Potter's Electric News

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, & DEATHS. DRAI ff. On the 7th instant, at his residence, Picton Place in this town, the Rev. S. 0. Meares, deeply regretted.

me in carrying out the duties that may devolve Upon me. I shall be most happy to assist in every way to promote the interests of the town, as I believe I have hitherto done I have never flinched from anything that f considered to be my duty towards promoting any improvement that could be effected, and I am still perfectly ready to do so, as long as my health and strength will permit me. (Hear, hear.) Of course, no one—not one of you, any more than myself, can command life or health. (Hear, hear.) We are not able to do thnt, or to be so active in assisting our friends as we could wish but I shall do the utmost I possibly can in every shape or way in my power I can promise no more than I have already done I thank you most sincerely for the honour you have done me. and particularly for the unanimity with which 1 been elected to fill this Chajr. (Applause.) ELKCTION OF SHERIFF The Mayor: Has any member a gentleman to propose to fill the office of Sheriff? Mr Henry Phillips: I rise to propose a gentleman who I am sure will fill the office with very great ability. He is well known to all of us he is pos- sessed of very great ability, and I myself was pledged to support him if he had come forward as a candidate for the representation of the town in Parliament. The I office of Sheriff is a very ancient and an honourable one: and I think, as a Corporation we should endeavour to keep up the dignity of the Town Council by selecting our best and ablest men to fill its offices. Haverfordwest is a very ancient borough, and is a town and county, and the gentleman whom I am about to propose for the office of Sheriff will well sustain its dignity. He is well qualified in every way he has business habits, and, indeed, possesses everything that could recommend a man for so responsible an office. He is also a gentleman of standing in the town, and as for his qualifications, I don't think any person present can say anything ag; in-t them. I have much pleasure in proposing Mr John Lloyd as High Sheriff of Haverfordwest for the ensuing year. Mr Whicher Davies: I rise with very great pleasure to second the nomination of John Lloyd, I Esquire, as High Sheriff of Haverfordwest. I am I one of those who have a very high opinion of our ancient Borough. I think, myself, though some parti's may differ from me, that the dignity of High Sheriff oT Havetfordwest is fully equal to that of the County of Pembroke or of any other county in the king- dom we are, in fact, as much a county as Pembroke- shire, for Haverfordwest is a county in itself. There- fore, I think it is but right we should have gentlemen of high standing and influence in the office of Sheriff: for it is one of very great importance. John Lloyd, Esquire, has been proposed for the office, and I second the nomination because he is a gentleman of influence, and well qualified to perform the duties. I hope from this time out we shall endeavour to uphold the dignity of the town in every way we possibly can and believing that the office will be filled with ability and honour by John Lloyd, Esq., I have much pleasure in seconding the proposition that he be appointed High Sheriff of this ancient town and county for the ensuing year. Mr William Davies: Mr Mayor and gentlemen, -I have very great pleasure in proposing to the Corpora tioninnother gentleman to fit! the office of High Sheriff of this town, and I do so without any disrespect to Mr John Lloyd; but as this is the first time we have heard his name mentioned for office, we are not aware that he would ac.ept lt if elected. I say, Mr Mayor, that I do not bow to Mr Henry Phillips or Mr Whicher Davies in respect for Mr John Lloyd; but I am aware that ?11 former occasions some gentlemen of standing In the town were proposed for the office,of Sheriff, ELnd took great umbrage at it. I am not at all IlWare that Mr John Lloyd would accept the ofEce I never heard that he would feel it a compliment to be elected Sheriff of this town. But with re- gard to the observation that Mr Davies has made in reference to the position and station of the Sentlemen who are to be appointed Sheriffs of this town, I take issue with him, because I think It is usual to select men of business. I have a Precedent in the selections made by the city of ^ndon the men of business in the city of Lon- are the persons who are invariably selected as jftigh Sheriffs of the greatest city in the world. I don't contend that men of business are superior Jo any other class of men, nor do I state that pro- visional men or men of independent fortuue are 8t all more qualified to fill the high and important °Oice of Sheriff ihan men of business; but I think the object—the main object-with the Corpor- ations of the various boroughs throughout the ^iiigdom is to pay respect to men who have raised ^emselves to a position in their own town by their etlerg>, b^their perseverance, and by their great *^ention to business. (Hear, hear.) For my own Part I hope I may never see the day when it will J- considered infra dig. tq appoint to the office of j^eriff, men who are in business in the town. I .yhink, sir, that the men of business in the town, they devote their time for the advancement of i their own good, and the prosperity of the town, ,ftve a right to share in the honours of the 'own Mr Whicher Davies: Mr Lloyd is a thorough of business. Mr William Davies I don't call him a man of 'Usiness I call him a retired gentleman. Mr Whicher Davies: He could act without a deputy. Mr Wm. Davies I also propose a gentleman *"o will be able to act without a deputy, and ] j^l call upon Mr Whicher Davies to confirm me '*? that statement. The gentleman whom I am 0l*t to propose is a thorough man of business, Well qualified for the post. The gentleman I nominate is Mr Henry Davies, auctioneer, when I have mentioned bis name, I don't nH I need say one word upon the subject of his edifications. He has sat here: he has fought ^ls Way up from beybood, and is well known to all J Us. Whatever may be said of him, 1 believe him III be an honest, respectable, and straightforward \t¡l\n" & one who will discharge the duties, without deputy, and with credit to himself, and to the jWsfaction of the town at large. I have, there- great pleasure in proposing him for the office. L °nly hope that if Mr Henry Davies is elected appoints a deputy, he will have a little more t^fit than the deputy sheriff has had for the last tI Years. j*jr Whicher Davies Sixteen years. Wm. Davies: I did not know the number {tJe«rs, With regard to the profits of the Sheriff, V^t that whoever may pei form the duties, hie Vi e sometbing else to depend upon, for if be to depend upon the profits of a whole °r of all the preceding years, he would starve ,fortnight. (Laughter.) if he has nothing fyea' will go to the cupboard with tears in his \fMloud laughter), for he would. find that he Hoi -ot support himself for a fortnight upon the o benefits that he will derive.from the income he whole year. (Renewed laughter.) But course is beneath my notice but 1 think ^diff 8»y that those who know me will give me Bot w'8^ing t0 Pnt a sovereign into my by the office of under Sheriff. 1 have great li pleasure in proposing Mr Henry Davies as a suit- able person to fill the office of Sheriff of this town. Nothing would have given me greater pleasure, had I been assured by Mr Lloyd that he would ac- cept the office, to have supported his nomination. I am not aware that he would deem it an honour to he elected, and I have great pleasure in pro- posing Mr Henry Davies, for I know of my own knowledge that he will feel it a high compliment to be elected to the office. Mr John Lewis: J have great pleasure in second- ing the proposition that Mr Henry Davies be appointed Sheriff of Haverfordwest. I am quite sure, so far as Mr Lloyd is concerned, that it' we had had the slightest idea that be would fill the office, we should have bad great pleasure in elect- ing him. Mr Lloyd's position as a retired gentle- man,^—a gentleman well known and respected by us all.—m.tkes it doubtful whether he would have accepted the office, and in the absence of any authorized statement that he would accept the honour, I have great pleasure in seconding the ZD nomination of Mr Henry Davies. Mr H. Phillips: I beg pardon -the Sheriff is bound to accept office. 0 Mr Wm. Davies: In the case of Mr Prust and Mr George James, they did not desire the office, and took umbrage at their appointment. Dr Brown We do not know but that Mr Lloyd might be equally indignant. I for one have a high opinion of Mr Lloyd, but I cannot support him, as he has been nominated without his consent. Mr Whicher Davies: Pardon me-you are going too far. Mayor: There have been two parties proposed as Sheriff of the town and county of Haverfordwest. I suppose it is usual to put it to the vote, although there appears to be a majority in favour of the original motion. The question was then formally put to the meet- ing, when there voted. For Mr Henry Davies. For Mr John ,Lloyd Mr W. Walters Mr H. Phillips Mr W. Davies Mr Whicher Davies-2 Mr J. Thomas Mr J. Phillips Mr J. Madocks Mr A. Beynon Mr J. Lewis Mr W. Williams Dr Brown Mr Rees—10 Mr W. Owen Mr John Lloyd is an old friend of -nine, and, if I was quite sure Mr Lloyd would have accepted the office, I should have much pleasure in voting for him; but as Mr Lloyd has. unfor- tunately as I think, kept out of public matters, I don't think we should elect him to-day without his consent, and for that reason I don't think we should force the office upon him. Mr Madocks: I should have had great pleasure in voting for Mr Lloyd had I known he wished the office; but if we had elected him, we did not know that he would have liked to have filled the office and for that reason I did not vote for his ap- pointment. Mr Whicher Davies: We have no right to ID assume that. Mr James Phillips It is not from any disrespect for Mr John Lloyd- Mr Henry Phillips: The matter is done with now. Mr James Phillips: I have a right to speak. Mr Henry Phillips I think that business is over. Mr James Phillips: The Mayor is in the Chair,) and not you, sir. I was going to say that if I had an opinion that Mr Lloyd would have been pleased to have been nominated Sheriff of Haverfordwest, I should have had great pleasure in supporting him. Mayor: It is evident by the hands held up that there is a majority in favour of Mr Henry Davies, and I therefore declare him appointed to the office of Sheriff of the Town and County of Haverfordwest for the ensuing year. ELECTION OF ALDERMEN. Town Clerk The next business is the election of two aldermen, which is done by voting papers. Mr James Phillips: Mr Mayor,—i have very great pleasure in rising to propose the re-election of William Owen, Esq, of Withybush, as alderman for this borough. Mr Owen has been connected with the Council ever since the passing of the Municipal Act, and has been an alderman for many years I am sure the way in which he has attended to his duties, and the great interest he has taken in every- thing connected with the welfare of his native town, will recommend him to the adoption of this Council. Mr H. Phillips: I beg leave to second the propo- sition. Mr Whicher Davies: I have much pleasure in nominating William Rees, Esq, of Spring Gardens, as Alderman of this Borough. 1 am delighted to hear for the first time that Mr Rees did not intend to resign for there was a current report that he intended to resign. I believe he has served in this Council for some 32 years- Mr Waiters For 36 years. Mr Whicher Davies He has been connected with the Council for 32 years, and has been a most useful member of the Corporation. I am glad to learn that Mr Rees did not mkae up his mind to resign, for although an invalid, he is certainly ready to come here whenever there is an emergency; and I think the only compliment the Corporation can pay Mr Rees after so many years services, and now when he is an invalid, is to re-elect him unanimously to the office of Alderman, which he has held for a great number of years. I have very great pleasure in proposing his re-election. Mr W. Williams: I have much pleasure in seconding the proposition. Mr Madocks: Mr Mayor and Gentlemen-I rise with very great pleasure to support the proposition that Mr Rees be reelected Alderman of this Borough. He has been a member of the Council for thirty- two years he has been an alderman for 25 years, and I am quite sure that every one present will agree with me thaC he has filled the office with honour to himself, and with advantage to the town. I am very sorry to find, that he is not so well as he used to be, and that he has been unable to attend our meetings as often as he could wish still I am very proud to find that he is in good health, and that his intellects are as bright as ever they were. (Hear, hear.) I can only say that when I was Mayor, during the complidated regulations that existed in reference to the Cattle Plague, I was often in great difficulties about the fail's and other matters, and then I found Mr Rees's assistance of the greatest benefit to me, apd I felt that in rendering me assist- ance, he wa? also rendering, assistance to the town. I hive TK> doubt that any, gentleman: occupying the position I then did, -who will experience any diffi- culty in his office, will ;iind Mr Rees equally ready to assist him. I have much pleasure iu supporting the proposition that he reelected, and I am glad to find th6 propositioh received with such unanimity. The voting papers wer £ then handed rouncf among the members, and having been filled up and returned to the Mayor, His Worship anhpunced that Mr Owen and Mr Rees,had been unanimously reelected,to, the office of Ajldefman. Mr Owenj who was loudly cheered,, said M Mayor and |Gentlemeu—>1 am much obliged to Mr Phillips for the complimentary way in which he has proposed my i ame for reelection as Alderman, and to you, gentle men, frr the unanimity with which it has been received by you. I may say that 1 have be 'n a member of the Corporation for a great number of years-ever since the passing of the Municipal Bill; Mr Rees and myself are the only two remaining members of that Council. Some of the old members have been removed to their long homes; othe s got tired, and withdrew; but Mr Rees and myself have struggled on, and are the only two of the first corporation that are now members of the Council. (Applause) The duties of the office of a member of the Council are to look after the Corporate funds, and to carefully protect the Cor- porate property:, to see if it is possible that the expenditure be kept within bounds, and not to make unnecessarily any charge upon the town by levying any extraneous rate. We—Mr Rees and myself, for I consider him and myself to be the representatives of the old Council-we have avoided having a borough rate until a visitation of Providence last year made us incur extra expense, and then we were bound to make a rate upon the town, but that was only done to a very small extent. It is the business of the Council also to protect the lives and property, as far as we can, of the inhabitants of the town, and to do all we can to promote its good government and its general improvement. (Applause) That is what we have always endeavoured to do, and I was going to say, but perhaps I had better not allude to it- Mr Whicher Davies Out with it sir, let us have it. Mr Owen I was going to say that we have al- ways avoided politics, and prevented them being introduced into the Council. We are met here for the good of the town—(hear, hear):—we have nothing political to do here and during the whole of the time I have been a member of this council —(and I am sure Mr Rees will say the same)—we never influenced any one to vote one way or another, as members of this Council. I am very glad-indeed it is a great pleasure to me-to see this unanimity on the present occasion, and although we fought a very hard battle last week, it is clear you have all forgotten it when you came here—(Loud applause.) We meet here only for one object—and that is to promote the good of the town. (Hear, hear.) I am sure we are very desirous to justify the confidence reposed in us, and I beg to thank you for the honour you have done me in again electing me to the office of alderman. (Loud applause.) Mr Rees, (who was also loudly cheered) having obtained the Mayor's permission to allow him to address the meeting, sitting, as he was unable to stand, said; Mr Mayor and Gentlemen,—I have only one or two words to say: I feel I should be unthankful if I did not return you my thanks for having re-elected me to this high and honour- able position. I thank you most sincerely, and 1 promise you to do whatever I can for the improve- ment find benefit of the town. The state of my health will not now permit me to do much. I thank you for your forbearance during the year or so I have been laid aside it is not my fault, gentlemen (hear, hear.) I can assure you I am truly thankful for what you have done to-day. (Applause) ELECTION OF BAILIFFS. On the proposition of Mr W. Davies, seconded by Mr Walters, William Richards and David Evans were re-elected bailiffs. Mr Whicher Davies They have no salary. Mr Wm. Davies: They serve processes: and have a share of the apple tolls brought to the Quay. SERGEANTS AT MACE. William Carter and George Thomas weve re elected sergeants at mace on the motion of Mr t, Walters, seconded by Dr Brown. MESSENGER. On the motion of Mr Walters, seconded by sr W. Williams, George Thomas was re-elected me senger. MAYOR'S AUDITOR. Mr William Davies proposed that Mr John Lewis should be appointed to attend the auditors and to audit the accounts, as he was most peculiarly qualified for the office. Mr Madocks seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The Town Clerk It is the privilege of the Mayor to make the selection. Mayor: I shall be delighted to appoint Mr Lewis, because I know he is so well qualified. QUARTERLY MEETINGS. On the motion of Mr Whicher Davies, seconded by Mr Walters, the quarterly meetings were ap- pointed to be held on the second Monday in the months of February, May, and August, at eleven o'clock in the forenoon. THE WATCH COMMITTEE. It was resolved that this committee consist of all the members of the Council. RIVER COMMITTEE. The following gentlemen were appointed a River Committee:—The Mayor, Mr A. Beynon, Mr Ma- docks, Mr Joseph Thomas, Mr Whicher Davies: three to form a quorum, and the last mentioned gentleman to act as Secretary. COMMITTEE FOR INSPECTING VACANT HOUSES, &C. It was resolved that this committee consist of the following members: --The Mayor, Mr Goode, Mr Madocks, Mr Whicher Davies, Mr Henry Phillips, and Mr James Phillips three to form a quorum, and Mr James Phillips to act as Secretary MARKET HOUSE COMMITTEE. It was ordered that this Committee consist of all the members of the Council; Mr W. Williams to act as Secretary. PORTFIELD ROADS COMMITTEE. This Committee was formed of the following members;—The Mayor, Mr Goode, Mr Madocks, Mr John James, Mr Whicher Davies, and Mr James Phillips; Mr James Phillips to act as Secretary. THE CORPORATE LANDS. The Treasurer stated there would be land to let at Portfield during the coming year. A piece of land, leased to the late Mr Pugh, would in all probability be let during the year: the land had y c been sublet to a Mr Evans, who had given it up, and Mrs Pugh, who held the tease, had requested him to take it off her hands. Mr Whicher Davies said that he and Mr Goode had been appointed to see Mrs Pugh about the land, and they advised her to give it up to the Corporation but she then declined to do so. The original lease would expire in a few years, and he thought the Corporation should not let it out on a lease, as they might want to make use of it in connection with the proposed water works. He p thought the committeeshould be empowered to make enquiry for suitable tenant, and to matte a recommendation to the Council. He should hot like to take the responsibility,of letting the land without the approval of the Council. Mr Wm. Davies said be should he quite willing to leave the matter in the hands of the gentlemen who formed the committee, if the land in question was his own property. The Mayor thought, it desuanleto keep ihe lands in their own hands for a little time, as they might i)e wanted in connection with the arrangements for Lhe water works. Delay was of no consequence in Jie present case, and he thought they had better postpone the question. VOTE OF THANKS TO THE EX-MAYOR. Mayor: Gentlemen.— Having acted constantly with the outgoing 'ayor, I have ureal pleasure in proposing that the best thanks 01 the Corporation be l,iven to him for his airn^ss in all his decisions, and for the attention he paid to the interests of this Corporation on an occasions. The pnhl'c at large are highly indebted to him for his perseverance: his energy and attention to business was unremitting, and I propose that thp best thanks of this Corporation be given to Mr John William Phillips for his services and upright conduct during his Mayoralty. Mr Walters: Ilia ve very greaI pleasure in seconding the motion I am sure Mr Philiip* is highly deserving of the compliment. The motion was carried unanimously. THE MAYORS SALARY- Mr Wm. Davies I have great pleasure in moving that the usual salary be paid to the Mayor for the past year. r Walters: I beg leave to second the motion. The resolution was put to the meeting, and carried. THE PORTFIELD RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE. Mr William Davies Will yon allow me to call your attention to thp Have) ford west Borough Bill, the 31st clhuse of which provi ies that there shall be a committee appointed for the n ana^ement of the Portfield Recreation Ground. It is to consist of 10 persons: the Mayor for the time being, and four members of the Corporation, and five I ruslees of the Freemen of the Borough. The members of the Cor- poration are to be appointed at any quarterly or special meeting of the Council, and the Trustees at any annual or special meeting of their body. It will be for this Council to-day to appoint four members, with the Mayor, to compose the Committee, to act with. a similar number of Trustees of the Freemen, to carry out the provisions of the 31st section of the act. This matter will require great attention, for there will be a great deal of work to do. After same conversation, in which it was stated that it was desirable that the committee should consist of gentlemen who would attend to the business, the following members were severally proposed, and elected :— Mr Wm. Davies, Mr Whicher Davies, Mr W. Owen, and Mr Goode. The Mayur, for the time being, will also be a mem- ber of the Committee. Mr Whicher Davies How much of the Portfield moneys is in hand ? Treasurer: 98 19s, and there are £5 not re* ce'ved. Mr Whicher Davies About £14. EXTRA CONSTABLES. Mr Supt. Cecil srated that as there was a general election coming on, he thought it neces- sary to apply to the Corporation to allow him two extra men for a week previous to the election. He had also to ask for permission to engage six extra merf for duty on the day of nomination and the day of polling. Mr William Davies thought the request a very reasonable one, and moved that it be complied with. Mr J. Thomas seconded the motion. The motion was carried. Mr Whicher Davies enquired whether the election was to be held in a house, under the new act. The Town Clerk said that the returning officer was to select some building already erected, or to make any other arrangement if necessary. Mr Whicher Davies: Then it is left with the Sheriff. THE CORPORATE ROBES. Mr Whicher Davies I made a remark at a former meeting in reference to the robes in possession of gentlemen who had ceased to be members of this Corporation. There were three or four I believe that had not been returned, and 1 think it is but right that the gowns should be returned, because the present members may want them to attend .the mayor on certain occasions. I see one gown here th%C belonged to the late Mr Whittow, and as our mes- senger was, as I understood, told to collect them, I want to know how it has not been done. I move that application be made for the gowns to those parties who have not returned them. Mr W. Davies I second that. Mr Rees: Are there any out that belong to the Corporation ? Mr Whicher Davies: The Marychurches have two. I believe there are two or three out now. Town Clerk There was a resolution passed at a former meeting about application being made for the gowns. The Messenger, in reply to questions, said There is one gown at Mr Joseph Marychurch's. The one now in the Chamber belonged to Mr Whittow. Mr James Phillips and Mr Goode have one each. I applied to Mr Marychurch, and the answer I had was that there was only one gown. Mr Whicher Davies: There was an order made that you should collect the gowns we don't want the ones that are in the possession of Councillors, bat those that are held by persons who are not mem- bers of the Corporation. The messenger was then requested to renew hit application for the Corporate robes. THE MEAT MARKET. The Mayor said that the butchers had complained to him that the shed on the south side of the Market did not protect their meat from the rain. The benches could not be removed, and they wished the matter brought before the Council. Mr Whicher Davies said that there was additional protection afforded on the north side by a kind of awning. The south side had not that protection. It was agreed that the matter should be referred for consideration to the Market Committee, who would report on the case to the Council. The meeting was then adjourned for a month.