Abergavenny Chronicle

PROPOSAL FOR EARLIER MEETING: I A BREEZE. FOOH TELES RAMS MAYOR'S PRESENTA- TION TO TOWN. The monthly meeting of the Ab;rc.avenny Tov/ii Com.icil was held on Monday riiyht, the Mayor' (Alderman Z. Wheatley) presiding. ,Thete wre also present Councillor J. R. Beck- with (Hepilty I-Iavor), Alderman Col. Williams, k De7 W. Councillors P. Telford, T. A. W. Horsington, C. R. Plowman, F. J. r,r.nsfield, W. J. Tong, Alfred Graham, F. Sac W. J. Meale, Dr;.a R. Iball. Local Soldiers' Honours., I Mayor proposed that the Ccu-ial tender tlieir congratulations to the lc)cal soldier? .who had received honours sine- the last Mieetir.g :—Lt -Col. T, j. Morgan Ov, D.S.O. (•.on-iix-lavr of Mr. J. B. Walford), rueijioned in despatches Lieut. Percy Trelxo;\ S.W.B. (educated at the Grammar School, t-U whose parents now reside at Newport), Military Cross Capt. Merton Jones, French Cross, L< Class Coy. -Sergt.-Major A. Probert and Coy.-Sergt.- Major W. G. Probert, Pandy, Military Medal Pte. T. Madden, R.W.F., Tudor-street, and L-Sergt. L B. Powell, R.W.F., Military Medal Driver T. E. Maddy, R.E. (brother or Mrs. Ed- t-rarcL-, Post Office, Llanddewi Skirrid). French Cross, and Class. The Mayor said v.-es very encouraging to find that so many avrards had ceme to this district. Councillor Beckwith seconded the r reposition, which Vk3 carried. Marshal Foch's Telegram. I The Mayor referred to the recent telegram lie sent tc Marshcl Foch on behalf of burgesses, and f I-, e Cre^erai s reply, and said he had gone to the trouble and expense of having copies made of the telegrams and put in frames. He pro- posed to ask the Council to accept o:.e copy to put in the Mayor's Parlour, and the Free Library Committee to accept a copy, as a memento of the occasion. Councillor Horsington, as a n:e:n;cr of the Free Library Committee, asked whether the chairman (Cut. "Williams) would accept a copy. Councillor Telford said he would second that.- Alderman Williams said the committee could do as they liked about it. He would accept it, if it was their wish. Councillor Horsington said he should be pleased to see it hung up in the Free Library. He hoped that many things of public interest 'would find a place there. It should be a place where young people could acquire knowledge and get every facility for educating themselves. Councillor Telford, in supporting, said that everyone could go into the Free.Library, but it was not everyone who could go into the Mayor's. Parlour. It "would be a reminder ir. the years to code that such a thing had happened and that Abergavenny took an interest in it. He moved a. vote of thanks to the Mayer for having I had the telegrams framed and presenting a copy to the town, and he proposed that th- Council accept it. Councillor Meale seconded. Councillor Beckwith supported, a-ci said he was one of those who appreciated those things which, were done spontaneously, and when in the years to come the children of some of them looked in the Mayor's Parlour they would see with pleasure what had been done. I Abergavenny's War Sheine. i Councillor Tong What has become of the war shrine ? The Mayor I believe the frame is in the Corn Exchange. There seems to be a diversity of opinion about it, so it is held up. Councillor Tong There was no diversity of opinion expressed at this Council tabic. We were unanimous. The Mayor It is there, ready to be com- pleted at any time the Council instruct us to do it. Councillor Sadler I should like to ask who has the matter in hand ? The Mayor If it is the wish of the Council the matter can be put in hand. Councillor Tong We are behind every other towa. Councillor Telford Have you the necessary infortaition ? Ladies are obtaining a complete list of local men who are serving, and it will possibly be ready in a few weeks lime. The Mayor We only want.the names of those who have fallen. Councillor Tong It is up to date in the porch of St. Mary's Church, or very nearly so. It is ? in memory of the fallen, so that the boys when they pass by the Town Hall will see the t,= of those who died for them, and they will salute the shrine. Councillor Graham said he did not, think the thing was going to be very satisfactory, if it was to be in memory of the fallen. They did not know how many names were to be added. This shrine was a wooden one and would not last for ever, and he believed that something better, more elaborate and more worthy of the object should be put outside the Town Hall. He had made a suggestion to certain individuals, but it might not be acceptable. He thought that those who had laid down their lives and those who risked their lives were worthy of something better than the intended shrine. They wanted something which would endure beyond their days, and the proposed memorial-would not last their lifetime. They should have a marble slab fixed in the entrance to the Town Hall, a niche cut in the solid masonry, and the names should be cut in the slab or pressed in with lead. The Mayor said that if the matter was re- ferred to the Finance Committee they would submit a sketch for the next meeting. Councillor Tong said there did, after all, appear'to be some diversity of opinion, about the matter, though he had heard nothing of it before. He was entirely with Councillor Graham in everything he had said. He was quite prepared to vote for marble, but he understood that they -were doing this simply as a start so as to en- courage loyalty in the town while the war was in progress. After the war they did want some- thing lasting. To-day they wanted the people of Abergavenny to remember what others were doing for them individually. He was inclined to think that there were some of their young men who did not know and did not realise what the meu wr doing at the front, where some of them ought to be. Councillor Horsington said that the board partly prepared was nothing better than a notice board, and if it was intended to be of a permanent character it should be done in marble panels. The Mayor This is not intended to be per- manent. Oli the proposition of Councillor Telford, seconded by Councillor Sadler, it was decided that the Finance Committee should consider the matter and report at the next meeting. Monk-street Property. Councillor Delafield asked when the committee I proposed to do something with reference to Mr. Wifeberley's property He passed there very often, and jt was not pleasing to hear some of the remarks made about the matter. Councillor Horsington asked what was the position concerning the property ? When was the fencing going to be put up, and why was it not done ? Was there any reason why the place should not be fenced and the doors put up. It was a matter of £ 20, and it had been on for 20 months. Alderman Williams And the ratepayers v ant to knew if you are going to increase their rates. The Mayor said it would be much better if they iefc this matter. Councillor Horsington said he was not out for leaving it Councillor Plowman said it was ii-, tl--c- hands of a sub-committee. Could not they ask them to Wring up a report at the next meeting ? The Mayor The thing is not shelved. Councillor Horsington Every time I go by there I think it is a standing disgrace. Councillor Tong May I read rule 43, Mr. Mayor ? I think we are out of order. The matter then dropped. Water for the Allotments, Councillor Meale said he should like to know the reason that water had not been supplied to the Park allotments. A local gentleman generously offered to bear the expense of L I-ig water there and save the ratepayers any expea.-o. The Council said that they were going to do i, themselves, but up to the present they had not done it, and there was 110 allotment holder win had any access to water at ali. He thought it was scandalous. Why didn't they accept the gentleman's offer ? The Surveyor said that a temporary supply had been put on, and the water was running through the pipe to-day. He admitted it was only temporary. Part Time Nationt Service. A Utter was read from the Welsh Regional Office of the Ministry of National Service recommending that part-time committees should be formed in every town with the object c-f en- rolling those persons who were prepared to give a cercain amount .of time to work of national importance. This might include not only munition work, but also ordinary employment wliere employers were not engaged in s-iich national work but had been deprived of their assistants as a result of the demands of the Army and Navy and found it difficult to carry en their businesses with efficiency and despatch. Councillor Graham There are very few people here who can do anything. I think we are full up. The Mayor I think we can't send any from the Tribunal. They are all employed. Councillor Graham There are very few people in this district who can give part time. There may be a few, but there are very few. The Mayor Suppose we issue a notice asking people who are prepared to give part time to submit their names to the Town Clerk. Councillor Horsington A very good sug- gestion. ThL- was agreed to. Trench Digging for Volunteers. The Streets Committee reported that a letter was read from Lieut. Hanbury asking for a reply to his previous communication with regard to land for trench digging, as it was desirous that the course of instruction should be commenced without delay. After discussion it was resolved that a reply be sent informing Lieut. Hanburv that the Town Council were prepared to let the portion cf land immediately adjoining the present tip (the other side cf the bridge), subject to his first making terms with the tenant of Llaufois:, Farm (Mr. Denner) as to the land re- quired. extent of tenure, compensation to be paid, etc. The Town Clerk said that Major Cabb had now asked if the Council would grant permission to trench in the late Four A's field. He promised to send a ph-.n of the trenching work desired, but he (the Tovm Clerk) suggested that it would be best for him to send the trenching officer to see the Surveyor. The Surveyor said that Major Gabb called and asked him what the position was. He told him that the committee were tacking the Four A's field and that if he wanted trenches there he would have to fence them off. He explained the position which the committee offered at Llan- foist Faroi. and Major Gabb went away quite satisfied. Councillor Horsington Where is the site ? The Surveyor It is the dat ground between the tip and the river. The Old Weighbridge. I The Markets Committee reported as follows A letter was read from Mr. Philip Williams, hon. sec. Abergavenny Branch Farmers' Union, pointing out that the present system of sheep grading is giving such widespread cause of com- plaint that unless it is altered in some way or other, trade will be driven from the town. He further states that a simpler and more satis- factory method is being followed in Usk Market by making use of the weighbridge there.—A I letter was also read from Messrs. Avery's Ltd. stating they are in communication with their Works regarding particulars required by the Ministry of Food which they have applied for through Mr. Chadwick. As soon as this in- formation is furnished they expect the priority certificate will be granted, and the matter dealt with with the least possible delay. The Town Clerk reported he had supplied the information required. Councillor Plowman, chairman of the com- mittee, said that with reference to the old weigh- bridge, last Thursday week the Surveyor and himself attended at the Cattle Market with the Chairman of the Streets Committee and the Surveyor of Pontypool. It appeared' that Pontypool were in want of an old weighbridge, and they asked whether the one at Abergavenny was for sale. They negotiated for the sale of it and after a lot of pressure they received an offer of £ 10 for it, the Pontypool Council to bear the cost of removal. He thought it was a very good offer, and he should like the opinion of the Council as to whether it should be accepted. Alderman Williams seconded that the offer be accepted, and this was carried. Councillor Telford Has anything been done with regard to a new weighbridge ? The Mayor We are sjill in negotiation for the priority certificate. The Town Clerk said that Messrs. Avery had the matter in hand. Town's Municipal Undertakings A Permanent I Record. Councillor Tong moved That the best thanks of this Corporation be accorded to the Surveyor for his brochure on Abergavenny. That, if possible, the facts brought out in the recent discussion be interleaved; that a copy be sent to each member and officiat of the Corporation, past and present, and six copies placed in the Carnegie Free Library for the use of the bur- gesses." He remarked- that the discussion at the meeting of Municipal and County Engineers was most interesting and educative from start to finish. Those who were present were cer- tainly enlightened as to what their responsi- bilities and privileges were in Abergavenny, and those who were absent missed aa opportunity for an education in the requirements of the district. Councilor Iball seconded tke proposition, which was carried, Alderman Williams voting against. Proposed Earlier Meetings A Nasty I insinuation." Councillor Tong proposed the following resolu- tion That for the duration of the war all meetings of the Corporation and its several com- mittees be called for 6.30 p.m., and that if any business be unfinished at 8.30 p.m. it be ad- journed to the next evening at 6.30 p.m." He said that the Corporation were calling upon the burgesses to exercise the greatest economy in coal and gas, and they as the ruling authority ought to set an example. He would admit that it might be a little inconvenient for some of them to be there at the hour stated, but he did not think it would be more inconvenient for any member than for himself, and he was prepared to put up with the inconvenience. They were bound to economise in gas, fuel and talk. Councillor Mansfield seconded. Councillor Iball said that while he had great syhipathy with Councillor Tong's proposition, it would be very inconvenient for him, as a working man. Mr. Tong was his own master, but they were net their own masters. They had a duty to perform and it was war time, and they were short of men in all departments on the line, and to meet at 6.30 would be. very inconvenient to him and others. He would do his best to attend, if it was the decision of the Council, but it would be very inconvenient. Councillor Beckwith said lie would propose an amendment against it, for the simple reason that working men did not leave off till 5.30, and after they had attended to their toilet it was 6.30 before they could get out or the west end." In his humble opinion it was the thin end of the wedge to oust the working man, and he strongly opposed it. Councillor Meale seconded, and also strongly I opposed the "proposition. With all respect to Councillor Tong, he thought it was ridiculous to bring in such a motion. "It is practically hitting at the working men and trying to*"#ipe us out," he added. Councillor Tong That is news to rue. I will enlighten you gentlemen. Councillor Beckwith We d-u'c want any enlightenment. A Distinct Lie." j Councillor Tong said that ue took :t as a peffeonal insult to him, and when he tohl them that in half an hour's time he would have in 14 hours that day and that he had not had 55 minutes' interval for food, he thought he was a working man equally as much as any other man sitting round that table. To talk about ousting the working men and trying to take away their privileges was a distinct lie. It was their business to do their duty at that Council, whether they were working men or toffs. He would not be insulted by any nasty insinuation. He was prepared to give up time and incon- venience himself to be there at 6.50. Councillor Meale knew that when he did not come down till the 6 o'clock train he could not be there without some inconvenience. He had come there that night straight from his work with just half an hour for his food. Councillor Meale I have worked nearly 17 hours to-day, and I am here to look after the interests of the ratepayers as well as anyone else. Councillor Telford Does he move an amend- ment ? The Mayor He has a right to express his opinions. Alderman Williams He has done ii once. The Mayor He did not finish. Councillor Meale: I was interrupted. I strongly object to it, and I will say the same 1 again as I said before, that I believe it is a personal smack against the working men cn this Council. Councillor Mansfield said that when 'he seconded the proposition he did not do so because it was an insult to the Working-men, but; because he believed that it was a change for the better. He did not think it was. any reflection 011 the working men. Many of them could come there with a little effort, and finish their business in better time. Some Sense in Applying the Closure. Councillor Telford'said he was very sorry that any personal feeling had been shown in this matter. He believed that Councillor Tong brought it forward in all good faith, thinking it would be a great improvement. There was no doubt it would be an improvement if they could get there at 6.30 and get on with the business and get home a good deal earlier. Ic would be very inconvenient as far as he was concerned, and consequently he could not support it. The suggestion to postpone till the next day business unfinished at 8.30 was ridiculous. Councillor Tong talked about saving gas and coal, and if he proposed to apply the closure at 8.30 there would be some sense in it, but there was no saving in bringing them together another- night. Councillor Graham said 'that the proposal would not affect him in the least in the winter time, but he told them frankly that in the summer time it was going to stop him being there. While the nights were light he wanted to use the light for another purpose. He moved as an amendment that the hour of meeting be 7 o'clock, and that it apply only to the winter months, say from the 1st of September to the ist of March or April. Councillor Horsington said that this question had been threshed out years ago before the war, and he did not think that there was a better time to suit everyone than the present hour of 8 o'clock. On the night of every Council meeting he had to attend a meeting of a committee on which he was appointed to represent the Council. The committee had altered their time to 7 o'clock to suit him, apd he could not now go to them cap in hand and ask them to alter it again. Councillor Sadler seconded the amendment for 7 o'clock. In the winter it made no difference because the gas would be burning all tHe time, but in the summer 7 o'clock would be better for them. Councillor Plowman said he had heard nothing to convince him that 8 o'clock was inconvenient. He was in favour of keeping to 8 o'clock. Councillor Iball asked in what way Councillor Tong was studying economy in proposing 6.30. As Councillor Sadler said, they would want gas and fires at 6.30 just the same as at 8 o'clock. Keeping the Home Fires Burning. Councillor Tong said that they were 16 members of the Council, and they all had houses to live in. There were 16 houses where the families were kept up later than usual, and all these fires and 16 or more gas jets were burning when there was no necessity. He thought the saving was patent to anyone without explana- on. He wanted once and for all to resent the insinuations which had been cast at him about driving in the thin end of the wedge. He never heard the like ever since he came on the Council four years ago. Councillor Beckwith Quite right. Councillor Tong It may be, from your standpoint. I know where I am, now. I judged you to be a better man. As regards Councillor Meale, all he considers is his own personal convenience. His (Councillor Tong's) object was to get home at a respectable hour and to save house fuel and gas. If it was the wish of the Council to burn coal and gas at home and go home at a late hour, then he had no more to say. He moved it from pure motives, and he had never done anything with less self interest than he had done this. If the resolu- tion was carried-he knew it was not going to be—he would suffer more than any other member of the Council. If they looked at the signature book they would see that he had not missed a meeting since Mayor's Day in 1917. It showed he was prepared to sacrifice some of his leisure time to carry out the duties. Councillor Beckwith said that Councillor Tong seemed to blow the trumpet tremendously high, but he must allow other men to have opinions as well as himself. He had sat round that table perhaps as long as Councillor Tong, He had not the experience, and perhaps was not as intelligent, but at the same time he stood for what was right and just. The Mayor put Councillor Graham's amend- ment, and six voted for and six against. Members pressed the Mayor to give his casting vote, and he gave it against the amendment, remarking that he should like to have seen the Council unanimous. The Mayor then moved a further amendment that the hour of meeting be 7.30. Only two voted for this, however, and there were seven or eight against. Both amend- ments were therefore defeated, but it seemed to be forgotten in the confusion that the original motion, which still stood, had not been voted upon. The position now is that the hour of meeting remains at 8 o'clock, as at present. .&