LLANELLY CHRONICLE JULY 4th. 1901
Sourced by Gareth Hughes, 2000.

KIDWELLY
BEAR GARDEN

TROUBLE AT
“YE ANCIENT BOROUGH.”

SILICA WAR REACHES FEVER HEAT.

MOUNTED POLICE AT THE READY.

The feeling in connection with the Silica war at Kidwelly has now reached fever heat, and it was anticipated that a general disturbance would have been created on Tuesday night,when the lease granting the mountain (Mynyddygarreg) to Mr.Young was supposed to have been signed. For months past, this lease, which grants to Mr. Young the whole of the silica stone on the Mountain at a rent of £30 p.a., or 3 pence per ton royalty on all stone raised, has been under consideration. A large number of the ratepayers feel that great injustice is being done, and with each meeting held, their indignation increases. It was reported in Llanelly early in the evening that the ratepayers had threatened a Riot if the lease was signed. This rumour was strengthened by the significant fact that a number of mounted police were seen in town, and another detachment left for "Ye Ancient Borough" in a conveyance, under the command of inspector Evans. However, the mounted men were prevented from taking the journey, and when our representative arrived at Kidwelly, he observed the other detachment entering. Fortunately, their services were not requisitioned, as the ratepayers preserved perfect order in the streets. Inside the Hall, they did not hesitate to show their disapproval of the proceedings, and the meeting was turned into a bear-garden*.

* Chambers dictionary definition: “a rough noisy place or scene”