1880 – Cardigan through the ages

January

1/1 Thurs. School Board Concert held at the Guildhall in aid of the Board School Clothing Club.
3/1 Sat. A wedding at the Register Office: Owen Thomas Owens, Brighton and Anne Owens, Bridge-end.
4/1 Sun. A son was born to John Sharpe and his wife, Pendre.
5/1 Mon. Weekly Council Meeting: Dr Phillips was welcomed as a new councillor.
Borough Petty Sessions: PC Jones charged Mary Jones, Fat Ox for selling intoxicating drinks during prohibited hours, at 10.40. pm.
Weekly School Board meeting.
7/1 Wed. Weekly Board of Guardians meeting
8/1 Thurs. Death at Pendre, of Revd James Owen, vicar of Llechryd, aged 78 years.
10/1 Sat S.S Sea Flower was recorded to have made a remarkably quick passage to Bristol last week. She left Bristol on Sat. at 5.00 pm and arrived at Cambrian Wharf, Cardigan at 8.00 Sunday morning. Whole journey took 15 hours.
14/1 Wed. Monthly meeting of the Cards. CM at Tabernacle.
15/1 Thurs. Cardigan Assizes met at the Shire Hall.
17/1 Sat. Death of Mrs Catherine Davies, Pwllhai, aged 59 years.
18/1 Sun. Wife of William Owens, Catherine Row, gave birth to a daughter.
21/1 Wed.

Mr H. Clerk Lowther, officer on board the S.S. Circassia married Helen, the eldest daughter of Mr L. Lowther, 9, St. Mary’s Street (in Glasgow).

Meeting of the Eisteddfod Committee: £5.5s offered for the best ode on the Death of the Prince Imperial. Some local bards were not happy. In a letter in 31.1.1880 edition of the Cardigan Observer Ivor Wyn wrote: ‘It is evident that introducing a political theme like the above will not tend to make the Eisteddfod a success. Let us have non-political subjects, upon which all can agree.’

22/1 Thurs. Town Co meeting: Repairs needed for the Drawbridge. It only required one additional beam on the upper side. It was agreed that John Thomas be engaged to do the work.
Grammar School walls: Several members remarked that the headmaster (Mr Palmer) should do a bit of the painting himself, as he had the room free of rent!
Railway: Co. wanted to know what was going on.
Netpool: complaints as to the state thereof.

Sad Case of Drowning

24/1 Esther Davies, wife of Enoch, Upper Mwldan sadly drowned on Saturday night. According to the inquest she had called in with Mrs Martha Bateman’s shop in Quay St about 10.30 pm and left saying she felt a little tipsy. The street led down to the Quay, and straight towards the river.Her body was found fast to the chain of a smack by the gas-house on Sunday afternoon. The jury returned a verdict of “Found drowned in the Tivy,” and recommended that a gate or a door be erected at the entrance of the Quay, the same to be closed at night, so as to prevent accidents m future.
29/1 Thurs. Death of Caroline, St Mary’s St., aged 44 years, wife of David James, mariner.
Robbery in Bridge Parade
30/1 Fri Rosser Rees, of Merthyr stole 2 florins and a 2d in copper from the till of Mrs James, Bridge Parade. Prisoner was sentenced to 14 days, and 5 years in a Reformatory.

February

2/2 Mon
Death of Miss Sarah Williams, aged 61 years, Bridge St.
Wedding: Mr. Parry James (son of Mr. D. James, coach builder, Cardigan, and manager for Mr. J. Lewis, jeweller), and Mrs Vaughan (of the firm of Frazer and Vaughan), and widow of the late Mr. John Vaughan, builder, of Tredegar, were married.
3/2 Tues. Wedding of Mr. Benjamin James, Eben’s Lane, Cardigan, to Miss Margaret Morris, St. Dogmaels (at Bethania Chapel).
8/2 Sun. Birth of a daughter to the wife of Mr. William Morris, Old Market Square, Engineer of S.S. ‘Sea Flower’.
10/2 Tues.
Birth of a daughter to the wife of Llewellyn Prothero, mariner, Castle St.
Wedding of M. H. Tamblyn, Swansea to 2nd dau of D. Charles, William St
‘Good Templarism is now again becoming one of the leading features in Cardigan.’
15/2 Sun. Revd J. Ossian Davies resigned the pastorate of Tabernacle, Llanelli. Accepted a call to Lady Huntingdon’s Church, Swansea.
16/2 Mon.
Birth of a son to the wife of Griffith Griffiths, St Mary’s Lane.
W. H. Bateman, Quay St. fined for selling beer and whisky without a license.
Cardigan Literary Society meeting: Subject of the debate: ‘Whether the services of the Statesman or Warrior have been conducive of the greater mutual good’.
19/2 Thurs.
Death of Martha Jane, aged 17 years, dau of William Charles, grocer, Tredegar.
Before the Borough Magistrates: Henry Lewis, cockle dealer, Laugharne charged John Owens, Cnwcydintir (Captain Pwt) with having assaulted him with the blade of a shovel on the 12th, near the Queen’s Head, Pendre. Fined 26s incl. costs, in default a month’s imprisonment.
20/2 Fri. Death of Ald. Thomas Edwards, 68 years old, businessman, served as mayor, alderman, magistrate an for 35 years a deacon at Tabernacl chapel.
24/2 Tues. Meeting of the Cardigan Burial Board: heated exchanges due to problems with the bricks used in the Cemetery walls.
25/2 Wed. Funeral of Thomas Edwards, and interment in St Mary’s Churchyard.

March

1/3 Mon. Dr John Thomas 14.3.1841–1.3.1880: Death of Dr Thomas, 58 Pendre, in his 49th year. He had been married for only 3 months. He had been seriously ill for some time. Born in Cardigan and attended Cardigan Grammar School till he was 15 years. He then went to sea for 6 years. His father and mother died while he was at sea. At the age of 21 he was determined to enter the medical profession. He became an apprentice to Dr Bevan for 5 years; became a student at St Bartholomews, London. He gained the chief prize for Anatomy. He married first in 1854. On his return to Cardigan he became a leading spirit of the Liberal party. He was elected to the Town Council and was an alderman, mayor and magistrate. Appointed chairman of the school board on its formation, which he held until his death. He was one of the first to support the Rifle Corps movement when it first started, and remained in the corps as surgeon during his life. He was a consistent member of the Calvinistic Methodist cause at Tabernacl. . As to public speaking, he used to say, ‘Never mind the words, be in earnest, and you will speak with effect.’ To illustrate how he was held in admiration by his friends and opponents in political affairs, when his name was mentioned in the Council on the morning of his death, the whole Council gave way to tears.
The funeral took place on Friday morning last, at 11 o’clock, amidst universal signs of respect. The cortege was one of the largest ever witnessed in this town, business and work having been entirely suspended. He was the first to be buried in the new cemetery although it had not been formally opened.
Controversy concerning Consecration of the new cemetery: Classic case of Nonconformist v Anglican Church. The Vicar was determined that the ground be consecrated at the expense of the Cardigan Burial Board, that is to say, out of the poor rates of the parish. The Nonconformists were not happy.
16/3 Tues. Wife of J C Roberts, 2 Albion Tce., gave birth to a son.
16/3 MUNICIPAL ELECTION: William James, ironmonger 267 v J R Daniel 192. Immediately the news was declared the streets became a regular Babel—singing, shouting, cannonading, and fireworks of every description being freely indulged in, which was continued up to a late hour. [And listen to this:] The police and civilians had several sharp tussles with one another. The police, being overpowered, were oblige to retire. Hardly at any general election was so much excitement manifested.
18/3 Thurs. GREAT LIBERAL DEMONSTRATION AT CARDIGAN. Speeches made by DAVID DAVIES, M.P., and LEWIS PUGH.
All Cardigan seemed to have turned out; there were about three thousand present at the meeting.
21/3 Sun. Wife of John Jenkins, Pendre gave birth to a son.
22/3 Mon. Death of Mary, wife of David Rees, mariner, aged 54 years.

April

3/4 Sat. Revd John Williams, Birkenhead has accepted a call to Bethania.
5/4 Mon. Visit of Lewis Pugh MP to thank the electors for returning him to represent them in Parliament.
JPs appointed: Levi James, W P Evans, J H Miles and Wm Woodward – 3 Churchmen in stead of the 3 Nonconformists who have died!
28/4 Tues. Death of Thomas Watkins, Bridge End, carpenter aged 83 years.

May

1/5 Fri. Death of former resident Evan Jones, hatter, aged 65 years at Swansea.
13/5 Thurs William Harry (Professor) Bateman before the magistrates (again) for disturbing the peace.
References to the ‘Corporation Aquarium’ as a frog is found in the town’s water supply.
Columns of print in the Cardigan Observer v. Tivy-side (referred to as the Tizer) re. issues of Nonconformity v Church (School Board rates, Consecration of the Cemetery).
17/5 Whit Mon. General Holiday.
20/5 Thurs. Town Council meeting: Improvements had been made to the Water supply.

24/25 Mon. /Tues. OPENING OF MOUNT ZION CHURCH

Foundation stone had been laid by William Davies (now MP for Pembs.) on 11.9.1878. A service was held in Bethania Monday evening with sermons by Revd Seth Jones, St Dogmaels and Revd James Owen, Swansea . Tues at 10: in the new chapel Revd James Owen, Swansea (in Welsh) and Revd T. Williams (in English) officiated. At 2.00 Revd W. Haddock, Blaenffos (in Welsh) and Revd T. Williams (in English) At 6.00 pm at Bethania Revd T. Williams (in Welsh) and Revd J. Owen (in English).

The building was made of Cardigan Brick.

The entrance is of richly carved Bath stone, supported in the centre by a column with ornamental capital. There are narrow, circular-headed windows with Bath stone sills and copings, on either side the entrance, which is surmounted by a double window with ornamental coping and carved arch, in Bath stone. The front is terminated at the top by a neat iron finial. On entering, there is a capacious lobby, upon which the approaches to the gallery abut. Admission to the chapel is gained through two double doors of clear varnished pitch pine, with ornamental bronze pulls, at either extremity of the lobby. Inside, the pews are of pitch pine, clear varnished, open and commodious, with book ledges and foot boards. The rostrum is of a similar material, ornamented with iron lattice work between the pillars in dark blue. The interior will be lighted by a chandelier in blue and gold, suspended from the centre of the ceiling, and by two ornamental treble jet uprights, in blue and gold, on either side of the rostrum. The reading desk is elevated above the rail of the rostrum on iron supports. The roof is close ceiled, with varnished pitch pine beams in sight, which are supported by richly carved Bath stone trusses. The gallery rail is of varnished pitch pine, supported by an ornamental lattice work of iron painted dark blue. The gallery is supported by two iron pillars, in blue and gold, with ornamental capitals. Light is obtained through narrow circular-headed windows at each side, of milled glass. The centre window in the front has a border of stained glass, and underneath the gallery is a richly stained antique window. The aisles are paved with neat parti-coloured tiles manufactured at the Cardigan Brick Works. The plot of ground on which the building stands is neatly planted with shrubs, and is surrounded by a dwarf wall and ornamental iron railing, with handsome gates. All the iron work about the building is from Mr. Woodward’s foundry, Mwldan. The building, which will seat 350 persons, has cost about £1200, of which £850 has already been subscribed. The architect was Mr. George Morgan, of Carmarthen and Mr. W. Woodward, of this town, was the contractor. Joseph Rees, chemist presented the Church with an organ; Mrs Thomas Thomas, 32 High St presented a richly ornamented purple velvet cushion for the reading desk.

25/5 Tues. Wife of John Edwards, 22 Quay Street, plasterer gave birth to a daughter.
26/5 Wed. Death of the son of Capt. J. O. Griffiths, aged 16 days.

June

2/6 Wed. Death of 5 month old daughter of John Henry James, Greenfield Row.
4/6 Fri. Death of 15 year old Margaret Griffiths, daughter of Capt. J O Griffiths, Pendre.
8/6 Tues Wedding of Revd J. Ossian Davies, Swansea and Elizabeth Thomas, Llwynhendy (at Priory St Cong., Carmarthen).
17/6 Thurs. Co discuss site of new reservoir; and providing water supply to Greenfield Sq., Greenfield Row, Mwldan and Eben’s Lane.
26/6 Sat Public meeting to discuss railway extension from Crymych to Cardigan.

July

Unconsecrated portion of the Cemetery declared open. Bp of St David’s will consecrate the Church part of the ground on 15/7.
5/7 Mon Meeting to discuss arrangements to hold a regatta.
7/7 and 8/7 Wed and Thurs. Services in connection with the recognition of Revd John Williams as minister of Bethania.
21/7 Wed EISTEDDFOD. The pavilion hired held 5000.
24/7 Sat. Eisteddfod was regarded by some as a failure. There were complaints about the subject of the ode (awdl); indifference shown by local choirs; high prices of admission; and the people in the back rows couldn’t hear anything.
Wednesday half-holiday was not observed by two draper shops!
27/7 Wed. Excursion organised for the patrons of the SS Sea Flower. 9.45 start- back at 11.00 pm.
30/7 Fr. Temperance lecture at Tabernacl by Dr Schofield, superintendent for Wales.

August

3/8 Tues. Wedding of Charles Davies, (Alaw Meudwy), Llanelli to Martha Davies, Pwllhai at Tabernacle Chapel, Llanelli.
9/8 Mon. Death of Benjamin Griffiths, Old Market Sq, aged 79 years.
10/8 Tues. Excursion to Fishguard organised by SS Tivyside.
13/8 Fri. Death of Miss Mary Williams, at Mwldan, formerly of Eben’s Lane, aged 76.
18/8 Wed. Organ recital given by Mr Gower at St Mary’s Church. Large attendance of the local gentry.
19/8 Thurs. Mt Zion Sunday school trip to Gwbert.
24/8 Tues. Another Steamboat excursion: SS Sea Flower to Milford.
25/8 Wed. Tabernacle SS trip to Gwbert.
30/8 Mon. Lecture at Bethania by Revd O. Waldo James, ‘Let every one mind his own business’.

September

1/9 Wed. Sunday School demonstration to celebrate centenary. Procession of 1500-2000 headed by the mayor Wm Woodward and local ministers.
1/9 Wed. Regatta held on the Teifi above the bridge. Proceedings began at 3.30 pm
4/9 Sat. HMI Report of St Mary’s School: school is in good order and has made a very decided improvement during the year.
Letter page: complaints as to the habit of youths of cursing and swearing.
9/9 Thurs. Ragged school outing to Gwbert.
11/9 Sat. Death of David Evans, ship carpenter of Catherine Row at Odessa, aged 41 years.
13/9 Mon. Meeting of the School Board to discuss whether attendance should be made compulsory.
14/9 Tues. Concert at the Guild-hall by Hirwen Jones.
15/9 Wed. Death of Elizabeth Davies, sister of late Henry Davies, Quay House, aged 61 years.
18/9 Sat. Death of D. Rowlands formerly Inland Revenue Officer at 10 Pendre, aged 68 years.
19/9 Sun Mr. David Jesse Evans, was ordained deacon at Llandaff Cathedral, and licensed to the curacy of Gelligaer.
20/9 Mon Wedding at Tabernacle: David Jones, master of the brig Sarah Ann of Cardigan and Ellen Lewis, dau of Griffith Lewis, grocer and postmaster of Aber-porth.
21/9 Tues. Lecture in the Guild-hall: ‘The Lost ten tribes of Israel – where are they?’ by J. L. George of Stroud.
23/9 Town Council: THE WATER SUPPLY. Alderman James read the specifications he had prepared for the supplying and laying of water pipes, and fixing five conduits in the town, which were approved of and adopted; GUILD-HALL CHAIRS. The Mayor called attention to a letter that had appeared in the Cardigan Observer, with respect to the rough handling of the Guild-hall chairs by the parties who carried them, on the occasion of their being lent for Blaenporth concert. He said that the statements in the letter were untrue, and called Thomas Evans, hall-keeper, who asserted that he had seen the chairs carefully packed, and that they were returned undamaged. It was resolved that the chairs should not be lent in future, as the Corporation only held them in trust.

October

4/10 Town Council: THE RIVER MWLDAN. Mr. James Williams called attention to the filthy state of the Mwldan river, and the dangerous state of the bridges.
5/10 Death of Mr Challoner, traveller, at the Black Lion Hotel, Liverpool, aged 33 years.
5/10 Tues BETHANIA CHAPEL Harvest Thanksgiving meetings were held, morning and evening, and were well attended. Prayer meetings were held every night during this week for the success of the cause. Mr. Williams’ labours since he has become pastor of this church have proved very successful, as many as 30 candidates for membership now being before the church.
8/10 Fri Borough Petty Sessions: Esther Phillips, of Greenfield-square, charged Hannah Williams, of Mwldan, with using abusive language towards her at Greenfield-square, on the 25th ult. Defendant was bound over to keep the peace for three months, in the sum of 6s, with two sureties in a like amount; James Hallard, an Irish labourer, was brought up in the custody of P.O. Joseph Lloyd, charged with being drunk and assaulting him on the night of the 1st inst. From the evidence of the officer it appeared that Hallard was found drunk and creating a disturbance at Upper Mwldan, at 11.30 p.m. He was taken to his lodgings but came out again, and had to be taken into custody. On the way to the station, prisoner endeavoured to kick the officer’s head, but failed to injure him, only damaging his helmet. As he, had only been released from Carmarthen Gaol a few weeks, where he had undergone one month’s imprisonment for a similar offence committed at Cardigan, the Bench this time sentenced him to three months’ hard labour without the option of a fine; .Before the Mayor and Mr. Levi James – Benjamin Davies, Catherine Row, was charged by Inspector Roberts with being drunk and disorderly at Catherine-row, on the 1st inst. Fined 5s, and bound over in the sum of £5 to keep the peace for one month.
10/10 Sat Death of Eleanor Martin, at Upper Mwldan, aged 91 years.
14/10 Town Council: EXTENSION OF WATER SUPPLY; THE RIVER QUESTION; THE RESERVOIR SITE. The consideration of this question was postponed at the request of Mr James Williams, who was afraid that if they discussed any other water questions that day they would have water on the brain.[!]; DRAWBRIDGE REPAIRS. It was resolved to temporally repair the Drawbridge, until such time as they could erect a new structure.
16/10 ABOLITION OF PROPERTY QUALIFICATION FOR SEATS ON THE TOWN COUNCIL. IN view of the forthcoming elections of members to the Town Council, it will doubtless interest our readers to learn that the property qualification which has heretofore existed with regard to seats on the Town Council, has been abolished, and that it is now competent to elect any person whose name appears on the electoral list as a voter, whatever may be his qualification.
17/10 Sun BAPTISM Ten persons were baptised in the river Tivy, at the Netpool, by the Rev. J. Williams, minister of Bethania Baptist Chapel, in this town, on Sunday afternoon last, in the presence of a large concourse of people.
21/10 Thurs FUNERAL UNDER THE NEW BURIALS ACT The first burial in this neighbourhood under the new Act, took place in St Mary’s Churchyard, in this town, when the Rev. J. Williams, Baptist minister, read a portion of the Bible, and delivered an appropriate address on the saints’ rest.
22/10 Fri Borough Petty Sessions: Before the Mayor and Mr. W. Picton Evans, P.C. George Adams charged Wm. Griffiths, an old soldier, and John Williams, an old sailor, (who were brought into town in a cart) with being drunk and found in a field near Briar Cottage, St. Dogmells, without any visible means of subsistence. Committed to gaol for two months.
24/10 Sun Death of Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Mr John Davies, Bridge-End, aged 30 years.at Union Street, Liverpool.
26/10 and 27/10 OPENING OF THE NEW ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. [HOPE CHAPEL] Notwithstanding the very inclement state of the weather, the building was well filled. The Rev. L. Beynon, pastor of the church, opened the service, and the Revs. J. R. Webster, of Pembroke Dock, and the Rev. J. Davies, Glandwr, preached. The Rev. J. R. Webster ably and eloquently discoursed in English upon the tenth verse of the eighty-fourth Psalm and the Rev. Mr. Davies, in Welsh, on the seventh verse of the second chapter of Revelations. In the interval between the services, Mr. M. A. Stephens, the treasurer of the building fund, read a statement of the expenditure and receipts, by which it appeared that the chapel, with the site upon which it is built, had cost £1819 14s. 9d. Towards this amount £1084 18s. 5d. had been subscribed, which with promises received amounting to £175, raise the total contributions to £1259 18s. 5d., leaving a balance of £559 16s. 4d. to be raised. The services were continued on Wednesday, when the Revs. J. R. Webster and W. Nicholson preached; at 2 o’clock, the Revs. D. Adams, B.A., and J. Newman Richards preached; and in the evening at 6, the Revs. J. R. Webster and W. Nicholson preached. The sermons throughout were of a very high order, and were listened to by large congregations. The total amount collected during the services was £66 16s. 4d. The situation of the new building is one of the best in the town, being at the junction with High street of the northern approach to the Mwldan, Bath-house, and the Brick, Tile, and Pottery Works of Messrs. Miles, Woodward and Co. The ground on which the chapel is built forms an eminence, and the building may be seen from most parts of the town. The building is of the pure Gothic style of architecture, and is constructed of dressed Cilgerran stone, while the facings and copings are of dressed bathstone. The front is very lofty and imposing, the dark colour of the Cilgerran stone is relieved by the bathstone copings. The portal is extremely well designed, being of bathstone, richly carved. Two red Aberdeen granite pillars highly polished, support the groined Gothic arch forming the door, which is approached from the street by broad Cilgerran stone steps, with dwarf wall of same. The entrance doors are oak grained, broad and lofty, with ecclesiastical hinges, in black. Above the door is a large centre window, with bathstone mullions and carved keystone; there is a small window on top of this, and the front is terminated by a very neat finial of carved bathstone. On each side of the portal are narrow windows of rolled glass. On passing the portal there is a capacious lobby, from which the chapel is entered by two doors, on the right and left, and on which the gallery approaches abut. The gallery is reached on either hand by a broad winding staircase, with varnished pitch-pine bannisters and railings; the staircase being neatly carpeted. The gallery occupies about one-third of the length of the building, and the seats are comfortable and roomy, affording accommodation for about 120 persons. A hand-rail of varnished pitch-pine, guards the gallery staircase. The seats are of yellow pine, clear varnished, with pannelled backs, hat rail, book ledge, and a pitch-pine moulding, which produces a nice effect. Descending to the lobby-facing the portal is a large oblong ornamental window, of embossed, enamelled and coloured glass, of a pretty design, which lights the seats under the gallery. Over each entrance door is an ornamental fan-light in keeping with the window facing the portal. On entering, the general effect is bright and cheerful, the building being well lit by ten Gothic double windows, four on one side and six on the other. The walls are of stucco, of a light grey colour, and the roof is tilt-shaped, ceiled between the beams, which together with the ties and king posts are oak-stained pitch-pine, octagonal in shape. The beams rest on beautifully carved bathstone trusses. These trusses are quite works of art, and reflect considerable credit on local workmanship. In each of the seven top ceiled pannells is an ornamental plaster centrepiece, perforated for purposes of ventilation. The artificial lighting arrangements are of a very complete and highly ornamental character. Attached to the walls on either side, are bronze brackets with triple jets, while suspended from the centre pannel of the ceiling is a very elegant burnished brass chandelier, sup- porting 35 jets, the suspending rod being coloured marine blue, picked out with gold. The seats are of yellow pine, with sloping pannelled backs, hat rails, and book ledges. The seating arrangements throughout are very complete, the wing or side seats being sloped towards the door, thus affording increased facility for ingress and egress, and each seat is so arranged as to directly face the pulpit. In front of the large pew, which is very commodious and open at each end, is a space for the communion table, chairs, and harmonium. The table and chairs are of an elegant and chaste design, being richly carved, and ornamented with fret-work. The pulpit is of most massive, and yet chaste design, and the centre is carved out of solid pitch pine. A massive pedestle supports a dwarf pillar ornamented with Gothic pannels, and this is surmounted by a deep capital, embellished with circular pannels and Maltese crosses. On the top of which is a heavy moulding, and on this rests the reading desk. Abutting on each side of the centre is a square-faced, pannelled wing, which is connected with the wall on the one side by a curved pannelling, while at the other it is left open to receive the winding staircase by which the pulpit is reached. The staircase is guarded by a curved handrail with spiral pillars. On the extremities of the pulpit wings are gas standards, supporting ornamental bronze fixings, with triple jets, in keeping with the side brackets. Behind the pulpit is a shallow recess in dark grey, relieved at the edges by pillars in white, with ornamental carved capitals. Over the recess is a circular mullioned window in stained cathedral glass. The front of the gallery is of close diagonal boarding, relieved over the iron supporting pillars, which are in black and gold, with circular pannels and Maltese crosses. Under the gable end of the building are apartments for the accommodation of the chapel-keeper. The whole building, which is one of the most handsome in South Wales, was constructed from the designs of Mr. Peter Price, of Cardiff. Great credit is due to Messrs. Levi James, M. A. Stephens, O. P. Davies, Lewis Evans, D. M. Palmer, Wm. Morgan, O. B. Evans, and the Rev. L. Beynon, under whose superintendence the greater part of the building was erected by day work.
30/10 Sat CLOSING OF THE CHURCHYARD Dr. Hoffman, Sanitary Commissioner, visited the town for the purpose of taking evidence and hearing objections with respect to the advisability of closing St. Mary’s Churchyard. It was agreed that the scale of relations who could claim interment henceforth should be widow, widower, and children, providing that there be in the intended grave 5 feet of earth between the surface and the uppermost coffin.
30/10 MUNICIPAL ELECTION There will be no contest this year. Dr. Phillips, Rev. W. Jones, Mr. J. Lewis, and Mr. J. W. Meyler will be returned unopposed, the latter gentleman taking the seat of Mr. D. G. Davies, who retired in his favour. The formal election will take place on Monday next.
31/10 Death of Jane, wife of Mr. Joseph Jenkins, Strand, aged 77 years.

November

PRESENTATION OF A TESTIMONIAL TO MR. W. WOODWARD, MAYOR. Some short time ago it was resolved by the’ workmen employed by Mr. Woodward in the Brickmaking, the Foundry, and the Joinery departments, to present that gentleman with a testimonial. The original idea was that the testimonial should be an expression of respect and esteem from the employees, solely, to their employer but the scheme soon got wind, and a number of the most influential tradesmen and gentle- men of the town advanced a request that they might be permitted to unite with the workmen in expressing their high sense of Mr. Woodward’s character as an energetic man of business, a pains- taking and useful man of business, and, during the last year, of the able, enterprising, and thoroughly conscientious manner in which he had conducted the public affairs of the town as mayor.
1/11 Mon Town Council. EXTENSION OF THE WATER SUPPLY. THE RIVER QUESTION. THE HOOTER. Permission was given to Mr. Woodward to use the new Hooter, at his foundry in the Mwldan, so long as no complaints were made by the neighbours.
1/11 Mon Root Show in Priory St.
9/11 Mr. Lewis Evans was unanimously elected Mayor.
18/11 Cardigan Literary Society. Rev. W. Q. Davies, B.D., delivered the opening lecture. The subject chosen was Proverbs and their interpretation.
21/11 Death at 5, Pendre, Mrs. Catherine Young, widow of the late Mr. David Young, Courier, aged 64 years.

December

1/12 Death of Mrs. Anne Owens, widow of the late Mr. David Owens, Eben’s Lane, aged 86 years.
4/12 Rev. Griffith Davies, London, the general secretary of the Calvinistic Methodist Association, has accepted a call from the Tabernacle Church, to become its pastor. He will commence his duties in March.
7/12 Tues TEMPERANCE HALL It is intended to give a series of penny readings fortnightly at the above place during the winter months.
9/12 Thurs ALLEGED STEALING FROM THE PERSON At a special petty sessions, held in the Guild-hall, before the Mayor and Mr. Levi James, Thomas Philips, writer, Greenfield square, was charged by Humphrey Roberts, master mariner, Portmadoc, with having, on Monday, the 6th inst., stolen two sovereigns from his pocket at the Crown Inn. Mr. W. W. Smith appeared to prosecute, and Mr. John A. G. Evans for the prisoner. After prosecutor’s evidence had been taken, the case was adjoined to the following morning. Accused was brought up on Friday morning, and after hearing the evidence the Bench considered the charge proved. Prisoner elected to be summarily dealt with, and was sentenced to one month imprisonment, in the house of correction. The Bench expressed a hope that this would prove a warning to him.
15/12 Death of Mr. David James, labourer, aged 57 years, after a long illness, Eben’s Lane.
16/12 Thurs Town Council: Ald Jenkins v. Woodward re costs, expenditure of mayoralty, Capel Pond, etc.
20/12 Fatstock Show
23/12 Cardigan Grammar School Distribution of Prizes.
25/12 CHRISTMAS AT CARDIGAN We would remind our readers that on Christmas Dry, at the Tabernacle Chapel, the Sabbath School will be examined on a chapter in the Bible, by the Rev. Evan Phillips, of Newcastle-Emlyn, who will preach at 6 o’clock. At Bethania Chapel, at 10 o’clock, the various Baptist schools of the locality will meet to practise congregational singing, under the leadership of Mr. Maldwyn Evans, and at 7 o’clock in the evening an eisteddfod will be held. At Capel Mair, the Sabbath School Quarterly Meeting will be held at 10 o’clock. The usual services will be held in St. Mary’s Church.