The Cardiff Times

DROWNING AT THE BUTE DOCKS: THE LIGHTING QUESTION. An inquest was held at the Town-hall on Monday, before li. L. Reece, Esq., and a jury of tradesman (Mr. S. Abbott, foreman), on view of the body of "Tom of Minehead," a youth apparently sixteen years of age, who was drowned on Saturday night on the east side of the West Bute Dock. Deceased was one of the numerous class of youths who live about the docks, and the circumstance which took this out of the ordinary category of drowning cases Was that the lights at the West Dock are now extinguished, and therefore the inquiry had a significance which would not otherwise have attached to it. Mr. Stock- dale was present; and also Mr. D. Gavin, the super- intendent of the Dock Police Force. The witnesses of the occurrence were boys of the same class, two of whom—-George Fittock and Michael Ma guire—were examined. The first is a stranger to the town, having come fiom Liverpool. He said he had got no place to live, and was in the habit of sleep- ing on hoaid of canal boats. The other has parents living in Newtown, but he often leaves his home for days and hordes with the homeless wanderers who do not live but exist at the docks. The evidence of these lads was to the effect that about nine o'clock they were walking along the east side from the dock gates to a point where there was a canal boat, in which they purposed sleeping. Deceased walked a-head of them, and when they came to No. 14 Tip, opposite which was a large Austrian vessel, the de- ceased turned round and asked his companions to go and look at the ship. Deceased walked forward and into the water, which was nearly on alevel with the quay wall. It was very dark at the time, and there was no gas-light. It was blowing hard and had just been raining- They heard the splash, and saw deceased rise twice, but they could not assist him. The ves- sel was not more than a few feet from the quay wall. Both boys agreed that it was difficult to see the edge of the water. An alarm was given, but the man on the deck of the Austrian did not appear to under- stand what was said. Sergeant Hollins said the body was found next morning, not far from the tip spoken of. There is a gas-lamp within a few yards of the spot. 1\Ir. Gavin said he kne.v the spot where the deceased fell in. There were no lights there, except there was one burning at the top of the tip. He jjueiv the deceased to be one of the class infesting the docks. The Coroner said it was a sad pity there was this dispute about the lighting. Jlr. Gavin I should be very glad to see them lighted. The Coroner: This was not one of the cases that they should look into so vigilantly or with so much feeling as though a man had been drowned in walk- ing along the docks in the ordinary course of his business. It was not the duty of the people at the docks to project thieves. The Foreman We must save their lives if we can. The Coroner: Well, save their lives if we can. Do you know if the deceased has been cautioned ? Superintendent Gavin Yes, several times. I had two of these boys before Mr. Jones the other day, but they are following their old trade again. The Coroner thought it would have been infinitely more distressing if the life of a mariner or trades- man had been lost in going on board a vessel either as in duty bound or to see a friend. The jury must bear in mind that the deceased had been cautioned to keep away, and therefore it appeared to him almost his own fault that he got there. It was for the jury to sav if they thought otherwise. Ihe Loreman It appears to me he lost his life for want of light there. I don't know we have anything to do with the question whether he was there for an unlawful purpose. The Coroner It is a difficult thing for you to say he would not have fallen into the water if there had been a light there. I know a similar case where a man tell into the water on account of the gas light I dazzling his eyes. This is a very different case from the captain of a vessel. This bov had no bnsinbs there. I really think these boys ought to be whipped for being there. I should take the law into my own hands, for they richly deserve it. I advise the super- intendent to horsewhip them if they are there after five o'clock. The jury consulted a few minutes, and then re, turned this verdict—"Accidental death, caused from want of lights, and the jury hope that those connected with the docks will light them in future." This closed the inquiry.

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting was held on Saturday; E. David, Esq., in the chair. Present, the vice-chair- man, Rev. H. H. Rickards, Rev. A. H. Jenner, Messrs. W. Alexander, D. Jones, E. Mason, R. Cory, C. S. Twigg, J. Willett, D. Lewis, and W. Thomas. As the town relief-list proceeded, a discussion arose upon a case in which a. female of the name of Pollard applied for relief, her husband having been sent to gaol for three months. Mr. WILLETT What has he gone to gaol for? Applicant: For poaching. Mr. WILLETT What did he do? Rev. H. H. RICKARDS He was committed for night poaching. Mr. WILLETT Has he been convicted before? Applicant: No. Rev. H. H. RICKARDS There was no alternative. He used a life preserver. It was an aggravated case. Mr. WILLETT Ts it the shortest term ? Iiev. H. H. RICKARDS It was a very aggravated case. The other man had two months. Mr. WILLETT It is a cursed law, and a disgrace to the country. Rev. H. H. RICKARDS: It is the law of the land. Rev. A. H. JENNER: You ought not to comment upon the magistrate who committed the prisoner. Mr. WILLETT I am not commenting upon the magistrate. I don't know who convicted. It is a disgrace to the country and a relic of the old feudal system. Mr. LEWIS He knew what the la v was. When he took a life preserver he was not sure but he might have taken a man's life away. He aggravated his case by taking such weapons with him. I recom- mend 8s. a week be allowed. Mr. CORY What was your husband ? Applicant: He tipped coal at the docks. A man threw down the life-preserver and my husband picked it up. Mr. LEWIS It appears he made a blow at the keeper. Mr. Morris (magistrates clerk): He made a blow at the keeper. It was the worst case I ever heard. Rev. H. H. RICKARDS: We know what that gentle- man means. Mr. WILLETT: I have a right to comment upon cases which bring expense upon the parish which I represent. The CHAIRMAN If we argue these cases there will be no end to our sitting. They are long enough and tedious enough. Mr. WILLETT I suggest that she have 10s. a-week. The CHAIRMAN It has been proposed and carried that it be 8s. Mr. MASON seconded the amendment. The CHAIRMAN: The case has been put once. It will be competent for you to alter it next week. Mr. ALEXANDER: Let it stand till next week. Messrs. Elliott and Lowder, overseers, accompanied by the collector, (Mr. Bowen,) attended to ask the board to appoint two gentlemen to value certain new property, and re-value certain other property, in the parish of St. Mary, which the committee of revision, who had been sitting during the week, had not been able to accomplish. They suggested Mr. T. Watkins and Mr. W. Alexander. In a short conversation the facts were dealt with, and as the board had the power to make such an order, on the motion of Mr. Willett, seconded by Mr. Lewis, the two gentlemen named were appointed. The next business was to decide upon the tenders sent in for printing the half-yearly abstract of ac- counts. Three had been sent in, but only two were in question, that sent from our office and the other from the Guardian office. Both tenders were the same, £15. Mr. WILLETT said it was unfortunate that tenders were not asked for including the whole of the printing. No doubt the tenders were cut very close. He should suggest that whoever may get the contract should have the whole of the printing. The CHAIRMAN We must take each case as it comes before us. The Clerk thought it was very fair to do as had been suggested. No doubt the tender was exces- sively low. Mr. JONES That means that the person is to make up for losses on the contract by charging what he likes for other work. The Clerk There is a great deal of werk. Mr. JONES There should be a schedule of prices given in. Mr. LEwis: You are thinking about one of your large contracts. Mr. WILLETT: As the tenders are both alike, I would suggest that we make a change. I propose that we accept the tender from the CARDIFF TIMES, and that the whole of the printing should go with it. The CHAIRMAN It would not be dealing fair with those we have hitherto employed. If the tender bad been a shilling lower I should have approved of what you say. Mr. WILLETT Surely you wo'nt allow one trades- man to monopolise the whole of the printing? It is only equitable that you go fairly round. The CHAIRMAN If there is any reason to complain of those whom we employ. Mr. WILLETT We are dealing with public money. The CHAIRMAN For that reason we ought to deal fairly with those we employ. Mr. MASON: There is one principle which makes a change desirable, and it is this-it has been said that it makes no difference who contracts, the work is given to the same person. In order to do away with that impression it would be advisable to have a change. We adopted that principle last Saturday, and I think it desirable to apply the principle again. I second Mr. Willett's resolution. The CHAIRMAN: Does any gentleman wish to make any further observations ? Mr. JONES moved an amendment, that whoever gets the contract, the other offices shall do the rest of the work. The Clerk: Hitherto the printing had not been confined to Mr. Webber, but had been divided among the various printers in the town. Mr. WILLETT withdrew the last portion of his mo- tion relating to the printing. Mr. TWIGG I should like to see the Guardian get the contract, as I believe there is nothing to be got out of it. The CHAIRMAN: Perhaps you'll make a proposal to that effect? Mr. BASSETT felt disposed to propose an amend- ment, even if he stood alone. He could not see the reason brought forward for accepting a new tender, because a person had done the printing for a long time. The two tenders wera equal in amount* and certainly in all fairness and justice the tradesman who had served the board so long was entitled to their first consideration, and particularly now, be- cause a short time ago the board made an alteration in their printing arrangements. It was supposed that the printing was the remunerating part of the business, and now that that had been withdrawn, Mr. Webber still came forward to do the unremuneratory part of the same rate. He proposed as an amend- ment that Mr. Webber's tender be accepted. Mr. WILLETT You place the rest of the printers in this position. The board asks for estimates, and the Guardian, knowing there will be a contest, reduces the price, and hence; because the Guardian has al- ways served the board and served it at a higher price, the other parties are to be thrown overboard, and the other parties are to be thrown overboard, and the Guardian's tender is to be accepted at the same price. You may depend upon it you will not get people to send in tenders if you act in that way.J Mr. MASON I do'nt see why that principle should be set aside to.day in reference to the printing. It certainly has an evil tendency to give the whole of the contracts continually to one person. The CHAIRMAN: As I stated before, I don't think we shall be treating Well those we have employed, and have given us satisfaction hitherto, if we pass this resolution. It does not appear we have been hitherto over-charged, as the Guardian's tender is lower than another that has been sent in. I don't see why we should not accept the Guardian's tender, and I second the amendment. Mr. TWIGG Two or three printers told me they could not get anything out of it. Mr. BASSETT: If it had been a consideration of saving money they might have taken the lowest, but where both were alike they should certainly give the preference to the person who for some time had bestowed a great deal of attention upon the printing of the abstracts. The votes were taken by asking each gentleman for which he voted, the motion or the amendment ? A country guardian, named W. Thomas said, in answer to the tiloual question, "For Mr. David." (Laughter.) Mr. MASON asked the guardian what he meant? Did he vote for the motion or amendment? The CHAIRMAN also explained the case, and The GUARDIAN, with a look that would have been a rich subject for Cruikshank, at last made out that lie voted for the Guardian's tender. Mr. Wlu/ETT I am only astonished that men can act in that way The votes thus appeared :— For the amendment—Messrs. Twigg, Thomas, Alexander, Jones, Jenner, Rickards, Bassett, and the Chairman. For the motion—Messrs. Cory, Mason, and Willett. The Clerk said he had been in the habit of making out written copies of the abstracts for the overseers, for which be charged £4. He was quite willing to forego that sum if the board thought proper to dis- pense with the duty. It would make a difference of about three weeks in getting the printed abstracts into the overseers' hands. It was agreed that the clerk discontinue sending written copies of the ab. stracts to the overseers. Mr. D. DAVID (Ely) had given in a plan for the construction of additional wards in which to confine lunatics temporarily. The committee reported in favour of the plan, and recommended the board to adopt it. This closed the public business.

NOTICE. TO THE BURGESSES OF THE SOUTH WARD. 1%/TE. MARKS begs to remind the Burgesses of A* I the South "Ward, that he intends becoming a Candidate for a Seat at the Council Board, on the first day of November, 1858. His Address will appear next week. 9, St. Mary-street, Cardiff, 12.30, Oct. 8th, 1858.

CARDIFF TIMES OFFICE. SATURDAY 4. P.M. MURDER OF A SWEETHEART. An inquest was held on Thursday afternoon at Forton, near Preston, on the bodies of Mary Hannah Wainman, aged 28, and Robert Bond, 25. "The facts of the case as given in evidence were that Bond, who was of dissipated habits, had conceived an attach- ment for the young lady, which she did not requite, and having probably maddened himself by drink he shot her with a gun as she came out of her father's door. T Ie murderer then entered his own house, which was next door, reloaded his gun, and sitting down in a chair blew out his brains. The jury return- ed a verdict of temporary insanity.

THE EQUINOCTIAL GALES. MELANCHOLY LOSSES ON THE COAST. The equinoctial gales, which set in on Wednesday night, occasioned much mischief, and we regret to add loss of life on different parts of the coast. The Italian barque Remira, Captain Marco Patroni, from the Tyne bound to Leghorn, was carried upon the Newcome Sand off Lowestoft about noon on Thursday last. Ths wind was blowing fearfully from the SSW, with a very heavy sea, which soon broke the ship to pieces. Most of the crew succeeded in clinging to fragments of the wreck, and were taken off by the Pakefield life boat, after being tossed about in the sea for nearly four hours but the captain, his mate, two seamen, and a pilot who had come with the vessel from Shields, were drowned. The survivors were landed in a very exhausted condition. On the Gunfteet Sand a new brig, called the George Robin- son, Fisher, master, from London, was lost; but happily the crew were reported to have been saved. All along the north-east coast, to far beyond the Tyne, similar heavy weather was experienced, and numerous casualities are announced at the various ports. Down Channel the gale told with serious effect upon the coasters. The rain fell in torrents. A sad catastrophe is reported to have occurred in Penzance Bay. Owing to the heavy weather and the way the vessels were labouring, the crews of the Jules, of Lon- don, and the Hopewell, of Goole, which were anchored in the bay, had to abandon them. They took to the boats, and unfortunately those belonging to the Jules perished. The crew of the Hopewell succeeded in reaching the shore. Off Holyhead the schooner John and Edward, of Aberystwith, bound to Maldon, and the schooner Sarah Ann, for Liverpool, were wrecked. In the Bristol Channel the storm is described to have been very severe, the gale raging terriffically about midnight.

letters to \\t (Bitot. [In this department the Editor wishes to give free scope to the expression of opinion. Certain conditions are requisite. Brevity; avoid personalities; the name of the writer must be sent, not necessarily for publication, but as a guarantee. The Editor is not responsible for the opinions of corres- pondents.]

THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE RHYMNEY RAILWAY. SIR;-After so serious an accident obcurring on the Rbymney Railway, will not the company abandon the abominable practice of locking the carriages on both sides? On the 14th of May last I travelled from Cardiff to Rhymney by the 9.45 train, and was much annoyed to find the doors thus locked at every station. I called to the guard at the Ystrad station, and remonstrated with him for doing so, alluding to the probable consequences if an accident occurred Ho I" said he, I would come and let you out if no accident occurred!" I said, "You may not have an opportunity afforded you for doing so;" and probably he has found that observation true, if he was one of those officials who ware paralized, as we read in the "CARDIFF TIMES," of the 25th ult. We are told some of the passengers had more presence of mind than the said functionaries, ad went to look among rhe debris for thoss who had failed to get out through the windows of the carriages, when it was found that all except one lady had managed to do so. It appears that she could not scramble through such a place, whereas she might have made her exit if the doors had not been locked. Again, at Hengoed station, (at the time referred to, the guard came to me, bringing with him a gentle- man, I believe the station-master, who said, "if you have anything to complain of you must do so at the Company's office-servants must do their duty." The guard then said, that drunken people would some times open the doors (if not locked) when the train was in motion, and thereby occasion accidents. I contended the lives of passengers should not be jeopordised because drunken people do wrong. Be- sides, I believe Railway Companies are prohibited by law to permit intoxicated people to travel on their lines at all while in such a state. I admit that lock- ing the doors may be a precaution against accidents arising from such ciscumstances, but in endeavour- ing to avoid one evil they incur a very much greater. Now just look at the fearful predicament of the passengers at the Hengoed Station at the time of the accident. There appeared inevitable death before them, unless they could extricate themselves from the carriages, which were immediately shattered to fibres. Alas the doors were locked how were they to effect their escape? What guard could come to the rescue? What guard could come to unlock the doors then ? Imagine that you have a wife, mother, sister, child, or indeed any one in such a perilous position, and you will at once say, discontinue such a system whether sanctioned by law or otherwise. There were several gentlemen, whose names I can give if necessary, travelling with me at the time alluded to, all of whom expressed themselves in the same way as T did. Indeed, one of them told the guard lie would demand the door on one side to be opened. I noted a few of these particulars on that occasion in case it might become expedient to make them known for the good of the public. I take this opportunity, with your permission, Mr. Editor, of doing so, before much loss of life has been the con- sequence, and we have much reason to fear it, from the facts to which I have advocated in the late lamentable accident.—I am, Sir, vours very respect- fully, GEO. WILLIAMS. 34, Commercial-st., Newport, Oct. 4, 1858.

JOHN BIRD, THE LIBERAL, v. JOHN BIRD, THE TORY. Sm.-Professionally, is a candidate for the Town Council John Bird calls himself a liberal. Profes- sionally, as a lawyer, this same John Bird is this very week engaged in breathing out threatcsings and slaughter in the revising barristers' courts throughout this county against all liberal voters, for the avowed object of so far reducing their numbers as to give a "tory" majority in Glamorganshire. I should like to know whether in his professional character as a liberal, or in his other professional capacity as a special pleader, he so ingeniously and so discreditably evaded answering the several ques- tions which were put to him at the public meeting on Monday evening last. The only candid and honest reply which he gave during the evening was 6s. 8d. The man who for a question of six and eightpence would cancel the whole list of liberal voters for this county is most surely not the man to represent the liberal electors ot the North Ward in the Town Council.—Your's, &c., A WORKED HARD ELECTOR.

the representative principle in the elect) >n of guardian1. One of the fundamental principles of tin- British consti- tution is the representative principle, He looked upon that as the keystone of the great fabric. It was abso- lutely necessary to maintain the representative principle in its integrity to secure to ourselves great autllastrng advantages. (Applause.) Thej were perfectly right too when they went to the board in London for an increase of guardians, and now he was very happy in being able to report progress. The last time he spoke there he touched upon the enormous fees charged for summonses. He was glad to find that that question was disposed of, and instead of the heavy charge of 3s. 6d. for a poor-rate summonses, the magistrates would charge only the no- minal sum of Is. (Applause.) That was a great boon to the poor of the town of Cardiff. (" It is not the case.") It was so reported in the Guardian. (" It will be.") It must be. (Applause.) The time would come when all those grievous burdens must be done away. Why should the inhabitants of Cardiff be saddled with a burden which the people of Newport and Swansea were not saddled with ? He was glad to tell the burgesses that an important alteration had been made in the valuation. During last week Mr. Watkins and the overseers and several others devoted nearly the whole week to the question, and had made a reduction of £25,000 upon the whole valuation. (Applause.) It was for that that the Ratepayers' Committee started, and he was happy to say that their labours had been brought to a successful ter- mination. We were living in days of improvement. No one was standing still, and the watch-cry of every one seemed to be "Onward! Onward! Onward!" It would be exceedingly impolitic and injurious for a political or corporate body to stand still. They could not stand still. They must either go backward or forward, or the tide of popular opinion would leave them to rot in idleness and inactivity upon some dismal swamp. (Applause.) Lord Derby was about to introduce a measure to be called a reform bill, to satisfy all. parties. (" Question.") The Chairman had decided that local and national politics were ad- missible, and therefore he claimed the right to address the meeting without being disturbed. (Applause.) Well, as this bill was to satisfy all creeds and all parties, he should like to whisper into Lord Derby's ear to take care that in a provision for the extension of the franchise, vote by ballot is included. (Applause.) He thought that would for ever put an end to the trade of Daniel Mathias. (Laughter and applause.) Some persons had said that if they got Mason into the council they would have the millenium. Let them not be deceived. There was a large amount of work to be done. A great many battles yetto be fought. Many enemies yet to be conquered before the millenium of the town of Cardiff would be enjoyed but he was willing to do what he could to usher in that happy and glorious period. (Applause.) Mr. MANNING: Touch upon the church-rates. Mr. MASON said his view was simply this. He would do anything he possibly could to gain an alteration in the law as applied to church-rates; but he must say he respected theOhurch of England for the noble stand she made in the days of the reformation, and as long as church-rates were the law of the land, he wished to re- spect that law. At the same time he would do all in his power to alter the law, and do away with church-rates. (Hear, hear.) Mr. MANNING Are you for the total abolition ? Mr. MASON: Certainly so. Mr. TWIGG: Providing it came under Mr. Mason's duties respecting the valuation, would he promise to charge every one as he had been charged-a guinea a foot? (Laughter.) He only meant that to lead to another question. Would Mr. Mason promise to go into the accounts of the Board of Health, and !ell those who sent him there what the rates ought to realise, and how they were spent? (Hisses and applause.) Mr. MASON replied that his education had not been such as to qualify him for being an auditor, but he would support a measure for having a qualified person to audit the accounts. As to going into them himself, he could not do it. The CHAIRMAN In the Local Government Act there Was provision for appointing an auditor. Mr. EDMUNDS: Have you got shares in the Gas Com- pany ? (Laughter, and Ten per cent.") The CHAIRMAN That was not a proper question. Mr. Edmunds might as well ask him to show his own balance sheet. Mr. EDMUNDS explained that he asked the question for the reason that the roads in Cardiff were so frequently broken up by the Gas Company and Water Works Com- pany, and left in a shameful state for the town to repair. Mr. MASON, as a considerable owner of property, and largely interested in the question of rates, would do Itll he could, if returned, to see that the money collected for public purposes was economically applied. (Applause.) Mr. W. LEWIS asked Mr. Mason if he would retain the right which the corporation ought to possess, that notice be given either by the gas or water company of any intention to break up the roads ? Mr. BOWEN: It is done. Allow me, Mt-. Chairman- (Uproar.) Mr. LEWIS, as a ratepayer, asked to be allowed the privilege of stating his views on this subject. The meeting was perfectly aware that the one company or the other broke up the roads when pipes had to be laid down. All that was wanted was that due notice be given, and that the work be properly done after the pipes were laid down. (Applause.) Mr. BOWEN said what Mr. Lewis had asked to be done was done, and the companies were bound to keep the streets in repair twelve months after being opened. If the companies did not do it, the fault lay in the Board of Health not looking after them. Mr. LEWIS That was the very point he wished to see attended to. Mr. MASON: If that work was not done, the board should see to it. One of the officers told him that a great number of committees were appointed by the Local Board of Health, but they never met for the transaction of business. (Laughter.) The consequence was the officers were left to themselves, and thty had to take upon themselves the responsibility of carrying out what committees ought to have done. Mr. WILLETT, referring to the powers given in the Local Government Act for extending the limits of muni- cipal boroughs, asked Mr. Mason if he would support a measure for extending the boundaries of the municipal borough of Cardiff? Mr. MASON: He certainly should, for two reasons- financial and sanatory. As they had taken the markets and fairs to Canton, the town ought to have some control over them. (Laughter and applause.) Mr. Elliott was called, but did not answer. Mr. NORTH was present, and said he was very much obliged to Mr. Twigg for his kindness in nominating him, but he did not authorise him, and he begged to say he was not in the field at present. One thing he would say-he did very decidedly object to any gentleman not being a burgess putting questions. He did not think that gentleman was in a position in the meeting at all. (Hisses and disapprobation.) A RATEPAYER asked Mr. North if he did not send his son to the licensed victuallers' meeting with the un- derstanding that if the meeting was unanimous, he (Mr. North) would come forward ? Mr. NORTH said the meeting had nothing" to do with what was done in private. The CHAIRMAN ruled that as Mr. North was not'a candidate, the meeting could not question him. Mr. S. D. Jenkins was not present. Mr. E. THOMAS said as Mr. North had withdrawn, he would nominate Mr. William Lewis for the South Ward. Mr. LEWIS said he was sure that this was quite unex- pected on his part, and he did not anticipate having to address the meeting. He had been asked by several if he would come forward for the North Ward, but he de- clined to do so. It had been kindly said by many that if Lewis came forward they would do all they could to prevent his return. They ought first to have ascertained whether he intended coming forward. As long as strength remained, he would remain in the same position and with the same views, and if his humble efforts could do any- thing towards helping forward this persevering town, he would do it; but he could not come before them as a candidate for the South or North Ward. (" Stand, and we'll put you in.") He thanked them for their kindness, but he could not accede to their wishes. He begged to nominate Mr. Armstrong. Mr. ARMSTRONG declined the honour. Mr. LEWIS then proposed Mr. John Davies. (Applause.) Mr. DAVIES said if he were disposed to accept this honour he would offer himself. His time was not en- tirely at his own disposal, but perhaps at some future time he would not wait to be nominated. (Applause.) Mr. NORTH Mr. Elliott will not stand. Mr. CORY proposed Mr. N. J. Calder for the South Ward. Mr. EVAN THOMAS nominated Mr. Morgan Alexander Lisle. The CHAIRMAN then proceeded to receive the formal nominations of the different candidates, and took the sense of the meeting thereupon, when he declared Mr. Owen, Mr. Mason, and Mr. Lisle the three candidates who had the highest number on a show of hands. In taking this show, only the burgesses of the South Ward held up their hands. The CHAIRMAN said it was exeedingly honourable to Mr Mason that he had been nominated without a single dissentient. (Applause.) The candidates for the North Ward were then called on, i ^jr'o^«TrARDS being the first, and was received with j, aMnn^K6' sa^ he had the disadvantage in address g em of not having a speech prepared, nor did he co ere„with the object of delivering more than a honest report of hIs conduct during the period he had had the honour Of serving the burgesses in the town council. He felt particular pleasure in being present at so influential a meeting for the purpose of nominating town councillors. He referred to fourteen or fifteen years back, when it would have been impossible to have col- lected such a meeting. There was no such thing as a public nomination. He thought it was but fair to refer to the period, and to rejoice in the development of a liberal feeling in this borough. (Applause.) He anti- cipated the pleasure of meeting the opponents he had to contend with in the North Ward, and he felt proud to record the grateful feeling he had in seeing Mr. Bird come forward to address the meeting. He felt it his duty to state his position in reference to any nomination that might take place. He was not anxious to go into the corporation. His professional engagements occupied so large a portion of his time, that it was a matter of great self-denial, with anything like regularity and pro- per amount of attention, to attend to the duties of the office in that way which he felt public business demand- m ed. At the same time he had been always associated with men of liberal and independent opinions in this town and he hoped as long as he lived to be identified with the cause of progressive reform, and in all that con- cerns our social, and political, and religions progress. (Applause.) His opinions were known to them more or less, as he had attended every public meeting of any im- portance in this borough for many years, and he was quite prepared to answer any question which might be asked. The question of a contest in the North Ward was not known to him until his rivals were in the field canvassing, and had shown their circulars. That cir- cumstance was thoroughly in opposition to the spirit in which they were assembled that evening. (Applause.) If there was any strong feeling to elect him as one of the representatives of the North Ward, he was at their service. (Applause.) But he had neither leisure, nor opportunity, nor inclination, to devote himself to a personal canvass. (Hear, hear.) He had never received anything but the highest respect from the inhabitants of the town at large, but he could not devote himself to the unpleasant labour and fatigue of a personal canvass of the voters. He had canvassed the town for others, and had done so when he considered it a duty. Late and early, morning, noon, and night he had engaged in a public canvass of the town, from one end to the other. If they were at all prepared as intelligent electors to select men to the office who would conscientiously do their duty, and were prepared to appoint a committee of gentlemen who would arrange for a canvass, if a canvass were necessary, so as to relieve the candidate, then ho would come forward, and if elected, endeavour consci- entiously to discharge the duties of the office. (Applause.) These were his sentiments, and he was quite prepared to answer any questions they might wish to put. (Applause). Mr. J. DAVIES: Do Messrs. Bird, Nell, and Pride issue their cards together ? Dr. EDWARDS: Yes. Mr. DAVIES And you stand alone ? Dr. EDWARDS Yes. It had been privately and publicly stated that he was a supporter of the Canton market scheme. The CHAIRMAN: I can state that he always opposed it. Dr. EDWARDS then explained that the only thing which could have given rise to the assertion was, that on the occasion of the public meeting when the subject was discussed he was desirous the meeting should not come to a conclusion till the whole matter had been fully gone into. He had always petitioned in favour of the Cardiff scheme. (Applause.) Mr. JOHN BIRD then addressed the meeting and was greeted with general applause and slight disapprobation. He appeared before the ratepayers of Cardiff for the first time to tender his services to them in the management of public affairs. He had resided in this town for several years,and was connected with it by birth and ties of a very interesting character. On several occasions he had been solicited to appear as he did on the present occasion, and he felt it then as much a matter of conscience and a matter of duty to decline as he now felt it a matter of duty and of conscience to offer his services. (Applause.) He had possibly but few claims to present to their favourable consideration, but there had been many important public questions in which he had taken deep interest, which had been already disposed of, and there were some equally grave and important yet to be disposed of by that body he was desirous of entering. He could only say with reference to those questions yet to be disposed of, that he would give them the fullest consideration in his power, be they proposed by what party they might, and the tendency of which was to promote the best interests of the town and as he had said in his manifesto, it would also be his duty to oppose all measures that were inimical to the interests of the town, let them also be proposed by whom they might. (Applause.) It was not men but measures that he intended to regard. (Hear, hear.) It was not party but principle that he intended to be in- fluenced by. He could assure them, having some interest in the town, for his own sake as well as for theirs, he would do all he possibly could to preveut harm being inflicted upon the ratepayers. (Hear, hear.) The Can- ton market scheme had gone by and he was glad to say the magistrates' clerk's salary had been settled. Another question had been discussed, and he believed finally dis- posed of. It had however been suggested that it might again come under consideration-he referred to the light- ing of the docks. That was a question which affected the town very materially. If it had been settled well and good. If it had not, he now took the liberty of stating what was his opinion upon it. Since his residence in Cardiff he had felt no ordinary satisfaction in maintain- ing that independent feeling and supporting those good measures which he was prepared to do in the future as he had in the past. If there was any one person in this town who might be supposed to be in favour of that great and mighty interest which so extensively prevailed here, for good or evil, and to give a ready assent to whatever belonged to the great property owned by that nobleman if there was one person who might be more influenced by family and other considerations to support that great estate, it was he. Let any one go to the alderman's aisle in St. John's church, and there observe the connection which existed between that great nobleman and a mem- ber of his (Mr. Bird's) family whose name he boie, and whose memorial he referred to as intimating that con- nection-if any one should be open to an influence in consequence of that intimate relationship, then it belonged to him. But if he had been in the council when that was discussed, and if further he might be in the council when again discussed, he should bring to the considera- tion of the question that one principle, whether it was right or whether it was wrong, and lie should unhesitat- ingly say it was wrong, and would be wrong for a public body to expend its funds for the benefit of private inter- ests. Heisliould have unhesitatingly voted against the appropriation. (Applause.) There was one very important question which had been brought professionally under his notice, over and over again, and which had not attracted that public attention which it deserved. There was a class of men connected with the commerce of the port, and whose perils were of no ordinary character, who have had their rights infringed and their privileges interfered with and controlled by a body having no interest whatever connected with this port, but which, if it had an interest, was antagonistic to Cardiff. He had regarded the exclusive and improper position of the persons over and over again, and as a town, Cardiff ought to take more interest in their welfare, and endeavour to aiter their false position. He alluded to the pilots. (Applause.) He need not tell the meeting what that position was. It was not impossible that many rate- payers took an interest in these things who were not thoroughly acquainted with the exact position of these hard-worked men. Formerly when Cardiff was an in- significant port, the control of the pilots was, and un- fortunately is, in the corporation of Bristol. That corpo- ration had the exclusive right of the appointment of the Cardiff pilots, and also the exclusive right of controlling and regulating their movements; and not only so, but so great was the hardship that a Cardiff pilot might take out a Cardiff vessel safely to a certain distance, and there be boarded by a Bristol pilot, and compelled to surren- der. Thus a competent man might be superseded by a person not as competent. ("Shame.") Either from ignorance, or from design on the part ofothers, the Cardiff pilots had been unacquainted with the actual extent of their rights. Very recently one of the Cardiff pilots declared that according to his own experience, Cardiff only extended to Lavernock Point. He (Mr. Bird) thought that was an extraordinary statement, and he found that the pilots were so instructed by Bristol men, and no doubt for Bristol purposes, whilst the law de- clared that it extended miles below, and that up to Nash Point they had a right to navigate vessels, while they were deluded into thebelief that it only extended to Laver- nock Point. He did think it was due to the pilots that the town council should exert themselves to save them from their false position, and that their just rights and privileges might be obtained for them, and that Cardiff instead of being subordinate ought, as he hoped it would be, superior to it. He was aware that so deeply had the chair- man regarded the interests of this important town, he (Mr. Bird) regretted that fifty years ago there were not five John Batchelors in the town. (Applause.) In the important extension of dock accommodation, Mr. Batchelor did regard the interests of the pilots and secured for them that proper position which the circumstances enabled him to do. He hoped that what had been secured to these men in respect of the Bute Docks and Penarth, would also be secured for the whole port of Cardiff— privileges which these men were fully entitled to. (Ap- plause.) All his predecessors had most justly declared their intention to rigidly supervise the enormous taxation of the town. They would find in him a willing and ready colleague in that desirable object. He most sin- cerely believed that a careful attention to the disburse- ments would have a considerable effect in the reduction of that enormous taxation. One word more. He thought many were suffering from difficulties which his excellent friend Mr. Mason had so properly bewailed-people who were not so competent to comprehend the manner in which the public money was spent. It was perfectly true that a large space of the newspapers was filled up with figures in debtor and creditor form. Was the important information conveyed to inferior minds as they could understand the figures ? He was of opinion that to be able to do so they should be auditors of the highest grade. He hoped they would get the accounts diffused in a more popular manner, that those who pay the rates may know how those rates are disbursed. (Applause.) They were living in a corporate borough, possessing considerable property. He thought it was very desirable that they should know what that property is, where situated, what its revenue, and how susceptible of improvement. All ought to be made acquainted with these particulars, as they were all more or less interested. He was very de- sirous that a full and true account of what property the town possessed should be had. He would urge on that which was most desirable to possess—an account of what for many and many a year was a source of considerable revenue, but which had disappeared nobody knew where. To prevent that in the future which had occurred in the past, he would know what the town had got, and that those who came after might know what had been done with it. (Applause.) Some of the gentlemen had passed through a categorical examination. One or two things he would advert to, and one in particular, which was more important than might at first seem to oe—the ex- tension of the limits of the borough. In the promotion of that object he could calculate upon one strenuous sup- porter. It was in the recollection of the ratepayers how energetic and what efforts the chairman made some years ago to accomplish that object. He most deeply deplored that that support was not as zealously conceded as it was most richly deserved. If that question i; in arose it should receive from him the warmest^ >v» uous support. (Applanse.) The CHAIRMAN said the question of the pilots had had the attention of the corporation, and members of the corporation had had interviews with the Board of Trade and the Admiralty with the view of altering the position of the Cardiff pilots. Mr. Bird knew that an Act was passed which gave the Board of Trade :indthe Admiralty the power to make the alteration so desirable, and the corporation endeavoured to bring as much influence to bear as possible, but they could not succeed in effecting the object. With Mr. Bird's assistance they might have greater success. He mentioned this that Mr. Bird might not have all the glory if they did succeed. (Laughter and applause.) Mr. OSBORNE: Does Mr. Bird still intend to stand with these gentlemen ? Mr. BIRD: He will stand on his own bottom. (Laughter.) Mr. DAVIES: Will Mr. Bird take the initiative in a measure for extending the borough? Mr. BiRD I shall be a very young member, and will follow those who are most experienced. Mr. OSBORNE Would Mr. Bird make a public re- nouncement of his connection with these gentlemen ? Mr. BIRD wished to know what that connection was. Mr. OSBORNE: Mr. Bird had canvassed with them, and he wished to know if he would do so still ? Mr. BIRD had issued his address as John Bird only. Mr. CORY How could that be when he had a circular in his house in which Mr. Bird's name was connected with two others ? That was a good beginning, he thought. (Laughter and applause.) Mr. BIRD There are always two sides to a story. Mr. CORY: Aye, half a dozen. (Applause.) Mr. BIRD: One man liked strong drink, and another weak drink. There was his address, in which he inti- mated what his intention was. He understood perfectly what was meant by those questions. He was asked if there was such an affinity between the sentiments of those gentlemen and his own as that he would follow them or support therein any measure which might be brought forward. If that were so, he said at onee No." He came there thoroughly independent of one party or the other; but if he was to be told not to do this with that man, or to do the other with another man, that would be a dictation to which he could not possibly submit. He asked the burgesses to elect no other person, and it was for them to elect one or the other. Mr. OSBORNE would like to know whether Mr. Bird would identify himself with the two gentlemen if they were not nominated by the meeting ? Mr. BIRD ascertained that this meeting was to be held only middle-day yesterday (Sunday). Had he been at all aware of this meeting, his proceedings would have been very different. He had made arrangements which it was impossible for him then to alter. Had it been otherwise lie would have acted differently. Mr. E. THOMAS thought that was not satisfactory. He knew for a fact that Mr. Bird had been round can- vassing not only for himself, but for Mr. Pride and Mr. Nell. (Hear, hear.) Such being the case, he should like Mr. Bird to answer this question—would he state in what respect Dr. Edwards had forfeited the confidence of the North Ward ? (Hear, hear.) Mr. BIRD: It was for the electors to answer that ques- tion-it was not for him. (Disapprobation.) Mr. DAVIES respectfully submitted that Mr. Bird had fenced with the question, and that the electors ought to be satisfied whether he would or would not stand alone. (Applause.) They did not understand that there should be a combination of three. They did not understand that one man should lend his influence in order that other two might be helped. He did think that Dr. Edwards had not forfeited the confidence of the ratepayers. (Applause.) Mr. TRESEDER asked Mr. Bird what were his feelings with regard to Dr. Edwards? Mr. BIRD I do not like you, Dr. Fell. The reason why I cannot tell." (Roars of laughter.) Mr. CORY He'll take both sides to get his purpose. (Laughter.) Black or white or anything to get in. (Uproar and loud laughter.) in the midst of which there was a cry What about church-rates ?") Mr. BIRD Fifteen years ago there was a great discus- sion upon church-rates. Who took up his pen against them ? The CHAIRMAN: You. Mr. CORY: Dont tell us about fifteen years ago. He has changed fifteen times since then, and he'll change between this and the first of November fifteen times again. (Roars of laughter and great uproar.) What does he say about the ballot? Let us have it, John. (Renewed laughter.) Mr. BIRD I have not yet made up my mind upon the ballot. Wnen I have I'll tell you. Mr. CORY Hear that. He can't give you a straight- forward answer. Mr. BIRD: It is a secondary thing. When it comes I'll make my mind up. Mr. OSBORNE: Would Mr. Bird put dissenters on the same footing as churchmen in respect of the cemetery would he use his influence to get those for whom conse- cration of the divided burial-ground is used to pay for that themselves and would he do all in his power to pre- vent any invidious distinctions between consecrated and non-consecrated portions of the cemetery ? Mr. BIRD replied that he would support the ab- sence of all distinctions with reference to the fees pay- able for the burial of the dead—unhesitatingly he would. (Hear, hear.) With regard to that separation which was so revolting to every right feeling, he would oppose it in every possible manner. Mr. CORY: Only stick to it. (Applause.) Mr. BIRD One word as to that. In three years hence he would have to meet those who now heard him give serious and solemn pledges. He regarded it as a question of principle and conscience, and he should be as prepared and as proud to meet them three years hence as any man who was conscious of having faithfully discharged his duty. (Applause.) Mr. CORY: Perfectly understand now that Mr. Bird had given them his word he would be a honest man. (Hisses and laughter.) He would give Mr. Bird his vote on that understanding. Mr. OSBORNE repeated his question about the conse- cration fees. Mr. BIRD That was an ecclesiastical question. He re- ferred to the case of a cemetery where a highly esteemed relative exercised his functions. There was a difference in the fees claimed by the clergymen of the Church of England, and the dissenting ministers. He could easily understand who charged the most, and it was found to operate prejudicially to the dissenters so that their ground got filled more rapidly than the other. Then the clergy and dissenters charged an uniform fee with re- ference to their functions. Mr. WILLETT That was a bribe to the dissenting ministers. Dr. EDWARDS: In common fairness and common jus- tice they ought to claim from Mr. Bird a distinct avowal whether he recognised the principle of electing town councillors in this way or by a clique ? (Applause.) He (Or. Edwards) intended to stand upon the principle that electors shall nominate and return members for the cor- poration. If elected upon those terms he should feel it most highly. He would ask if Mr. Bird was prepared to adopt the same principle ? (Applause.) Mr. CORY Straightforward, John. (Laughter and applause.) Mr. BIRD If there was anything calculated to make him very vain, it was the unanimous expression of opinion that he was a man of influence, and that he elected the burgesses. He begged to say that it was the burgesses who elected councillors, and their voice must be heard. Beyond that he was not able to answer. (Disapprobation and uproar.) Dr. EDWARDS felt sorry, after,the noble sentiments they had heard from Mr. Bird, that the ratepayers could not unhesitatingly give him their confidence. He should only be too happy to register Mr. Bird among the true- hearted liberals of Cardiff. He wished to know, without any roundabout answers, whether Mr. Bird was or was not a party to the first address by the trio, Bird, Nell, and Pride? Mr. BIRD I signed it with this hand, and what this hand has done, God grant that I may never be ashamed of. (Applause and counter demonstrations.) Dr. EDWARDS Is Mr. Bird prepared to take the sense of the meeting on the subject of canvassing with these gentlemen? Mr. BIRD: It is too late. I have done if. Dr. EDWARDS I appeal to your co-operation for the maintenance of a principle. (Loud cheers.) Mr. CORY proposed Mr. Fowler, coal merchant, for the North Ward. Mr. DAVIES would like to know if the ratepayers were dissatisfied with the services of Dr. Edwards ? His opi- nion had always been of the highest order of Dr. Ed- wards. He thought they could not afford to lose such a man. (Applause.) A town council was a great political power, and was something like a jury—the palladium of our liberty. Dr. Edwards was a thorough liberal in all his principles, and allied to the dissenters, though not a sectarian. The other three gentlemen were all church- men. When such grave questions came before the council as affected civil and religious liberty, speaking for himself as a dissenter, he objected to this local or- ganisation between Messrs. Bird, Pride, and Nell, When such questions as those of the fees payable at the ceme- tery had to be dealt with by the council, it was necessary that the principles of dissenters should be supported by the men at that board. That was a reason why they should have men like Dr. Edwards in the council. (Ap- plause.) The burgesses should send men of trade into the council still they needed a few educated men there -men of expanded views; such men were Dr. Edwards and Mr. Batchelor. Ere long Cardiff would have to elect another member of parliament. Dr. Edwards pro- posed Mr. Coffin as a member ot parliament, at a time when this was a close borough, and when this town stood out as an example to others for its patriotism. There was another reason why they ought to support Dr. Ed- wards—he threw himself wholly upon the constituency he did not wish to get in with the aid of other parties. His language was, I go on my own responsibility, with- out the assistance or aid of any others, two or three." Consequently there was no room for jobbery. Voters might be got up to the poll and not know how they had voted till they came out again. That would not happen if each came out independently. (Applause.) Mr. BIRD There may be one voting paper for each. Mr. DAVIES resumed. Mr. Bird had spoken in a very guarded manner. He said the limits of borough should be enlarged, and he would lend any assistance in the matter, but he did not say he would initiate the thing. He thought if Mr. Bird came before the rate- payers three years hence it would require a clever solicitor to prove that he had falsified any promises now made. j (Applause and hughter.) He hopd that churchmen would admit the claims of Dr. Edwards, and that dis- senters would strain hand and heart to put Dr. Edwards in, It Was universally admitted that he had not forfeited the confidence of the hornigh. Remember he is a Welsh- man. He begged to propose Dr. Edwards. (Loud applause.) Mr. SAGE seconded the proposition. Mr. VAUGHAN was canvassed by Mr. Bird and his friends, and he told them candidly that he intended to vote for Dr. Edwards, and they did not wish him to oppose one way or the other. Mr. JONES (printer) said whatever they might elicit from Mr. Bird would have very little effect. Whatever mischief might have been done could not ba undone. He hoped the electors of the North Ward would do what they could to return Dr. Edwards. Let all do what they could. He had served them long and faithfully, and they found in him that independence of action which they did not find in every member of the council. (Applause.) For his part he should vote for the Dr., it might be a plum- per, and induce some two or three to vote for him too. (Applause.) Mr. GOODMAN said that Mr. Bird called at his house and left his card, which had three names on it. On the following day two other gentlemen came, and made their usual bow, announcing themselves as Mr. Nell and Mr. Pride. It was then stated to him, or the impression was left upon his mind, that Dr. Edwards was about to retire. He told the gentlemen there was plenty of time to think about the question, for there was a month before the election and now he was prepared to say from the views which Mr. Bird had given the meeting, that he would support Mr. Bird apart from the other two gentlemen, or else Dr. Edwards would certainly have a plumper. (Applause.) Considerable noise here took place, as the excitement of questioning seemed to be spreading itself, and there was a pantomimic scene on the one hand, between Mr. M. Marks and Mr. Cory, owing to the latter gentleman endeavouring to put some further questions. The cry was for Mr. Bird's two friends, to which he replied ''Am I my brother's keeper?" C Mr. OSBORNE proposed Mr. J. T. Barry for the North Ward. Mr. VAUGHAN proposed Mr. John Bird. Mr. W. LEWIS seconded the latter gentleman, making a few remarks relative to the canvass of Mr. Bird and the other gentlemen. He told Mr. Bird he should support him, but he told Mr. Pride he would never support him, when Mr. Bird said, Lewis, I respect you for your can- dour." It occurred to him that Mr. Bird canvassed for himself. (Applause and disapprobation.) Mr. BIRD appealed to every man whether he had not done so. Mr. LEWIS: One man might be perfectly independent of the other. (" No, no," and loud disapprobation.) He was only giving what he believed to be the fact, so far as he was himself concerned. Mr. EDMUNDS urged that^there ought to be.a canvass for Dr. Edwards. Mr. JACOB said this was a new state of things, and they must make some allowance for Mr. „Bird on that account. Mr. OSBORNE thought it'not right on'the*part of Mr. Bird not to reserve himself till this meeting. Mr. M. MARKS It had been stated that'on one side there was a clique, but not on the other. He thought there was six of one and half a dozen of the other. (Laughter.) Dr. EDWARDS had not asked for a single vote, and he did not mean to do so, not from his most intimate friend He challenged any man to do the same, and if Mr. Bird wouldahstain from canvassing directly or indirectly, he should have his most hearty support and would feel proud to associate with him. (Applause.) Mr. MARKS You do that in private which you allow your friends to do, and that is the same thing. What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. (Laughter.) Mr BIlm really felt that his impressions bly softened and removed. He could not at a moment de- termine what he would do, but they should have' con- siderable effect and the influence they deserved. (Ironi- cal laughter and cheers.) Mr. DAVIES said they had to decide between this dis- crepancy-Nlr. Bird was joined with two other gentlemen, although he wished to make it appear he canvassed only for himself. Mr. BIRD: The question is am I to serve you or not? The CHAIRMAN then announced that the three for the North Ward whom the meeting had to support were Dr. Edwards, Mr. Bird, and Mr. Fowler and for the South Ward, Mr. Owen, Mr. Mason, and Mr. Lisle. The meeting separated, after three enthusiastic cheers or the Chairman and Dr. Edwards.