Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
6 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
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ABSTRACTION OF WATER FBOM THE USy,We are informed that a meeting of the riparian owners of the U sk, and others interested in the question of the abstraction by the Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company of Water from the river Usk, will be held at the Green Dragon Hotel, Hereford, on Friday, December 11th, at 12.30 p.m. FIEST BRECKNOCKSHIBE RIFLE VOLUNTEER CORPS. -Orders for the week ending 12tlt December, 1868.— Officer on duty, Lieut. J. James; orderly sergeant, Jas. Williams; orderly corporal, James Mathews. Full dress parade, with band, on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Squad drill, Tuesday and Friday, at 7 p.m. Church parade on Sunday, the 13th instant.—W. L. BANKs, capt. commanding.—Orderly room, Brecon, 3rd December, 1868. INTEBMEDIATE EXAMINATION OF ARTICLED CLERKS. —Michaelmas Term, 1868.—In the list of successful candidates at this examination held at the Hall of the Incorporporated Law Society, Chancery Lane, London, on the 12th ult., we are pleased to observe the name of Mr. William Rees Davies, son of Mr. John Davies, jeweller, of this town, articled clerk to, and nephew of Mr. William Davies, solicitor, of Haverfordwest. We understand that the subjects selected by the Examiners on this occasion were of an unusually difficult nature-o which fact cannot but add to the credit which those gentlemen are entitled to who satisfactorily passed such a severe exami- nation. RIFLE COMPETITION. On Wednesday last the usual competition for the monthly challenge cup took place at the rifle range. The number of com- petitors was not so large as usual. Private J. Mel- lor again won the cup, for the second time, and it therefore becomes his property. Subjoined are the scores made on the occasion:— VOLUNTBBBS. Private J.R.Griatths. 9 5 4 18 „ J. Brace 9 13 7 — 29 Corporal H. Bennett 10 9 12 — 31 „ J.Matthews. 11 8 2 21 PrivateG. Whiteman 9 5 2 16 23BD BOTAL WELCH FUSILIERS. Private N. Hall. 13 2 3 18 J. Mellor 12 13 1 82 „ G. Sainsbury 12 7 4 28 MESSES. RANSOMES AND Sæs' PBUlE PLOUGHS.— We copy elsewhere from the Daily Telegraph, a report of, we believe, the last year All England Ploughing Match of the season. Thus the celebrated Ipswich firm, named at the head of this paragraph, have scored in less than three months more than thirty All-England champion prizes-a number totally unprecedented-besides cups and other valuable prizes, in the hands of farmers' sons and local ploughmen, alike unequalled in numbers in the same short space of time. We notice this more particularly, because we find that an agent has now come forward in this neighbourhood with several of these valuable implements, of the newest pattern, direct from the firm. Mr. Daniel Jones, of Pontybat, is the person to whom the first have been consigned, and we feel assured that he will be well rewarded by the sale of the same in his important arable district. Mr. W. Woofe, the commercial agent of the firm, we hear, has arrived to set them going," and explain their system of working to the swing ploughmen of the district, who, it appears, at once seem delighted with the convenient change to wheels and we doubt not, but with Mr. Woofe's tuition-who is so well known to be alike proficient in the field as in the other duties of his profession, that, ere long, there will be heard of even champion wheel-ploughmen in this our far west county of Brecon; and that the use of the above, and such like highly perfected implements, will prove of immediate and lasting benefit to the farmers. Since writing the above we hear that Mr. Howell Watkins, ironmonger, of this town, has like- wise received a consignment of Messrs. Ransome's ploughs. COMMITMENTS TO THE COUNTY GAOL. By H. Gwynne Howell, James Vaughan, and John Bevan, Esquires: Charles Walters, sailor, to 2 calendar months' hard labour, convicted of stealing a pair of boots at Builth. By D. E. Williams and William Davies, Esquires: Thomas Prosser, miner, George Jones, miner, and William Hughes, puddler, to 2 calendar months' hard labour each, in default of the respective penalties of X2 and 8s. 6d. costs, inflicted for trespassing in pursuit of game on certain lands in the parish of Vaynor; Thomas Prosser was further committed, without fine, to 1 calendar month's hard labour, for unlawfully assaulting one Mary Wil- liams, at Vaynor, and George Jones to a further period of 14 days' hard labour, in default of penalty for being drunk and riotous at Vaynor; Evan Davies, collier, to 2 calendar months' hard labour, in default of a penalty of JE1 and 19s. costs, inflicted for assaulting and beating one David Williams, at Vaynor. By Lancelot Powell, Esq.: Mary Ann Price to 14 days' hard labour, in default of penalty, inflicted for being drunk and riotous at Brynmawr. By Lewis Hughes and James Powell, Esquires, and the Rev. Rees Price: William Price, plasterer, to 1 month's hard labour, convicted of having stolen certain bleaching racks at Llandefailogfach. By William deWinton, Esq. (mayor), and John Prothero, Esq.: James Morgan, for re-examination, charged with having promised a voter of the borough of Brecon a certain sum of money to vote for Howel Gwyn, Esq., the same being a misdemeanor (subse- quently admitted to bail); John McDonald, Patrick Fury, and Henry Cooper, boys aged from 10 to 11 years, to 7 days' hard labour each, and once privately whipped with a birch-rod, convicted of having stolen a box containing 9s. 6d., in the borough of Brecon, the property of Mary Bayliss. LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH.—A meeting of this Board took place on Thursday, at noon, at the Town- hall. Mr. John Prothero presided, and there were also present, Alderman Dr. Lucas, Councillors J. R. Cobb, H. C. Rich, A. A. Walton, T. Trew, and John Jones. Captain Brereton and Mr. F. Watkins attended on behalf of the BRECON COUNTY TmEsPrint- ing and Publishing Company, to request the Board to reduce the charge for water for printing purposes. The matter was referred to the water committee, and the deputation requested to attend at the next meeting of the committee on the 29th instant.—Mr. Kirk produced his usual monthly bills, amounting to 924 10s. lid., which were ordered to be paid.- Mr. J. R. Cobb stated that it had been an under. standing that if the Markets Company paid what money they owed the Board would also pay the money which was due from them. Some conver- eation ensued, bringing up the subjects of the alleged encroachments at the Captain's Walk, and the claim of the Markets Company to the value of the wood cut down. No decision in the matter was arrived at, owing to the smallness of the attendance, Mr. Cobb remarking that he merely wished to keep the matter alive. Mr. Cobb likewise asked what was proposed to be done in Lion-street in reference to connecting the old house drains with the new drain; the former were now high and dry.—Mr. Kirk said the Board had power to compel owners of property, within lOOfeet of the sewer, to put in their house drainage, and connect it with the sewer in an efficient manner. Some of the owners had already made the proper connection, but some had not done so, and he was about to ask the Board to make an order that notices should be given to those who had not done so.—Mr. Rich observed it was necessary it should be done while the street was broken up.—On the motion of Mr. Trew, seconded by Mr. Cobb, an order was made accordingly.—A conversation next took place in regard to Lion-yard, and it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Cobb, seconded by Alderman Lucas, that the necessary steps be taken to effect the proper drainage of Lion-yard and Lion-court, and that the surveyor be directed to prepare plans and sections for the necessary work. —The advisability of compelling parties to have a water supply put into their houses was next dis- cussed.—Mr. Cobb said in Heolrhydd there were three houses which had the water, and they supplied all the rest.—Mr. Walton expressed an opinion that a resolution to the effect proposed was on the books; but it was resolved that the necessary notices should be given.—Mr. Kirk suggested the advisability of continuing the drainage in the cross streets from Lion-street, which would necessitate having a larger pipe.—On the motion of Mr. Trew, seconded by Dr. Lucas, it was resolved that the drainage be con- tinued.—A conversation ensued relative to the old engine-house, but no decision was come to in the matter.—This was all the business before the meet- ing, which then broke up.
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BOROUGH POLICE COURT.-No police cases were before the borough magistrates up to Thursday, the usual Monday'^ sitting being a maiden session." LEGAL.—We are gratified to learn that Mr. Wm. Donaghue, of Westfield, Neath, has successfully passed the intermediate examination this term at the Incorporated Law Society's Hall, London. ORDER OF SERVICES AT ST. DAVID'S CHURCH.— SecoLd Sunday in Advent, December 6.-Morning: Voluntary, "0 Jesu (Bartlemon) Venite, No. 12 Gloria (Elvey); Te Deum, No. 15; Jubilate (Winter); Kyrie, No. 4 Hymns, 1 (Winchester), 6 (Austria); Introit Voluntary.—Evening Volun- tary Selection (Weber) Gloria (Houldsworth); Cantate (Mutlow); Nunc Dimittis, Monk Hymns, 4 (Helmsley), 5 (Luther), 193; Concluding Volun- tary, "God is gone up with a merry noise" (Dr. Vaughan). THE CHRISTMAS MEAT SHOW.—We are gratified to be able to state that the Christmas show of meat in the Neath market will be far in advance of the most U showy" years hitherto noticed. A full account of the same will appear in our impression of the 25th instant. MARKET ITEMS.—The market of Wednesday was overstocked, and consequently there was a general complaint of fc nothing doing." The supply of fruit was very large, and prices were high poultry plentiful and cheap; vegetables in season, advancing in value dairy produce at last week's figures. Meat of all kinds abundant in quantity, various in quality, and moderate in price. The cattle market appeared to feel the effect of last week's over-stocking, and quotations, although tending downwards, were gene- rally refused. Dealers and buyers complained of the slack trade." SINGULAR FATALITY.—We recorded some weeks since an accident which occurred to a young man, the son of Mr. W. Thomas, of the Craig, at Bryn- ddewy, whereby his leg was broken through falling from a tram. Strange to say, the same unfortunate youth fell in the same place, in a like manner, on Monday, and broke his arm. The fatality is the more singular, perhaps, in consequence of the coin- cidence in the cause of the accident, as well as the time and place. SHIPWRECKED.—Our readers will regret to learn that Captain C. Thomas, a native of this town, well known and respected, was drowned, with the whole of his crew, during the late terrific hurricane in the Indian Ocean. The sad news only reached Neath on Monday last. DYFFBYN FESTIVITIES.—-CORRECTION.—The gen- tleman who furnished our correspondent with the information respecting the above festivities, reported in our last issue, requests us to state that they were not in honour of Mr. Gwyn's return for the borough of Brecon, but merely the usual harvest supper and treat given to the employes and others connected with the Dyffryn estate. THE "SIGNORINA EMILY TATE."—This youthful and highly talented pianiste gave a Ie pianoforte recital," assisted by Mr. Ace, Miss Tate, and Misses Ham, at the Town Hall, on Tuesday evening last. The strangers' support" was, as we anticipated, accorded to the little performer-a "house" com- posed of sixteen 6d. seats, eighteen Is., and four 2s. ditto, being present to welcome the stranger! The young lady's performance was beyond criticism, and the vocalists acquitted themselves in a most charming manner, although the programme was not strictly adhered to. We regret that so attractive an enter- tainment should have been so unmercifully snubbed." MR. FREER'S CLAIRVOYANCE.—The talented Freer family are engaged to give two entertainments at the British Schoolroom next week. The panorama will be first exhibited, and the infant vocalists will give the second part of the entertainment, after which the extraordinary clairvoyante powers of Mr. Freer will be displayed. Mr. Freer's testimonials are unquestionably very high, and his programme both amusing and instructive. THE CORPORATION FIELD.-The new gates for this neglected spot have not as yet been erected, although the shabby appearance of the present apology" for the same are a scandal and disgrace to the locality. We understand that neither the surveyor nor contractor is to blame in the matter; the onus rests on the ratepayers themselves. WANTED !-A correspondent writes to ask for some information respecting—(1) The proposed new Drill-hall erected on paper by Mr. G. May; (2) the assembly rooms, on the site of the Masonic-hall, in Queen-street, capital subscribed (3) the life and times of the Farmers' Protection Society (4) the cost of painting the railings round the Town-hall; (5) the. whereabouts and progress of the Gnoll collieries (6) the uselessness of the main sewer to Mr. Bartlett's houses (7) the reason why the poor rate and the sewers' rate are thrown into one; (8) the value of a hundredweight of coal sold retail by the hawkers, when it is 15lbs. short weight, as usual; (9) the name of the author of The Vale of Rest," said to be by Novello in a contemporary; (10) the depth of the mud in the clean streets of Neath. As we are in some instances unable, and in others unwilling, to give the information sought, perhaps some of our numerous readers will kindly assist our correspondent to the information he requires. RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.—A meeting was held at the Victoria Hotel on Monday last for the purpose of forming a Ratepayers' Protection Association." The subjects brought before the meeting were of a most important character, and it was decided that further publicity should be given to them by means of a public meeting at the Town-hall. Should sach a proceeding take place, the particulars will appear in our columns but we do not profess to recognise any movement of the kind unless official intimation is conveyed to our reporter. Our remarks on this point will refer also to the gas meeting, which took place on Tuesday at the Albert Inn, Windsor-street. THE LATE ACCIDENT ON THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY NEAR NEWNHAM.—An extraordinary effort is about to be made in this town on behalf of the wife and family of the guard who was killed in the late shocking accident at Newnham, a grand concert, in which the Cyfarthfa band and a noble array of professional and amateur talent will assist, being in course of organization for that purpose. The con- cert will take place at Alderman Davies' Schools, and particulars will duly appear in our columns. INQUEST.—An inquest was held on Thursday last, before Howel Cuthbertson, Esq., coroner, on the body of Ann Griffiths, who met with her death at Melyn. crytban, under the circumstances detailed in the fol- lowing evidence.Elizabeth Griffiths deposed: I live in Bowen Street, and am the wife of David Griffiths, butcher; the deceased was my daughter; I remember Friday last, November 13th; the deceased was in the back kitchen on that day, about one o'clock; the servant girl and myself were there also; we had only left about a minute before we beard her screech; when I left the back kitchen I went to the front kitchen; I ran back as soon as I heard her screech, and took her from the boiler; I think she must have fallen backwards into the boiler; she seemed to be rising up when I got to her; the boiler was full of hot water, and there was some beef in it; it bad just then been boiled; I and the servant girl, about five minutes before, had taken it off the fire; we put it in the middle of the back kitchen the deceased was at this time standing by the fire with a bellows in her hand; when I went back the bellows was by the fireside; Dr. Pegge attended the deceased up to her death, which took place on Tuesday morning last, let December, about half-past four o'clock the deceased was scalded very much about the lower part of her body; the marks on the forehead of deceased were from breakings out from the scalds; I did not intend leaving the boiler there; I left the back kitchen before the servant to see about the dinner things; she fol- lowed me almost directly, and then I heard the screech; the boiler is about eighteen inches deep.— No other evidence being offered, the jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." HIGHWAY BOARD MEETING.—The monthly meeting of the Neath Highway Board took place on Wed- nesday last. The business was not of very great importance. The surveyor's report, with the orders made thereon, will appear in our next issue. The sewers' committee and the nuisance removal com- mittee also held their usual meeting on the same day. A report of their proceedings will also appear next week in our columns. "MORE LIGHT !"—A resolution was passed at the late gas meeting by which eight gentlemen were appointed as a deputation to wait upon the gas inspectors for the purpose of stating the griev- ances of the ratepayers, and endeavouring to obtain some modification of the existing unpopular state of gas matters generally. Windsor-street, the Gnoll-road, and other public thoroughfares, are notoriously dark and dangerous through the entire absence of lamps and gas lights, while the inhabi- tants have been paying gas rates without receiving any benefit for some years. THE HARMONIC SOCIFTY.-The attendance at the society's practice on Friday last was exceedingly gratifying to the committee, although the rule of shewing admission members' tickets excluded a few of the defaulters to the subscription list. As a con- ductor, Mons. Jules Allard is certainly par excellence, but a slight feeling exists that it would perhaps be good policy to divide the honours (when there are any) more freely among the sopranos !— A word to the wise," &c. FACTS FOR THE Cupious.-It may be interesting to know that the following table has been compiled as a sign of the times Paupers receiving relief out-doors for the week ending December 9th, 1867 and in 1868. Able-bodied 660 687 Not able-bodied 920 1007 Children under 16 years of age 1234 1304 Amount expended in the week. f266 Os. 4d. £ 328 19s. lid. Being an average of 2s. 2td. per head, against 3s. 2id. average cost of weekly maintenance in the Union Workhouse. GLYNCORRWG.—EISTEDDFOD.—An Eisteddfod was held in the National Schoolroom of the above place on the 23rd ult., when the Rev. J. A. Morris, curate of the place, presided in the morning, and T. J. Jenkin, Esq., Gelly, at three p.m. At seven p.m. there was a concert, and we may say without exaggeration that rarely, if ever, was a more pleasant day spent in Glyncorrwg. The Rev. J. Griffiths, Rector of Neath, adjudicated on the essays, poetry, &c.; and Mr. Henry Mills (Tafonwg), Pontypridd, the singing. We append the opening speech, deli. vered in Welsh by the Rev. J. A. Morria:- Boneddigesau a Boneddigon Gyfeillion a Chydw- ladwyr. Y mae'n hysbys ir than furyaf o honom fod cynal Eisteddfodau yn hen arferiad ag syd etto yn parhau ym mhlitt ein cyd genedl, er coleddu ac amddiffyn Lleenyddiaeth Cymreig. Y mae dros tri chant ar ddeg o flynyddoed wedi myned heibio er pan, y llefarod y bard y geinau canlynol, "Cymru fit, Cymru fyd." Y mae rhyw gynhurf anghyffudin yng Nghymru y dyddiau hyn, rhyw arwyd eglur o fywyd cenedlaethol; yr hyn syd yn peri i minnau heddyw ail-adrod y cyhoeddiad "Cymru fu, Cymru fyd." Yr ydych wedi taraw at yr hyn syd yn hollol unal ar nodweddiad Cymraeg; ewch y'mlaen, a Llwyddwch, meddwn i.—Gwyn fyd na welid mwy 0 undeb a brawd garwch y'mhlith y Cymry ? Pan ddymunwyd arnaf i fod yn Gadeiryd ir rhan boreuol a Eisteddfod, ni pbetrus ais rifo fy hun ynr mhlith ei ffyddlonaf amddiffyn wyr; nid am fy mod yn barnu fy hun yn addas ae yn ddigonal i gjflawni'r swyd, ond am fy mod yn barod bob amser (byd fy nghallu) i gefnogi ac amddiffyn pob sefyd-Iiad ag syd yn tueddu at helaethu gwybodaett a blesiant i'm gwladwriaeth. Ac ymdrechaf, hyd y mae ynof, i ddwyn pob pett ym mlaen yn y dull mwyaf dehewawl. Terfynaf yn awr, trwy, ddywedyd fy mod yn barod i weithredu yn blesiant y gwiw frythoniad, a hyny tra gwaed yn rhedeg yn fy nghwythenau, ac anadi yn fy ffroenau; am hoffus air yw, ac a gaiff fod. Oes y Byd i'r Jaith Gymraeg." At the conclusion of the morning meet- ing an excellent speech was delivered (in Welsh) by the Rector of Neath. At two p.m. the chairman, Mr. Jenkins, opened the meeting with a short, yet a very appropriate, oration. Great praise is due to Miss Jenkins, of Blaenoorrwg,for preparing the prize bags, numbering about forty, and also for lending her piano for the occasion.
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PETTY SESSIONS, FRIDAY, before GRIFFITH LLEWELLYN, Esq., Rev. WALTER GRIFFITH, and R. HALL, Esq. A VIOLENT WOMAlq.- Jane Hughes, of Skewen, was charged with assaulting William Chick, County Court bailiff.-Mr. Dixon appeared for defendant.— It was stated that the officer went to the house pro- perly authorised to lay a warrant of execution from the County Court, and while doing so was assaulted by defendant, who struck him violently in the face, and obstructed him while in the execution of his duty The magistrates considered it necessary for the protection of the officers to fine the defendant, and she was accordingly mulcted in 40s., including costs, or, in default of payment, one month's impri- sonment. Tho same defendant was then charged by Susannah Jenkins with assaulting her.—William Chick corroborated the complainant's evidence, and said he shw defendant strike her (complainant) in the breast with a dish.—The magistrates, after hearing the evidence, considered the case proved, observing that if the diih had struck complainant on the head it might have inflicted a dangerous wound, and then defendant would have received a much more severe punishment. Fined 20s., including costs, or, in default of payment, 14 days' imprisonment with hard labour. ANOTHER ASSAULT CASE. Evan Thomas and David Davies, colliers, were charged with having assaulted Rees Richards. Mr. Scale appeared for complainant, and Mr. Dixon for defendants.—After part of the evidence had been heard Evan Thomas was discharged, there not being sufficient evidence to affect him, and when the whole case had been heard the magistrates dismissed that against the other defendant also. RESCUING LEVIED GOODS.—Ann Evans, of Skewen, was charged with the above offence.—William Chick, and another person named Scriven (County Court bailiffs), supported the charge, the truth of their evidence being denied by a witness DS-ned Jane Hughes.—The magistrates said they were obliged to believe the statements of the two officers, and they fined defendant 20s., including costs, or, in default of payment, 14 days' imprisonment. STEALING FROM THE PzRiioN, Sarah Jones was charged by John Bowen with stealing two sovereigns from his person.-P.C. John Sayes apprehended the woman; she had two sovereigns in her hand at the time, and she offered to give him one if he would liberate her.—Prisoner was sentenced to one month's imprisonment.
BOARD OF GUARDIANS.
BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The fortnightly meeting of the Neath Board of Guardians took place on Tuesday, when the follow- ing gentlemen were present:—C. Lewellyn, Esq., vice-chairman, in the chair; the Rev. D. Griffiths, the Rev. W. Griffiths, the Rev. Pendrill Lewellyn, and Messrs. F. J. Gibbins, B. Evans, T. Rees, R. Hall, C. S. Price, R. Parsons, R. C. Fisher, J. Mor- gan, J. Jenkins, T. Jenkins, P. Davis, P. Williams, W. B. Sloan, S. Gardner, D. Bevan, W. Griffiths, and D. Jenkins. THE RELIEF LISTS. The second Board assisted in the revision of the usual relief lists, which were long and unusually pressing, the applications for assistance being more numerous than usual. STATE OF THE HOUSE. The Master's report and journal showed that there were in the house:—Temporarily disabled, 75; able- bodied, 5; children, 54 and 16 imbecile idiots. 17 boys and 11 girls were attending school THE PROPOSED ALTERATIONS IN THE UNION WORKHOUSE. The Chairman: The first general business is to read the report of the Re-distribution Committee. The Clerk then read the following report:- Neath Union.-At a meeting of the Committee of the Neath Union, held at the Union Workhouse, Neath, on Wednesday, the 25th November, 1868present, "William Jones, Esq., chairman; Rev. David Griffiths, "W. J. Player, Esq., F.J. Gibbins, Esq., Mr. Philip Davies, Mr. W. B. Sloan, Mr. Robert Parsons, Mr. Benjamin Evans- The Clerk read the circular convening the meeting. The following tenders for the alterations, &c., ordered to be done at the Union Workhouse, were afterwards read to the meeting:— £ s. d. 1.—Mr. J. W. Sims 810 0 0 2.-Messrs. Cribb and Parry 757 13 6 3.—Mr. Alfred Bucknell 847 0 0 4.-Messrs. John Davies and David Iaewellyn 654 11 0 5.—Mr. Joseph C. Rees 646 13 9 6.-Mr. Thomas Rees 583 18 0 7.—Mr. T. J. Davies, for construction of drainage -only 79 0 0 Your committee, having carefully examined the tenders, recommend that the tender of Mr. Thomas Rees, Clydach, for the execution of the required works at the sum of 9583 18s. be accepted, the works to be completed within three months. The contractor to enter into an agreement, with two sufficient sureties in the sum of f.200, for the due execution of the works. Your committee would also recommend that a clerk of the works ibe appointed, and that Mr. Hind, the clerk of the works at the Neath New Church, receive the appointment, and that he be paid the sum of £20 for his services. Your committee, having carefully considered the question of the re-distribution of the returning officers' districts, recommend that the following alterations be made therein I.-That a fresh district be formed, to consist of the follow- ing parishes, viz.Llangonoyd Higher, Glyncorrwg, Baglan Higher, and Michaelstone Higher, and that an additional relieving officer be appointed for such district, at a salary of £52 per annum. The relieving officer to reside at Maesteg. 2.-That a second district be formed, to consist of the fol- lowing parishes, viz. :-Llansamlet Higher, Llansamlet Lower, Coedfrank, Ynisymond, and Duffryn Clydach, and that an additional relieving officer be appointed for such district, at a salary of f.62 per annum. 3.-That the parishes of Margam,Aberavon, Baglan Lower, and Michaelstone Lower form the eastern district. 4.-That the parishes of Ystradgunlais Higher, Ystradgun- lais Lower, Llanguicke, and Killybebill form the western district. 5.-That the parishes of Lantwit Lower, Neath, Briton Ferry, and Blaenhonddan form the first central district. 6.-Your committee do not recommend any change in the second central district. WILLIAM JONES, unairman of the Committee. The Chairman We can now pass on to the ten- ders. Mr. Rees is recommended.—What is the amount ? The Clerk I have a letter here from him which had better be read before any steps are taken. Melin Tin Works, Neath, December 1st, 1868. Respected Sir,—I beg leve to write to you this note in Ref- ferance to the Contract of the Neath Union, as I have been in form that my tender has been excepted, and told also that Mr. Hynde is to be the Clark of the works. I cannot see my Clar to take the Contract, and in order to save any disapoint- ment I beg to say that I decline takeing the Contract under His Superintenence.—I am yours Humble St., Mr. Pleyer. THOMAS REES, Mason. Mr. P. Davies: The committee have now their work to do again. He was strongly recommended by two gentlemen of this town, but now we cannot go any further. The Board Can't we go into the rest ? The Chairman: Who is the next, and what is the difference in the amount ? The Clerk Mr. J. C. Rees for JE646, and the difference is ze63. Mr. Gibbins: The two just mentioned, Mr. T. Rees and Mr. J. C. Rees, were the only two who went over the house together, and I fear, as Mr. T. Rees has withdrawn his tender, he is in league with the other-that is, the next tender. That is my opinion. It is open to him to make any contradic- tion of that statement of my opinion. Mr. Price That is that they are in partnership. Mr. Gibbins Just so. That is what I mean. Mr. Sloan: And in this manner they wish to compel us to accept a higher tender. The Rev. D. Griffiths You had better go to the next—John Davies and David Llewellyn. Mr. Davies They are both working men, and well known in the neighbourhood. Mr. R. Parsons: I think that the tender of Mr. J. C. Rees should not be passed by. He is the employer of a large amount of labour in this place, and it may be a mere casualty that his contract follows next in amount to Mr. T. Rees'. I think we are in duty bound to entertain it. Mr. P. Davies It has been stated by Mr. Gibbins and Mr. Price that this man went over the building with the other contractor. Now they have never seen the plans, nor looked at the drawings nor the specifications; and how can they arrive at a proper estimate. I objected to parties sending in tenders in this manner, with the view of arriving at a proper conclusion as to the value of the job, but I was overruled in the matter. Mr. R. Parsons: If I understand the matter rightly, the fact of their going over the house together roused the suspicions of Mr. Gibbins- Mr. P. Davies: I am sorry Mr. Player is not here he would have told you his opinion. Mr. R. Parsons Mr. J. C. Rees, I repeat, is a large employer of labour. He pays a large share of rates and taxes, and he is, I think, in every sense the most fitting person to undertake the contract. The Chairman What work has he done in this neighbourhood ? Mr. R. Parsons He has built several important places, the new houses by Bartlett's Cottages, and Mr. Gardner: The new Wesleyan'Chapel, and other large buildings in the neighbourhood, have been erected by him. I am inclined to take the recom- mendation of the committee, although we are not bound to take the next tender. He is in a large way of business, has extensive means and appliances, and is quite able to do the work. I move that the tender be accepted. Mr. P. Davies: You must dismiss from your minds, gentlemen, the supposition that I have any prejudice against Mr. J. C. Rees, for every man has a perfect right to come before this Board with a tender, if he does so in a proper manner but some gentlemen seem to think that we should not take a man from Clydach. Mr. Gibbins I have not the slightest doubt that there is some collusion between them. They went over the house together. Mr. W. Jones: I beg to second Mr. Gibbins' proposition. I am of the same opinion as he is on that point. Mr. R. Fisher: Has Mr. J. C. Rees, of Neath, been seconded? Mr. Gardner: Yes, I seconded him for the work. Mr. Sloan On what ground is the other tender relinquished; does he object to the clerk of the works? It is very desirable that one should be employed. Mr. Fisher The clerk is only recommended, not employed, by the committee. Mr. Price: May I ask if Mr. Rees' work at the Town Hall was considered as satisfactorily per- formed ? (Hear, hear.) Mr. Parsons: I suppose he is paid for it, and that is a sufficient proof. Mr. P. Davies: No he is only paid for a part of it as yet, but I do not think we have any right to prove that matter here. Mr. Fisher: A mixture of mortar and sand was the cause of all the disturbance. (Laughter.) The Chairman It seems Mr. Rees is a very com- petent and respectable inhabitant of this town, and it would, no doubt, be gratifying to the ratepayers to employ him. It is competent for us to accept his tender, and I do not see that any case has been made against Mr. J. C. Rees. There are no grounds for the suspected collusion. Mr. Bevan: Are the sureties satisfactory ? The Rev. D. Griffiths We have not come to that yet. Mr. P. Davies I don't see why, if the work is done properly, that he should fear any man. It seems as if he began to fear a clerk of the works. The question as to whether Mr. J. C. Rees should have the contract or not was then put to the Board. 13 guardians voted "aye," and 3 "nay." The others remained neutral. Mr. Price: I presume that the contract is accepted conditionally that a clerk of the works will be employed. The Chairman Of course he must submit to the supervision of a clerk of the works, and give sub- stantial security besides. The Clerk I have an application for the appoint. ment from another person, Mr. W. Davies, of Tynyciaeu. The Clerk»then read the following letter of application:— „ Neath, November 30th, 1868. The Guardiens of the Neath Union. Gentlemen,—Understanding that the apointment of clerk of works is to be apointed, I would thank you gentlemen for the apointment. I can devote a portion of three days a week to see that the work will be Properly executed. The remu- neration that I would require will be 915. WILLIAM DAVIES, Tynycia. Mr. W. Jones: If not too late, I have the name of a candidate for the apppointment-Mr. J. Wil- liams, civil engineer, son of Mr. Williams, of the Lock. The Chairman I will not show any act of dis- respect to the committee by proposing another per- son. They came to the conclusion that Mr. Hind was a fit person to superintend the work, and we ought to pay respect to the committee. Mr. Bevan Why, the chairman of that commit- tee recommends another. (Laughter.) The Rev. D. Griffiths: Only one name is intro- duced in the report. There was no other applica- tion. Mr. P. Davies: If an advertisement went forth there would be plenty of applicants. Mr. W. Jones He wanted weekly remuneration. His terms were weekly, I believe. Mr. P. Davies He said his terms were a guinea and a-half per week. Mr. Gibbins: And we proposed a lump sum of zB20, as the contract was to last but thirteen weeks. He had been highly recommended to the committee as having given great satisfaction at other places. Mr. Jenkins Would it not be better to defer the matter for a fortnight, and advertise. We do not know what price others will do it for. The Chairman The committee made a selection of Mr. Hind. He did not send to them they sent to him. Since that time several others have expressed a desire to have the appointment. It is certainly better to choose our own man of business. Mr. Price We had better accept the recommen- dation of the committee. No doubt, Mr. Williams is a very good man, but it looks odd to wish to alter their recommendation. I do not express anything as disrespectful to them, but they should not have mentioned Mr. Hind's name if they had not thought him worthy. The Rev. D. Griffiths It is a public appointment, and therefore open to competition. Mr. Gibbins I beg to propose Mr. Hind. Mr. Sloan: And I beg leave to second the same person. Mr. P. Davies There is no great hurry the work will not be commenced till after Christmas. The Chairman Well, then, why not act on the report of the committee ? They have acted with so much judgment that they would not have recom- mended a clerk of works if they had not been satis- fied of his efficiency. The Rev. R. Morgan Have you seen Mr. J. Williams ? Mr. W. Jones Yes. He is willing to take the sum mentioned, X20. Mr. Gibbins I strongly object to advertisting. The Chairman I think we had better take the sense of the meeting. The motion was then put, when six voted for Mr. Hind, and ten for Mr. Wil- liams. The latter gentleman was declared duly elected to the office of clerk of the works. THE BE-DISTRIBUTION QUESTION. Mr. Gibbins Before we go any further, I may as well supplement the report just read by saying that since our last meeting I have thought more maturely over the question of the re-distribution and of Mr. G. Jones' salary. I think if he continued his former duties at an advanced salary, and went more fre- quently to the outlying districts (Briton Ferry excepted), it would be better. He is an excellent officer, and has been many years in his duties, and I think he should receive some extra payment. Mr. Price Does our relieving officer, Mr. Jones, give all his time to the duties of the office? Mr. Gibbins No, he is the public registrar. His salary from both is about .£127 per annum. Mr. W. Jones: We should remember that in raising his salary there is the superannuation to be looked forward to. We give our officers a salary, but we do not expect them to accumulate, as we provide for them in old age. I do not see it is at all necessary to increase the salary. The Chairman: It is not a question of an increase of salary, but attention to duties, which is now before the Board. The Rev. D. Griffiths It is the unanimous opinion that the people are not properly attended to they are not visited as they ought to be by the officers. Mr. Sloan, in a rather lengthy but able speech, said that he did not dispute the necessity of an alteration when it was suggested, but he felt that the time had not arrived for making that alteration. He thought Briton Ferry ought to be taken off the officer's district. Mr. Jones had been doing the same work for 24 years, and was in bis opinion better able to continue it efficiently than any other two men, as suggested by the committee's report. He thought every servant ought to look for promotion but if death or suspension should cause a vacancy in the district, then he should agree with the engage- ment of two men at X52 per annum each. In his own establishment promotion went by service and merit. He observed that Mr. Davies, the relieving officer, had ze85 per annum for distributing X40 weekly, and Mr. Jones had X60 per annum for distributing X165 weekly. His views were that the districts should remain untouched. He would support a recommendation to that effect to the committee. He did not consider the re-distribution to be an urgent case ;—he would rather see the money spent in relief to the poor than given to the officers. He confessed that he once looked with some amount of suspicion on Mr. G. Jones, and he looked after him rather sharply but he had always found that that officer used his best efforts to keep the poor off the books. He was in every respect the best officer they had. Mr. Price I think, Mr. Chairman, this question should be put in the hands of the committee, and they should report what steps to take. It seems that nearly every point has been withdrawn. I do not think these matters should have been discussed at an open Board. I should recommend the com- mittee to meet again. I don't run down Mr. Jones, nor differ from the good report of him, but I object as a matter of principle. I do not think a relieving officer should employ himself in looking after other things. I shall move that the report be referred back to the committee, and that they recommend us what to do. The Rev. D. Griffiths: Have a fresh committee. Mr. Parsons I do not think, Mr. Chairman, that anyone has yet moved that the report be adopted and, as each point discussed appears to have been either altered or withdrawn, I am the only one who really does stick to my own child (laughter), and do not perform the recantation so prevalent here to- day. If 1 understand the object of the committee rightly, it was that we might so divide the districts that more personal attendance and visits should be paid to the poor. (Hear.) I endorse the statement that Jones is a most efficient officer, but I do object to voting away any more money. The ratepayers are already cruelly burdened, and many of the paupers receiving relief are in better circumstances than those who have to pay the rates. However efficient he may be he cannot tell the deserving from the undeserving poor unless he goes among them. With regard to the extra payment, I believe you pay about X15,000 yearly in out-door relief, and the expenses of distri- buting it are 15s. per cent. upon the payment. If it will be that the poor are better seen to, that they are not allowed to stand waiting for hours in the cold and miserable roads till the officers arrive, and that there will be more personal visiting, then I could not object. I fear that too little of the rates find their way to the poor who have the greatest claim on them. (Hear, hear.) I only opposed it on that ground, and with the view of carrying oat the idea of more speedy relief in the proper quarters, and less exercise of indifference as to the recipients, did I attend the committee at all. We are greatly indebted to Mr. Griffiths for the great pains he has taken in the matter, and I hope it will result in something beneficial to both sides, but especially to the needy. (Applause.) The Rev. M. R. Morgan: I must candidly confess that I verily believe all this will be done away with if we can only wait another year or two. It is in contemplation to divide the union of Swansea, and when they do that they intend to set down the union workhouse at Pontardawe. How soon it will take place I cannot tell, but it will be before long. I should like to see it left alone for some time. I am not ready to tell you for any certainty when it will take place, but it eventually will happen. As to our relieving officer, I do not like to spend the money of the Board if it can be helped; but he has at present too wide a space to look after-be has from the top of the Black Mountain down to the sea at Swansea. The Board It is physically impossible for him to do it. The Rev. D. Griffiths: I do not know when the proposal is to be met. Mr. Sloan wants us to wait till death or a vacancy occurs, and Mr. Morgan till there is a new union. (Laughter.) The Chairman The report appears before the Board as the deliberations of the gentlemen who formed the committee. It will not do to act pre- cipitately, for of course additional taxation will be necessary. It is a matter of great importance, and we should take time to consider what is best to be done. I think if the amendment and report were printed, and sent to the guardians, it would perhaps be better. Mr. Hall: The committee have quite changed their minds. I think the report had better be referred back to them. Mr. Sloan: We were all unanimous at the time, but I did not go out of the room without expressing mv dissent at what I have referred to. The Chairman: No gentleman has shown the deficiency of the present system. I believe, in fact, that the relieving officers do visit from house to hotise. .bl The Rev. D. Griffiths Oh, no, impossible, The Chairman: We have not got a resolution yet as to what is really required. Some gentleman ought to point out the defects of the present system. The Rev. W. Grigiths There is not a single guardian who will say the relieving officers do not do their duty. Mr. Fisher: Jenkin Morgan gives the whole of his time to the duty. He is four or six days on the road. Mr. Sloan And Mr. Jones does his registration on the spot as he goes on. Mr. Fisher But he has two offices, and no man can attend to both at the same time. Upon the motion of Mr. Price, seconded by Mr. Hall, the report was referred back to the committee, the members to meet at 11 a.m. on Tuesday next. AN APPLICATION FROM THE HEAD CONSTABLE. The Clerk read the following letter, which had been received from Mr. J. Phillips, the head constable of the borough Borough Police Station, Town-hall, Neath, Glamorganshire, November 30th, 1868. To the Boardjjf Guardians of the Neath Union. Gentlemen, -In consequence of the great amount of increase in the number of tramps relieved by me in the borough of Neath as assistant relieving officer, which are more than threefold since my appointment, I beg to make application for an increase of salary. You will perceive by the books I forward every fortnight to your Board the large amount of writing entailed upon me. During the last fortnight 195 vagrants have been relieved by me. I have relieved and examined the vagrants for eight years and a half, but have only received pay since my appointment in 1866, in which year I relieved and booked, with all the required particulars, 870; in 1867,1,989; and in this year, 1868, down to the 29th September, when I transmitted my returns to Government, I relieved 3,661, for which as yet I have received £10. I find that in other towns the salaries of superintendents have been increased commensurate with the increase of the duties of the office. In Cardiff, where there is no more vagrants relieved and examined, the salary is L15, and I understand F.20 is the salary at Merthyr, as also the latter amount, £ 20, is the salary at Swansea. I also find that you allow the police-constable at Aberavon the same amount, E6 per year, as that I am receiving, although I have one-third more work than the Aberavon officer. With the above facts before you I trust you will consider my application, and that I am deserving of an increase of salary merited by the increase of work, which is quite equal to either of the places I have named.—I am, Gentlemen, your obedient servant, JOHN PHILLIPS, Superintendent. In reply to questions put by the Chairman, it was elicited that the duties for which additional remu- neration was asked consisted of examining vagrants, and giving them tickets. 3,661 had been relieved in nine months. Mr. Gardner said a sum of jelo per annum would meet Mr. Phillips' wishes, and on his motion, seconded by Mr. P. Davies, that sum was awarded, subject to the approval of the Poor-Law Board. THE VACCINATION QUESTION. The Clerk read the following letter, received from the Poor-Law Board, in reference to the vaccination of the district Poor-Law Board, Whitehall, S.W., 25th November, 1868. Sir,—I am directed by the Poor-Law Board to acknowledge the receipt on the 23rd instant of the Return of the number of persons vaccinated by the public vaccinators of the Neath Union during the year ended the 29th September last." The Board regret to observe that no return has been made of children vaccinated by Mr. John Jenkins for the Glyneorrwg district, and they request to be informed why no children have been vaccinated in that district during the past year.- I am, sir, your obedient servant, H. FLEMING, Secretary. To H. Cuthbertson, Esq., Clerk to the Guardians of the Neath Union, Neath. The Chairman, addressing Dr. Jenkins, inquired how it was that the letter from the Poor Law Board was rendered necessary. Dr. Jenkins replied that when Dr. Lewis left the neighbourhood he left him to manage a very large practice, and consequently he had been unable to give proper attention to the vaccination. He had visited the district twice since his appointment, and one of those times was on Thursday last. He intended going there every Thursday in future. The appointment was given him in June last. He would pledge himself to have all the children vaccinated in three weeks from that day (Tuesday). He lived about two miles from the district. The Chairman said it was a very serious business, and the guardians must expect their medical officers to perform their duties punctually. He trusted there would be no ground for complaint again. Mr. Jenkins promised that there should not be, and the subject then dropped. AN ANONYMOUS LETTER. The Clerk: There is an anonymous letter addressed to the Board, and signed a ratepayer. Is it to be read ? Mr. P. Davies I should say not. We have had enough mishief from those attacks before. The Board generally concurred in the expediency of disregarding anonymous letters. The Chairman I think it decidedly wrong to read communications of this kind. We ought not to trouble ourselves with them. It is a low thing to do, and a mean way of making a charge. If a per- son has any cause of complaint let him do it man- fully, and not in this cowardly way. (Hear, hear.) Mr. P. Davies I hope, as this will get publicity, that it will be a guide to the future treatment of such matters. THE BELIEF LISTS' REVISION. The public business of the Board terminated after the disposal of the above letter, and the second Board, under W. Jones, Esq., proceeded to enquire into the remaining relief lists. The sitting was exceedingly protracted, and the number of applica- tions indicative of the very great stagnation of work existing in the parishes of the union generally.
BEAUFORT.
BEAUFORT. INQUEST.—On Wednesday last an inquest was held before E. J. C. Davies, Esq., and a respectable jury, to enquire into the cause of death of John Swift, which occurred a few days before. John Davies, a young lad 13 years of age, on being sworn, said I am a miner, and worked with John Swift at Daniel Roberts' pit; about nine o'clock John Swift was holing the working ground, and I was filling the tram, when the stone fell; they said the weight of the stone was four tons; deceased was covered by the fall only a part of his trousers was to be seen; I went to call for help, which came at once it was the working ground, and it was stuff that must come down.—The noxt witness, Alfred Price, deposed that he was at work last Saturday morning; he was out at the heading when the previous witness ran and told him some stone had fallen on John Swift; he ran in at once, but could not find a trace of him; the little boy showed him where he was, and witness moved one stone from off him, and there was still a stone about a ton and a half upon him; afterwards got his legs free; no answer could be got from him it was nearly a quarter of an hour before they had him free; witness went under him in the tram, and when they got out in the heading Swift commenced to nolloa; he did not speak, but was like a madman, trying to bite witness' hand; he lived about two hours after he reached home; his left leg was broken in three places.-Daniel Roberts deposed: I am contractor of No. 3 pit, Beaufort the work was not so dangerous, and there were no signs of danger when last I sounded it; I am in the babit of giving all the men a caution, and I had told Swift to sound it.—W. H. Todd, Esq., M.R.C.S., L.S.A., deposed: A little after ten o clock I met deceased coming from the pit in a tram; he was taken into the house he was delirious until a short time before his death; he had a small wound on the scalp; had no external evidence of injury to the brain, but the immediate cause of death was com- pression of the brain the inner tube of the scalp was injured; such injuries could arise from the fall of such a stone as described; the left leg was frac- tured in three places. A verdict to the following effect was returned by the jury cc dental death, conduced by the deceased's carelessness and negligence."
. CEFN-COED-CYMMER.
CEFN-COED-CYMMER. POLICE COURT, NOVEMBER 30, before T. J. EVANS, Esq. POACHING.-Howell Howells, alias Williams, of Troedyrhiw, near Merthyr Tydfil, collier, (an old offender,) was brought up under a warrant charging him with having, on 12th October last, at Cwmtaff, in the parish of Penderyn, trespassed in pursuit of game on land the property of Lord Tredegar.—J. Jenkins stated I am a farmer, residing at Penpont, in the parish of Peaderyn; about mid-day on the 12th of October last I had occasion to go round my iarm, when I heard two shots from a gun, and pro- ceeded in the direction of the sound when in a meadow which joins Lord Tredegar's property I saw the defendant and another person with a gun and two dogs they were walking backwards and forwards, and beating for game; I went up to them and charged them with trespassing, to which they made no reply.—Defendant was fined &2 and costs, of, in default, two months' hard labour. Printed and published for the Proprietors by WILLIAM HENRY CLARK, at the Brecon County Times" Office, Church-street, in the chapelry of St. Mary, and borough of Brecon.—SATUBDAY, DKOBMBBB 5,1868.