The Aberdare Leader

Ab43rdare District Council MONDAY—Mr. E. Stelake, J.P., in the chair. Present: Messrs. T. Lewis (vice- chairman), E. M. Hann, J.P., D. P. Davies, J J Wm. Bees, J. O. George, D. Tyssul Davies, David Davies, Thus. Bowen, L. N. Williams, J.P., Wm. Harper, T. Walter Williams, R. Llew- elyn, J.P., W. T. Morgan, W. Thomas, A. P. Jones, D. Jackson Thomas, M. J. Harris, and Owen Powell, with Col. T. Phillips (clerk), Mr. H. Beddoe (deputy clerk), Mr. Owen Williams (surveyor), Mr. A. S. Morris (deputy surveyor), Dr. M. J. Rees (medical offi- cer), and Mr A. Watkins (Burial Board clerk). CEMETERIES COMMITTEE. CHARGES AGAINST THE SEXTON. The report of this committee was as follows —" The Clerk explained that this meeting was convened at the request of the Chairman, Mr. Jackson Thomas, to consider alleged irregularities by the Sexton in cleaning graves, and receiving payment therefor contrary to the Bye- Laws and specific instructions given him. Your committee at great length con-' sidered the statements made by the chairman, and the Sexton, upon being asked for an explanation admitted the correctness of one of the charges, and inade other statements with reference to his general conduct in connection with grave cleaning. Moved by Councillor Thomas Bowen, seconded by Councillor chairman, and the Sexton upon being Upon to send in his resignation. Coun- cilor Thos. Lewis moved, and Councillor D. Tyseul Davies seconded a direct nega- tive. The motion was carried by 5 votes to 3. Your committee having regard to the long period of service of the Sexton, desire to suggest that if possible some other position might be offered to him, totally unconnected with the Burial De- partment." Mr. D. P. Davies asked whether this matter had been referred to committee by the Council. Clerk: No; the meeting was convened at the request of the chairman of com- mittee (Mr. Jackson Thomas). Mr. Jackson Thomas moved, and Mr. J. 0. George seconded, that the report be adopted. Mr. L. N. Williams pointed out that this was an unusual course. Such mat- ters ought to come first of all before the Council and then referred to committee. He had never heard of such procedure before. The Council were now asked to pass a motion which they had not dis- cussed. fr. T. Lewis also contended that this Was unusual. Mr. Jackson Thomas said that this was a case of emergency, and very different from other matters. The Chairman thought that the com- mittee had acted very wisely. When they found that something wrong was going on it was their duty to act at once. How- ever, it was open for the Council to dis- cuss the whole matter now. Mr. A. P. Jones said that the question could net be discussed without some in- formation. He would not be a party to extreme measures without hearing all the evidence. Mr. R. Llewelyn said that they had heard a good deal about the Cemetery some four or five years ago. It appeared that an old sore was being opened. He Was not in favour of dismissing an old servant without good cause. He noticed that the committee were divided on the matter. Mr. D. Davies said that if they were going to discuss the question they should do so in camera. I Mr. R. Llewelyn: I object to that. Too much work is going on in camera. Mr. D. Davies: Very well, I agree. Mr. T. Lewis said that as a member of the Cemetery Committee he had visited the particular graves referred to in com- mittee, and he felt sure that if they un- derstood it thoroughly they would arrive at a different conclusion. He moved that Mr. John Thomas, the sexton, be, present during discussion. Mr. A. P. Jones seconded. It was then decided to telephone to the Cemetery Lodge, asking Mr. Thomas to come down to the Council meeting. After an interval My. R. Llewelyn sug- gested that the charges against the sex- ton be heard before the sexton would be called in. Mr. Tyssul Davies asked if the dis- cussion was to be conducted in camera. Mr. R. Llewelyn moved, and Mr. W. T. Morgan seconded, that the Press be asked to retire. Mr. Jackson Thomas: Let us have' it out straight and fair in public. Mr. Llewelyn: Who is going to com- pensate this man if we damage his char- aoter ? On a division being taken, 10 voted for excluding ~Uie Press, and 8 against. Clerk: Will the Pressmen come back again if they retire now? The reporters said they would not. It was then agreed to go on with the other business, and to defer the Cemetery report to the end of the meeting. After the other items on the agenda had been dealt with, the Council had a pri- vate meeting'. The clerk enumerated the charges against the sexton. After some discussion it was resolved to defer the question for a fortnight to make further investigation. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Pit Head Houses.—In compliance with your instructions I have inspected Pit Head Houses, Cwmdare." There are 10 houses, the nearest of which is 30 yards and the furthest 140 yards distant from the 9 inch main from the Bwllfa Reser- voir. The cost of laying an inch galvan- ized iron pipe for supplying these houses would be about £ 14. I have to point out that in summer time, when the Bwllfa Reservoir is dry, that a constant supply would not be obtainable. The water rates would amount to X3 6s. 8d. per an- Hum, ] Ladies Convenience.—I have seen Mr. A. P.'Jones in reference to the piece of land adjoining the urinal at Canon-street. Mr. Jones informs me that there was nothing at the Bute Estate Office showing who the lessees, if any, were. I have to point out that this land has been in the occupation of the Council and its pre- decessors. the Local Board, for at least the last 30 years, during which period an annual rental has-been paid to the Mar- quis of Bute. The fences were put up and are maintained by the Council. When the existing urinal was erected, no objection was raised by anyone thereto. This question was postponed. Steam Road Roller.—I have to report that on the 15th September, whilst the roller was scarifying Ma-r-ket Street, it was dr''V3n on to the weighing machine belonging to the Market Company, break- ing the top plate and other portions of the machine. The machine has been in- spected by representatives of the makers, Messrs. Pooley, and also of Messrs. Avery, and tenders have been submitted for re- pairing the same, which amount to < £ 29 10s.-It was resolved to pay the Market Co. this amount, and to repri- mand the driver. Building Plans.-The following build- ing plans were, approved: From Messrs John Davies and George Tennant, 121 and 122. Glanaman-road, Cwmaman, two dwelling houses at Kmgsbury-plac:e, Cwmaman. From Mr- John f' Pantygerdinen, Owmbach, dwelling house at Frederick-street, Trecynon. From Mr J. M. Jones, builder, Hirwam, additions to No. 90, Brecon-road, Hirwam. irom Mr. E. L. Humphreys, 7, Mill-street, a warehouse in rear of No. 7 Mill-street, Trecynon. From Mr. D. P. Davies, Brecon-road, Hirwain, stable and cart- shed in Manchester-place, Hirwain. From Mr. R. H. Miles, 1, Broniestyn-tefrace, bakehouse in rear of No. 2, Canon-street, Aberdare. From Mr. Evan Parker, la, Station-street, additions in rear of No. la, Station-street, Aberdare. From Mrs. E. Morgan, 15, Clifton-crescent, additions in rear of No. 15, Clifton-crescent, Aber- aman. CWMAMAN RESERVOIR. The Surveyor also reported that the Cwmaman Service Reservoir had now been completed. Its capacity was 152,006 gallons. FIRE BRIGADE. Capt. John Davies reported that the Brigade had attended four fires during last month. HEALTH COMMITTEE. The above committee reported as fol- lows Houses No. 18 and 19, Stag Street, Tre- cyroii.—The Medical Officer of Health having reported that these houses had not been vacated, it was unanimously re- solved to obtain a closing order against the owner. ( Justices' Order for Removal of Infected Persons—The Medical Officer of Health having reported that Mrs. Annie Mann, of 5, Nith-street, Aberdare, and James Whitcombe, of 396 Cardiff-road, had re- fused to allow their respective children to be removed to the Infectious Disease Hospital, it was unanimously resolved to take the necessary proceedings against the above parents for wilfully obstruct- ing the execution of certain orders.—Re- solved that the Clerk and the Medical Officereonfer as to the future mode of the execution of Magistrates' Orders for the removal of infected persons. Houses No. 3 to 9, Incline Row.—The Medical Officer reported that the owner of the above houses had not taken any steps to comply with the requirements of the notice served upon him on the 21st day of August, to carry out the repairs therein mentioned, so. as to make the said houses fit for human habitation. Unani- mously resolved to obtain a closing order. Appointment of Nurse.—Resolved to recommend to the Council that Miss Annte Jenkins, S. Devon, be appointed assistant nurse at the hospital. dealing with this report, the Council agreed, on the suggestion of Dr. Rees, to postpone for a month the application for a closing' order re houses in Stag-street. With regard to the houses in Incline- row, which were unfit for human habita- tion, the Clerk read a letter from the Rev. T. C. Phillips, Vicar of Skewen, stating that the work of repairing those houses was in the hands of the contractor, and would be carried out without further delay. Mr. L. N. Williams moved that he be given another month to carry out repairs. Chairman: He has had 12 months' notice, and nothing has been done. Mr. W. Rees moved, and Mr. W. Thomas seconded, that a closing order be asked for at once. Mr. Williams' motion carried by 8 to 7. REMOVING INFECTIOUS PERSONS. Councillor T. W. Williams moved: That where an order is made by a Jus- tice of the Peace for the removal to the Infectious Disease Hospital of a person suffering from a dangerous infectious dis- order, such removal be executed without any reference to the Council." Mr. Wil- liams referred to the two cases' mentioned in the Health Committee's report. He maintained that patients should be forci- bly removed to the hospital if there were no proper accommodation at those patients' private houses. Mr. Williams concluded that if his motion would not be carried that day, he would write to the L.G.B., who had power to enforce the Act. Mr. W. Thomas: Are you trying to in- timidate us P Mr. Williams: No, no. Mr. J. O. George: Who is to be the authority in this case? Mr. Williams: The removal cannot be made unless the juctices grant the order. Mr. Jackson Thomas opposed the mo- tion, and remarked that if the police had to be requisitioned to carry away patients from their homes, the shock would kill the parents. Mr. T. Lewis seconded Mr. Williams' motion. He reminded the Council that they had prosecuted certain parents for not allowing their children to be removed to the hospital. To be consistent now they should pass that resolution. He feared that the public were not intelli- gently informed on the subject. Mr. Wm. Rees thought that Mr. Wil- iiams' motion was a little too previous. They had only a small accommodation at the Hospital. Mr. T. W. Williams, while Mr. Rees was still on his feet, rose to reply, and some disorder ensued. Mr. W. Rees went on to say that it was not correct that all children would be treated alike under Mr. Williams' motion. They would not be able to do that till they had the new hospital. The Clerk read the portion of the Act dealing with the matter. Mr. W. Thomas observed that Mr. Williams seemed to be trying to improve the Act. Mr. Williams: No, I am simply insist- ing upon its operation. Mr. J. O. George supported the motion. Mr. Jackson Thomas said that as a workman he would not be a party to such a drastic measure. He believed that a kind word by the doctor would be far better than a couple of policemen burst- ing people's doors open. He moved a direct negative. Mr. W. Thomas seconded. Three only voted for the motion. 1 Some laughter greeted this, and Mr. Williams was understood to say that he j would take other measures to enforce it.. J GRAIG ROAD IMPROVEMENT. Councillor L. N. Williams moved That some necessary repairs should be done to Monk-street, from the Great Western Railway Crossing to Graig House." Resolved that the Surveyor report as to the cost. HALL STREET. Councillor William Harper moved That private improvement works be done and carried out to Hall-street, Maesydre, under the Private Street Works Act." Mr. Harper remarked that there was no channelling' in this street, and hardly any pavement. The state of this street was more favourable to the de- velopment of a sewer rat than for human beings. Mr. J. 0. George seconded.—Carried. HIRWAIN RECREATION GROUND. Mr. W. P. Nicholas, clerk of Rhondda District Council, wrote regarding 30 acres of common land, near Hirwain for recreation purposes for the parish of Ys- tradyfodwg and neighbourhood. Mr. J. O. George urged the Clerk to do all in his power to obtain permission to convert this place into a public recreation ground. The question was deferred to enable the Clerk to make further enquiries. COMPENSATION WANTED. Mr. Gomer Davies, Duffryn Shop, Cwmbach, wrote that in attempting to extinguish the blaze in a, gas lamp, where there was a leakage of gas, a piece of glass tore his arm, causing him to lose 6 weeks' work. He applied for compensa- tion. The Clerk explained that he had no legal claim. Mr. Jackson Thomas moved that he be given £ ■?) for services rendered. Mr. D. Davies seconded.—Carried. I ABEECWMBOI RECREATION GROUND. Mr. Hann wrote regarding two IJieces of land which the Council required for a recreation ground at Abercwmboi. Mr. Hann said he would be prepared to let one of the proposed pieces. The matter was deferred. LIGHTING. Mr. P. J. Caldicott, secretary of the ji bernnt Building Club, wrote asking the Council to place gas lamps in Fother- gill-street, A be.rn.ai,.t .-Referred to Light- ing Committee. THE DELUGE. DEPUTATION OF TRADESMEN. Mr. George Powell, Gloster-street, Aberdare, wrote calling the attention of the Council to the deplorable condition of Gloster-street during the recent flood. ri he inhabitants of that street had suffered several hundreds of pounds loss, the water having rushed into the best rooms in. many of the houses. He hoped the Council would take some steps to prevent such a nuisance recurring. The mhabitants of Gloster-street would feel sorely disappointed in their municipal government if the combined wisdom of the members, together with the surveyor, could not remedy that state of affairs. (Laughter.) A letter had also been received from a number of the residents of Cardiff-street, stating the damage caused by the flood. Also from Mr. T. W. Griffiths, secretary or the Aberdare Chamber of Trade, ask- ing that a deputation should lay their grievance before the Council. Thereupon Mr. Illtyd Williams, chair- man of the Chamber of Trade, Messrs. R. H. Miles,, T. Lloyd, and W. H. Flocks appeared before the meeting. Mr Williams gave a graphic description of the dai-iiage caused by the flood. He stated that Mr. Hodges' premises had been flooded(twice or three times prev- iously. Mr. Flooks and Mr. Miles also had their premises flooded. Were the drains of the town sufficient to cope with such a great rush of water? It was not an act of God as much as the omission of man. They did not seek compensation. All they asked for was something to safe- guard them against a repetition of the disaster. Mr. Miles said that it appeared from the discussion at the Chamber of Trade that there was some obstruction in the culvert. It appeared as if the confluence of the Dare, and Cynon by Duke Street was blocked. Mr. R. Llewelyn said that if the owners of property in Aberdare had through bad engineering fixed their premises too low they should suffer for it, and not ask the ratepayers of the whole district to assist them. Mr. T. Walter Williams moved that the matter be referred to the Sewage Committee. This was agreed to. The Chairman said that it' was not a creditable thing for the town to have the houses and shops flooded in such a manner. Mr. D. Tyssul Davies hoped that the committee would consider the damage caused in the upper part of the district as well as in the town. ANOTHER ECHO OF THE DELUGE. Also, a letter had been received from the Mountain Ash District Council com- plaining' of damage caused by the over- flow of the River Cynon in the Mountain Ash area, and threatening to seek an in- junction. It was explained that this matter had already received attention. THE, PRICE OF WATER. Mr. W. W. Price, secretary of the Aberaman Public Hall and Institute, wrote asking for reduction in the price of water supplied to the Baths. The Surveyor suggested that they ob- tain in the quarterly account the benefit of the reduction to which the annual con- sumption now entitled them. This would mean paying 6d. and not 8d. for a cer- tain quantity. Mr. Owen Poweil was not satisfied with the Surveyor's terms. The Clerk said that they should bear in mind that the Institute were running baths in opposition to the Council. (Laughter.) Mr. Powell: But in providing district baths we are doing what the Council omit to do. PARK INSPECTOR, ILL. Mr. T. Williams, park inspector, had written a letter from a hospital in London stating that he had undergone an oper- ation. Mr. T. Walter Williams suggested that the inspector's wages be paid during the remainder of the time he would be away owing to his illness. Messrs. J. O. George and D. Tyssul Davies supported. Mr. L. N. Williams was opposed to set- ting up a precedent. He would suggest a kind of honorarium rather than pay the inspector his wages. Mr. R. Llewelyn proposed that if it be regular, he be paid his wages for a month, which amounted tOo X5 The Clerk said that the Council had no power to grant the inspector a lump sum. It was agreed that the man be paid for lost time from this time forth. DARKNESS AND IMMORALITY. A letter had been received from Mr. F. Preece requesting the Council to place a temporary gas lamp in Elm Grove. The Surveyor said that a, request for light had been made to him owing to the rampant immorality which prevailed there. It was agreed to provide a temporary gaslight. CWMAMAN'S NEW ROAD. Mr. W. Sees said, that the residents of Cwmaman were desirous that the open- ing of the new road should be-a public function. Mr. T. W. Williams suggested that the' chairman's boy or girl should be asked to perform the ceremony. This was agreed to. BUTE'STREET CHANNELLING. .Mr. IV. Thomas had called the Sur- veyor's attention to the inadequate chan- nelling in Bute Street, which was the ca us.e of stagnant pools in the street, and asked him to report. The Surveyor replied that he had con- sidered Mr. Thomas's request, and would have the work carried out forthwith.