The Aberdare Leader

Vote of Condolence. The Chairman, at the outset, re- ferred to the death of Alderman Rees Llewellyn, who was for many years a member of this Council. He moved a vote of condolence with Mrs. Llew- ellyn and family in their beaeavement. —The resolution was seconded, and carried. v

Echo of Co-operative Fire. The Finance Committee reported: Fire at Co-operative Stores. Injury to Firemen.—The action of the Accountant in drawing cheques for compensation to firemen injured at the above-mentioned fire, as here- under set forth, was approved:— Firemen E. Rees, £ 3; A. J. Prince, ,L4; J. H. Owens, 1:6 10s.

INCREASE IN SALARIES. Threat of Officials to Strike. Only nine members attended the Finance Committee held on August 1st, and they reported as follows:— Resolved—That it be placed on re- cord that owing to the apathy shown by the members in absenting them- selves from the meetings called to consider the business set out on the agenda, the members present at this meeting are undertaking the settle- ment of such business with consider- able diffidence. A letter was read from the Central Free Library Committee, recommend- ing that Mr. Sturdy's salary be in- creased by an immediate JE50, and then advanced by annual increments of £ 20 to a maximum (including emoluments) of £350. CO> TliJ Committee considered (in the absence of the officials) the applica- tion of the National Association cf Local Government Officials for the operation of the Civil Service Award No. 84 to their official staff, and it was resolved that the following additional bonuses be paid :— 1:1 Accountant's Department.—H. T. Goldsworthy, Y,57 10s.; E. Davies, t30 12s.; D. W. Evans, C30 12s. E. V. Rosser £ 30 12s. J. L. Thomas, £ 13; R. M. Jones, £ 13 10s. 3d.; W. Thomas, £ 9 7s. 2d.; Miss B. Wil- liams, £ 11 8s. lOd. Clerk's Department.—WT. R. Mor- gan, £ 73; A. Watkins, £ 37; E. D. Rees, £19 10s.; H. Davies, £13 Miss Ll. Jones, JE11 8s. 10d.; Miss G. Notton, £ 7 Os. 5d. Collector's Department.—R. H. Lewis, £ 48; 1. Phillips, £ 20 4s. A. E. Pocock, £ 19 12s.; H. Hansford, £ 31 4s. E. J. Druce, £ 41 12s. Surveyor's Department.—Owen Wil- liams, £ 79; A. S. Morris, £ 47 10s. I. A. Bryant, k30 12s.; R. R. Pricc, £ 36; H. Scourfield, L30 12s.; R. John, ;C.30 12s. Public Health Department.—J. Ll. Prichard, £33 15s.; S. James, £67 9s. B. Lewis, £ 46 18s. J. Thomas, L22 17s. T. Hopkins, tlS 4s. Electricity, etc., Departments.—A. J. Abraham, £ 73; G. D. Morgan, £32; A. J. Foster, zC22 4s. J. P. London, £ 17 18s. 10d.; H. Stonelake, £13; Miss O. Evans, 1:11 8s. lOd. W. T. Hilder, £ 24 lis. AV. J." Williams, £ 23 19s. H. King, £ 23 19s. W. Oliver. £ 44; Miss Phillips, tll 8s. lod. Architect's Department. Evan Walters, £19 10s. Burials' Departnient.-W. G wynne, £30 12.s. Libraries' Department.— W. H. Sturdy, £ 32 Stores' Department. — Essex Thou as, £ 24 8s. lOd. j Resolved: That the above bonuses take effect as from 1st June, 1919, and that it be a recommendation to the Education Committee to increase their bonus to Dr. J. LI. Prichard by £3 15s. per annum, thus making the aggregate salary and bonus £7QO per annum. Your Committee also recommends that the following in- creases of salary be made, same to take effect as from the date of con- firmation :-H. T. Goldsworthy, im- mediate advance of £ 30 with two annual increments of JE25 each, maxi mum, including bonus, £ 500; E. Davies, advance of k9 12s., maximum £ 240; E. V. Rosser, advance of t9 12s., maximum, £ 240; J. L. Thomas, advance of £ 17 16s., maximum, £ 140; W. R .Morgan, advance of £160, maxi- mum, £ 700; B. Llewelyn, advance of £ 18, maximum, £ 200; J. LI. Prichard, advance to £ 630 (plus- £ 70 Education), £ 700; A. J. Abraham, advance of £ 20 to £ 420, with incre- ment of t40 to £ 460, maximum, £ 600; G. D. Morgan, advance of £ 8 to £ 168, maximum, £ 260; W. H. Sturdy, advance of £ 8 to C178, maximum, £ 270. The Clerk stated that the Associa- tion had that day (August 1st) ten- dered a month's notice to terminate the staff members' appointments under the Council unless their de- mands under the Award were satis- fied, and that lie would bring the above concessions before them at a meeting to be held to-morrow (Satur- day). At the Finance meeting on Sept. 1st, the Clerk read a letter from the Joint Hon. Secretaries of the Aber- dare Branch of the N.A.L.G.O., ac- cepting the revised bonuses recom- mended by the Committee on 1st August, as from the 1st June, and withdrawing the notices tendered by the Staff on 1st August. The letter regretted the omission of the Health Visitors from participation in the Award, and urged the Committee's re- consideration of the matter.

Clandare Housing Site. The Housing and Town Planning Committee's report contained the following item:—The- report of the mineral valtieT as to the miaerals I under the Glandare Site was ex- haustively consideied, and it was ultimately moved by Councillor A. N. Jenkins, seconded by Councillor AATilliam Lawrence, and unanimously resolved to recommend to the Council: That having regard to the mineral valuer's report upon the Glandare Site in which it is urged that the risk of subsidence thereof is above the normal, the same be abandoned as a housing site. Arising from the above report, Mr. Stonelake noted that they had recommended that having regard to the mineral valuer's report upon the Glandare site in which it was urged that the risk of subsidence thereof was above the normal, the same be abandoned as a housing site. Mr. Stonelake added that he had seen Messrs. Llewellyn, of the Bwllfa, who pointed out that the coal measures were rather near the sur- face, and it would be extremely un- wise to erect houses on this site. Mr. Joseph Martin thought the Committee had taken a right view of the matter, and the thanks of the Council were due to Mr. Stonelake for the trouble he had taken. The tender of Mr. Gwilym Davies, Aberdare, was adopted for erection of concrete platform and steps outside the Tramways, etc., Offices. The amount was £ 46 18s. 9d. A tender from Mr. Davies for enlarging a window at the office-s was also ac- cepted.

Early Morning Buses. At the Tramways Committee, Councillor David James attended the meeting and laid before the members the desire of workmen employed at Blaenant Colliery and River Level Colliery for a bus service to enable them to get to their work in the morning. In course of the discussion the several difficulties attending the granting of the request were con- sidered, but it was eventually resolved that the proposal be given a trial.

Street Lighting. A letter was read from the Chamber of Trade complaining of the nuisances created in shop entrances, etc., under cover. of darkness, and suggesting an early resumption of street lighting. The surveyor's re- port upon street lighting generally was considered, when it was resolved that the lighting of the main streets 'be resumed at once, and that street lighting generally be commenced at the earliest possible date.

Victoria Square Convenience. At the meeting of the Health, etc., Committee, the Clerk reported that he had made an offer of £ 5 to the land owners in respect of the subsoil to be disturbed in connection with the proposed ladies' convenience at Vic- toria Square, and that he had re- ceived no reply thereto.—Resolved that the Surveyor be directed to pre- pare plans of the proposed erection, and that if the Council's offer is not accepted at an early date, the work be carried out forthwith.

Aberdare Public Park Convenience. The Committee inspected the Public Park, Trecynon, in reference to the proposals to provide additional public conveniences at the Park. The Committee recommended: (a) That a ladies' convenience be erected in the plantation on the south-west side of the refreshment room with an ap- proach from the main drive, (b) That a convenience for men be erected in the plantation on the south side of the main drive, as shown on the ordnance sheet. Each convenience to be fitted with three closets; ad- mittance to be by penny in the slot arrangement, and also one closet free for children's use. The Committee also inspected the rough ground ad- joining the baths and Glan Road, but deferred the consideration of laying out the same for a football ground until the next meeting of the Com- mittee.

Proposed Street Markets. At the Food Control Committee held on September 2nd, Mr.. Stoiiel,-ike presiding, the resolution passed by the Aberdare District Miners' Federation with reference to the advisability of arranging for the opening of street markets at Aberdare was considered. —Resolved: That the Executive Officer be authorised to interview the Executive Officer of Cardiff, and to further report at the next meeting.

The Water Supply. The Surveyor submitted a compre- hensive report on the drought, and gave figures showing that the rain- fall was less this .summer than any for a number of years. Mr. W. Rees spoke at some length on the question. He said there were two essentials in a healthy com- munity, and those were a plentiful supply of pure water and a good system of drainage. AVitli regard to the former Aberdare was in a bad state, and the position had been very serious during the summer months, i No new waterworks had been con- structed since the days of the late Mr. R. H. Rhys about 30 years. ago, and the population of the district had increased substantially since then. Besides, the Council had decided to erect 1,200 new houses, which would make a still greater demand on our water supply. He suggested that they bore the earth just above the Llwyd- coed reservoir to see if they would strike a water-bearing strata. Such an experiment would be worth while. Mr. Ogwen Williams supported. Aberdare had allowed other Councils to gather water from places near Aberdare. The Rhondda had come to Llvnfawr; Mountain Ash had appropri- ated PeTidei-vii-foi, what it was worth —(hear, hear and laughter), and Neath had got in at Ystradfellte. Mr. W. M, Llewellyn said that Mr. Rees had gone to the root of the subject. All the watersheds had been taken. He had had some experience in the sinking of pits, and in piercing down they met with various beds of strata full of water. London obtained its main water supply from the underground strata. He thought it would he better to bore near Gadlys Pit lather than at Llwydcoed. They had been pumping about 15 gallons per hour from No. 3 Bwllfa Pit recently. Such experiments had been tried with success in Yorkshire. Mr. Stonelake said that the Aber- dare Council should wear sackcloth and ashes for its neglect in dealing with the water question. The people had been led to believe that we had a plentiful supply, and we even went so far as to oppose the Glamorgan AVater Bill. Now we were reaping the whirlwind. If there was to be any extension they should put aside all parochial projects and encourage a County scheme. Mrs. Jenkins said she was very glad that this subject was being ventilated. Plenty of water was a supreme essential in the well being of the home. Some steps should be taken to get a better supply. The matter was referred to the IVater Committee.

Fish Shops and Closing Hours. The Clerk said he had consulted the Fish and Potato Chip Frying Trade, and they had agreed to the Closing Order with respect to weekly half- holiday. Mr. Stonelake: Did you consult the consumers? (Laughter).—No. Mr. W. Rees: I wish you could close those shops altogether.

Municipal Workmen's Wages. Mr. George Doughty, who had been appointed arbitrator in a dispute between the Joint Board of Local Authorities and the workmen, award- ed six days holiday with pay, in ad- dition to the six National Bank Holi- days. M r. A. P. Thomas, who is the re- presentative of the Council on the Joint Board, gave a report of the various meetings attended by him, and lie dealt particulary with the Tram- Avaymen. Mr. Abraham, who had attended a meeting in London held under the auspices of the Ministry of Labour, also gave a report. An application re wages of men, sent in by Mr. Llewellyn, was referred to the Tramways Committee.

Price of Cas. The Clerk explained that the Gas Co. were applying to the Board of. Trade for permission to increase the price of gas by Is. per 1000 cubic feet, and they asked the Council to support the application. Mr. H. T. Goldsworthy had prepared a statement dealing with the financial position of the Gas Co., which had been distributed to the members. The Gas Co., he added, had applied last year for permission to increase by 2s., but they were only allowed 6d. There were two reasons why the Board had only granted that amount. They penalised the Co. for charging a large amount of 'capital expenditure to revenue account, and for dividing their profits up to the hilt instead of equalising the dividends from year to year. Mr. AAr. M. Llewellyn said they must be fair even to the Gas Co. He saw that according to Mr. Goldsworthy's accounts that the expenditure had gone up between L4,000 and zC5 000 and the revenue just over £ 2,000 last year. The price of coal had since gone up 6s. per ton. Some one said: "Let the Gas Co. charge whatever they like, so that the people may go in for electric light." AVell, he Avanted to be fair to the Gas Co. as Avell as to the electric light undertaking. He moved that they support the Is. increase. Mr. Lawrence asked how was it that gas was dearer in this district than in neighbouring districts, such as Moun- tain Ash. Mr. Stonelake: The question of in- efficiency in the working of the Aber- dare Gas AVorks arises. Mr. E. Jones (Aberaman) There are a lot of leakages owing to subsidences, too. Mr. Lawrence: Assuming that there is a certain amount of laxity in the management, is it fair for the' rate- payers. who are consumers of gas, to pay for that laxity? Mr. W. M. ],leAN-elvii :.I should like to have it more clearly before I accept a statement that gas is dearer in this dis- trict owing to inefficiency of manage- ment. I w-ant some authority to go upon. Chairman:' 117e cannot adjourn this matter. It has got to be settled to7 day. Mr. E Stonelake said that those who were in touch with this business could say more than they were entitled to say concerning the management. He suggested that the matter be disposed of at oiice. Mrs. Jenkins seconded Mr. Llew- elvn's motion that they support the Is. inWease. and the motion was carried, a few members not voting at all, and two members voting against. [The present price of gas is 5/6 light- ing, and 5/3 power. J

An Official or Worker? A letter was read from the Workers' Union intimating that George Dean, the Park Inspector, wanted to be treated as a workman, and not as an official. The Clerk explained that Mr. Dean's salary was at present £ 2 15s. 9d. per Aveek, plus his house and a uniform. It was added that the ap- plicant wanted a 47-liour per week. Mr. Illtyd Hopkins remarked that he had recently a chat with the inspestor, who told him that he did not want to have his hours changed, but he expected an advance in his Avages. There was some discussion as to the real designation of Mr. Dean. Was he an official or a worker? If the former then he might later on apply for his salary to be'based on th scale which determined the salaries of those who belonged to the Officials' Union, especially if that scale were higher than that Avhich applied to the Avorkers of. the Council. After some desultory talk Mr. Mar- tin moved, and Mr. Illtyd Hopkins seconded, that the secretary of the Workers' Union (from whom the letter under notice had emanated) should meet the Clerk and the Sur- veyor.

Huts as Bungalows. j A letter, asking the Council whether they could utilise huts as bungalows, was referred to the Housing Com- mittee.

Profiteering Tribunal. The formation of a Profiteering Tri- bunal under the Profiteering Act was considered at length. The Clerk stated that lie had spoken to some members of the Mountain Ash Council, who seemed to favour the existence of a joint Tri- bunal between the two bodies. Mr. A. Pincombe (clerk to the Mountain Ash Council) also coincided with such an ar- rangement. Mr. Stonelake remarked that the matter had been informally discussed by the local Food Committee, although it was one which really concerned the Council. He thought that a Profiteer- ing Committee should be instituted, not because he was of the opinion that Aberdare was worse than any other dis- trict: in fact, he held that Aberdare was better than many places. Ma-. Stonelake moved the adoption of such a Tribunal. Mr. Illtyd Hopkins seconded. There ensued a long discussion as to the number of persons who ought to constitute the Tribunal. It was sug- gested that Aberdare and Mountain Ash should each have five representa- tives. Mr. Llewelyn argued that, in view of the greater population of Aber- dare. it should have six members. At any rate, the following persons were elected to represent Aberdare: Mr. Stonelake. Mr. J. Martin, Mr. Idwal Thomas, Mr. A. P. Thomas, Mrs. Jen- kins and Mrs. Rose Davies.

New War Pensions Committee. Quite half an hour was taken up by the re-arrangement of the War Pen- sions Committee, the present strength of which was returned at 24 persons. The Clerk suggested that the Dis- charged Sailors' and Soldiers' Associ- ations (of which there were six in the district) should have four if not six representatives. He further threw out the hint that the colliery companies should have two, the tin trade one, farming one, and the Chamber of Trade one, while other associations which might be represented were the Trades and Labour Council, the Miners' Federation, the Teachers' Convention, the AVomen's Guilds. If all those or- ganisations were to have representa- tives, pro rata according to their numerical strength, there would re- main six seats for the Council. Mr. Llewelyn disagreed with the mo- tion that the composition of the com- mittee should be subject to any par- ticular body. It was quite possible to find as good people outside as inside the different associations which had been named. He (Mr. Llewelyn) thought that the religious bodies ought to be represented, as, after all, it was certain of their members who did the outside work in the direction of calling upon the people. He moved that the Free Church Council should have a re- presentative, and that one person only should sit for the Women's Guilds.— Mr. AVm. Rees seconded this course. Ultimately the suggestions made, as already stated, were accepted; and the following persons were elected as re- presentatives of the Council: Mr. Wm. Thomas (chairman of the present War Pensions Committee), Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Rose Davies, and Mr. R. R. Davies, Cwmaman. Other persons elected were Mr. Price (for the Powell Duffryn Company), Mr. Edward Pugh (for the Bwllfa Company), Mr. Ernest Williams (of the Cambrian Lamp- works), and Mr. AA7yndham Williams (for the Tinplate Trade). I

A Disgrace to the Town. Mr. David Stephens, secretary to the Aberdare Choral Society, wrote to the effect that, owing to certain struc- tural alterations effected at the Pallad- ium Theatre, it would be impossible for the Society to repeat this year the conceits- which they had been in the went of giving annually in favour of the Aberdare General Hospital. Mr. Stephens added that the absence of a suitable hall for the holding of con- certs was nothing short of a disgrace to the town, and he appealed to the Council to consider the question of going in for. a municipal building worthy of .the traditions of Aberdare. The Chairman: No doubt such a hall is wanted. Nothing of the sort here now Mr. Llewelyn: Nor a Free Library either. Mr. Stonelake agreed with the terms of the letter, but thought that such a I hall should be subscribed for by the public and then handed over to the municipal authority, who could not make any profit out of it. Of course, if there was to be a deficit the Council would have to make it good out of the rates. They were under moral and other obligations to the people to pro- vide such a place, as their functions went beyond the provision of water, sewers, cars, and things of the kind. It was an eye-opener to see young fellows and young girls strolling aimlessly about the streets as early as 5.30 o'clock in the evening. Mr. Llewelyn said that the matter had been considered several times. He would favour the erection of such a hall in the heart of the town, and he moved that the question be referred to a small committee. This course was seconded by Mr Stonelake, and the fol- lowing persons were elected: Messrs. Martin, Stonelake, Llewelyn, Owen Powell, Lawrence and the Architect.

To Attend a Conference. Dr. Prichard was appointed to attend a conference in London under the aus- pices of the National Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis.

"I vfonder," exclaimed the wrathy woman witness, "that the lawyer on the other side can lie easy in his bed." "He can, probably," replied Her hus- band, "but he prefers to do it in court.

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