Abergavenny Chronicle

A LOCAL WAR MUSEUM. NC GARDEN REFUSE TO BE REMOVED. The monthi" meeting of the Abergavenny Town Council vas hel,1 on Monday evening, the Mayor (Alderman Z. Wheatley) presiding. There were a1:0 present Councillor W. J. Tong (Deputy Mavor), Alderman Col. Williams, Councillors P. Telford, T. A. Delafield, W. Horsington, G. R. Plowman. F. J. Mansfield, Alfred Graham. J. R. Beckwith, H. A. Palmer: and F. Sadler. The King's Birthday. The Mayor announced that on t.:e occasion of the King's birthday, the previous day. he had sent as usual a telegram of congratulation to His Majesty on behalf of the burgesses. Died on Service. The Mayor said that since their last meeting three or four men had died, it not on the battle- field, at any rate while they were in the Army. He referred to Mr. Howells, son of Mr. and Mrs. Howells, of Brecon-road; Mr. James, Union- road, who died at Chester Mr. T. Mann, 34, North-street, who died at home after returning from the front and Mr. P. J. Jennings, 7, Overton-terrace. He moved that they tender to the relatives their deepest sympathy in their loss and express their appreciation of what these men had done for King and country. He also moved that the, tender their sympathy to Mr. H. Powell, ex-captain of the Fire Brigade, who had lost his wife at the age of 80. Mr. Powell succeeded Supt. Freeman and had been captain cf the Fire Brigade for many years, and his son had f,owed in his footsteps. Alderman Williams seconded the motion, which was carried in silence. Congratulations on Distinctions. The Mayor proposed that they offer their congratulations to the following men who had received honours for services rendered to their country :—Lt -General Hanbury, a brother of Mr. Ferdinand Hanbury, who had received the K.C.B. for services in connection with the war and the following, who had been mentioned in despatches Major Kirkwood, R.E., formerly stationed at Abergavenny, Capt. K. F. D. Gattie, and Lieut. Claude Mitchell. Councillor Beckwith added the name of E. Embry, of the South African Sharpshooters, who had been mentioned in despatches, and the proposition was carried, c Sir Ivor Herbert's Peeraga The Mayor also proposed a vote of congratu- lation to Sir Ivor Herbert, "who had been honoured by having a baronetcy conferred upon him. Alderman Williams, in seconding, said that Sir Ivor Herbert was occupying a position in which he could do a great deal of good to their town, if lie liked. He (Col. Williams) could go back to the year 1847, and remembered when Sir Ivor Herbert's mother, Lady Hall, came through the town to open the Eisteddfod in Tudor-street. The Eisteddfod was thought a great deal of in those days, and he hoped that in the near future Sir Ivor Herbert would be able to do some good for their town. They did not know what changes there would be after the war. The proposition was carried. » The Folkestone Air Raid. The Mayor referred to the recent air raid on Folkestone, and said that this was tile first occasion that they had had official information as to the locality of a raid. He thought that they, as members of the Council, should show their deepest sympathy with the Mayor and. Corporation of Folkestone and burgesses generally, and at the same time they ought to suggest that the Government should recompense them in some manner and compensate them for the loss and injury they had sustained. They at Abergavenny ought to bear their share of that expense. They were more fortunately situated, but if the positions were reversed and they at Abergavenny suffered from such a raid they would think" that others ought to do their share in bearing the expense. He therefore proposed that they offer their sympathy with those who had lost relatives or had suffered through the raid in any way, and that they call upon the Government to bear the whole of the expense in compensating the sufferers thereby. Councillor Mansfield seconded. Councillor Palmer Do you propose to send the resolution to the Government ? The Mayor said that there was a committee dealing with the matter throughout the country. He was a member of it, but he had not been summoned to the last meeting. He thought such a resolution would strengthen their hands. The proposition was carried. A Ministry of Health. Councillor Graham referred to the very able articles which had appeared in the Press in reference to tlie establishment of a Ministry of Health, in view of the present very serious position. Would it be any advantage for them to circularise the Councils throughout the country asking them to urge the Government to immediately appoint a Minister of Health, in view of the great importance of the health of the 1 community, particularly of children ? He thought they should show that as a Council they could take the initiative in some things. Councillor Mansfield said he would second, if it was put as a resolution. Councillor Palmer supported, and a resolution on the lines indicated was carried. A Local War Museum. I The Mayor, on the report of the Finance Committee, referred to a paragraph relating to the proposed establishment of a local war museum, and stating that the committee had given instructions for copies to be kept of all posters, circulars, programmes and other publi- cations relating to the movements connected with the war, in order that they might be made available for reference for historical purposes. If anyone could secure any mementoes of the war for them they would be pleased to receive them and have them placed in the Free Library or any other building which might be made 1 available for the purpose. Councillor Horsington suggested that this matter should be referred to the Free Library Committee. He was sure that they would be only too pleased to add to the few things they had already got. There was a room at the Library which was intended to form a small free museum, and if the relics were sent to the Free Library Committee they would be only too pleased to make use of them. Councillor Palmer hoped that a room would be made available for such a purpose. Councillor Telford said that it was not neces- sary to discuss how they would dispose of these relics yet. The Chairman of the Free Library let it be known some years ago that there was a room there and people were asked if they had anything they could give so that a museum might be formed. He did not know what progress had been made. He thought that so far as a war museum was concerned the matter would be much better left in the hands of the I Town Clerk until they saw what they could get, and then they could decide how they would dispose of it. Potato Spraying. Councillor Palmer referred to tne following minute of the Finance Committee "A letter was read from the Monmouthshire War Execu- tive Committee as to the importance of having all growing potatoes either sprayed or dusted with powder not less than twice, for the purpose of preventing, the crop from being injured by disease. -A-fachines can be obtained for about ^3 each, inclusive of carriage and packing. A demonstration will be given as to the way and manner in which the potato crops should be treated for the prevention of disease. The matter was referred to the Allotments Com- mittee to deal with." He would like to know whether the Allotments Committee were in- clined to favourably consider this suggestion or II not, because a considerable number of in- habitants were making inquiries. He was told that it would doubtless be dealt with by the Allotments Committee, but he should like to J know whether they were prepared to give it favourable consideration. He had his own views as to the advisablity of procuring one or more of these appliances, aud he thought that townspeople would appreciate and utilise them. He wanted to know if the committee were biassed and inclined to throw cold water on the suggestion. The Mayor said that the question came before the Finance Committee, and arguments were put forward for and against, and it was ultimately referred to the Allotments Committee to deal with. Personally he should like to have a demonstration to see whether it had any effect ) or not It was for the committee to decide. I Housing and Town Planning. I I ? Preference to a resolution adopted, Dy tne Finance Committee urging that local authorities should have power to acquire land for housing and town planning purposes on more reasonable terms than were now possible, Councillor Palmer asked if this would not be inclined to lead to a little overlapping with what the Streets Com- mittee were doing ? Councillor Graham said it was simply to bring the matter more to the public notice. They had already a large part of their report ready for their own committee to deal with. As far as the Aberdare people were concerned, their case was much more critical than the case of Aberga- venny. Two or three families were there in- habiting one house suitable for only one family. There was a lack of no less than 500,000 houses in this country at the present time, and for the last three years there had been no building of any account, and the lack had accumulated con- siderably, especially in the colliery districts. Cross Street Sub Post Office. Councillor Sadler, referring to the letter from the Surveyor of the G.P.O. at Cardiff, to the effect that there had been no change in the cir- cumstances which could warrant a reversal of the decision that the office should remain closed during the war, said that the Surveyor stated that the box had been carefully watched and there appeared no need for a larger box. The fact was that people were afraid of using the box. He said it was irregular to post large packets there, but they should have a box which was capable of dealing with the postal business. If the railway companies sent a hand truck to collect their parcels lie did not know where they would be. There was a great need for a larger box, and it would be a good job when the war was over and they would have less correspon- dence on the matter and more postal facilities. I Gas Works Labour. Alderman Williams said that considering that they did not use the gas so much, he should like to know whether there was any reduction in the labour at the works. Councillor Delafield said that the manager reported at the last meeting that the labour had been cut down to the minimum. Leakage of Water at Major's Barn. Councillor Graham, on the report of the Sanitary and Water Committee, referred to a paragraph that Mr. G. Jackson had written on behalf of Mr. Holly that a leakage in the service pipe at the rear of the warehouse at Major's Barn had been located. The pipe had since been repaired and the meter was now registering normally. In view of the fact that there had been a very serious leakage of watery was there to be any demand on the persons concerned to pav for the amount wasted ? Councillor Telford suid that any water used over and above what was allowed would have to be paid for, and the account would be sent in the ordinary way. The Mayor said that the matter was under further consideration. Councillor Graham We have two answers to the same question. They don't agree. Which is correct ? The Mayor It is still under consideration. The Town Clerk said that the account had gone in to the tenant, and the matter had been referred to his solicitors, who were considering the matter. Strength of the Fire Brigade. 1 The Sanitary Committee in their report stated that Capt. Powell reported that the proper strength of the Brigade should be 16, and at the present time it was 12. Five men were .able to be called to the colours, viz., Berriiigton, Griffiths, Embey, Parry and Gardner. The committee instructed the Town Clerk to appeal to the Tribunal for exemption in the case of Parry. Berrington was protected at present by the Munitions Department) and Griffiths and Gardner were railwaymen. Steps were being taken to bring the Brigade to full strength. Councillor Graham asked if there was any- thing satisfactory in relation to the Fire Brigade and what steps were to be taken ? The Mayor said that steps were being taken. Councillor Graham What steps and what attitude ? I am troubled with eyesight, and when anything is done I want to go and see it. Councillor Telford said that if they would bear with the committee for another week or so they would be able, when the Council met in committee, to report as to what had been done. In all probability it would be satisfactory. Councillor Graham said that a fire might break out at any time, and if they had only a small brigade they had better make preparations at once. The Mayor There are 12 out of 16. Councillor Telford You need not be afraid we are dealing with the matter. Councillor Graham and His Questioners. The minutes of the Streets Committee stated that the Borough Surveyor reported that he had obtained quotations for tar from. the Hereford and Pontypool Gas Works, and had accepted the quotation from Hereford, as being the lowest. The Chairman and Borough Sur- veyor were autliorised to purchase a further supply from Crickhowell, if the same was satis- factory. Councillor Delafield asked if their own gas department were not able to supply the tar ? Tar from Crickhowell would not be any better than the tar at Abergavenny, he imagined. With regard to the conference of Municipal and County Engineers which the Surveyor and Town Clerk were to attend at Hastings, lie supposed it must be important, or they would not have been appointed to attend. Councillor Horsington asked how far the Streets Committee had gone in the matter of securing the meadow below the allotment meadow, for tack for their horses. It was practically f.24 for four acres, and the adjoining held of seven acres was let for ¡ 22 to the Allot- ments Committee. The one was for a year and the other was only until the 31st of October. For psactically half the size the same rent was suggested lie should be glad if it could be explained. Alderman Williams asked if they could not manage with one horse and cart and man. They were doing no repairs to the roads, but were only sweeping them. They did not seem to be effecting the least saving at all. Councillor Graham, in reply to the questions, said that the conference at Hastings was a very important one, particularly in these times. It provided an opportunity of getting in touch with the whole of the local authorities through- out the country and learning their attitude on questions which would have to be considered after the war. It was thought advisable to send their engineer rather than a member of the Council, because he understood the technical side of the various questions which would be raised It was also thought that the Town Clerk should go, because he would have to advise them as to any action they thought to take after the war. In view of the appeal for economy in the feeding of horses, they considered the question of tacking the horses. The Surveyor considered that they could tack them for about 3s. 6d. per week. They decided to put the horses on tack, and it worked out at about 4s. 4Id. per week. There was a field below the allotments field, which Mr. Charles had up for hay since March last. It was as near town as they could get, and they asked Mr. Charles what price they could have the field for. They had the field as and from Monday last; and the price suggested Was £ 25, but they subsequently got £ 1 knocked off. They had the option of cropping the field for hay and leaving the hay upon the site until it was convenient to remove it, and they could turn the horses into it for tack. They decided to have an early hay crop, put it on the ground, and then tack the horses after- wards. They would have 4 to 4 k months of tack and anything from 4 to 6 tons of valuable hay, which would be a great advantage in the coming winter. With regard to tar, it must be well known to Councillor -I)elafeld that they could not use tar from their Gas Works in its crude state. They could only use de-hydrated tar, and they could only obtain such tar from those who bought tar from them. They could get it from Crickhowell because they had per- mission to dispose of their tar without having it de-hydrated, owing to the smallness of its quantity. Councillor Tong Can we know when the tar is going to be placed on the-streets ? Councillor Graham said that it would be done as soon as the weather permitted. They had to sell their tar at the price the purchasers would give them for it, and wlien they bought it back they had to pay the price they chose to fix for it. He did not complain of the way they had been treated, but if they had their own plant they would be able to have their own de-hydrated tar. Faulty Down-Pipes. Councillor Graham asked if the Chairman of the Streets Committee would give attention to the troughiugs and down-pipes during the summer, so that they could be put in order before the winter came. If they were attended to, a lot of economy would be effected in the repair of pavements. Councillor Graham Will you invite someone else to do it ? It is not my committee. The Mayor The Surveyor informs me that they are being attended to. I The Disposal of Garden Refuse. The Streets Committee reported that notice had been given that garden refuse would not be taken and that the men had had instructions to that effect. Councillor Telford said that he quite agreed with the paragraph where it applied to houses that had got gardens, but a difficulty had been pointed out to him with reference to people who had not got gardens. Suppose they bought cabbages or other vegetables and they had no pigs or fowls or rabbits, what were they going to do with the refuse ? Councillor Tong Isn't it a question for the Sanitary Committee ? (Laughter). Councillor Graham said that Councillor Telford was a member of the Streets Committee, and if he wished to shelve his responsibility by putting it on the chairman.he could do so, but it was up to him to explain the matter to his own particu- lar section of people. Councillor Telford said lie would give notice that the instruction should not apply to houses which had not got a garden. If that would not meet the case he would move that they do the scavenging by contract. Alderman Williams Who is to find out if they have got a garden or not ? Councillor Graham said that they were out on a campaign of economy. They had got to economise somehow, or else they would be in the same position as the poor old Gas Works. He was not trying to be funny. The position was that they wanted to try to stop the large amount of stuff which was being put into the ash-boxes. They wanted to stop people putting stuff in them which ought never to be put in. It was not fair that while one section of the rate- payers sought to economise and help the Council by disposing of their refuse, another section should take advantage by putting in more than they were entitled to do. They had to take drastic action or they would get nothing done. The consequence was that they said they would remove nothing but what was really house refuse. They would take neither trade refuse or garden refuse. He did not care whether he offended or not, and he did not believe in regard- ing such matters from the point of view of votes. They were coming to the point that Colonel Williams made about doing with a horse and cart. They could not do with a horse and cart while some people put out about half-a-ton of refuse. Councillor Tong said that they wanted some- one to give an academic definition of wnat was garden refuse an d. what fcas house refuse, Councillor Graham said that those Member^ who received complaints that they were not properly scavenged could bring the matter to the notice of the Surveyor, and if the scavengers saw what in their opinion was garden refuse they would act accordingly. Councillor Horsington said that action must be taken, and he for one would have a stiff back, because a certain line must be drawn with a view to minimising labour. It was not only the work of picking up the refuse, but of hauling it away and keeping a man to deal with it after- wards. With a view to economising in horse- flesh and labour he was in strict accord with the proposal. The minute was adopted. The Castle. Councillor Telford asked it there was anyone living at the Castle ? The Town Clerk said that he was expecting another application similar to the terms laid down in the case of Mr. Robertson, who had decided not to take it up. Councillor Telford That means to say that our Castle house is empty ? Councillor Plowman said that it was not inhabited regularly. Councillor Telford How long has it been empty ? Councillor Plowman said tht lie believed there were people living in the house occasionally. +