Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

PRESENTATION TO MR. W. L AH AMY, UPPER CWMBRAN. INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS. A meeting of a singularly interesting character was held at the Bush Inn, Upper Cwmbran, on Saturday evening, for the purpose of doing honour to Mr. W. Laramy, recently under- mTnager at the Upper Cwmbran Colliery, upon his retirement from that position after a long period of able and faithful service in the interest of employer and employed W t became known, some time ago, that Mr. l^aramy intended relinquishing the ™i^nt P°^ion he had so long occupied, it was felt Wiat sucn an event could not be allowed to occur without being marked in a tangible form by the mens sense of his character and ability, ^committee was accordingly formed, and subscriptions solicited, with the result that it was decided to procure a splendid double-cased silver stop- watch, and handsome illuminated address.^ The former bore the following inscription Pre- sented to Mr. W. Laramy, by the workmen and officials of the Upper Cwmbran Colliery, in re- cognition of 45 years service farthfally and conscientiously performed- September, 1891. Prior to the presentation meeting the committee, the recipient, and other friends, numbering 60 altogether, sat down to a splendid repast, which ■did great credit to the catering of Hostess Jenkins. Mr. E. Quilford presided over the meeting subsequently held, when the room was packed to its utmost capacity by interested auditors, Mir. D. Morgan being in the vice-chair. The chairman was supporte4 by the guest of the evening, and Mrs. Laramy Mr. W, Wood, hon. sec. of the testimonial committee J Mr. T. Grey, ion. treasurer Councillor D. Thomas Messrs. H. L. Morgan, Maesyrhiw: R. Evans Board Schools; Dl. Jones, under-manager J. Burgess, W. Knipe, &c. The proceedings were marked throughout by much enthusiasm. The Chairman at the outset explained the absence of several gentlemen. Their manager had had to leave by the four o'clock tram, but hoped to be present before the meeting broke up Mr. Parfitt was absent from the district; and their medical officer, Dr. Bowen, had written to say that he could not be present with them, but he had subscribed very hand- somely to the testimonial fund. (Hear, hear.) He would ask Mr. G. Edwards to read a letter he had received from Dr. Bowen. Mr. G. Edwards said the part of the letter referring to the meeting was as fowws:- Dear Sir.—I regret that I cannot attend the Sresentation meeting as I hoped to, owing to omestic circumstanced. Please convey my hearty sympathy with the -object of the meeting? and I trust the recipient will live long to 1en3°^ repose and a useful and active life, an example to the younger men to strive to earn a similar recognition." (Applause.) The Chairman said they now came to the business of the meeting, which was to 00 honour to their friend Laramy for his past services. Some time ago a committee was formed for the f'Urpose of getting up a testimonial for their; riend on his resigning the post under- manager. He had known the recipient ever since he (the speaker) was a little boy, and had worked under him now for more than 20 years. During that time he had learned to respect him for his straightforwardness and integrity, and he thought if they imitated him in those qualities they would do welL (Hear, hear.) If there was anything wrong, he did not hesitate to tell a man of it to his face, and that was a good trait in his character. (Hear, hear.) It was said that to know a man they plust live with -him, and he had lived very close to Mr. Laramy tor a .number of years. He always found him to be a J man, and whenever he took his advice he found -U did not go very far wrong. He had known b"A in several spheres as an official, but could never emher him as a worknum. All the workmen hadjMironised the testimonial hand- somely, which spoke very well of Wm. (Hear, hear.) The former proprietor of the colliery, Mr. J. Lawrenoe, had been seen by their frieni Mr. H, L. Morgan, and had, also contributed .handsomely to the fund..Mr, Parfitt and other outside gentleman had also contributed, shewing the respect in which he was held in the neighbourhood. He was very grateful that they had made the presentation such a success- (Hear, hear.) There was one thing for which the Cwmbran Colliery was noted, and that was for the length of time it had kept its officials. About four yeans ago they got up a testimonial for their manager upon hie completing a period of 21 years at the eollieiy. He had now been there 25 years, whilst their friend Laramy had maintained an unbroken connection o £ 4o years with the colliery. {Applause.) He asked them mnr to diiiuk wMiwlth « tlM-gneet «f the evening, Mr. W. Laramy. (Cheers.) The toast having been heartily honoured, Mr. John Jarrett, who was called upon to present the watch, said he was placed in a posi- tion he had never previously occupied, and experienced a feeling such as he had never felt before. He had the advantage of the chairman, who said he had not known Mr. Laramy as a Workman. He had known him as a workman, and they had worked together. He had driven a tram of coal for him, and he said Beest thee coming again" ? (Laughter.) After that Mr. Laramy became his manager, and he had taken his instructions from him, and they had worked together har- moniously. There was no man for whom he had more respect, and he gged now, on behalf of the subscribers, to ask his acceptance of the watch as a token of esteem. (Cheers.) The Chairman said he now had another and 5leasing duty to perform, and that was to ask Mr. ohn Miller to present the address, but before doing so he might mention, as an illustration of the uncertainty of life, the fact that since the testimonial was first talked about, one of the committee had passed away, He referred to their departed friend James James, who was ready to help in any way that he could, and whose name they had left upon the address. Mr. R. Evans then read the address (which was beautifully illuminated and handsomely framed) as follows To Mr. Wm. Laramy. Dear Sir,—On behalf of the workmen and offi- cials of the Upper Cwmbran Colliery, we sincerely desire, on the occasion of your resignation of the post of Urider-Manager, to place on record our high appreciation of your personal character, and of the admirable manner in which you have discharged your important duties in the various positions you have held in connection with the Colliery. For the exceptionally long period of 45 years you have maintained an unbroken connection with the Colliery. 'During- this period, a period marked by great legislative changes in the management of mines, the Upper Cwmbran Colliery has largely developed its workings, its output has greatly increased, vast improvements have been effected in its ventilation, and by its skilful management all these changes have, ttnder the direction of Providence, been ICCKKM 'ofSS?" fr<?edom fr0m 8erious We heartily recognise that by your ability your constant and faithful adherence to duty, and yonr intimate practical knowledge of all matters per- taining to colliery work, you have largely contri- buted to these results. Though the time has arrived when you feel it incumbent to relieve youcself of the onerous duties attached to the post of Under-Manager, we rejoice that you still retain yotar connection with the Colliery. We earnestly trust that with the greater freedom and less responsibility you will noy enjoy, you may have health and strength to maintain that connection for years to come. Accept our sincerest hopes that in all your relations in life you and your beloved wife and family may have all prosperity and happiness, and that as the evening of life ad* vances you may enjoy the consciousness of having performed your duties well and faithfully. With renewed assurances of our respect and esteem We are, dear sir, in all affection, Officials- Workmen- DAVID JONES. HENRY NICHOLAS. JABEZ BEESTON. JOHN MILLER. J. BURGESS. CHARLES JONES. P. JACOB. Z. CHIVEES. SAMUEL FRY. JOHN JABRETT. ISAAC MORGAN. JAMES JAMES- WM. JOHNSON. JOHN EMANUEL. WM. MEREDITH. DAVID MORGAN. WM. HUGHES. WM. WILLIAMS. • JOHN PARKHOUSE. E. QUILFORD, Chairman. WM. WOOD, Secretary. Tnos. GREY, Treasurer. AUgnBt, IOT1, Mr. J. Miller said that the committee was formed some three months ago, and after having talked many things over in connection with the testimonial, they had come together that night to close the matter up. Being one of the oldest workmen in the colliery, he had been selected to present the address, and it afforded him great pleasure to say a few words in reference to their friend Laramy, whom be could remember for more than 40 years. He (the speaker) had been working in the colliery for more than 42 years. He should be 50 years old on his next birthday and he was taken to the colliery at 7 years of age. There was no School Board then. (Laughter). The first man he worked for at the colliery, with the exception of his father, was Mr. Laramy, who was then a collier the same am themselves. He remembered the time when he was taken from cutting coal to be a gaffer on the roads ,by night^and after that he became their under-manager. He had nothing to say of him except thakhe had been a straight- > forward man. And he did not mean to tell them that anyone had had anything from him more than they had worked for, (Laughter). If they were in any difficulty, he had advised them like a father. He felt proud of the re- spect their friend had gained, and hoped he would live long to enjoy that handsome present. He begged now to hand him the address, and was sure that their best feelings and best wishes accompanied the gift. (Cheers). Mr. W. Laramy, who was loudly applauded on rising, said that it had been a pleasant meeting so far, but he felt that there was rather an un- pleasant time now coming on, although Itnught be thought that if anyone could give a good speech that evening it would be mmseir. (Laughter). He thought they were all pretty well acquainted with him-some of them for a. very long time—and he was not a very good hand at that sort of work but when became to talk to them one or two at a time, he could manage pretty well. (Laughter). When he came to face what was before him that evening, however, he felt somewhat timid. He might say that what had taken plade that evening had been something he never expected, for he never imagined that he should receive that high token of respect from them as the workmen of the Cwmbran Colliery. He might have bad the name of being somewhat hard in his dealings towards them, but he was satisfied/of one thing, as was mentioned in the address, that whatever he had done had been done conscientiously, and that he had always tried to be straightforward in all his dealings. (Cheers). He had been, as already stated, overman and under-manager among them for something like 20 years, and he felt grateful that he could look over th tt 20 years with some of pleasure. He was glad to think that it had been any unpleasantness between it had long since passed away. When he first became an official among them on his appointment as overman—and this circum- stance would be well understood—some of them thought it rather strange, seeing that he had been a workman amongst them for something like 20 or 25 years, during which time he had always helped to fight their battles and advocate their claims--they thought it strange that he should become, as it were, their master, and there was a little unpleasantness on that account on the part of some of the men who were not as sensible as they might have been. There were some men who thought they were going to have everything their own way and have whatever they wanted but the most sensible and most reasonable part of the men did not expect such treatment. There were many men present in that room who had worked under him for 20 years, and with many of them he could venture to say that he had never had any cross words or misunderstandings whatever. (Cheers). He remembered one or two disputes occurring after- wards, in connection with which, at hIs request, he met the men and the miners agent at that house, and after going into matters thoroughly, he was proved to be right and his opponents wrong. From that time up to the present he was glad to think that things had gone on plea- santly between thun as overman and workmen. (Hear, hear). Of course little differences had cropped up occasionally, but they had always' been brought to a, peaceable end. (Hear, hear). He did not think there was a collier or other workman who could say he (the speaker) had ever wronged him out of 2!d. (Hear, hear). With regard to the workings, great changes had taken place., and the number of firemen had been considerably added to. When he started they only had two or three, but now they had eight or ten, and they had always worked J together amicably and pleasantly. (Hear, hear.) Whenever a new fireman was started, he always laid down his rules, putting before him his way of dealing with the men, and, if he had any au- thority as to measuring work or keeping time, he always told him to be straightforward in his dealings, and then he would have no occasion to fear either the men 0r the masters. (Cheers.} He was very thankful to them all, and could not find words to express the gratitude he felt and owed to them all for the very kind way in which they had rewarded him that evening. With regard te their manager, Mr. Jacob, who had been with them something like 25 years, during the greater part of which time he (the speaker) had worked under him as overman and under-1 manager, only on one on had they ever had any cross words, and that was not very long ago —a fact that shewed that they had got on veJW well together for the whole of that time, (Cheers.) He felt abundantly thankjful to all who had subscribed towards the testimonial. Reference had been made to Mr. John Lawrence who formerly owned the colliery, and under whom he had worked for something like 20 years. He remembered once, when a dispute took place, be (the r) was a nted witli others to have an interview with Mr. JLawreneei1 and state the men's grievances. The meeting took pl&ee on the old rubbish tip after it one of the men expressed the hope that i*, \0 speaker) would not suffer for the part he had taken in the matter, as he was only there as the representative of the men. Mr. j Lawrenoe assured them that he (the speaker) should not forfeit his esteem on that account, and circumstances proved that he had kept his word, for they worked together pleasantly after- wards, and Mr. Lawrence had now contributed towards the testimonial. After referring to the extension of the colliery workings and to the freedom enjoyed from serious accidents, the speaker again expressed his thanks for the gifts which had been presented to him, and resumed his seat amidst applause. Songs were effectively rendered by Messrs. Frank Isaacs, H. Cannard, T. Bevan, J. Robin- son, and F. Houldey. # Addresses were delivered by Messrs. D. Mor- gan, C. Jones, Z. Chivers, S. Fry, and W. Wood, all highly eulogistic of the recipient of the testi- monial. The toast of the Visitors was responded to by Councillor Thomas and Mr. H. Morgan, both of whom spoke of the sterling worth of Mr. Laramy. The latter gentleman read a letter from Mr. J. Lawrence, the former proprietor of the works, in which the writer, in enclosing cheque, stated: Although many years have elapsed since I have had the pleasure of shaking hands with him I have the most vivid recollec- tion of his sensible and worthy conduct, and I was always impressed by his independent, upright, and truthful manner. I have never been acquainted witn a ? better specimen of a natural-born gentleman." The reading of the letter was received with loud applause.. „ The toast of "Prosperity to the Patent Nut and Bolt Co." was responded to by' Mr. Chas. Lang and Colonel Jacob. Mr Lang trusted the present prosperous con- dition of the Colliery would long continue, and spoke in high terms of the enterprise of the Patent Nut and Bolt Co. Colonel Jacob apologised for his late arrival, but important business had detained him else- where. As manager of the colliery he had the greatest possible pleasure in bearing his testi- mony to the invaluable worth of Mr. W. Laramy. For nearly 25 years he had found him conscien- tious, hard-working, and faithful to the last degree in the discharge of his duty. He trusted that he would live long and enjoy all happinesss. He trusted that the men would do their utmost by their good feeling and discretion in their work to maintain prosperity in the colliery, and thus mutually benefit themselves and the com- prny. (Applause.) Votes of thanks to subscribers, the Hostess, and Chairman, brought the pleasing meeting to a close.

THE NEWPORT EXPLOSION. REPORT OF THE INSPECTORS. The report has been issued by Mr. Mansel Jones and CoL Majendie, her Majesty's Inspec- tor of Explosives,who beld an investigation into the nature and causes of the accident to the steamship Tancarville, of London, in the dry dock at Newport, Monmouthshire, on May 11 last. The Tancarville was an iron screw vessel, and was built at Stockton-on-Tees in 1889. She was built especially for carrying petroleum oil in bulk, and had been employed in earning crude petroleum from Philadelphia to Havre. On Apiril 20 the vessel arrived at Newport, and repairs were begun on the ship. In consequence of the leakage of the oil in the tanks a great deal of riveting had to be undertaken. For this pur- pose portable forges were placed ba the upper deck, and in one compartment of a tank a port- able lamp was used. During the progress of the work an explosion occurred, by which five work- men were killed and others seriously injured. After examining in detail the full cause of the ■explosion and possible scources of ignition, the inspectors for the Board of Trade conclude their report by stating that the accident was due to the ignition and explosion of a quantity of pet- roleum valour in admixture with atmospheric air accumulated in and about the ballast tank, but it was impossible to state to what cause the ignition was due. The reporters also add that in many respects the constructive details of the vessel were defective, that the ballast tank was not a suitable place for the conveyance of oil, and that no steps had been taken io cleanse ana ventilate the water-ballast tank adjoining spaces. In their opinion an amendment of the law was urgently called for to enable proper regulations, general and local to be made for the conveyance of pet •learn, whether minarAl ail or mineral sawrit, and whether in banel or bulk- Power should be reserved to a central authority, (as the Board of Trade) to make general angula- tions dealing with what may be distinguished m coiamon risks and general precantaons. The Methods of cleansing and ventilating petroleuxa vessels should also be carefully investigated.

M&S. B-ESANTS YISIT, TO ,I INDIA. Some of tke Indian papers received on Monday devote leading articles to Mrs Besant and her projected visit to India:— The Bombay Gazette says:—Mrs Annie Besant whose renunciation of Secularism and Mal- thusianism was announced a few weeks ago, would appear to have formally succeeded to the mantle of Madame Blavatsky, and already en- tered upon her new crusade. This was fore- shadowed when Theosophists began to mourn the death of their first leader, and the article in "which Mrs. Besant avowed herself the disciple and friend of H.P.B. Proclaims her to be well fitted for the post. Mrs. Besant's associat- ion with Mr. Bradlaugh in the Malthusian pro- paganda brought upon her trouble and prose- cution. Her writings and speeches on Secular- ism, in which she equalled, if she did not outvi Mr. Bradlaugh, Mr. Foote, Colonel Ingersoll Dr Aveling, brought down upon her an amount of execration which might well have abashed a weaker woman To Madame Blavatsky, the abuse and ridicule, and what her friends termed misrepresentation, were an endless source of annoyance, and she was wont to seek relief in language so violent and grotesque as to grieve and amaze her friends. Mrs. Besant is not an adept at that sort of warfare. She is far too much of a philosopher to be goaded into doing or saying anything which is calculated to pain her friends or expose a weak point to her enemies. And so inured is she to abuse and misrepresent- ation as to rejoice in an attack, in-vairibly turning, as she does, the enemy s sharts against himself. Mrs Besant's language IS moderate and her arguments clearly stated, inat she can hit hard no one who has heard her or read her speeches can doubt. But her sev erest criticism is invariably softened by courtesy. If 31rs Besalit could hope- fully and cheerfully fight the bitter battle of Secularism, she will rejoice in the comparative child's play of Theosophical advocacy.It pretends to involve no hostile criticism of the cherished religion of millions of if she is silent about Koot Hoomi and the tooleries, she will be listened to with more respect than some other Theosophist have either met with or merited. As a Theosophist advocate, she need not hurt the feelings of the most sensitive of those who dis- believe in her doctrines, and her plan of campaign t Ig recently promulgated in a leaflet is decided inoffensive. The telegraphic announcement this week that Mrs Besant is about to visit India to teach and lecture in this country will be received with interest by many who are not included in the Indian Theosophist e-onnnunity. Mrs Besant is a remarkable skWful orator, and she has great vivacity and spnghtliness, while her addresses are remarkable for their quality of both matter and manner." t The Times of 1-ndia says • That remarkable woman, Mrs Annie Besant, who, once the wife of a Church of England clergyman, became in succession Malthusian and Secularist lecturer agnostic and atheist, and who was for some years associated with the late Mr Bradlaugh in bis aggressive anti-Christam campaign, has. as was already known, entirely renounced the heterodox views which made her name so notorious and has cast in her lot, lock, stock, and barrel, with the Theosophists. Her aim, it seems. is to lSount the throne vacated by Madame Blavatsky, and in pursuance of that ambitious aspiration she announces her intention or visiting India this coming December for the purp0Se of propagating the doctrines of Theosophy systematically among the natives. Forewarned is proverbially fore- armed, which is oin: excuse for obtruding any mention of this 1 dy and her pious aims in our editorial columns. U, however, Mrs Annie Besant Wishes to continue her belief in the valve of Madame Blavatsky's teaching, we should strongy recommend her to stay at home. =-

THE SELF-DENIAL WEEK. The £ 40,000 which the Salvation Army leaders hope to obtain during Self-Denial Week will have been industriously earned. More than 15,000,000, ^rms, collecting books, and cards, window and hand bills, and envolopes, have been issued irom the headquarters in connection with the undertaking. Four million envelopes -will. employer, in generaj distribution, while 277,000 have been addressed by hand to the clergy, minu;ters,-sul)s and sympathisers who do not attend the Army services. In these enveloped there will he no fewer than 8,900,000, ioclosurea. Nor have the children been forgotten: 120,000 envelopes and forms have been printed t"em- A general public appeal might ha^fe been made with little difficulty, but ^dividwUy00 ?eaching people

ABERSYCHAN LOCAL BOARD. A special* meeting of this JSoard was held at the Board-room, Abersychan, on Tuesday after- noon. There were present Mr. W. P. James, J.P. (Chairman), Mr. W. L. Pratt, J.P., Dr. Â. R. Verity, Messrs. L.fLlfewelyn, W. Lewis, W. B. Witchell, D. R. Jones, D. Lewis, f. James, J. Rosser, S. Parry, E. Bendall, W. Gregory, J. Evans, W. Davies.E. Cooke (clerk pro tern and surveyor), and H. H. Haden (collector). BE-ARRANGEMENT OF OFFICES. The Chairman said the first item on the agenda for discussion was the re-arrangement of the offices under the Board. At the present time the following was the list of salaries paid by the Board to their officers :—Surveyor, JE65 inspec- tor of nuisances, JE65 collector of rates, £80 medical officer of health, JE35 clerk, £30; and treasurer, f2 2s. They, however, should not lose sight of the fact that any increase they made should be in the salaries of those for whom they got a moiety from the Local Government Board, and that applied to the inspector of nuisances and medical officer only. Dr. Verity What do we get, sir ? The Chairman: Half. I may say there is nothing in the Act to prevent the following offices being amalgamated:—Surveyor and in- spector of nuisances surveyor and collector; and surveyor and clerk. Those are two that may be combined in the one person. » Mr. D. R. Jones We get £50 refunded out of the salaries of inspector of nuisances and medical officer. The rateable value is £46,000, is it not ? The Surveyor: That is the gross. The net Mr. Parry asked if they could get the salaries of the surveyors in the surrounding district, as it would be something for them to go upon. The Surveyor said he could give the members information oi that point. The Pontypool surveyor and inspector of nuisances got the same as he did, viz., JE130, with one-twentieth of the highways. Pontypool had only 4 miles of high- ways, and Abersychan had 80, and the popula- tions were 5,000 and 15,000 respectively. The Blaenavon surveyor and inspector of nuisances got JE150. At Nantyglo the surveyor got £180, and there was a separate inspector of nuisances at a salary of £100. There they had a popula- tion of 12,000. The Chairman: Is it so that you cannot hold the clerkship whilst you hold the office of in-; specter of nuisances ? The Surveyori: Yes, that is so. At the suggestion of the Chairman, the Sur- veyor, Mr. Cooke, then withdrew. Mi". W. Lewis said that with a view f raising ] discussion, he begged to tgive his views on the matter. Some time ago it was partly fore- shadowed by some observations that fell from a couple of members, that it was desirable their Surveyor should hold the clerkship of the Board. Mr. Witchell and himself somewhat demurred to the propositian.at the time, and since he (the speaker) had thought the matter over, he felt more opposed WI the amalgamation of the offices than ever he was before. He pointed out at the last meeting that it would be a retrograde move- ment on their part, if they as a Board in charge: ef a large and populous district, were, so to' speak, crampør make their work dwarfish or of a pinched character. If in years gone by there: had been work for a surveyor and a clerk, then undoubtedly there was ample work for both that; day. (Hear, hear.) They might ask what he ■ would suggest as a sphenae. He would say by all means keep the offices distinct—the surveyorship, j the elerksnqa, the collectorship, and, as their Medical Officer said, they should also get another man ao sanitary inspector besides. Perhaps ne" one at that table (he said it without boasting) was in a better position to know the state of the parochial finances better than he was, occupying! as he did the position of overseer that parish, and since ihe had had the honeur of holding that position in connection with his colleague, Mr. Haden, and others, they found there nad been a large extension of local assessment, and during that time there had been.an increase in assessments of about £17,(XX). He believed they would ixorease still further. He was told that they might look for a large increase of houses shortly near Ebene*er Chapel, which might bring £ 1,500 or more. Having had Access to the accounts of the Board during the previous week, ■ he might say that if it had not been for the Parliamentary expenses in London, which had been paid, there would have beea a balance at the bank to the 'credit of the Board •{ £ 1,200. Under the circumstances they ooeld well afford; to have a sanitary inspector withoot any appro" ciable pressure on t&e rates, in fact, lay doing so, they could snake a considerable redaction in the rates, once tb. Parliamentary c were dis- posed of. Dr. Mulligan had told thexn the office would not be a sinecure, and he could quite believe it. Let every office stand upon its merits, and let the surveyor be paid as one. If neigh- bouring Boards could pay their officers in the way they had heard, he did not see why they could not do the same, especially as their finances were in a healthy condition, and there was ample scope for the officers suggested. He thought Mr. Cooke was an excellent officer, and had served the Board admirably during the time he had been in office. At the same time he felt that Mr. Cooke was wretchedly underpaid. (Hear, hear.) After referring to the increase in the district during the time one horse and cart was employed for scavenging, the speaker concluded by urging that the scavenging should be let out by contract, and that they should keep their various offices distinct and separate. Mr. Pratt said that Mr Lewis's speech had raised the question as to the objection of the two situations of surveyor and clerk being com- bined. For himself, he could not see the ob- jection, if the work of Surveyor and the work say of the collector were kept distinct, as he believed it was now, and had been for some years. He alluded more particularly to the time-keeping of the men by the Surveyor, and the paying of the men by Mr. Haden. If those two offices were kept distinct, so that one should be a check upon the other, he could not see why there should be any difficulty in combining the clerkship with the surveyorship. He would ask Mr. Haden if he did not pay the men on Saturday ? Mr. Haden Yes. Mr. Pratt: As originally intended ? Mr. Haden Yes, sir. Mr. Bendall: It is said outside that Mr. Cooke has been paying the men. Mr. Witchell Yes, that has been said. Mr. Haden I have occasionally paid Mr. Cooke, when I have been unable toceme myself. Mr. Llewelyn did not see why the surveyor could not do the work of clerk, but he was glad to hear from Mr. Lewis his opinion of their surveyor. He thought they had a very valuable man-Chaar. hear)—and there could be no doubt that other surveyors were being infinitely better paid than he was. He thought in dealing with the matter, they should take the salary of their surveyor into consideration. Mr. Pratt said there was one point he had not mentioned. They should not forget that in taking the situation away from Mr. Cooke as inspector of nuisances, they relieved him of a very large amount of labour, which would enable him to give his attention more to the duties of surveyor in future than in the past. In addition to that he thought it would be a very good idea if they had a foreman to look after the dav men in Mr. Cooke's absence. He thought the men were left too much to them- selves. He did not blame Mr. Cooke for this, as he could not be everywhere. The Chairman said that to answer what the Medical Officer had recommended they should appoint one if not two inspectors of nuisances. His (the Chairman's) idea was to keep Mr. Cooke as a chief inspector, and have a good fore- man under him. Whatever salaries they iccrcTif ed, they should increase those on account of which they got a moiety back, and thereby help the rates. If they increased the salary of the Surveyor as such, they would get notning from the Local Government Board, but if they increased the Inspector of Nuisances, they would get a moiety. Mr. Pratt wished it to be understood, as one of the Finance Committee of the County Council, that it would not do to unfairly divide their offices. He meant this, that in some districts they had appointed an inspector of nuisances at £100 a year, and a surveyor at £60, because half of the former's salary was paid bv the Govern- ment. If there was an unfair division the County Council would object to it. Mr. D. Lewis: Does Mr. Cooke .wish to be relieved of the inspectorship ? The Chairman Not that I know of. Dr. Verity said that having been a member of the Board when Mr. Cooke was appointed, and having watched the work he had done, he could not help stating that he of all other SUr- veyors and inspectors in the county was most seriously underpaid. He had done most valuable work for the Board, work which in any other district would be more greatly esteemed, as far as salary was concerned. He understood Mr. Cooke was desirous of being appointed clerk to the Board in addition to surveyor. As far as the inspectorship was concerned, of course he left it j iu their hands. The salary he had received for both effioes had been very very trifling. He had te look after an immense district, and hacltold them that the average rate per mile in othepf places was £2. He had 80 miles of road to look after, which, at £2, would make £160. He had been V01 5 years a faithful servant to the Board, and as seme recompense for his services in the past, and as an encouragement for the future, he (Dr. Verity) would propose that they pay him a salary of £200 a year, exclusive of that of the clerkship. Mr. Llewelyn seconded." Mr. Witchell said he thought it was a very wise step a week before to defer the matter for discussion, and it would be well for them as a Board to consider seriously what they did in the way of increasing salaries. He was not an advo- cate of under-paying anyone, and it was well- known that Mr. Cooke was a man of ability. It had been said that the offices of surveyor and collector might be taken bv one person, and also those of surveyor and clerk. Now there was nothing in the Act that it should not be so, but he thought the spirit of the Act was against such an amalgamation. Mr. Witchell quoted from the section of the Act in support of his conten- tion, and proceeded to maintain that the spirit of the Act was to prevent as far as possible any irregularity in the handling of cash, and in the balancing of accounts, and the less offices were amalgamated the more satisfactory to the person holding office and the more satisfactory to those to whom the service was rendered. He quite agreed with Mr. Lewis's position. Mr. Lewis had said that in his opinion, it was altogether undesirable that the surveyor, whoever he might be, should be clerk as well. He had also told them that if he was a surveyor he would not accept the office of clerk. At the last meeting it was said that the offices of clerk and surveyor being held by one person would be analagous to the position Mr. Chapman held some years ago, and he (Mr. Witchell) held the same view. He expressed himself so at the time, and was asked by Dr. Davies for details. He had since made a little enquiry, and found that Mr. Chapman was surveyor and collector, and that he held a business of his own at the same time. Now things were not satisfactory to the Board, neither were they satisfactory to the ratepayers, and everybody knew what the disadvantage of the amalgamation of offices was in times past. They would remember that when their late chairman (Mr. Pratt) vacated the chair, he made some remark in reference to the legacy of unfinished work that was still left to his successor. He referred to that because he thought it would be seen to be pertinent. Amongst other things Mr. Pratt said he lamented going out of office, leaving a legacy of unfinished work, and that perhaps the time had come when they should restrain or require their surveyor to keep in their own district until the work already sanctioned was completed, and the roads were brought to their normal condition. There was a question which arose out of this in his (the speaker's) mind. Was the Surveyor to continue to do public and outside work as he had done in the past? Some little time ago, be (Mr. Witchell) told the members of the Board that he was not aware of the arrangement between the Board and their sutveyor as to how his time should be disposed of, but it appeared (he had only recently been informed) that the whole of Mr. Cooke's time was contracted for, and instea.d of devoting the whole of his time to the Board, he had done outside work. He (Mr. Witchell) was not blaming the Surveyor he would like to blame the right parties, but if, as he had shewn, the Surveyor had leisure time after discharging feis duties as surveyor, then he ought to find time to fill the office of inspector of nuisances. The Chairman: Excuse me, but we have evidence before the Board that most of this work was done at night. (Hear., hear.) Mr. Witchell: Well, I won't combat that idea, but I will say that a large amount of work that, has been done by the Surveyor could only be done in daylight, and not after working hours. In conclusion, Mr. Witchell said that many members present would remember seeing from time to time -some of their ratepayers coming before the Beard and asking to be excused from Kying rates. Gentlemen at that table might ve the means of paying, and might not feel their burden mnch. He knew he had as much as he, could -do, and there were scores of rate- payers in thafe district that it would be an iniquity to burden with another farthing. He was thoroughly in favour ef paying the Surveyor and the other officers of the Board any reason- able salary, but objected strongly to any amal- tion of offices. The Chairman: There is a proposition before the Board that the surveyor be paid a salary of £200 a year. Is that as surveyor only, or as sur- veyor and inspector of nuisances ? Dr. Verity As surveyor only. ) Mr. Pratt: I suggest that we should decide as to the officers first, and then go into the question •f salaries. Mr. W. Lewis concurred, and said he begged to move that the services of Mr. Cooke be re- tained by the Board in the capacity of surveyor only, and thai he ve the "hole of lis time to ifcbj duties of the office. Dr.Verity: I don't see that we should$ay that. Mr. T. James: What would the time be ? would it include early warning and late at night ? r. Verity: A man would be a white slave. Several other members spoke against binding the surveyor to any time. Mr. Witchell seconded the amendment. Mr. Jones This will come before the Board again ? The Chairman: Yes it is only a recommenda- tion to the Board. Mr. Witchell said the reason why he main- tained that the surveyor should devote the whole of his time to the Board was not far to seek. When their late chairman (Mr. Pratt) vacated office he stated that he regretted leaving such a large legacy of unfinished work behind him. Now the chairman had had two years ex- perience with the surveyor, and should surely be in a position to know what had been done during that time. That legacy of unfinished work meant that the surveyor had done work in the Board's time for the Guardians, the School Board, and other public bodies. He would ask Mr. Pratt if that was not so. Mr. Pratt: Yes. Mr. Witchell: Work that could not be done in the night-time ? Mr. Pratt: Yes. Mr. James: What Mr. Pratt means has, I think, been sanctioned by the Board. Several members: Yes. The Chairman then submitted the amendment, that Mr. Cooke be retained as surveyor only, which was carried unanimously. The Chairman Now, Mr. Verity, your pro- position as to salary will be in order. I believe that Mr. Cook is perfectly willing to give the whole of his time to the Board. Dr. Verity proposed that the salary be £200 a year. The Chairman And that the whole of his ser- vices be retained ? Dr. Verity: No. Mr. Bendall thought they ought not to tie the whole of the surveyor's time to the Board. Mr. D. Lewis concurred, and said they ought not to prevent a man snatching a few hours to work for himself. The Chairman You must not forget we are increasing his salary considerably. Mr. Llewelyn Quite so but after all it will be a miserable salary. Mr. W. Lewis said he had no wish to speak without authority, and suggested they should call Mr. Cooke into the room to state his views upon the situation. He would tell them, he thought, that if the Board were prepared to pay him a proper salary he would devote the whole of his time. Mr. Parry thought it would be drawing a hard and fast line to ask the whole of Mr. Cooke's time. Dr. Verity Quite so, and I don't suppose he would accept it. Mr. Witchell I take it, Mr. Chairman, that we are not to consult the surveyor as to what we shall do. If he does not care to accept it, we can get someone else. The Chairman Quite so. Mr. Witchell: I have no doubt it is as well known to the members of the Board as it is to me that there is a great deal of dissatisfaction in the district as to the large amount of work done outside the Board by the surveyor. The Chairman I haven't heard it. Mr. Witchell: I have heard it on all sides, and especially in the building trade, and I am sure there are members who must be aware of it. The difficulty is here, perhaps some member will define what are the duties of the surveyor to the and what are his duties to private business ? i aon t see where you can draw the line. What guarantee is there that history will not repeat itself if the surveyor is permitted to do work outside his own office ? Dr. Verity: I propose that Mr. Cooke's salary be f200 a year without any conditions. Mr. Llewelyn seconded. Mr. Witchell: I move as an amendment that we pay him an adequate salary for the whole of his services. Mr. James We can expect him to fulfil his duties satisfactorily to the Board for a certain time, but after a certain time don't bind him like a slave. The Chairman Exactly, and if he does not do his wotk satisfactorily you can discharge him. Mr. Gregory seconded the amendment, for which 4 voted.. J.. h For Dr. Verity s proposition d and the proposition was declared carried. i l The Chairman We, had better ncrjr proceed to. the election of clerkraod hadibetter advertise for anjihspectot, gjJ •. wightI as well aefer it" until the next BoanJdBJ^ingj Th. were nearly all the members. present, and it would be only wasting time to recommend a candidate. He would move that the apnoint' rnent be deferred till the next meeting Mr. Gregory seconded. i Mr. D. Lewis supported, and said he thought ouglri to be deferred for the reason that the 8t^u Pa3r f°r a surveyor and a clerk. 'I "e Chairman proposedas an amendment that they nominate some pepon that da) to the Board for the office of tietk. Dr. Verity seconded. For the amendment 5 voted. The proposition received 9 votes, and was therefore carried. Mr. Witchell asked was it not customary to acknowledge the applications, and say the eleoi tion of clerk had been deferred ? The Surveyor said the custom had been to tell the applicants when the appointment was made. Ihe Chairman said that where he thought it necessary he had informed the applicant. Mr. Witchell proposed that eachof the appli- cants be written to, stating that the matter was deferred. Mr. D. Lewis seconded, and the proposition was carried. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. Mr. Pratt proposed that they advertise for an inspector of nuisances, at a salary of 30s. per week, the whole of his time to be devoted to the service of the Board. Mr. Lewis seconded, and the proposition was carried unanimously. This concluded the business of the meeting.

*RIZE ^HT FOR £ 25.—A prize fight for x25 came off at Headinglej^ near Lse Is. at an early hour on Tuesday, between-Mike LariL'han. tlie 6st 41b champion of England, and Michael Murphy, a Leeds novice. ^even rouncK in which Murphy had the best of the furbt. were rumour that the police wey^on the d and the match thereupon cudtd AaSW fc-5 of tfe.

PRESENTATION AT NEW- BRIDGE. Tuesday evening, Sept. 15th, was a time long looked for, with mingled feelings of joy and sorrow, by the members of the congregation of Zion Chapel, Newbridge, as the time to pay a slight tribute in recognition of the services of the Rev. D. Phillips, the late pastor, and to wish him God-speed in his new sphere of labour, at Ebenezer, Pontnewynydd. The chair was taken by the Rev. J. Jones, Mynyddislwyn, who proved himself a most effi- cient chairman indeed. The platform was occu- pied by a large number of neighbouring ministers and several prominent laymen. Letters of apo^opv were received from the Revs. G. Aubrey, Abe J. M. Jones, Newbridge J. Edwards, Beu r S. Davies, Fleur-de-lis and D. Lewis, Cha ,f Ease also from Messrs. Daniel Jones, Abe n: and D, W. Simpson, Pontypool. All the* i- ^ontlemen spoke in the highest terms of the rev. gentleman, and very greatly regretted their inability to be present. The following spoke at the meeting: The Revs. G. Griffiths, Newport; T. Illtyd James, Cwmbran D. W Rees, Blackwood D. B. Hughes, New Inn: R: nugtes. Cumlin S. A. Thomas (B), Abercarn J. G. Williams, Rigca J. Hughes, Cross Keys together with Messrs E. Phillips, Newbridge B. Matthews, Abewjarn; John Thomw, Abercarn; and J. Edmunds, Glanbrynar. The testimonial conslsted of an artistic writing desk, with irr scription on silver plate (presented by J. E. Garrett on behalf of the Band of Hope); a hand- somely bound volume of the new "Congrega- tional Hymnal," & solfa (presented by Mr. J. Edmunds, «n behalf of the Singing Festival Committee) a beautifully illuminated address, with the recipient^ photo m the etentje, in 9' handsome and massive frame jof chocolate atod gold, prepared by the firm of Watfirlow & Son, London (picciiii TED 1 1\r. J. M. Jones, Blaen- f blodau, on behalfi o± jhurch aud congrega- tion); together with a handsome purse, with inscription, containing ;£21 15s. (presented by Mrs, Kate Johea, treasurer of the committee, on behalf of the church and congregation). The proceedings were enlivened by several songs rendered in an excellent style by- Miss Owen' Newbridge Schools Rev. B. Ceitho Davies> Abercarn; and Mr. T. Vaughan, Newbridge. Miss E. J. Jones (Celynen House) accompanied in her usual excellent manner. After the cus- tomary votes of thanks, the friends dispersed, wishing God-speed to the greatly respected gentleman in his new sphere. The following is a copy of the address :— Presented to the Rev. D. Phillips by the church mid congregation at Zion, Newbridge, Mon. Reverend and Dear Sir,—We are unwilling to allow you to depart from amongst us, to undertake the pastorate of Ebenezer Church. Pontypool, with- out expressing the feelings of regret and thankful- ness which your severance from us occasions. During your five years ministry tq-, us, we grate- fully recognised in you the virtues .and qualifica- tioas of a good minister of Jewis. Christ. Your pulpit ministrations have been characterised by an unswerving fidelity to the truth, a deep qarpastness, thougiiiiulneas, and power, which bqlpng- only to those richly endowed with the unction from the Holy One. As pastor, your care over your flock was,constant,. and your labour for their spiritual welfare untiring. Nor did you fail to identify yourself with us in our varied experiences, domestic and religious, and for your prayers and words of cuasolation and encouragement in difficulties and bereavements, we cannot feel too thankful, Through your exertions, and under the Divine bles- sing, you are able to leave the church you found weak and struggling, financially and spiritually im a flourishing- and healthy condition. No movement, aving for its object the social and religious eleva- tion of your fellow-creatures, failed to enlist your sympathy aud support. As a temperance advocate, an attendant at the Sunday School, and secretary *f our local Festival Committee, your services, espe- cially to the young, have been invaluable. Thus gratefully recalling your life and ministry, and re- luctantly parting with you, we ask your acceptance of this small token of our affectionate respect and high esteem, and pray that a still greater blessing may attend your labours in your new Iislihere, and that your life and health may be long preserved to advance the kingdom of our Lord. Signed on behalf of the church, J. M. JONES, J ROGER POWELL, F D WILLIAM JONES, ( UEAC0ILS- THOMAS REES, ) JOSEPH FRANCIS, "1 W. F. JONES, V Sub-committee. J. ELIAS GARRETT, J KATE JONES, Treasurer. JAATES PHILLIPS, Secretary.

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