Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

North Cardiganshire Agri- cultural Society. A general meeting of members of the above .Society was held at the Old Black Lion on Monday, there being a fair attendance of members. Mr L. Prvse, Aberllolwyn,°was unanimously voted to the chair. The minutes'of the last meeting were read, in which it was stated that the show proposed to be held should be an open one, with a few local < classes. The question whether the money in their favour at the bank could be drawn if the show were to be an open one having arisen, the secretary (Mr z, R. R. Jenkins), stated that the money could be transferred from the trustees and placed in the name of the president. The ljinutes were then passsed. The Chairman announced that the first business was to ;fix the date of the show, and a lengthy discussion followed, some difficulty being experienced in fixing a date that would not clash with any other public event. Eventually a pro- position was put forward that the show take place on the 14th of August, while as an amendment it was proposed that the 11th of September be fixed upon. On a division, ten voted for the amendment and five for the original proposition, thus fixing the date as September 11th. The Chairman said he thought the collecting books should be in the hands of the secretary at an early date, in order that the schedule might be drawn up. He thought they should be returned by the first of May. On a member suggesting that that would not give the collectors sufficient time, the Secretary said the books would be returned to the collectors after the schedule had been drawn up. It was then resolved that the books should be in the hand; of the secretary by the first of May. Mr R. Williams said there was a feeling among some of the farmers that if they subscribed to the Society they could talk as much as they Iked at any meeting of the Society. The Chairman asked what the subscrip- tion to the Society should be. Mr Williams proposed that it be 10s 6d, and then all who subscribed that sum could talk as much as they liked. It was decided that all subscribers of 10s 6d and upwards should be members of the Society. With reference to the entrance fee for exhibitors it was decided to leave that matter to the next meet- in"\ Mr Richards proposed that the date of the show should be advertised, so that no other show would clash with it, and Mr Williams seconded, and it. was carried. Mr Richards then proposed that the four local papers should advertise the fact. Mr Williams proposed that they should go further than that and advertise in one or two papers outside the district It was ultimately decided that advertise- ments announcing the date of the show should b- inserted in the local papers and that the advertisements should appear twice. The Chairman said that they had not yet elected a vice- president, and was of opinion that they should elect more than one vice-president.—Mr Morris proposed. and it was unanimously resolved, that all subscribers of five guineas and upwards should be vice-presidents and this brought the meeting to a close.

Board of Guardians. The fortnightly meeting of the Aberystwyth Board ofGuardians was held at the Union Work- bouse, on Monday, Mr W. A. Miller (chairman), presiding. There were also present Messrs William Morris. Cyfoethybrenin; G. Fossett Roberts, B. Ellis Morgan, T. E. Salmon, Rev T. A. Penry, and Edwin Morris, Aberystwyth; John Davies, Ceulan- ymaesmawr J. B. Morgan, Cynullmawr; Richard Jones. Llanbadarn Upper; James Jones, Llanbadarn Lower; David Morgan and Thomas Powell, Llan- iihangel Upper; Evan Richards, Llanfihangel Lower; E. J. Evans, Llangwyryfon; Evan Lewis, Llan Harminiog; John Jones, Llan Mefenydd; Thomas James, Trefeirig; Richard Thomas, Tir- mynach and Thomas Henry Jones, Parcel Canol with Mr Hugh Hughes (clerk), E. Llewlyn (assistant clerk); and the Relieving Officers. OUT-RELIEF. The amount of out-relief administered during the past fortnight was as follows:—Per Mr Thomas Vaughan, Aberystwyth district, £ 51 3s 6d to 156 paupers; corresponding period last year, ££1.'1 lis bd to 165 paupors; an increase of £3 6s Id in the amount of relief, and of 9 in the number of paupers. Per Mr J. J. Hughes, Llanfihangel district, 942 lis 6i to 152 paupers corresponding period last y^ar. £ 39 8s to 144 paupers; a decrease of £3 3s oil in relief, and eight in the number of paupers. Per Mr J. Morgan, Rheidol district, £ 49 lis 6d to 144 paupers corresponding period last year, F,50 IO-z. to 149 paupers; a decrease of 18s 6d in relief, and of 5 in the number of paupers. The Master (Mr John Jones) reported that the number of inmates in the House was as follows 1st week 54. as against 46 last year; 2nd week, 55, as against 46 last year; the number of vagrants relieved was, 1st week 20. as against 15 last year; 2nd week, 32, as against 22 last year. WORKHOUSE DIETARIES. A communication was received from the Local Goverrmpnt. TCourd acknowledging the receipt of the Guardians, letter of the 27th ult. and stating that they assented to the regulations as to the Workhouse dietaries in the order of their 10th October last, having effect in the case of the Aberystwyth Union on and after the 31st inst. PUBLIC VACCINATOR. A communication was received from the Local Government Board acknowledging the proposal of the Guardians of tne ADerystwytn union tor the appointment of a public vaccinator for the liar and Xilanrhystyd district, and statirg that they were prepared to approve a contract with Mr J. A. Rees, drawn in accordanca therewith, and also requesting that the contract, when prepared, should be sub- mitted for the Board's approval. The contract bad now been returned by the Local Government Board and on the proposition of Rev. T. A. Penry it was adopted and the Chairman was authorised to sign the same. AUDITOR. A circular was received from the Local Govern- ment Board certi tying the appointment of a district auditor for the South Wales audit district. It was explained that some districts had been taken from the District Auditor and others added, and a third district had been formed. HOUSE COMMITTEE. Mr B. E. Morgan submitted the report of the House Committee, which met on Wednesday. The Committee recommended that the cook be granted her usual holiday Mr Morgan also stated that at the next meeting he would move that a new cooking range and gas stove be purchased for the kitchen. It was apparent to all who visited the House that something should be done. By giving notice of his motion, the meeting could delegate it to the House Committee. The House Committee's report was adopted. 40 LADY MEMBERS. Mr T. E. Salmon stated that he wished to give notice that at the next meeting he would move that two ladies be co-opted as additional Guardians and members of this Board. Rev T. A. Panry asked if the ladies were members of the Boarding-out Committee. Mr Salmon then included in his motion the words, being members of the Boarding Out Committee." CARBOLIC ACID. A communication was received from the Local Government Board notifying the fact that carbolic acid would in future come under the head of Poison. The Clerk asked the Master if there was any carbolic acid in the House, and the Master replied in the negative. Rev. T. A. Penry said that a separate cupboard should be provided for poisons. On the proposition of Mr G. Fossett Roberts, tms matter was referred to the House Committee. PIZOVISIONIS. A letter was read from Mr Lewis Williams, Stocktaker, certifying that he had compared the stock of provisions, necessaries, clothing, and clothing materials at the House, and found the same to be correct, as regards the qnantites of stock remaining in store. A RELIEF CASE. Considerable discussion arose in the case of relief to a certain pauper,; named Ann Edwards, who had been reported by the Medical Officer as disabled. Mr John Davies stated that some persons bad been saying that he had been trying to stop the relief given to this pauper. He had not done anything of the kind. He always spoke his mind and had done so for three years. Some persons had been very kind, not only to tell the truth, but also to say what was untrue. Rev T. A. Penry said that the accusation brought against Mr Davies was one they were all liable to. Mr James Jones thought the pauper under discussion did not care very much for work. She could pick wool as well as any other person. He proposed that 2s 6d be grantad her for a month. Mr E. J. Evans said the Dr. bad pronounced her totally disabled, and they could not go behind that. The Chairman thought it better if the Relieving Officer would watch the case for the next fortnight. Mr Fossett Roberts said that if she had been working for the last fortnight, the doctor's state- ment might be wrong. Mr E J Evans proposed that the Clerk write specially to the doctor on this case and explain all, and ask him to make a special report. It was ultimately resolved that the Relieving Officer should watch the case for a fortnight, and that the doctor be written to. ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS. The Clerk stated, this being the last meeting of the Board, that 26 meetings had been held during the past year, and the attendance of members was as follows:-W. A. Miller, 25: T. A. Penry. 23; Edward Jones, 22; James Jones, 21; William Morris, 21; G. Fossett Roberts, 21; B. E. Morgan, 20; T. E. Salmon, 20; E. Morris, 20; Lewis Richards, 20; J. B. Morgan, 20; Thomas Powell, 20; E. J. Evans' 20; Evan Lewis, 19; R. Thomas. 19; Charles Davies, 18: Thomas Jones. 16; J. Davies, 15; Evan Richards, 15; Daniel Morris, 15; Hugh Hughes, 14; Thomas JenkinsJ 13; David Edwards, ii John Morgan, 12; David Morgan, 12; John Jones, 12; Richard Davies, 12; Thomas Henry Jones, 10; Richard James, 9; William Hughes, 7: Richard Jones, 7: Richard Jenkins, 7; David Lloyd, 7; E. Simon, 5; J. E. James, 5 J. J. James, 4. On the School Attendance Committee (12 meet- ings) the following were the figures:— Edward Jones, 9; James Jones, 9; D. Edwards, 8: John Davies, 7; Richard Thomas, 6 Daniel Morris, 4; John Jones, 3; John H. Jones, 3. Assessment Committee (19 meetings):- W. A. Miller, 17; E. Morris, 17; James Jones, 16; G. Fossett Roberts, 15; William Morris, 12; E. J. Evans, 10; T. E. Salmon, 9; David Edwards, 9; John Davies, 9; John Morgan, 8; J. J. James, 6; J. E. James, 5. VOTES OF THANKS. The Rev T. A. Penry said that this being the last meeting of this Board, it would be well on their part not to depart without taking note of the fact, and to discharge the duty of acknowledging the services rendered by their Chairman and their officers. He begged to propose a hearty vote of thanks to the Chairman for his very able and faithful services. It had been a very pleasant year and everything had gone harmoniously, and he (the speaker) expressed his sincere regret at the discontinuance of his services. Without taking the future into consideration they could only thank him for services in the past. Mr James Jones seconded. He had been working with the Chairman for. some years, and had always found him most attentive to his business. He was very sorry Mr Miller would not be on the Board again. The vote was; carried unanimously. Mr Miller, on rising to acknowledge the vote. was received with cheers. He could only say that be had tried to do his best. They were all liable to make mistakes, but all could do their best. It had been a great pleasure to him to preside over the meetings of the Board, and everything had gone on very harmoniously. There had been no hitch and no unpleasantness. He hoped that who- ever would follow him to the chair would have as pleasant a time as he had had. Mr B. Ellis Morgan proposed a vote of thanks to the Vice-chairman, who was a most reliable officer, and in the ordinary course of events he could almost predict that he would in the future preside over their meetings. Mr G. Fossett Roberts seconded, and said he hoped Mr Morris would have more work to do in the future than he had had in the past. Mr Miller had done his work so thoroughly, that he left but a little for the Vice-chairman. He had great con- fidence in him, and had great pleasure in seconding the vote of thanks to him. The vote was unanimously agreed to. Mr Morris, the vice-chairman, acknowledged in suitable terms. As he had said when he was elected to the vice-chairmanship, he knew he would not have much to do when Mr Miller was in the chair. He (Mr Miller) had only missed one meet- ing, and that was because business called him from town. He had done the best he could, and thanked them for their vote. Mr W. A. Miller then said he had great pleasure in moving a vote of thanks to their Clerk for the very able way in which he had discharged his duties, and also for his valuable assistance. He had always been very willing to assist them in every way. He (the speaker) bad also great pleasure in coupling with the Clerk and his assist- ant Clerk the names of the Relieving Officers. The Vice-Chairman seconded, and it was unan- imously carried. Mr Hugh Hughes (the clerk) in acknowledging. said this was not the first time he had had the pleasure of replying to this vote. On behalf of the other officers and himself he thanked them for it. It was a pleasing duty to the officers, to find that their services were recognised, particularly at the last meeting of the Beard. It was particularly so in regard to the relieving officers. They deserved all the support the Board could give them. No one knew under what difficulties they sometimes discharged their duties. They must be men poss- essing a large amount of tact and common sense in dealing with the cases of relief, so as to rightly dis- criminate between the deserving poor and the im- postors. If any mistake occurs, the poor relieving officers are generally blamed. However, he was very glad to say that it was very seldom a mistake occurred. And for that the thanks are due to the Guardians. It was an encouragement, and he hoped they would go on for many years. He thanked them for their kind vote. Rev. T. A. Penry then said that closely connected with that matter was another. They did not know under what difficulties some of their officers dis- charged their duties. Their friend Mr Morgan, the relieving officer, had lately lost a daughter. This was a very sore affliction, and he begged to move a vote of heartiest condolence with him and his family. Mr E. J. Evans seconded, and it was passed un- animously, to which Mr Morgan replied. The Vice-Chairman said there was one vote yet which he hoped they would pass. That was a vote of thanks to the press for reporting their meetings. Mr B. E Morgan seconded, and it was carried, the vote being suitably acknowledged by the senior reporter.

LLANON. NEVER Too LATE TO MED.-It is said that besides Dr Lewis. Mr E. Morgan was also present at the meeting recently held in connection with the light railway scheme. County Councillors to the front. SUNDAY SCHOOL.—On Easter Monday the Llan- sant ffraidlCh urch Sunday School visited Aberayron, a custom which has been in force for more than a decade. Tho portion of .scripture selected for catechism was Numbers ix, and the anthem de- cided on was Er i'r ffigysbren na ilodeuo O. Alaw). It was gratifying to note that when Mr D. Davies was arranging the choir the church with its huge dimensions was literally crammed. A sub- stantial lunch had been provided at the National School and all heartily partook of it. The number present was 273. Most of the "beauties" were unablejcfojattend but'their places had been well filled. We extend our hearty thanks to the following for their care: Mrs Richards, 1, Portland-street; Mrs Beckett, Denver House; Mrs Jones, Acron Villa Mrs Jones, Gwalia; Mrs Thomas, Post Office; Mrs Davies, Levant; and Miss Jones, Dauntless House. Thanks are also due to Mr Ebenezer Evans, and Mr John Davies, superintendents of i the Sunday School, as well as to the young people z- who served at table, nor should we omit the Rev D. Lewis, vicar, Mr David Davies, conductor, and Miss Morgan and Miss Lewis, organists.

ABERAYRON. ACCIDENT.—Mr Munro Hughes, manager of the National Provincial Rank, met with a slight mishap last Tuesday week while returning from New Quay. He was, in company with Mrs Hughes, driving in a phieton, when near Bargoed the horse took fright and bolted down the hill, across the narrow bridge, and around the corner up the Rhyd Hill, with such force and violence that the vehicle almost split in two. Luckily the horse stopped just opposite Rhyd, and a serious accident was thus averted. Neither Mr nor Mrs Hughes are any the worse for J their perilous adventure. | PENNANT PRIZES.—The Male Voice Party prize for the best rendering of Dr. Parry's Codwn Hwyl" at the Pennant Competitive Meeting on Thursday was divided between the two Aberayron choirs, led respectively by Mr J. G. Rees and Mr Henry Jones. OBITUARY.—Last Tuesday week, Thomas Bycroft, an inmate of the Workhouse since last November, died of heart disease. Prior to entering the Workhouse he used to work as stone cutter with Mr. J. D. Lloyd, Pantteg. The funeral took place on Friday, the service at the House being con- ducted by the Rev. J. Thickens. MARRIAGE.—On Saturday morning at Holy Trinity Church, by the Rev. J. M. Griffiths, vicar, the wedding was solemnised of Mr Ben Robinson, Regent Street, and Miss James, Cadwgan Place. Mr William Robertson, brother of the bridegroom, acted as best man. The bridemaids were Miss Lena Evans, Victol-ia-street, neice of the bridegroom, and MissKate Jones, Cadwgan-place, cousin 01 tne i bride. The Bride was given away by her cousin, | Mr E. Harries, Marine Villa, Lampeter, in the absence of her brother, who is now in Souths Africa. The Bride was charmingly attired in a cream Cash- mere dress trimmed with cream lace, and a cream chiffone hat to match. Much interest centred in the marriage, and the sacred edifice was crowded with friends and well-wishers. During the ceremony, Mrs Griffiths played most beautifully, some appropriate music on organ. As the party left the Church, the Wedding March was played, and the bell was rung, and as the party came out, they were greeted with volley of rice. The wedding party drove to Lampeter, where a breakfast was partaken. The happy couple left by the 4-30 p.m. train for Cardiff, where the honeymoon will be spent. The Bride wore for travelling, a navy-blue costume and a black picture hat. The presents were numerous and valuable. SECTARIANISM IN ABERAYRON. As our strictures on the sectarianism displayed in the recent election have been evidently misunderstood in certain quarters, we hasten to further explain our views on this important, and, to a place like Aberayron, where the divergence between the sects is so marked, vital matter. What we meant by sectarianism is not that healthy rivalry between the different sects, which promote 's their activity, and thereby extends their usefulness, but that mean, narrow-minded intolerance of all those who happen to hold different views from ourselves in regard to matters sectarian. It is well for the various denominations to feel a certain rivalry with one another: it helps to keep up the energy of their vitality. But what is objected to is the carrying out of this sectarian feeling to other spheres of life, to the great detriment of the common weal, and the embitterment of all social ond civic relations. This unfortunately is the spirit in which our elections are fought, and it cannot be too strongly condemned. Let us elect the best and fittest to represent us, irrespective of secy and we will net lose in the long run. BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Board of Guardians was held on Wednesday the 3rd inst. This was the last meeting of the old Board as elected three years ago. There were present:—Mr T, A, Lloyd, Llan- Z,- santffraid (chairman) Mrs Leah Jones, and Mrs MagdaV'n ilcs, Aberayron; Messrs J. C. Jones, A. Lloyd Ret*, and G. Griffiths. Llanarth; Jenkin Davies and E. C. Evans, Llansilio; David Rees, and D. Evans, New Quay; S. Evans, Llanllwchaiarn Lewis James, Cilie; D. Jones, Ystrad J. M. Howell. Henfynyw; T. Davies, Llanddewi-Aberarth J, Davies, Llanbadarn Trefeglwys; J. M. Jones, Cilcennin and James Williams, Dihewyd; together with Messrs Griffith Evans. master; W. Evans and A. L. Thomas, relieving officers; and B. C. Jones, clerk. CORRESPONDENCE. A letter was received from the Swansea Union that they were on the Medical Officer's certificate, continuing the relief to Annie Courtney.—A letter was also received from the Machynlleth Union granting the sum of 30s for clothing Mary Owen, a girl an inmate of the House.—A letter was also received from the Newcastle Emlyn Union asking for authority to increase the allowance of Margaret Rees'from 5s 6d to 6s weekly, she being a native of Mydroilyn within the Aberayron Union district. The Clerk was instructed to reply granting the allowance. THE HOUSE. The Master reported that Thomas Bycroft, admitted 26th November, 1900, died on Tuesday, April 2nd, of heart disease. He was aged 61. COSTS OF THE ELECTIONS. The Clerk reported the costs of the recent elections as follows :-Cydplwyf and Llanina, £ 2 18 s 3d; Lianarth, £ 5 ls 7cl; Llanbadarn Treieglwys, C3 2s 4d Llansantffraid, £ 3 0s 4d Llanllwchaiarn, £ 3 2s lOd Henfynyw and Llanddewi Lower, P, 3 1,3s 8d. Half of this latter sum would be paid by the Aberayron Urban Council as these elections were held con- jointly. There were seven uncontested elections, and these cost 10s each. Each parish will have to pay its own costs, as it is illegal to charge them to the Union in general. TENDERS. Mr A. Lloyd Rees, Capt David Rees, and Captain David Evans, New Quay, and Mr J. M. Jones were appointed to open the tenders for contracting to supply provisions and clothing. ESTIMATE. | The Clerk presented an estimate of expenditure for the forthcoming half-year. The expenditure was estimatedat £ 167219s. The sum of £ 75418s 3d would, however, be received against this to the credit of the general fund. The difference thus would be about 9,918, which comes to 9d in the zE. The intermediate education rates were estimated at L641 being thus about 6td in the E. TVe rural district rate will for the ensuing half-year be 6d in the £ compared with lid in the half year ending Michaelmas 1900 which was owing to the Llanina case costs. RURAL DISTRICT COUNCIL. Mr James Williams, Dihewyd, presiding. The only business of importance was the reading of the report of the Medical Officer of Health (Dr Jenkin Lewis). MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. Gentlemen,—I beg to submit my report for the year ended December 31st, 1900, together with the accompanying tables. The total number of children born in the Liansantffiaid district during the year was 102, consisting of 53 boys and 49 girls. This gives a birth rate of 21-5 per 1,000. The total number of deaths during the same year was 93. This gives a death rate of 19 5 per 1,000. Nine died under one year of age four between 1 and 5 years four between 5 and 15 years eight between 15 and 25 years twenty-eight between 25 and 65 years and forty above 65 years of age. These are divided amongst the various parishes in the district as follows:— j Llanddewi-Aberarth.—Population, 613. Deaths at all ages—11. One died from influenza, two from phthisis, one from another tuberculous dis- ease, one from heart disease, and six from all other causes. Henfynyw.—Population, 375. Deaths at all agps-9. Of these four died from influenza, one from entiritis, one from phthisis, one from a disease of parturition, and two from all other causes. Llansantffraid.—Population, 1,115. Deaths at all ages-23. Of these one died from influenza, one from entiritis, three from phthisis, one from tubercular disease, one from cancer, one from bronchitis, three from pneumonia, one from pleurisy, one from a disease of parturition, one from heart disease, and nine from all other causes. Llan uadarn-Trefcgl wys- POpll ¡ation, 731. Deaths at all ages—17. Of these, one died from influenza, one from phthisis, two from tubercular diseases, one from bronchitis, one from pleurisy, two from premature birth, three from heart diseases, and six from all other causes. Cikennin-Population, 454. Deaths from all causes-5. Of these, one died from influenza, one from phthisis, one from bronchitis, one from pneumonia and one from scarlet fever. Llanfihangel-Ystrad—Population, 976. Deaths at all ages—19. Of these, two died from influenza, three from enteritis, four from phthisis, one from another tubercular disease, three from heart diseases, and six from all other causes. Ciiie Aeron— Population, 303 Deaths at, all ages 7. Of these' one died from tubercular disease, one from bronchitis, one from pneumonia, one from a disease of parturition, and three from all J other causes. | Llanerchayron—Population, 173. Deaths at all | ages—2. Of these, one died i> m diphtheria, and jj one from an accident. J The Inspector and myself made periodical visits to different parts of the district nuring the year and the following cases w^re reported :—Insanitary dwellings, arising from damp fix>r^ roofs leaking, cowsheds, and piggeries attached or too near thereto, and filthy house-keeping—38. New houses without privy accommodation—6. Public nuisances, such as sewage allowed to discharge into public thoroughfares, and carcases left iinburied-13. Houses unfit for human habitation-3. Thirty-seven cases of infectious disease were notified, 17 of diphtheria, and 20 of scarlet fever. Of the diphtheria cases, one was between one and five years of age; 15 between five and 15 years; and one between 25 and 65 years. Of the scarlet fever cases, two occurred between one and five years of age 18 between five and 15 years. One died from diphtheria, and one from scarlet fever. The conclusion I have derived from my experience both as Medical Officer and a practitioner is that the dwellings of these rural parts—and I fear, of rural Wales generally-are truly in a deplorably in- sanitary condition, and indeed I cannot but ascribe a great portion of the indifferent physique, the in- 1 1 1.1 1 amerent neaitn, aye, ana very many or tne more common maladies that cne sees about, to the blight of insanitary environments. Wales, a narrow strip along the sea, with the keenest and wholesomest air in the world, and a people singularly simple and temperate in all their habits, should be able to boast a far healthier, finer, sturdier rural popu- lation than she actually possesses. Something is sadly amiss. Doubtless owing to a looser grip on certain elementary, but very important, hygenic laws, a process of physical degradation has been steadily going on for the last hundred years or more, and at such a phase have things at last ar- 8 rived that unquestionably the reform most pressing- ly urgent in Wales to-day is the sanitary reforma- I tion of its rural "districts. It is amazing that | whilst some petty political party squabble of very dubious meaning, and still more dubious issue, will I evoke boundless energy and devotion, this great question of public health commonly commands, but the most casual attention, and is even frequently disregardedfentirely. A whole-hearted devotion to this cause, about the sanest of all causes, can be exercised by quiet, steadfast work without turmoil, controversy, or agitation, and yet never fail to realize some substantial and enduring good at every step. In large towns bristling with vested rights and antagonistic interests, sanitary reforms may be hard to initiate, and the application of sanitary principles demand technical and expert knowledge of the most exceptional accuracy. But in rural parts the most important and essential sanitary' reforms are neither bewildering in number, nor intricate in character. As a matter of fact they are few and simple and very easy of application. If, for an illustration, we exame the chief sanitary defects of this particular district; you will immediately perceive how few they really are, and how very easily they might be remedied. Here they are in three small groups:—1 Damp dwellings. 2 Unwholesome residentiary surroundings. 3 Im- pure water. (a) Damp dwellings.—It is really impossible to over-estimate the amount of low- grade physique, fragile health, minor ailments (frequently interrupting work), and even of grave maladies that positively and directly arise from this one error. Here in Wales, a land of a notori- alisly heavy rainfall, one might expect that common prudence would dictate strenuous and ev,en vigilant efforts to safeguard the actual dwelling place from the prevailing damp of the country. Such, bow- ever, is by no means the case. On the contrary, as a matter of fact, the most ordinary precautions to secure Dry Dwellings are neglected. In many cottages the floor is still but the mer soil, and that frequently so damp as actually to rot the leg- of the bed- steads. i hat alas, too often rest upon it. Mouldy smelling rooms, splotched whitewash, and rotten wall paper tell the same tale, turn where we may. I assure you these damp dwellings genera- tion after generation do exact a heavy toll of early deaths, and old age is not to be reached within them! Why are the walls of ordinary dwellings in this district thus always damp ? It is quite futile to contend that the damp is due to bad wall- ing, poor mortar, or faulty laying or dressing of stones. In exceptional instances, such may be the case, but more commonly the defect is one of initial faulty construction. This abiding house damp (and this I would wish to strongly impress upon you( is really not owing to wind-driven rain soaking and penetrating the masonry, but to that capillary or sponge-like attraction whereby all walls can suck up camp from a water-sodden soil; that is to say, if no break be interposed. In the building of the ordinary rural dwelling no care is in the first instance taken to thoroughly concrete the foundations, and in the second place (and this is of surpassing importance) a dry course is scarcely set at the ground level. Add to that that the frequent torrents falling on the roof are per- mitted to precipitate themselves in a deluge at the very foot of the house wall, unrestrained by gutter or pipe, and that pools and puddles where rain water may collect and linger for weeks and months together, are allowed to remain unlevelled within a few feet of the ciwellin,, and that scarcely ever is the smallest trouble taken to divert soaking runnels from its immediate vicinity, and you will at once perceive that damp walls are absolutely inevitable. It is simply iniquitous that people should be per- mitted to put up these subtle engines of destruction, for such these damp dwellings unquestionably are. Seeing, then, the extreme importance of this matter, it is to be earnestly hoped chat all rural authorities concerned with public health will press Parliament for ample powers to overlook and regulate the erection of all residences in country districts, and, in the meantime, strain every power and influence they may at present possess to limit and mitigate this insidious evil of damp dwellings, (b) Un- wholesome Hesidentiary Surrounding"The Welsh rural dwelling itself has but one grave fault, namely, that to which I have just referred—its dampness. Inside it is generally clean and well kept, but, al.,is! for its surroundings. Its immediate vicinity is often but an area of monstrous nuisances. Pigstyes, foul and stagnant duck ponds, malodorous dune- heaps, and the various filthy litter of a cattle yard encompass it all about, and to reach the door of many t lious e, even in this district, one must literally wade through a foul quagmire. With such environ- ments it is simply impossible that the air within the dwelling should be sweet, wholesome, and in- vigorating. The abiding contamination of it un- questionably reacts banefully on the health of the dwellers, and-especially on the physique of growing children. Another nilisance pertaining to the same category, and one of a peculiarly indecent and revolting a nature arises from the absence of privy accommodation. Most of the farmhouses and isolated cottages in this district are without any such accomodation, and even hamlets and villages of comparatively large populations possess but very scant accomodation of the kind. This disgusting blemish should be promptly remedied. During the last fifty and especially during the last thirty years the dwellings in rural districts have undoubtedly undergone a vast aesthetic improvement. Pits, hollows, and puddles, nnd ugly inequalities of surface where stagnant water and putrid filth may linger should on no account.. whatever be per- mitted in the immediate vicinity of residences. People should be peremptorily called upon to nicely level the open area around the house, and see to it to procure a good fall for rain and scourings. Moreover, pigstyes, duckponds, and such like should be relegated to a proper distance. The messy and filthy untidiness of the ground around most houses is not only aesthetically detestable, but, from a sonitary standpoint, positively dangerous and utterly intolerable. What is wanted is definite and minute instruction, with an unrelenting insistence on sweetness and cleanliness in house-surroundings by the Local Sanitary Authorities—an insistence that will brook neither excuse no.r. disobedience. (c) Impure Household Water.—Absolutely pure air within and around the dwelling is assuredly of vast importance, but there is one thing of still greater importance, and that, is that its inhabitants be supplied with absolutely pure water. Impure household water is a constant source of subtle and deadly dangers. We know with what vigilance the water supply of large towns is scrutinized, and what a hubbub is raised, should it by any chance be found in the least degree polluted. The need of uncontaminated water is everywhere the same, yet in rural districts the farm or cottage householder is allowed to procure his water where and how he pleases. Not only is there nosupervision, but scarcely ever is the least interference on the part of public authority—even to the extent of a suggestion. Nay, even in the case of quite large villages interference is apt to be casual and very perfunctory. The wells that furnish water to most rural households are, from their situation, obviously open to pollution and in many instances are actually more or less seriously contaminated. Surface water from very dirty areas often dribbles into them, and leakings from dung-heaps and farmyards percolating into the ground, frequently, find their way into the water of the clear bubbling spout, that commands the un- questioning trust of many a family! For this state of things there is really no valid excuse whatsoever, for an abundant supply of pure water can be procured well nigh everywhere, and in most places with wonderfully little trouble or expense. Seeing, therefore, that an ample supply of pure water can everywhere be so easily and inexpensively procured. I have no hesitation in saying that it should always be insisted on as a working principle, that not only, shall no village or hamlet: but that not even the remotest cottage or farmhouse shall utilize for domestic purposes any water-source until such water-source shall have obtained the specific sanction and approval of the Sanitary Authority. Allow me now to turn to what is doubtless a more striking, though I can hardly concede to a more important, topic—that of epidemic (liseases. To this subject I have unfortunately bad to refer in some previous reports, and I am now regretfully obliged to add that it would seem as if this dis- trict were annually visited by scarlatina and diphtheria, iind that occasionally cases of typhoid fever also befal. The opportunities of importation are very many. This is by no means an isolated I district. On the contrary, it has the town of Aber- ayron within it, and has attached to it a very large emigrant, but oft-revisiting, population, many of whom return home once, or perhaps twice, a year for holidays from large towns in England and elsewhere. These former residents are also very fond of sending their children to their old rural homes to recuperate from different kinds of illnesses, some of which, at any rate, we may very reasonably assume to have been in the first instance of a zymotic nature. We have also a pretty large marine population constantly returning from different ports and countries. Then latterly, doubtless, suggested by the peculiar faculties of the Parcels Post, a custom of sending linen home to be washed from distant parts has set in. I cannot but regard this as a possible-nay, a probable-additional means of infection. It is thus, as you see, a district by no means easily safeguarded from this particular danger. In this connection it also behoves us to examine what manner of place, regarded from a sanitary stand- point, is the chief commercial centre of the district, namely, Aberavron. That centre, I regret to say, is nowise a sanitary model. Its water supply is neither abundant nor particularly excellent, and its privy accommodation, as you all know,is a common jibe. Altogether, the provisions and appliances it possesses for combating any epidemic thay may arise within its own boundaries are of the barest and scantiest possible kind. Obviously enough, these things have a very important bearing orf the safety of the surrounding rural district, and, really, when- ever an outbreak of fever occurs in Aberayron, a town so lamentably lacking in the means to protect itself, the neighbouring country is pretty certain to be invaded. When aa infectious case does, unfortunately, occur in a farmhouse or a cottage, it is extremely difficult, as things are, and, indeed, almost impossible to curb its ravages within the household. It is quite the exception to find a house with a suitable spare bedroom, where even the most elementary isolation may be essayed. As a rule, indeed, the house accommodation barely suffices ordinary every-day needs, and in the poor cottages the construction is so primitive that the stricken person must, from first to last, be nursed within sight, and, as it were, in the very midst ot the rest of the household. When an epidemic gains entrance to a house, is it any wonder that, under the conditions, the whole family is so often victimised before the scourge finally departs ? Furthermore, let it be borne in mind that rural folk, at any rate as yet, know very little about the behaviour of these zymotic diseases. That defiant, though silent fatalism, which somewhere lurks in the profundities of the Welsh character, together with the vast friendliness and ardent neighbourli- ness of Welsh rural life, sweep away the last remnants of such poor isolation, as is at best possible, for behold, whenever any serious illness befalls a household the neighbours will call to cheer, console and assist, no matter what the peril, and thereby, of course, help to spread the infection around. It is magnificent, no doubt, but alas, it isn't sanitary In drawing this report to a close I will not trouble to recapitulate my various sug- gestions for improving the general health of the district. I trust that step by step they may be presently realised but in reference to this subject of epidemic diseases, I must be more emphatic. It comes to this, gentlemen, that two things must be forthwith established, namely, an Isolation Hos- pital for the prompt removal, scientific treatment and effective isolation of stricken persons, and a well approved Disinfecting Apparatus for the puri- fication of wearing apparel, bedding, and the like. These two specific recommendations should really be carried out without delay, for until that be done, the most vigilant and energetic medical skill, how- ever successful in the treatment of the individual case, can avail little in preventing the dissemina- tion of these elusive poisons. Every skilled work has its approved and requisite methods and ap- pliances, and I am only asking that you should place at the disposal of your medical officer the necessary appliances for, his own special work. It is, I submit, but a fair request to make.

GROSS INN. LLANSANTFFRAED SCHOOL BOARD.—The ordin- ary monthly meeting of this Board was held last Saturday at Cross Inn. It was shown that the Grants paid to the Cross Inn Board School amounted to P.2 2s 9d per head, and were made up as follows- Annual Grant, z21 4s Od; Fee Grant. 10s; and grant made under seccion 97, 8s 9d per head. But, it is pitiful to relate that the attendance of pupils was only 68 per cent, which is five per cent below the percentage of Wales, which is a bad third. Cross Inn stands a good chance of making a bad fourth.

PEN I WCII. SUDDEN DEATH.It. is with regret we report the sudden death of one of the young men of this neighbourhood, Mr David Davies Bryngwyn, which took place on Friday night, March the 29th. It was known that be did not feel well during the previous days, but the news of his death was totally unexpected and struck all with grief. He was res- pected by all the people of the neighbourhood. Much sympathy is expressed with the family in their bereavement. LIBRARY.—The original and primitive circulat- ing librarj' is being gradually transformed into a permanent library. The Committee are just on the point of starting a permanent library and it is hoped that it will receive the hearty ,-upport of the whole neighbourhood.

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