The North Wales Express

CARNARVON TOWN COUNCIL THE ANGLESEY FERRY. The ordinary monthly meeting cf the Council was held on Tuesday evening under the presidency of the Mayor (I>r R. Parry). The attendance also included Alderman J. Williams, W J. Williams, M. T., Morris, and R. Norman Davies, Councillors E. Hughes, W. G. Thoma?, T. M. Lloyd, O. Evans, J. R. Hughes, R. E. Owen, J. T. Roberts, G. Owen, G. R. Griffith, H. Lloyd Carter, W. Hamer, R. O. Roberts, and J. Issard Davies Messrs J. H. Bodvel Roberts (town clerk), D. H. Jones (borough accountant), R. LI. Jones (surveyor), E. Roberts (in- spector), and W. M. Ruxton (gas manager), &c. AN EXPLANATION WANTED. Upon the reading of the minutes of the last Council meeting, Mr J. R. Hughes asked whether it was in order for members to sit round the table when a division was taking place without voting, such being the case when a division was taken on a motion for the reduction of hours of Corporation employees. He (illlderstood tboA some members who did not take part in the divi- sion expressed themselves in favour of the motion after the last meeting of the Council was over. He maintained that members ought to record their votes one way or another. The Mayor observed that the rule was that members who did not must leave the room. The Town Clerk: And if they don't go the mover of the resolution must turn them out {laughter). Mr J. Issard Davies suggested that the matter referred to by Mr Hughes might be cleared by naming the gentlemen. Mr Hughes, however, declined to give names. FINANCIAL. Mr W. J. Williams (chairman of the Fin- ance Committee) submitted the report of that committee, which contained the follow- ing items —Collection month ended 25th June. 1898 District fund account, £278 17s 6d; water, £154 10s 3d; gas, L21 3s 8d; other rents, tolls, &c., JE75 5s 2d.Oval Water Supply: the tenant of the Oval re- fused to sigi: an agreement to pay 15s an- nually for the water supplied to this field. The Surveyor vas instructed to cut the supply off forthwith, as directed at the last meeting.—Water for Building: It was ordered that the Surveyor furnish to the Accountant a detailed, statement of the dis- puted claim against Mr Edward Parry. builder. together with the plan, and that the Accountant should ask Mr Parry to call and inspect .same.—Main Road Arbitration Resolved that another application be made to the County Council to proceed with the arbitration.-Gas and Water Works Valua- tion-Appointment of Valuer: A letter was read from the Assessment Committee of the Union requesting the Finance Committee to appoint two members to meet Messrs Menzies and Jones to choose a valuer.-It was resolved that the Mayor and Mr W. G. Thomas be appointed for that purpose.- Borrowing for new Water Works Resolved that, in order to facilitate the obtaining of the necessary sanction to borrow for this purpose, the Sanitary Committee be re- quested to take steps forthwith to obtain any authority or consent requisite for the cutting of tracks for the new main along the road outside the borough, and from the reservoir to tlle road. Mr J. Issard Davies remarked that the Council should take steps to protect them- selves in view of the Compensation Act, and he suggested tbr..t the Finance Committee give the matter their consideration without delay. The Mayor explained that the Gas Com- mittee had gjtevi the matter their considera- tion in so far its the employees at the gas- works were concerned, but the Town Clerk did not believe that all the Corporation work- men came under the Act. Mr J. R. Hughes: Is the Town Clerk dis- tinct on that point? I understood him to say that he believed not. The Town Clerk: I say I believe not. The Mayor observed that if the Council were responsible they should certainly give the matter their fullest consideration. Mr J. Iss'ard Davies said that he was not at all convinced that a portion of the Cor- poration employees did not come under the Act. All their men were connected more or less with machinery. Mr Carter contended that it was not a question of machinery, but rather of sus- taining injury in the course of employment. He agreed with Mr Davies that the matter should be dealt with in the first instance by the Finance Committee. Mr G. Owen asked whether the Council would be liable in case an accident occurred in the course of the construction of the Aber ? The Majtor replied thai the ctontractor would be liable. It was re;, -1 to refer the matter to the Finance Committee, the minutes of which were ultimately adopted. GAS MATTERS. The Mayor (chairman of the Gas Commit- tee) presented the report of that committee, which contained the following nunutes:- Gas Supply: A letter was read from Mr G. R. Rees complaining of the want of pressure of gas at his residence (Plas Brereton). Re- solved that the matter be considered and re- ported upon by a sub-committee consisting of the Mayor, and Messrs J. P. Gregory. and Owen Evans.—Resolved also that Mr Rees be informed he-can purchase a new dry meter for Plas Brereton on the conditions laid down by Act of Parliament, but that the Commit- tee will allow no one but their own servant to fix the p,ame.-Works Foreman: Resolved that Griffith Lewis, junior, be appointed fore- man, and that he be paid 25s 6d a week, and re6ide at the cottage at the gasworks, with rent, coal, and gas free, a week's notice to terminate the engagement and tenancy. The Mayor said that at a subsequent meet- ing of the committee, held on the 4th inst. it was announced that G. Lewis declined the post of foreman at the salary mentioned, &c., And it was resolved to offer him 27s, and if hi) still refused that a foreman be adver- tized for at the same terms. Lewis was con- sid-Kred a proficient man, and the committee thought he would like to undertake the fore- iranship. Mr J. Issard Davies asked whether it was not a fact that the gad main in Bangor road had been condemned ? He wished to know further whether it was not a fact that, when tested it was not the test required by Act? In his opinion it was very unfair that a con- sumer should not have gas which he had a right to expect. The Mayor explained that a report pre- pared by the ex-Gas Manager relative to this matter was ur.der the consideration of the Gas Committee. Mr J. R. Hughes remarked that the Mayor might give further information respecting the matter. Mr Dewsbury, the ex-Gas Manager, had stated that a new main should be laid from a cert,iin point along North road, the reason being that the present main was too small. Mr W. J. Williams pointed out that the matter was under the consideration of the Gas Committee, and nothing definite bad as yet been decided upon. Mr J.R.Hughes maintained that the Coun- cil should bo supplied with every informa- frm. The Mayor said that the committee quite agreed with the report, that if the pro- per pressure was required a larger main was necessary. But then there came the ques- tion of expense, which was estimated at over £100, and it was considered whether such a sum could be incurred to meet the re- quirements of one house. Dr G. R. Griffith remarked having com- plained to Mr Dewsbury of the want of suffi- cient pressure at his house. He even put in a new meter, but the pressure was then worse (laughter). The report of the committee was con- firmed. A BREACH OF THE BYE-LAWS. Mr M. T. Morris (chairman of the Sani- tary Committee) presented the following re- port of that committee —14th June Bye- laws Recommended that the Town Clerk be asked to get an opinion as to their power to make bye-laws to regulate Castle square, &c.—Read letter from Mr David Evans, butcher, claiming E12 for 6 sheep alleged to have died at the slaughter house from the 1st January and 31st May in consequence of unfit accommodation at the Lairages. Or- dered that as this claim was so vauge, that a I frtter be written to Mr Evans asking him to supply dates and further information. The following were appointed a sub-committee to visit the slaughter houses, and report on them generally:—Mr M. T. Morris, Dr G. R. Griffith, and Messrs R. O. Roberts, and J. Fletcher.—The Surveyor reported that Messrs Lake and Co. were deviating from the plans submitted by them on the 29th March last. Ordered that Messrs Lake and Co. be written to, requesting them to supply plans of what they actually intend doing, and that in the meantime the works be suspended.— Attention having been drawn to the fact that the Intermediate School were now bqing built, and that plans had not been submitted, ordered that the Clerk be written to, re- questing that plans be submitted.—Sub-com- mittee (Slaughter Houses) 24th June: The committee visited the slaughter houses, and were satisfied with the ventilation of the lair ages, and recommended that the whole of the interior of the slaughter houses be twice limewashed, and that as the water supply is insufficient, that the Surveyor have the pipes examined, and supply an estimate of cost of fixing new pipes.-28th June: Read letter from Mr David Evans, giving particulars and dates upon which his sheep were suffocated at the lairages. Ordered that a letter be written Mr Evans, stating that the committee which had inspected the lairages were satisfied that the lairages were sufficiently ventilated, and to point out that the sheep happened to have died when there was ample accommodation, viz.: —Satur- days and Mondays. It having been reported that the lock of the slaughter-house -q.te, and No. 8 slaughter house had been broken on the 15th inst., -it was ordered that Mr Evans be asked his reason for breaking the same.—Surveyor's Report: The Surveyor reported that he had examined plans of the Carnarvon County School, and that the build- ing was correct and in accordance with bve- laws. The arrar-pment of drains -ared correct, but in the absence of a section show- ing how the drain was to be laid and con- nected with the main sewer in Priestley road, he could not report on that question. Or- dered that a letter be written to Mr Rowland Lloyd Jones, architect, requesting him to supply the section, together with satisfactory evidence that the Local Governing Bodv had acquired the right of laying the drain through Ysguborwen property into Priestley road.- Carnarvon Joint Sanitary Committee: The following resolution, passed by the above committee, was read aud ordered to be put on the minutes:—"It was resolved that the attention of each of the District Council within the combined area be drawn to the Housing of the Working Classes Act, and to state that the committee are" of opinion that the benefits of the provisions might, with much healthful advantage, be more exten- sively enjoyed by the working c'.asses resi- dent within the district:—Signed, J. H. Thomas."—Read letter from the harbour engineer drawing attention to the fact that tins, &c., found their way from the manure depot at the gasworks into the harbour, and requesting that steps be taken to prevent a recurrence of the complaint. The Surveyor was ordered to acknowledge the letter, and to say the matter would be attended to.- The Surveyor was ordered to complete plans Housing of the Working Classes.—Special, 1st July: The Surveyor reported that he had written to Mr David Evans re slaughter houses, and had received ro. reply. Ordered that the same be laid on the table. Also, that Mr Rowland Lloyd Jones had been writ- ten to respecting the drainage of the County School.—Messrs Lake and Co., Plans 12 and 14, Bridge street: Messrs Lake and Co. wrote: "In accordance with the request of your committee, we have suspended the works in connection with the above, and beg to submit plans of the alterations which will meet with our requirements, and which we also trust will meet with your approval. We wish it to be understood clearly that we have had no intention to disregard tho authority of the committee, but having made arrange- ments by which it will be impossible for any one to reside on the premises by converting them into lock-up shops, similar to a "Teat many other shops in the vicinity, we thought they would come under the clause in your bye-laws dealing with buildings of the ware- house class. This is the opinion we still hold, and we hope vou will be able to view the mat- ter in the same light. We are also prepared ff requested, to give a written guarantee that no one shall reside upon the premises, and that they shall not in any way be used for domestic purposes.—Signed, Lake and Co." The matter having been considered, it was ordered that the plans be laid on the table.- Plans of proposed addition to the Golden Eagle Bridlgo street: These plans not hav- ing been reported upon for the want of a ground plan showing the extent of the pro- perty, and the plan now having been sup- plied, the Surveyor was ordered to do o. Mr J. R. Hughes, referring to JuiMing erected bv Messrs Lake and Co had been done with the plans? Heated also to know the contents of a .e by the Town Clerk with respect to the mat- ter? The Town Clerk read the letter, which stated that it appeared that no plans had been submitted to the Council, and if sub- mitted the Council would have no power to pass them as the open space required by the bye-laws would be inadequate. The Coun- cil's duty was to enforc? the bye-laws, and they would be breaking the bye-laws if they consented to the hnil.1irg. As a matter of law the passing of the plans would be illegal and would have no effect. The building was clearly a domestic building within the mean- ing of the bye-law. <" Mr J. R. Hughes asked the Town Clerk what would be thA duty of the Sanitary Com- mittee upon '4- !"111i,? The Town Clerk Not to pass the plans. Mr J. R. Hughes What is the recommen- dation of the committee then in that case ? Mr Morris: There is no recommendation at all. You see from the minutes that the plans were laid on the table. Mr J. R. Hughes asked whether the build- ing was to remain as it was or to come down ? The Town Clerk explained that the law was tfcat when the Council refused to pass plans they must -ive reasons. < Mr J. Isasrd Davies said that Messrs Lake and Co. were placed in a very awkward posi- tion, and he wished to know frcm the chair- man of the Sanitary Committee whether the bye-laws were to be changed. Mr Morris replied that the question was a difficult one for him to answer. The Coun- cil were aware that some time ago plans were submitted, but the Surveyor subsequently found that Messrs Lake and Co. were cover- ing the whole area at tho back of their two shops in Bridge street. Accordingly notice was given to stop building, and this was done. Afterwards a committee was called to con- sider the whole matter, b"t no action was taken. He supposed that the committee ild not like to propose that the building be pulled down, and no other reason could be given. Mr J. T. Roberts said that he was not go- ing to quarrel with the opinion given by the Town Clerk, but he might point out that, according to the bye-laws, a shop, which was a building of the domestic class, must have 150 square feet of open space at the back, yet there were in the town buildings of such a nature completed and occupied without an open space at the back. Therefore he desired to know from the Town Clerk whether these buildings were liable to be pulled down ? Mr Hamer: That would be a rather a big order. Mr J. R. Hughes, rising to a point of order, said that it was not fair that the Deputy Mayor, who was a solicitor to the parties in- terested, should ask the opinion of the Town Clerk. The Mayor: ThaL is not a point of order. Mr Roberts is here simply as Councillor J. T Roberts, and not in the interest of any parly. Mr E. Hughes hoped that the matter v ould have every consideration by the Coun- cil. He thought there should be bye-laws to distinguish clearly between a domestic build- ins and a warehouse. Messrs Lake and Co. had built large places of business, and he was not aware that the Corporation had on pre- vious occasions called upon them to provide open space. He trusted that the Council would try to meet the wants of the town, and not put a stumbing block in the way of ex- tending its business i The Mayor said that with regard the question of Mr J. T. Roberts, the Town Clerk desired a notice of motion. Mr J. T. Roberts maintained that it was a fair question. Dealing with a remark made by Tvlr J. R. Hughes, he said that he was there in the interests of the ratepayers and not of any private individual, and it was an important question to know whether people who bad spent thousands of pounds upon business premises were liable to have the buildings taken down on the ground that no open spaces at the back were provided. The Mayor explained that the Town Clerk was not prepared to answer the question. Mr Carter said that even supposing that what Mr J. T. Roberts had said had been done in the past, two blacks would not make a white. Still he believed that Messrs Lake and Co. suffered great hardship, inasmuch as the wording of the bye-law prevented the plans being passed. The Council ought to meet everybody in the best possible way, and he moved that the matter be referred back to the Sanitary Committee, with an in- struction that they should try to meet Messrs Lake and Co. Mr J. R. Hughes seconded. lVlr 0. Evans asked how it was that the Town Clerk had discovered that there was a breach of the bye-law in the present in- stance, when bujilclfings had been erected in the town for years without any open spaces. The Town Clerk replied that he was simply asked to give his opinion upon the matter. The Mayor then proceeded to put Mr Car- ter's motion to the meeting, when Mr J. Issard Davies said that he wished to know what was meant' that it be an in- struction to the committee to stretch a point (laughter). Mr Morris thought it would be far better to decide the question one way or another that night. Mr W. J. Williams We might do what we have done before for 14 years. Mr J. Issard Davies: Stretch a point (laughter). Dr Griffith also considered that the ques- tion should be decided that night. Dr J. Williams, reading from the bye-laws, sought to throw Iio-ht upon the question in dispute, and asked what was the difference between a shop and a warehouse ? The Mayor: A shop is a shop and a ware- house is a warehouse (laughter). Mr E. Hughes A shop is made up of plate glass front and the other of bricks Iloud laughter). After further discussion the minutes of the committee were adopted, with the exception that the items relating to Messrs Lake and Co. be considered by the Council in com- mittee. THE SCAVENGERS. Mr J. Issard Davies draw attention to the wages paid to the scavengers, and said that they did not receive any extra money for work done on Saturday nights. Whereas an ordinary labourer t 4s per day, a scavenger onlv got 3s. He was given to understand that they were out until twelve o'clock on Saturday nights, and they ought to get paid for extra time. Mr J. R. Hughes suggested that the ba-ni- tarv Committee consider the matter. The Mayor pointed out that applications for increase of wages should come from the men themselves. It was not fair either to brinn such matters forward in open Council without they had in the first instance, been considered by the various committees in- terested. Mr Morris explained tha.t the wages of the scavengers 'had been advanced from 17s to 18s as a recognition of the work done by them on Saturday nights, when they invar- iably finished at 11 o'clock. It was resolved to refer the matter to the Sanitary Committee. STREET OBSTRUCTION. The Highway Committee, in their report presented by Dr J. Williams (chairman), re- commended that the attention of the Chief Constable be called to the obstruction caused in the streets of the town by chip potato carts. Mr W. J. Williams expressed satisfaction that the committee had called attention to what he described as a regular nuisance. Mr R. Norman Davies suggested that something be done to remove the nuisance caused by people -athering in various parts of the town and obstructing the footpaths, this being especially the case in the neigh- bourhood of Turf square on Saturday nights. He made no allusion to the working man who stood in the square during dinner hour, but he did object to the large amount of hustling that went on on Saturday night in the streets, and which was largely due to the libertv taken by young men from the coun- try when they came r-, into the town. He hoped that the Chief Constable would be asked also to take this matter into considera- tion. Mr J. R. Hughes remarked that the Chief Constable's attention might also be drawn to the nuisance caused by cyclists. Pedestrians had to exercise care when crossing the street to prevent being run down. The Town Clerk thought the Chief Con- staoIeTnight be asked to take into considera- tion all the nuisances which came under the Town Police Clauses Act. Mr W. G. Thomas said that he did not know of any greater nuisance in the streets of the town on Saturdays and fair nights than that of drunkenness, with regard to which the police at one time were much more strin- gent than at present. He believed it would be a great benefit to those who became drunk —^laughter)—as weJl as to others if the police showed greater stringency. The recommendation of the committee was agreed to, together with the suggestion of the Town Clerk. BANGOR STREET IMPROVEMENT. The Highway Committee reported that the Rev Lloyd B. Roberts and Messrs Alexander Fraser and Beriah G. Evans attended on be- half of the Pendref Chapel Committee, and discussed the terms upon which they could recommend the proposed alteration as affecting their chapel. The committee how- ever, deferred the matter to the surveyor to make a survey and. valuation of the property. Mr J. R. Hughes asked that correspond- eireo relating to the matter be read. Mr R. O. Roberts said that the matter had been entrusted to a sub-committee of the Highway Committee, to whom a report would be submitted in due time. Mr W. G. Thomas said that rather than reading certain documents the whole corres- pondence relating to the Bangor street im- provement should be read. Mr J. Issard Davies: All the documents have been read, but this is a new thing. Mr W. J. Williams pointed out that the matter had been referred to the Surveyor to make a valuation, and the Council had better wait until that was- forthcoming. Mr J. R. Hughes said that he did not un- derstand who the sub-committee were. If he remembered rightly the gentlemen com- posing the committee declined to act. The Mayor explained that they had again agreed to act as a sub-committee. The recommendation of the sub-committee was agreed to. THE ABER BRIDGE AND THE PRO- POSED NEW PIER. The report presented by the Ferry, Aber Bridge, and Roads Committee was to the following effect: ■—Meeting of the 14th June: Resolved that the Town Clerk write to Messrs Carter and Co. asking them what amount they will take for the ferry rights, and got a reply by Friday next.—Meeting of the 24th June: Read draft letter which the Town Clerk had written, and which he suggested should be sent to Messrs Carter and Co. in reply to their letter re valuation of the above. Resolved that no action be taken at present. Resolved that John Jones, Greengate street, and Arthur Lloyd Jones, Gelert street, be employed for four weeks to count passengers crossing and re- turning (Aber Ferry), at R5 each, the returns to be handed to the Accountant.-The Sur- veyor submitted plans, sections, and speci- fication and estimate of cost of making a pier from the end of the cross pier 330 feet long, 15 feet wide and 30 feet at the end. Ordered that the plan be completed showing details, and that a. copy of the specification be sent to each member of the Committee. Recommended that the work be let by tender. -Meeting of the 1st July: As it is neces- sary that the Parliamentary Agents' and Town Clerk's Costs be taxed, it is recom- mended that Messrs Lloyd George, Roberts & Co.. 13, Wallbrook, London, be instructed to have the bills taxed, and that the same, together with copies thereof, and of the Act be sent to them.-Read letter from the Board of Trade asking that an additional copy of plan of site of Aber Bridge be supplied, so that one can be retained in the Records of the Office, ;and the other returned duly ap- proved, as the authority of the Corporation for proceeding with the construction of the work.—Recommended that Mr Wawn be asked to supply the niecess&ry copies.—The plans, specifications, and conditions of con- tract for the construction of » new wooden pier at Talyfoel were considered, and the Sur- veyor was ordered to prepare further plans of proposed alterations to the stone piers, the specifications and conditions of contract to be amended as ordered by the committee, and the necessary additions made thereto, so as to comprise the whole of the works except the warehouses and dwelling house. The committee to be called for Monday, at 6 p.m., to finally consider these matters. Mr J. T. Roberts (chairman of the com- mittee) moved the adoption of the foregoing and an additional recommendation of the committee that the plans and specifications of the pier be approved. Mr J. R. Hughes, in seconding, asked why the two persons who counted the passengers over the ferry were only employed for four months. Mr Roberts replied that the work was done tenatively, the committee having been in hopes that before the four weeks expired a price would have been named for the ferry. Mr Issard Davies was afraid that the ques- tion of purchasing the ferry rights was drift- ing into arbitration, and nothing could be more fatal than that. He could never imagine the Council having any difficulty with such a generous landlord as Mr Lloyd Hughes. They had an object lesson in ar- bitration at Bangor, when the town, as the result of arbitration, had to pay jEllgo for property which rented only about jE25 a year. He was positive that if the landlord of Coedhelen was approached properly in this matter it would be settled in a most simple way, and with that end in view he thought it advisable that either the Council or the Ferry Committee should appoint a deputa- tion to wait upon Mr Hughes and ask him his price. TlrSy knew that Mr Lloyd Hughes was not an unreasonable man and be- also felt sure that the Council were prepared to pay. a fairjprioe. At present he could plainlv see that the whole thing was drifting into arbitration. The Mavor ventured to say on behalf of the Ferry Committee that there was nothing they would like so much as to be able to settle this matter amicably. They had taken steps to approach Mr Lloyd Hughes and if there was any other method likely to be more effective he was sure that the best considera- tion would be given to it. All would agree with Mr Davies that it would be very detri- mental to the interest of the town if the matter went into arbitration, and it would also be far from Mr Hughes's wish that the town should be mulcted in heavy costs. Mr J. T. Roberts explained that the min- uates of the committee would show that the committee decided not to send the Town Clerk's letter, as they were very anxious to meet Mr Hughes and buy the ferry rights for really more, if necessary, than they were actually wortH, rather than involve them- selves in costs. The reason why the com- mittee set the two persons to count the pas- sengers was that Mr Walter Jones, who was acting as Mr LI. Hughes's valuer, had said that the Council should have to pay more for the rights than they had ever thought, and it was to protect the Council against what- ever might in the meantime be done from the other side that the counting was decided upon. If a deputation was to be appointed he thought that they should first of all con- sult Mr Carter, who was Mr Lloyd Hughes's solicitor in the matter, otherwise they might be acting behind Mr Carter's back. Personally he was very proud of the suggestion made by Mr Davies. The Mayor thought that after what had alreadv been spoken it would be hardly fair to ask Mr Carter to express any opinion. He (Mr Carter) surely agreed with the other speaJcers, as a councillor and townsman, that it would be well if the Council obtained the best terms they could. Mr Carter said that he had nothing at all to do WHO deciding upon the price, Mr Lloyd Hughes having placed the matter in the hands of Mr Walter Jones, and all he (Mr Carter) had to do was to await Mr Jones's report. Of course afterwards the matter would come to his hands in the ordinary course of business. Mr J. T. Roberts observed that that being so he saw no objection to the appointment of a deputation. Mr J. Issard Davies said that he should be quite satisfied if the ferry committee took the matter in hand, and he was assured by the Mayor that they would do so. The report of the committee was adopted, and it was agreed that the loan of JB2000 odd required for the pier be extended over 40 years. The Mayor moved that the seal of the Council be affixed to the contract for the con- struction ofthe Aber bridge. Mr J. R. Hughes inquired why had it not been affixed sooner. The contractors had already commenced work. The Mayor said it was only a formality. Mr R. E. Owen seconded. Mr W. J. Williams wished to know whether the conditions of the contract were the same as those which he had in the printed docu- ment. in his hand. If they were then he would not approve of all of them. The Town Clerk: They are the same. Mr Williams proceeded to say that he ob- jected to the condition that the Council were to pay 90 per cent. on work done or materials procurred, when there was no security whatever asked of the contractors. Another thing he objected to was that the con- tractors should have the structure in hand for six months after completion, while before that the Council would have nothing in hand or any security. The Mayor explained that the contractors undertook to see that the bridge was handed over all right. Mr Williams: We have no security. The Mayor remarked that Mr Williams was really out of order, as the Council had ac- cepted the contract. Mr J. T. Roberts, after protesting against the matter being raised in that way when it had already been discussed, explained fully how the Council would be safeguarded with regard to the 90 per cent. The seal was afterwards affixed. THE WATER RATE. Mr Issard Davies had on the agenda a notice that he would can the attention to the "illegality of the water rate as at present levied," and move that it be altered. Mr J. Issard Davies said that he had only to recapi- tulate what he stated some time ago about this matter. As at present levied, he con- tended that the water rent was very unfair, especially in reference to smail tenements. The last occasion ho called attention to the question he lost his amendment, but that was not surprising. Mr J. R. Hughes rose to a point of order. He understood that the water rent was only made on the 25th March last, and he ques- tioned the right of any member to refer to it within six months of that date. Mr Davies: It is a question of legality. The Mayor thought that he must rule Mr Davies out of order on the point raised ? Mr J. T. Roberts was anxious that Mr Davies should have a hearing, and Mr Carter considered that he was in order since he did not propose that the rent should be altered. The Mayor regretted that he must adhere to his ruling, as anything dealing with a rate within six months after the levying of it must be out of order; but if the Council con- sented he was quite willing that Mr Davies be allowed to proceed. Mr Issard Davies said that he should like the Council to have counsel's opinion. He had had one, and it was adverse to what the Council had done, and the Council ought not to repeat the illegality they had already per- petrated. The Mayor put to the meeting whether Mr Davies should be allowed to proceed, when Mr Davies interposed, saying that if he left the matter for six months the Council would have him in court for the rates (laugh- ter). The Mayor remarked that the Council also had bad counsel's opinion, which was con- trary to that obtained by Mr Davies. Mr Carter: Lawyers like doctors differ (laughter). The Mayor: Yes, lawyers live on it but doctors don't (loud laughter). Tho subject then dropped. UNITED KINGDOM PILOT ASSOCIA- TION. The visit of the United Kingdom Pilot As- sociation to the town next week was men- tioned by Mr Carter. He said that after the promise made by the Harbour Trust in the morning he could not ask the Corporation to entertain the association, all he suggested beinr that the Mayor should be asked to join, on behalf of the town, in giving the associa- tion a welcome. The Mayor said that he had a letter from the chairman of the association sometime ago, and he was asked to take the chair at a banquet to be held in the evening. To this he replied that he would do what he could so far as his engagements would per- mit, but he bad not heard anvtmng more. He then understood that probably all the members of the Corporation would be asked to the luncheon. He should be pleased to give them what welcome he could as was done elsewhero (hear, hear). The association, he further understood, came down at the invi- tation of the Constable of the Castle, wno would bo their host.