Papurau Newydd Cymru

Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru

Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau

3 erthygl ar y dudalen hon

Cardigan County Council.

Newyddion
Dyfynnu
Rhannu

Cardigan County Council. The quarterly meeting of the Cardigan County Council was held at the County Hall, Aberayron, on Thursday in last week. Mr. Vaughan Davies, M.P.. occupied the chair, and there were also present—Aldermen James James, Fiynonhowel, Llanrhystyd; 31 organ Evans. Oakford; C. M. Williams, Aberystwytb; Evan Richards, Penuwch- iawr J. T. Morgan, Maesnewvdd James Stephens, Cardigan T. H. R. Hughes. Neuadd Fawr; and J. M. Howell, Aberayron; Councillors M. Howell, Llandyssul; Edward Jones, Talybont; Price Lewes, Tyglyn Eiron; John C. Harford. Lampeter; E. H. James. Aberystwyth; Henry Bonsall. Bow Street: Edward Evans, Llangranog- Evan Jones, Llanrhystyd; W. Griffiths, Llanllwchaiarn; Ed- ward Evans. Strata Florida James Evans, Llan- arth; David Jones, Penbryn: William Davies, Llanwnen: Jenkin Jenkins. Felinfach; Joseph Parry, Goginan David Davies. Llanddewi Breti; Daniel Evans, Llandyssul; Jenkin Lewis, Cilcennin; Daniel Jenkins. Nant-cwnlle; Robert Doughton. Aberystwyth Thomas Morgan, Ysbytty Ystwyth Robert Ellis, Aberystwyth E. Lima Jones, Aber- ayron and Evan Morgan. Llansantffmid with H. C. Fryer (clerk). Howel Evans (chief constable), Roderick Lloyd aud D. Davies (surveyors), and Deputy-chief-constable Williams (Llandyssul). RETURN OF THANKS. Before proceeding to business, Ir. Vaughan Davies said he must thank the members for the compliment paid him of electing him chairman of the Council for the ensuing year. With their aid he hoped to carry out the work to their satisfaction and for the beneru of the county (hear, hear). DOVEY FISHERY DISTRICT. Colonel Howell proposed the re-election of Messrs. Henry Bonsall, H. E. Bonsall, and Edward Jones as conservators of the Dovey Fishery District for the ensuing year. Mr. Daniel Jenkins seconded, and the resolution was carried. WYE FISHERY DISTRICT. Mr. Edward Jones proposed the re-election of Mr. R. Evans, Llwynhyddod, Llangurig, as conservator of the Wye Fishery District. Mr. Henry Bonsall felt that they ought to have some one to represent them more in touch with the Council, and who could report what took place there. Fishing was taking rather a prominent position at present, having regard to the fact that a Salmon Fisheries Commission had been appointed, and in view of the fact that the water supply for London was proposed to be taken from Wales. He would propose thai; Mr. Vaughan Davies, M.P., be appointed to represent them. The Chairman I am not near the Wye. Mr. Bonsall: But the head waters of the Wye -come into Cardiganshire. The Chairman said he could not possibly under- take the appointment. Mr. Bonsall thought it would give Mr. Vaughan Davies a lonis standi as regards the Welsh Water Question if that came before the House of Commons. The Chairman I have got sufficient of that now, I don't want any more locus standi. Major Price Lewes proposed the appointment of Mr. Henry Bonsall. Mr. Bonsall said he was already on two Fishery Boards, and it was as much as he could do to attend those. They might choose one qf the members from that district. Alderman C. M. Williams supported the appoint- ment of Mr. Bonsall, knowing the keen interest he had taken in the Fisheries of North Wales, and the excellent services he had rendered in connection therewith. If Mr. Bonsall could attend, he would do good service, although he (the speaker) was not willing to p".t too much on the willing horse. Mr Bonsall was then unanimously appointed. APPOINTMENTS. On the proposition of Alderman C. M. Williams, seconded by Alderman Morgan Evans, Dr Lloyd Snape. Aberystwyth, was re-appointed Public Ana iv^t for the county under the Food and Drugs Act. Mr Robert Ellis proposed, and Mr Edward Jones seconded, the re-appointment of Prof. Alan Murray, Aberystwyth, as District Agricultural Analyst under the provisions of the Fertilisers and Feeding Stuffs Act, 1893, and this was unanimously agreed to. LANCASHIRE AND WESTERN SEA FISHERIES. The Clerk reported he had received a letter from the Board of Trade enclosing Orders for uniting the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Dis- tricts which had now come into force. It was not, necessary for this Council to take any step at present, because the members of the Western Fishery District went on as joint members of this joint committee up to the 19th March, 1901. It I would then be necessary to appoint new members,?! when the quota for Cardiganshire would go down to two. There was one useful clause in the Order which limited the amount of rate from Cardigan- shire. They could not call upon them to contribute more than one-sixteenth of a penny. This would be less than half what they had been contributing in the past, and very probably, having larger funds to deal with, the work would be done better. Mr Henry Bonsall desired m'make an explana- tion. The Order, he said, was passed through Par- liament so quickly owing to the exertions of their member, Mr Vaughan Davies. M.P. He had taken a deep interest in the matter, and he considerably facilitated the passing of the Order by waiting upon Mr Ritchie and the Local Government Board. He thought it was a debt they owed to Mr Vaughan Davies to acknowledge the part he had taken in this matter. He (Mr Bonsall) attended a meeting on the 9th inst at Chester, which was called to organise this new district, in conjunction with Lancashire. He was the only member from this county present, and there were about four or five from the other counties in North Wales. The L'inca>hire members treated the Welsh members with great consideration, and gave them far more than their proportionate representations if they went by rateable value. He felt there was a good deal of ignorance in this part of Wales as to the work this Board was doing. It was doing large and important work for the four counties whose coasts bordered North Wales, and they had hitherto been labouring under a deficiency of funds to carry on this work. Owing to this new Act, which joined them with Lancashire, they would have a large income of something like Z4,600, to protect the fisheries and promote the fisheries of this coast. Of this over £ 600 would be devoted towards the Welsh coast alone. They would have three boats devoted entirely to the preservation of the fisheries, and they would have five or six bailiffs in the place oC three hitherto Cardigan Bay would receive a great deal of atten- tion. The meetings of the Board would be held annually in Chester. By this of course they would certainly lose a certain amount of control, but to obviate this tne Lancashire men had given them a much larger share in the representation than was dhe. Cardiganshire, if they went by rateable value, would only be entitled to one-half of a member, but instead of that they had given them two. He had had the honour of being their humble representative, and he hoped they would acknow- ledge he was not the "worser half" (laughter). They did him the honour, as their representative— and he considered it a great honour—of electing him a vice-president of the Board (hear, hear). It was the only office given to Welshmen, and was accorded to a Cardiganshire man, and he felt deeply, as their representative, that it was something to be acknowledged, as it gave them more power on the Board. He would not delay them any more. Their good Chairman had extended him great leniency in going thus far, and lie begged them to remember that he (the chairman) had a large share in promoting this Act for uniting them in this beneficent work with England (applause.) PRISON OFFICIALS AS WITNESSES. The Clerk reported he had received a communi- cation from the Home Omce, drawing attention to the alteration 'made in the allowances to prison officials attending as witnesses. They would in future be put on the same scale as other witnesses. The matter, however, was one that affected Quarter Sessions more than this Council. INTERESTING 00 PARISH COUNCILS. The Clerk said he had also received on the 8th May a letter from the Local Government Board calling attention to certain provisions of the Commons Act. Certain provisions were conferred on County Councils and Parish Councils by the Commons Act passed last Session by which any Parish Council, if invested by the County Council with the powers of the Act—and they had only got to come there and ask for it—the Parish Council might then deal with any open spaces, disused burial grounds, etc., and in fact regulate things in their own parish. AIIKKAYRON TOWN HALL. The Clerk said he bad also received from the Local Government Board a letter, dated the 3rd May, drawing the attention of the County Council to the fact thar, they had not n ceived any reply to their letter of the 20th May. 1898. respecting the use of the Aberayron Town Hall and the of the County Conn. The Clerk explained that the Board had drawn attention to certain alterations wanted there. These were considered by a com- mittee, but the plans drawn up did not meet with the approval of the County Court Judge. Now, he believed, the alterations had been made to the satisfaction of the judge, and so he cotfld send a satisfactory replv to the Board. GOVl'KNMCNT AND THE PREPARATION OF PLANS. The Clerk said he had received another letter dealing with the new Police Station at New Quay, in connection with the plans of which there had been scmetroeble. The plans had now passed from the surveyor of Prisons of the Home Office to the Local Government Board, and he hoped they would now have the loan to proceed with the work at once. The Home Office stated that the plans were not prepared quite in the character to submit for approval to a Secretary of State, and it was hoped that in future the Council would have them pre- pared with greater care. The Clerk added that it was difficult for a person to draw plans of the sort required unless he was a professional architect, and this was a hint to them that unless they got them drawn by a professional architect they would not sanction them in future. The Chairman I think we ought to take a little more notice than the hint. The Clerk We shall have to see what can be done before sending any other plans up. The Chairman considered they should appoint a professional architect for the county, or pay the present surveyors tJ have their plans properly drawn out. Alderman C. M. Williams said that plans of bridges, &c., had been approved or oy tne juooai Government Board previously, and it was the duty of each surveyor to secure whatever assistance he required. The letter was more of a hint to the surveyors than the County Council. Major Price Lewes said the authorities saw that the plans were not drawn up by a professional draughtsman, and commented on it naturally. The Clerk And they give a broad hint that they will not be passed next time. HOUSING OF THE WORKING CLASSES. The Clerk reported he had received a com- munication from the Sanitary Institute in reference to the housing of the working classes. A J conference was to be held on the subject, with an exhibition of model dwellings, and the secretary of the Institute wished to know whether this Council would agree to attend the meetings. The meetings would be held in London at the end of July, and would be continued for two or three days. On the motion of Alderman C. M. Williams, seconded by Mr Thomas Evans, it was decided that Mr Vaughan Davies be the Council's representative to attend the meetings. The Clerk said they were also going to arrange a visit of the delegates to Paris to see model dwell- ings there. The Chairman: Will they pay my expenses, I wonder (laughter). TAX ON CYCLES. A communication was read from the Bodmcn Rural District Council urging this Council to pass a resolution in favour of a small tax being imposed on cycles, and the amount so realised to be applied locally to the improvement of roads. PROVISION OF RIFLE RANGES. Another public authority wrote asking the Council to support the proposal that the provision of rifle ranges should not be made a charge on the local rates, but should be part of the military expenditure of the country. BILLS BEFORE PARLIAMENT. The Chairman stated there were two Bills before Parliament now. One was to confer powers on County Councils to join with an urban council with reference to the provision of isolated hospitals. He did not know whether the county of Cardigan would agree to join with any urban authority. The Council would have the power of contributing from the rates towards the expenses and towards the building, etc., of a hospital. Then there was another Bill which would give them the power of altering days for election. As far as he could understand, it would not affect Cardiganshire, as they had a day already in March. The Clerk said he thought the object of the Bill was not to make it obligatory on the County Council to have five meetings in the year. When they were obliged to have a meeting very soon after the end of March, they could not very well do with four meetings. If they were able to appoint their chairman and committees at the May meeting there was really no need to have the March meeting. Alderman C. M. Williams said it would be a great convenience to them if they could arrange a fifth meeting. There was very little business at the March meeting except the appointment of chairman and committees, and if it was their wish they should ask the chairman to support the pro- posal giving the county councils the option of varying the dates of elections. It was decided that the Chairman support the Bill when it came before Parliament. GREATER POWERS FOR COUNTY COUNCILS. The Chairman stated that they may have heard or seen in the papers the motion brought before the House of Commons the other day for giving greater powers to County Councils. This was a matter of great consequence to everyone present. When it came before the House, Mr Chaplin then stated that he would receive a deputation if the motion was withdrawn. The motion was with- drawn, and he had promised to see the deputation. He then went and saw Mr Chaplin, and asked him not to have this deputation in any hurry, as he thought the county he came from might want to send representatives. Mr Chaplin promised him that ample notice would be given to send repre- sentatives up. He had a schedule of the County Council's Federation, which gave enormous additional powers, and he thought it quite worthy that they should send someone up to represent them. There was the question of fairs. In Wales generally fairs were a happy-go-lucky business, and he thought they might be altered to great advan- tage, and brought into line with other counties, so as they would not clash. There were also the questions of market tolls and urban authorities, the borrowing for local authorities on credit of rates, power over lighting, electricity or gas, etc. These powers might seem rather trivial to them now, but they were powers all local authorities were watch- ing with great interest, because the electrical body had enormous powers. As they saw in Aberyst- wyth, they were cutting up the Terrace just as everyone was coming there, under their powers perfectly in the teeth of the power elected by the people. He understood they had already passed a resolution to the effect that they approved of ex- tending these powers, and he would like to know whether it was their wish to send any delegates to London to represent them. Alderman C. M. Williams said they would remember that some twelve monthsago a resolution was forwarded to them from Carnarvonshire asking them to appoint three delegates to meet other delegates from the whole of the Councils of Wales. They elected three members to attend, and he could say, like Mr Bonsall, that he was the only member who attended the general meeting at Shrewsbury in July last, when most of the County Councils of Wales were represented. That com- mittee discussed the matter very fully, and they had the schedule before them of the powers that it was desirable should be transferred to County Councils under section 81 of the Local Government Act. They had felt for a long time that County Councils should take up the powers vested in them under that section. At that meeting a special com- mittee consisting of one member from each county, was appointed to go further into the matter, and he understood that they were to meet before the end of last summer. As far as he was aware that meeting had not been held. Mr Lloyd George took a prominent part in the meeting and be was sur- prised that those who took up the question did not call another meeting to go fullv into it. He was glad to find that Mr Lloyd George brought the matter before the House of Commons, and that Mr Chaplin had consented to receive a deputation, and he trusted the Welsh members would be there in force to secure as much power as possible under section 81. He understood, however, that the County Council were not asked to appoint any delegates just now. As far as he could see they only desired that the members representing the y 11 various counties and boroughs in Wales should attend this deputation, and if necessary he was quite prepared to propose that they ask their member to attend, and lay strongly before Mr Chaplin their great desire for the extension of powers under section 81. He found that Mr Greaves, Lord-Lieutenant of Carnarvonshire, was the chair- man of the meeting at Shrewsbury, and he (the speaker) had never reported to the Council the business of that meeting, as he anticipated there would be another meeting, when he would be able to be present a more complete report. The Chairman stated that the meeting would take place the following day in the House of Commons, when Mr Greaves would meet all the Welsh members. He was led by what Mr Lloyd George had said and from what Mr Chaplin had said to him that he would receive representatives from the County Councils direct. And what he would suggest was that if they arranged that County Councils should be asked to send representatives up they should that day name two gentlemen, and ask them, if they were required, to go to London. The Clerk pointed out that three had previously been appointed, viz. Messrs. D. C. Roberts, Peter Jones, and C. M. Williams. The Chairman then said that if he sent notice to the Clerk he would be able to communicate with those three gentlemen. SOUTHERN MAIN ROADS COMMITTEE. The report of this committee was presented by Mr. Thomas Evans, who had been appointed chair- man thereof fur the ensuing year. The committee had decided to hold its meetings the same as last year. The surveyor's report contained the follow- Ing:-It gives me much pleasure to report that all the roads under my care aie in a satisfactory con- dition, a great number having been greatly im- proved, but some portions have still room for im- provement. Often times I have received letters stating the marked improvement of the roads since the introduction of the steam roller. By the aid of this roller, inferior stones can be pressed evenly and firmly to make good roads if the component parts are completely wedged and dovetailed into one another, so that they cannot either move or rub under the pressure of traffic. lvhere the binding power cannot be attained by rolling, then to secura complete interlocking into a compact mosaic, assis- tance must be given by the addition of binding material. Regarding the landslip at New Quay, the surveyor reported it was about 67 ft. long, and on an average 20ft. deep. Alderman Morgan Evans, and Councillors Rev W. Griffiths and Thos. Evans met him at the above place. They found it very difficult to decide whether a stone culvert or a strong retaining wall would be better. The culvert would cost about £67, and the retaining wall Z59. With regard to the Trebedw approach, which was now very dangerous, the surveyor sug- gested that the road surface be risen 4ft on the bridge (thus reducing the gradient and making it easier to go up and down), and the wing wall re- moved. Then it would be taken through Colonel Lewes and Capt Jenkins' properties, which they were quite willing to give gratis. Colonel Lewes was also willing to supply them with stones and metal tree of charge, but the Council would have to rebuild a pigsty for Mr Havard. The cost would not exceed £ 33. The Surveyor also urged the necessity of widening the road at Cross Inn, the cost of which would not exceed IZZI. The committee also re- ported having been in communication with the New Quay Urban District Council. The Surveyor's estimate for the year was P-1810; steam roller, P.150 repairing bridges and approaches, £ 50; total, £ 2010; expenses for the current quarter £470. The committee also reported having been in com- munication with the New Quay Urban District Council, who were prepared to maintain the road along the landslip provided the County Council made the culvert and agreed to a satisfactory limit to the length of the road to be maintained by the Urban Council. The matter was, however, deferred to the next meeting. The Council at the recommendation of the com- mittee, agreed to purchase 100 tons of broken granite for the Llanwnen roads and 150 tons of lime stones for the Adpar roads. The surveyors estimate was also approved of, but the Committee had postponed the question of widening the road by Cross Inn. The Committee also recommended the adoption of the Surveyor's report on the Trebedw Bridge approach, which was dealt with in the Finance Committee' report. NORTHERN MAIN ROADS COMMITTEE. The report of the Northern Main Roads Com- mittee was also considered and adopted. A DEFECTIVE ROADWAY. The Surveyor (Mr. Roderick Lloyd) reported at this stage that the Llanbadarn-road, Aberystwyth, was in a bad condition, and something had to be done to it either by the County Council or the Rural District Council. The Clerk said this matter had been before the Main Roads Committee many times. At the last meeting a letter was read from the Rural District Council stating that what the contractor had done had been done at the request of Mr. Lloyd. There was no doubt that the surface of the road was not repaired as the resolution said it should be, to the satisfaction of the county surveyor, but there was also this diametric statement that the rural surveyor had been asked by the county surveyor not to put the metalling back. Alderman C. M. Williams: Is that so, Mr. Lloyd The Surveyor No, it is not. The Clerk added that the Gas Company had cut up the road under their powers. He was not aware that their power extended beyond the Aberystwyth district, but Alderman Peter Jones had informed him that their powers extended up to Penllwyn. Alderman C. M. Wiliiams: But the surveyor can insist upon them putting the road back in proper order. Mr. R. Ellis thought that the Main Roads Committee should give instructions to their surveyors to have a sum of money deposited, which should not be returned until the road was put in proper order. Alderman C. M. Williams proposed that the matter be referred to the executive committee. Mr. J. Parry seconded, and the resolution was carried. FINANCE COMMITTEE. This committee reported that they had elected Mr. Daniel Jenkins as their chairman for the ensuing year. During the quarter the treasurer had received, including the balance in hand from the previous quarter, the sum of Lll,535 17s. 3d. while the expenditure for the same period amounted to £ 8,110 12s., leaving a balance in hand of £3,425 5s. 3d. SEA GROYNES AT BORTH. The Finance Committee recommended the ex- penditure of the sum of CI50 upon the extensions of the case" groynes at Borth, in accordance with the resolution of the Main Roads Committee. Mr R. Doughton advocated the enaction of groynes similar to those put down by the County Council some years ago, and which acted admirably. Mr J. Parry said before they passed this resolution he wished to ask the opinion of their surveyor on the matter. Did he approve of these groynes or not ? The Clerk said they had only to receive the surveyor's report, wherein it was shown he was diametrically opposed to it. Mr Henry Bonsall pointed out that the matter was fully gone into by the Main Roads Committeli and passed by the Finance Committee, and he hoped the Council would accept the recommenda- tions of the two committees. Mr David Davies said he did not believe in this work at all, and thought it would only be a waste c!1 of money.' Major Lewes said the matter of groynes was very important and sometimes a difficult matter. If information was required they ought to go further than their own county surveyor, and get a professional man. Mr Daniel Evans supported Major Lewes' views. Mr J. C. Harford said he did not see they could get a better opinion than Mr Case himself. Cromer, for instance, bad been entirely saved from the sea by the case groynes, and he hoped they would have the same effect at Borth. The Chairman said what Mr. Harford had said about Cromer was quite correct, and he could not see that they could go to a better authority than Mr. Case. But whether he would succeed at Borth it was impossible for him to say. Mr. Daniel Evans said he thought the object of the Council was to protect the road and not Borth, and whatever there was to do, to do it themselves, and not join with these other people. The Clerk explained that these two groynes which it was intended to extend were exactly opposite the breach in the main road. This was only part of a great expense, as already £ 1,200 had been expended on groynes at Borth, and the inhabitants by degrees were raising the money. Mr Daniel Evans said according to the Surveyor's report he was strongly of opinion that the groynes would not protect the Council's road. Mr. Robert Ellis replied that as a matter of fact it would, and said that if they used this scheme Mr. Case would get his royalty. The recommenda- tion was that the executive committee was to do the work on behalf of the county, but it would be in agreement with the whole scheme. It was eventually decided that the matter be again referred to the Main Roads Committee. TREBEDW BRIDGE APPROACHES. The Finance Committee reported that after consideration of the proposed expenditure of the sum of £33 upon the straightening of the approaches to the County Bridge at Trebedw, it was considered that, inasmuch as this bridge is not situated upon the main road, part of the cost of improvement should be borne by the Llandyssul Rural District Council as the authority having the control of the road in question; and they recommend that the question be referred back for re-consideration by the Main Roads Committee for the Southern Division. Mr. Thomas Evans said there was considerable traffic over this road since the opening of the Tivy Railway. Alderman C. M. Williams said the committee were unanimous that it would be a bad precedent to pay the whole cost of making this improvement. It was true this improvement might be within 100 yards of the bridge, but all they had to do there was to maintain the surface of the road only. And here they thought it would not be too much to ask the District Council to pay one half. They must bear in mind that this was only a dis- trict road, and for the particular use of that "district alone. In contributing one half, he thought they would be meeting their friends very handsomely. In reply to Mr. J. C. Harford. Colonel Howell explained that the bridge was between Trebedw and Alltcefn. Mr. W. Griffiths said as it was proposed to con- tribute half the cost, would the Council take into consideration that the land was given gratis. Mr. J. M. Howell seconded that the Council con- tribute half of £33, and said if he was a member of the Rural District Council he would accept it thankfully. Mr. Robert Ellis proposed as a further amend- ment that they contribute one third. He did not think it was a question of main road or a question of the desirability or undesirability of this im- provement. It was a question of principle. If this cost £60 he would go in for voting one third, Z20. Mr. Evan Davies seconded the granting of £33, and said the road was made years agoto lead to a public house (laughter). Alderman Morgan Evans said it seemed to him the matter was very complicated. Ithey allowed the one-half, would anybody clear up the question as to who would be responsible for the other half- was it the landlord or the district ? Alderman C. M. Williams The District Council. Mr Harford contended that if they had to main-. tain it it was part of the county debt, and not the District Council's On a division 14 voted for the granting of the £ 33, and 13 against, the former proposition being, therefore, carried. THE FINANCIAL POSITION. A statement of the financial position of the Council was presented, showing that the estimate of receipts for 1899-1900 was P-20,154, while the actual amount received was £ 20,738, and the estimate for 1900--1901 was £ 20,444. The estimate of expenditure for 1899 1900 was Z19,546, and the actual amount spent £ 22,121; and the estimate for 1900-1901, £ 19,666. The Chairman announced he had received a letter from the treasurer, a part of which he thought ought to be really read, because people outside the Council ought to know how excellently their interests were looked after by the Finance and other committees. The letter stated that this was the first year they had been able to anticipate the payments of various unions in the county. C2,400 bad been paid to the uaions for officers and regis- ters up to the 31st March last. This used to be paid in past years in -June or July. £1,247 14s had been paid off loans during the year ending 31st March, besides interest, leaving present loan debt at £ 9,575 lis 4d, divided as follows:—Asylums, £1,655 6s; prisons, L519 8s 4d police stations, £ 1,177 12s 6d; bridges, £5,403 5s 3d main roads, £ 819 19s 3d. Within the next three years four of the largest loans would run out or be paid off. They began 1899 with cash in hand amounting to P,4,829, and on 31st March last they had £3,425 re- maining. The chairman added that he thought the people of the county should know that their interests, as far as the rates of the county were con- cerned, were watched over very carefully by those in whose hands they were placed. The Finance Committee also recommended as follows :—That a county rate of 7!d in the £ be granted for the year, viz., 4d for the first six months and 3kd for the second six months of the financial year; that a rate of a d in the £ be granted for intermediate education; that a rate of a id in the £ be granted for technical instruction. JOINT COUNTY MEDICAL OFFICER. The Finance Committee reported that the clerk read a letter received from the clerk of the Car- marthen County Council on the subject of the pro- posed appointment of a joint medical officer of health for the three counties of Carmarthen, Pem- broke, and Cardigan, in which Mr T Jones stated that he had as yet received no reply from the Pem- brokeshire County Council, and that he could give no particulars of the proposed appointment. The consideration of this question — referred to the Committee of the County Council-was conse- quently deferred. ANALYSTS' AND INSPECTORS' REPORTS. Dr H. Lloyd Snape (public analyst), reported that during the past quarter he had analysed 10 samples of milk, three of gin, and one of whisky. All the spirits were found to be genuine. One of the samples of milk had been deprived of 7 per cent of its cream, and the vendor was prosecuted and fined 5s and costs. Another sample of milk was found to contain a smaller percentage of non-fatty solid* than that required by the low Government standard, the difference being such as would obtain if milk of that standard were adulterated by the addition of 3 per cent of water. The vendor however declared that the milk had not been tampered with, and accordingly another sample was taken in the presence of the local police constable. This proved to be of even poorer quality. Hence these samples must be regarded as genuine, though of quite abnormal character. The abnormality was probably mainly due to the fact of which I was subsequently informed, that two out of the three cows, from which the milk was obtained, were about to calve. Professor Alan Murray reported that during the past quarter he had received for analysis three samples of fertilisers and one of feeding stuffs. All the samples were drawn by the senders themselves. Two of the fertilizers were of the highest quality, and one of them considerably above the guarantee. The third sample was unusually low. Mr David Williams, inspector of weights and measures, reported that during the year ending 25th March last, 4,288 weights were verified and staTnped in the Northern Division. The fees for comparing and stamping amounted to £18 9s; ad- justing weights, £4 8s 5d stamping scales and measures £ 318s9d total £ 2616s 2d. He visited 480 shops in the division during the year. Proceedings were taken against five bakers for not selling bread by weight, all of whom were convicted. A number of other tradesmen were also cautioned for slight irregularities. The total number of weights in- spected and stamped in the Southern Division during the year was 4,797. The fees for comparing and stamping weights amounted to £25 5s. 3 £ d.; for adjusting, £8 6s. 2d.; and for stamping scales and measures, Z2 16s. 3d; total, £36 7s. 8td. He visited about 500 shops in the division during the year, and as a result discovered only slight irregu- larities, for which the offenders were cautioned. The inspector had alsri inspected and stamped 752 weights, 130 measures and 11 scales at New Inn (Llangranog) and New Quay. The fees amounted to Z5 3s. 6d. He paid surprise visits to many places, and examined the scales and weights in use for trade, and found everything satisfactory. Inspector Williams reported that during the past quarter outbreaks of sheep scab had been reported from the districts of Llechryd, Cardigan, Llan- granog, and Aberayron. One person was sum- moned and convicted for neglecting to give infor- mation that his sheep were affected with scab. During the same period four samples of wool were sent to Mr J. A. Evans, M.R.C.V.S., Llandyssul, of suspected cases for his microscopic examination, but only in one sample was he able to discover any parasites. Inspector T. Phillips also reported that sheep scab bad been very prevalent in his division during the quarter. The sheep were in every instance properly attended to, and the disease was now rapidly disappearing. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE. The report of the Technical Instruction Committee was submitted by Mr J. C. Harford, who advised the members that where there was a desire for travelling dairy schools, horticultural lectures, etc., in their districts to communicate with the Clerk, who would make arrangements. Mr. J. M. Howell seconded, and said he wished to bear evidence to the excellent success of Mr Pickard's lectures. Wherever he had gone he seemed to have opened their eyes to very much that they were formerly ignorant of. His had been the most direct influence in practical work of any yet appointed by the Aberystwyth College. Mr. Pickard's services had been greatly appreciated, and he hoped that the College authorities would see their way clear to prolong his services. Alderman Morgan Evans said Mr. Pickard had also been at Llanarth for five days, and heard only one opinion expressed as to the very satisfactory way in which be did his work. The Chairman said he could speak not for one district alone, but for every district where Mr Pickard had been. It was the universal opinion that be bad done most excellent work in the objects brought before the people. He brought things down to the level of the people he mixed amongst and lectured to, and did an enormous amount of good in Cardiganshire. WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. The Clerk announced there had been no meeting of the Weights and Measures Committee, as they had failed to get a quorum, Mr Bonsall being the only member to put in an appearance. Three new maekines where required for the purposes of testing. Mr Henry Bonsall said it would only be a matter of £20, and these new scales were absolutely necessary. The Government would not pass the old ones, and he would move that tke matter be referred back to the Weights and Measures Com- mittee with power to act. Alderman C. M. Williams: And one to form a quorum (laughter). Inspector Williams said he was afraid iZ20 would not be sufficient for the purpose. Mr Bonsall: Well, it is under L50 at any rate (laughter). It was then decided to give the committee power to spend up to £30. NEW BASIS FOR COUNTY RATES. Alderman C. M. Williams proposed that the new basis or standard for county rates prepared by the Assessment Committee, and laid before the Council at the previous meeting be approved. Alderman Williams said that when the committee's report was presented at the previous meeting the total assessable value of the county at the time was £ 243,930. They recommended that certain re- ductions should be made, and the amount was reduced to P,226,656, showing a reduction of £ 17,274, which was distributed fairly between the different Unions. Mr. M. Howell enquired how the reduction was effected. The Clerk said that on the actual value of build- ings and hereditaments, not being agricultural land, 10 per cent was taken off. Reductions of small amounts were also made in small parishes where it was proved to the satisfaction of the com- mittee that the income tax was rather in excess of the value. Mr. Thomas Morgan: Can you name these parishes 1 The Clerk replied that the reductions were made as follows:—Haenpennal, Z244 Llangeitho, 9208; Llanbadarn Odwyn, £ 92; Caron-is, £ 289; Lledrod Lower, £ 98; and Ysbytty Ystwyth, Z40. Cellan was also mentioned to the committee, but on going through this carefully the valuer said he could not find any injustice there at all. Alderman C. M. Williams said the total reduction in the Tregaron Union was £ 2,010. The new reduction was then unanimously adopted. PRINTING AND ADVERTISING TENDERS. The Printing and Advertising Committee re- ported having received tenders for the Council's printing, and their recommendations thereon were accepted. The scale of charges proposed to be made for the insertion of the Council's public notices and adver- tisements by the local papers were also examined and considered by the committee, and it was re- commended that the Journal's tender be accepted for all notices and advertisements relating to the south of the county only, and that of the Welsh Gazette for all relating to the north of the county only, and that all notices, &c., affecting the whole of the county be inserted in both these newspapers. Alderman C. M. Williams moved the adoption of the recommendation, with the addition of the word alternately." The mover said the clerk had been asked to invite prices from the different newspapers circulating in the county, and reporting their pro- ceedings. That was done, and the list was sub- mitted to the Printing Committee, the members of which were all present with the exception of one, and they unanimously arrived at this decision. The scale of charges varied from 41d per line to 3d. He thought they had acknowledged the Journal as circulating in the lower end of the county. For the upper end up to recently they had been inserted in another paper, whose scale of charges, he believed, used to be 6d per line. But there was a reduction when they invited tenders, and the tender of the Journal was also reduced, for a series, to 4d per line. The tender of the Welsh Gazette was 3d per line, and after full discussion the committee unanimously arrived at this report. Considerable discussion followed upon this matter, and Mr. J. M. Howell proposed as an amendment, and Mr. Henry Bonsall seconded, that the name of the other paper published in the upper part of the county be also added to the list. Major Price-Lewes proposed a further amend- ment that the other newspaper printed in the northern part of. the county be substituted for that recommended by the committee, on the ground of its longer service in reporting the affairs of the county. Dr. Jenkin Lewis, Llanon, seconded this amendment, and said he was not in favour of subsidising newspapers. Alderman. C. M, Williams, in his reply, said, he was sorry that one or two members had attempted to introduce quite irrelevant matter. There was no feeling because of certain criticism, and he hoped Dr. Lewis would give credit to the members of the committee for acting fairly and honestly. He might say the members of the committee who considered the matter could have no bias one way or the other, and the idea of the word subsidising being introduced by a man like Dr. Lewis. If that was his opinion, he was only sorry for his standard of fairness. Who ever asked to subsidise anything ? They simply invited the scale of charges of different papers, and satisfied themselves that the circulation of the papers recommended was quite equal to papers in which the advertisements were formerly inserted. Their proceedings had been reported fuller in the Welsh, Gazette, and he should not at all be surprised, fairer than in the other paper. The argument as to long service was entirely new ground to him. This paper had only been in existence one year, and consequently only served the county one year. And it would be quite as reasonable to have expected Dr. Lewis to have served his country and generation before he was born. This paper had served the county well, and had reported its proceedings fully, and in the face of the difference in the charges the committee felt that they would appear ridiculous to recommend the higher charges. The object of the committee was to get what they considered the best circulation and the best reporting at the lowest price. On being put to the meeting. Major Price Lewes' amendment was carried by 14 votes against 12. HORTICULTURAL LECTURES. A resolution was proposed that the Council ask the University authorities to reappoint Mr Pickard as horticultural lecturer for another 12 months. The Chairman, however, thought it would not be wise for the County Council to pass any resolutions as to the appointment of any of their staff. A resolution was, however, unanimously carried expressing appreciation at Mr Pickard's services, and it was decided that this be forwarded to the College authorities.

TOWYN.

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