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CARMARTHEN ! U.VDKll THE SEARCH-LIGHT.

THE OARMARTHKN CORPORATION

The Influenza Epidemic.

Carmarthen Town Council.

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Carmarthen Town Council. FILLING UP VACANCIES. THE DRAINAGE OF THE ASYLUM. MORE LIGHT WANTED. A meeting of the Carmarthen T^wu Council was held at the Guildhall on Friday. Tho Mayor (Mr H. B. White, the Grange) presided. There were also present: — Messrs T. Daniel, W. Vaughan George, H. Tiernev, C. W. Jones, D. Parcell Rees, W. Vincent Howell Thomas, John Lewis, Walter Spurrell, A. Soppit, D. E. Jones, J. F. Morris, J. T. Lewis, C. H. Williams, Walter Lloyd, E. Colby Evans, David Griffiths, H. W. Richards, James John, Dr Rowlands, Messrs W. Evans, aad T. E. Brigst-cke. MAKING RATES. It was formally agreed, on the motion of Mr James John, that a Borough Rate of Is 2d in the -0, a General District Hate of 28 (JI1, and water-rates (If úd fur dowestic, and 7d for manufacturing purposes should be made. APPOINTMENT OF SURVEYOR. The Mayor said that their next business was to appoint a Borough Surveyor. The three selected candidate? had come down, and ho ['resumed would be called in one by one as their testimonials were read. Mr Walter Lloyd asked tho Town Cierk to road tho terms of the advertisement which called forth the applications. Tho Clcr1; then read the advertisement. The conditions of appointment were that tho applicant should not be more than 35 years of ;J :0 that he should be a "properly qualified civil engineer that he should be required to give his whole titilot-) tho duties of his office and that canvassing would be a disqualification- Mr Waltjr Lloyd asked if the throe candidates who had come down came within the tonus IIf the advertisement. The Chrk snid that all the candidates being under ih.) and having sent in their applications in time, the only point LtpOn which the question could arise would be as to the meaning of the words "properly qualified civil engineer." He did not feel competent to attach any particular meaning to those words one of the candidates was an Associate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers he would, no doubt, be held to by qualified whatever meaning was attached to the words. Mr 1J. ColLy Evans asked who that was. Ti:« Clerk said it was Mr Finglah. Mr Wither Lloyd asked that the names and qualifications of t;i.) three candidates should be read. The Mayor Are you on the committee ? They were read there. Mr W. Yineont Howell Thomas: They were read at tho general meeting. Mr Walter Spurrell I don't think it is the time to ask these questions. It is hard when the three candidates are here to question why they are here. Mr Walter Lloyd I insist on my motion. If there is a mistake made, now is the time to rectify it before making the appointment. The Mayor said that there had been no mistake made in his opir.ioi. The Town Clerk had at the last meeting given a very lucid explanation of the matter. Mr Walter Lloyd I don't think there is any harm to bo done by getting it from the Town Clerk now. The Mayor Ho says he does not know what it is. He says it is a man who has passsed a certain examination. The Clerk No in that case only one would havo been qualified. I don't think the words have a definite enough moaning to exclude anybody except he had no experience of surveying and was not capable of carrying out the work of a civil engineer. Mr J. F. Morris asked if the Clerk ruled that tho three candidates came within the terms of the advertisement. the Cierk said that there was a vagueness r about the meaning of the term civil engineer," which precluded him giving an answer to the question. Mr Tierney There is a vagueness also about the meaning of canvassing." Mr F. J. Finglah's testimonials were then read. He seemed to be at present employed as assistant Borough Engineer at Hounslow. He is 30 years of age. He had been selected assistant Borough Surveyor of Cambridge out of seventy applicants. He had also held a similar position at Aston. He had superintended the carrying out of three sewerage schemes at a cost of £ 45,000; sewage disposal works at a cost of 18,000 and had prepared plans for an isolation hospital. He had also been engaged in laying out cemeteries; and had experience in the making of roads, streets, sewers, etc. He understood the keeping of Main Road Accounts; and had had experience in at- tending Local Government Board enquiries. He was also a Member of the Association of Municipal and County Engineers (by examination). Mr C. H. Williams Ho does not seem to bave had any experience in Water Schemes. The Clerk No he does not. He is a member of the Sanitary Institute Mr Finglah was then sent for, and appeared before the meeting. He said— in answer to many queries from members— that in all the places where he had worked, the water works had been in the hands of companies, and not under the local bodies. The Clerk Do you know anything about steam engines? Mr Finglah said he did. They had engines for pumping the sewage at Hounslow. lie had been singularly fortunate in regard to learning sewerage disposal; four different systems of disposal were in use in the places where he had been. At Hounslow they had been con- gratulated by the Thames Conservancy on the purity of tho affluent which was run into the river. They repaired the Main Roads; and sent in the accounts for them to the County Council. He was well versed in the examination of building plans. 0 Mr C. W. Jones You have had 14 years municipal experience; and you were appointed out of seventy at Cambridge ? Mr Finglah Yes, sir. 0 Mr C. W. Jones I suppose you have had experience in laying water-mains ? Mr Finglah said that a good many of the water-mains had been laid under his super- intendence. He had a theoretical but not a practical knowledge of tho construction of water-works. Mr Tierney asked if the candidate knew anything about laying out recreation grounds. Mr Finglah said he had laid out three. In answer to the Clerk, Mr Finglah said that the rateable value where he was now employed was £ HO,OOD. The testimonials of Mr F. B. Drake, age 33, assistant engineer of Richmond, was then read. The applicant was an Asso- ciate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, and had been also employed at South Stockton and Wigan. He had been engaged amongst other thiD gs in erecting workmen's dwellings, public baths, isolation hospital, etc, etc. Mr Drake, in answer to the Clerk, said that the water was procured from the chalk at Richmond by means of artesian wells. The water-works there were looked after by a separate engineer. The Main roads accounts were kopt by clerks, and the labourers managed by the foremen. Mr John Craig, was next called in. He said ho had experience in making reservoirs, draining workmen's dwellings, etc. in his capacity as engineer in connection with iron-works in Glamorganshire. Mr Tierney cross-examined the applicant as to what constituted a civil engineer." The latter said there was no compulsory degree he had been thoroughly trained, and had had experience of the different classes of engineering work. A great many people were appointed members of the Institute simply by influence and not by merit. Mr A. Soppitt Are you entitled to write C.E. after your name ? Mr Criag Yes Anybody is entitled to write C.E. after his name, whether he has had experience or not. Mr J. F. Morris The gentleman who asked the question could write C.E." after his name if he liked. Mr Craig He could but not A.M.I.C.E. —Before leaving the room, the applicant mentioned that he had had experience in testing gas. Mi Tierney then proposed that Mr Finglah be elected; lie was the best man, and there was no comparison between him and the other candidates. Mr W. Vincent Howell Thomas seconded. He felt that it was their bounden duty to vote for the best man. They had had plenty of experience in appointing surveyors who had not had experience of municipal work. Now that they were making an appointment, they ought to appoint a man with experience of municipal affairs they were not there to appoint a man to manage iron or steel works. They bad to appoint a surveyor for the town, and he considered it a sine qua non that the man whom they should appoint should have municipal experience. He should also like to say that he felt that this indirect canvassing which had been going on was anything but a straight way of going about the thing. He hoped everyone would vote.for the man whom he considered best. Mr J. F. Morris said he had great pleasure in supporting the motion. Tho three gentlemen whom they had had before them were all highly qualified but lie thought Mr Finglah was decidely the best. In him they would have a man who would be a credit to the town as the Borough Surveyor. Mr W. Vaughan George As long as the committee chose three, we ought to accept it that they are all proposed and seconded. The Mayor Do you propose anybody ? Mr W. Vaughan George: Yes, sir. I beg to propose the other two (laughter). Mr A. Soppitt said he was going to vote for Mr Craig. He had been keeping his mind free until he had seen the candidates, and he did not think there was much to choose between the three. Ha had come to the conclusion that Mr Craig was the smartest in manner and in appearance. The Surveyor of a town was brought into contact with all sorts of people of people; and it was essential that he should have a smart appearance and be able to keep a civil tongue in his head. Mr D. Parcell Rees seconded. Mr David Griffiths I propose Mr Drake, to get him in the running. Mr W. Vaughan George seconded. The following was the result of the voting :— For JJr tiiKjlah. Mr C W Jones Mr J F Morris Mr T E Brigstocke Dr Rowlands Mr W V II Thomas Mr H Tierney Mr T Daniel Mr W V George Mr C H Williams Mr Walter Lloyd Mr E Colby Evans Mr R W Richards Mr James John For Mr Craig. Mr William Evans Mr John Lewis Mr Walter Spurrell Mr A Soppitt Mr J T Lewis Mr D E Jones Mr D Parcell Rees Mr David Griffiths 13 8 Mr J. F. Morris then formally proposed that Mr Finglah be appointed. The motion was seconded by several members simultaneously, and carried unanimously. The successful candidate was then called in, and informed by the Mayor of his success. The Mayor congratulated him, and expressed a hope that a friendly relationship would exist between him and the town. Mr Finglah thanked the members for the honour they had done him, and hoped he would be able to perform the duties of the office to their satisfaction.—In answer to questions, he stated that he would have to give a month's notice to terminate his 0 present engagement. APPOINTMENT OF SANITARY INSPECTOR. EXTRAORDINARY HITCH. The appointment of Inspector of Nuisances was then proceeded with in the same way. Mr Wm. WJrnno (35), who was engaged in the Public Health Department of the University College, London, was first called in. In answer to questions, he said he was a plasterer by trade; he held the certificate of the Local Government Board the college was shut for ten weeks in the summer, aud during that time he assisted the Inspector of the Finchley Urban District Council. His present position in the University College was that of a porter —some would call it a beadle (laughter). He could speak Welsh fluently; he was a native of North Wales, but he found that he could converse fairly well with the people of this neighbourhood. His reason for becoming an applicant was not because of the pecuniary increase which it would mean to him, but because his great desire was to get back to Wales. As they knew, there was no place in the world like Wales for a Welshman, and there was nothing like a Welshman for Wales (laughter). He wished to show a testimonial which he had had from Professor Fred Roberts, of the University College-a native of Carmarthen but the Mayor ruled that fresh testimonials could not be considered. Mr James Evans (29), a fitter, of Neath, was the next applicant. He held the certificate of the Local Government Board; had occasionally acted as Inspector at Neath and appeared, according to his testimonials, to bo a highly respected member of the Congregational Church. r, Mr William Morgan (34), inspector under the Llantrisant Rural District Council, was the next applicant. He said he received 290 and uniform in his present position; but he applied for this situation at JE80 because he wanted experience in an urban district. He intended to apply for an advance to Y, 100 in twelve months' time. The Mayor Oh, yes; there is no barm in applying. Mr Morgan said he thought the Inspector ought to have a uniform it gave him more authority. Mr James John moved that Mr Morgan be appointed. Mr Walter Lloyd seconded. Mr P, W. Richards proposed, and Mr W. Vaughan George seconded, that Mr Evans be appointed. Mr Walter Spurrell moved, and Mr A. Soppitt seconded, that Mr Wyune be appointed. On being put to the meeting, Mr Morgan I received 11 votes and Mr Evans 9. Mr James John moved that the Inspector be provided with a uniform. Mr W. V. Howell Thomas seconded. He considered that it gave the man much more authority. Mr A. Soppitt: I propose that the uniform consist of a cap only; and I think I may suggest top-boots as well (laughter). Mr C. H. Williams suggested that the matter be allowed to stnnd over until the next meeting. This was agreed to. Mr James John gave notice that at the next meeting he would move that the Inspector be provided with uniform. The Mayor then informed Mr William Morgan—who had been re-called into the room-that he was appointed, subject to the production cf the Local Government Board certificate. Mr Morgan said that he had not the certificate; Z> but ho would undertake to acquire it within six months if h9 were appointed. He had not stated in his application that ho held the certificate. The Clerk said they took it for granted that he was certificated, as that was a condition expressly stated in the advertise- ment. Mr Morgan Several authorities advertise for certificated men; but they do not adhere to it.—Mr Morgan then retired. Mr David Griffiths then moved that Mr Evans be appointed.—This was seconded by several members, and carried unanimously. Mr Evans was then informed that he was appointed, and Mr Morgan that he had not complied with the terms of the advertise- ment. Mr Morgan What about expenses, your worship ? The Mayor: You had better ask the Town Clerk about that. The Clerk It is a question whether you are entitled to them, as you are here under false pretences. Mr Morgan At Merthyr they said that, and they appointed an uncertificated man. The Clerk We are not responsible for the shortcomings of the Merthyr Corporation. Mr Evans then handed his certificate to the Mayor, who read it through, and found it in order. BUILDING ON THE PARADE. A letter was read from Mr H. G. Powell asking for a lease of some ground on tho Parade near the corner of the garden of Elm Lodge for the purpose of enlarging the Rite of the house about to be built there. The matter was referred to the following committee to report on :—The Mayor, Mr James John, Mr J. F. Morris, Mr W. Vincent Howell Thomas, and Mr Walter Spurrell. ANOTHER LAMP WANTED. Mr E. Colby Evans moved that a gas- lamp be erected on the St. Clears road at the entrance to Mill Bank Cotttages, near the entrance to Peterwell. The nearest lamp at present was that at Starling Park. The Mayor said he did not object to a lamp being erected here, but the result would be similar applications from other parts. Mr J. F. Morris I shall propose the Abergwili-road next. Mr E. Colby Evams mentioned that several people coming home late at night had fallen into the pond here, because of the want of a light (laughter). Mr A Soppitt I want to explain- The Mayor: You have not fallen into the pond, have you ? (laughter). Mr Soppitt said he had not fallen into the pond. He was not aware that this motion was being brought forward. He was rather opposed to it; he thought the erection of a lamp there would bring down a lot of rowdies at night. The motion, not being seconded, fell to the ground. THE MARKET INSPECTORSHIP. Mr Walter Spurrell moved that the motion be rescinded, by which it was decided that that the duties of Market Inspector be per- formed by the Surveyor. He intended to propose that the Superintendent of Police be appointed, as the duties of the latter would take him a good deal more to the market than those of the Surveyor would. Mr James John seconded. Mr C. W. Jones objected they had appointed a Surveyor on the understanding that he undertake the duties of Market Inspector as well. Part of the pay of the police came from the Treasury; and an objection might be raised if the members of the force undertook extraneous duties. Supt. Smith-in answer to questions—said that such duties were performed by the police in some boroughs. He mentioned Barnstaple as an instance. The Clerk said that the Home Office did not absolutely forbid the police to hold other appointments, as long as it was not carried too far. The appointment, if made, would have to be confirmed by the Watch Com- mittee. Mr Walter Spurrell then moved that Supt. Smith be appointed market inspector at a salary of £5 a year. This was carried. A HOUSE IN GUILDHALL SQUARE. Mr D. Griffiths asked if the plans had been passed for the house which Mrs Hodges was erecting at the back of Guildhall Square. The Clerk said he had sent for the acting Surveyor (Mr B. A. Lewis) who could answer the question. He expected to see Mr Lewis come later on to the meeting. THE JOHNSTOWN NUISANCE. Mr A. Soppitt moved that the pipes which had been laid down through the Tygwyn field at Johnstown be taken up. Since the last meeting, Mr Daaiel Phillips, the county surveyor had objected to the pipes on the ground that they formed an obstruction on the county road. A one-foot pipe was now put to meet a sewer three foot wide earth was put up to supply the deficiency. The result was that a dam was formed across the mouth of the sewer so that the water was dammed up to the height of several inches. It would be well too if the committee which was at present considering the question of the drainage of the Asylum would take the question of draining Johnstown into account at the same time. Mr John Lewis said that any member of the Council who went down to Johnstown and saw the condition of these pipes would n°t object to their being at once talien up. The Mayor said that the committee which had been appointed to enquire into the drainage of tne Asylum had not yet met but he believed it would soon meet. Mr John Lewis said that the work of lifting these pipes ought to be done at once without waiting for the report of the committee. The Clerk I don't think the committee can go into a drainage scheme until they get a Surveyor. Mr Soppit said he understood the county surveyor to say that the pipes were likely to raise a flood on the road and that under such circumstances the County Council had authority to remove them. The motion was carried unanimously. CORPORATION MEN AND PRIVATE WORK. Mr Walter Spurrell moved that the Corporation labourers be allowed at the discretion of the Surveyor to be engaged on private drainage work on terms to be arranged between the Corporation and the owners. There had been a good deal of laxity in regard to this matter in the past some people were allowed to have the services of Corporation workmen and some were not so allowed. In his own experience he had had to rely on street corner men when anything went wrong with a drain. These I men were not competent and it was highly desirable to have the assistance of men accustomed to such work, and who had appliances which private individuals did not have. He proposed that in future such arrangements should be recognised and he moved accordingly. It would not be too much to pay Is an hour for the services of Corporation men under such circumstances. Mr C. H. Williams You have often to pay these corner-men four to six shillings. Mr Walter Lloyd moved a direct negative. Too much discretion had been allowed the last Surveyor; he hoped that mistake would not be made again. Mr C. W. Jones seconded the negative. He remembered such a system being in vogue before at this Council; it was found that a good many abuses crept in; and it was eventually considered better that Corporation men should not have anything to do with private work. It would be better to leave the matter in abeyance until the new surveyor came. Mr Walter Spurrell I believe as a matter of fact there is a good deal of this work done now. I don't sea why some persons should be allowed Corporation men to do their work and others not. Better- decide that it shall not interfere with the work of the Corporation I think we should have equality of treatment. Mr E. Colby Evans supported the amend- ment. They had had bitter experience of the abuses which this led to. There were dozens of competent men to do all the work required. On being put to the meeting 6 voted for the amsndment; and 8 for the motion, ~hich was carried.

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