Monmouthshire Merlin

S NEWPORT BOARD OF GUABDl^ 0f The usual weekly meeting of the GUARDIAN8 Newport Union was held on Saturday- Mr. J. Latch (in the chair), Messrs. T. F- F V Graham, H. P. Bolt, R. Pritchard, F. LANG Price, E. Clarke, John Davies, W. Jones, E. Morgan, J. W. Bebell, James BROVNB TRC Thomas, J. Northcott, D. Baker, R. E. ?EES'J.PG TO The Master reported the number of INTAA, IQLI 288 last week, 298 sick, 100 last CC]K?OJ> deaths, 2 births, 1; children in the INDUSTRIE 149 last week, 147.. d to the. The Clerk reported sundry repairs REQ^^JJETIOG House of Refuge, and recommended that the thereo-al committee should visit the same and report .1 Agreed to. R The Clerk produced certificates for SALARIESJLTLEOB from the Poor-law Board to the officers at the lie ALSO schools, Mr. Bone, £ 55; Mr. Johnson, £ 50■ produced a certificate in connection with TB school mistress at the workhouse, Miss WILT°D' cbait. Several members of the Board, including THE )liSØ man, expressed themselves in eulogistic terms 0 Wilton. DISALLOWANCE TO A RELIEVING OFFICER* The Clerk remarked that it would be in the RE brance of many gentlemen at the Board that socie ditOt since certain disallowances were made by the FT11, with respect to Mr. Edmund's account. HE KJLJRD ceived a communication from the Poor-law & desiring that the Board of Guardians should observations on the matter of the sum disail0 which was Xii 19s. reo Mr. Brown explained the matter to the BOARD* marking that he had looked through the ACC< £ J)JLR<I He expressed a hope that some gentlemen at the P would move that the sanction of the Poor-laW be requested to be given to the payment in the pres instance. Mr. James justified the conduct of Mr. in the matter, and moved a resolution to the <? That the correspondence with the Poor-law* respecting these disallowances of Mr. Edmunds slaid counts by Mr. Murrell (the auditor) having BEEO before the Guardians and thoroughly investigate Board, under the peculiar circumstances of 0F recommend the Poor-law Board to remit the SU £ 11 19s. JYFF. Mr. Rees E. Rees thought that it was DUE Edmunds that he should have the money, A conded the motion. tbst It was explained, in answer to Mr. GrahaD". bleo, tioa the disallowances in question were perfectly JUs tÍon tO although Mr. Edmunds had not received TBES0 continue payment of the items which F°^EI1 GIVE** disallowances; still, sanctiou would HAVE H him had the application been made. (HE&R' EEN AP" The Clerk reported that Mr. Waters HA1! -O pointed relieving-officer for Nash, and Mr- J* ling for Tredunnock, and the sureties recon to the Board for the due performance of THE were approved of. THE COUNTY ACCOUNTS. The Clerk reported that he had RECE|V ROUNTY» nication from the Clerk of the PeaceARTEr, enclosing copies of the accounts PAIA IO* J the question of county finance, to file a copy of these accounts for re erence. ANONYMOUS LETTERS AGAIN. Mr. Brown drew attention to the practice had been going on for some time, of sending a ..Y mous letters. There had also been an last week in receiving a letter from Mr. John Stone. How that letter got into the 13ewspaperllo did not know. It ought not to have got there. had, however, been a letter sent lately making a C07\ plaint against the master. He (the speaker) like complaint only in a different hand-writiflW and he wished it to be understood, that they not notice anonymous communications. (Hear, HE0,^G If a case arose in the parish or borough and SOME 0 or other came and gave information confidentially any of them and said, "I don't like my name MI I up in this matter," then any member of ^ET ]J0 would perhaps be happy to investigate it. N!, G JFC had seen the letter in question, and he should I1 to go forth from the Press that no notice WOU beeJJ taken of anonymous communications. He bad ■J told that anonymous communications were RECE by the Poor-law Board in London. So they .J and in many instances, attended to but he SUBW1 that there was a wide difference between the C plaints made at the Poor-law Board in London, the small things which transpired in their (Hear, hear.) Anonymous letters were most j English—he wished to receive no more of them, rZe if he did, he would pledge his word to take no 9 of them. (Applause.) ^Q Several members here expressed themselves to t same effect.

NEWPORT TOWN COUNCIL. QUARTERLY MEETING. The quarterly meeting of the Town Council was held at the Town Hall, on Tuesday, present :—Thos. Beynon, Esq., Mayor; James Murphy, Esq., ex- Mayor Aldermen Homfray, Davis, Townsend, Latch, and Lewis Councillors Charles Jordan, S. Batchelor, J. S. Stone, R. S. Roper, W. W. Morgan, Benjamin Evans, William Graham, Wyndham Jones, Charles Lyne, L. A. Homfray, George W. Jones, and H. P. Bolt. The minutes of the last meeting were read. Alderman Davis made application for the use of the town roller on that recently-made part of the Marshes-road, and also the use of the water cart when required. This was at once agreed to, several members of the Board expressing concurrence in the application. SERCtBANT BATH'S SUPERANNUATION. I The Town Clerk read the report of the 15th March last, which showed that Sergeant Bath had served the required number of years to entitle him to superan- nuation as also a report by the medical officer prov- ing Bath's incompetency to perform his duties, both of which have already appeared in our columns. The Town Clerk remarked that now it would be competent for any gentleman to move that the report be con- firmed, and that Sergeant Bath be paid the sum of 17s. 4d. weekly out of the superannuation fund. Alderman Latch moved and Alderman Homfray seconded, that the Treasurer be authorised to pay Police-Sergeant Bath, the sum of 17s. 4d. weekly out of the Superannuation fund.—Carried. APPOINTMENT OF STATION-KEEPER NEW PRISON REGULATION. The Chief Superintendent of Police would suggest 119 that the resolution just passed should come into ope- ration on Tuesday next. His (Bath's) time would expire at the end of the week. The fresh week would commence on Monday next. What he would recom- mend would be that the superannuation com- mence on Tuesday next, and that Police-constable Growther, who had been in the force four years, should occupy the police-station—not as police-ser- geant—but simply to perform the duties hitherto at- tended to by Bath. He was sorry he could not recom- mend one of the sergeants for the post, but they were men with large families, and the premises were not at all suitable for a man with a large family. It would do very well for a man and his wife. Mr. Lyne What are the emoluments ? The Superintendent: Nothing whatever worth speaking of. There is a small emolument arising out of the maintenance of the prisoners but what he de- rives from that is very small, and, in return for which, he has to keep the premises clean and attend to priso- ners he pays a rent of 2s. per week. Mr. Lyne Very well and what do the emolu- ments amount to per prisoner ? The Superintendent Fourpence a meal each priso- ner. They are supplied with bread and cheese and a pint of coffee. Alderman Lewis I think it fair, at all events, that any officer under the Corporation should live on the premises rent free —— The Superintendent That remains for you to de- cide. I think the same as you suggest. Alderman Lewis Considering he is called up in the middle of the night, and subject to a variety of in- conveniences. Mr. Lyne What does he pay as rent. The Superintendent: Two shillings per week. Alderman Lewis I think it would be far better to allow his house rent free, than to pay a small rent and make any emolument in supplying bread and cheese and coffee. Mr. W. Graham I consider it a small emolument indeed. It is indeed infinitely small, and you had better leave it as it is. Alderman Lewis I presume the Board would dis- approve of any man being allowed to supply prisoners with food and to make a profit thereby. Mr. Murphy It is, I consider, unfair to allow any public officer any remuneration from the food sup- plied by him to prisoners and I take the liberty of suggesting that he get his rooms free, and account for all expenditure he makes. The principle of the pre- sent system is decidedly wrong. Alderman Homfray Then the only principle would be to invite tenders for the supply of bread and other articles required, and not allow any officer to make such profits. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Murphy If he is allowed to make a profit in this way, he will naturally make as large a one as he can. The sooner the system is done away with the better. Alderman Lewis Then I will second any proposal you may make to that effect, that he have his house rent free, and account for the whole of the expenditure for maintenance of prisoners to tne umei kJuperinten- ilant of Police. Alderman Davis I beg to move that those matters be left as at present. (Hear, hear.) Mr. W. Graham And I second that. Mr. Lyne Would you not prefer a small committee to inquire into the matter ? I mean inquire into the propriety of the present system. The Mayor You have heard the system from the Chief Superintendent of Police-he gives you the fact that it is a quarter of a loaf, two ounces of cheese, and a pint of coffee each. Mr. Lyne What I ask is this whether it is in the discretion of this man to provide what he likes, or whether it is under supervision. I am told that occasionally these provisions are looked into and ex- f amined by the Superintendent—but how often is that ? The Chief Superintendent I often go down to see the food to be given to the men, and it has been the same food Bath was in the habit of eating himself. I have gone as often as three or four times in a month. Mr. L. A. Homfray Well, I certainly shall sup- port Mr. Lewis and Mr. Murphy. 1 don't think it right to allow such perquisites to any of our officers, and that they should have any interest in the quantity or quality of food given to prisoners. Mr. Hewertson Does this discussion, Mr. Mayor, arise out of any complaint ? The Mayor Not at all. There:is a fresh officer ap- pointed to day, and that gives rise to the discussion. Alderman Homfray And if you alter it you must adopt the system of inviting tenders for the supplies. Mr. Lyne Just so and that is the proper system. You might just ¥3 well ask the Master of the Union to supply the food for the poor in the Union. The Mayor Then would it not be better to refer it to a Committee. Alderman Homfray I certainly think it should be left to the Superintendent to state what he thinks is re- quisite for prisoners. If he orders Itwo or three meals in a day that should be the quantity. There is a re- gular dietary in other gaols authorised by the Secre- tary of State for every day throughout the week. The Mayor Some gentleman had better name a small committee to report of the matter. Mr. Murphy If the Board confirm the principle we think as right, I have no objection at all to a Com- mittee perhaps it will be the best way of carrying it out. No officer should have any interest whatever in the shape of profits for food given to prisoners. Alderman Lewis And this is the proper time to settle such a question. Mr. William Graham pointed out that if they began to legislate in this instance they must do so in others. The present practice had gone on for twenty-five years and had answered well. There had been no complaint with regard to the way in which the food had been supplied, or the charge made for the same. It would be unwise to interfere with an arrangement that had worked so well. There had never been the slightest complaint suggested therefore, it would be a great mistake to adopt the resolution. He certainly ap- proved of the constable living free of rent, either in this or any other instance, whether in houses belong- ing to, or rented by the Corporation. He was con- vinced that the Board would incur a much larger ex- penditure by adopting the proposition just made. Mr. Hewertson said that the object of the resolu- tion thus placed before the Board was to avert a temptation set before the policeman to deprive the prisoner of the due allowance of food. He conceived if the proposed resolution were carried there would be greater temptation than before. Mr. Lyne here proposed, and Alderman Lewis se- conded, the following resolution,which was carried :— That in the opinion of this Board, it is undesirable that any of its officers should participate in a profit in the supply of provisions supplied to prisoners; and that a committee, consisting of the Mayor, Alderman Homfray, Alderman Lewis, Mr. Graham, and Mr. Lyne, be reques- I ted to inquire into the existing mode of supply, and advise the Board as to the best course to be adopted for the future." Mr. G. W. Jones called attention to the fact that the discussion was upon a matter of zC8 hitherto al- lowed to Bath for maintenance of prisoners. APPOINTMENT OF SERGEANT. The Superintendent Then, having confirmed the first appointment, I beg to recommend that an old officer, who has served in the force twenty years, be promoted to the office of sergeant. I mean P.C. Franklin. There have been no complaints whatever against him lately. /;) Alderman Lewis proposed, and Dr. Morgan seconded, Franklin's appointment, which was carried. The Superintendent, in reply to a member of the Board, remarked that the newly-appointed sergeant would have to attend to the service of summonses. To such an extent had these summonses increased that there were a hundred awaiting service at the present moment. REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. At a meeting of the Public Works Committee held at the Council House, on Tuesday, the 3rd day of May, 1870, —Present: The Mayor, (in the chair); Aldermen Davis and Townsend, and Mr. W. Graham. "Plans.-Plans for six cottages in Jones-street, sub- mitted by Messrs. W. Graham and Son, were recommended for approval. Also, for two houses on Stow-hill, prepared by Mr. B. Lawrence, for Mr. Oliver Goss, and it is further recommended to allow an archway to be constructed under footpath, the same to be completed to the entire satisfac- tion of the Surveyor. Alteration proposed by Mr. Jehoiada Brewer to house at present occupied by Mr. Cartwright on Stow-hill recommended. High-street Improvements.—Mr. Fothergill's build- ing in High-street having been specially referred by the Council to this committee, the plan was approved, with permission at once to proceed with the works. "Corporation Yard, Granville-street.—-The Surveyor was instructed to make the best arrangement in his power as to the gable end wall at the public yard in Granville- street. lYlr. G. Williams's Plan.-Plan of new window at house of Mr. George Williams, at corner of Commercial- street and entrance to Friars'-fields, was not objected to. Marshes-road Improvements.—The proprietors of two houses in Marshes-road, namely, by the Moulders' Arms, and a house near the far end of the road, the property of Mrs. Robert Kinsey Jones, having proposed to alter their entrances and lay down pavement on new level, they pay- ing one-third and the Corporation two-thirds of the costs, the committee adjourned to the spot, and after inspection thereof, advise the Local Board to agree to the proposals. The Surveyor was instructed to offer the Dock Com- pany a rent of £1 per month for use of piece of ground for deposit of stone and breaking same for the roads. The Town Clerk was instructed to write to Messrs. Cowdell, Grundy, and Co., solicitors, St. Antoni's Cham- bers, Budge-row, Cannon-street, London, who had adver- tised in last MERLIN for land for manufacturing purposes, directing their attention to the Marshes or Friars'-fields properties. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. At a meeting of the Finance Committee, held at the Council-house, on Friday, the 25th day of March, 1870,— Present: Alderman Townsend in the chair; Messrs. W. Jones, and R. Graham. The Collector's first return on account of rate made February last was examined, by which it appeared he had received the sum of X492 10s. "The committee recommend that advertisements of the half-yearly statements of accounts should in future be inserted in one local paper only, by rotation, and that notice thereof should be put in the other papers of the same date. The committee also recommend that all accounts against the Friars-fields demolition account be paid by the Surveyor out of the balance in his hands by next meeting of this committee." "At a meeting of the Finance Committee held at the Council-house, on Friday, the 29th day of April, 1870,— Present: Thomas Beynon, Esq., Mayor, in the chair; Aldermen Homfray, Latch, and Townsend, and Messrs. W. Jones and Evans. The collector's return on account of rate made in February last, was examined, by which it appeared he had received the sum of £1,530 4s. 3|d., making, with that previously received, the sum of £ 1,922 14s. 3}d. The accounts were examined and found correct." AN IRREGULARITY EXPLAINED. The Mayor remarked that it was brought under his notice, on Saturday last, that Mr. Thomas, the rate- collector, had discharged Mr. Frederick, the assistant collector, and appointed another person in his stead. The Town Clerk I was told so by Mr. Frederick himself. The Mayor only wished it to be made known that Mr. Thomas had taken upon himself the responsibility of discharging an assistant-collector, and appointing another in his stead. Alderman Lewis But is the assistant-collector ap- pointed by the Board ? The Mayor He was appointed by the Board in 1860. It is true Mr. Thomas's security covers any action on the part of Mr. Frederick, but I think at the same time it is an unwarrantable act to discharge one and appoint another, without apprising this Board. (Hear, hear.) Dr. Morgan Are you not under a mistake. Did not Mr. Frederick resign on account of incapacity to perform his duties ? The Mayor Then if Mr. Frederick had resigned, it was Mr. Thomas's duty to bring the matter before the Council, and ask their sanction to appoint another assistant-collector. Dr. Morgan Mr. Frederick told me incidentally about a fortnight ago that he was about to resign his situation on account of a bad leg which prevented him working. Alderman Townsend I think if Mr. Thomas is called in he will give us a. fair explanation upon the matter. Alderman Davis I understood Mr. Frederick gave up because Mr. Thomas never went out to collect whether that be true I can't say. Mr. L. A. Homfray If Mr. Frederick has resigned, where is his resignation, may I ask ? Alderman Homfray I think tlie Mayor lias done a proper thing in bringing this matter forward, and without further discussion, I think we should call Mr. Thomas, and hear his explanation. Alderman Lewis, (looking at the terms of appoint- ment) The appointment really takes place by Mr. Thomas. He is allowed an assistant. He fixes upon a man he thinks proper. He is responsible to this Board for Mr. Frederick's acts. The Mayor Just so Mr. Thomas's security covers anything Mr. Frederick may do. Addressing Mr. Thomas (who at this point entered the room), the Mayor requested he would give the Board some ex- planation in the matter. Mr. Thomas: Mr. Frederick gave me a week's notice about three weeks ago that he was unable to continue the work, in consequence of his leg swelling very much. He had been under the care of the doctor for some time, and for, I think, three months last year he was laid aside, and I did the work entirely myself, and at the same time gave him his wages regularly. This year I was in hopes that he would have been able to continue the work, but he had been but three or four weeks engaged again, when he found that his legs again began to swell very much, and his son told him that he had better give up the work, and he would give him something to do when he should have more rest. He therefore gave me a week's notice to the effect that he should be obliged to leave on the following Saturday. Of course I accepted his notice, and then found it necessary to engage another person to do the work out of doors, and that person is Mr. Thomas James, a most respectable man, whom I have known for many years and I dare say some of the gentlemen present may know him very well. A long discussion followed this explanation by Mr. Thomas, during which he answered several questions as to Mr. James's deafness and his capability for the office. Alderman Davis repeated the remark he had made a few minutes before in Mr. Thomas's absence, as to his not going to collect the rates but this was stated by Mr. Thomas to be unfounded. The discussion proceeded at some length, when Mr. L. A. Homfray said they did not want a long discus- sion on the matter at such an advanced time of the day. There had, no doubt, been an oversight on the part of Mr. Thomas and there was an end of it. Mr. Murphy: So long as Mr. Thomas is responsible he should have the appointment, but the recommen- dation should come here. Alderman Homfray And be sanctioned by the Board. Mr. Thomas I confess I am in error in this matter I ought to have mentioned the name of Mr. James to the Board; and I am sorry I did not do so. Alderman Davis Then I beg to suggest that this matter be referred to the Finance Committee, to con- sider whether it is necessary a new appointment should be entered into and whether the person recommended is a fit and proper person for the office. I know he is very deaf, and 1 fancy that is very much against him. Whether he is competent I don't know. Referred to the Finance Committee. NUMBERING STREETS. The Mayor remarked that the Postmaster had called his attention to this matter. They were asked to number the streets in a proper manner. Alderman Lewis It is time for something to be done. There was a letter sent to me from Bristol and never delivered—Returned as not known." (Laugh- ter.) Mr. Samuel Batchelor I was in company with the Government Surveyor the other day on private business, and I am informed by him that there are no less than thirteen thousand letters annual It/never de- livered in Newport, in consequence of houses not being properly numbered. I therefore beg to move that the streets be properly numbered. Alderman Lewis I beg to second it. This was agreed to. THE SUPERANNUATION FUND. The Mayor after having called attention to the pre- sent unsatisfactory system of working this fund, pro- posed that £1,000 be vested in Government securities. -Agreed to. THE FREE LIBRARY COMMITTEE. The Mayor remarked that the next business would be the formation of a committee to carry out an ar- rangement with respect to the Free Library. It had been deferred to the present time on the motion of Mr. Lyne. The Library was opened under the Act on the 27th of April. The Mayor quoted figures which have appeared in our columns, showing the extent to which the movement had been already ap- preciated. The daily attendance from the commence- ment had steadily increased. Yesterday (Monday) there were 331 visitors, making since the opening, a total of 2,498 persons. (Cheers.) He visited the room one night and found the utmost order and quietude—the managers had put up a notice intimat- ing that they would find more accommodation. It was a pleasure to go there and witness the orderly de- portment of the persons who visited the place. The gentlemen he would propose as a committee to act for the present year would be all the members of the Council, including the Mayor, with the Rev. Canon Hawkins, Messrs. W. Christophers, J. Wood, R. G. Cullum, W. N. Johns, A. Stonehouse, W. Wade, T. Williams (Star of Gwent), H. L. Daw, Rev. R. Richardson, Rev. J. W. Lance, Messrs. C. Kirby, J. Horner, and W. West. That list embraced men of all denominations and shades of opinion, and was, he thought, satisfactory. (Hear, hear.) Mr. W. Graham seconded the resolution; and it was carried. The Mayor They will continue in office until the 9th of November next. Then I propose also that the sum of X200 be paid out of the rates to the credit of the Free Library Committee. This was also agreed to. The Mayor The committee appointed would be emp)wered to form sub-committees. I presume the Board are all aware that Mr. Alderman Homfray and other gentlemen connected with the Tredegar Wharf Company have foregone the amount of ground rent due on the premises. I think it a most handsome thing. (Loud applause.) The Mayor here submitted the report of the Sur- veyor on the state of the roads, which, he said, would perhaps be taken as read- SURVEYOR'S REPORT UPON ROAD REPAIRS, 1869-70. GENTLEMEN,—All the important particulars of weight, cost, and description of broken stones used for the repair of the carriage road of the public streets within your district, during the year ending the 1st inst., are shown in the usual form in the following tables.* The actual amount expended during the past year is £ 503 14s. 2d., as compared with X662 Is. 4d. for the previous year, whilst the actual cost of the stone put upon the roads is X455 2s. 3d., as compared with £ 657 4s. 7d. for the preceding year. It will therefore be satisfactory for you to know that X200 less has been ex- pended on the actual repair of the roads, whilst 800 tons less of stone have been laid down, as will be seen in table 3, and the state of the roads generally is not less efficient than at any former period. A comparison of the different tables will show that the use of Black Rock stone has been superseded to a great extent by Bombay and Waterford stones, which are brought to the port as ballast. The opinion expressed in my last annual report as to the superior quality of the Bombay stone has been authenticated by the experience of the past year. An inspection of table 5 will show that there is at present a good stock of stones on the Marshes towards the requirements of next season, but it will also prove that there are no stones elsewhere. The portion of Portland-street, of which you have had the gratuitous use as a place of deposit for some years through the kind- ness of Samuel Homfray Esq., has now been appropriated to other purposes, and there is little probability of any great amount of stones being allowed to remain gratuit- ously, as in former years, on the Wharf of Messrs. Prothero, at Pillgwenlly. As the Marshes is the only place of deposit for your road materials at present, I would respectfully submit to your notice the propriety of your obtaining, if possible, either gratuitously or at a moderate rent, the use of some piece of ground, at or near to the dock, where the larger portion of the ballast stone is purchased. By so doing the greater part of the item of e56 5s. 7d. in table 5 C, would be saved, and there would be some reduction in the wear and tare of streets now necessitated by the hauling of materials from Pillgwenlly to the Marshes, which might afterwards be required to be hauled back for the repair of streets at the lower end of the town. "I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, CONYEBS KIRBY." f* Tabulated statements of costs, &c., were appended to the report.] The Mayor thought they should not pass by that report without giving thanks to Alderman Homfray for having rendered such facilities to the town in allowing the deposit of stones gratuitously, as stated in the report. (Applause.) Mr. Jordan had much pleasure in seconding a vcte of thanks, which was carried. THE MEDICAL OFFICERS REPORT. The following report was taken as read :— Gentlemen.—I beg to report that 282 births were registered during the quarter ending on the 31st March, which is at the rate of four per cent, or 40 per 1,000 of the population. "There were 178 deaths in the same period, affording an annual rate of mortality for the quarter of 25 per cent. The chief causes of death were pneumonia, 17 bronchitis, 16 phthisis, 22 tubercular disease in chil- dren, 17 scarlatina, 3 hooping cough, 4 croup, 2 typhus, 1 typhoid, 1; diarrhoea, 2 making together 33 deaths from inflammatory affections of the lungs, 36 from tubercilar disease, and 13 from zymotic disorders. Fifty-seven children died under five years, constituting 32 per cent. of the entire mortality and there were 27 deaths among old people of 70 and upwards, who had reached an average age of 76$years. The town still remains remarkable free from any epidemic fevers. I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, B. DAVIES, M.D. "Newport, Mon., May 10th, 1870." The Town Clerk remarked that there was one thing satisfactory about the report, and that was the mor- tality seemed to be confined to old persons. A FIRE BRIGADE FOR NEWPORT. Mr. Samuel Batchelor wished to revive a question which had been brought before the Board on previous occasions, and that was the subject of a fire brigade for Newport. (Hear, hear.) They had recently had some severe fires in Newport and Cardiff. He Deed not remind the Board that there was a large amount of property in Newport quite unprotected. His object, therefore, in bringing the subject before them, was to propose that a fire brigade be established. He had framed a resolution accordingly, which was That it is desirable to establish a fire brigade for the town and borough of Newport, and tliat the matter be referred to the Works Committee, to report on and organise the same." Alderman Homfray remarked that they had had several fires, and on those occasions the fire brigade (their own police) had done their duty nobly. They had always a force then iu a very short time, and they used despatch and readiness not always found in other places. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Batchelor said his object was to have somebody immediately on the spot, when a fire occurred in the night. He saw by the Western Mail that morning, that excellent arrangements had been made in Cardift. Alderman Lewis At Cardiff they have done away with the fire brigade. Mr. Batchelor Well, they have now men appointed to be on constantly at night. I suggest the organisa- tion of a committee to consider the matter with res- pect to our own town. Alderman Homfray again called attention to the efficiency of the police in Newport in cases of emer- gency. They had never found such miscarriages occur here, as were conspicuous in certain other towns, where they forgot the key to turn the water on, and then forgot to bring the hose. (Laughter.) Mr. Lyne Yes, and worse than that, they after- wards find they have forgotten to turn the water on from the main. Alderman Homfray said they would find in this town as good a Fire Brigade in a few minutes as they would wish to have—a most efficient body. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Bolt When all the police are called away to fires, there is an opportunity for thieves. Dr. Morgan dissented from such an opinion, re- marking that he had never heard of any robbery un- der such circumstances. Mr. Batchelor There was Mr. Lyne's case-he lost two ricks of hay some time since. Mr. Lyne But that was through a want of water. Mr. Wyndham Jones I think what we are more in want of is a tire escape. (Hear, hear.) If there were a fire in this town now I don't know what you would do for a fire escape. The Superintendent We have two fire escape lad- dprs but they are not so effectual as fire escapes. The Mayor But they would assist in saving life. The Superintendent Yes we have never had any serious fires. The only thing I think of would be a horse, kept during the whole night, collared and ready for work. Whenever a person comes here in the night I have only one man in the station. He runs out at once, secures a second and third and so on, and ultimately gets a good force but by the time we start we have not a sufficient force. It takes a few men to drag an engine up that hill outside but one horse would run it up easily. (Hear, hear.) Alderman Homfray You have already a man who contracts for the supply of horse labour, and what I recommend is that he be granted a stated sum for keeping one horse with the collar on during the night. The Surveyor That is a most excellent suggestion. This pinch up Corn-street and Stow-hill would ex- haust the strength of six men, whereas that horse could always be in readiness. The Superintendent: They arranged yesterday at Cardiff for two horses to be kept harnessed, and in readiness during the night. Mr. Lyne It had better be referred to a Com- mittee. Mr. Batchelor I leave it in the hands of the Board. To my mind it is a most important matter. Mr. Murphy complained that there was a want of generous feeling on the part of the Insurance offices in assisting them in a pecuniary point of view in obtaining efficient preventation. Alderman Homfray Let me say, as far as my ex- perience goes, we have not found that the case here. Mr. Lyne I can say no people could behave more liberally than the Lancashire Insurance Company that I can vouch for in many instances. (Hear, hear.) The subject then dropped. FRIARS' FIELDS. FRIARS'* Mr. Robert Graham called attentio OPERty fields, and thought it high TX™E COMMITTEE SHOULD should be utilised. He proposed a committe go into the matter.. „ ,,AF THERE F The Mayor reminded the speake Committee for Public Works alrea J AFFORd 3^' in the matter, and would in a short time ano Graham the information be sought. h Public Works Mr. Graham remarked that if 'the Public Committee were giving attention to the matter he Woo perfectly satisfied. WANT OF LIGHT IN HIGH STREET- GUF £ « Mr. S. Batchelor called attention to TNE GHOPJ ciencyofgas light in High-street. A er, TOT&« were closed it seemed very dark from the King's Head. He hoped the Works COM would look into that matter.. POS1' After some discussion upon the inconveni tion of the present General Post Office, adjourned.

VALUABLE GIFT TO THE WELSH INSTIL* TUTION, LLANDOVERY. The well known Welsh sculptor, Mr. MEREDY^ Thomas, brother of the eminent sculptor, .MR. & Thomas, (lately Sheriff for the county of Brecon; presented the Welsh Institution at Llandovery a medallion of John Johnes, of Dolaucothy, Trustee of that Institution. The following LET JYTB addressed to the four other trustees by Mr. WA# Thomas, accompanied by the medallion, J^'GUCE O £ in a handsome black and gold frame. The A ,LEN DE* the fifth trustee, Mr. Rees, of Tonn (who HA9 ^EDHI3 taiued in the East by a family affliction), pREV,E J being able to sign the acceptance and ackn°W E ° of the above handsome donation :— To the Trustees of the TVelsh Institution, I^an °% fa. "MADAM AND GENTLEMEN,—Having had AI^RTRA^ vourable opportunity of modelling a medallion P-> AE^. from life of that highly-esteemed and most excel JJ^EA tleman, Mr. Jolmes, of Dolaucothy, I beg your acc L> of it for the Welsh Institution at Llandovery, O JDG he is a trustee. I feel happy, as a Welshman, in Q £ able to offer this tribute to your Natmnal College,^0 proving my respect and admiration for his charac ^0 The medallion will be forwarded, addressed 0f care of William Rees, of Tonn, Esq., who is also on the honourable body whom I now address. I am, Madam and Gentlemen, Your obedient and humble servant, „ W. MEREDYTH THOSIA ,H To the above letter, Mr. Meredyth THOIN;EI1T; received the following gratifying ACKNOWLE^O from the Trustees The undersigned Trustees of the Llandovery TB0 Institution desire to acknowledge with sincere TH:L^TED very valuable donation of tlie fine medallion PRLF !MASI A3 the eminent Welsh sculptor, Mr. Meredyth ^MCLED well as the handsome manner in which he hfl>S A, the College in which they are so specially interes HIO The medallion will ever be valued as a ^'°R» art, and for its striking resemblance to M1*- VRESELI^S'. Dolaucothy, the highly-esteemed gentleman it RE^P^G Mr. Jolmes will himself separately ACKNOWLEDGE^^JUFTS' tifying compliment paid to him by Mr. Meredyth Signed by The Right Hon. LADY LLANOVER, Senior Trustee, r- nf "The Rev. JOSHUA HUGHES (Vicar dovery), Bishop Elect of St. ^-9,YJCAR of "The Rev. E. OWEN PHILLIP3 Aberystwitli."

A>-p CoM- BREAKFAST.—EPPS'S COCOA.—GRATEF^ this pre. FORTING.—The very agreeable character The paration has rendered it a general vo urite. ccesg Civil Service Gazette remarks :—" The SING^ ^0 PRE3 which Mr. Epps attained by his hom( £ °P ^Y ANY paration of cocoa has never been SURPASS,TRE 0f experimentalist. By a thorough know ^JP^JGESTI0*1 natural laws which govern the operations and nutrition, and by a careful applica *9 ^AG prO" properties of well-selected cocoa, ^Y +JAvoure<L vided our breakfast tables with a de MA DOCTOR^ oeverage which may save us many TT1ilk- SOLD oills." Made simply with boiling waer PACKETS, only in J lb., I lb., and 1 lb. tin-lin CJIEMIGTS labelled—JAMES EFPS & Co. Homoeopath ^755 London. P DESTR^CTL0* Loss OF Six LIVES, \BROUGH FFIJ OF THE LUNATIC ASYLUM AT AISX^, MATCH- IGNITION OF melancholy catastrophe has just takenp q £ e% resulting in the destruction of a great pa occurre» tensive Asylum, and the loss of six hves through one of the inmates setting stnkiD| ighting an ordinary match, ilmax (Bryant a»« Atonce of the value of those MrtaW May's) which light only (when so desir [9