The Cambrian News and Merionethshire Standard

ABERYSTWYTH BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Monday, f March 4th.—f resent: Ab;. JVTU Jones, Bryn Sion, chairman Mr. ,a, ict Jones, Llanychaiarn, vice-chairman; the Revs. T. A. Penry, Aberystwyth; N. Thomas, Llanbadarn; Mrs. Bvans, Mrs. James, Messrs \V. Thomas, Edwin Morris, B. E. Morgan, G. Fossett Rob- erts Aberystwyth; Edward Jones, Lewis Richards, Cwmrheidol; John Roberts, Uchayndre- David Jones, Llanbadarn Lower; W. Mason, Lian- cynielin; Evan Jones, Thomas Jones, Lianrhystyd; Evan Jones, J. E. Raw, Llanfihangel Upper; John Bonner, Llanaian; Joseph Parry, Goginan; Richard 'fhomas, Tirtaynach; J. Rich- ards, D. James, Trefeirig; J. B. Mor- gan, Glanfread; W. T. Lewis, Borth; Hugh Hughes, clerk; E. Llowetiin, asssitant clerk; W. Jones, master. FinanciaL-It was agreed to pay the £ quarterly asylum account of B297 10s., which was J324 13s less than the amount for the corresponding quarter. Mr. Edward Jones asked if the Board was overdrawn to the extent of E400 at the Bank?—The Assistant Clerk replied that the overdraft amounted to Pig 12s. 9d., but Mr Felix, the collector, told him that the sum of B850 would be banked that day.—Mr. W. Thomas: Mr. Felix is do- incr excellent work in a short time.—Mr. Edwin Morris suggested, as Mr Felix was temporarily appointed by the present Board, that his salary' should be fixed by them before their term of office ended. He gave notice that Mr. Felix should be paid for the quarter at the same rate of salary as paid to Mr Atwood.—The Assist- ant Clerk reported that the monthly statement had not been received for De- cember from the overseers of Llana-fan.- The Rev. T. A. Penry said they should be sharply dealt with and it was decided to give notice to the overseers that in future they would be reported to the Local Gov- ernment Board. Care of Children.—The Local Govern- ment Board wrote assenting to the pro- posal of the Guardians to grant relief in the case of John Jenkins, Taliesin, by maintaining his two children in the Work- house for a period of six months, he con- tributing 8s. a week in respect of their maintenance. The Board were of opinion that before the expiration of the six months the father should make arrange- ments for his children outside the Work- house.—It was stated that the father de- sired to have the amount of his contribu- tion reduced to six shillings a week, but the Guardians adhered to the amount previously agreed upon and the Relieving Officer was asked to urge, upon the father the necessity of removing his children when he found a suitable home. Appointment of Overseers.—The Local Government Board wrote enclosing an Order transferring to the Town Council of Aberystwyth the power to appoint over- seers. The power was held before by the magistrates. No order has vet been re- ceived respecting the appointment ex assistant overseer. Kindp.ess.-On te proposition of Air. E Jones, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr R. C Richardes Penglaise, for a gift of rabbits, and to Mr. E. P. Wynne, chem- ist, for three pictures presented to the Workhouse. The House.—Air. H. R. Williams, Local Government Board inspector, who visited the Workhouse for the first time on Fri- .y., reported that the new sick ward for males, the receiving wards for men and women, with the baths and sanitary ar- rangements added to the male wards had been completed and were now in use. The classification of paupers and vagrants was. consequently, much improved. Dur- ing his inspection he saw the inmates, all of whom appeared to be well cared for. T dinner was well cooked and properly served'. The beds, bedding, clothing were biean and the store rooms were in good order. All the inmates who were abie to work were employed in doing some work sutable to their abilities and every boy and girl old enough attended school in town. Poor Law Reform.—The sub-committee appointed at the previous meeting sub- mitted the following recommendations for the consideration of thp Rovai Comrnis- sion on Poor Law:—"That the Guard- ians be empowered to compel the removal to the House of destitute paupers who live in insanitary conditions and who are unabie owing to old age or infirmity to take care of themselves and have no one eke to take charge of them that illegi- timate children shou 'd be compelled (if f ability) to contribute towards the maintenance of their mothers in receipt of relief; that the provisions of the Boarding Out Order (in unions) should fie extended to the children (not under proper control) of living parents with or without their consent; that separate houses should be provided for the groups of small workhouses for the reception of epileptics and imbeciles; and that the detention of vagrants in workhouses over Sundays should be made compulsorv throughout England and Wales.—The C'erk stated that onl" Mr Penry and himself attended the Committee meet- ing.—The recommendations were aT)- proved and it was al.s-Q. agreed to direct the attention of the Royal Commission to inmates who eontmua'Iy discharged themselves ham the Workhouse and also to compel single or married daughters to contribute tow a nl the maintenance of parents. Mrs. James. however, did not think that women shou'd be made liable without having representation. (Laugh- ter.) TOWN COLXCIL, Tuesday. March 5th. March 5th.—Present: Councillor R. Doughton, mayor, presiding: Coun- cillor T. Doughton, ex-mayor; Aider- man Peter Jones. Councillors C. 1L Williams, Isaac Hopkins, D. Thomas, W. Thomas, J. Gibson. T J Samuel, J T. Davies. Fred Morgan, and Edwin Morris; Messrs Daff Jones, acting clerk; Rees Jones, borough surveyor Chas. Atassey, borough accountant: anrl James Evans, sanitarv inspector. COMMUNICATIONS. The C.erk stated that the Punch and Judy entertainer wrote saying he wou.d not come to Aberystwyth this season, but might some other year. Mr Morris-We shall have to fall back on our old Punch and Judy. The Great Western Company wrote saying they had nothing to add to their former communication declining to work with the Cambrian in advertising the town. The Rev John Morgan wrote with re- ference to the path between Brynvmor and Penglaise estates and barbed wire, submitting that he had done all he had been asked to do. Barbed wire had to be placed on the fence to prevent peop.e crossing the field into the road,, damage- ing the hay crops and possibly establish- ing a right of way. He had no objection to the Council repairing the path. Mr William Thomas agreed that people took too much liberty in going over fields. They did not realize the value of land and undoubtedly did much injury to tenants. Therefore the place should be fenced. At the same time the plath at present was too narrow and he proposed that the subject should be again referred to the Footpaths Committee in the hope of coming to a better arrangement. The proposition was agreed to. Messrs Roberts and Evans wrote say- ing that Messrs Hosking and Millers' premises in Cambrian-street had been sold to Mr T. F. Fear. They were subject to a mortgage to Dr Beddoes and Professor Ainsworth Davis. The lease could not be found and Messrs Roberts and Evans asked for a new lease in order to complete sale and purchase, offering to five the Corporation an indemnity." Alr°Geddes Smith, acting for the mSrtagees. wrote to the same effect. to the same effect. The application was referred to the Finance Committ-ee with power to act if necessary in order not to delay com- pletion. The -Clerk rrpo. t • that Messrs E. J. F.vans and Davtd Lionel hrid been elected auditors, and Mr. Wilkinson, Alavor's auditor. A vestry meeting had been "he'd relating to the appointment of assistant overseer and the letter applying for power for the Council to appoint had been signed by the overseers and forwarded to the Local Government Board. There were two letters relating to Min- trel Troupe and the provision of a band for Easter which would be submitted to the General Purposes Committee at the Giose Oi the Council meeting. Mr. Gibson asked that the letters re- latino, to the niggers should be read to th Council and Air. T. Doughton (chair- man of the committee) said he had con- vened a meeting of the Committee at the ca us close of the Council because of the re- ceipt of one of the letters. The Clerk stated that a letter" addressed to Mr. Catlin, whose tender for th p->- vision of a troupe had been accepted, had been returned. Mr. Catiin's permanent address was then found to be at Leicester and the letter forwarded to that address, to which he replied that he should like to visit Aberystwyth before finally sett- ling. (Mr Doughton said it was on that letter he convened the committee). A second letter asked if Saturday, the 9th, would be a convenient day for Mr. Cat- lin's representative to visit the town. That second letter was received that (Tuesday) morning, as well as a letter from another man who had tendered (Mr. Rey- nolds) saying he was prepared to increase his offer to 2.60 and to spend an additional 210 on the troupe. His offer was en- tirely speculative and his desire was that the troupe should be both artistic and successful. Mr William Thomas suggested that Mi Reynolds should be told that a meeting of the committee would be held On Mon- day night. Mr. Morgan—Tell him the truth. Don't let us go prevaricating. Air. William Thomas—We shall not know our position until next week. Mr. Morgan-But we have got a meet- ing to-day and you want to tell Mr. Rey- nolds that we are going to have a meeting next week. Mr. William Thomas—What I meant was not to meet to-day but at the begin- ning of the week to come to a final de- cision. The letters were then referred to the Committee which was convened to meet after the Council meeting. Mr T Doughton—With power to act? Air. Gibson-No; there is too much power to act. Mr T. Doughton said unless the Com- mittee had power to act. another fort- night would elapse before a troupe way engaged. PUBLIC WORKS. The Committee recommended that the Borough Surveyor should be directed to ascertain the purposes for which the Gas Company required a supply of water- and the estimated quantity, and that he should ascertain whether the Cambrian Railways required in future any water from the town's supply and to inform the Company that the Council cou'ld not undertake to provide any such suppply during the summer season that the Sur- veyor should prepare an estimate of the cost of obtaining a supply of water from the well at Piascrug for watering the streets during the summer season that the Castle Keeper should be directed to prevent heavy carts going over the Castle Grounds; that the application bv the Trustees of Salem Chapel to be allowed the use of the bandstand chairs during the summer months should be granted; that the plan submitted by Miss Ankers of a dwelling house proposed to be erected 6y her in North-road should be approved; that the plan submitted by Air. R. P. Fear of a dweling house prooosed to be erected by him at the rear of Gloucester House should be disapproved; that sub- ject to Mrs. Bateman indemnifying the Corporation against all actions, claims. and demands, she be allowed to proceed with the additonal building at the rear of her premises. No. 21, Portland-street. The Committee having visited the Com- mercial Hotel premises recommended that the plan of the proposed new billiard room should be disapproved. The annual re- ports of the Aledical Officer and Sanitary Inspector were submitted and recom- mended to be received. The report was adopted, the chairs being lent to Salem "during the pleasure of the Council." Alderman Jones ex- plained that Mr Fear's plans were dis- approved pending a report on the site by the Surveyor to the next meeting. Re- ferring to the Medical Officer's report (which will be published next week). Alderman Jones suggested that a special meeting of the Committee should be con- vened to consider it and the suggestion was adopted. Alderman Jones explained that the Commercial Hotel billiard room was disapproved as it would interfere with lights. FINANCE cr Anj UTEE. The following payments were recom- mened -General district fund, 9183 12s; markets and slaughter house, B2 2s. 6d.: water works, 953 3s. 5d. harbour fund, P,15 8s. 7d. txurial board. 94 15s. 6d.; total. L259 2s. The Town Clerk was in- structed to report to the next committee meeting upon a letter received from the Assistant Rating Agent of the Great Western Railway Company calling at- tention to the fact that under Section 211 of the Public Health Act, 1875, the line of railway and certain portions of the Station, such as sidings, platforms, roofings, etc., were entitled to an allow- ance of three-fourths from the rateable vailue and that the Company objected to assessment of the Company in the gen- eral district rate on the ground that it was not levied in accordance with Public Health Act. Consideration of the ap- plication of Mr Bertram Jones for a fur- ther abatement in respect of an alleged overcharge for water supjplied to the Steam Laundry was deferred. The Com- mittee could not for the present recom- mend the Council to grant the applica- tion of Mr James Jones to be relieved from the payment of the rent of ten shillings a year in respect of a piece of and on the plan of the lease of No. 22, Chalybeate-street premises. The Com- n il mittee could not recommend the Council to alter the conditions for the renewal of the lease of No. 42. North-parade, on the application of Air R. G. Smith. The Town Clerk was authorised to obtain tenders for the binding of four volumes or the monthly circulars of the Associa- tion or Municipal Corporations and two vosumes of the monthly circulars of the Non-county Boroughs Association. The Committee visited No. 52, Portland- street. for which an application for the renewal 01 the lease had been received. The report was adopted, Air Williams, the chairman, saying that the terms quoted for 42. North-parade, could not be varied as they were the same as for adjoining premises. The report on 52, Portland-street, would be presented to the next meeting. FOOTPATHS. The Committee visited the Ropewa.ik Hiiil footpath and instructed the Borough Surveyor to prepare a report and submit an estimate to the next Committee meet- ing of the cost of improving the path. The report was adopted. STREET H A WRING Mr Morgan called attention to the ab- sence of any reptort on the Market Com- mittee, and he asked why the committee of the who'e Council had not been called by the Mayor? The Mayor replied that other engage- ments had prevented them doing so. Mr Hughes was away. but as soon as he came back he would have the meeting convened. Air. Alorgan—Seven weeks have been lost over this business. The Mavor--As soon as Air. Hughes comes home Mr. lorgan-1r. Hughes has only been away since Saturday- and that does not explain the delay'. It is ridiculous. OBJECTIONABLE BOOKS AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY The Committee recommended payments amounting to E9 19s. 7d. It was re- solved to order a copy of "Notable Welsh- men," by the Rev T. Alardy Rees (pub- lished price. 10s. (xl. net). The Chair- man was authorised to purchase book- binders for the magazines in the Read- ing Room. It was resolved to purchase W. Salesbury s Testament offered to the Committee at 3s 6d., and that all Aberyst- with printed books already purchased should be placed before the next Com- mittee meeting with a view to having them properly bound and the list sup- plemented. Air Gib son said that two meetings ago I he asked Air Samuel (chairman of the Library Committee) a question about cer_ tain books that had been withdrawn fram circulation at the Library and lie ex- pected to have hnd an answer by the last meeting of the Council. The books had been withdrawn by the Librarian and net by the Committee and upon that point he wanted seme information. Mr Samuel replied that he promised to make full enquiries if he were given cer- tain information but he had not had those particulars. He had, however, made enquiries and he now knew some- thing about it. A book was purchased in June of 1906 and that book was taken out by a reporter who returned the book and made a complaint that the book should never have gone out. Then he under- stood another reporter asked for, the loan of the book. but Miss Jenkins refused it and ever since the book had not been in circulation. Ttio book was one that evi- dently should not have been on the shelves of a public library, especially of a library with open access. Then the question arose why did the Committee purchase the. book. The reason was this. AVben irr. ;t;;n»on were purchased. the Committee always tried to get the latest books published. This book was one of the latest and was very well spoken of in reviews. The writer of the book was greatly esteemed for his work and there were other works of his in the Library, but inasmuch as a complaint was made to tlie Librarian and after an ex- amination of the book, he quite agreed and the Committee agreed that the book should not be allowed on the shelves. Mr Gibson said that he was much ob, • liged to Mr Samuel for his long speech, but it did not touch the real point of the question, which was why should the Librarian be allowed to judge which books purchased by the Committee should be put in circulation and which with- drawn ? Mr. Samuel replied th t. the Librarian was the Committee's officii and discretion had been given her to withdraw objec- tionabie books. Luckily, it had been given on that and other occasions Mr. Williams—We ought to move a vote of thanks to the pressman for calling at- tention to these books. (Laughter.) Mr. Gibson—1 would move that two should be thanked; there were two. Mr. Samuel-Only one had the books. It was declined to the other. (Laughter.) THE PROVINCE OF COMMITTEES. Mr Gibson moved "That in future no subject shall be referred to a committee until the principle involved has been dis- cussed and settled in open Council; and that no committee sha.l have power to act until authorized by resolution of the Council, after the Committee has re- ported on the matter submitted to it." Mr Gibson added that he put that pro- position on the paper having regard to what was done at the previous Council meeting when it was found that a com- mittee nad authorized work to be carried out in the Lion Field before the recom- mendation had been passed in Council. At the Council meeting it was found that the work had been carried out be- fore the Council met. The Corporation had a very large estate, bringing in £ 3,000 a year, and it was absolutety necessary for the sake of justice and honesty that things should be carried out in a manner which would not open the door to partiaL ity and—not to give it not veryi hard names—to private interests being served. The fact that the Works Committee had on a recent occasion begun work on the Lion Field before it was sanctioned by the Council showed how it was possible in all sorts of ways for things to slip through committees without the 'Counoi, or the ratepayers being able to stop or check them. Standing Orders No. 27 dealt with that matter to some extent, but it did not deal with it in such a way as to stop the sort of thing being done it was supposed to stop. Either that Standing Order had been violated or it was not strong enough. His contention was that it was violated; and if the proposition he made was agreed to. it ■would provide some sort of safeguard against things slipping through as they had slipped through. The Standing Order now said that no committee should have power to act unless specially authorized to do so by the Council. Nevertheless, committees had acted in matters before they were agreed in Council and matters were not discussed on their merits before being sent to committees. He therefore moved the proposition of which he had given notice. The Jlavor-Does anyone second Air. Gibson's proposition? If not. we will go on with the next subject. Mr Morgan (after a pause) said he would second it though he had hoped that some other member would have done so. His reason for doing so was based on what occurred at the previous meeting with reference to the Lion Field. He thought there should be a safeguard as provided by the proposition. The Mayor-Suppose we now vote for or against. Mr William Thomas said before the pi oposition was put to the meeting he should like to understand it a little more clearly. First o £ all, he would like to ask Alderman Jones, chairman of the Works Committee, if he could inform the Council whether instructions were given 'by the Council to carry that work out? Mr Gibson — Alderman Jones was not present at the meeting. Mr William Thomas added that Alder- man Jones and the Surveyor would be able to enlighten the Council in that mat- ter. He quite agreed that it should bt- cleared up definitely whether the resolu- tion was passed or not. If the Commit- tee had taken upon itself to carry out work involving an expenditure of 2100 or more without being authorized to do so by the Council, he maintained it was a serious matter. The other question was this. Was not that proposition of Mr Gibson's too sweeping? Take the application of Alderman Jones to build one house on a site instead of two on certain conditions. Would Mr Gibson's proposition if passed prevent that matter being discussed and reported upon bv the Committee? He did not know the extent or depth of the site and could form no conclusion on the main question before a visit which was the work of the Committee. He thought the resolution would cripple the Committee very much. Mr Wilkinson said as far as his recol- lection went with reference to the Lion Field, a resolution was carried in Coun- cil approving of the schemf to carry water up as far as it would go and at a subsequent committee meeting com- plaint was made that no steps had been taken to get the work carried out. The Surveyor then stated that he had re- ceived no instruction to do Ithe work and the Committee gave him instructions to get the work done as soon as possible. So the scheme had been adopted in Council. Mr Hopkins said he did not understand those matters, but there was a great deal of sending back to committees with power to act. But whatever power a committee had, he thought it had no power to spend money on anything of that •jort. It must go back to the Council whatever it was. A committee had nothing whatever to do except make re- commendations to the Council. Air Alorris thought there was a great (leal of useless talk going on that morn- ing. If the Council referred to the min- ute, it would be seen that the Surveyor had definite power to carry out the work. They could not help it if the Surveyor did not quite understand the instruc- tions; but if they looked up the minute, it would be seen that there was a resolu- tion to that effect. Mr Davies said there had been remarks made that the Surveyor was to blame; but the Surveyor was not to blame. Mem- bers understood that the Surveyor had received instructions, but other members did not &o understand it. The Clerk read a minute of the Council of the 11th December to the effect that the V. O!! s C C.IIP,I I ttee having considered the report of the Town G erk and the letter of Owens Brothers, recommended that the Council should offer to lay down a main pipe to convey water to a suitable tank in the Lion Field. Mr Gibson said that had reference to the tank and was not the minute. Mr Alorgan--That offer also was not accepted. The Mayor said that while the Clerk was looking up the minute, he would sav that there were twelve members present in committee and authorized the Surveyor to do the work, it being understood that if it was somewhat irregular it would be confirmed at the next Council meeting. ost If there was any opposition at the Coun- cil meeting the Surveyor would have to stop the work and the Committee would aave to be censured; but a majority of the Council being present in committee they felt that the authority would be confirmed by the Council. Mr Alorgan—Thank you very much. Yon put it very clear. The Clerk then read a minute of the 8th February to the effect that the Sur- veyor be instructed to connect a pipe with the main in Trevor-road with the sites on the Lion Field. Mr Morris-That is the minute I refer to. Air Morgan—-That was what was agreed to at the previous Council meeting and the work had been done before that reso- lution was confirmed by the Council. The Mayor- Yes. Mr. Williams said that on the 11th December the Council clearly agreed to take water up to a certain spot. Owens Brothers had not refused that offer, but had applied to have it varied. The offer still stood. At the committee meeting there were twelve or thirteen members | present and a question was asked why the instructions of. the 11th December were not carried out and the only instructions then given were that the Surveyor should proceed immediately with the laying of pipes as far as that point. The Surveyor had not proceeded half way up when the resolution was con- firmed by the Council. He was not aware of committees authorizing work in any other instance except when the matter was urgent and there were twe ve or four- teen members present, and unanimously agreed to order the work and confirm the order at the next Council meeting. The Works Committee was composed of all members of the Council and nothing could go wrong there, for if a thing was rejected there it would be rejected in the Council and vice versa, so he did not think it fair to infer that committees had exceeded their duties. He said with- out hesitation that the committees were exceedingly careiul and did not autho- rize any work without being empowered to do so by the Councii. As far as that proposal was concerned, he did not see any meaning in it. The Council could not decide a matter without having the particulars, which wou'd be provided by a committee. Suppose the Council de- cided a matter on principle without knowing the particulars, the committee might say the whole thing was wrong and that it could not recommend any- thing. There was no danger of any- thing going wrong when .the committee:, had to present their reports to the Coun- cil. There was every safeguard in Standing Order No 27 for by it a commit- tee could not carry out anything with- out special authorization. Air T. Doughton said there was a talk in committee of connecting with the main in Northgate-street, but that would be all expensive job. All the instructions given at the Committee was to start the work according to the, resolution which had been previously passed, and that was to connect with the main in Trevor-road which would mean a short distance. He could not see why there shou d be so much talk about the buildings in the Lion Field. Would they not mean more revenue by way of rates and taxes? Why were they so much against the scheme? There was a guarantee to build so many- houses and the least thing the Council could do was to assist and not throw every obstacle in the way of progress in the town. Twenty or thirty houses wouid mean a large revenue. It was the busi- ness of the builders whether they got water up to the site, but the Council were bound to take water up as far as pressure wou'd carry it. He could not understand the quibbling about the Lion Field. The resolution of Mr Gibson might be carried or rejected, but it had nothing to do with the Lion Field. Mr. William Thomas said that Alder- man Jones was present in committee in December and he being chairman he (Mr Thomas) should like to know his view as to the purport of that report. Mr Hopkinas-I do not see what the Lion Field has to do with the resolution. Mr Daniel Thomas -Nlr Gibson gives it as a reason for his resolution. Mr Gibson—-I do not give it as a reason but as an instance. Air. Morris again rose to speak and when Mr. Gibson reminded him of the fact, he said his urevious remarks were not a speech. Mr. Morgan—It was not a speech, but something like the Coliseum affair. Air. Alorris—I know you. Air. Alorgan—And I know you. You go and drive donkeys, my boy. Air. Davies got up to speak, but the Mayor asked that Air. Alorris should be allowed to sneak. Air. Alorris asked that the Surveyor should give his version of the matter. The Surveyor said he quite understood that. he was instructed in the Council meeting in December to carry out the work of carrying water up the field as far as it would go. On the first opportunity after the meeting he made a suggestion to the Works Committee with the view of carrying out the work. With the view of having the best possible pressure at the top of the field, he suggested a sep- arate main from Northgate-street to the site. That suggestion was considered by the Committee and ultniately deferred. It was not rejected, but deferred so in the meantime he kept silent-he thought he was doing right—except in matters of ways and means of carrying out the work. The first he heard of it afterward was when Air Jenkins's letter was considered about having water up and he was at that committee" meeting distinctly in- structed to proceed with the work forth- with. Those were the instructions. As to the delay which took place, it was not on his part because the other matter was deferred. The Mayor then giving Air Davies an opportunity of speaking, he said lie thought Mr Morris wa? going to intro- duce fresh matter, but he only asked a question. (Laughter.) v Mr Samuel took it that the Council had only to deal with the latter part of the motion. Mr Gibson only brought in the Lion Field as an instance. Mr Gibson—It has nothing to do with my motion but every member has re- ferred to it. v Air Samuel added that he quite agreed with Mr Gibson that committees should not decide matters unless authorized to do so and then only in urgent matters. Mr Gibson referred to the principle in. volved but if the principle were to be decided by the Council before referring to committees, it would take six months before matters could be carried out. What struck him as being strange was this. The Council had decided that en- tertainments shall not be given on the Promenade, but when a committee re- commended that the band should play on the Promenade, Air Gibson voted against the principle. He (Air Samuel) always acted on principle. It was a protective proposition and he objected to any pro- tective principle. He did not believe in protection. He was a free trader and should vote against the proposition. I so Mr Gibson, replying, thought the Coun- cil was going to discuss the motion pro- posed bv him, but it had discussed the Lion Field scheme which he only men- tioned as an instance, as showing how a committee would act in a matter not de- cided ;by the Council. He was not going to follow up that red herring, but would leave it with those members who had followed up the trail all the while so as- siduously. His point was that the com- mittes were tendinsr in the direction of usurping the powers of the Council. (Cries of "Oh.") He repeated it and the door war open to all sorts of abuses in con- sequence. What about the ratepayers? The ratepayers were absolutely hood- winked by matters being dealt with in committee. There were certain sorts of speeches for committees which were not reported and different speeches for the Council which were reported. The rate- payers had no idea of how striags were pulled in commiftiee. Air Samuel—It is through you then. Air Gibson—They are nulled in all sorts of ways. There are interests of all sorts and description in committees. The Mayor-Reply to the remarks that, have been made. Air Gibson, complying, said that Mr. Morris had said there was a lot of use- less talk that morning. He agreed that there had been a lot of useless talk. Mr Williams said that nothing wrong was done, and quoted the report of the 11th December with reference to the Lion Field which did not apply at all. Those were the remarks which had been made but they had no reference to his proposi- tion. Let them look at what was done at the previous meeting. The work or- dered by the Committee was carried out. before the Council decided that it should be carried out. There was no getting away from that. Alderman Jones asked if, apart from the proposition, could not the Council strengthen the Standing Order? They all wished what Air Gibson wished. He suggested that the matter should be left open until the Town Clerk returned in order to see if the order could not be strengthened.. They were all agreed that there should be some restriction and the only question was as to the wording of it. The Alp.yor—Air. Gibson, do you agree to that? (Cries of "No") Mr. Hopkins-I only say that the reso- lution is quite right. (Stamping of feet). Mr. T. Doughton-If Mr Hopikins is ruled to be in order and makes a speech, I will make a long speech and keep you here until six o'clock. I ask you are you going to support the chair? The Mayor rose and said that according to the Standing Orders all members must sit when he rose. Mr. Hopkins, however, remained standing, but his attempts to speak were drowned by the stamping of feet. He managed to get in "I never saw such cannibals in my life" and then sat down. Air Wilkinson rose. but being called to order, sat down and on a show of hands five voted for the preposition and seven against. Mr Gibson—We are seven. Mr. Wilkinson (sarcastically)—And we are four. Mr Morgan- "e were five this time. Mr Davies—We were six before you came into the Council and we don't knc.v where you have gone. Mr Hopkins—He has gone out of his address to the electors before he way A member. Mr Wilkinson-Well, I have gone out of the blindest following. THE LIGHTING OF THE TOWN Mr Morgan pointed out that there was no report of the Public Lights Commit- tee and he would like to ask the Chair- man (Air Wm Thomas) if he considered the present lighting of the town satis- factory and whether the agreement with the Electric Light Company had come into force? Mr William Thomas replied that the last part of the question was for the Town Clerk to answer. As to the first part he was not out late at night. He was at home. Mr Alorgan—You have no need to go out after eight o'clock to see the lamps. Mr Gibson-And some people can live opposite a lamp and see it without going out at night. Mr. William Thomas resumed his seat and declined to say anything more. THE LAWN TENNIS COURT. Three tenders had been received fbr renting the new tennis courts laid out at the rear of the Town Hall from Air. Wat- kin Davies, P,7 16s.; Mr. E. J. Evans, chemist, L10; and Messrs Morris and Grif- fith, Waterloo Hotel, £ 12. Mr. Gibson thought the tennis courts were going to be for the public and surely the Council were not going to let them to private individuals after spending all that money on them. Mr Daniel Thomas brought that matter forward in Council in order to provide tennis grounds for the visitors and he said that two or three gentlemen or a club were prepared to rent them. Were the Council then going to let the grounds to private individuals as a part and parcel of their hotel ? Mr William Thomas said the tennis grounds had been formed at the request of visitors. When the place was ready last year the Council was left in the lurch and the Committee had therefore agreed to recommend that the grounds should be let by tender. Tenders had been invited by advertisement and if the offer of JB12 was accepted, it would cover the outlay and give some profit. Mr GibSOD-Do not let us have the bug- bear of profit dragged in. It is a mat- ter of providing public tennis grounds for visitors. Mr Wm. Thomas--T maintain that the amount expended will ¡be covered by the L12 rent now offered. I made a remark at the committee meeting that we should not run the affair ourselves because when- ever we do we lose money over it as in the case of the lavatories and I am glad that the Town Council is not going to employ a man to attend to the grounds at a considerable loss to the ratepayers. I do not know what the Waterloo people intend doing with the grounds; but I hope they will use it to the best interests of the town and in doing so it will be to their own interests. il-d i.1 only for twelve months. I propose that the high- est tender be accepted. The Clerk then read the whole of the letter of the first applicant who applied for the ground on behalf of a club, oniv the name and sum offered having been given before. After the reading of the letter, Mr. Gibson rose to speak- but was ob- jected to. He, however, pointed out that he was speaking on a letter which had now been read for the first time and he protested strongly against the tennis courts being handed over to private individuals when there was an application by a body of men who were prepared to run the grounds for the bene- fit of the town. The Council need not accept the highest tender. Mr. Daniel Thomas-I understand from Mr. Morris that it will be open to the public and therefore I second the pro- position. Alderman Jones—There should be a condition to that effect that it should be open to the use of the public upon certain payments. Mr. Gibson—The place will be booked up the first thing in the morning by the AYaterloo people and outside visitors will have to go to a private hotel to see if they can make arrangements to play on a public ground. Mr. Williams said the tenders had been invited by advertisements in the local press and it was the custom of the Coun- ci'l to accept the highest tender. What- ever use the Waterloo could make of it for outside visitors they would. If re- servations were put in it would cripple the whole thing. Why make it appear as if the Council were giving the Waterloo any kind of favour? There was all kinds of opposition. Mr. Gibson—There is no opposition at a"I to the Waterloo as an hotel. Air. Mayor, you keep Mr. Williams in order. Alderman Jones was of opinion that unless they made some such reservation they would not be carrying out the views of the Council when they first decided to lay out lawn tennis grounds for visi- tors to the town. He doubted whether the Council had the legal right to let public grounds for private purposes. Mr Morris-In case anyone might run away with the idea that the Hotel is having special favours I may say that Alessrs Alorris and Griffith had no real idea of taking this until they saw the pub- lie advertisement in the newspaper. I do not know why they should not have the same chance of tendering as others. I have discussed the matter with them this morning and they are perfectly wil- ling that the grounds should be thrown open to the public. Mr. William Thomas—I would not sup- port it if I thought that the Waterloo people would take an undue advantage of it. Mr. Davies rose to speak, but was ruled out of order on the ground that Air. AYi liam Thomas had replied and closed the debate. Mr. Davies said he was not aware that Councillor Thomas had replied and insisted on speaking. The Mayor said he could not allow Air Davies to speak. Mr. Hopkins jumped up excitedly and, taking his hat and coat, proceeded to leave the room. He said that the Mayor was not fit to be in the chair, as he did not keep order and did not allow people to speak. He then left the room, slam- ming the door after him. Air Davies again got up to speak, but Air William Thomas said he had already replied and the Alayor said that Air. Davies had sent Air Hopkins out of the room in a rage. Mr Davies—Not I. You did that. (Cries of "Order, order.") I say the same as Captain Doughton, that if you do not allow me to speak, I will keep you here until ten o'clock to-night. The Mayor asked the members what were they to do ? Were they going to transgress the law ? Mr Davies-You don't do justice. Mr Wm. Thomas said that the Alayor's ruling was auite correct, but he did agree that Mr Davies should speak if no one else followed. Mr Davies then gave his views and said that the grounds were provided for the public and if the Council let it to a pri- vate house it would be occupied by the people at that house from June to Sep- tember, and that would not be meeting the requirements of the public outside the Waterloo Hotel. There was an op- plication by a tennis club which rented the tennis court' from the College people during the summer, but the College people would not lent it until the vacation. He did not think that they would be doing justice to the ratepayers or to the visitors if they let that ground to private indivi- duals. Why should they let it to the Waterloo Hotel? Mr Morris made a remark which Air. Davies invited him to repeat, adding'that if Mr. Morris had any remarks to make he could make them when he (Mr Davies) had finished. He contended that the court should be let to a local club and concluded by thinking the Mayor very much for his great kindness in letting him speak. (Laughter.) Mr. Samuel rose to a point of order, but as there were cries of Order" he sat down after saying that Air. Davies had said there would be reservation. Mr. Davies—AVho were the grounds laid out for? Reference having been made to the meeting of the Council at which the form of advertisement was agreed upon inviting tenders for letting the grounds, Alderman Jones said that he dissociated himself entirely from the advertisement and relied on the original intention of the Council which was to provide public tennis grounds. He went on the broader ground that public money should only be utilised for the purpose of catering for the pub.ic generally. Air. T. Doughton rose to speak and against the protests of the members said ;zl that he had not opened his mouth at all. He asked for leave to speak. (Cries of No, no.") Mr T. Doughton (to the Mavor)-Well you will in future have to see that the Standing Orders are strictly carried out and strict order adhered to. A vote was taken and the highest tender accepted, six voting for and two against, Mr Gibson remarking "This is as near jobbery as possible." The Council then rose.