South Wales Daily News

CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL. ELECTION OF MAYOR AND ALDER- MEN. AN ANIMATED SCENE. EXCITING DISCUSSION. THE QUESTION OF MAYOR'S SALARY. The council met on Saturday, under the presi- dency of the outgoing Mayor (Alderrnau D. Jones). There were present Aldermen Tay- lor, Waring, Jacobs, Lewis, D. E. Jones, Fulton, Cory, and Yorath Counciibrs W. Sander", Vaughan, E. Beavan, Rmdale, W. J. Trounce, Riches, Shackell, Herugj Lewis, Carr, J otharn, A. Rees, T. Rees, Mildon, Richards, R. Price, F. J. Beavan, Peter Price, Proffer, E. J. Sinitb, T. Morel, Reynolds, Tucker, Hurley, Brain, Gibbs, James, and P. More!; Mr Wheatley (towu clerk), Mr Greenhill (treasurer), Dr Waliord, Mr Harpur (engineer), and Mr Mackenzie (uead con- stable). ELECTION OF MAYOB. The Town CLERK announced that the first business was the election of mayor. Dr. TAYLOR then rose,and said that owing to the arrangement come to last Saturday with regard to the euccsssor of the present mayor, the duty devolving upon him was of a very pleasing .character; and it was one in which he oelieved the council would b wholly unanimous. He had much pleasure in proposing that Mr William Sanders should be mayor for the ensuing year. .(Applause.) He made the proposition with every confidence, in full assurance that Mr Sanders would discharge the duties appertaining to the office with honour and distinction. Mr Sanders had had very considerable experienc9 connected with the corporation, having been a member almost consecutively since 1875 and before that he was one of the members of the Canton Local Board for several years, so that altogether he bad had something like 20 experience. Moreover, he had passed through almost every committee connected with the corporation. Therefore, of all othan, ho would be more coguizant cf the dutiea appertaining to the office of mayor than almost any man present. He (Dr Taylor) was, from the long experience he had had of Mr Sanders, quite sure that that gentleman would bring to baar upon the duties all the capabilities of which he was possessed, and that be would act at all times with courtasy and con- sideration to everyone. Mr Sanders was so well known to the council tbt nothing more needed to be said. He (Dr Taylor) was quite sure that, being placed in the position of mayor, Mr Sanders would fulfil the duties worthily of the town and of the council. Mr VAUGHAN seconded the proposition. Having known Mr Sanders for 25 years, and beeu for that period associated with him in business matter, and also in matters relating to the public interest, he did so with confidence. Mr Sauders and he had no; always seen eye to eye. They had differed in the past, and would doubtless differ in the future. But from the bottom of his heart he believed in the honesty of Mr Sanders's convic- tions, and could point to the courteous manner in which he bad always expressed them. Mr Sanders never hesitated to show bis views, or to explain what his opinions were, vvhestber agreeing or differing. He had interested himself in the public concerns of the town for very many years and all knew how be bad come to the forefront, whether people agreed with him 1)r not. In the council his abilities bad been recognized for many years. He was early elected chairman of the lighting com- mittee, and in that position fought the battle of the town against the managers and directors of 'the gai company for the better illuminatiomof the :streets and for the cheapening of the gas. Also, when the waterworks wore takea in band, Mr Sanders was one of the moat active members in behalf of the corporator. As a financier* his abilities bad been recognized by his electior1 as chairman of the finance committee; and be was. looked upon by the corporation as a master in that respect. Mr Sanders had been a great party man. They might differ from him some bad praised him some had fluttered him but the more his conduct was examined, the brighter it had shone out, and to-day he stood as high as ever in the rfspact of the people of the town. Though Mr Sauders had beeu a strong party man, he would not lend himself, if elected mayor, to any political side, hut would hold tha balance even and he (Mr Vaughan) was confident that at the end of his term, like his predecessors, he would go out of office with the acknowledgment of both parties that he had not shown favour on one side or the other. (Hear, hear.) Mr Sanders was ajgentleman in all respects, and worthy of the position in which the council had decided to place him. (Hear, hear.) Mr F. J. BEAVAN supported the motion, having known Mr Sanders for 33 or 34 years, and being able to say that his career as a public man had been such as to commend itself to all minds. The MAYOR (Alderman Jones) then put the question, and a unanimous response of "aye" having been given, he declared Mr Sanders, I have the pleasing duty of announcing to you that you have been unanimously elected mayor for the ensuing Y'1ar. (Applause.) The services you have rendered the council iu times past have brought about this unanimous election on the part of the council. (Hear. hear.) I con- gratulate you, and shall be happy to disrobe in yonr favour. (Applause.) The newly-elected mayor was then duly vested in the mayoral robes and the chain of dilr;, and took his seat amid renew«d applause. The deciaratipn on acceptance of office was then made, the town clerk .icmni?tered the oath of allegiance. &c. The MAYOR (Mr Sanders) then expressed his appreciation or the honour that had been con- ferred upon him. No greater honour could bo conferred municipally. He had just heard many far too fluttering things said of bL{neJf, uud thac day bpgau the test—the teat of whether he were worthy to occupy the position to which the council had place I him. Ha had not only to acknowledge the honour conferred, but also the manner iu which it had been conferred. It did not always fall to the lot of a chief magistrate to be elected unanimously. Lie was very thankful for tha unanimity cf the election, tho more so because he had occupied a position differing from, and at variance oftentimes with, many members of the council. He was fully aware of the,onerous nature of the office of mayor. There would be duties that were very impor- tant, and which might be considered the ordinary duties of the mayoralty of Cardiff. It was possible that during tho comincr year there would be soma special duties; and perhaps he might bo allowed to refer to one point which he thought might briug some special difficulty, and require special attention and work. He referred to the enlargement of the borough. That ques- tion would have to be considered very shortly. All he could say was-he dared not mako promises, for he feit too painfully the weakuess of bis position—that his intention was to devotn himself, according to his ability, in carrying out the duties of the office. (Applause.) He bad not forgotten the many lesson* which came to bim as he had observed the conduct of mayors who bad preceded bim. He bad been struck with their urbanity, and their determination to do that was right and fair, and it would be his endeavour to follow that example. There would be times when, perhaps, it would be difficult to discharge the dmies ill that way he expected those difficulties to arise; it was possible they might ar -e in waya not common. 011 tbe othr hand, It was posibIe his year of office might run smoothly, and that there would be very little to give him trouble. He hoped that might be xo. (Hear, bear.) In the time past he had been known as one who held bis own views, and who, as far as in him lay, had endaavoured to secure the carrying out of the views he held. He recoguized now a distinct difference in his posi- tion—(bear, hear)—and hoped he should be able to give due weight to that distinction. In tha past be had endeavoured to serve his own party and had done the best he could for the town with that standpoint before him. In the future he would have to hoid in his hand an honest and true balance, so that there should be justice on all sides; and he should consider carefully in every case, without regard to party, what Wfs right, fair, and just in every way. (Hear, bear.) He could not discharge tha duties except with the help of every member of the council with that, be did not fear anything. (Applause.) ELECTION OF ALDERMEN. WARM DEBATE. A SCENE. The next business was to elect five aldermen in place of those who retired, namely, Aldermen Jacobs, Cory, D. Jones, Lewis, and Taylor. The election was by voting papers, and The TOWN CLERK stated that each member should write the names of the five gentlemen he voted for, sign the paper, and hand it iD. Mr CARR: Must we put the occupation as well as the aildrmt? The Tows CERK: Yoa must give a full des- cription. Mr CABR: It is not fair that these papers should depend for their validity upon information not available. Alter recent experience, 1 should like to know how this voting is to take place. It looks on the face of it like a catch. The papers were then filled up and handed in, and The MAYOR drew attention to one of them not being signed. It was claimed by Mr Mildon, who rectified it. Mr CARS remarked that he supposed that if the mayor fouui any other papers similarly incom- plete, he would have them set right and The MAYOR signified assent. At the conclusion of the counting, Alderman TAYLOR rose to a point of order when the mayor was about to commence declaring the figures. Mr VAUSHAN protested that Alderman Taylor bad no right to take part in this matter. Mr CARR rose and declared that the interruption of Mr Vaughati was impertinent. Mr VAUGHAN I tihail not be put down by Mr Carr. I object to Mr Carr's insinuations. It is not an attack upon anybody. I rose to a point of order. Is Alderman Taylor a member of the council still, until he is elected? I say on the ttb of November no alderman has a right to vote until he is elected, and be has no right to address the meeting. I ask the town cierk to give m explanation. I am not going to be "shut up" by Mr Carr. The MAYOR I have no hesitation in saying that Mr Vaugbart was quite right in rising to a p01nt of order. I have no hesitation, however, in saying that I shall be glad, as a matter of courtesy, to allow him to ask the question he is about to ask. Alderman CAREY If it is only by an act of conrtesy to Dr Taylor, I will anticipate bim by Mkiog the Question myself. [ Mr VAUGHAN I want my point of order settled. I, The MAYOR repeated that be would bear Dr Taylor as a matter pf courtesy. Dr TAYLOR What I want to submit is that the mayor had no right to draw attention to the imperfection of any paper. They should have been goue over, and if any was not properly filled it should have been put aside. I protest against its being used. The MAYOR I have determined that while I occupy this seat I shall occupy it fairly, I called attention to the want of a signature to that paper, but it was on a clear understanding from the town clerk that he ought to put the paper in order. If I misunderstood the town clerk I am very sorry for it, and I hope no difficulty will arise out of that misunderstanding if there was a misunderstanding, and I don't think theie was. If there was, I do hope wo will begin our year without any misunderstandings on any points of this kind, and continue so for the luture. Sir M. MORGAN But,Mr Mayor, can't you see that if you ollce do a thing like that you do away altogether with the Act of Parliament, which clearly lays dowa certain rules as to the signing of these voting papers in a formal and proper manner ? You are simply acting ministerially here you read over a lot of names, and if there is any illegally filled up you have only to call attention to the fact that it is contrary to law, and to put it aside. Mr CAREY It will be in the recollection of the council that Mr Wheatley, town clerk, before the papers were handed in cautioned the members that no papers were to be banded in without a signature. (Hear, hear.) Mr CARR saidiithe mayor was not entitled to send them these papsrs back to be cor- rected. Ha was only within his duty in drawing attention to illegality or incom- pleteness. He did not insinuate for one moment that ha did it because he kuew the hand- writing. It was perfectly conceivable that if be had known the handwriting to ba that of an opponent ho would have done the same thing. Ha might have acted in a similar way to a gentleman who did not belong to tbe little cabal which had been working to influence the result of this election. But here was au express act of Parliament passed for regulating these elections, and nacesaarily so, because a mayor might reject or amand a paper from one aide or the other as he liked. Mr F. J. BEAVAN said 10 far al he underatood the matter, Mr Carr not only called the mayor's attention to it at the time, but he most de- liberately nnd most thoroughly accepted the position. He said, Mr Mayor, if you call attention to that paper, you wiil also call atten- tion to any other." Mr CARit:protested against thia interpretation of what ho said. Mr GIBES laid he felt it his duty to protest against the continued interruption of Mr Carr. He had no objection to listening to him when ho really had anything to say, but he was tired of his jumping up lika TAck-in-We-Box at any moment. Sir MORGAN MORGAN Eveu supposing Mr Carr did at the time accept the position, Mr Carr does not bind the others. It is no less illegal even if Mr Carr pass it over. Mr F. J. BEAVAN observed that when the incideut occurred Mr Carr didn'c make any further objection, though he was cognisaut of and drew attention to it. Ho didn't say, "You cannot go any further, Mr Mayor." He didn't say, "That election is invalid, Mr Mayor." His objection came afterwards, when the voting was goue through, and after the position was decidedly and absolutely accepted. It was when all the voting bad concluded that this objection was insisted upon. Mr RAMSDALE called for the ruling of the mayor or town clerk. Alderman TAYLOR: Oh, no. I appeal to the m:>yor. Mr F. J. BEAVAN said after all the council would be guided, not by the opinion of individual members, but by the decision of the mayor and town clerk. The Town Clerk, on being appealed to for his opinion on the legal aspect of the question, said be did not really know what all the facts of the case were, but he would simply tell the mayor to declare the election according to the numbers he had got recorded. The MAYOR then read the result of the voting as follows :—For Mr Jacobs, 30 votes Mr.David Jones, 23 votas; Mr Daniel Lewis, 22 votes; Mr Richard Cory, 21 votes; Mr Sanders, 17 votes; Dr Taylor, 16 vote Mr R. Bird, 2. It is there- fore my duty to declare the first five gentlemen duly elected as alderman. Mr CARR I enter a formal protest against the acceptance of that vote. Sir MORGAN MORGAN S) do I. Alderrnau Dr TAYLOR said after having served them from time to time to the best of his ability, lie now took leave of them. The result-his non- election as alderman-was not unexpected, because he had got n intimation when ho came into the room that such would be the case. II", therefore, vacated his seat in favour of one who, he hoped, would do the town greater justice. Mr CAnr. said they should not allow Alderman Taylor to leave without moving a vote of thanks for his valuable services. Ho had served the important office of mayor of this town, and he, for one, would not be of tuosa who would turn their backs suddenly upon a friend in adversity. Sir MORGAN MOUGAN, in heartily seconding the resolution of Mr Carr, said a more honourable man than Ih Taylor had not sat at that board, or one who, by his business capaci- ties and great knowledge, contributed more to its work and to its dignity. He had givan his time to tho business of the town for, he believed, 23 years, and that he should be summarily put away now was a calamity to Cardiff. He believed tha people of the town would regard it as sucil. There were thousands of persons in Cardiff he kuew who would receive this announcement with amaziiiient and alarm. After many years' faithful service, without any cnuse, without any reason, to be turned up and thrown away in this fashion was certainly different from what an old servant was entitled to nxpeet at the hands of the representatives of the ratepayers whom he bad served so well. They did not rejoice at it aud bo did not think tiie town rejoiced at it. They were losing a very valuable servant to the town- man who can compaie favourably "with anybody in this august assembly or anv other assembly. Mr TROUNCE observed tkit no man had gi v<n more tioio to public in Cardiff than Dr Taylor. He had sat in many committees with him, and he could say thorn was none more inde- fatigabie, and Done would ba more regretted. Mr THOMAS RSE8 also desired to render his tribute to tha services of Dr Taylor in the past, but be must really cali their attention to the fact that the opposite party had provoked this result. If their opponents were prepared to do the right thingr, he was always prepared to do the right thing with tham. (Hear, hear.) What had occurred to-day was simply the rebound of their opponents' outrage some time ago. When they showed themselves loyal to principle, they would also find Thomas Iteen prepared to be 110 too, but when they determined otherwise, they must expect tha consequences. Ha was sorry to have to do it, but, as a matter of duty to his party, ho felt it proper that he should do so. The other side were now feeling the rebound, and they did not seem to like it, and ha would only add the hope that in the future they will bo careful to adopt the usual course they had previously adopted in matters of this k'ud. They had simply followed in the steps of the other piirly. Sir MORGAN MORGAN wished to know what he was referring to. He know of no such incident as this. Mr THOMAS REES About three or four years ago. Ob, you know it very well. (Laushter.) Sir MORGAN MORGAN Never, sir. What are the details ? Mr THOMAS REES I need not go into details now, pveu though you ask for them. Sir MORGAN MORGAN I say I never knew of a case here in which an alderman has been treated as you describe. Mr THOMAS REES The details are in your own memory, and they ought to burn there deeply. I am sorry that this should have occurred to-day, but I hope those opposite will have learned a'Josson, and will never condescend to such conduct iu the future. The lesson was necessary. The motion touching Alderman Taylor was car- ried unanimously. The MAYOR said lie was ex- ceedingly pleased that liie corporation had passed that resolution. Dr TAYLOR in replying said it was no doubt 11t13I, when a man had served on a public body for years, that he should receive the sympathy of the body generally; still,he could not refrain from expressing his conviction that it was entirely owing to a party move; at any rate, he could say that he left them with clean hands to devote the rest of his days to his profession. Alderman Taylor then quickly rptired. On the motion of Alderman Waring, it was directed that the vote of thanks be engraved and presented to Dr Taylor. To this there was no opposition. The MAYOR remarked that he could understand the sympathy shown for Dr Taylor because he had suffered in a similar way himself. He did hop?, however, that they would learn to carryon their business fairly on both sides, and with tho greatest amicability. The matter then dropped. THE VOTING FOR ALDERMEN. The following is a record of the votes given :— 2 „ 5 £ •vr "J y .2 -J Isames. i-» £ £ >. a >> 5 5 £ 6 3 « 6 H a o £ M AI(I. Ftilton t 1 S. MiIflnn — 1 1 ..— 1 1 W. E. VtugharL. 1 1 1 — 1 1 T. Bees 1 1 I 1 1 J. J{. James 1 1 1 — 1 1 T. V. 'Y,,rt',ii I 1 1. A. Brain., 1 1 I). Richards 1 1 1 1 1 W. T,ewig I I I w 1 1 P. Morel 1 1 1 1 r- 1 T, Reynolds 1 1 1 1 1 W.J.Tronce.. 1 1 1 AV..T. Proper. 1 1 1 1 ..— 1 K Hernu 1 1 1 1 J< J. I"mith. J 1 Lascelles Carr 1 — — 1 — — .T. Tucker 1 — — 1 — — T. Waring 1 1 1 W. C. litirley. I ..— 1 ..— 5>. K. Jones 1 1 1 ..— 1 1 R. Price. 1 1 T. H. Riches 1 I T.Morel. 1 1 Sir rl. ,Iorgan 1 1 E. W. KbackeU. 1 1 I 1. 1 K J. Beavan 1 J. 1. 1 1 Peter Price 1 1 1 1 i J. H. Jotham 1 1 1 1 1 W. H. Gibbs — 1 1 —/f.. 1 „. 1 K. Beavan 1 1 1 — 1 1 A.Rees. 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 P. IV. Carey 1 1 1 1 1 Totals.. 30 22 23 16 17 21 Councillor R. Bird received two votes, from Alder- man Fulton and Councillor Mildon. THANKS TO THE RETIRING MAYOR. I Alderman JACOBS proposed a vote of thanks to the ex-mayor, asserting that there could be but j one opinion as to the able and excellentmanner in which Alderman Jones had diechqed his duties. (Hear, bear.) Having recentl passed through the chair himself, be (AldermaiJacobs) fully understood the arduous nature f those duties. Alderman Jones had broughto bear upon them that shrewd business aptltuded tbat keen insight which all knew him to posses; and he left the chair with the confidence, estem, and respect of all classes. Personally, he tok tha opportunity of offering the ex-mayor Ifc most hearty and sincere congratulations upouhaving had such a successful year of office. Muh more might be said in praise, but they all kcw the ex-mayor and his sterling worth. (Hear, bear.) He proposed that the thanks of the coihcil be accorded the ex-mayor for tbe manner n which he had presided over their deliberations; pd that a copy of the resolution of thanks be engrssed on velkim, signed by the mayor, and presetted to Alderman Jones. (Applause.) Mr RERB seconded the proposition, renarking that while the mayor bad been most cour'eous in the chair, he had been firm as cast iron then he knew he was in the right, and also with .degree of humour which aided in the work. ?ho cor- poration and the town owed a great dealto men of practical knowledge. like Alderman J mos) for their consenting to occupy positions of thit sort, and sacrificing themselves to public intereit. He hoped the day was far distant when tie town would be deprived of the practical abilty and aeif-sacrificing spirit of Alderman Jones. Alderman CORY very heartily supported the proposition, observing that Alderman Joies de- served everything that had been said of him. Sir Morgan Morgau, Alderman Lewis, 'od Mr Carr also supported the vote, which wasunani- mously agreed to. Alderman JOXES (ex-mayor) acknowledged the compliment, and stated that on every occasion the council had treated him with the utmost kindness and consideration. THE MAYOR'S SALARY.—ANOTHER LIVELY DISCUSSION. Alderman R. CORY submitted a resolution that tbe mayor's salary should, durincr the coming year, be fixed at the usual sum of JB300. He saw no reason why the amount should be Jower. There would be no expense for a banquet; nevertheless, the mayor would have a great many calls upon his purse, which would more than absorb the £ 300. He trusted that the vote would be given uuaui- mously. At tbiil point the Mayor intervened, and invited the m.mbers of the council to partake of refresh- ments, which, he said, had been provided in another room. The council therefore adjourned to the grand jary-room to lunch. Upon their return, Mr E. BEAVAN seconded the motion. In a large town, possessing so many of the working class, gatting very low wages, hundreds and thousands of them being ratepayers, he thought that indirectly it was a rtflfctiou upon the poorer class of ratepayers that some 15C persons should come at the invitation ot the mayor at the expense to the rates of 2230. The cost of the banquet was a great waste. (Hear, hear.) Tiic.'sa would, how- ever, be many contributions required from tho mayor, and tho salary of J3300 should be again voted. Mr SHACKELL, considering it indelicate to dis- cuss this question in the presence of the Mayor, suggested that it ought to come before the council in the shape of a recommendation from the Finance Committee. As, however, the question was before them, he moved, as an amendment, that the sum be fixed at C250. Mr VAUGHAN had understood that there was to be a hospitalities committee, and that whatever sum was voted, it should ba placod at their dis- posal. Even if the J2500 were placed at tho mayor's disposal, lie would be much open to applications to give aid to all sorts of objects. Alderman D. JONES (ex-mayor) supported the resolution, and amusingly described the mauy applications for subscriptions which were made to the mayor. When he bad ventured upon a refusal in any particular instance which he did not deem worthy, he had been reminded that the mayor had a salary at his disposal. (Laughter.) Ap- plications came from evary possible source for every possible purpose, in order to "bleed" the mayor. The council should not seek to restrict or direct the mayor as to the way in which he should distribute the money voled as salary, because if the mayor was not fit to be entrusted with the disposition of the money, he was not tit to cccupy the position of mayor. The sum of £ 500 was tixed when the town had only 50,000 p)pui;t. tion and now that the population was so much larger, there wore, of course, many more claims upon the mayor. Sir MORGAN MORGAN contended that now tha banquet was abolished, a sum of 2120 would cover the amount necessarily expended by the mayor in charities, &e. Alderman LEWIS remarked that he would very much like to have the balance over JB300 which Sir Morgan Morgan spent, or tho amount beyond £ 300 which Alderman Jacobs had spent. He "kuew one mayor "who, notwithstanding that h" had a very cuiet year, spent £ 750 that was £ 450 beyond ttie;0500 vo:ed bun. Mr CARR, in regard to the charitable subscnp tions, wisiied them to be voted specifically by the council, openly, so that the ratepayers might be aware of what was done. The hospitality expan- diture should come before the committee. As to the'private subscriptions or private hospitalities, he was opposed to these b"¡Ii paid for out of the rates, directly or indirectiy. Alderman CORY commented upon the spectacle of o mnch talk about "tha miserable sum of jBSOO;" and remarked that although Alderman I Lewis was too modest to say no, it was in Mr Lewis's own mayoralty that a total expenditure of B750 had been incurred. That was proof of the moderate amount of the £ 300 salary. The MAYOR (Alderman S:tnders) repeated tb) substanco of his remarks made last week, wherein he pointed out that, as a matter of choice, he should much perfer that no salary be votod him. It had, however, been represented to him during, the week that if he held to that position, it mighc be unfair to future mayors. He therefore left the question entirely in the hands of the council, ou]y repeating his statement that, from a merely seifbh point of view, he would prefer no salary at all. The amendment, that the salary be j5250, was then put and lost, only the mover and seconder voting for j r. The EX-MAYOR asked tho Town Clerk if it would be legai to vote sums specifically for chari- table and other purposes to which the mayor's salary wa devoted and Mr Wheatley replied to the effect tbat the money could be voted nomi- nally as salary from time to time. Mr MILDON thought that if money could not be given except under the pretence of a salary to the mayor, it should not be given to those objects at all. He suggested an amendment, which The TOWN CLERK said was a direct negative to the resolution, not an amendment. Mr F. J. BEAVAN proposed that the salary be L150, and This was seconded by Mr VAUGHAN, and sup- ported by Mr RAMSDALE, who thought it would meat the case fully. Mr RICHES asked if the customary fifty guineas' subscription to the infirmary, and the JE25 it bad already been decided to give to tbe fat cattle show, were to oome out of the J3150. The reply was in the affirmative. Alderman LXWIS declared that the council were going to make tue mayor their lackey-t,iiey were afraid to trust him with £ 300 unless there were haif-a-dozen committees to control him. Aldorman D. E. JONES remarked that his experience had been that JS600 was iequired in addition to the £ 300 salary, The discussion continuing. The MAYOR remarked tliac if speakers persisted iu pressing matters he should teel that dignity came in to be considered. He had candidly stated his views in regard to tho matter. After further discussion, the amendment was put. Seventeen voted for it, 10 against, 4 being neutral. It was then made a subitantive motion and agreed tc, The MAYOR asked the town clerk whether he was bounet to tnke the salary. The Town Clerk replied that that was optional. The mayor was not bound to accept. The MAYOR Then I shall take it into serious consideration as to what I shall do. APPOINTMENT OF PRESIDING ALDERMEN FOR THE WARDS. The following aldermen were appointed to preside at the various wards of the borough.—Ivlc Jacobs. West Ward Mr Lewis, East Ward Mr D. E. Jones, South Wa.-a Mr Waring, Canton Ward Mr David Jones, Roath. PILOTAGE BOARD. Mr Frank Beavan was appointed to the vacancy on the Pilotage Board. TUB HOUR OF MEETING. Mr Rici-igs propose, and Mr SHACKELL seconded, that the quarterly meetiuga be henceforward held at five o'clock in the even- ings. —The motion was carried by a majority of one, after a protest from the mayor and others that it would involve a great adffitional labour on the official, and also additional officitis.-Ottier members, however, stated that they had a man- date from their constituents to alter the hour to the evening, so as to allow them to attend when matters specially affecting their interests were to be discussed.—It was then proposed that the monthly meetings ue also held in the evenings, but this was defeated by a majority of six. RE ARRANGEMENT OF COMMITTEES. The council then proceeded to re-arrange the committees. Mr P. Moret was placed on the finance committee, Mr A. Rges and Mr Yorath on the burial board, Mr Hurley on the public works committee, Mr Carr on the lighting com- mittee, Mr E. Beavau on the visitors to the County Lunatic Asylum, Mr Proger.and Sir Morgan Morgan on the technical instruction com- mittee. Vacancies on the Free Library committee aud the Free Library building sub-committee were not tilled up for the present.

NEWPORT TOWN COUNCIL. The annual meeting of the Newport Corpora- tion was held on Saturday. The attendance was a very full one, and the whole of the six representatives of the Maindee Ward were pre- sent, Mr J. Harris coming in after the Town Clerk had challenged the name. THE MAYORALTY. The MAYOR said the first business was the election of his successor. At a private meet- ing held about a week ago Mr Council- lor Mordey was nominated to the position, and that selection had not been varied. He therefore had the pleasure, knowing what sort of a man Mr Mordey was, in proposing that he be elected Mayor.— Alderman Jacob, who rose when the first busi- ness was announced, but gave way to the Mayor, seconded the nomination, and expressed his high opinion of Mr Mordey, who, he said, was a man of strong convictions, with the courage of those convictions, which he generally expressed when- ever occasion arose, in clear and unmistakable tones. (Hear, hear.) He had recently been in close contact with his constituents, and had been returned at the head of the poll, and therefore the choice of the C mncil had been ratified by the confidence he enjoyed with his fellow citizens. He was sure Mr Mordey would allow him to say ths.t it was not so many years ago that be was a handicraftsman, and now tie. had by his perseverance raised him- self to the dignity of chief magistrate. Who breaks bis birth's invidious bar, And grasps thp. skirts of happy chance, And breasts the blows of circumstance, Ami grapples with his evil star, And makes by force his merit known, Deserved well of his fellow burgesses. (Applause.) The present was an auspicious period in the his- tory ("If the town, and also a critical one. The marriage between Maindee and Newport had been happily consummated, and the Mayor would have a larger kingdom to sway from his municipal throne than any of his predecessors. But it was impossible to hide the fact that Barry and Cardiff Docks would be competing very closely with Newport for the Monmouthshire coal, and it behoved all the public bodies of the town to join hand in hand and see that increased facilities were given to the trade of the port, and that the charges at the docks, wharves, and railways were (brought to the lowest possible point, so that the port might continue to receive its proper control of the Monmouthshire coal. The motion was carried unanimously and with applause, which was renewed when the Mayor- elect, having taken tbe oaths of allegiance, thanked the Council. It was the ambition of his boyhood, ha said, to be in that position to-dav, and he felt proud that he had attained to it. He had always taken a great interest in the town, and he hoped in future to endeavour to further its prosperity in every possible manner. (Applause.) After glancing at the expectations or sticti progress, and stating that it was hoped by his firm to build large ships at Newpori; in the course of the next four or five years, the Mayor proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor.—This was seconded by Alderman Davies, and carried with applause.—The ex- Mayor replied, and, with exquisite urbanity, dis- sented from the assertion that he had been always polite and kind, apologised to those to whom ho had been a little rough, and said he had been always desirous to promote the welfare of the town and to uphold the corporation. He hoped the latter would do their best to improve everything belonging to the town. They had his kindest wishes, and it he couid render any little assistance he should be only too happy to do so. Hs* was not a large employer of labour, nor had he much capital, but such as it was he should always endeavour to assist the corporation. (Ap- plause.)— Then the ex-mayor walked away and disappeared by the first door, nearly everyone commiserating his bard fortune in having been rejected at the poll. I ELECTION OF ALDERMEN. The Council then. proceeded to fill up the two vacancies in the aldermanic benches. Mr W. J. Lloyd led what Mr J. W. Jones after- wards described as a "try on" to get tho two vacant aldermanic seats given to Maindee.—The Mayor ruled his old Sunday- school teacher (Mr Lloyd) out of order, but find- ing a difficulty in settling him, called upon the town clerk to read the clause of the Act.—Mr L'.oyd asserted that it was an understanding at the time the negotiations went forward that Maindee should have the two aldermen, but the council could not allow thi, to sro unchallenged, and called up Alderman Jacob, chairman of the parliamentary committee, who said It was not an understanding but a mis- understanding. Then he gave explanatory references, and carried the Council with him. One of those was that Maindee was nlready over- renresented, because it had only 935 voters to 1,820 in the North Ward, and yet had the same nuniberof members. Mr Lloyd had again to be ruled out of order, and Mr Morgau, another Maindee representative, shared the same fate. Thirty-two votes were then given for Mr J. W. Jonos, East Ward representative, and the same number for Mr G. Hoskins, of theSouth Ward, and one each for Mr Collett and Mr W. J. Lloyd. Mr Jones, and Mr Hoskins were declared elected aldermen, aud both returned thanks.—Alderman Jones said he felt feeiiusrly at Maindee's try ou,?s he had represented the E.\Q,t Ward for 30 years, and had to fight every time for his seat. (Laughter.) QUESTION OF RAILWAY RATIOS. The parliamentary committee's report was brought up by Alderman Jacob, who sugge-ited that tha corporation should be permanently repre- sented on the Railway Rates Commission by Mr Balfour Browne, Q.C. Questions affocting New- port, he pointed out, might; arise at any time. An arrangemeut had been made by winch the corporation, the harbour and the chamber of commerce could uuito to pay counsel's fe, which would not amount to more than JE60. —Ttie Town Cleik stated that he attended the upening of the inquiry, and that the objections of tbe corporation would probably be covered by those of the ..Monmouthshire freighters.—Tue retention of cjunsel was agreed to, I^JOU the proposition of Mr Phillips, seconded by Mr Golds worthy. WATRRWORK8 SUPPLY. Oil the report of tue Waterworks Committi beinc proposed for adoption, Alderman Lyne, chairman of the committee, stated that in a shoic time it was hop;d to increase tho storage area 01 the two reservoirs from 170 to 250 (Jay,' supply, and that this estimate was calculated Oil the high average of 20 gallons per head p°r day. With the expenditure of only about £ ^,0C0, ttie town would thus secure the additional 80 days' supply and avoid for many years to come the necessity of going to Wentwnod for additional water, at a probable outlay of £ 100,000. -(Hear, hear.)—The report was adopted. MISCELLANEOUS. The Chairman of ibe Markets Committee stated that the receipts for September showed that the market had earned at the rate of five per cent. on the outlay.—Councillor Harris said many of the stalls were becoming vacant, and ex- prpssod the opinion that the tolls were too high. Tbe committee appointed to consider the West Monmouthshire High School scheme recommended that a deputation from the corporation join with the other local bodies to interview the Charity Commissioners, and tho mayor, Alderman Jacob, and Mr Wheeler were appointed for the purpose. Alderman ,'LYNE proposed that it be an in- struction to the parliamentary committee to take steps to constitute Newport a borough county, which motion Alderman JOSES seconded, and it was agreed to. Mr SANDERS made a humorous speech in asking the council to deal off-hand with the coustruction of subways at Pillgwenlly and Frederick-street level crossings, and the South and Central Ward representatives caught the mayor's eye one after another en the subject, which was agreed to, his Worship endorsing all that had been said by tho different speakers as to the vexatious delays and hindrance the gates wero to busy tradesmen and v/orking men with only a limited time for meals. A long discussion took place on Mr T. Jones's motion to lessen the number of members oil com- mittees, which he proposed should not be less than seven nor more than 13 members. The ex- periment triei at the beginning of the past year of constituting the Parliamentary Committee to con- sist of the whole couucil had not worked well, as it had beau found necessary to delegate work to sub-committees, wine!), in turn, delegated work to second sub-committee. and owing to the intermittent attendances of ttit, w,)rk had to be done twice over.—Mr Pugsley championed Mr Sanders's amendment to omit the parlia- mentary committeofrom the change,and Mr Jones, 111 reply, held up the list of attendances, which showed that out of 16 parliamentary committees, Mr Ptig-ilev had attended one. At this sally everybody laughed.—Mr Pugley explained after- wards that he attended three sub-committee meetings, making four, but was met by several cries of "One." Ultimately the resolution was adopted by 16 to 13. Mr H. J. Parnall was nominated as deputy- mayor. I The council sat, with an interval for light refreshments, fur four hours.

MONMOUTH. Mr William Hall, the new mayor of Mon- mouth, who is a Conservative in politics and a Churchman, was bom at Hinton Manor, jtiardis- land, Herefordshiro. His father was a welj. known stock breeder and farmer, whose name is still familiar to exhibitors and judges of Hereford. shire stock. The mayor-elect came to Monmouth only nine years ago from Hereford, where he was engaged in the grocery trade, and succeeded the late Mr John Hall in his extensive wholesale grocery establishment in Agincourt-squaro and Church-street, wbicu Mr Hall has successfully carried on since then, and to which he has recently added tho wino and spmt trade. In 1836 he was returned a member ot the town couucil at the head of the poll, aud was again returned un- opposed at the municipal election this year.

COWBRIDGE. At the Town-hall, Cowbridge, on Saturday, Mr Alderman William A. James, builder and con- tractor, was elected mayor in succession to Mr AJderman Thomas R^es. Mr James is 43 yeara < c age, a native oi Cowbridge, and a self-made man. Though a Churchman, lie is an advanced Liberal in politics. He has displayed for years au earnest interest in municipal and political affairs,

ABERAVON. A meeting of the town council was held at noon on Saturday for the purpose of electing a gentle- man to fill the civic chair for the ensuing year, and transacting other civic biisines. Tho re- tiring Mayor (Councillor J. M. Smith) took the chair. As usual a private meeting of tbe council had been held previous to the sitting, at which it was decided that Mr Councillor Evan Phillips should be 'elected mayor. Alder- iiian David therefore proposed that Councillor Philips ba elected mayor for tho ensuing year. Alderman R. Jenkins seconded tha motion, which was carried with acclamation.-— The mayor-elect was then formally installed into office, and made the usual delaration. The new mayor IS a Nonconformist and a Liberal. The retiring aldermen (Messrs E. Evans :>!1rt John Jones) were unanimously re-elected. The mayor's salary for the ensuing year was fixed at £ 25.— The common seal was affixed to a general district rate at Is 81 ID the £

BRECON. At the annual meeting of the Brecon Town Council, held at the Guildhall, on Saturday, Colonel John Morgan was for the fourth time unanimously re-elected mayor of Brecon, on the proposition of Alderman de Wiuton (senior alder- man), seconded by Alderman John Protbero. Colonel Morgan (who is the brother tif Sir.Morgan Morgan, of Cardiff) very generously during his past year of office presented the inhabitants of Brecon with a restored town-hall, hi," involved an expenditure of something like £ 3.000. Colonel Morgan is a Conservative.

KIDWELLY. On Saturday, Mr Thomas Griffiths, Henblas, was unanimously re-elected mayor of thi ancient borough. Mr Griffiths is a native of Kidwelly, and for yesrs was a most prosperous tradesman of the place, but has long since retired from business. He has had gruat ana varied experience in muni- cipal government, having been a member and an alderman of the old corporation, whose charter originated 700 years ago. On the granting to Kidwelly or the new charter, four yearis since, Mr Thomas Gi-iffitils w-its one of the first councillors to be chosen alderman. This wiil be the third year in succession for him to occupy the civic chair, an arrangement which he himself was opposed to, but the council, although agreeing that it is not advisable to extend the mayor'* term of office to three years, decided to bouour him again uuder special circumstances. The mayor is a Baptist, although at present a member of the English Wesleyan Chapel, and is in great request to act as chairman of all religious and temperance meet- ings. His political views wer" thoroughly Liberal until the introduction "f the Home Rule Bill, when he became a Liberal Unionist.

ABERYSTWYTH. The annual meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Council was hold on Saturday at noon, when Mr Griffith Williams, timber merchant (Liberal), was unanimously elpcted mayor for the ensu ng year.- Alderman U. M. Williams, who retires at the end of one year cf office, was thanked by the council for his cIot1 altentiou to business, he having attended 155 council aud committee meetings out of a total of 157. The ex-mayor acknowledged his vote, remarking that the town was in a pro- gressive and sound financial position. Aldermen Peter Jones and U. M. Williams' term of office ng aldermen having expired, they were unanimously re-elected.

CARMARTHEN. The annual meeting cf tha Carmarthen Town Council wrs made as brief as possible, Saturday being a very inconvenient day for such a meeting. —The retiring mayor (Mr Howell Howells) gave a brief resume of the chief events of his year of office, and thanked the council aud officials for their courtesy and forbearance.—Alderman Rowlands proposed, Alderman Norton seconded, and Mr W. Morris supported the election of Mr T. Davies as mayor.—This was unanimously agreed to, and Mr Davies having assumed the position and complied with the usual fo/ms, returned thauks for the honour done him.Ali- D. Davies was re elected sheriff.—The three retiring aldermen, Messrs Rowlands, Norton, and Morris, were re-elected.-The meeting was adjourned to Friday next.—Mr T. Davies, the newiy-electei Mayor of Carmarthen, is a draper and grocer, carrying on business at Albion House, Car- marthen. He has been a member of the council since 1883, having then been ejected for the Eastern Ward in the Liberal interest. He is a prominent member and deacon of Lammas-street Welsh Independent Chapel, and will, on Christ- mas Day, invite the corporation to attend Divine service with him at the chapel.

HAVERFORDWEST. The members of the Haverfordwest Town Council assembled at the council-chamber on Saturday morning for the purpose of electing a mayor and sheriff for the ensuing year. Tha outgoing mayor (Mr E. E. Evans) presided, and there were also present all ttia other mambers of the corporation. Mr John James presented a petition, numerously signed cy the principal tradesmen of the town, praying the town council to re-elect Mr Evans. The petitioners said that recent legislation affecting local government has placed Haverfordwest in a very different position to that hitherto held by it, and which rendered it mora than ever necessary, even imperative, that the occupant of the civic chair should be a gentle- man combining firmness, dignity, sound jutig- ment, ud experience in the administra- tion of local affairs. — The Mayor (Mr E. E. Evans) said lie was deeply sensible of the honour those geur. emen who had signed the petition had conferred upon him, and regretted that mainly through ill-health he must decline to accept the civic cha'.r for the ensuing year if it should p'.eaxe the council to offer it ti him.—Mr S. Green then rose to propose that Mr T. J. White, jeweller, 1Iatkeirstreet, fill the office of mayor tor tho ensuing year.—Mr T. R. Owen seconded Mr Green's resoiut'-on, which was put; to the meeting and declared carried.—Mr John Jones, saddler, High-street, w-iii elected sheriff. Tho retiring aldermen wore re-eleetdd. Mr Thomas John White, the mayor-elect of Haverfordwest, is a member of a very old family of that name. He is a Churchman, and a staunch Conservative in politics. He occupied a seat in the council some 25 years ago.

LLANDOVERY. The election of mayor for this ancient borough took place at the town-hull on Saturday.—Alder- man Edward Jones proposed and Councillor John Lewis seconded that Councillor Thomas Griffirhs, of Clifton House, be made mayor for the ensuing year. This was carried unanimously. Mr Griffiths acknowledged the honour iu suitable term-. The new mayor was in business in the town as a chemist and druggist for 38" years. Ha recently retired, and went, ro reside at Clifton House, He is a staunch Nonconformist, having been a deacon and treasurer of Salem Indepen- dent Chapel for a great number of year", also local treasurer of the Bible and London Mis- sionary Societies. We may note in passing that the new mayor is a descendant of thp. far-famed hymnologisi, the late Williams, of PantycelyD, who was Mr Griffiths' great grandfather.

PEMBROKE. The annual meeting of the town council wa* held in the council chamber on Saturday. Mr J. N. Trayler, the out-going mayor, presided.— Mr W. J. Davies proposed that Alderman J. W. Morison be elected mayor for the ensuing year.- Mr Walter Simon seconded the motion, which was carrid unanimously amid applause. -Alder- man Morison took the chair, and thanked the members for the honour they had done him. He thep movod a vote of thauks to Mr Trayler for bis many public services, and embodied therein an expression cf regret that the borough was about to lose his valuable services, Mr Trayler being about to remove to Bristol.—The vote was carried amid applause.—The Mayor appointed Alderman Jeukiusto be deputy-mayor. Tue retiring Alder- men, J{. George, John Jones, and W. Hughes, were re-elected. Alderman Joshua William Morison is the son of Dr Alexander J. Morison, of Portcliw, and was born at Lamphey the 1st November, 1845. He was educated at Bishop's Collrp-p, Bristol, and Guy's Hospital, London. He commenced practice in Pembroke in 1868, was elected on the council in 1870. In I860 he was raised to the aldermanic bench, ana sel-vo(i as mayor of the borough from November, 1685, to November, 1887, and was conspicuous ouring the ipbilea year. He has proved a most excellent public man, and is undoubtedly one of the most popular men in the place. Alderman Morison is a Liberal

TENBY. The annual meeting of the town council for the election of mayor took place at the Town-ball on Saturday. Alderman W. H. Richards proposed the re-election of Mr N. A. Roch, and this was seconded by Alderman Jenkins. On being put to the meeting the proposition was carried unani- mously. Mr Alderman Richards was appointed deputy-mayor. Mr W. H. Richards and Mr Robert Denning were re-appointed aldermen. The appointment of borough surveyor was post- poned ti'll tho adjourned mseiing. Mr N. A. Rocn, who has been elected for the third time Mayor of Tenby, has resided in the borough for some year- having formerly lived at Paskeston, near Peinbroke. He has been an active administrator of county business for close upon 50 years. IIrj is a justice of the peace fpr the county of Pembroke, and chairman ot the Pembroke County Bench. He is also also chair- man of the Pembroke Board of Guardians, and an alderman of the Pembrokeshire County Council. In politics he is a Conservative, and in religion a Churchman. He was for soil- e years au active mauager of tho Tenby Savings Bank, and is now one of the trustees of tha Tenby Charities.

CARDIGAN. The new mayor, Mr Owen Beynon Evans, ia the son of the late Mr David Beynon Evans, painter and decorator, of this town, who was n-incli respected, and a deacon with the Weish Congregationalists. Ha was, in conjunction with others, the means of establishing a British School here for the benefit of Nonconformist children. Mr Evans is about 32 years of age, very active in religious and political circles, and a deacon with the Welsh Coiigregatiooalists, and for many years secretary of the Liberal Astiociation in the town. He entered the council about five years agev

CARDIFF. Mr William Sanders, J.P., isanative of Doa- l caster, but having been for more than 35 years resident in Cardiff, and for the greater part of that time actively identified with the public life of the town, he may be considered a representa- tive Cardiftiau. In one prominent rekpect, he in typical of the town, namely, in that he is what is termed a self made man." In 1864 he was appointed master of the Wesleyan School ¡' at Cardiff. After three years at the school, Mr Sauders went into business in the pit- l wood trade, wherein he continued for thirteen years, but gradually withdrew from it in order to manage the Principality Building Society, of which he is now secretary and maDagar, and which under his care has developed into one of the largest in the kingdom. At the time he took charge its income was about 230 a month; since then it has had in one year an income of 2140,000. The society was founded in I