South Wales Daily News

THE DELEGATE MEETING DEFIANCE TO THE MASTERS. Collating the views of several correspondents throughout the two counties of Monmouth and Glamorgan, who affirm that they authoritatively express the opinions of some thousands of the men out of work we learn that while the resolution passed by the delegates at Mountain Ash on Tuesday was fully anticipated from a know- ledge of the character and narrow range of the electing constituency, it is very freely criti- cised, and treated with but scant respect. It is said that the Mountain Ash meeting was not by any means fairly representative of the men out of work, but simply represented the opinions of men, most of whom are at work in non-Associated Collieries, and the opinions of the stipendiary delegates," that is, the paid agents 0 and partisans of Mr THOMAS HALLIDAY. The same radical defect, it is said, attaches to the resolution of the Llanwonuo meeting last week. That resolution was not the free expression of the voice of the six or eight thousand men who met on Tuesday week on the hill side at Llanwonno, but the narrow and prejudiced vote of a small minority of men at present at work, and of paid agents who do not therefore feel the pinch of destitution and want as do the tens of thousands of men with their families, who are absolutely out of employ. At Llanwonno the ironworks' colliers and the ironworkers who are by far the largest portion of the workmen, were requested to take no part in the proceedings of the meeting, and the discussions were conducted, and the decision ar- rived at by a small minority of those present;— the steam colliers who are mostly in work, and the paid agents and delegates. This degraded what might otherwise have been a grand demonstration of public opinion into a pitiful farce. The only as- tonishment is, that the thousands of men who took no part in the proceedings could tamely consent to be snubbed and silenced by paid agents after this fashion. The delegate meeting, therefore, at Mountain Ash, which merely met to record the foregone conclusions of the men who are chiefly at work in the non-Associated Collieries, and of paid delegates, is clearly not entitled to the same re- spect as a fairly representative meeting of all the men who are vitally interested in this disastrous strike and lock-out. A small body of men fairly organised might easily succeed in carry- ing a resolution against the popular opinion of a district when that popular opinion has no recog- nised and accustomed channel of action. Hence the reason why a minority of the workmen-and those chiefly in employment—could succeed, backed and supported by Mr HALLIDAY',S paid agents and partisans, in carrying a resolution which the public voice emphatically dissents from. The indepen- dent delegates present at Mountain Ash saw the danger to which their free discussions and votes would be exposed from the preponderance of dele- gates representing collieries at work, and from the presence of so many paid agents. Consequently they made a gallant, but, we regret to say, an unsuccessful effort to exclude these delegates from working colliers and these paid partisans of Mr HAL- LIDAY. Failing in this the decision of the meeting was a foregone resolve it met only to register the opinion of Mr HALLIDAY, Mr PHILIP JONES, of Abertillery, Mr SAMUEL DAVIKS, and others who have no interest whatever in terminating the pre- sent ruinons trade struggle, and whose pecuniary interests are benefited by perpetuating it. The decision of such a meeting as this cannot be ac. I cepted as the free expression of opinion of the tens of thousands who are vitally interested in this terrible labour dispute. Still if the majority of the men will tamely allow their inter- ests and the future of themselves and their families to be sacrificed by selfish men, who are themselves earning wages in the non-Associated collieries, and by paid agents and delegates, there is no remedy. Their only help is in themselves. If unorgauised as they are, they cannot compete with the well- prepared and equipped partisans of Mr HALLIDAY- many of whom are so lavishly paid out of the hard earnings of working men—let the men out of em- ploy urge upon the masters to throw open their pits at a fixed. reduction, so that they may earn something—of which the men at work and the paid agents now deprive them-for the support of their wives and children. In view of the decision of that delegate meeting which faithfully echoed Mr HALLIDAY',s reckless "No surrender" cry, the deliberations of the masters' meeting to-day will be invested with more than ordinary gravity atcl importance. Many, and perhaps most of them unaccredited, rumours are already in circulation, and it is affirmed by some who profess to be in the secret that the masters will resolve, as their compromise has been so absolutely and so offensively rejected, not to open their pits save at a reduction of from 20 to 25 per cent. This, although but rumour so far as the public are concerned, nevertheless indi- cates with tolerable accuracy the prevalent opinion of those outside. The sympathy so long and so generally felt for the men is, we regret to say rapidlydying out, through the unreasoning and mad policy of Mr HALLIDAY and other paid agents and delegates. Public opinion, however, is neither very logical nor especially discriminative, and it will hold the whole of the men responsible for the I decision of the Mountain Ash meeting, at which only a tithe of them were fairly represented. Thera I is no possibility of correcting taia popular Cfinicn | while the men allow a minority of their body and a number of paid agents to decide their action, and to continue the policy of "resistance" advo- cated by Mr HALLIDAY and Mr ALEXANDER MACDONALD for the benefit of their two northern unions. The defiant attitude of that Mountain Ash meeting, and the spirit of uncompromising resistance manifested by the majority of the de- legates, is tast destroying popular sympathy for the cause of the men, and the resolve of the masters is interpreted in a much more favour- able light than heretofore. The men them- selves are alone responsible for this change in public opinion, and unless they arouse them- selves from their culpable lethargy, and take Ily their cause out of the hands of paid and interested delegates, the sympathy of the general public will not only be completely estranged from them, but public opinion will become absolutely hostile. Our Merthyr correspondent, who writes from ap- parently most reliable information, assures us that the rumours of probable division amongst the masters at th&ir meeting to-day have no foundation in truth. The hostile attitude of the delegates at the meeting on Tuesday, will, it is said, close up the ranks of the masters into a firm front of determined resistance, and they will now fight the battle, as Mr HALLIDAY wished it fought, to the bitter end. The question of arbitration which had found favour with some of the masters, and which, if the delegates had adopted a con- ciliatory policy, might have been advocated by some of the employers to-day, will, it is stated, be summarily dismissed and rejected, in consequence of the "no surrender" temper and the defiant spirit of the delegate meeting on Tuesday. It 11 Y. is probable, too, that all the new works which have been for some time in progress at the Asso- ciated Collieries will be at once abandoned, and, as a consequence, a large additional number of men will be thrown out of employ to add to the destitution and distress already too abundant. There is a rumour, moreover, as our correspon- dent reports, and that rumour is confirmed by communications we have received from usually well-informed sources, that a resolve will be come to at the masters' meeting to-day to demand possession of the cottages belong- ing to the Associated Masters which are occupied by men who do not pay rent, and who are in full work in the non-associated collieries. This resolve of the masters should it be determined upon to-day will not cause much surprise in any. The men must surely have expected that such a decision would be adopted sooner or later. It is neither equitable nor just that men in full employment, as those men at the non-associated col- lieries are, should occupy the cottages of other owners for months without payment, and should hurl defiance at the men whom they are depriving of their rents. We deeply deplore that the un- compromising temper of the Mountain Ash meeting should have given to the masters a plea as well as a justification for resolving upon extreme measures to get possession of cottages occupied by men who can, but will not, pay their rents. It is to be hoped that the masters will not resolve to-day to adopt these ulterior measures with respect to the cottages, but should they do so even the men themselves must admit that they are within their right, while the outside public will believe that they have been driven thereto by the reckless and wild decision of the delegate meeting on Tuesday. Our Merthyr correspondent further inti- mates that there will probably be a resolution put be- fore the meeting to-day, and in all likelihood carried, proposing that a further reduction in wages shall be enforced before the men be allowed to return to work, and that this reduction shall be differential —possibly 15 per cent. reduction in the steam collieries and 25 per cent. in the bituminous collieries. We notice thus in detail our correspondent's letter inasmuch as his infor- mation is always reliable and accredited, and we have reason to believe from careful inquiries of competent and well-informed parties that strong measures will be resolved upon to-day in view of the bitter spirit and the defiant attitude of the Mountain Ash meeting. We are informed too that the masters will be thoroughly united on this point, and that more serious times are yet in prospect for the coal and iron industries of South Wales. We have again and again warned the men of the consequences which must necessarily follow in fighting this labour quarrel at the wrong time, when all the conditions of the conflict were against them. We have again and again implored them, for thejsake of their own interests, and the welfare of their families, to take the guidance of this terrible quarrel into their own keeping, and out of the hands of paid and interested leaders. If this were not speedily done, we foresaw a period of serious trade complications, and of long and bitter struggle. The men have not acted wisely, discreetly, and with forethought in this matter, and we are sadly afraid that the resolution of the masters' meeting to-day will only prove that the men have allowed paid delegates and agents to plunge them into a prolonged and ruinous struggle, in which they cannot by any pos- sibility be victors.

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY LECTURES FOR SOUTH WALES. A\e are glad to Fee that another step is about to be taken towards obtaining for Cardiff, Swansea, and other towns in South Wales the advantage of syste- matic instruction afforded by the scheme prepared by a syndicate o! the University of Cambridge, to which we have before alluded in these columns. Such pro- gress has been made by the local committees at Cardiff in the arrangements and so cordial has been the sup- port tendered by the residents that the project now stands on a firm basis. The sinews of war will not be wanting te carry on the campaign, as will be seen by a glance at the very satisfactory guarantee list, amounting to nearly £ 300, and containing names of such influence as the Lord Bishop of Llandaff, Dr Nichol Came, Mr C. W. David, Mr R. O. Jones, and others. The University, then, seeing that South Wales is really in earnest in desiring to avail herself of the advan- tages she oiferfli comes forward to do her part. It will be seen by a reference to oui ertisimg columns that a public meeting will be held at the Assembly Rooms, Cardiff) 00 Monday evening next, under the presi- dency of Mr. Robert Oliver Jones. The Rav. W. Moor Ede, B.A., of Cambridge, has been deputed by the syndicate to attend this meeting, and vill fully explain the scopc and objects of the scheme, and give such dfitaili ci its working is other large centres of population as cannot fail to be interesting. We be- lieve the committee aim to arrange some courses Of lectures both as to time and price of tickets specially to suit the convenience of the working classes, and it is to be hoped that many working men will be present at the Town Hall 02 Monday evening to hear whit educational opportunities will shortly be oflared them. We trust, too, that as ladies" classes are also contem- plated, ladies will muster strongly at the meeting.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT INQUIRIES AT CARDIFF. Mr J. S. Harrison, C.E., one of the Inspectors of the Local Government Board, attended at the Loard-rooru of Cardiff Workhouse yesterday,for the purpose of nolaiug a final inquiry previous to tlie issuing by tlie Local Go- vernment Board of a provisional order for tue formation of the parishes of Penarth, Cogan, and Llandough into a rural sanitary district. Mr J. S. Corbelt and Mr A. Corbett attended on the part of Lord Bute Mr F orrest and Mr Bernard, C.E., represented Lord Windsor; iilr Tinker represented the ratepayers of Cogan, and Mr Leyshon the ratepayers of Lilandough, Mr Vv • P. Stephenson the Cardiff Sanitary authority. Mr HARRISON said the inquiry was a formal one, but one necessary to be held before the provisional order could be issued. He believed it was clearly understood at the last inquiry that all parties were in favour of S.the formation of the Board of Health for the three parishes, and he therefore presumed that no opposition would be raised to it now. All present expressed themselves in favour of the formation of the Board. Mr HAKKISOX The next question is the constitution of the Board. How many members should you think that the B o ard should consist of ? Mr CORBETT and Mr FORREST expressed themselves in favour of the Board consisting of nine members. Mr HARRISON: It must be some number divisible by three. What is the population of the district., Mr CORBETT said the population of Penarth, including the floating population, would be about 3,000; Cogan, according to the census of 1571, 002 and Liandough, GI. Mr HABRisoN Then nine would be a good working number for so small a population. Mr STEPHENSON suggested that the district shouldjjbe divided into wards. If this was not the case the large excess of population in Penarth would entirely tv/ainp the smaller parishes of Cogan and Llandougb, who would tnereby fail in securing a representative. Mr HARRISON Would it nut be better to increase the number of members of the Board to twelve, giving six to Penarth and three each to the other parishes ? Mr CORBETT felt that it would be better to confine the number to nine,dividing the district into two wa,td-s, one for Penarth with six members representing the tONil and population, and the two parishes of Cogan and Liandough ward, having three members, these two P^^hes being almost entirely agricultural. Mr HARRISON pointed out that it was better that the provisional order should include the formation of the dis- trict into wards, but that it should be left to the ithabi- tants to arrange and petition the Local Government Board. Before the first Board was elected the inhabit- ants could meet and divide the districts into wards, they could then send their determination for the ap- proval of the Local Government Board. The Locil Government Board had power to increase the number of members, but if the division of the district into wards was invested in the provisional order then it wou:d Lti necessary to obtain another provisional order before any increase in the number of members cf the Board could take place. In the discussion that followed it was generally cou- siuered desirable that the district should be divided into wards by the Local Government Board, but Mr Harrison decided that the question .should be left open. In the event of the inhabitants holding a meeting and coming to an arrangement respecting the division of the wards the resolution would be communicated to the Local Govern- ment Board, and in the event of the inhabitants not taking any action the Local Government Board would make the division themselves. Mr W. P. Stephenson and Mr E. B. Reece were named as the returning oriicers for the lirst election. The inquiry then terminated. CADOXTON WATER SUPPLY. An inquiry was then opened into the necessity of affording the village of Cadoxton a better supply of water. Mr R. F. L. Jenner, of Wenvoe Castle, as the owner of the land in Cadoxton, attended also Mr T, Jenkins, assistant overseer of the parish, Mr Laurie, guardian of the parish Mr Jones, of Western Farm. overseer, appeared for the ratepayers. Mr Stephenson' the clerk, and Mr Granger, medical officer, and Mr J. E. Thomas, inspector, represented the Cardiff Rural Sani- tary Authority. Mr HARRISON said that the inquiry was the result of an application from the Cardiff itural Sanitary Authority for the sanction of the Local Government Board to borrow the sum of ;£;):10 for the supply of water to Ca- doxton-Juxta-Barry, and he had consequently been in- structed by the Local Government Board to hear any person who might be interested in this matter before they gave their sanction to the money being borrowed. Mr STEPHENSON, on the part of the Rural Sanitary Authority, explained that the attention of the Authority was last summer called to the water supply of Cadox- ton, and their officers had presented reports upon it, and those reports showed that the supply was utterly inade- quate in a dry season, and during that time the inhabi- tants had to fetch water from a very long distance, or from very objectionable sources. One source of supply was a brook which received the sewage matter from several houses above Cadoxton, and also the refuse and sewage matter from the village itself, and this fact would at once dispose of the brook as a source of supply. Ca- doxton was a village pleasantly situated by the sea-side, and received a considerable addition to the number of inhabitants during the summer season, and the visitors in the summer had experienced considerable incon- venience in consequence ot the want of water, and the inconvenience was also very severely felt by the poorer inhabitants of the village. The fixed population of Ca- daxton was 20S, and the number of houses sixty, chiefly inhabited by poor persons, who had to go a long distance for their water supply, or else they took it from con- taminated sources. The proposed water supply came from a spring on land, belonging to Mr Jenner, who had generously placed it at the disposal of the Rural Sanitary Authority. The spring was one that would afford ar> unlimited supply to the inhabitants. It was far above any fear of contamination from the sewage matter irom the houses, and by gravitation alone the water could be carried to the tops of any of the houses in e v age. In reply to Mr Jenner, Mr Granger said that he had subjected the water to a qualitative examination, it was good wholesome drinking water, but nar p The spring was situated on a farm called Pencoid Tree. about 60 chains from the central p • i^age, and the scheme of Mr ^horaaSf Sl^r veyor, was to fix a reservoir ^h c the spring, and which would then be 80ft. abo\ e the village, capable of holding. 3,500 carrying the water by means of iron Pipe. ii •, £ e.> hxing there fine public taps accessible to all, and having the water laid on to those houses whose occupants desired it, making a charge for the use of the water so taken. The estimated cost of the entire work was 1;38506. This sum would be borrowed of the .Public Works Loan Commis- sioners to be repaid in o0 years, which would involve an annual tax on the ratepayers of £ 1S but this would be materially reduced, as several occupiers of houses had ex- pressed a wish to have the water thus obtained laid on to their houses, for which a minimum charge of 2d per week per house would be made. Mr Jenkins, the assistant overseer, presented a memo- rial, signed by every inhabitant of the village, against the scheme, the great point of objection being the ex- pense, and the want of any guarantee that the estimate would not be exceeded. They were all of them in favour of sinking wells for private houses, and sinking one well for public use. This plan did not meet with the approval of the in- spector, who was evidently strongly in favour of the scheme proposed by Mr Thomas, only suggesting that the tank could be lessened to save expense. Mr LOWRIE objected to the five public taps. If thebe were allowed the parties who might otherwise have the water laid into thr houses would not, and the whole ex- pense would fall on the ratepayers. Mr J OXES, the overseer, mentioned that the feeling ef the inhabitants of the village was entirely against the scheme of Mr Thomas. Mr W. J. JOKES, of Cardiff, gave evidence respecting the inefficient supply of water for Cadoxtan, stating that he had liv-ed there 10 years and had to pay a woman 3d for a pitcher full of water whenever it was required for drinking purposes.. Mr GRANGER also gave evidence respecting the imper- fect and impure supply of water for the village, the two chief sources, the brook and the Moors pond, being quite unfit for drinking purpose& Mr STEPHENSON said the Local Government Board had promised to recommend the Public Works Loan Commis- sioners to lend the money at 3& per tvnt for such pur. P<Mr HARRISON considered that the offer of Mr Jenner to give the water supply to the village v/as a rcry hand- some one, and desired that a copy of his letter to the Car diff Sanitary Authority should be sent Co the Loca.1 Government Board. The inquiry then terminated.

IT is A FACT that persons often pay a high puce ior Cartes r Visites, and when th-y havo them they are cot gOCjl pi-tvu,it.a Tc. ofcTlie tUiis. yoaiioald vis^t tic Kudio oi Xr. 1 L. ROA-E, S Dttkc-streat, UxdhL Carts do J