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LLANBADARN FAWR.

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN .COUNCIL.

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ABERYSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL. At the fortnightly meeting of the above Council held at the Town Hall on Tuesday, the mayor (Mr. D. C. Roberts) presided, and there were present:—Alder- man Doughton, Councillors Croydon Marks, J. P. Thomas, Isaac Hopkins, T. E. Salmon, R. J. Jones, C. M. Williams, E. H. Wynne, with the Town Clerk (Mr. Arthur J. Hughes), and the Borough Surveyor, (Mr. Rees Jones). OYSTERS ON THE PROMENADE. The Town Clerk stated that the man who, last year, was charged with selling oysters on the parade, desired the Council to reconsider their decision and allow him to vend oysters on the parade or on the beach. He told the man that he did not think theCoun- cil would entertain the application. The Mayor: If he makes an application we can refer it to the Public Works Committee. Councillor Marks: That is not necessary as we have already decided not to allow him to sell. Councillor Thomas urged that they ought to con- sider the interests of the public to whom it might be a convenience to have oysters sold on the parade. The Town Clerk mentioned that the Council, last year, were influenced because there was a serious doubt as to whether the oysters were fit for consumption. Alderman Doughton said the best way to study the interests of the public was not to allow it, and he moved that the Council adhere to their former de- cision. Councillor Wynne seconded. Carried. NAME PLATES WANTED. The Town Clerk read a letter from Mr. Edward Edwards, Caradog-road, calling attention to the in- convenience caused by the name of that road not having been put up, and asking that the matter should be attended to. Councillor Jones moved that the letter be referred to the Public Works Committee. Councillor Williams pointed out that until the road was handed over to the Corporation it was not their duty to put up name plates. There were two or three other roads as to which similar complaints were being made, but they had not been handed over. The Town Clerk was directed to reply accordingly. A TIMELY LETTER. The following letter was read from the hon. sees. of the Aberystwyth Footpath Society (Mr. Daniel Thomas and Mr. J. Barclay Jenkins):—We beg to call the attention of your Council to the unsatisfactory state of some of the paths within the borough, and to call your special attention to the path leading to Brynmawr and Cwm Woods, which we consider most dangerous, and calls for immediate attention. The Pendinas path improvements have not been completed. Seats were arranged for to be placed on convenient spots, but hitherto the much-needed improvement has not been carried out. In view of the season which is now running it would confer a boon on the walking public to have these seats placed without further delay. We would also call your attention to the footpath out- side the borough viz. the one leading from Brynllwyd to Clarach. The path has been blocked by the Aber- ystwyth Improvement Company, who have erected high wires across a portion of it. The Society has communicated with Mr. Croydon Marks, calling his attention to the same, but as yet no reply has been received to our communication. We wish the Council to take steps to have the both re-opened to the public. Councillor Thomas moved and Councillor Hopkins seconded that the letter be referred to the Public Works Committee. Councillor Wiliams remarked that he was under the impression that the whole of the work of placing seats had been completed long ago, until he saw one the secretaries of the Society. They decided to place them twelve months ago, upon the Town Clerk hear- ing from the owners. The Borough Surveyor said the stiles were put in order at the time. Councillor Marks When this land was purchased from the present owner we were protected with regard to that particular path—or alleged path. Councillor Williams: But the public did'nt lose their right. I have been over it scores of times during the past 20 years. I don't think anybody blames the Improvement Committee, Mr. Marks. Councillor Marks: No. Councillor Williams At the same time we ought to do all we can to protect public rights. The letter was referred to the Public Works Com- mittee. THE MAIL DELIVERY OF LETTERS. The Town Clerk read the following letter, dated June 28th, from Mr. C. S. Denniss, manager of the Cambrian Railway:—"Dear Sir,—Referring to your letter of April 22nd, I have pleasure in informing you that arrangements have now been made with the Post Office authorities for the morning mail to arrive at Aberystwyth at 6.40 instead of 6.55 a.m., as at present, and for the evening mail to leave your town at 6.25 p.m. instead of 6, commencing on July 1st. But for the difficulties in the train service between London and Welshpool there would have been an earlier arrival of the morning mail and we propose continuing the negotiations in the hope that a further improvement may very shortly take place, and you may be sure that this point will be followed up energetically." Alderman Doughton said it was an easy thing to give the times; the thing was to have the trains punctual—6.40 often meant eight o'clock. Councillor Williams suggested that the Town Clerk should reply urging that the mail should arrive at the time stated. It was no use having 6.40 on the time table, when the mail arrived sometimes as late as 7.30'and 7.45. Serious complaints were made by visitors every summer owing to the late delivery of letters. The company had made slight improvements in the stated time, but the question was whether they were going to arrive punctually. They had a young man who recorded the arrival of the trains; he should also take the arrival of the mail. At the same time there was the question of postal facilities to consider. If they wanted additional postmen they should write to the postal authorities at once. Councillor Salmon said the letters should be sorted before hand. That would save a good deal of time. Councillor Jones said this suggestion had been made more than once from the Council, but there was some difficulty in the way. It was rather premature to make any remarks on Mr. Denniss'letter let them give him an opportunity to see whether there would be improvements. The Mayor There would be no harm if we kept a record of the times of the arrival of the trains. Last year it was no credit to any company. We have only the interests of the town at heart, and we may call Mr. Denniss' attention to this grievance. Councillor Williams moved that the Town Clerk be instructed to write to the postal authorities stating that now there had been an improvement in the time of the mail, they should make an effort to bring aboutan earlier delivery of letters by increasing the number of postmen, or by some other arrangements. Councillor Thomas said they had allowed two separate things to drift into the discussion. He thought they should ask the postal authorities: to put on extra postmen, but with regard to the late arrival of trains, there was so much work to be done in the busy season" that the railway people ex- perienced great difficulty in keeping the trains punctual. It was a most desirable thing if it could be done, as visitors were continually complaining. Alderman Doughton said that the postal authorities could not do more than they did at present. If the trains arrived punctually, the letters would be de- livered in ample time before any trains left in the morning. In the end the Town Clerk was instructed to write to the Postal Authorities as suggested. OVERCROWDING OF PLEASURE BOATS. Councillor Thomas drew attention to the question of the overcrowding of pleasure boats. Now was the time, he said, when they should consider the question whether the pleasure boats let out on hire on the beach were not at times overcrowded. Last week his attention had been several times drawn to the fact that some of the boats were overcrowded, and the disaster at Pwllheli ought to be sufficient to warn them to take measures for the safety of the public. He thought there should be stricter inspection. He did not know whether there was an Inspector. Councillor Jones Yes, there is an Inspector. Councillor Thomas Then why don't you make it known- Councillor Jones It is his duty to see that there is no overcrowding. Can the overcrowding be proved ? Councillor Wynne said he would call the attention of the Inspector to the complaint, although he (Mr. Wynne) had not heard any complaints. The In- spector had had strict orders with regard to over- crowding, and all the boats had a number on them. Alderman Doughton said that every precaution had been taken by the Council with regard to the boating. It was impossible for anybody to do more than what they had done. The boats were properly inspected. The Inspector was appointed by the Council. He was a stranger, and did not belong to the town, and inspected every boat, large and small, in the harbour and on the beach. He condemned irregularities and made suggestions, and the Harbour Master, as a Corporation official, saw that they were .carried out. Then he gave the boatman a certificate, which he had to take to the Chief Constable before he got his licence. The number of people each boat .could carry was marked on the outside. The boats that used to carry 11 had been reduced to five, and those that used to carry seven to three. He repeated that the Council could not do more than what they had done. Councillor Thomas said that he was much obliged to Captain Doughton for his explanation. What he said was doubtless perfectly true, but his point was that it must have been without the knowledge of the Inspector that many boats were overcrowded, as they were last week, and on occasions when there were excursions. He was not going to blame the Inspector. He could not always be on the beach, and could not notice every boat that went out. He had other duties to perform; and it was during the time that he was not on the beach that the overcrowding took place, which might result some day in a fearful disaster. The Mayor remarked that he was sure they all felt the importance of the matter mentioned by Mr. Thomas, and he was equally sure the Council would do all it possibly could to prevent such a disaster as occurred at Pwllheli. As Captain Doughton had stated, however, the Council had taken every step possible in the matter. Mr. Thomas might inform the Inspector of the cases of overcrowding that had come under his notice, so that he might take proceedings. Perhaps it would be desirable that they as a Council should draw the attention of the Inspector and the boatmen to the importance of exercising the greatest care. Councillor Thomas I think that will be sufficient for the time being. The Mayor If what you say is correct it is a very serious matter. Councillor Thomas; It is ~uite correct. Alderman Doughton Can you point out a particlar case ? Councillor Thomas I don't think it would be wise to do so now. The Mayor's suggestion will meet the case. Councillor Wynne said that it would be better if these complaints were made to the Committee, so that they might investigate them at once. A case was reported to him the other day. A lady and gentleman went out in a boat, and were nearly swamped on the rocks. He made inquiries of the Inspector, and it turned out that it was a private boat lent to the gentleman, and not a hired boat. Alderman Doughton: You are not allowed to lend your boat to private people, unless there is a certifi- cated boatman in charge of it. Councillor Williams pointed out that the police had had nothing to do with the licenses for some years. The whole thing was in the hands of the Inspector and the Corporation officials. It was decided to write to the Inspector and the boatmen as suggested by the Mayor. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. This committee reported as follows :—An applica- tion was received from the Aberystwyth Rural District Council for permission to connect the water supply to private houses at Llanbadarn Fawr. Your committee recommend that no connection be allowed except those included in their scheme, which was sanctioned by the Council and approved of by the Local Government Board, and the Borough Surveyor was instructed to cut off any private supply made forthwith.—Mr. D. J. Lewis waited on your com- mittee respecting the drainage of his house in Great Darkgate-street. The Borough Surveyor was in- structed to report on the matter. Alderman Doughton moved the adoption of the report. The Surveyor said that he had carried out the com- mittee's instructions with regard to the water supply. Councillor Thomas thought the importance of the case demanded a fuller consideration than the com- mittee gave to it. The supply, as they knew, had been leased to the people for 21 years, and he con- sidered that the application made on their behalf by the Clerk to the Aberystwyth Rural District Conncil, was strictly in accordance with the terms of the lease. There might not have been given them a direct per- mission to connect with the main, but there was an implied understanding to that effect, so that it was not a case of defying the Council. He suggested that the matter should be referred back to the committee for further consideration. Councillor Salmon For what purpose ? Councillor Thomas The important purpose of sup- plying Llanbadarn with water. Alderman Doughton What they require now is outside the scheme. You must have another inquiry before you can do this. Councillor Jones said the committee must have fully considered the matter, or they would not have presented the report they had. They had no power to give further concessions if they had, the matter should be reconsidered by the committee. The Mayor pointed out that it was perfectly open for the people of Llanbadarn to make application in another form, but under the present arrangements the recommendation of the Committee was the only proper one. Councillor Thomas said that at present those people who used a little water had to pay for those who used a large quantity. The matter ought not to be delayed. It was the intention of the Llanbadarn people to put meters, so that these large consumers should be made to pay. It was a shame that poor people should pay for large consumers. Councillor Hopkins: We had the opinion of the Town Clerk that we could not go further than we did. Alderman Doughton And the very point that Mr. Thomas has raised was discussed. It is useless to discuss it further. The Mayor we should have to make new arrange- ments with them. The Town Clerk, asked his opinion, said the application was outside the terms upon which the original grant of water supply was made; and the Committee decided that, until that was set aside, they could not consider the matter. Councillor Thomas,, thereupon, withdrew his motion, and the discussion dropped. HARBOUR COMMITTEE. The Committee reported:—(a) Explosive Acts: Your Committee on the report of the Harbour Master, and of the Town Clerk being satisfied that a breach of the bye-laws under the Explosives Acts, 1875, was committed by the master of the s.s. "Marmion," belonging to Noble's Explosives Co., Limited, in reference to the circumstances attending the landing of certain explosives in the Aberystwyth Harbour on the 26th May last, recommend that the Company be written to by the Town Clerk, calling their attention to this breach, and requiring them to explain why the bye-laws were disregarded, and in the absence of a satisfactory explanation and undertaking by the Company that the offence shall not be repeated, the Council to decide what steps should be taken to prevent a recurrence of the acts complained of.-An application was received from the Western Sea Fishery Board asking permission to place notices at different places under the Harbour Authority pro- hibiting the catching of shell fish under regulation size. Your Committee recommend that the applica- tion be granted. The report was adopted. FINAXCE COMMITTEE. The Finance Committee's report was as follows :— (b.) To orderthe payment of half-year's annuities on the sum of R,15,594 18s. 4d., amounting to L188 8s. 9d. less income tax. (c.) A letter was read from the general manager of the M. and M. Railway Company making application for a lease of premises adjoining their railway, now used by Messrs. James and Co., as bottling stores. Your committee recommend the granting of a lease for a term of 14 years from 12th May last, terminable at the end of the seventh year by six months' notice on either side, at a yearly rent of ZzO for the first two years of the term and an annual rent of L25 for the remainder of the term, with permission to the company to make the altera- tions and additions to the buildings shown on the plan submitted, to be approved of by the Borough Surveyor, the company undertaking, at the expiration of the term, to restore if required the premises to their original condition to the satisfaction of the Borough Surveyor, (d.) Preparation of leases and agreements. Your committee have for some time past had under consideration the question of reducing the charges to lessees in respect of corporation leases and agreements for leases, and the Town Clerk has been seen upon the matter with the result that be has stated he is prepared to perform the whole of the professional work involved in the preparation and completion of agreements for leases, and of the leases and counterparts, for an inclusive fee of two guineas, provided the Council return to the practice which was in force whilst a solicitor was appointed by the corporation, and follow the course which your committee believe is that which is adopted by all other Municipal Corporations and owners of large estates situate locally or elsewhere, viz., of roquiring such documents to be prepared by the lessors' solicitors. Inasmuch as lessees would secure a very substantial reduction by this arrange- ment which your committee have been enabled to make with the Town Clerk, your committee recom- mend that in future the Town Clerk, as lessors' solicitor, shall prepare all agreements for leases and leases and counterparts for an inclusive fee of two guineas, which fee your committee consider a very reasonable one having regard to the work and respon- sibility involved. Lessees will, of course, as hitherto reasonable one having regard to the work and respon- sibility involved. Lessees will, of course, as hitherto be required to pay the out of pocket expenses for stamp duty, &c., in addition to the fee of two guineas, and that all previous resolutions be rescinded. stamp duty, &c., in addition to the fee of two guineas, and that all previous resolutions be rescinded. Councillor Williams moved that paragraph "c" be referred back to the Committee, and the Manager of the M. & M. Railway Co. wished to place some new facts before them.—Carried. Councillor Williams proceeded to deal with" d," pointing out that the practice now recommended obtained in the case of other Corporations and large estates, and it was only reasonable that it should be the same at Aberystwyth. He thought the Committee might congratulate the lessees of the town upon this special charge, as all parties would benefit directly from the reduced fee. Councillor Thomas remarked that though he con- sidered the plan a good one, they ought not to bind lessees in this way, and that they ought to have a free hand to go to another solicitor if they chose. Two heads were better than one. Councillor Marks said the thing was to get the work into the hands of a professional man who was used to it, and who, therefore, was most likely to do it properly. The Committee's recommendation was adopted. TOWN CLERK'S SALARY. The following report of the Special Committee appointed to draw up a list of the duties of the Town Clerk, and the revision of his salary, was presented A meeting of the Sub-Finance Committee ap- pointed to draw up a list of the duties of the Town Clerk and the revision of his salary met at the Cor- poration Offices on June 24th, 1899. Present: Mr. D. C. Roberts (Mayor); Councillors R. J. Jones and C. M. Williams (chairman). Your Committee, after very careful consideration, recommend that the following be the duties of the Town Clerk, the same, when approved of by the Council, to be entered on the minutes :-(1) That the Town Clerk shall attend all meetings of the Council, keep minutes of the pro- ceedings, and record therein the names of those present; read over the minutes of the last meeting and submit the same to the Mayor or Chairman, as the case may be, for signature, and read all corres- pondence received by him since the previous meeting. (2) He shall prepare and deliver, or cause to be de- livered, all summonses of the meetings of the Council, and shall include in all such summonses a statement of all business to be transacted thereat, so far as the same may be known; also to include therein, or annex thereto, a copy of every report of committees intended to be laid before the Council. (3) He shall peruse and conduct all correspondence of the Council according to their directions, and preserve the same, as well as all letters, orders, or minute books, papers and documents belonging to the Council, and keep copies of all letters sent by him. (4) He shall com- municate to the several officers and persons em- ployed by the Council all orders and directions of the Council, and report to the Council any neglect or failure therein which comes to his knowledge. (5) He shall communicate to all applicants for leases and renewal of leases, immediately after the Council meeting, the terms upon which the Council have agreed to grant such leases or renewal of leases. (6) He shall give all necessary notices of and attend all elections of councillors, auditors, &c., and advise the presiding and returning officers at such elections. (7) He shall give all necessary notices of the annual revision of the List of Burgesses, and to make out any other list that may be required by law. (8) He shall prepare all notices to be given by the Council, and see that the same are duly served or delivered (save such as are required to be prepared or served by any other officer). (9) He shall cause to be pub- lished all necessary notices and advertisements re- lating to the business of the Council, and shall pre- pare and transmit all reports or returns (parliamentary or otherwise) as to any question or matter connected with, or relating to, the administration of any Act or Acts of Parliament affecting the Council as a Munici- pal Corporation, Urban District Council, and Burial Board. (10) He shall give notice and attend all public and other meetings within the Borough con- vened by the Mayor, in his official capacity, in pur- suance of a requisition or otherwise. He shall also attend any local inquiry held by the Local Govern- ment Board, or by any other Government Department. (11) He shall attend all meetings of the Finance Committee and Public Works Committee, and also to attend other Committees when requested to do so by the Chairman of such Committee. (12) He shall advise the Council and Committees on all matters coming officially before them and shall perform all duties from time to time cast upon him by statute. (13) He shall prepare all deeds, bonds, covenants, and agreements entered into by, with or on behalf of the Council, and shall conduct all prosecutions at Petty or Special Sessions. (14) He shall perform all legal work required bv the Council, and no charge for the'same shall be made, except conveyancing business, parliamentary work or obtaining provisional orders, prosecutions at assizes or quarter or general sessions. (15) He shall perform all duties whatsoever apper- taining to the office of the Town Clerk, Clerk to the Urban District Council and Barial Board, and shall observe and execute all orders and directions of the Council applicable to such offices. Your Committee having revised and defined the duties of the Town Clerk, subject to the approval of the Council, have very carefully considered the question of the re- adjustment of his salary. Mr. A. J. Hughes has held the office for nearly nineteen years, and although his duties have enormously increased for many years past his salary has remained at the original amount. Euquiries having been made as to the salaries paid to town clerks in numerous other boroughs, your Committee find that the salary paid to Mr. Hughes is greatly below the average paid by those boroughs. In arriving at a decision, your Committee having re- gard to the duties connected with the Burial Board hitherto performed by Mr. Hughes as Clerk to that Board, have been transferred to the Borough Account- ant's department, and that the separate salary of iE20 per annum payable to Mr. Hughes has ceased to be paid since September last, and they would also refer the Council to the duties of the Town Clerk as defined in the report of the Committee, and it will be seen that considerable work hitherto done by the Town Clerk for which he has been paid in additon to his salary will (subject to the exceptions in Clause 14) in future be done by the Town Clerk and will be in- cluded in his duties, and the extra payments made in the past will not in future have to be made. Your Committee unanimously recommend that having regard to the considerable changes and additions made in the duties which the Town Clerk will in future have to perform, his salary be fixed at L180 per annum as and from the 1st of January, 1899. Councillor Williams, in moving the adoption of the Committee's recommendation, remarked that they went very carefully into the whole question, and he believed they had included everything imaginable in the list of duties. It was also a duty imposed on the Committee of considering the question of rising the salary. The Town Clerk, as such, only received a salary of L100, the duties he performed outside that office being paid for separately. They had ascertained the salaries paid in 53 Boroughs, and found that the average salary paid was exactly the same as the Committee now recommended to the Council, viz. £ 180. That must be veiy satisfactory to the Council. Mr Hughes received £ 20 for acting as Clerk to the Burial Board. That had been discontinued, and the Town Clerk, though entitled to compenation, made no claim of any kind. The grounds upon which they had arrived at the figure (£180) were fully set forth. It did not amount so much to an increase of salary or to a readjustment, although there was a sl;ght in- crease on the total salary he had been receiving, it must be very satisfactory both to the Council and the Town Clerk to find that the salary in future would cover all the duties-that there would be no extra payments of any kind. The Town Clerk would only benefit to a very slight extent by the new arrange- ment. Councillor Jones seconded the adoption of the report. Councillor Hopkins said that he thought the Com- mittee had been appointed for the purpose of in- creasing the Town Clerk's salary. (Councillor Marks: Hear, hear). But he gathered from Mr. Williams' speech that there was no increase at all. Councillor Williams There is an increase, but not a very big one. Councillor Hopkins Don't you think if you were appointed to increase the salary, you should make it something respectable-gentlemanly like—(laugh- ter)—and not a few pounds ? Can't you propose a round number-say L200 ? For my part I like to pay every man honourably for his work-the little I do pay. If I thought I could get a seconder I'd propose an amendment that the salary be L20"r that it be L220 (a laugh and hear, hear). Councillor Marks I second that. As a professional mat., if you want a professional man to do his work properly you must let him feel that the time he is devoting to you he is not being robbed of more lucrative work. You expect a professional man to carry out all these duties you set forth.—I don't remember seeing such a long list prepared by local laymen for a legal man-for Z3 10s Od a week, such a salary as you would pay a skilled clerk I second Mr. Hopkins motion that it be 200 guineas. Alderman Doughton After Mr Williams' explana- tion I was first going to get up,and propose 200 guineas, but Mr. Hopkins was quicker than I (laughter). I support the amendment. The differ- ence between L180 and what the Town Clerk had before is only about 415. That's the only addition Councillor Williams replied that the committee had considered the matter very fully. They were equally as anxious to pay the Town Clerk honourably as the mover and seconder of the amendment, but they went thoroughly into all the facts, and considered that E180 would be a very fair salary, having regard to all the work, and especially to the fact that they had returns from 53 boroughs, showing an average salary of £ 180, In some of these boroughs the Town Clerk performed all the legal work and the committee were very careful in arriving at the figure recommended which they considered adequate, and they also desired to propose a salary that would be unanimously agreed to by the Council, and accptable to the ratepayers. The ratepayers were very keen in reference to vary great increases in salaries. They went into matters very carefully and fully. No one was more anxious to see Mr. Hughes well paid than he (Mr. Williams), and if a little later on they found that further duties were added to his work, he had no doubt, but what the committee would be glad to consider the question of a further increase. He added that he had had a con- versation with Mr. Hughes himself and must adhere to the report. The Town Clerk remarked that he felt the delicacy of his position. He was extremely grateful to the gentlemen who proposed the amendment, but he should very much prefer-unless it were the un- animous opinion of the Council-to accept the recommendation of the Finance Committee, who, he knew, had gone into the matter most thoroughly and carefully, and devoted a great deal of time and pains in arriving at what they considered to be a proper figure. They were better able to judge, no doubt, than he was, and he would ask that the amendment might not be put under the circumstances. Councillor Marks: If the Chairman of the Com- mittee says that he can't accept our amendment I won't demand a division. I am looking at the matter as a professional man. I am quite sure Mr. Hughes every time he devotes his attention to the work of this Council is really losing money. For 19 years he has been doing this work, and now you propose an increase of £ 15. I should not think of offering one of my clerks such a slight increase even after three ye irs service. Councillor Williams: I don't know that the increase amounts to exactly Z15. The Mayor said that he was one of the Committee who went very carefully into the matter. Everyone of them was very anxious and ready to acknowledge Mr. Hughes' services and the way he had performed his duties since he had been Town Clerk. As Mayor, this year and previously, he had reason to acknow- ledge his great kindness and great assistance to the Council. The Town Clerk might feel sure, therefore, that the Committee was anxious to acknowledge his services in the way of salary to the full extent, and they felt that a salary of L180 was a reasonable sum at the present time, and he trusted the Council would accept the recommendation of the Committee. Of course, at any future time they might reconsider it It would be better now to have a unanimous vote than go to a division on a matter of this kind. Councillor Jones said that seeing the feeling of the majority of the Council, ^perhaps later on the salary might be reconsidered. The Committee had decided on the salary of 9180 after careful discussion, the principal consideration that influenced them being that it would be received with unanimity by the ratepayers generally, whereas, if the increase was greater, it might not be favourably received by them, and seeing that the Town Clerk was prepared to accept the L180-and he knew the whole of the circumstances-he thought it would be only proper that the amendment should be withdrawn. There were many things to be considered-such as the services rendered by Mr Hughes outside the office- and the Committee had considered them. They had an ideal Town Clerk in every way; he was very competent to carry out his duties, and always willing to render any assistance. He (Mr. Jones) felt that they were not giving him a very great increase, but as he was prepared to accept it, in a very generous manner, perhaps a little later on the Council might consider the question of another advance. Alderman Doughton said that he did not believe Z180 was equivalent to what the Town Clerk received before. He (Mr. Doughton) was in a very delicate position now, after Mr. Hughes had made an appeal to them. If Mr. Hughes had been silent he should have been glad (laughter), but now it could not be unanimous. He would not, however, withdraw what he had said. He would stick to the 200 guineas. The Mayor: I only want Mr. fHopkins withdrawal. Alderman Doughton It can't be a unanimous vote. Councillor Hopkins I am not willing to withdraw my amendment and the seconder can't without get- ting my permission. Councillor Marks I really think Mr. Hopkins will consult the interests he has at heart best by with- drawing it. I withdraw as seconder. The Mayor: Does any one else second it ? Alderman Doughton: I will. Councillor Salmon said that it was the feeling of the committee that the salary should be increased. The increase amounted to about £15. Seeing that the majority were not satisfied with the recommendation it would be only fair that the matter should be referred back to the committee for the purpose of considering a further increase in accordance with the wishes of members, in order that they might have a unanimous vgte. Two hundred guineas would be a small salary, having regard to the duties the Town Clerk had to perform, and the way he had carried them out for 19 years, during which time he had not had one halfpenny increase. The work was twice or three times more than it used to be. The Town Clerk made another appeal to Mr. Hopkins to withdraw his amendment. He was exceed- ingly grateful at the time. Mr. Hopkins, however, refused to withdraw, and the mayor put the amendment, for which only the proposer and seconder (Councillor Hopkins ond Alder- man Doughton) voted. Councillor Hopkins I second Mr. Salmon's amend- ment now. Councillor Marks: I think this is:most deplorable, the way you are going on now. SZS The Mayor then put the Committee's recommenda- tion. which was carried nem. con.: '=='W FIRE BRIGADE. MJZ The Fire Brigade Committee recommended that the Chief Constable be asked to accept the captaincy and undertake the formation of a new Brigade. The Committee also recommend the payment of a sum of £1 8s. for the services of the men at the Mill Street Are. Councillor Salmon said that the Committee were unanimously of the opinion that the most suitable person to undertake the duties of forming a Brigade was the Chief Constable, and a more capable man could not be found. They all knew his qualifications and ability. He moved, therefore, that the first recommendation of the Committee be adopted. Councillor Jones seconded.—Carried unanimously. Gouncillor Williams said that he had been told that three or four members of the old Brigade rendered very good service at the fire, and they felt grieved because no payment was proposed to them. It would be a gracious thing on the part of the Committee to recommend a small payment to them. The rules allowed payment to any outsider. Councillor Salmon said that the report of the meeting of the Committee in the newspapers would show the reason why payment was not recommended to them. There were 50 or 60 volunteers who assisted, and it was impossible to pick out those who should be paid. The Snrveyor told them they could not do justice by naming a few and leaving out others, and the Cem- mittee passed a vote of thanks to them. Councillor Williams: As a vote of thanks was passed to these men they should be paid the same as the others. I move that the four members of the late Brigade who rendered assistance be paid. The Surveyor: The names submitted to me whom I didn't see on the spot at all. I noticed some members of the Old Brigade hard at work. Councillor Jones It is not usual for Mr. Williams to move amendments to a committee's proposals. He is himself very anxious that his own proposals should be carried without amendments. I am sur- prised that he should move this amendment, knowing that the facts were against him. We found there was a difficulty in giving these men payments because they were so numerous. The whole of the public helped. I was glad to find that some members of the Old Brigade rendered service. Alderman Doughton, alluding to Mr. Salmon's remark as to the report of the committee meeting in the local papers, said that they could not rely on them. Why, for instance, was the vote of censure passed by the council on the proprietor of the "Cambrian News not reported ? The Mayor Order, order; we can't go into that. Alderman Doughton I say we can't rely on the reports in the local papers. Perhaps, Mr. Mayor, you do not like it, but I am right. The Mayor Order, please. Alderman Williams The three members of the Old Brigade who assisted say there is a prejudice against them, and that these payments are wilfully kept back. ("No, no "). i take it they are entitled to payment if they rendered good service. The Mayor suggested that the committee should re-consider the matter. Councillor Salmon: Excellent service was also rendered by the cleaners of the t. and M. Railway. I say nothing against the Old Brigade. We know what they did, but there are others entitled to pay- ment. It was very unfair to move an amendment in favour of these four men, who had been told off for this special duty in case of emergency. I agree in referring it back. Councillor Thomas seconded that the matter be referred back to the committee.—Carried Councillor Jones, pursuant to notice, moved "That a committee of the whole Council be held at the earliest possible date at the Harbour to consider and report upon what steps should be taken with a view to the extension of the main sewer." Mr. Jones said that he did not wish to make any comments, as he did not desire to excite a discussion, since the Council would have ample opportunities to discuss it again. Councillor Hopkins I second this with pleasure. I was the proposer in 1892, and you (Mr. Jones) the seconder (laughter), and I should like to know what steps have been taken in the meantime-from 1892 to 1899. The Council have been sleeping above the head of the sewer, and haven't done anything (laughter). Councillor Jones You'll make them sleep again if you discuss the question (laughter). Councillor Hopkins It is time for the Council to take it in hand. Councillor Williams: After all the delay Mr. Hop- kins is looking exceedingly well (laughter). Alderman Doughton said this matter was brought before the Public Works Committee in 1893 and gone into carefully. Three schemes were brought forward, if he remembered a right, and carefully studied, and the Committee instructed the Surveyor to prepare a plan of the contemplated extension of the sewer, and also an estimate of the cost to see which of the three schemes would be best. Had those instructions been carried out ? If they had been there was no need for the resolution at present in this form. The Sur- veyor's report should be produced before the Council and discussed. The Surveyor The Committee gave me instruc- tions to do certain work which was carried out. Alderman Doughton The certain work was the extension of the main sewer to its proper form. The outlet used to be above the bridge. The Surveyor No, no, that was done 12 years ago. Alderman Doughton: You remember the heavy gale when the whole of that sewer was smashed up. We then decided to consider these three schemes, and the Surveyor was instructed to give an estimate of the cost. The Mayor: That is a matter that will be con- sidered by the Committee. Councillor Jones' motion was then put and carried. It was resolved that the Committee meet on Satur- day afternoon. Councillor Hopkins remarked that if the Council did not take the matter in hand now, he would write to the proper authorities (laughter). CAMBRIAN STREET. Councillor Salmon called attention to the dilapidated state of the footjpaths in Cambrain- street, and the Surveyor was instructed to see to the matter.

LLANON.

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