Penarth Chronicle and District Advertiser

Notes and Comments. A CORRECTION- IN our last week's issue a grave error appeared re- specting the contaminated water at 31, Stan well lload, Penarth. It was understood by our reporter at the Public Works and Health Committee the pre- vious Monday, that the water sent to be analysed was drinking water, bat this was not correct. It was merely surface water which had deposited itself under the floor of the house, and which was supposed to have been the cause of the sickness of one of the residents. The drinking water supplied to Penarth was never better than that we are now getting, and we therefore take the first opportunity of correcting the eiror in our last issue, and apologise to the Waterworks Committee for any annoyance which our report occasioned them- AT the District Council Meeting on Monday night last, the Chairman was called upon to exercise his I right by giving a casting vote in settlement or two I separate matters, but we question very much the wis- dom of that worthy functionary in opposing by two votes, each time, the resolutions which had been under discussion. In the matter of Bachelor and Snowden's claim in connection with the outfall sewerage exten- sion, no harm could have resulted from the appoint- ment of a special investigation committee, whose only duty would have been, after hearing the pros, and cons. of the case, to have laid the claim in a more concise form before the Council, and also a recom mendation as to what should be done. The Council ought to be at all tirues prepared to do what is right between man and man, and when disputes arise, an investigation, by members of the Council, rather than an appeal to law, would be far more honourable. Mr Thomas, in proposing the appointment of an investiga- tion committee, said the contractors had, without a doubt, a prima jacie case, and were emphatic in asseverating that the nature of the work was entirely altered to what was shown to tham in the plan upon -( which they based their calculations. At present the Surveyor's knowledge of the work required to be done is disputed, and if for no other reason than to set him right, the inquiry should take place. We know the Surveyor to be one of the most clever and intelligent men of bis profession, but we are all liable to fall into error, and when our work is disputed it is always more satisfactory to prcve ourselves right, than for those who question it to be snubbed and snuffed out. Twice the Council have refused an investigation, but even yet, if not toj late, we hope the members will see their vay clear to hear the claimant in a friendly way, and then do justice. ANOTHER important motion discussed by the Council was that of inserting in contracts a clause to the C2 effect that the Unioi rate of wages be paid. This was also lost by the casting vote of the chairman. The Council are encouraging a cut-throat principle among local tradesmen, who, in order to secure the woik of the Council, are quoting prices which will not allow of a living profit. And whilst this isbeing donet the Council are voluntarily offering honorariums to officials simply because they have done their duty. At their meeting on Monday night the Sur- veyor and Clerk were asked to each accept a cheque for £ 25 for services. rendered when the Board opposed the Cardiff Corporation Bill before the House of Commons last year. Every labourer is worthy of his hire, but we must, and do btrongly protest against squandering the rate- payers' hard-earned wage, which he has to pay in rates, by filling to the overflow officiate pockets. The Clerk graciously refused the £ 25 offered him, and whilst we do not blame the Surveyor for accept- ing the Council's offer, yet we do think that he did nothing more than his duty when he assisted the Board in their opposition. By the wisdom and ability he displayed when before the Parliamentary Com- mittee, he proved to the Board that their confidence had not been misplaced, and we think their expres- sions of confidence, which Mr Evans appreciated more than the money, would have been sufficient. Truly some men seem to be born with silver spoons in their molt ths. j

.,Í. r NOTICE. THE TT"" ""1 PENARTH 1 CHRONICLE I Will be A PUBLISHED NEXT WEEK On T day, INSTEAD OF FRIDAY, In consequence of THE HOLIDAYS. 1