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: ABERGAVENNY BOARD OF k GUARDIANS.
ABERGAVENNY BOARD OF k GUARDIANS. Remunerai'on Ct Religious Instructors. PROPOSITI ?J FOR INCREASE DEFEATED, The fonni.c'itlv meet in:- of the Abergavenny Board of was held on Fridav, Col. W. Williams i 'i'" There were a lso present 3VIr. H. J. (jwillim (vice-chairman,, Rev. H. iloriro T }ress^. J. PncV.rd. R. S. l. T,iw..ic, Alfred Howards, W. Ivlorris, Jos. j Howelis, Win. Jones, James Harrison, John Baynam, Robert Johnson, Joseph Griffiths, I Walter Jol:u->ii and Matthew J. Knight. J Master's Report. I The M. •• -'h t there -ore n tV j house 56 n lCl'7.On1e nand 13 children, a total of o'h 0 d■■ .r,'se cf one compared with the correspond!period of laSt year. There were 75 casuals relieved during the fortnight, com- pared with an increase of 2'. Faynunt cf Religious Irslncto.-s. .J ,I j .t'J\ -)-4J t. The II. Morice Jones, who had previously I given notice of a resolution to increase the re- munerati" of the religious instructors at the house to £ 2 5 per annum each, said that he should like to modify the resolution, as he was afraid that He w<'>id r.ot receive much sr.poort from his colleagues if he adhered to the original proposition embodying an increase of 100 per cent. He thought he might elicit the sympathy of some of them if lie moved that a bonus of 50 per cent, be given to the two religious instructors He had obtained, through the Clerk, a few statistics TS to the salaries paid to religious in- structors hi neighbourii-g unions. They were as follows — Newport Church of England, Nonconformist £ 70, Roman Catholic 50 Chepstow Church of England £30; Noncon- formist /15, Roman Catholic £ 5 Monmouth Church of England {20, Nonconformist L I Roman G-.tholic nil Hereford Church of England -50. Nonconformist and Roman Catho- lic no ix: .ev.ition Crickhowell Church, of Engand 10, Nonconformist CT5 Bedwellty services conducted by the different ministers gratuitc;- "y Pontypool: sen-ices conducted voluntarily. Mr. Morice Jones remarked that all the ortic rs had received war bonuses, and. it seemed hard that they should ignore the claims of the r-ligious instructors. It was true that they had re >t made any application, but they were too dignified, he took it. to make any application. The^C!i; irman Would you name the amount instead of giving the percentage, and then we can und-rstdiul it. The Rev. Morice Jones £ iS 15s. Mr. Workman seconded, and said that, know- ing the two religious instructors, he could testify to their kindness and willingness to do all they possibly could for the interests of the inmates. other days th?t ii They were frequently there 011 other days than Sundays, and if they were called in every day in the week, and the time was at their disposal, undoubtedly they would most willingly attend. Let the Board give them something reasonable and tangible to enable them to live in the manner in which ministerial instructors should live. The Chairman How often do they come ? The Rev. Morice Jones They come as often as they are required. Mr. Alfred Edwards said that their visits averaged a week. Outside Their Calling. Mr. Harrison said that there was one aspect of the question which he should like to put for- ward, a:: d that was that the religious instructors were not wholly maintained by what the Board paid them. It seemed to be inferred that that was all they were getting, and that without an increase they would not be able to wear respect- able clothes and get about among the public. He held that the churches to which they be- longed should pay them a living wage. This was what Lhey called in business a side line." It was a part of their income which was outside their real calling. Mr. Morris I hardly agree with you there. Mr. Harrison said that there were other ministers who would perhaps gladly fill the office if it were offered them. If they increased the two to /15 and paid the Roman Catholic £7 10s. a year for his visits to his people, he thought it would meet the case, and that would make it would meet the case, a- £ 37 ios. a year, exactly the same amount as the Rev. Morice Jones proposed to pay the two religious instructors. Mr. Alfred Edwards seconded the amendment. Mr. Joseph Howells supported the proposition and said he thought that Mr. Harrison was a little bit out of order, as the Roman Catholic priest was not in question. Mr. Baynam said that he was one of the largest ratepayers in the union, and it was very strange to him that they should offer money before it was asked for. He did not agree with it. It was time enough to give an increase when they were asked for more money, and he said so on behalf of the ratepayers. Mr. Thorne said that he was going to say the same thing. He did not know what thev were coming to. They were probably going to give money to someone who did not want it, and probably they could have done the same as other unions, and obtained the services free of charge. Had they tried it ? The Clerk Yes, and it was not a success, I understand. Big and Little Ratepayers. I Mr. Morris said that he believed that at one time the Local Government Board onlv recog- nised the Anglican Church in this matter, and some difficulty arose when the Church of England religious instructor died. It became a question as to whether the appointment should be given to the Church of England or to the Noncon- formists. The Clerk The i.30 was divided. Mr. Morris said that the position was that the cost of living had gone up to these gentlemen, and as far as the Abergavenny Union was con- cerned they were not going to have voluutarv service agnin. He said that the present system was the better one. With regard to Mr. Bav- nam s s atement that he was one of the biggest ratepayers, he only paid according to his wealth. If he (Mr. Morris) was only a little ratepayer he possibly bore a greater burden in proportion than a man who was paying more rates. Mr. Thorne I propose we don't consider this question here to-day. Mr. Howells We must, because there is a notice of motion. Mr. Thorne I move an amendment in opposition to it that we take nonaction in the matter. Mr. Robert Johnson seconded. Mr. II-rrison said that his amendment was that thev pay the two religious instructors £ 15 each and have the Roman Catholic out for the present. The Rev. Morice Jones said that he was quite willing t accept the 1 15. The Chairman You only appointed the Xon- conformist at the last meeting. Mr. Workman And you don't wish to give him a living wage. The Chairman I don't belong to Trinity, do you say ? (Loud laughter). Mr. Harrison It is not a living wage we are considtrit:g. It is a matter altogether outside a living wage. Mr. Howelis It is a question of paying people for services. The amendment that no action be taken was carried by eight votes to seven. Another Increase Wanted. I Mr. )hrvi: vaccr.ie.fi'>n othce? tor the in icn- avon district, having applied to be put on the same oasis as the vaccination officer for the Aberg: veirvv district, Mr. Howelis moved that he be paid the same amount. -< -V v. 1 s g o The Chairman read out some statistics, as popula- tion Blaejiavon, two parishes, popula- tion 12,173. There was no comparison between the two. Mr. Howelis p'?? co^Tuct you business wilut '):)' and raving —■(laughter)—-be- cause taat does not reflect any credit 011 the Board. If von object to it, object to it, and no more about it. I have done it with my eyes open, knowing that it is going to increase the < t rate, and I am not blind. I am one of those 1 people that pay a little rate—.according to my wealth, Mr. Baynam (langhter)ancll have the same right to speak as any big ratepayer, and I move the C'airuum will not do this raving that he is doing. (Laughter). Mr. Thorne I move that we take no action The Vice-Chairman (to the Chairman) Where tlo you get your 66*ooo population from ? havai'i: v- >u made a mistake ? tl,.) voit That 60tooo p.Dp iil?-,ti,)li ? T'lic Cl,riz.: '2?iit is t?ic acre--g.?. we should have these figures from the Clerk, and nut from the Chairmgm. f r o i n u C ?, r i i,, 4, gavenny, 26 parishes, Blaeuavon two Aberga- The Cleri?: (,av,? ",ic ii vennv 66,761 acre area, Blaenavon 6,560 ,a-;Cllny, 2f-) paris',les, Blaeii?-LN-oi 6,5")() cover; the ground in his capacity as a relieving officer. i Mr. Robert Johnson He has six parishes more. Mr. Morris He has very little more. The one vaccination ofhcer has as much work as the other. The Blaeuavon parishes are on the hill, but the vaccination officer on this side can ride round 011 a bike. Mr. Robert Johnson You haven't been round the rural district, I am afraid. Mr. Wm. J ones said that they must have regard to the fact that the Abergavenny district was a more scattered area, and he was therefore prepared to make some allowance for that fact, but they ought to increase the Blaenavon officer. It was the man who produced by hand or brain who was the real ratepayer, and not the man who handed it over, and they must not forget that important fact. Mr. Thorne I am not willing to give Mr. Morgan another id. He calls it a paltry amount, but I make bold to say that there are plenty of people who would be willing to do the job. Mr. Howelis I move that Mr. Morgan be paid (12. Mr. Thorne It is out of order. The amendment that no action be taken was carried. Tribunal on Profiteering. Mr. Thorne said that tribunals were being set up with regard to profiteering, and he thought they should look after the interests of the poor people by seeing that they were not charged too much for commodities. He gave notice of motion for the next meeting that they ask the Abergavenny Town Council and the Blaenavon Urban Council for direct representation on the local local tribunals.
LABOUR'S PROTEST.
LABOUR'S PROTEST. SUNDAY DEMONSTRATION AT ABERGAVENNY. HIGH PRICES, PROFITEERING, RENT AND HOUSING. A demonstration in regard to high prices, profiteering, rent and housing was held at Aber- gavenny on Sunday under the auspices of the local Trades Council and Labour Party. A large number of trades unionists, of whom the majority were railwaymeu, took part in a procession which assembled at the cabstand in Frogmore- street and paraded the principal streets of the town, headed by the Borough Silver Band, before proceeding to Bafley Park. There was a large gathering at the Park, Mr. J. Shervington, N.U.R., presiding. The principal speakers were Mr. Rees Llewellyn, Cardiff, M.E.A., Mr. Ellison, Preston, N.U.R., and Mr. T. R. Wall, Aberga- vennv. I Municipal Food Supplies. The Chairman, referring to the object of the demonstration, said that some people wanted to know what was going to happen at Aberga- venny. Were the walls of Jericho going to fall down again ? He did not know whether they were or not, but their meeting there showed that they meant business of some description. That meeting was to protest against profiteering, high rents, and other things, and if they marched the same way as they had done that day the next time they sent a representative to Parliament and put their cross in the proper place they would remove some of the evils which they had come there to discuss that afternoon. They wetre beginning to look upon resolutions as thing which were meant, or else it was no use to pass them. The Chairman then read the' resolution to be submitted to the meeting, as follows That this mass meeting of trades unionists and citizens of the borough of Abergavenny calls upon the Government and the municipal authorities to at once take steps to deal with the scarcity of houses by the immediate under- taking of all schemes suggested, thus relieving the unemployed situation also to deal effec- tively with the alarming rise in the cost of living and to prevent increases of rents out of all proportion to the increase of rates. We also protest against the broken promises of the Government in these matters, and suggest that the Council make use of the Market Hall to supply direct from the producer to the con- sumer all commodities at a reasonable price, and thereby follow the example of other munici- palities." This resolution it was proposed to send to the Daily Herald," the "Abergavenny Chronicle," the Prime Minister, and the Town Council. High Wages Valueless. Mr. Rees Llewellyn said that he should have liked the framcr of the resolution to have made it more comprehensive from a national and not a local standpoint. These matters were purely national mattes, and until Labour made up its mind to work from the political standpoint with the same earnestness as it worked from the in- dustrial standpoint, he was very much afraid that the passing of these resolutions would be nothing more than the writing on a scrap of paper. The position in this country to-day was dangerous. They were told so by the best economists and the best statisticians, and one reverend gentleman—a high dignitary in the Church of England—said recently that this country was going to the devil as fast as the inactivity of the Government could drive it there. There was no man to-day who could say that the national finances were in a position of security. There was no one who could say that this Coalition Government had done anything to fulfil its promises at the time it sought the suffrages of the people at the last election. In- stead of doing anything in regard to reconstruc- tion, their lethargy and inactivity was responsible for a great deal of the chaos that we found to- day. Some people complained bitterly of the chaos and madness demonstrated in all walks of life. Labour was not the only party that com- plained about these things. They were not the only people who said very definitely and clearly that something must be done in order to save this nation froni-absolute disaster. In proof of that statement they had only to go that dav to Lord Northcliffe's paper, the "Weekly Dispatch, and find a passage written by Viscountess Templetown, headed "Ominous Signs." Thel question was asked Are we going mad ? Who are the offensively rich people who swagger about everywhere, their wives smothered "in jewels (and generally in not much else !), who spend money like water in every direction 3 Who are these people ? For the most part thev are the profiteers, who in one way or another have profited by their country's dire necessity to make fortunes, and who are now flaunting their prosperity before those on whom the burden and stress of high prices, scarce food and scarcer fuel is like to fall willi terrible severit v ere long." P was a terrible indictment,- and. Viscountess Templetown told them what the Labour Party had been telling the citizens of this country for the last five years. Their reso- lution protested against high prices. What were ti;e:;e htgu prices ? Since 1914, feminine attire had increased in price by 275 per cent., men's clothing had gone up 165 per cent., and figures compiled by the Wholesale Grocers' Association showed that the cost of living so far as essential I foodstuffs alone were concerned had gone up II 150 per cent. Those figures gave a mean average increase of 107-3 compared with the prices which prevailed in August 11,14. Could they wonder that the workers were complaining ? I High wages had become valueless, aid the first plank in the programme of the Labour Party 'I Vi a.> a 1 duct ion in food prices. A Select Com- mittee had been appointed by the Government to report on the cost of living, and if their report was to be dealt with in the same way as reports of other committees of inquiry, then it would be an open repudiation of all the pledges and promises given in order to establish peace in the I industrial world. There was congestion and chaos in transport. The mines had to be nationalised, and the railways would not be managed better ulllil they were national property and managed by the Stayc and the transport facilities of this country had to be managed in the same way. That was the only way to pre- vent the gang of profiteers in tis country from sucking dry the life-blood of the nation. Mors and Belter Horses, Food and CIcthes. I What had the Government done ? They I had. don« absolutelv nothing until they were lupelied owing to the pressure of the trades union movement. They did not intend to do' anything except under pressure every time. The Conservative and Liberal parties had had opportunities galore, but both separately and in coalition they had failed. What was the alterna- tive ? The day had arrived when Labour should be called upon to take the honour and responsibility of forming a Government in order to assist social order in this country. The Prime Minister and the heads of the executive depart- ment had given a pledge to the miners that, after inquiry, they would nationalise the mines. What were they prepared to do now ? They were prepared to add to the present evil by establishing trusts all over the land, which would accelerate revolution. The remedy was worse than the disease. Unless the Govern- ment kept their promise to the Miners' Federa- tion pressure would be brought to bear on them which would compel them to nationalise the mines, with the royalties and wayleaves attached. Could the Government fight the miners ? o. Could the miners fight the Government ? Yes. In which way ? There was no need to clash with the Army or run riot with the police. The only thing that the miners wanted to do was to stay in their beds for a week, and the Govern- ment would come to their senses. (Laughter). Who were the Government going to put down in the mines.? Were they going to put down the members of the National Citizens League which they were trying to organise ? Would they organise the shop-keepers and others to go down the mines ? It would be better than a comedy. 1 The day was not far distant when they would have one trades union in this country, controlled by one executive and speaking with one voice and with one aim. There was a necessity for complete co-operation in the ranks of the Labour movement, and when that was established they would he able to place in the House of Commons a majority sufficient to form a Government. The national cry was for more and better houses, more and better food and more and better clothes. Why was it that the prices of building material had reached a prohibitive point ? Ask auv of their local administrators on their Town Council. It was not their fault that many of these housing schemes were on paper only. Put some of these schemes into operation and what would be the result ? They would have taxed themselves a pound in the without some reservation to protect the working classes of the country, and they would add tenfold to the present high, prices of living. Working men were not going to live in the state of degradation they lived in before the war. They might not be nationalisers or direct actionists, but they wanted the working classes to realise that they had the political power in their hands, and they wanted them to use it. If there was no con- stitutional way of controlling high prices, the trades organisations throughout the country must use their power to bring about a remedy at all costs. Mr. Horsington's Challenge. -Air. Ellison said that to his mind a profiteer: was much more dangerous than a German Hun in their midst, because he was trifling with the bread and butter of the poor workers. He was a danger not only to society but to the nation as a whole. He presumed some people would call them profiteers because they demanded what they considered they were justly entitled to. He might tell them that he was one of those who appealed to the Government to keep prices down, and they would be satisfied with their wages for the duration of the war. The Govern- ment reply was that they had only one way to increase their wages, and that was to make demands on the railway companies. Lloyd George had told them to be audacious, and they had been audacious, and he hoped they would be until they nationalised the mines and the railways and the land. At Preston he had seen plums sold at gd. per lb. by a retailer, who re- fused to buy from a farmer at 2d. per lb. He had seen the same mushrooms priced at 3s., is. 6d. and Sd. per lb. He was not suggesting that' the farmer was wholly responsible for the high prices, but he did suggest that the middle- man was the person who was sucking the life- blood out of the workers and taking their residue which should be kept for a rainy day. On bananas at 21,d. there was a profit of 150 per cent., and they could realise what profits were made out of a shipload of bananas. What they complained of was that shiploads in transit changed hands to the detriment of the consumer The speaker said that he had pad the oppor- tunity of seeing some of their slums at Aberga- venny, and he felt ashamed that they had not had the sense in the past to put more Labour representatives on the Council to see that they I had better housing. I Ex-Councillor Horsington You have three or four, and they do nothing. The Speaker Will you come up here ? Councillor Horsington I say that your representatives on the Town Council do nothing. I know better than you what Abergavenny wants. Abergavenny wants housing. Mr. Ellison I am here to endeavour to im- prove your housing conditions. I Mr. Horsington Your Labour representatives I have done nothing. Done Nothing. I After some further argument, Mr. Horsington accepted an invitation to the platform, and said The speaker said something to the eftect of what is required at Abergavenny in the shape of housing, and he also says that the Abergavenny Town Council should be asked why they don't move in the matter. He said ":Get Labour representation on your bodies to move in the matter." I say the Labour representatives on the Abergavenny Town Council have done nothing. Let them come before the public, and send men there who will do something. The Abergavenny Town Council have acquired the land from that corner of the Park to that corner —28 acres. They have had possession of ior two years, and there is not one sod turned to- wards making roads yet. Mr. Ellison replied that it was very difficult for two Labour representatives to do anything on a Council of about 16. There. were always ten votes against the Labour representatives. (Mr. Horsington Wrong again). At any rate they were always in a minority, and therefore they were debarred from moving at all. He would suggest to the Abergavenny Town Council that they get a move on, and if they did Hot get a move on, next November they would get a move on for them. (Hear, hear). It only cost a id. rate to build these houses. It would not cost Abergavenny one cent. more. What they wanted was a majority of Labour representatives on the Town Council, and if they did not move, then their duty, as citizens, would be to move them off at one sweep at the next election. He regretted to learn that the working classes of the town had allowed the landlords to increase rents dbove the increase in the rates. Under the Rent Restriction Act it was illegal for them to do so. Ben Taylor, who was in the audience, had previously interrupted the speaker when telling a story, and he accepted an invitation to come on the platform. He said he was pleased to meet them there that afternoon, and he hoped they would enjoy it. (Laughter). He ap- preciated every word the speaker had said. He had been in the town in one house for a little bit over four years, and he was going to ask if it was right for the landlord to charge him is. more per week since 1915. There is another thing," he concluded, don't keep a gentleman of 84 ears to try a little nia.i like me." (Loud laughter). FisJ,J Fruit and Vegetable Days. < Mr. T. R. the liolisill- question, said that at Ebbw Vale he had seen some wooden dwellings made of i-inch match- lining throughout, with the exception of a weather board outside. He did not know who was responsible for the construction of these houses, but lie did look upon them as being a source of great danger to the inhabitants who were likely to occupy them. They were in blocks of four. They could imagine what was likely to happen if a fire broke out and the wind was in the right direction. They did not want houses like that. Match-lined houses were for caicken. (Laughter). They wanted more sub- j stantially-built houses for the working classes, not pigstyes, and not hen-coops. (Laughter). They wanted proper houses, and what was more they were going to get them. We had since November spent 7° millions in Russia, where the people wanted to get on with their own business and did not want ary interference. That money would have built 101,000 houses for the working classes. Referring to politics and the M.P. for the division, Mr. Well said that Columbus did discover something, and Mr. Forestier-Walker had discovered that the Mardv had got no I .I. l" "l. L.I.L\ L. l, l.(..l. -Jv ofiice. (Laughter). Why, thev would be brtn-r represented by a rag doll. They could get a squeak out of it if they pressed it, but they could ,)t't t',ie-,? (-,)U l (,l not get a squeak out of Porestier-Walker. They wanted a man in Parliament with fighting abilities. The Government would not nationa- lise the mines, but they nationalised tiie National Debt. That was their property. They would not give them something worth having, but they gave them something they would have to pay for very shortly. It was mentioned by Mr. Lloyd George that the interest on loans cost the country 400 millions a year. They had to pay that. There were also 100 millions a year for pensions, making 500 millions a year. They did not object to the pensions, but they objected to giving 400 millions to those who lent their money. When they paid that 1400 millions they would not be paying anything off the debt, but it would remain for their children and their children's children. If they delayed this ques- tion of houses their rents were going to be very high, unless the Rent Restriction Act was ex- tended, and then what would be their position ? Wasn't it better to get a move on so that the working classes could have proper accommoda- tion for their wives and children. If there was competition for houses there would be heavy rents. With regard to profiteering, the Town Council could use the Market and have a fish day as well as a fruit, vegetable and poultry day. He felt sure that a fish market would be strongly supported by the people. (A voice I paid a shilling for a mackerel, last Saturday). Mr. Matthews' Retort. I Mr. C. W. Matthews, in proposing the resolu- tion, said that it was necessary for them, as workers, to look after themselves. One of their ex-Councillors had the audacity to come there I and ask what had the Labour men done on the Town Council. (Mr. Horsington Notliiiig). The same thing would apply to himself. What had he done ? What he did do was this. When there was an aldermanic vacancy on the Council, the Labour men stuck to their guns to put a Labour man as alderman. Councillor Horsing- ton was one of their opponents, and what did he do ? When they told him that at the next November election they would receive a serious call from Labour, he said I will fight them I will resign my seat," and he did so, but vhen the re-nomination came lie failed to send in his nomination paper. (Mr. Horsington Not a bit of it). He did not want them to listen to what Mr. Horsington was saying. If there was not a bit of it about it, where was his nomination paper, and why didn't he try to get back on the Council at the end of the week ? That was straight to the point. If he wanted to fight Labour, why didn't he stand ? If he had done so he would have had a clear conscience to have said that there was not a man strong enough to fight him, but he remained in the background and came there and condemned their men. If they followed the reports in the paper they would find that John Beckwith had been speaking on the housing question for six or seven years, and he had tried to give him the best support he could. He had done his best, and yet they had an ex-Councillor who asked what they had done. They had sent others there, and what did they do with them ? They elected their committees, and put one Labour man to four others. What could one man do against four ? (A voice What about a dab in the fist ?) That did not concern him. They wanted stronger Labour representation, and then they would see something done in Aberga- venny which should be done. He hoped next November to see four stalwarts fighting their cause.. If they had four, they would then have eight against eight, and there would only be the casting vote of the Mayor. He hoped that they would have at Abergavenny something to look at. They had 28 acres of land, and the Council told them they were prepared to build houses, but they would not unless they were pushed at the back. Mr. Mungeam seconded the resolution, re- marking that he hoped the meeting would prove to the Town Council that they meant business on the housing problem. The resolution was then put and carried by a general show of hands.
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WI nml ¡; li.:U;U if m H tJ:m!mHHHHHI UlHlflllIH ¡¡I! i I UIIIIIIIIIIII!I mUII;11 iiH I I A! f11# dO '0'.1 L-.I 'I ??  '1. 't.1A' "W, ,1, (¡¡¡Pi CU-W' ,f fJ" "t. fJ V (J, ¡ J p} 4jz* ttJ J:; l»' ? HOW o?cn 'have you used those words in discussing another  ?? man's success ? Jones, who used to serve behind a counter, i opened his own shop and is now doing well. Smith, | who was a bank clerk, broke away and started a now prosperous business. Robmson. a cJbrted analytical chemist, commenced in a small way the manufacture of a toilet soap, and now controls a couple of factories. Yes, br.t Ckzy all had a little bit of capital! Now, there are only two ways in which YOU can acquire Cl-I.tll. You must have it left or given to you, or you must save it ozzt of your earnings. If you have any ambition some day to set up in business for yourself, NCY:í IS THE TIME to start saving for it. See to it that when the opportunity arrives that little bd of caoile. is not missing. Invest your savings in Savings Certificates. BUILD UP YOUR CAPITAL by means of ??????7?.??   _V:û ?  ?'?*'?'?'y??'y?'?/'?7'7 ,?. .?. \??C??????-????' The finest Investment in the world. Money always available. Earning compound interest at the rate of 5:1: per cent. No Income Tax to pay on the increase. t. Obtainable through yur SAVINGS ASSOCIATION or from any Official Agent, Money Order Post O^ce or Bank. U!IIIIll!UIIUIIlill!lli!ilf!!iiIlill!l!!lE!IIIII[lll!liiiillllIIII!!llll!lliifllllliilliil!lllllli!] C. POWELL & SON." C. POWELL & SON GENTLEMEN'S I OUTFITTING, 45 LADIES' and I CHHWS OUTFITTING, 46 FROGMORE ST., ABERGAVENNY I c. POWELL & SON C. POWELL & SON. GREAT REDUCTION IN PRICES GALVANISED SHEETS, TIMBER, MATCHBOARDS, FLOORBOARDS, etc. etc. All Sizes in Stock. Baths and Lavatories. Grates and Ranges. Cement, Pipes, Bricks and all Building Material at Lowest Prices. District Agents for the Celebrated Oakeley Slates. ROBERT PRICE & SONS, ADJOINING CATTLE MARKET. LINENS LINENS SPECIAL PURCHASE of HOUSEHOLD LINENS INCLUDING Sheetings, Towellings, Tablings, Table Cloths, Hemstitched Sheets Blankets, Duchess Sets, Afternoon Tea Cloths, Table Covers, etc., also Large Stock of Hearth Rugs, Carpet Squares, Stair Carpets and Mattings at very moderate prices. THOMAS & SONSP GOLDEN FLEECE, ABERGAVENNY. E. A. PEAKE, FLORAL HALL, CROSS ST., FOR Wreaths, Crosses, Chaplets, Anchors, or any design. Bridal Shower. Opera Presentations, and other Bouquets artistically made up of the choicest flowers in season at the shortest notice. New and Reliable Seeds have stood the test for over 30 years. Estimates given for Table, Church De- corations, Weddinp- Parties &c. COULD NOT SLEEP FOR ITCHING. INOLAK CURED ME. YOU use INOLAK for Itching Eczema, _L Pimples, Insect Bites, or any skin trouble. First touch will stop itching and start certain cure. No matter what you have tried, use INOLAK, the only remedy that will DRAW OUT all that causes skin trouble. Does not burn or sting. Will always cure. Get INOLAK, 1/3, 3/ 5/ of ROBERTS, Chemist, Frogmore Street, Abergavenny, and Chemists everywhere. ) YE OLD FIRM, Estd. 1857. WILL EVANS, (Late J. E. Evans). SCULPTOR, 2 BRECON ROAD MONUMENTS In Marble, Granite and Stone. MEMORIAL BRASSES. DESIGNS FREE. Goytre & District Farmers' Association. THE above PLOUGHING MATCH AND I SHOW will be held on Oct. 8th, 1919. All offers of sites to be in Secretary's hands not later than Mondav, Sept. 8th. W. T. SPENCER, Pistyll, Secretary. Llanvair Kilgeddin. Printed and Pnbliahed by Morgan & Co. (H. Morgan and E. C. Straker), at 26, Frogmore Street, Aber- gavenny in the Oonnty of Monmonth. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5 1919.
▼.. Abergavenny Town Council.
▼ Abergavenny Town Council. LETTING OF THE TOWN HALL. I IMPROVED TRAIN SERVICE WANTED. I The monthly meeting of the Abergavenny Town Council was held on Monday, the Mayor (Aid. Z. Wheatley, J.P.) presiding. There were also present Alderman Col. J. G. Bishop, Ald. Col. W. Williams, Councillors Major J. R. Jacob, P. Telford, F. Sadler, W. J. Tong, W. Rosser, A. C. Graham, G. R. Plowman, F. J. Mansfield, R. Iball, J. R. Beckwith, and W. J. Meale. Late Mr. CarneLyie. I The Mayor moved a vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Mr. Andrew Carnegie, who was a freeman of the borough and presented the Free Library to the town. Local Honours. I The Mayor said that since the last meeting Sister Nellie Rutherford, daughter of the late Town Clerk, had been awarded the Red Cross medal for services rendered during the war. Col. Herbert had also been mentioned for war services. He moved that a vote of congratula- tion be sent to each of them. Councillor Plowman seconded, and pointed out that the Mayor had been made a Welsh bard, and he moved that he too be congratulated. The resolutions were carried. New Councillor. Alderman Williams introduced Councillor Rosser to the Council, and the new member remarked that he would endeavour to do his best in the interests of the borough. Field Gun for Abergavenny. A letter was read from the Monmouthshire Territorial Association stating that a gun, presented to the town, had been placed on rail. The Mayor said that the gun, which was a field one, had arrived, and he asked permission to allow it to be shown at the Horse Show. On October 25th the tank would be delivered to them. He thought that this matter should be left to the War Savings Committee. Train Services. J A letter was read from the local Trades and I Labour Council asking that steps should be taken to secure a later train service to Bryn- mawr and from Newport and Cardiff. The Town Clerk said that he had seen Mr. Boulter at Pontypool Road, and he said that he could hold out no hopes for an improved serv ice until the company had more railway engines. Councillor Meale said that application should be made to the G.W.R. Coy. for the motor-bus to stop by the Brecon-road Station at night. It did not stop till it got to the Post Office, and many people thus just missed their train at the Brecon-road Station. It was decided to write to ,the railway com- panies on the matter. I Reduced Fees For The Town Ha!L I A letter was read from the Asylum Workers for a reduced fee for a dance at the Town Hall in aid of their benevolent fund. It was sug- gested that the matter should be referred to the Attractions Association, who now had control of the bookings. Councillor Telford pointed out that the Attrac- tions Association had nothing to do with the fixing of the fees for the hall. Councillor Plowman (chairman of the com- mittee) said he did not agree with that at all. It was not the intention that any such applica- tion should come before the Markets Committee or the Council. Any application for relief should go to the Attractions Association. They were responsible for the lettings. Councillor Mansfield said that as a member r of the Markets Committee he shared the view o f Councillor Plowman, and Councillor Iball said he did too. The Mayor Then it lies with the Attractions Committee. Councillor Rosser said that he strongly ob- jected to that. The Attractions Association had the control of bookings, but they had to pay a stipulated fee to the Council. Was it reason- able to push the responsibility of granting re- cluced fees 011 to j-them ? fit smacked of cowardice. Jt was not a question of having the hall, but of fees, and the matter would be solved if the Markets Committee said they would take a reduced fee. Councillor Plowman said that he objected to that entirely. Ever since the Attractions Association had had control of the hall the com- mittee had had nothing else but applications for reduced fees, and he objected to having the onus of it put on the Council. Councillor Telford asked if the chairman of the Markets Committee would give them a list of those he was 'complaining about. Councillor Plowman Yes on two occasions you have applied for and have had a reduction. Councillor Telford No application has come Co-,iiicillor Telford -\o application has have nothing to do with it at all. Councillor Tong said he certciulv never under- stood that the Attractions Association were given control of the fees. What they had was control of the dates. A Paying Concern. Councillor Rosser said that the Attractions Association did not wish to control the fees at all, and if the hall was granted to the Asvlum Workers on the day arranged the 'fee they would pay would be the fee the Association would hand over to the Markets Committee. The Attractions Association had guaranteed the Council a minimum number of bookings, which placed the Town Council in the happy* position of making the Town Hall a paying concern, whereas formerly it had for some years past been a charge on the rates. Councillor Plowman said that whatever was taken from the Asylum Workers would be' credited to the Attractions Association in their guarantee. Councillor Rosser Does he think that the Attractions Committee are not going to fulfil that guarantee ? Councillor Plowman My point is that this booking is in the hands of the Attractions Association and they should deal with it. Councillor Tong I am distinctly opposed to that. we gave them power to fix dates, but we never gave them power over our finance. Thev have given up this particular night for the Asylum Workers, and it is our business to fix the fee. CounciHoi- Jacob proposed that they leave it to the Attractions Association to fix a lower fee if they liked. Councillor Graham That is no solution of the situation at all, but rather tends to show that there are more able men off the Council than on it. If the Attractions Association liked to grant the hall at a reduced fee they could put up with the loss. In reply to a question, the Town Clerk said that the charge for the hall for one night, on the scale paid by the Attractions Association, was £ 2 13S. 6d. Councillor Tong moved that the Asylum Workers have it for £ 2. Councillor Rosser proposed that the Town Hall Committee go into the question of the charges for such organisations in the town. The Town Hall had been let on previous occasions at very low fees which did not cover the cost of the gas consumed. If any concession was to be made to organisations in the town working for charitable objects there should be a scale drawn up to which they should adhere, and no member of the Town Council should have the prerogative of letting the Town Hall at a nominal fee after- wards. He moved that such a scale be drawn up. Councillor Tong asked if the Attractions Association were not in the same position as Vyviall Thomas when he had control of the hall. The Town Clerk said that the Association asked for the exclusive letting. The question of the reservation of local bookings came up and it was decided that the Association be allowed the exclusive right, except when the hall was required by religious denominations for entertainments, teas, etc. Councillor Sadler proposed that a charge of 30s. be made, as asked for. Councillor Mansfield said that the committee had tested the gas and based their charges on the cost, and if they were going to let it for 30S. they would certainly not be remunerated for the gas alone. A considerable amount of gas was consumed for a dance. The amendment that 30s. be charged was eventually carried. Profiteering and Scarcity of Butter. A letter was read from the Board of Trade with regard to the Profiteering Act, under which local councils were empowered to appoint committees to investigate and determine complaints of profiteering or alleged profiteering by retail traders in the district, and there would be appeal tribunals for each county or group of counties. Councillor Beckwith asked if butter was to be controlled in the Market. There was very litde there, but what little there was was sold at 3s. per lb., very often. He did not know if that was the controlled price. He thought a com- mittee should be appointed to see to this kind of thing'. Councillor Iball said there had been a lot of complaints among working men about profiteer- ing, but the difficulty was to get at it. They wanted cases brought before the Town Clerk. He and his wife only got 202s. of butter, while others were getting pounds. He did not think itwas right that some people could register with farmers and get so much, while others had only 2ozs. Councillor Tong said they were not dealing with butter, but whether they should elect a tribunal. Councillor Iball: Has not this something to do with profiteering-one getting all he can, and another going short ? The Mayor said that if any case could be brought before the Food Control Committee they would take steps immediately. Councillor Mansfield proposed that a com- mittee be formed for the borough, Councillor ¡ Meale seconded, and it was carried. Bathing Facilities. I On the minutes of the Sanitary and Water Committee, Councillor Mansfield said that it was a fitting time to review the question of bathing with a view to improving the facilities, which at present were very poor. He had been on many occasions to Llanwenarth, and young ladies of the town had been there and there were no facilities for them whatever. He would suggest that a committee be appointed to con- sider the desirability, between then and next summer, of providing some accommodation to enable bathers to dress and unless. It could be taken down in the winter. Councillor Jacob said that they should have a movable structure. If it was a wooden one it would either be washed away in the winter or taken for firewood. Councillor Telford said that canvas was put up this year, but it had to be taken down almost immediately, and they had asked the Surveyor to go into the question of a shed for next year. He thought it would cost about £ 150. They would have to appoint someone to look after it, and the town would have to take the responsi- bility. Councillor Iball, who is a member of the com- mittee, said lie had suggested that a bathing place should be provided in the top part of the Park. They could have a sheet of water about inoft. long, 60ft. wide and 4ft. deep, and it could be used for skating in the winter. Councillor Tong This matter was discussed and we were advised not to entertain it. We thought it was impracticable. Alderman Bishop How many skaters would 100ft. hold ? Councillor Graham said that the bathing question had been a scandal for so long that the people would take the question into their own hands just now. The Mayor said he thought it was quite time that something was done. It was decided to refer the paragraph hack to the committee, whereupon Councillor Telford remarked You have thrown the scheme out now.. Worth Advertising. Councillor: Graham, referring to the annual report of the Medical Officer, said that this report was not made sufficiently known to the ratepayers, and lie should like to see people knowing more about it. The birth rate was excellent and the death rate was satisfactory. These things were well worth advertising, and they ought to take more pains to let everyone know. They were practically free from epi- demics, and they hoped that the housing scheme would be a success, if they were able to carry it out. He should like people to know that at Abergavenny it was not a case of all slums. They had a very pleasant and pretty town to I Continued on Page 5.