services to the Welsh nation. Alderman T. Doughton said he begged to endorse all the remarks made by the Mayor, and to second the resolution. The Mayor further said that they should record their deep sympathy with the family in their bereavement. He also wished to say that he thought Aberystwyth on the day of Principal Edwards' funeral fully appreciated the sterling worth of the man bv turning out to await his body at the Railway Station in thousands, and paying their respect to him by closing their business premises. He had personally to thank the in- habitants of the town for their kind response to the appeal which he ventured to make to them to close their business premises from two to four, in order to show their deep respect to a person who had done so much. and had lived for such a long period among them. He believed all business premises were closed during those two hours. The resolution was then carried in silence. A GROSS AND UNFOUNDED CHARGE." Mr. T. E. Salmon then rose, and said he wished to draw attention to a letter in a contemporary, dated March 23rd, and signed by six members of the Council. He regretted very much to have to call attention to the same, but he thought it was the duty of every member if he had grievances to mention them in that Council Chamber. The Mayor interposed, and said he had intended calling attention to the matter himself, but thought it advisable to complete the business on the agenda first. Mr. Salmon said he quite agreed to that. The Mayor also remarked that he thought there was an attempt at bolstering up a gross and un- founded charge against him by making use of a certain letter. Mr. Peake and Mr. Hopkins intervened, and asked the Mayor to abide by the ruling already given, to consider the matter at the end of the meeting, and this was agreed to. MR. MORTON'S LEASE. The following letter was read from Mr. T. Morton 12, Great Darkgate-street, Aberyst wyth, April 2rid., 1900. Dear Sir,—In reply to yours stating the terms on which the Council are prepared to renew the lease of my premises In Terrace-road, I beg to say that it is not true that the terms are identical with those given to Mrs. Clapperton. Your surveyor tells you no alterations can be done to the premises except rebuilding. I have had my own surveyor over the house, and he reports that no structural alteration can be done to the premises, they must come down and newfounda- tions be laid. To offer such terms in the face of this knowledge which the Council possess is I con- sider, a palpable and gross injustice." The Mayor Without going into that I wish to state with regard to one statement, that it is not correct. The terms on the agenda were on rateable value basis, subject to plans and specifications to be approved of. These were the terms given to Mrs. Clapperton. To that extent the terms are identical. That is all I wish to state. Mr. Peake proposed that the letter be referred back to the Finance Committee. Mr. I. Hopkins seconded. The Mayor What is the object ? Certain terms have been given. Mr. Peake: I propose it. The Mayor: Will you state the object 1 Mr. Peake: Simply to treat it in the same way as we treat every other letter. It is generally understood that when any difference arises, the letters are referred for full consideration to the Finance Committee. The Mayor I understand it had full considera- tion at the last meeting. Mr. Peake But it will crop up again. The Mayor It is proposed by Mr. Peake that it be referred to the Finance Committee, but for what reason I don't know. Mr. Peake: For full consideration, as every other letter. The resolution was then carried. THE MINING INDUSTRY. The Clerk reported he had bad a conversation with Mr. Levi, the general manager of the Frongoch Mine, whose Company had also recently acquired by purchase the adjoining mine, called West Frongoch. Mr. Levi informed him that it was estimated that in the coming year, and for some time to come, there would probably be as much as 8,000 tons of ore sent away from the Harbour if the Harbour Railway was completed and terms arranged. He suggested that Mr. Levi should write him a letter to this effect, and he would probably do so before the next meeting. The Mayor said as soon as it was received it could be handed to the Harbour Committee, who could consider and report upon it. MUSIC FOR EASTER. The General Purposes Committee recommended that the town band be engaged to perform during Easter week, and the Surveyor was instructed to re-erect the band stand. Mr. R. Doughton enquired whether it was possible to enlarge the band stand, as he noticed that last summer the performers were crammed up in it. The Mayor replied that he was afraid that could not he done. Mr. Salmon said he hoped it would be taken into consideration the discussion they had last year as to the programme issued by this band and not give the monopoly to one person. The Mayor said that would be consiaered later on. LIGHTING OF CASTLE GROUNDS. Mr. R. Peake said in addition to the printed recommendations of the Public Lights Committee, the question of the advisability of lighting the Castle grounds, which had been mooted at the Council time after time, was considered, and it was agreed that he should interview the manager of the Electric Works, with the view of getting terms, and also for the electric lighting of the town clock. He had seen the manager, who promised to let him have the information as soon as possible, and he would then call another meeting of the committee. COB SHOW. In moving the report of the Markets Committee, Mr R Doughton said although the Committee had said they could not see their way clear to grant a subscription to the Cob Show, he would be pre- pared to move that they give a donation of Z3. The Mayor said the question of giving a sub- scription was referred to the Finance Committee, who had not yet reported. The Committee would no doubt take the matter into consideration if they did not receive good gate money. Mr Doughton I am afraid if you tell them that they will not let you know the amount of the gate money. EXTENSIONS OF TIME. The Finance Committee reported that the follow- ing applications had been received applying for extension of time for carrying out the conditions attached to the renewals of the leases of their respective properties: Mr David Roberts, 75. Nortk-parade; Mrs Jones, Graig Goch; Mr Isaac Hopkins, of premises in South- road Messrs Jones and Evans, of Nos. 18, 19, 20, Marine-terrace; and Mr Edmund Joseph, of premises in Union-street. The committee recom- mended, with regard to Mrs Jones, Graig Goch, that a lease for 75 years be granted, to date from the 12th November, 1896, upon the terms given on the 13th April, 1897, with the following additional conditions:—That the wall abutting on the road- way in front of the house be taken down and re- built and cemented to correspond with the front of the house. That the Council be permitted to take down the wall between the field and the roadway, marked between the points a b on the plan, and set back an average of 15 inches, and rebuild same at their own expense. That the Council have possession on the 12th May, 1900, of the land for the proposed entrance to the Castle Grounds marked ( on the plan together with the space marked d, being part of the Castle Grounds and now being used by the tenants of Graiggoch. The time for the erection of the six houses be extended from the 12th May, 1900. to the 12th November, 1903. The condition with reference to the house and wall in front thereof to be completed by the 12th May, 1901. The agreement for the lease to be taken up forthwith, and the ground rent paid from the 12th November, 1896." Messrs Jone, &. Evans, of 18, 19 and 20, Marine-terrace. Owing to the fact that this property has only recently come into the applicants' hands, the committee recommended that the time for carrying out be extended from 12th May, 1901, to the 12th May, 1902. The application of Messrs David Roberts, of 75, North- parade Isaac Hopkins, South-road and Edmund Joseph, Union-street, were also fully considered, and the committee regret they could not recom- mend the granting of same, but that a fresh application be made in each case for renewal of their respective leases. Mr Peake enquired, regarding the Graig Goch lease, whether lue terms were identical with those given two or three years ago. The Mayor replied in the affirmative. Mr Peake: Is it probable that these terms will be taken up ? Mr Wynne I think so. Alderman Dougliton said it was very difficult for any member to understand these conditions with- out seeing the plans. Mr J. P. Thomas said he would move as an amendment that they refer this back for further consideration, and get more particulars with regard to it. He found, as far as he could make out by the plan and the recommendations of the Committee, that it was intended to effect an improvement simply in one part of the street, fronting Sea View- place. He thought there were other improvements necessary on that property, which, he thought, they ought to urge and secure. It was the intention to build a retaining wall, which would cost a consider- able sum of money, at the expense of the Council, simply to effect improvement in Sea View-place, and get another entrance to the Castle grounds at the back of those houses that led from Sea View- place up to the top. He saw nothing about re- moving that wall facing South-road and South Marine-terrace. To his, mind that was very ob- jectionable. He thought that the best way would be to take the wall down, and effect substantial improvement in that locality. It might be made a beautiful approach to the Castle grounds from South-road and from South Marine-terrace, and he would propose that the matter come forward with the line of frontage drawn from South-road right direct into the Castle grounds, and retain in their own hands the green part which was now culti- vated by the Graig Goch people as an agricultural field. The Mayor explained that the land was now to be used for building purposes. A large portion of the sharp angle as they went down from Sea View to South Marine-terrace would be cut off entirely. Mr. Thomas said he understood that, but did not consider it was sufficient improvement in that part of the town. They had at the end of that wall that faced the sea a cowshed or stable, with its drains opening right on to the walk that led up to the Castle, and further on than that they had a manure heap, which consisted of a collection of all kinds of rubbish. The Mayor: Where is that ? Mr. Thomas: That manure heap. The Mayor That is to be given up. Mr. Thomas: It does not say so in the report nor shows it on the plan. The Mayor: It does show it on the plan if you only look. Mr. Thomas was about to speak again, when the z;1 Mayor interrupted him and asked him to examine the plan. Mr. Hopkin then rose and said he thought it was very wrong of the Mayor to interfere when a mem- ber was on his feet. The Mayor replied that he had a perfect right when a member was not speaking to the point and making statements altogether wrong. Mr. Hopkins: But nothing- The Mayor (warmly) Order. Mr Hopkins: I am in order, and you are not in order. The Mayor then earnestly appealed to the members whether they would allow him to conduct the busi- ness or Councillor Hopkins. He (the Mayor) was strictly in order, and must appeal to the members to support him, or if his ruling was not obeyed he would leave the chair, He had always treated Mr Hopkins perfectly fair, and Mr. Hopkins I want you to treat Mr. Thomas fair. The Mayor: I have treated him fair. I handed the plans to him. He was making suggestions which the Committee had anticipated. The portion of the ground referred to is to be given up, and a great improvement effected, and I am sure Mr. Thomas will feel that I was perfectly right. Mr. Thomas said he still thought it should be referred back for further consideration, as accord- ing to the plans the particulars and improvements were not what they might be. The Mayor Will anyone second Mr. Thomas ? Mr. Hopkins I second Mr. Thomas, and I think further that a committee of the whole Council ought to meet on the spot. The Mayor: You second Mr. Thomas, the other remark is only a matter of opinion. Alderman T. Doughton said he wished to with- drawn the remark he made before, as since then he bad seen the plan, and could see that the Committee had gone carefully into the matter, and the particulars on the agenda explained the whole thing. On a division, the recommendation of the Com- mittee regarding Graig Goch, was adopted. Coming to the application of Messrs. Jones and Evans, Mr. Peake said he took exception to the statement made by Councillor Wynne and printed. He thought when this property was bought, the conditions were perfectly well-known to the purchaser. They knew very well when the property was bought that the alterations should be carried out in 18 months. The recommendation of the Committee was, however, carried. Mr. D. C. Roberts asked in reference to Mr. D. Roberts' application, the difference between this and the previous one. Mr. Wynne replied that the reason was that the application of Mr. Jones had been taken up and ground rents paid, but in the other application they were not taken up. Mr. D. C. Roberts pointed out that Mr. Roberts' lease was only taken up on the 20th February, and there was no rent due yet. Mr. Hopkins What I can't understand ———— The Mayor: Are you going to speak to this ? Mr. Hopkins replied in the affirmative, and pointed out that the Council had just allowed two years to build a house 200 yards from the place he had asked to build a house. This house was 18ft. frontage, and the ground rent was £1 7s. His place bad 38ft. frontage, and 25ft. round the corner, and they charged him for two frontages, but they only allowed him 12 months to build a house three times as large as the house they allowed two years to. He did not understand it. He only wanted justice, and the Mayor told him the other day that he did not see anything against him getting another 12 months to make the two years. He supposed the Mayor wanted him to bow before him ———— The Mayor: I must ask you not to make thpse remarks ? Mr. Hopkins It is true, sir. The Mayor I don't want your opinion. Mr. Hopkins: Nobody will get a lease in this Council if they don't bow to you, but if they come to bow to you or buy a suit of clothes in your shop they will get it (cries of Order, order.") Mr. D. C. Roberts proposed that in this case the matter be referred back to the committee, as per- haps if it were carefully considered they could see their way clear to give the same recommendation as in the other application. Mr Salmon thought the best course would be to dispose of it that day, so as to expedite matters. He was aware of the difficulty of preparing plans, and it also took time to get them approved by the Council. Therefore, he moved that the application of Mr David Roberts for an extension of time be granted from the 12th May next, and he was sure that Mr Roberts would bear him out that that was all he required. As to Mr Hopkins, he proposed that the same terms be given as to Mr Morris Jones, viz., two years from the 12th May, 1900, and also the same for Mr Edwin Joseph's premises in Union-street. Mr R. Peake seconded. The Mayor thought it would be well to consider this question of extension. There were 150 ap- plications where terms had been given, many of them for much shorter periods than these. He understood, when terms were given, that they ex- pected as far as possible the time limit to be kept. But in the event of any person having actually commenced the work and unable to complete by the time specified, the Council were only too ready to grant an extension. He only pointed this out so that the Finance Committee and the Council eould save themselves no end of trouble. The time mentioned by Mr Salmon was unreasonable as compared with a large numbe.r of other appli cants. They would get a large number of othe applications of a similar kind, and their book would be all mixed up. Mr. Salmon said it was impossible to get con tractors to do the work in the time specified by th Council. Mr. 11. Doughton seconded the ex-Mayor's pro position. Mr. D. C. Roberts said lie agreed with Mr. Sal men, but thought it would come better as a re commendation from the Finance Committee. I that was to be pressed to the vote, he withdrew his amendment. After further discussion, Mr. D. C. Huberts with. drew his resolution, and Mr Salmon proposed thai Mr. Roberts' and Mr. Joseph's leases be extended to May, 1901, and Mr. 1. Hopkins to May, 1902. A vote was then taken, and the Mayor, seeing that Alderman David Roberts voted, enquired why he voted for his own premises. Alderman Roberts I vote because I consider it is quite right I should. The Mayor It is illegal to do so. It is nothing to me. but I only wish to point it out. Alderman Roberts Why should I be confined to one year, and just on the same page you grant some cottages two years. The Mayor: These are the erection or new houses. Alderman Roberts Yes, very fine. Mr. Salmon's resolution was then declared carried. NEW AND REVERSIONARY LEASES. It was decided that the Mayor be authorised to affix the Corporate Seal to reversionary leases in respect of the following buildings;Free Methodist Chapel and house, adjoining on Railway-terrace, to the trustees of the said chapel for a term of 75 years, at a chapel rental of £1 10s; to Mr. John Morris for 15, Terrace-road; and to Mr. Evan Lloyd for 131, Northgate-street, and to leases for pieces of land in Rheidol-terrace to Messrs. R. R. Ellis, Daniel Rees, and Evan Edwards; and to an agree- ment for a 75 years' lease to Messrs. Green and Colquhoun of No. 5, Terrace-road. IMPROVEMENT OF ST, MICHAEL'S-PLACE. Mr. E. P. Wynne moved that a. sum of E15 te offered to the owners for the portion of St. Michael's Churchyard proposed to be acquired in order to widen and otherwise improve St. Michael's- place. The proposer said he put this on the agenda as the matter had now been delayed nearly three years. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners had said in the first place that they could not surrender any part of the ground without Act of Parliament, but upon their attention being drawn to the fact that it was only a portion at the entrance to the church- yard and not part of the burial ground which was required, they agreed then to surrender, upon compensation being given to the value of E20. He believed, however, P,15 would be accepted, and the work could then be carried out at once before the season commenced. Mr J. P.. Thomas: Will you furnish us with particulars of this ? Mr Wynne: It was passed by the Council two and-a-half years ago, and hasjbeen under discussion by the Public Works Committee two or three times. times. Mr. Thomas It has not been discussed while I was at the Council. Which part does it refer to ? The Mayor The entrance to St. Michael's. Mr Thomas was assured that the character of the entrance gateway would be maintained, and he then remarked that that was a very important point in the history of Aberystwyth. Mr I. Hopkins seconded, and the resolution was unanimously carried, it being also decided that the Council carry out the wo:.k. FORESHORE RIGHTS. The Mayor was authorised to affix the Corporate seal to a deed of conveyance in fee of a portion of the foreshore by the Board of Trade to the Cor- poration. RENEWALS AND EXTENSIONS. An application by Mr.'J. Gi Rowe for a renewal of the lease of No. 65, North-parade, on the site scale, and by Mrs. Margaret Ellen and Elizabeth Williams for a renewal of the lease of No. 20, Chalybeate-street, were referred to the Finance Committee. An application for extension of time for building by Mr T. E. Salmon on his property at Cae Charles, and by Mr. Bearne on his property in South-road, were referred to the Finance Committee. TENDERS. The Surveyor said he had been authorised to ad- vertise for tenders for the supply of cement. He had received the tenders, but as the matter was not on the agenda, he suggested that the Public Works Committee be authorised to open them and report to the next Council meeting. This suggestion was agreed to. The tenders for printing were referred for con- sideration to the Finance Committee.' The Mayor announced that the tenders for the erection of six workmen's dwelling houses had been received. At the suggestion of Mr Salmon, it was decided that they be opened and considered at that meet- ing, Only two tenders had been received, viz., from Messrs Owen Bros., who offered to undertake the contract at L199 10s per house. and from Mr David Williams, Llanbadarn, who offered to do the work at C210 per house. Mr Peake: How does that compare with the estimated price previously given ? The Mayor It is slightly more. The tender of Messrs Owen Bros on the previous occasion was £197. This was considerably higher than the amount they could afford to spend to let them at the price named. Mr D. C. Roberts proposed that they be referred to the Public Works Committee for consideration and report, and this was agreed to. NEWSPAPER REPORTING.—A SCENE. DAMNING STATEMENTS BY THE MAYOR. The business on the agenda having been com- pleted, Mr T. E. Salmon said he wished to draw the attention of the members of the Council to a discussion carried on at the previous meeting and reported in a local newspaper as regards an application put on the agenda for re- newal of leases on site scales by himself. Mr Salmon reiterated what had taken place at the Finance Committee, when he proposed that all the applications then before the Council should be re- newed on site scale except the application of Mr Morton, which should be given on the rateable value, as all the other houses in that part of Terrace-road had been renewed on that basis. The committee did not support his proposition, and he put the whole lot on the agenda to be renewed as site scale, and in moving it at the Council he said he could not speak conscientiously as regards the application of Mr Morton. While he was moving z, it, the Mayor got up and said that the terms given on the agenda were not correct, and asked him whether he would persevere in his recommendation as placed on the agenda. He, therefore, withdrew his motion for the purpose of putting the matter right, and for the purpose of having it discussed at a later meeting. Then he saw this letter in the newspaper written by the ex-Mayor (Mr. D. C. Roberts), and signed by him and by Messrs I. Hopkins, E P. Wynne, H. Peake, J. P. Thomas, and W. H. Palmer, which stated as follows Sir, I clearly understood that the cases on the agenda at the Council meeting on March 6th (application for which had been made before 15th Dec., 1899) were referred back to the committee merely to rectify errors, which the Mayor and others had pointed out, and not to alter the basis on which renewals were to be made." He (the speaker) contended that it was not merely to rectify errors, but merely put back for the purpose of putting in the application of Mrs Rea, Corporation-street, which was not on the agenda. That day, he remembered, they agreed to his motion being put back merely to have corrrect terms given on the agenda for the purpose of discussing the whole of the applications before the Council, and that was the reason he withdrew. He saw that one of the members who had signed the letter was Councillor J. P. Thomas. Mr J. P. Thomas: Quite right, I am ready with my answer. Mr Salmon said in justice to the Council he thought these members had done a most unusual thing, to sign their names to a document taken round by a reporter to prove that he was right, and the Mayor was wrong. He thought in justice to the Mayot-Iet him be whoever he was-that the Council should show due respect, and any differences of opinion between them should be settled in this Council Chamber, and not given to a reporter. And not only that, he noticed that this letter had been put between the report of the dis- cussion regarding the renewals of the leases. He thought by so doing the"e members had given en- couragement to the proprietor of that paper, not only to put down that other members present were wrong, but that they who sent the|letter were right. But he could assure them that his word was equally as good as that of any of the members who signed that letter. He hoped that in future when any- thing might arise where they might differ in opinion, that whatever might be done should be done in open Council, and the matter thrashed out thoroughly, and not give information as given in this instance. Mr J. P. Thomas said he was not present at the meeting in question at all, and could not say what took pla. He was present when this subject came up first for discussioa. Alderman Palmer moved that all these various applications for renewals should be referred back simply for reference sake. He questioned at the time whether it was a genuine thing at all. The Mayor: What date are you speaking of ? Mr Thomas I don't remember. The llayor: I take it is December 5th. Mr Thomas said it was when Alderman Palrner voted that all the applications for leases should be referred back simply for comparison sake between site and rateable value scale. He questioned whether it was any good then. An ordinary boy from school, given the figures, could have found out the difference, and that was the reason why he he opposed it. He did not see why a differênce should be made in the case of Mr Morton more than to the others who were then applying. Mr Salmon: No difference was made. Mr Thomas: Excuse me, there was, and Mr Morton's lease was placed in with the others at the time. Mr Salmon You signed this letter- Mr Thomas: Are you the chairman, I want to know ? Mr Salmon You want to get out of this, because yon were not here. The Mayor called for order, and said he hoped the members would obey his ruling. Mr Thomas Certainly, and I hope Mr Salmon will obey, too. The Mayor said he endeavoured to act fairlv, and lie hoped the members would extend him their in- dulgence for a short time that morning in reference to this, which he considered a very grave charge. The graveness of the charge arose owing to this particular letter, and the position in which it had been placed in the report. He had no fault to find with the letter itself, none whatever. He found that the letter was simply, he took it, written by the ex-Mayor (Mr D. C. Roberts). He bad no ob- jection whatever to that letter by itself, but the serious objection to the letter was the use that had been made of it, and the position where it had been placed. Placed just in the middle of the few re- marks he had made. And especially having regard to the little note—he supposed editorial—before it, stating that the report was correct, and was con- firmed by the following letter signed by members of the Council who were present at the time." What lie would like to ask Mr J. P. Thomas—they had been friends, and there could not be any feel- ing, and he could not for a moment think Mr Thomas would wilfully do him an injustice, or would sign a letter to seriously injure his veracity for truth Mr J. P. Thomas I never knew it was for pub- lication, sir. The Mayor said the letter stated that Mr Thomas was present at the meeting—the meeting held on March 5th—the meeting at which the discussion in regard to the reference back took place. And bv the paper the six names were supposed to represent that he made certain statements and afterwards denied them. That he at once repudiated. He would go back to the meeting of the 6th March. He was sorry that he was not able to go into it as fully as he would like. Ever since he had seen that letter, placed in that position, and signed by six colleagues, he had felt it very keenly, as a serious reflection upon himself, and an act of the kind not done in that Council before. If any ex- planation was required by the reporter be would expect the ex-Mavor to say. He would like to ask the ex-Mayor whether he knew this letter was going to be used in this way to cast this reflection upon him ? Mr D. C. Roberts: Do you ask me to answer now The Mayor: Yes; was it intended to be used in this particular way so as to convey, without the shadow of a doubt, to the public that I was trying to deny a particular statement which I had made. Mr D. C. Roberts: I don't consider this a desir- able way of proceeding with the matter, that I should be invited, before the Mayor has made his statement, to answer a question. The Mayor: It is a simple question to answer. Mr Roberts: If the Mayor desires me to answer it, I will state what took place. The Mayor I will ask you to make your remarks afterwards. Mr Roberts: I can't say at once. I simply signed the letter in the ordinary way. As to whether it would be put in the paper I had no conception. The Mayor: That is all I want to know. Mr Roberts I am in your hands. The Mayor: You said you never had any concep- tion that the letter was going to be published in this way ? Mr. Roberts: Yes. The Mayor: At that meeting all the members were not present, but those who were remember that there was- Mr. J. P. Thomas: Is that in reference to the first application ? The Mayor: No. to the meeting referred to in this letter. You were not at the meeting on the 6th March, but you are supposed to have signed that on the ground that you were present. Mr. Palmer moved that the renewal of leases should be granted on rateable value graduated scale, and I believe in that that these terms were to apply to all the applications received up to the 5th December. There was a suggestion made, and I think adopted, that all the applications in hand prior to the 5th December should be renewed on the old scale or the existing scale. That was adopted by the Council, I think unanimously. Mr. Salmon, as you remember, had a series of resolutions in reference to these renewals on the agenda—at the tail-end of the agenda. Having regard to what had taken place in reference to the Finance Committee's report I asked Councillor Salmon-it is reported in one paper but not in the other-whether he was anxious to move his resolutions. Mr. Salmon did move them, but after he sat down, then followed the statement which I am supposed to have made, which is absolutely false, absolutely false. These are the words I am supposed to have said after Mr. Salmon moved his resolutions—" He, therefore (the mayor) proposed that the recommendations should go back to the committee for the rectifi- cation of errors only." Now, gentlemen (continued the Mayor), is there one of you who can stand up and say I moved that ? Mr^ Peake: That is the understanding of the Council. We left that meeting with that under- standing. The Mayor I have no fault to find with that. Mr. Peake That is my statement, Mr. Roberts That is all we have said. I don't recollect your words. I don't know what you said. The Mayor Allow me to make the statement I have to make, and I beg of you not to interrupt me. Here I suggested to Mr. Salmon, as there were certain errors in two or three of them, that they should be withdrawn and referred back to the com- mittee. I moved no resolution of any kind, and uttered not a word that they should go back for rectification. In the other papers I am reported as nearly correct as can be to that effect, viz., that the suggestion of the Mayor was accepted, that they should be referred back to the Finance Com- mittee. Not a word did I utter for rectification only, but in that paper it is stated that I proposed that the recommendation should go back to the Finance Committee for rectification. That is absolutely false, no foundation for it. I never gave utterance to words similar to it. I have no fault to find with the impression made on those gentlemen who signed the letter, but what I object to is that in the newspaper report I have been made to appear as though I had moved the recommenda- tions. I have no hesitation in saying-and I say it feelingly-that had these gentlemen known that this letter was going to be placed in this particular place between my statement, and in such a way as to lead the public to believe a falsehood, I don't think one of them would have signed it. But not- withstanding this, I say as a matter of common courtesy to me, was it a right and a fair thing to send a letter of which they did not know what use was going to be made ? It was not enough for the reporter to grossly misrepresent nje at the meeting, but at the last meeting, what did I say in speaking to this resolution. The reporter kept on repudia- ting the false statement made at the other meeting. I appeal to him now to try and remember what was said when he made me to appear in his paper as having moved a certain resolution referring this back. I said to that extent the report is false and misleading. Those were the words used by me. Mr. Peake But that is not touched upon in that letter. The Mayor: If you will kindly allow me. Mr Peake I don't know whether this is a de- fence of the newspapers or an accusation against the members of the Council. I adhere to the tenets of that letter. The Mayor I will ask you a plain question soon. Mr Peake: You shall have your answer. The Mayor: These are the words made use of in the newspaper. The Mayor said in order to obviate a lot of useless discussion, he suggested that the recommendations should be referred back, though he saw Mr. Hall had made it appear that the recommendations should be referred back for corrections only. That report was en- tirely wrong and misleading." Proceeding, the Mayor said he reiterated to the reporter thatltbis was a deliberate falsehood. He never found fault with that at the last meeting of the Council. What he stated was that he had been made to appear as having moved a resolution re- ferring back. That was reported in some of the papers, and to prove that to the hilt he might say that after the meeting was over be sat there sign- ing cheques. He said to the reporter in the pre- sence of other reporters How could you have in- serted in your paper that I had moved a certain resolution to refer back." What was his reply He said Oh. you made a suggestion that it should be referred back." So they should clearly under- stand he pointed out the inaccuracy of that state- ment. He had sent a letter round to each of the six members asking them distinctly whether thev understood he had moved such a resolution. He had received replies from the ex-Mayor and Mr Wynne. Mr Peake: I only got mine at nine o'clock last night. I suppose it was kept in abeyance not to get a reply. The Mayor: Perhaps you were not in. Mr. Peake I was in all the evening. The Mayor: It was sent to you. The 2iiayor then read the letter he had sent to the six members of the Council, which drew attention to a report under the heading "Finance." of the previous meeting of the Council, published in the newspaper in question, and immediately following the report of some observations alleged to have been made by him relative to the circumstances connected with the reference back to the Finance Committee of certain resolutions on the agenda of March 6th in the name of Councillor T. E." Salmon relative to the renewal of certain leases. The letter inserted in the report stated what the signatories understood were the terms on which the applications were so referred back. As the letter (the Mayor wrote) was inserted where it appeared and was. unless explained, calculated to mislead, he would feel personally obliged if they would let him know whether they meant to suggest that the report in the paper of what he stated at the Council meeting was correct, viz.. that it was he who pro- posed that the recommendations should go back to the committee for rectification of errors only. or whether they understood that was the effect of the resolution withdrawn by Councillor T. E. Salmon. and referred back to committee by the Council' The Mayor said that he ventured to appeal to them that that was a simple question to ask. Whether they meant to say that particular report was correct or whether it was an impression they had from the reference back to the committee. That was the answer he wished to have, and the answer he had not had. Mr. Peake: Shall I answer now ? And I will answer by asking another. The Mayor 1 don't want anything of that kind. The matter is very simple. He wished to repeat that the reporter knew perfectly well from the remarks he made after the meeting was over that his complaint was that it had been inserted that he had moved a certain resolution when he did no.. He was made to appear as though he was anxious to get out of it. If he had made any error or mis- take he would have been one of the first to express his regret, and expected everyone else to do the same. But he ventured to ask them did they not see the effect of their letter in this case, what their letter had led to ? And the article in which the ex- Mayor was made use of to buttress this falehood ? The article stated "That insertedin the report will b. found a letter by Mr. D. C. Roberts and signed by members of the Council stating that our report was substantially true." Had any of ti, c, m said that he moved a resolution to refer it back ? No, not one of them. Mr. Peake: The point is you are making it appear as false. The Mayor: That is not my point. Mr. Peake You are not putting the facts fair and square before us. The Mayor: I am putting them as plain as noon- day before yon. Proceeding, the Mayor said the same article stated that the report bears internal evidence of its correctness, and the letter places the report and the reporter's credit above reason- able suspicion" Now he maintained that that letter had been used to attempt to make him to have made a statement which be actually denied. There was not the slightest foundation for it. and he bad as great a regard for truth as the ex-Mayor or any of the other five members had. Mr. D. C. Roberts We don't charge you. The Mayor: You do, according to the way this letter has been treated. Mr. Roberts: We don't refer to that; we deal with the main question. The Mayor: But can't you see the use made of the letter. And the use made of it justifies me in putting that construction on it, and goes on to defend what has been reported by the reporter, and appeals to the public actually to believe that I made a certain statement because it is rightly reported and supported by Mr. D. C. Roberts. What I complain of is the ingenious way in which this letter has been used. Mr. D. C. Roberts said the dispute was not in reference to what the Mayor referred to. He never understood till now that it was merely a question of whether or not he moved the resolution. He did not for one moment doubt his word on that point. But what he said was that- the effect of that discussion was understood to be that these matters were referred back simply to rectify the errors. The Mayor: If that was your impression, upon what ground was this letter written ? Because you said that at the Council. Mr D. C. Roberts: I did not say itatthe Council, but at the Committee. I felt that when the re- porter appealed to me it was my duty to write a letter. 1 felt I had a perfect right to do that, and resent very much anyone coming here to teach me what my duty is, as we have had this morning from Mr Salmon. Mr Salmon I don't wish to be accused of teach- ing you, Mr ex-Mayor. Mr Roberts proceeded to say that he had a per- fect right to use his own judgment in simply giving his impression of that meeting, and had 110 desire to reflect on the Mavor. The Mayor: Unfortunately the letter is made use of to reflect on me. Mr Peake then asked to be allowed to read the paragraph which preceded the letter. This stated that the Mayor said in order to obviate a lot of useless discussion he suggested that the recom- mendations be referred back though he saw that the reporter had made it appear in his paper that the recommendations should be referred back for corrections only. By this Mr Peake maintained it was shown they never said the Mayor proposed the resolution. The Mayor: I am very glad. That is the point ) wish to have thoroughly cleared up. 1 never gave utterance to those words mentioned by Mr Peake at the last meeting. What I complained of was that I had been made to appear that I had pro- posed that they be referred back. Mr Roberts 1 understood you did so. The Mayor: At the Finance Committee I thought the matter was quite clear. Here the Council referred them back to the Finance Com- mittee. On what basis? Messrs Peake and Roberts For corrections. The Mavor: I say there was not a word said about corrections. All the applications were re- ferred back on the existing basis. Alderman T. Doughton I remember those words perfectly well. Mr D. C. Roberts And the existing basis were those on the agenda at the time. Alderman Doughton: That is a matter of opin- ion. The Mayor again asserted that he had not made use of the words to be referred back for cor- rections," and that was what he*had endeavoured to explain. He never moved a single resolution on the matter. Mr D. C. Roberts said their letter dealt with the whole report. As to who individually moved the thing no one thought anything about that. The Mayor: But that is the point unfairly made use of against me. Mr Roberts No, sir. The Mayor: A letter is written by my own colleagues to lead the public to believe what is en- tirely false. Mr Peake: I don't think the public treat it in that way. If there had been no errors on that agenda that day the whole of those renewals would have been granted. Mr Salmon Mr Peake is wrong, for I am certain if an amendment was put I should have withdrawn. The Mayor said what he seriously objected to was that the letter stated that the report containing the statement he was supposed to have made was a correct one. He certainly expected a letter from each of those six members stating, as soon as they saw the use made of the letter, that that was not the statement made by him, but only a general im- pression. Mr. Roberts: That is what I refer to. The Mayor proceeded to state that he was con- tinually being grossly misrepresented in that news- paper. Mr. Gibson was heartily open to have what opinion lie liked in his local notes and leading articles, but he objected to his interfering with statements in reports which he made at this Council. Of course, it was perfectly obvious that the inten- tion of that newspaper was to use the letter in this way. Not long ago three statements were made in that newspaper which were deliberate falsehoods. It was in reference to that awful charge Mr. Gibson made of a building in the town where children were alleged to be killed or done to death. Mr. Hopkins interrupted, and said the Mayor was going from the point altogether. The Mayor: I only want to show the incon- sistency of that paper. Mr D. C. Roberts: I am brought here as a member and charged. I don't desire to remain a member of this Council if you think I have done anything wrong. The Mayor: I only want to show the incon- sistency of the newspaper. Mr. Roberts: It has nothing to do with me. The Mayor: It holds out to the public through this letter a false report. Mr. Peake Have it out with the editor. The Mayor The statements attributed to me at the Town Council in this particular article are based upon falsehood, upon a statement I never gave utterance to. Mr. J. P. Thomas I have nothing to do with that. The Mayor But your letter lends colour to it. I have made no charge against either of the six members, and 1 don't think one of you would have signed it if you knew the use it was to be put to. I wish to point out the persistent false charges brought against me by the proprietor of that paper, and I want to show that you and others have given help to the charge made bv that oerson against that house in town hy sending this letter. Mr. Roberts I have not helped to promote any falsehood. Alderman T. Doughton said he also thought that none of the six members, when they signed that letter, were aware that it would be made use of in that way. The letter was brought down to him. and he was asked to sign it, but whether wisely or unwisely, he declined. Mr. R Doughton Wisely. Alderman Doughton did not believe there was an} iil feeling with anv member who signed that letter. Mr. Peake said if the Mayor was to talk till Doomsday he would not alter his opinion. The Mayor said this was only a part of a per- sistent course of misrepresentation. On the occasion he referred to, he simply seconded a pro- posal that the Council as a whole should consider the serious allegations made. How was he then treated ? A letter was written by this person back to the Council stating that he accused him of cowardice, lying, and of garbling a report of his speech in his own newspaper. At the next meeting he pointed out that this was a distinct falsehood, and asked for a withdrawal, Three distinct lying statements had thus been made, and what he complained of was that the same conduct was contimiallv hpinn- .d,,r1 -J "5 l"I.J.,L.o l \JU .LL1.. He did expect to be fairly reported by the reporter of this paper, and he asked them—was he fairly reported ? The Mayor then instanced a letter read at the Council meeting on the 6th February, when he wis unable to be present, received by him from the Lord-Lieutenant of the County regarding the formation of a volunteer corps. In the newspaper in question, however, whenever his name was mentioned in the letter that of Mr. Hughes had been substituted. Again, an important letter was received from Mr. G. Eyre Evans asking for permission to peruse the present- ment books of the Council, but that also was inot reported in the newspaper under notice. Was that a ;fair and impartial report of their proceedings t He could go on and give similar instances until Doomsday. He knew of articles written in reference to what he was supposed to have said, when no report was taken, and the reporter knew it. Were the reports of this paper always reliable 1 They had a meeting of the Infirmary in that room on February 3rd at 11.30. Mr Gibson was present at 11.30, and called attention to the fact that it was after time, and said they ought to proceed at once, as there wasno reason for waiting. Dr Morgan replied that Mr Bonsall was in town and would be there immediately. But he was astonished to see in the report that Mr Gibson had been re- ported to have said what he never said. It was there stated that Mr Gibson observed that Mr Bunsall might be ill or otherwise prevented from attending." Mr Roberts That has nothing to do with us. The Mayor But can't you sympathise with me, when an article is written to attempt to make me out to say what I have never said. Mr D. C. Roberts said he wished to repeat what he had already said. He felt he had a perfect right to write that letter and sign it. He was not ashamed of the letter. It cast no reflection on the Mayor in any way. and was not intended as y such,but simply as an explanation of the position he took :i-ip. He did not know how this misunder- standing arose, as he thought these matters were referred back simply for rectification of errors. A discussion then arose as to Mr. J. P. Thomas, action in signing the letter as being present at the meeting in question, when, in fact, be was not present. Mr. Thomas, however, said he could take it from what he had heard and seen in the papers. In fact, the question had been brought up before the Council so often that it was impossible to say whether he was at the particular Council or not. The Mayor: So you believed a falsehood ? Mr. Thomas: No; I would not believe a false- hood for you or anybody else, sir. The Mayor: Mr Thomas is stated to be present at the meeting on March 6th. Mr. Thomas I did not reflect quite sufficient to say whether 1 was present at the meeting or not, but I knew I had been at all the meetings of the committee. I signed it knowing the facts, and that it was substantially true. In the course of further discussion, Mr D. C. Roberts said lie meant the letter to be used as an expression of what took place. The Mayor I must say. and I say it feelingly, that the ex-Mayor should not have written the letter without knowing the use it was to be put to. Mr Roberts I dispute that. The Mayor With reference to the statement of the ex-Mayor I consider I have received mean and shabby treatment. Mr. Roberts I object to j'our saying that I have treated you mean and shabby, and think it unfair of you to say so. I had a perfect right to sign that aet ter. The Mayor I consider the method adopted in signing a letter without knowing the use to be made of it is not right, and I consider I have been exceedingly badly and meanly treated, Mr. Roberts; By me ? The Mayor Yes, and the other members who signed the letter, and I say it emphatically. This ended the discussion, and the meeting terminated.
BALA.""
BALA. JCHBLE SALE,—A very successful sale was held at the National Schools on Friday, when over £35 was secured to devote to the school funds. CHRIST CHUKCH.—The successful candidate for the post of organist at this Church is stated to be Mr. R. B. Botwood, organist of the Penkridge Parish Church, Staffordshire. URBAN DISTRICT COGNCIL.-At a special meeting held on Thursday last, under the presidency of Mr. R. W. Roberts, Messrs. J. Parry, Glantegid and J. W. Roberts, Tanrhad, Bala, were appointed to repre- sent the Council on the Local Governing Body of Bala County School. SUCCESS.—We are glad to understand that Miss Gwen C. Morris, pupil teacher at the Girls' School, Llanuwchllyn, was successful in passing the Queen's Scholarship examination recently held at Blaenau Festiniog. in the first division. Miss Morris is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Morris, Station Road, Llanuwchllyn. We congratulate the young scholar, her parents, and the teachers of the school all her success. THE LATE DR. EDWAEDS.—On Sunday evening last the Rev. Dr. James, Manchester, delivered an excellent memorial sermon to a large audience at the Victoria Hall, Bala. The services in connection with the C.M. Chapel are now held (pending the completion of painting work, &c., inside the chapcl), at the new Vestry Room adjoining. This would, however, be inadequate to seat the large congregation on Sunday evening, so that the services were held on that evening in the more spacious building, the Victoria Hall. PETTY SESSIONS.—On Saturday last, before Messrs. Roger Hughes (chairman;, E: R. Jenkins, J. Williams, Evan Jones, and L. J. Davies.—Thomas Rowlands, farm labourer, was charged with having been found drunk on the Llandderiet and Corwen road, on the 3rd ult. In answer to the charge defendant admitted that he had had one or two glasses of beer, but that he had had "cramp in the legs" (laughter).—P.C. Evan Davies, Llandrillo, said that at about 11.15 p.m. on the 3rd ult., he saw the defendant lying across the main road between Llandderiel and Tyddynines. He assisted him to get on his feet, and found he was quite incapable, A man, who was passing along the road at the time, assisted him home. Defendant was mulcted in a fine of 5s. and 7s. 6d. costs. LLANIOH PARISH MEETING.—The above meeting was held at the Board School, Bala, on Saturday last, Mr. E. Watkius, chairman of the Parish Council, presiding. The chairman made known the change made extending the tenure of office of the Parish Councillors. A financial statement was submitted from which it appeared that the balance in hand at- the end of last year was £ 52 4s. Payments were made during the year amounting altogether to Eg 3s. Id., so that there was still a balance in hand of £23 Is. 9d. Mr. W. T. Rowlands gave a resume of the work of the Council during the vear. The chairman called attention that improvements should be proceeded with in the parish, it was decided to call the attention of the District Council to the necessity of repairing Rhydywernen road. It was resolved that the meeting thoroughly approves of J having a bridge near Rhydydefaid. Mr. D. Jones proposed that the meetings of the Council be held oftener, in consequence of the amonnt of work that had to be had to the gone through. It was decided that the Council consider the matter at the next meeting. LLANYCIL AND BALA U.D. SCHOOL BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Board was held on Saturday last, Dr. Hughes in the chair. The Bala School report showed the average attendance for the month to be 137.4 or 84 of the number on registers. For the week ending March 16th it was 88. but the week ending the 30th only 79 ./• The work was carried on with as much energy as possible, and the results were satisfactory. The School Attendance Officer reported that there was a decided improve- ments at Pare School since legal proceedings were taken against Robert Evans. At Bala School there were a few irregular and bad cases.—The Master of Maesywaen School reported the average attendance there as 49 for the month, out of 64 on register. There were no cases of irregularity. Attention was called to the fencing required at the back of the premises, and Mr. Evan Jones was authorised to get the work done. The Pare School report showed that attendance there was on the whole pretty good, although not up to the mark it should be. The average attendance for the five weeks was 40.2 out of 44 on books, a per centage of about 90. The highest attendance in any one week was 42.5. LLANFOR SCHOOL BOARD. At a meeting held on Saturday last, Mr. WHliam Williams (vice-chairman) presiding, a report was received from Cwmtirmynach School, showing the average attendance for the mor.th to be 26.5 out of 52. The highest attendance was last week, being 33.4. The principal cause of the falling-off was sickness and cold weather, but several families whose children were almost free from the whooping cough still kept them at home.-—Ihe Attendance Officerwas directed to warn the parents of the absent children.- At Khosygwaliau School the Head Teacher reported the average for the month to he 20.8. The weather had been detrimental to good attendance. There were three children who did not attend school owing to ill-health, but for these medical certificates had been received.—The Sarnau School report showed th highest attendance during ti-e illoiitli to be 41.4. C March 5th Mr. T. R. Dakin called at the School, a at the Master's request examined and signed r(-gisters.-Tlie applications for the head teachers of Celyn School were considered, and it was rescT unanimously that Miss \V. E. Roberts, Tar* Board School, Talycafn, be appointed te the pof