Rhondda Leader Maesteg Garw and Ogmore Telegraph

.d> Glamorgan County Council Annual Meeting, Vicious Charges Against Aid. E. H. Davies, J P. Assessment Committee Chair- man Vindicated The statutory meeting of the Glamorgan S;0Unty Council was held on Thursday, 18th inst.. at the Town Hall, Ponty- rndd. Alderman R. Lewis, J.P.. moved the Selection of Councillor J. Blandy Jenkins, J.P., to the chairmanship of the Council, R. post which that gentleman has held 'll" dignity for the past- fifteen years, j Councillor Robert Forrest, J.P., secon- "ecl the motion, which was carried unani- mously. Co Councillor Jenkins, after taking the air, reminded the Council that he was getting very old, and might not be able o carry or.' WOrk for more than one year. ..Alderman E. H. Davies, J.P., proposed of Alderman T. J. Hughes .y.V'ce-cliairman for the ensuing: year, and j|lst w»s seconded by Alderman W. Wgan, J.P.. and unanimously carried. Aiderman T. J. Hughes acknowledged e honour the. Council had done him for ninth, time. nl* J?8-. v*«ous Committees were then re- nted and agreed to. OPPOSITION TO BILLS. oll the motion of the Chairman, it was n jlllniou.s.Iy agreed to oppose the Ponty- P-i Waterworks Company's Bill, Cardiff n Bill, and Llynfi Valley Gas cos+6i' £ .^°nfirination) Bill, and that the tlia'r? Opposing should be borne out of bounty Fund and County Rate. GRANTS TO AGRICULTURE. T \r ^'Committee. consisting of Dr. Cn,,r' nMori-is. Alderman J. Morgan and Con#1 Forrest, were appointed to C *jth Principal Griffiths, of the arrQ University, in regard to making cLi ail' as to the allocation of a vj f from the Agricultural Board, with of t° deducting these from the sum in r~, agreed to be paid to the college 6sPeot of courses in agriculture. NEW COUNTY BUILDINGS. »r ^nh-Coi i mittee dealing with the are] County Offices reported that the of ects had submitted a revised sketch ei&ht e'e.Tation of the hall to be raised ieell inches above the level specified is ftif- c°nditionis of the completion, which to co-st £ 50.000 or more. lIs Was agreed to. ^LICIOCS ALLEGATIONS REFUTED. r Ovfti. Vlew the attack made upon tlie alleiSeierS of Ystradyfodwg Parish for ftai-r6 under-rating of their parish, and J p lc^arly upon Alderman E1. H. Davies, As«'' Chairman of the Pontypridd Union w Committee, and also Ohair<- BiiH tite' Countv Rate Assessment Com- tin interest centred in the deli hera- Hn County Assessment Committee the allegations referred to them, at HT,? lnsti;gation of Alderman Davies and } Sp T. Griffiths, J.P., and other over- ri^ of the above parish. W 16 County Rate Assessment Conimit- W of County Councillor F. •shiVu l'^ (High Sheriff of Glamorgan- 4e,i%r lTman ,JA J?';dari (assistant lC4r' T F,vU,l0tK c Howell, D. T fy ETva™> County Councillors JOIK-Tet J A £ ms' C Sibbering and una'itrn; 6 ,C?un,cal Office, Cardiff, report'. — <nuved at the following, A 4- March t1, meeting of the Council last «U<1 r-* t'*ie_^valuat:on of the Bridg- ,vard frv- ?UCiPe ^!uon was brought for- 8eer V Assistant Over- ■i heferA +1 1{",Kiyi0^vg was permitted to lay of ex.iie t-ouncil certain alleged instances Pavid, r-°5?r under-valuations in the had stradyfodwg. The Committee Ovei-^ a reP°i't of the Ystradyfodwg ^alnnf;e!s 011 these allegations of under- stat»r.1051f' anc^ finds that in all cases the {'rQ ^nts made were without foundation, ^ll 1, tnc circumstances in which these 0VJptions were made by the Assistant tlle' See,r of Liaii.dyfodwg it is plain that I c-ior, Were not oniy unrounded, but mali- I tL+S"the Committee thinks it right I the *•" !t- of their investigation of [ h].0l1 statements should be as publicly iTipuP -1 before the Council as the state- l shouri themselves, which they regret | r,1 have been permitted to be made." i He ^'nc:1Wor Hop kin Morgan, Neath, said ^I'riJ18! Vei'y pleased to note the conclusions lw„ ec' HI, by the Assessment Committee, 0V U,S6 reflections had been cast upon the s of Ystradyfodwg Parish and the (Au mari °-f the Assessment Committee rinan 1^- Davies, J.P.) at the last 0rll^al meeting by the Assistant Overseer Ajlajidyfoclwg, the accuracy of which i ^'derrruu! there and then challenged I ..emphatically. It was all the more | of added Mr. Morgan, in view Aid great and valuable work that Davies had clone, for the county MtlC°Unw*t*ou with inequalities of rating he ^,ut fear or 'favour of criticism, and that, the Council express its cWr 1 a^ous that the matter had been Ai,j 11P so satisfactory (hear, hear). kn6fr e,^man Morgan Williams said he ^rrivpi t no otlier conclusions could, be iia(]B aritl added tnai tne attacK verv unfair, and no doubt hy mischievous intentions the A); eii-' colleague. He was glad that Vttan- w^'° was doing so much that }> G!"ei'ent ways, had lived to prove hear) 6 VVas right and unshaken (bear, ."r ( ] "el1ki ) 1" U'1l1an (Councillor J. Blandy /served that nobody for a *tian T\ c.a^puted the integrity of Alder- Al i Vle^- §veat eiflait Jordan, stated that he had thp, in noting that the finding e cha- Cr:lm''tt(,B was unanimously that ^tualV- vVore not only unfounded, but Ij '^alioioits, and that Alderman lpoueh •V^es' character, as everyone 7lriOU^. expected, emerged unscathed ^,n -.Ued in the discharge of his a- which they all recognised \e'at and valuable to the county 'l'h-) Ilear). Cf)Vrigcj of the Committee was acclamation.

Dr. Tribe andhis Traducers A Spirited Challenge. I A rousing meeting was held at the Treorchy Old Boys' School on Tuesday evening to further the candidature of Dr. A. G. Tribe, the reiirihg member for Ward 2. The Rev. J. E. Thomas pre- sided. Dr. Tribe said that he came before them to ask for a renewal of the confi- dence placed in him three years ago. Before proceeding further, he wished to deal with some rumours that were going about the town, and which were circulated with a view of damaging his candidature. It bad been said, he proceeded, that he (Dr. Tribe) had voted in favour of utilising public money to propagate sectarian teaching in the Roman Catholic School at Tonypandy. He had done nothing more, he said, than what other members of the Council had done in their capacity as administrators of this school. A Government grant was annually made in respect of this school, and if this was found insufficient to carry on the work, the Council had to make up the deficit. Instead, however, of there being any deficit, there was generally a surplus, and so far from any of the rates being ex- pended, the Council actually made a profit on the working of this school (hear, hear). He would challenge anyone to deny this statement, and in confirmation of it he read the following; telegram from Dr. Thomas, the Chairman of the Education Committee:—"Catholic School at Tony- pandy has not had a single penny from the Rhondda rates. Absolute fabrication to state otherwise." (Applause). This rumour, said Dr. Tribe, had been spread to damage him in the eyes of a large section of the population. It' was an. election dodge and a very mean one, and was transparently false. The minutes of the Rhondda. council could be seen at any time, and he challenged anyone to pro- duce a minute that could prove that lie had acted otherwise. If his statement was proved false, he was prepared to forfeit £ 50! to any charitable institution (applause). These were disgraceful tactics, he added, and if he found that the state- ments were still: persisted in, he would have to name the persons who circulated them (applause). Dr. Tribe then proceeded to deal with a number of questions addressed to him by A Ratepayer in last week's issue of the Rhondda Leader." To the first question, viz. Is it true that the scavenging contractors for your Ward were tipping the scavenging refuse into the Rhondda River within 200 yards of your residence, although the said con- tractors were paid for Rhondda depots, and that it meant a saving: of about £ 200 to the said contractors by tipping it into the river, to the detriment of the health of the population and a loss to the rate- payer's? Dr. Tribe -said that it was not true that the scavenging refuse was tipped into the river, but it was true that it was tipped in that particular area, viz., the football field near Ainon Chapel, and con- trary to the orders given to the scavengers. Directly it was discovered, the scavengers were fined £ 7, which they had to pay. In reply to question No. 2, which was as follows Is it true that two of the scavenging contractors for your Ward were stopped "ayments for the month of December? Were these two sections not scavenged, or what was the reason? Dr. Tribe said that it was true that pay- ments were stopped for December because, owing to a clerical error by one of the junior clerk's in the Surveyor's department, these particular scavengers were paid double for November. When the mistake came before the Health Com- mittee. the payments for December were stopped. The scavenging work, however, went on just the same. In reply to question 3, as to whether there were cheaper tenders this year for two sections of the Ward than the successful one, Dr. Tribe said that he had looked into the matter very carefully, and had found that the cheapest tender obtained the work (applause). The speaker then went on to deal with the grounds why lie had supported an increase in the salary of the Medical Officer of and a unanimous vote of confidence and support was passed at the termination of his address. Councillor W. D. Wight also addressed the meeting on the gas and water under- taking.

The Coming Elections, (BY "TIRED TIM.") There are certain fixed events in this shifting world of ours which are as im- movable as the eternal sphinx, and noth- ing short of a catastrophe, such as a devastating: earthquake or an equally disastrous flood, could dislodge them from our calendar of annual entertain- ments. One of these events is the annual Dis- trict Council Elections, and about this time every year no inconsiderable com- motion is caused, and excitement wit- nessed by the retirement of one member for each ward, and the consequent cam- paign on behalf of honour-seekers for the much-lauded but gassomeriant title of District Councillor. This year the nominations handed in last week revealed one of two things- either the retiring members served their constituents so well during their term of office, that it was unnecessary to change them, or interest in local repres- entation is on the wane. Apart from these two considerations, the pansity of the nominations cannot be explained. In five wards only were there any opposed returns, and the turn of time, this num- ber has been reduced to three by the withdrawals in Wards 5 and 8 leaving Councillors R. S. Griffiths and W. T. Davies a, free field, and a great saving in oratory. ° Now that the withdrawals have been sent in, one is enabled to take a clearer outlook as to the figures and principles that will play a part in the wa,]ls where contests will take place. In Ward 1, where Mr D. R. Jones retires, we have a square fight, as indeed, it can be said of the other two Wards. Three years ago, when Mr. Jones was last called uponvto defend his seat, he fought the battle on his back in bed. He was then prostrated with a. severe illness, from which he has, fortunately, fully (recovered. He was, nevertheless, assisted by a strong working 1 committee, and lie had the satisfaction of being returned with an ample majority. Since his recovery lie has regularly atten- ded. to his public duties, and the wonder is that a busy man like he is, can devote so much time to public work. Mr Jones is a man with a great deal of back bone in him, as his colleagues round the Coun- cil table sometimes learn to their dis- comfiture. His stand at the last Council meeting, when Councillor L. P. Griffiths complained of the Health Committee's secrets being divulged to influence his vote in favour of local candidates for the post of Health Visitors, is indicative of the character of the man. He (Mr. Jones) declared that his vote had always been cast in accordance with his con- science and no amount of wire pulling Oould influence his ODinion when once made. Although surpassed by some of his colleagues, in eloquence, he is sur- ] oassed b.v none in force of conviction and honesty in the enunciation of them. 1; Of his opponent I know but very little. j I understand that he contested the same Ward last year, and came out second best in the fray. As secretary of the local Conservative Club, I suppose he will carry that institution along with him,* while as secretary of the local nrofe: 1 football team he will, no doubt, find: many supporters among the "sports ( t L! e din-riot. At the same time, I do no it- fancy lik. chances in this contest lie majj^; be-an estimable young man, and I hare heard nothing to the contrary, but whether he will succeed in ousting such an experienced and practical old warrior as the '.gaffer" of Fernhili, is quite an- bpr natter. Were I a sporting man, I would be disposed to lay odds on the latter. I rather suspect that Ward 2—Tre- orchy and Cwmparc—is suffering from that most annoying infection, practical joking; otherwise I fail to appreciate the force of nominating nine candidates for a post for which some of the nominees I have but very doubtful qualifications. A -similar thing happened two or three years ago, and as has occurred this year, the majority very discreetly withdrew before the day of the poll. I cannot think that the nominations were really serious, and I must admit, perhaps I'm denser than my fellows, that I perceive but very little entertainment in a prac- tice of this kind. If entertainment these be, it carries its own condemnation. The withdrawals on Tuesday have left the field free for a fight between two men who are thoroughly unlike one an- other, and yet have this qualification in common, that both represent two typi- cally distinct schools. Dr. Tribe is an Englishman, and carries with him tho-se peculiar characteristics which always mark the sons of Hengist. To define these peculiarities would be beyond my meagre powers, unless I were to tabulate them as great -ushfulness, with an admixture of frankness, and an inclination to swagger—traits pre-eminently character- istic of the true Englishman as you see. Mr. Morgan, on the other hand, is the son of the soil, boril of humble parents, who lived laborious days to give their offspring the education necessary to fit him for his profession of teacher. His upbringing was that of hundreds of boys similarly situated, and it is this fact which probablv accounts for the interest and solicitude he now takes in the chil- dren of others leco,") fortunately placed than himself. In disposition and habits he is, perhaps, the antithesis of Dr. Tribe. Reserved to an extraordinary degree except to an inner circle of friends, he is not the man who would gather around him an admiring coterie in a social gathering. He is rather a person who stands apart and surveys others from a standpoint which he has made his own. Yet, when the barriers of reserve have been broken down, it is found that a more genial, kindly soul was never encased in human body. He is a man who com- mands a great following at Cwmparc, where his days have been spent in teach- ing the young idea how to shoot." His influence is immense, his interests varied, and with considerable experience of public life acquired on the District Council before that body took the Education Department under its wing, his value as a candidate can be easily gauged. These, then, are the rivals for1 Fortune's smiles in Ward 2. Who will win? It is largely a question of the most efficient organisation. Dr. Tribe can rest assured of a large following in the upper part of Treorcliy. Abergorchy Colliery will go en bloc for him, while he will, no doubt, capture many outside the zone of the Barnyeat-Brown influence. A strong Churchman, lie will also find favour in the eyes of the Anglican fraternity at Treorchy and Cwmparc, and thus he will be able to put up a by no means puerile fight. The battle of Mr Morgan's is the battle of Nonconformity. Now that such stalwarts as Dr. Morris and Mr. Roderick Morgan have with- drawn from the contest, Noncon- formists should buckle on their armour and go in to win. I don't think there can be much doubt of the issue if Welsh Nationality and Nonconformity stands true, and as Mr. Morgan is practically assured of the support of his own native hamlet, we may almost greet him already as one of the Councillors for the Ward. I am obliged to skip over the uncon- tested Wards and come to Ward G. where Mr. J. D. Williams has been challenged by Mr. Wm. John, the secretary of the Glamorgan Workmens Committee. Before dealing with the situation here, I should, however, like to mention mv pleasure at the fact that Mr R. S. Griffiths, Clydach Vale, has been allowed to retain his seat without a fight. Mr. Griffiths is, no doubt, one of the very best members of the Council. His valuable experience as architect and surveyor has stood in good stead to the Council on many an occa- sion, whilst his services to the Rhondda as Chairman of the Health Committee Can hardly be estimated. If, by,some un- favourable chance, he were ousted from his constituency, the Rhondda people would lose the services of one of the best men that has ever tried to manage their affairs. With regard to the contest in Ward 6, all I have to say must be said very briefly. Mr. J. D. Williams, who again seeks the suffrages of the electors, has served the district with credit and diligence during his term of office, which extends over a large number of years. He is one of the most cautious men in the assembly at Pentre, and ratepayers need have no fear that their money will be expended ruth- lessly upon white elephant schemes. A large ratepayer himself, he is naturally averse to spending money unless he is sure to obtain his money's worth, and this, in these days of high rates and dear living, must be an important considera- tion with tenant and landlord alike. He has also been the means of securing better postal facilities for the Mid-Rhondda dis- trict, while his services have been equally devoted in obtaining additional schools for the locality. Though he cannot be by any means classified as a working man, he nevertheless has the interests of the horny-handed at heart, and proof of this will be found in a report of his speech at last Friday's meeting of the Council. Mr. Wm. John has, therefore, a some- what severe struggle to face. In Mr. John we have perhaps one of the best types of young manhood to be found in these Valleys. As is natural to one hold- ing" the position he does on the Colliery Committee, his interests and those of his fellow-workmen are one. He is also a deacon and church secretary at Moriah Baptist Chapel, Tonypandy, and altogether it will be seen that he is a. young man of the very best and hiahet character. Still, all this, I am afraid, will not win him the contest. As nominee of the Trades and Labour Council, he will no doubt carry a great deal of the Labour element, but after all, there are other considera- tions, such as the long and efficient ser- vice of his opponent, and it is these, I am afraid, which will lose him the fight. I

Treorchy. Death.—We deeply regret to record the death of Mrs. Jones, wife of Mr. Willie Jones, butcher, Bute Street, which took I place on Thursday last, after a short ill- ness. Deceased was the daughter of Mr E. S. Morgan, Boot Stores, Bute Street, Treorchy, and had only been married a little over twelve months. She was a member of Tabernacle (E.W.) church, where she was held in high esteem, and where her demise is keenly felt, especially ,v in musical quarters. Her husband. Mr. Willie Jones, is the organist at Taber- i i It*, and deep symnatliy is felt for him and other relatives in their sad hereave- m iA. The funeral, which was confined to gentlemen, took "lace on Monday, and y, r s well attended, the tradespeople figur- ing very prominently. At the last weekly meeting cf the Treorchy Literary Society, Mr. J. T. Short, B.A., submitted an excellent paper on t Andrew." Many took part in the subsequent discussion, and J\f < Shoit v. as accorded a, vote of thanks at the close. Mr. R. C. Austin presided.-

Meeting in Ward 6. Labour Candidate Throws Down Gauntlet. A meeting to further the candidature of Mr. William John, who is a candidate for the vacant seat in Ward 6 at the forthcoming Council election, took place on Tuesday evening at the Trealaw Boys' School. Mr. Mark Harcombe occupied the chair. At the outset, the Chairman read a telegram flom Mr, D. Watfts Morgan stating that that gentleman had missed the train and would be unable to be pre- sent, but he wished the candidate every success. Mr. Harcombe said that the meeting was being held in the interests of Labour. The lights: of the labouring class should be made known in every sphere of government. All questions con- cerning the working classes were very important, and they should know where they were standing. The time had come, he said, when their own kith and kin should be on the public bodies. He realised that great opposition had to be fought _ro against. Touching on Council matters, he spoke on officials drawing huge salaries from three or four sources, and urged that, if economy was to be practised, it should start at the right end. Mr. W. John, the candidate then addressed the meeting. He said that out of the three representatives in that Ward there was not one whom could be claimed as a Labour representative. They were not of the labouring class. Right along the annals of history, said the candidate, a certain class had been looking after No. 1. Why was the Labour cause so backward? Was it not because they had allowed themselves to be dominated by others? It was time that they should rise up and claim their rights, and if they did not do so, they had no one to blame but themselves. A chance had again come along. They had laid hold of two chances before that, but had not suc- ceeded. ''But," said Mr. John, "there are three tries for a Welshman," and if they were only united in this third chance, he had no doubt that Labour would be triumphant. He advocated the adoption of the Housing Act, and spoke on over- crowding in the Rhoiidda. The Un- employment Act and the Children's Feed- ing Act were" also spoken on by the can- didate. The Rev. J. Nicholas then spoke, and in a very enthusiastic address upheld the principles of the candidate. He dwelt at length on the recent report of the Auditor, and reading extracts from the Rhondda Leader," the rev. gentleman said that everyone ought to feel thankful to that paper for bringing the report before the public. He also denounced the excessive rate of pay given to officials when sent out of the locality on special business, and considered that 13s. 6d. per half-day when at PontyDiicld was very exorbitant. He advised all present to do their best for the candidate, and to speak to their fellow-workmen and enlist their support1. At the close of the addresses, questions were submitted to the candidate and answered.

L EAGUE OF pROGREbSIVE fJlHOUGHT AND SOCIAL SERVICE. President: Rev. R. J. CAMPBELL, M.A. s OUTH WALES CONFERENCE, J^EW IJIOWN JJALL, jpONTYPRIDD Tuesday, April 6th, 1909. Monday, April 5th, CONFERENCE SERMON, at TABERNACLE CHAPEL, FERNDALE, 8 p.m. Preacher: Rev. R. J, CAMPBELL. Tuesday, April 6th. S a.m., DEVOTIONAL MEETING—Mr. CAMPBELL Presiding. 10 a.m., LEAGUE SESSION—For Members Only. 12 p.m., CONFERENCE ON SOCIAL SUBJECTS: Chairman: Rev. R. J. CAMPBELL. M.A. 1. Resolution on Women's Suffrage Mover Mrs. DESPARD. Seconder Rev. ERIC DAVIES. II. Resolution on Unemployment Movcr: Rev. GEORGE NEIGHBOUR. Seconder Rev. E. R. DENNIS. 3 p.m., CONFERENCE ON PROGRESSIVE RELIGIOUS THOUGHT. Chairman: J. ALLANSON-PICTON,.Esq., M.A., J.P. (Pemnaenmawr). I. The Meaning and Value of Comparative Religion Rev. J. PARK DAVIES, B.A., B.D. II. The Sunday School on Modern Lines Rev. J. MORGAN JONES, M.A. III. "Divine Immanence: ReN-. E. W. LEWIS, M.A., B.D. 7.30 p.m., GREAT PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION. Chairman: Sir RICIIAIID STAPLEY, J.P. (London). Speakers: Rev. R. J. CAMPBELL, M.A.; Countess RUSSELL Rev. T. RHONDDA WILLIAMS Rev. G. T. SADLER, B.A., LL.B. Soloist Miss MAY CAMPBELL. Admission will be made the Evening Meeting by Free Ticket only, but there will be a limited number Reserved Seats ally-each. A Silver Collection will be made at the After- noon and Evening Meetings. For Tickets, etc., apply W. T. OWEN (Organiser for Wales), 39, Cardiff Street, Treorchy, or to any of the Branch Secretaries. 4746 _t! g4z, At at IWSTIICIC Am-. f ill Ilk TWI IT CO!¡.f 'r/iF- WOMbA-r THE ANOI NT, MtM51!LF -OEVIL < HIS 8E:bDINC.. h I 4¡t1 1I1I AO AUMALIAN CAPT Wot4 ibwf." MLI U15 PET I.ICN ,= The Event of the Season. Bostock & Wombwell's Royal No. 1 tyeriagerie Will be at Tonypardy (for Two Days Only), Friday and Saturday, March 26th ct 27th, And stand on PANDY GROUND, once more with a Complete Show. You cannot have enough of a good thing, so be sure and visit the Greatest Collection of Trained and Untrained Wild Animals ever collected under one roof. See the Lion and Leopard Cubs living together. Baby Pumas, the prettiest of all the Feline Species. Never before seen in Tonypandy. Licter of Young Porcupines never before seen in any Travelling Exhibition. Y omw Porcupines are very funny. Do see them. A colossal amalgamation of Strange and Curious Animals from the uttermost parts of the universe. All roads lead to Wombwell'i?, and no expense has been spared to add new Living Specimens of the Animal Creation. Remember this is the only show travelling worthy the name of Zoo or Menagerie. The whole collection is undoubtedly the last word in menageries. ° We try to please the Tonypandy People, and hope we do so. and ¡,ive more srenuine value for monev than any other travelling Show. The name itself is a guarantee, Established in 1805. Never has the whole collection been so complete as at present, making this a record vibit. Baby Bostock and her Playmates, a Record Litter of Lion Cubs. Be sure and see the Young Pumas, first ever seen in Tonypantiy. A -iait to Wombwell's is both Instructive, Educational, Inspiring and Entertaining, besides being money well sp°nt A single visit proves this. See the Uneeka, not the Bonassus, but the Melursus. Absolutelv the most weird creature ever discovered. Once seen never forgotten. You should really see him, A hideous Animal, yet attractive. Splendid Military Band. Open at 3-30 and 7 p.m. Prices us usual Will also visit Treherbert—Monday, March 29. Pentre—March 30. Ferndale-March 31. Tylorstown-April 1. 5473 Porth-April 2. Pontypridd- April 3. :PiaL]I1C>. 0.,=1:&111& A GREAT SAVING OF MONEY. 10% OUR NEW CATALOGUE. Secure a copy at once of this interesting and instructive book, beautifully illustrated, telling all about the inside and outside constinotion of a Piano, and full of valuable hints as to the right way to select one PIANOS & ORGANS BY ALL THE LEADING MAKERS. DALE, FORTY <% C C), PIANOFORTE MANUFACTURERS, HIGH STREET and CASTLE-ARCADE CARDIFF,

Alderman E. H. Davies, in acknow- ledging the confidence reposed in him, said that every person connected with taxation and finances was always open to criticism. He, personally, always invited and never objected to criticism, provided that it was fair and with the intention of finding out the inequalities that prevailed in connection with the administration of county business. GROSS: AND RATEABLE! VALUE. The Assessment Committee considered the returns that have been returned from the several Union Assessment Committees of the methods by which they are guided in making deductions from the rents to ascertain the gross estimated rentals of various tenements, and of the further deductions made to arrive at the rateable values. They found that these varied considerably between the Unions', and further, that in applying the same rules to parishes where the rates varied materially, very unequal results were obtained. This Committee, or the County Council which they represent, are powerless to enforce any system on Union Assessment Committees. Whenever a new County Rate basis for the whole of the county is undertaken by order of the County Council, uniformity of procedure would be adopted in preparing it, but even then it may quite possibly" not be adopted by some of the Union Committees for their own purposes in some or all of their parishes, and thus inequalities of treat- ment would remain. The Committee did not think the pre- sent time opportune for undertaking either to form a new basis for the County Rate as model, or to attempt to persuade Union Assessment Committees to revise their valuation lists on a uniform system, inasmuch as the Government has announced their intention to introduce into Parliament a measure for establish- ing a uniform valuation of property for all purposes, and the Royal Commission on the Poor Law has recommended reforms that would undoubtedly involve ) the abolition of the Union Assessment Committee as at present existing. It can, therefore, be hardly expected that these bodies, whilst such proposals are pending, would undertake the considerable trouble involved in altering the system they have hitherto worked upon. The County Rate Basis, as revised, will be as follows;- Unions. Rateable Value. Increase. Bridgend and Cow- bridge £ 461,779 £11,766 Cardiff 678,820 13,950 Gower 63,112 1,602 Merthyr 342,968 1,132 Neath 394,305 9,877 Pontardawe 97,471 1,816 Pontypridd 1,264,787 110,608 Swansea. 120,311 4,285 Decrease Llanelly 25,200 649 £ 3,448,753 — Nett Increase £ 154,387 Minor reductions were made -from the above in some parishes at the annual meeting.