Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

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THE MERTHYR WATER BILL. ATTACK ON THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL. OUTSPOKEN REMARKS AT A PUBLIC MEETING. A well-attended meeting of ratepayers to consider the twentieth Clause of the Merthyr Water Bill was held on Saturday evening at the Temperance Hall, when the chair was occupied by Alderman David Davies, who was supported on the platform by District Councillors Dan Thomas, Evan Lewis, J. LI. Atkins, J. Lewis, Thomas Thomas; County Council- lors J. W. Lewis and Watkin Moss Dr. James, Mrs. Emma Williams, Messrs. J. Jones, Glanynant; D. Evans, auctioneer and Arthur Daniel, Troed- yrhiw. The Chairman said that it was a matter of regret that the time had been so short in which to call the meeting. They had thought that the Bill would come before the Committee of the House of Commons during the current week, but it seemed that the com- mittee had so much work to do that they had post- poned the consideration of the measure until Wednesday. One of the chief reasons for the calling of the meeting was that it was to be feared that some of the gentlemen who were present at the District Council meeting on Friday week were doing their utmost to frustrate and undo the resolution arrived at by the majority en that occasion. Mr. Davies then proceeded to explain how the special meeting had been called, and the reason why so few members were present was because the notice given was so short. The meeting was only convened on Thursday, and the meeting was held on Friday. Two gentlemen— the Chairman and another—opposed the expunging of the 20th Clause from the Bill, but the majority of tho members of the District Council were in favour of allowing matters to remain as they were at present. In connection with the reservoirs at Pentwyn and Penderyn, the parish had borrowed no less a sum than £91,118, of which £84,275 3s. 5d. had been repaid, leaving a balance of £6,842. Then the Neuadd Reservoir had cost something like JB73,556, of which only £10,452 had been repaia, leaving a balance of £63,083. Under the new Bill, it was proposed to erect a new reservoir, which, he had no doubt, would be a great boom to the parishioners, and for which it was proposed to borrow a sum of JE120,000, He hoped the new reservoir would be a better one than those they already had, for the Neuadd Reservoir at present was no better than an old riddle. It was not safe, and he supposed it would lie left as a monument. Mr. Davies then read letters of apology for absence from Mr. John Roberts and Mr. W. Lewis, Treharris, the latter of whom said be hoped they would have a good meeting to condemn the iniquitous charges proposed to be made. He believed they ought to show up the white feather" members of the Council to the people. He had sent thd petition up to London, crammed with signatures (loud applause). Proceeding, Mr. Davies said that the District Council the other day instructed the clerk to prepare a report bearing upon the present charges and the future ones. He did not know by whom the Bill had been framed, and the Council had been unable to get a reply. It was evident that the framers of this Bill were not the disciples of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for he had endeavoured to secure money from those who could afford to pay, but these had saddled the burden on the shoulders of the poor people. It was simply a law for the rich and a law for the poor. He would give them a few illustrations of how the new charges would act upon the large property owners. At present the Plymouth Company paid £ 2,358 12s. 3id. per annum," whilst under the new Bill they would only have to pay £2,161, or a saving to themselves of JE200 per annum. The Dowlais Company paid £ 4,120, while under the new scale of charges they would only have to pav jB3,729, a saving of £400 (shame). The Cyfarthfa Company (he wished some of the representatives of these big works were present) at present paid £ 3,626, and under the new Bill £ 3,269, a saving of £ 36o'. Nixon's Colliery Company's present charges were £3,960, future charges £3,595, a saving of ntarly JB400 the Ocean Colliery Company's present cliarses JE2,952, under the new Bill, i;2,694 Aberdare Col. liery, present charges, JB209 16s. 3d., under the new Bill, £ 186, a saving of £ 23 Powell Duffryn, present charges, £ 117, future charges, £ 104, a saving of £ 13 • TafT Vale Railway Company, present charge, £519, under the new Bill, JB461, a saving of £ 57-?and that was a good paying company too. The figures for the Brecon and Merthyr Railway Company were the same. The L. and N.W.R. Company paid now, £ 94 lis. 9d. under the new Bill they would only pay £8418". 5d. The G.W. and Rhymney Railways now paid £ 930, aud under the new Bill would only be charged £ 829,asavingof £ 100. TheCardiffCorporation paid £ 209, while under the new Bill they would only be charged J3186, a saving of £23, The Glamorganshire Canal Company paid £ 50 3s. 2d., and under the new Bill would only be charged £ 46 Mr. W. T. Crawshay paid dB81 3s. 8d., and the new charges would be JE73 Os. 7d. The figures quoted were sufficient proof that they had a. reason forappearing on that platform that night to discuss such ° an important question. The new charges meant nothing less than a saving to these big companies of from £1,800 to £2,000 a year, which would be placed upon the cottage proprietors, grocers, drapers, hotel-keepers, and the tradesmen combined (shame). They knew very well that the rates were higher, but trusted they would soon be much lower (hear. hear). The time had now arrived when they should look at these matters from a busi- ness point of view, and he trusted that the resolution submitted to the meeting that evening would have its due effect in the Committee-rooms of the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday next. They would do their duty, and could easily believe that they had the com- mon good at heart when Mr.Dan Thomas and himself spoke from the same platform (cheers). Mr. Dan Thomas, in the course of a lengthy and telling speech, thought the time had come when the representatives of the people should voice the opinion of the town. For a considerable time past he had, through the medium of the press and otherwise, found fault with the doings of the local authority with regard to the litigation with the Cyfarthfa Company. The result of the quarrel had not only been an expensive litigation which cost the parish a sum of £7,000, but now they were to be saddled with this unnecessary Bill, and, as Mr. Alderman Davies bad pointed out, the late authority had taken a very mean and undue advantage of their position to smuggle into the Bill a revised scale of charges which never ought to have been in (shame). He used the word "smuggled" advisedly (hear, hear). For a long time new members of the Council could not get at the particulars of this Bill, and it seemed to be the set purpose of some people that the Council should not have an opportunity to discuss it until it was too late. On a certain Wednesday they met to discuss this Bill, and they did not discuss it for reasons already given but on the following Thursday, postcards were sent out to the members calling a meeting at half-past ten on the following morning. It was by a pure accident that he received this postcard in time, and he believed there was blame attached to some of the officials that they did not receive a longer notice. If these charges were going to be saddled on the ratepayers as pro- posed in the Bill, it was high time they should be up tn arms, and he felt confident that every ratepayer in Merthyr, when the matter was thoroughly explained to him, would revolt against the proposed new water charges; for it meant that if they were passed, the rent of every householder would be increased at least Is. per week. The nett relief in the rates and charges to the great works proprietors would amount to £1,808 19s. 4d. per annum, and that sum was to be saddled upon the general ratepayers. They would have to pay not only that, but a considerably larger sum, because when the J6120,000 was borrowed and repaid, the amount of money required would lie £3,350 per annum. If they looked at the matter from the same standpoint as he did, they would see that the increased revenue from the new scale would be £3.350; of this the large companies would have to pay £2ó7 13j. 4d, and the general ratepayers would have to pay £3,082 6s. 8d.; and they would have to find that money foi the next half a century at allevents, and the companies would be relieved to the extent of nearly £2,000. Considering this, he thought it was his duty as the representative of the Town Ward, to oppose this and he had done so (cheers). They had received a very able report from the bookkeeper of the Board, to whom their thanks were due for compiling such a valuable document. This document showed that there were hundreds of houses in the parish rated over JB10 per annum, and the charges on these houses proposed by the new Bcale would lie abselutely doubled (shame). That was not fair, whilst the large owners were relieved. He bad been a bit inquisitive over this matter, and bad gone into it pretty thoroughly, and found that Mr. William Harris, who had large cottage property in the town, and whose rates and water charges now amounted to JB80 Os. 8d. per annum, would have to pay under the new scale B102 17s. 4d., an increase of £20. Mr. Daniel Jones owned cottage property, and paid rates amounting to JB85 and he would be increased to JEM03 3" 2d. The Court Estate would be increased from JS98 to J6112, or jB14 more. The Mardy Estate paid at present £66 2s. Id., and under the new Bill they would have to pay £78. Mr. D. E. Jones, Treharris, paid JB102 19" and would he increased to £134. Mr. David Prosser would lie increased from J654 to JB46, and Mr. William Lewis from JB56 to £46, whilst Mr. John Jones, Glanynant, would be increased from JB37 14s. to £42 19s. He believed this to be mani- festly unjust, for the Council were placing the burden on the weaker party (shame). The chairman of the Council had argned that they should make the water pay, and if it was in the hands of a private company it would have to pay for itself. He argued further that because the collieries did not obtain a direct benefit from the water they should not be called upon to pay a water rate, which should be paid, according to him,by the consumer (laughter). He (Mr. Thomas) did not think that was fair and just (hear, hear). Water was provided for the common good, and for the benefit of all (cheers). The master's representatives might as well say that they should be relieved from paying the general district rate, because their works did not directly benefit from the sewerage, from the maintenance of roads, aud from the lighting of the streets (applause). These were items of expenditure for the public and general good.aud ought to be chargeable to the work, as well as to the general ratepayers (cheers). He feared, though he bad been appointed by tbe Council to go to London to support the majority as against tbe charges, there was a move- ment on foot on the part of the representatives of the big companies to undo the work of the Council by making a representation to the Lord's Committee that there were only seven members present at the Council, ard that only five of those voted in favour of the elimination of the 20th Clause. In the face of that, he thought it necessary to diaw up the petition they saw before them, which had been numerously signed already, among others being eight members of the Council, and two or three ex-memberf (applause). Now he had a resolution to propose, which he hoped would be carried with unanimity. There were home weak-kneed members on the Council who, he believed, if pressure was brought to bear upon them by their constituents, would cross the stile on which they now eat undetermined, and cast their lot with those representatives who endeavoured to meet the wishes of the public at large, aud not the wishes of the large proprietors of works. He hoped the constituents would take the matter up and influence the members to si £ !i the petition (applause). He had great pleasure in moving "That this public meeting of ratepayers and electors of the parish of Merthyr emphatically protests against any increase being made in the water charges now in force, especially having regard to the fact that such increased charges will unjustly fall upon the poorer section of the community, whilst the larger and more wealthy ratepayers will be relieved to the extent of nearly £3,000 a year. This meeting calls upon the representatives of the people to resist to their atmoat the efforts of those who seek to impose a new and increased scale of water charges. Further, that Mmsss. W. Lewis and Dan Thomas lie asked to convey this resolution to the House of Lords Committee, dealing with the new Water Bill, and that this meeting calls upon its representatives to resist to the utmost these proposed charges." Mr. J. Jones, Glanvnant, had great pleasure in seconding, and felt glad to witness the amalgamation which had taken place between certain members of the Council (laughter). They were agreed on the water question at any rate (renewed laughter). Mr. Arthur Daniel, Troedvrhiw, who sup- ported, blamed the electors. for returning to the Council men who opposed theit wishes in matters of this kind (applause). They ought to know what these men were going to do before they returned them (hear, hear). There were some members who ought to have been on that plat- form that evening (hear, hear). It was also a remark- able fact that when 17 gentlemen who professed to have the interest of the ratepayers of Merthyr at heart, were informed that an improvement question was to be discussed at a special meeting of the Council on a certain day, only eight of them thought it of sufficient importance to attend. Why did not the rest come to the Council Chamber (hear, hear)? Mr. Dan Thomas explained that it was not so much the fault of the members who did not attend, as the fault of the officials, who failed to send out the notices in time. Mr. Arthur Daniel: Well, they have had a chance to retrieve to-night, but they have not turned up at this meeting to give an explanation (loud applause). If any person undertook a public trust, and was unable to carry out his duties, he should have the courtesy to take the earliest opportunity of giving his explanation in public (hear, bear). Mr. Bailey, of course, considered the interest of the company rather than the ratepayers. They could not blame him, but they should blame the people who elected him (hear, hear). Mr. Bailey had not considered the ratepayers when he opposed the water taps being placed inside the houses, because it would coat the company £ 400 to place them inside the houses (shame). It was the same with the representative of the Cyfarthfa Works. He should like to know where were Mr. Joseph Owen and Mr. Wills ? Where were the Dowlais representatives ? Did they keep away because they were afraid to commit themselves? What they wanted on the Council were fearless and independent men like Alderman D. Davies and Councillor Dan Thomas (applause). He would like to know further if it was true that a certain member of the Council had sent a letter round asking the members who were absent from the special meeting to write agreeing with his views, and that had they been present they would have voted against the elimination of the 20th Clause. If that was true it could only be characterised as a most dishonourable and mean action. If it was true he would give the name of the gentleman. Mr. Dan Thomas It is true (shame, shame). Mr. Arthur Daniel Then the gentleman is Mr. Thomas Henry Bailey, the chairman of the Urbaa District Council (strong signs of disapproval). He believed it was full time to tell that gentleman to practice what he preached (laughter and applause). Mr. J. W. Lewis further supported the protest against the iniquitous charges contained in the Bill, and hoped they would do all they could to oppose such abominable practices as had been revealed that evening (hear, hear). He trusted that the signatures to the petition would be so numerous that the Lords' Committee would see that the ratepayers of Merthyr did not want the outrageous charges, and that they would have to pass the Bill eliminating the 20th Clause (cheers). Mr. J. LI. Atkius also supported the resolution. Alderman Evan Lewis explained that it was tive minutes past eleven on Friday morning when he received a post-card convening a special meeting of the Council at ten o'clock, and that was the reason why he failed to be present in time. He wa3 there at 11.20 a.m., as quick as a cab could bring him. He found that other members failed to be present for a similar reason. It was true he had received a letter from the chairman of the Council, asking him to say he disagreed with the resolution passed at the Council, but he had sent word back to Mr. Bailey that he was in favour of the elimination of the 20th Clause (applause). The work at the Council since the recent election had not l>ten going on in a very harmo- nious way, because the wheels of new machinery always took some time before they came to work smoothly. By this time, however, they were running a little more smoothlv, as was evidenced by tho feeling between Mr. Dan Thomas and Mr. David Dav ies and himself (laughter). There were yet a few wheels they would have to change before things became right (hear, hear). The question for them now was whether they were going to be burdened to these iniquitous charges or not. They should see who were the friends of the public and who looked after the interests of the iron masters. But he could assure them that when these people returned from London, if they opposed the wishes of the ratepayers, he would oppose the paying of a pennypiece towards their expenses (applause). Mr. John Lewis having explained how he also failed to attend the meeting of the Council stated that he had received the following letter from Mr. Bailey :— Plymouth Works, 9th February, 1395. DKAtt S)n,—t bey to inform you that at the special meeting of the District Council, when seven members only were present, a resolution was passed to the effect that the new water rates be expunged from the Bill. Will you be Rood enough to write me regretting your absence, and saying that, had you been able to attend yju would have voted against such a resolution ? Please address me by return of post at the Grand Hotel, London, W.C., and oblige.—Yours faithfully, TnoM.vs HKVRY BAILEY. He had sent him the following reply DKAR Sia,—I regret that I was unavoidably absent from the special meeting of the Merthyr Council on Friday morn- ing. As far as I can recollect t expressed myself ag-ainst the proposed scale of charges, believing them to be exoessivs to small cottage owners. Therefo-e, as a consistent person I cannot express myself differently now.—Yours truly, JOliN LEWIS. (loud applause). Mr. Thomas Thomas, speaking in Welsh, gave a similar explanation, but added that he had not received a communication from Mr. Bailey, probably because that gentlemen knew his views on the matter. Some people were absent from that meeting that evening who called themselves the representatives of the public, but their absence gave the lie to their profession (hear, hear). He could understand very well why Mr. Harpur was absent, because he publicly said that he represented the iron masters of Cyfarthfa but Mr. Wills had been returned as the nominee of the people, yet he was not with them. He felt sorry that the chairman of the Council had been so dishonourable as to go behind the backs of the members, for his action was nothing less than a snub to the members (applause). He had at all times tried to discourage those members who endeavoured to get a fair and just Bill, and each time they made a proposition to that effoct the Chairman discouraged them in every way (shame). The 20th Clause having been read to the meeting, the resolution was carried unanimousiy, and the petition was signed by almost every person in the room. On the motion of Mr. David Evans, seconded by Councillor Watkin Moss, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Aid. J). Davies, Aid. E. Lewis, Councillors Dan Thoman, J. LI. Atkins, W. Lewis, J. Roberts, Thomas Thomas, and J. Lewis for their firm stand against the objectional clause. -T-

MOHE ABOUT THE WATER BILL. BAMBOOZLING THE DISTRICT COUNCIL. A VERY STORMY MEETING. At the ordinary meeting of the Merthyr District Council held on Wednesday, under the presidency of Mr. D. W. Jones (vice-chairman), the Deputy-clerk read the following letter, dated March 11th, relating to the Merthyr Water Bill, from the Parliamentary agents Dear sir,—With regard to the resolution of your Council dealing with the water charges, we observe that the resolution was only passed at a meeting at which seven members were present out of a Board of 18, and that by five to two. This being so, counsel advises that the charges in the Bill must be adhered to, as they could not be withdrawn from the Bill except upon a resolution passed by an absolute majority of the members on the Council. Any member who takes exception to the water charges can give evidence in support of his contention before the com- mittee of the House. In drafting the Bill we followed the modern scale of rates allowed by Parliament, and those inserted in your Bill were similar to those in a Bill under our charge last year.—Yours trulv, W. and W. M. BELL. Mr. D. Davies said he was very sorry to hear of this communication. They had a special meeting, and would have considered the question that day fortnight had it not been that the clerk was away. It was called at the very first opportunity, and se ven members attended. Several gentlemen, among whom was Mr. Evan Lewis, did not receive the notice until it was too late, and Mr. T. Thomas had left home for the day, whilst Mr. John Lewis did not receive it uutil 11 or 12 o'clock. Under the circumstances, they ought to immediatelysumraon a special meeting, and lie had great pleasure in proposing that it be held on Tuesday. It was a very big question, and it was not right that this matter should be allowed to slide. They would have a lot of trouble if they did, and he would like to toll them that the popular party would hold meetings in every ward to oppose such trickery. He moved that a special meeting be held the following morning.—Mr. Evan Lewis seconded.—The Chair- man I think it is necessary that several members should sign a requisition. We better have the deputy- clerk's opmion of the matter.—The Deputy-clerk said that the Council at a meeting could resolve to meet on a futuro occasion without a requisition being signed. Mr. Evan Lewis: I beg most emphatically to endorse every word that Mr. Davies has said. That letter is not a surprise to me. It is only what I expected we should havo, from what has fallen from the-clerk and other parties. I thought all tho time we were labouring under a delusion. The whole thing had been schemed without the knowledge of anybody on the Council, and the members had been bamboozled. When the Bill came before the House of Lords they found that all their trouble came to nothing. If the voice of the ratepayers were taken, he felt sure that 99 per cent. would favour the expunging of Clause 20, and if meetings were called throughout the parish they would be able to get such a petition bent up to the House of Lords, that they would not dare to refuse the demands (hear, hear). The Chairman I think it is very unfortunate that we were not informed when this resolution was passed that it would be absolutely nugatory, for then you could have adjourned the meeting. Now, we are entirely in the fc^g.—Mr. Evan Lewis Dampers put on us.—The Chairman I certainly think that if a resolution has been passed, it if au unfortunate thing that the Parliamentary agents should take upon themselves to say that th«-v will not act upon that resolution. Mr. Wills thought it inadvisable to go into the matter whilst the chairman, the clerk, and ether members were away in London. The Deputy Clerk The Bill is down for Wednes- day, and it is expected to reached on Thursday, or on Friday at furtheres*. Mr. E. Lewis submitted that the special meeting had not been legally called.—The Chairman Oh, yes, it was. Mr. T. Thomas quite agreed with Mr. Lewi?. He was not a bit surprised nt hearing the letter. It seemed to him from what had fallen from the lips of the chairman on different occasions, that everything was not being done to facilitate the work according to the views of the majority. As far as the meeting on Friday week was concerned there was fault to be found either with the clerk or with his deputies. He did not know that the meeting was to be held until he returned from work on the day on which it was held, and had he known of it on Thursday he would have been present, and would have ful- filled his duty to the ratepayers (hear, hear). Those livins, near by were in exactly the same position, and Councillor Lewis only came in at the fag end of the meeting. He believed that something should be done, although the circumstances were not very favourable. He would suggest that this meeting be adjourned, and that every member attend on the following morning to decide whether the agents or the Council were to rule in this matter (hear, hear). Feeling in Merthyr was running very high, and if the question had been dealt with as it ought to be, a lot of unpleasantness would have been stopped. They were continually told that there was plenty of time, and though they urged the matter forward time after time they only received the same reply, and now they had been driven into a state of lethargy and slackness, and were being simply laughed at by those they paid. This was something monstrous, and he would like to have a meeting on th) morrow, and tho result sent straight away to the House of Lords. Mr. Davies, the clerk, found out that he had sent the postcards in full time for every member to receive notice in time. Mr. Evan Lewis said he had been making enquiries at the post office, and found that what Mr. Davies had said was correct, and, in his case, the fault lay between the postal authorities at Merthyr and Dowlais. Mr. D. Davies The clerk told us distinctly that the resolution was legal, and I must say that I did not anticipate anything of this kind. I trust after all that right will prevail, and that we are not going to be bamboozled up in London in this manner. If our resolutions are not going to be carried out hy our representatives in London, it is full time we should have another syftem of managing our own affairs. I hope we will not be treated in such a manner as is implied in that letter. Ijlr. Evan Lewis Would it be any good for us to write to Mr. Dan Thomas explaining matters, and stating that the majority of the Board have signed the petition in favour of expunging the 20th Clause? The Chairman That could be done by any mem- ber in his private capacity, but until we pass a resolution by a majority of the Board it is no good sending up to the House of Lords. Let us have a meeting at 10.30 to-morrow. Somebody must give a notice of motion that this clause be rescinded. Will you do so Conncillor Davies?—Mr. Davies Certainly net. I shall do all I can to see that our resolutions are being carried out, and I think you ought to put Alderman Lewis' motion to the meeting—that we should wire to Mr. Dan Thomas that the majority of the members of the Council are in favour of expung- ing the 20th clause. Mr. Thomas will be a witness, 11 and can print out tho names of the gentlemen who are members, and who have signed the petition. The Chairman We cannot officially do it. If we did it officially I think we should sent it to the chair- man and clerk, and not to any member who may be up. Mr. E. Lewis I shall never be a. party to leave it until to-morrow. The least delay is dangerous in a case like this. It suits some people that it should not go, but it does not suit the ratepayers generally. The Chairman I am quite willing to wire to the clerk and the chairman that we are going to hold a special meeting to-morrow if you like, but Councillor Lewis proposes wiring to Mr. Dan Thomas referring him to a petition which has never been before the Council. Mr. Harpur agreed, and objected to such a course being adopted. The Chairman My ruling has been challenged by Mr. Davies, and if he persists upon it I take it that the votes of the Council must be taken upon the matter (no, no). Then I rule Mr. Lewis out of order. Mr. D. Davies: I am very anxious always to obey the chair, but in this case I think that The Chairman Really, gentlemen, I must ask you to support :111e. Mr. Davies is only referring to the same matter again, and it is unfair to the chair. (Mr. Davies then sat down.) I beg to propose that a. tele- grxm h. sent to the chairman a.nd clerk, informing them that a special meeting of the Council is to be summoned to-morrow to deal with Clause 20, and I will also include in the same motion that a telegram be also sent to Mr. Dan Thomas, whom we know is connected with the other side. Mr. Joseph Owen seconded. Mr. D. Davies (testily): Mr. Dan Thomas and Mr. \V. Lewis are acting on our behalf, and carrying out the resolution of the Council. I am sorry to say that I supported Mr. Bailey to the chair at the first meet- ing of the Council, for he has now intimated as much that he cares more for the Plymouth Company than for the ratepayers generally. I say, therefore, that he is there representing the company, and the time has arrived when we should not mince matters any longer. Whatever may be your opinion, sir, I- The Chairman (inserposing) I am surprised that Councillor Davies should so far forget himself as to make any reflection upon the chairman, who has been sent up to London to represent this Council. The motion was then put to the meeting and carried, after which the Chairman declared the meeting closed. Mr. David Davies May I ask, sir, that special messengers be sent to each member, asking them to come to the special meeting. The Chairman The meeting is closed, and I am not going to re-open it. PROCEEDINGS IN THE LORDS. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM.] Wiring from London at nine o'clock last night, our special correspondent says :-The Merthyr Water Bill was in the list to be heard in Committee Room No. 1 of the House of Lords before Viscount Hamp- den to-day, but was not reached, and w ill, it is con- jectured, not be until Friday at the earliest. The interests of the general ratepayers are being closely watched by Councillors Dan Thomas and William Lewis, Treharris, who are naturally highly indignant that effect has not been given to the decision of the District Council to eliminate Clause 20. The opposition of the Glamorganshire Canal Company and the London and North Western have been withdrawn, but the Messrs. Crawshay's representatives, through seeking to introduce a new clause, hive not been conciliated. Messrs. Thomas and Lewis have to-day had long con- sultations with Messrs. Bailey and Gwilym James and the London agents, Messrs. Bell but no satis- factory arrangement was come to. It is, therefore, intended to bring counsel on behalf of the ratepayers. MESSRS. DAN THOMAS AND W. LEWIS SENT FOR. We understand that arrangements have been made to secure the attendance of Mr. Dan Thomas and Mr. W. Lewis at the special meeting of the Council to-day, and thus secure an absolute majority of tho Board in favour of eliminating the 20th clause. As is well known, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Lewis are now in London for the purpose of giving evidence against the 20th clause. They will travel all night, and return in time to be present at the hearing of the Bill, when it comes up on Friday morning.

MERTHYR DISTRICT COUNCIL. Wednesday, Mr. D. W. Jones, vice-chairman (in the cl air); present, Aid. D. Davies, Aid. Evan Lewis, Messrs. Joseph Owen, J. Lewis, T. Thomas, J. Roberts, J. Harpur, J. LI. Atkins, V. A. Wills, H. W. Lewis, W. Griffiths (deputy-clerk), T. F. Harvey (surveyor), and Dr. Dyke (medical officer). — At the commencement of the proceedings Mr. D. W. Jones said that owing to the regular attendance of their chairman he had not been called upon to take the chair before. This was the first time he had presided over their deliberations, and he need not ask them for support. -In consequence of the absence of their clerk from the last two meetings on Council business in London, Mr. V. A. Wills suggested that a deputy-clerk should be appointed.-A short discussion followed, but no arrangement was arrived at. THE NEW RATE—It was reported that the Finance Committee had considered the estimate, and had decided to request the collector to get in as much as possible of the outstanding arrears in water charges. It was also decided to ask the various companies to reduce the charge of public lighting, and that the Plymouth Company be asked to reduce the charge of electric lighting.—An item of £ 515 for the removal of sewage tanks at Troedyrhiw was agreed to, but it was recommended that a committee should meet on the spot. It was further recommended that a rate of Is. 3d. iu the £ be proposed for sealing at the first meeting in April.-The report was adopted, and Messrs. D. Davies, J. Owen, and T. Thomas were appointed to visit the site of the tanks at Troedy- rhiw. PLANS.—Several plans were submitted which had not been signed by the architects, and on the motion of Mr. I). W. Jones, the chairman, seconded by Mr. E. Lewis, they weie referred back, the Chairman remarking that a resolution had been passed at a former meeting of the Council that all plans should bear the architect's name.—It was complained that Mr. Prosper, of Treharris, had erected an addition to his house w ithout submitting plans, and on the motion of Mr. Evan Lewis it was resolved that in future any breach of the bye-laws by builders and others be followed by a prosecution. SURVEYOR'S REPORT.—Mr. T. F. Harvey, the sur- veyor, submitted his report, of which the following are the only important items As the period for which the current general district rate was made will expire on the 31st inst., I beg to submit esti- mates of your probable expenditure in respect of water supply and for general purposes during the ensuing months of April, Mav, June, and Julv. Iu the course of this period the sum of 21,9211%. 5d. will become due for interest and the repayment of principal on moneys borrowed for the construction of perma. ent works in addition to the amount required to meet the cur- rent expenditure. It will be observ ed that if a rate of Is. 3d. in the £ be made there will be a probable iurnlus of £ 75516s. 2d. With respect to your appliances for the extinguishing of fires, and also the question of the town Are brigade in Mer- thyr, which I was directed to report upon, I have appended a schedule ihowing the appliances in obarge of the polioe at Merthyr, Ihiwlais, Pentrebach, Abercanaid, Troedyrhiw, Mer- thyr Vale, and Treharris, the condition of the various articles bein? generally good. Referring to my report of the 18th ultimo, in which I laid stress upon the importance of regular tire practice, I have had an interview with Jir. Superinten- dent Thorney, and also with Mr. Harry Jones, captain of the volunteer town brigade. It is some considerable time since the latter body have been out at practice, and practically nothing hlltllately been done. In my opinion the responsi- bility for dealing with fires should rest with the police, and any auxiliary brigade should act under the orders of the police oflleer. You ma.y think it desirable that this matter Shall be referred to a committee for further investigation, at which the superintendent of police and a representative of the town brigade should be present. —Thia matter was referred to the Roads and Bridjjes Committee. THE CHARITIES OF GLAMORGAN.—-A letter was read from the Clerk of the County Council atating that the Charity Commissioners had appointed Mr. Rbys Williams to hold an inquiry into the charities of Glamorgan, and hoped the District Council would give all information as to charities of which the members were aware. -On the motion of the Chair- man, seconded by Mr. Joseph Owen, the clerk was directed to communicate with the rector of Merthyr, the rector of Dowlais, the churchwardens and over- seers, to obtain as much information as possible. THE BURIAL BOARD.—The Chairman gave notice to move at the next meeting that a committee he appointed to report upon the effect of the Local Government Act, 1894, upon the Burial Board, and to consider the advisability of taking over the Burial Board.-Several other matters of a minor character were dealt with.

Correspondence. CO-OPERATORS, TRADES UNIONISTS AND THE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. SIR,—Kindly allow me to reply to "On the spot," who has charged Co-operators and Trades Unionists in general for taking part in the last County Council election. He commences his epistle by acknowledging your kind sympathy with the working classes, with which I concur; but "On the Spot calls attention to the humiliating and degrading attitude that Co-operators and Trade Unionists made in this election. Sir, this is a grave charge to make against a class of men, who have made in the past, and will make in the future, a firm stand for the candidate prepared to vote according tc the wishes of the majority of the electors. On the Spot," please remember we have the courage of our convictions at Treharris and we intend speaking out when required. I don't know what On the Spot" would advocate, but his letter colours him as one that is prepared to vote for an autocrat of the worst type. Mr. Editor, I im prepared to jnstify my position as to which of the two candidates .would best represent the majority of the electors, as per facte, according to their past services on public boards, providing "On the Spot" uncovers himself, and signs his proper name and address. Your correspon- dent declares that it was a case of Grocers' Associa- tion versus Co-operation. Really this is rather a conundrum for your readers. What inconsistency! Here we have a man, or rather the great unknown, On the Spot," preaching two doctrines under the same nom de plume. Allow mp. to quote part of his spotted ideas: "It was a case of Grocers Associa- tion r. Co-operation. For Co-operators and Trades Unionists this election had no direct call to action." Further quotations are not necessary to show his glaring inconsistency. On the Spot," you say it was a case for Co-operators, and in the same breath, Co-operators had no direct call to action in this election. Th:;t is a puzzler for a Philadelphia lawyer. This will not wash 0 consistency, thou art a gem. Mr. Editor, they say birds of a feather fly together, nnd now I spot On the Spot." He is one of the gang that advocated a bloated capitalist, and still preaches inconsistency. Facts are stubborn thing*. During the last County Council election one of tne candidates issued his address as an Independent" his supporters advocated his candidature as an advanced Liberal. This is logic with a vengeance ditto On the Spot." Yes, I am a railway man, and our would-be friend writes with a view of keeping hia frienda in their proper places. What glorious fatherly advice. Rememoerance of bygone victories are of a consoling nature,and as a railway man it con- soles me to read On the Spot," remarking a certain railway man figured in your columns sometime ago." Allow me to state he did figure, and that honourably, according to Co-operators and Trade Unionists at Treharris, and I am prepared to sing my praises as to the part that I played. No second fiddle, mind, for railwayman On the spot." Talking about dirty work, are you not the On the Spot who for twelve consecutive hours on March 4, paraded the Treharris Board School yard, with list of voters in your hands, doing what dirty work you could Unravel your mighty self, mysterious On the Spot" and another railway man will figure in this election, proving that Co-operators, Trades Unionists, and members of the Quakers' Yard Branch of the A.S.R.K1 are on the side of the progressive party.—Yours, DAVID REES. I'leagart. view, Quakers' Yard. TIT-BITS." SIR,—The readers of your brilliant journal must have thought that I was joking when, at the Rev. Pedr Williams' lecture, I was reported to have classed Tit-Bits and Scraps amongst trashy and demoralising literature." My condemnation was simply implied in the word "scrappy" (not Scraps "), and my recommendation to the youth" was to read standard literature in preference to mere light ephemeral literature, and especially not to read such trashy and demoralising literature as tho voung people too frequently indulged in. May I ask the favour of this insertion, as T have the greatest admiration for Mr. George Newnes in hn attempt to supply light and entertaining reading, of a recreative character, which is absolutely free from demoralising influences, even to his "Strand Novelettes,' the writers of several of which I per- sonally know to be persons of the highest character as well as ability.-I remain, sir, yours crratefully, Brynhyfryd, Merthyr, J. G. JAMES, March 19th. ROAD METALLING. t ^T1 8eo t'iat tIie suggest'011 of our old friend, John Jon< 5, of Aberaman, has been followed in metal ling the roads at Cwmaman, and it has had the desired effect of relieving the undesirable jar and incon- venience to vehicular traffic which your correspondent stated and now it remains to be seen by observation whether the effect of improved surface will follow. But why on earth commence experimenting at Cwm- aman ? Why, as suggested by Mr. Jones, should it not be tried where there is a greater amount of traffic and level roads, so as to have a perfect experiment., Perhaps those in office will explain, and allow me to draw their attention to the effect complained of among the litter of stones placed on the roads at present, owing to the non-compliance with the suggested improved method. How stupid officialdom is!— Yours, etc., Aberdare. SCRUTATOR. RABBIT COURSING AT QUAKERS' YARD. SIR,—Permit me, through the medium of your valuable columns, to add my protest to those of your other cornspondents who have in previous issues so ably and eloquently condemned that inhuman practice known as rabbit coursing. By means of this sport scores of poor innocent little creatures are cruelly mutilated and subsequently killed by dogs, who have previous to the occasion been half-starved in order to render them more savage, and the better able to overtake their game. Noble sjiort! Worthy, indeed, of Christian England, who prides herself upon being first and foremost in Christian principles and good morals. Alas that the hardy son s of toil who reside in this district should so far degrade them- selves as to find pleasure in the torturing of these harmless animals who have been crea-ted by God to beautify and enliven this world of otirb Alas! that they should spend their talents, time, and money in such an unmanly, cowardly manner I am certain that if those, who, on Mabon's Day last took part in the disgraceful proceedings that weie then enacted would only consider their conduct and realise the full extent of their doings, then would they forsake for ever such brutal sport and do their utmost to stamp out such displays of fallen humanity. All I have to say in concluding is that never again may Quakers Yard, or any other place in this district, be the scene of such atrocious condnct'-I am, &c., A LOVER OF ANIMALS. VAYNOR SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. SiR,—A correspondent in your last week's issue reminds us that we shall soon be in the throes of our School Board Election, and he further point8 out that there is a likelihood of one of the present members not seeking re-election. During the last few days I have made enquiries, and I find that general rumour has it that the esteemed chairman of the Board does not intend offering himself as a candidate again. Now, sir, if this is true, I venture to publicly ask Mr. Morgan to seriously re-consider the matter. I know that he has been subjected to taunts and idle sooffings of a few would-be blatant educationists. However, I trust that he will treat them with a magnanimous contempt, and pursue the same straightforward policy he has so admirably followed during the past 18 years. I can assure him that the great majority of the ratepayers are fully satisfied with his public conduct on the School Board. We recognise in Mr. Morgan one who is always anxious to do anything and everything tending towards the moral and educa- tional welfare of the children always imbued with a true sympathy with the teachers in their difficulties, and ever ready to remove any obstacle which makes for efficiency. These characteristics, to my mind, are the most essential points in a thorough educationist. Surely in a place where we are told that so few are qualified to act as School Board members, it would be calamitous to lose the invaluable services of the chairman at the present juncture. Your correspondent thinks that the squabbles and sectarian bickeriners which have been repeatedly introduced into the deliberations of the Board," are the reason for the dearth of suitable candidates. From this view I beg to dissent. I must honestly confess—although by no means an admirer of the entire personnel of the present Board-that the tran- sactions of the present members have been remark- ably free from any such conduct as is imputed above. No, sir, I would suggest a more palpable reason why gentlemen are reluctaut to come foiward to act in any public capacity at Cefn. It is that people are not prepared to sacrifice their time and labour, and then just because they will not, stoop to the iguoble and unfair tactics of a few individuals, they must needs be branded as traitors to tho Liberal cause," and such arrant nonsense. T am sorry to say, sir, that this is our weakness as Cefu Liberals and such party bigotry is responsible for the degeneration of our cause, and must of uecessity alienate the sympathy of our most sturdy Liberals when_ it comes to a local political fight. Some fanatical folk, wno have the impertinence to call themselves Liberals, seem to think that one's adherence to Liberal principles can only be amply testified by pouring forth a continual "volume of vituperation at one's political opponents. Thank God, this is not the example set us by our great Liberal leaders but there it only proves the old truism, Zeal without knowledge is frenzy." If we are to regain our lost ground, wo must banish thu: sliart-c;igh ted policy, and be influenced by broader and more generous spirit towards those who endeavour to fulfil their public duties in a straightforward and con- scientious manner. My attitude must not lie mis- taken. I am heartily in favour of securing found Nonconformist candidates, but I do abhor cranks." If only four intelligent and good Nonconformists are brought forward, and their candidature advocated on broad principles, I feel confident that their return will bo secured.—I mn, sir, yours, (JfitMTE,

THE SUICIDE AT GOITRE. It will be recollected that about thirteen weeks ago a man, who was believed to be John Davies, 3, Market-square, Dowlais, disappeared near the bank of the Goitre Pond,Merthyr, leaving behind him a hat, which was found floating in the water. The pond was soon after frozen over. The police broke the ice and searched for the body, which they did not find. The harder frost that followed covered the water for a week with a thick coat of ice, and the circumstances of a supposed drowning of a man had almost been forgotten. On Friday, however, a body was seen floating near the Goitre Boat-house, close to the spot where the missing man was last seen alive by the hedge-cutter. It was drawn to the side of the bank, and P.C. Deenett and P.C. Evans, Penydarren, being communicated with, conveyed the remains to tbe Merthyr Workhome Mortuary. The l>ody is that of John Davies. It was much decomposed. On Tuesday morning, Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, held an inquest upon the body at the Dowlais Inn, Dowlais. Thomas Edwards, timberman, Penydarren, stated that whilst walking along the bank of the pond; on Friday morning last, he saw the body aljout seven or eight yards from the lx>athouse.—John Davies, father-in-law of the deceased, who li ves at 3, Market- street, Dowlais, identified the body. He had lodged with witness, but he bad been obliged to turn him out because lie was very odd in his conduct. He used to drink heavily, and he would curse and swear and take the children out of bed in the dead of uight.— Charles Griffiths said deceased was missed from home on Saturday the' 5th of January. For several days previously he had been on one of his drinking bouts. Lewis James said that be-ween 10 and 11 o'clock on the 5th of January, whilst lie was hedging for Mr. JeJemy near the Goitre Pond, he saw a man come up the tramroad and go on the bank of the pond. The man went towards the boathouse and stood there for about 20 minutes, when witness missed him all of a sudden. Witness fancied he heard a splash in the water, and went to the place where he had seen the man stand- ing, but saw no signs of him. However, he saw a bat floating in tne water. The pond was partly frozen over at the time, but in a few days after it was completely covered with ice.—Police-sergeant Ben- nett proved leceiving the hat, and said it was identi- fied by a man named Edward Morgan as bis. Every effort wat made to recover the body by the police, who repeatedly broke up the ice, and, strange to say, the spot where the body was eventually recovered was dragged some hundreds of times. Griffiths Griffiths, recalled, said the only way he could account for the deceased having had Morgan's bat was that they mnst have exchanged hats in the works. The coroner baving briefly reviewed the evidence, the jury, of which Mr. Caswallon Price was foreman, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst temporary insane."