The Glamorgan Gazette

Peeps at Porthcawl By MARINER. I Amid considerable excitement, Mr. T. K. Deere was elected Chairman of the Council on Monday. The Council Chamber was filled with eager and interested ratepayers, and naturally the circumstances were such that I could not keep away. Among the rate- payers in the back of the room one could al- most feel the electricity in the air; the ex- citement was intense, the more so because pent up. As the business proceeded, so this feeling grew, until by the time the climax was reached it was almost unbearable. Per- haps the most intense moment was when the deadlock came. but when Mr. Deere, by four votes to three—he didn't vote himself-was elected, the applause was deafening. It was a popular election; the ratepayers knew it was deserved; by their applause they con- I ceded the principle that the position of Chair- man should be given to the retiring vice- chairman. Mr. Deere took his seat amidst re- newed applause, and the usual courtesies were indulged in, and business proceeded. In view of the keenness of all the members, the ex- citement that prevailed, and the points at issue, it was to be expected that the first meeting under the new Chairman's guidance would be a little stormy, but he calmed the ruffled waters, and ably ruled the meeting, throughout. Before I go further, I think it: would not be out of place to say that the at- titude I have taken up concerning the Coun- cil elections and the election of Chairman has been taken purely because I was anxious to see merit recognised, and further that the fullest possible scope should be given to every member of the Council to give of his best to the town, and to be encouraged in his eff otts. I will always be an opponent of anything which I consider is not fair to any members of the Council, and now that Mr. Deere has been elected, I can assure him that I will keep my eyes and ears open and be as ready to criticise him as I have other members of the Council. I have given him my support because I considered he deserved it, and he will have it while he continues to deserve it. < < There were many subjects raised at the meeting, and I want to have a word to say about a few of them. The first matter, of course, is the rate. As last year we were told that the rate then would stagger the ratepayers, so this year I can repeat, the rate will stagger the ratepayers. It is a tremen- dous jump from Is. lOd. to 3s. 10d., but, to speak candidly, it is what I expected; and now, when the country is in the midst of a great war, when the necessities of life have increased enormously in cost, when a sove- reign is needed to purchase what 14s. would buy before the war, when the prospects of the summer season are not bright, the Council have come down upon the poor ratepayers with a rate of 3s. 10d., an increase of 2s. on the last half year, and Is. 4d. on the corres- ponding half year, when the rate was reduced from 4s. to 2s. 6d. It is a hard blow for the ratepayers, but it has got to be borne with a good heart, for even the man who pays the piper cannot say that it was unexpected. When th ese enormous reductions were made in the rates, the man-in-the-street said the Council could not do it and keep the town going efficiently. Councillors said the Council could, so the Surveyor had to work upon the lowest possible estimate; a policy of cheese-paring was adopted, and so the town managed last half-year on a rate of Is. lOd. But the tide has come in again and is going to wash at the foundation of manv a rate- .v. payer's pocket during the summer. The Council was warned of the danger-of its policy. It was told that the reduction would be only temporary, and that there would be an upward leap again. It was ad- vised to make provision for the future, and to let the reduction be more in accordance with reason. But no, there had got to be a record reduction, and there was. We have got to pay for that now. w < It was pointed out at the meeting that the Council had had to meet over L8,000 on the J western sewerage, and £ 8,000 on the water scheme. Even in face of that, my remarks will be none the less condemnatory of the Council's foolish policy in reducing the rate to lower than it had ever been before when a period of abnormal expenditure had got to be faced in the future. The Council knew those schemes had got to be paid for at some future time, and it knew there would have to be rigid economy in other directions, consistent with efficiency. to prepare for that time. A tradesman would not take steps to reduce his income to a minimum when he had big bills to meet in the future. Yet this is what the Council did. Everything was cut fine, and the town, like a bicycle wheel, had to run on its rims. Now we have got to dip our hands in our pockets to make up for it, and that at a time when we can afford 3s. lOd. in the £ less than we could afford 4s. last summer. The new members can say they have had no I part in thrusting this heavy burden upon the town. The gas undertaking must not be allowed to be a white elephant. There is honesty of purpose behind the former opponents of the scheme Lo purchase it. They are as deter- mined as anybody to see that every possible effort shall be made to make it pay, and pay handsomely if that can be done. There has been a lot of talk that they were out to spoil the work that has been done, and to make the undertaking useless. Whoever heard such childish prattle ? What man who has any stake at all in the town would attempt to ruin an undertaking which he has go to help pay for? The argument is not worthy of notice. It is up to every mem- ber of the Council to put his shoulder to the wheel. There must be unison; no pulling in opposite directions. The Council. I was pleased to notice, retained the services of the manager of the works, and under his ex- pert direction, his local experience and know- ledge of the district, our undertaking should go on and prove a fruitful source of revenue. Perhaps it will help us in the future to ease the burdens on the ratepayers. It is because I, with other ratepayers, hope to see the undertaking bring grist to the mill that I was pleased to find the Chairman, Mr. T. E. Deere, take up a strong attitude with regard to the constitution of the Gas Com- mittee. It is due to every member of the Council that he should have the confidence of his colleagues. There will be better work from the whole Council. If a member is found undeserving of that confidence, then the remedy is easy. Members should not be excluded from meetings they were sent by the ratepayers to attend, without the past, were to be continued, then the ex- some very good reason. If the policy of eluded members might just as well stay away. It has been said, and it was hinted at the meeting on Monday, that information has been conveyed from the committee meetings to persons outside the Council. If that is so, there must be proof, and that proof must be brought forward publicly. The name of the defaulting member must be spoken, and if the proof is conclusive, the ratepayers will know what to do. The secrets of the Coun- cil must not be divulged, if these secrets are for the purpose of securing benefits for the town. Councillors know what facts ought to be made public, and they should not hesi- tate to agitate for the publication of infor- mation which they think the ratepayers should know. But this must be done publicly and in the Council Chamber. 0 There is another topic upon which I want to touch, and that is the new railway sta- tion. It is sincerely to be hoped that the petition which was presented to the Council will have the earnest consideration of the G. W .R. Co. I know it is late in the day to bring the matter forward, but in face of the anxious future of Porthcawl shopkeepers, if the new station is moved down towards the docks, I do urge upon the Railway Company to treat the matter sympathetically. I am sure it is not their desire to bring ruin upon more than half of the tradespeople of Porth- cawl, and I am certain, too, that the men who shape the schemes of the Company will rea- lise that in asking the Company to have thought for them they are not asking impos- sibilities. I am making this appeal on be- half of the shopkeepers, knowing that there are men of sympathy connected with the G.W.R., who would never, if they could pos- sibly help it, do anything that would bring ruin, or something very near approaching it, upon a body of men who have worked hard to reach the positions in life they have, and have staked most of this world's goods in the businesses they now occupy. 0 0 0 Turning from the personal element, may I ask the Company to look at the question from the business standpoint. They hold land in the vicinity of the docks. It is valuable property, and would reach a good price in the market. The sum realised would pur- chase probably four times the area of land if they sought elsewhere away from the front. All that is asked is that the station should be situated in a position where visitors and trippers would have to make use of the pre- sent business thoroughfares. It is suggested that a good site would be to the north of the existing station. This would do away with the present nuisance-the station gates— and would probably allow for a great im- provement to be carried out at this spot. Nobody would suffer if this proposal were adopted. But if the station is removed to the docks, what happens? All the trippers are landed in a place where at present there are no shops. They would be landed prac- tically on the sea front, and there they would remain till they went home again. The sea- shore would keep them there: thev would have little inclination to traverse the town and look at the shops, to be tempted with good window displays. Even if they walked half-way up the street, the top part would never see them, and it is those shopkeepers near the present station who would suffer mcst. www Four of our policemen have resigned and leave to-day to join the Welsh Guards. They are P.C.'s Grant, Wm. Richardson, William Thomas, and Denis Hayes; while P.C. Trott goes from Newton. We are all sorry to lose them, but we admire their pat- riotism and their desire to give their burly frames to more active service for the King. P.C. Grant had only lately come amongst as, but he had already made friends by his genial manner and straightforward conduct. '(he other members we knew fairly well, and wish them a long and honourable career and rapid promotion in The Guards." Now we 1 ave got to fall back on ouT Sergeant once more.

COL. NICHOLL'S SUCCESSOR IN GLAMORGAN YEOMANRY. The news that Major Gerald T. Bruce has been selected to command the Glamorgan Yeomanry in succession to Lieutenant-Colonel J. 1. D. Nicholl, of Merthyrmawr, will be re- ceived with considerable gratification in local military circles. Lieutenant-Colonel Bruce is a member of the well-known firm of solicitor, Messrs. Morgan, Bruce and Nicholas, Pontypridd, with which firms he has been associated for many years, and has been since the death of the well-known firm of solicitors, Messrs. partner in the firm. Colonel Bruce is a member of the Aberdare family, and a cousin of the present peer. Keenly interested in the county Yeomanry, he was up to the time of his promotion to the command of the regi- ment, which is now at Aylsham, Norfolk, the senior major, having obtained his major rank in October, 1902. He holds his certifi- cate of proficiency as a field oiffcer, and has always proved himself both capable and popu- lar. For many years he commanded the Pontypridd Squadron of Yeomanry. Enthusiastically interested in boxing, Lieu- tenant-Colonel Bruce some years ago took a prominent part in the promotion of the Welsh v. Driscoll contest at Cardiff. With his wife, he is a follower to hounds. Mr. T. E. Deere (Chairman of Porthcawl U.D. Council).

FIGHT FOR THE CHAIR. I EXCITEMENT at PORTHCAWL COUNCIL. I STORMY MEETING. I MR. T. E. DEERE ELECTED. J TALK ABO-UT CLIQUES. I The annual meeting of the Porthcawl Urban District Council, held on Monday eve- ning, was one of great public interest, a large number of ratepayers being present. There were present:—Rev. D. J. Arthur, Messrs. T. E. Deere, D. Davies, D. J. Rees, T. James, R. E. Jones, T. G. Jones, and J. Grace, with the clerk (Mr. Evan Davies), and the surveyor (Mr. A. J. Oborn). The Clerk, at the outset, said the first busi- ness of the Council was to appoint a Chair- man pro tem. It was proposed that Mr. D. Davies should occupy the chair for the preliminary business, but an amendment was proposed by Mr. R. E. Jones, and seconded by Mr. Grace, that Mr. T. G. Jones should occupy the chair. When put to the meeting, four voted for, and four against. The Clerk: Here is a deadlock, and I can- not vote myself. TEN MINUTES' SILENCE. I For about ten minutes, the Council re- mained in silence, but eventually Mr. T. G. Jones asked the Clerk to read "Lumley." The Clerk did so, and expressed his opinion that in order to avoid the deadlock, the re- tiring Chairman, if he was not seeking re- election, could take the position. Mr. T. G. Jones: That is sufficient; I am not seeking re-election, so I can help you out of the deadlock. I bow to the Clerk's ruling. Mr. Jones then occupied the chair. Mr. T. G. Jones continued: I should make myself perfectly clear. I have not been a candidate for re-election as Chairman of this Council, and I have publicly stated that if there was a wish that I should occupy the chair again, I should be reluctantly obliged to resign. But not being in that unfortunate position, I am able to help you out of the deadlock. First of all, I must congratulate Councillor R. E. Jones upon having been re- elected as a member of this Council, and in the second place I should like to extend a hearty welcome to the new members. (Hear, hear.) I am not going to keep you now ex- cept, before I ask for nominations for the chair, I want to be again perfectly under- stood, that I have not been a party to any clique or any pre-arrangement, as probably the result of the voting will tell. I say that at the outset, so as to disabuse any who have thought to the contrary. NOMINATION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr. D. Davies proposed that Mr. T. E. Deere be elected to the chair for the ensuing year. A pause. Mr. D. J. Rees: I was hoping that one of the old members would have seconded this motion. As they did not do so, I second the proposition. Mr. T. G. Jones: I should only like to say, Mr. Rees, you did not give the old members much chance. Mr. Rees: I do not know; I thought I did. OPPOSITION. Mr. Grace said he realised fully the re- sponsibility of proposing an amendment. But he had waited. He would have, jumped on his legs before to have proposed the gen- tleman he was going to propose, but he wanted to see the result of what he had heard in the street. He had been a member of that Council for 20, years, and of late, during the last twelve months, there had been a good deal in the Press about a clique on the Council. He had never known that, and he had hoped he never would know it, and he hoped that that night. They were selected by the ratepayers to undertake some very responsible duties, and as they all knew, during the past two years they had had some very heavy work for the benefit of their town, namely, in connection with the Parliamentary Bill and the purchase of the Gas Works, which was not yet complete. Upon that he naturally thought that someone would have jumped up and moved that one of the gentle- men connected with the carrying out of that work should be proposed for the chair. It was not only half completed, but he thought they should take their instructions from the electorate what to do; but he was afraid they did not do that. He oould not support Mr. Deere because he was not the senior member of the Council for the chair at the present time. He thought they would all agree with him that Mr. R. E. Jones was the senior member, and he thought the only one, with the exception of himself and the Chairman, who had achieved continual service beyond two years. During the last two or three years he had not been the chairman of the Council, and he thought his claim came in, but he was not a candidate. However, he thought the new members should very seriously con- jsider the new position. There appeared to I ba at the very commencement a division of four and four on the Council. It was a very serious thing for the town, with what they had got before them. When they advocated the purchase of the Gasworks, there were ,-entlemen at that table who opposed it tooth and nail, because they were in the minority. Now they wanted to rule the Council before the purchase was oomplete, because the one in the chair ruled at the time. That was the reason why he opposed Mr. Deere as the candidate for the chair. They knew who their opponents were, and they were opposed from inside, a most un- usual thing for a Council. If the majority decided upon a thing, then the minority as a rule kept low, but they publicly opposed the Gasworks. If their wish had been carried out, the town would have lost one of the greatest assets that they had now got. He could not say very much on the point. He moved an amendment that Mr. R. E. Jones should take the chair, as the senior member of the Council. He was sure he would be welcomed by everyone. He had been ipost active during the time he had been there, in promoting everything that was possible for the benefit of the town. Mr. Jones, too, had done more than any other person towards the development of the town. The Chairman: Is there a seconder ? Is there a seconder? For the third time, is there a seconder? There was no reply. THE CHAIRMAN SECONDS. I I' Mr. T. G. Jones: Then I shall be reluc- tantly compelled to do so myself. I quite realise that it is a very grave issue before lis. We all realise it. I should like to make an appeal personally; I know not who will support it, but I do care. I care for this reason. That Mr. R. E. Jones is the senior member of this Council. He is well- known, not only in Porthcawl, but through- out South Wales. He has been an asset to this Council, and he has been faithful to the electorate by whom he has been re- elected. He has the confidence of the people. Personally, I am very sorry to have to second the amendment in a measure against my friend Mr. Deere, as I am sure that Mr. Deere would make as capable a chairman as anyone of us. But seniority has been the rule. This is Mr. R. E. Jones' fourth year. Gentlemen, let us bury the hatchet; let us try from now. If there is any feeling or any idea of a clique having been formed, let me make this appeal as the last appeal I shall make after two years' chairmanship, to do away with that idea. Mr. R. E. Jones is also getting on in years. We hope he may be spared to work for the ratepayers of the town for many years to come, but unfortunately his health is not as good as we should like to see it..1 do think you can support me and support me on these reasons only, because seniority is his. Not that we have anything against Mr. Deere. He is an- asset tor the town, but I am sure the electorate of this district will not feel in- jured at Mr. R. E. Jones being elected Chair- man. It will show generally that there has been no clique formed for anything. I am making this appeal at this table, in this room, so that it should not be said that it was a cut and dried affair. I ask you to support the amendment, if you think it is a fair claim. It is the first time I have heard Mr. Grace express himself like he has expressed himself to-night. It is due to Mr. R. E. Jones as senior member with four consecu- tive years' service to his credit. He is well- known. I do beg you to view and weigh it in your minds. I appeal to you to do this in support of fairplay. I appreciate Mr. Deere's service as much as anyone; he was the Vice-Chairman, but I think it is only fair to pass the honour round. That is why I am not a candidate myself. I think we have a good member in Mr. Jones. I know he does not want. to take it, but I would appeal to you gentlemen to give your support. Mr. Deere: May I speak, Mr. Chairman? Mr. T. G. Jones: Certainly, Mr. Deere. MR. DEERE SPEAKS OUT. I Mr. Deere: I think, Mr. Chairman, after all is said and done, there is nothing else but a clique here this evening. When I was pro- posed, I was surprised at the voting. I will say this, when Mr. Grace twits as to any clique in the room, I retaliate and say, if there is one man on this Council who has been proved to be attached. to cliquism it is Mr. Grace, and I am very much surprised at you, sir. as Chairman, expressing yourself so strongly on the matter. I was always under the impression that when a man was elected Vice-chairman, and he occupied that position, that his turn was next for the chair when the time came. You refer to Mr. Jones' attach- ment to the town. I claim to have served the town longer than Mr. R. E. Jones. There was a break, it is true, but so slight was the break that in returning to this Coun- cil you recollect there was a feeling to run me for the chair as against yourself. I was j not a party to it myself, if there was a clique. Up to now 1 have been shut out of the com- mittee meetings. At the same time sh,ut out of them when I was anxious to do my duty to you and the ratepayers. When it was decided that we should buy ¡ the Gasworks, I was man enough to come to this table and say I would support it. I do not make strong appeal for the chair, but all I say is, I think it is time we got fairplay at this table. The amendment was then put to the meet- ing, and lost by four votes to three, Mr. T. E. Deere being elected as Chairman. APPLAUSE FROM RATEPAYERS. I As he took his position, he was greeted with loud applause from the ratepayers present I and the members. MR. DEERE RETURNS THANKS. i Mr. T. E. Deere, in the chair: Gentlemen, I thank you for the honour conferred upon me, and I trust you will not, be disappointed at the manner in which I will conduct the work. I hope that all the business carried on will be done in the true interests of our town. I should like to propose the usual vote of thanks to the retiring Chair- man for the manner in which he has con- ducted the business. We have not always seen eye to eye, but after all said and done we have fought in a sportsmanlike manner. Mr. D. Davies seconded. The motion was carried. Mr. T. G. Jones,-replying, said: Mr. Chair- man, I am most grateful to you and all the members of the Council for this vote of thanks. It has been, as you know, a very hard two years of office. I shall look back upon it, as I hope my friends and relatives will do, with pride. And I am more than pleased to go out of the chair now, knowing as you know and as the general public know, that there has been no cliquism. After hearing Mr. Grace propose the resolution, I was in honour bound to second it. I knew no other here who would. That is proof that I have not been a party to any clique. We have had two years of hard work. First or all, to oppose the Gas Company in their appeal, and also the successful promotion of a Parlia- mentary Bill, which included the gas pur- chase. The record I regard as a great achievement for the town. It has been a. splendid bargain to the town. I should like to make this appeal that the Gas Company will be properly managed, and you will give the committee whom you will appoint to- night your hearty support. Apart from the promotion of the "Parliamentary Bill, we have had, as you know, the scheme of water ex- tension and also the sanitation scheme for the whole district. It has been a progressive two years. I hope you will have the same support from the gentlemen around this table as I have had. As you said, I. have al- ways endeavoured to be a sportsman. If we have differed we have agreed to differ. I shall give you the same support as you and other members have given me. (Applause.) VICE-CHAIRMAN. Mr. T. G. Jones proposed that Mr. R. E. Jones should be elected to the vioe-chairman- ship. Mr. R. E. Jones: No, if you please, don't nominate me; I don't want it. Mr. T. G. Jones: We will agree to differ this once. I am sure this is going to be a unanimous vote. Mr. R. E. Jones: I absolutely refuse to accept it; I refuse it, so don't put it on to me. The Chairman: This places me in an awk- ward position, Mr. Jones. You hear what Mr. R. E. Jones says? Mr. T. G. Jones: My proposition still stands; I think it is due to him. Mr. R. E. Jones: I don't want it. The Chairman: Gentlemen, you have heard what the proposition is, and you have also heard what Mr. R. E. Jones says. Mr. T. G. Jones: I would appeal to the members present to for once support my friend Mr. Jones. I will stick to my proposi- tion. I do not know if he was elected whether he would have taken the chair, but I think it is only due to him. Mr. D. Davies: I should like to second that, because Mr. R. E. Jones has been a faithful member, and he has been progressive, and he has never been afraid to do a bit of spade work when occasion merited it. He has been out-and-out. Mr. R. E. Jones: I really do not want it, and will not take it. To tell you candidly, Mr. Chairman, I do not care anything about honours; I tell ycu frankly. And I would rather not be voted there, so do not press me. The Chairman: It places fne in a very awk- ward position, and I am bound to take the resolution. You have all heard what Mr. Jones says; it is against his own wish and views. Mr. R. E. Jones: I move that Mr. Grace be elected vice-chairman. There was no seconder. The resolution was put to the meeting, and carried with applause. Mr. R. E. Jones: I should thank, and I must thank you, but really, speaking can- didly, I would rather not occupy the position. The responsibility is too great, and I do not care about it.

.HYARCHER GOIDEN RETURNS I KEG I STEWED E&j— ( i: iI" Facsimile of One-Ounce PackeL  AGher's Golden Returns I The Pcrfcctior. of Pipe Tobacco. COOL. Sw'rr.r l" FRACMNT.

PORTHCAWL GAS WORKS. APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER. SCHEMES TO BE CARRIED OUT. At Porthcawl Council on Monday, Mr. T. E. Deere presiding, Mr. Jones brought for- ward the report of the Gas Committee, which stated that the committee recommended that Mr. Walker (manager of the Gas Company) be appointed as manager to the Gasworks under the Council. The salary would be E150 per annum with house, coal and gas free. Mr. Jones pointed out that in future, when the Gasworks was taken over by the Council, the accountancy part of the business would be done at the Council's office. A temporary showroom would have to be erec- ted, and they feJt that a public (weighbridge could be put there. Personally, he was very glad that the Council was going to take over the Gasworks, but he thought it was going to mean a special meeting oncea fortnight, and he thought they were fortunate to have such a capital man at its head. Fortunately, the committee put themselves on velvet before the war broke out, so that when it did break out they had the money at the bank ready to pay for it. The resolution was seconded. The Chairman referred to the members of the Council not having known what the com- mittee were doing in the matter of the Gas- works until things were practically com- pleted. The Clerk disagreed with him. The Chairman: Now, I don't want to go into the matter now. However, I am in a position to prove it, but we don't want to open up an old sore. If you wish it, I will. The Clerk: Everything has come before the Council. The Chairman I still maintain that as far as the Council were concerned we could not get the information we asked for. The Clerk: All information was given when- The Chairman: With regard to a letter that was mentioned; if you are going to challenge my .statements, I am going to chal- lenge yours. Mr. D. Davies: Let's get on with the busi- ness, Mr. Chairman. The Clerk No, no; I am not going to have my statements challenged. The Chairman: All right. It is said that you notified the treasurer of the bank with regard to the money. The Clerk: I have said so. The Chairman: There was a resolution passed at a meeting asking you to do so? The Clerk: Yes. The Chairman: But until a couple of days ago, the treasurer or manager of the bank there, did not receive the intimation. The Clerk: Correct. The Chairman: Will you tell us why, after the resolution was passed, the head office was notified before he was? The Clerk: They were not notified by me. I wrote to the bank formally last week. The Chairman: I understand the bank manager's information was what he saw in (•Continued on Bottom of Next Column.)

PORTHCAWL URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. .— ♦ • APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. RECORDS OF APPRECIATION. At Porthcawl Council on Monday, Mr. T. E. Deere in the chair, it was resolved that the Council should meet on alternate Mondays, at 6.30 p.m. THE COMMITTEES. The Committees elected were:— Representative on the Bridgend Joint Hos- pital Committee, Mr. D. J. Rees. Manager of the Porthcawl National School, Mr. D. Davies. Carriage Committee: Mr. J. Grace, Mr. D. Davies and Mr. D. J. Rees. Fire Brigade Committee: The whole Coun- cil. Camps Committee.—With reference to the Camps Committee, Mr. R. E. Jones moved that there should be no Camps Committee, because they wanted all the money for the town they could get. He thought it was time when the money they got from the Camps Committee should go into the ooffers of the town generally. He suggested that it should be put to the district fund account. —This was seconded.—The Chairman said the matter had been before the Council previously and it was thought that they should keep the camps money in a separate account. It could not be paid into the district fund, but if the Council received the money they could use it in any direction they chose to vote it.— Mr. R. E. Jones: I will let it go on the dis- tinct understanding that there is no traffick- ing with the money. I want all the money to go for the purpose of the district fund.- The Chairman: It comes to this at the first meeting of the Camps Committeoc- Mr. R. E. Jones: I can bring up a resolution as any other business.—It was agreed that the whole Council should compose the Camps Committee. Legal Committee: The whole Council was elected on the Legal Committee. SUB-FINANCE COMMITTEE. Messrs. D. J. Rees, D. Davies and J. Grace were elected on the sub-Finance Committee. BANDSTAND COMMITTEE. It was moved that the whole Council be, elected on the Bandstand Committee. Mr. D. Davies moved an amendment that three members of the Council should be elec- ted on the Bandstand Committee together with three members of the Chamber of Trade. —Agreed. Mr. Grace moved a further amendment- tha.t there be no Bandstand Committee formed this year. He did not think this was a year when they should prepare for amuse- ments. Mr. Rees seconded. Mr. T. G. Jones said he was going to vote against the amendment. Whilst quite in sym- pathy with Mr. Grace he felt quite sure he would not press his further amendment be- cause they hoped to have a large number of troops there (luring the season under canvas and in huts, and they might have bands. There would be no harm in that. The amendment was lost. The members elected were the Rev. D. J. Arthur, Mr. D. J. Rees and Mr. T. G. Jones. RECORDS OF APPRECIATION. Air. T. G. Jones said with regard to the record of appreciation of the services of Mr. Francis during the last three years he would also like a record placed in the minute book to the late member, Mr. David Jones. He served the Council for twelve years, and everyone knew that he was conscientious and faithful to the public. He was most diligent in attendance, and they, as a Coun- cil, would be lacking in their duty if they did not serve one as another. Mr. R. E. Jones seconded and said he was sure they would all agree there was no more faithful servant to the town and Council than Mr. David Jones. That was carried. ATTENDANCES. The attendances of the members were as follows: 2b ordmary meetings were held; 20 special and adjourned meetings; 34 Works Com- mittees, and 25 Finance Committees.—Total, 105. Mr. T. G. Jones, 81; Mr. T. E. De?re, 83; Mr. T. James, 94; Mr. Francis, 76; Mr? Grac?, 88; Mr. David Jones, 82; Mr. RD*? Davies, 81; Mr. R. E. Jones, 78; and Mr. R. T. C. Bevan, 30. MASONIC LODGE FOR PORTHC VWT, The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Mole, Secretary of the Masonic Lodge, stating that the Lodge would be formed at Porthcawl, and they accepted the temporary accommodar tion at the Council offioe. (Hear, hear).

OTHER PORTHCAWL COUNCIL ITEMS WILL BE FOUND ON PAGE 5.

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NEW GAS COMMITTEE. I TO COMPRISE THE WHOLE COUNCIL. I PROPOSAL WHICH CAUSED WORDY I WARFARE. After other business reported under separ- ate headings had been transacted at Porth- cawl Council on Monday, Mr. T. E. Deere (the Chairman) sai dthe next business was the appointment of members on the Gas Com- mittee Mr. T. G. Jones: Before you appoint a Gas Committee, I should like to give you a recommendation from the Gas Committee at present acting. We have a committee ap- pointed and we have had one meeting, and we have to recommend that thte Council should take over Mr. Walker, the present manager, at a salary to be agreed upon—practically the present salary—under an agreement for five years. That is to say, providing the gas gives satisfaction and he carries out the duties which are enumerated. The Chairman: I must rule you out of order there. We are not here to receive re- ports from the Gas Committee. We are here to deal with the formation of a Gas Commit- tee. Mr. T. G. Jones: I claim that the Gas Com- mittee was formed at the last meeting. But if you do not want it, well- The Chairman: That is not the point, Mr. Jones. Mr. T. G. Jones: Supposing we do not re- elect the old committee, then we shall not report at all. The Chairman: Yes, you can. You must see that I am ruling fairly. Mr. D. Davies: I propose that the whole Council be on the Gas Committee. Mr. D. J. Rees: I second that. I should certainly like to be a member of that oom- mittee. It is a big business, and I think every member should know something about it. I do not agree with a small committee on such an important thing as the Gas Com- mittee. If we don't know anything more than we did about the gas purchase, then we shall know nothing about it at all. Mr. James moved an amendment that a committee of four should be selected. He had something else to do beside being on the Council. They would want to bring their beds there if they had much more. The Gas Committee was going to take up a lot of time. He thought if a man was going to be appoin- ted on the Gas Committee he should have a lot of time to spare. As regards himself he could not afford it. When the gentleman that proposed the whole Council should be on the Gas Committee knew something more about the work of the Council, he thought he would be very glad if he could be taken off some of the committees. Mr. D. Davies: I have done all I can for the ratepayers, and I don't want any personal remarks. I won't have it. Mr. Grace seconded Mr. James' amend- ment, and said he did not think his friend had been correctly informed. The commit- tee formed for the purchase of the gas works had done nothing but what was confirmed by the Council. The reason he seconded the amendment was because there were so many intricate things to be gone into, and it would not be fair to the town if the committee con- sisted of the whole Council. It had been said that a whole Council could not conduct busi- ness so well as a small committee. The amendment was lost, the Chairman giving his casting vote in favour of the reso- lution. The Chairman said it was all very well for Mr. Grace to get up and tell them that the Council had been aware of what had taken place in the past. They had not. They had not been aware, and that was the diffi- culty. He thought it was full time that they did know what was being done. They were sent there by the electorate, and they should, know something about it. The whole Coun- cil should deal with matters like the gas ques- tion. Up to the present it had been held in the hands of two or three, a.nd they did not know where they were. Bdfc he hoped now, as a Council, they would know. and everv --&/ member would put his shoulder to the wheel, and make it a paying concern for the ratepayers. Mr. Grace: I would appeal to you, Mr. Chairman, to allow the clerk to state whether or not the Council The Chairman There is no reason to appeal to the clerk. I am satisfied as to what has taken place. Mr. Grace: I ask you out of fairness to let the clerk state whether everything has not been confirmed by the Council. The Chairman: Roads Committee; next gentlemen. Mr. Grace: That shows you are not acting fairly. The Chairman: No, Mr. Grace, I do not believe in this sort of thing. Mr. R. E. Jones said he thought it was a great pity the Chairman should allow the im- pression to get abroad that the Gas Committee work had never been before the Council, and that it had not received the sanction of the Council. He did think, in justice to the members, that the clerk should tell them generally round the table and the audience. He thought it was only due to them. The Chairman: There is no occasion for that; I am satisfied in my own mind. Mr. Grace: It is absolutely unfair. Mr. D. J. Rees: Mr. Chairman, is it a fact that on account of not receiving certain in- formation you and,Mr. James refused to sign some cheques. I am rather surprised that Mr. James should move a resolution in that respect. Mr. T. G. Jones: I appeal to you, Mr. Chairman. As chairman of the Gas Commit- tee and the Parliamentary Committee, I ap- peal to you, as you made the statement, to allow the question to be answered by the clerk, whether everything carried out by the Parliamentary Committee and the Gas Com- mittee had not been duly confirmed by the whole Coucil. The Chairman: We know what the answer will be. and we do know as a Council that that has not been the case. Mr. T. G. Jones: I do think that that re- mark is a reflection on our legal clerk. You pre-judge an official of this Council, who oc- !) xmt !)<! cupies an honourable calling, and who is a member of a profession which I think, is hon- oured; at least as far as we know it in this chamber. If I ask that the legal clerk should report to you, yes or no, let him speak the truth, if everything has not been confirmed by the Council. You all know me, and I will never be a party to a hole-in-the- corner business. I have never been that, and I never will be. The Chairman: What I say ia that things were practically sealed before you came to the Council with them, and it is unjust. Even to-night, you say you have seen this man at the gas works, and I do not know anything about it or him. As far as Mr. Davies' answer was concerned, we know what that would be. Mr. T. G. Jones: It is a recommendation to the Council. The Clerk: I hope you do not, as far as I am concerned, cast any reflection upon me. The Chairman: No. no. The Clerk: Everything which has been car- ried on has been carried on fairly and above- board, and everything has been reported to the Council in due time. It is essential for the committee to keep certain information to themselves until the right time. It would be useless coming to the Council and saying this, that, or the other, and then the opposi- tion to turn round and do something else, or if the committee said they could get So-and-So as counsel, "shall we engage him?" for the other side to upset their decision. We cannot do it; everything has been repor- ted to the Council by the Gas Committee from time to time, and confirmed by the Council. The Chairman: This affair has been done, but what I say is this: we, as a Council should know exactly what they are doing be- fore the committee comes to us for confirma- tion, and not come afterwards just for -us to say "Amen." The Clerk: The Gas Committee were given power to act. Mr. Grace: I think, out of justice to my- self, Mr. Chairman, you should withdraw what you said. I think I can prove almost conclusively that had not the Gas Committee been appointed we should never have had the Gas Works at the price we got it. The Chairman: That is a matjter of opinion. Mr. Grace: You know one* member said, "We have been beaten, let the pay for it," and then it is said, "Let everyone know. Why, things that have taken plaoe in this Council, within ten minutes of the meeting have been known in the street. I think the Chairman has acted with injustice. The Chairman: I have no reason to with- draw anything. I must say this: we were not "in the know" until things were prac- tically completed. We don't know now what the interest is going to be. Mr. James said he did not reflect upon any gentleman at the table, and in justice to himself he would say so. Mr. Rees said he was surprised that he should move his resolution. What he said about the cheques was perfectly true, he did refuse, but he thought the Committee could have been changed and they could have in- sisted upon having a report from them.

(Continued from previous column.) the local Press. It places us in a very awk- ward position as a Council. The Clerk admitted being at fault there. He did overlook it, but he saw the manager at the beginning of last week, and he told him he had not written to him formally on the matter, and he said he had quite forgot- ten it; he would do so the next day. It was agreed that Mr. Walker should be appointed gas manager, but the remainder of the report was referred back.