Towyn-on-Sea and Merioneth County Times

ABERYSTWYTH. BOARD OF GUARDIANS.—MONDAY. Present: Mr W Morris, chairman; Mr Hugh Hughes, vice-chairman; Mrs Colby, Mrs Evan Evans, Mrs Jarnea, Rev T A Penry, Rev G Davies, Messrs G Fossett Roberts, B E Morgan, Edwin Morris, T E Salmon, E J Williams, John Morgan, Thomas Jenkins, J B Morgan, John Bonner, W Mason, Evan Jones, D Morgan, David Davies, James Jones, Wm Davies, Daniel Morris, David Jones, Joseph Parry, Rd Thomas, David James, R L Thomas, with Mr Hugh Hughes, clerk; and Mr Llewellin, deputy clerk. BOARDING OUT THE CHILDREN. Reports for the quarter from the lady members of the Boarding-Out Committee were read. All the children were contented and in good health. Objection was taken to the system by which the children took their cards with them to school to be signed by the Master, and which marked them out as paupers.Mr B E Morgan proposed a vote of thanks to the lady members of this committee for the trouble taken by them. As to the children taking their cards to school this would be all changed and in future the cards would be left with the master and the relieving officer could call and inspect them.—Mrs Evans said that all the foster parents with whom the children were boarded out objected to the cards.—The Clerk said that he mentioned the matter to the auditor who suggested that the cards could be left with the schoolmaster and examined by the relieving officer once a quarter and in case of non attendance the officer could be informed by postcard, a number of which could be supplied to the master.—Mrs Evans proposed that this be done.—Mr B E Morgan seconded.-The proposal was carried.—Mr Geo Fossett Roberts seconded the proposal that the thanks of the Board be tendered to the ladies of this committee. There was no doubt that they had saved the Board a considerable amount of trouble and responsibility and in relieving them of that duty, the Board were greatly indebted to them. — The proposal was carried. STATISTICS. During the past two weeks the following amounts have been paid in out-relief :-Per Mr T Vaughan, R52 13s 6d to 160 recipients per Mr J J Hughes, z643 3s to 156 recipients per Mr T Morgan, X50 Is to 154 recipients. MASTER'S REPORT. The Master reported that there were 38 paupers in the House as compared with 45 during the same period of 1900. During the past two weeks 37 vagrants had been relieved as compared with 26 in the same period of 1900. A parcel of periodicals had been received from Mr T Griffiths, Graiglas. On the 21st ult the books were audited and found correct.- On the motion of Mr B E Morgan, seconded by Mrs Evans, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr Griffiths. OUT-RELIEF CASES. During the hearing of the relief cases the hum of conversation in different parts of the room making it difficult for the members to hear, Mr G Fossett Roberts asked Mr Yaughan to speak up.—Mr Vaugban If you keep quiet I will try and make you hear.-Rev T A Penry Order, order.-Walking feebly and leaning on a stick a white-haired and one-armed old man named Riley entered the room. He was an Irishman and he was 83 years of age. He appealed for out-relief and told his story of want to the Guardians all of whom listened in silence.—Rev T A Penry (appeal- ingly): Listen, Riley, won't you come in this house ? We have a nice room for sick people and it is warm and clean.—Riley I know it is clean and all that. I have been there before for three months but I won't go again.-Rev T A Penry You had better come in; you will be better off.—Riley No, your Honour, never will I again enter the house, I will rather die first.-The Clerk: Very well, Riley, you can retire.—The Board considered the application and gave the applicant 4s 6d a week.-In connec- tion with the distribution of out-relief, Mr T E Salmon moved that in future the minimum amount of out-relief to be granted by the Board to deserv- ing persons above 70 years of age should be 6s per week, and that the minimum amount of relief to deserving persons under that age be 3s per week. Mr Salmon proceeded to show by quoting figures how difficult it was for the poor to live. Rent, food and fire took away 6s leaving nothing to put aside for clothing. If the poor were deserving of relief they were deserving of receiving enough to keep body and soul together. The amount of relief last year was the same as ten years ago, although the rateable value of the union bad gone up by £ 16,500. The amount which went to the poor was lOd in the zE, and if the resolution was carried it would only mean an extra penny on the half-year, and after deducting the amount received from relatives it worked out at fd every half-year. Surely no Guardian would grudge giving a sufficient and proper allowance for the deserving poor. There were only half a dozen or so in receipt of 2s per week, and those who would receive 6s per week would number 78.—Mr B E Morgan Do you mean that those in receipt of out-relief should be raised ? -Mr Salmon Yes, I include all those.—Mr David Davies: I do not think Mr Salmon presses the motion now the election is passed (laughter).— Mr Salmon: I brought the motion forward conscien- tiously.-No one seconded, and it fell through.— Mr J B Morgan then moved that the rule of the Board that an able-bodied widow should support one child be dispensed with and that in future each child be taken on its merits.-The proposition was seconded by Mr Richard Thomas.—Mr G Fossett Roberts said he bad an amendment to move. He was surprised that Mr Vaughan should bring for- ward a motion simply to gain a point in one case. It bad been the custom of the Board to grant relief to a widow and her children, but the widow had to support one child. In order to meet one case it was proposed to do away with the custom. The custom in vogue at that Board it should be noted was the custom adopted by the majority of unions throughout the country. The Local Government Board had only consented to allow the relief in this case after great reluctance as they held that there was great objection to it on the grounds of public policy and morality. He moved that the Board see no reason to depart from the custom of past years.—Rev T A Penry said he was willing to second the amendment if the payment to the children was increased from 2s to 3s.—Mr Roberts said he was prepared to accept it.—Mr Salmon was pleased with the discussion for although no one seconded his proposal they were evidently prepared to support the principle in another form. To give increased out-relief to the children was his chief reason for bringing the matter for- ward.—Mr B E Morgan was not in favour of bind- ing the guardians down to any hard and fast rule. After some further discussion the proposition of Mr J B Morgan was carried, five only voting for the amendment.—The guardians got up and many left the room when Mr Roberts drew attention to the fact that the estimated amount to be received from paupers' relatives during the half-year had been reduced by £ 20. This was an important question, and he wanted to know what was the cause for it.- The Deputy Clerk said that the committee had only met once during the year.—Mr Salmon (pointing to the country guardians) Here they are like a lot of bees when any little extra out-relief is proposed to be given, but none of them knows anything about the finances of the Board and take no interestl in it.-There was no other business. TOWN COUNCIL.—TUESDAY. Councillor E P Wynne (mayor) presiding. There were also present Councillor C M Williams (ex- mayor), Aldermen W H Palmer and T Doughton, Councillors T F Roberts, T E Salmon, R Peake, T J Samuel, J P Thomas, W Thomas, John Jenkins, J T Davies, E H James, R J Jones, with Messrs A J Hughes (town clerk), C Massey (deputy town clerk), H L Evans (accountant) and Rees Jones (surveyor). DAMAGING SEATS. A letter was read from Supt Phillips reporting that certain boys whose names were given had been caught damaging the seats on the Promenade.- The report was referred to the Public Works Com- mittee with power to act. TRUNK TELEPHONE LINE. A letter was read from Mr C S Denniss, general manager of the Cambrian Railways, stating that he had been in communication with the manager of the National Telephone Company with reference to the extension of the trunk line to Aberystwyth. The charge would probably be a heavy one and it was a question worth considering as to whether his Company and the Council could not join. He therefore suggested that they should have a con- ference in order the better to discuss the matter. -The letter was referred to the Public Works Com- mittee with power to make arrangements. FOOTBALL CLUB. Mr R A James, hon see of the football club, wrote to say that £ 75 of the £100 required to pay off the debt of R135 had been raised, and he asked that the £ 25 promised by the Council should he paid that week.—The letter was referred to the Finance Committee. PROPOSED AQUARIUM. In connection with the proposal to establish an aquarium at the College a letter was read from Mr Mortimer Green asking the Council to appoint a committee to act with a committee from the College to meet and lay evidence in support of the applica- tion before a departmental committee of the Board of Trade which had been appointed to inquire into the matter.—The Council as a whole was appointed a committee. NEW MEMBERS. The Town Clerk formally reported the return at the recent contest of Councillors Roberts, Thomas, Salmon, and Samuel. THE LIGHTING OF THE TOWN. Councillor R Peake presented the reports of the meetings of the Public Lights Committee who recommended the following improvements :-New lamps at the corner of the Board School near the Railway Station, at the junction of Elm Tree avenue and Alexandra road, in Buarth street, at the junction of Stanley road, in Cambrian street opposite Messrs Hoskings and Miller's works, two powerful new lamps in Lower North parade, one new lamp in Portland street, one near Victoria Hotel, at the corner of Tottenham House, Little Darkgate street, on the corner of New street and Castle street, in Laura place, in King street near the College, at the corner of Castle street and King street, in Bridge street near Gray's Inn road, on Trefechan bridge, one extra lamp at the entrance to the harbour near Lloyd's timber yard, and that the lamp opposite the Three Tuns be moved seven yards nearer the bridge, one extra lamp in High street, one extra lamp half way between Penmaesglas road and Custom House street in South road, one at the corner of Quay road and South road, one new powerful lamp on South Marine terrace in lieu of the existing ordinary lamps making four in all, one uew lamp in Sea View place opposite the new entrance to the Castle grounds and the existing lamp in Sea View place moved to half way between the proposed new lamp and the one on the corner of Graig Goch, one new powerful lamp in Queen's road. The committee recommended that one of the four lamplighters be engaged to devote the whole of his time to the duties of repairing, cleaning, etc., and that such lamplighter be capable of repairing the lamps and seeing that the same The kept clean and in working order. Estimated cost of extra or im- proved lamps as per foregoing reports, zCI37 12s. Councillor Peake went on to say that the annual cost of the new lamps would be z643, including the six new lamps which were now being erected in Penparke. He moved the adoption of the report.— Councillor Salmon seconded.-Alderman Doughton said that it had been decided last April to put the new lamps up in Penparke and ample time had elapsed.—Councillor Samuel was pleased to hear that they were putting new lamps in Penparke, because there were awful complaints when they were going about canvassing.—Councillor Peake You have the explanation of the Surveyor already referred to by me that the work is in hand.- Councillor W Thomas wanted to know if the new lamps in North Parade were to be put in the centre of the street.—Councillor Peake Yes.-Councillor W Thomas I cannot.—Councillor Peake said that the committee came to the conclusion after visit- ing the spot.-Councillor W Thomas: I don't like the idea. Besides, there is the legal aspect, I ■ appose the Town Clerk will put us right. It occurs to me that it will be a failure.—Councillor Peake Tut, tut!—Councillor J P Thomas I rise to support the report. The lamps will regulate the traffic in the street.—Alderman Palmer thought that one new lamp would be enough in North Parade but as to the lamps being an inconvenience they would be quite the reverse as Councillor William Thomas would find if he went down Regent street or Tottenham Court road, London, which were narrower streets than North -Parade.- Councillor Peake It is no use going on in a cheeseparing fashion. You will only save zC6 by having one lamp. Alderman Doughton could not agree with Councillor W Thomas. He had lived in North parade for 24 years and the lamps there never gave any light beyond the front of the house opposite to which they had been erected. If there was room for a cab stand on North parade there was certainly room for two lamps -The ex-Mayor said that they had visited the Parade on two occasions and they were all agreed as to the report presented. As to the cost he could only say that the committee would hays very much liked to have gone to greater expense for they were all agreed that for a town like Aberystwyth nothing looked better than well- lighted streets.-The report was adopted. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. Councillor Peake presented the report of this committee, which recommended that the Drill Hall plans be passed, and that a new site be given for a magazine at a rent of 8s, making a total of 92 10s per annum.- The committee recommended the Council to accept the terms of the County Council offered by them for the maintenance of the main roads within the borough, subject to other Urban Authorities within the Council accepting the same terms.—Councillor Roberts said that there was fair reason for complaining of the state of the roads and of the curbing and channelling of the town, and there were complaints in the town that the matter was not receiving the attention it ought to. £ 3,047 had been borrowed for this purpose and only £ 257 of this sum had been spent. He really thought that the matter should be seriously taken in hand and completed without any further delay.-Councillor Salmon asked whose duty it was to see that there was pioper channelling connected with the down pour pipes on North Parade.—The Town Clerk The owners.-Councillor Samuel Then I propose that the Town Clerk write to the owners to have the channelling down. At present it is a nuisance.—The Mayor: Not only in North Parade but other parts of the town.-Councillor Peake suggested that the attention of the Inspector of Nuisances be called to it.- Councillor J P Thomas If there was a uniform method followed out all over the town, I have no doubt but that the builders would make these channels.—Alderman Palmer said that no doubt the Surveyor would look after those matters because he noticed in a paper that a tradesman in London who tumbled over a piece of curbing claimed damages from the Lord Mayor and Corporation of the city and was awarded sixty pounds.—Councillor Peake would not move that portion of the Committee's report dealing with the maintenance of the roads through the Borough. It cost them £ 58 or R59 per mile to keep up the roads and he was not in favour of accepting less than £ 60.—The Ex-Mayor explained at some length the position of matters and said that the County Council offered the Town Council £ 200 instead of £120. The County Council had met the Corporation liberally, having regard to the fact that for some years past the Town Council had been paid less than the actual sum expended by them.—The report was adopted.—Councillor Samuel I may be very dull but I should like to know what is being done about the owners and the chanelling.—The Town Clerk: It is the pro- vince of the Inspector of Nuisances.-Councillor Samuel: I don't doubt that but I want to know what is being done.—The Town Clerk: I will write to the Inspector. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. Councillor R J Jones presented the report of the Harbour Committee which recommended that a uniform should be procured for the New Harbour Master.-The report was adopted. THE FIRE BBKJADIV, Councillor Salmon presented the report of this committee which recommended that an additional grant of Y,7 4s be made to the brigade, making a total of JE24 per annum. — Councillor Roberts seconded, and asked if this sum was sufficient to keep up an efficient brigade. He also asked for an assurance from the surveyor that the mains in all parts of the town were sufficient to allow of the necessary pressure being supplied. — Councillor Salmon replied that the brigade was never in a better state of equipment. They had all the latest improvements, and if the Council thought the grant was not enough he was prepared to accept more.- Councillor Jones reminded the Council that now the old gasworks had been taken down there was no hoot3r and he hoped the committee would take that into consideration. If a fire took place there was at present no means of giving a signal.—The Mayor: It was under discussion and I think the surveyor has a report to make.—The Surveyor said it had been suggested that there should be tele- phonic communication with the firemen.—Council- lor Roberts: Can you reply as to the state of the mains ?--The Surveyor said the mains were in very good order.—Councillor Roberts: Have you suffi- cient pressure in Trefechan ?-The Surveyor Yes. -The report was adopted. FINANCE COMMITTEE. The ex-Mayor presented the report of this com- mittee which recommended for payment bills, etc, amounting to £ 1,150. Included in this sum wa;4 repayment of principal and interest on public loans amounting to over Y,600, and £129 odd due for electric light for the quarter ending Sept 29. The committee recommended the renewal of the lease of the Lisburne House to Miss Bubb upon certain conditions, one of which was that the portico in front should be removed.—Councillor Salmon op- posed this and moved as an amendment that it be allowed to remain.—Councillor Peake seconded but on-a vote being taken the report was adopted. PRECEPTS. The Ex-Mayor moved the following:-To order that a precept be directed to the churchwardens and overseers of the poor of the parish of Aberyst. wyth to pay out of the poor rate made and collec- ted the sum of £ 135 for the purposes of the Technical Instruction Act, and that the mayor be authorised to affix the corporate seal thereto. Agreed.-To order that a precept be granted directed to the churchwardens and overseers of the parish of Aberystwyth requiring them to raise the sum of £ 520 in obedience to a precept of the Aber- ystwyth School Beard made jthe 18th day of Octo- ber, 1901, being the amount required for the pur- poses of the said School Board up to the 25th day March, 1902, and that the Corporation seal be affixed to the said precept by the mayor. Agreed. -To order that a precept be directed to the church- wardens and overseers of the parish of Aberyst. wyth to pay out of the poor rates made and collec- ted the sum of £135 which will be equivalent to a rate of Id in the pound on i he rateable value of the property in the said parish of Aberystwyth for the purposes of the Public Libraries and Museum Acts be made, and that the mayor be authorised to affix the corporate seal thereto. Agreed.—When these were agreed to, the Ex-Mayor said the rate for the winter would probably be a low one. DRILL GROUND. The Council agreed to grant the volunteers the use of the Smithfield as a drill ground, and the ex- Mayor expressed the hope that the Surveyor would level the ground so that it would be more suitable for drilling. EXTENSION OF THE BOROUGH. In reply to Councillor Salmon, the Town Clerk said that this question would come before the new Finance Committee, and the ex-Mayor promised that full particulars should be placed on the agenda for the next meeting of the Council. THE TOWN HALL. The Town Clerk said that there was no reply from the Local Government Board in respect to the lean for the Town Hall, and he suggested that there should be a personal interview with the head of the department. He mentioned the name of Mr Vaughan Davies, M.P.-The ex-Mayor said that perhaps there was some delay owing to a misunder- standing up in London about the sale of certain lands, which was referred to by the Inspector at the last inquiry.-The Town Clerk said he was writing Mr Burd upon the matter.—Councillor Jones was iu favour of asking Mr Vaughan Davies to call.—The ex-Mayor suggested that the Town Clerk should call.Councillor Jones: I propose that Mr Yaughan Davies also see to the matter.— Councillor Roberts I second that.-Agreed. UNIVERSITY OF WALES. The Mayor mentioned that the University of Wales would hold a degree day in the College on Nov 22nd, and it was agreed to offer the Court a welcome to the town. FINIS. Alderman Doughton rose and said As you are aware my term of office expires on the 9th of Nov, and I take this opportunity to thank you and the members of the Council for the kindness and courtesy received at your hands. I mean to adhere to my statement made three years ago and retire next Saturday (hear, bear). I think it is a system which ought to be followed by every Alderman in this Council. They should not stick to their seats as long as they could get some of theii friends to support them.-There was no other business and the Council rose.