Barry Dock News

MRS, GRUNDY'S JOTTINGS. Barry was represented at the ceremony of the presentation of the freedom of Cardiff to Major- General Baden-Powell, the hero of Mafeking, last Saturday by Mr J. A. Manaton, J.P., the chairman of the District Council. Lieutenant-colonel J. A. Hughes, the commanding officer of the Severn Division R.E. Submarine Miners, was also present and took part in the military arrangements in connection with the visit. » ♦ A fund has now been opened for the presenta tion of a town testimonial, in conjunction with the Royal Humane Society's medal, to Mr W. Murphy, coal-tipper, Barry, in recognition of his gallantry in saving thirteen lives from drowning at Swansea and Barry Docks at different times between 1881 and the present year. Mr J. A. Manaton, J.P., chairman of the District Council, is chairman of the testimonial committee Councillor A. T. White, treasurer Mr J. Haines, 10, Maesycwm- street, Barry Docks, hon. secretary; and Councillors J. A. Hughes, J. H. Jose, and J. Milward are amongst a strong and representative committee. The fund will be kept open till the end of June. A boy at Cogan, Albert E. Vizard, has completed ten years' attendance at Cogan Board School with- out missing a single lesson. Vizard, who is not yet fourteen, has played for several years in the Inter-town Association Football matches (Cardiff, Barry, and Penarth Schools), and also for the last two years in the winning team of the Barry and Penarth League. 1 Last Monday (Whit-Monday) there were record bookings of passengers, mainly holiday seekers, on the Barry and Vale of Glamorgan Railways, the the number of visitors to the Barry district during the day being estimated at over 30,000. The Rev W. Williams, Cadoxton, has been invited to assist the Rev D. H. Williams, M. A., as Welsh editor of the Barry Free Churchman." 7 The Rev J. S. Longdon, rector of Cadoxton- Barry, has so far recovered from his recent illness that he has been able to leave home this week for Swansea for a change. Whit-Monday this year was a typical children's day. Nature was at its best, and smiled upon the little ones in all directions. V Superintendent Herbert Evans. who has had charge of the police at the Bqte Docks, Cardiff, for several years, and who will be remembered as formerly police sergeant at Barry Docks, has resigned the appointment, Passive resistance threatened. The half-yearly demand notes for local rates were delivered in the Barry district last week, and a certain local minister of the gospel has informed me of his intention not to pay up fully until compelled, as a protest against the administration of the new Education Act. SP At Cardiff there are some scores of cases of small pox; at Barry only one, and this was im- ported from Cardiff. The Glamorgan Technical Instruction Committee have this week voted a cookery scholarship to Miss Fanny Jenner, of Wenvoe Rectory and dairy scholarships to Miss Helena M. Williams, Castleten. St. Athan, and Miss Elizabeth Lougher, Treguff Farm, Cowbridge. 'It «■ There were 111 divisions in the House of Commons between Easter and Whitsuntide in which Colonel W. H. Wyndham-Quin, M.P., for South Glamorgan, took part 27 times. Mr F. Huelin, R.N., was the only veteran from Barry who attended the public reception of General Baden Powell at Cardiff last Saturday. *fc In the competition for plans for the erection of Cadoxton Reading Rooms, those of Messrs Spear and Bevan, architects, of Weston-super-Mare, who also prepared the prize plans for the Barry Reading Rooms, were selected those of Mr W. E. Knapman, Barry, being second; and Mr J. A. Owen, Cadoxton, third. Had time permitted, General Baden Powell, the distinguished hero of Mafeking, would have paid a visit to Barry from Cardiff last Saturday. Mr T. Ewbank, Cadoxton, is this week attending the annual conference of the Grand United Order of Oddfellows at Glossop. ♦ The Merthyr School Board have decided that the head teachers in the several boys' schools should call attention periodically to the dangers arising from young children smoking cigarettes. It might not be amiss if the example were followed at Barry, where the pernicious habit is only too prevalent. Mr C. T. Whitmell, M.A., H.M. Inspector of Schools, Leeds, formerly of South Wales, was married last week to Miss Lucy Foster, daughter of Sir William Foster, Bart., of the Grove, Norfolk. Mr Whitmell was for many years prominently identified with the school life of Barry. The annual South Wales District Meetings of the Bible Christian Methodist Connexion will be held at the Court-road Church, Barry Docks, on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th instant. Rev John Dale, president of the conference, will preside at the business sessions. Addresses on Temperance, Sunday School, and Christian Endeavour work, will be given on the 23rd instant. Societies con- nected with the local C.E. Union are invited to take part in the rally. On Wednesday, the 24th, the official sermons will be preached by the Rev C. G. Hawken, of Cardiff and on the 25th, a great public meeting will be held. Early morning services will also be held (at seven o'clock), when candidates and probationers for the ministry will preach. ak The traffic receipts of the Barry Railway, including the Vale of Glamorgan Railway, last week amounted to £14,012, an increase, compared with the corresponding period of last year, of £1,348; aggregate increase, £ 9.771. Major-General Lee, The Mount, Dinas Powis, returned home last Friday from his holiday visit to Lucerne. » Sir A. Acland Hood, the principal Ministerial Whip, fixes upon the end of 1905 as the earliest date at which the country may begin to talk seriously of a General Election. In the advertising columns of the Barry Dock News this week tenders are invited for the erection of the Carnegie Central Public Library Buildings at Barry Docks.

I WHITSUNTIDE AT BARRY. FIELD TREATS OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOLS. CHARMING WEATHER AND ENJOYABLE HOLIDAYS. Whit-Monday is one of the most popular public holidays of the year in the Barry district, being devoted mainly to field treats in connection with the Sunday schools of the town, This year was no exception to the rule, for the weather, notwith- standing the unsettled atmospheric conditions of the previous few days, proving exceedingly favour- able, some thousands of Sunday scholars, with their teachers and friends, spent the afternoon and evening in the fields in the neighbouring country. Holton-road English Baptist Sunday School had a most enjoyable outing in a field at Holton Farm; the Bible Christians proceeded to Greenyard Field St. Mary's Church, Barry Docks, at Tynewydd Field Cadoxton Wesleyans, accompanied by the Cadoxton School Fife and Drum Band, at Gilbert Field; Cadoxton English Baptists at Golden Grove Field and Holton-road Wesleyans at the Buttrills Field. Several other Sunday schools in the town also had similar treats, and in each in- stance the children thoroughly enjoyed themselves, games of various descriptions being indulged in after tea.

DISPLAYS BY THE BOYS' BRIGADE. At the Submarine Miners' Camp Ground, Nell's Point, Barry Island, the Barry Boys' Brigade, under the direction of Captain Ralph, gave two public displays, including company drill, march past, gymnastic exhibition, and ambulance dis- plays. There was a good attendance of the public at each display, and selections were played at intervals during the afternoon by the Barry District Brass Band. THOUSANDS OF VISITORS DURING THE DAY. There were many thousands of visitors to the town during the day, the sands at Whitmore Bay, Barry Island, being thronged during the afternoon. Crowds also visited Porthkerry Park and other places of holiday resort in the Vale. During the day about 30,000 passengers, chiefly holiday seekers, were carried over the Barry and Vale of Glamorgan Railways. WHIT-TUESDAY PICNICS. On Whit-Tuesday afternoon there was a public picnic at Sully in connection with St. Mary's and St. John's Churches, Barry Docks, the company numbering about 300 and 400, and the afternoon was spent in a pleasant manner. The annual summer outing in connection with the Barry Dock Co-operative Society was also held on Tuesday afternoon at Colebrook Farm, the large procession of children and adults to and from the field being headed by the Cadoxton School Drum and Fife Band. Tea was provided on the green, and sports and other pastimes were afterwards indulged in, and all enjoyed themselves to their heart's content. The weather throughout Whit- suntide was most favourable for holida-y-making. Cadoxton Parish Church Sunday School had their annual outing on Wednesday afternoon at Wenvoe. i,

MONTHLY MEETINGS OF THE COM- MITTEES. ACCIDENT HOSPITAL COMMITTEE. THE PERMANENT BUILDING SCHEME. The monthly meeting of the Hospital Committee of the Barry Urban District Council was held at the Town Accident Hospital, Kingsland-crescent, Barry Docks, on Thursday, the 28th ultimo, Councillor A. T. White (chairman) presiding. There were also present — Councillor J. A. Manaton, J.P., and Dr G. Neale, J.P. SUPERINTENDENT NURSE'S REPORT. The monthly report of the superintendent nurse, Miss Aldred, showed that the number of patients in the hospital up to May 30th was three four were admitted during May. and five sent out con- valescent, leaving two patients in the hospital up to the end of May. HAIR-CUTTING CONTRACT. The tender of Mr C. Brown, hair-dresser, Holton-road, at £ 1 15s, was accepted for hair- cutting at the hospital for six months. The highest tender was j64. PROPOSED NEW HOSPITAL BUILDING. The Clerk stated that at the last meeting of the Council it was decided to refer to this Committee the question of converting the Fire Engine Station into an Accident Hospital. Mr Manaton thought consideration of the matter should be deferred till the Committee had in- spected the building. The Chairman What has Dr Neale to say on the matter ? Dr Neale agreed that the Committee should view the Fire Station before going into the matter. The Clerk (Mr Tordoff) said there were legal difficulties in the way. The Council would have' to secure special Parliamentary powers for the proposed alteration. The land was bought, and the loan sanctioned, for the purposes of a Fire Station, and he did not think the Local Govern- ment Board would sanction its conversion into a Hospital. Mr Manaton said they had done a similar thing at the Island in connection with the present Cloak-room but the Clerk pointed out in reply that they had in that case received sanction for a loan, but they had not got the money. Mr Manaton moved that the Clerk arrange a day convenient after the Council meeting for the Committee to view the building with Mr J. C. Pardoe, the surveyor. This was agreed to, and the meeting terminated.

PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE. The Health Committee of the District Council also met the same afternoon., under the chairman- ship of Mr J. A. Manaton, J.P. (chairman), there being also present Mr James Jones, Mr J. Mil- ward, and the Rev Ben Evans. SANITARY REPORT. Mr S. B. Summerfield (town sanitary inspector) reported that during the past month 62 notices were served to abate nuisance, and with one exception the notices had been complied with. Several travelling gipsies were given notice to leave the district, to which 137 extra visits had been paid, and 22 houses and 100 articles of bedding and clothing had been disinfected. Enquiries haJ been made to discover typhoid infected blankets in the town, but none had been imported. One case of small-pox had occurred, but the patient was re- moved to the hospital and every precaution taken to prevent the spread of the disease. Six samples of milk had been taken during the month, three being found to be below the standard. The Committee considered it was very important that the milk samples should be taken regularly. COMMITTEE TO VISIT BOARDING HOUSES. At the suggestion of the Rev Ben Evans the Committee decided to periodically inspect the seamen's licensed boarding houses in company with the inspectors. This it was felt would strengthen the hands of the Inspectors. TOWEL CONTRACT. The Committee accepted the tender of a local draper for the supply of towelling for the lavatory and bathing houses. BEACH INSPECTION. Instructions were given to the Surveyor to obtain assistance for the beach inspector for Whit- Monday. BRISK TRADE IN MORTAR SELLING. The question of dispensing with the services of the weighbridge lad was deferred for the present the Surveyor pointing out that they were now selling as much mortar as they could make. TRIP TO THE BATH AND WEST." Mr Milward and the Surveyor were deputed to atteni the Bath and West of England Show at Bristol to view the scavenging and tip carts of the various makers. JOINT SMALL-POX HOSPITAL A SCARE. A communication was received from the Barry Chamber of Trade asking the Committee to abandon the Joint Small Pox Hospital Scheme, the Chamber being of opinion that a joint hospital would be prejudicial to the interests of the town. Mr Milward Penarth have withdrawn they have purchased an acre of land for P,300 at Laver- nock, and a temporary building at a similar outlay. They intended carrying on the hospital at Penarth in a most economical way, and obtain the services of a nurse when necessity arose, so that when there were no cases in the hospital there would be no cost. Rev Ben Evans This matter will come up for consideration again. The Chairman We can pass a resolution asking the Council to abandon the joint scheme. A deputation from the Barry Ratepayers' Asso- ciation (Mr W. Cruise, president, and Mr A. Joyce) attended to urge the Committee to proceed as soon as possible with the erection of a Temporary Small- Pox Hospital. The Sanatorium, Mr Cruise pointed out, should be used for the isolation of cases of in- fectious disease, of which there were many in the district at present. The building to cost £ 1,000, and- not £ 10,000 as suggested several years ago, There was an epidemic of small-pox at Cardiff, and they might soon have a similar visitation at Barry. The town was in danger of an outbreak of in- fectious disease at any time, and the Council should be prepared to isolate cases as they occurred. The deputation having retired, the Chairman said that if a temporary building was erected they would have to provide the purchase money out of rates, spread over a period of twelve months. They could apply to the Local Government Board for power to erect a portion of the permanent scheme, at a cost of about £1,000, but if they were not allowed to do so they should erect a temporary building, The convalescent ward of the permanent schame, with four or five beds, would probably suffice for many years to come. Dr Neale, the medical officer of health, said he felt strongly on the matter. Five or six beds would not suffice, At the Sanatorium there was accomo- dation for thirty cases. It was not what cases they had that should be considered' but what might occur. The Chairman also thought they could put up the caretaker's cottage where they could house the nurses, and he believed both buildings could be put up at a cost of Z- 2,000. Dr Neale pointed out that an iron building would be too hot in the summer, and too cold in the winter. Mr Milward considered the brick building which he had suggested would meet all requirements. Dr Neale The boundary wall will have to be made, and the drainage laid. Mr Milward proposed that the Surveyor prepare by the next meeting an estimate of the cost of the work as suggested by the Chairman. Rev Ben Evans seconded, and the resolution was unanimously agreed to. THE OFFER WAS DECLINED. The National Telephone Company intimated that the cost of connecting the Sanatorium by telephone would be A12 15s per annum. The Committee declined the offer, Mr Milward stating that it was absurd to put the telephone in all the departments because they had put it in some. NEW LAMPS. The Surveyor was directed to report upon the question of placing additional gas lamps in Gaspard-place and Flora-street, and also the placing of oil lamps in Bendrick-road, Sully. A NOVEL APPLICATION. A letter was read from Mr James Hutton, the fire engineer, who will relinquish his post on the 13th of June, claiming compensation for being discharged. Mr Hutton, in the course of a long letter, pointed out that he had spent the three best years of his life in the service of the Council, and had, previous to taking on the situation refused two situations which would have been per- manencies. and where promotion would have been certain. He had always been obliging and civil, and carried out his duties faithfully. He also applied for a testimonial under the seal of the Council. The Chairman proposed that the testimonial asked for be granted. This was agreed to. Mr Milward This is about as far as the Council is entitled to go. INTERFERENCE BY A RATEPAYER. A letter from Mr P. Wride, complaining of an employee of the Council doing private garden work, was ordered to lie on the table. APPLICATIONS FOR BEACH PRIVILEGES. Permission was given to Mr F. H. Smith, Barry, to take photographs on the beach at Barry Island but an application by Mr N. Robinson, Maesteg, to play a piano thereat was refused. HOLIDAY TREATS. The Wesleyan Chapel, Barry Docks, and the Barry Dock Co-operative Society were granted the use of water carts on the occasion of their annual Whitsuntide field treats. STREET WATERING. The Chairman suggested that the water carts should be used in the main streets on Saturday afternoons and holidays. Mr Milward thought it was unfair to ask the men to work on holidays, but the other members present felt in with the suggestion of the Chair- man, which was agreed to. COMPLAINT BY AN ALLOTMENT-HOLDER. An allotment holder named George Harris wrote complaining that sheep had broken through a hedge and eaten a quantity of cabbage and done damage to the extent of 10s. The Surveyor said the allotment referred to was in the centre of the cemetery allotments, and a hundred of the cabbage eaten would not cost 10s. The Committee felt they could do nothing in the matter, This was all the public business.

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Council was held on Friday afternoon, Mr J. A. Manaton, J.P., in the chair. The business, which was conducted in private, was confined to the consideration of applications for new and renewal of licenses.

FINANCE COMMITTEE. The monthly meeting of the Finance Committees of the District Council was held on Friday after- noon, when the members present were-Mr J. A. Hnghes (chairman), Messrs J. C. Meggitt, J.P., Mr J. A. Manaton, J.P., J. H. Jose, and A. T. White.

THE FINANCES OF THE COUNCIL. After a large number of accounts had been examined for payment, the Chairman intimated that the amount irrecoverable in connection with the last general district rate was £ 1504, of which £ 1,474 represented voids and reductions on appeal. Of this sum £ 303 applied to the North Ward, £ 452 to the South Ward J6459 to the East Ward, and j5248 to the West Ward. Bad debts in the North Ward amounted to 47 5s, South Ward A15 5s, East Ward £5 6s., and West Ward £1 18s., making a total of £ 29 16s. 5d. Mr Jose referred to the difficulty experienced in getting in the rates before the close of the half- year, many ratepayers declining to pay until after the collectors had called two or three times. He thought they should have a return from the col- lectors of those ratepayers who neglected to pay until the end of that period, so that an example might be made of them. There were some who would not pay until they had been summoned, although the rate was due as soon as made, It was very unfair to the collecting staff that so much unnecessary trouble should be given them. The Chairman agreed with Mr Jose, but felt that in the present depressed state of the district it might not be wise to act in a manner that might appear harsh. Mr Meggitt said it was only the other day that he signed a large number of summonses for arrears of rates, and amongst those who had neglected to pay his rates, notwithstannding the fact that repeated applications had been made to him, was a member of the Council. He thought it was dis- graceful that any member should refuse to pay until he was compelled. Mr Manaton said the same difficulty applied to the poor rate as to the general district rate, and something ought to be done to insist upon those who could well afford it to pay earlier. Mr T. W. Lewis, the collector, said his-staff had to call more than once upon 90 per cent. of the ratepayers. He also pointed out that the average cost of collection in large towns was 30s per £ 100, but at Barry the average cost was only 21s 6d per j6100. At Barry they also had the collection of the gas and water rates and slot meter rates. No resolution was passed. The Chairman said that, after meeting the liabilities for the month, there would be a balance of £8,376 due to the treasurer. At present there was a credit balance of about £1,000. At the beginning of July there would be in hand another £3,000, and on the 13th of July an additional £ 6,000 would be received from the London and Provincial Bank, to complete the temporary loan of £23,000, at 3i per cent., this sum to be trans- ferred to permanent loan at a reduced rate of interest as soon as money became cheaper, LOANS FROM FRIENDLY SOCIETIES. The Clerk (Mr T. B. Tordoff) reported that he had communicated with the Barry Friendly Societies' Council with reference to obtaining small loans from local friendly societies, and he had obtained the names of several societies to whom to apply. In the meantime he had received an offer of £ 1,000 at 3i per cent., and he asked for 4 the instructions of the Committee whether this loan was to be accepted. Mr White did not think that the local societies would have at their disposal suitable sums required by the Council; but it was possible that they would soon have a joint investment fund, which would enable them to take advantage of the Council's offer. It was resolved that the offer of jSl,000 which the Clerk had received be accepted DISTRICT COUNCILS' ASSOCIATION. The Committee declined to accept the invitation to appoint delegates to attend the forthcoming meetings of the District Councils'Association, nor to nominate a representative on the executive of I the association. PROPOSED SEPARATE POOR LAW UNION. In connection with the proposed formation of a separate Poor Law Union for Barry, letters were read from the Ratepayers' Association and Chamber of Trade, offering to co-operate with any public movement which might be formed to further the scheme. It was pointed out that the expenses in con- nection with the promotion of the scheme would amount to anything between A100 and £500, and no part of this sum could be taken out of the rates. On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Meggitt, it was resolved that replies to this effect be sent to each of the associations named. THE COLLECTION OF THE RATES. A junior clerk in the Health Department having applied for an increase of wages, a suggestion was made by the Health Committee that he be trans- ferred to the Collector's Office in place of the temporary clerk employed thereat. The Chairman considered it would not be prudent to make the proposed alteration. The work in the collector's department had been well done, and he thought it would be great folly to • J* make any change whereby the efficiency of the department might be imperilled. The Collector stated that the work of his department was continually increasing, the total collections last half year having gone up from 89,798 to 109,960, an increase of 20,000 since 1900. It was resolved, on the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr White, that the recom- mendation of the Health Committee be not enter- tained, and, in reply to a question, Mr Lewis stated that the services of the temporary clerk could not be dispensed with. ASSISTANCE FOR THE ACCOUNTANT. To enable the accountant to cope with the in- creased duties in his department, a suggestion was made that a junior clerk be appointed at a salary commencing at 30s per week, rising by Is per week per annnm to 35s. A suggestion was made that the commencing salary be 25s per week. Mr Jose asked whether the Committee thought 25s per week was sufficient ? The Chairman replied that they would have many applications. Mr Jose Those who say 25s. per week is sufficient ought to live on it themselves. (Laughter). The Chairman I am glad to see members of the Council are developing so much generosity. A great change has come over the spirit of the dream. It was quite different when I was clerk to the Council. (Laughter). The Uommittee agreed to advertise for a clerk at 30s. per week. INSURANCES. The Committee accepted a recommendation that all insurances be in future effected through the clerk as agent for different societies, the com- mission to be repaid to the Council. This would enable insurances to be effected at a cheaper rate than heretofore. FORMATION OF AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. The Clerk was authorised to make such arrange- ments at the Council Offices as were necessary for the accommodation of the clerk to the Education Department of the Council. SUMMER WARB. A letter was read from Misses M. E. and A. Meredith, Holton-road, asking for a copy of the seal of the Council to be placed upon summer ware as souvenirs of Barry. The application was granted. MORE SUMMER WEAR. The Committee decided to supply the road and building inspectors with light jackets for summer wear, the other uniform to be the same as at present. THE NEW WARD SCHEME. The schemes in connection with the extension of wards of the district having been prepared by Mr W. C. Howe, the assistant overseer, it was resolved to grant Mr Howe an honorarium of £ 10 in consideration of the valuable services he had rendered. REQUEST NOT ENTERTAINED. A communication was received from the authorities of Pyke-street Primitive Methodist Chapel, Barry Docks, for the return of A25 for private improvements which bad been paid for. It was pointed out that the amount was paid to the Barry Dock Town Syndicate, and the Com- mittee felt they had nothing to do with the matter. APPORTIONMENT OF BALANCES. The Chairman reported that Mr James Jones and himself had apportioned certain balances, amounting to a little over £ 3,000, the amount having been invested in Sheffield Corporation Stock at £ 92 10s per cent., and the value of this stock having an upward tendency, Mr Hughes anticipated that it would soon reach par, and would, therefore, prove a good investment. A private meeting of the Committee was after- wards held.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES' COMMITTEE. THE CENTRAL LIBRARY AND NEW READING ROOMS. The monthly meeting of the Barry Public Libraries' Committe was held at the Council Chamber, Gas and Water Offices, Barry Docks, on Friday evening last, Mr D. W. Roberts (chairman) presiding. The other members in attendance were Councillors J. A. Manaton, J. Milward, J. A. Hughes, Rev Ben Evans, D. Lloyd, and James Jones, Messrs J. Lowdon, J.P., J. R. Llewellyn, and J. O. Davies. Mr T. B. Tordoff (clerk), Mr J. C. Pardoe, A.M.I.C.E. (surveyor), and Mr J. Roch (librarian) were also present. LIBRARIAN'S REPORT. The Librarian presented his monthly report, which showed that the central library had been opened 30 times during the month ending May 23rd, with a total issue of 6,253 books, the classifi- cation of the same being as follows :—Religion and philosophy 93, history 134, economics0 46. poetry and drama 52, fiction 3,427, biography 126, travel 178, science and art 285, miscellaneous literature 169, magazines 242, and reference 320. The average daily issue was 208, works of fiction issued for the month representing an average of 67 per cent. The report also showed that the total number of juvenile literature issued was 1,181, comprising 798 minor fiction and 383 books of other classes. Since the opening of the library 4,526 ordinary borrowers' tickets had been issued, with 271 special tickets, and 1,145 tickets to juvenile readers from the schools, making the total issue of tickets 5,942. The numbers of actual borrowers from January 7th to May 23rd of this year was 2,142, made-up of 1,601 ordinary borrowers, 134 special, and 407 juveniles from schools. There were 37 renewals during the month, 36 ordinary borrowers, and one juvenile. The number of new tickets issued was 138, there being 33 ordinary borrowers, 3 special, and 102 juveniles. There were ten ordinary borrowers' tickets cancelled during the month, and seven juvenile ditto, making a total of seventeen. The report was adopted. THE CENTRAL LIBRARY. A letter was read from Messrs Hutchinson and Payne, architects, London, who had forwarded amended drawings of the proposed Carnegie Central Library in Holton-road, together with a description of the materials proposed to be used, and the proposed methods of heating, ventilation, and drainage of the buildings. The letter also pointed out alterations which would have to be made in the original plans to save a consider- able amount of excavations, &c. The Clerk explained that the alterations suggested would not increase the cost of the building, and the Committee agreed to pass the alterations. Another letter was read from the same firm stating that the quantities for the building were nearly completed, and they hoped to be able to send the Council a lithographed copy of the same by the 12th of June. They also suggested that the Council should advertise for tenders, and state in the advertisement that the quantities would be ready on the date named. They also enclosed copy of conditions of contract for approval by the Libraries Committee. The Committee agreed to adopt the course sug- gested with regard to advertising for tenders, and the Chairman, Mr Manaton, and Mr Milward were appointed to go through the conditions of contract. FOR CO-OPERATORS. Mr W. Reeves wrote, on behalf of the Educa- tional Committee of the Barry Dock Co-operative Society, asking the Libraries' Committee to allow the Co-operative News" to be placed in the reading-rooms of the town. The request was acceded to. COMPETITIVE PLANS FOR CADOXTON NEW READING ROOMS. The sub-committee which met previous to the Libraries' Committee considered the three designs sent in for the proposed new reading rooms at Cadoxton, and agreed to recommend No, 1 as the most suitable, subject to the cost of erection not exceeding £900. Mr Lloyd What shall we do if the work cannot be carried out at the figure named ? — Mr Hughes thought they should advertise for tenders for the work, and see if it could be done for the amount stated. He pro- posed that they accept design No. 1, subjret to 1 arrangements being made with the architect that if the work could not be carried out for jE900 they pay him for the drawings. This was agreed to. It was afterwards announced that No. 1 design was that of Messrs J. Alien Spear and Thomas A. Beavan, Weston-super-Mare and Cardiff. The other designs were those of Mr W. E. Knapman, Barry, and Mr J. A. Owen. Cadoxton. SUPPLIES FOR THE READING. ROOMS. On the Committee proceeding to. revise the list of newspapers and periodicals, several suggestions were made, but the Committee feit that all sug- gestions from the public- should come in writing, and that no suggestion be granted unless supported by two or more ratepayers. On the proposition of Mr Lowdon, it was re- solved to defer the further revision of periodicals until the new buildings were completed. The passing of the monthly accounts concluded the business;

THE BARRY EDUCATION COM- MITTEE AND APPOINTMENT OF TEACHERS. LETTER FROM ALDERMAN J. C. MEGGITT, J.P. To the Editor of the" BARRY DoCK NEWS." SIR,—It is unfortunate that the Cardiff papers in their report of the last meeting of the Barry Education Committee made a very serious mistake. At the meeting referred to there was a recom- mendation from the managers of St. Helen's Roman Catholic School that they should be empowered to appoint a teacher to a vacancy that had arisen, and at a considerable increase of salary; also that for the future all such appointments should be made upon the same scale of salary as received by the staff of the Publicly Provided Schools in the town. There were several divisions upon this question, but in the final division there voted four upon either side, one member remain- ing neutral. The Chairman (Mr J. Arthur Hughes), who had previously voted for the recom- mendation of the managers, declined to exercise a casting-vote, and so the whole matter fell through. The Cardiff papers unfortunately stated that a casting vote was given in favour of the recom- mendation. The Barry papers also did not state the decision with sufficient clearness. This appointment of teachers is one of the most important questions that can possibly arise in the working of the new Act, and it must be my excuse for asking you to insert this letter. May I first of all offer Father Byrne my congratulations ? Months ago, previous to the formation of the Education Authority, he declared he would have a seat on the hew body. It was thought at the time that this was part of the humour of the reverend gentleman, and treated as such, but it is evident that he was terribly in earnest. By persuasion and influence of various sorts and degrees, best known to those immediately concerned, he captured seven votes amongst the members of the District Council, and was the only man co-opted by that body Now he has gone one better. Upon this very vital question he has actually captured the Chairman of the Education Committee Those who meet the reverend Father at this Committee cannot help but notice his quiet and dignified satisfaction at such a triumph. We shall follow with interest the sequel of events. Now, what is the question in dispute ? Briefly it is this. The teachers of St. Helen's Roman Catholic School have hitherto been pnid salaries upon a considerably lower scale than the scale of the teachers of our Board Schools. The Education Authority is now asked to say that teachers ap- pointed to this school shall in future be paid at the same rate as all other schools. But here arises the crucial difficulty. St. Helen's teachers are privately appointed and can be privately dismissed. The Managers who appoint these teachers are themselves, as regards two-thirds of their number, privately appointed, and can be privately dismissed. The Chairman of the Managers (Father Byrne) has the appointment and superceding of three of the managers entirely in his own hands, and can do what he pleases. Rut the Ratepayers have to find the Money The Education Committee has no veto upon these appointments except upon educational grounds. They cannot object upon personal, or private, or any other grounds. I believe Father Byrne and those who act with him are too honour- able to abuse the power placed in their hands, but I also believe that it is unwise, and contrary to all ideas of equality, and justice, and liberty, to give any body of men such autocratic authority, especially where such important interests are at stake. The Chairman of our Committee (Mr J. Arthur Hughes) states that the Education Act is the law of the land, and should be obeyed. Precisely so. But there is no clause in this Act which says that teachers of Denominational Schools, privately appointed, shall be paid upon the same scale a's teachers of the People's Schools and appointed by the people. The Chairman also stated that it was a cruel thing, and an act of persecution, to refuse the recommendation of the Managers. Is not this- an abuse of language ? I desire to protest in the strongest possible terms against remarks of this nature. If there is any persecution upon this question, it is the ratepayers of this nation who are being flagrantly persecuted by one of the most irresolute, vacillating, yet over-bearing Govern- ments of modern times. I have yet to learn that we are all expected to bow down and worship any and every edict that may be issued at the bidding of such a reactionary Executive. Let there be no mistake about the action of those with whom I am acting upon this matter. We are prepared, indeed we are anxious, that the salaries of the teachers of St. Helen's School should assimilate to those of other schools. Further, we are desirous of giving every facility, of every kind whatsoever, to this" school that we are prepared to give to any other school, and. subject to certain reservations, we are also prepared to say that only Roman Catholics shall be appointed to this particular school, but where we are asked to go outside the existing law we shall resolutely and firmly insist upon one condition, viz., that those who find the money shall exercise the control. It will mean a giving up on both sides. The Managers will give up their undoubted right of privileged control and appointment, and we will exercise our freedom to the fullest possible extent in the interests of the children of the school, and do those things which the Act says we may do, but which the Act does not say that we shall do. To act otherwise would in my opinion be doing an injustice to the teachers of the Provided Schools. To give equality of salary and a similar cede for all teachers is right in theory, and will, I most sincerely hope, soon be the law of the land, but to allow certain teachers all the privileges and emoluments and advantages at present enjoyed by the staff of the Public School?, and vet to allow these teachers to remain under what is practically the domination and control, and also the possible partiality and favouritism, of one man is a doctrine to which I can never assent. To me it is a vital question. As long as I have the honour of being a member of the Educational Authority I shall most assuredly resist such a state of things. There are other considerations involved, but I will not take up more of your space. Permit me to urge my fellow-townsmen of all parties and of no party (for this is a question superior to party considerations) that this master should receive their most serious consideration and that they should insist that when public money is voted, there should inevitably ke the condition attached thereto of public controL-Yours faithfully, J. C. MEGGITT. Ssacroft, Barry, lrot; 1.903,