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!^HXAReHER«C«n I GOLDEFtREIURNS 1 £ 3 REGISTERED Mi il III Facsimile of One-Ounce Packet. Archer's Golden Returns The Perfection of Pipe Tobacco. COOL. SWJET, AND FRAGRANT. If you have any difficulty in securing the Gazette," write to the Head Office.
LOCAL GOSSIP. I
LOCAL GOSSIP. I It will, probably, surprise most people (re- marks a contemporary) to learn that at the present moment the wealthiest British woman living is a Welshwoman; more, that she is single; and, further, that it may be doubted if one in a hundred thousand (out- side of Wales) has ever heard her name! Miss Emily Charlotte Talbot was one of the three children of Mr. Christopher Talbot, a popular M.P. of the mid-Victorian Era. The only son died in early youth, and Miss Talbot's sister, somewhat younger than herself, be- came the wife, just forty years ago, of Mr. Fletcher, of Saltoun. Miss Talbot remained at home, keeping house for her father at beautiful Margam Abbey, Glamorgan, and on his death, which took place some sixteen years ago, his devoted elder daughter found herself left his sole executrix, and owner of all the Talbot real estate, valued at about a million and a half sterling, as also of a rever- sionary interest in a huge trust fund in Con- sols. From her youth upwards Miss Talbot has closely associated herself with the Prin- cipality, and she is much loved and respected by the inhabitants of Port Talbot. Though she has a beautiful London house in one of the old-world Marylebone squares, all her in- terests in life are concentrated in Wales, where she has two magnilicent properties, and where she is at once splendidly and un- ostentatiously charitable. Sir Henry Aubrey Fletcher, M.P., a large landowner in the Vale, has been tell- ing a story about a drummer-boy of his regiment who used to poke holes in the linen targets of his day as evidence of the excel- lence of the shooting. This re-calls to the Globe" that other story of a Kansas farmer who bought a revolver for his wife, and in- sisted that she should take target practice, in order that she might be able to defend the house in time of trouble. But when he had dug a bullet out of his leg and buried the cow he said he guessed she had better learn to shoot with an axe. A correspondent writes —" Of the late Colonel D. R. David, J.P., Port Talbot, much has been said in the newspapers concerning hia integrity and commercial ability, but no- thing of his predilections for local history and traditions. Being a persona grata at Margam Abbey, he was the most delightful companion that any visitor to the unique palatial building could ootain. He was brimful of information of every kind con- cerning Margam. It could be said of him that he almost made the stones cry out their story. His geniality was a proverb, but woe betide indiscreet visitors who hinted any dis- paragement of the home of the Talbots, or reflected upon the prowess of the fighting men of the past connected with his native land. Mr. Llewellyn Griffiths, J.P., of Cwmavon, mourns the passing away of so many of the old worthies of the Avon Valley. He writes in very appreciative strains of the late Col. D. R. David and the late Mr. Rees Jenkins, J.P. Of the latter, whom he calls the Squire of Glynoorrwg, he states: As Guardian and District Councillor he served his district faithfully; hi9 knowledge was encyclopaedic and he was the owner of one of the best and largest classical libraries in the district. He will be missed in many walks of life. He spent his whole life in the district, living and dying on his own trefdadaeth." The late Rev. William Evans, Tonyrefail, a granddaughter of whom resides at Porthcawl, gave the following verse to sing at a funeral about 50 years ago. A veteran who heard it learnt it then, and gave it from memory. It must have been one of his own: — 'Rwy'n caru rhybuddion beunydd I mado a thy o glai, Pan ddel diwrnod nithio, Rhof ffarwel i bob rnai; Cael ty a chronglwydd iddo Cyn delo i gauaf oer, A dodrefn i fyn'd iddo Sy' well no thir na mor. The unveiling of a tablet at Gwynfryn Congregational Chapel, Ammanford, last week, to the memory of the late Rev. W. H. Williams (Watcyn Wyn), father of Mr. G. O. Williams, Bridgend County School, by past and present students of the Gwynfryn School, was witnessed by a large congrega- tion. Inscribed on the tablet was the fol- lowing —" Er coffa da am y Parch W. H. Williams (Watcyn Wyn), o'r Gwynfryn, Am- manford, athraw, bardd, pregethwr. Cyfod- wyd y cofadail hwn gan ei ddisgyblion. Ganwyd ef Mawrth 7fed, 1844; bu farw Tachwedd 19eg, 1905. Rhagoral mewn naturioldeb, hawddgarwch, synhwyrau cry- fion, a ffraethineb digyfryw. Yn naear y Capel Newydd—gwelir Cofgolofn y prydydd; A'i gorph sal yn gorphwys sydd Yn mynwent Gellimanydd. The Rev. J. Jenkins (Gwili), who for some years was a pupil of Watcyn Wyn, and later his colleague on the staff, paid an eloquent tribute to the memory ot his teacher. The Rev. H. T. Jacob (Peniel, near Carmarthen), the oldest student present, unveiled the tab- let, the congregation standing meanwhile. I He said that to unveil Watcyn Wyn himself was unnecessary. He Had done that him- self during his lifetime. He was the most practical religionist he ever knew. He was a higher critic living long before his age, and expounded years ago things with which modern thought claimed to stir the world.— Mr. Gwyn Jones, B.A., headmaster of the Llandilo County School, who was Watcyn Wyn's assistant at Gwynfryn School, also spoke. Lord Dunraven's book on Ireland will pro- baby be ready during the current month. It is entitled The Outlook in Ireland," and in the words of the sub-title, gives "the case for devolution and conciliation." Lord Dun- raven's views on the Irish question are well enough known, but here he sets them out in detail, and naturally importance attaches to the book.
Funeral of Mr. Rees Jenkins,…
Funeral of Mr. Rees Jenkins, J.P., GlynoGprwg. The funeral of Mr. Rees Jenkins, J.P., of Bron-y-deri, Glyncorrwg, took place on Saturday afternoon. A short service was conducted at Bron-y-deri, and on rising the well-known hymn, Yn y dyfroedd mawr ar tonau," was sung. The cortege then wen- ded its way to the newly-erected Parish Church, where the obsequies were performed by the Rev. Howell Jenkins, vicar of Glyn- I oorrwg, and the Rev. J. L. Thomas, vicar of Aberpergwm, assisted by the Rev. Evan Davies, curate of Cymmer. At the family's vault the remaining portion of the service .was gone through, and the coffin was laid .within. Numerous wreaths were sent, amongst which was one from the Constitu- tional Club at Neath. The chief mourners were —Mrs. Jenkins (widow), Mr. Owen Jenkins (brother) and Mrs. Jenkins, of Manorbier, Pem.; Mr. Thomas Jenkins (brother) and Mr. Rees Jen- kins (nephew), of Tyla Morris, Briton Ferry; Mr. and Mrs. Jenkin Jenkins, Yniscorrwg; Mr. Walter Jenkins, Ferndale; Miss Jen- kins, Gelli; Miss Thomas, Gelli; Mr. Walter Jones, J.P., Tyn-yr-heol; Mr. Fred Dunn, J.P., Mr. Phillip Dunn, J.P., and Mrs. Jones, Gellifaharen, Llandyssil. Mr. Rees Jenkins, known widely as the Squire <rf Blaenoorrwg, was a member of one of the oldest families in Glamorgan. He traced his direct descent to Judge Jenkins, who was born at Hensol about the year 1582.
BRIDGEND POLICE COURT.
BRIDGEND POLICE COURT. Saturday.-Before Messrs. R. W. Llewellyn (chairman), W. Llewellyn, E. F. Lynch Blosse, T. Reee, Jacob Edwards, W. J. Griffin, and R. L. Knight. EJECTMENT ORDER. An ejectment order was granted Elizabeth Molse, of Aberkenfig, against B. Stephens, of 2 Bryncoch Terrace, Brynooch, labourer. TRANSFER. Temporary authority was granted of the Lamb Inn, Maesteg, from William Eynon Jones to Joseph John (Mr. David Llewellyn appeared). ABSCO-N-DED. William Isaac, 2 Ivor-street, Pontycym- mer, collier, was. charged with stealing a mandril shaft and two mandril blades, value 7s. 6d., the property of a fellow-workman at the Ffaldau Colliery. A warrant was issued on the previous. Sat- urday for the defendant's arrest, as he had failed to answer the summons, but Alderman T. J. Hughes, who appeared to prosecute on behalf of the Ffaldau Lodge of the Miners' Federation, intimated that the police had been unable to execute the warrant, the de- fendant having absconded. He asked that the witnesses for the prosecution be in- structed week by week until it was necessary to attend. This was promised. THE drjne:. For drunkenness, James Jones, Maesteg, collier, was fined 15s. Edward Davies, Pont- y cymmer, collier, 15s.; William Howells, Garth, collier 20s Matthew Williams, Nanty- ffyllon, collier, 20s Thos. Jones, Nantyffyllon collier, 15s.; Evan Evans, Blaengarw, collier, 1.5s. Percy Webber, Pontycymmer, collier, 15s.; Philip George Anstee, Pontycymmer, baker, 15s.; William Townsend, Tynewydd, collier, 15s. David Gardiner, Bridgend, painter, 15s. John Richards, Bridgend, labourer, 15s. Page Avery, Llangewydd, labourer, 15s. James Grabham, Cefn Crib- bwr, labourer, 15s.; John Richards, Aber- kenfig, collier, loe.; John Fitzpatrick, Aber- kenfig, labourer, 15s.; James Kerns, Aber- kenfig, labourer, 20s.; Thomas Williams, Bettws, collier, 20s.; James Butcher, Cefn Cribbwr, collier, 20s. William Hughes, Aberkenfig, haulier, 20s. (drunk in charge of a carriage); Reuben Furlong, Coytrahen, labourer, 15s. THEFT AT LLANGEINOR. Frank Lawley, a labourer, was charged on remand with stealing a fowl, value 5s., the property of Richard Thomas, of Llangeinor. Prosecutor said Lawley had been employed by him for about six weeks to attend to a horse and some cows. He missed a fowl on the previous Tuesday night, and from some- thing he was told he sent for P.C. Senior, who arrested the prisoner. P.C. Senior said he went on Tuesday night to the Greenmeadow Public-house, where he saw the prisoner, who had a frail under his arm. There was a fowl in the frail, which prisoner at first said he bought at Pontycym- mer, but afterwards admitted stealing. Prisoner pleaded guilty, and expressed his regret. This was the first time he had been in trouble. Prosecutor said the man's conduct had been all right until the theft of the fowl, and P.O. Senior handed in a discharge from the Army. The Bench gave the prisoner, in view of his good character, the option of a fine. He was ordered to pay R2 or go to prison for 14 days. MISCELLANEOUS. For using bad language, Joseph Butcher, Cilyfynydd, haulier, was fined 25s.; David Jenkins, Caerau, collier, 15s.; John Lewis, Pontycymmer, collier, 20s. and James Fitzr gerald, Aberkenfig, collier, 20s. In consequence of his chimney being on fire, Sidney Page, Pontycymmer, fruiterer, had to pay 5e. Evan Treharne, Ogmore Vale, collier, charged with spitting on the floor of the Workmen's-hall, Nantymoel, was fined 5s. A straying donkey led to Magdaline Witcher, Porthcawl, being fined 5s. Edward Perkins, of Ogmore Vale, collier, was mulcted in a sum of 15s. for committing a nuisance in a public thoroughfare. Mary Harriet Anstee, of Pantgog, Ponty- cymmer, had summoned her husband, Philip George Anstee, baker, under the Married Women (Summary Jurisdiction) Act. Alder- man'Hughes applied for a withdrawal of the summons, which was granted. A certificate exempting his child from being vaccinated was granted J. P. Jones, of Bridgend. 21 DAYS FOR THEFT. Isaiah Evans, residing at 22 King Edward- street. Blaengarw, was charged on remand with stealing a coat and vest, value 16s., from outside the shop of Messrs. Hodges and Sons, clothiers, 27 High-street, Blaengarw. Henry Jones, manager of the shop, deposed that he placed the articles outside the shop on the morning of December 29th, and missed them about quarter to eight in the evening. P.C. Price Evans said he received informa- tion of the theft from the last witness. He made inquiries and visited the Pontycymmer Hotel, where he saw the prisoner with a bundle of clothes under his arm. In the bundle he found the missing coat and vest. He charged the prisoner, who said "I took them because I was hard up." Witness searched the prisoner and tound upon him a pay ticket for P,2 14s. 7d. from the Interna- tional Colliery. Prisoner, who pleaded guilty, said he was drunk, and remembered nothing about the matter. The constable, recalled, said Evans was not drunk, but he had been drinking. Prisoner had been in custody for a week, and was sentenced to 21 days' imprisonment. GARW CLUB SCENE AND SEQUEL. Daniel Mills, steward at the Blaengarw Constitutional Club, and Thomas Jones, col- lier, Blaengarw, were charged with obstruct- ing the free passage of Nanthir-road by fight- ing. Mr. David Llewellyn appeared for Mills. Jones did not appear. P.C. John Thomas stated that about 11.5 p.m. on December 19th he saw the defend- ants fighting in Nanthir-road. There was a crowd of Club members around them. Jones was on the ground, and as witness ap- proached he heard Mills say, Get up and let's have another —— round." Witness picked Jones up, and Mills said He started the bother in the club." Mr. David Llewellyn: Did he say Jones started the disturbance because, as steward, he turned him out of the club?—Yes. You were not there at the commencement, and don't know how it commenced?—No. In defence, Mills said Jones, who was a member, was in the club on the evening in question, and he found it necessary to turn him out at 11 o'clock, at which hour the club closed. Afterwards he went outside to put out the lamp, and Jones attacked him. Witness only acted in self-defence. In reply to the Chairman, P.C. Thomas said the fight was taking place 20 yards from the club premises. Fines of 15s. each were imposed. PREFERRED PRISON. James Smith, of no fixed abode, was charged on remand with stealing a gross of ladies' dress pins, value 3s. 6d., the property of Miss Blanche Higgins, draper, 48 Nolton- street, Bridgend. Miss Blanche Higgins spoke to missing the book of pins from the counter. P.C. Walter Phillips stated that he saw the prisoner in Nolton-street on Thursday morning, and noticing that his coat was bulky behind, followed him into Coity-street, where he asked him what he had got under his coat. Prisoner produced the book of pins, and on being questioned admitted steal- ing it from a shop in Nolton-street. Prisoner: It was hardship caused me to do it. It is of no value and would not do to decorate a Christmas tree, but I did not care whether I was locked up or not. I wish you all a happy new year. In reply to the Bench, Inspector Benj. Evans said he did not think prisoner was an habitual tramp, and he apparently preferred prison to tramping the roads. He had been in the Navy, and was discharged seven years ago. A sentence of one month's imprisonment was passed. Prisoner: Thank you, sir. MISSING WHISKEY. Albert Charles Gray, of Coity Fields, Brid- gend, brewer's foreman, was charged with stealing ten bottles of Scotoh whiskey, value £ 1 15s., on September 11th; a bottle of stealing ten bottles of Scotoh whiskey, value jEl 15s., on September 11th; a bottle of Scotch whiskey, value 3s. 6d., on September 21st; and a l2 l pint bottle of Irish whiskey, value 4s., on November 28th, all the property of his employer, Mr. T. Morgan, of Pontj- clun and Bridgend. Henry Purneli. of oid- castle, Bridgend, and Frederick Gou. of 55 Mackworth-&treet, hauliers, were also charged with stealing ten bottles of Scotch whiskey on September 11th. Mr. David Llewellyn prosecuted, and Aid. T. J. Hughes was for Gray, and Mr. Haydn Jones for Purnell and Gore. Mr. David Llewellyn said that other cases were likely to arise in connection with the alleged thefts of whiskey. Inquiries were being made and other serious charges were likely to be preferred against these or other men. He therefore applied for a remand. Alderman Hughes said he could not con- test the application for a remand, but he asked for reasonable bail. Mr. Llewellyn had told him what the information was as to other lifcely charges, and he ought to say it did not apply to these men, but to others. The cases were remanded until to-morrow (Saturday). Bail was granted Gray, himself in £20 and one snrety in £ 20, or two in £ 10. On the application of Mr. Haydn Jones, Pur- nell and Gore were also granted bail, each defendant in a sum of JE10 and one surety of E10 or two of E5.
THE COYTRAHEN SENSATION. ♦
THE COYTRAHEN SENSATION. ♦ GAMEKEEPERS AND ALLEGED POACHER. FURLONG COMMITTED FOR RIAL. At Bridgend Police Court on Saturday, Reuben Furlong, a labourer, of Coytrahen, was brought up on remand charged with (1) night poaching on land near Coytrahen; (2) having a loaded gun in his possession, and (3) assaulting Harry Tuffs, gamekeeper in the joint employ of Mr. Onslow P. Traherne, J.P., of Bryngarw House, and Mr. J. Boyd Harvey, J.P., of Tondu House. The pri- soner stood in the box throughout the hear- ing with a handkerchief held to his mouth and nose, and appeared to have received severe injuries,, there being wounds on his nose and the back of his head. Alderman T. J. Hughes, who was for the prosecution, briefly related the facts. Tuffs and an assistant game-keeper named Judd were watching near the Cabin Wood about 11 o'clock on the previous Wednesday night, when they heard three shots. They entered the wood and saw Furlong coming towards them. When they got within a few yards theh prisoner put his gun to his shoulder and pointed it at Tuffs, and he (Alderman Hughes) supposed that, humanly speaking, a man was never NEARER ETERNITY than Tuffs was at that moment. But with great presence of mind Tuffs dropped upon his hands,and drawing his staff sprang at the prisoner. Had he not done this, there was little doubt that Furlong would have been there upon the charge of murder. Neither Tuffs, nor those who employed him, wished to be vindictive, as they regarded Furlong as a great fool who would persist in doing these things. Harry Tuffs repeated his evidence given at the adjourned hearing, and added that Fur- long had threatened him on several occa- sions. After a prosecution about twelve months ago, he threatened to "swing" for him. Had he not ducked down and attacked the prisoner on the previous Wednesday night, he honestly believed he would have been shot.. In reply to the prisoner, who spoke indis- tinctly, and said his nose was broken, wit- ness denied that he had a drink with him in the Fox and Hounds earlier in the evening, whereupon a woman in court called out: Yes, you did, and he paid for it." The interrupter having been requested to be quiet, Furlong alleged that Tuffs was alone in the wood and that Judd came up after he had been. blowing a whistle for threequarters of an hour. Witness denied this, and said he blew his whistle for the other keepers, Case and Rice, who were watching outside the wood. George Judd, underkeeper, corroborated Tuffs' evidence, and produced the gun, which he said was an old rifle and was AT FULL COCK. Prisoner: When Tuffs knocked me down, did he shout Bring up the gun and dead birds?" Witness: I never saw the gun until I aw you with it that night. The Chairman: Had you seen any dead birds before you met the prisoner ? Witness: No, sir. Sergt. Wm. Gill, of Aberkenfig, spoke to receiving the prisoner in custody from Tuffs and Judd on Wednesday night. He dressed his wounds, and the next morning called in Dr. Clarke, who re-dressed them. He after- wards charged him with night poaching and offering violence to Harry Tuffs, and in reply he said, "I am not guilty of the charge." The Bench decided to commit the prisoner for trial, and refused an application for bail. Alderman Hughes said that having regard to the number of times he had appeared against Furlong during the last four or five years, he ventured to suggest that the pri- son doctor be asked to inquire into the STATE OF HIS MIND. The Bench undertook to make this request. Emma Furlong, sister of the prisoner, sought permission to give evidence on behalf of her brother. She stated that when he brother left home about half-past four on Wednesday afternoon, he had no gun or cartridges in his possession. He said he was going to Mr. Averill's (the Fox and Hounds, Brynmenin) to sell a dog. She had been in the employ of Mr. Traherne for 12 months, and had been going there for three and a half years, and she had heard the keepers say they would get her brother imprisoned for life or do for him. About three months ago she watched Judd leather" her brother. Prisoner was then committed to the Assi- zes for night poaching and assaulting Harry Tuffs.
ONE PENNY
ONE PENNY WILL SAVE YOU HOURS OF PAIN. Send for a free sample of Doan's Oitnment, which Mrs. Hankinson found to be the thorough" cure for eczema. Here is her experience: — Mrs. E. Hankinson, 4 Canning-street, Old- ham, says :—" I am glad to speak out and say what benefit I have derived from the use of Doan's Ointment; it has cured me of eczema from which I had suffered for a long time. The eczema was on my left foot, and it irri- tated so much that I didn't know how to bear it. I consulted a doctor, and he gave me some ointment and medicine, but they did me no good. The eczema was spreading all over my foot and was going up my leg. A neighbour then told me about Doan's Oint- ment, and she got me some to try. After a few applications the itching was less, and by the time I had finished the second box I was cured. I am grateful to Doan's Ointment for curing me of the distressing malady. (Signed), Elizabeth Hankinson." Over five years after making the above statment, Mrs. Hankinson confirmed all she had said, and added My cure of eczema by Doan's Ointment was complete, for I have not needed to use the ointment since." Such diseases as piles, shingles, and eczema are not only serious, but made the life of the sufferer almost unbearable. The only thing to do is to get cured as quickly as you can. How easy that is to say. Yes, and how easy to do, if you will use Doan's Ointment, which will cure you of itching skin disease, and cure you thoroughly. At any rate, try it. For a penny stamp we will send you a free sample. Doan's Ointment is two shilings and nine- pence a pot (six pots thirteen shillings and ninpence). Of all chemists and stores, or post free, on receipt of price, direct from Foster-McClellan Co., 8 Wells-street, Oxford- street, London, W. Do not forget to use the full name, Doan's Ointment.
Park Slip Explosion Fund.
Park Slip Explosion Fund. The statement of accounts for the year ending December 31st, 1906, shows that the receipts amounted to £1,408 7s. 3d. and that payments, including E467 15s. for relief, came to £ 637 Is. 2d., leaving a balance of JE771 6s. Id. At the end of last year the total number of beneficiaries on the fund was 53, the value of the committee's assets stand- ing at jE8,414 16iP Id.
BRIDGEND BOARD OF GUARDIANS.I
BRIDGEND BOARD OF GUARDIANS. IMPROVEMENTS AT THE HOUSE." There was a large attendance at the fort- nightly meeting of the Board of Guardians on Saturday. The Rev. H. Eynon Lewis (Brynmenin) presided, and Rev. W. A. Ed- wards (Llangan) was in the vice-chair. RELIEF. The Clerk (Mr. R. Harmar Cox) reported that during the week ended December 21st, 1,291 outdoor pa- pers had been relieved at a cost of P,196 10s. lOd. as compared with 1,166 at P,162 9s. 5d. in the corresponding period of last year, and, in the week ended Decem- ber 28th, 1,285 at JE245 4s. 8d., compared with 1,133 at C206 12s. lid. last year. The vagrants relieved during the fortnight ended January 4th at Cowbridge and Maesteg totalled 269.-The Clerk explained that the large amount of relief in the week ended December 28th was due to the extra Christ- mas allowances. OVERCROWDING. The Llanelly Board wrote requesting that three men chargeable to tne Bridgend Union should be removed from their workhouse to Bridgend. The Chairman Can we accommodate the men ? The Master (Mr. D. J. Williamss): We can put them up, I think. We are using the female side for men now. It was agreed to comply with the request. DEATH AT ASYLUM. The Clerk said notification had been re- ceived of the death at the ayslum of Thomas Davies, aged 76, a widower, who was ad- mitted two years ago from 26 Fronwen-ter- race, Ogmore Vale. A notice had been sent to a son of the deceased residing at the ad- dress named. Mr. T. W. Job: There is no son living there at present. PORTER'S WAGES. Mrs. Randall, on behalf of the Rev. David Phillips, who was absent, moved that the wages of Mr. Stacey (the porter) be increased from t20 to t30 per annum. Information had been obtained from other Boards as to the wages paid to porters, and they were all higher in proportion with the number of in- mates. The increase suggested would bring Mr. Stacey's wages up to the average. Mr. D. H. Price, seconding, said the mas- ter had expressed a favourable opinion as to the way in which the porter carried out his duties. The committee considered he was under-paid at present. Mr. J. G. Loveluck (Llangewydd), while prepared to acknowledge that the porter was a good officer, asked the Board to consider the bitter cry" of the ratepayers, who were suffering under the burden of the rates. He pointed out that Mrs. Stacey held a position under the Board, and the two officers cost the Board JE110 per annum. Mr. Stacey was serving an apprenticeship under the Board, which might lead to his appointment as mas- ter of some workhouse. He moved that Mr. Stacey's wages be increased P-5 with a yearly increment of £1 to jE30, provided his duties were efficiently discharged. Mr. John Rees (Ogmore Vale) seconded. Mr. W. Morgan (Sker) supported the amendment, and said the Board were being continually accused of extravagance, and he was afraid they were commencing the year badly. (Laughter.) Let any member of the committee say what private employer of labour increased the wages of his employees as the Board had done. The amendment was carried unanimously. Mr. Gibbon moved, as a further amend- ment, that the Board give an unconditional increase of £5, leaving the question of fur- ther advances open. Mr. Michael Davies and Mr. J. I. D. Nicholl supported the amendment, which was carried nem. con. FOSTER MOTHER. Four applications were received for a tem- porary appointment of foster mother at the Cottage Homes, namely: Annie Hilditch, Pontycymmer; Sarah Morgan, Bryncethin Annie Morgan, Corntown; Patience Pearce, St. Bride's Major. The last-named appli- cant's testimonials included one from the Countess of Dunraven. Mr. Edward Hopkin moved that all the ap- plicants appear before the Board. Mr. Michael Davies seconded. Mr. J. Canniff (Gilfach Goch) was under the impression that the cost of maintenance at the Homes had considerably increased, and he asked whether there was any neces- sity for the appointment. Mr. Michael Davies assured Mr. Canniff that the appointment was very necessary. The motion was earned, and on the pro- position of Mr. Canniff, the clerk was directed to prepare a statement shoving the cost of maintenance, etc., at the Homes for the past five years. ILLNESS. It was reported that Mr. Evan Evans (re- lieving officer) was unable to attend to his duties, owing to illness. Rev. D. G. Rees (Bridgend) moved that Mr. Thomas Thomas be appointed to carry out Mr. Evans's duties temporarily, and this was agreed to. IMPROVEMENTS. Mr. J. I. D. Nicholl stated that the Work- house Alterations Committee, having recon- sidered the question of asphalting the men's yards and footpaths, recommended that house labour be not employed, and that the tender of a Caidiff firm be accepted, at E60 4s. The master had cfjAd that he knew nothing of asphalting athat no pauper in the House could do the 1tfork. He moved the adoption of the recommendations. Mr. J. P. Gibbon seconded, stating that ashphalting should only be done by experi- enced men. Mr. D. H. Price considered the expendi- ture unnecessary, and that a few paving stones placed in the worst places would be a sufficient remedy. He moved, as an amend- ment, that the master be instructed to pro- cure paving stones and get them laid by some of the paupers. Mr. T. Penhale (Pyle) seconded. He did not consider it at all necessary to asphalte the yards or the paths. Mr. Nicholl described the yard as being full of slush. Mr. Edward Edwards took exception to this description, and said the yard was in splendid repair. The Workhouse Altera- tions Committee were continually bringing forward some new project of expendituie, and the Board should carefully examine their recommendations. The other day they introduced a "wild cat scheme" of land purchase, but that was fortunately ''scotched," and now the committee had broken out in another place. (Laughter.) It was wilful extravagance. He thought some limestone chippings could be used with advantage on the yard and the footpaths. Mr. W. McGaul: Mr. Edwards has lime- stone chippings on the brain. (Laughter.) He will not be convinced, though slop water is standing about the yards. But these I.O.G.T.'s or something of the kind —— (Loud laughter.) Mr. Edwards: Is Mr. McGaul in order in referring to a member as an I.O.G.T. ? (Laughter.) Perhaps Mr. McGaul has water in the brain. Mr. McGaul described the amendment as j ridiculous. The amendment was carried by 18 votes to 12. A further amendment by Mr. Edward Ed- wards to substitute limestone chippings for paving stones was negatived and in the end a motion by Mr. W. Morgan (Sker) to defer the question for a fortnight was carried, amid laughter. amid laughter.
BRIDGEND SANITATION .
BRIDGEND SANITATION THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTOR. MR, BEVANS MOTION FAILS. WILD LANGUAGE AT COUNCIL MEETING DIATRIBES AND INVECTIVE. The air of the Bridgend Council Chamber appeared to be charged with electricity on Tuesday evening. Members arrived in a state of feverish anxiety, which was main- tained through the routine business until the close of the meeting, when it was discharged in a series of impassioned speeches, which were not always characterised by good taste and sound argument. The cause of this un- usual excitement was a notice of motion by Mr. George Bevan, the effect of which, if carried, would be to dispense with the ser- vices of Mr. E. J. Mathews, the sanitary in- spector. It will be remembered that at the previous meeting a motion was carried, after a somewhat heated discussion, to retain the services of this official for another six months to enable hint to continue the work of in- specting the houses in the town which he has I discharged in the past with conspicuous ability. Mr. Bevan gave notice of motion to rescind this resolution, and it was this mo- tion which led to the unusual excitement. The motion came on at the close of the meet- ing, but there were indications of the pend- ing scene immediately after the minutes had been read. PRELIMINARY CANTER. Mr. R. C. Griffiths asked tor the opinion of the Clerk on the question of whether the Chairman was justified in allowing the Standing Oiders to be suspended at the last Council meeting to enable the motion to retain the services of the in- spector being put without notice of motion. Mr. Griffiths explained that he did not know the position because he had not been sup- plied with a copy of the Standing Orders. The Clerk produced a copy of the Orders, from which it appeared that they could be suspended in case of urgency. Mr. Edwards said he considered the matter was of the greatest urgency, seeing that the term for which the sanitary inspector was en- gaged expired within three or four days. The Chairman said he considered the mat- ter was urgent. Mr. H. Abbott: Then his ruling over-rides the opinion of the whole of the Council. (" No, no.") Mr. Griffiths: I asked for an opinion on the point of order, and I am satisfied; but I should like once again to ask for a copy of the Standing Orders. Mr. W. Edwards: I should like to empha- size that request. Mr. M. Stradling: I havo asked for a copy again and again. Mr. Harris said he should be prepared to move that copies be printed. Some members had been on the Council for many months, and had not yet received copies. ANOTHER PASSAGE. Members settled down to ordinary business until the report of the Finance Committee was reached. This contained, as usual, an item for two weeks' salary of the sanitary in- spector, and Mr. Bevan asked whether the payment of this amount would jeopardise his motion. The Clerk: The Council are liable for pay- ment of the amount. Mr Edwards said it was a question whether the Council were liable, not whether Mr. Bevan's motion would be jeopardised. Mr. Bevan I ask the Chairman whether the passing of this account will prejudice my position. Mr. G. Harris: We are liable for the amount. „ Mr. Abbott: Is Mr. Harris chairman? The Chairman It is a legal question, and I must leave it to the clerk. INSPECTOR'S POSITION. The Clerk, in reply, read a letter which he had received from Mr. Mathews accepting the re-appointment for a further term of six months. The resolution and Mr. Mathews s letter of acceptance was, in his judgment, a binding contract. If the Council decided to dispense with his services, it would be Mr. Mathews's duty to seek a fresh engagement elsewhere to the best of his ability, and if he failed he could hold that Council liable for payment of his salary. Mr. Harris: The sanitary inspector was re- appointed at the last meeting by this Coun- j cil- Mr. Griffith: Very few of them. Mr. Harris: It was at a properly consti- tuted meeting of which notice was given to the members, and it was not the fault of others that you were absent. Mr. Griffiths (warmly): Whilst you were chairman you were absent for three months, through being stricken down by illness, and it is most ungraceful and ungrateful of you to refer to my absence through illness. Mr. Harris I say that the matter came be- fore the Council in a properly constituted way, and no-one "has cause for complaint. Mr. Bevan moved that the item in question be eliminated from the report. It was ob- vious to everyone how the matter was rushed through at the last meeting. (" No.") He did not want to rob Mr. Mathews of money he had earned, but at the same time he did not want to prejudice his motion. Mr. Griffiths moved, and Mr. Bevan secon- ded, that the report be adopted except the item referred to, and Mr. Harris moved that the whole report be adopted. Mr. Edwards, seconding, said Mr. Bevan had introduced another new word. At the last meeting it was" snatch," now it was rushed." On being put to the vote four voted each way, and the Chairman gave his casting-vote in favour of the whole report being passed. WORK OF THE INSPECTOR. In the course of the meeting, the Chairman read a report of the sanitary inspector show- ing the number of inspections made during 1906. The number of nuisances reported to- talled 1,594, and of 605 house drains tested 100 were sound and 505 defective. The number of house drains re-tested during the year was 596. When the item "Notices by motion," was reached on the agenda, Mr. Preece had not put in an appearance, and the Chairman de- cided to take other business first in order that there might be a full Council. How- ever, when the whole of the other business had been transacted Mr. Preece was still ab- sent. MR. BEVAN'S MOTION. In moving his motion that the resolution of the Council re-appointing the sanitary in- spector be rescinded, Mr. Bevan said he did so because of the very indecent manner in which the motion was rushed through at the last meeting. The Council had never, in his experience, carried a resolution incurring considerable expense without notice of mo- tion, and the course pursued at the last meet- ing was certainly most unusual. Notice of motion was given even in the re-appointment of the medical officer, which was a hardy an- nual. He could not conceive why such ex- traordinary haste should have been necessary, though it appeared to him that advantage was taken of the absence of two members- (No, no, and Hear, hear)—to rush the matter through. No tangible reason was advanced in favour of the resolution. The work of inspecting the houses could and would be carried on by the new surveyor, who had promised to devote three days a week to it; and they must remember that the inspection was at present being carried on more expedi- tiously than the defects were being remedied. There was the economical aspect of the case; it was the fashion nowadays to sneer and pooh-pooh at economy, but surely with an annual district rate of 5s. in the E, it was high time to consider their position and cry off special expenditure. The resolu- tion at the last meeting was carried against the wishes of a majority of the whole Council, because in drawing up the last estimate they provided only for payment to the sanitary in- spector to the 25th December. Mr. Abbott seconded the motion. He said that Mr. Mathews practically suspended his inspection for six weeks in order to complete his clerical work preparatory to leaving, and it was understood by the Council that he would go. Yet a majority of those present at the last meeting took advantage of the absence of two members through illness to carry this resolution. He considered that the Chairman L-d niadc violent prostitu- tion 01 his rights in allowing the Standing Orders to be suspended and voting a double dose of Chairmanship. (Interruption.) In doing this ne hc*a out-Mao-ed Mac altogether. Mr. Mc The Chairman: What in the world has this to do with the motion before the meeting. This is most unfair to Mr. McGaul. Mr. A"uott yproceeding): Mr. McGaul, while in the chair, gave his casting-vote in favour oi inorecoine tho surveyor's salary by ZL50, and tne present Chairman had voted a double quantity, because, while paying the sanitary inspector £.:50, he and two or three other members sought to perpetuate this ex- penditure. Were they to be ruled by official- dom? The rates to-day were a "treacherous burden" upon snop-keepers and others. He remembered Mr. Jenkins coming to the Coun- cil with a host of figures and as a great economist, and it was a scandalous shame that the waste of public money was going on at this rate. Their late surveyor was cap- able of doing 21 houses a fortnight, and if Mr. Tudor followed in his footsteps, the sani- tary condition of the town would soon be per- fect. Mr. Griffiths said he considered it his ab- solute duty, as a representative of the rate- payers, to attend there at great personal dis- comfort to record his protest against what occurred at the last meeting. He was proud to think that one member of his ward and a member of the ward Mr. Harris so badly re- presented had the courage to speak out <md call a spade a spade and dirty practice dirty practice. It was all very well to say the question was not rushed. Had any proposal ever been sprung upon the Council in the same way? When he read the report of the meeting and learned of the action the Chair- man had taken, he felt considerably disap- pointed in- him. As for Mr. Harris, any little paragraph in a newspaper would carry him to the house-tops. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity." But how much of the money would Mr. Harris have to provide? Mr. Harris: As much as you, I dare say. Mr. Grimths Perhaps, but I represent the ratepayers. With all due respect to the rul- ing of the clerk on the Standing Orders, it was straining those Orders to breaking point in allowing what took place at the last meet- ing. The Chairman came into that Council as an apostle of economy, and yet, after ex- plaining that in the past the Council had been a wildly extravagant lot, he had so far forgotten himself as to fall off on the wrong &ide of the fence just when the crucial situ- ation arose. He would like to call attention to the inconsistency of some gentlemen on this question. The matter had been debated over and over again, and when the estimates were prepared the salary of the sanitary in- spector was only provided for to the 25th of December. They knew tney were sailing very near to the wind at the time, because they rushed the rate down to 2s. 6d., where ordinary forethought dictated that it should be 2s. 7d. Yet they were incurring an un- expected expense of JE25. Where were they going to get it from ? In saying what he did on this subject, he did not wish to reflect on the sanitary inspector. No-one appreciated Mr. Mathews's services more than he did. He thought him a most excellent officer- most excellent officer-and he would leave their service with a splendid reputation. But that was not the question. A few months ago they arrived at the conclusion that the offices of surveyor and sanitary inspector should be combined, and in the face of that Mr. Harris, prompted by a hint he got in the local paper, came there and proposed an ex- penditure of £ 25—— Mr. Abbott: What about his assistance? Mr. Griffiths, proceeding, pointed out that the clerk had guarded himself in not writing to Mr. Mathews in view of the notice of mo- tion, but Mr. Mathews, as a business man, quickly took advantage of the position and wrote accepting the re-appointment. He (Mr. Griffiths) regretted that this system of transacting business was oeing introduced into the public life of Bridgend. He had thought that when the "King of Quarella" disappeared his mantle would not have fallen upon another. But if the Chairman emulated him in one respect, he did not in another, for he was afraid that the day was far distant when he would be as heavy a ratepayer as the old gentleman of Quarella was. He did not think the Chairman had a right to put this expense on the Council by allowing a snatch vote as he did. He (Mr. Griffiths) inquired whether any special busi- ness was likely to come oefore the Council, and was told "No." He went home, because he did not feel well enough to attend, and yet Mr. Harris, after all the consideration shown him last year during his illness, had the manliness" to accuse him of neglecting Council business. Mr. Harris said Mr. Griffiths, in the height of his passion, had made statements which were wholly unjustified, and he (Mr. Harris) did not intend to fall into the same mistake. Mr. Griffiths had not said a word which touched upon the question before the meet- ing. His speech had been one of absolute vindictiveness. There was not the slightest argument in the whole of it. One would have thought, from his passion, that he had some personal interest at stake; he did not know whether he had. Ik was all very well for Mi*. Griffiths to come there as a lawyer, but a layman had as much sense as a lawyer. He (Mr. Harris) had been elected to look after the interests of the ratepayers, who were wallowing in the mire. The reports presen- ted to the Council had shown that over 80 per cent. of the people of Bridgend had been living in absolutely filthy conditions, and the surroundings of the poor of Bridgend had been shown to be a disgrace to civilised humanity. (Mr. Griffiths: Rubbish.) Here was a man (pointing to Mr. Griffiths) who supported the working-men of the town wallowing in the mire for the sake of £2.5. (Mr. Griffiths: Rubbish.) It was not rub- bish. The report of the medical officer showed that the zymotic diseases were during the last quarter 2.16 as agaInst 6.0 in the cor- responding quarter, and this showed that the town was in a more sanitary condition. The typhoid epidemic, thank God, had gone, but they had zymotic diseases "which were taking away the infants of the town, and this was one of the strongest possible arguments which could be produced in favour of the over- hauling of some of the most disreputable premises in some parts of the town. During Mr. Mathews's 18 months' services—and Mr. Mathews was no friend of his, any more than Mr. Griffiths Mr. Griffiths I hope I am. Mr. Harris Mr. Mathews had tested 846 house drains, which left 400 to be done, and if they added to this number those to be re- tested, it made 600. If the disclosures con- tained in the reports were only printed and made public, it would be more than'this man (Mr. Griffiths) dare do to stand uo and say what he bad- Mr. Griffiths (rising): I wJI dare anything. I say the town is not in a disgraceful and dis- creditable state, and a gocd many of these complaints-the majority ct them-are tri- vial. Mr. Harris: I say it is a disgrace to civili- sation, and you are upholding it. Mr. Griffiths: I object to this. I say the work will be carried out by Mr. Tudor. Mr. Harris: I say it is our duty to stamp it out as quickly as possibig, and not prolong this state of affairs for the sake of a few pounds. It was suggestei at the last meet- ing by one of the opposition that they should keep the inspector on far three months. With regard to Mr. Bevaa's remarks, he had said that there was an indecent rush when the matter was raised at the last meeting. Well, he (Mr. Harris) believed that his word stood as good as any man's in the town—(Mr. Griffiths: Hear, hear.)-and he did not thiire any man would say he ever told him a lie; and he would say it was not in his opinion a case of springing anything on the Council. Mr. Abbott: Actions speak louder than words. Mr. Harris: My action was based on pure and healthy conditions for the working classes. These gentlemen who lived in big houses could afford to have their own drains put in order. It was the children of the present day who ^ould be the men and women of to-morrow, and it was their duty to see they were brought up in healthy sur- roundings, so that the best might be got out of them. Mr. Edwards said a, lot of time had been spent over this matter, and he did not intend to cover ground he had covered before. But he considered it his duty to most earnestly protest against the language indulged in by Mr. Abbott and Mr. Griffiths-Mr. Abbott in particular. His remarks were uncalled-for and unwarranted, and were made by a man who was himself prepared to support a motion to retain the inspector for three months, and Mr. Bevan. though he did not firo as far as that. said there was all the difference be- tween a limited and an unlimited time. Mr.
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A DENIAL.
A DENIAL. To the Editor. Sir,—My attention has been drawn to the report of a case in this week's issue of your valuable paper, at Bridgend Police-court on December 29th, 1906, in which the police summoned John Connolly for using obscene language, and in which both the defendant and a witness named Stephen Daniels called on his behalf, are reported to have stated, at the hearing of the charge, that about the time the offence is alleged to have been com- mitted, they were at my house. This state- ment is quite untrue; neither Connolly nor Daniels having been at my house on that day, or even on any day during the last six months. As the statement is likely to seri- ously affect the reputation of my house, I shall be obliged if you will publish this con- tradiction in your next week's issue. Thank- ing you, etc. I am, yours, etc., ™ i -j T „ W. D. YEOMANS. Oldcastle Inn, Bridgend, January 4th, 1907.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION AT HEOLYCYW.
SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION AT HEOLY- CYW. To the Editor. Sir,—In your issue of December 21st, re- ference is made to a letter which I sent to the committee of the Bridgend Group of Council Schools" in regard to the above matter, From your brief report—the only reference I have seen to the question £ gather that my letter was sympathetically received, and that the committee recognised the matter to be one for investigation. That is well, and I hope that Alderman W. Howell and Mr. Griffith Edwards—to whom the case was referred-will lose no time in collecting all the facts and placing them before the committee. The passing of the Act for the feeding of hungry school children is a recog- nition by the State that the child cannot be efficiently educated unless the physical condi- tions are of a satisfactory character, and who can say that the forty and more children who are of school age, and yet not older than eight years, who at present reside at Heoly- cyw, and have to travel two miles to school during these wintry days, sometimes through wind and rain and blinding sleet, are in a fit condition to be instructed in the elements of education r Reference is made in your report to a pre- vious discussion of this question, and one of the members of the committee is reported to have said that the consideration of the question was deferred until there had been some increase in Heolycyw." But why wait further? All the indications point to a considerable growth of population. Every available house is occupied-some crowded; some, I fear, overcrowded-and as fast as houses are erected they are occupied by those whose work makes that village their most convenient place of abode. The religious de- nominations have made provision for the re- ligious requirements of the people, and shall we, here in Wales, have to ask in vain that provision shall be made for the education of the children under conditions which shall be at once conductive to their physical comfort and mental alertness ? y I shall be glad to know what Alderman Yv. Howell and Mr. Griffith Edwards have to say on this matter, and I venture to suggest to them through your columns that their report should be presented without undue delay.- Yours sincerelv, J. JOB. Pontyclun, January 8th, 1907.
[No title]
CThorxy Tsiowitt" D'ye know, Miss Smart, though I've only ju't met von, there seems to be a sort of intellectual syjnpathy between us! You know just how to appeal to my taste, you see. Are you a htorary woman?" Dolly Smart: "No; I'm a kindergarten teacher." Little Jinimv Uncle George, you are a ool- lege professor, aren't you?" Uncle George: "Yes, Jimij.y." Little Jimniv: "You teach the don't you?" Uncle George: if8' I'i'f-1' ■■:nimy: "Are your pupils going to be undertakers when they grow up? She (just kissed): "How dare you, air? He: "I hope you will pardon me. I didn't think- She: "Think! Of course you didn't think. But your inability to think is no excuse for your conduct. I suppose you mean to tell me that if you had stopped to think you would not have wanted to kiss me." Mrs. Suburbs: "Do you still receive tha* Areadful Mrs. Comealwus at your At HOZOM? Mra. Tiptop: "Impossible to get her to take a hint. Do you know, when she called I nww offered her a chair." Mrs. Suburbs: "And what was the result?" Mrs. Tiptop: RmuH? Why, the next time she came ahe brought a folding camp-stool with Her."
BRIDGEND SANITATION .
Abbott, by his outrageous manner, seemed to have lost himself, and all over a matter of three months, on the most important ques- tion of sanitation. Mr Abbott was amazed and thunderstruck because the Chairman gave a certain ruling, and he (Mr. Edwards) had every right to complain of the language used. Mr. Abbott rose to make an explanation. He made the offer of three months because there was clerical work which was not up-to- date, and because there might be police-court proceedings at which Mr. Mathews's attend- ance would be necessary. Mr. Edwards said he would accept that statement, but he would like to point out that the Council had a clear record of what the sanitary inspector had done, and a full report. Proceeding, Mr. Edwards said Mr. Griffiths was certainly a little fairer than Mr. Abbott, but he stated that advantage was taken of the absence of two members who they knew would be opposed to them. He de- liied that. Six months ago he (Mr. Edwards) moved a resolution, which was carried unani- mously, rescinding a resolution to dispense with Mr. Mathews's services. Mr. Preece voted for it, and he believed Mr. Griffiths did also; he was not sure of Mr. Bevan. Were the conditions different to-day from what they were then ? Roughly, about two- thirds of the houses had been inspected, and Mr. Mathews's reports on them had been most nauseating reading. If Mr. Mathews's re-appointment was justified by that Council six months ago, what alteration had occurred in the conditions to make it unjustifiable now ? There were still one-third of the houses to be inspected and drains tested. Mr. Stradling repudiated the suggestion that the motion was proposed at the last meeting because two of the members were ab- sent. There was nothing in the nature of a snatch vote. If there was a quorum of mem- bers present at a meeting, the absent mem- bers must fall in with what was done. There was a provision on the agenda for notices without motion." If it was wise to prolong the services of the sanitary inspector six months ago under the late surveyor, who knew the town, it would be still wiser to do so under the new surveyor. He knew of ratepayers who were asking for the sanitary inspector to visit their premises. One would think from what had been said that they were engaging a man for six years or 26, in- stead of six months, and were incurring a cost of hundreds or thousands of pounds! He reminded them that a ratepayers' meet- ing was held in the Town-hall, and that a re- solution was carried in favour of keeping on the sanitary inspector, only eight voting against it. It would be false economy to discharge the sanitary inspector before he had completed his work, because if suspicion remained on the town they would lose resi- dents and customers- Mr. Abbott: How are you going to vote, Morgan ? The Chairman Fairplay you were not in- terrupted. Mr. Abbott: He will vote against his own resolution if he goes too far. Mr. Stradling: I am very cautions what I say to Mr. Abbott. I have shown him the gentleman, and he has acted the blackguard. (Laughter.) Mr. Bevan: Order. Mr. Chairman, this is unparliamentary. Mr. Stradling: I have given fairplay to every Councillor, and have not made one re- mark during their speeches, and I don't see why I should be interrupted. Proceeding, Mr. Stradling said he thought the Council would be wise in engaging their inspector for another six months Mr. Abbott: Why didn't you vote that way last time? Mr. Stradling closed his remarks by saying no-one would be sorry when the town was put in order. Mr. Abbott: You have not finished, have you? (" Chair.") Mr. Stradling; I don't answer fools in future. Mr. Bevan, in replying to the discussion, said Mr. Harris found fault with Mr. Griffiths for being passionate, but he was passionate himself. He (Mr. Bevan) was as anxious as anyone for the sanitation of the town, but he suggested that the new surveyor could do the work. Mr. Harris's remarks regarding the state of the town were not calculated to do Bridgend any good; and he would go fur- ther and say they were totally incorrect. He was born and bred in Bridgend and knew as much about it as Mr. Harris, whose remarks ought to be withdrawn. The town was not in a filthy, reeking state, and if Mr. Harris knew of any places which were reeking, it was his duty to report them to the surveyor and not make haphazard statements. The medical officer was guarded in his reports, but "fools step in whero angels fear to tread." There were other things than drains which affected health. What about the Chicago meat scare ? (Laughter.) To speak plainly, he (Mr. Bevan) was not satisfied with the number of drains which had been tested, and he thought the whole of the town would be completed before now. During the last six months very little had been done. The time which had been occupied with the work had surprised him. The Chairman said he had been somewhat surprised at the remarks which had been thrown out at his poor head. He had been on the Council for nearly two years and had done his best to serve the town. He had been perfectly honest and straightforward since he had occupied the chair, and was sur- prised that Mr. Abbott and Mr. Griffiths im- plied he had done something dishonour- able- Mr. Abbott: If you had done it in a full house I should not have complained. (" Order.") Mr. Stradling (to Mr. Abbott): Why don't you behave yourself? The Chairman, proceeding, said the speakers had left out of consideration the opinions of several important people in the town. There were the doctors, for instance, who were unanimously in favour of the in- spection being completed; and some cf the largest ratepayers in his ward, and all to whom lie had spoken, were in favour of it. The tenants ought also to be considered. He promised at the last meeting that he would not vote for the further retention of the sani- tary inspector at the end of six months, and he was surprised that Mr. Abbott had doubted his words- Mr. Abbott: Then your action is illogical. (Cries of "Chair.") The Chairman: With regard to the ques- tion of the rate, members had made a moun- tain of a molehill. The rate would not be increased by £ 25 above the estimate, because the new surveyor was being paid a smaller salary than the old, and with regard to the workmen who worked under Mr. Mathews they were regular employees and did other work as well. Mr. Abbott: They cannot be in two places at the same time. (Order.) The Chairman, continuing, said he did not like to touch upon any personal element, but it had been said he was not a heavy rate- payer. Well, he believed he bad had to pay as much as any householder in proportion, because he did not believe there was a house of the size in the town where more work had had to be done than at nis own. He was anxious that the work should be finished be- fore the summer set in. He knew what typhoid meant, having had much of it in his own house, and he believed Mr. Harris had been a great sufferer. Mr. Harris: Six cases. The Chairman Six cases in one house! I can understand that he speaks passionately. A vote was then taken. There voted: For Mr. Bevan's motion Messrs. Bevan, Abbott, Griffiths, and Jones. Against: The Chairman, Messrs. Stradling, Edwards, and Harris. The Chairman: I give my casting-vote against the motion. Mr. Bevan moved that the Works Commit- tee take into consideration the question of testing drains at the next meeting of tho Works Committ -Carried.