The Glamorgan Gazette

MARRIAGES. ANTHONY—BROWN"—YVednesday, 18th inst., at St. Mary's, Nolton, Ernest Anthony, Hoelycue, Pen- coed, to Florence, only daughter of James Brown, Sunnyside. 9305 IN MEMORIAM. In Loving Memory of my dear Father, John Thomas (late Pantruthin Fawr) Pencoed, who fell asleep November 14th, 1894. "God calls our loved ones, but we lose not wholly What He has given They live in thought and deed as truly As in His Heaven." 9288 ACKNOWLEDGMENT. Mr. and Mrs. John, Twynllydan, Laleston, desire to thank their,numerous friends for the kind- ex- pressions of sympathy shown towards them in their recent sad bereavement. 9279

Bridgend is not enamoured of ceremony in muruicipal' matters, but we are glad to note that the District Council intends to celebrate the acquisition of the electrical generating station by an iniauo-uTal function.. This cere- mony luext Wednesday wi.ijl not merely be one of form; it will have educational advan- tages. Tlie public will be able to inspect the station and machinery and see part of what they have purchased, and. what should be stiM more interesting, they will be given an opportunity to hear members and officials ex- plain, possibly at some length, the negotia- tions and the reasons for the purchase. These ,adcllresses should provide a little ray of sun- shine in the darkness which has unnecessarily enveloped' the proceedings in connection with the purchase of this costly concern'. It would be 're-assuring if the chaiirman or an official would "rod'uoe a financial statement showing how the losses on the working of the station and tliie instalment's of the loans are to be met, but any hope in that direction will be doomed to disappointment, for no such statement has, so far as we can gather, ever been prepared. As one of the members inno- cently admitted a week or two ago, the suc- cess of the undertaking is problematical, though there was never any question that a gas suction pliant could have been laid down to supply the town without risk of less. However, the die has been cast, and' everyone in the town. will' hope that this venture—a large undiertaking for a small town—will prove a success. Thie scheme to form a Water Board for Glamorgan has not received' the support ex- pected when the County Council set the movement afoOt. Only fiva. District Coun- cils have decided' to join up to the present, and there appears to be some doubt whether it is too late for others to come in. When first mooted1 the idea of the scheme seemed so good that the subsequent hesitation on the part of local authorities to join came unex- pectedly. The development of the coalfield is taking place at such a rapid rate that a vast quantity of water will be required if the present rate of growth is maintained, in the course of a few years. This develop- ment affects the water supply in two ways; while the larger population will make more demands for one of the first necessaries of ex- istence, the output of the present sources will be 'almost certainly reduced' owing to col- liery workings. There is also the fact to be considered1 that the quantity of water used per lieadi is, largely owing to the increase in the number of bathrooms, continually being increased. So that white available supplies will decrease, the demand will, so far as it is possible to judge, enormously increase in the next decade or two. The only possible way of coping with the expected' demand, it is considered, is to penetrate into places where there are copious supplies beyond the coal measures. Such preserves are possible of acquisition to-day, but their quantity and selection is frequently becoming less owing to the poaching of la,rge English towns. It follows that if Glamorgan is to make a move it is advisiablie to do so whilst tllere is a selec- tion1 of conveniently situated sources and be- fore more money is spent on schemes and re- servoirs which would be unnecessary. The idea of the Board is excellent, but, as we have remarked, the District Councils generally have not made a ready response. In the whole of the Bridgend and Cow bridge Union, for instance, the only authority to join is the Rural District of Penybont. Dis- trict Councils may be pardoned for consider- ing the question from the purely local stand- point in a measure it is their duty to do so, inasmuch as they are elected to took after the interests of the people of their districts. Water will not be supplied by the Board at as cheap a rate as the districts now secure it, and this is a consideration which has been allowed to overshadow future possibilities, and the advantage of the supplies being in the hands of authorities which would make purity a primary consideration. Porthcawl has a supply with which it is quite sat-isfiedi, Bridgend has an adequate quantity available which the Council, at any rate, seem to be sa.ti.sfie.d with. and the Ogmore and Garw shelter behind, expert advice that their sources in the two chief valleys are out of the mininwr danger zone. In the sparsely popu- lated1 Vale the question of water supply never becomes acute, though the town of Cowbridge is very unsatisfactorily supplied. All these districts have definitely declined to have any- thing to do with the Ikwrd, and' the only place in the Union which is undecided is Maesteg. On the assumption that Maesteg is still able, to join, the question is of great importance to that area, which has to rely on the generosity of Messrs. North's for a good deal of its supply, and' is even then., dur- ing the dry season, in something of a dilemma. Maesteg has a choice of two schemes. It appealrs that a supply of water can be secured from Ystradfellte, from which Neath Rural, Neath Borough, and Briton Ferry are supplied, and it is questionable on present information whether the district would benefit most from a supply from this source or by joining the Water Board. Having regard to the length of time which has elapsed1 since the abandon men t of the Rlaewewmcerwyn project and the mooting of the Water Board, it appears to us that the District Council has been remiss in not having all the facts and figures before it which would enable it to form an opinion, without taking a leap in the dark. As it is, it may be forced to purchase from the Water Board at its own terms and without repre- sentation. Mr. Blandy Jenkins told a meeting of the Ogfmbre and Garw Council that the Water Board proposed to purchase the Garw under- taking even if the Council refused to join— which it subsequently did. This statement was made, we believe, on the ground tha.t the Penybont Council, one of the contribut- ing authorities, is supplied from the Garw, as well as the Glamorgan Asylums. If this statemE"Ilt is e8ifiried intD e1f.ect in the Bill. it statement is carried into effect- in the Bill, it will be the duty of the Council to thoroughly consider the possibilities involved. The Garw must safeguard its own natural supply at all costs. While there is enough and to spa,re there is no reason why a dog-in-the- manger policy should be adopted, but the Water Board must be prevented from having power to divert the whole of the water to its own use. That is a position which, we take it, would not be tolerated for one moment. We need not assume that the Glamorgan County Council have any mean ulterior mo- tives in scheduling this undertaking, though we do know that the action of the Council have not always been above suspicion. To substantiate that statement, we need not. go into any large question, but merely call to mind what was attempted in the matter of Pairc Gwyllt drainage. At any rate. the risk of losing a natural water supply to a popu- lous valley is too great to be thought of. and. it will be the duty of the Council to see that the Garw Valley is protected either by cover- ing clauses or the omission of power to ac- quire the undertaking. To oppose in Par- liament is not likely to be necessary, because we do not suppose the water committee will risk morte opnosition than is essential, but should it be necessary such a course would be justified. The opposition of the Water Co. itself, should it be entered, would not be suf- ficient to be relied upon, because it would not carry the same weight as the epposition of a local authority.

LOCAL NEWS. The Celebrated Lipton's Teas and Provi- sions may be had of the Sole Agent for Bridg- end—T. Woodward, near The Bridge. THE Rev. J. M. Saunders. M.A., Pencoed, will preach on Sunday next at Nolton-street Presbyterian Church, at 11 a.m. and 6.38 p.m. 9287 THN. Rowa wishes to tharuk his luimeirous customers for past support, and asks that they will in future address all Coal Orders to Southemdown. WHAT about your Cigars for Xmaa? Select them from a Stock of upwards of 20,000, all the best Brands and beautifully conditioned, at Geo. Cameron's Cigar Box, Bridgend. Wholses-ale .and Retail Merchant. Opposite the TOWIL Hall. THE Acquisition by the Town of the Elec- tric Light and Pbwer Station will be inaugu- rated OIl Wednesday next at 3 p.m.. when short addresses will be delivered. All rate- payers and inhabitants are cordially invited to attend and inspect the Station and its equipment. 9308 PENSIONS COMMITTEE.—A meeting of the Bridgend and District Pensions Oommittee was held on Saturday, under the presidency of Dr. D. J. Thomas, J.P., C.C.. Nantymoel. Twenty applications for pensions were dealt with. and. with two exceptions, these were approved. PROPERTY MARKET.—At the Angel Hotel, Bridgend. on Saturday, Messrs. Michael Davies and Richardls offered Tuskar House, Sunnyside-road, Bridgend, held for 99 years from 1898 at a ground rental of £1 10s. The property was sold to Mr. E. Griffiths, retired draper, for JE170. Mr. W. E. Lewis, Bridg- end, was the vendor's solicitor. ASYLUM INMATE'S SENSIBLE LETTER.At a meeting of the Swansea Board of Guardians Miss Dillwyn referred to a letter which she had received from an inmate of the County Asylum at Bridgend, and stated that, as a previous letter produced by her had evoked no action locally, she had senti this to the Lunacy Commissioners. The letter com- plained of the treatment- at the asylum, and said that there were many there who ought to be in their own homes, but it was useless making any complaints. They were kept there "to run the place." If outside people knew the facts there would be a great altera- tion. Mrs. H. D. Williams remarked that the letter was "a very sensible one." As the matter had been referred to the Lunacy Com- missioners, it was decided' to leave it over till some communication had been received from them. BRIDGEND PARLIAMENT."—The weekly sitt- ing was held on Tuesday, the speaker (Mr. Michael Davies) in the chair, about 30 mem- bers attending. A number of ladies were present, probably attracted by the resumed debate on the Women Suffrage Bill. Mr. W. Hopkins resumed the diebate, the follow- ing taking part:—Messrs. H. Woodward. J. Soribbing, John Cawker, T. S. Mason, O. Lewis, T. G. Adams, A. Lewis, Rev. D. G. Rees, and the Leader of the House (Mr. L. Edwards). The Home Secretary (Mr. D. L. Powell) having replied, the House divided, with the result that the Bill was carried, amidst cheers, by a majority of 2. The Women's Franchise Bill having been passed, ladies can be enrolled as members, with the full privileges of the House. At the next Session Mr. H. J. Randall will introduce a motion on National Compulsory Service. ANNIVERSARY.—The anniversary services at the English Congregational Church, on Sun- day, were highly successful, large congrega- tions being pivsent. The special preacher was the Rev. Gwilym Jones, a former minis- ter of the Church and now of St. Helen's. Lanes., who delivered inspiring sermons morning and evening, based on St. John ix. 35, and Song of Solomon iv. 16. The sing- ing. conducted by Mr. W. Leyshon, was a feature of the services, and served to show that the choir is steadily improving, the soft shading being particularly effective. At the morning service selections were rendered from the Anniversary Hymn Book, and in the evening the anthem, ''The Radiant Morn" (Woodward) was beautifully sung. Miss Bronwen Evans gave an exquisite rendering of "The Voice in the Cathedral." Mr. W. T. Davies deputised Mr. Leyshon at the organ. DEATH OF MR. TOM RADCLIFFE. WATERTON COFRT.—The funeral of the late Mr. Tom Radcline. fourth son of Mr. and Mrs. Rad- cliffe, Waterton Court, took place on FEi- day. Deceased's illness and death came as a painful surprise, as he appeared a few weeks previous to be healthy and full of vigour. He was only 17 years of age. but by his un- assuming, unostentatious, and genial manner he had endeared himself to all who came in contact with him. He was a faithful at- tendant at Hermon Sunday School. A large number of letters of sympathy were received by the family in their bereavement, and wreaths were sent by Colonel and Mrs. Tur- bervill, Ewenny Priory; Messrs. Cory Bros., Cardiff; Mr. Griffin (the manager); Messrs. Henry and Dan Radcliffe, Slupowiiers. Car- diff; the Misses Jane and C'assie Thorn rs. Llansannor )1Irs. Gladwin. Miss W. Francis. Misses Kate and Edith Corns, 3011 of Bridg- end; and one from Hermon Sunday School, which was wen represented at the' funeral. Over seventy vehicles joined the funeral pro- cession, and the deceased was buried at the family burial ground at the Calvinistic Methodist Chapel, Penlline. where his grand- father, the late Mr. Thomas Radcliffe. Great House, was laid to rest a few weeks ago. A short service was conducted at the house by the Rev. S. Jones. Coychurcli. At the chapel the Revs. Rees Davies. W. Thomas (Presby- terian minister), and Livwel Morgan. Bridg- end (who had charge of the funeral), con- ducted a short service. The funeral cortege included Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe. father and mother; Miss Gwladys Radcliffe. sister; Tudor. Willie. David, Sidney, Einivn. Her- bert, Towyn, and AshI-ey Radcliffe, brothers; MJrlS. Radcliffe. grandmother; Mr. and Mrs. Radcliffe, uncle and aunt: Misses E. and J. Radcliffe and Mr. Edward Radcliffe. cousins, all of The Great House; Messrs. Dait and Charles Radcliffe, uncles, Cardiff; Mr. and Masses Thomas; Misses J. and C. Thomas and Mr. D. Thomas, cousins. Ha-nsa-nnor: Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins. Misses May ¿ Doric Jenkins and MT. Sydney Jen-kins, musan Mount Pleasant, Oowbrid-ee; Mr. and Mrgr Thomas, uncle and aunt. Stockland. St. Fagan's: Mr. J. Hopkins, uncle. Giifach: Mr. tand Mrs. Hopkins, uncle-and aunt, and Masters Tom, Willie and Harry Hopkins, cousins. Llamharry; Mr. Watts, uncle. Dyffryn Fach; Mr. and Mrs. John, uncle and aunt, Argoed; Mrs. Hopkins, aunt. Lis- worney; Mrs. Hopkins, aunt, Giifach; Miss J. Milford, cousin Misses Hilda and Maggie Watts, c**sdn&; Miss Roasw, oousm, Pen- ooed; Mr. and Mrs. John, cousins, The Ham Mr. and Mrs. Tudor Thomas, cousins. Lisworney; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, cousins. Isycoed; Mr. ldr-is John, cousin, Ystrad- owen: Mr. D. John. cousin, Stockland; Messrs. Tom, Willie and Arthur Hopkin. cousins. Llan harry; Mrs. M. Davies. aunt. Mrs. M. Davies. aunt. The TaJ- bot. The hea,ren; were Messrs. Edward Rad- cliffe. W illie Thomas, Tudor Thomas, and Tom Thomas.

BRIDGEND ELECTRICAL SCHEME. 4 PURCHASE OF THE POWER STATION. GOVERNMENT BOARD INQUIRY. Mr. H. Shelfbnd Bidwell, M.Inst.C.E.. conducted an inquiry at the Council Offices, Bridgend', yesterday, relative to the applica- tion of the District Council for sanction to a loan of £7.5-50 for the purchase of the local undertaking of the South Wales Power Co. Those present indluded Alderman T. J. Hughes (clerk to (the Counoil). Mr. W. F. Tudor (surveyor), Mr. T. Thomas (electrical engineer), and the following members of the Council: —Messrs. W. Edwards, J.P. (chair- man). George Harris, E. Preece, jumr., and Henry Abbott. The Council originally applied' for a loan of £8.250. but tlie abandonment of the proposal to provide a refuse destirucstor and coal ele- vators effected a Traduction of £ 700. b5.000 is required for the purdhase of the gerierajtirug station, mains, etc., ajtd tine remainder far tne costs incurred in connection with the transfer of the undertaking and obtaining the Provisional Order, the provision of machinery for pumping water from the river to the station, and confusing plant. Alderman Hughes supplied stetist-icd in- formation as follows r—Population rt: the 1901 census, 6,066; present- estimated popow- lait-ion, 7,38.5; animal assessable value, £ 28,770 16s. 3d.; outstanding loans, £ 28,431 17s. 2<1.; general district rate, 4s. Sd. for the year; poor nate, 4s.; amount produced by a penny rate, JE115. EXPLANATORY STATEMENT. Continuing, Alderman Hughes said the his- tory of the subject of the present application went so far as the yeair 1893, when a Provi- sional Order was granted to the Council under the Electric Lighting Acts. The object of securing that Order was to keep carpet- baggers off, for at that time Glamorgan, which was developing at an extrasixliiuary pace, was being exploited by who were slipping in Provisional Orders in some of the best parts of the county, which sub- sequently had to be bought out. The Coun- cil, though they were not prepared at that time to proceed with a scheme of lrighting for the town, considered it to be their duty to protect the ratepayers. After the- order had been in existence for some time the Board of Trade began, naturally and properly, to press the Council for an answer as to whether they were going to do anything under the Oder, threatening to cancel it unless something were done. The Council negotiated with one or two firms to see if they would take over the Order, but their terms were not very satisfactory. In the year 1901-2 the South Wales Electrical Power Distribution Co. was incorporated by Act of Parliament with a view to supplying electricity in bulk for both lighting and power in two or three huge centres of population, ajid then distributing it to local authorities, to colliery companies, and private consumers. The Council at that time thought that this was precisely the kind of thing that would suit a small town like Bridgend, because it seemed that the bar to any undertaking being successfully run by a small municipality was the initial 'cost of the 'I I plant. From inquiries the Council found that. comparatively few small urban districts, who had started- that sort of thing on their own, had been entabled to make a profit. Negotia- tions were then opened with the Power Co. with the view to their supplying Bridgend. The Glamorgan County Asylums, situated within H miles of the town, were at that time lit by gas, and they decided to have an electric plant of their own. In fact, the Committee of Visitors were on the point of accepting tenders for the r'-int, when he (Alderman Hughes) intervened. The result was that he was able to arrange A THREE-HANDED BARGAIN by which the South Wales Power Company were to supply the Uvbaji District of Bridg- end with energy—for power and lighting pur- poses—and the Asylums, an arrangement being made by which the total number of units used by the Asylum should be added -to tlie Bridgend total in fix- ing the Bridgend rate of payment and that for the asylums. By this arrangement, Bridgend and the asvlums oeceived the energy 30 per cent, below what it would have been under the sliding scale of payment. The agreement was sealed between the Coun- cil and the Power Company on the 28th Janu- ary. 1902. The pri-cc for energy was fixed at lj-d. per unit, and the Counictl had to pay the cost of transforming, which was equivalent to |d. The Power Cempany were anxious to get Pontypridd to join the undertaking, and in order to bring this about they offered special terms. There was a '"favoured na- tion-" clause in the Act, a,-nd directly he (Alderman Hughes* ascestained what the Company were doing he took the matter up, Company were doing he took the matter up. and in the end the Comoanv intimated that they would supply Bridgend with energy at lfd., the terms offered to Pontypridd. -Alat- ters went al;on,g very merrily after this, the Council obtaining energv at that very low rate. But what was fun to the Council was death to the Power Company, and in 1906 they became moribund, and for the past two years the Council had been subsidising them. The Company came to the Council pointing a pistol at their heads, saying We have come to a-it end of. rimr tether, and unless you and the Asylums and the power consumers subsidise us we shall shut down at once." That was not to be thought of. because it would PLUNGE THE TOWN IN DARKNESS and involve considerable loss not only to the ratepayers but to the power consumers, while it would be nothing less than a. tragedy if the County Asylums, with their 1,500 patients. were left in darkness. The Council cam-e to the ooniclusion that there was nothing to do but to subsidise the Company, ajid from month to month they had paid their propor- tion of the deficit incurred in continuing the station, as checked by the chairman of the Electrical Sub-Committee and an account- ant. The Inspector How much has the Council spent in that way? The Electrician The total for last war was £ 318. Alderman Hughes, proceeding:, said that that arrangement was very undesirable from every standpoint. It was not satisfactory from the standpoint of the auditor, because other petopTe were manaGing and the Coun- cil paying. If the Comwnv chose to pay 15s. a ton for coal the Council had no jurisdiction —they wp.re raying the nirer and others were calling the tune. Tlie Company got into such a condition at length that they had to <ro to Parliament for oowers practically to blow themselves up. Negotiations were then com menocd between the Council and the Company with the view to the purchase of the power station. The Council fournd tint the power station was held on- lease for a resi- due of a term of 60 years—of which probably ten had gone—and that the total eround rent came to E160 per annum. The Council also satisfied themselves that the cost to the Power Company of the Power Station, to- gether with its contents—boilers, steam en- gines. electrical machines—and many miles of excellent cables, bad been SOMETHING OVER £4U.UUU. The original riropo^a.l of the Company was £ 14.000, but the Council made a counter-pro- posal of £ 5.000. and bit by bit the Company came down to that figure, the Council tellling them in so manv words that they would re- vert to gas 0" have a eas suction pbnt of their own. The result of the negotiations was that the Company and the Council on- tered into a provisional cointract on Septem- ber 24th last year for the sale and purchase fur £ 5.000 of their leasehold interest in the land, the power station, the plant, cables, stock, traiisformerig-i-n fact, lock, stock and barrel. Mr. Jacob Jenkins, the owner of the landl. was receiving from the Power Com- pany something Hke L160 per annmm, and in fairness to him it should be started that he had been obliged to acquire a lease of some adjoining land at £ 69 oer annum, as he had not got enough freehold in his hand. The station a.nd practically the whole of the re- servoir was built on Mr. Jenkins's freehold, and the Council therefore did not require the other land. As the result of negotiations with Mr. Jenkins, it was arranged that the Council should surrender the lease purchased from tihe Power Company and take a fresh lease from him for the land thev requi-red at a rent of £ 85 per annum. The lease was on special terms for 99 years determinable at the Council's option at the end of any seven years after the lapse of 21 years. A portion of the reservoir infringed on the land which the Council were not taking over. and Mr. Jenkins had agreed, if and wllpn necessary, to take off that portion of the reservoir. The Council would have declined to enter into an agreement for a great undertaking of that sort without safeguarding themselves in re- gard to the Asylums, and they had entered into an agreement with the Committee of ViSLtors—now practically a Standing Oom- mittee of the County Council—which was scaled on Wednesday, the effect of which was that for 14 years to come the ASYLUMS DOLXD THEMSELVES to purc-hadie niom the Council all the energy ¡'eq.wu'tJd for power and lighting auxl aaiy other purpose—though he did not know tor wiiat other purpose it could be required. ltie inspector It may be for electric treat- ment. The Asylums Committee had also bound themselves, Akkurmaji Hughes continued., not to make any electrical energy themselves, or acquire eneiigy from any other public body, company or person., and they bound them- selves not to revert to gas or any other torm of lighting or power. The committee would pay .Xi. pel" unit for light and ltd. tor power tor the itrwt seven years, and 2-^d. for light and l{d. for power in the second seven years. La^t year tne- consumption ot electricity at the Asylnma was roughly 130,000 units, while that for tlie whole town of Bridgend was 120,00U units. The Inspector: The Asylums, therefore, consume mo-ie than the whole of the urban district. Alderman Hughes said that was so. and it was rite pivot upon which the whole thing turned. UnJess they had got from the com- mittee terms which their adviser considered satisfactory, they would not have touched the undertaking, because even £ 5,000 would be too much for a municipality to expend on a scheme of thite sort for its own purpose. They looked eporn the Asylums Committee not only as a very I-airge consumer and a certain payer —there would be no bad debts about it—but as a stlill increasing consumer. He happened to ImQr dHi\ the Committee proposed to erect a rtew block at an early date. The Inspector: They seem to be increasing the Asylum accommodation all over Wales. Alderman Hugbes: Yes, but the population. in Glamorgan is increasing very rapidly. Continuing be pointed out that when the PROPOSED NEW BLOCK at the Asylums was erected the total otttput would be raised by about one-tenth. The same machinery would be worked at the Power Station, and only a few more tons of coal would be used. To enable the Council to supply the Asylums two things had been necessary. First of all, the Council had to obtain powers to supply outside their own district, 'and these powers were obtained by a Provisional Order which was continued by Parliament last session. The first schedule of that Order added the portions of the Bridgend district which before the extension of the district in 1904 were in the parishes of Coity Lower and Dandy. and not in the area to which the old Order related. The Order also empowered the Council to supply in cer- tain parte of the Penybont. Rural District— in the parishes of Coity Higher, St. Bride's Miner, and Ewenny—in which there were power oonstumers. and the Council were thus abJe to cwntinue supply to those consumers 'and to the Asylums. It was necessary in tlie secoad place, that the South Wales Power Company should have power to sell their undertaking to the Council, and they ob- tained an Act of Parhament for that pur- pose, among others, in the tast Session. In the provisional contract with the Power Com- pany the COMPLETION OF THE PURCHASE of the undertaking was fixed for September 30th, and it, was also one of the terms of the contract that interest at the rate of 4 per cent, should be paid on the overdue purchase money. The Council were anxious to save that interest because they had arranged for a loan at 3-1 per cent. and, what was infinitely more important perhaps, they wished to se- cure the control of the undertaking as its working was not economical and the Council had to subsidise it. The Council accord- ingly approached their bankers and explained the position. Anrangements were made with the bank for the advance of the amount necessary to complete the purchase of the sta- tion without interest—an arrangement which reoeived the san ction of the Local Gov- ernment Board—and the money was paid over on Wednesday. The engineering details were supplied by Mr, Thomas (the electrician), Mr. Tudor (the surveyor), and Mr. T. E. Lewis (the resident manager of the Company*. The last-named stated that the capital cost of the undertak- ing was £ 38,000. including £ 12.000 for mains. At the olose of the inquiry, Alderman Hughes said he wished the inspector to clearly understand that the Council would not have touched the undertaking had it not been for the Asylums, the income from which was anticipated to be £ 1.500 per annum.

PRISONER COMMITTED TO THE ASSIZES. W ii 11 am Poole, alias William Andrews, labourer. Llanharran (lately of Pontycym- mer) was charged at a special County Polite- court at Cowbridge on Tuesday with burglari- ously entering the Llanharran Post Office and stealing the sum of £ 28 8s. G^d.. the property 2 of the postmaster, William Hopkins. Martha Simmonds. Post Offioe- clerk, stated that on the evening of Friday. November 6th. she lodfcrci the outer door of the Post Office about 9.15, and later she locked the tills, the keys of which she piaced by the side of the desk. When witness opened the office on the following moaming she noticed a piece of glass had been knocked out of the door, sufficient to admit a hand. On examining the tills she found they had been ooened with the keys, which were on the counter, and JC20 had been taken. The penknife and matches (produced) were found on the desk. William Hopkins, postmaster, gave similar evidence, stating that £ 3 12s. 10-^d. had been taken from a private till. William John Takel. 7 Chapel-row, Llan- harran. goods agent of the G.W.R. at Brynna. with whom the prisoner had been lodging, stated that on swing downstairs on the morning of October 7th he found the pri- soner had ht the fire, which was an unusual thing for him to do. Prisoner told him that he was going to Pbntycymmer, and he left some time afterwards. Later Sergt. Lee 1 showed him a penknife which witness identi- fied as his. Sergt. F. H. Lee deposed that an examina- tion of the premises showed that entry had been effected through breaking: a glass panel -a hole, 4 inches by 3 inches, having been made—and pushing back the bolt. which was 12 inches 'Sway from the hole. There were no footprints or finger-prints to be seen. Witness showed the knife to the previous witness. He proceeded on November 9th to W orcester. where he received the prisoner into custody from Detective Deacon, together with the sum of C9 Is. 7M., which was found on the prisoner. The overcoat, breeches, cap. leggings, and boots, which prisoner was wearing at the time of his arrest, had been purchased by him since his departure from LIia-nbarran." On bains: charged Poole re- plied: "All I can say is I had it. I don t think. it was that amount. The clothing I am wearing I bought at Caaxliff. I had two Shillings of my own money. I paid £ 2 /s. for the overcoat-, 12s. 6d. for the boots, os- lOd. for the leggings. 15s. 6d. for the breeches. Is. 6d. for the cap. Is. 8d. collar's and two handkerchiefs. 6s. oo* for, railway fatre." Altogether, the wituess added, £14 8s. 4d. was "accounted for, the de- ficiency being £ 7 0s. 6-.kl. Pooie, in reply to the charge, that he broke into the shop, and aaded, I did not take that amount of money; 1 bad about £ 18 there. He was committed to take bis twal at the Assizes.

BRIDGEND CHAMBER OF TRADE. RESUSCITATION OF THE TOWN BAND PROPOSED EISTEDDFOD. The monthly meeting of the Bridgend Chamber of Trade was haJd at the Oafe Royaf on Wednesday evening, Mr. W. Poweii pre- siding in the absence of the president (Mr E Bramley). LECTURES. tw?■ "p" tnat J>lr. H. J. Randall had consented to give two lectures on commercial law, and M'r. W at-kuis 011 banking. Mr. W. M. Richards thought it would be well to innte the general public to the W tures. rJii'e It might stimulate interest in thie Chamber. The suggestion v. :s adopted. TOWN BAND. The sub-committee appointed to consider the resuscitation of the Town Band reported tha.t they had discussed the subjeot fully with u i&oemt. Mr. ViiLoent that it would take £ 60 to run the organisa- tion. and stated that he would undertake to clear £;0 per annum from dtewioes, and that two street coiliec-tions would produce £15, and it was thought that the remainder could easily be raised by subsorlotions. The oom- mittee passed the following resolution — liiat w'4!' consider it is desirable that thie lown Band sirouki be re-organised, and that the Chamber of Trade should give its support to the movement without incurring liabil- ity. The Secretary stated that Mr. Vincent had expressed his satisfaction as to the condition of the instruments. It was suggested that a Town Band Association shouJd be formed, and a meeting of the sub-oommittee would shortly be held to deal with. the matter. Mr. W. Edwards: Is it intended that the I members of the Assocna-tion shall became guarantors ? Mr. L. Edwaaxk: No. they will simply or- ganise the b&nd and run it as a concern which will be* of interest and advantage to the town. Theii'e will be no liability incurred. The Chairman How can it be run without incurring liability? Mr. Edwards: There is no necessity to in- cur an expenditure whioh oould not be easily met. On the motion of Mr. W. M. Richards, the snb-committee were requested to report to tlie next meeting. EISTEDDFOD PROMOTION. Mr. J. Suanikey, who had given notice to raise the question of promoting all annual eisteddfod, was not present. Mr. L. Edwards saw 110 reason why the Chamber could not. run a successful eistedd- fod. which would not only be of advantage to the town but a means of revenue to the Chamber. Mir. W. M. Richards remarked that the old Bridgend Eisteddfod was second to none ex- cept the National. if oeopie from the val- leys could run successful events of the kind at Bridgend, he saw no reason why the Cham- ber of Trade oould not do so. Mr. H. Levine said the secret of the suc- cess of those events was the enthusiasm of the promoters. Where was the evidence of en- thusiasm on the part of Bridgend trades- people .fciX-Supt. J. Davis said it was useless at- tempting eisteddfod promotion unless the membe<rs of tlie Chamber were prepared to take a personal interest in it and work their hardest. The matter was deferred. BANKRUPTCY COURT. The Chairman gave the report of a deputa- tion which waited upon Judge Bryn Roberts to lay before him the cLaims of Bridgend to a Bankruptcy Court. His Honour assured the deputation that he would take the matteir up in the proper quarter. The Chairman remarked that there was 13. danger in making the Bankruptcy Court too convenient. -If they could remove it from Cardiff to Monmouth fewer people from this district might file their petitions. (Laugh- ter.) Mr. W. M. Richards: I suggest it should be at San Frajicisoo. JURYMENS GRIEVANCES. The Secretary ag&m raised the question of Bridgend jurymen beine tralls.terroo to the Cardiff district for Assize and Quarter Seo- sions business, having regard to the incon- venience suffesred through having to attend at Swansea. Mr. W. Edwards said the jurymen could hardly get to Swansea in time for the sittings of the Court though they left Bridgend at 8.30, whereas they could leave Bridgend at 9.22 and be in time at Cardiff. It was decided to take the matter up with the Under-Sheriff and the clerk to the County Council. SIDING ACCOMMODATION. A letter was read from the general mana- ger of the G.W.R.. stating that the Company had recently expended a considerable sum in providing additional sidings at Bridgend. and it was hoped that this would expedite the traffic. The Chain-man It must be admitted that things are proceeding more harmoniously a.nd with less inconvenience now than formerly. Mr. W. Edwards: That is my experience, too.

LETTER TO A PORTHCAWL TRADESMAN At Swansea Police-court on Monday. Thl(16- Seldon, Edwards-road. Swansea. "3iS charged with falsely .icprescinung himself, by letter, to be a solicitor, on September 10th. Defen- dant pleiadjed gudlty. Mr. Seiine said it was an unusual case. The actioiii was taken, not so much in tlie in- terests of the profession as in the intei-ests of the general public. It was a well-known, fact that hundreds of pei-sons took up book- debts and sent out letters, which got people to pay not only the debt, but costs as well, to which those sending the letters were not 00.- 1 titled. Thomas James. Porthcawl. said on Septem- ber Ut'h he received a letter frortt defend- ant. and the impression conveyed to his mindi was that it came from a solicitor. Witness disputed a debt of 7s. 6d. said to be ownng to Messrs. J. Colitis and Co. Mr. Seline added that no man save the actual debtor or his authorised solicitor was entitled to use the phrases in the letter. He then put in the Law List to prove that de- fendant was not a solicitor. The Clerk (examining the list): The near- est name is Saline, I see ? (Laughter.) The defendant It was done in absolute ig- norance. I had 110 idea of conveying to Mr. James that I was a solicitor. The Chairman said that the prosecution, had stated the case verv fairly. A fine of 20s. and costs. £2 2,s (inclusive) was imposed..

GLAMORGAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE. .-+- ALDERMAN HUGHES AND DR. JAMES. The Glamorgan Education Committee met on Tuesday at the Gwyn-hall, Neath, under the presidency of Dr. Morris. Alderman Hughes, referring to a report of the chief education official, said that the latter had been instructed to report as to the classes at present conducted by mining teachers. But, cotnf.nued Alderman Hughes, the chief education official had done more. He had included among other things manual classes and mathematics—matters which were not asked for. The committee knew ■R'hat was wanted, and when they wanted! more the members would ask for it. The chief education official had evidently been in- duced to take the course he did. Dr. Janws: I must protest against the word "induced." I have spoken to no one about the matter. How then, could I have been induced? Alderman Hughes: Very well. I accept tihat frankly. But the object is clear. It is to over-ride the decision of the committee. Alderman W. R. Davis said that no harm had been done. They had only Tecived more than they asked for. They didn't often, get I that. (Laughter.) Alderman Hug&ee: Quite right. We don't often get more than we want. (Renewed laughter.)