The Brecon County Times Neath Gazette and General Advertiser for the Counties of Brecon Carmarthen Radnor Monmouth Glamorgan Cardigan Montgomery Hereford

BRECON POLICE INTELLIGENCE. COUNTY PETTY SESSIONS, SATURDAY, before WM. DE WINTON, Esq. RATE.—A highway rate of 6d. in the pound was allowed for the parish of DuffVyn Honddu (Upper). HIGH BAILIFF. — Mr. Wm. Jones, farmer, of Lech- fan, attended, and was sworn in as the high bailiff for the hundred of Pencelly S TTLED.The case of Evan Williams, railway porter, Pant, who was charged with an assault on Thomas Parrv, at Ljanfi^a", and with damnginu a bridlp, the pro.-ertv of H-nry Saunders, was settled without coming before the Bench. STRAY ANIMALS. — William Williams, of L'anga»ty Tahllyn, was summoned for a,IOWII1.; his co", to stray on the highway, on the 16th May. The h-t, gP- was proved by a mau nimeii William Powell, in the employ of Mr. Davies, the district road surveyor.—Capt. Penry Lloyd stated that the defendant (who did not appe tr) was a very o d man, and had lived for several years in his present cottage. Hi- cows had been allowed to depasture on the highway without interfe- rence for a long time. He (the speaker) was one of the adjoining landcwners, and did not like to stop the I old man from doing this. He had a pond th< re which was not fenced in, and he was perfectly willing to allow any man's cattle to graze there until he bad orders to enclose it. The neighbours had not inter- fered with the defendant's cattle g-razing there, and he did not see why any objection should be made to it. In this case, too, the summons was taken out from vindictive feelings, he C, he speaker) having some time ago summoned Mr. Davies, the road surveyor, for neglect of duty. and the defendant in this case having then been a wi'ness against him. He thou,-ht, under the circumstances of the case, that a nominal fine woulo be sufficient to meet the case.—Mr. Davies stated that he g-ave notice to the defendant to keep his cows f' om the read. He did not want to i)re-s the case against him, but hoped he would take care for the future.—Crtptain P. Lloyd told Mr. Davies that in other paris he would often find some six or eight cattle straying. -D, fendant was fioed 5s. 9d. costs. -David Jones was summoned for a similar offence, and pleaded guilty. He was fined in a like amount.— The magistrate told Mr. Davies that these aopeared to be isolated cases, and numbers of people were allowed to let their cattle stray in the neighbourhood. These must be looked after more sharply. COUNTY POLICE OFFICE, TUESDAY, before Captain DAVID JONES. STEALING CLOTHEs-Mary Morris, a servant girl, was brought up in the custodv of P.S.Jones, stationed at Cefncoedcy miner, and charged with stealing several articles of wearing apparel, the property of Mrs Williams, of Llanfihangel Nantbran, in May last. The prisoner admitted the charge. It appeared she had been in the service of the prosecutor for some time, and on leaving she took away the articles in question, which were afterwards missed. She was remanded to Saturday next, in order to procure the necessary witnesses to prove the charge. BOROUGH PETTY SESSIONS, TOWN HALL, MONDAY, before J. DAVIES, Esq. (Mayor) ADJOURNED BEERHOUSE CASE.—The adjourned case of Thomas Davies, of the Fox and Hounds tavern, who had been summoned for keeping his house open for the sale of b' er during prohibited hours on Sunday the 19th ultimo, was resumed. The case had been adjourned in order to bring forward some of the persons who were said to be present in the house at the time when the alleged offence was committed, to ascertain the truth of the defendant's statement that no beer had been drawn after three o'clock. P. C. Williams repeated the state oents which he had before made, to the effect that he had approached the house by a back entrance at a quarter to four o'clock on the day in question, and found there about a dozen men, and two quart measures on the table, both containing some beer, one being about three-parts full; he had also seen one man drink up a glass of whiskey or gin as he entered the house he knew some of the men who were there, and gave their names.—Defendant's wife appeared in answer to the summons she said she was quite positive that none of the beer found on the table was drawn after three o'clock the men had been there nearly all the afternoon, and she could not force them to drink the beer when the time was up she had refused to draw beer for several who had come into the house after three o'clock.— David Williams was then called, and he said he went into the Fox and Hounds beerhouse about half- past one o'clock on Sunday afternoon, the 19th ultimo he had one pint of beer there, and was leaving the house at about two o'clock, when some of the other men who were there, and whom he knew, invited him to remain and drink some beer along with them; he did so accordingly they had one quart of beer upon the 'table then, and there were two quarts drawn subse- quently he did not believe there was any beer drawn after three o'clock; the policeman came into the house about twenty minutes past three he was there at that time there were two quarts upon the table then he believed they had been brought to the table about half-an-honr previous to the officer's entering the house; there were about ten or a dozen men in at that time.—John Williams, who was next called, also said he went into the Fox and Hounds about half-past one o'clock on the Sunday in question, where he had a pint of beer, and was afterwards asked by the other men to drink ak>"g with them, and he did so they had two quarts of beer on the table when P.C. Wil- liams came in, but it had been drawn before three o'clock the officer came in about a quarter or twenty minutes past three he could swear it was not more than that, because he had knked at the clock in the parlour just before, when some men had come. in for s; ')me beer, and Mrs. Davieo refused to give them any because it was pa-t three o'clock the policeman came in just as those men went out there were about twelve men in the hou-e when the policeman came in, and there were three quarts partly full upon the table he thought they had been orouht in about three quarters of an hour before P.C. Williams came in pei-haps it might have been a little more or a little less.-His Worsh'p told the landlady he bad examined the ease carefully, and given her every opportunity to clear herself, but it was shown by the witnesses that the beer had been drawn only half-an-bour before the policeman entered the house and notwithstanding tht-y had said it was twenty minutes past three when he went in, the officer had stated that it was a quarter to four, and be believed him therefore it was clear that the beer was drawn after three o'clock, and during illegal hours, and he would convict her in the sum of 2s. and the costs, total 15s. The fine and costs were paid forthwith. TUESDAY, before J. DAVIES, Esq. (Mayor.) A TRAMP'S "LITTLE GAME." -James Munion, 19 years of age, was charged with injuring and destroying his clothes at the Workhouse, on Sunday night.—Mr. John Williams, master of the Workhouse, said the prisoner came into the house on Sunday night last; he was given a bed for the night, and the next morning the porter went into a vacant ward, where he found the prisoner tearing up his clothes and in a state of nudity he (the master) was informed of it, and he also went into the ward, and found the prisoner entirely divested of his clothes, which were all torn tramps were in the habit of doing such things they would come into the house at night, get a good supper, and breakfast the next morning, and tear up their clothes, so that they might be given new clothes to leave the house.—Tne prisoner said the trousers which he had torn were very rotten, and he did not know it. -The magistrate committed him to prison, with hard labour, for seven days. il WILFUL DAMAGE.—Abraham Jones, John Williams William Williams, and David Hamlet, four militia men, were charged with wilfully damaging and breaking four panes of glass, a quart jug, and some glasses, at the Fox and Hounds beerhouse, on Tuesday, the 28th ult. The case had been adjourned from the morning until the afternoon, as the prisoners could not attend in consequence of the inspection. One only, however, appeared in the evening. The charge being proved, Captain D. Jones made a settlement on behalf of the prisoners, and paid the damages, which amounted to 15s.

We do not feel it necessary to make any apology to ly the inhabitants of Neath for the introduction of our paper into their town. On the advent of a new publi- cation it is not unusual to find it stated that it is intended to supply a want that has long been felt;" and we feel that—with some little modification, per- haps-we may adopt the phrase. We are of opinion that there is much ground not yet covered, and that there is abundance of room for a Journal in which shall be faithfully chronicled the various events con- tinually occurring in so large and important a town as Neath. Our intentions are briefly stated. We propose in the reports we give to avoid, as far as is consistent with circumstances, anything like meagre- ness of detail, as well as that unblushing plagiarism elsewhere apparent. All matters connected with the progress and interest of the town will find ample space in our columns, while municipal and parish meetings, and occurrences of local and general interest will be duly reported. We trust that our efforts in this direction will be appreciated by the inhabitants, and that a generous support will be accorded us. For some time past there has been a connecting link between Neath and Brecon, from the fact of its being the residence of the member for the borough of Brecon; yet another has been added in the shape of the line of railway whose opening we this day record and we trust that our Journal may prove to be a third link in the chain, which shall bind the interests of the two towns more closely together. With these few words of preface, we leave our paper to speak for itself. BRITON FERRY LOCAL BoAED. -The recent election of three members, in place of tb ree retired, resulted in the return of the following g'entlemen :—Mr. Thomas Jenkins, merchant, Oak Cottage, 127 votes; Mr. E. J. Morris, agent, 110 and Mr. Jones, druggist, 85. THE STRIKE AT GLYNOORRWG COLLIERY.—The men at the above works still hold out, and intimidation of no ordinary character continues to mark the pro- ceedings. The managers have engaged upwards of one hundred men from Merthyr, and others are about to be brought to the works. A disturbance was feared on Monday evening, although a, detachment of county police are located there, and assistance was subse- quently obtained from the borough station. Affairs passed off quietly, however, towards evening. THE SEVENTEENTH GLAMORGAN RIFLE VOLUNTEERS AT THE CRYMLYN BURRows.-On Monday last the the members of the above corps, accompanied by their excellent band, under the command of Captain Evans and Ensign Carr, assembled at Neath, previous to the arrival of the 2.37 train, for the purpose of enjoying a trip to the Burrows at the expense of their com- mander, and also at the same time availing themselves of the convenience of the grounds at the Jersey Marine Hotel for a dress parade drill. The company mustered in strong force, and after the business of the day was over refreshments were provided for the men free of cost. Admiring crowds greeted the corps both on arriving and departing, the musical gamin* of Neath assembling in incredible numbers for a "march home' with the band. In this, however, they were disappointed, as the corps proceeded direct to the armoury on its return to Neath by the 7.45 train. THE NEW GAS COMPANY'S WORKS.—The first sod of the land taken for the new Gas Works for this town was formally cut on Monday last by Mr. G. May, assisted by Mr. Bartlett. The locality is known as the I- Mill Lands," and the site is chosen in order to remove as far as possible the nuisance complained of at the Old Company's Works under the Latt. The contractor, Mr. C. M. Barker, of London, and the sub-contractor, Mr. J. C. Rees, were present. The whole of the buildings, plan, and apparatus is expected to be ready by Nov. 1. The gasometer will be 60 feet in diameter, and arrangements will be made for adding enlarged appliances, if required, to meet the probable wants of the inhabitants, should the consumption increase at the low rate per thousand feet at which it is intended to offer the gas to the public. There is every prospect now of the darkness being less visible y In during the coming winter. WHIT-MONDAY CO-N-CERT.-Tlie approaching concert by the Summerfield Choir, announced for the above- named day, is looked forward to by musical amateurs with considerable interest. The debut of a new pianist, and the introduction of some original compositions by Mr. Hopkin Morgan and other gentlemen, together with the assistance of the veteran basso, Mr. Hugh Williams, of Skewen, render the programme not only attractive but lengthy. We propose to give a full report of the entertainment in our next impression. The immense number of tickets sold proves how highly the talented efforts of the members are appreciated by the neighbourhood generally. NEATH UNION.—The usual fortnightly meeting of the Guardians took place on Tuesday, in the Board room. The only transaction worth recording was the censuring of Gwenllian Jenkins, the nurse, for making an unfounded charge against one of the officials, rela- tive to the misappropriation of a bolster-case belonging to one of the inmates. She was cautioned in strong terms in reference to future mistakes of the kind. 11 ACCIDE-NT.-On Wednesday a youth named Lewis Richards met with an accident, which, we regret to say, will disable him for some time. It appears that he was going through some gymnastic feats, when, in jumping a long mark, his foot caught a stone, and he fell, breaking his arm below the elbow. Dr. Russell attended to the sufferer, who is now progressing satisfactorily. THE CIRCUS L'IMPERATRICE. -This affair visited Neath on Thursday last. The procession was only second rate, and the performances about equal to the usual standing of such entertainments. The attendance was good at both performances, though the last proved a source of annoyance to the service which was taking place at St. David's Church, immediately opposite the Corporation field, where the tent was erected. ST. DAVID'S CHURCH.—The services for Whit- Sunday at the above church are as follows :—Venite (Turner), Te Benin (Mutlow), Jubilate (Humphrey), Kyrie and Gloria (Benson), Hymn 92 (St. Michael's), Hymn 204 (Oxford) Voluntary, Mozart, Cum Sancto," 3rd Mass. In the evening, Gloria (Jones), Cant ate (Boyce), Nunc Dimittis (3rd Tone), Hymn 201, St. Peter's Hymn; 82, St. Cuthbert's Hymn, ] 93 Concluding Voluntary, Blessing and honour," Cl-ierubini DEATH OF fR. GEORGE LEACH.—Our readers in this neighbourhood will not be unprepared to hear of the death of Mr. George Leach, in consequence of his long and continued suffering from disease of the heart. From the high respect entertained for him, however, a passing notice will not, we think, be out of place and we therefore briefly refer to the bereavement his family has just experienced, so soon after their re- moval from Neath. Mr. Leach was for upwards of 16 years connected with the Vale of Neath Railway, and the conscientious and clever discharge of the responsible duties connected with his official capacity gained for him the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. On the amalgamation of the Great Western with the Vale of Neath Railway Company, Mr. Leach retired into private life, his in- creasing infirmity necessitating the change. A testi- monial was presented to him by the directors, officers, and servants of the company, as an acknowledgment of his just and honourable career, and the deeply con- scientious discharge of his duties and he shortly after removed with his family to London, where he breathed his last on Monday evening. His family, being aware of his approaching dissolution, assembled round him, and his end was peace. He leaves a widow and eleven children to mourn his loss. THE UNIVERSITY FOR WALES.—For the past week posters have announced that a public meeting would be held at the Town Hall, on Monday, 3rd instant, on behalf of the above object, and that a deputation from the general committee would attend, and give full information respecting the nature of the proposed institution. Addresses were also to be given by Dr. Nicholas, of London, the Rev. Taliesin Jones, F.C.S., Revs. J* Matthews, B. Evans, J. Roberts, B. D. Thomas, J. Jones, J. R. Jones, J. E. James, and others, and the chair was; to be taken by Mr. Fow- ler, of the Gnoll. A notice which caused a great many strange remarks was also attached to the bill, stating that "seats would be reserved for ladies." Accordingly, shortly after the time announced, the chair was taken by Mr. Fowler, very few persons being present either at the commencement or through- out the evening. He briefly adverted to the object which had called them together that evening, and in his usual felicitous style introduced the Rev. Taliesin Jones, of Aberdare, who addressed the audience in Welsh, explaining the advantages likely to be gained by an establishment such as they proposed to found, and calling upon all to support a movement so highly calculated to benefit the Principality. At the conclu- sion of his address, Dr. Nicholas, of London, gave a lucid idea of University privileges, stating that in this as in all other works of difficulty, faith was the prin- cipal support, especially when for man's benefit. He believed that education was as desirable for Wales as for any other country, and yet the Principality was the only county in this quarter of the globe without a University. Nothing hardly, he thought, was impos- sible, if it was at all desirable and necessary; and there were few things, except flying in the air, that man had failed to accomplish. The English, Scotch, and Irish had lifted the incubus of ignorance from their countries, and he asked, was there impotence in the Welshman's arm that he could not lift it from his land r The speaker then alluded to the unparalleled see- tarianism that existed in Wales, referring to the muni- ficent donation oftl,000 by W. Williams, Esq., M.P., to show that the Church of England had given them aid, though not in its concerted capacity as a Church and even those Welshmen who at first had prophesied nothing but evil, began to show signs of willingness to assist. The reverend gentleman concluded a bril- lant and effective speech by referring to the purchase of the Castle at Aberystwith, and the studies proposed to be carried on there, stating that an expense of .£60 I er :i:i!ium would no doubt meet every outlay required through the curriculum of study. The Rev. J. Matthews and the Rev. J. R. Jones, followed by Mr. J. Richardson, then addressed the meeting, and after the selection of a local committee and a vote of thanks to the chairman, the meeting separated. BOROUGH POLICE COURT, MONDAY, before S. GARDNER, Esq., Mayor. DESERTION.—John Thomas was charged with being a deserter from the Royal Glamorgan Militia.—Henry Ellis deposed that defendant was enrolled a member of that force on the 5th of October, 1861, and enlisted for five years; he attended the training's in 1861 ond 1862, but was absent in 1863, and had not joined since.—Superintendent Phillips said he apprehended the prisoner in Neath on Wednesday last; he had been previously relieved by the superintendent, but on examination the defen- dant was proved to belong to the Militia, and as the superinten- dent knew they were out for training, he apprehended him; he said he had been discharged, but could not produce his dis- charge, and he was then detained until the adjutant of the regiment had been communicated with.-Defendant apologised for not joining the third training, but was nevertheless fined £ 2, or one month's imprisonment. DRUNK AND INCAPABLE.—John Jones was charged with ob- structing the footway in White Hart-lane.—P.C. Griffith Llew- ellyn said the defendant was very drunk, and challenging to fight by the Dillwyn Arms; there was a great crowd caused by the noise, and the passage was obstructed.—Defendant was fined 5s. and costs, or ten days' imprisonment. SURETIES OF THE PEACE.—The surety case, Sarah Williams v. Margaret Williams, was adjourned to the 17th instant. BEERHOUSE OFFENCE.—Superintendent Phillips charged Ham- phrey Thomas wIth an offence of this kind. Defendant did not appear when called on, and, service of summons having been proved, the case was adjourned to the 10th instant. TUESDAY.—Before the same magistrate. SPECIAL CONSTABILE.-Ph-lip Jones was sworn in as a special constable for the borough of Neath. DRUNK AOAIN.—Barnard Hain was charged by Superintendent Phillips with drunkenness in New-street. Defendant pleaded guilty, and was ordered to pay costs. OBSTRUCTING THE STREETS"—William Williams was charged with drunkenness and obstructing the footway in Cattle-street. -P.C. Lewis Jones deposed that be saw the defendant on Mon- day night sitting down on the footway, and refusing to move on" when directed.—Defendant offered no excuse for his con- duct, and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs, or seven days' imprison- ment.

_h.- a warm day the smell proceeding therefrom was very offensive. He thought the place required attention, more than any other place in the town, and that it was necessary something should he done. Dr. Lucas said the p*rt in question was very bad indeed. The Surveyor promised that the matter should be attended to. PROPOSED ALTERATION OF FAIR DAYS. Mr. Trew then rose to propose his resolution in reference to the alteration of the days for holding fairs. He said he little expected to have anything to say on the subject, thinking that it would commend itself to all the members of the Council. The subject had fr, quently been talked over at the Chamber o Agriculture by the farmers, who were unanimously of opinion that it would be better to have a fixed da for holding the fairs. He was in hopes that the mem- bers of the Council would have been of the same opinion until some expressions escaped from member s at the last meeting. He proposed this alteration of fair days because nine out of ten of their store cattle went to Hereford. The Hereford people were making a step in the right direction, and had altered their day for holding them to a particular day in the week. In looking over the days of the week, he considered there were only two days in which they could hold fairs in the county of Brecon. Thosn days were Monday and Tuesday. He did not think, however, that Monday would do for holding the fair as a good deal of preparation was required to be made both b\ f armers and publicans, and in consequence of the distance that many of the farmers came, it was necessary to travel on the previous day. Therefore, not thinking Monday a desirable day, he came to the conclusion that Tuesday was the only day on which the fairs could be held that arrangemeut then allow- ing of Monday for preparation. He would go through the other days of the week just to show what objection there was to those days. Wednesday was the market day at Hereford, and as he had said, nine out of ten of their stock went there. It would not do therefore to hold their fairs on that day. Then, as to Thursday, it would not be advisable to have them on that day because that was the day when the markets were held on the hills, while Friday again was the day on which butchers slaughtered their cattle and when there was a fair day they had great difficulty in attending. Saturdays also they were busily engaged, and the works in most parts of Wales held their markets on that day. They ought to look at the fairs both ways, as business and pleasure fairs. Their next May fair would fall on Sunday-no, he begged par- don, it would have done so, if it bad not been leap year. It was a fact, however, that it sometimes clashed with the Builth fair. It was to the advantage of the Board to take care of the interests of the tradespeople, and of the railways, who brought a large number of persons into the town by the excur- sion trains. If, however, they bad their fairs on the same day as Builth, they robbed Builth, and Builth robbed them, and both robbed the railway. (Laughter.) Hereford had altered their fairs to the first Wednes- day, and the Town Council had been complimented on their wisdom in making this arrangement, as they had had the largest fair ever known. The Brecon fair was also dependent, to some extent, on the Hereford people. Some people objected to the alter- atio4 on the ground that it was sweeping away the landmarks. The railway was sweeping away many of the landmarks and it was their duty to advance with the times. The speaker concluded by moving his resolution, to the effect that for the year 1868 and succeeding years the fairs be held on the first Tuesday in March, May, July, September, and November, and that a new fair be held in October, and that the October fair be held this year. Dr. Lucas seconded the motion. Mr. Morris begged to object to the resolution, inas- much as it was completely revolutionary in its charac- ter, and the habits of the people were so sfong ai d all prevailing that he believed they would have. great difficulty and inconvenience if the plan were adopted. Mr. Trew had alluded to the Chamber of Agricul- ture, but he (Mr. Morris) thought that if they were ruled by them they would not know where they w. re It seemed to him that parties were considering their peculiar position in proposing their resolutions, and not the interest of the people at Jargp. If he were the only one to raise his voice against the alteration and oppose it, he would do so, an d he therefore moved that the fairs be held as heretofore. Mr. Bright said he should like to express his views on this question. It was one he thought beset with difficulty. It was not necessary to introduce any arguments to upset those which Mr. Trew had advanced for the alteration of the fairs to a certain day, but he would refer to one or two things for the purpose of showing that however good one set of arguments might be, if they looked at the other side of the question they did not appear so strong as at first. The argument against holding the fairs on Wednesday was the fact that nine out of ten of the store cattle were sold at Hereford, and with regard to Monday, that a good deal of travelling and prepara- tion were necessary. He quite agreed with this, but in regard to Thursday, it was said that the markets on the hills would come in contact with theirs. The argument used in reference to this was used some time ago as a reason why they should alter the mar- ket from Thursday to Friday. This was ringing the changes upon those two days. The Chamber, in its wisdom, had altered the day from Friday to Thursday, and then, in its superlative wisdom, rescinded that motion and went back to Friday. He was not dis- posed to pin his faith to the Chamber of Agriculture, in reference to fairs, and he deprecated any alteration being made in the holding of the fairs with this ex- ception, that he was in favour of having a new fair, which he thought would be of advantage to them. He would second the amendment if that alteration were made in it. Mr. Cansick said he had made some remarks on the last occasion to the effect that if any arguments were brought forward to convince him of the desirability of altering the fairs, he should be open to conviction. He did not like giving a silent vote, and he would therefore say that nothing had been said that iu his opinion justified them in altering the day of holding the fairs. It was a very dangerous experiment, and not at all for the benefit of the town. He should therefore vote for the amendment. Mr. Griffiths would give his support to Mr. Trew. As at present, they often found Iheir day for the fair coming in contact with other fairs in the district. This was the case with Builth fair. On Wednesday again they came in contact with the Hereford market which was a very important one. If .the fair were held on Tuesday, it would give those who desired to come an opportunity of coming by Monday night's train. Hereford used to be like themselves in having their fairs on fixed days of the month, but not on fixed thJv fnlin«e 1 ^ad now altered it and, if mpr t wnnlfl exa™P*e> believed that the arrange- Z uvvT Wlii'an/be for the benefit of the others aS the stock ProPrietors and Mr. Jones said they only had five fairs in the year, and he did not think it necessary to alter these. He most decidedly preferred that they should remain as they were. The Chairman You would not object to an addi- tional fair. Mr. Jones replied he did not object to that, but only to the altering of the present ones. He remembered reading an account of the last Hereford fair, and not a very favourable report was given of it. It was stated that the fairs two years ago were decidedly better than they were at present. He had heard it objected to having the fair on Saturday when the second fair day was held on the Monday, because of Sunday intervening, it being urged that many ser- vants who were not hired on the first day were obliged gave those who were not em-ae-i^ lnterv<>ll,n £ '.a" f goii'g hom« on the Saturday niat! 0PP0r,un £ friends, and speeding the Sunday with th t0 again on the Monday. > WUh them> returning Mr. Griffiths observed, with regard to Mr T statement, that it was a «ell-knowi. fact tnat t e°r°PSS I in regard to fairs were very different now to what they were two years ago. The Chairman then pnt the amendment of Mr. Morris, to which had been added the proposal of a new fair to be held in October Five voted in its favour, viz.,—Messrs. Morris, Bright, Cansick, Jones, and Waltot) and four against, viz ,—Messrs. Trew, Grlffi, hs. Lucas, and Winton. The amendment was therefore carried. THE CORPORATION AND THE INDEPENDENT COLLEGE. The Town Clerk (Mr. Evans) read the following I^Tn Snri10"' Whicil "Hd bt6H reC6ived followkig'resolution0 the honour to communicate to you the mittee of Arrangement*8 •. a*. a mee*'in8' Local Com- new Independent Collea-e *5 the foundation stone of the stone will be laid by a^d to lrlforr",you that the I reiiiaiii, sir, yur's v ,Esq., of London. youis very respectfully, (Q0 LLIAM ROBERTS, Secretary. That the Mayor and Corporation AI M M V J??on>he invited to join the procession Jh the Town Clerk of ^;he°ld College House at half-past two n> ? f in tion lleo! theNe^^e.^ P1'°0eCdine ^y tiS founda- Co^rSrbodie8^ he+.belie7ed ? usual *ith" ^orporate bodjes like themselves to encourage and assist anything that might be done for the benefit of the town, and he thought they had done something of a similar kind on a former occasion in reference to a college opening or restoration. Ho would move, therefore, that they accept the invitation which had been given them, and that the Mayor take the initia- tive in forming a procession, of which they would have due notice. Tie Town Clerk said they had notice in the letter. The Chairman said he believed Mr. Morley had given as much as XI,000 towards the college Mr. Walton said he rose with a go, d deal of plea- sure to second the resolutb n, because it was connec'ed with a subject which he and other gentlemen hr d at heart, viz,—the education of the youth of their country. The would have to lay the foundation stone of that college, which was one of the greatest institutions of the age. With the exception of Mr. Pea- body, Mr. Baxter, Sir F. Crossley, Sir W. Brown, and a few others, there was no one" ho bad spent so much money on public and educational purposes as Mr. Morley; and he (the speaker) thought that, wha'ever their differences of opinion might he, they must all rejoice to know that the institution of such colleges and means of education would form one of the great questions of the future of this country, as at present they were behind continental countries in reference to national education. They niu-t all rejoice at an occurrence of this kind, and at the opportunity of identifying themselves, as the representative body of the town of Brecon, with so great a movement. The members generally appeared to concur with the proposition, and the Chairman expressed his pleasure at finding those present so unanimous on the subject. The hope was expressed that the members of the Corporation would muster strongly on the occasion. NEW BOROUGH BATE. The Clerk stated that he thought the time had arrived when it would be advisable to make a new borough rate, as there were liabilities to some amount to be met. The last rate was in 1865. On the motion of Mr. Morris, it was resolved that a borough rate of 9d. in the pound be levied. THE CONSTABLE'S SUBSTITUTE. The Chairman stated that he had had an application made to him in reference to the constable Watkins, who was on day duty, that he should return to night duty. The man who supplied his place, however, was a healthy man, and he scarcely thought Wat-kins equal to night duty. Dr. Lucas stated that the constable ought not yet to go on night duty, and it was understood that the Mayor would see that he was kept on day duty. APPOINTMENT OF PLUMBER. The Clerk stated that the committee appointed to select a person for the post of plumber in con- nection with the Waterworks had selected two candi- dates, and had directed him (the Town Clerk) to give them notice to attend that day, and promising that the railway fare of the unsuccessful person should be paid. They were both in attendance. Both the applicants were then singly introduced to the Board, and questioned as to their former employ- ment Both had very excellent testimonials, but. as Mr. George Evans, of Tredegar, had had more prac- tical acquaintance with water-works, the Board unani- mously chose him for the office. He was then called in and acquainted with the decision come to, and some good advice given him as to his conduct. THE WATERWORKS QUESTION. Dr. Lucas asked if there were not a report in reference to the progress of the Waterworks. At their meeting in April he expected such a report, but it was not forthcoming. There was a very painful feeling of uncertainty in the town in regard to the subject, and he thought they ought to have a report. The Town Clerk said there was a report, and he produced and read the following :— To the Brecon Local Board of Health. WATER-WORKS. G-ENTLEMISN,—I beg to inform you that the works are now progressing as favourably as may be with the limited number of men employed. It is very desirable to engage a few more masons to expedite the completion of the pitching of the western filter bed, to receive the finishing layers of gravel and sand; when this is done the water can be turned on to the mains and the town supplied. CILWHYBERT STORAGE RESERVOIR. The contractor has executed the contract, and commenced the work last Wednesday, and he is sanguine that the work will be completed within two months, the time specified. I am, Gentlemen, your very obedient servant, ISAAC DAVIES. Brecon, 3rd June, 1867. Dr. Lucas said that was a very imperfect sort of document to call a report, and it did not sufficiently go into details. He wish- d to know something of the position they were in He wished an answer to such questions as these. First of all, with regard to their financial position—How much has been borrowed on the water-works, and how much remains unexpended? Secondly,—How much has the contractor received, and what is the total amount paid on other accounts? Thirdly,—How much will there be required to complete the works, and bring the water into the houses of the ratepayers? Fourthly,—How much interest is there to be paid, and how much are we paying on money borrowed? F,frhly,-When does tvir. Davies expect that the water will be brought into the houses? He thought the ratepayers had a right to have information on the subject, and he trusted that some members of the committee would come prepared at their next meeting to give a satisfactory answer to these questions.. Mr. Walton was quite dissatisfied at receiving a report of that kind from their engineer. The fact was it was no report at all. They were all aware that it was a special instruction some time ago that they were to have a written report from their engineer, as to a question of X500 for extras, giving them the particulars of it, and stating how far the contractor had claimed for tbe items there stated. This was some considerable time since, and they had had two meetings of the committee, but they had had no report on the subject. There was no doubt that there were great complaints in the town in regard to the works, and great disappointment was felt-and very properly so, since it was reported that they were to have the water supply by the 1st January but then an extension of time was given, and when it was asked, in consequence of the delay, when it would be likely for them to have the water, they were, in distinct terms, promised that beyond all doubt they would have the supply by the 1st May. Both those dates were now past, and they bad no prospect of having the water for a considerable time. With regard to the reservoir, it was never understood that that would in any way prevent the water being supplied to the town, and it was stated that it was not absolutely necessary to have it finished. They had no report with regard to these extras, and no plain statement of any kind before them, and this was far from right. He was at a loss what steps to take. They could only depend upon the information they received from their engineer, and they ought to call on Mr. Davies to give them a fair and definite statement, both with regard to the financial affairs of the water-works, and also as to when it could be guaranteed to them that the water should be laid on. They had been told that the reservoir would not interfere with the supply of water to the town since it was completed in other places. The report now merely told them that the works were going on satis- factorily. If they were going on satisfactotily, then they ought to have been completed on the 1st January, and still more reason had they for expecting them to be finished by the 1st May. The Town Clerk said he understood from the engineer that during the last fortnight considerable progress had been made, and that the contractor had shown very cons durable energy in pushing on the I work. And Mr. Doyle, the clerk of the works, informed him that more work had been done in the last fortnight than for a very long time past. Dr. Lucas said although it was satisfactory so far to hear that some progress bad been made, he saw no reason why they should not have written reports of the progress of the works. A man might say at one meeting what he forgot the next. He thought they as a Board, who had unhappily rendered themselves responsible for these works, had a right to all the information that could be given them in a written report. The Town Clerk said perhaps D Lucas was not present at. the meeting when an arrangement was come to that the contractor shout have no more money on account uotil he had sauced the Board through him (the cl rli) of the amount of the work don. and that upon that b. ing handed to him, through Doyle, he should he paid the amount of the .ork. That, plan had be, ii followed for the last two months, and perhaps that mi^ht account for the ab-ence of the written certificate for the Board. The Chairman said he did not think that Dr. Lucas wanted 10 have a"y of the mitiu ise, but to have a report of the position of the water-works at the present time as to when they would expect tife water to be 111.1,1 on. Dr. Lucas And as to what our financial position is. The Chairman That is not the engineer's duty. Dr. Lucas said they did not know at all what they had spelit,- ,h,the, it was £ 7,000 or £ 8,000. the Chairman undertook to answer the questions of Dr Lucas, and stated that the contrac or trad a good deal embarrassed the committee by cla ming for. xtra" efore he had completed his contract. He then spoke of the valuable serVices which Mr. Trew had rendered them at his (the Mayor's) request, and said Mr. L'rew felt a delicacy about acting without being on the committee. He should therefore be glad if his name be added to the water committee. Mr. Griffiths proposed, and Mr. Waiton seconded the resolution, that Mr. Trew be added to the com- mittee. I The motion having been carried, thii concluded the business, and the Board adjourned to next Tuesday week.