The Aberdare Leader

Aberdare District Council. On Monday. Mr T. Walter Williams in the chair. The other members present were: Messrs \r. Thomas (vice- chairman), A. P. Jones, D. P. Davies, J P., John Howell, Evan Jones, Wm. Rees, J. 0. George, D. Jackson Thomas, E. Ogwen Williams, Illtyd Hopkins. Geo. Powell. E. Stonelake, Dd. Dax- les, Idwai Thomas, and Owen I Powell, with Mr D. Llewelyn Griffiths (clerk), Mr Owen Williams (surveyor), Mr A. S. Morris (deputy surveyor), Dr. J. LI. Prichard (medical officer), Mr A. J. Abraham (electrical mana- ger), Mr A. Watkins (assistant clerk), Mr H. T. Goldsworthv (accountant), and Mr H. K ing (Tramways manager). I Double-Deck Cars. The Clerk re- ported that he and Mr Abraham had been to London to interview the Board oi Trade with regard to the proposal to obtain four double-deck. cars. The Board were satisfied with their case as explained by Mr Abraham and himself, and promised to facilitate the obtain- ing of the necessary sanction. He (the clerk) thought that sanction would be obtained in eight or nine days. Abercwmboi Improvements. — Mr Illtyd Hopkins rtferi-ed to some pro- mised improvements in Abercwmboi. He understood the Surveyor to say at the last meeting—and it had been re- ported in the Press—that part of some particular work had been carried out. This had been questioned by residents of Abercwmboi.—The Surveyor replied that the work they intended to do had been done., and that was the pavement of one side of John Street. The other side had not been touched because he was anxious for the Roads Committee to meet first of all. Mr Illtyd Hop- kins Do you say that one side of John Street has been done!—Surveyor: Yes. —Mr John Howell: The sooner we call the Roads Committee together the bet- ter, in order to complete the work.—Mr Illtyd Hopkins asked them to fix a date at once so that the committee might visit the place. The people of Abercwmboi were complaining bitterly, and they were justified in doing so.— Surveyor: The appearance of the place is very ba(I.-Mi- Tlltyd Hopkins then moved that the committee meet next Monday, and this was carried. Hall Street, Aberdare. TIIP Sur- veyor said that the final apportionment of Hall Street private improvements was £ 295 3s. 7d.—Mr Stonelake asked what was the average per house, and the Surveyor said it was about ts. Cardiff Street Eyesore. Mr A. P. Jones referred to the delapidated house adjoining the Cinema. He would like to know whether the Council had any power for compelling the owners to im- prove the place. It was a positive dis- grace as it was, and there was an ob- jectionable hoarding as wY-ll, which was abutting on the pavement. It was time to repair the house or do some- thing else to it.—Mr Geo. Powell: It only wants a push to fall.—Tt was re- solved to refer the matter to the Health Committee with power to act. Joint Wages Board The Clerk read the report of the Joint Wages Board composed of several neighbouring Councils, including Aberdare. Mountain Ash, Pontypridd, Caerphilly and Rhondda. One of the resolutions passed was that a Joint Wages Board be formed.—Tn reply to Mr W. Pees, the Clerk said he had seen it reported that Pontypridd had since withdrawn. -Mr. Stonelake said that the formation of a Board seemed very plausible, but it savoured rather of the private em- ployers' system. Then it was right and proper, but the same thing did not apply to public authorities. Person- ally, he was against the formation of a Joint Wages Board. He would not object to a local Wages Board, consist- ing of members of that Council and representatives of their employees. That would serve the same purpose and serve it (tetter. — Mr D. Jackson Thomas was surprised at the attitude of Mr. Stonelake. Mr H. Llewelyn, the agent of the. Municipal Employees Society, was in favour of the proposal. When the question of wages was being discussed the employees were always bringing up figures of other Councils.- Now. if there were i Joint Board, those figures would be always available. — Mr John Howell, who was one of the representatives present at the meeting of the Joyit Wages Board, said that that meeting was far from being unani- mous. It was only by the casting vote of the chairman that the proposal was carried.—Mr E. Stonelake moved, and Mr Ogwen Williams seconded, that they do not support the proposal. Mr Wil- liams thought it would be very difficult to standardise wages in all the districts. —The Clerk pointed out that the meet- jug of the Board had been adjourned to test the feeling of the various Coun- cils as to whether they were in fii-oll, or not of the proposal.—Mr W. Thomas remarked that Mr R. Llewelyn was secretary not only for the Aberdare Branch of Municipal Employees, but also of all ttteottier Branches in South ales, and he (Mr Thomas) thought it would be an advantage for the Councils to form a lizard such as proposed. —Mr A. P. Jones agreed with Mr. Thomas, and added that Mr. Stonelake was taking iii) a very strange attitude from the standpoint of a labour leader. He was supporting the contention of the old coalowners, who always wanted to meet their own workmen to discuss tei-itis.-Cli,iii-iii,iii Do you move any- thing?—Mr A. P. Jones: .No.—Mr 1). Jackson Thomas: Council in a muddle. —Finally Mr. Stonelake .s motion, that they do not join the pronosef i W Board, was carried, and it was further resolved not to send representatives to the next meeting.—The Clerk, holding two sheets of paper about two yards long, said he had obtained information of rates of wages paid in other districts. He wished to know whether it was to be Pi- Ill te d.L%,Ii- A. P. Jones: I move it be kept for reference. By the time it is printed. goodness knows there will be a change again. (Laughter.)—This course was agreed to. Overseers. The appointment of overseers was proceeded with. A letter trom the Aberdare Chamber oi Trade was read, asking the Council to appoint one of their members an overseer. County Councillor T. Lewis and Mr C If Yicary—("Oh!") — had been nominated by the Cha?nbei\ (Laugh- ter.)—The retiring overseers were Messrs. P. Llewelyn. W. Thomas, L. N. Williams, D. P. Davies. E. Stone- lake and 0. Powell. The following were elected: Messrs..John Howell, Geo. Poik-oll. D. P. Davics. J. 0. George. E. Stonelake and O. Powell. Mr W. Thomas was nominated, but he withdrew to avoid a ballot. Open-Air School. Mr T Porting, Director of Education, wrote applying for the Council's sanction to erect an Open-Air School on a site on the Com- mon near the present Isolation Hospi- tal. He also asked the Council to make a door in the wall, leading to the Park. near the Park Lane railway bridge, so that the children could en- ter the plantation for lesonso-On the motion of Mr Geo. Powell it was decided to grant the site, details to he discussed by the Parks Committee. Children and Cinemas.-Conditional Licences.—The managers of the various places of amusement in the locality ap- plied for the renewal of their cinemato- graph licences. Mr J. Wr. Hurt, Mar- ket Hall, applied for a 7 day licence.— Mr A. P. Jones moved that 6 day licences be granted all round, the same as last year.—Mr D. P. Davies second- 1 ed.—Mr Ogwen Williams moved that it be a condition in granting the licences that no children under 14 years of age l,e allowed in those buildings after S p.m. Mr John Howell te- marked that that would he very awk- ward, because the "first house" was not over til1 X.30.—Clerk: Who is going to see that the condition is carried out?— Mr A. P. Jones: Mr Owen Williams. (Laughter.)—Mr Geo. Powell 1 beg to move that Mr Jackson Thomas and Mi- Ogwen Williams be appointed. (Renewed laughter.) Mr Jackson Thomas: I am not as easily led as some of you, to do such dirty work. I pro- pose that 7 day licences be granted. I don't see why we as a Council should refuse, inasmuch as we run the trams on Sundays. What harm can there be in it ? People who have been work- ing hard all the week should he allowed to enjoy themselves seeing pictures for an hour or two on Sundays. I am sur- prised to hear the dirty remark of Mr Ogwen Williams that children of 14 years shall not attend a Cinema after B p.m. It is far better for children to be in Cinemas than running about the streets doing mischief. We are going to have classes for mothers and so on. I don't know what the Council is com- ing to. We are the laughing-stock of the country. If Mr Ogwen Williams is going to persist in his motion it should be told in every home, and then all the children, if not the women, will be after him. (Loud laughter.)—Mr. W. Thomas remarked that this was a diffi- cult subject to consider. There were houses which had a continuous enter- tainment and houses where two per- formances were given nightly. If a child entered a Cinema with its parents before 8 p.m., was it to be turned out at 8 or )-30:- Again, at the Theatre, where a play would lw given, lasting from 7.4-3 till 1(1.3(1, were all children under 14 to be ejected at a certain hour?—Mr A. P. Jones agreed that the question required careful handling. -Mr D. Jackson Thomas: Who is go- ing to turn out my child after he pays for admission? All rubbish.—Mr Owen Powell said the whole thing was Im- practicable. In Cwmaman their per- formances lasted from 7 till about 9.30, and scores of parents took their chil- dren there. There was no harm what- ever so long as children were accom- panied by their parents. This matter should not have been allowed to come forward at a moment's notice.—Mr W. Hees said they ought to consider this question in connection with their high death rate. (Mr Geo. Powell Quite right.) If performances started at 7 they ought to finish at f). Two hours were long enough to sit in a dense at- mosphere.—Mr Geo. Powell said it was all very well to talk about freedom. There was more humbug talked under the word freedom than under any other word. If he had his way children would be stopped attending even churches and chapels on Sunday nights. It was unfit for children to he in public buildings in the evenings. There was nothing to prevent places of amuse- ment opening at H p.m., now that the Eight Hours Act was in force. There was an attempt to baulk every reform suggested. They did not hope to re- form Mr Jackson Thomas, at the same time they wanted to prevent the poison spreading.—Mr Jackson Thomas: 1 look as healthy as you. any day.—Mr Ogwen Williams, replying 'to the dis- cussion, said they were establishing classes for mothers, opening school clinics, and they hoped to open a milk depot. All these were necessary to re- move the stigma re infantile mortality. Aberdare had at present the unenviable notoriety of being top.—Dr. Prichard: Only for the third quarter of last year. As a rule we are about ninth. — Mr. Williams went on to say that he visited a Cinema lately, and it was a sad sight to see so many infants there, in an at- mosphere reeking with tobacco smoke. —After further discussion it was re- solved to fix 9 o'clock as the hour. Mr Jackson Thomas alone voted against it. several members remaining neutral. —Mr Geo. Powell (to Mr Jackson Thomas) You ought to feel ashamed of yourself.—Mr A. P. Jones: Who is going to see that this is carried out?— Mr Geo. Powell I think the managers will only he too glad to carry it out.- Mr John Howell: We shall have to get a mandamus on that again. (Laugh- ter.) Light Wanted. The trustees of Green Street Weslevan Church asked the Council to place a lamp in front of their chapel and at the rear of the Council Offices to prevent indecency and nuisance being carried on there.— Referred to the Lighting Committee. Discussion on Midwiles.Ili- T. Wal- ter Williams moved: "That the Medi- cal Officer of Health be instructed to procure evidence of the fact that a cer- tain woman is acting as midwife in this district without having ohtained the necessary qualifications, and to forward proof of such evidence when obtained to the County Medical Officer." Mr Williams said that Jhis motion had been put down to try and combat in some small measure the excessive infantile mortality. It was within the know- ledge of Dr. Prichard that this particu- lar lady had been repeatedly warned, but she persisted in carrying on her business without any qualification. There were means by which she could become qualified if she only went about 11 it. This motion was not introduced to inflict any hardship on the woman, hut merely in the interest of the children. The County Medical Oiffcer could not take proceedings until he obtained evi- dence, and Dr. Prichard, the selloot nurse, or the lady health visitor could procure this evidence if his motion were passed.—Mr John Howell asked if she was the only unqualified lady who was acting as a midwife in the district. Chairman: I don't know John Howell thought there were many more.—Dr. Prichard said he had been told of another one, but there was no evidence. The powers for taking pro- ceedings were vested in the County Council. They had been asked to dele- gate their powers to "the District Coun- cils. but had refused. Somebody should do the work, and he was prepared to lo it.—Mr John Howell remarked that it was a delicate question. Women were very sentimental, and if a wife had been in the habit of obtaining the Services, -during accouchement, of one of the old-fashioned midwives, it was a serious thing to force another person on her.—Mr D. Jackson Thomas: t know many women who rather the old- fashioned nurses than these new quali- fied nurses. They can trust them bet- ter.—Chairman This woman I am re- ferring to is a young woman, and could qualify very well if she took the trouble to do so. The County Council place every facility in her way. Mr W. Thomas: Why deal with one ease only if there are a number of them in the district?—Chairman: Make it general, then.—Dr. Prichard: ft is impossible to carry it out generally. Mr J. 0. George remarked that there was only one qualified person in Hirwain, ami if they dismissed the unqualified that one would not he sufficient to cope with the work. That would be a serious situation.—Mr David Davies moved, and Mr Evan Jones seconded, that the matter be referred to the Health Com- mittee.—This course was tiltI tylite, v agreed to. Shop Hours Act.—The butchers in Aberdare and district sent in a petition to alter the hour of closing from 11 to 11.30 on Saturday nights. Mr E. Howells Evans, on behalf of a large number of tradesmen, asked the Coun- cil to take steps to alter the Act, so that the early closing be suspended for three davs immediately prior to every Bank Holiday. The Clei-k remarked that these alterations would cost the Council about £ 30.—Mr Owen Powell Ask the Chamber of Trade to pay the amount.—Mr J. 0. George spoke very strongly against the application of the butchers to extend the hour of closing on Saturday nights. He was heartily sick of 11 D.M., and would like to close eai-lier.Nir John Howell: But you are not a butcher. You don't know how thev are situated.—The whole question was referred to the Health Committee. There was a deputation of shop assistants ready to interview the Council, and they were asked to meet the committee. Cas v. Electricity.-The deputy sur- veyor had reported at some length on the respective cost of street lighting by means of gas and electricity. For 1913 the cost per lamp for gas was £4 3s. t'1d. For electricity, £ 3 3s. for 100 candle power lamps; £ (! (is. for 400 candle power lamps, and £1:? for 600. c.p. 1.000 c.p.; 1,200 c.p., and 1,600 c.p. Counting the nine 600 to 1,600 c.p.'s as 3 lights and the two 400 c.p. as 2 lights, this would give a total number of 166 electric lamps. The cost of elec- tric street lighting was £ 533 9s. 5d., a total of gas and electric street light- ing last year of £ 2,972 3s. 7d. Assum- ing the whole of the lamps, 749, were gas, the cost would have been £ 3,135 13s. 2(1., so by the provision of the above number of electric lamps the Council has effected a saving of tl63 9s. 7d. without taking into account the increased illuminating power. Appointment.—The Chairman report- ed that he had authorised Mr G. Grif- fiths, the Collector of No. 1 District, to employ Mr A. E. Poc-ock, of 34 Dean Street, Aberdare, as temporary clerk in his department, in the absence of Mr Trevor Owen, at a weekly salary of £ 1 os. Saving Income Tax. The Finance Committee had considered the Joint Report of the Cterk and Accountant, dated the 2nd March, upon income tax, and the saving to this Council effected by interviews obtained by them with thellSurveyor of Taxes. Resolved that this committee learn with satisfaction of the success of the Clerk and Ac- countant in obtaining the allowance from Income Tax referred to in the above report, and that the best thanks of the Council be extended to them for their efforts in this direction. Yearly Estimates.- Upon the sug- gestion of the Accountant, it was re- solved to recommend that in future the estimates for General District Rate be made for one whole year, in lieu of for one-half year as heretofore, the rate arrived at to be divided equally for col- lection in each half year. The com- mittee are of opinion that this course would prevent any material fluctuations bet wen two consecutive rates. Changes.—The Finance Committee recommended that a central stores be established, and that to provide the necessary assistance in the accountant's department for the keeping of a proper stores ledger and the carrying out of an internal audit, Mr E. V. Rosser, at present an assistant collector, be trans- ferred to the accountant's department. That an experienced clerk be appointed for the joint assistance of the two col- lectors in place of Mr E. V. Rosser at a salary of £ï5 per annum. That the two collectors' offices should be com- bined into one room. That Mr A. E. Pocock, at present a temporary clerk in the rate collector's department, he appointed permanent clerk at the salary of £ 75 per annum. New Lamps. The Lighting Com- mittee recommended that a new 100 c.p. electric lamp be fixed at the top end of Tudor Terrace; a new incan- descent gas lamp in Beddoe Street, op- posite back lane of Belmont Terrace; bracket lamp at the corner of Davis Street and Beddoe Street; and lamp in Curre Street, opposite Holford Street, to be converted from flat Hame to in- candescent. Electric bracket lamp on Market Tavern, corner of Duke Street and Commercial Street, to be converted from 100 to 400 c.p. Tramways.—The Tramways Commit- tee's report included: Resolved to re- commend that the manager be author- ised and directed to appoint an addi- tional Tramway Inspector, at a weekly wage to be decided upon by him.—Mr Ogwen Williams hoped that local men would he promoted whenever vacancies occurred.—Mr Abraham replied that no more men from outside ¿ would be appointed, inasmuch as a number of local men were now learning to drive. Wagon Sheds-Cadlys Estate The Clerk reported an interview he had had with Mr Hugh J. p, Thomas, of the Gadlvs Estate, offering the freehold of the Wagon Sheds near the Electricity Station, and the strip of land adjoin- ing the same, for £ 1.250. After dis- cussion it was resolved that the offer be accepted.-—Mr Geo. Powell and Mr. A. P. Jones spoke in appreciative terms of the manner in which Mr Hugh J. P. Thomas had met the committee. Housing Conditions. — Creen Fach Cottages to be Closed. — The Health Committee reported The Medical Offi- cer of Health reported that he had re- ceived a report from Mr Dd. Thomas, agent to the owner of 34, 35, 36. 37 and 38 Glamorgan Street, and 6 and 7 Red- ford Street, setting forth the progress of the repairs, and that such progress was satisfactory. Resolved to recom- mend that the Clerk be directed to write to the owner of 24, 25 and 26 Gla- morgan Street,- as to the non-observ- ance of the Council's requirements thereto.—The Medical Officer read a summary of the proceedings of the Tn- fantile Mortality Conference held in London in August last, when it was resolved that the above summary and the observations of the medical officer thereon, be distributed amongst the members of this committee, and con- sidered at next meeting.—Houses Nos. 3 and 4 Green Fach, and 11, 12 and 13 Green Fach: Your" committee visited Green Fach, and after consideration of their findings, unanimously resolved that this committee, being satisfied that these houses are in a state so dan- gerous and injurious to health as to he unfit for human habitation, recommend that the necessary steps he taken pro- hibiting the use of the same for human habitation until, in the judgment of the Council, the same al-e rendered fit for that purpose in pursuance of and in ac- cordance with the Housing, Town Plan- ning. etc., Act, 1909. Resolved that the Clerk report to the next meeting of this committee upon the law dealing with negligent and undesirable tenants. Resolved to recommend that the appli- cation of Mr James Cassidy for a lodg- ing house licence in respect of the Old Hed Cow Inn, Hirwain, he granted. The Clerk read a letter, dated 23rd February, from the Clerk to the Mer- thyr Tydfil Union, suggesting that the present arrangements by which pauper patients are treated in this Council's Hospital be altered, and that the charge be based upon actual treat- ments. Resolved to recommend that the Clerk reply that the Council is not prepared to make any alterations in the arrangements. Cwmbach Canal. The Roads and Streets Committee discussed the state and condition of the Canal at Cwm- bach, and )Iltima teJy resolved that the Clerk he directed to write the Aberdare Canal Company, calling the attention to the nuisances now existing at the Canal.—The Surveyor produced a plan shewing the proposed widening of the above bridge, when it was resolved that the plan now submitted be approved, and that the same he forwarded to the Aberdare Canal Company, with a desire that the suggested improvements be carried out in accordance therewith. Recreation Cround. The Clerk re- ported receiving a letter from Capt. R. T. Roberts with terms for the sale of 'land near Greenhill, Aberaman, to the Council. The Clerk was instructed to endeavour to obtain more advantageous terms.—The Clerk read a letter from Mr E. M. Hann, stating that the Powell Duffryn Company could not let as a recreation ground the plot applied for by the Council, as the same would he required at an early date for tipping purposes. Abernant House Hospital.-A report of Mr E. C. H. Maidman, architect, was submitted with accompanying plans shewing the suggested alterations to Abernant House, and the general lay- 0 ing out of the Pavilions as an Isolation Hospital. The total cost of the scheme, including the purchase of the site at £ 8,750, would amount to £ 26,390, and this does not include any sum for contingencies. The Joint Com- mittee, after exhaustively considering the report and plans and hearing the views of the Surveyor and Medical Offi- cer thereon, resolved That the Clerk be instructed to obtain a full return of the capital expenditure and adminis- trative cost incurred on loslation Hos- pitals from other authorities of a popu- lation and rateable value similar to Aberdare. (2) That the Clerk be in- structed to wrile to the Clerk to the County Council as to the amount his Council would he prepared to contri- bute annually for the maintenance of the Hospital. (3) That having regard to the costliness of the suggested scheme, the Local Government Hoard bo invited to send down a Medical In- spector to interview the Council, and di scuss this or other alternative schemes with a view to materially re- ducing the cost of same.