The Rhyl Advertiser

THE RECENT ELECTIONS- PARLIAMENTARY AND MUNICIPAL. DURING the past fortnight three Parliamentary elections have taken place, and the whole of the Municipal elections,and so it might be ex- pected that an index to the present stato of public opinion of some value would be given. This expectation we think is a reasonable one, and we therefore affirm that a means has been afforded of measuiing the state of political feeling which exists at the present moment in the great body of the public. We purpose to explain the index, and to shew cur readers what are the indications which have been afforded. The elections of members of Par- liament have taken place at Radnor in Wales, Stirling in Scotland, and at Scarborough in Yorkshire, and thus the three countries which make up Great Britain have each given utter- ance to their political sentiments at a time when a public expression of public opin- ion is of weight and value. Each of the three scats had been j: vacated by Liberals, auLl in two, viz., Hadnor and Stirl- ing, the Liberal candidate was with- out a contest. The Tory party knew that 1' would be worse than useless to make any at. tempt to win either of these seats, for it would have shown how weak is the Tory cause in both Wales and Scotland. The case at Scarborough was different; there a stand was made, aud Toryism strained every nerve, and made every effort to win the seat. At the general election in 1880 two Liberals were returned and a vacaucy having occurred iu the same year, Mr DODSON was successful by a majority of 222 over Sir GEORGE LEGATED, the Tory candidate. On the present occasion the Liberal candidate won by a majority of 289 votes. This shows an increase of 67 over Mr DODSON'S majority, and that is not all it shows. On the registrar of 1884 th-re are -1171 names, while in 1880 there were 1300 a decrease, therefore, of 129 votes had taken place. Now when this f&ct is conjoined with the lact that on Monday the majority had increased by G7 votes in a constitutency numerically weaker by 129, then the irresist- able conclusion is forced upon us that ttie strength of Liberalism in this Yorkshire boroagh has increased. But there were several incidents in connection with the elec- which it wiii be well to enumerate. In the first place Lord LONDKSBOROUGH committed an unconstitutional act, and oce which has rendered him liable to pains and penalties, only no one thiuks him ot any consequence or deems him worthy of any consideration. His lordship no doubt is a large owner of property in Scarborough and in the East Hiding, and i he considers tliat his wishes and bi) desires 1 should be respocted, and if possible gratified 0' by the electors of Scarborough. Acting upon some foolish and egotistical impulse he ad- o dressed a letter to the electors stating that though he had been a Liberal ho wished for the success of the Tory candidate. Now a peer of the realm has no right to take any part in the election of a Member of Parliament, it being a fundamental principle of the Constivixtioual Law that he cannot inteifors actively at such a time. His lordship's efforts however have proved futile, and it may bo that reflection on his action may bring regret, and regret may be followed by a wise resolve for tho future. Another incident of the Scarborough election was the sending of a telegram from the Carl- ion club to the effect that General GORDON had been captured, Then further telegrams were forwarded to Scarborough which stated that the KHEDIVE of Egypt had telegraphed to the QUEEN, and to the PRI.VCE OF WALES, stating that Khartoum had been taken, and the GENERAL made a prisoner. Lies as these were, and lies as in all probability they were known to be at Scarborough, tho walls of the town were placarded with them. The object of all this was to discredit the Government in the eyes of the electors, and thus to damage the cause of the Liberal candidate. There are some persons who say and many who think that the whole story was a fabrication for the special purpose of influencing the Scarborough 0 election. If so it was a mean and sorry trick and hardly worthy even the parentage of Toryism. We turn now to the Municipal Elections which took place on Saturday last, and we are glad to note that Liberal victories occur- red in numerous boroughs. At Stockport there was a Liberal gain of ?/;vcn at Shef- field there was a gain of seven at York of four; at Boston of two at Hertford of four at Windsor of two at Liverpool of one at Birkenhead of two, and so on. Of course there were Conservatiue gains in several places, but they were not so numerous or so great as the Liberal ones. From these resul t-i a good augury may be drawn that were Mr GLADSTONE to appeal to the country a verdict in his favour would be recorded. Tho country is now thoroughly aroused and i,oti) SALISBURY will probably pause before he again demands an appeal to the constituencies. This very idea teemed to animate the speakers on Thursday last at the laying of the foundation stone of the new Liberal Club by the PRDIE MINISTER. He spoke to a gathering of more than 3000 Liberals, every one of whom was a representative man, and who were Radical enough to cheer Mr. CHAMBERLAIN next to Mr. GLADSTONE. Nearly every county sent its representatives, and they will return home both able and willing to advocate the princi- pies of Liberalism, and to invoke the sym- pathy and innte the aid of the great masses of the population in furtherance of these prin- ciples. Once again the House of Lords is on its trial, and it may be that a like verdict will; be given to that of 1648, when a resolution of the House of Commons declared that The House of Peers is useless and dangerous and ought to be abolished." It has had, how- ever, ample time for reflection, and the weary length to which the debate on the Address has been dragged may not bo without its use. It has barred the entrance of the Franchise Bill into the House of Lords for ten days at! least, and that has given the Pcerd more time) for reflection. There is a marked difference between the tone of the public meetings which wee held ia August and September] and those which have been held since. Then, it was the iujostice which was being perpetra- ted in debarring tll,) right uf the franchise to two millions of citizens which awoke the eloquence of the speakers and aroused the indignation of tha audiences now, it is the House of Lords alone which forms the prin- cipal subject of every meeting. The Fran- chise Bill has dwarfed in its presence and sank into comparative insignificance. Surely the Lords must see this, and if they do see it then they surely have sense to comprehend what its meaning is and what it portends. A word to the wise is generally sufficient, but ] that quality can only be predicated of a very; small number of those individuals who com- pose the House of Lords, and so such lessons may be unproductive of good. Stiil in the long run even the adverse action of the Peer 3, must tend to do good, for it will arouse the people to that pitch of righteous indignation which can only be appeased by the sacrifice in one huge holocaust of that useless and now dangerous branch of the Legislature which is called the House of Lords.

THE WATER SUPPLY. We make no apology for again returning I, -1 11, to a question merely touched upon last week.! The importance of the subject is a sufficient justification for again referring to it. A special meeting of the commissioners has been arrangej, we are glad to notice, to take the whole matter into consideration, and a cursory glance over some of the particulars will not be out of place here. When the water company was first formed the district was not nearly so extensive as it is now. Engagements have been entered into one after the other until the company's pipes form a network extending over a large area, embracing a large number of towns, villages, and hamlets. There is the city of St. Asaph and the adjoining ecclesiastical districts of Bodelwyddau and Trefnant on each side, St. George, Abergele, Pensarn, Llauddulas, Towyn, Rhuddlan, and Rhyl, besides farm- houses all along the line of mains, to be supplied. Some hundreds of thousands gallons of water are required every day to supply the wants of the population of these places. Taking tb census of 1881 as the basis, the have collectively a population 17,575, this number, how- te when the seaside resorts And since 1881 the p • .eased. In Rhyl alone, t 3 consumption of water h. very considerable during th SifJce the adoption of the F g ground, the volunteers v sn annually, have contri- b ,0 that increase, and tr. tsons, the Militia consumed a vast qu.ntity of water. We will take their numbers at 500, and allow each man 18 gallons a dav-llttie enough in all conscience when all a soldier's requirements are considered—they would want 9000 gallons per day. This supply for 28 (lays- the period of training — would amount to 252,000 gallons. Then again take the two regiments of volunteers which took up their quarters here during the past summer. There were about 700 in each, and they were hero for 14 days. On the same allowance these 1400 men would require 23,200 gallons per day or 824,800 gallons during the fourteen. days. Far be it from our wish that these volun- teers should not come to visit us, though we would rather have the room of their more sombre attired comrades. But the great question is—are the directors of the Water Company justified in making these continual extensions without extending their sources of supply in a corresponding degree. As a remedy for railway accidents, it has been suggested that directors should be compelled to ride on the buffers of the engines. Per- haps if directors of the Water Company were compelled to take up iheir vesidonco in Rhyl, something would be done to save a repetition of the present deplorable state of the water snpply. Hero we are on an intermittent supply of very indifferent water, nn I the company have practically done nothing further than fall back on Iheir old works. in other towns enjrmous expense has been gone to j rather than the inhabitants should be incon- venienced and exposed to the danger of ill- health through a defective water supply. As a casein point wo may instance Wrexham. A supplementary supply is obtained there from three sources—one a coal pit—at great cost, and the intermittent supply system has not been in force once during the recent drought. We should like to see the Rhyl company pay- I ing a splendid dividend, but the health of the community is of greater moment in our opinion, and wo sincerely trust that the present state of things will not be allowed to continue over next summer, but that a sure means of supplying the town with wholesome water will be secaied. Since the above was written, we have been given to understand upon good authority, that the Rhyl and District Water Company are on the look out for an additional source of supply. Therefore should a draught of so long a duration occur again,there will be a fair chance of coping with it. Regarding the zn present inconvience, we are pleased to be in a position to announce that the town will be in full supply on Monday or Tuesday next.

Past experience has evidently taught the Board a wholesome lesson We allude to the earnest desire manifested by a majority of the members to avoid entering into litiga- tion. In a town like ours disputes of some kind or another must often arise; and it is certainly better to have them settled without an appeal to law, if possible, even when the issue is clear and certain. Cases may now and then ari&e when judicial decision must be sought; test cases ifor future guidance. But, as a rule, a recourse to arbitration-such as, in principle, was adopted on Tuesday in refer- > ence to the smithy dispute—is far preferable from every point of view—is quite as likely to answer the purpose desired, whileajgreat deal of unnecessary expense is saved to a.l the parties concerned.

The dispute with Mr. HAMMOND is one upon which only experts in that particular branch of work are qualified to give an opin- ion. It will we hope be amicably arranged. Mr. WYNNE said the facts said to have been brought to light ouht to be a serious lesson to all concerned for the future, and that it would be a scaadal to the town to let the matter pass unnoticed. The evil is that this warning comes rather late. Many miles of streets and crossings have now been com- pleted, more than will be required to be done for many years to come, and a vast amount of money has been paid by owners of property. It is to be hoped that they and the Board have received full value for their money. However, it is certain that in future both the Commissioners and the rate- payei s will carefully examine all work they are called upon to pay for. +

The wall question was characterised by some of the members as a "trifling" and a very simplo one others again spjke of 0 it as a very important matter." The delay' in passing the plans, Mr. OLDFIELD said, was becomirg daily a [more serious matter for the chapel truces. We think it a pity that tho SURVEYOR had net been instructed to prepare his report for the last meeting, so that the matter could be then settled. As the matter now stands, the balance of evidence is largely in favour of the chapal authorites, and it was hinted at the meeting that the SURVEYOR was in possession of further evidence of the same tendency. However, it will be satisfactory to all parties to have the matter thoroughly sifted.

♦ The small quantity of rain that has fallen during the last few days has had the effect of allaying to some extent the serious fears of a crisis in the matter of water supply. It will, moreover, be pleasing to the public to know that Commissioners have decided to hold a special meeting to consider the whole question of the water and gas supply. Im- mediate danger of a water faminchasproviden- tially been averted but still it will be wise to serijusly consider means of avoiding such a contingency to arise in the fature. A special meeting is also to be called to consider the the question of drift-sand, a crying evil which ought to have been enquired into leng ago. +

The Rhyl Young Men's Christian Associa- tion has just entered upon the second year of its existence. Naturally the founders and promoters of the institution had many diffi- culties to contend with during the first year, These were bravely grappled with, and to a very large degree successfully overcome. The statement made by the Rev. T. PRICHARD at the annual meeting, and of which we print a summary elsewhere in this issue— will be read with interest by all who feel an interest in the intellectual, moral, and spiritual wel- fare of the young men of our town. Good work has already been done, and a foundation has been laid for greater usefulness in the future. The Rev. T. PRICHARD has labourad nobly to bring the institution to its present state, and he has been worthily supported by all the clergy and ministers, and others. We heartily wish the association continued and increased success in the future.

THROAT ITMIITATION AND COUGH.—Sorouess and dryness, tickling1 and irritation, inducing cough and aft'ectiug the voico. J'or these symptoms use Epps's Glycerine Jujubes. Tu contact with the glands at the moment they are excited by the of sucking, the (rlyce. ine in these agreeable confections becomes actively healing. Sold ealy in boxes, 7',d tins, Is 1' labelled JAJIKS Errs & Co., Homeopathic Chemists, London." Dr Geoge Moore, in his work on "Nose aud Throat Diseases," says: "The Glycerine Jujubes prepared by James Epps and Co i:re ot uudouwted service as a curative or pashative agent." While Dr Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician to the Municipal Throat and lv.r Infirmary, writes: "After an extended trial, T have found your Glycerine Jujubes of consider- able benefit (with or without medical treatment) in almost all forms of throat direase." j [52/827

'llotcs :1n'o (unnnarl1 A large amount of business was transacted at the monthly meeting of the Improvement Commissioners on Tuesday lest. At the commencement of the proceedings the Chair- man (Mr. TAYLOR) very wisely and cour- teously suggested that, having regard to the lb unusually large number of matters on the agenda, the various speakers should curtail their remarks as much as practicable. The suggestion appeals to havo been consci- enliously carried out. There was hardly any of that painful repetition and irrelevancy of arguments which has so often been com- plained of. The attendance of members was not very good—17 out of a total of 21 only being present. Some corporate bodies—the Denbigh Town Council, for instance-liave adopted a system requiring members who are unable to attend meetings to send to the Chairman, in writing, an apology for their non-attendance, •

MONTHLY MEETING OF THE RIIyrJ IMPROVEMENT COMMISSIONERS. The oi Board w is held on V morning last, w!c-u | j Taylor (iu the chair), .Johu Jones, Thomas Eih.s, William Wynne, P. Mostyn Williams, William Williams, John Fdmstou, TIenry Parry, It. 1) Roberts, E. Vaughan, John Robert*, J oseph Williams, ll-ioert Oilfield, A. L. Clews, E. AV. Keatinge, D. Trehearn, G. F. Gunner; the Clerk and (Surveyor. The minutes of the last monthly meeting, also of special meetings, were read and confirmed. THE XOWX SURVEYOR'S K»L'OKT of buildings, works, &c., was read as follows — "i havo the honor to submit: my monthly re- port or new buildings, works, &c. West parade (site Go) Plans of dwelling house for Mr Abel Jones have been approved. A D inch sewer has been laid along back road to River street Chamber ton Park estate (belonging to Jos. Evans, Esq) Plans, sections, Ac., of 3 new street each-12 ft. wide, and of building plots, ha ;e been considered by the read commiitee, and are recom- mended to be approved, exceptng the proposed mode of sewering. This [question is to stand over for further consideration. English Congregational Church, Water street: These plans have been laid bofore the road cominit- tee and approved, subject to ownership of the wall forming the northern boundary of the market place bcincr iijvestigited. I have inquired into the matter but have not been able to arrive at a conclusion. TI owever, I hope to furnish a report to the town hall committee iu a few days, and to avoid delay I beg to suggest that the committee b; empowered to deal with the matter finally. Kinniel street (sites Nos. 21 and 22) Plans of j two dwelling houses for Mr John Roberts have been considered and disapproved, on the ground of insufficiency of space. Windsor street (rear of No 7) Washouse for Mrs Janu Lloyd approved. Aquarium street (sites Nos. 21 and 23): Two dwelling houses for Mr John Edwaids, approved The public weighing machine in the market yard lias been thoroughly overhauled and readjusted by a specialist. River street I have endorsed on the board's minute book a plan as referred to in notice of adop- tion. Metalling laid on streets to date amounting to 118 tons. ROBERT HUGHES, Town Surveyor. Mr Williams Williams compLtiued of the lIllwalk- able condition of tho streets in consequence of the metalling- which had been put upon them, without any blinding whatever. He was afraid actions would be brought against the Board by persons for damage to their boots (laughter.) The various subjects contained in the report, with the exception of the portion referring to the Congregational Chapel boundary wall, were re- ferred to the various committees to which they belonged. SANITARY INSPECTOR. At a meeting of the Sewerage and Sanitary Committee on the 9th ult, several bills were exam- ined and passed. The Inspector produced leports of inspections which had been made by him, which were considered satisfactory. With the view of securing a systematic inspection of the whole town the Surveyor also submitted a sectional plan of the town, according to which periodical visits would be made by him of every part thereof.—The minutes were confirmed, Mr Keatinge (chairman of the committee) having stated that the sectional plan spoken of could be seen in the Inspector's office in the town hall at any time. AN UNEXPENDED SEWERAGE LOAN. At a meeting of the above-named committee, the Town Clerk reported that he was preparing a report for the Local Government Board as to the expenditure of the loan of C4 54 for sewerage works, of which there remained a balance of il72 19s 2d., unexpended. The report would be completed as soon as the Town Surveyor had reported as to what remained to be done with the balance in hand. In consequence of the scarcity of the water supply at the present time, the committee recommended that householders be cautioned to take special euro as ti- the efficient flushing of clo.-ets. Mr Gunner said that a great many people asked him whether any reduction would be made in the charge for the water, now that the'supply was scarce. It was usual for contractors to make an allowanco when they were unable to give the supply. The Water Company were the contractors in the present case, and as they had a representative of the company present, perhaps he cjuld give an explanation. Mr John Roberts What about the quality ? Mr William Williams: I should like to know who the representative of the Water Compaay is r Mr Gunner Is'nt Mr Wynne one ? Mr Wynne shook his head, and no reply was given to the question. Mr Wynne, speaking on the question of the un- expended loan, remarked thnt the Clerk had stated that lie awaited the Surveyor's report in some future time as how best to expend the balance of the loan. The money was borrowed for a specific purpose, and it ought to be stated clearly why and for what reason the whole of the loan had not been expended. The Local Government Board ought not to be kept in the dark on the matter. The Town Clerk pointed out that Mr Wynne had misunderstood the minutes. He was awaiting the Surveyor's report as to what remains to be done of the specific work for which the loau was obtained. There were some things mentioned in the application for the loan which had not been touched, such as screening chamber!, &c. The question was whether these things should be abandoned altogether, and the money returned to the lenders. Upon that question he must wait for Mr Hughes's report. The minutes were then confirmed. STREET ROLLING. At a meeting of the Road and Foreshore Com- mittee on the 10th ult., it was reported that a roller belonging to Mr Thomas Griffiths had been made use of for rolling the parade, &c. The committee instructed the Clerk to ascertain from Mr Griffiths what he proposed charging for the use of the roller.-The Clerk stated that he had made au application to that effect to Mr Griffiths, both by letter and verbally, but had not received any reply.—Mr William Williams asked what the roller had been used for.—The Surveyor: Light work on the Promenade and the footwalks in River Street.—Mr Williams protested against hiring this roller which was utterly useless when they had a roller of their own, for which they had paid £56.. It was throwing money away.—Mr Frimston made a similar protest.— The minutes were confirmed. SUBSIDENCE IN WATER STREET.-A QUESTION OF LIABILITY. The same committee reported that having care- fully considered the question of the claim made by Mr John Jones, Britannia Inn, for damage to a horse owing to subsidence in Water Street, they did not consider the commissioners liable for any damage and that Mr Jones be informed of that opinion. Mr Frimston wanted to know upon what grounds the committee had come to that decision. He considered the leport of the committee a very vague one. Mr Keatiuge also would like to hear something from the Surveyor on the question. Mr Wynne did not think Mr Frimston's suggestion a very wise one-that the committee should at present make public their reasons for the opinion they held on this question. The committee having considered the question in the light of several acts of Parliament, had come to the con. clusion that the commissioners were not liable. But it would vot be wise on their part to show their hand," as it were, to the party making the claim. The committee, with the assistance of the Town Clerk, had considered the matter very carefully. Mr P. Mostyn Williams remarked that they had been too often misled by amateur lawyers, and reminded the committee that there was a common law of the land which over-rides all special and local acts. The minutes were confirmed. IED BREACH OF BYELAW9 THE SMITHY IN RUSSELL ROAD. The Road and Foreshore Committee reported hav- ing examined the alternation made in the smithy in Rhssell road, about which complaint had been made to the last board by Mrs Lucy Evans,owner of pro- perty adjoining-in Treforris and which work had been carried out without submitting plans and with- out the consent of the Commissioners. Letters were read to the committee from Mr Joseph Turner and others stating that the smithy was not a nuisance. The committee were of opinion that the structure was extremely objectionable and dangerous, it con- sisting of combustible materials and recomended that Mr John Morris, the owner, be served with notice to remove the same. A letter was read from Mr John Morris express- ing regret that he had in any way in- fringed the Commissioners' bvel;i.vs. Ho was compelled to cl, something to the building, peuclillg permanent ions. He was liable to six months notice from the owner to leave the place at any time. He had offered to rent the two cot- tages in the rear of the smithy, and could get tenants for them. He hoped the Board would look over the irregularity, if there was any. o* Mr Keatinge said he had Leon told by Mrs Evans that she could bring undoubteI proofs of having lost tenants owing to the smithy. Mr ITenrv Parry said 1.e h id been taid the same thing. n. f), Roberts m.i.int dned that as Commirf- hiuors they had nothing to do with damage done to private property. The danger from the building was less now than it was before the alteration. The}' ought to be e~u:ions not to rush into legal expenses. He proposed that the matter he referred bach to the road committee. Mr Joseph Williams seconded. Mr W m. Williams said they had before them the road committee's recommend ition iu the matter, nud it would be useless to refer the matter back to them. The committee weie not unanimous in making that recommendation. lIe agreed with Mr Roberts that it would be u vc-ry foclish thing to rush into laud, although lie ves strongly in favour of upholding the byelaws. If th"v took proceedings in the case, let them do so in all other similar cases, of which there were plenty iu the town. If they only walked up High street with their eyes open, they could see plenty of such structuies. He a;'ked for fair play. lIe had equal respect, for Mr Mc.ria and Mrs Evans, and would like both of them to bo treated fairly. If Mr Robt-sts would consent to alter his motion, and to refer the question to two or three of the members of the hoard, he (Mr Wil- liams) would support him. He admitted that Mr Morris had done wrong in blocking the windows of Mrs Evan's houses. Mr R. D. Roberts agreed to Mr William's sug- gestion, and an amendment to that effect was moved and seconded. Mr John Jones (chairman of the committee), said that Mr Williams had insinuated that the members of the committee were a Jot of hot headed fellows (laughter). The committee were bjund to take steps in the matter, as a complaint had been made by a ratepayer. Besides Mr Morris had not submitted plans and had not obtained the consent of the Board for the work. Mr Williams maintained that it was not neoess- arytosubmit plans for alterations. Mr Wynne proposed as an amendment, thnt legal proceedings be taken unless Mr Morris sub. mitted such modified plans as would meet the ap- proval of the Commissioners. No doubt an otfeace agaiust the bye-laws had been committed. Mr Clews seconded this amendinout. The Surveyor stated that he reported the matter within six: hours after lie had known that the work was proceeding. The building was a new one within the meaning of the act. If a buildiug was taken down within ten feet of the ground, that constitu- ted a new building. Mr Morris had taken no notice of the caution given to him, and had not made any overtures iu the matter. Mr Thomas Ellis expressed his belief that the matter could be amicably arranged between Mr Evans and Mr Morris by two or three gentlemen. The committee had so far acted rightly in the mat- ter. If the matter could be arranged without legal proceeding's it would he much better. Mr Wynne's amendment was put to the meeting when 7 voted for and 7 against and, the Chairman demurring to give his casting vote Mr Wynne withdrew the amendment. Ultimately the matter was referred to Messri Joseph Williams, Wm. Williams, and Thomas Ellis, fo: consideration and report to the committee, who would report to the Board. j MR HAMMOND'S ACCOUNT. The minutes of the Road and Foreshore Commit- tee, October 10th, reported that au examination had been made of two of the crossings which had been made by Mr Hammond, when it was found that the concrete foundation was 4 inches in- of (i inches as specified in his contract and the committee therefore recommended that a reduction be made accordingly in Mr Hammond's bill. The Town Surveyor, the minutes stated, concurred in this finding. Fault was also found with backing up of the crossings.—At the committee meeting a letter was read from Mr Hammond asking that the balance of X8 due to him be paid,in accordance with an agreement enterred into between him and the Town Surveyor. He would take that amount with- out prejudice. He could claim compensation for loss of time, and also for loss of contract, a portion of the work having been given to another. He maintained that he had been treated very badly, and pointed that after being used for 8 months the foundations had not sunk or given way.—The com- mi tee maintained that no balance was due to Mr Hammond. Owing to portions of the contract not being carried out he had also a quantity of material resting on his hands.—Mr Thomas Ellis pointed out that work h ul been done and charged for by Mr Hammond which had not been contemplated nor authorised by the Board, In respect to some of the back loads, and even for that work it was main. tained that the charge was too much. The specifi- cations for the crossings had been fairly adhered to, with the exception of the difference mentioned in the thickness of the concrete foundation. The committee were in duty bound to investigate this matter, in fairness to the ratopayers, and to other contractors. It was for tli3 Board to say whether the committee's recommendation sliould be acted upon. Mr P. Mostyn Williams, asked whether there hal been any supervision of the work during the time the work was being carried on. It seemed unfair to reopen the question so many months after the work had been completed. The Town Suivoyor stated that no certificate for the completion of the work had been given by him. Technically speaking the work had not been done according to the specifications. As to the crossings they were well grounded with cement; but the backings had not been done as reported. As to .supervision of the work, he was not there standing over it while it was being done. He had no reason to think that it would not be done pro- perly. In reply to Mr Win. Williams, The Surveyor said he knew nothing of any por- tion of the work having been given to another con- tractor, unless it refered to portions which had been done by some of the parties under notice themselves, which they had a right to do. And as to any delay, there had not been any during the first three months after the completion of the work there may have been a little delay in the passing of this account. Mr W. Williams observed that the backing up question had been settled at the last meeting of the Board, when it was iecided not to pay the full price charged by Mr Hammond. The only question now was the 2 inches difference in the concrete which after six or eight months' use, settled down and became consolidated, and that in some degree may account for the difference. Mr Thomas Ellis contented that the settling down or consolidation could not make a difference of two inches, or near that. The thiokness on an average was only five and a half inches, but the committee gave the contractor credit for six inches. Ratepayers had called attention to the matter, and the committee had no wish to deal hard with Mr Hammond..The reduction proposed was a very reasonable c. As to the delay complained of, the fault did not lay with the committee, much of it rested with Mr Hammond himself. Mr Ham- mond wos right as to portions of the contract not being carried out, lie (Mr Ellis) mentioned footways Aquarium and Abbey street as being in the con- tract but nothing had been done. The Town Survryor They were not in the con- tract, sir. Mr Ellis I am quite certain they were; but why they were not car ried out I cannot say. Mr Wynne said it appeared they had already overpaid Mr Hammond. This was a very impor- tant matter. There were about twenty different people concerned, who would have to pay for this work and if they considered that the Commissio- ners had paid too much, they may object to recoup the Board to the full amount, and make the Com- missioners suffer for the difference. As to the difference in the thickness of the concrete, Mr Wynne said the committee had made four careful tests; and besides, the specification distinctly stated that the foundation should be six inches after consolidation." The difference in the bill on this account would probably amount to from iC7 to I 10, so that with this reduction and the overcharge for the backing up, they had considerably overpaid Mr Hammond already. It would have been a scandal for the Board to have allowed this matter to have passed unnoticed. It ought to be a serious lesson to all concerned to see that in future all con. tracts were carried out strictly in accordance with specifications. Instead of the Board owing Mr Hammond the sum of £8 9s. 4d., which lie now claimed,Mr Hammond was indebted to the Board to a sum of between C15 and £20.- Ultimately, the recommendations of the coin- mitte were confirmed. STREET METALLING. At a meeting of the Road and Foreshore Com- mittee, on tho 11th ult., it was recommendell. that 500 tons of macadam be ordered from the Foel Lime and Stone Quarry, at 3s. 4d. per ton, to be delivered on the north side of the railway also that "Messrs Charles Jones and Son be asked their terms for supplying a quantity of Llanddulas ridd- ling-s.-Confirmed. THE PROMENADE, Oil the recommendation of the Foreshore Com- mit tee, it was agreed that the Town Surveyor and Mr William AViiliams be authorised to expend a sum not exceeding £ 5 in experiments for improving the .surface af the welit portion of the Promenade. QUOTING SCRIPTURE.I I' Mr Gunner, referring i u a bill for some articles (brushes, we believe) bought on behalf of the board at a recent auction sale by the chairman of the Road and Foreshore Committee (Mr John Jones,)