1889 Merionethshire County Council election
The first election to the Merionethshire County Council was held on 18 January 1889.[1] It was followed by the 1892 election. The county was divided into numerous single member wards with two councillors elected to represent some of the urban areas.
Overview of the result
edit1889 was a landmark year in the history of Welsh Liberalism, a coming of age symbolized by the triumph across Wales of Liberal candidates in the inaugural county council elections. The outcome was very similar to that in Cardiganshire.
Unopposed Returns
editThere were some unopposed returns.
Contested Elections
editThere were a large number of contested elections and the majorities were small in most instances. In most cases there were contests between Liberal and Conservative candidates.
The New Council
editThe first meeting of the council was held in Dolgellau.
Summary of Results
editThis section summarises the detailed results which are noted in the following sections. This was the inaugural county election and therefore no comparison can be made with the previous elections. One councillor was described as an Independent candidate but was also grouped in some reports with the Conservatives.
This table summarises the result of the elections in all wards. 42 councillors were elected.
Party | Seats | Gains | Losses | Net gain/loss | Seats % | Votes % | Votes | +/− | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | 33 | ||||||||
Conservative | 8 | ||||||||
Independent | 1 |
This table summarises the position following the election of aldermen. Eight were elected from among the elected members and eight from outside the council. This brought the total number of councillors and aldermen to 56.
Party | Seats | Gains | Losses | Net gain/loss | Seats % | Votes % | Votes | +/− | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | 43 | 10 | +11 | ||||||
Conservative | 9 | 1 | +1 | ||||||
Independent | 1 | 0 |
This table summarises the position following the by-elections for the three seats vacated following the election of aldermen. Technically these were new seats, taking the total number of councillors to 56. However, the Liberals defended three seats.
Party | Seats | Gains | Losses | Net gain/loss | Seats % | Votes % | Votes | +/− | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | 46 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |||||
Conservative | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
Independent | 1 |
Results
editAbercorris and Talyllyn (two seats)
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Morris Thomas | 226 | |||
Liberal | William Caradog Jones | 192 | |||
Conservative | Edward Williams | 169 |
Aberdovey District
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | James Webster | 95 | |||
Liberal | John Hughes Jones | 89 | |||
Majority | 6 |
Bala District
editRichard Jones was a prominent figure in the public life of Bala, serving on many bodies. He was elected alderman at the first meeting of the Council but died suddenly in February, aged 65.[2]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Richard Jones | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Barmouth Urban District
editLewis Lewis, gentleman, of Hillside, Barmouth, defeated John Robert Davies, gentleman, of Compton House, Barmouth.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Lewis Lewis | 160 | |||
Conservative | John Robert Davies | 109 | |||
Majority | 51 |
Conglywal District
editRobert Roberts, physician and surgeon, of Isallt, Blaenau Festiniog defeated Joseph Rhydwen Parry, Independent minister, of Manod Road, Blaenau Ffestiniog.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Robert Roberts | 163 | |||
Liberal | Joseph Rhydwen Parry | 129 | |||
Majority | 34 |
Cynfal and Teigl District (two seats)
editWilliam Davies, farmer, of Caerblaidd, Ffestiniog and John Hughes, farmer, of Hafodfawrisaf, Maentwrog, were elected at the expense of George Henry Ellis, solicitor, of Penymount, Ffestiniog and Edward Henry Jonathan, draper, of Paris House, Four Crosses.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | William Davies | 159 | |||
Liberal | John Hughes | 105 | |||
Independent | George Henry Ellis | 95 | |||
Liberal | Edward Henry Jonathan | 89 |
Cwmorthin and Ystradau (two seats)
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Alexander Milne Dunlop | Unopposed | N/A | N/A | |
Liberal | William Parry Evans | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Dolgelley Combined District (two seats)
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Edward Jones | 300 | |||
Liberal | Morris Jones | 261 | |||
Conservative | John Vaughan | 218 |
Dolgelley Rural District
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Robert Pugh | 111 | |||
Conservative | Richard Edward Lloyd Richards | 95 | |||
Majority | 16 |
Dyffryn
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Samuel Pope | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Gwyddelwern
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Robert Edwards | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Harlech District
editRichard Thomas Jones, surgeon, of Penygarth Villa, Harlech defeated John Owen, farmer, of Brynartro, Llanfair.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Richard Thomas Jones | 152 | |||
Conservative | John Owen | 141 | |||
Majority | 11 |
Llanaber
editCharles Williams of Hengwm, Llanaber defeated John Jones, farmer, of Llwyndu, Barmouth.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | Charles Williams | 50 | |||
Liberal | John Jones | 28 | |||
Majority | 22 |
Llandrillo
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Henry Davies | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Llandderfel
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Thomas Jones | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Llanegryn
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | William Robert Maurice Wynne | 151 | |||
Liberal | John Evans | 104 | |||
Majority | 48 |
Llanfachreth
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | Robert Vaughan | 136 | |||
Liberal | Edward Griffith | 91 | |||
Majority | 45 |
Llanfor
editRichard John Price of Rhiwlas defeated William Thomas Rowlands, farmer, of Tanycoed, Llanfor (L).[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | Richard John Price | 141 | |||
Liberal | William Thomas Rowlands | 64 | |||
Majority | 77 |
Llanfrothen
editJohn Jones, gentleman, of Ynysfor, Llanfrothen defeated William Hughes, farmer, of Cwmcaeth, Nantmor, Beddgelert.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | John Jones | 142 | |||
Liberal | William Hughes | 74 | |||
Majority | 68 |
Llansantffraid and Corwen Combined Districts (three seats)
editWilliam Ffoulkes Jones, timber merchant, of the Terrace, Corwen; Robert David Roberts, wholesale grocer, of Glandwr, Corwen, and Hugh Cernyw Williams, Baptist minister, of London Road, Corwen were elected at the expense of David Robert Jones, surgeon, of the Terrace, Bridge Street, Corwen and Horatio Edward Walker, surgeon, of Plasyndref, Corwen.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | William Ffoulkes Jones | 341 | |||
Liberal | Robert David Roberts | 332 | |||
Liberal | Rev Hugh Cernyw Williams | 277 | |||
Conservative | David Robert Jones | 252 | |||
Conservative | Horatio Edward Walker | 162 |
Llanuwchllyn District
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Michael Daniel Jones | 125 | |||
Conservative | John Williams | 117 | |||
Majority | 8 |
Llanycil
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Edward Peters | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Llwyngwril
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Ellis Pughe-Jones | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Maenofferen and Diphwys Combined District (two seats)
editJohn Parry Jones of the District Bank, Blaenau Ffestiniog and Robert Owen Jones, solicitor, of High Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog were elected at the expense of Morris Jones, flour dealer, of Blaenbowydd House, Blaenau Ffestiniog.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | John Parry Jones | 276 | |||
Liberal | Robert Owen Jones | 264 | |||
Independent | Morris Jones | 173 |
Maentwrog
editWilliam Edward Oakeley of Plas Tanybwlch defeated Griffith Ceidiog Roberts, nonconformist minister of Gwyndy, Maentwrog.[1] In what was described as the first Liberal meeting held at Maentwrog, in support of Roberts's candidature, Tom Ellis MP spoke for over an hour and a half.[3]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Conservative | William Edward Oakeley | 134 | |||
Liberal | Griffith Ceidiog Roberts | 83 | |||
Majority | 51 |
Mawddwy District
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | John Jones | 141 | |||
Conservative | Henry Owen | 105 | |||
Majority | 36 |
Pennal
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | James Meredith | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Penrhyn and Talsarnau (two seats)
editJ. B. Jones, miller, of Brynyfelin and John Rowe, quarry manager, of Glasfryn View, Penrhyn, were elected at the expense of Edmund Morgan Roberts, farmer, of Cefntrefor- isaf, Talsarnau and John Morgan, grocer, of Canton House, High Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | J. B. Jones | 223 | |||
Liberal | John Rowe | 219 | |||
Conservative | Edmund Morgan Roberts | 207 | |||
Liberal | John Morgan | 72 |
Rhiw and Bowydd (two seats)
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | David Griffith Williams | Unopposed | N/A | N/A | |
Liberal | David Griffith Jones | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Towyn Rural District
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Rev Griffith Evans | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Towyn Urban District
editParty | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | Henry Haydn Jones | Unopposed | N/A | N/A |
Trawsfynydd Eastern and Western Districts (two seats)
editJohn Humphreys, physician and surgeon, of Fronwynion-street, Trawsfynydd and Robert Hugh Pughe, farmer, of Brynllefrith, Trawsfynydd, were elected at the expense of David Tegid Jones, farmer, of Y Goppa and William Evans, draper, of Meirion House, Trawsfynydd.[1]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal | John Humphreys | 162 | |||
Independent | Robert Hugh Pughe | 109 | |||
Liberal | David Tegid Jones | 107 | |||
Liberal | William Evans | 81 |
Election of Aldermen
editIn addition to the 42 councillors the council consisted of 14 county aldermen. Aldermen were elected by the council, and served a six-year term. Following the election of the initial sixteen aldermen, half of the aldermanic bench would be elected every three years following the triennial council election. After the initial elections, there were sixteen Aldermanic vacancies and the following Alderman were appointed by the newly elected council:[4]
Only three of those elected were members of the council.[5]
Elected for six years
- S. Pope, Liberal, (elected councillor at )
- A. O. Williams, Liberal
- J. Cadwaltwdr, Liberal
- Edward Griffith, Liberal (defeated candidate at Llanfachreth)
- Richard Jones, Plasyracre, Liberal (elected councillor at Bala)
- Wm. Williams, Liberal
- J. Hughes Jones, Liberal
Elected for three years
- C. H. Wynn, Conservative
- John Evans, Liberal
- E. H. Jonathan, Liberal
- Andreas Roberts. Liberal
- Edward Peters, Liberal (elected councillor at Llanycil)
- Rev G. Ceidiog Roberts, Liberal (defeated candidate at Maentwrog)
- William Davies, Pant, Liberal
Aldermanic Vacancies 1889-1895
editRichard Jones died suddenly in February 1889, creating an immediate vacancy.[2]
Therefore, the following appointment was made for the remaining six years in May 1892.
By-elections
editThree by-elections were caused by the election of aldermen.
Bala by-election
editEdward Watkin, land agent, Rhiwlas, standing as an Independent, defeated the Liberal candidate by fifteen votes. Richard Jones, who had been elected alderman, died three days later.[2]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Independent | Edward Watkin | 147 | |||
Liberal | Evan Jones | 132 | |||
Majority | 15 |
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "Merioneth County Council Elections". Cambrian News. 25 January 1889. p. 8. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ a b c "Bala. County Council". Cambrian News. 22 February 1889. p. 7. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
- ^ "Senedd Meirion". Baner ac Amserau Cymru. Thomas Gee. 2 January 1889. p. 11. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
- ^ "Merioneth County Council". Cambrian News. 8 February 1889. p. 7. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
- ^ "Merioneth County Council". Cambrian News. 1 February 1889. p. 5. Retrieved 13 July 2015.
Bibliography
edit- Morgan, Kenneth O. (1967). "Cardiganshire Politics: The Liberal Ascendancy 1885-1923". Ceredigion. 5 (4): 311–346.