The Merthyr Express

ABERDARE VALLEY NOTES. [Br MTFXH DAB.} Tho question of the flooding of the low-lying ground at Aberdare has this year b?en very prominently pressed on all by the heavy rain, especially during October. The very slight fall in the Cynon between Aberdare Village a.nd tho lower boundary of the district makes the problem a very difficult one to solve. No doubt, the suggestion of Mr. E. M. Haan and the Surveyor that the river should be deepened a.nd made straight from below the Middle Duffryn Colliery is an admirable one, and should be pressed upon Lord Aberdare and the other riparian owners. It would in the end im. provo the value of their own land, and thus bo of great mutual benefit, while it would pre- vent not only the houses in Aberdare being flooded, but aliow the low-lying meadows bè. tween Cwmbach and Aberaman, which are a.t present well-nigh a hopeless waste. If the owners of property cannot carry out the sug- gestion, I fear there is no alternative but jor the District Council to go in for power to do so. x- The District Council are at last taking step? to close some of the cellar houses in the dis- trict. Those reported at the last meeting of the District Council, which the Clerk has now been instructed to obtain closing orders for. it is alleged, are in a very bad state, and that there are other hous not mwch better. The delay on the part of the Local (Jovernmant Board to give a. definite reply in reference to the Council's housing scheme is very annoying, but I have no doubt that onco the Council send their final appeal to the suggestions of the architect at the recent special meeting, we shall have the decision of the Local Government Board in a short time. Meanwhile, houses a.re being built in various directions, and the Coun- cil should not hesitate to have all the cellar houses, at least, closed.

ABERDARE. TABERNACLE.— On Sunday morning laot an innovation was introduced at the Tabernacle Chapel, in the form of a children's service. Tho service, with the exception of a very brief but interesting address to the children, was taken by the children themselves. The service proved a very interesting and helpful one, and will ba repeated monthly. DEATH.—Old Aberdarians will learn with re- gret of the death of Mr. Daniel Williams, loco- motive foreman and head of the engineering department at the Cathays sheds of the Taff Vale Railway Company. Mr. Williams was the son of the late Mr. Richard Williams, fore- man at the old Abernant Works, and a brother of Mrs. Anthony, of 14. Seymour-street. BRAKE ACCIDENT.—As two brakes owned and driven respectively by James Williams. 10, Tanyard-placc, Aberaman, and Frederick Fone, 18 George-street, Aberaman, were driving to and from Aberaman to Aberdare in Cardiff- road they came into collision. The shaft of William's brake penetrated the breast of Mr. Fone's mare with such violence that when it was withdrawn tho mare bled to death. For- tunately none of the passengers in either brake was injured. INQUEST.—An inquest was held on Saturday at the Aberdare Police Station, touching the death of Rachel Ann Morgan, the two-weeks- old child of Anna Morgan, of 4. Greenfach. The mother said the child was born at Ponty- pridd, and was a fortnight old. Witness came up to her mother's on Monday, Nov. 1st. On Wednesday morning she found the baby dead in bed. Only the baby and herself slopt in bed.—Dr. Rhys attributed death to a fit; there were no signs of suffocation or over-lying.—A verdict of "Death from natural causes'' was re- turned. LIBERAL LECTURE.—On Saturday evening, the first of a series of free lectures was given at the Aberdare Liberal Club The chair was occupied by Mr. W. Thomas (High Constable), who congratulated the Club upon giving these free lectures. Mr. D. M. Richards, Wena-llt, one of the secretaries of the club, then read an article on "The Political History of the Mer- thyr Boroughs," dealing specially with the elec tion addresses and speeches of Mr. (afterwards Sir) J. J. Guest. Merthyr's first member, and showing how Liberalism had grown since that date (1832). He gave details of the variou? elections from 1832 to 1852, and some of the election songs of the 1837 election, when Sir John wa, opposed by Mr. J. Bruce Bruce, the father of the late Lord Aberdare. After deal- ing with the election of 1852, when, after the death of Sir .1ohn, Mr. Henry Austin Bruce, the first Lord Aberdare, was elected for the first time member for the Borough. At the cloe. Mr. Richards was pressed to continue the story on a future occasion, which he pro- mised to do.—Mr. J. Griffiths. Rev. J. Morgan Jones, Mr. Hugh Thomas, Mr. George Parr, and Tffr. Felton took part in tho discussion which followed. CYMRODOBIOX .—On Friday evening the fort- nightly meeting of the Aberdare Cymrodorion Society was held at the Higher Standard School, Gadlys, Mr. D. M. Richards in the chair.—Mr. T. J. Williams, colliery manager, Abertillery, delivered an interesting address on "The Life and Work of Ben Bowen. the Rhondda Poet," who died when barely 25 years of age. He traced briefly the history of the poet from his birth in 1878 to his death in 1904. H's early struggles as a colliery boy were referred to, and the fact that he won his first chair at the Pen- rhiwceiber Eisteddfod in 1896, before he was 18 years of age, which was followed bv winning another chair at the Abe-dare Chair Eisteddfod the following year on "The National Revival." His struggles, in spite of his ill-health, to secure education were also referred to. and then a very interesting criticism of his poetry was given. His love for Wales was conspicuous throughout his life and writings. It was point- ed out that he was a true prophet, a seer in the true sense of the term. His taste was sublime, and his life a modeL-Mr. T. J. Howell (HvweJ Nedd) gave a ten minutes' paper on "Mr. J T. Morgan., Rhigos," which proved that the reader and the subject of the paper were in full ac cord.—An interesting discussion followed, in the course of which Messrs. J. Griffiths, D. Davies (Eurfab), H. H. Evans, and others took part. CHAPEL JUBILEE.—On the occasion of the Jubilee of the Green-street Wesleyan Chapel, which was briefly reported last week, a luncheon was given on Thursday by Mr. F. W. Caunt, a member of the church, who generously cater- ed' therefor and defrayed all the expenses in connection therewith. Alderman Thos. Golds- worthy, of Newport, presided at the luncheon, and was supported by Mrs. Goldsworthy, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Hodges, Mr. G George and Mrs. George, Mr. and Mrs. A. Roberts, Park- lane; Revs. J. Morgan Jones, D. Silyn Evans, J. Calvert, J. Russell Watson, and Mr. Charles Reed.—The toast of "The King'' having been duly honoured, Mr. Cha.rles proposed "The Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all Denomina- tions." He thanked the ministers of all de- nominations as well as the membars of other denominations for their presence and assistance. He referred to the fact that he had been con- nected with that church for over forty years.— The toast was heartily drunk, and responded to by the Revs. D. Silyn Evans and John Robertson.—The Chairman then proposed the toast of "The Church and Society at Green- street Wcslevan Chapel," and in the course of his adress gave very interesting reminisccnnces of the time he spent ipany years ago in connec- tion with the church.The Rev. W. Calvert responded to the toast.—The toa-ts of "The Giver of the Feast" was proposed, and Mr. Caunt, who is a circuit steward, responded, giv- ing some particulars of his connection and that of his cather with the church and with the dis- trict. He proposed the toast of "The Chair- man," which was drunk with acclamation. The function was a most interesting and enjoyable one. DEMONSTRATION LESSON.—A very interesting lecture and illustrative lesson was delivered last Saturday evening at Calfaria Hall by Mr. T. Griffiths, of Merthyr. Mr. Griffiths had con- sented to give the lesson at the request of the committee of the Aberdare Wlsh Baptist Sun- d1iY School Union, who are anxious to introduce the bast and latest methods of teaching the young scholars of their Sunday schools the Welsh language. There was a fair attendance, the ministers, superintendents, and teachers of the Sunday schools having been invited by the Secretary (Mr. T. Davies). The instructor, who :s a practical and competent, leacher in the Welsh language, gave an up-to-date lesson with explanations, etc., as to the best method of teaching Welsh in the Sunday schools. All the latest apparatus were introduced and explained. Mr. Griffiths commenced with the formation of the letter, and show-ad how the- were built up to form words: ths" monocvtlabic words af2in introducing syllables. The demonstration board, the scholars' and tenohers' box of alpha- bet letters, the "Darlien-leni vr Ysgol Sul," etc. were used to illustrate the same, and lie gave a clear idea to all present how children can be taught. The demonstrative with simple sentences were gone through and explained. Followintr were simple Scipturai hooks as readers for the younc^st scholars, which were then graduated for olcier scholars. All present were unanimous in th°ir opinion that obstacles in the past, viz., no publications in Welsh to in- struct scholars in the Welsh lannrunge. have been removed. — A hearty vote oi thanks was proposed to Mr. GrifRilis at the close by the Chairman (Ir, Seth Smith. Mountain AshV seconded by "Dewi Cynon." Pendervn. and supported by Mr. Evans, Hirwain, and the Rev. M. Jenkins. Abercwmboi. PFXSTON COMMITTEE.—At the ordinary meet- ing of the Pension Committee, held on Monday Aveninc, Mr. E. Stonelake in the cha-rt, Mr. W. Thomas drew attention to a very hard case. A Mr. Rombarh. he pointed out. was 80 years of ace. and had lived in Aberdare for 60 years, and he understood that Ivd been refused i. pension because he had not taken out letters of naturalisation. Had it no-'n>d out to the Governmert Board that Mr. Bomharh hl(1 been a member of the Yo!»nreer Forov .id as such had takQn the oath of alleg'a'ice to Hor Majesty th* late Victoria ''—Mr.. Wat.kins. the cl-rk to tho Committee, sa'd that that fact v-a- m-nt.'on?d wl>-?n the syiplicit^n went up Mr. Thomas aid that three of the too* bad fought for bt. couftJ/aL—^Sir- 1 Watkins said that fact was also mentioned.— Several oIlIer members agreed that this was a very hard case, and it was ultimately resolved that a memorial detailing these facts should be prepared and sent to the Local Government Board.—Mr. J. Owen George, of Ilirwain, also mentioned a hard case in which an old lady bad been deprived of hel" pension for two livmilis owing to the delay of the Pension Officer in in- vestigating the claim.—It was explained that to meat the necessary delay in investigation, any application for old age pension might -end in his or hrr claim four months oofore reaching the statutory age of 70. In this case, however, this was not done.—Mr. George said that a fort- night after the claim was sent in, the Pension Officer called on the applicant, and after in- vestigating the case, said that it would be all rieht. He did not, however, apparently mak'3 his report for two months, depriving this old lady of £2 due to her.—It was resolved to com- municate with the Pension Officer in reference to this case.—A number of other cases were then dealc with. -+-

Accident to Dr. Davies, Aberdare. A somewhat serious accident befel Dr. Davies, Brvngolwg, Aberdare, for fifty-eight years medical officer of health to the old Board of Health, and afterwards to the District Council at Aberdare, on Monday afternoon. He was driving down Hirwain-road, and when a little below Penvwaun, the horses, which were being dTiven by Miss Davies, his daughter, took fright at the sound of an approaching car, and dashed off at great speed. They eventually ran mto a heap of stones, the result being that the carriage wa- overturned. The doctor was thrown heavily out, and struck his head against a stone. Miss Davies and the coachman, who was riding behind, were also thrown out, but escaped injury. Dr. Davies, who sustained a nasty cut on his forehead, was conveyed home m a motor-car, and subsequently attended to by Dr. W. Ll. Rhys. Inquiry on Wednesday elicits the fact that the doctor is progressing favourably. Ha is in his 88th year.

ABERDARE POLICE COURT. WEDNESDAY.—Before Sir T. Marchant Wil- hams (Stipendiary), Dr. Evan Jones, Mesnra. D. P Davies, G George, D. W. Jones, L. M. Williams, and Owen George. EJECTMENT ORDER.—Mr. J, W. Thomas ap- plied for an ejectment order against William Morris, 3, Wyndham-crescent, Aberaman.— Granted. ALLEGED THEFT.—Bartholomew Caramilo, an Italian, who had been working as a collier at Aberaman, was charged with stealing a post- office savings' book. Evidence of arrest only was given, and prisoner was remanded in .cus- tody for a week. "VARIOUS.—John Davies and I. Roberts were fined 10s. and costs each for drunkenness. David Edward Rowlands, for using indecent lan- guage in Cardiff-road, Aberaman, was fined 5s. and costs.- Ernest Hall and Thomas van- stone. for obstructing the street by playing, were fined 5s. and 2s. 6d. respectively. Jane Jones, Cwmaman, for not having a collar on her dog was fined 2s. 6d. including costs. George Mills, Aberaman, for keeping a dog without a licence was fined 7s. 6d. WEAK MILK.—Laura Anne Pleace, for whom Mr. C. KenshoJe appeared, was summoned for selling milk deficient in butter fat.—Supt. Gill gave evidence of the purchase of the milk from a Mrs. Davies.—For the defence, Mrs. Anne Davies, who old the milk, swore that she milk- ed the cows and sold the milk exactly as it came from the cor.—The case was dismissed on pay- ment of costs. MATNTKNANCE CASES.—John Henry Parfit and Joseph Parfit were summoned by the Mer- thyr Board of Guardians for maintenance.— Mr. LJew. Richards, warrant officer, said the defendants' mother received 3s. 6d. a. week. The Guardians had agreed to accept Is. and 9d. a week respectively from them.—Orders were made accordingly. John Morgan was summoned in respect of his wife now at the County Asylum.—Mr. Ll. Richards said defen- dant's wift was chargeable to the Guardij.ri •. lie hdà agreed to ray 5s. a week.—An order was made accordi agly GIPSIES QUABRELL.—Caradog Price, a gipsy. was summoned for threatening to kill Lydia Lee, another gipsy. Mr. W. Thomas appeared for the defendant, and Mr. W. R. Edwards for complainant. — Defendant was bound over to keep the peace. THEFT OF LEAD. — William Edwards, Evan Thomas, and John Higgins were charged with stealing a quantity of lead from the Aberdare County School. They were also charged with receiving the same. — James Thomas Roach, foreman to Mr. Shale, the builder of the addi- tions to the County School, gave evidence of the loss of the lead, which he identified. He said it was worth 18s.—William Jolin Collins. son of Mr. Thomas Collins. marine store dealer, said he lent Edwards a horse and cart to col- lect rags and bones. hen he came back he had the lead produced. While it was being weighed a constable came, and arrested Ed- wards.— P.C Bevan, Gadlys. said that from in- formation received he went to Cwmbach to the marine stores of Mr. Collins, when the lead produced was shown him by the last witness. He took Edwards into custody, and later on took possession of t'je lead. From what Edwards told him he arrested Thomas and Higgins, and asked them if they could tell him anything of some lead stolen that day. Higgins said he bought it from Thomas. Subsequently he found a sack containing about a cwt. of lead at Edwards's lodgings. On being charged, Ed- wards said he knew nothing about it. He said he had bought it. Thomas admitted selling it to Higgins, and Higgins said he had no hand in it at al1.-Higgins pleaded not guilty, saying he bought it innocently, The other prisoners pleaded guilty. Higgins was discharged, Evan Thomas was sent to prison for three months, there being several previous convictions against him, and Edwards was sent to prison for one month. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL.—Thomas Griffiths and James Thomas James were .summoned for stealing brass bearings, cable ropes, etc., the property of the Powell Duffryn Company.— P.C. Thomas Keir said that on the 5th mst. he met the prisoners coming from Aberaman carrying sacks on their backs. They said the sacks contained old iron, which they had found between the signal cabin and the marine stores. He found that there was a quantity of brass bearings. He took them into custody, and on the way to the Aberaman station, Griffiths bolted in the direction of Ynyscynon, and James in the direction of Aberaman. He caught Griffiths, and took him to the station at Aberaman. On examining the sacks he found they contained brass, lead, cable, etc. He sub- sequently arrested James. On being charged Griffiths repeated the story as to finding it under some leaves, and James said he went with Griffiths to carry it, and that ho was to get some coppers for doing so.—William Lewis Harries said the articles produced were l;ke those in use at Lletty Shenkin Colliery; they were worth £3. — The lad was discharged, and he gave evidence He said he was with Griffiths fetching the stuff, which was in a garden, which they conveyed away in a sack. —The defendant Griffiths was sent for trial at the Quarter Sessions. THHFT.—Robert Flooks was charged with stealing a piece of electric cable wire, the pro- perty of the Powell Duffryn Colliery.—P.S. Evans gave evidence, and said that when he arrested defendant, he said. "I took it from the Lletty Shenkin Colliery."—George H. Handers, electrical engineer, said that the cable was worth 35s.—Defendant, who was an old offen- der, was sent to prison for a month., SLEEPING IN THE MINE.—Henry Owen was summoned for sleeping in the Aberaman Col- liery. Mr. W. Kenshole prosecuted Mr. Wil- liam Davies, a fireman at the Colliery, said he found the defendant asleep in the colliery. His lamp bad a number of stones piled around —Mr. Emrys Evans corroborated and produc- ed a copy of the rules.—Defendant was fined 20s. ALTERATION OF PUBLIC-HOUSE PREMISES. THE STIPENDIARY ON DRINKING SHOPS. Mr. W. Kensholc submitted plans of the pro- posed alterations to the Mountain Ash Inn, Mountain Ash, and of the New Inn, Abercynon, and both were agreed to. The plans of the pro- posed alterations to the Albion Inn, Aberaman. were also submitted.—The Stipendiary said that according to the plan only facilities for drink- ing were provided. Addressing the manager, he asked: Where do you live?—The Manager: Upstairs- Stipendiary: Have you a family?— The Manager: No. sir; I am only there pro tem for the firm.—Stipendiary: What firm?— Manager: Messrs. Nell and Sons.—The Sti- pendiary saiù t.hey would pass the plans, but would look into the matter when the annual licensing sessions came round. Thev might flS well have a shantv with a manager up the'gar- ret and a concertina to induce people to come in. They would have to see to these. He did not believe in houses of this kind—merely kept for drinking purposes.

Baby's Skin in Sad State. "My little daughter broke out with eczema when tshe was nine weeks old. Her head was a complete mass of running sores which spread down to her face, and on three occasions it was so bad that we could not discern her features at all. What to do I did not know. I tried everything that it was possible to mention. I was advised to let her go in the hospital, and after being an in-patient for five weeks I brought her home again with absolutely no improvement. After she had suffered twenty weeks I at last decided to give the Cuticura Remedies a trial. After three days' dressing with Cuticura Ointment and washing with Cuticura Soap, I found a vast improvement and four weeks later the humour had practically all cleared orY ,her face. After a treatment with the Cuticura Remedies of six weeks she was, I am very glad to say. as well as ever. I can hardly express my appreciation of the most wonderful curative treatment afforded by the Cuticura Remedies. Mrs. Finlow. 24, Corporation St., btafford, Eoglaud, May 18, 190ye"

ABERDARE DISTRICT COUNCIL HOW TO PREVENT FLOODS. INSANITARY HOUSES CONDEMNED. THE CEMETERY VACANCY. On Monday the o:d;nary nueuHo pf the Aber- dare District Council wa3 held at the Town Hall, Councillor E. Sroneiake in the chair. There were al-so present:—Councillors T. Lewis (vice-chairman). D. P. Davie-. D. Davies, W. Rees, W. Thomas, W. Harper, Lewis N. Wii- liams, T. Walter Williams, R. Llewellyn, Owen Powell, Morgan j. Harries, D. Tyssul Davies, T. Bowen, Illtyd Hopkins, J. Owen George, Col. T. Phillips"(Clc-rk), Messrs Henry Bedaoe (Deputy Clerk), Owen Williams (Surveyor), A. S. Morris (Deputy Surveyor), and Dr. M. J. Rees (Medical Officer of Health). It was resolved, on the recommendation of the Finance and Health Committee, that the competitive plans for the new hospital be ex- hibited at the Central Hall of the Girls' Higher Grade School. INSANITARY DWELLINGS. The Health Committee reported that they had visited a number of insanitary dwellings reported by the Medical Officer of Health, and recommended him to report further to the Council the worst cases, with a view of getting the same closed. In aocordanoe with this reso. lution, the Medical Officer submitted the fol- lowing report:—On Tuesday, the 2nd inst., j tho members of the Health Committee visited and inspected the following 'under-dwellings,' which, with other dwellings of a similar char- acter, had been reported to the Health Commit- tee held on the 1st inst., as being, in my opin- iOt), unfit for human habitation. It was agreed to recommend at the meeting of the Counc'l to be held on Monday, the 8th inst., that pro- j ceedings should be taken to close the following: 50, Lewis-street, Ernest Spalding and wife (John Thomas, 50, Lewis-street), 12s., two rooms—■ dark, damp, badly ventilated, etc. 51, Lewis- street, Charles Snooks and wife (John Thomas, 50, Lewis-street), 12s., two rooms—dark, damp, badly ventilated, etc. 52a, Lewis-street (John Thomas, 50, Lewis-street), 12s., two rooms— dark, damp, badly ventilated, etc.; 53, Lewis- street, William Thomas and wife (John Iaac, 54, Victoria-square), 14s., three rooms — very bad, low headroom, damp, dark, dilapidated, bad ventilation, etc. 54, Lewis-street, Hugh McCreath and wife (John Isaac, 54, Victoria- square, 133., two rooms—very bad, low head- room, damp, dark, dilapidated, bad ventilation, etc. 55, Lewis-street, William Morgan, wife and two children (David If Morris, 40, Davis- street), 14s., two rooms—very bad, low head- room, damp, dark, dilapidated, bad ventilation, etc. 73, Cardiff-road, John Rombach and wife (Alicia Howells), 10s., two rooms—low head- room, bad ventilation, damp, etc. 74, Cardiff- road, Margajnet Williams and son (Alicia How- ells), 10s., two rooms-low hC3.drooIll, dilapidat- ed, dark, damp, etc. 142a, Cardiff-road, John Jenkins and wife (Margaret Parr), 7s., one rccm —low headroom, dilapidated, dark, damp. etc. 143a, Cardiff-road, William Higgins and wife (Margaret Parr), 10s., two rooms—low head- room, dilapidated, dark, daiflp, etc.; 203, Car- diff-road, Griffith Bennett (?) and wife (Eliza- beth Lewis), 10s., two rooms—low headroom, dilapidated, dark, damp, etc. 208, Cardiff-road. William Jex (?), wife and two children (Rachel Morgan, 5, George-street), lis., two rcomf- dilapidated, dark, damp, bad ventilation, etc. 138, Fforcharnan-road, Fred Binding, wife and one child (Walter Brayshaw, 26, Glannant-st.1. 14; two rooms-dilapidated, dark, damp, bad ventilation, etc. 7 Scales Housese, Cwmbach, Ann Jones and granddaughter (Ann Wade, Caerphilly), 9s., two rooms—dilapidated, dark, damp, bad ventilation, "etc. 8, Scales Houses, Cwmbach. John Williams, mother and sister (?), 6s.. three room'—dilapidated, da.rk, damp, bad ventilation, etc. It was resolved to act upon this report, and 1 the Clerk was instructed to take the necessary steps to obtain a magistrates' order to close the houses.—During the discussion on this matter, Mr. W. Rees drew attention to a house adjoin- ing 138, Fforchaman-road, which was in a very damp state, and utterly unfit for human habita- tion. He explained that a portion of the houso which was "hown on the plan as part of it was now used as a separate dwelling-house,—The Surveyor said that the portion in question, as far as he understood it, was not shown 0:1 th, 1 plan as a separate dwelling-house. After gcjuo further discussion, the Surveyor was Ordered to report on the matter. A report was read from Mr. T. Bowen Mr. Owen Powell of their visit to the Fever Hospital, in which they spoke highly of the • conditions of things there. They recommend that a fresh bell be put on the outer gate, also that some play things, including a rock- ing-horse, be obtained for the children iu: that institution. The report was referred to the' Hospital Committee. i CEMETERIES COMMITTEE. The following report of tho Cemeieriei Corn- mittee was then considered "The Ivcv. James O'Reilly and a deputation ivoia tho Catholic Church attended the meeting as to; the allotment of a plot of ground for Cain- olics at the new cemetery for burial purposes. After conside.ration of the matter, it was ar- ranged that the question stand adjourned until the Surveyor had laid out the ground. It was resolved that advertisements be issued tu mar- ried men; age between 30 and' 50 years: to be able to read and speak in English and Welsh; and to be residents of the parish of Aberdare. Salary, £90 for the first year, rising by annua": increments of £5 10 £100 per annum, with house free, and coal for all purposes not ex- ceeding 15 tons per annum. No gas to bo pajd for by the Council. Applications to bo received1 not later than 17th Novembefr." Mr. T. Walter Williams said he wished to add to the advertisement the words "canvass- ing will disqualify."—It is to late in the day they have been at it already.—Mr. T. Waiter Williams: I have had 14 with me. I will give you their names, if you like, and disqualify them, if you like.—Tho Clerk tid ho had' al- ready inserted that in the copy of the advert- isement, which he was about to submit to them.—Mr. T. Lewis said he had another amendment to propose. He was not going to ask the Council to rescind the resolution passed at the previous meeting, to dismiss the sexton. That resolution had been acted upon, and th? sexton had received his notioo to leave. He was going to ask the Council not to advertise, but to let the sexton be re-engaged at the salary offered in the advertisement, which was considerably lower than he used to have. —The Chairman said, that amendment was not in order. The only amendment that would be in order was one to make some alteration in the terms of the advertisement.—Mr R. Llewellyn said that if the Chairman held that the amendment was not in order, he hoped that would not prevent Mr Thomas beooming an applicant.—Mr. Lewis: No he cannot, be- c ause of the age limit laid down in the ad- vertisement.—Mr. Llewellyn said, in that case, he hoped the advertisement would be altered to enable Mr. Thomas to apply. He was very sorry that he was unfortunately absent from the last meeting, but he hoped that they would consider the reduction in salary, and a severe reprimand, would be sufficient punishment for the offence committed. They should learn, as employers, to temper justice with mercy, and ho hoped that the vindictive spirit exhibited was not going to be the rule.—The Chairman: You can move that the age limit be 60.—Mr. Llewellyn then moved that, the age limit be 57, and Mr. T. Lewis seconded this.—Only Messrs. L. N. Williams. R. Llewellyn, D. T. Davies, M. J. Harries, D. P Davies, and T. Lewis (6) voted for the amendment, which was, therefore, lost.—A further amendment was moved by Mr. J. O. George, to the effect that the age limit be 52, but this found no seconder. j THE RECENT FLOODS. The following report of the Water and Sew- erage Committee in respect to the recent floods I was dealt with :—"Your Committee considered the following report of the Surveyor. The rain- fall on the 28th of September amounted to 2.4 inches, and nearly two-thirds of this fell be- tween 9.30 and 11.30 p.m. This rainfall of 2.4 inches is equal to about 850 million gallons of water per 24 hours over our watershed, and the quantity that fell in the two hours between 9.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. equal to 566 million gallons. In reference to Maesvdre, I have to state that there was no flooding whatsoever from any sewers or surface drains on this occa- sion, nor has there been any floodiing from our sewers, etc., since the cast, iron overflow pipes were laid down about six years ago. The flooding on the 28th of September was caused by the partial choka.ge of the culvert carrying the Dover Brook across Gloucester-street, and by the action of some per-on cutting holes in the wall at the end of Hall-street. The Gadlys Estate Company cleared away the obstruction in the culvert, and they also cleaned out the bed of the stream along its whole course. I had the whole of the sewers around the town care- fully inspected and examined the dav following the flood, viz.. on the 29th. and without excep- tion they were found in excellent working con- dition, and no signs whatever of any chokage having taken place. The sewer serving the north side of Victoria-square'is 9-inch, with a fall or gradient, of 1 in 20. The normal flow in thisewer is about 1,600 gallons per 24 hours. and its capacity is 2i million gallons in 24 hours. The maio out-fa.il sewer, where the Vie. toria-square and Cardiff-street sewers join it, is 24 inches in diameteJi: the normal flow is about 750.000 gallons in 24 hours: its capacity is n million gallons in 24 hours. No system of sewers could have coped with the rainfall on the 28th of September, between the hours of 9.30 pm. and 11.30 p.m. In the construction of a sewer, there is a limit as to the size or dia- meter, beyond which it is not safe to go. The safe limit is six times the normal flow. Should a sewer be constructed of a larger ize, it' would become dangerous during normal times, as there would not be sufficient depth of liquid on the invert to carry away the solids, the sewer therefore would be worse than a cesspool. Every gulley in the streets on th's occasion was overflowin<Y, caused by the sealing up of the outlets and overflow; of th &ewers, due to the sudden rise of the river. I may also point out I that the level of the main outfall sewer down I tl) 1\IoUlltain Ash is below the level of th river bed. I am not in a position to suggest any remedv against any future flooding of the low level part of the town, until th<* bed of tho L.rmr i« dgepsawl below Uid41s Duffrrn. tnU aiso straightened. As to the individual cases of cellar flooding, the occupiers have the remedy in their own hands, in so far as any hack water from the drains is in question, viz., by fixing on the drain—between the premises nnd the sewer—a back pressure valve. Mr. E. M. Hann stated that he quite agreed with the report made by the Surveyor, and that on ac- COHill of the level of the main outfall sewer being below the level of the river, in times of such phenomenal rainfall, it was impossible to provido an outlet for water until the river was straightened and deepened below Middle Duffrvn. Your Committee recommend that the application of Mr J. Mills for the tenancy of the garden plot recently occupied by Mr. A. S. Pleace, be granted at the same rent- al a? heretofore. Your Committee considered the application of Mr. W .W. Price on behalf of the Aberaman Institute for a reduction in the charges of water. Your Committee recoip- mend that the application be reconsidered at the close of the financial year." WELSH WATER WILL FIND ITS LEVEL. The Surveyor now stated that with the excep- tion of the hours between 9.30 p.m. and 11.30 p.m. on the night in question, they had had heavier rain on several occasions during the present year, and had no difficulty in dealing with the same.—Mr. D. T. Davies said he could not see anything in the report in reference to Roberlstown. On tho night in question, there were two feet of water in the houses at Roberts- town.-—Mr T. Lewis said that Mr. Harper had given notice to have the streets in Robcrtstown repaired; that would remedy matters in that place.—Mr. Davies said he did not think so.— Mr. Williams (surveyor/ said his remarks in the report in reference to the low-lying districts of the town referred -to Robertstown as well as other portions of the district. Nothing would cure Robertstown when the river overflooded.- Mr. D. T. Davies said that on the occasion of the second flood, all the backs in Robertstown were covered with water, and the men had to put earth against their back-doors to keep out the water. He saw an employee of the Council there, and he had the manhole in the sewer by the Britannia opened, and found the sewer was quite full, and could not take any more. He contended that Robertstown was much neglected.—The Surveyor said that they could do nothing while the place was as flat a; it was. —Mr. Lewis said that in London and elsewhere, flat places had been dealt with.—The Surveyor: Water must find its level: even Welsh water will not run up hill.—Mr. Davies said that the -sewer pipe from Robertstown was not large enough to carry the water.—Mr. Williams: Not a drop of watar could get through from Rob- ertstown that night; the outlets were, as I state in my report, sealed up.—Ultimately, i-t was re- solved that the Surveyor should meet the repre- sentatives of the No. 2 Ward on the spot. Mr. Lewis Williams asked the Surveyor what was proposed to be done TO the r.ver below Middle Duffryn.—Mr. Williams: That is the problem. It is outside our district. Mr. Hann has been trying to get something done. He quite agrees with me.—Tho matter then dropped, and the report was adopted. The report of the Lighting Committee, which recommended a tour of the district to deal with applications for additional lamps, etc., and also that in future the lamps be lit in the streets during June and July up to 11.30 p.m., was adopted.—Hitherto, the public lamps have not been lit during these months. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The following report of the Surveyor was then dealt with :—"Tho rainfall recorded at the Nanthir Reservoir for the month of October was 14.02 inches, being an increase of 9.09 inches on the previous month, and an increase of 10.06 inches on the co-responding month of hwt year. Rain fell on 25 days, the greatest fall being on the 23rd, viz., 1.46 inches. I have inspected the deeds in connection with the St. Eivan's Church, and in reference to the propos- ed ladies' convenience adjoining tho existing ">rinal in Canon-street. It appears that this site not included in the land belonging to St. ipivan's Church, but is immediately over the Dare Brook, and is partly owned by the Mar- of Bute and the Ecclesiastical Commission- rIi. As requested, I have inspected Graig- T/iaoe, Monk-street, the west side of which is funded by the wall of the service reservoir and filter beds. The east side is mostly built upon, but there are no footpaths, some of the riouses have fore-courts, and the levels of the aa!u,ez, are not uniform. I be to propose that a double channel be laid against the reservoir wall and a single channel on the other side, laid against the walls of the fore-courts, and whore there are no fore-courts to provide curb- stones. The estimated cost of carrying out the work is JE80. An application has been made hv the Ansrlo-American Oil Co.. Ltd., Feeder- road. St. Philips, Bristol, for a. licence to store 1.000 gallons of pertol in a corrugated iron building at thf, Great Western Railway Goods Yard. I have inspected the building, and re- corn mendthatthelicencebe granted." The report was adopted, but in reference to ladies' convenience, the Clerk said he thought it would be useless to ask the Ecclesi- ;ustica! Commissioners or Lord Bute to grant that site practically at the entrance to the T church for the purpose.—Mr, LI, N. Williams said he could not see why they should not. Such structures could be made very ornamental, r, -I in Llandudno recently he saw one in a very prominent position.—It was resolved to itniinicato with Sir W. T. Lewis and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners on the matter. FIRE BRIGADE. The Fire Brigade reported having been called to two fires which were extinguished with very little damage, and also the call to Penrhiw- caiber Colliery, In the latter case, none oLthe Council's apparatus were used.—Some discussion ensued as to the charges to ba made in the latter case, but as nono of the apparatus had been used, it was pointed out that the Council had no claim against tho Company. It waj en. tirely a matter between the men and the Com- p;my,-Later on, a letter was read from the Aberdare Chamber of Trade, suggesting that the Council should make a gratuity to the Fire Brigade, so that the Brigade should not have to solicit subscriptions from the public.—Mr. R. L'ewellvn said if that was done, the Brigade should not solicit payments from the insurance companies, but that all such payments should be paid to the Council.—Some discussion follow- ed, and ultimately the matter was referred to tho Fire Brigade Committee. Mr. J. 0. George pointed out that the Council now paid sums of money to the police in respect of their services in connection with fire.-It was ex- plained that that was done in the outlying diis- tricts for taking care of the hose, etc.—Mr. George: Theln why not pay the Brigade as well ?-The Clerk: They are paid something for that at present. VARIOUS. j A further letter was read from the Board of j Agriculture in referenoe to the proposed recre- ation ground for Hirwain, and the Clerk was instructed to communicate with the Neath Rural District Council on the subject. Mr. Lewis N. Williams was re-elected to re- present the Council on the Governors of the Cardiff University. A letter was read from the officials of the Municipal Employees' Association, asking that the employees of the Council be granted seven days' holidays, with pay, per year.-ilfr. L, N. Williams: Do these men work overtime?—The Surveyor: Yes, sometimes.—Mr. L. N. Wil- liam.s: Are they paid for it?—The Surveyor: Certainly.—Mr. L. N. Williams: Do you work overtime?—The Surveyor: Yes: I think I do so now (laughter).—Mr L. N. Williams: Do you get extra pay for that?—The Surveyor: I have not had any so far.—Mr. T. Lewis said he did not object to the suggestion, but he thought many of the men would prefer to get full pay on wet days instead of being "docked" as they were at present.—Mr. Harper moved that their request be granted, but the Chairman said he If had been advised by the Clerk that such a motion involved the expenditure of money, and therefore notice must be given.—Mr. Hamper thereupon gave notice of motion on the sub- ject. Mr. Kimpton wrote asking the Council to post notices which he would supply against swearing.—Mr. D. Jackson Thomas: Have them put up on the golf course (laughter).—Mr. T Walter Williams suggested that the letter should have been sent to the Educat'on Com- mittee. Swearing, he said, was the sign of a poor vocabulary.—Ultimately, it was decided not to comply with the request. A claim in respect of damage caused by the recent flood was received, and Mr Llewelyn asked whether the Council could do anything to assist people who had their houses damaged by floods caused by water from private grounds coming into their houses.—The Clerk said they could not, but if the damage was caused through neglect, then the persons .would have a claim.—Mr. Llewelyn: I see this Council is no help to a working man. A letter was read fromthe Hairdressers' As-* sociation askmg the Council to still further shorten the- hours of opening, and considera- tion was deferred for a month.—The Clerk, in the meantime, will look into the matter, as he was of opipion that a resolution by the Council would not be sufficient; but it would be neces- sary to go through the same process as was gone through when the hours were fixed at first, which cost the Council £ 25. A letter was read from the Postmaster ask- ing whether tho Council had any objection to the Post Office at Gadlys being closed at seven instead of eight on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.—Th3 Clerk was instructed to re- ply that there was no objection, as far as tho Council was concerned.

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