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> "i-8 „:a. JI ■ — CARDIGAN COUNTY COUNCIL. MAINTENANCE OF MAIN OADS. The Lampeter Dispute,, XJGHT RAILWAY TO ABERAYRON A PERMISSIVE RESOLUTION ADOPTED. The quarterly meeting of the Cardigan County Council was held on Thursday last, February 6th, at the Town IhIl, Lampeter. Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., occupied the chair until the arrival ot' Colonel Howell, Pantgwyn (the chairman], who was unable to take his seat at the appointed time owing to the incon- venient train arrangements. The other members present were :—Councillors D C Roberts, Abtrysf- ■wyth Dr Eyan Eyans, Fdinfach; Or E Lloyd, Tre- garon; Vaugiian Davies, Llanfarian; J R James,JGogi;ian Aldermen 1) J Williams, Iregaron; J M Howell, Aberayron and Morgan Evans, Llanarth; .Alderma.i C M iViUiams, Councillors Robert Ellis and R J Jones, Aberystwyth Alderman E Richards, Penuwch Cliuncillurs T Jenkins, Lledrod L Jones, Aberayron Henry I'onsall, How Street; Dr Jenkin Le\vis, Cileennm; Thos Morgan, the Rev T Mason Jones, Ysbytty Ystwyth Aid Kev Wm Griffith and Mr E J Davies, Xe«* Quay: David Williams, Tre'r- ddol; the Rev J Hugh Edwards, Tret'eirig; Edward Evans, Strata Florida; Major J J Bon.-all, Llanbadarn Tawr J T Morgan, Maesnewydd Edward Jones, Talybont; the Rev R (iwmryn Jones, Devil's Bridge William Evans, CwmrheidiJ Benj Jones, Llanilar; David Morgan, Liannhangel Thomas Davies, Llan- geitho; Tnos Evans, Llangrauog Joseph Jones, Wm Davies, Lamoeter David Davies, Llanddewi-brefi Thos Jenkins, Ciliau Aeron Wm Rees, David Davies, Llanddewi; Sir Marteine Lloyd, Xew Quay D Jones, tPeubryn Dr Lloyd, -Adpar W T Davies, the Rev Pennant. Pnillips, Llandyssul Augustus S Jones, Liang->edmore D Davies, Gilt'achronw Daniel Evans, Llandyssul; J Cr'lhomas, Llai.disiliogogo James Stephens, Cardi- gan ,M Morgan, Llatdlwchaiarn ETC Fryer (clerk), J D Perrott (treasurer), D Llayd Lewis (deputy treasurer), Chief Constable Howell Evans and Deputy Chief Constable Williams. CORRECTION*. Mr Morgan James questioned the accuracy of a minute of the previous meeting, having reference to a request made by him that the places where the steam rollers were at work should be added to the road summaries. The minute said the matter was onlv considered, whereas Mr James asserted thai a resolution was passed in the matter, and this was corroborated by the report of the" Welsh Gazette." Other members concurred will Mr James, and the minute was amended. REPRESENTATIVES. Major Price Lewes, Councillor E. Lima Jones, Mr Robert Evans (Brynog), and Capt Sterry were ap- pointed conservators of the Ayron Fishery District. Alderman Rev W. Griffiths, Hugh Edwards, juid Mr Augustus Brigstocke were appointed represent- atives oi the Council of the Court of Governors of the University College of South Wales and Monmouth- shire. GOVEHXMEX C i/OJl\tCX ICATION'S. The Clerk reported having received a communi- cation from the Home OtFi -e relative 0 the Youthful Offender's Act, which became law on the 1st January last. Cnder this Act children, instead of being com- mitted to prison, could be committed to reformatories, and homes, and the Treasury had agreed to allow pay- merits of 9d a day for ail children committed in this •way whose parents the justices considered could not afford to contribute. The Home Office desired to know whether the Council would undertake the pay- ment of these expenses. Mr Robert Ellis proposed, the Kev T. Mason Jones seconded, and it was agreed that the Council pay such expenses in all necessary cases. The Clerk said tha.t another communication had been received from the Board of Agriculture, suggest- in that instead of microscopical examinations of wool and skin taken from sheep suspected of scab by veterinary surgeons, the veterinary surgeons them- selves should examine the sheep from which such wool or skin was taken. The Clerk remarked that that would involve a great deal of expense, as the sheep were so widely scattered about the county. Mr Yaughan Davies said they should net think much about the expense when it was such a serious thing for the sheep. Mr R. J. Jones suggested the matter be referred to the Finance Committee with power to act. Dr Evan Evans said the matter had been considered by the Public Health Committee, and the feeling there was in favour of veterinary inspection. Alderman D. J. Williams considered it was a matter that should be left with men who had been born amongst sheep. Many members of the Finance Com- mittee knew very little about sheep. Alderman T. J. Morgan said he quite agreed with I Aldehnra Williams. It would be useless to refer it to the Finance Committee, which was composed chiefly of Aberystwyth people. It should be referred to a committee of farmers. Alderman C. M. Williams replied that the majority of the Finance Committee were farmers, and very few were Aberystwyth people (laughter). The communication was referred to the Finance Committee, with power to call in any persons interested not members of the Committee. CATTLE FAIRS AND MARKETS. The Clerk reported that an Order had been sent down from the Board of Agriculture prohibiting the holding of any cattle fairs or markets in the parish of Llandyfriog. This Order was issued because of another Order closing all the fairs in Newcastle- Emlyn, and the Board were apprehensive that the people would drive their cattle, sheep and pigs to the other s-de. of the river, and hold the markets and fairs at Adpar. Before he had issued the notices, however, another Order was received from the Board suspend- ing the first Order until April 1st next. Unless the inhabitants of Newcastle-Emlyn complied with the requirements of the Board, the Order would come into force on April 1st. The Clerk stated that the Board of Agriculture were anxious that some steps should be taken to cleanse and disinfect the sheep pens at fairs. He had spoken to the Chief Constable, who was quite willing that the police should do this work. ARMORIAL BEARINGS. A letter was read from the Town Clerk of Cardiff relative to the armorial bearings of Wales, and con- gratulating the country on the adoption of the Red Dragon in the arms of the Prince of Wales, and hoping public bodies would immediately supply themselves with flags on which the Red Dragon was conspicuously shown (laughter). No resolution was moved in the matter. PRHYKXTION OF CONSUMPTION. A letter was read from the South Wales and Monmouthshire branch of the National Association for the Prevention of Consumption and other forms of Tuberculosis, stating that a meeting had recently been held with the view of forming a separate district out of the counties of Carmarthen, Pembroke, and Cardigan, so that they might join together to provide a sanatorium for consumptive patients. It had been proved of late years that consumption far from being hereditary depended very much more on the circum- stances and the locality in which the patient was brought up and the air breathed. It had also been proved that if caaes were taken in hand in the earliest stages they could be cured. The Council was invited to say what support they would give to a proposal of this sort, and if prepared to support it to name two or three delegates as members of a joint committee to meet and discuss matters. Mr E. J. Davies proposed that the matter be referred to the Public Health Committee. Mr D. Morgan James seconded. Dr Evan Evans said he would move an amendment. A branch of the Society had already been formed for the three counties and he found that almost the whole of the committee consisted of Carmarthenshire people. He had written privately protesting against this. He now proposed that Dr Jenkyn Lewis, Aid. C. M. Williams, and Mr J. C. Harford be appointed representatives of this Council on the committee. Mr E. Lima Jones seconded. Alderman C. M. Williams declined to allow his name to be put to the meeting, and proposed Dr Evans in his stead. Dr Evans said he had no time, and continued to discuss the matter with Alderman Williams, when Mr David Williams said the Chairman must rule which of the two gentlemen was to speak, as both were on their feet together (laughter.) Mr Vaughan Davies (chairman)-We are listening to Alderman Williams now. Alderman Williams again said he declined to serve on the committee. Mr William Rees-I propose we leave it in the hands of the Chief Constable (loud laughter.) After further discussion the names of Dr Jenkyn Lewis, Mr Harford, and Dr Lloyd, Adpar, were agreed to. COMPULSORY VACCINATION*. A letter was read from the Warwickshire County Council asking this Council to support a memorial in favour of again making primary vaccination compul- sory. The letter was referred to the Public Health Committee. NATIONAL MCSEI-TF FOR WALES. The Clerk said he had received a communication from the Cardiff Corporation on the question of a National Museum for Wales, and asking this Council to sign a memorial in favour of asking the Lord President of the Council to make a grant toward such an object. The Clerk said it was not stated where the museum was to be located—whether at Cardiff, Lampeter, or Abervstwvth. Mr D. C. Roberts proposed, and Mr R. J. Jones seconded. that the communication be referred to the Fiziatice Col"m' ttee. Mr J. Hugh Edwards proposed that the resolution be adopted that day. Other towns were moving in the There could be no real dis-agreement. as to the necessity of A national museum for Wales. The question was of pressing importance, and they Lad lost in the past because of the battles of towns, and those jealousies, antagonisms, and divisions. Mr D. W illiams interposed at this point witii a question as to whether Glandovey and Eghvv.-facl: came^within the Infectious Diseases Act. The Chairman said the question now before the J meeting was that of the museum. I Mr Morgan Evans proposed the adoption of the foregoing recommendation, which were agreed to. SURVEYOR'S GRATUITY. The Finance Committee recommended that a gratuity of C60 be given to Mr Roderick Lloyd for the additional work and expenses entailed by the erection, of the new bridges. The adoption of this recommendation was proposed by Mr .Morgan Evans, and seconded by Mr Robert Ellis. Mr Morgan James moved an amendment that no graluity oe given. He said the matter had been referred to the Northern Main Roads Committee, who took it into consideration on July 1st. Alderman C. M. Williams then proposed that the surveyor'* salary be increased by £40, or from F,160 to £ 200. The Mains Roads Committee, however, decided to refer the question to the Finance Committee, and now they had the recommendation of that committee. He found from this reeonunedation that the Finance Committee had come to the conclusion that there was no justification whatever for an increase of salary. and he thought that was a very important I point. They suggested, on the other hand, that a gratuity should be given, and gave as their reasons the additional work entailed by the erection of new bridges. What was the nature of these additional expenses ? He found that the surveyor was unable t) prepare his own plans, and had to pay out of his own pocket fur making plans for the erection of bridges. That was the case at the start, and it was one of the terms of his appointment that the salary of £ 150 should include travelling and other expenses, and now they were asked to pay for his incompetence to fulfil the duties of his post in connection with the drawing up of plans ot bridges as to the additional work involved in the erection of these bridges, lie maintained that the whole of the surveyor's time, according to the resolution by virtue of which he was appointed, belonged to the Council, and when he was engaged on the bridges he could not be engaged on the roads. The surveyor a.so took a large number of men from the roads, and set them to assist in the erection of bridges, and he was con- sequently stationary, and instead of increasing his expense's his expenses were actual decreased. He thought they had acted most generously toward him in the past, and to both surveyors they allowed 30s for postages. They had that day paid the costs and fine into which they had been thrown, through the surveyor's negligencein connection with the IVnhalog Quarry, and they had another case pending in con- nection with the accident at the Devil's Bridge. Further in giving him this gratuity they were differentiating between one surveyor and the other. The other surveyor had constructed one bridge, and there was no proposal to make him a gratuity. Mr Morgans, Cross Inn, seconded the amendment. Mr Lima Jone., said if what had been stated was correct, lie would not have supported this recom- mendation at the Finance Committee, and it behoved some member of the Northern Main Roads Committee to state if this Council had been lined P,20 for the surveyor's negligence, aii4 that they were involved in paying fcr the loss of a horse to the extent of £30. Mr Daniel Evans-I believe the surveyor had notice, from the Quarries inspector twelve months be- fore proceedings were taken. Mr Morgan James—Thirteen months. The Council then divided, and the Chairman an- nounced that 17 had voted for the amendment and 22 for the committee's recommendation. Mr Morgan—I challenge your reckoning. The Chairman-Well, count yourself. Mr Morgan James—1 say there are 20 for the amendment and 17 against. Another (livision was thereupon taken a'nid much excitement, some of the members openly prompting others how they should vote, while members of the general public in the body of the hall displayed con- siderable partisanship. The Chairman announced that 20 had voted for the amendment, and 21 tor the committee's recommenda- tion, so that the latter was declared carried. Alderman C. M. Williams said he must ask the in- dulgence of the Council to rebut one false statement made by Mr Morgan James, in justice to the sur- veyor, who was laid up with illness. It was not through any negligence Oil the part of the surveyor that the horse fell over the Devil's Bridge. The fore- man in charge of the bridge had given strict injunc- tions that the horse was not to be taken over. Mr Morgan James—Why did the Executive Com- mittee oner £10 if there was no negligence on our part ? Alderman Williams said the Council expressed a willingness to meet the owner, and offered him CIO, which was not half the value of the horse. Mr Morgan James—I think I am justified in asking one question. What was the opinion of our legal adviser ? Mr D C Roberts said he did not think the opinion of their legal adviser would decide •who was to blame. From what he had heard outside he did not believe their surveyor was to blame in this case. COMPENSATION. The Finance Committee recommended that the Council offer £35 to James Griffiths in full compensa- tion for all claims he might have against the Council in respect of injury received whilst in charge of the steam roller. This recommendation was approved of PAYMENT AT LAST. The long delayed payment of £ 150 to the Llandys- sul Rural District Council, in respect of the new road at Llandyssul was now recommended by the Finance Committee and unanimously approved, TECHNICAL INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE. This Committee, whose report was presented by Mr Robert Ellis, recommended that scholarships ot £8 each be awarded to the following, tenable at Aber- ystwyth College for the continuous short course in agriculture;—Wm Jones, Waunfawr, Tregaron; Dd James, Ffynoncripil, Llandygwydd; and David Jonathan, Foelallt, Ciliau Aeron. The Committee recommended that the following applications be granted :—Travelling dairy school at Cross Inn, Llan- llwchaiarn cookery course at New Quay extension lectures on agriculture at Llanfihangel-y-Creuddyn and Llanrhystyd; and gardening courses at Llechrvd and Llangybi. That a contribution of R.10 per annum be made toward the cookery and laundry teacher's salary at Cardigan and Llandyssul Joint County Schools, and that the yearly contribution toward the salary of the cookery teachers at Aberystwyth, Aber- ayron, and Tregaron County Schools be raised from Z20 to L25, being cne-fourth of her present salary of £100. The Committee further recommended that applications be invited by advertisements and posters from centres desirous of having lectures and instruc- tion in dyeing, and who were willing to make the necessary arrangements. All the foregoing recom- mendations were approved of. The Comnittee further recommended the payment of Z96, being the balance of L346 due to the Aber- ystwyth College for the current financial year. The College Authorities also claimed arrears amounting to Z146 4s, and it was decided to offer 2100 in full settlement. This was agreed to. The Committee also recommended the Council to levy a technical education rate of 1d in the iEl for the ensuing financial year. Mr Robert Ellis, in proposing the adoption of the recommendation, said he did not think any money spent by the Council was better spent than this, and there were several places now waiting for classes which could not he supplied, as they had not got the money at their disposal. Mr Morgan, Cross Inn, seconding, said they could not spend moHey in a wiser way, and th<? people of Cardiganshire were waking up to the value of tech- nical instruction. A question of additional expenditure being involved, the recommendation was referred to the Finance Committee. Mr Morgan James drew attention to the heavy cost of lectures in agriculture as compared with those in horticulture, and the Clerk, in reply, said he had seen the Principal and Registrar of the College, who assured him they were unablejto put the charge lower. PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE. It was reported that the Chairman had laid before this committee tables which lie had prepared sum- marising the figures in the last annual reports of the district medical officers of health. Dr Evans was requested to complete these summaries by the addition of notes and comments upon special points in the various reports, and then to forward the tables to the Clerk that they might be printed and circulated with the County Council agenda. A circular letter from the Home Office had been read in which attention was called to the frequency of the deaths of young children caused by their clothing taking fire at unprotected fire grates. The matter was considered but, before taking any steps to bring the facts of this serious loss of life to the knowledge of the public, the committee directed the Clerk to request the County Coroners to submit returns of all cases in which inquests had been held by them on the bodies of burnt children during the past three years. The report was adopted. MAINTENANCE OF MAIN ROADS. The report of a special committee appointed to deal with contributions to borough and urban authorities for the maintenance of main roads was submitted bv Mr Thomas Evans. It stated that the Clerk read letters received from the Town Clerks of ALwi-vstwvtii and Cardigan stating that both these T iwn Councils J were prepared to accept the terms offered them by the County Council on condition that all other Urban Authorities did likewise. The Urban Council of Aberayron also wrote unconditionally accepting the terms offered. The New Quay "Urban Council accepted the terms offered provided that''landslips are excluded from the agreement." The Lampeter Town Council having taken exception to the terms offered to them, a deputation from that Council attended the meetufg by arrangement, in order to discuss the question with the committee. The Mayor of Lampeter contended that the sum of £ 100 offered to that town was too small as comnared with the amounts offered to other Boroughs, and claimed equal treatment with Cardigan, on the ground that the traffic through that town and Lampeter was equal. Afler considerable discussion, the following proposal was the County Council should hand over to the Town Council the mainten- ance of the length of main road between Troedyrhiw and the borough boundary, about 480 yards in length; and that the yearly sum of £ 120 should be paid to the Lampeter Town Council in respect of the main- tenance of the whole of their main roads for a period of three years, the terms to be revised at the end of that period." The committee having discussed the matter it was resolved That, although they con- sider the sum asked somewhat excessive, vet as a compromise and in order to settle the controversy, the County Council be recommended to accept the terms above stated upon condition that the Lampeter Town Council agree to all the conditions laid down bv the Council in the resolutions passed on the 13th day of July, 1901." It was resolved to recommend That agreements be forthwith drawn up between the Council and the respective Urban Authorities embodying the terms and conditions specified in the I Mr Morgan, Cross Inn, seconded Mr J. Hugh: Edwards' amendment, which, on a division, was carried by 20 votes to 17. PASSED OVER. A resolutiou from the Carnarvon County Council, dealing with the territorial military districts in Wales, and another from the Devon County Council, in favour of petitioning Parliament to introduce legis- lation to empower County Councils to prohibit the use within their respective counties of stallions suffering from hereditary disca.ses,weraread.but uo resolutions were passed thereon. loOCAL GOVERNMENT FOR WALES.. The Clerk stated that Mr Frank Edwards, M.P., who had a motion before the House that further powers of local government be granted to a general body representing the County Councils of Wales and Monmouthshire, had written asking if this Council would support him by a memorial in favour of this movement, and also by appointing three delegates to actend a deputation to the Local Government Board on tlit- iiiattcl*. Mr Vaughan Davies. M.P., said this was a matter I of much importance to every County Council in Wales. Under the present Local Government Act, Section 81, they had extended powers that had not vet been put in use. This enabled two. three or more County Councils to amalgamate for any object of common interest to those,councils, and they also had powers under that section of spending money. If they could not agree as to the number of representa- tives, or the amount of money to be spent, these matters could be settled by the Secretary of State, lJut they thought that was not sufficient for the require- ments of the people in Wales, and Mr Frank Edwards getting a good place by the ballot, it was agreed to bring forward a bill giving them the greater power of amalgamating all the County Councils together by Act of Parliament. Most of them would agree that they in Wales should manage their own affairs as far as possibie without having to. appeal to superior authorities in London. (Hear, hear). No doubt they would meet with oppositiou, but it would strengthen their hands immensely if the County Councils of Wales would pass a resolution in support of the iii'.l. He believed the Brecon County Council had already passed a strong resolution in favour of the Bill, and had appointed three or four delegates to attend tho deputation to the Local Government Board. Mr D. Morgan James said inasmuch as they had "not used the powers conferred upon them already by the Local Government. Act of 1888, he could not see what reasons they had for asking the Government to extend those powers He thought they ought to con- sider that before passing this resolution. Mr Henry Bonsall said he thought, in view of the good that might arise from the co-operation of Welsh County Councils, it would become them to propose such a resolution as Jolr Davies had suggested. The good that could arise from such a measure as this was almost, incalculable. They could not foretell the results which would follow the formation of such a body, but they knew it would give them powers they had not at present got of dealing with Welsh matters which were of pressing importance. It was a matter apart from party politics it was a matter for Welsh- men as Welshmen, and it was for them, as represent- ing one of the most central counties, to help forward the matter as far as possible. He had great pleasure in proposing the printed resolution. Alderman D. J. Williams seconded. Mr J Hugh Edwards asked whether they could do anything to call upon the Welsh members to push on with this Bill. This resolution would go up to the party whip1', and nothing more would be heard of it. Mr Vaughan Davies—I will take care of it. MrJ. Hugh Edwards said he would be satisfied if Mr Vaughan Davies would see to it, but the Welsh members had been asleep for a long time (laughter) and only this session were they beginning to wake (renewed laughter). The Welsh County Councils had been leaving their interests to the Welsh members who had not been alfve to them. Liverpool and Birmingham had come to Wales for their water supplies, and London also intended coming. The result would be that Wales would be denuded of all her resources before long. If they had not realised the powers they had already, the fault lay with the Welsh members. Mr Augustus Brigstocke slid he had great pleasure in supporting the resolution. He thought the principle was a right one, and they ought to support the sug- gestion thrown out by Mr Vaughan Davies. On being put to the meeting the resolution was unanimously carried. Mr Robert Ellis proposed that this Council's dele- gates he Sir Marteine Lloyd, Mr Brigstocke, and Mr D. C. Roberts. '\Ir E. J. Davies seconded. Alderman C. M. Williams suggested the addition of Mr Vaughan Davies' name. Mr I). G. Roberts with- drew in favour of the county membet, and Mr Davies and the other two gentlemen named 'vVere thereupon appointed. NORTHERN* MAIN" ROADS COMMITTEE. The report of the Northern Main Roads Committee was proposed by Mr T. Morgan (chairma ), and adopted. SOUTHERN lIIAIN ROADS COMMITTEE. This Committee recommended that no action be taken in the matter of the alleged encroachments at Llandyssul, as there appeared to be no evidence that they were encroachments, but the reverse. It had been decided to postpone the question of the classifi- cation of the roadmen for the present, and that the surveyor's estimate of L600 for the quarter's expen- diture be allowed. Alderman Rev W. Griffiths repented a proviojs complaint, against the existence of a pond by the roadside at Ffoshelig, which he con- sidered a source of danger to the public, and the surveyor was directed to bring in a report upon the subject to the next meeting. The Surveyor had also been directed to bring in statements of the work done by the steam roller each quarter. Regarding the new road at Llandyssul, the surveyor reported that the District Council had made a very satisfactory job on the new fence as required, and he certified that the road was firm and strong for putilic traffic, and recommended the Council to pay the Z150 agreed upon. The com- mittee had directed the Clerk to lay the report before the Finance Committee, with a request that they would recommend the payment of the promised sum of L150 to the Llandvssul Rural District Council forthwith. Mr Wm. Rees asked why the northern surveyor's estimate, for the ensuing quarter was Z150 more than that of the southern surveyors's estimate, although the mileage was practically the same. Mr Morgan Evans said there was a difference of fifteen miles. Mr Wm Rees repeated his question, but was ordered to sit down by the Chairman. The Southern Main Roads Committee's report was then adopted, on the proposition of Mr Morgan Evans, seconded by Mr Thomas Evans. Alderman C. M. Williams said it was only right that Mr Rees should be informed as to the difference in the amount of the estimates. The surveyors, at the beginning of the year, presented an estimate, and they were not allowed to go beyond that estimate, so that no doubt the C750 put down by the northern surveyor for the ensuing quarter would be within the mark. ENCROACHMENTS. Mr Daniel Evans said at the last meeting Alderman C. M. Williams called attention to what he considered was an encroachment on the main road at Llandyssul. He (the speaker) was now going to do the same thing. He understood there was an encroachment between Llanbadarn and the end of Pier-'treet, Aberystwyth, and he proposed that the Surveyor of the Northern Division should inspect that and report (laughter). Alderman C. M. Williams said he did not wish to waste the time of the Council, because Mr Evans was el, only quibbling. FINANCE COMMITTEE. Mr Morgan Evans proposed the adoption of the Finance Committee's report. The receipts for the quarter, including a balance in hand of £5,206 2s lid, amounted to £ 10,901 9s lOd, and the payments to iE5,604 18s 4d, leaving a balance in hand of £5,296 11s 6d. Mr Morgan James drew attention to the contributions toward cookery teacher's salary. He said the Finance Committee met at 10-30 on January 23rd at Lampeter, and recommended payments of L25 and £ 10 respect- ively. Then at 12 o'clock the same day the Technical Instruction Committee met, and the matter considered there was whether it was advisable to make these contributions. He considered that it was a mockery and a farce, when two hours previously the payments had been adopted by the Finance Committee. The Clerk said he thought he could explain that to the satisfaction of the Council. The Finance Com- mittee agreed to those two payments subject to their being recommended by the Technical Instruction Committee. The Technical Instruction Committee should have met before the Finance Committee, but it was awkward to arrange the meetings in that way. Mr Morgan James—This is the first time I have heard that. I should like to hear these things at the Committee. Mr Robert Ellis said Mr Morgan James was present at the Technical Instruction Committee when it was stated that the Finance Committee passed the amounts subject to confirmation. Mr Morgan James—I did not hear that. Mr Morgan James said there was another matter. He knew that the Council was fined by the Llan- hadarn bench of magistrates, and lie could not find the costs of that prosecution included in the expend- iture. He would like to know whether they had been concealed somewhere else. He would like to unearth them. The Clerk said it would be found in the treasurer's account, but there had been a misprint of "County Court" for County Council. Mr D. Williams—I should like to ask through whose negligence this expenditure was caused. The report was then put to the meeting, and anani- mously adopted. j HEALTH OFFICER'S SALARIES. The Finance Committee reported that with reference to the claims of the Aberystwyth Town Council for repayment in respect of the Health Officer's salaries, the Clerk explained that payments were claimed for two years in respect of the Medical Officer, and for three years in respect of the Inspector of Nuisances, but that as these claims only reached him on the previous everiiti- he had not been able as yet to examine them. The claims were directed to be paid, if found correct by tiie Clerk on examination, provided the Local Govern- ment Board would allow the payment of arrears for previous years. The Finance Committee reported having discussed the question of payments to Guardians in respect of Union Officers' salaries and had resolved that the Clerk ask for returns from all Boards of Guardians within the county of the salaries paid to their officers during each of the three years ending March 25th 1902. Couflcir. resolutions passed on the 18tu oi juiv last; and that payment of the agreed amounts be made as from the 1st day of January to all Urban Authorities who have duly executed the said agreement." Alderman C. M. Williams said although he was a member of this committee he was unable to be present. The committee, six months ago, went fully into the matter, and agreed upon a slim Of P,100, mcieasjng considerably what was originally intended to be given, in order to try and settle the matter. 1I0 was ariaid it the Council was iroir^r increase from £ 100 to £ 120, it would "simply be the means of re-opening the whole question, and Cardi- gan and Aberystwyth would also say that their contributions must be increased. He found thev now intended to take over 480 yards extra, and he thought ^rVU I>' meet t'le case if they offered Lampeier £ 110, winch would be practically on the basis they agreed to before. The cost of maintaining these roads before they were taken over bv the Countv Council was about £25 per mile, and thev were now paying £33 16s 8d. He might say they weretreating Lampeter more liberally than any of the other boroughs. If Lampeter was paid on the same basis as Aberystwyth they would only receive zP,34, and if on the same basis as Cardigan the amount would be £ /b4s.— It on the other hand Cardigan was paid 011 the same basis as they now intended paving Lam- peter their quota would be £185, and Aberystwyth on the same basis would receive £600. Mr Lime. Jones said Mr "*illiii iiii did not take the same stand that day as he generally did. He had hitherto argued that a committee's report should always be accepted. Alderman C. M. Williams—Never. Mr Lima Jones said it was so in regard to the advertisements. At any rate, he believed it was tllcir duty that day to support the Committee which p had investigated this matter. Mr Davies seconded the amendment. Alderman 0..1. Williams said he did not believe in payiug the £120, but thought it better to do so rather than have a lawsuit. They wanted them at first to have an account for the following year. Thev would then probably have spent C300 or £ 400, and 'wanted the County Council to bind themselves to repav any sum which might be spent. In order to arrive at some settlement, 1w thought it was better to agree to £120: Mr Morgan Evans supported the Committee's re- commendation, urging that £ 10 should not prevent them from arriving at a settlement. On a division the amendment to pay ZI10 was declared carried. HIGHWAY FROM CWMCOV TO GOGEKDDAX ARMS. The special committee on main roads reported that a letter had been received from the Clerk to the Llan- uyssul Rural District Council stating that the portion 01" this highway within the Llandyssul District was being put into proper order, and that it was hoped that by April next it would be in condition to satisfy the County Surveyor. The ClerK to the Cardigan Rural Council, however, wrote to say that the County Council's offer" would not be entertained by that Council unless the proposed midn roads be continued from Gogerddan Arms to the of The Clerk was directed to inform the Cardigan Rural Council in reply that the Committee could not recommend the County Council to add further to the mileage of main roads within their district, as the present length of such roads already exceeded the due proportion. Moreover, that the offer to constitute the highway from Cwmcoy to Gogerddan Arms a main road had been prompted by a desire to provide access to the Newcastle-Emlyn Radway Station for the inhabitants of Tresaith, Llan- grauog, and other places on the sea coast, and not for Aberporth alone. HOME FOR INEBRIATE?. The Clerk reported that a communication had been received froiii the Carmarthen County Council pro- posing that a joint inebriates home should be estab- lished for youth Wales, and, if deemed advisable, that this Council should appoint members to serve upon a joint committee to consider it. The Clerk said this Council took up the matter some vears ago, but most of the County Councils then replied that they had not considered the matter sufficiently, and were not ill a position to come to any decision. Sir Marteine Lloyd said he was very glad to see this matter on the agenda, because lie had received a communication from Sir James Hills-Johnes, of the Carmarthen County Council, asking him to bring the matter before this Council. He would propose that a committee be appointed to go into the matter, and meet the representatives of the other counties. Mr R. J. Jones seconded, and the resolution was carried, the representatives appointed being Sir jlarteine Lloyd, Dr Lloyd (Adpar), and Mr D. Morgan James LAMPETER HIGHWAYS. The next matter on the agenda was to consider (1) a complaint made under Section 10 of the Highwavs and Locomotives Amendment Act, 1878. by Councillor J. U. liii-ford against the Lampeter Rural District Council, that the portion of the highway leadirig,frotii Lampeter by the village of Talsarn to the town of Aberystwyth, which lies between Troedyrhiw and ii'antyrefail Cross in the parish of Silian, is in decay and in want of rep?. • (2) a memorial to the same effect from the Silian Parish Ccm •>? regards the portion of the same highway lying between u 'well- ing houses known as Blaenpant and Gwargamlas; and to give such directions in both cases as the law directed. The Clerk said the question was an exceedingly difficult one, because he was informed the Rural Dis- trict Council maintained that this road, although it was a highway, and could be used by the public, still they did not admit their liability to repair it. The course of this Council was very clear. It was laid down in the Locomotive Act that when a complaint was made of non-repair of a road, the Council should direct their Surveyor to inspect the road, and report upon it, and if he considered it was out of repair they should call upon the district to put it in repair, but in this ease there was an objection raised to its being repaired by the parish. He had looked into the matter as far as he could, and had been utterly unable to find when this road was discontinued. It seemed that it was once the high road from Lampeter to Aber- ystwyth, and as far as he could ascertain must have been discontinued when the turnpike road to Aber- ayron was constructed. When a main road ceased to be a main road, it was repairable as a highway, but it was said that evidence could be produced showing that the road ha" not been repaired by the public for over one hundred years. On the motion of Alderman J T Morgan, seconded by Mr R J Jones, the matter was referred to a com- mittee consisting of the members of the Council with- in the Lampeter Union. A BORTH COMPLAINT. The Clerk said he had received a complaint from the Borth Parish Council with regard to the failure of the Rural District Council of Aberystwyth to repair one or two roads in that district. The complaint was referred to the Northern Main Roads Committee. I CO-OPERATIVE DAIRYING. The following resolution had been placed on the agenda in the name of Mr Augustus Brigstocke :— That tlis Council do appoint a special committee to consider the advisability, or otherwise, of adopting the policy of the East Suffolk County Council, who have organised a party of agriculturists to visit Ire- land in order to investigate the merits of co-operative e dairying on the spot." Mr Brigstocke said he begged to refer the subject matter of his motion to the Technical Instruction Committee, and would undertake to give them full in- formation on the subject, and he had no doubt they would do the subject justice. The matter was referred to the Technical Instruc- tion Committee. LIGHT RAILWAYS IW CARDIGANSHIRE. The following resolution, of which notice had been given, was proposed by Mr D C Roberts That this County Council of the administrative county of Cardigan, do agree to subscribe as part of the share capital of the Vale of Rheidol Light Railway (Aber- ayron extension), or to advance by way of loan, or partly in one way and partly in the other, as the Council may determine, a sum not exceeding eighteen thousand pounds ( £ 18.000) on the condition that there be secured to the County Council or to their nominees, representation upon the Board of Directors of the said light Railway proportionate to the sum subscribed as part of the share capital." The mover said it gave him great pleasure to have the opportunity of proposing a practical resolution of this kind, because five or six years ago it was his privilege to propose a resolution, which was merely an abstract one, in favour of light railways, which was unanimously carried by the Council. He hoped now that they were faced with a practical scheme, it would also be his good fortune to have a unanimous vote upon the resolution he was proposing. As the members no doubt were aware, a new situation had arisen since he gave notice of this resolution to the Clerk. At that time the promoters of this scheme were hopeful of receiving from the Government a free grant under the Light Railways Act. There was a clause in the Act under which, upon certain condi- tions, a free grant was given for the construction of light railways. It seemed to him there could not be a more ideal case in the United Kingdom for assist- ance from the Treasury than the case of a light rail- way in the county of Cardigan. Unfortunately, not owing to any defect in the scheme—the report of the Commissioners to the Board of Trade was most favourable—the Treasury were unable to make a free grant, because they could only make it to an existing railway, which constructed and worked the new line. The Vale of Rheidol Light Railway was the railway that proposed to construct and work the proposed extension to Aberayron, and the Treasury were not able to recognise the Vale of Rheidol as a railway within the meaning of the clause. The Treasury regretting having to take up that position, would have been very willing to make a grant if they could. An existing railway, however, was understood to be an ordinary gauge railway, such as the Great Western, London and North Western, or the Cambrian Railways, and they could not recognise a light railway like the Vale of Rheidol, as one to which they could give a grant. This, naturally altered the situation entirely, and the promoters of the scheme were face to face with the difficulty of either having to abandon the whole scheme or re- consider the position. If the grant had been given he would have been able to put before the Council a definite scheme with definite proposals, but under the circumstances the whole question was altered. Al- J though the promoters had been met with this diffi- culty, he was glad to say that they were most anxious, if possible, to formulate some scheme by which this work could be carried out. Thev were now considering very carefully their position, "and if it had been possible, and had there been more time, the Council should have had that day before them a definite scheme. But the difficulty they were face to face with was this. The promoters were carefully considering what scheme could be put before the Council, but unfortunately it was absolutely neces- san, it the work that had been done already and the ioimunition of the scheme up to this point was to he of any good to this light railway in the futtire, that the resolution proposed by him should be passed by the Council, for it would have to go before the Light Railway Commissioners on the following Mondav. Otherwise the scheme would be struck "out of the Oruei, and then the whole of the work that had been done so far would have to be abandoned. and if another scheme was started the whole thing would have to be gone into de novo, and all the costs incurred would have been in vain. The costs alrcadv gone into would amount to £ 1,500 or £ 1,600, aii(l' lie. believed the Council could help these people to put before them a reasonable scheme. He would point out that his resolution was simply a permissive resolution. It was on that ground lie was proposing it that day. It was not a resolution binding them to advance £ 18,000 they need not advance a nennv unless thev armroved 01 tiie scheme put before them. It would be for the Council to determine again, after the scheme had been tormulated whether they would avail them- selves of the power granted under these clauses in the Order. They could not advance this money with- out an order from the Light Railway Commissioners. it they passed this resolution that day it would be included in their Order, and they would be authorised to make the advance. He would have preferred, if possible, to have put definite resolutions before the Council, buL they saw the circumstances. No kind of abstraci resolution could assist the promoters, but at the same time it was entirely as a permissive resolution that he proposed it. The promoters of the scheme to Aberayron were quite prepared to consider favourably any extension of their railway along the coast to New Quay and in other directions. But they were bound to make a start somewhere, and this was we scneme Del ore them at present. He understood the promoters had written to the New Quay Committee stating they were quite prepared to support and carry out a turtherextension in the direction of that place and other parts of the country as well. There was, Mr Roberts said, no country which would benefit more troni a network of light railways than the county of Cardigan, and 118 was sure each member must teel that whatever the County Council could do to support a scheme of this kind they ought to do it, and should be ready at all times to assist the promoters. He understood that the promoters were prepared to work this new line for sixty per cent of the- whole undertaking. This was extremely favour- able. Nearly all these light railways were costly in their working, in fact, hardly any of them were worked under 70 to 90 per cent of the whole of the takings. But, owing to the fact that they had the Devil s Bridge Railway, and could work both to- gether, the promoters in this case were prepared to work this Aberayron extension at sixty per cent of the takings. Should the Council pass the resolution and advance the money, he would point out that they would be only doing whatjhad been done already by other counties in their neighbourhood. They had taken steps of this kind in Montgomeryshire, and had supported light railways for the Tanat Valley and other places. He saw bv the Tanat Valley Scheme that the County Council there were advancing be- tween twenty and thirty thousand pounds and they were also making large advances to other schemes. Mr Morgan ^var.s seconded the resolution, and, I speaking ill the vernacular, said on first thoughts the sum ot £ 13,000 seemed a large one. But the resolu- tion did not bind them to any sum, but said the amount would 110t be over £ 18,000. It might be, any- thing Irom a guinea to £ 18,000. He for one would not be prepared to spend one penny of the rate- payers' money unless he was at first perfectly satisfied the money to be spent would benefit the oo-Liiitv. The details of the scheme, as Mr Roberts had said, fcould not be be given, because the scheme had not been properly formulated. He hoped they would look at the question from a broad standpoint. consider the loss suffered by that part of the county owing to the want of proper communication. He wished to emphasize the point that the line from Aberystwyth to Aberayron could only be part of a larger scheme. If tiie railway went to Aberayron it would surely go to New Quay. (A member. Via Oakford.),and it would surely go from New Quay and connect with some railway 111 the bottom of the county. It would, if once started, have to go either to Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, or Llandyssul, and by having a railway made in that direction they would be opening up a country which was the worst supplied in the matter of rail- way communication 01 any in Wales. He had an objection to narrow guage railways, because of the loading and unloading involved when transferring' from a broad guage railway. Hut enquiries had been made, and it was found that on an average this did not cost more than a penny a ton. If it was proved to them altei- they had all the details that no advantage would result from the expenditure of the money then by all means they should not incur any responsibility. If, on the other hand, it could be proved that the railway would be a benefit to a large section of the community it would be their duty to support it. Even if the line did not prove a success, the County Council would not suffer loss. Of every £ 100 the line would earn £ 40 was secured for repay- ment of the loan granted. Mr D. C. Roberts asked that Mr A J. Hughes., the solicitor of the Company, be allowed to address the Council, and permission was given. Mr A. J. Hughes said he would be pleased to answer any question addressed to him. He could not anticipate any objection to a scheme which must commend itself to everyone. lie might say that the passing of the resolution would not bind the Council either morally or legally to carry out a loan of zEl8,000, but the advantage of passing the resolution must be obvious. Unless power was conferred on County Councils by the Light Railway Commissioners under the Act of 1896, they would have no power to advance a shilling. Under the Light Railway Order County Councils had the power of advancing any sum up to a quarter of the total capital, provided the scheme commended itself to their favourable con- sideration. As Mr Roberts had said a sum of £1,600 had already been spent, the whole of the land had been surveyed, and the Order was ready to go to the Board of Trade for confirmation on Monday, and upon its being confirmed it would have the effect of being an Act of Parliament. It was open to this Council whether they would take the option of having the power to make a grant by way of loan or otherwise to this light railway. In reply to Mr D. Morgan James, Mr Hughes said if the County Council advanced money by way of loan they would practically have a mortgage on the Companys property. Messrs R. J. Jones, J. Hugh Edwards, W. Rees, and Sir Marteine Lloyd spoke in support of the resolution. Alderman C. M. Williams said it seemed to him the resolution was one they could accept. Mr Roberts and Mr Hughes had told them that it did not bind them to anything. If that was so, there could be no harm in passing it. What they had all been anxious for was to see the county protected from being asked to vote a large sum of money without having a scheme before them. He must say he regretted that they were asked to pass this resolution in such a great hurry without having the scheme before them. They did not know what clauses were to be put in the scheme, and what other local authorities were to be asked.to contribute. With regard to the scheme for Montgomerpshire, Mr Roberts had told them that the County Council had contributed £ 18.000 or £ 20,000, but in that case Salop, Denbigh, Montgomery, the Corporation of Oswestry, and, he believed, Liverpool were interested, and the total subscribed by these authorities was only £ 18,500. So if this re- solution was binding, he was sure the overwhelming majority of the Council would oppose the granting of the sum proposed to one line of railway. What they had desired was through communication from one end of the county to the other, and if they could be assured that this company intended extending their line to Newcastle Emlyn to meet the Great Western Railway, the Council would then, he thought, be pre- pared to take a substantial share in the concern. No doubt they would also be prepared to take some amount of shares if the line only went as far as Aber- ayron. but as long as the resolution proposed did not pledge the Council to vote any sum, there could be no harm in passing it. If that was so, he would ask Mr Hughes, in order that the Council would be fully pro- tected, to add these words at the end of the resolu- tion—"and provided that the clauses in the order are approved of by the Council." I Mr Hughes said that would be absolutely impossible and he submitted with all respect that those words were meaningless in face of the option which the Council had. Alderman C. M, Williams-But the resolution itself does not say it is an option. Mr Hughes-But the clauses in the Act itself will protect you. Alderman C. M. Williams said it was true that when the Order would be made it would be optional, but when Montgomeryshire first applied to be allowed to contribute the resolution was worded in the way he had suggested. But here was a resolution de- finitely pledging that they ask for authority to grant money should the Order be allowed. Mr Hughes said he would infinitely prefer a general resolution of the kind proposed to stultifying them- selves to any sum. Alderman C. M. Williams—But according to you we can put the figure at 950,000 just as well as at £ 25,000. Mr A. J. Hughes—No, because you are limited to a quarter of the capital. Mr Henry Bonsall said when the question of fishery amalgamation was under consideration, a similar re- solution was submitted bv Alderman Williams, which would have upsot the whole scheme. Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., said he had attended with the Chairman of the Company before the Treasury when the application for a free grant was made. Mr Austin Chamberlain said lie could not see his way to grant a farthing under the first clause. They then consulted him with regard to clause 4, and it was possible in the future that money could be found to help this line. If thev passed this permis- sive resolution, they should clearly understand it did not bind them to give one penny toward the line. The resolution was only required to be submitted to the Light Railway Commissioners in order to comply with the conditions of the Order. If the resolution did bind them he would refuse to vote for it, and for this reason. He had not yet been able to take the opinion of the people he represented on this Council, and he did not think it was right to come there and vote a large sum of money before taking their opinion. He would therefore support Mr Roberts on this occasion, but it might be that on the next occasion he would have to vote against him. Mr Davies, New Quay, said the Light Railway Act would expire at the end of this year, and he wished to add a rider to the resolution urging this Company to obtain an Order for the extension of this line fur- ther down, in order to meet the trunk line at Newcastle Emlyn. Mr D. C. Roberts said he was in favour of that, but J it was quite impossible to add anvthing to his reso- lution. Alderman the Rev W. Griffiths said a light railway was much needed at New Quay, and Mr Morgan Evans said definitely that it was the intention of this Com- pany to extend the railway to New Quay. He wished to know if that was so. Mr Morgan Evans said he did not state that. He said that if the line went to Aberayron, it would not stop there. Mr D. C. Roberts' resolution was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously. This was all the business, and the members, officials, and press representatives afterwards sat down to an excellent dinner at the Black Lion Hotel at the invitation of the Chairman, Colonel R. J. Howell, of Pantgwvn. Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P., proposed the health of the Chairman, and congratu- lated him upon the splendid manner he had conducted the business of the Council. The toast was received with enthusiasm. Cadcirydd ein Cynghor fu'r Colonel dyngarol, Llywyddodd yn fedrus ar Gyngor y Sir, nu anibell i 'storom yn chwythu'n echryslon, Ond trwy ei fedrusrwydd tawelodd yn wir; Ar ddivveddy tymhor rhoes arlwy rhagorol, Henuriaid, Cynghorwyr, a'r Swyddwvr i gyd. Bced fddo a'i briod fawr lwvddiant, a cliysur, Hir oes o wasanaeth tra iy, i(io'll y h) d. Llangranog. J. EVAS,

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