The Merthyr Express

I RATEPAYERS' MEETING AT 1 PENYDARREN. COUNCILLOR ISAAC EDWARDS ON THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL. Councillor Isaac Edwards addressed a meet- ing of ratepayers in Penydarren Ward, in Horeb Hall, on Tuesday evening, there being 'a large attendance. Mr. John Lloyd was voted to the chair, and in his opening remarks re- ferred to the advantage accruing to the public by having addresses of this kind. Councillor Edwards, dealing briefly with edu- cation, said the Committee proposed spending nearly £ 40,.000 in the coming year upon Ele- mentary Education alone; and unless the fig- ures submitted were altered, there would have to be a. call upon the rates this year for ele- mentary and secondary education, after allow- ing for all grants to be received, of £26,000, which would probably make an Education rate of 2s. in the The Authority were making good headway in their effort to secure efficient educational facilities for the youth of this dis- trict. He referred to the work of the various committees, and to the improvements proposed to be carried out to various schools in the Bor- ough, to the continual increase in salaries paid (due to the automatic advances to the staff), and to the great advantage accruing to the rising generation from the new system of medi- cal inspection which was now in force. There was now a demand for an organiser of educa- tion to be appointed—one who would see to the whole of the schools, and bring up the standard of the weakest to the level of the strongest. Passing on to other spheres of Council work, Councillor Edwards referred to the heavy legacy which had been handed, down to the town by those who had laid the foundations of the township, explaining that for the most part its houses were built about eighty or ninety years ago, without any regard for sanitary con- veniences. While there were difficulties in the way of a public abattoir being erected, a com- pliment should be paid to the Medical Depart- ment for their strict inspection of meat in the various slaughter-houses of the town, there being ample evidence of this resulting in the public being far better served than would otherwise have been the case. The housing question was receiving continuous attention, and the large number of houses now being built at Penywern were being pushed forward as fast as possible. The Health Committee and its hospitals." its public analyst, and its inspec- tors, were referred to in detail, and an appeal made for assistance to be given to its officers in every possible form. Parents should give their sympathetic attention when epidemics arose to the conveniences provided by the hos- pitals for the treatment of sick persons, and he I was glad to say that the prejudice against such institutions was fast passing away. The popu- lation of the Borough this year was estimated to be 78,365, and with the reduction in the death rate by 4 per 1,000, it meant over 300 lives saved per annum in the Borough. With reference to the proposal for a new water scheme now being revived by certain members of the Council, while confirming the attitude taken up by him when the proposals were re- cently before the electorate, Councillor Edwards stated that he still had an open mind upon the question. Regarding the lighting of the Bor- ough, he found that while competition between the various companies steadily brought down the cost per light a* each of the various points, still, the lighting bill was steadily increasing, this being accounted for by the fact that each year we put in several new lights, and this year 70 new lights were being put up in var- ious parts of the Borough. The Public Works Committee had authority to look after the roads, public improvements, bridge works, etc., throughout the Borough; and recently several large works had been taken in hand; in the lower part of the district. The Cefn Bridge was now nearing completion, and in Gelli- faelog the brook had been culverted, and the hollow filled in by tipping, in such a manner as not to be a nuisance to the people living in that congested district. A sub-committee of the Education Committee had been engaged in feeding necessitous children in th Dowlais Carnegie Library, there being at the com- menoement of the winter over 300 receiving their dinner each day, but now he was glad to say the number had been reduced to 75. The cemeteries coat the Authority over £3,000 per annum from the rates, and he made an appeal to those present to do all they could to prevent thougfhtless persons damaging the plants and flowers. Regarding the Recreation Ground at Cyfarthfa Park, Councillor Edwards referred to the large sum of money spent at this place. A number of men were employed, under the supervision of a very capable head gardener, who had planned out the ground in A very artistic manner, there being many beautiful walks, rustic bridges, seats, and pretty ponds, which provided excellent boating; but when all was said and done, while he appreciated all these good things, they must bear in mind that they were costly luxuries,* and at the pre- sent moment it was a matter for deep con- sideration as to whether we could afford to go in for them. After a brief reference to the proposed Joint Asylum, Mr. Edwards alluded to the work of the Law and Parliamentary Committee, and the Watch Committee. All were agreed that our Police Force was now maintained as an efficient and effective body, under the supervision of Chief Constable Wil. son. From the figures submitted by the Bor- ough Controller, it appeared that a. penny rate upon the present rateable value yielded the sum of £1,124 The rateable value was steadily going up. At the present time, the Minority Report of the Poor Law Commission in the matter of the work of the local Boa/rds of Guardians was having the attention of the country, and if these recommendations became law, then we should see the BoaTds of Guard- ians going out of existence, and their duties passed over to the Town Council, the care of the imbecile children being given to the Edu- cation Committee; the aged poor being dee-It with by the Pensions Commit.tee; and the adult imbeciles being dealt With by the Asylums Committee; while the sick poor would be seen to by the Health Committee; those willing but unable to find work being attended to by the Labour Exchange; and the unemployable being attended to by the Watph Committee. Recent- ly he had submitted a motion regarding a scheme of afforestation, which he hoped would result in the provision of a satisfactory Echeme of work for those temporarily out of employ- ment in the district, and at the same time give an opportunity of beautifying- the various bald spots that were in existence throughout the Borough, and yield a small profit in the course of time. A number of questions were asked, and hav- ing been satisfactorily answered, Mr. William Garnon moved, and Mr. John Richards secon- ded, a hearty cote of thanks to the speaker, and a ote of confidence in him as a. suitable representative of the ward.—This resolution was supported by Councillor William Lewis and Alderman Ivor Abraham, who referred to the work done by Councillor Edwards upon the various committees.—The resolution was car- ried, and in acknowledging the vote. Council- lor Edwards referred to the great help which he had reoeived from his fellow-representatives in this ward, and said he appreciated the sym- pathy given for his work for the Borougib. STJIJJCEB SHOWBOOM.—Special display of the Latest Fashions and Novelties on JFriday and Sat- urday, May 6th and 7th, and following days, at E. 1. JONES & Co. Market Square, Merthyr.

CEFN COED. OBITUARY.—We have to record the death, after a long and painful illness of Mr. Johnny Rees, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Ree3, of High-street Cefn. The deceased, who was only 16 years of age, had been an invalid from childhood, and was a pathetic figure to behold. He bore more pain than tongue can tell, but he bore it, though weak and frail, patiently and without a murmur of complaint. He was an extremely nice boy, and those who remember Mm standing in the doorway last summer will always recall the beaming smile which covered his sickly face when asked if he felt improving. His remains were buried in Tabor churchyard, on Wednesday afternoon. En route to the graveyard hymns were sung by the Tabor Band of Hope. The Rev. Jacob Thomas officiated.—We have to record also the death of another inhabitant, in the person of Mr. John Lewis Jones, who passed away on Friday morning last. He, too, suffered great pain, and for many years, through old age, had become very infirm and helpless. For the last few months he could harldy move, and death therefore came as a happy release. His remains were placed to rest in Ebenezer churchyard on Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. T. LI. Williams officiating.—Through the death of Mr. Thomas Turner, of Holford-street, who passed away with tragic suddenness on Tuesday after- noon, Cefn has lost one of its most respected inhabitants. Though Mr. Tiurner relinquished his work as a miner many years ago, owing to an asthmatical chest, no one, not even the members of his own family, ever dreamt that his thread of life was so nearly spun. Mr. Turner, who was 66 years of age, was a faithful member of Carmel Church, and for hte last few months had been living with his son-in-law, Mr. Alun Williams, schoolmaster.—On Wednes- day evening the death took place of Mrs. .Gwenny Havard, of 177, High-street. Mrs. Havard, who was 51 years of age, had been ailing fpr some time, but during the last few days had suffered great pain. Of a quiet and modest demeanour, she was like by all who knew her, and of her it may be truly said that she was a good wife and a kind and loving mother. She was a member of the Carmel Church.

MARRIED LADIES. My recent offer of a free sample of Nurse Powell's Popular Pellets met with soch striking success, and enabled so many ladies to prove that they do actually cure all irregularities, that I have dccidad to repeat tbe offer. Ladies should write for Free Box, enclos- ing penny stamp for postage. Delay is often dan- gerous, so write notf.—^orse T. M. Powell, Rep-! liBgham Bead, Waaiswerth, Loudee, IW. I

-I CEFN AND DISTRICT NOTES. "Mil Y MYNYDD.") I have been asked by the Editor to write to the "Merthyr Express" weekly a. few notes that will interest the readers of Cefn Coed. He tells me that in order to procure material for m, column, I may roam the Taf-fawr and Taf- fechan Valleys, and, if need be, further afield; but my first note shall be on a subject which is of more importance, perhaps, to the inhabit- ants of Cefn than to those living in the outlying districts. It is rumoured that the Merthyr Electric Traction Company intend laying down the tramway in High-street about the begin- ning of June next. Whether this is true or untrue, I know not, but certain it is, that as soon as the bridge is completed, preparations will be made to do so at onoe. It is surprising to what extent individuals can and will differ in their opinions. Some people think that the coming of the tram into our midst will be of material benefit to the village generally. Others maintain that it will not. Over and over again have I heard it said that when the care travel along our main street, Cefn, as a rural village, will be no more. In the estimation of the cynic, perhaps, these views were expressed when the person responsible for them was labouring in a fit of maudlin sentimentality. To this I cannot tes- tify, but I am sure' that there are a large number of persons who would prefer seeing the trams where they are than see them cross- ing the bridge. x- The May number of the "Gemnen" will have a special interest for the inhabitants of Cefn. The "Geninen" is the premier Welsh periodical, and will contain an article on the late Rev. J. Hathren Dnvies, from the pen of the Rev. E. Walter Thomas, formeriy of Ebenezer, fn, and now of Tonypandy. No minister outside the Unitarian denomination, perhaps, knew "Hathren" better than Mr. Thomas did, and this the scholarly Editor of the "Geninen" probably knew when he asked Mr. Thomas to write the article. This is in- deed a compliment—not only to the subject and the writer of the article, but also to the village where both laboured side by side for many years. •*> While walking leisurely up CwmtaJ road the othex evening, I observed what I consider to be a very dangerous thing. A little lower down than the Cefn Hotel, and just opposite Mr. Washington Morgan's Monumental Works, there is a very tall firtroo hanging out over the Cemetery wall. It is in a most dangerous position, and it is a mystery to me how it has remained intact so long. If this catches the eye of the sexton, perhaps he will report it to the responsible authorities. Somewhere about the beginning of last spring, I remember visiting Vaynor Church- ya.rd. It was a glorious day, and as I passed from tombstone to tombstone, reading the epi- taphs and inscriptions, I was aroused from reverie by the sound of digging; and to satisfy my curiosity, I wended my way to the spot whence the sound came. The gravedigger was preparing a bed of earth for the body of a departed soul. I stood above the grave and entered into conversation with him as Re dug deeper and deeper into the earth. Suddenly his pick struck a stone, which turned out to be a remnant of an old headstone. There were two iron forks fixed to it, which proved that sinoe the time it had marked the resting-place of some unknown, it had acted as a foundation tQ. another tombstone. It was wet and slimy, and in order to read the inscription, I wiped it clean. Unfortunately, with the exception of a woffd here and there, I could not decipher the story it had to telL Time and weather had made the words illegible; but the date was plain and distinct. It was 1642. Surely, this is the oldest stone extant in tbe district. I have seen it since, and it lies where we left it— despised and rejected of men. To the antiquary within the Established Church, I would say, "Treasure it ere it moulders; 'tis the memory of the past."

LEAGUE OF YOUNG LIBERALS [By "LIBEBTAS."] One of the most significant results of the dawn of the new Liberalism has been the ac- tivity it has called forth among Young Lib- erals. Throughout the country young men and women have united (a) to stimulate the study of questions of national importance-historical, social, and industrial, and (b) to promote pro- gressive principles. These, in brief, are the genera' aims of this movement, the League of Young Liberals, which has secured such an un- relaxing grip on the young people of our coun- try. Surely no one, but the most prejudiced crank, will find room for complaint at such no- ble aims. This is truly an age of leagues., In all directions the tendency of this era is to- wards unity of action. The principle of such formations is found in the incontrovertible doctrine, "Unity is strength." No movement in Liberalism has catered for the younger section of both sexes as this does. It is essentially an organisation 01 Young Liberals, and permeated with the whole-hearted enthusiasm which characterises youth, it must assert itself as a militant bodv. It has proved a fighting asset to the liberal Party. In various parts of the country it did inestimable work during the last campaign. At present it is in the position of a scouting party, but soon- er or later must come within the firing line. While its membership is open to all, men and women, young and old, the older section must realise that it is a young people's movement. As Peter Keary says in his book on "Success," the older ones must "Get on or get out." Mountain Ash and Penrhiwceiber had formed their branches prior to the January contest. They rendered excellent service in their dis- tricts throughout the fight. Sinoe then branches are germinating right throughout the Parliamentary Borough. Merthyr has now a flourishing branch of about 300 members. While this number is encouraging it only needs active missionary work on the part oi present members to augment this total. Politically, the young people have taken the matter into their own hands, and must be congratulated on the auspicious opening they have made. Our senior member, Mr. Edgar Jones, is rapidly coming under the limelight on the floor of the House Already he has contributed two brilliant speeches to the debates. In his speech at the League inauguration meeting at the Drill Hall he remarked that he had decided to make the question of child labour his special study. No one will question the wisdom of his choice after perusing his defence of the work- er's child at the debate on Friday, the 22nd inst. The next meeting of the Merthyr League will be held at the Liberal Club, on Wednesday May 4th, at 8 p.m. Miss Griffiths, Higher- Grade School, will deliver an address on "Liberalism in History." It is hoped that each member will endeavour to secure a new member by this meeting. Will committee members kindly note that a meeting of the committees of all the Leagues jn the Merthyr Borough will be held at an early dAte Abernant to discuss propaganda work, etc. Further particulars will probably be notified in next week's issue of the "Ex- press." If any members have any contributions likely to be of interest to the members of the Leagues and to the public, will they kindly assist by forwarding same to "Libertas," at the Liberal Club not later than Tuesday in each week.

A VALUABLE BICYCLE. After an ordinary bicycle has been ridden for about four years the owner is usually glad to sell it for a mere fmotion of the price originally paid for it. There must be some- thing extraordinary about a bicycle that in- creases in value with use. Mr. Isaac Evans, of Mydroilyn, S.O., Cardiganshire, has a, bi- cycle for which he would not now take the money it originally cost him four years ago, to use his own words, so thorough has the satis- faction it has given been. It is a three speed all steel Raleigh. After four years' wear, Mr. Evans says it looks almost a new machine.

REVIEWS. The new Library Edition of Prof Haeclcel's "The Evolution of Man," which is now being issued in two volumes, is claimed by the pub- lishers {Messrs. Watts) to be the cheapest stan- dard work yet put on the market. The prioe is 12s. 6d. net, and the format is said to be almost equal to that or the original edition, published at two guineas. The work comprises over 800 pages, including 465 illustrations and 60 genetic tables, and in addition there are thirty plates, produced in exoellent stylet A lectureship in memory of the late Dr. Moncure D. Conway was reoently founded; and the first annual address, "The Task of Rationalism," which was entrusted fo Mr. John Russell M.A., is new published by Messrs Watts at the popular price of sixpence. The same firm is issuing, under the title of "The New Trend in Religion," a remarkable collec- tion of religious pronouncements of a mrn. I&t., ethical, and progressive character. "The value of daily bathing for health's sake should be a recognised institution with all sen- sible people. But the nature of the bath must bo determined by the temperamental and phys- ical requirements of the individual" This is an extract from "Baths and Bathing," a book- let in the "Uncle Bob" series, which we have received from "Health and Strength" Library, 12, Burleigh Street, London, W.C. Included in the series are two other books by the same author. Errors in training axe explained in "Physical Culture for Beginners," whilst "Skip- ping" is an admirable little compendium of information dealing with the value of this old- time sport for health and athletics. Every book in the series is published at the easily-affoxdied prioe of 6d.

A man is relieved and gay when he has pat 11;5\ heart into his work and done his best; but what he has said or done otherwise shall give liim no peace.—Emeisoa. [

Penrhiwceiber League of Young Liberals. THE DOMINATING ISSUE BEFORE THE COUNTRY. Rev. Richard Harris read an interesting paper on the House of Lords at the meeting of this branch, on Friday evening last. Rev.. W. R. Jones presided, and there was a good at- tendance. The speaker said: The dominating question in our political world to-day :Î8 the House of Lords and it& relation to legislation and to finance. It has been forced to the front by the action of the Lords themselves. Since November, 1909, the Lords have claimed for themselves the right to control finance, and to dissolve Parliament. In their incursions into the region of finance they have arrogated to themselves what since the days of Edward II., and definitely since July 3rd, 1678, has been re- cognised as the sole right of the Commons. In forcing a dissolution of the House of Commons they have usurped for themselves what is the undoubted prerogative of the Crown. The noble Lords neither honour the sovereign nor re- spect his subjects. The British constitution is an unwritten constitution. It is a structure of understandings and obligations built up on precedent. The keystone of the structure is the authority of the Commons over finance. Upon finance in a civilised country everything turns connected with Government. The House that has the power of the purse must be the source and origin of political power. The Hous* of Lords consists of 616 Peers, made up of Arahbishops, Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Vis- counts, Bishops, Barons, Lords of Appeal, Scotch representative Peers, and Irish—a noble 600, marching right into the valley of death. Three hundred Peers voted against the Budget. 282 are interested financially either in liquor or land, and many in both. Experience teaches that the House of Lords is a vast party organ- isation pure and simple. As matters now stand tha Tory Party is never out of power whoever be in office. The lecturer referred to some of tho measures fnutilated or rejected by the Peers during fifteen years of Liberal Government. He then went on to say: The Lords claim to be a permanent, stable element in political life. The truth is they are irresponsible and unregulated, taking advice from a Tory cau- cus. This claim, we, as Young Liberals, re- pudiate, and demand that the House of Lords shall be controlled and held responsible. The House of Commons and the Sovereign working together can and should settle the question of the Lords and their claim. There are many methods suggested for the object of destroying the Lords' veto in spite of opposition:—(1) To withhold supplies. The objection to this is that the people will have to suffer, and not the Lords. (2) To create life Peers. Here there is a difficulty, for it is questionable whether there is power to create life peerages only. (3) To i withhold the issue of writs of summons to Peers. (4) To get Royal Assent to Bills with- out the vote of the Lords. To send a Bill to the Crown as in case of Army Purchase Bill, 1371. (5) To get guarantees for the creation of sufficient Peers to carry any reform. This fol- lows precedent of 1832. Such are the methods. The last is the method to be adopted by the Prime Minister to assure the passing of his Bill for the abolition of the Lords' Veto. The re- form of the House of Lords will come later. The crisis is upon us. The' first shot has been fired. We have a strong, tactful and honest leader. He means to fight the battle to the end. Young- Liberals, stand firm. Take your place in the ranks, following your leader, fight and win. To death or glory, boys.

ABERCYNON. The MEETKYR EDITION of the "Merthyr Ex- tress" is on sale at Mrs. Richards, Newsagent, tation-street, every Friday morning. OBITUARY.—We have to record the death of Mrs. Jones, wife of Mr. Richard Jones, Tram- roadside, which occurred on Monday after a long illnees. The deceased was 64 years of Boy DROWNED. — The four-year-old son of Mr. David Williams, Nash-street, was drowned in the Glamorganshire Canal, near the Dowlais- Cardiff Colliery, on Saturday morning. It 's shtated that the boy had, wandered towards the canal in the company of several children of about the same age, without the knowledge of his parents, and accidentally fell into the water. CHAMBER OF TRADE.—At the monthly meet- ing, a protest was raised against the action of the Mountain Ash District Council in tipping rubbish into the river near tlie Ynysmeurig Bridge, and also near the Old Ford, both places being near dwelling-houseo. The following officers were selected for the ensumg year: President, Mr. B. R. Thomas; senior vioe- president, Mr. John Sutherland; junior vice- president, Mr. Thomas Jones; secretary, Mr. Tom Davies; treasurer, Mr. John Jones. Ex- ecutive Council: Messrs. D. L. Kelly, T. W. Jones, W. Fenwick, A. Smith, W. G. Wil- liams, William Evans, and Dd. Evans. T SUMMER SHOWROOM.—Special display of the Latest Fashions and Novelties on Friday and Sat- urday May 6th and 7th, and following days, at R. T. JONES & Co., Market Square. Merthyr.

Abercynon Liberals and East Glamorgan. I At a. meeting of the Abercynon Liberal As- sociation to consider the question of the repre- sentation of East Glamorgan, Sir Alfred Tho- mas having announced his intention not to seek re-eloction, the following gentlemen were chosen for the list, from which the LiberaJ Five Hundred will select a candidate ^Pro- fessor T. A. Levi, Aberystwyth; Mr. William George, Carnarvon; Mr. T. J. Hughes, Bridg- — ♦-

Professof T. A. Levi at Abercynon I On Tuesday evening an enthusiastic Liberal meeting was held at the Workmen's Ha!l, when Professor T. A. Lewis, Aberystwyth, delivered a stirring address on "The House of Lords and the Budget." Mr. W. Fenwick presided.—The Rev. Morgan Jerukins proposed the following resolution: "That this meeting of Abercynon Liberals, recognising the over- whelming importance of securing a triumph of the people's wiU. desires to express its gratifica- tion at the strong attitude adopted by His Majesty's Government in regard to the limita- tion of the Veto of the House of Lords. It fully assures the Government of its practical support in its present policy, and calls upon all Liberals everywhere to prepare for battle, so that nothing may be left undone to eecure the supremacy of the elective and representa- tive Chamber."—The Rev. Benjamin Howell8 seconded, which was carried. Professor Levi, who was given a splendid reception, stated that he wished to impress upon them the need of knowing what they were fighting for. Mr. Lloyd George, at the commencement of the year, said ■ we were at the beginning of a new era in politics. We were entering upon a new conception of poli tí. He (Professor Levi) thought that politics were as sacred as religion. Religion was the fundamental basis of politics. The Budget was a. great one, and as Nelson gave the signal "that England expects every man to do his duty," so Mr. Lloyd George in his Budget ex- pects every man to pay his duty. He was in favour of a natural system of education. The time must come when it would be free in all seoondary schools and colleges. The emancipa- tion of labour had been taken up. He was in favour of the right to work, and the time was near when both Liberal and Labour would make a great progressive party. Every man should work. He further spoke upon the land question.—The meeting closed with the usual votes of thanks.

ABERCYNON POLICE COURT. THURSDAY.—Before Major M. Morgan and Capt. G. A. Evans. ARREARS.—James Crook was summoned for a sum of £3 14s. 6d. by Catherine M. Davies, being arrears under an affiliation order.—T^ie Bench made an order for payment. POLICE ASSAULT.—An Irishman named Simon Vien was summoned for being drunk in Ynysy- bwl, and also for assaulting P.S. Griffiths and P.C. Osborne.—P.S. Griffiths said he took the defendant into custody on the charge of drunk- enness. He became very abusive, and kicked witness in the abdomen. P.C. Osborne was aJso kicked on the legs and arms.—This story was corroborated by P.C. Osborne.—Defendant was fined 10s. and costs for being drunk, and 40s. and costs for assaulting each of the officers. OBSTRUCTION.—John Andrews and Thomas Evans were summoned for obstructing the highway at Ynysybwl by fighting.—Replying to a question from the Bench, one of the de- fendants admitted that a difference of opinion had arisen between them, and they bad decided j to fight it out.—Defendants were bound over, and ordered to pay costs. STEALING COAL.—Alfred Carney and Mer- shack Yem (13) were charged with stealing coal, the property of the Navigation Colliery Company, Penrhiwceiber.—P.S. Beedles said he saw defendants on the colliery premises. They took some coal away. — Defendants pleaded guilty, and were fined 10s. each. THEFT OF IRON.—William Tasker (17) and David John Bowen (13) were charged with stealing a' quantity of iron, the property of the Cwmaman Coal Company.—George Williams, the foreman in the wagon shop at the Cwm- aman Colliery, said he saw the defendants in the colliery premises. They had a cart with them, and in this he found some iron belong- ing to the company. — Defendants pleaded guilty, and Tasker was fined 20a Bower 1 remanded for a week.

HORTON'S I.X.L. PILLS HORTON'S I.X.L. PILLS Are Guaranteed t<» enrs Private Cases, Dis- charges and Complications of the Urinary and Sex- ual Organs, in either sex. whether acquired or con- stitutional. also Gravel and Pains in the Back; warranted free from Mercury. Sold in boxes 4s. each: Sent post free by the Proprietor, HORTON & CO., Chemists (fete Chief Dispenser from the Sinaingham GenenU Hospital) (29 Dept.). Aston Manor, -• Birmingham. LETTERS ANSWERED. -HAVE NEVER BB&N KNOWN TO FAIL. N.B.-«; i Cannot be hø1 from otire.r Chemists. II ,J

m_ -c-=- THE BROTHERS JONES. FURTHER MAGISTERIAL PROCEEDINGS. BANKING TRANSACTIONS AT MERTHYR. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD AUDITOR GIVES EVIDENCE. The hearing of the case in connection with the Gellygaer Parish Council scandal was re- sumed at Caerphilly on Thursday morning, when the two brothers, John Jones (ex-clerk to the Parish Council) and Albert E. Jones (his brother) were brought up in custody from Car- diff, and charged with stealing the sum of £300 and other offences in connection with the books and accounts of the Parish Council, reported in the "Merthyr Express" last week. At the Police Court on Tuesday, before Mr. W. W. Ware (in the chair) and Mr. C. E. Forestier Walker, an application was made by Mr. Brown (Messrs. Lewis Morgan, Cardiff: for the Public Prosecutor, for an order to in- spect the books of the London and Provincial Bank, Merthyr, to inspect the books of the Bank, with a view to ottering jrevelant evidence and the order was granted. Mr. Ivor Bowen (instructed by Messrs. Lewis Morgan and Box, Cardiff) again appear- ed for the Public Prosecutor, On Thursday, and Mr. Lovat Frazer (instructed by Mr. D. W. Jones, Merthyr) for the defence. The magistrates on the bench were, Mr. C. H. James (in the chair), Mr. E. W. M. Corbett, and Mr. D. Prosser. BANKING TRANSACTIONS. John Henry Davies, bank clerk, Merthyr, was again sworn, and produced two certified J copies of entries in regular books of the Lon- don and Provincial Bank, Merthyr, certified by Mr. Edward Jones, the manager. Witness said he was chief clerk of the bank, and the books from which these were copies were the ordinary books of the bank made from entries in the usual and ordinary course of business. Such books were in the control and custody of the bank at the present time. He had care- fully compared the certified copies with the original entries and found them correct. From the certified copies he was prepared to give information concerning the entries. Taking the certified copies, the witness said that the cheque for £708 3s. 4d. was paid to the credit of John Jones' private current account, OIl 24th February, 1205, and witness produced an entry relating to this cheque. Witness had d- so an entry, 24th February, 1905, of £6g9 5s. 4d., showing that this amount was paid out | of the overseers' account to Albert E. Jones — to his private account in the same bank on the same date. Referring to the entry of the cheque for JE9 12s. 6d., on the 26th February, 1907, he said this Wag payable to Cross Bros., and was paid on the 5th March, '07, out of the overseers' account through the Bankers' Clear- ing House in London. Looking at the cheque, witness said it was paid through the Bankers' Clearing House from Lloyds Bank, Cardiff. Witness also identified a cheque for £80 as hav- ing been paid out of the Parish Council's ac- count to Mr. John Jones in cash on the 3rd November, 1906. The next cheque identified was one for £60, which was paid out of the overseers' account, drawn and paid on the 26th January, 1907. This amount went also to the credit of Mr. John Jones' account at the bank. There was another cheque for J660, drawn on the 22nd December, 1906, payable to Mr. John Jones, and it was paid to Mr. John Jones in cash on the same date. The witness next iden- tified a cheque for :8120, and said this was drawn on the 30th March, 1907, and was out of the Parish Council's account. This was paid on the 13th April, 1907, to the credit of Mr. John Jones's account. At this point the witness was asked to leave the box by Mr. Bowen, and Mr. E. Stephens Brown, partner in the firm of Messrs. Lewis, Morgan and Box, of Cardiff, produced an order made by the Caerphilly justices en the 26th April—under the Bankers' Evidence Act, 1909— and said that under that order he had on the 27th April, 1910, inspected and taken copies of the entries in the bankers' books of the Lon- don and Provincial Bank, Merthyr, for the purposes of this prosecution, and personally ex- tracted all the entries produced. He produced all entries relating to the private current ac- counts of the two defendants. Mr. Lovat Frazer: Have you the originals? —Witness: Yes; these are my originals of the entries. Witness also stated that the entries covered the period from the 25th March, 1901, to the 31st December, 1908: also the account of Albert Edward Jones from the 13th April, 1901, to the 31st December, 1908. Mr. Davies, clerk of the bank, read out from witness's copy, whilst witness had the original books before him. Witnees stated that he had also made a copy of all the entries in the bankers' waste books, showing what happened to the various cheques. Mr. Bowen here informed the Bench that since the last hearing cheques had been dis- covered relating to commission accounts which were of a highly important nature to the pro- secution. They were found on inspection to be much more important than he. Mr. Bowen, had thought they would be, nnd he proposed to call Mr. Propert, the auditor, at this point. Two of the cheques wanted were missing, but there would be evidence to show they were drawn by both the defendants, and that in one instance Albert E. Jones signed as "Assistant Overseer" for a large amount L.G.B. AUDITOR GIVES EVIDENCE. Mortimer David Propert, Local Government Board Auditor for -the Glamorgan audit dis- trict, was then exiled. He said he was- trans- ferred from tbe West Yorks district. He made his first audit of the accounts of the inhabitants of the parish of Gellygaer. He produced eight cheques. The nrst six were obtained at the audit from John Jones. I Mr. Lovat Frazer: Where have they been; since?—Witness: i marked the cheques at the I audit, and left them in the audit room at Mer- thyr. I have not sinoe seen them. Mr. Lovat Frazer: You obtained them-I all the eight—from John Jones?—Witness Yes. Mr Bowen: Was Albert Jonss present when I John Jones handed them in?—Witness: I I think so. The Clerk: How did you mark them?—Wit- I ness: With my initial "P," in red ink. CONCERNING OTHER CHEQUES. John Henry Davies, was then recalled, and, turning to the Gellygaer Parish Council ac- count for the 2nd March, '06, he said he found a cheque for £110 paid out of this account to Mr. A. E. Jones's private account. This cheque was countersigned by John Jones. The cheque was drawn by Rees Thomas, chairman, and Benjamin Brain, councillor. The signa- ture of the receipt part of the cheque was in the writing of A. E. Jones. The second cheque, for £30, dated 22nd October, 1906, waa paid on the 25th October to Mr. A. E. Jones in cash. This was drawn py Rees Thomas, chairman, and Joseph Cooper, councillor, countersigned by John Jones, receipted by A. E. Jones, and purported to be a "payment on account of work done." The third cheque was for £25 35., and was paid on the 7th November, 1906, to Mr. A. E. Jones in cash. It was drawn by Rees Tho- mas, chairman, and Joseph Cooper, councillor, countersigned by John Jones, clerk, receipted by A. E. Jones, on the 22nd October, 1906. Mr. Lovat Ftaser: And drawn in November1 —Mr. Bowen: Yes. The fourth cheque, witness continued, was for £87, and was drawn on the 7th November, 1906, and was paid on the same date. Of this, £83 12s. 9d. was paid to the credit of the sani- tary account of the overseers, and the balance to the poor rate of the overseers. These facts appeared in the bank-books- This cheque was signed by Rees Thomas, chairman, and Joseph Cooper, oounciilor. This cheque was out of the Parish Council account, and was counter- signed by John Jones, made payable to A. E. Jones "in respect to commission on work." The fifth cheque produced was for £600, and dated 5th March, 1907, payable out of the Parish Council account, and was paid on the 22nd March. It was payable to A. E. Jones, I and went to the credit of his private account. This was drawn by Rees Thomas, chairman, f and Joseph Cooper, councillor. Mr. Bowen Your Worships will see the great « importanoe of this cheque. (Handed to the Bench.) Witness: This cheque was counter-signed by A. E. Jones, deputy clerk, and purported to be "payment due on two old cemetery sites and present site." Mr. Bowen: Look at the cheque. The fur- ther we get into them, the worse we find it. Witness, continuing, next identified a cheque I for £300, drawn on the 15th March, 1907. This, he said, was payable to'A. E. Jones, tfnd was paid on the 22nd March out of the over- seers' poor rate account, to the credit of A. E. Jones's account—thus making, with the prev- ious cheque, J6900 to his private account. It was drawn by John Davies, overseer, and A. E. Jones, assistant overseer, and was not coun- ter-signed by anybody. This cheque was paid out of the poor rate account on account of commission. Although there was a space for a counter-signature, it was not countersigned. The next cheque was for JB180 2s., and dated 25th March, 1907, and was payable to John Jones. The Bank paid this on the 30th March to John Jones. The receipt was in John Jones's writing, and purported to be "in re- spect of salaries." It was drawn by Rees Thomas and Joseph Cooper. It was paid out of the Parish Council account, and waa ptid to the credit of John Jones's private account. The next cheque was for £25, drawn on the 25th March, 1907, on the Parish Couneil' ac- count, and paid in April, 1907, to Mr.-O John Jones, and receipted by him "for expetnee," drawn by Rees Thomas and Joseph Cooper; countersigned by John Jones. Witness thought by the appearance of the cheque it must have gone to the credit of John Jones's private ac- count. SERIOUS ALLEGATION. Mr. Bowen: Thif: is the last I will trpuble you with, Mr. Davies. There is an- other cheque for This rurports to be a o.icque for cozr::r £ s* :>n, but whicli we, the pro- j bccutioo, say was embeealed. I wwit it kept j I distinct. You see, Mr. Davies, it was drawn by Rees Thomas and Joseph Cooper. Is it re- ceipted by John Jones?—Witness: It is in his handwriting, and was paad on the 2nd of June, 1906. It went to the credit of Mr. A. E. Jones's private banking account. Mr. Bowen: It was transferred in the usual way?—Yes. Mr. Bowen: Look at his account on that 2nd June. Did he draw out any money for him- self?—Witness: Yes. He drew out a cheque payable to himself—(A. E. Jones)—for JB200. Mr. Bowen: On that day he drew to himself £ 200?—Yes. Mr. Bowen: The £300 purports to be on "preparing new set of plans for cemetery." Have you certified copies of the overseers' poor rate account?—Yes. (Produced). Mr Bowen: What do you find on 29th Sep- tember, 1906?—There is an entry made by poor rate account to the Burial Board for £3DO. Mr. Bowen: We have not got that cheque. but only the entry. The bank paid no money except by order or cheque. W m. Hy. Crossman, secretary of Cross Bro- thers, ironmongers, Cardiff, said he had been with that firm 35 years. Counsel handed in a cheque of J69 12s. 6d. paid by Jno. Jones to Messrs. Cross Bros. for goods supplied by them during the period of 18th January to the 22nd November, 1905. Witness was prepared to prove every item in the account by the day book. He produced a letter from John Jones, in virtue of a notice by the prosecution, which read as fol- lows "Enclosed you will please find J39 12s. 6d. as per, enclosed bill. I had the cheque signed, it had quite slipped my memory. MR. W. HAMMOND CALLED. Wm. Hammond, checkweigher, Tirphil, said he attended to give evidence on subpoena in this case. He became a member of the Parish Council in 1904, and remained a member up to 1907. He had never been an overseer. He attended most of the ordinary meetings, and had lost only about three in three years. Mr. Lovat Fraser: Excellent man- Witness, continuing: John and Albert Jones were the officials during his three years. John Jones was a servant of the inhabitants of the parish as assistant overseer and clerk to the Parish Council. Albert Edward Jones was col- lector, and also a servant of the inhabitants of Gellygaer. Mr. Bowen: Did you ever see this minute book at the meetings? Witness: I think so, sir. Mr. Bowen: I see on page 224 that you were present at an ordinary meeting of the Parish I Council on the 20th February, 1905.—Witness: Yes; I remember it well. Zvlr. Bowen: It will be necessary to ask some questions on one of the minutes.—^Witness said that the names of those present, as read by Mr. Bowen were, ho thought, correct. After the reading of the minute by Mr. Bowen specifying the assigning of large sums for the salaries of the two defendants, Mr. Bowen asked: Is it true that the Parish Coun- cil did resolve to pay John Jones the sum of £960 10s. as salarydnrespect to the period be- tween 20th February, 1905, and March 31st, 1905, or that it resolved to pay a salary to Al- bert Jones of£ó05 Is. in respect to the same period; or was it true that Albert E. Jones was to reoeive a salary of £575 for the half-year ending 30th September, 1905?—The minute was not a true and honest account of what transpir- ed at the meeting. Witness said that he did not know in 1905 that any such salaries were being paid to these two men. Mr. Bowen: I see your name at the meeting on the 20th March, 1905. Were you present?— Yas. Mr. Bowen: In the minute there is nothing to show whether the minutes of the previous I meeting were read and confirmed. Were they read ?—The minutes were as a fact read at the meetings, but not that minute. Mr. Bowen Was this minute read 1—No. A torn type-written paper was then handed to witness. Mr. Bowen: When did you receive that document?—A few days before the meeting. How?—By post. Mr. Bowen: Did you receive an aeenda ?— Yes. Mr. Bowen: Was it-signed?—Yes, by John Jonee. Mr. Bowen: You swear that was a copy?— Yes. Mr. Lovat Fraser: You said you thought it was. Mr. Bowen: The agenda is dated February 16th, 1905. Mr. Bowen: When you got to the meeting did you find the other .members had similar type-written copies?—Yes. Mr. Lovat Fraser: Agendas? Mr. Bowen: No. Does the document con- tain references to the.aries of officials?—Yes. Witness: James Danaes. the chairman^ in- formed the Council that tbe-«alarv of Albert Jones should be. as recommended by the ayoi* tor (Mr. Cox), dG350, and that of John Jones £:60 as clerk to the Parish Council, and the Council agreed to these recommendations as given in another type-written document. The Chairman: Had John Jones a type- writing machine?—Yes, at the office. Mr. Bowen: Did you yourself vote for the proposition ?—No. Mr. Bowen: Did anyone support you?—I don't think so. Mr. Bowen: Was there anything ever said about giving John Jones JB960 10s. at the meeting?—No. NO SUGGESTION OF A LUMP SUM. Mr. Bowen: Was there any suggestion of a lump sum for John Jones?—No. Mr. Bowen: Nor in regard to Albert Jones; —Not in my hearing. Mr. Bowen: Would you have remembered it?—I think I should. l Mr. Bowen: Was there anything said about £575 for a half-year's salary:—No. Mr. Bowen: This type-written document differs from the minute in regard to payment of-John Jones the sum of JB60 as clerk to the Parish Council. Was that passed?—I did not agree to it. Nothing was read at the subsequent meeting concerning the large sums, and at the foIlowmg me8ting witness gave a notice of motion in regard to the JB60 for the clerk. This notice was postponed on two occa- sions. The Clerk kept a rough minute book similar to that produced. Witness only saw thi4 book when it was in front of the Clerk. Mr. Bowen: Who uaed to read the minutes? —The Clerk, John Jones, on some occasions, and at others Albert Jones, for the purpose of confirmation. James Davies was a coal in- spector. The Court adjourned at this juncture for lunch. Continuing his evidence, witness said that he first saw the minute in February, 1907, at the audit before Mr. Propert, and had never heard of the contents of it previous to this. Mr. Bowen: Now I am going to take you to what you did at a meeting of the Council on 16th July, 1906. Had you before then given notice of motion on two or three occa- loioDS respecting the £60 paid to John Jones as clerk to the Parish Council I-Yes. Were the Joneses present?—Yes. Was your notice carried?—No. Witness said Joseph Cooper was the Chair man of the meeting, and the Rev. Harri Edwards was present. He (witness) read to the Council, on that data, an extract from the Local Government Act, 1894. Witness handed in the document he said he read. Mr. Bowen: I see it is Section 17 of that Act. What was your, reason for reading it?— Witness: I was objecting to the type-written resolution by which John Jones reoeived JS60 as Clerk. At the meeting John Jones said he was entitled to the £60, but had not re- ceived it. John Jones threatened to assault witness at that meeting, he supposed because he was opposing the salary. The only sup- port he got was from the Rev. Harri Edwa.rds. He did not know that on the 15th October, 1906, a cheque for £50 had been paid to John Jones as clerk to the Burial Board. Witnees had never authorised such a payment. He did not know that John Jones reoeived £100 for back salary for five years as clerk to the Burial Board, in October, 1907. Neither, to his knowledge, was there any such thing as a Burial Board. Mr. Bowen: There was no such thing?— Witness: Nor a cemetery. Mr. Bowen Only a salary.—Witness: There was no Burial Board, nor cierk to it. Mr. Bowen: Did you know that on the 25th March, 1907, a cheque for JB120 was paid to John Jones as clerk to the Parish Council?— No. Mr. Bowen: So between 16th July, 1906, and 25th March, 1907, John Jones reoeived £330 without your knowledge1-Ye.s. REFUSED TO SIGN A BLANK CHEQUE. Mr. Bowen: Now I am bound to ask you one or two questions about the amounts. Did you ever sign a cheque in blank for John Jones or anybody?—No. Mr. Bowen: Were you ever asked to do so ?—Onoe. Mr. Bowen: Whom by ?-—John Jooea. Mr. Bowen: Did he say what for?—Ail Jr said was that he might require one before the next meeting. Mr. Bowen: Mr. Brown please show witnes* the, .cheque for JB709 3s. 4d. (To Witness): W a* 7that ever psssed at a meeting, at which you were present?—No. Mr. Bowen: That was four days after the resolution passed. Was the approval of the Parish Council ever obtained for that cheque of J6689 3s. 4d. to Albert Edward Jones?—No.. Mr. Lovat Fraser: These are prue v iso- cheques. Did they come from the Council ? What had the Parish Council to do with it? 'í? Dowen: I am trying to show the Parish C'UD(;!1 fix tho salaries, and applied to over- seers for paymenti—r(To Witnees): Did the < f Parish Council pass a resolution to ask the overseers for authority to pay ?—Vv itness No. > Mr. Bowen: In the following September) (1905)' was there a resolution to pay a sum; of JB575 to John Jones?—No, neither did they resolve to pay £523 13s. 3d. to Albert Jones. Replying to further questions witness said he had never looked into the cheque books, ana he did not know t.ha.t there was a custom of signing blank cheques Witness remembered a. special committee being appointed on the 18tii March, 1S07, to report on the sal pries of the clerk and assistant overseer. Re-es Thomas pre- sided at that meeting. Mr. Bowen: This minute waa never confirm- ed, and is marked "rejected," and signed so by Sydney Jones at a. meeting of the new Parish Council on the 15th April, 1907. Sydney Jones was the chairman of the new Parish Council. On page 57 of the minute-book, a resolution, appears: "It vas resolved that the minutes of the last ordinary meeting be left to lay on the table." I shall call evidence as to this to show that this is in tho handwriting of Alb-art Jones. Mr. Hammond was then furuier questioned and said ho had no knowledge of that special meeting being called, and never attended it. Mr. Bowen: At the meeting of the 1Btli March, when the committee was appointed, were you present?—Yes. Mr. Bowen: And although your name ap- pears en the miauie as to your being appointed a member of it, you. did not know you were appointed?—That is so. I never had notice 06 it. Mr. Bowen ? At the special meeting, was the name of Harri Edwards proposed as a membes of the Special Investigation Committee-?—Yes, but his name was not supported. Mr. Harri Edwards had supported his (Mr. Hammond's) notice of motion. Witness tad ne, personal knowledge of what took place at the meeting of the Investigation Committee. The nice-cing was held two days before the old Council went out of existence. Mr. Bowen. Now I want to ask you about the large expenditure concerning plans for a. oemetery. You told us there was no cemetery. But you knowthe Auditor has reported that the sum of £2,016 10s. lid. was paid by t'ae Parish Council to Albert E. Jones as cornraiseion oa I the work?—Yes, I have heaul so. Mr. Bowen: Do you knew the Surveyor has been paid £1,719 3s. in respect to the three sites?—I did not know it till the audit. (Mr. Bowen pointed out that the aim men- tioned was paid in various sums at different dates Among these were sums of £4C::J, £150. £87, £25 3s., £500, £300, etc.) NEVER SEEN CEMETERY PLANS. Witness aclbered to the state me no that ha knew nothing of these payments, and Lad never, seen any plans of a cemetery, and as far .],; be knew, no such plans had been submitted to the Council, nor had any authority been given ior the preparation of such plans; neither Lad ha presented any bill for his account, so far as he (witness) knew. Witnees also said that be did: not know that large sums of money were being spent in wages except in regard to tiie third site, in regard to the trial holes. Witness did not know that from the ICiii ISoverubex, liiOt,. to 4th March, 1906; John Jones was employing ten men at 30s. a week. Mr. Hammond, con- tinuing, volunteered the statement to counsel- that all he knew about the trial holes was that; Sir William Thomas Lewis complained that eight trial holes had been sunk on the Common without his consent, and the Parish Council sent an. apology. The amounts in question were not authorised by the Council. Did John Jones put before you at any tima a financial statement?—No. Did they ever prepare a statement?—No. What did Mr. John Jones say vrhea you asked for tSeni ?—He said he wouid get them by the next meeting, but did not do so. When you pressed for what d'd n'1 says?—He said the accounts were given m thi abstract. Now in regard to another series of cheques amounting to ;:vv89 Is. OCt., drawn by John Jones between 2nd August, 1905, anGSth March, 1907. In this sum there is an item o5 £70 paid to John Jones for valuation lists. Did the Parish Council authorise that?— Xo. Then on the 13th April, did the Goune-'l autihorioo the payment of a guinea each 1 or at- tending a special investigation meeting 10 iiaes Thomas, John F"oberts, and James il;.— No, and I know anything about it until the audit. With regard to a sum of £81 18s. 2". for deputations between August 2nd. 1906, and 30th March, 1SG7, did the Parish. Counci- auth- orise this?—No. They ditf* appoint a deputa- tion or two to wait upon the Poniypoo! Esè but the payments were never submitted vn the Council. Were you one of the gentlemen whe :.i to London ?—No, 6ir. Witness, in reply to further questions, etitt' he did not see any time shootE-oucll were pro- duced to the Council. His attention was irab' drawn to the unsatisfactory state of aiiaiia by a statement made at a meeting cf the Merthyr Board of Guardians, a report of which appeared in the Press. The Council began to; get uneasy some time in 1906. Mr. Bowen: What do you say as to minute of the 20th February, IP-?5 ?—It was never put before the Council, and never ¿;ed to by them. At this point, Mr. Bowen intimated subject to certain eventualities, he pi.»:ised shortly to close his case. He would one more witness, and reserved the right to call Mr. Hammond if ljeeessaiy. REV. HARRI -EDWARDS EXAMINED. Rev. Harri Edwards, minister, Bargoeti, was then sworn. He said he attended to give evidence because ha had been subp.-gnfed- He became a member of the Parish Counc 1 in 1904. Looking at the minute book, witness said there was no record of any cheques being- authorised by the Council. imess knew thing of any cheques being drawn after the. 18th March, 1907. He remembered receiving' the type-written document, (prcdjcod), dated February 16th, 1905. It was an agenda, and also another type-written document about the same time. Witness was present at the meet- ing on the 20th February, and did not know of anything in respect to tbe saariesbeing passed by the meeting as recorded in min- ute-(the same minute as that on which thp previous witness had been questioned). He was sure sue 11 a minute was never passed, and had never come before them. Y/iteees was taken over identically the same ground as Mr. Hammond, and gave, in effect, praciicaliy the same answers. He said the Council had, be understood, approved of Mr. A. E. Jones's saJary being £350 per annum, and of £60 to John Jones as clerk to the Parish CouncaL On the 20th March, 1905, when the minutes were read, they corresponded with the type- written document. Witness heard on the 18th February, 1907, first of all that the minute in the book was not an honest minute. He had never suspected that anything was wrong until 1906, when he saw a report in the Press c a meeting, of the Merthyr Board of Guardians in July, 1906. On the 30th July, 1S06, witness was at a meeting of the .Council, and he raised a question upon the salaries, and cslled atten- tion to a report which had appeared in tbef Press. Mr. John Jones sa-d at the time that) he would submit a statement, and on the un- dertaking, subsequently, of the overseers io port on the matter, its consideration was de* ferred. Mr. Jones promised at the next meet- ing to send a statement to each member. At the meeting in October, no statement was given but an abstract was given of the accounts of the Merthyr Board of Guardians as disproving that they were receiving the large salaries reported. He (witness) was under the impres- sion that those accounts represented the amount as £350. Witness never got any other state- ment. On the 18th February, 1907, witness wag present at the meeting when the question of salaries came up for discussion, and them it came out that as the result of obtaining back abstracts, that the two defendants had re- oeived for the year 1905 a total of £2,314 4s. 9d. On the 18th Mafch, 19C7, witness was pre- sent at a meeting which appointed u. comr. iiteo to go into the quemionof this salary. Wi ness produoed a notice dated 14th March," 1907, sum- moning him to attend an ordinary me-ting of the Parish Council. The usual time was 5.15 p.m., but when he got there at 5.15 p.m.. the business of the meeting was practically over. Witness had never signed any blank cheques, and had no knowledge that such large expendi- ture was being made. He knew noth-n- of the cheques for £ 709 3s. 4d., nor of £ 689,° nor of £ 575 to John Jones in September 1905 Mr. E. W. M. Corbett: What had you to; spend money on? The expenditure was" mainly left to the overseers. itness further statecf that none of these large payments was brought before the Council to be discussed, and he knew nothing of the large amount paid to Albert Jones as com- mission on the cemetery sites, and had only seen a sketch of the third site. Witness re- membered nothing of the existence of a Burial Board. He knew nothing of the payment en the 5th March, 1907. of JB600 to Albert Jones, and £300 on the 22nd March. Mr. W. Hammond was then recalled, and said he knew on one <5ccasion they exceeded the limit of 6d. in the £ on the rates. The Surveyor mentioned it, but did not 12plain the reason of it. Mr. Bowen then asked for a remand till next Thursday. ME. Lovat Fraser raised an objec- tion against so long a remand out of justice to the defendants. Mr. E. W. M. Corbett: We have to con- sider the public, too. The case was then adjourned till next Thursday. The defendants looked far less woe-begon than at the last hearing. Their ijoards have grwn, and they looked altogether in better spirits. At one part of the proceedings they were seen ohatting and laughing together. Make every excuse for your neigbocmr: nevoid excuse yourself. -l

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