The South Wales Star

POLITICS IN SOUTH GLA- MORGAN. MR. A. J. WILLIAMS. M.P. AT BONVIL- STOXE. CRUSHING REPLY TO MR. CHAMBERLAIN. A large and enthusiastic meeting of Liberals was held at Zoar Chapel, Bonvilstone, on Friday even- ing last, for the purpose of hearing an address from Mr. Arthur J. Williams, the member for the Southern division of Glamorganshire, of which the district of Bonvilstone and the Vale of Glamorgan forms part. Mr. E. W. Miles, solicitor, Cowbridge, presided, and he was supported by Mr. Williams, M.P., Rev. — Humphries (Peterstone). and Messrs. W. Llewellyn Williams, B.A. (South Wales Star), Jenkyn Thomas (Bonvilstone). Daniel Evans (Cowbridge). Thomas Rees (Peterstone), &c., &c. The proceedings were marked by the most com- plete unanimity and the greatest enthusiasm. The Chairman on rising to open the proceedings was received with applause. He said it was a very pleasant duty for him to preside over such a meet- ing. They were present that lllght to welcome their respected member—(applause) and to hear an address from him. He felt sure that they all owed a certain amount of gratitude to Mr. Wil- liams for sacrificing his time in visiting even the most remote and scattered parts of the constituency for the purpose of meeting his constituents. (Hear, hear.) Their member was one of those who fought against privilege. It was an uphill fight was this one against privi- lege. and it was an uphill course that they had to run. He did not want to occupy the time, there- fore he would call upon Mr. Williams to address them. (Cheers.) Mr. Arthur J. Williams. M.P., who received a very flattering reception, said their chairman had remarked that a certain amount of gratitude was due to him for taking the trouble to come down and address those of his constituents who lived in the Vale of Glamorgan. No gratitude was due to him as he was their member, because he felt that as long as he represented that division in Parlia- ment. his duty ought to bring him, not only into the populous districts of the north, which 110doubb contributed the large share of his majority, but into those parts of his constituency where the population was scattered, where it was mainly agricultural, and where privilege still remained. (Hear, hear.) Because, as the chairman said, the fight of their party during the last hundred years had been a fight against privilege of all sorts, and it was therefore of great importance with refer- ence to the future that the people who lived in the country should be alive to the great interest they had in all the questions that were coming forward. (Hear, hear.) During the last two or thres days Wales had had visits from two extremely clever men. The Tory Government had sent down Sir Edward Clarke to Cardiff. and Mr. Chamberlain—he did not know whether the Tory Government had sent him—-(a laugh)—had also come down to Wales, and these two very clever men had delivered two very clever speeches. What had they come down into Wales for ? (Laughter and" Hear. hear.") Wales was a very awkward bit of the kingdom just now. When in 1833 the Liberal party was broken up by the dissentient Liberals—as they called themselves—Wales stood firm—(cheers)— it was not led astray, and tho result was that in Wales the Liberal majority practically remained untouched. (Hear, hear.) It was a very awkward and significant fact. and the reason why those two gentlemen had come "down was because they felt that they must try. if possible, to alter the present state of things. He did not believe that they would be able to win a Liberal seat, bu^; they knew that there was to be a determined attempt on the part of the Liberal party to sweep the whole of W ales—(cheers)—so they meant to make a gallant defence of such constituencies as Radnorshire and Pembroke Boroughs, which at present returned Tory mem- bers. He happened to be in Radnor recently with Mr. Frank Edwards, and, if he was not very much mistaken, neither Sir Edward Clarke or Mr. Chamberlain would prevent Mr. Frank Edwards going in as the Liberal member. (Applause.) He said he would only that night dwell upon one or two of the arguments, if he might call them so, "which had been put forward by those gentlemen to try and persuade the Welsh people that they ought to support a Tory Government. Mr. Cham- berlain had tackled a good many jobs during the last four or five years he was a man of undaunted courage he did not flmch when he set his mind -on anything in the House, or out of it, his courage never gave way, but he did not think there over was an instance of his showing more Tinfliiiching courage than that of coming down into the middle of Wales to persuade the Wel-Ii Radical that he was wrong and that Mr. Chamberlain was right. (Applause!) It was so hard a business that he did not wonder when they came to look at Mr. Chamberlain's speech that they found how hope- less the task was. and that how much he felt when he was delivering the speech how absurd the effect was. In the first place, he came down to Welshmen, and insulted them in the most gross way. He said it was their duty to support a Tory Government, and he said that at the last election the conduct of the Welsh electors was that of men who betrayed every principle oi their lives in order to get a bribe from Mr. Glad- stone. It seemed to him that that was not the way to make friends with Welshman. (Hear, hear.) Mr. ChamberLain asked the Welsh people Why did you. when Mr. Glad- stone in 1885 brought in his bill, vote for Home Rule. You Welsh Nonconformists wanted to have religious freedom and equality I am in favour of religious equality." Mr. Chamberlain was in favour of it once, and he put it in his programme but during the last session of Parliament he got up twice in the House of Commons and said he was not in favour of reliirious eqnality, because he would rather sacrifice every principle he had had during his life than turn out the present Govern- ment. (Apphuse.) If Mr. Chamberlain was in favour of the Disestablishment and Disendowrnent of the Church in Wales, why did he not support the Welsh members when they brought forward their motion: Did he get up and make such a speech as he did ten years ago when he presided over the annual meeting of the- Liberation Society ? (Cheers.) It was not expedient for Mr. Chamber- lain to do that now. and yet he wanted the Welsh people to support a Government, which if it was pledged to anything—he did not think any of the Tory pledges were worth much—was pledged to resist to the very last ditch the Disestablishment' and Disendowrnent of the Church in Wales. Mr. Chamberlain at Llanybyther in effect said, Why did you support Mr. Gladstone Not'because you conscientiously believed that this great measure of peace to Ireland was a wise and just message you did not care about Ireland, you did not care about Home Rule as far as you were concerned you would not have supported Mr. Gladstone but for one thing. You hoped that if you followed him in Home Rule. you might have persuaded him to give you the bribe of Disestablishment in Wales." (Laughter.) Never was there a mAre monstrous calumny. (Cheers.) It was untrue: in fact, there was not the slightest vestige of hope in the minds of the Welsh people at the time that they would gain anything in the shape of an advance in the object of their desires in supporting Mr. Glad- stone. He cxild call their attentions to constant expressions of disappointment on the part of the press in WmL s. because Mr. Gladstone did not com- mit himself: in fact he di~t nctly refused to pledge himself. If any man had done his very best te make it clear that they should not have a Tory member for Wt les at the next election, that speech at Llanvbythsyj had settled the matter. It only showed how vary clever men. it once they left the great''broad path of principle, and had to tak.e steps which were in violation of their own interests of right, n-ade the most stupid mistakes. Mr. Cham- berlain never m?o4 J such a mistake as coming d-own. to Cardiganshire, except the stupid mistake of -delivering the speech. (Laughter.) They were charged With, at the last elect ion of sacrificing every- thing in orier to get Jjisestablishmeut and Disendow- rnent. The. Welsh ptople were not going to sacri- licfc their principles to expediency neither for Mr. Gladstone or an> other statesman that pre- sided over the destiaSes of the country. Mr. Chamberlain went on to point out how foolish they were not -to have thrown in their lot with him. and the present Government of course. Now came the most ao-urd mistake which he made in that speech. He said that even taking it for granted that Mr. Gladstone was returned to power, the Home Rule Bill would have to be settled before Parliament cc>ald discuss the qaestion of religious ^equality in Wales. \Ve knot; he said, that -the Irish representatives claim an independent parliament." They had never since the con- stitutional agitation began claimed anything of the sort, and Mr. Chamberlain knew it. (Cheers.) Could they conceive of a great statesman descend- ing to such a statement as thatHow could he expect that it would go unchallenged. There were. liowevef. one or two great principles which they wouldagattt hear of. when the next. Home Rule Bill's were introduced. There wasnodoubt thatthey would give the Irish people the control of their police (Applause.) On the last occasion the Todes ob. ^ected to Uiq Irish people having control ot the police, and Mr. Gladstone was obliged to give in- There was no necessity for the present kind of force. The Irish people were as law-abiding as English people and Welsh people if they were left alone, and treated properly and trusted. (Lo"d cheers.) Then Mr. Chamberlain went on to point out that if the House of Commons accepted Mr. Gladstone's measure, there was the House of Lords to deal with. (Laughter.) That was one of the funniest things in the history of that remarkable man. He (the speaker) did not think there was any sadder career—unless it be that of that un- fortunate man whose life was prolonged just one year too much. He alluded to Mr. Parnell, whose perhaps was more sad in its tragic history. When, however, the lives of those two men came to be written, the life of Mr. Chamberlain would be sadder still. (Hear hear.) Full of bright pro- mise. with an overwhelming power of clear and lucid expression, a master of the English lan- guage, acute in thought, far-reaching in insight, with all the qualities to make him a leader and a Prime Minister of a Radical Parliament, yet he had fallen from his high estate, and none of those great qualities could be devoted but to those mean. those wretched, those miserable at- tempts to mislead the consciences of the people. (Cheers.) Well, Mr. Chamberlain referred to his friends, the Lords, and said that once the Bill passes the House of Com- mons it will go before the House of Lords, and asks if it will go further. But the outspoken language of Mr. Gladstone -(cheers)-and the still more outspoken language of Sir William Harcourt, had gone forth as a warn- ing. (Applause.) He (the speaker) had given it for years—-(hear, hear)—and now he found the leaders of their party taking up the watch-cry. He believed it was the beginning of a distinct constitutional movement, which would be so overwhelming that it would determine that the House of Lords shall not obstruct any longer. (Loud cheers.) He did not believe in a second chamber. When that Liberal paper, well-known to many of them, the South JF ales- Star—(applause)—published what ittermed its Confession of Faith, he remembered that it was in favour of a reform of the House of Lords only. anl he (the speaker) thought it his duty to point out in an article which lie wrote that no doubt remained in the minds of his constituents that a second chamber could not be of any use, and that, consequently, the sooner they had only one chamber the better. (Loud applause.) No sooner does Mr. Chamberlain fall away from his party and backslides, then he becomes the victim of bogeys. (Laughter and hear. hear.) He had now the bogey of the House of Lords. What did Mr. Chamberlain mean when he came into Cardigan- shire and asked the Welsh people to support the Tory Government. P Did they believe that any Tory Government that ever existed or would exist would ever grant the farmers of Wales those great privileges which were to be granted at the expense of the Tory land- owners in Wales. Of course the Welsh people would secure their Land Act, but not possibly as soon as they might have done if Mr. Chamberlain had not betrayed the party to which he belonged. (Hear, hear.) If hs had only stood true to his principles, if he had not been in such a hurry to take the reins of office out of Mr. Gladstone's hands—(cheers)—they might at this moment have been passing a Land Bill for Wales. (Hear, hear.) He (the speaker) thought that even his humble efforts had swept away Mr. Chamberlain's attempts to delude the Welsh people. (Applause.) It gave him infinite satisfaction to do his best to show how absurd and how vain had this attempt been to mislead the awakened intelligence of the great body of the Welsh people. To his mind one of the greatest satisfactions of his political life was to observe how two great measures had transformed the face of his native land. The first was the Education Act of 1870, that great gift of the Liberal party, for which they had been working for so many years—although it ought to have been more generous and just—and the other the Reform Act of 1884, which had absolutely trans- formed Wales from being hopeless and from looking up with fear and trembling. (Ap- plause.) The hon. member then proceeded to briefly refer to Disestablishment and one or two other topics, and concluded an eloquent speech amid loud applause. Mr. Daniel Evans (Cowbridge) proposed a vote of thanks to and a vote of confidence in Mr. Williams. (Applause.) He said he had watched their worthy member's career, and he seemed to him to be thoroughly orthodox in the radical creed. (Applause.) Rev.—Humphries (Peterstone). Mr. W.Llewtllyn Williams (South Wales Star), and Mr. Rees (Peterstone) supported the resolution, which was carried unanimously, Mr. Williams, M.P,, in responding, said he saw that the S< nih Wales Star was dealing with a recent county court appointment in Wales, He did think there was a great deal th" t was verv wrong in the question of official app >intments in Wales. It ought to be put a stop to, ana it could be put a stop to.. They t hould nut only have good lawyers in their county courts, but they should have judges who understood the language of the country—(hear, hear)—and that particularly they should have appointments made without reference to political or personal favour. He thought that the recent appointment was open to the greatest question, and he hoped that it would not be allowed to pass unnoticed. (Applause.) The hon. member then moved a vote of thanks to the chairman. Mr. Jenkin Thomas seconded the motion, which was carried.—The chairman having replied the proceedings concluded.

KII0]STDDA HOUSE COAL MINERS, DELEGATES MEETING AT PORTH. The monthly delegate meeting in connection with the Rhondda, Gilfach, Glyncorrwg. and House Coal district was held at the Washington Hotel, Porth, on Monday, under the presidency of Mr. W. Ashton, Ynyshir. Mr. A. Brooks, Kilely, was in the vice-chair, and there was a large atten- dance. The workmen of Lanelay Colliery were accepted as members of the district.-I twas resolved to pay the Beddau workmen for the 20 days they were idle owing to the dispute with the deputation, and to pay over to the Daifvyu Bach workmen the balance of strike pay due.—Mr. Isaac Jones, Upper Cymmer, the present treasurer., was asked t remain in office until the end of the present lerm.—A levy of (id. per man, boys in pro- portion, was resolved upon towards the Duffryn Bach Colliery workmen, the various secretaries to .forward the levies as soon as possible.—The agent (Mr. Morgan Weeks) was empowered to interview the management of the Penrhiw Colliery in reference to the grievances existing at that pit, .and that, in the event of his failing to get a settle- ment, that he should consult with the Federation Council.—The consideration of the present system ,of paying the doctors was adjourned until the ,next meeting, the matter in the meantime to be thoroughly considered by the collieries.—A resolu- tion was passed exonorating- Mr. John Price, the iplaintifi in the recent action against the Cymmer Colliery Company, from all blame in the matter.

BRIDGEND COUNTY COURT. Before His Honour Judge Gwilym Williams- Claim rolt WAGES. This was an action in whieh Edward Da vies, a postboy, claimed 12s. 8d. from William Hislop, landlord of the Wyndham Arms. Bridgcnd, for services rendered.—Plaintiff i -st -,d said he was dismissed by the head-ostler (John Howe) summarily for refusing to go out with a hansom. He refused because the reins were weak.—John Howe was caL'td, and the reins hav- ing been examined by His Honour, the objection was not considered to be w ell founded, and the case w&, dismissed. River POLUJTIOX.—An sction was brought by the Glamorgan County Council for an injunc- tion to restrain the,defendants from polluting the ri yer Ely running past the rILy Tin-plate Co.. Puntyclown. by tliii company, at several times stated, causing noxious matter to fall and flow in the river, polluting the same. 31 r. David Lewis appeared for the plaintiff couneil. and Mr. S. T. Evans, M.P., for the defendant.—-Mr. S. T. Evans raised a preliminary objection that unless the de- fendants had he en givennn opportunity of bring- ing the matter before th-e council, which had not been allowed them according to the statute he quoted.—A lengthy argument ensued between His Honour-and Mr. Lewis, the former upholding the objection, and stated that defendant company had not been given the liberty before the proposal to take proceedings f(o, showing cause why the pro- ceedings, should not be taken against them. He recognised it as a conditional precedent to pro- ceedings of this kind.—His Honour held in con- clusion that Mr. Lewis was IVyt in court, but somewhere else.-—Mr. Lewis asked for notice to be taken of his objection that the iiotice of special defence did not contain this objection by naming the paragraph of the Act.—His Honour granted full costs if he was s<o empowered.

Home CURE For Deafness.—A book by a noted Aural burgeon, describing a System of curing Deaf- ness and N oises in the Liead by which a self-cure is effected at home. The Rev. D. id. W. Karlock, of the Parsonage, Miltou-under-Wynohwood, writes :—" Try tho system by all means, it is first rate, and has been if tho utmost service to me." Post free 4d.—DE VEKE and CSo-, Puhli^iei^ 22, Wavwick-lane, London, E.G.

BARRY AND CADOXTON BURIAL BOARD. PROPOSED NEW CEMETERY CHAPEL. THE PRECEPTS. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Barry and Cadoxton Burial Board was held on Tuesday evening at the Barry Pubiic-hall. There were present, Mr. John Robi.i^m (chairman), Revs. Canon Allen and J. Price, nd Messrs. J. Barstow, R. S. Robinson, E. 0. Evans, W. Thomas (Cadox- ton), Addams, J. A. Hughes (clerk, and R. S. Thomas (caretaker).—The minutes of the previous meeting- were passed. Mr. R. S. Robinson asked the clerk for informa- tion in reference to the statement made at the last meeting as to the incorrect survey of the cemetery, and which rather reflected on him.—The Clerk said he understood that Mr. Robinson, when he went out to mark the cemetery, used the plans which Messrs. Richard and Gethin had prepared. When Mr. Pardoe went to plan out the cemetery he found that the survey which had been made was incorrect. Mr. Robinson, having used Messrs. Richards and Gethin's plan, was not at all respon- sible for it, but Messrs. Richards and Gethin them- selves. The following bills were passed :—J. P. Jones, £1 3s. l^d. Richard Thomas, caretaker's wages and assistance, £9 12.—The Clerk reported that during the month there had been 13 burials. The amount received in fees was £ 7, and the amount expended in wages was £9 12s.—On the motion f of Mr. W. Thomrs, seconded by Mr. Barstow. the Local Board surveyor was ordered to bo asked to push forward the work of marking out the cemetery.—Mr. R. S. Robinson and the Rev. J. Price were appointed a visiting committee for the coming month.—After a very lengthly discussion it was decided by five votes to two to advertise in the local papers for a broad- wheeled cart for removing stones at the cemetery. —The Clerk promised, at the request of the chair- man, to prepare an abstract of the accounts of the Board since its formation.—The Clerk remarked that, as a matter of fact, the Board had passed a resolution that the accounts should be annually published but this had not been done, as the auditors appointed by the parishioners had not audited the accounts.—The Chairman Then we had better give them notice again.—Mr. W. Thomas moved a resolution in reference to a 10ft. drain all round the cemetery, which was agreed to. The Clerk said he had based the precept on the rate as it stood on the 29th September, and on the new rate, as agreed upon. A penny rate would produce the following amounts :—Cadoxton. £283 4s. Mertbvrdovau..€218 13s. 6d. Barry, £12 17s. 6d. total £424 5s. There being a balance due to the treasurer of £ 1!J 18s. 10d., and bills- being before the Board amounting to £18 15s. 9d.. this would reduce the amount to £385 10s. 5d. Then there would have to be deducted from that the working expenses of the Board during the half-year, but they would be very little, because the fees received almost covered the working ex- penses. However, there were several things that the Board proposed to do. First of all, there was th" question of procuring additional land. As the Board were aware, they had the option of pur- chasing, before the er.d of 1833. five acres odd of land adjoining the cemetery from the Wenvoe Estate at £1¿5 per acre. If the Board intended purchasing it, it was desirable that they should save money towards doing so. Then there was the question of building 1. chapel and the question of taking additional land in the front, as well as that of building a wall in the front. Besides, there was the question of the drainage of the cemetery, which would have to be considered. The five acres of land would cost about :Q800. and the Board would, of course, have to lay the land out, which would all mean a deal of expense. All these matLers would mean :t3,OOO at least. As there was considerable difficulty of the Board, as a joint Board, having jurisdiction over several parishes, in borrowing money, it was very desirable that they should have some money in hand.—On the motion of the Rev. Canon Allen, seconded by the Rev. J. Price, it was decided to issue precepts on the overseers at the rate of Id. in the £ the money to be payable by the 1st of January. The question of the new cemetery chapel next came up for discussion, and on the motion of the Ilev. J. Price, seconded by the Rev. Canon Allen, it was decided that the site. r.s shown on the plan of the original room, should bo the site of the pro- posed new eh;,pd.-L was also decided that the amount to be expended on the erection of the new chapel should not exce.-d £ I,0u0.—The Chairman, Mr. Barstow, and the Me v. Canon Allen were ap- pointed a. building committed to go into details. It is intended to o*"er a premium for nu best plan of a cemetery dwpd, the i-.uecossiui architect to carry out the work. This was all the business.

RIUDGEND BUEAL SANITARY AUTHORITY, The fortnightly meeting of this authority was held at the Union Workhouse on Saturday, pre- sent—Rev. F, W. Edmondes (chairman), Messrs. John Williams. John Rees, Edwin Williams, W. Howell(Pencoed), Evan Matthews, R. Harmar Cox, (clerk), W, Leyshon (inspector of nuisances), Jesse Hurley (engineer), and Dr. Mellor. THE COITY CASES. The Inspector said he had given copies of the necessary printed notices to be filled in upon per- sons owning slaughter-houses, among them being Mr. John Thomas (Coity), but it had not yet been returned him.—He reported, regarding the alleged case of overcrowding at a private school at Coity. conducted in the long-room of the Oak public- house, that its dimensions were 30ft. x 16ft., with 8ft. headroom. There was also a smaller place at- tached, the total cubic feet being 4.096. There were 08 children there, and those, with one master and a teacher, brought the number up to 60 the amount of space for each person being 68 cubic feet. There were three windows in the front of the house, with two doors, one opening out to the passage. The privy accommodation was inade- quate, there being only an old urinal. The guar- dian had told him there would be a new one erected by that day, and on Wednesday last he had visited the place and found it erected.—It was explained that 3()0ft. for each person was required as sleeping room.—The Chairman said he was anxious regarding the matter that the Board should deal with it themselves in the usual way. without any expression from him, as it was .pro- bable he should have to deal with it in another capacity.—Mr. John Roes Do you reckon it is overcrowded 1 — The Chairman I have not given an expression of opinion.—Mr. Evan Matthews What is the allowance for each person 1—The Chairman I am not aware that there is anything stipulated. We might have some idea from the figures of the Education De- partment if we had them here. This school is not under the Government, but it was for the authority to consider, regarding the health of the district, whether it was not necessary to interfere with it. If it was overcrowded it was their duty to see that it was stopped.—It was pointed out that the height required would be 15 feet, whereas this only allow 8 feet.—At the instigation of Mr. Evan Mattheivs, Dr. Mellor, who had just entered the room, was asked his opinion on it.—He (Dr. Mellor) said the rule generally recognised was to require 210 at least for a sleeping compartment. In the ca?e of a sckool it would only be occupied for a few hours he took it, therefore the minimum would be very much smaller. His own opinion was that about 150 Met would be required.-—The Chairman; It is only G8 feet here instead of 150. Mr. Matthews If that is the case it is over- crowded.— Mr. Edwin Williams proposed that the clerk be instructed Ü: see what cubical area is", allowed by the Education Department for each child.—Mr. John Rees seconded, and it was carried. MISCELLANEOUS. 'The Inspector reported that he had visited and in-speeted the present drain near the Turbcrvill Anas, Llanhacran, and recommended that it be ex- tended with a 3 2-ineh pipe for a distance of 166 feet, as far as the railway, torn whence it would fall into a gutter which ran Alongside the railway for a distanee of.about 800 ysurds. The cost of the work would be to Is.—It was decided that the Inspector at once take steps to have the drain completed.—A letter was read from Mr. J. W. Edward* postmaster of Aberkeafig, calling atten- tion to the fact that two large Jieapj of paving- stones been allowed to remain opposite the Post-office for the p^.st two mostths, which, he pointed otic, was not G.'11y very unsightly but also dangerous to pedestrians.—Mr. Hmley explained that they were there whilst he was endeavouring to get stone. He had managed to get what he re- quired at last, and they would be used during the week.—This gesitlemon had also written the In- spector stating that the diiitbin he had broken at Aberkenfig had been replaced. THE ABEliKESTFIGr DRAINAGE SCHEME. Mr. Tamplin Leww wrote stating that at the meeting of the drainage committee held at the Asylum on the previous Thursday, it was recom- mended that the old scheme for dealing with the sewage of the asylum he adhered to, viz.—by re- verting to the old line of route along- the tram- road.—The Chairman read a former resolution of the authority that they approved of the drainage being carried through the asylum grounds. lu, consequence of that they had the present plan pre- pared now they would have to wait for another resolution to adopt the old line of route.—County Councillor Win. Howell pointed out that the general committee and the sub-committee did not happen to see the same way, hence the reason for the r 3appointment of a new committee at the meet- ing the previous Thursday.—Mr. Evan Matthews said the authority had come once to meet the views of the Asylum authorities, and if they were going on suggesting alterations and bringing them back again to the same place they would never proceed. He proposed that the authority adhere to the scheme laid down on the plan in red, which was the original one, and that the necessary notices for carrying out the scheme be served on the owners, the clerk to withdraw the previous notices, and that the plan be sent to Local Government Board in order to obtain an enquiry. Mr. Tamplin Lewis is aiso to be written to this effect. — Mr. Matthews pointed out that the Bridgend Local Board had already done this.—Mr. Edwin Williams seconded.—Carried.—There was no other business of importance.

BRIDGEND BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of this Board was held at the Union Workhouse. Bridgend, when there were present—Rev. W. F. Edmondes (chairman), Messrs. Rees Thomas, D. Spencer (vice-chairman), James Barrow, William Howells (Wick).D. Davics.T. L. Roberts. J. II. Thomas, W. Thomas (Llantwit), John Williams, Daniel Thomas, William Jones, John Thomas (Llangeinor). Richard Thomas, G. Loveluck, D. Bowen, and Evan Williams.—The Clerk said he had notice of the audit to take place on the 2nd November.—Mr. D. Bowcn (Ewenny) reported that he had visited both the Angletown and Parcgwyllt Asylums, and had found all the inmates clean and comfortable. Great credit was due to Dr. Pringle and his assistants for the able way in which they were cared for.—The Master having complained of the quality of coal supplied by the contractor, as not being up to that he con- tracted for, the Clerk was directed to inform the contractor to this effect.—The plans and estimate of the proposed shed for the accommodation of the hearse and coalhouse to be built in the work- house grounds were submitted by Mr. P. J. Thomas, the architect, and the House Committee expressed their approval of the same. The estimated cost was stated to be a little over £50 for a stone wall building.—It was decided that the plans be approved, and that the work be carrie out in stone work, and that th j clerk sub- mit the plans to the Local Govern! enfc Board for their consent.—Mr. T. L. Roberts drew the atten- tion or the Board to the great delay in producing the printed abstract of accounts, and the clerk stated that nearly the whole of the "copy "had been sent for the abstact to last Lady Day, the remainder having to come before the auditor.— There was no other business of importance.

YSTRAD LOCAL BOARD. The ordinary meeting of the above Board was held on Friday last under the presidency of )Mr. Alderman W. Jenkins, J.p. The other members present were 3Iessrs. D. Morgan, M. Llewellyn, E. W. Lewis, Jacob Ray, W. II. Matthias, and H. W. Spowart (deputy clerk). PRECEPTS. On the motion of the chairman it was decided that the seal of the Board should be affixed to the call for precepts amounting to £3,410 12s. 4d. for the Joint Sewerage Board. The proportion to be paid by the Ystrad Board amounted to £2,834 7s., and £ 576 5s. 4d. by the Pontypridd Local Board. CORRESPONDENCE. The Deputy-Clerk read a letter sent by the Secretary of the Local Government Board enclos- ing a copy of a letter which had been received from the Rev. T. Tissington with reference to a certain road near Gilfach Goch, and asking whether the Local Board could be compelled to repair the same.—The Surveyor said, in reply to the chair- man, that he had actually failed to get a man to go there, but he had obtained the services of a man for the ensuing week.—A letter was also read from Mr. W. A. Lloyd, Ferndalo, stating that he had been instructed by Mr. Peter Price, of Cardiff, to make some improvements to certain houses in that town, and asking what should be done in the matter. —The clerk was ordered to make the necessary arrangements with Mr. Lloyd.—Mr. Gibson, of Glasgow, wrote saying that he would at once com- mence upon his contract for thd^Llwynpia road, and giving the names of his securities.—A letter was also read from Mr. Treharne stating that he had commenced making an embankment in order to stop the water flowing into the houses at the bottom of Treharne-street.—The Clerk read a i letter from Mr. Elliott (of the firm of Messrs. Elliott and Jones) with reference to the Llwynpia No.; 2 Contract, asking that the signing of the same should be allowed to stand over for a while as he was at the time indisposed, and stating that he would be ready to send the Board a cheque on the London and Provincial Bank, Pontypridd, as rentention money. finance. The report of the Finance Committee was read, which showed that the workmen's wages amounted to £120 13s. lOd. On the motion of the Chairman, it was decided that the report should be adopted and cheques signed for the amount. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor reported that he had written to the Dinas Colliery Company with reference to the landslip which had taken place on the company's property, and asking them to clear the obstruc- tion, and had received a reply stating that this should be done, and that in future no ashes would be thrown into the river.—He had also written to the Ystrad Gas and Water Company with refer- ence to an obstruction at Treorky, and a reply had been received from the same stating that they would remove the obstruction on condition that the Board shouU make certain alterations- It was agreed that this should be done.—It was also decided to write to the Marquis of Bute asking him to see that this work was properly curried out on his estate.—The Surveyor further reported that he had written to Mr. David Treharne with res- pect to the overflow of the river into his houses, and had been told that that gentleman was now forming an embankment to prevent its recurrence. He had also written to the Marquis of Bute's agent on the matter, He had also received infor- mation from Mr. D. W. Ev. ns, whose contract for scavenging had been accepted at the last meeting of the Board, stating that he had made a mistake in the estimate, and would therefore be unable to carry out the v.-ork, and consequently he (the sur- veyor) had asked Mr. Evan Roberts whose tender was only £4 11s. above Mr. Evans', and who did tne work for the Board during the last year, to undertake the work. The Board approved of the surveyor's action. KUILDIXg plans. Plans were submitted for the following new ouildings, and all were passed in addition to less important ones which are not enumerated ;-14 cottages at Forth one at Treorky a chapel at Ferndale four houses at Tonvpandy; three cottages at Ferndale co-operative stores at Tylors- town three cottages and two shops at Clydach Vale 21 cottages at Porth one house at Ynyshir coach-house and stable at Clvdach Vale new streets on the Pentre Estate; 36*cottages at Havod 14 cottages at Wiliiamstown two shops at Penygraig two cottages at Clydach Yale two cottages at Penygraig cottage at Perth two at leaygraig; two houses and coach house at Pentre three cottages at Cymmer new street on the Dinas Estate, the total being 120 cottages. 15 additions, eight stables, three shop fronts, two stores, one chapel, three shops, one workshop, one studio, four new streets, three coach-houses and jtwo cow-sheds. -Tie Chairman: These are signs of g'ooc times gentlemen. M ISCiSXL ANEOUS. The Caairman as.v^d if anything had been done with reference to the .urinals.—The Surveyor said that this matter would be attended to as soon as posidlne.— In reply to i.Tr. Ray, the surveyor said he was making a survey of the North-road. Porth, and that the owners of slaughter-houses had been instructed to register the same.—Mr. Matthias asked what had been d'is>e with regard to the lighting of yontygwaith. He had received com- plaints that this was not properly done.—The surveyor saidithat the reason of the delay was be- cause they had been unable to get a shed to keep oil, and other necessary things, but he hoped to putt,his matter right on the following week. -.vlr. Mathias as iced whether it would be possible to have Llewelyn-street. Pontygwaith, lit by gas, a&d on the suggestion of the Chairman, it was decide-1 to write to the Gas and Water Com- pany on the question—Mr. Mathiae brought for- ward another complaint from Pontygwaith. It appears that in wet weather the water near the raiiway bridge flooded the road, and people were put to a great hardship, as they had to risk their lives by crossing the railway where they could not cross the road. In gome cage's funerals had to wade through two or three fust of water.—The Chair- man suggested that the clerk should communicate with the Taff Yale Railway, aud at the same time bring forward the question of th« approaches to tho bridges.—Mr. Ray asked whether something oould not bj done to lessen the stench fIt the different urinals.—Ilia tjurveyor remarked tfiab lie for a long time advocated the use of automatic water, for although disinfectants were often used, they did not seem to have the desired effects.—It was eventually agreed that the surveyor should report on the matter at the next meeting.—The Chairman asked if any repairs had lately been done to the mountain roads in the Board's district.—The Surveyor Yes I have sent men to do the neces- sary repairs. This was all the business.

YSTRADYFODWG SCHOOL BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at the Board School, Nantymoel, on Mondav last, Mr. David Evans (vice-chairman) presiding. The other members present were Messrs Evan Griffiths, J. Abel,'Rev. W. Griffiths. Mr. L. Griffiths. —Miss Davies, the recently-appointed head- mistress of Craigrhiwglyn School, attended the Board meeting, and stated that she could not undertake to teach sewing, considering the amount of work she had at present to perform. She com- plained of the scholars being very backward, and lequircd a larger staff if they expected satisfac- tory results. Mr. J. Abel, in a lenthy manner, detailed several transpositions of teachers he would suggest. The meaning of all was that the mistress at her school should be substituted by a pupil teacher. Miss Davies said she would prefer keeping her present monitress, and asked for an additional teacher.—The Clerk pointed out that the number of scnolars on the books were 24. and Mr. Lewis's school, with 146 scholars, was provided with three teachers and one monitor.—It was ultimately de- cided that Miss Cassie Rees be deputed to assist at this school, and that Miss Ceridwen Davies be ap- pointed monitress.—A general discussion ensued upon the amount of proportionate grant to be allowed to teachers in respect of drawing.—The Rev. W. Griffiths deprecated the svstem of pav- ment by results. The teachers were at present well paid, and unless they could do their work without prospective payment for effecting good results the -Y- i°US?Jn to Persons who could.—Mr. J. Griffiths proposed that they be allowed the same amount of grant for drawing as other subjects, the allowance to commence from the 30tli Septem- her next.—Mr. J. Abel seconded.—The Rev. W. Griillths would propose an amendment if there was any seconder to be found.—There being no seconder, the resolution was put and carried.—The stated that Mr. Davies. being unable to undertake her duties immediately at the expiration of Mrs. Rattray's duties, the latter had kindly consented to remain for a week, and another pupil teacher being taken ill. Mr. Lewis was allowed the assistance of Mr. Rattray until the end of the present month, when 1¡81' en- gagement with tho Board will positively terminate. —Mr. Abel said that to return to the question of the Craigrhywglyn School staff he suggested that an assistant-mistress be appointed to occupy the position of the monitress and pupil teacher re- quiied. The Rev. W. Griffiths proposed that the matter be left in the hands of a committee, consist- ing of the Chairman. Messrs. Evans. Griffiths, and J. Abel, to consider the matter, and, if necessary, advertise.—A letter was read from Mr. J. F. Lewis, the headmaster of the Glynogwr Board School, stating that the average attendance for the four weeks ending October 16th, was 58. which, con- sidering the state of the weather, was fairly Erood. the^ number on the books being 75. It had "been decided that they should have a museum, and they had already collected several articles. They required now a small glass cupboard to place them in.—The Rev. W. Griffiths proposed that the clerk bo deputed to ascertain the cost of making such a cupboard at Bridgend, and if it be not cheaper than they usually obtained away, that he send for one. The cleaner of the Glynogwr Board School wrote asking- for some allowance for black- lead and brushes used in her capacity ns cleaher.— Mr. Abel proposed that she receive 15s. a month for the work, instead of 13s. originally paid, and that she provide her own brushes, &c.—A letter was read from Mr. John Araer, asking that his daughter (Ann Emma) be released from her duties under the Board owing to the unsatisfac- tory state of her health.—The Board granted her leave to relinquish her duties.—The financial statements of receipts and expenditure of the Board for the year ended 23th Ser-tember last was laid before the Board and adopted. The amount of receipts was £2.381 9s. 2r1.. and the expenditure was ,2,014 5s. 6(1.. which with 1207 3s. 9d. in the bank maue up the amount.—Tins was the most important business.

MERTHYRDOVAX VESTRY MEETING. INCREASE OF ASSISTANT OYERSEER'S SALARY. A vestry meeting of the Merthyrdovan parish was held at the Barry Public-hall on Thursday-, the 15th inst. There were present, Mr. J. John, overseer (in the chair). Messrs. C. J. Thomas (over- seer), J. A. Hughes. David Roberts. E. J. Robert. Rees Jones. J. Thomas (Holton Farm). D. Giiffiths, David John, and David Howells (assistant overseer).—Mr. David Howells. in making his ap plication for an increase of salary, stated "that liis present salary was £30:\ year. and that when he was appointed the number of assessments were between 300 and 400, now they were between (300 and 700. When he was appointed the rateable value was about £2,500; now it was about £28,500. He quoted figures showing that in other parishes the assistant overseers were paid about 3s percent, on the money collected. That percentage would amount to between -C80and £ ',»0 in Mer- thyrdovan. He asked for his salary to be increased to £. 70 a year.—Mr. J. A. Hughes said he had much pleasure in proposing that Mr. Howell's salary be increased to £ 70 a year. He had been intimately connected with the parish for four or five years, and he was glad to bear testimony to the very ex- cellent way in which Mr. Howells had done his work. The figures which Mr. Howells had pro- duced spoke for themselves.—Mr. David Roberts seconded the resolution, which was carried unani- mously.—-Mr. David Howells then made a further application that he should be appointed collector, instead of assistant overseer. He said it was cus tomary to appoint collectors in most parishes. If he were appointed collector, the post would be a more permanent one, because he could not be dis- missed without the consent of the Board of Guardians and of the Local Government Board. As assistant overseer, if he had offended any rate- payer by summoning him for the rates, he was entirely at the mercy of the vestry, and such a ratepayer might attempt to turn him out of his office. He had a large family, and would not like, after doing the work for a year or two. to lose his position. A considerable discussion followed.— Mr. J. A. Hughes said that he was very much opposed to the appointment of a collector. An assistant-overseer was under the Vestry, a collector was under the Cardiif Board of Guardians and the Local Government Board. He thought it would be very unwise to give up the control of their officials to a Cardiff authority on which they were not well represented, and to a Government Office in London. There was also the possibility that in the future it might be* desirable to appoint one man to collect all the rates in the town, and it would, in his opinion, be very foolish for them to do anything which would prove an obstacle to that scheme. At present their assistant-overseer was employed, say. one day in collecting rates from a certain street, and the Local Board collector. perhaps, on the following week would be collecting rates from the same houses. In his opinion, this was a waste of labour, and he believed that the rates would be collected throughout the town better if they were all collected by one man and his assistants. Mr. Howells had not been able to point out any advantage which the parish would obtain by appointing" a collector, and they were there to consider the interests of the parish. If Mr. Howells offended any ratepayer in the execu- tion of his duty he might rest assured that the Yestry would not allow him to suffer. As assistant- overseer Mr. Howells was in exactly the same position as nine-tenths of the officials in tho country, nearly all of whom could be dismissed by giving them proper notice. He saw no reason why they should attempt to bind the future, and make the appointment more permanent than it was present.—Mr. E. J. Roberts was of opinion that as they had a collector at Cadoxton. they should also have one in Merthyrdovan parish. j —air. Rees Jones said that as assistant-overseer Mr. D. Howells was in a subordinate position, and he ought to be put on a level with other collectors, —Mr. J. Thomas agreed with this.—Mr. David Roberts agreed with Mr. Hughes. He believed in home rule, and thought it would be foolish to hand over the control of their parish rate-collector to a Cardiff or London authority. Mr. Howells had been dealt with generously by the parish, and as long as he did his duty the parish would stand by him. He thought it would be foolish to take any steps which they might regret in the future.— It was pointed out that the question of appointing a collector was not on the notice calling the meet- ing, and that consequently any resolution on the subject would bo, out of order.—Mr. J. A. Hughes expressed a hope that if the matter was brought on again that posters should be printed and circu- lated through the parish so that a good attendance of ratepayers might be obtained to discuss the question, as it was one of great importance.—This was agreed to, and the meeting terminated.