Welsh Newspapers

Search 15 million Welsh newspaper articles

Hide Articles List

9 articles on this Page

CARMARTHEN TOWN COUNCIL. I

News
Cite
Share

CARMARTHEN TOWN COUNCIL. I A quarterly meeting of the Carmarthen Town Council was held on Wednesday in the Council Cham- ber, when there were present—The Mayor (Mr D Edwards), Aldermen J Thomas, W. de G. Warren. T. C. Morrin, and H Norton; Councillors, T. Mostyn Davies, W. Jones, D Lewitt (brewer), Dr. Hopkins, R. Lester, W. Cottrell, Henry Norton, jun ,Capt. Morris, T. Thomas. W. R. Edwards. David Davies, R. W. Richards, and Thomas Davies. The Town Clerk. the Medical Officer of Health, the Surveyor and Capt. Ed wardes, superintendent of police, were also present. The Mayor said that he thought it right to mention that as this was a quarterly meeting any of the Councillors present could bring up any subject they thought fit, could lay before the Council any subject which was for the interest and the welfare of the town. He mentioned this because he saw some new niembers of the Council present, and he had to tell those that there was no programme before the meeting. One Zaatter the Council had to discuss, and that was the borough rate. This would have to be passed that day, and it was open for any councillor to make remarks thereupon. There were several other subjects, which he should like to see ventilated. He might mention With regard to the improvement of the road to the railway station. difficulties greater than had been anticipated had been met with There seemed to be a new Act of Parliament which prohibited the Council purchasing land that was not in the parish of St. Peter's or in the district that they had control over This difficulty then, had been met with in this matter, but he was sure that all the Council would agree with him that it was their duty to make good the 9200 to the Town Clerk-the £ 200 which he had laid out in the purchase of part of the property. It seemed to him (the mayor) that Carmarthen was getting insignificant, compaiatively Speaking, to other towns in this district, and he hoped that some steps would be taken that day in the matter which he was about to bring before the Council. No doubt most of them had seen by the newspaper reports that in the town of Cardigan, bonded stores had been established, from whence, of course, goods could be taken at the convenience of the purchaser Now, many things upon which duty was charged were told in such large quantities that it was necessary for a purchaser to lay out much more than he would actually have to lay out were bonded stores in Carmar- then. He must say he was rather surprised when he heard of the bonded stores at Cardigan, but on enquiry he found that there would be no difficulty in securing the same for Carmarthen, whf-re they were much Wanted. He did not see any difflitulty in the matter, any difficulty that was, which could not be surmounted. If Custom House bonded stores could not be got here, there was still no difficulty in obtaining-Excise ones. He was told that Mr Alderman Warren made an attempt some time back to secure the last, but difficulties were placed in the way by the Excise officials. He did not think it was necessary, however, that we should be guided by the Excise officials in this town. for in his opinion the Council should look to what was called head-quarters for a matter of this kind. He might also mention that the contract existing between the Council and the Gas Company would terminate at the end of this month. If any individual councillor had cause to complain of the scheme adopted by the Council, he had better mention such grievance. The estimates for the ensuing year were then read, and from them it appeared that the estimated ex- penditure was EI,969 i is 2d, Mr Alderman Thomas said that the estimate which was laid before the Council was up to November, 1876, but the Council as they were aware had decided that in future the financial year should end on the 3 lilt August They might therefore strike off one-sixth of the amount to be provided for, as the months of September, October, 1876, would not have to be covered. It was stated that the amount then left to be provided was C638 17s lid, this was taking off one-sixth of the amount previously stated as to be provided for, viz the amount of C766 13s 5d. Mr Alderman Thomas said that a 6d per £ rate might produce the amount, but he should recommend a 7d per £ one. The Town Clerk-I think, really, it wi uld be wiser to make an 8d per £ rate. I don't see any objection to having a little balance over. I don't see that any mischief u,iseg from this, for we can of course carry forward our balance, Mr Alderman Thomati-Yes, but you forget the well known argument, that if there is a surplus, it ought to remain in the hands of the rate payers. The T wn Clerk Well, after all, next year there will be greater demands Mr Mostyn Davies thought that a 7d per £ rate was sufficient. Enough for the day was the evil thereof (hear, hear). Mr Alderman Thomas said he would be inclined to eappor' this view. The Mavor recommended the Council to pass as low a rate as they could, consistent of course with the ex- penditure which was to be met up to the 31st August next Mr D Davies held that it was the duty of the Council to make the rate as low as they could. He begged, therefore, to propose that a 7d per £ rate should be levied. Mr Alderman Thomas seconded the proposition. The Mayor put it to the meeting when it was car- ried The Mayor then read the following report from Mr R. George the engineer for the extension and improve- ment of the sewerage works of this town. I have to report that the several contracts for these works are now completed, and that in the course of a few days, when I have made the necessary calculations as to quantities, &c., I shall be able to return a summary of completed work for Nos. 2 and 4 contracts, as I have pre- viously done for Nos. 1 and 3. I have recently made a careful inspection of the whole of the works with exceed- ingly satisfactory results, and I believe you have obtained at a moderate cost a system of sewers of a thoroughly substantial and permanent character. No serious accident has at any time occurred in the works; neither has any damage of moment being occasioned to any private pro- perty. A few cases of compensation to owners of garden ground have been settled by private arrangement. I have, however, to bring to your notice that the construction of a portion of No. 4 contract, from the Parade, through Dany- bank to the Railway-station, has been executed by the Contractors, Messrs T. & E. Lewis, under circumstances of oèonsiderable difficulty, and I have found it necessary to order special precautionary measures to be adopted to en- sure the stability of the work, which will entail an increased expenditure over this portion of the contract. The subsoil here was found to be highly charged with water, and of a very treacherous nature, constantly slipping in, upon the men unless the trenches were closely shored. In addition to this drawback the Parade-road had to be crossed at a depth of 20 feet, on a steep hill-side. For various reasons I desired the Contractors to tunnel this length, and arranged for an extra price to be paid them. It was in this spot that the worst ground was met with. The construction of this tunnel of 20 yards in length, took three weeks of constant work, including many night shifts. I ordered an extra ring of brickwork to be added to the sewer throughout this length, and concrete was used largely both in the tunnel and for the whole extent of the Danybank gardens. It was found impossible to remove the timber supports and planking used in the tunnel, without great risk to the newly-constructed sewer and to the men engaged it had, therefore, to be left in, and was buried in the filling. I had previously, when the upper part of this sewer leading to the Parade was built, ordered the timber used there in the trenches to remain in, on account of the closeness of the Parade wall, which would assuredly have sunk, and very probably collapsed altogether had this shoring been removed; and I propose to allow the Contractors cost price for the whole of the timber thus left in the ground. The work being so far completed, there will be no occasion after next week to retain the services of your Clerk of the Works, Mr Alexander Murray, who, I may add, has throughout the whole of his engagement given me the greatest satis- faction. The Mayor suggested that a committee should be appointed to enquire into the extra expense which had been incurred in this matter. Of course the Mayor was aware that the Engineer was at liberty to order any extra work which he thought was necessary, but he ought to have informed the committee, and explained the extra amount. He thought it was desirable thac a committee should be formed to investigate the extra work done, and to see that the Council really got work for the money. Mr Alderman Thomas thought it was rather a pity that they did not get some idea of the extra amount. If it involved a large sum he thought they had better enquire into it. There might be very exceptional cir- cumstances connected with this, and he should not like to express any positive opinion until he knew more about it. Mr Alderman Norton believed that the engineer was in duty bound to come to this Council to ask for permission to assist the contractor in the execution of his contract. He (Mr Norton) went upon the principle of the matter. If this Corporation made a contract, and was then called upon to pay afterwards an extra amount, they would like to know what for. He was of opinion that a public body like this should see that everything was carried out in accordance with the speci- fication. Mr Alderman Warren said that Mr George, the engineer, would have to justify himself for having done as he appeared to have done. The timber, it appeared, was left in the ground by his own orders. Mr Alderman Thomas said that the reason given for not Withdrawing the timber was that our sewerage works Would be injured. The contract, however, provided that they would remain in good condition for a certain time. He did not blame the contractor, but he was of Opinion that the Council was very much in the dark with regard to this matter. He thought that this report should be referred to the Public Works Com- mittee, and then it would come up in proper form before the Council. Mr W. R. Edwards remarked upon the fact that the lerk had been kept on all this time. It was stated that this and other similar matters could )e discussed in committee, and the report was accord- ngly referred to the Public Works Committee. Mr Alderman Norton drew the attention of the Council to the fact that although they got a new and proper road to the station, thus surmounting the difficulty which he referred to, such would not obviate the inconvenience caused by deficient accommodation- siding accommodation, he meant at the railway station. On behalf of himself and fellow traders he made this complaint against the Carmarthen and Cardigan Rail- way Company. It might be said that this Chamber was not a Chamber of Commerce, but this was a subject which concerned every one in Carmarthen, not only merchants and traders. He mentioned an instance which he said was of frequent occurrence. On Mon- day last four trucks arrived for him and the arrival of the same was duly notified In order that he might not have to pay demurage he sent off to the station for the goods about half past nine in the morn- ing, but his men, after h-tving to wait a certain length of time, came back without them He considered that when men h"d to wait for an hour and half or from that to two or three hours for goods, they had got good ground of complaint. It was perfectly correct that the Town Council of Carmarthen was not a Chamber of i omrnerce, Dut ne was ot opinion that the uouncu should do all which possibly lay in its power to further the interests and welfare of the ratepayers and of every individual in 'he town. As to the question of the new road it must be, he supposed referred to a committee; but he was beginning to think that this was only a piece of folly, when one could not remove one's goods. Mr Alderman Thomas— Your complaint is that the Railway Company does not offer proper facilities to con- signees for the discharge of trucks. Mr Lester quite agreed with Mr Norton that the sidings were far too small. He had much pleasure in second ng the proposal that a committee should be forme I. Mr T. Thomna <lso agreed with Mr Alderman Norton. He was It sufferer himself, so that he could bear testimony to the inconvenience of the present arrange- ments ff.- pointed uu' the injury which was done to the town The Mayor said that he thought it was part of the duty of the Council to see that the public was protected. He had great pleasure in submitting for the approval of the meeting, the names of the following gentlemen, who would make the complaint to the managers of the different railways. Mr Ald* rman Thomas (interrupting) -1 think we might just as well see Mr Young in this matter. Mr Alderman Norton-You might as well see the Lord Chancellor (laughter). Mr Alderman Thomas however insisted that the Council should bring the matter home to Mr Young, for what was the use of going some distance away to com- plain, when the probability would be that the answer they would get would be inspired by Mr Young. He was of opinion th"t the Committee ought to tell Mr Young their grievance. Mr Alderman Norton-Mr Young, I must say, is a very good promiser, but a very bad performer. I have tried him very often. Mr Alderman Warren at once recognized the import- ance of this matter, but he reminded the Council that the Station was altogether in the hands of the Carmar- then and Cardigan Railway Company, and that the Manchester and Milford, Central Wales, and other Rail- way Companies, had no control of the Station whatever, that was to say they had not power to touch a single metal or rail. He reminded the Council also that some time ago a proposal for a joint station fell to the ground. He did not see that it was any good going to any one but Mr Young, and he did not see that he could do much. Dr. Hopkins thought that the Council ought to lay the matter before the railway companies which had been referred to. They might combine in some sort together-all those interested-and he thought this would be the best plan. Mr Alderman Warren made some remarks to the effect that it was just possible, that having seen Mr Young, he might agree to this. The deputation appointed for the purpose, stated above, consisted of the following: The Mayor, D. Lewis, King-street, D. Davies, T. Mostyn Davies, R. Lester. Lewis (Brewery), Thomas Thomas and Alder- men Norton and Thomas. Mr Alderman Thomas rose to say that he approved of the scheme for procuring bonded stores in Carmar- then. He mentioned the bonded stores at Llanelly as an example of the advantage which they were. Con- siderable amount of less capital and less expenditure were by this means required, and he did not for a moment doubt but that these stores would be the means of being a large gain to Carmarthen. He would merely, therefore, move at present that the necessary steps should be taken. Mr Mostyn Davies was glad to see that a spirit was stirring to increase the trade of the town. Mr W. R. Edwards remarked that knowing Cardigan as he did. he might say that Davies Brothers in that town had been the means, or at all events, had taken an active part in getting the bonded stores. Mr Alderman Warren mentioned that tea and tobacco could only be bonded in the first-class ports. The Mayor wa* pleased to see that there was a desire to keep up the good name of this little town for he thought we were allowing ourselves to sink into utter insignificance almost (laughter and cries of No, no.") Dr Hopkins—Oh no, we are not doing that yet. The Town Clerk-We are not in utter darkness yet. The Mayor said that at present they were not asking for Custom-house bonded stores, but for Excise bonded stores, so that the people of Carmarthen might be put on the same footing as the people of Cardigan and its neighbourhood. There would be, of course, an obsti- nacy of the Excise officials of this district, but for that the Council must make up their minds. Mr Alderman Thomas said that the officials changed every three years. The Mayor said that besides having bonded stores so that every one having spirits imported could have them bonded here, we might also have a railway bond, where all English manufactured articles, such as gin and whiskies, might be bonded so that the trader might take out of 36 gallon cask nine gallons, and only pay duty on nine gallons, which would serve for his im. mediate consumption. The following committee on this head was afterwards appointed: -Aldermen Thomas, Warren, Norton, and Councillors Morris. D Lewis, and R. W Richards. Mr Alderman Warren thought a stage should be built in the river, just below the railway approach on the south side. This, he said, would be of immense benefit to the town, if a small siding was made to join on with the railway. He thought the whole thing might be effected for not more than £ 500. Mr Mostyn Davies pointed out the probable influence that such would have on the anthracite traffic from the Gwend, eath Valley. Mr Alderman Norton said that he thought the least they could do, would be to improve the navigation of their river as much as possible He hoped that the obstacles now existing in conducting the work of the traffic at the railway station would be done away with. The Town Clerk—What would an Act of Parliament cost, do you think ? Mr Lester proposed that the siding should be in a somewhat different place from that already stated. Mr Alderman Thomas (referring to the point men- tioned by the previous speaker) said that there would then be insufficient work for the railway company. If (he proceeded) you entertain the project of going to Parliament for a bill (Voices No, no.) Mr Alderman Thomas (continuing): Well, who is to do it ? for you must remember Mr Young can't give you sufficient accommodation at present. 0 Dr Hopkins in this connection mentioned the London and North Western Railway Company. The Mayor having formally put the resolution above given, that the committee see Mr Young, the subject dropped. Mr Alderman Warren asked under what circum- stances a constable fell into the river, or from the Quay rather, the other day. The Superintendent of Police said that be sent the constable down there about nine o'clock, with instruc- tions to remain there until two o'clock. The officer reported himself to his sergeant between half-past twelve and between one o'clock and two o'clock, having fallen asleep he woke up, and when walking fell from the Quay into a boat and dislocated his ankle. He was attended by Dr. Davies. The sergeant to whom he reported himself said that he was all right at 12.20 —quite sober. Mr Alderman Thomas said it appeared to him that it was a very extraordinary thing for the policemen to be set to watch private property in this way. But what he had to say was on an entirely different matter, and it was this, that people travelled over the Quay when the lamps were put out, and on dark nights at the imminent peril of their lives. Could anyone without prejudice say that the road was not a dangerous one ? Mr T. Thomas referred to the responsibility incurred by the Council if they allowed the Quay any longer to remain without being lit. Mr W. R. Edwards said that the Council had heard that the constable had been asleep, and he reminded the meeting also that he had his lamp for protection. Mr Alderman Thomas—Such stuff! All people don't carry lamps. The Town Clerk—What is the cost of Chinese lanterns ? We might all carry these useful articles (laughter). After some remarks from Mr Alderman Norton, Mr Alderman Warren remarked that he had been frequently told by different parties who used the six o'clock train, that owing to the lights adjacent to the station being put out at that time, it was very dan- gerous to wheel goods, &c. The Mayor asked the Council to take into their care- ful consideration whether they ought to alter present arrangements because one man had tumbled into a boat. He might have had had too much allowance." The Superintendent of Police said that the Doctor would prove that the man was sober. The Mayor, continuing, said that whether he was drunk or sober, the want of light was not complained of. The night might have been a moonlight one. Mr Alderman Thomas—Really, Mr Mayor, I am surprised, the night was not a moonlight one (laughter). The Town Clerk-It ought to have been so (more laughter.) The Mayor maintained that there must have been light to enable the ship-men to discharge the vessel by. Mr Thomas Thomas said that as the Mayor had excep- tional power in ordering gas to be lit, he would not put the resolution he had intended to, upon the condition that the Quay would be attended to. The Mayor said that any permanent alteration had better be made when a new contract was being entered into with the Gas Company. Under the guidance of the Superintendent of Police he would see to the Quay I lighting. Mr W. Jones ridiculed the idea of gas being required, when as a proof had been advanced —the fact that one man bad fallen asleep while on duty. He mentioned that the wages of policemen in this town had recently been raised, and now duty which was little more than child's play could not apparently be performed without occasionally falling asleep. Mr Alderman Thomas —What business had he in the river (laughter.) Mr W. Jones-Very likely he was in some particular dream at the time (laughter.) Mr Alderman Thomas again disapproved of policemen being sent to watch any particular man's property. They were not employed to do so, but on the contrary to watch the whole town. He protested against it, for if the rule was carried out he might ask for a policeman to watch some particular piece of furniture which he might choose to leave out all night. He declared that the employment of policemen as private watchmen was illegal. Mr Mostyn Davies- We ought not to discuss this matter for we have no power in it (laughter). The matter was then referred. The Mayor remarked that the Committee would be aware that a certain resolution bad been passed at a previous meeting, and the Surveyor was ordered to ttive verbal notice to all persons who had not connected their drains with the main sewers, that they should forthwith do so, and he was ordered to report to the Town Clerk the names of all persons in default at the expiration of 14 days. The Surveyor stated what he had done in the matter. The Town Clerk did not think the Council did right in allowing the surveyor to undertake for private parties work of this kind. Mr Alderman Thomas said that it was an immense convenience to the public. The Town Clerk thought it was taken away from time which might be devoted to his public duties. These things ought to be done by the parties them- sel ves. After some further conversation, The Town Clerk said it was useless for them to pass resolutions unless they were to be attended to. What had the medical officer to say for he had not got any list of names from the surveyor ? Mr Alderman Thomas reiterated what was decided at the last meeting, and the surveyor was asked if he had given the Town Clerk any names of defaulters. The Surveyor explained that he thought he was to give the usual printed notice himself. The Medical Officer (Mr Hughes) read a list of houses where the drainage had not yet been completed. At the Model Schools it had not been touched, and he might say that one-half at least his former list had not been completed within the prescribed time. Mr T. Thomas really thought that having the affairs of the Corporation in their hands, they ought to see that their orders were carried out in a business-like manner Dr Hopkins pointed out the work was in the course of completion in the majority of the cases. Mr Alderman Thomas said that the last resolution was simply passed because it was found that the Sur- veyor was abstaining from making proper reports. And the Surveyor was directed to report all who had not complied at the expiration of a fortnight. This had not been done. The Surveyor said that he had been very much engaged. Mr Mostyn Davies said that the Surveyor had a very great amount of work to go through, more than any previous surveyor did. How could they expect this. Mr Alderman Thomas alleged that all the resolution he refer ed to, required of the Surveyor could be done in two hours. He would not be more than an hour in delivering the verbal notice, and not more than an hour in ascertaining at the expiration of a fortnight whether the work had been done. Then in another five minutes he might have informed the Town Clerk as to the people who had not accomplished the work. The Surveyor said that he followed his usual instruc- tions. Mr Alderman Thomas remembered this being dis- cussed before, and what the Surveyor had to do in this matter was clearly laid down in the last resolution which was passed on the subject. After some further conversation The Ma, or said-I understood that this work should not be left to the Surveyor (referring to the proceedings which might be taken against parties who had not complied). Dr H. pkins said that according to the original reso- lution their names should be handed over to the tender mercies of the solicitor. This was the point before the meeting. Mr Alderman Thomas-And that, which he ought to have done a fortnight after the verbal notice expired, he omitted to do. The Mayor—You fully understand now, Mr Surveyor, that what you have to do now is to hand in the names of those parties to the Town Clerk forthwith, who have not yet commenced the work of connecting their drains with the main sewers This finished the business of the day, but beforei the Couu il separated the Mayor announced that h&. intended to call a meeting of the Public Works Com- mittee next week.

THE NAVY.

CHARGE OF CRUELTY AGAINST…

IMPORTANT TO BANKERS. I

[No title]

I -ECCLESIASTICAL INTELLIGENCE.

THE EASTERN QUESTION.

I THE OPERATIONS AT PERAK.

[No title]