The South Wales Star

BARRY (U.D.) SCHOOL BOARD. The attendance at the monthly meeting of the above Board, held at the Board-room at Holton- road Schools on Monday evening, was by no means large. Mr. J. Lowdon presided, and there were also present :—Mr. J. Rees (vice-chairman), Dr. O'Donnell, Rev. J: Price, Dr. Lloyd-Edwards, Captain Davies, Mr. B. Lewis, Mr. Lewis (clerk), .nd Mr. Treharne Rees (deputy-clerk). PUNCTUAL. Precisely at 8 o'clock the Chairman commenced the business, and the minutes of the previous meeting were at once confirmed and signed. Dr. O'Donnell, who arrived a minute later, asked whether the minutes had been signed, and upon being informed that they were passed, remarked that he had intended pro besting against their being confirmed, but as they were signed he was too late. WORK AT THE SCHOOLS. In the report of the Bye-laws Committee it was recommended that Two museum cupboards be supplied for Mr. Rees' department, and that the architect be in- structed to prepare a specification for the same, and that tenders be asked from the list of trades- men in hand to be submitted to the .Board. The architect be instructed to prepare a a specification for the partitions in Barry and Cadoxbon Infant's Schools, and that tenders be asked from the list of tradesmen in hand and submitted to the Board. Granolithic or stone pavement be made around the Holton-road Schools on Holton-road and Court-road that the cost thereof be paid out of the Local Account, and that tenders be asked for the work and submitted to the Board. The architect be authorised to instruct the contractor to commence operations at once at the new school in Romilly-road. The Vice-Chairman also produced a list of repairs required to be executed at the Cadoxton Schools. He stated that the reason given why there was so much damage done to that particular school was the fact that it had once been used by the boys. Dr. O'Donnell moved that the word grano- lithic be struck out of the eommittee's recom- mendation. He pointed out that the Local Board had decided to specify for stone paving in all their contracts. Captain Davies had pleasure in-seconding the motion, and remarked upon the danger attendant with granolithic in frosty weather. Dr. Lloyd Edwards having drawn attention to the fast that it was proposed to supply half-a- dozen enamelled drinking cups to Barry Boys' School in addition to the half-a-dozen enamelled soap dishes recommended by the committee, The report, together with the amendments, were adopted. APPOINTMENT OF MONITORS. The School Management Committee recom- mended that the following monitresses be ap- pointed HOLTOX-ROAD GIRLS' AND INFANTS' SctrOOL- Jennie Bassett and Margaret J. Brown to be engaged by the head-teacher when necessary -1'1' .t.hr.>"t' fi-irla' nr Tnfn.nf.a' Stannic ..L\J& .z. "J- BARRY GIRLS' AND INFANTS' SCHOOL—Mary Jennings and Sarah Rutter to be engaged by the head-teacher when necessary for either -Girls' or Infants'Schools. CADOXTON GIRLS' AND INFANTS' SCHOOL- Maggie Rees and Fanny Hooper to be en- gaged by the head-teacher when necessary for either Girls' or Infants' Schools. BARRY BOYM' SCHOOL—Myfanwy Rees to be engaged when necessary. WHERE DOE3 THE FAULT LIE? The following is the report of H.M. Inspector on the examination of Holton-road Evening School, held on the 8th March last:— Some of the arithmetic was weak, but the results in reading and writing were very satis- factory. Needlework was well done. It is a matter for regret that of such a large number admitted to the Evening Sehool so few could be induced to qualify themselves for examina- tion. A MAGIC LANTERN WANTED. The School Management Committee reported that Mr..J. E. Rees, of Barry, had applied for the supply of a magic lantern for his department, but the Committee recommended that the matter be adjourned for consideration until the next meeting of the Committee. NEW DESKS FOR OLD. The School Management Committee having received an application from Miss A. M. W004, Barry Girls' School, for 38 new desks for standard I., as the present desks are quite unsuitable, after consideration it was resolved to recommend that Mr. Gould, of Barry Foundry, be asked to examine the desks, and send in a price for making and fixing new standards for same; Mr. Gould to take over the old ones. Mr. Gould had been consulted upon the matter, and had offered to supply the Board with the necessary desks for £ 27 10s., taking over the old ones. The Chairman pointed out that it would cost the Board about £ 40 to have new desks, and they coald retain the old for use' in the new school which they were building at Barry. He preferred the new ones. Upon the motion of Dr. O'Donnell, seconded by Mr. B. Lewis, it was decided to purchase 36 new desks and to store the old ones. THE LIATE MISS EDWARDS. The Chairman of the Board was asked by the School Management Committee to write a letter of condolence to the bereaved relatives of the lite Miss M. E. Edwards, the late head-mistress at the Cadoxton Girls' School. FINANCE. The following accounts were submitted for consideration and recommended to the Board for payment:— £ s. d. G. Brock, six dozen flat rulers, &c. 0 15 0 D. Paulett, coal 21 9 2 Barry and Cadoxton Gas and Water Co., gas and water accounts 42 8 10 James Stott and Co., gas governors 30 14 0 Managers of School Ship Havannah," Cardiff, for maintenance of William Beynon 2 0 0 The "'Formidable," maintenance of Turner and Pennell. 6 8 7 "Bishop Brown," maintenance J. McCarthy. 2 5 0 C. Howe. General District Rate. 163 W. Jones, cash book 2 10 0 D. Duncan and Sons, advertising for Ex. P.T.'s 0 13 6 Western Mail 0 18 0 South Wales Stitp-printing absence sheets 1 7 6 W. H. Lewis, audit stamp 15 0 0 W. C. Hughes, lime-light lantern and apparatus 16 16 4 Walkington and Co., slates 4 3 7 W. Townsend, stationery 23 4 0 T. Higman, salaries for May, Holton- road Schools 165 7 4 T. Ewbank, do. Cadoxton School 112 17 6 J. E. Rees, do. Barry School 117 18 8 A. Seig, attendance officer, month's salary. 7 18 4 J. M. Davies do. 6 5 4 S. Heskett. caretaker, Cadoxton School, four week's wages to May 29th. 5 3 0 D. Duncan and Sons, advertising for tenders (Romilly-road School) 2 0 0 A WEIGHTY QUESTION. It was decided that the caretakers should be re- quested to attend with the contractor's wagon at the coal yard when coal is supplied for the schools, and see that the proper coal is supplied, and weighed and delivered. TOO MUCH WATER. The clerk was directed to write to the architect as to the enormous quantity of water used at Barry School, and ask him to report on the same to the Bye-laws Committee. MUST PAY UP. The Finance Committee reported that they had received a letter from Mr. D. Howells, assistant- overseer for the parish of Merthyrdovan, stating bhat the overseers were not in a position to.pay bhe balance of the last precept until a new rate had been made, owing to the number vf -vacancies luring the half-year. Upon the recommendation of the Finance Com- mittee, it was decided that the overseers be written to and requested to pay the balance forth- with. A SIXPENNY RATE. A precept was issued for £2,087 12s. on the Overseers of the parishes, being a rate of sixpence in the £ on the rateable value (£112,304 13s.), and the seal of the Board was affixed thereto. A DISPUTED POINT. The Vice-Chairman again brought forward his motion to appoint a clerk of works for the new school at Romilly-road, Barry. He said that was the second time he had brought the motion for- ward, and he hoped that those members of the Board who at the last meeting had not seen their way clear to vote either for or against it would now do so, considering that they had had a month in which to consider the question. One member of of the Board had said that he could not see the force of paying the architect for supervision and also appointing a clerk of works. He (the Vice-chairman) desired to call attention to the fact that the Board had decided, by resolution, to pay the architect six per cent. upon the outlay for supply- ing the plans, specifications, and bills of qualities. There the resolution finished. There was nothing said about supervision. Six per cent, was ample remuneration for such work, as the expenditure would be £ 2,600, giving the architect no less a sum than £156. With regard to THE QUESTION OF APPOINTING A CLERK OF WORKS he had asked several persons connected with the building trade what it was usual to pay, and had found that the salary ranged from £ 2 2s. to £ 2 10s. That would mean £50 to P, 60 for six months. The Chairman said they had put the Barry Schools in the architect's hands, and had said nothing about engaging a clerk of works. The Vice-Chairman said he did not mean that the arrangement with the architect should be upset. He desired that the Board should engage a clerk of works who would devote the whole of his time to the services of the Bor.rcl in supervising the erection of the school. After what he had seen in other buildings he considered it necessary that some steps should be taken in that direction, and as they had only agreed with the architect for plans, specifications, and bills of quantities he proposed that the Board advertise for a clerk of works. Dr. O'Donnell seconded. He believed they had had considerable discussion on a former occasion with regard to the architect's remuneration. He had been through some of the schools, and after his experience in the past he should strongly advise the Board to engage a clerk of works, and suggested that it should be specified in the adver- tisement, m addition to the usual clause that can- vassing was prohibited, that local applicants would only be considered with others in accordance with their qualifications. Upon being put to the meeting, the motion was carried by three votes to two. Dr. O'Donnell thought the Clerk should adver- tise at once. It was decided to fix the salary at P,2 5s. per week, and that a. special meeting of the Board be held on the 15th inst., at 3 p.m., to consider the applications. THE SCRIPTURE EXAMINATION. The Rev. J. Price and Dr. Lloyd Edwards were appointed to examine the schools in Scriptural knowledge. AN INCREASE OF SALARY. An application was read from the assistant attendance officer. Mr. J. M. Davies, asking the Board to grant him an increase of salary. Mr. Davies pointed out in his application that when he took the office, twelve months ago, it was stated that the salary would begin at £ 75 per annum. The Chairman thought the Board might give Mr. Davies another C5 per annum. Dr. O'Donnell proposed that Mr. Davies be given an increase of £ 5. Dr. Lloyd Edwards seconded. Mr. B. Lewis said he would suppoio it, but he hoped the applicant would not think that there was to be d65 every year. Dr. O'Donnell did not think there was any necessity to state that. It would not be right to fix the salary at £ 80, as the population might increase, and with that the duties of their officer. They should not tie the hands of a future Board. Captain Davies said they knew where it started but where was it to nnish ? Sir. Lewis replied that his idea was to prevent a yearly increase. 4"0 per annum was not bad for an assistant attendance officer. The Board should have some regard for the pockets of the rate- payers. The Chairman said the Board would have to consider each case according to its merits. The motion was agreed to. z, THE HOLIDAY QUESTION. The Chairman brought before the Board the question of holidays, and observed that ho had felt some difficulty in determining the better course to adopt. Dr. Lloyd Edwards proposed that the schools should re-open on the Wednesday in Whitsun week. Mr. Lewis thought three weeks' holidays was too long for the children, their parents, and the Board. It would be far better if they gave the children a week at a time. It was decided to adopt Dr. Lloyd Edwards' proposition. BURIAL BOARD APPLICATION. An application was received from the Burial Board asking that they might have the use of the Board-room at the Holton-road School, in which to hold their monthly meetings. At present, it was pointed ou\ the Board met sometimes at Barry, and sometimes at Cadoxton, and it was desirous that they should meet in the centre of the district. Captain Davies suggested the use of disinfectants, and ask (in an undertone) why the Burial Board did not move up to their own place at the Cemetery. Dr. O'Donnell proposed that the Burial Board be granted the use of the room. He pointed out that it would be a saving'to the ratepayers, as at present the Board had to pay for the room in which they met. Captain Davies thought the Local Board should find the Burial Board a meeting place. Dr. O'Donnell replied that the Local Board was supported by the District Rate, whereas the Burial and School Board were financed from the Poor Rate. The Vice-Chairman seconded the proposal, and pointed out that the Burial Board was sadly in need of a room in which to meet, and as the School Board room was not much used, and belonged to the ratepayers it would be well to allow the Burial Board to meet there. It was often found that members had mistaken the place of meeting, and upon going to Barry found the meeting was called for Cadoxton, and vice versa. If they met at Holton it would be central for all. The Chairman thought that if they allowed the Burial Board to use the Board room that body should pay for the gas and cleaning. Dr. O'Donnell asked where the difficulty lie. The Chairman replied that the School Board levied a rate for educational purposes, and if they did other people's work it would help to increase their rates. Dr. O'Donnell agreed with the suggestion to pay the caretaker for cleaning. But the other matter was like ROBBING PETER, TO PAY PAUL. The Rev. J. Price thought they might go further. There should be a small charge. The Vice-Chairman said the Burial Board only met about once a month. Mr. B. Lewis supported the application, and thought the Burial Board should have the use of the room, but that they should not increase the expenses of the School Board by doing so. The Burial Board were in the position of having the largest business, and smallest rate in the district. He suggested that the Finance Committee consider the question and fix the charge. It was decided to allow the Board the .use of the room at a small charge to be fixed by the Finance Committee. A VACANCY. Miss M. Davies, of the Barry Schools, tendered her resignation as ex-pupil teacher. The Board accepted the same, and decided to advertise the situation as vacant. A LARGE ATTENDANCE. Mit-s Wilcoi, of Cadoxton School, applied to the Board for additional teaching assistance. It was pointed out by the Chairman that there were a large number of children in the school. It was ove '-crowded but in Holton School there was room for about 80 more children. Captain Davies suggested that some of the chil- dren. from Holton went to Cadoxton. Dr. O'Donnell thought it was the other way about. The Cadoxton children went to Holton. It was decided to grant Miss Wilcox assistance. THE FEE GRANT. It was decided to authorise the Education De- partment to pay the fee grant into the head- quarters of the Board's bankers in London. WELL-DESERVED PRAISES. A letter was read from Mr. Thorpe, secretary of the Barry District National Union of Teachers thanking the Board for their kindness in placing the Holton Schools at the service of the Union, and asking the Board to allow the Union to hold its meetings in the future alternately at the diffetent schools. Captain Davies asked whether the Board were aware of what the teachers did when they met together ? The Chairman replied that their meetings were always reported in the local press. The Vice-Chairman said he noticed that the teachers bad done good work. Several very able papers had been read. The Chairman stated that he understood there was usually a meeting, followed by tea. He had read two very good papers by Mr. Siidmerson and Mr. Ewebank. Upon the motion of the Vice-Chairman it was decided to accede to Mr. Thorpe's request. ROMILLY-ROAD SCHOOL. It was decided to apply to the Public Works Loan Commissioners for the necessary amounc to erect Romilly-road School. Upon the certificate of the architect, it was also decided to pay Mr. Rutter ze 2.50 for work executed. STRAINING A POINT. The Vice-Chairman asked the Board to grant permission to the Rev. Mr. Williams to conduct a class at Holton School for the teaching of Welsh. He understood-- The Chairman-I think you are out of order Mr. Rees. The Vice-Chairman replied that he was merely making an application. The Chairman still held that notice should be given. Dr. O'Donnell said they could grant the use of the schools for educational purposes. Any member of the Board could make an application on behalf of a ratepayer. If Mr. Williams had written a letter it would have come before the Board in the usual manner and without notice. The Board could also have passed a resolution granting the use of the schools, as it was for educational pur- poses. Mr. Williams had simply made his applica- tion in another form. The Chairman did not think the Board would have any objection as a body, but the members were not all present. Captain Davies said Mr. Williams had spoken to him upon the subjeet, and he had advised that gentleman to write to the Board, and he would support it. He was aware that Mr. Williams was holding a class at present, and that the room was too small. He believed the teachers under the Board were learning Welsh there. Mr. Lewis pointed out that the law said that three clear days' notice should be given of any motion. Dr. O'Donnell protested against such things. They had passed matters that night which were not on the agenda. The Board had decided to teach Welsh in the schools, and now the teachers were learning the language. The Rev. J. Price thought notice should have been given. The Chairman then read an extract from the Standing Orders, which set forth that no motion should be brought forward whieh was not on the agenda, except with the consent of the Chairman, and not if any member objected. The Vice-Chairman said they decided not to allow a member of the Board the same privilege as they extended to outsiders. The Chairman hoped Mr. Rees would not mistake his ruling. They did not object because Mr. Rees had brought the matter forward, but because he had not given the necessary notice. Dr. 'O'Donnell remarked that if the Chairman intended to rule in that direction he would object to all motions of which notice had not been given. How was it that the Board had passed several motions that evening of which no notice was given on the agenda ? The Chairman—I approve of them. Dr. O'Donnell—But what if I had objected ? The Chairman—But you did not. (Laughter.) Dr. O'Donnell said it was a question of qualify- ing their own teachers to teach Welsh. All the Chairman had to do was to say Yesr" and the whole matter would be settled. The Chairman thought the Board should know what was to be done. They had a responsibility, and ought to know hoW it was proposed to conduct the class, and whether the teaching was free or not. The Rev. J. Price asked whether the teaching was free. The Vice-chairman did not think it was abso- lutaly free. The Chairman replied that it was important whether they permitted a class in which the teach- ing was not free. They might have half-a-dozen persons applying to teach Welsh. The Viee-Chairman reminded the Board that it was the head-teachers themselves who asked the Board to grant them the use of the school. The Rev. J. Price did not think Mr. Rees, of Barry, would make application. The Board had to consider whether they would allow a person to use their schools as a means of increasing his income. The Chairman said he must rule Mr. Rees out of order, and notice of motion must be given. The Vice-Chairman said it only meant delaying the question for a month. WHY NOT ? Dr. O'Donnell proposed that in future the Attendance Officer's report should be printed with the Bye-laws Committee's report. The Chairman said it would increase their printing a little. Dr. O'Donnell considered it necessary. They would then be able to tell at a glance how many children were in the schools. The Rev. J. Price seconded. Captain Davies said he did not object, but he should like if the Clerk would order a bag in which the members could carry all their papers. (Laughter.) Dr. O'Donnell—I don't find any inconvenience > Captain Davies. The motion was agreed to. The Vice-Chairman referred to the case of Miss Carr refusing admission to a child at the Barry School, and it was decided that the School Management Committee should go into the whole affair. This was all the business of limportance.

REVIEWS OF BOOKS. The.Soldier and the Monk" is a cliarmmg volume, it is not at all a conventional book, it contains a number of stories which occupy some 370 pages, to these are added a history of The -Monastery of Saa Marco," making another hundred, io is sold, ai the low price of 2s. by Harrison and Son, the well- known publishers of 1.2, Paternoster Row, London, B.C. Every- one who cares;or Kaly will like to hr,ve To all readers we recommend it, for as fiction it is excellent, and such fiction as this lis noi at the lresent time a drag in the mav'ke' The auJio ■ is undoubtedly one desirable to cultivate.—The Library Itevieic, March 1393. Order direct or through local book- sellers.

EpPs's COCOA.-GRATEIWJ.J AND COMFORTING —" By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selected COCOA, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills. It is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a consti- tution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are floating around us ready to attack wherever there is a weak point. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished frame. Civil Service Gazette. — Made simply with boiling water or milk. Sold only in packets, by Grocers, labelled — JAMES EPPS and Co, Homoeopathic Chemists. London." Also Makers of Epps's Cocoaine or Nib-Extract: Tea-like.

COOK BY GAS AND SAVE YOUR POCKET. Of late years the use of gas for all domestic pur- poses has mpde such rapid advances on every hand that one must not be surprised at hearing of any new departure in that direction. But there are very few people who can claim that they understand to its fullest extent the great advan- tage there is by using gas, not only for illuminating and heating, but also for culinary purpose. At tht present time people are so apt to accept what they see in advertisements with li a grain of salt" that when they are told it is possible to grill two chop3 and boil a kettle of water in ten minutes by the aid of gas, and at a total cost of one farthing, they put it down as a sheer impos- sibility. IT IS POSSIBLE. And on Monday morning a Star man journeyed to Barry Dock and there saw the very identical thing. Accepting the courtious invitation of Mr. Harris, secretary and engineer to the Barry and Cadoxton Gas and Water Company, he says I was received by that gentleman, and heat once explained that he was desirous of verifying in my presence some of the statements of tests in the leaflets published by the Gas Company, many of which had surprised me and my readers. Mr. Harris had also seen the advertisements issued by the pill and cough mixture manufactures, and knowing a little of the- ways of the world, was, like its people, rather dubious as to their correctness. However, he at once proceeded to business, by stating that he always adhered to the saying that SEEING IS BELIEVING." and forthwith I journyed across the yard from the elaborate offices of the Company to the Test House. There I found a large number of gas fires, stoves, cookers, cooking stoves, meters, &c., &c.. had been arranged, and one could see at a glance the exact quantity of gas consumed. It was first explained to me that those who are ignorant of the use of gas in ranges, &c., are apt to waste a great deal hy lighting the larger rings on top of the cookers if they desire TO BOIL ONLY A PINT OF WATER. Mr. Harris pointed out that it was unnecessary to adopt this course as a pint of water could be boiled on a smaller ring in a very short space of time for the expenditure of one cubit foot of gas, so that 20 SEPARATE PINTS CAN BE BOILED FOR ONE PENNY. Of course, that is taking the gas at 4s. 2d. per 1,000 feet. Then the water was poured from the kettle, and a quart of cold water taken from the mains. This was put on the top of the range and boiled with two feet of gas in about seven minutes. It was also practically demonstrated that it was pos- sible to boil five gallons of water at a cost of three farthings, and that for larger Quantities the cost is practically rcduced by one half. On top of each of the ranges above referred to there is placed a small simmering burner, so that a vessel con- taining five gallons of water can be kept on the boil at a very small cost. It is well that those who use gas or think of doing so should pay a visit to the Gas Company's Test House, and have a few practical lessons. How often do servants whose kitchens are provided with gas cookers make it a rule to place the kettle of water upon one ring and grill the breakfast chop or bacon by means of the griller. That is a decided waste of gas. I saw it practically demonstrated that it is possible to grill two chops and boil three pint's of water in 10 minutes by meahs of the griller alone AT A COST OF ONE FARTHING. Now, how was it done ? Well, in the first place, it was necessary to turn on the gas and light the set of burners on the griller. The small plates on top were then closed, by which means the heat was concentrated on the small points underneath. It is bat natural that some heat will arise to the top, and, in order to utilise that, the kettle of cold water was placed on top of the griller. Not only did this use up the heat, but it also helped to direct the flames underneath. When the small iron points below were red hot the ohops were" placed beneath, and in about eight rmnutes they were beautifully cooked. How do I know ?" you may ask. Well, if I don't know, who should ? Yes, I quite enjoyed that lunch, and can speak from experience that those who have their food cooked by gas in a proper manner will never revert to the OLD-FASHIONED METHOD OF COOKING BY COAL FIRES. In the Test House there were displayed all kinds of eooking ranges, and I learned that the Gas Company have determined to adhere to the principle of having the best and only the best." The cooker which I examined was one of Messrs. Wrights', and was known as No. 407. It was a neat piece of workmanship, and not costly. On top there are two rings, a simmering burner, and a griller, while the oven is fitted with all the latest improvements. It is what is known as the gate range, and admits of the internal arrange- ments being removed for cleansing purposes. Now the question is oftan asked whether it is possible to do away with the ordinary kitchen range, and replace it with a gas cooker. I can assure my readers that it is possible, and net only do the Gas Company guarantee that you can have gas at all hours of the day and night, but I was assured that in the Barry District they have fitted up several kitchens with the gas cookers, taken away the ranges, and have never had a stove or sooker returned through its not giving satisfaction. By the use of gas there is NO LABOUR AND NO MESS. It is always ready, and boiling water can be obtained in about the time it would take to lay an ordinary fire. With regard to the saving of money it is evident to all thati you have only to pay for what you use, and when the breakfast, dinner, or tea is cooked the fire is put out, and there is no waste like with coal. I was particularly struck with the neat appear- ance of the drawing-room and office stoves. The company have a very good assortment, and I was made acquainted with the fact that it is possible to have a drawing-room stove provided with a gas jet at the side so that a small kettle can be boiled for afternoon tea. In another department there was view of the heaters for bath-rooms, and I learned that a cost of Id. it was possible to have 10 GALLONS OF BOILING WATER FOR A BATH. Surely that is cheap enough, and there was no bother in carrying hot water upstairs, &c. The heater is simply placed under the cold water tap, and by using one pennyworth of gas sufficient hot water was obtainable for a good bath. FOR THE WORKING CLASSES the Gas Company are at present catering. They have determined to introduced the penny-in-the slot business. By means of a specially-arranged meter it will be possible for a working man to pay for his gas as he uses it. A penny is placed in a slot, when its value in gas is obtainable. The meter is so arranged that you can put in sufficient pence to purchase 450 feet of gas. This is a great advantage to those in receipt of a weekly wage, and who object to having to meet a gas bill at the end of the quarter. It will also remove the unpleasant system of having to deposit a couple of pounds with the company. You cannot obtain your gas until you have paid for it, and only then by pennies. I firmly believe that such a system will work well in this district, and I hope that the Gas Company or the Local Board will promptly bring it about. Before leaving the Test House I was assured by Mr. Harris that the Company are prepared at all times, by appointment, to practically demonstrate to householders the advantage of using gas, and to show them that not only is there a saving of labour and no dirt but that it is possible to prepare four breakfasts or teas at a cost of one penny, and dinners from one half-penny to three farthings.

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PUBLIC WORKS AT BARRY AND CADOXTON. The first monthly meeting of the newly-con- stituted Public Works Committee of the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board was held at the Local Board Offices. on Monday night. There were present Dr. O'Donnell (chairman of the Board), Mr. W. Thomas (Barry), Mr. Alderman Meggitt, Mr. Jones-Ll i/d, Mr. Benjamin Lewis, Mr. J. C. Pardoe (surveyor), and Mr. J. Arthur Hughes (clerk). THE NEW CHAIRMAN. Mr. Meggitt moved that Mr. Wm. Thomas be elected chaiiman of the committee for the year. Dr. O'Donnell seconded, and it was carried unanimously. Mr. Wm. Thomas was much obliged to them. He hoped when he gave up the chair they would have no cause for complaint or cause for regret. THE DATE OF MEETING. Dr. O'Donnell said by the present arrangements that committee would now meet on the first Monday in the month. The night had been appointed for the meeting of the School Board, and there were two members of that committee who were also members of the School Board. Something should be done to alter the arrange- ment, they should go back to the old system of the second Tuesday and last Monday in each month. The Clerk pointed out that it would be necessary to have it on Monday night, or other- wise the meetings would clash with those of the Burial Board. That was the difficulty of altering the meetings of the Board. They must have the Public Works Committee meeting a week before the Board meeting, and it must be held before the Finance Committee meeting. Dr. O'Donnell recommended a return to the old Dr. O'Donnell recommended a return to the old arrangements. The Clerk pointed out that by returning to the old arrangement the last monthly meeting of the Public Works Committee would be held a fortnight before the Board meeting, which would never do. Dr. O'Donnell remarked that the School Board had arranged their meetings long since. Mr. Meggitt thought it was a very awkward position, and the better plan would be to recom- mend the Board to go back to the old arrangement. Ultimately it was decided that the chairman of the committee should give notice that the com- mittee recommend the Board to go back to their old dates of meetings. THE BOARD'S HAULING CONTRACTS. The Surveyor gave notice that the contracts for the haulage expired on the 31st inst., and he re- commended that advertisements be issued inviting tenders for the work for the next six months. The same notice applied to the scavenging. It was decided to recommend that a special meeting should be held at the end of May to decide the matter. PUBLIC ROADS. A letter was read from the surveyor (Mr. C. R. Walker) asking that certain roads on the Barry Estate at Barry be declared public highways. He recommended that this be done, subject to the Estate Company undertaking to lay down the pavement when called upon to do so. It was decided, on the proposition of Dr. O'Donnell, seconded by Mr. Alderman Meggitt, that the roads be taken over subject to the Com- pany entering into an agreement when asked to so to lay the pavements and to put down gravel paths in the meantime. An amendment by. Mr. Jones-Lloyd, that the Board take over the roads as soon as, the pavement was put down was withdrawn. THE ROBIN'S LANE. The Surveyor submitted a letter from Mrs. Cload, agreeing to grant the land for widening and improving Robin's-lane, if the Board would build a new wall and stable and give her d610. A long discussion ensued, the outcome of which was the carrying of a motion, proposed by Alder- man Meggitt and seconded by Dr. O'Donnell, that the Board abide by their former offer. Another discussion was entailed by the offer of Mr. Alexander to give up a piece of land and stable for zCbOL. Mr. Benjamin Lewis queried whether it would be wise to go to any great outlay on the present roid, because if they opened up the contemplated new road by the Wesleyan Chapel there would not be much traffic done over the old road. Mr. Meggitt deprecated the spending of a. large sum of money in improving the present road if a better one was to be opened. Dr. O'Donnell moved, and Mr. Benjamin Lewis seconded, that a culvert be made over the brook, and the road made from the end of Main-street to opposite the boundary of Mrs. Cload's property. Mr. Jones-Lloyd thought that a bridge should be put over the brook, but nothing further be done until the owners had been arranged with. Mr. Meggitt suggested that the road be only made down to the bridge, with the approach to it. There was some force in what Mr. Jones-Lloyd had said. THE BEGGAR'S WELL ROAD. The Surveyor submitted plans and sections of alterations in the line of roadway near Beggar's Well, as suggested at the last meeting. Mr. Jones-Lloyd proposed that the amended plan be accepted. This was agreed to. T,I3 CANXON-STREJST IMPROVEMENT. The Surveyor reported that Mr. Forrest had consented to the improvements in Cannon-st -eet. subject to the consent of the te-nfc of Harbour Cottage. PURCHASE OF MATERIAL. The Surveyor repoi xd that, as instructed at the last meeting, he had bought in a .quantity of material at an auction sale for the use of the road- men. Instead of spending £15, he had spent £ 13 13s. 4d. There were also a lot of sleepers which could be bought cheap. They would be very useful for forming temporary crossings. The Surveyor was granted permission to pur- chase 50 at 8d. each. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. Willams, Royal Hotel, was reported by the Surveyor to have given his consent for the teles- copic fire escape (the keys of which were at the Cadoxton police station) to remain in his yard. The Surveyor reported that one of the trees opposite the Catholic School had been broken down. A list of requirements from the caretaker of the Slaughter-house was submitted, and referred to the Slaughter-house Committee. The Surveyor put in a claim from the Barry Estate Company for the money expended by them at the request of the Board in carrying out the private improvements at chapel and churches. Mr. Meggitt proposed that it should be paid. Mr. Jones-Lloyd seconded, and it was agreed to. The Surveyor reported on the 29th March damage was done to a stand-pipe on the Moors- road by Mr. Brown. It was decided that the Clerk write and request that he pay for the damage done. Consent was granted Mr. Couzens, Thompson- street, to ereet an iron stand on the kerbing for supporting a sunshade. A letter wss read from Mr. Morris Jones, and several inhabitants of the Moors-road, asking the Board to raise the level of the Moors-road to the Mount Pleasant-road. The Surveyor was instructed to prepare an esti- mate of the cost. The question of the makmg of the footpaths from Aferthyrdovan to Treharne-road and Merthyr- dovan and Chesterfield-street was referred back to the Board, as the cost of the footpaths was esti- mated at £ 80. Plans of the six urinals, at a cost of £ 450 was submitted, and the Surveyor suggested that appli- cation be made to the Local Government Board for a loan to carry out the work. .Plans were submitted by the surveyor of the house in Brock-street for Mr. L. Thomas; the house Colbrook-road for Mr. G. Brock the house and wheelwright's shop in Hilda-street for Mr. David Farrall 2 houses in Flora-street for Mr. J. Hibbert an amended plan of the proposed Baptist Chapel; two villas in Romilly-road for Mr.tGeorge Rutter a stable at 108, Station, Barry Dock, for Mr. Thomas Walliers; seven shops at Holton-road, for Messrs. Lewis Thomas and Syden- ham; and a shop and stable at Market-street, Barry Dock, for Mr. Neale. Certificates were presented by the surveyor od behalf of the contractors amounting to £ 1.463 Is. 7d., and the usual establishment bills signed. A letter from the Electrical Association was allowed to lie on the table, as was also an applica- tion from the steam roller man (Palmer) for an increase of salary. The appointment of a clerk of the works for the new harbour sewer was left to Mr. Walker. On the suggestion of Mr. Jones-Lloyd the sur- veyor was requested to make a list of all the foot- paths. An application was read from Mr. Richard Pardoe for an increase of salary. This was granted.

LOCAL FINANCE. The first monthly meeting of the members of the Barry and Cadoxton Local Board Finance Com- mittee was held at the Board's offices on Tuesday. There were present:—Dr. O'Donnell (chairman of the Board), Mr. Alderman Meggitt, General Lee, Mr. Jones-Lloyd. Mr. Patterson, Inspector Leyshon, the clerk (Mr. Arthur Hughes), the retiring collector (Mr. C. Howe), and the surveyor (Mr. J. C. Pardoe). THE ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. Mr. Aldel man Meggitt proposed that General Lee be re-elected chairman for the ensuing: year. Mr. Patterson seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. General Lee was much obliged to the committee for re-electing- him. but thought it was time some- one should take the responsibility. BILLS TO BE PAID. The usual monthly bills were examined by the committee, the chairman initialing them. THE ESTIMATE FOR THE ENSUING YEAR. The Clerk presented an estimate of expenditure for the ensuing half-year amounting to £ 6.978. The amount due to the treasurer on the 25th March £ 4.528, outstanding amount due on district rate 25th March £ 3,100, of which only £ 1,883 was collectable, leaving a balance of £2,528 in excess of their general district rate. At the end of the previous half-year there was a deficit of nearly £H,OOO, therefore, adding the different sums together they would have a total of £ 9.404 to provide for. A Is. rate would bring in £5.100 for the half-year, and a Is. 9d. rate £ 8,925, so that they would almost want a rate of Is. lid. It wafi to be remembered that at the end of the year £ 500 could be borrowed. The Chairman inquired what was the rate last year ? The Clerk—Is. 6d. The amount lost through vacancies at the 25th ef March wa.s £ 981 15s. 7}d., and a reduction on appeal of £244 16s. 2d. The heavy rate would be due to the £3,000 deficit from the last half-year. Mr. Meggitt said his opinion was that the district would never stand more than a Is. 6d. rate. If they wanted more money they must reduce their expenditure. The Chairman said that last time when they suggested a Is. 6d. rate they said the district would be in a better position in the future to meet it. In his opinion it was better to face their position, have a higher rate, and put things on a satisfactory footing. Mr. Patterson observed if they increased the rate they would have more empty houses. The Chairman thought they must put a stop to their work. That was the reason why he said last year to face a big rate and get what they could. They really could not go on borrowing. The Clerk said they had borrowed lately for two or three things. Mr. Jones-Lloyd asked what a Is. fid. rate would produce. The Clerk replied £ 5,000. By having a low rate now, it simply meant that if people went away from the district, the people who came in would have to pay their debts. Mr. Patterson asked whether they could not cut down the work. People would never come there whilst such a heavy rate was imposed. It would be better to live at Penarth and pay their railway fare. < Mr. Jones-Lloyd said in nine months they would be taking over the gas and water works and then, they would be able to borrow. The Clerk thought they ought to estimate for the money they had to pay. There ought not to be a. suspension account. Ultimately it was decided that several heavy items should be decreased, the Surveyor being requested to keep his estimate as low as possible, and that another finance meeting should be held previous to the next Board meeting. THE BARRY HARBOUR SEWER. A letter was read from the Local Government Board sanctioning a loan of £ 17,450 for works of sewerage, and allowed the Board 30 years to re-pay the loan. Mr. Meggitt moved that the Local Board ask the Local Government Board to grant them the same bime to re-pay the loan as they allowed for the Cadoxton outfall. EXAMINATION OF BOOKS. The business of the committee terminated with the examination of the various officials' books, Mr. Howe being allowed jElO for collecting in the aid rate.