The Glamorgan Gazette

RAILWAY MEN'S SUPPER AT BRITON FERRY. On Monday evening week, the annual supper of members of the Accident and Sick Fund Society, in connection with the South Wales Mineral Railway, took place at the and Crown, Briton Ferry, supper being s< in capital style by the hostess, Mrs Ha- The room was gaily decorated with a provis of evergreen, etc. The chair was occupied by M. A. Steel, who was supported by Messrs C. Bazzard, P. J. John, J. Green,—Morgan, G.WL. The cloth having been removed, the Queen was given from the chair, and was responded to by the singing of the National Anthem. Letters of apology were read from Mr George Palmer, Rheola, and Swansea Bay contractor, Mr Brinley Richards, Corrwg Fachan Colliery, &c., &c. The secretary of the Sick and Accident Fund* Mr M. H. Jones, read his annual report, which was as follows :—" Mr Chairman and gentlemen,- I have much pleasure in submitting my second re- port of the Sick and Accident Fund, for the 12 months ending October 31st last. Although necessarily a short one, yet I think that for a young society, you will agree with me, that we have made very satisfactory progress, and if we continue in the future, as we have done in the past, the time is not far distant, when we shall be able to give greater benefits than at present. During the past year, benefits have been paid to 16 members, viz., 12 for accidents, and four for deaths. The balance from last year was JE26 5a lOd. Subscriptions for year, JE38 6s from Mrs. Bazzard, jEl Is benefits paid accidental sickness, jE12 18s 4d; one member and three children's deaths, .(6; total worth of society, JE46 14s 6d» We trust that all will continue to unite in building up a fund worthy of the South Wales Mineral Railway.—(Applause). I The Chairman dealt with the objects of the society at great length, and referred to the gathering of last year which had included the men employed on the line at Glyncorrwg. There are some who looked with considerable disdain on the South Wales Mineral Railway, but they had been glad to come to them for assistance, and although they had that great bugbear, the incline, to con- tend with, they were able to give satisfaction co their numerous freighters. He was also pleased to say that they were inclined to put another engine on, and that they had been going on fine during the year. (Applause). The toast of the "Freighters of the South Wales Mineral Railway" was then proposed, coupled with the names of Messrs C. C. Bazzard, and J. P. John. Mr Bazzard, in responding, said that he had been a freighter on the S. W. M. R. for the lasb 15 years, and a more obliging lot of men than the staff and workmen he never met. Mr John thanked them for the kind manner in which the Chairman had referred to his brother and himself. Although they had not been such long freighters as Mr Bazzard and others, it was sufficiently long to know that the employers were a most obliging lot of men, and they are highly satisfied with the manner in which they had been treated by the company during the time they had traded with them. Mr P. John en- dorsed remarks made by his brother. The South Wales Mineral Railway, and Work- men, and Staff," was proposed by Mr Bazzard, who said that he had been connected with rail- ways for the last 37 years, and found railwaymen to be a civil and respectable class of men. As a freighter, he found the men on the S. W. M. R.. to be ever ready to further the traffic, and give as little delay as possible. He coupled with the toasts, the names of Messrs A. Steel, M. H. Joness, J. Revill, J. Hughes,, and W. Howells, all of whom suitably responded. The concluding toasts were "The Press," .f The Visitors," and The Hostess." During the evening, harmony was indulged in, and a thoroughly enjoyable time was spent by alL

BAZAAR AT COWBRIDGE. A fancy bazaar took place at the Assembly Rooms, Bear Hotel (kindly lent by Alderman Thomas), Cowbridge, on Wednesday of last week. The Rev D. Bowen, B.A., vicar of Cowbridge, opened the proceedings early in the afternoon, in the presence of the elite of the neighbourhood. The bazaar was got up by Miss Davies, High- street, who spared no trouble nor expenso to make the event successful, and she attained the object in view. viz., to hand over a substantial amount to the St. Nicholas' Home for Waifs and Strays, of which Miss Davies is the District Secretary. There was a large attendance, and among those who superintended the stalls were-Mrs Thurstan Bassett, Mrs Bowen, Miss L. G. Payne, Mrs Shepherd, and Miss Davies. A concert was held in the evening, when songs, &c., were sung, Mr W, H. Bolton acting as accompanist. An interesting feature in the programme was a skirb dance by Miss Bassett, of Crossways.

NEATH COUNTY POLICE. FRIDAY-before Messrs Charles, Evans, Thomas and J. B. Paddon. DRUNKS. George Hanford, labourer, Skewen; Thomas Curtis, collier, Skewen William Thomas, haulier, Skewen, were each fined 5s and costs for drunken- ness. DRIVING WITHOUT LIGHTS. John Owen, butcher, Swansea, was fined 5s and costs; Lewis Barlow, ironmonger, Swansea, 10s and costs David Jones, drayman, Swansea, 108 and costs for driving without lights. DOMESTIC TROUBLES. Margaret Barrat, of Britonferry, summoned her husband, William Barratt, a labourer, for assault. The Bench imposed a fine of Is and costs, and granted a separation order, defendant being ordered to pay 9s per week towards the maintenance of his three child- ren, whom complainant proposed to keep. THEFT OF BOOTS. John Stafford, an ex-Hussar, now labourer of no fixed abode, was charged with stealing a pair of boots, the property of Thomas ijowden, ab Britonferry-road on the 8th inst.—Complainant who keeps the Burrows Lodge Inn, Britonferry- road, said that he missed the boots just after prisoner and his mate had left the inn.-Prisoner when arrested by Police-constable Jones (325), said that he had only taken the boots for a joke, although he was wearing the boots at the time.- Prisoner, who was evidently an Irishman, said that it was all a mistake. He had taken the wrong .boots quite by accident.—Prisoner was sent to prison for 10 days with hard labour.

DR. N ANSRN'S POLAR EXPEDITION. —Messrs. Oactbury have bupplied about 1,500 lbs. of Cooot I oocoa of such typical excellei Kesenee and Choco- late in hermetically sealed tins, it being provisions taken uliou'.d Woep pood r')r srven years, U-. Nan son hM egircised a wioe -¡ice in si-lectinigf ii al-solutely pure f', Oadtiury's. CADTHJVY'? COCOA.—i/S'Nroa possessing valuable fioh-fomning quafn. and imparting Stien^th and Slaying Power.— Health. I

LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD ENQUIRY. At the Maesteg Town Hall, on Friday, Colonel Ducat, R.E., Inspector of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry in aspect to the application of the Local Board for sanction of a loan of £ 8000 for works of water supply. There was a very large attendance of ratepayers the majority of whom, judging from frequent demonstrations during the proceedings, were opposed to the Local Board's scheme. Mr R. Scan-, clerk to the Local Board, appeared for that authority; Mr T. J. Hughes (Bridgend), represented several ratepayers; and Mr S. H. Stockwood opposed the scheme on behalf of the Margam Estate, Chamber of Trade, &c. MR. SCALE OPENS. Mr Scale, at the outset, explained that the population of the place was 12,000, and the rateable value £ 22,000, for sanitary purposes. The Local Board had loans upon the rates to the extent of dEl,503 6s 8d, with the exception that they had no mortgage whatever upon the rates. A School Board had recently been fsttblished, and they had borrowed JE.500 odd, but so far as the Local Board was concerned the borrowing expenses were JE 1,503. Proceeding Mr Scale pointed out that for several years past, the district had suffered very con- siderably from the want of a water supply, and the Local Government Board had very frequently pressed upon the Local Board the necessity of carrying out a scheme. The local authority then gave the matter very careful consideration, with the result that about a year ago Mr Rees, of Newport, civil engineer, was consulted. Mr Rees visited the spot, made careful investigations, and, on behalf of the authority, prepared a scheme. That scheme was to tap the water spring above Blaenllynvi, and also the Dyffryn brook. That was part of the entire scheme which the authority had in view, bat seeing that the requirements were immediately necessary, by the advice of Mr Rees the Board decided to proceed for the present only with a section of that scheme. The scheme they proceeded now with was the tapping of Nantyfyllon brook, and the Garnwen levels (of which there were two). From these two springs they were of opinion that there would be for the present a sufficient supply. They wished entirely to do away with earthenware pipes and supplant them by cast iron pipes. Nanty- fyllon brook had this week been guaged by the Surveyor, and it yielded a daily supply of 207,3CO gallons, Garnwen level, dry weather guage (1893), 23,500 gallons, present week, 69.120 gallons. Tonna springs—dry weather guage (1893), 4,220 gallons present week, 17,280 gallons Caerdavid levels- dry weather guage, 23,000 gallons present week, 65,000 gallons, they had, according to the dry weather guaging, a daily supply of 108,000 gallons, which was sufficient to supply a population of 12,000. This, as he had said, was only a section of a scheme, and the Board was anxious to proceed with this part immediately. If they entered on the Blaenllynvi part now. it would probably take three years to accomplish the work and so they had decided that that should stand over for a short time, until the district required it. The part they desired to proceed with would probably take only about six months to complete. To enable the authority to obtain the water in question, an agree- ment had been entered into with Messrs North, taking over the springs mentioned, the term being 50 years, and the sum paid £ 1,000, which the authority considered a very fair and reasonable amount. If the authority had not been able to obtain them voluntarily, they would be forced into arbitration, and the result of that would be that the £1,000 would be very largely increased. To show that the £1,000 for the water-rights was not excessive, the Board would in the first year, as against the £ 1,000 to be paid to North's, receive in return on 6d per thousand gallous—(84,000 gallons per day)— £ 800. Garnwen levels were under a very heavy coalfield, full of minerals. The minerals on the surface, however, had already been worked, so that so far as the surface was concerned, no danger would result to the springs. The under-seams being 400 yards below the surface, would in no way interfere with the springs. Mr Scale contended that the scheme was a very inexpensive one; part could be covered by an outlay of not exceeding £ 6,000. There was a rival scheme, which some 18 years ago came under the consideration of the local authority. Mr Stockwood and Mr Hughes interposed, and disagreed that it was a rival scheme. Mr Scale, continuing, said this scheme had its source in the Sychpant Valley, and plans were prepared by an engineer in 1877 under the instruc- tion of the then authority. Mr Scale here asked if any one present knew whether there was an enquiry then or not ? Some gentlemen said there was, and others that there was not, and Mr Barrow, speaking rather warmly, said Yes, there was, and you'll see it in the minute books. Of course (to Mr Scale) it does not suit your purpose to look it up. (Loud applause). The Inspector (emphatically) I shall have the room cleared if you don't keep quiet. (Hear, hear). Mr Scale, resuming, contended that that scheme was not as good as the present one. It was rather low down, and it was estimated that the scheme if carried out would cost about f 20,000. Mr Hughes pointed out that the total estimate was £ 15,000. Mr Scale I'll put the facts in. He went on to say that the local authority were pressed about three years ago by the Local Government. Board, and after much discussion they employed Mr Tregarnon Rees, who prepared the present scheme. The local authority trusted that he (the inspector) would report favourably, so that they might give the district a supply of water which was very much required. Mr Tregarnon Rees (the engineer) was then examined. He stated that he had had great experience as a waterworks engineer. He spoke to the investigations he had made in the district, after being consulted by the Local Board, and said he arrived at the opinion that the natural scheme for the town was to go to the head of its own watershed. If they went anywhere else, they had to pay compensation for water whereas if they went to the head of their own watershed they could get the water without paying that compensation. He arrived at the conclusion that the present scheme was the best scheme. The difficulty in the first, instance was to find a storage reservoir, and he bunted the country round for such a site and in the end he selected the head of the Blaenllynvi brook as the most suitable. The scheme was to utilise the water of the Blaenllynvi watershed, and to bring a pipe from the source of the Llynvi river down the valley of Llynvi and up the Blaenllynvi brook into the reservoir. If that reservoir were made, filter beds ;and surface tanks adjoining it, the water would naturally flow down the valley and could be distributed among the people. With the help of the reservoir and brooks 400,000 gallons of water per day could be supplied, which at 20 gallons per head per day would supply a population of 30.000. Twenty eallona per head per day was the usual .quantity not only for domestic, but also for trade purposes. In order to meet the immediate want of the district, he had, by direction of the Local Board, to cut off the upper portion of the scheme and submit the present one, which could be com- pleted within six months. Mr Hughes here interposed and asked the in- epector to hold that he would not consider any .so-called rival" scheme in detail, but only the scheme which was the subject matter of the inquiry. He added that he appeared in support of the Local Board scheme on behalf of the rate- payers (cries of No, not the ratepayers The Inspector Let us proceed. Replying to Mr Hughes, Mr Rees stated that in estimating the gallons per head per day the north part was not included, as this part of the scheme would not supply that district. He knew that more than sixpence was paid in other parts of Glamorgan. By Mr Stockwood Taking the present scheme by itself it would serve a population of 12,000. Mr Stockwood complained that his clients had not been able to have a look at the plans, though they had applied scores and scores of times. Mr Scale explained that the plans, during the days they were applied for, were either with the Local Government Board or with the Inspector. It was quite true that ratepayers had called to see the plans but the very day they called he (Mr Scale) on behalf of the Board, wrote to the Board asking if they would kindly forward the plans. The reply was that the plans were in the Inspec- tor's possession, and would be produced here to-day and not before (applause). Mr Stockwood said his clients had been abso- lutely refused information. The Inspector said he had the letter from the Local Board asking for plans. The Authority could not let the ratepayers have what they had not got; aud he (the Inspector) was away from London at the time, and could not send them down. Mr Stockwood then asked that the inquiry should be adjourned, so that he and his clients could acquaint themselves with the plans. The Inspector said lie could not do this. In reply to Mr Stockwood, Mr Rees said the only right the Local Board had to the water was by the agreement with North's, but he was not aware whether or not that had the sanction of Lord Dun- raven, the owner of land there. Mr Stockwood, in the course of further questions, tried to show that North's rights over the water in question was not absolute: that the riparian owners had a right to use it and divert the stream; and that the Local Board had no assurance that it would not be diver- ted. Mr Rees, however, replied that he was versed only in the engineering part of the scheme. Mr Scale pointed out that the Board had an agreement with a responsible Authority, and that Authority gave them the water rights. They would not give the Board what they had not got; if they did they were liable to damages. Mr Hughes cited a clause in the agreement, which gave the Board right to take all water flowing, or which may be made to flow from all the springs shown upon plans." It was, added Mr Hughes, an absolute assignment. Mr Stockwood said if the upper riparian owners had not the right to divert the water, he did not see what right North's had to divert it at the spot in question. He asked Mr Rees if he considered that the water from a disused coalfield was a proper water to supply. Mr Rees replied that it depended on the analysis supplied. The analysis in the present case was very satisfactory. Mr Stockwood remarked that JE.5,700 was the estimate, and asked how the JE8,000 was made up. Mr Scale said that was the outside figure. Mr Stockwood: How is the £1,000 to be paid to North's arrived at ? Mr Scale and Mr Rees stated that it was a very fair and reasonable sum. Mr Hughes asked if there had been any letters from landlords offering their rights at certain figures ? Mr Scale: Yes; Mr Jenkins, of Gelli, and Major Treharne. Mr H. G. J. Barrow The latter at JE60 a year. Replying to Mr Stockwood, Mr Rees stated with reference to the alternative scheme, that there would be a mile and a half of main without a single house. In the present scheme it was quite different. The 4-inch pipe was sufficiently large in his opinion. Mr James Tamblyn, chairman of the Local Board and a mining engineer, said he was well acquainted with the Garnwen levels, and so far as the surface was concerned the seams were worked out, and there was no possible danger to the water. The under measures were 300 or 400 yards from the surface. Those measures would in future be worked, but as a rule they did not interfere with the water. The scheme was a desirable one. One sids of the Llynvi river belonged to Major Traherne and the other side to Mr Jenkins, Gelli. Negotiations had been opened with both landlords, who were prepared to give the water rights. There should not, in his opinion, be the slightest difficulty in getting this water when required. Mr Stockwood If there was any coal between the Garnwen levels and it was worked out, would it not interfere with the water ? Witness: No one will ever work any coals from these levels. Mr Stockwood How is the £ 1,000 made up ? Mr Tamblyn: I can't say, but I think we made a very good bargain (ironical laughter). When you say we," in whose behalf do you speak ? Mr Hughes Don't an3wer, Mr TambIyL that's an impudent question. Mr Stockwood You are the agent for North's ? Mr Tamblyn Yes. And you can't say who conducted the negotia- tions or who arrived at the value of £ 1,000. Mr Tamblyn I I had nothing to do with it. Mr Stockwood: How many persons connected with North's Company are on the Board ? Mr Tamblyn I can't say (loud laughter). Mr Stockwood You are Chairman of the Board and agent of North's Company, and yet you can't say how many. Mr Tamblyn What do you mean by "con- nected ?" We are all connected one way or another in this place with it. Was it by your instructions that these plans were not here ?—Certainly not. Was it by your wish that reports were kept from the public ?—Certainly not. Very often the Press was asked to be silent, and members were asked not to say anything ?—In preliminary matters we had, of course, to discuss things in committee, but it was all made public afterwards. Mr Stockwood I shall show that the Chamber of Trade asked that the matter might be referred to the ratepayers, and that the Board had refused to do so. The Inspector It is for the local Authority to undertake the responsibility of finding a water supply and it is a matter for them to consider whether they should take the ratepayers into their confidence or not. Mr Tamblyn stated that there was no general request from the ratepayers but only from the Chamber of Trade, who did not represent the ratepayers as far as he knew. The Board were quite willing to lay everything before the rate- payers. By Mr Stockwood It was not an arrangement that the ratepayers should be consulted after the inquiry. Mr Hugbea Was a prominent supporter of the Chamber of Trade mineral agent for a rival land- owner with reference to an alternative scheme ? I refer to Mr Barrow. Mr Tamblyn I can't speak to that. Mr Joseph Humphreys, surveyor and inspector of nuisances to the Board, gave formal evidence as to-the analysis taken of the water, and also as to the guagings taken by him and given by Mr Scale. He considered that the scheme was a good one. Mr George Fenier, a member of the Local Board, said he considered the scheme a very favourable one, and added that Dr. Evans, of the Local Government Board, approved of it. [At this stage the Inspector was driven in a couveyance to the upper part of Maesteg, in order to inspect the source of the proposed supply.] ON RESUMING, Dr. Davies, a member of the Local Board, said he had taken a very active interest in a water supply scheme, and he thought the present scheme suitable and proper for the ratepayers. He was a member when the first scheme was discussed. This scheme was much cheaper, and the water appeared to be excellent. By Mr Stockwood He had nothing to say against the quality of the Sychpant water. This was only a part of the whole scheme, but there was every assurance that they would proceed with the rest. The two landlords having consented to give the water, though there was no contract with either. Why did you refuse the Garth offer made by Mr Barrow?—I don't remember it. I don't think I was present at the meeting. How many of North's officials voted for giving the jEl.OCO?—I don't know. All who were present did I suppose ?-I think there was no dissension. Mr David Davies, also a member of the Board, also gave evidence in support of the scheme. He stated that he lived near the source, and knew the springs well, and had never known the supply to ceasa during the 20 years he had lived there. He considered it to be the best scheme for Maesteg, and a great saving to the ratepayers. The majority of the people at Nantyf.vllon were in favour of it. The enquiry was then adjourned till the following morning.

SATURDAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The enquiry was resumed at 9.30 on Saturday mcrning. There was again a large number of rate- payers present. Mr T. J. Hughes, addressing the inspector at the outset, said he represented a number of influential and heavy ratepayers, but, in order to shorten the the enquiry, he would not call any evidence, but address him (the inspector). Mr Thomas Jones (a member of the Bridgend Board of Guardians) asked Mr Hughes who were the ratepayers he represented. Mr Hughes said he was prepared to give the names if the inspector required them. The Inspector: It carries an amount of weight if you do. Mr Hughes Then I'll get from the ratebook the total rateable value of those whom I represent, and forward them to you. Mr Hughes then proceeded to deal with the scheme. Having dwelt on the great need of a water supply at Maesteg, he described the present scheme as the most practicable. It was part of a scheme that was intended to supply the whole of the requirements. Meeting Mr Stockwood's chief objections to the scheme, Mr Hughes said with reference to the objection that the Garnwen levels might be worked in future, these levels were thj property of the Company, who were selling the water rights to the Board, and, although the agreement did not profess that the Company should convey as beneficial owners, yet when the deed came to be prepared and sanctioned by the Local Government Board there would of course be the usual covenant that they would convey as beneficial owners. The same people who were selling the water-rights were the owners, and, therefore, they would be liable to an injunction if at any time they did any work which withdrew or diminished the supply. But apart from the legal aspect, could they imagine anything so absurd as to suppose that a company or anybody else would be so stupid as to work levels and draw the water into their workings-for that's what it would come to ? Dealing with the alternative scheme, Mr Hughes argued that the Cwmcerwn scheme was too expensive—and it was abandoned by the pro- moters. Mr Barrow would have it that a local enquiry was held. If so, either one or two things must have been the cause why the Local Govern- ment Board refused to sanction the loan, or if they sanctioned it, the Local Board on going into the matter more closely found the scheme would not work, and never carried out the scheme. Another objection to that was that .£15,000 would have to be spent in one lump, and it forced the water upwards and down again. It had been stated that the agreement did not cover the actual springs, and that the owner higher up could divert the water, and, therefore, the Local Board would be found in the lurch but he contended that in common law the riparian owner had no right either to divert or pollute the stream, but only the right to use the water which flowed into his stream for hie own purposes. Passing on, Mr Hughes remarked that this was not the tirst time Mr Stockwood had been at Maesteg as the advocate of the so-called Chamber of Trade. This so-called Chamber of Trade was nothing but a self-constituted clique which had been brought into existence for the expressed purpose of throwing mud at anything which the Local Board had thought fit to do for the town (hisses and applause). It was composed for the most part of disappointed placemen and politicians, who suffered at present from a severe Northophobia, which became especially virulent at election times— (laughter)—and Mr Stockwood was no doubt there that day to make an effective election address, and in support of the party with whose principles he was so entirely in accord (loud laughter). He (Mr Hughes) was instructed to say if JB 1,000 had been payable, for instance, to Miss Talbot, or any- body like that, there would have been no opposition (laughter). The whole thing had arisen from this self-constituted clique composed of comparative nonentities (hisses). He hoped he (the Inspector) would regard the facts as he found them, and recollect that they wanted water in the district. The Local Board as duly elected representatives of the ratepayers, was the only body that was respon- sible for the water supply (applause). Mr Swckwood then addressed the Inspector. He remarked that he would deal as little with mud as possible, it generally stuck to those who threw it. Dealing with Mr Hughes arguments, Mr Stockwood urged that the scheme was not a complete one and as to the remark that Norths, by the agreement, was bound to do certain things, he did not think that was worth serious attention. There might be many things in a future deed, but from what they knew in the past, North's had taken particular care of themselves, and the ratepayers would probably be found somewhere behind. With regard to the workings of the collieries, if Mr Hughes were well acquainted with Maesteg, as he (Mr Stockwood) and his clients, he would know that his argument in regard to this was not a monstrosity. Water in the whole of these levels was liable to be drawn up by the workings. Mr Hughes said the Cwmcerwn scheme was abandoned; but the Board had not made an offer to release itself, but was still paying a rent of JE10 per annum for water rights which was by far a better bargain than £ 1,000, proposed to be paid to North. In regard to the Nantyfyllon riparian owners, if North's Na7igation bad the right to sell the whole thing to the Board, then the riparian owners had the right to deal with the water as they chose. He appeared on behalf of ratepayers to the value of JE12,000, and he represented if not a majority of the ratepayers, at least a very large minority (applause). He urged that the Cwmcerwn scheme, which was prepared by a competent waterworks engineer, and considered by the Local Government Board and by Mltlor Tunnett. their insDector. had not hnon fniT-lw -¡- ,I; -7 "J considered side by side with the present scheme by the Board. In spite of the facts that plans were prepared, that the Board held a lease of the Cwm- cerwn scheme of five acres of land, that they had water rights of several hundred of acres, and no minerals near that could have interfered with the tanks, and that the small annual rent of £ 10 would have covered all the rights, yet the Board did not give it serious consideration. It bad been stated that the scheme had been abandoned but that was not the case, for no application had been made to the landlord to release them from the rent, and it was quite evident that it was kept in reserve if the present scheme would fail. The Board had throughout kept the matter secret, and refused in- formation to the ratepayers. No ratepayer had had any chance of inspecting the plans before now, and all they knew about the scheme was what they had obtained by word of mouth from some Board members. Although by this scheme £ 1,000 was payable to North's Company, at least seven officials and employees of that Company (out of a total of 12 members) voted for the scheme. (A voice That's wrong.") Coming to the merits of the scheme itself, Mr Stockwood said that though it was a part of a complete scheme, nothing had been made beyond the pait," which therefore should now be considered by itself on its merits. He Argued that the scheme was inefficient and not permanent. The supply from all the coal levels was likely to be interfered with. Some of them had alreadv been affected by coal works. There was no guarantee in the agreement that North's Company would not by working coal damage the whole supply. The most important of the proposed works at Nanty- fyllon was to be made on an agreement with Lord Dunraven for 21 years. It gave no water rights, nor any guarantee against damage. It was possible to get such an agreement for a longer period than 21 years. Mr Scale Earl Dunraven refused for the present. Mr Stockwood, proceeding with his objections, said the scheme would only serve a portion of the district. Then it was being hastily prepared. The engineer could give no evidence of guagings; the Caer-David levels were not shown in the plan, and samples for analysis were taken in wet seasons. He did not think upon these guagings or analyses the Local Government Board could be fairly called ) upon to decide as to the goodness of the water. The scheme had been before the Board for two years, and they could have taken a guaging after guaging in dry weather. If the scheme were sanctioned the new Council would be compelled to pay j61,000 to Messrs North, whether they approved of the scheme or not. and if the proposed extension of Dyffryn, &c., was not carried out the whole would be thrown away. The scheme should be such that there should be security for permanency. The price or £1,000 was, in the opinion of his clients, largely excessive, and the rights were un- certain and very ill-defined. The J61,000 did not cover works of any sort, but only a lot of old levels -water which could be got at an annual rent of £10. Members who voted for it being employees of North's were naturally biassed, and the contract should be looked upon with suspicion and not sanctioned. There had been no evidence in support outside Board members. No ordinary ratepayer had been called, because few ratepayers were in favour of the scheme. No definite step was taken by the Board to carry the thing through until the County Council ordered the division of the place unto wards. The Board evidently thought if it was to be carried through it must fea done at once, and now, just before the Board expired, they hurried on the inquiry. There had been no evidence of this extraordinary urgency; and it was evident that ulterior motives had pushed the thing forward. If the County Council had not created the wards and made it possible for the representation to be changed, the inquiry should not be held now. The medical officer had not been called to give evidence of a deficient supply. Upon these grounds he appealed to him (the Inspector) to advise the Local Government Board not to sauction the loan. Thomas Davies, mining engineer, then gave evidence, and produced plans prepared by himself of the levels, &c. He stated that there was work- able coal in each of the levels from which it was prepared to draw the supply, and if they should be worked-as he thought they would-the effect it would have on the water flowing out of the levels would be to drain them down. The witness proceeded to bear out several of Mr Stockwood's arguments. In his opinion there was nothing like the value of JE1,000 in the springs. By Mr Scale The plan he put in was prepared forty years ago and re-arranged for the purpose of the present enquiry. Mr James Tamblyn, inspecting the plan, said it was imaginary. Mr James Barrow hotly retorted that it was a piece of impertinence to say so. as he could pro- duce plans in support of it, (these were sent for and produced). Mr Hughes advised Mr Tamblyn to appeal to the Chairman, as Mr Barrow was bullying him. The witness, replying further to Mr Scale, said his plans were perfectly correct. The level had been dead for many years, but would "live" again. "For," he naively added, "it requires money you know." Mr Hughes put questions to the witness to show his capacity as a mining engineer. He admitted that he had not had any appointment as a mining engineer during the past 10 years, but explained that he was injured in the great Tynewydd rescue. He was on the point of beginning a colliery. Mr Hughes: I suggest your evidence is pre- judiced. Was not your brother surveyor to the Board and dismissed about a yestr ago ? Witness Yes; but I am not here as a pre- judiced witness. Air Hughes: But that's a singular coinci- dence. Mr Stockwood And is it not also a singular coincidence, Mr Davies, that Mr Rees, the engineer for this scheme, is u brother to the engineer at North's ? Witness: Yes. (Applause). At this stage Mr Stockwood had to leave, and Mr Barrew conducted the opposition and was the next witness. Mr Barrow stated that he had spent all his lifetime in mining and was interested in the district as managing partner with two collieries, his rateable value in the several interests being £ 4,000. He had had experience in waterworks. He had no doubt in his mind that some of the levels already mentioned would be worked within a very shert time. The Inspector They could only be worked with North's consent? Witness Yes. The effect of working one level would be to bring out the water from the upper levels to the level of the river. The result of tapping the rock would be that the water would fjercolate from the upper strata, and so drain the evels from which it was proposed to take the water. They objected to the water at Nanty- fyllon because the company were not lessees of the property on the north side of the brook, which was in his (Mr Barrow's) charge. Workings were going on to-day, and as certainly as these workings would go near the surface so would they take these springs which they relied on. Mr Tamblyn disputed this point and a cross-table wrangle took place between him and Mr Barrow over the map, Mr Barrow warmly exclaiming then dont speak and try to mislead and Mr Tamblyn as warmly retorting "I'm not mis- leading". Both gentleman afterwards with-the plans in front of them had long disputes as to the rights of this and that landlord. Mr Barrow pro- ceeded to speak in support of Mr Stockwood's statements. The £8,000 proposed to be borrowed he said was simply enormous it was unnecessary to put the district to such a cost when a cheaper scheme could be carried out. Mr Balrow said there were a number of other witnesses, but the Inspector intimated that he had sufficient evidence and the inquiry closed, the Inspector stating that he would give the matter his careful consideration, and report as soon as possible to the Local Government Board.

THE QUESTION OF "BUILDERS' EXTRAS". At a meeting of the Glamorgan Finance Committee, held at Cardiff last week, a state- ment of the expenditure incurred on the contract for the new block recently completed at the Glamorgan Asylum was presented, showing that f 1,253 15s 9d, was due for "extras".—Considerable discussion arose on the matter, a protest being made by Mr David Morgan against the excess being voted. Extras" were continually being allowed to appear in statements of the erection expense of their public buildings, and he asked whether it was not possible to fulfil a contract without incurring "extras".—air T. J. Hughes* on behalf of the Asylums Committee, explained in detail how the amount was arrived at and the circumstances under which the excess had arisen. The principal items were in respect of foundations and padded rooms, both extremely important matters.—Mr Isaac Evans and Mr Hedley thought there had been some neglect on the part of the architect. In the event of the "extras" being paid, the attention of the architects should be drawn to the matter—Dr. Pringle said that the committee had pre-considered several items now found charged as "extras,"—Mr Blandy Jenkins was of opinion that the whole blame rested with the architects. He thought that the architects had misled the committee throughout. They could not blame the committee the architects were, of course, responsible but, as to the con- tracts exceeding the specification, that might be easily done.-The Chairman then put the motion that the extra amount of £ 1,253 be passed by the committee.—This was carried.—An application made by khe asylum visitors for a grant for building an additional reservoir was considered, and, after discussion, referred to the asylum com- mittee, who should confer with the Garw Water Company on the matter.

COOLING, REFRESHING, INVIGORATING.-One of our most eminent Generals has declared that the hest and safest drink for the hot weather is Pure Tea. HORNIMAN'S TEA has long been famous for strength of liquor, delicacy of flavour and delicious aroma. HORNIMAN'S TEA being absolutely Pure, and of the young spring growths only, can be used as a constant beverage with good results. LOCAL AGENTS:—Bridgend, Williams, Post-office; Otrmore Vale, Llewellyn, Post-office Cwmavon, Arnold, chemist; Aberaman,Co-operative Society; Swansea, Davies Bros., Oxford-street; Neath, Hutchins, I Queen-street: Cardiff, Coleman & Co., High-street; Cowbridge, Thomas, Grout House; Llantrissant, Jewellyn, chemist; Merthyr Tydfil, Stephens, High-street. 5589

NEATH RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. ZINC AND WORSE. At a meeting of the above-named Authority, held on Wednesday in last week, Mr A. S. Gardner (chairman) presiding. The following also were present:—Messrs W. Leyson, J. E. Moore, T. Leyson, J. Davies, W. Jones, J. H. Moore, and E. Evans-Bevan. The Surveyor reported that ho had had several complaints of the inefficient manner in which the contractor for the lighting of the public lamps at Resolven did his work. The contractor did not attend to his duties, and as a consequence the lamps were often lighted after dark. The Chairman thought it would be well for the Surveyor to go up to Resolven and see the con. tractor. If the latter defied him, he must be told that the Authority would require him to appear before them. This was agreed to. A resolution of a vestry at Crynant asking the Authority to provide public lights was read, and it was decided to refer the matter to the District Council. Dr Whittington (medical officer of health) reported that the district was in a healthy con- dition. It was necessary that all the officials should attend carefully to their duties to main- tain this state of things. ZINC. An analysis of the water of the well and tank at Neath Abbey was presented by Mr Rhys Charles. Dr Whittington gave it as his opinion that the well was wilfully contaminated. He did not think the water good. Mr J. H. Moore said, in regard to the oxide of zinc found in the tank, the makers of the tank said it should be cleaned out every three months- The tank appeared to be not nearly full of water, and the objectionable incrustations took place in the upper part of the tank. Mr J. E. Moore said it appeared to him that the well had been wilfully contaminated, and it appeared to him that it should be covered. Mr E. E. Bevan thought they should close the well and take away the tank. Mr J. H. Moore said it would be a mistake to close a well which had been open from time im- memorial. The well could be protected and the tank so treated that the oxide of zinc would not be formed. He suggested a brick lining cemented for the tank. After some further discussion it was agreed to line the tank with bricks and to cover the well. WORSE THAN ZINC. Mr J. H. Moore called attention to the state of the surroundings of the well at Burrows-road. He said the well itself was in a filthy condition and running into it was every kind of abomination. He believed it to be a source of typhoid. Dr Whittington said the Authority should not allow Mr Richard Thomas to run fowls and pigs so near to the well. He should like to have the water analysed. The Surveyor was instructed to give immediate attention to the matter. WATER RATES. Mr J. H. Moore called attention to the matter of water rentals charged by the authority. He had heard several complaints. A man had told him that morning that whereas he used to pay the old Water Company 513 5d, he was now asked to pay 9s 6d. The water inspector bad been rated by all and sundry. The Clerk said the authority was supposed to have been entitled to charge upon the gross estimated rental, but not less than 63 6d. The authority charged upon Mr Eve's valuation, which the old Water Company had apparently not made themselves acquainted with. The authority was really entitled to charge upon the annual value of the property. This was the course of rateable value. Mr Clement (water inspector) said he had found great difficulty in dealing with the rentals on public-houses, as, under the old order of things, matters appeared to be left to the discretion of the collector. There were great discrepancies, and he wished a basis to be agreed upon. The Chairman remarked that the old company apparently did not employ any system. It was agreed to refer the matter to a commit- tee to go into the whole question. A request for another public lamp at Springfield, Skewen, was referred to the District Council. A letter suggesting a thorough scheme of drainage to serve Cwmavon and part of Aberavon was read, but ft was not discussed. A letter was read from Mr C. S. Price in reference to the Darran water. Certain conditions were laid down in regard to waste water which the authority accepted. CILFREW WATER. Ten tenders were opened for the construction of the Cilfrew Waterworks that of Messrs T. S. Gregory & Co., Cardiff, of .£1028 19s lid being accepted, the alternative tender being that of Mr Wm Jones, Western Moor, Neath, of £ 1,150 3s.

LARGE EXPENDITURE CONTEMPLATED. The good folks of Porthcawl and neighbourhood will be delighted to learn that on Wednesday last, Mr Paterson, Lord Wimborne's general and much respected agent, visited Porthcawl, with a view of making certain negotiations with local gentlemen to open up a large district on Lord Wimborne's property for building purposes. We are glad to be able to inform our readers that Mr Paterson's visit was not in vain, he having made arrangements to let a large area of land which is most beautifully and healthly situat ed. It is proposed to make new roads across a portion of Lord Wimborne's Estate, commencing at upper end of Victoria-street and past the new Church, and from thence with a grace- ful sweep of winding road on to the Common, thereby giving direct access to the celebrated golf links and the picturesque Golf Club House. Other roads and streets will also be made in conjunction with this scheme. The gentlemen who acquired the land are Messrs Sibbering Jones and Evans Brothers, all of Porthcawl, who are to be congratu- lated on having thus obtained eligible sites which the new roads will now bring into the market. The roads will be 40 feet wide, and will be well constructed and properly sewered, kerbed and channeled, and in all respects subtantially made. They will be commenced immediately, thus giving all the un- employed hands of the district plenty of work to do. It is proposed to plant trees on both sides of the roads this will be much appreciated. The whole of the scheme has been designed by Lord Wimborne's estate surveyors-Messrs Lambert and Rees, of Bridgend.

ENTERTAINMENT AND PRESENTATION AT EWENNY. An interesting entertainment took place in Ewenny Schoolroom, on Tuesday the 11th inst., when the Misses Edith and Beatrice Warlow were presented with batons by the Ewenny Choir, in token of their gratitude for the painstaking way in which they have conducted the choir. The musical part of the entertainment was most successful, and consisted of the following:—Violin solo by Master Mountfort, accompanied by Miss Bevan several songs, Anthems and Christmas carols were rendered by the Choir, all of which were appreciated and heartily encored- The chair was occupied by the Rev T. D. Bevan, who thanked the Misses Warlow on behalf of him- self and the Choir, and remarked to what a per- fection they had trained the Choir. He also referred to the departure of Miss E. Warlow for America, and hoped she would sometimes think of the Choir at Ewenny. The Misses Warlow replied in a feeling manner, and expressed their astonish- ment at the secret of the presentation being kept so well. Colonel and Mrs Turbervill, also Miss Violet Warlow, were present. At the close of the evening Colonel Turbervill proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev T. D. Bevan for his kind services that evening. The hymn, "Peace, perfect Peace," was sung, and then the eutertainment terminated in the usual manner, with God save the Queen." The room was nicely decorated, and well filled with an appreciative audience.

[BY Miss WARLOW, LONDON, W.] 1564. Even in the matter of religion, Elizabeth had to give way to Shan, who had his own nominee duly elected Archbishop of Armagh, and Primate of Ireland. This was the warlike Dean, Terence Daniel, and in his delight at his promotion, he wrote to Cecil that the millenium was come at last-Glory be to God. A millenium no doubt it was to the brave Irish of Ulster, when lerwen restored their own old religion in their own old cathedral, for these wild men were devout after their fashion, and charitable to the poor. Shan used to feed many poor persons daily from his own table, and Campion tells us of him that sitting at meate, before he put one morsell into his mouth, he used to slice a portion above the daily alms and send it, namely to some beggar at his gate, saying it was quite meete to serve Christ first." Other accounts of' Shan's habits are very dis- gusting. Although alert and more clever than most men in the daytime, he used every evening to get so drunk, that he had to stand next morning in a pit, and be buried up to the throat to sober him. He became jealous of the Countess uf Argyle, or suspected her of wishing to return to her relatives, and so he had her chained day after day by the arm to one or other of his pages or horseboys, and only released her when he returned home in the evenings. More such tales were told to the Viceroys by Sir T. Stukeley, an English agent, who had warmed himself into Shan's good graces. It is hardly possible to believe that an habitual drunkard could have fought and governed ae well as Shan undoubtedly did or that a brutal tyrant could have retained the affections of so highly educated a woman as the Countess. In 1566, Sir H. Lydney was reporting of the English pale that it was "overwhelmed with vagabonds," "the people most miserable," the soldiers even worse than the people, so insolent as to be intolerable, so rooted in idleness as there is no hope by cor- rection to amend them." At the same time the English Commissioners reported that "in O'Neils' country alone in Ireland were the peasantry prosperous, or life or property secure." This state of things could not be allowed to go on, so Shan's ruin was decided on. All his neighbours were in- cited to attack him, money, troops and arms were all forthcoming. On this occasion at least Elizabeth was no niggard. Her favourite Leicester urged Shan to "do some notable service, whereby he might be the better accepted of the Queen," and Shan wrote that he had a mind to attack the Scots who had recently settled at Clandeboy, than whom he could see no greater rebels and traitors." He seems to have had no warning against this war, but when he had defeated the Scots and their allies in a pitched battle, in which they lost 700 men, he also must have lost many of his brave followers; the Queen turned against him for having made this war without her permission, and he was summoned to Dundalk by the Viceroy. Shan was not one to fall without a struggle; he answered the call in arms, and attacked Dundalk, but was beaten off with such loss, that the English were able to adorn the walls with 18 Irish heads. This was in July, and by September, so many of Shan's allies and dependents had deserted, that poor old Calagh O'Donnel would have had back his castle if he had not died just too soon. In February 1567, Shan wrote to some foreign princes for aid; no doubt he felt that his own resources were almost exhausted. No aid came to him, and every week added to the strength of the English. On May 8th, he was defeated by Sydney at the pass of Swylly, in a very bloody battle. Of the famous English troopers, only 200 were left alive Shan's foster brothers were all killed, and his friends scattered. For nearly three weeks, he was hunted from fastness to fastness with the Countess of Argyle who clung to him to tho last, sharing all his dangers. No one could be induced to betray him, though a large price was set on his head but becoming weary of this way of life, he sought refuge with his enemies, the Scots of Clandeboy. They received him kindly, and had most likely no intention of breaking the laws of hospitality, but they also were hard drinkers, and one day (June 2nd), after dinner, a quarrel arose, which ended in a free fight, in which Shan WHB killed. The McConnells buried him in a ruined church but a trophy was wanted to adorn the walls of Dublin Castle, so his grave was opened and his head cut off and carried on a spear to Drogheda, and thence to Dublin. With Shan OiNeill'e life, ended the prosperity of his country. (To be continued.)