Welsh Gazette and West Wales Advertiser

ABEKiSTWYTH TOWN COUNCIL. PL BLIC LIGHTING TENDERS. MR HOPKINS AND THE GAS COMPANY NEW STANDING ORDERS. :¡ ? How to Expel Refractory Members •HOPE WALK WATER SUPPLY. MORE MARKET ACCOMMODATION. A meeting of the Aberystwyth Town Council was held on Tuesday at the l'ouu- cil Chamber, Town iiall, ,wilen there were present the Mayor (Councillor Rooert Doughton) in the chair; Captain I Dough- ton (ex-Mayor), Aldermen Peter Jones and E. P. "Wynne; Councillor C M Will■ Daniel Thomas, Edwin Morris, 1 Samuel, G Wilkinson, J T Davies, _in Lhoma I. Hopkins J. Gibson, and r- iloigan, Mr A J Hughes (town clerk) Mr D Jones (assistant clerk), Mr Reest Jones (borough surveyor), Mr C. Massey borough accoun- tant), and Mr James. Evans (sanitary ins- pector). WORKMEN'S INSTITUTE. The following letter was read from Mr R W Jones. U.C.W., secretary of the Work- men's Institutefhe committee of- the Workmen's Institute have every reason to believe the Town Council as a bodv is not unmindful of the efforts made by the istul- .ent.s to carrv on, social work at the Inst •? ;iome, if not all, the members of the -~o.il are aware the undertaking i& 1 ,at with great financial responsibility, I&ually owing to the expense incut"red in Phrtbction with drainage, etc. -but m ,pite of that we have taken it over and believe not only does it give a splern. it op- portunity to come into tolicii with the practical part of life, but also that much good is accomplished 1:1 a quiet but effectual way. We regard the institution as a. counter attraction to the many evils that surround one, and feel assurred that the highest interests of the town are served thereby. On these grounds we humbly venture to appeal to the Council for some manifestation of their practical sympathy with us in tnis wo?k. The letter was referred to the Finance Committee. RENEWAL OF LEASE. Mrs M E Phillips, 4, Little Dai-kg-ite- street, wrote asking the Council not, to press for the erection of a house in Port- land-road at the back of 45 Portland-street as one of the conditions upon which a re- newal of the lease of the latter premises was offered. She asked for the same conditions as were granted Mrs Rae in respect of 10, Portland-street. The letter was referred to the Finance Committee. BARBED WIRE. A letter was read from the Rural District Council, stating that notice had been served on the owner of Brynymor Farm, requiring him to remove the barbed wire affixed to the fence adjoining the public path running through his land, and to have it placed on -the inside of the fence with a protecting wire outside. RHEIDOL PLACE. A letter was read from Mr. T. Cecil Jcnes, on behalf of the Misses Jones, Fronygog, stating that it appeared from the report of the Council's discussion, that a notice under the Private Streets Works Act was served on them 13 years ago in respect of Rheidol- place, and was complied with, and the Council bore no part of the expense of doing the work. On the assumption that these facts were Correct, they seemed to have been called on that occasion to do more than they were liable for, even assuming the pas- sage was not repairable by the inhabitants at large, as a proportion of the expense should have been borne by the Council, in respect of Tancae Chapel. They, thercfoie, thought, without going into the question of liability, that the Council ought to bear the whole expense of doing the work it con-, sidered ought to be done in the passage. The letter was referred to the Public Works Committee. POOR RATE COLLECTOR SHIP. The Clerk reported lie had supplied tl.e Local Government Board with the informa- tion they had asked for respecting the Council's application for the powers of ap- pointing overseers, poor rate collectoi, e c. He had also written to the Board in refer- ence to the action of the Board of Guardians in proceeding to make the appointment, notwithstanding the Council's application. He had received acknowledgments of botii communications. He would ask the Coun- cil to resolve itself into Committee to fur- ther discuss the matter at the end of the meeting. THE PRICE OF GAS. letter was read from the Secretary oi the Gas Company, stating they were not iS are of any offer made to Councillor Hop- £ us vvhiob nad not been sent m writing to £ <_ounc,l, *•», presumed, m all the conespond- s t&sisrzsw* nU\tTj. Gibson wanted to know why it A\ae necessary to write to the Gas Company, when they had all the correspondence m thThePcfeei?1°"eplied that .what led to that was that Councillor Hopkms made a state- ment that the offer made to him during his chairmanship of the committee was very much more favourable than the one befoie the Council now. Mr. Hopkins: I can prove it, Sill. The Clerk: Then I was instructed to write asking if any special terms were offered to Councillor Hopkins, and this is the answer. Mr. W. Thomas considered the answer was VaUie' J. Gibson: The terms would not be offered to any individual member, but to t-ue Commit-.ee. This is not a personal mattei. The Clerk: Not m the least. Mr. Samuel: It was stated as a personU matter at the previous meeting. The Clerk: I will look up the correspoiid- €U\ir W Thomas considered that in face of Councillor Hopkins' statement he thought the Gas Company should be askt "Mto ^tate definitely what terms they offered Mr. Hvp- kins when he was chairman or the i uo.ic Lights Committee. He proposed a resolu- tion to that effect. Mr. Hopkins then said that with the per- mission of the Council lie would let the cat out of the bag. Proceeding, he read out a bundle of correspondence on fhe matter, including the report of a meeting of the Committee held on February 14th, 1905, in which it was recommended that the tender of the Aberystwyth, Gas Company, dated 29tti September, 1904, be accepted at the price of 1:2 7s. per lamp on a three years' contract.. Mr. W. Thomas said he thought the reason a for writing to the Gas Company for an ex- planation was made still stronger. Mr. J. Gibson said he did not see why they should do that. Councillor Hopkins made a, statement at the pievious meetings and he had come there that day, and had proved liis case very handsomely. The posi- tion was this, that Mr. Hopkins hao. secured a tender for £ 2 7s. per lamp, aSi compare with the last tender of £ 2 8s., submitted by Mr. V. illiaai Thomas. When Mr. Hopkins brought in his report, it was thrown back by the Council, and it had not been im- proved upon since. They stood to lose 28fis. or 290s., and bound themselves for two years longer iindel- the contract Mr. Win. Thomas had placer before them. mis was I a verv good instance, and showed cleariy how things were done, and how the strings 11 wc" pulled; how reports that eanfe up were not. studied, and were just sent back again quite wilfully bv a certain body, who never would go into the matter if certain people had anything to do with it. Why was it not passed before? They all knew. It was just sent back in order that the strings might be pulled for effect, and he thou g'it Mr. Wm. Thomas had had his answer vciy handsomely this time. The Mayor: Let's go on. Mr. J. Gibson: No, I think we Ought to settle this. I propose the first contract be accepted. 1 Mayor: Wtich? The contract of two 3 ago ? J. Gibson Yes. Mayor: I don't think that is prae- J. Gibsoni: I take your riding. I did it V* Practicable. I do not think thonght to be any talk about getting t They are in the possession of "f f'l'inni], Cln-k T'.o is that it I was suggested by Councillor Hopkins that he had received something different, appar- ently, from what had been received by me officially. Mr. J. Gibson: No, something different from what Mr. Wm. Thomas had received. Mr. W. Thiomas: Quite right The. Mayor again suggested that they should proceed to the next business. Mr. W. Thomas asked for a seconder ior his proposition, so that he could have an opportunity to reply. It was rather a grave matter for him, personally. Mr. J. Gibson: What is Mr. Thomas doing now ? He is both sitting down and reply- ing. T'he Mayor closed further discussion on this subject. G.W.R. MOTOR. CARS. Mr. J. Rees, of the Great Western Rail- way Company, applied for three licenses for the motor cars belonging to his Company, plying for hire in the Aberystwyth borough. The application was referred to the Gen- eral Purposes Committee with power to act. CARRIAGE INSPECTION. Mr. Withers reported having; carried out his inspection of hackney carnages on the 14th inst. Of last year's carriages, 71 were presented, four of which could not be passeu. Ten new applications were made, or which seven should be granted, and three refused. Mr. Withers said he was doubtful as to whether the plan adopted by the Council this year, of granting licenses to carriages not sent for hus inspection was a wise one, and it would be more satisfactory if those who did not conform to the notice were mulcted in the costs of a third inspection. Mr. Withers also thought. that if the Coun- cil offered prizes for the best turn-outs, it would tend to an improvement in the ap- pearance of the carriages. T'htj whole matter was referred to the General Purposes Committee. Mr. Edwin Morris wished to advert to the gas question, but Mr. J. Gibson immediate- ly objected. The Mayor Let that, be, now Mr. J. Gibson: I heard Mr. Thomas tell him what to do, but he has misunderstood. He told him to bring it up on the report. Mr. Morris: It is only fair Mr. Thomas should have an opportunity to reply. The Mayor, however, would not allow further discussion on the point. FEAR v. PHILLIPS. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. David Phillips, addressed to the Mayor, in refer- ence to the action of Mr Randolph Feur us to interfering with the lights of his property in Terrace-road. Mr. Phillips said lie would be glad to know what the Council intended to do in the matter, as the time was running on now, and the appeal was being entere 1, and would come on in due course. The Clerk said he had replied, stating the mat- ter was under consideration, and was not a matter that. could be disposed of in haste He asked for a few days more to bring, in a report, which he hlacl been instructed to draw up. Mr. J. Gibson said this matter had not been dealt with by any Law Committee yet. Had counsel's opinion been obtained on it? The Clerk: No. Mr. J. Gibson: What about the assess- ment of damages in the case of Fear v. Morgan ? The Clerk: That, is a matter that will come on very shortly after the Xmas vaca- tion, I think. SANITARY COMMITTEE. It was reported that Mr. Edwin Morris 1 had been appointed chairman of this com- mittee for the ensuing year. PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE. This Committee! made the following re- commendations: (a) That the present wooden jetty near the steamer berth in the Harbour be lengthened by 20 feet, and another wooden jetty be erected on the site as shown on the plan submitted by the Sur- veyor. The total estimated cost of the work is £ 60; (b) That the Town Gardener be authorised to purchase bulbs to an amount not exceeding t3-; (0) That the tender of Mr. Richard Morgan for horse provender for the ensuing twelve months be accepted; (d) That the application of the National1 Telephone Company for permission to erect two telephone poles, one near the Boar s Head and the other at the rear of the Alexandra Hall, be not granted; (e) That the application of the Chiswick Electricity 1 Company for permission to place a 'switch' pillar in Albert-place be not granted; (f) That the claim of Mrs. Margaret Davios, of Glasfryn House, Portland-street, for damages alleged to have been caused to her premises through the bursting of a water main, be not entertained; (g) That the Medical Officer of Health be instructed to report upon the proceedings of the second International Congress on School Hygiene, to be held in London from August 5th to August 10th, 1907, and that delegates to the meetings be not appointed: (h) That the plan of a new dwelling house proposed to be erected by Mrs. M. J. Dayies in Penmaesglas road be approved; (i) That the Borough Surveyor be instructed to erect a new flag-staff on the Castle Tower. TOWN GARDENER CRITICISED. Mr. J. Gibson, referring to recommenda- tion (b), said he thought it was understood the town gardener was to take, in hand the removal of some of the old trees in Pias- crug, the thinning out of some of the dead trees on the side of the road leading to the Gas Works, and generally to look after things in the town. He (the speaker) must say, that whenever he saw the town gar- dener, he was very busily engaged walking along the streets with a couple of men with him. He did not know how much work ho did. He thought it would be a good thing if the Council adjourned for a couple of minutes, and had a look at the shrubbery outside. The only crop he could see there was one of ashes and waste paper. Surely, Bomeono ought to have control. The, Sur- veyor had absolutely no control over the gardener. He seemed to command what- over labour he liked, and was absolutely his own master. He had got the softest job I.y far of anybody in the town, Surely, there ought to be someone to give him instruc- tions aa to the Cemetery, Plascrug, and other places. If he was a man looking after his work, he would not want telling, but their officials seemed so wooden that they had to have instructions, and had to be goaded on to every mortal thing there ws to be done. He did not know what the gardener did, and he thought they could save the money they paid him easily, ard get all the work lie did now done by one of the local gardeners for jE15 or £ 20 a year. As to recommendation (f) in the Com- mittee's report, Mr. 1. Hopkins proposed that they pay the claim. It was only a small amount, and the damage was done by the Corporation opening up the street. Capt. Doughton said it was not as Mr. Hopkins had said. He happened to be pres- ent at the time. The damage was done by the bursting of the main. Alderman Peter Jones: And a similar claim with regard to adjoining property has been refused. The Comtfruittee's recommendations a6 a whole were then adopted. FINANCE COMMITTEE. This committee recommended payments amounting to £ 362 19s. 5d. The committee also made the following recollunendationa: —That the Mayor be authorised to affix the Corporate seal to the lease to the London and Provincial Bank, Limited, of their pre- mises at the corner of North Parade and Terrace road. That the increased rents payable as and from May next of the land and premises situate in Cambrian street and Cambrian court, comprised in the lease grant- ed to tli" Abeiystwyth Co-operative Building Society, be apportioned in accordance with the apportionment made and submitted by the Borough Surveyor to your committee. That the conditions attached to the terms upon which the Council offered to renew the lease of the premises known as the "Chain and Anchor," be rescinded, and that 111 lieu thereof the following conditions be substituted :—" A new dwelling house and shop to he erected upon the site in accord- Alice with the plail submitted to the Public Works Committee, and approved by the Council on the 20th November, 1906. The buildings to be completed on or before the 12th May, 1907.The Town Clerk read the reply of the Local Government Board, dated 21st November, 1906 to the Council's appli- cation, and reported upon the various mat- ters referred to in the letter. Resolved that for the present the Council's application be limited to the following matters:—(1) The appointment of Overseers and Assistant Overseers (2) The revocation of appoint- ment of Assistant Overseers; (3) The powers, duties, and liabilities of the Ovei seers, or of the Churchwardens and Overseers of the Parish, with respect to appeals or objections by them in respect of the valuation list, or appeals in respect of the Poor Hate or County Rate or the basis of the County Rate. Resolved that in forwarding the Council's reply to the Board's letter the Town Clerk urge that this application be dealt with at the earliest moment, and that the special attention of the Board be called to the resignation of the present Collector of poor rates for the parish of Aberystwyth, and to urge that the application by the Board of Guardians to be allowed to retain the power of appointing a successor to the present Collector of poor rates should not in the circumstances be acceded to. The report was adopted. Mr. F. Morgan enquired of the Chairman of the Finance Committee or the Borough Accountant, the total amount of the fine paid in respect of the lease of the London and Provincial Bank. The Borolugh Accountant said, speaking from memory, he thought it was R723. Mr. J. Gibson produced the figures, and said the total amount was k735 lis. 3d. Mr F Morgan: How has this money been allocated ? Has it gone to revenue or has it been invested ? The Borough Accountant said it was placed to revenue, and appeared in the abstract of accounts. The matter was mentioned at the Finance Committee. Mr. F. Morgan: Did Mr. King agree to it? Borough Accountant: He had no power to do that. Mr. F. Morgan said he wished to know whether Mr. King advised the Council to use it, and he would give notice that he would ask the question at the next meeting. £ 700 had been put in the Borough Fund that they would never get agjain. Mr. C. M. Williams, chairman of the Finance Committee, said he was not respon- sible for the amount, as it was paid in Nov. 1904. He took it that it should have been in the first estimate presented by Mr. Gib- son, the then chairman of the Committee. Mr. J. Gibson said he objected strongly to this money being used as it was at the time. Mr. Williams said he was not in any way responsible for it. He believed the total amount of t736 was used as revenue, where- as JE630 should have been paid into a sink- ing fund, and invested in consols. The Borough Accountant said when the notice of motion was placed on the agenda to sign the agreenient-, it was distinctly stated in the motion that the amount was to be paid. So the Council must have been aware the money was received, and dealt with in that. form. It was also mentioned at the Finance Committee, that the money had been received. NEW STANDING ORDERS. Mr. J. Gibson alluded to the draft of the new Standing Orders, and' said they still wanted a good deal of clearing up, and the punctuation was wicked. Standing Orders 14 and 15, provided that the mayor or chair- man should take such steps as might te necessary to enforce the retirement of any member in case of imputing motives or usiag offensive expressions, or in any other w.ty interrupting the business of the -Council. He (the speaker) supposed that that meant that if these had been in force at the pie- vious meeting, Mr. C. M. Williams, who called his conduct a disgrace to the Council, would have been thrown out. He wished to ask the Town Olerk a purely legal ques- tion—ho was going to do this throwing out, because i fit was going to be done, and going to be done effectively, he thought they had better have the information, or it would only mean trouble. There ought to be another standing order giving the mem- bers power to throw out. the cnairman as well, because they had had chairmen who were very partial. The Clerk said the matter had been the sObject of litigation as to the power of the chairman of a Council meeting in the case of disorderly conduct, or conduct which was calculated to, stop the business of the meet- ing proceeding. There was no doubt that there was inherent in every chairman, a power to conduct the proceedings, and the meaning was, that he must, supported by the Council, take the best practical measures that were advisable to eject a dis- orderly member, and if the police were pre- sent he was entitled to call in their aid. Whether the police would act in such a case was another thing. A policeman might te present, to prevent a breach of the peace. Alderman Peter Jones: Would it not de- volve on the officials, because they are under the direct control of the Council? (Laugh- ter). The Clerk said the chairman, supported by the majority, would take the best prac- tical means, and one of those means would be to ask the most capable official to act in the matter. (Renewed laughter). Alderman Peter Jones: Separately or col- lectively ? The Clerk: Yes. Mr Hopkins said as there were about half-a-dozen magistrates on the Council, could they not order the police to take the Mayor into custody if he became unruly. The Clerk replied that any members on the Council, who, were magistrates, would have no authority to give such an order. Mr. J. Gibson said these standing orders seemed' to him, more like a muzzling order thiani anything else. 18 they intended to carry them out they had better be in com- munication with the Police Station by tele- phona. The Mayor: They apply to us all. Mr. J. Gibson: They would bo very good if evenly administered, but I am afraid that will not be the case. You allowed a certain member to say my conduct was a disgrace to the Council. TTnder the standing orders this man would have been turned out neck and crop into the street. Mr. C. M. Williams was sorry these per- j sonal matters were introduced. He did not make the statement attributed to him by Mr. Gibson. He simply stated that Mr. Gibson's conduct in interrupting continually was a disgrace to the Council, a totally dif- ferent thing to the construction Mr. Gibson put upon it. Why not put these things fairly, if certain members were anxious for peace and order. This was the kind of con- duct which irritated people, and created rows. On the proposition of Alderman Peter Jones, it was agreed to postpone the adop- tion of the standing orders until the next meeting, so that the members could have the opportunity of further considering them in, the meantime. ROPEWALK WATER SCHEME. The Public Works Committee reported having considered the report of the Town Clerk re Cae liopewalk water scheme, and the letter from Messrs. Owen Brothers in! rePly, and recommended that the Council offer to construct and lay down a main or pipe to convey the water to a suitable tank in the "Lion" Field, at the highest point, at which they can provide a water supply, from the existing Town service reservoir,' and that such supply be offered to the appli- cants, the charge for such supply to be bv met or. Alderman Peter Jones proposed, and Mi. G. Wilkinson seconded, the adoption of the t report. Capt. T. Doughton said he could see nothing in the report, as it aa as only a repe- tition of Avhat they had in the Public Health Act. They were bound as local authorities, I to supply water within a reasonable distance to all buildings within the borough. Capt. Doughton read section 55 of the Act in sup- port of this contention. Mr. J. Gibson asked whether that ti.d anything to do with this case. The Clerk: It is not relevant to the pre- sent application, because in the first place are no houses there. Capt. Doughton said he was coming to that. Once the houses were put up, the owners Avould be in a position to prove to the, Local Government Board that the local authority vas in default. Section 29:) of the Act stated that if the owners proved that they were not provided with a sufficient and wholesome supply of water, the Lojal Government. Board could then mnke an order limiting the time when tne necessary work to provide a sufficient supply would have to be carried out. Alderman Peter Jones: That is what the Clerk says. C'apt. Doughton went- on to say that. thty were now giving these people an option, [ when they were bound as a local authority to supply all buildings with water within a reasonable distance. in the borough. Mr. J. Gibson: Only the building is not there. Capt. Doughton: That is my opinion, and you can contradict me if you like. Mr. J. Gibson :All these legal opinions are being gradually driven into us, and we bhall have to disinfect ourselves of them soon. Capt. Doughton protested against the re- peated interruptions of Mr. Gibson. Mr. J. Gibson: I rise to a point of order. Capt. Doughton: You have had your point of order, and I have my order, and I am standing on it. Mr. J. Gibson: Who gives them to you? Capt. Doughton: The Public Healt-li Act, which has been put together by cleverer people than are in this room. Proceeding, Capt. Doughton said when Major Tulloch was planning the big scheme for bringing water down from LIJn Llygad y Rheidol, he stated distinctly in his report that the pressure of water from the reservoir would be sufficient to reach the top of the Univer- sity buildings. He did not know whethrr the Ropewalk Field was much higher; he did not think so. but they were hindering the progress of the town as a Corporation. The Nanteos Estate authorities were nin- dered from building on the side of the Dinas, because they could not be assured of a sufficient, water supply. The cost of the Plynlymon scheme was' £ 20.000. In 18S3, Major Tulloch said the supply would be sufficient for the needs of Aberystwyth The population, however, in 1881, was only 5,641, and in 1901 it was 8,013. They could not expect the present supply to be sufficient now, with the population doubled, and the large buildings they had. Alderman Peter Jones: Are we discussing that question now ? Capt. Doughton; I have good grounds, and as you see, I am making good use of it. Mr. J. Gibson: I thought it was all water. Capt. Doughton: You may be all water for what I know. Mr. J. Gibson: I beg your pardon. Capt. Doughton: His object is to try aid baffle me by his interruptions. Capt. Doughton continued to say that of the ori- ginal loan of £ 20,000 for the water works, it had all been paid off with the exception of about £400. In three years time it would all be wiped off, and was it not now the proper time for them to go in and see that they had a sufficient supply of water, in- stead of having deputations and grumblings at the Council when there was a shortage. He suggested that the Suiweyor should be granted the assistance of an expert. lie was informed that the 8 inch pipe-- was right enough on a down grade, but that a ten inch pipe was Avanted on an up grade. Owing to their not having sufficient Avater they had lost zC500 per annum from the rail- way companies. They thought the companies were paving too little, and charged them more, and killed the goose that laid the golden egg. He thought it was high tillli they went thoroughly into the matter, and de- cided to have an adequate supply of water. Mr. 1. Hopkins said if only t400 was due on the waterworks loan, why was the rate of 8d. in the £ which brought in £1,500 to LI,600, made for water purposes. Mr. Samuel said Avhile agreeing with what Capt. Doughton had said. he supported the Committee's recommendation, as it simply gave to the Ropewalk owners what they were entitled to. Oapt. Doughton: But you are bound to supply them with water. It was no condes- cension, whatever. Mi*. Samuel: But it does not affect the greater scheme at all. The Clerk pointed out that it had been said more than once, that there was not the slightest desire on the part of a single mem- ber of the Council to thwart this scheme The, position of the Council was that they must obtain a loan before they could con- struct the Avorks they Avere asked to con- struct. That application would be followed by an enquiry, and then if the applicants Avere able to make out a ease within t! a meaning of the Public Health Act, and 1 particularly section 299, a loan might be authorised. Then there were certain powers under the Act. for charging particular dis- tricts situated like this with any exception- al coats. The question would have to be faced also, whether it was reasonable for the remainder of the town to take upon itself the additional burden, when they had al- ready contributed for the supply which they now enjoyed. Their only object Avas to let the promoters see the difficulties. Capt. Doughton said if the buildings were put up, and the owners made a com- plaint, they as a local authority would soon be declared to be in default. Alderman Peter Jones said he would p--e- fer taking his law from the Town Clerk than from any member, and that was the reason they were guided in this by him at the commit,tee> meeting. Copt. Doughton had m £ ntio!ned the word condescension. What that meant as applied to this case he could not. understand Capt. Doughton: You are only doing vnat you are forced to. That is the meaning Alderman Peter Jones said the com- mittee's recommendation was a reply to the statement made on behalf of the promoters of the building scheme. On being put to the meeting, the com- mittee's recommendation was agreed to unanimously. PUBLIC LIBRARY SITES COMMITTEE. This committee reported that Mr. W. G. Payton had attended a meeting on Decemoer 12th, and stated that the several matters required to be done by Messrs. Edwards Bros. in the Library, had been done to lus satisfaction, but. that the wooden floors were not satisfactory. The committee recori-1 mended that no part of the £ 100 in hand be paid to the contractors until the flooring had been completed to the satisfaction of Mr. W. G. Payton, and his final certificate given. The report was adopted. PUBLIC LIGHTS COMMITTEE. This committee made the following reeom- mendationa:—(a) That the tender of the1 Chiswick Electricity Company, dated lr.i li July last, to supply 8 ampere Excello Flame Arc Lamps, and to maintain and supply current at an inclusive charge of £13 13s. per lamp per annum be accepted; (b) That the contract with the said Company be for a period of five years from the 1st April, 1907; (e.) That instructions bo given for the preparation of the necessary contract, em- j bodying the foregoing and such other terms as the Council may. deem necessary. Mr. W. Thomas, in moving the adoption; of the report, said as far as he knew, no objection had been taken to this tender on the point of price. The light would be about 50 per cent, more than they had had hitherto, and the charge would be £ 31 j per annum less. In his opinion, it was use- less to ask for lower terms. He moved the adoption of the committee's report, and ho also wished to move further, that the Town Clerk be instructed to write to the Gas Company, asking for a full explanation of! the difference m the quotation mention.d by Councillor Hopkins and their last quota- tion, and enquiring whether they were pre- pared to adhere to the first. It was their duty to the ratepayers to do that. Alderman Peter Jones suggested that the latter part of Mr. Thomas' proposition should be taken separately. Mr. W. Thomas said he moved it now, otherwise he would not be in order. The Mayor said he would give Thomas permission to move the two matters separately. Mr. J. Gibso.n proposed that the report bo referred back, in order to try and get a three years' contract. Mr. I. Hopkins seconded, stating he did not think it right that the Electric. Light Co. should have a five years' contract, and the Gas Company only a three years con- tract. Mr. W. Thomas, in replying to the dis- cussion, said when the tender of the Electric Light Company was first considered, several gentlemen, and particularly Mr. J. Gibson, were very pressing that it should be adopted there and then. Mr. J. Gibson objected to these personal comments What good were the standing orders ? There was someone going to be thrown, out, evidently. Mr. W. Thomas: Mr. Gibson must take care. Mr. J. Gibson: Why Mr Gibson all the while? What motiA^es is he imputing to mo now ? Mr. W. Thomas: I don't impute any motives. Mr. J. Gibson Well then you don't m- ke yourself clear. Mr. W. Thomas, continuing, said five or •ix weeks ago. Councillor Gibson was very pnxious that this tender should be accepted and he thought they were entitled to some explanation why he should have altered his mind now. When they first sent in Ineir tender, the Electric Light Company a&ked for a ten years' contract, based on the pro- bable length of time the lamps and the lanterns would last. Then they reduced the time to five years, risking the possibility of the lamps being throwll on their hands at the end of that time. His opinion was, that the Council would repent if they delaycd closing with the Electric Light Company. It Avas his opinion, and he believed, the opinion of the large majority of the Coun- cil, that the terms were very fair and rea- sonable, especially now when the market in certain materials was going up very fast. jír. J. T. Davies rose to speak, and per- sisted in doing so, although) ruled out of order by the Mayor. The Electric Light Company came down from ten to five years, on the condition that the Gas Company also came down. The Mayor: You are spoiling the meeting now. Air. Davies: Mr. Thomas has only given us half a statement. (Cries of '"Order.') There they are; the blind following. The Mayor: We are all a blind following then. (Laughter) On being put to the meeting, only four voted for the amendment, and the com- mittee's recommendation was then carried. Mr. W. Thomas further proposed that the Town Clerk be instructed to write to He Gas Company, asking for a full explanation as to their two quotations, and enquiring whether they were prepared to adhere to their first quotation given to Mr. Hopkins. Mr. J. T. Davies seconded, and asked hew could they expect the Gae Company to give a three years' tender at a low price, when they had accepted a five years' tender from the Electric Light Company. It was ab- surd. They were worse than a lot of chil- dren. Mr. F. Morgan said when Mr. Gibson pro- posed a similar resolution at the beginning of the meeting, Mr. Thomas voted against it. Capt. Doughton said a possible explana- tion of the increase in the Gas Company s tender was that the price of coal had gone up since two> years ago. Mr. J. Gibson: But the price of gas as lower. Capt. Doughton replied that that had nothing to do with his point. Mr. G. Wilkinson thought Mr. Thomas' resolution a A*ery reasonable one. Mr. Thomas rase to reply, but Mr. Gib&on objected, on the ground that no fresh mat- ter had been introduced. Mr. C. M. Williams: The sooner we get the standing orders into force the better. On being put to tho meeting. MI. Thomas' proposition was carried, Mr. J. Gibson being the only dissentient. MARKETS AND SLAUGHTER HOUSE COMMITTEE. This committee made the following re- commendations:—(a) That the offer ot Mr. Barnett Pareezer to surrender his lease of the premises known as the Corn Market Hall be accepted, and that the Town Clerk be instructed to ask Mr. Pareezer to name a price for the fixtures, etc., owned by him on the premises; (b) That the offer of the Corn Market Hall Co., Ltd., dated 27th October, 1906, to lease the whole of the Corn Market Hall, lock-up shops and premises to the Corporation, for a term of 50 years determinable at the option of the Council at the end of 21 or 36 years, at the yearly rent of tl89 be accepted, the Company to insure the premises against fire, and also I the plate glass; (c) That the necessary steps be taken to put in force the provisions of the Aberystwyth Improvement and Water Act, 1872, and the Acts incorporated there- with, for the opening of the premises known as the Corn Market Hall, situate in Market street and Little Darkgate street within the Borough, for public use. Mr. J. T. Davies moved ,and Mr. Daniel Thomas seconded, thie adoption of the le- port, the latter remarking that he hoped this departure would be the means of clear- ing the streets of hawkers. Mr. W. Thomas moved that the matter be referred back. (Laughter from Mr. J. Gibson) No doubt the chairman of the committee would tell them in his reply the terms upon which Mr. Pareezer was going to surrender the lease. Mr. J. T. Davies: Free of charge. Mr. Thomas I expected that. Mr Thomas went on to say they had heard much against a five years contract for public lighting, but here they proposed to bind the Council for 21 years. He would earnestly appeal to the Council to press upon the Company to give an option to terminate the lease at the end of say seven, or ten. or twelve years. They did not know whether this step would iiaie the effect that they desired, and Avheth _>r it would be the means of clearing the streets. His own opinion was that the building was too limited, and that it would not enable the Council to take the necessary legal steps to clear the hawkers off the streets- Mr. J. Gibson said they could get a rent of t60 to C70 for the hall in the summer time. They were very lavish with their money in other ways. They gave £100 to a show which perhaps would not be here for more than another year, and they gave the Surveyor £ 125. There was a certain clique in the Council which would not accept any proposition brought forward by one or two certain members. Mr. W. Thomas said he had not spoken to a single member on this matter. Mr. J. Gibson: I did not say so. Mr. W. Thomas: But there is the in- sinuation. Mr. T. J. Samuel said he would be most pleased to coincide with the resolution, but he considered they should have more in- formation before signing a lease for 21 years. A few months ago there was a great cry in the tOAvn that they should clear the Meat Market and get hawkers to go there, and now they had the place half empty, and people were complaining that there was nothing going on there. As for the hawk- ing business, lie felt sure every member of the Council would like to see all that done aAvay with entirely in the tOAvn. But- it was not an easy job. Their officials would have hard work in detecting these people. Mr. J. T. Davies: They want something to do. Mr. Samuel said the hawking was a dis- grace to them. and it was time they put an end to it. But apart from the officials, they would have to have a caretaker and a man to collect the tolls, and they would have to pay for lighting and the rates. He con- sidered that a committee of the whole Council should consider the matter. Mr. Hopkins said there was a dodge in this matter. Mr. Samuel: I rise to a point of order. I have no dodge. Mr. F. Morgan: Mr. Hopkins did n .t charge Mr. Samuel. Mr. Samuel: He did, and you had better go Avliere you have come from. Mr. Morgan (vehemently): And you can go where you have come from. too. Mr. Hopkins said he did not like these little dodges. When a committee had worked hard, its work was thrown on one side. so that others could get credit for what had been done. Alderman Peter Jones said he thought they were all agreed as to the necessity there was for having a resolution of this kind put into operation in some form cr another, but he thought they were fairly entitled to be furnished with mors detailed information as to the probable expenditure incidental to it and also an estimate of Lie receipts. He seconded Mr. Samuel that the matter be referred to a committee of t' e whole Council. Captain Doughton also thought in the i interests of the town that they should try and get a lease for 7 or 14 years, and he supported the proposal that the whole Council should consider the matter. It was impossible to please eA*erybody. Mr. Gibson had made reference to what they had given the Surveyor. Of course, they did it con- scientiously. They were all in favour of it except one. He was tackled about it the other day by two old spinsters. He would not repeat all that passed, but it came to this that he had to tell them "that is yo ir opinion and not mine." If he had stayed there longer he would have had his eves scratched out. (Laughter). It was impos- sible to please everybody, and especially old spinsters. (Renewed laughter). He made this statement, as he had found out. that the spinsters had repeated their remarks to another person. Mr. J. T. Davies said the Company owning the hall refused to give a 1--1 years' lease They already had a seven years' lease at a rental of It Avas then carried that the adoption of the committee's report be deferred pending it. consideration by a committee of tJJe whole Council. TOWN BAND. l The Clerk reported he had received two tenders for the supply of a town band next summer. It was agreed that they be referred to the General Purposes Committee.