Haverfordwest and Milford Haven Telegraph and General Weekly Reporter for the Counties of Pembroke Cardigan Carmarthen Glamorgan and the Rest of South Wales

NOTES OF THE WEEK. THE GUARDIANS' CHAIRMANSHIP. We congratulate the Haverfordwest Board of Guardians on having re-elected Mr S. W. Dawkins to the chair. During the three years he has acted as chairman, Mr Dawkins has been most regular in his attendance, has shown a familiarity with Poor Law procedure and that desire to help the deserving poor which we might expect from one of Mr Dawkins's sympathetic imagination and wide outlook on life. It is most essential that the Chairman of a Board of Guardians should be one who is familiar with the general principles of Poor Law Administration, and for work of such a specialised nature we are strongly of opinion that it would be unwise and injudicious to change the chairman every year. The Inspector of the Local Government Board has con- gratulated the Guardians on retaining the same gentleman in the chair so long as his services are available, and this is a sound principle in a case where expert knowledge is of the highest impor- tance. Some of the Guardians talked of this sinecure of the chair," but to apply the word sinecure" even to a perpetual occupancy of the thair of a public body is a gross abuse of the English language. The arguments against a con- stant change in the chairmanship does not apply to the various councils, urban and rural, and as we have pointed out on a previous occasion every councillor who does his duty conscientiously and well should look forward to occupying the chair of the body of which he is a member. There is an outside honour attached to that position, too, which does not apply to the one who presides at the Board of Guardians. SOME PREVENTIVE MEASURES. The Haverfordwest Town Council naturally show some anxiety as to the procedure to be adopted in future with a view to adequately safeguarding the public health and at the same time preventing the wrongful seizure of meat with the consequent heavy bill of costs for the ratepayers to pay. The position is admittedly difficult, and it is aggravated and intensified by the fact that meat is taken to the market not only from the public abattoir, but from several private slaughterhouses in the rural districts. Some members of the Council are believed to favour surprise visits by experts, but this strikes us as an expensive, without having the merit of being an effective, precaution. Some method must be devised to protect the public from the far-reaching dangers of diseased meat and at the same time the respon- sible official must act on such knowledge as will prevent local butchers, who may be entirely innocent, having to suffer the loss of meat seized and destroyed which was perfectly free from disease. So far as the beasts killed in the public slaughter- house are concerned, the Council can easily prevent diseased meat being exposed for sale. We understand that if the internal organs of a slaughtered animal are examined, any medical officer can tell whether it had suffered from tuberculosis or any other deadly disease. So far as we can see there is no excuse for this not being done, because it would entail little labour and no expense, and although as we have said, it would not be a complete safeguard to the public, it would redaee risks to a minimum. It would seem that some risks must be faced by the public, but surely those risks should be narrowed down to the smallest possible limit. SOME REFLECTIONS. To be a member of the Haverfordwest Town Council is not a very enviable honour at the present time. In fact it is said that a Town Councillor is about as unpopular now as was a pro-Boer a few years ago. The public have shown some perturba- tions of anxiety for some time past, and the combined effect of all the worries and anxieties, disappoint- ment and expense is absolutely formidable. The unreformed Corporation which existed prior to 1834, and which are popularly supposed to have played ducks and drakes with corporate property, of which they were trustees, did not arouse half the hostility as has gathered round the unfortunate heads of the present day occupants of the office. Bridge Street is in a state bordering on open rebellion; the butchers are sullen; Portfield has many grievances over its water supply; Prendergast is, as a place apart, seldom condescending to concern itself in the pre- dominant partner which annexed it and destroyed its old privileges; while the milkmen are threaten- ing direful things against the men who imposed the milk tax. It has been suggested that they should cut off milk supplies to every town councillor by way of revenge, and this is a line of attack to be con- sidered hereafter. Ladies are already beginning to speak of a councillor as "a horrid creature," because they live in dread daily of an explosion somewhere or other in their locality. Every trench that is dug in the streets-and there are several just now-is believed to have some connection—mysterious and esoteric perhaps-with gas, and elaborate precau- tions are taken to be on the safe side when the fate- ful hour arrives. Structures such as the Japanese erect to lie harmless in bed during an earthquake would not be a bad idea, but perhaps when we have just nestled into these and imagined ourselves safe for ever afterwards Halley's comet will come out of the black depths of space and finally put an end to us LICENSING TRANSFERS. The attention of the Haverfordwest justices was called on Monday to the frequency with which applications are made for licensing transfers. The police represented this course as highly inconvenient, and the justices, whose powers are restricted in the matter, supported the police, although they did not go to the extent of refusing to grant the temporary transfer, which it was quite competent for them to do. The Bench, however, cannot refuse a permanent transfer. If they did so, that would be taken as tantamount to a decision that the house was not required and would be referred for compensation. No doubt many owners of licensed houses, both in the town and in the rural districts, would be only too pleased to have their licenses so referred, but in the Borough the compensation fund has been exhausted, and owners of licensed property will perforce have to wait some little time longer before they can be rewarded for closing decadent houses. UNDER FAVOURABLE AUSPICES. I The first public meeting of the Haverfordwest branch of the League of Young Liberals was held last night under the most favourable auspices. The League was able to celebrate the passing of a Budget which is not only a personal triumph for our most illustrious Welshman, but heralds the dawn of a new democratic era. With the passing of the Budget and the firm stand taken by the Government on the limitation of the Veto, Liberals have reason to be in jubilant mood. There is useful work to be done by the League in Haverfordwest, and we are looking forward to a period of strenuous political activity. A MILFORD HAVEN MISSION. I We are glad to notice tnat at the annual meeting of the Royal National A of the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fisher- men, Mr C. E. Newbon, the chairman of the Milford Docks Co., paid a high tribute to Miss Cooper for the splendid work she is accomplishing at Milford Haven. During the last year the Marie" Mission Hall on the Docks was used by 12,520 persons; the number of first-aid cases was 356; 1,525 letters were written, and no less than five tons of literature were distributed on 1,022 vessels. In addition to this, surgical and medical aid was supplied to 427 cases: while 4,381 beds were occupied. As resident head of the Mission, Miss Cooper has been able to rally round her a band of Christian fishermen, and her influence for good over all the men with whom she comes in contact is one of the most gratifying features of social life at Milford Haven. We wish Miss Cooper every success in her undertaking.

4TH BATT. WELSH REGIMENT, A. UomjHMiy. Orders for the week ending Saturday, May 14th:- Orderly sergeant, Sergt. M. Mathias. Parades.—Monday—company drill, 8 p.m. Dress, plain clothes. Recruits' drill on Monday and Wednesday at 8 p.m. Class firing, -Thursday 7th-parade at Armoury at 10.15 a.m. Names to be given to the Sergt.-Major by Wednesday evening. Recruits. Recruits may be enrolled on week days (Thursdays and Saturdays excepted) from 10.30 to 12.30 and from 2 to 4 p.m. also on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30. W J. JONES, Captain. W. J. JONES, Captain.

Making a Reputation !-When an article bears the hall mark of quality, it gradually builds up for itself a reputation. This is what the particular tweed, for which W. B. C. Lewis, Castle Square, has the sole agency is doing, and is now known as the Treffgarne Tweed, because like the rock from which it derives its Tweed, will stand the test of time. name-it wiU stand the test of tune.

LOCAL AND OTHER NEWS. Haverfordwest Liberal Hundred. The annual meeting will be held on Friday, May 13. Farther particulars will appear next week. The coal merchants of the town have decided to close their respective yards on Thursdays at I 1 o'clock until the end of September, beginning to- morrow. The Rev R. J. Williams, Congregational minister, Narberth, has accepted the call to become pastor of Plough Congregatonal Church, Brecon, and will commence his duties the second Sunday in July. Haverfordwest Golf Club.—The final for the ladies challenge cup kindly given by Lady Scourfield, was played for on the Racecourse last week, the winner being Miss Gwladys N. Barham. Dowager-Lady Kensington's Will.—The Dowager-Lady Kensington, who died at Calcutta on the 19th January last intestate, daughter of the late Mr Robert Johnstone-Douglas, and widow of the fourth Lord Kensington, left estate of the gross value of XI,739 5s Id with net personality £ 520 7s 3d, and administration of her estate and effects has been granted to her son, Lord Kensington, of St. Bride's, Little Haven, Pem- brokeshire. ADVICE TO MOTHERS I '-Are you broken in your rest by a sick child suffering with the pain of cutting teeth ? Go at once to a chemist, and get a bottle of MRS. WINSLOW S SOOTHING SYRUP. It produces natural, quiet sleep by relieving the child from pain, and the little cherub awakes "as bright as a button." Contains no Poisonous Ingredient. Of all Chemists. Is lid per bottle. Glad He was Locked U p.—Two pedlars named William Henry Stephenson and George Richardson were brought up at Haverfordwest police court on wore brought up with having been drunk and disorderly Saturday, charged with having been drunk and disorderly on the previous night. The bad language consisted of shouting, and the men were fined 10s inclusive. Richardson, who took out four sovereigns, readily paid the fine, and effusively thanked the police for having taken care of him and his colleague. Death of Mrs Thomas, Trevigan.— W e regret to announce the death of Mrs Thomas, wife of Mr John Thomas, C.C., Trevigan, which occurred on Monday last. Deceased, who was a highly esteeemed lady, was the only sister of Mr T. M. Phillips, chemist, Castle Square, Haverfordwest. She had attained the age of i6, and had been in failing health for some time. Much sympathy is felt with the husband and relatives in their great bereavement. Distressing Case at. Pembroke.—At Pem- broke (Juvenile) Police Court on Saturday, a boy 12 years of age, was charged with au indecent assault upon a little girl, aged seven years. Superintendent Thomas prosecuted on behalf of the police. Alderman F. S. Reed, solicitor, defended. The parents of the boy and girl reside at the village of Bosherston, some few miles outside Pembroke. The little girl said the offence was committed while she was on her way home from school. Dr. Williams said a very serious offence had been committed. Colonel Mirehouse, the chairman of the Bench, said the case was a frightful one, and one of the worst he had ever heard of. He ordered the boy to receive six strokes with the birch, and three years' de- tention in a reformatory. Notice of appeal was given. Ex-Convict Charged at Pembroke Dock.— At Pembroke Dock on Friday, John MacKenzie, an ex-convict with several aliases, was brought up in custody charged with begging, failing to report himself to the police, and with larceny. When searched Mackenzie had in his possession two metal tickets bearing the numbers 3202, and 3210, similar to those which workmen at the dockyard are required to take up as evidence of their attendance, and a paper showing that he had been convicted of arson at Maidstone in 1907, and sentenced to three years' penal servitude, and that he was liberated on licence in October last. The Bench sentenced him to 14 days for begging, a month for failing to report himself as a ticket-of-leave man, and committed him for trial at the Assizes for larceny of the tickets. Wesleyan Sunday School Anniversary.- There were fairly large congregations at the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday last on the occasion of the Sunday school anniversary. The singing of the special hymns by the children drew forth many favourable comments and high praise is due to Mr W. E. Dixon for the efficient manner in which they were trained. The Rev. George Glandfield, of Milford Haven, was the preacher, and he delivered two very impressive and appropriate sermons. In the afternoon the young people's service was held when the school was joined by members of the other Sunday schools in the town and a very interesting and instructive address was delivered by Mr Glandfield. Mrs George Weller ably presided at the organ. Collections were taken at each service in aid of the school funds. The members of the Boys' Brigade and Scouts, conducted by Sergt. Major Pearce, attended the morning service. Men's Monthly Meeting at Prendergast.— The usual monthly service for men was held at Prender- gast on Sunday afternoon, when there was a very fair attendance. The Rev. J. A. Howell, rector of Gumfreston, who was to have addressed the meeting, was unfortunately prevented from being present and the service was taken by the rector, Rev. J. J. Davies. The meeting was bright and hearty, and Mr W. H. Jenkins presided at the organ. The Rector delivered a very instructive address upon the words found in St. James, chapter 3, verse 14, What is your life," and dealt with some of the meanings of life. He dwelt on the value of the gifts of the physical, intellectual and moral side of man's nature, and the dangers and temptations of the man's nature, which retarded the true development of present day which retarded the true development of character. The speaker illustrated his remarks by several incidents from real life. The address, which was full of interesting observations, was most attentively listened to throughout. Sudden Death of Mrs. Levi Evans.—The village of Prendergast is poorer to-day by the unex- pected death on Monday last of Mrs Betsy Evans, the beloved wife of Mr Levi Evans, coachbuilder. By her death another link with the past is snapped, and another old and esteemed inhabitant has crossed the bar." Herself the mother of ten children, eight of whom with their sorrowing father survive to mourn her loss, her ripe experience was always freely at the disposal of her neighbours, to whom she always proved a tower of strength when sickness or trouble assailed them. Coming from an old Welsh stock, Mrs Evans maintained the vigour of youth until a couple of years ago, when the strenuous life she had led began to tell upon her, al- though up to 11 o'clock on Sunday morning her domes- tic duties had her usual attention. Shortly after this hour, however, Mrs Evans was found in a state of col- lapse, and remained unconscious until her death. Much sympathy is being evinced towards Mr Evans and the family in their loss of a devoted wife and tender mother. The members of Mr Bland's firm, where Mr Evans has been employed continuously for the long period of 47 years, share with the numerous friends the respect and esteem in which their old fellow-workman is held. Town Improvements Committee. —Whist Drive and Dance.—A very successful whist drive and dance arranged under the auspices of the Town Improvements Committee were held in the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday evening. The Rooms which had been very kindly lent for the occasion by Sir Charles Philipps, bore an inviting apperance with their tasteful decorations. There were about 20 tables and the drive concluded about 11 o'clock when the following were announced winners -Ladies Ist Miss Louie Lewis, Bridge Street 2nd Mrs Mumford, Swan Square. Gentlemen-1st Mr S. W. Phillips, The Garth 2ud Mr J. H. Rogers. Dancing was afterwards indulged in. Some 60 couples took part and a most enjoyable evening was spent. Music was provided by MrBulmerF.R.C.O., and Mr Harry Walker, A.R.C.O., and the duties of M.C. were efficiently carried out by Mr Sidney Bowler. Refreshments were served by a committee of ladies, including Mrs W. Bevan, Mrs Sydney Davies, Mrs Sidney Evans, Miss Lilian Morse, Mrs Langford, Miss Emma Evans, Miss John (Quay Street) and others. The arrangements were chiefly carried out by Mr W. Bevan, Mr F. Langford, Mr Sidney Evans, Mr S. Bowler and the promoters are to be congratulated upon the success achieved. It is hoped that a substantial sum will be handed over to the Committee.

"A LOW LEVEL." HAVERFORDWEST'S CHANGE. MR. GEORGE CLARKE'S MISSION.' Writing in Ours," a religious magazine of which he is one of the editors, Mr George Clarke deals with the recent mission which he conducted in Haverfordwest I wish," says Mr Clarke, "that those who doubt the value of united missions could have been in this town of Haverfordwest, when the mission commenced, and then could have revisited it now that the mission is drawing to its close. Of course I mean that I wish they could have felt the pulse of the spiritual life of the place, talked with the various ministers and Christian workers, heard their lament at the deadness of the town spiritually, the lack of enthusiasm, etc., and then could have repeated the converaations with the same people to day. The minister who does not know that the divinely appointed work of an evangelist is a necessity to his church life is but a poor student, or else is satisfied with the mere counting of heads." On April 5th (Mr Clarke continues), I doubt if there could have been discovered in the whole of Britain, a town where the churches were better manned as far as ministers were concerned; where the buildings were better fitted for their purpose where there was a better average to population of converted men and women, yet, with all that one stood face to face with the fact that spiritually the place was at a very low level with the result that the hearts of the workers were somewhat hopeless. In some of the churches the prayer meetings had been given up, the average attendance on Sundays was not at all good, yet there was no New Theology or like deadening influence to cause the apathy. That is not au exaggerated picture of the state of affairs a short three weeks ago. To-day all is different. Hope is apparent everywhere, and enthusiasm has taken the place of apathy. True for the first ten days the evangelist had to deal with the so-called Christians, but from that onwards the tide has risen. Many, very many, have passed through the enquiry rooms night after night there are very few of the congregation who leave before the after meeting ministers and evangelists are at one in all they do; money is no anxiety at all; in fact the only question is, how can the work so gloriously begun be carried on in the best way ? We had a very hard ten days, then a glorious twelve days, and now the spiritual pulse of the place is very different to what it was only three weeks ago. Are Missionsjgood for the churches ? Ask the Christians of Haverfordwest, and you will get no uncertain answer. There have been some splendid conversions amongst those who appeared to be hopeless. Not a night has passed for the last two weeks that the ministers and workers have not gone to their beds tired but happy."

 

Pembrokeshire County Council. SWIMMING TO SCHOOL. LLANSTADWELL CHILDREN'S DIFFICULTY. INCREASE OF 4d. IN THE RATES. HEAVY LOCAL CHARGES. A quarterly meeting of the Pembrokeshire County Council was held at the Shire Hall, Haverford west, yesterday, when the members present were Dr George Griffith (chairman), Mr J. Howard Griffiths (vice-chair- man), Sir Owen Scourfield, Sir Charles Philipps, Col. Ivor Philipps, M.P., Archdeacon Hilbers, Rev W. Powell, Rev Henry Evans, Dr Style, Col. W. R. Roberts, Messrs J. V. Coiby, S. B. Sketch, W. Lawrence, J. Whicher, G. P. Brewer, E. H. James, Hugh Saunders, W. Robinson, Evan Thomas, J. Harries, W. T. Davies, H. E. E. Philipps, W. G. Llewelhn, W. Grieve, T. John, J. F. Lort Phillips, W. G. Eaton Evans, Hugh Williams, B. G. Llewellin, J. T. Fisher, J. White, Dan Davies, Llewellyn Rees, J. H. Harries, E. D. Jones, George Chiles, E. Robinson, Thomas James (Glanteg), C. W. Rees Stokes, Benjamin Powell, A. W. Massy, G. B. Bowen, William Beddoe, James Hutchings, Charles Young, W. Palmer Morgan, J. C. S. Glanville, T. E. Thomas (Trehale), and S. J. Lloyd Lewis. VOTES OF CONDOLENCE. At the outset the Chairman referred to the death of the Rev Lewis James, who devoted the greater part of his life to public work. He paid a tribute to Mr James's efforts on behalf of intermediate education, and he moved a resolution placing on record the great loss the county had sustained by Mr James's death. He also referred to the death of Mrs Thomas, wife of Mr John Thomas, Trevigan, and said they all deeply sympathised with their colleague in his great affliction. Alderman Watts Williams seconded, and the resolution was agreed to, all the members standing. CLARBESTON ROAD STATION. The Clerk read a letter from the G.W.R. Co. acknow- ledging the Council's resolution regarding the provision of a properly equipped station at Clarbeston Road. The Railway Company intimated that the matter was under consideration. The Chairman welcomed the receipt of that letter. He hoped the work would soon be carried out because the waut of suitable accommodation at Clarbeston Road entailed very great inconvenience. RE-APPOINTMENTS. Mr Mathias Thomas was re-appointed returning officer, and Mr Richards inspector of weights and measures. The Chairman congratulated Mr Thomas on the efficient way in which he carried out his work. Sir Charles Philipps moved the adoption of the report of the public works committee, whose recommendation that a sum not exceeding X120 be granted for the carry- ing out the work of the Trevaughan Bridge, Whitland, providing the Narberth District Council carry out their portion of the work. OFFICE ACCOMMODATION. I With regard to office accommodation the committee t reported that they had further considered this question. They thought it might be arranged to build temporary accommodation on the garden adjoining the Shire Hall, if the garden were leased by the County Council. The committee decided to adjourn the whole matter to a special meeting. INCONVENIENT AND EXPENSIVE. Mr S. B. Sketch again drew attention to the incon- venience and expense owing to the absence of a lock-up at Pembroke. Prisoners had to be conveyed from Pem- broke to Pembroke Dock, and in addition to the expense, the inconveniences inseparable from this were consider- able. Mr Dan Davies said this was a serious matter, but Sir Charles Phillips assured the Council that the matter was receiving very careful consideration. At present Mr C. F. Egerton Allen had been deputed to make enquiries with regard to a site. A NEYLAND IMPROVEMENT. There was a lengthy and interesting discussion on a report of the public works committee regarding the provision of a bridge at Church Lakes. The committee reported that the question had been adjourned for further consideration. Sir Ci a-les Philipps mentioned that he was at Neyland on the previous day, and saw the Beach Road improve- ments, which had been carried out very satisfactorily, but it was still incompleted owing to the lack of the proverbial ha'porth of tar. Continuing, Sir Charles pointed out that Neyland and Llanstadwell were separated by a narrow inlet, with the result thalt during high tides both places were absolutely cut off from each other. Children could not go to school without swimm- ing, a great many were prevented from going to church, and all the people of Llanstadwell were unable at these times to go to their own town of Neyland. He now moved that the council empower the committee to make the necessary arrangements with the Neyland urban council with a view to getting the work done as quickly as possible, as it would be a real boon to that part of the county. Col. Philipps seconded, and expressed the hope that the scheme brought forward would be a definite one for the provision of a county bridge. It was competent for the District Councils and for the parish council to help, but the time had gone by when that could be done. The county council were personally responsible, and a county bridge should be erected there, and erected quickly. The Chairman said that when application was made for this bridge it was stated that it was the direct road to Milford Haven. To connect the both places, however, a bridge was needed at Castle Pill. He did not consider that the bridge at Church Lakes was absolutely necessary for Llanstadwell, but if both schemes were carried out he should support them. He could not, however, support the Church Lakes scheme singly. Rev. W. Powell described the Castle Pill Bridge as a white elephant brought forward to block the Neyland scheme. The Chairman, amid cries of order, rose to object to that assertion. ltev. W. Fowell, continuing, saia tnat a few years ago the public works committee passed a resolution recom- mending the adoption of a scheme to cost between £ 1,200 and XI,400, and he pointed out that some £JOO had already been spent on the scheme. It only needed this Bridge to complete tho scheme. The Chairman had referred to this Bridge as a matter of no great urgency, but he described it as extremely urgent. Within his own recollection people had fallen into the tide at this spot. The late Mr Trewent nearly lost his life there-on the public road—and children risked their lives if they attempted to cross the place on the way to school. After going to two-thirds of the expeuse he hoped the scheme would not be blocked now. Mr W. Howell Walters said he distinctly recollected mentioning the fact when the repair of the Neylaud road was before them that the next thing would be to complete the job by the erection of a, Bridge. Members were very much annoyed at his suggesting it, and now that they had do-ie this work no doubt the erection of the Bridge was the logical outcome of the scheme. He proposed that it be an instruction to the committee to consider the erection of the two bridges. Sir Charles Philipps read a joint letter from the Neyland urban council and the parish council of Llaustadwell pointing out the peculiar circumstances of the case. The letter referred to the fact that all the Nonconformist places of worship were situated at Neyland, and that this road linked the two fishing ports of Milford and Neyland. Col. Philipps: I would urge that the two proposals come before the committee. Sir Owen Scourfield ifelt that the Neyland bridge was the more important of the two, and the sooner the Church Lakes Bridge was put in hand the better. A great many more people used the Neylaud road than the road at Castle Pill. Mr H. E. E. Philipps said there was a very strong feeling at Neyland and Llandstadwell in favour of the Church Lakes scheme. He understood that the Neyland Council were quite prepared to meet the County Council in the matter. Col. Roberts said that although no doubt the proposed bridge at Church Lakes was an urgent matter, only three months ago it was first represented to the County Council as urgent. As the erection of both bridges were now to be considered, plans should be prepared, and enquires should be made as to what contributions were to be raised locally. The Chairman would bear him out in saying that Milford Haven was prepared to raise a considerable sum for the purpose of providing the people of the district with a bridge at Castle Pill. They should also know how far the Neyland and Pembroke councils were prepared to go. Until this information was forth- coming nothing could be done, but he hoped the whole question of the two bridges would be discussed Jat the next quarterly meeting of the County Council. Sir Charles Philipps urged that there should be no delay, and asked that the committee should be empowered to bring forward a scheme for sanction at the next meeting. The committee were instructed to bring forward a scheme dealing with the erection of bridges at Church Lakes and Castle Pill at the next quarterly meeting. CONDITIONS LESS STRINGENT. A communication was read from the Pembroke Rural Council asking the County Council whether they wouldj». increase the grant in connectioi^vith the improvement of a road at Carew and St. Florence, or to make the con- ditions less stringent. It was pointed out that one mile of road had cost £ 420 to improve. Col. Ivor Philipps said that the expenses in connection with the county main roads had not increased. The high-water mark was. reached in 1903-4. Proceeding, he said that in his original scheme he proposed that the road should be taken over in sections. The money given to the Rural District Council was very small. The Pembroke Council had done some very good work, and Mr T. John, who was mainly responsible for this, deserved their best thanks. The committee, added Col. Ivor Philipps, had decided not to take the road referred to in sections, but he.would support an amendment to the effect that the Council take the road over in sections, provided the improvements were carried out to the satis- faction of the Surveyor. Sir Charles Philipps. in seconding the adoption of the report, said that so far as he was personally concerned he was at one with Col. Philipps, Mr John had made out a strong case, but the members of the committee agreed that it would be impossible to act in the manner sugges- ted by him until the main roads scheme was altered. He proposed that the District Council undertake to complete the road sanctioned by the Main Roads Committee, and that the Council take over any main road in section as soon as each portion is placed in order to the satisfactien of the Surveyor provided the sections are continuous. Colonel Roberts seconded, and described the pro- position as a most admirable one. He thought that to impose undue burdens on local ratepayers was what they =not sanction for one moment. The only difficulty in his opinion was a legal one, but the Clerk would be able to advise them on that point. Mr Howell Walters contended that the scheme as it stood was much more practicable than it would be if the proposition were carried. Mr W. Palmer Morgan called the Council's attention to the hardship the Narberth Rural District Council had to contend with under the scheme. In Narberth, he said, they were prevented from making any progress. The most important thoroughfares in the town were not main roads. The Clerk said there would be no legal objection to the proposition if it were provided that the roads be taken over from one part to another without leaving any sections between. Replying to Mr Palmer Morgan, whose remarks were supported by Mr W. Lttwrence, Col. Ivor Philipps, explained then were more miia roads in the Narberth District than in any other part of the county if the rateable value were taken into consideration. In years gone by Narberth had the benefit of the roads being controlled by the Council. Furthermore, the road rate in Narberth was the lowest in the county. After some further discussion Sir Charles Philipps's proposition was carried, Mr Howell Walters being the only dissentient. COLONEL YORKE'S VISIT. Mr Hugh Williams referred to the recent visit of Col. Yorke, Board of Trade Inspector to Trefgarn, to inspect the unfenced portion of the railway which had been complained of. He said that the Inspector was in the position of an arbitrator between the Great Western Railway Conrpauy and the Council, He came down in a saloon carriage apparently a3 the guest of the Railway Company. He (Mr Williams) did not wish to cast any leflectiou, for in spite of the attention of the Company to the requirements of the Inspector, he might have given his opinion without any bias. However, he should have visited the spot in some other way than under the auspices of the Great Western Railway Company. The matter then dropped, the committee's recommend- ation to again call the Board of Trade's attention to the matter being carried. A WORKMAN'S WAGES. The surveyor (Mr Arthur H. Thomas), reported that one of-the sweepers working with the roller met with an accident on the 14th of March last which necessitated his absence from work for some time. A claim had been msde out for compensation and a sum of 98 lid per week had been granted during disablement by the insurance company. Mr W. Lawrence proposed that the man's wages be paid in full. Rev. Henry Evans What is the use of having a Main Roads Committee if we decide to reverse the recommenda- tion they submit. Mr Howell Walters: We, as representatives of the ratepayers, do not feel we are justified in giving a mau more than he is entitled to by law. Col. Ivor Philipps I hope the Council will not take this step. The matter should be left in the hands of the Committee. If you do not trust the Committee, well, change them. Mr W. T. Davies We, as a Council, should be model employers. The man will not be able to use his finger again. It was decided by 24 votes to 15 that the matter be referred back to the Main Roads Committee. THE ESTIMATES. The principal items in the estimates for the year ending March 31st, 1911, on the general county account included 17,500, police expenditure, XI,500 salaries and pensions, 96,425 main roads, X3,575 grants to Urban Councils and maintenance of additional main roads, C500 small hold- ings. The estimated expenditure in connection with Elementary Education included £ 30,400 salaries of teachers, X300 medical inspection of children, 1300 cookery, contribution to training elementary school children. INCREASED RATES. The finance committee recommended that a general county rate of 9d in the £ an elementary education rate of Is 1, rate of Is Hd, a higher education rate of 2d, and a Welsh intermediate education rate of id, a total increase of 4d. Commenting upon the various recommendations Mr Brewer said that there was an increase of aid. in the county rate, this increase was necessary in order that they should have a working balance. During the past 21 years the rates had only been 9s 31., and during that period S43,234 had been handed over in subsidies to local authorities for the relief of the rate?. There was an in- crease of 2td. in the £ as compared Wii ihat of last year in the elementary education rate. P. rabrokeshire was not alone in that this rate was some what increased. The average for the whole of Wales for last year was Is 9 £ d, the total for Pembrokeshire working at Is 9d or a half- penny below the average. The committee would only be too pleased to reduce the rates, but any attempt at en- deavouring to do this would surely result in a subsequent inefficiency. It was absolutely essential that there should be a certain level of efficiency, and therefore the rates could not very well be relieved unless by a grant from the Government. He would suggest that they should join in other Councils in making a representation to the Government, and insisting upon a more generous treat- ment in regard to contributions. (Hear, hear). Mr W. P. Morgan seconded the adoption of the report which was carried without discussion. REDISTRIBUTION OF SEATS. Amongst the recommendations of the Local Govern- ment Acts Committee was one in favour of an additional county councillor for Fisbguard. Moving the adoption of the recommendation, Mr J. Howard Griffiths pointed out that LIanwnda was developing very rapidly. The assessments were going up by leaps and bounds—from £ 8,560 in September 1909 to X8,,960 in the following March. They might reasonably calculate that the electorate would increase in the same ratio. At present there were 628 electors in the parish of Fishguard. Mr Llewellin seconded the adoption of the report. He said that although there were only 628 county council voters on the register, there were at least another 100 ratepayers in the parish. These would all be included in the list of voters for next year. Col. Roberts thought it rather premature to increase the number of councillors for Fishguard on the basis of population. At present Fishguard had only 628 voters, and if it were to have two members on that basis Milford would cortiiinly be entitled to three representatives. The whole question of a redistribution of seats ought to be considered. The rateable value of Milford Haven was increasing by leaps and bounds, and very shortly, if not now, they would be entitled to a third member. Mr W. Greive agreed with Col. Roberts. On the basis of rateable value and population Pembroke Dock would also be entitled to additional representatives. Replying to Mr Sketch, Mr Llewellin said that Llanwnda was not included in the present application. Mr Sketch Xo doubt we shall receive another application from Goodwick. Mr Saunders pointed out that the average number of electors in each division was 381. If Fishguard were granted another county councillor the average there would be 311. The average for Pembroke Dock was only 337, and that Borough was therefore over- represented. Mr Chiles remarked that when Milford applied for a third representative it could be considered. Mr Hugh Williams saw no reason why an objection should be taken to Fishguard having additional representation simply because some other districts were said to be in a similar position. They all knew that at the present time Fishguard was increasing more rapidly than any other part of the county. By the end of this year they anticipated that nearly 800 voters would be on the register. The average of each division in the county was only 381. Mr G. B. Bowen, while not opposed to additiona representation for Fishguard, advocated the whole question of redistribution being dealt with. The vice-chairman intimated that, if the members of the Local Government Act Committee consented, he was quite prepared for the whole question to be re-considered. Mr Llewellin refused to consent to that course being adopted. It was not practicable, he said, to group Llanwnda and Fishguard. Mr J. Harries supported the recommendation. He said that whole streets of new houses were being built at Fishguard. Being 21 votes to 19 the whole question of redistri- bution was referred back to the committee. THE ANGLE ROAD. Mr J. F. Lort Phillips called attention to the Angle Road, and said it was a great injustice to Col. Mirehonse that the committee should not have visited the spot. The road at present used by the public at Angle was private property. Mr Egerton Allen said there was very great doubt whether this was a private road, and some of them thought it was rather the duty of Colonel Mirehouse to remove the obstruction than for the Council to provide means of communication. It was decided that a committee should visit the spot, in order to report at an early date. SMALL HOLDINGS. Ibe small noiuings committee reported having made arrangements for taking the Rosemarket vicarage glebe on lease on September 29th next at an annual of rent of X47 10s, and had made arrangements for erecting a new dwelling house on Ashdale at a cost of S235. The committee also reported having agreed to purchase, subject to the consent of the Board of Agriculture, from Mrs A. Lort Phillips, Ashdale Lodge and fields for X630. The property consists of some 18 acres of land (including 6J acres of standing timber) together with four cottages I and gardens, and adjoins the Council's farm of Ashdale. The committee had decided to withdraw the compulsory order they made for the acquisition of part of Barnlake Farm as there were now not sufficient applicants left to whom the land could be let. The committee further reported that they were carry- ing out repairs and adaptations necessary on the St. Dogwell's Estate, and recommended the Council to raise the loan of X1,000 required for this purpose in four in- stalments of X250 each. The committee had appointed a sub-committee to consider and report on the class of persons to whom small holdings should be let. The committee also intimates that they had also had under consideration the desirability of acquiring several properties. The report was adopted.

Churchwarden's Money. THEFT AT LLANGWM. At the Roose police court on Saturday before Mr W Howell Walters (in the chair), Mr Isaiah Reynolds, and Mr G. E. Carrow, a Reformatory school youth named Bertie Edwards, was charged on remand with stealing the sum of X2 10s, belonging to Mr Robert Peters, Knapp Farm, Llangwm. Mr Peters is churchwarden at Llangwm, and the stolen money belonged to the church. The prisoner had been in his employ since March 1st. Mr Peters told the court that he recently lost 12 10s from a chest in the sitting room. The chest was not locked, but he thought it was out of the way. The money was there five weeks ago, and was missing on the previous Sunday. He at onee gave information to the police. The prisoner had no questions to ask. "Ask him to forgive me," he said to the bench. Joseph Cook, a lad in the employ of Mr Palmer, baker, Main Street, Llangwm, said that he and the prisoner were in a reformatory school together. On Good Friday prisoner gave him a sovereign, which, he said. he had from the last place where he was employed—(St. David's). On Sunday the constable interviewed him, and he handed him the sovereign. P.C. Morgan aid that when he first questioned the boy Edwards about the missing money, he declared that he knew nothing about it. Eventually he took witness to his bedroom, and gave him 11 10s, adding that he had given the other sovereign to the boy Cook. On being searched at the police station, prisoner was found to posses? Is 7d. Prisoner admitted the offence, and a letter written by the boy in prison to Mr Peters, asking him to take him back into his employ was read. The Chairman said the boy's record was a very bad one. He bad been given every chance, and the bench had now deci-d? ed to send him to prison for ten days. Meanwhile the police would communicate with the reformatory school authorities with a view to his being re-admitted. The Chairman warned the boy that if he committed any theft again he would probably be sent to one of those institutions where they try to reform young criminals.