The Glamorgan Gazette

ALTERATION OF LOCAL AREAS. » LIVELY MEETINGS AT BRIDGEND. RATEPAYERS AND LOCAL BOARD. MEMBERS AT BAY. HOWLING AND DERISIVE LAUGHTER. THE COUNTY COUNCIL INQUIRY. PENT-UP FEELING REFUSED AN OUTLET Preceding Saturday's inquiry the scheme formed the subject of discussion at a vestry meeting of Coity Lower at the Town Hall on Thursday evening, and of a general meeting of ratepayers of the town the following evening. There was a large attendance on both occasions, and the proceedings were marked by considerable animation. COITY LOWER VESTRY. The vestry meeting of Coity Lower on Thursday evening last week was presided over at the com- mencement by the Rev F. W. Edmondes, as rector, and the attendance included a fair sprinkling of inhabitants from the rural portion of the parish. Amongst those present were Messrs C. Sheppard, tV McGaul, 0 Sheppard, Mbhael Davies, W H Morgan, W Buckley, R C Griffiths, T J Hughes, W Wellington, Lewis Nicholl, W Hopkin (Island Farm), J Rees (Newbridge Farm), T. Rees (Water- ton Court), T Hopkin (Ewenny), W M Richards, Robert Evans, J Williams (Mcrtbyrmawr), W Francis, T Williams (Bear Hotel), M Williams (sur- veyor), the Rev W John, Morgan David, D R Phillips, D Jenkins (chemist), Ll Wallington, J Sankey, W House, P J Thomas, T Edwards (draper), W Williams (ironmonger), J P Williams, D Wil- liams (Caroline-street), R Roberts (Messrs Pritchard and Roberts), R Lucas, W Williams, W Rogers, G ^The Chairman, while disapproving of the scheme as a whole, thought some change was inevitable on account of the present unsatisfactory condition of Tondu and Aberkenfig. Shortly afterwards the Chairman left the meeting, and Mr McGaul was voted to the chair. Mr Buckley strongly opposed the inclusion of Tondu and Aberkeniig, and condemned the Local Board for not having consulted the ratepayers before they formulated their proposals (applause). As an elected body they .should obey the expressed wishes of their constituents. He believed, however, they would heartily welcome the rural parts of Newcastle Lower and Coity Lower into their midst (laughter), and he moved 4 That in the opinion of this vestry the Local Board District ought to be composed of the parishes of Coity Lower and Newcastle Lower.' Mr Robert Evans as a large ratepayer both in that parish and at Aberkenfig, seconded the motion. The rateable value of Tondu and Aberkenfig was most unreliable on account of the uncertain pros- pects of the works there, and he said it was best for them to remain as they were, let the consequences be what they may. Mr W Hopkin (Island Farm) held it would be most unfair to include the rural portions of Coity Lower and Newcastle Lower, which were nearly 1,300 acres in extent and had a rateable value of about £ 3,000. He moved as an amendment that the Local Board District remain as it is. Mr J Williams (Merthyrmawr) seconded the amendment. Mr Buckley would be quite prepared to accept the amendment if he thought the proposal was likely to be approved by the Commissioners. The Chairman That is the only reason why the Local Board moved in the matter. Mr D R Phillips supported the proposition. The farmers below Bridgend would benefit by the sewerage scheme, and the rural portions of the parishes would help them to pay their rates (laugh- ter). Mr it C Griffiths differed from some Qf the speakers in thinking that the County Council would » be so devoid of common sense and common honesty in inflicting upon the district what everybody was opposed to. He took j it that the only object of the Council in making! this monstrous proposal was to provide for the better sanitation of the district north of Brdgend, and on what principle the fifteen farms in the rural portions of Coity Lower were to be rated for the purpose passed his comprehension. Mr Buckley said as the supporters of both the motion and amendment were at one in their opposi- tion to the inclusion of Tondu and Aberkenfig, he would accept the amendment in this form, I That in the opinion of this meeting the Local Board District of Bridgend remain as it is.' This having been agreed to, Mr Michael Davies moved as an amendment that the recommendation of the Local Board DO adopted. It was very desirable that Tondu and Aberkenfig should be united to Bridgend (' No, no '). Well, he said that it was. and he claimed that his contention "was borne out by facts and figures. Several of those who opposed the proposal had their own axes to grind. Of course, if he built a house outside the boundary of the board's district he would be opposed to the scheme (laughter). He claimed for the scheme that it would facilitate the execution and management of the sewerage scheme, and would relieve the rates at Bridgend, which the sewerage scheme loan would probably; raise from Is lOd to half -a-crown. A considerable pause elapsed, but no one seconded the amendment. Mr Davies expressed surprise that no member of the Local Board could be tound to second him, if it Was only for the purpose of taking the voice of the meeting on the question. Mr D R Phillips: No if you don't believe in it don't second it. The motion was then put and carried with only two dissentients. Mr Buckley then moved, That in the opinion of this vestry no extension of the Bridgend Local Board District beyoud the boundaries of Newcastle Lower and Coity Lower will be accepted willingly.' The Rev W John seconded the motion. He was sceptical, he remarked, of a good deal Mr Davies had told them, and he hoped Mr Davies did not expect them as sensible men to accept it (laughter). Mr Davies: I gave figures. It was no mere assertion. The Rev W John, proceeding, said the present sanitary state of Tondu and Aberkeufig was a scandal to a civilised community, and before the place could be put into a proper state some thou- sands of pounds would have to be expended on it (applause). Their rates were increasing fast enough as it was, a fact he largely attributed to toe spirit of speculation which was going on among the board. Mr Davies replied that the state of Bridgend was quite as bad as that of Tondu and Aberkenfig. The Rev W John: Thea it is all the more shame to you (applause and laughter). Mr Davies rose to reply, but The Chairman ruled him out of order. There was no doubt, he said, that Aberkenfig was in a worse state than Bridgend, but the property owners would have to bear the bulk of the expense in putting things in order. Mr J R Lewis doubted the latter assertion. The proposition on being put was^rejected by a considerable majority, and Mr R C Griffiths was appointed in his legal capacity to appear at the inquiry in support of the resolutions already passed. The meeting then terminated. A LIVELY MEETING. On Friday evening there was again a good attendance at the Hall when the scheme came before a general meeting of the ratepayers of the town, summoned during the day by handbill and crier. Nearly all the Local Board members were present, together with the clerk. Mr Buckley was voted to the chair. Mr T J Hughes read the resolution as altered by the Local Board after their meeting on Friday evening last, and which appeared in its original form in our last issue. Mr D H Lloyd in a vigorous speech condemning the proposal of the Local Board,to assent to the inclusion of Tondu and Aberkenfig, said it was a eca 3us thing for the members to pretend that tfy •• 1 the interests of the town at heart. It was Do mag' of the kind. Nothing but self-interest had promoted the whole business (loud cries of question' from the Local Board members). The scheme bad been previously brought forward by some ingenious mind and had now been revived when the district in question would require an expenditure of some- thing like from X5000 to £8000. The proposal would have the effect of depriving Tondu and Aberkenfig of the right of managing their own affairs, while at the same time he was of the opinion Bridgend would be in a minority on the governing body. He moved a resolution expressing disagree- ment with the resolution passed by the Local Board in favour of adding Newcastle Higher and Ynisawdre to the district. Mr Francis thought it would have been an advantage to Mr Lloyd if he had seen the board's resolution before he made his speech. Mr George Bevan seconded the resolution, and said he thought the Local Board were T2ry much to blame for the course they had taken (Mr McGaul: No). They had openly disregarded the emphatic declaration of the ratepayers made 12 months ago, and had acted in direct opposition to their wishes. Mr Michael Davies objected that the resolution mitrepresented the facts by implying that the board desired the inclusion of Tondu and Aberkenfig. Mr Powell had expected that some of his colleagues would have replied to the pertinent or impertinent remarks that had been made. Everyone seemed to be competent to criticise and condemn the members of the Local Board whatever their actions or decisions might be. The Local Board members, he stated, would really prefer the district remaining as it was, and they had only passed the recom- mendation to include Tondu and Aberkenfig on the distinct understanding that an extension of the district was inevitable. He asked them not to be quite so free with their criticism of the Local Board as they were. He thought they were serving them (the members) badly. They were gentlemen who gave considerable time to their duties and who did their best. If they were dissatisfied with them why did they not change 'e them ? He did protest against every dog as it were rising up against the local board, who had done their best to serve the town (Hear, hear' from local board members). Mr McGaul thought speakers would do well to confine their attention to the question at issue and not to drag in the Local Board so much. They had had an opportunity of showing their cleverness in the management of the town. If they went and told the commissioners at the inquiry that they blamed the Local Board for the whole business they could simply laugh at them. The scheme had been reluctantly formulated by the board—they might believe it or not—as they regarded an extension of the district inevitable under the Act, and formulated in the best interests of the town in order to avoid a scheme which would be still more unacceptable to the town. With regard to Mr Lloyd he had always found him grinding his axe whenever he could get to the grindstone. He was as ready as anybody to serve his own interests, and it was a very poor argument to traduce people who were doing their best (hear, hear). He warned them that it would be useless going before the commissioners without a scheme. Mr W R Randall did not wish to enter into a discussion as to the merits of the schemes, but Mr McGaul and Mr Powell seemed to be under a mis- apprehension, for he saw nothing in the Act which made the scheme inevitable If they were united in saying they were not going to have an alteration in the district then if the County Council did push it down their throats they would have an appeal to the Local Government Board (applause). Mr Michael Davies said having had his say the previous evining he would not make a long speech. Mr D. H. Lloyd You were in the wrong parish. Mr Davies said he stood alone on the Board in strongly advocating the inclusion of Tondu and Aberkenfig, and he would stand or fall by that opinion. In justice to the Board it should be said it was only on advice they reluctantly favoured the scheme. They were led to believe that the scheme would be inevitable. Mr W. R. RandallThat goes to the root of the whole matter, whether it is inevitable or not. Mr Davies: I cannot help it. We understood that, and we are governed by it. He went on to say he thought it very unfair that Mr Lloyd should have spoken as hi had done. It seemed to him that any stick was good enough to beat the Local Board with. He could understand Mr Lloyd's position in this matter, and that of the other opponents whose reasons were personal and not public. (Cries of name them.') Mr Davies: I can prove it without any diffi- culty. Our surveyor The Chairman, interposing, reminded Mr Davies that he must confine himself to the subject of dis- cussion. Mr McGaul; I think the Chairman ought to call other speakers to order too. Mr Davies I think we should find out the motive which prompted these gentlemen to oppose the Local Board, and not the scheme. Don't let them oOPie there with a resolution blaming the Local Board. As men, and as ratepayers, ho thought it debasing they could u9t pass a better resolution. The fcoar3 \Va9 doing its duty, and could Rpt do better. He did not think it could be said a single member of the Board had hankered after office. If they were not pleased with them, let them take their places. They gave their time for nothing in the public service, and got no thanks. Mr D. H. Lloyd said his name had been so fre- quently mentioned that he wished to explain why he had spoken in the manner he had. The scheme was not a new one, having b?en started some time before. Mr McGaul: Question. Mr Lloyd There is no question about it. They (the Local Board), knew vtry well what they were doiug when th,y passed the resolution. It would have been well tor them to have consulted the rate- payers before attempting to pass such a resolution. Mr Powell: I must protest against Mr Lloyd's remark that the Local Board formulated the whole thing, and he ought to withdraw it. The Chairman said Mr Lloyd's remarks evidently referred to the scheme previously submitted to the ratepayers by the Board, and disapproved of by them. Mr Lloyd assented. Mr Powell: That is very kind of you, Mr Chair- man. The Chairman supposed they were all desirous of having the matter plainly before the meeting. Personalities had nothing to do with this question. That meeting had been called because it was felt that in common fairness befor.3 such a momentous question was resolve 1 upon by the Local Board the feelings of the inhabitants and ratepayers of the town should have been consulted. (Hear, hear). They must also recollect that every member of the Local Board stood for criticism when he stood for office, and that the inhabitants were their con- stituents consequently that unless they represented the feeliugs of Lhe town in the matter, they must not pass resolutions on it in their public capacity. It was misrepresenting the ratepayers. If the Board's resolution was condemned, then be thought they might ask the Board to withdraw it. and, in common honesty, not to present it to the com- missioners as representing the feelings of the rate- payers. (Applause). Mr McGaul admitted that the Board had dealt with the question knowing that the ratepayers were I dead' against the scheme, and said he had strongly suggested the calling of a public meeting. Mr o. Sheppard said the fault was Thtt the Local Board had jumped to the foregone conclusion that the District would have to be extended. Their hands would have been greatly strengthened at the inquiry if they presented a resolution which was endorsed by tke townspeople. Mr Edgar Davies asked whether Mr Sheppard paid Local Board rates in respect of his residence. If not, he could understand his opposition to the scheme. Mr Sheppard My private house has nothing to do with it, I am a ratepayer in this town. Mr Davies repeated his question. Mr Sheppard: With regard to my house, I have done what I think any other person would do. Mr Davies again put the question. The Chairman 1 think this query is a little out of place, because Mr Sheppard has a perfect right to speak as a ratepayer. Mr Sheppard laughingly observed that as several of the Bridgend tradesmen largely used the district roads, to the cost of which they did not contribute, he saw no reason why the farmers should not also use the town roads. Mr T. J. Hughes wished to say that be never at any time advised the Board that the scheme became neceasary undsr the Act. He also wished as an official of the Board, to repudiate with the utmost contempt the suggestion made by Mr Lloyd as to there being any motive of self-interest in this matter and he challenged him to put that ex- pression into plain English. The Chairman said they had had quite enough of personalities. Mr Davies: Well, they should not have been made. Mr McGaul They are far too ready with them. Mr Lloyd thought Mr Hughes must have misunderstood what he said. ('No,' and Order.') He could not himself see that there was any other motive than that of self-interest. Mr McGaul: You are dense. Mr Lloyd What could they mean by it ? Mr McGaul: Self-interest. Mr Lloyd Well then, I may use your words. Mr McGaul further replied, and The Chairman called for order. Mr McGaul: Well, he still continues. The resolution, on being put, was carried, the Local Board members and one or two others dissen- ting, the resolution being declared carried by about 35 to 9. Mr Francis said he regarded the resolution as one of censure on the Local Board. On the motion of Mr Lloyd, seconded by Mr Francis, a resolution was carried in favour of the inclusion of the rural portions of Coity Lower and Newcastle Lower within the Board's district. A deputation consisting of Messrs D. H. Lloyd, G. Bevan, P. J. Thomas, and J. Sankey, was appointed to present the resolution at the inquiry. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to a close. THE INQUIRY AT BRIDGEND. The County Council inquiry imto the proposed alterations in the districts of the Bridgend Local Board and the Bridgend and Cowbridge Rural Sanitary Authority, was held at the Town Hall, Bridgend. on Saturday afternoon, by Mr Alderman W. H. Morgan and Mr Councillor Morgan Thomas. r, z;1 The Commissioners took their seats punctually at half-past two, when there was a large attendance of parochial representatives and of others interested in the proceedings from all parts of the district. Their appearance was the bignal for applause, which was, however, promptly stopped by the Chairman (Alderman Morgan) with the reminder that it was not a political meeting. Among those present were Messrs J Blandy Jenkins, R K Prichard, the Rev F W Edmondes, the Rev S Nicholl, Messrs E Knox, W R Randali, L Nicholl, J Randall, W Llewellyn, Court Colman, Tamplin Lewis, J Barrow, W Llewellyn, Tynewydd, T Stockwood, R H Cox, T J Hughes, R Scale, E David, R C Griffiths, the Rev D Davies, Mr J B Harvey, Tondu, the Rev W Jones, Porthcawl, Alderman E John, Cowbridge, Messrs Evan Evans, C.C., Griffith Thomas, 0 J Davies, Brecknock Villa, Rees Jones and T Rees (Coychurch), D Thomas, M Maddock, and T Davies (Llangynwyd Lower), J G Loveluck, Rees John. and W Jones (Laleston), W Howell (Pencoed), D Cule, Rees Davies (Whitney), E Williams (Bettws), W Street (Ynisawdre), J Edwards and Daniel Thomas (Colwinstone), Robert Thomas (Llandow), W Jones, Griffith Edwards, T John (Llanharry), Isaiah Johu, Rev Stephen Jones. W Cooke (Bridgend), Evan Matthews, D H Lloyd, George Bevan, Richard Williams (Gellyseron), D Phillips, J Rees and Evan Rees (Coity), Thomas Richards (Llanharran), Dr Davies (Maesteg), Rober; Evans, W McGaul, J Sanl<ey, Edgar Davies, D Lewis, W Howells (Wick), LI. Wallington, E Rich, Michael Davies, G F Lambert, W Hopkin, J R Lewis. Morgan Williams (surveyor), W Francis, J Williams (Merthyrmawr), Mountford, Edward Jenkins, J W Edwards, R Thomas (Pyle), oN C Edwards, E Wilde, J Boards, W Richards (Tondu), Edmund Lewis, J H Thomas, W Jenkins (Llanmi- hansrel), &c. The inquiry was opened by the Clerk to the Council (Mr T. M. Franklen) reading the notice containing the proposed alterations, which have already been published in detail in these columns. '1 he Chairman making a statement as to the pro- cedure of the inquiry, announced that they would first receive evidence against the scheme, and afterwards if they thought necessary would call upon the promoters of any modification of it, but they would hear no evidence as to alternative schemes. They would have no speeches—he was sorry to disappoint his legal friends—and no cress- examination, but if any one made a wrong state- ment, their attention might be called to it. 0 EXTENSION OF THE LOCAL BOARD DISTRICT. The proposal for the extension of the Bridgend Local Board District was first taken, the following representing the various interests objecting to the scheme Mr R. H. Cox, Bridgend and Cowbridge Rural Sanitary Authority. Mr T. J. Hughes, Bridgend Local Board and Laleston parish. Mr R. Scale, vestries of Newcastle Lower, Llan- gynwyd Lower and Middle, ratepayers of Ynis- awdre, wnd Maesteg Local Board. Mr R. C. Griffiths, Coity Lower Vestry. Mr W. R. Randall, for Mr J. Nicholl, Merthyr- mawr, and Mr R. K. Prichard as ratepayers and landowners in Newcastle Lower and Coity Lower, and for ratepayers in Coity Lower. Mr D. H. Lloyd and two others for Coity Lower ratepayers. Rev D. Davies and one other, Newcastle Lower Vestry. Mr E Knox, for Miss Talbot, of Margam. Rev F W Edmondes, Bridgend and Cowbridge Guardians. Mr E T David (Messrs Scale and David), Ivenfig, Pyle, and Upper Tythegston School Boatd, and Porthcawl Local Board. Mr Price, Tythegston Higher. RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. The Rev F. W. Edmondes, chairman oftheHuM: Sanitary Authority, the first witness, handed in the resolution of that body, disagreeing -with the whole of the scheme, and suggesting a separate Urban Authority for Newcastle Higher and Ynisawdre. He was proceeding to explain that the principal reason for the objection was that of taking in a large agricultural area into an urban district, when The Chairman interposed with the remark that they might take the objection for granted. Witness said as far as ho understood the course of proceeding then be did not think he had anything to say. BEIDGEND LOCAL DOAED. Mr T. J. Hughes read a resolution of the Local Board assenting to the inclusion of the portions of Coity Lower and Newcastle Lower at present in the Rural Sanitary District, and with reference to the remainder of the scheme reluctantly agreeing to the addition of Newcastle Higher and Ynisawdre, with the further recommendation that the district should be divided into two wards with 1:5 councillors, of which the Bridgend ward should be entitled to 0. There were also recommendations as to the disposal of the other parishes mentioned in the Councils scheme. Mr W. McGaul, chairman of the Board, in answer to Mr Hughes, said he did not consider Llangynwyd Lower and Middle could be properly worked from Bridgend. Neither could Tythegstone Higher nor Pyle, which would require an absolutely different system of sewage. ME E. K. PEICHA'SD. Mr R. K. Prichard, the next witness, called by Mr W. R- Randall, gave evidence against the in- clusion of the rural part of Newcastle Lowor. His residence, Bryntirion was a mile and a half outside Bridgend, and was built just on the boundary between Newcastle Lower and Laleston. Mr Randall: This is an argument in favour of his being joined to Laleston. The Chairman If you chose to build your house an a boundary you must take the consequences. Witness in answer to further questions said New- castle Lower was distinctly agricultural, and there were only a few houses in it beyond the urban boundary. He held his residence on a lease of which there was 25 years to run. and he had land along the turnpike road for half-a-mile where no one could build. The Chairman What a desirable place—Witness Yes, it may be. Witness added there was no lighting or sewerage within A mile of his house. Re thought the rural portion of the parish ought to be joined to Lales- ton. The Chairman asked whether there was not a good deal of building land in the parish advertised to be let.-Witness, Yes; and has been for twenty years. You might reasonably expect them to commence bnilding on that road ?—No, I dont think so. There is a considerable portion in the urban district to be built on first. Oue would think Bridgend would extend in that direction "-It has extended one house in tivontv years. But you are only starting now ? Witness said there were 260 yards to be built on on the Laleston road inside the board's district before the boundary was reached. The population of the rural portion c.f the parish was 22. There ware 18 persons in his own house, and occasionally 24 (laughter). The Chairman Do you ever have a vestry there ? (laughter). Witness, touching the question of drainage, said it was impossible to drain that part af the parish to Bridgend. The Chairman: There is no place in the world that cannot be drained. Someone will invent a system. ME >T. THOENE. Mr W. Thorne, next called by Mr Randall, said he held a farm partly in the rural portion of New- castle Lower, and he was strongly opposed to its being joined to the Bridgend Urban District. MR LEWIS NICHOLL. Mr Lewis Nicholl also gave evidence with reference to Newcastle Lower and Coity Lower. In answer to Mr Randall, he said lie managed the Merthyrmawr estate for his brother, and he con- sidered the inclusion of those districts would be absolutely unjust. They would get no advantage whatever from being joined. With regard to the portion of the estate within Newcastle Lower it was impossible to develop it for building purposes except within the next hundred years or so. Witness then proceeded to show in detail that there was no pros- pect of the town growing beyond the present boun- daries for a considerable time to come. There was room within the present urban district for a popula- tion of 12,000. The Chairman, with reference to the absence of sewerage, of which complaint had been made, asked whether witness did not think that the existence of a Local Board before houses were built would probably lead to the immediate provision of sewerage. Witness referred by way of answer to the town of Bridgend itself. The Chairman Then the board was neglectful; but, he added, They are improving now. 0 Witness, in answer to a question put by Mr Hughes, said he believed about two houses had been built on the Mettbyrmawr road outside the urban boundary since 1876. He was not prepared to con- tradict the statement that since last year 102 new houses had been built in the Bridgend district, that 34 more were in course of erection, and that plans of 16 houses were passed at the last board meeting. COUNTY COUNCILLOR EVAN EVANS. Mr Evans said he proposed to give evidence on behalf of the rural part of Newcastle Lower which he represented on the County Council. He did not livt) in the district affected bv the scheme. The Chairman said he could not attach much importance to the evidence of an outside witness. Mr Evans said he was strongly opposed to the principle of including rural in urban districts, a principle he thought most unfair. The district in question was likely to remain rural for some time to come. He was in favour of Newcastle Lower being joined to Laleston In answer to a question by Mr T J Hughes, he said he did not think it necessary that West House shouid be drained through Biidgend. MR W. HOPKIN. Mr W Hopkin (Island Farm), called by Mr R C Griffiths, stated his objections to the scheme, but had not gone far when ne was pulled up by The Chairman,who stated he would take personal objections for granted. MR D H LLOYD. Mr D H Lloyd next submitted the resolution from the town ratepayers' meeting, disagreeing with the resolution passed by the Local Board as to the inclusion of Newcastle Higher and Ynisawdre. In answer to the Chairman, witness sail there were 200 or 300 at the meeting, and the resolutions were carried by about 3 to 1. Mr T J Hughes would ask Mr Lloyd whether a motion was not passed in favour of the extension of the Local Board District, and bv about 35 to 10 1, Mr Grimths Would you ask Mr Lloyd by what majority the second resolution was carried. the c hairman I cannot go into this. Mr Griffiths It is rather important. Mr Lloyd Nine out of the ten who voted against this were members of the Board of Health. The Chairman: Well, they are so inconsistent that I cannot pay any attention to either (laugh- ter) ME W. J. RICHARDS. TONDU. Mr W J Richards, Tondu, examined by Mr Scale, said lie was a ratepayer at Ynisawdre. The feeling of the parish was strong against the scheme. Mr Scale Can you say why ? Because they object to being tasrsred on to a Ward which has proved a practical failure for the last thirty years. This statement evoked loud applause. The Chairman Order, order. I must clear the room if you do this any more, and then you cannot give evidence at all. Witness in answer to the chairman, said he had no resolution from the vestry. ME. BOYD HARVEY. Mr J Boyd Harvey, general manager of North's Navigation Collieries and Ironworks, called by Mr Scale on behalf of Newcastle Higher, said be had lived in the district for about two years, and was thoroughly acquainted with its requirements. He handed in a resolution of a vestry meeting objecting to the proposed addition of the whole of the parishes named in the scheme. <: • The Chairman They seem to pass a lot in that parish. They seem to pass all the other parishes. A very useful parish I should say. Witness said one of the reasons for their opposi- tion was that they considered there was nothing in common between that district and Bridgend, the latter being commercial, while Tondu and Aber- kenfig were essentially industrial. They were a large hamlet with a large population. In answer to the Chairman, witness said there were about 50 at the vestry out of a population of 3,000. LLANGYNWYD MIDDLE;. Mr Scale handed in an adverse memoriai from Llangynwyd Middle; but The Chairman declined to receive memorials. Mr Richard Williams, Gellyseron. then submitted a resolution passed at the parish vestry which be said was attended by about 100 persons out of a population of 669. The resolution was unanimous, and he believed there was not one person in the hamlet in favour of the scheme. 1\ffi. J. BARROW. Mr J. Barrow, giving evidence as one very largely interested in the hamlet, said personally he was decidedly against the scheme. Three-fourths of the population were within 100 yards of the boundary of the Maesteg Local Board District. He con- sidered the proposal both most absurd and rnjust. The Chairman Are you against it being joined to an urban district at all ?—I would prefer its being left in the district of the Rural Authority. Mr Scale But if it is joined f-If joined anywhere, it ought to be joined to Maesteg. LLANGYNWYD LOWER. Mr Maddock presented a vestry resolution from Llangyawyd Lower. ^The meeting was attended by about twelve persons. The following also gave evidence against the scheme—Messrs D. Thomas, Llangynwyd Middle, Mr J G Loveluck, Laleston, and Price, Tythegston Higher, the resolution presented by the last named declaring that the parishioners protested against being joined to Bridgend or any other Local Government District.' The Chairman That is a good resolution (laughter). ME E. KNOX. Mr E. Knox, agent to Miss Talbot. considered Llangynwyd Middle should be joined to Maesteg Local Board if to any. According to the scheme, Pyle would be cut in two, nearly the whole of the rateable value going to Bridgend. The church would also be separated- The Chairman: The church would not be rated. Mr Knox That is a matter of sentiment. Per- haps you have nothing to do with that. The Chairman As a commissioner I have not. v- Witness considered that if the Rural Sanitary district were divided the authority would be quite competent to look after Tythegstone Higher and Kenfig Hill. LALESTON VILLAGE. The Rev D Davies submitted a recommendation from Laleston to the effect that if the parish was included the village should be left. The Chairman then declared the inquiry as to the extension of the Bridgend Local Board district closed. DIVISION OF THE RURAL ]DISTRICT. On the scheme for the division into two of the remainder of the district of the Bridgend and Cowbridge Rural Sanitary Authority, Mr Blandy Jenkins gave evidence in favour of the alternative, proposal of transferring LIanharran and Peterstone- super-Montem to the Bridgend Highway district, r which was opposed by the Rev F W Edmondes and Mr Rees Thomas (Boverton), as it would deprive the Cowbridge highway district of a ratable value of about £ 14,000. The inquiry shortly afterwards closed, the com- missioners intimating they would duly report their conclusion to the council.

CYMANFA GANU AT LLANSAMLET. The annual singing festival of the Llansam- samlet Calvinistic Methodists was held at Ebenezer Chapel, on Monday, when a choir a of 800 took part. The gatherings were attended by hundreds. The choir was drawn from the following churches-Capel y Cwm, Maesybar, Pentredwr, Pentrechwyth, Birch- grove, and Llwynbrwydrau, Mr William Harrison presided over the morning meeting, and the Rev Thomas H. Jones over that of the afternoon. Mr John Thomas (loan Alaw), was the conductor. The singing throughout was of a very high standard. Speeches were given at intervals by the Rev Samlet Williams, Mr John Jordan, James Clement (Skewen), &c.

A BRIDGEND HOUSE OWNER FINED. At Bridgend Police-court on Saturday week, Mr George James, summoned at the instance of the Local Board, was fined C2 2s, including oosts, for failing to abate nuisances at 14 and 15, North- street, and an order was made for the abatement. Defendant was similarly fined in respect of Nos. 9-13, North-street,

ALLEGED ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT MAESTEG. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. At Bridgend police-court on Saturday, Thomas Burns, of 9, John-street, Maesteg, labourer, was brought up on re.xaud charged with attempting to commit suicide by drowning himself. Prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Assizes, bail being accepted himself in X-,15 and one surety in £:25.

HISTORY OF SMALL-POX. [BY Miss WARLOW, LONDON, W. Small-pox, or variola, is one of a group of kindred diseases, the offspring of filth, and which are nam-jd zymotic. The first account known of small-pox is in a Chinese book dated A.D. 1323. It seems that the disease had been known in Chini since the ninth century, and it is probable that it appeared in Europe at about the same time. but only as an occa- sional visitor. Towards the end of the 17th century it had made itself quite at home in Great Eritain and was universally dreaded. No wonder, fur the medical treatment of the disease wa* w-11 calcu- lated to increase its terrors. The wretched patients were cooped up in hot rooms, from which light and air were carefully excluded, no drop of water was allowed to cool their parched tongues. 11J the words of Sir Walter Scott the ancient mode of treating the small-pox was to refuse the patient everything which Nature urged him to desire and, in particular, to confine him to heated rooms, beds loaded with blankets, and spiced wine, when Nature called for cold water and fresh air.' even than all this was the want of cleanliness, all through the illness no drop of water, v. unn or cold, was allowed to touch; the pustules—the eruption. In confluent cases the pus was left till it became fetid and gradually dried into something like a plaster of Paris mask, which cracked here and there and broke off in pieces, taking skin aLd even flesh with it. and leaving the face hideously seamed and scarred. In 1718 Lady Mary Wortley Montague brought from Turkey a remedy against the worst evils of small- pox, which soon became very fashionable. It had always been observed that there were two kiuds of Miirtll-pox, one very slight and the other very severe; it was also seen that the disease seldom or never attacked the same person twice so as early as the ninth century some of the tribes in the centre of Asia had taken to cultivating the mild kind in the hope of keeping off the severe kind.This waS done by taking pus from the body of a person who had taken slight small-pox and putting it into the bodies of other persons. This inoculation of disease soon became very fashionable in Britua, and continued so for almost sixty years. By the end of that time people began to discover that small-pox was gaiuiog ground.; Dr Rask in 1/03 showed tint before inocu- lation was begun for every 1,000 births in London there were 96 deaths from small-pox, whereas after inoculation began the number rose to 127 per 1.000 births so that between 1,721 and 1,753 the unclean practice had caused the death of 22,70,) persons in London alone. In 180G Dr Letsom quoted a Par- liamentary return to the effect th3t in the 42 years before inoculation vas used 72 deaths per 1.000 were from small-pox whereas in the 42 years after it was used the rate rose to S9 per 1,000. This increase is of course lower than that given bv Dr Rask, because his figures were for London, and these are for the whole country, and country places were much less inoculated than towns. It is well known that pro- fessional men of all sorts are naturally conservative, and medical men were very slow to acknowledge the failure of a measure they had been brought up to believe in, but at last even their eyes were opened. and Medicine,' to use Sir J. Simons' words, was baffled and helpless.' In 1793 a way of escape was opened by Dr Hay garth, who proposed a plan of isolation under fixed rules, highly approved of at the present time by Profesf-or Crookshank. Things move so slowly in England that before legislation had sanctioned this plan the attention ot Parliament and the country was distracted by nJWS of a dis- covery that promised to abolish small-pox for ever and entirely. It wes in 1798 that Dr Edward Jenner published his Enquiry.' Jenner was a Gloucestershire practitioner, and of course Knew the country tradition that milkmaids with a particular sort of [.ore on their hands never cau ht small-pox. This sore originated with horses suffering from what farriers ei.11 I the grease being turned out to gra^s in the same field with cows. When the same man who tended the horses milked the cows, without washing his hands between the two operations, sores often broke out on the cows' udders, which infected the dairymaids who milked them and while these sores remained unhealed on their hands it is quite probable that they would be safe from all other skin diseases. It was, however, wen-known that when an epidemic of small-pox carne milkmaids whose sores had healed were no better off than their neigh- bours. Notwithstanding this Jenner was not dis- couraged. He procured a young horse, kept him constantly in the stable and fed him on beans in order to make his heels swell,'and carried on experi- ments which satisfied himself. Owing to his ignor- ance of the fact that cow-pox and small-pox are distinct diseases, he believed that pus taken from a cow infected by horse-grease and put into a human body would be an effectual antidote to the infection I of small-pox. He staked his professional credit on the ridiculous assertion That a single insertion of the vaccine virns into a person's body will protect I that person from small-pox for a lifetime.' This was soon disproved by many conspicuous cases of small-pox among persons vaccinated by Jenner himself. In 1815 Sir Walter Scott wrote to Lady Abercorn:-My oldest boy has contrived to have a decided small-pox, in defiance not only of vaccina- tion, buc inoculation thereafter. I propose to exhibit him along with the Indian jugglers who have just arrived as the youngster that has had the small-pox naturally after both vaccination and inoculation. I trust this matter will be closely looked after by medical men.' Jenner had, of course, many opponents among doctors, but be had influential supporters his Enquiry' was dedicated to the King' the next year H.R.H the Duke of Clarence had his children vaccinated by Jenner, and the world of fashion (always thankful for a break in the drearv monotonv of Soeiety life, and always credulous believers in every novelty) became enthusiastic Jennerians. In 1800 Dr Ring and almost all the doctors in London signed a testi- monial in which they declared vaccinated persons perfectly secure from the future infection of the small-pox.' In 1808 the National Vaccine Estab- lishment was started, and in 1840 provision was made for vaccination being paid for out of the poor- rates. Jenner received from our grateful country sums of money amounting in all to £ 30,000. (To be continued.)

BRYNDU COLLIERY COMPANY. ACTION BY WORKMEN. At the Bridgend police-court on Saturday the summons of John Howell, Cefn, collier, ag&nst the Bryndu Colliery Company, to recover wages in lieu of notice was down for hearing. The case was intended as a test one, there being 163 other work- men with like claims. It appeared that the Com- pany is in liquidation, and at the outset Mr Bruce on behalf of the plaintiff applied for leave to with- draw the case which was granted. Mr Scale (Messrs Scale and David) was for the defendant Company.

WAGES CLAIM BY TONDU WORKMEN. At Bridgend Police-court on Saturday in last week, Thomas Habberfield, fitter, Aberkenfig, obtained an order against Mr D. G. Thomas, ironfounder, for t2 14s as balance of wages, and James Brown, boilermaker, obtained judgment under similar circumstances for X2 15s lOd and lis costs. The claim against Mr Rees Price, of Glännant Colliery (represented by Mr R. Scale) who was made joint, defendant was dismissed. A similar claim by Charles Groves, engine-fitter, was unsuccessful.

MARRIED LIFE AT MAESTEG. AFTER 28 YEARS. Philip Peregrine, labourer, of Maesteg, appeared at Bridgend police-court on Saturday in custody under a maintenance order in respect of his wife, Catherine, of 92, Britannia-street. It appeared the parties had been married 28 years and had four children living, and the wife had become unable to keep herself. At the suggestion of the Bench, Seigt. Roberts assisted to amicably settle the ease, the husband agreeing to pay 3s a week.

CDYCHUHCH. Our agent at Coychurch is Mr J. Newport, who is able to supply, in conjunction v it 1 newspapers, anything in the stationery line.,

I Notices. W E. VAUGHAN AND CO. STEAM DYERS & FKENCH CLEANERS, CARDIFF Are Noted fur Pniducin.. BRILLIANT AND PERMANENT COLOURS. AND A SUPERIOR I IMS; AT A MOST MODERATE COST. Pare Received and Fo;w:.rd'd Re^aKr!r t'. Dveworks by the foli-wing Distnc; A, rts:- Bridgend Mr Woodward, Cc.nf,c:i..npt', Nolton- street, and Ada:e-street. Cowhiidge .Mr R^er. Fancy R.-p->sii->ry. Aberkenfig Mr W. H. Hrec. >lngs, Gf.rier Briton Ferry .Mr D. L. J rtp, Viiliers-stre. t. [371 GEORGE F. LAMijE!n\ \¡ u ,1. IJ L L l 1 J^RCHITECT & ^UuVEYOU T 0 W X 11 A L L, ERID GEND. Life, Fire & Accidental liisuraQce Agent- AGENT FOR THE COUNTIES PLATE GLASS AND GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, LIIAITI-D. BRANCH OFFICES — beravou, opposite the Market House. 8572 R. J. HEATH & SONS, CARDIFF, PONTYPRIDD, AND LONDON, piANOFORTE AND ^RGAN MERCHANTS, (From South IVales Daily News, 9th January, 1894). "VERDICT OF NINE HUNDF.KD."—Under this title Messrs R. J. Heath ;>nd Sons, Queen-setret, Cardiff, pianoforte makers, oririu buiide's. and inusic warehousemen, have collected a:i imposing array of testimonials and Press opinions relating to the quality of the musical instruments supplied by them. The firm is so well known in Cardiff, and, indeed, throughout South Wales and the West of England, that it is hardly necessary here to dwell upon its influence and commanding posiiiou. This collection of testimonials serves, however, to do something more than certify to the excellence of the instruments furnished by Messrs Heath aud Sons. It shows, in a sense, how steady is the growth among the general public of a desire for a knowledge of music, and how increasingly numerous, even in the homes of the working classes, are pianos, o-gans, and harmoniums. The great majority of the letters in this list relate to pianos, and while many of them have reference to most cosily instruments contain- ng all the latest improvements supplied to the well- to-do, the gteater number relate to serviceable in- struments pnrchased f r the homes of the ware-earn- ing portion of the community. This growing love for so refining an art as mllsic is a most favourable sign. For though iu the Principality music has for generations been the chief recreation ot the people, it has for the most l-art been choral music in connec- tion with churches and chapels that has occupied attention. Instrumental music is now. however, re- ceiving its fair share of attention, and all those in true sympathy with the art must trust that the movement will go steadily onward. These testi- monials have been received from every quarter of the Principality, while not a few come from other portions of the United Kingdom, and some from South America, India, and other distant countries. All speak most favourably of Messrs Heath's business methods as well as of their instruments. R. J. HEATH & SOm INVITE INSPECTION. FULL ILLUSTRATED LTSTS AND VERDICT POST FREE. 5792 ALLAN LINE ROYAL MAIL STEAMERS TO CANADA AND UNITED STATES, REGULARLY EVERY THURSDAY. BEST, CHEAPEST, and Most EXPEDITIOUS ROUTE to Canada. Manitoba, the >.orth West Territories and British Columbia, th" Western States of America' arp to all points on the Pacific Cost. SPECIAL RETURN RATES FOR TOURISTS. Write for Handbook of concise information and advice, also for the New Delegate Reports on Canada, and the latest maps and pamphlets supplied Free by ALLAN BROTHERS & Co.19, James Street, Liverpool; or to A. D. EBBER. Crca4 estern Railway, Bridseud; J. W. DOWN, New Cut, Bath Bridge, Bristol. 48 CAKE! CAKE! CURRANT, SEED, gULTAKA pLTTM, J>LAIN ^JADEIR^ FOR GOOD QUALITY CAKE AT LOWE PRICES, SEND TO R.. WILLIAM S & CO. rpHE BAKERY, i^y^lAESTEG- SPECIAL QUOTATIONS FOR SCHOOL TREATS ON APPLICATION. 37 J. LLOYD, PHARMACEUTICAL 011BI 1ST, 16 AND 1" DUN^RAVEN-PLACE, I BRIDGEND. Physicians' Prescriptions and Family Recipes carefully prepared with the purest Drugs and Chemicals. Trusses, Surgical Appliances and all Sick Room requisites. YORWERTH THOMAS> SADDLE & HARNESS MAKER, brid&end, PONTYCYMMER AND TYNEWYDD. SADDLERY OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. Cart, Van, Gig, and Pit Haruess always in Stock, Woollen and Waterproof Carriage Rugs, Lair,ps, and Mats. A Variety of Horse Clothing and Waterproof Horse Loin Covers and Cart Covers. Special Line in Brown Harness and Riding Saddles. Waterproof Coats, Leggings. PaP", Satchels, arj Travelling Trunks and Baskets. OILSKIN COATS, HATS, AND LEGGINGS. ggT COLLIERIES SUPPLIED. Estimates given for Contracts. Workmen sent to the Country to Repair Harness at the Shortest Notice. MODERATE CHARGES. PUBLIC NOTICE. WILLIAM THOMAS, QTTEETSTS HEAD INN, Queen Street, BRIDGEND, BEGS to announce that he h.is Large and Convenient STABLIM-, having en a Large and Commodious Premises (lormerl* in t:on of the late Mr. David Thomas, oia^nuth), i ear the above Iun. 22]

PARISH AFFAIRS AT PORTHCAWL. "BREEZY MOMENTS." A vestry meeting wis held in the National School- room, Porthcawl, on Thursday evening, June 7th, for the purpose of making a poor-rate, and also to consider a motion, notice of which had been given by the Rev Wm Jones (rector of Newton) to the effect that the two National Schools and the allotment gardens be exempted from pay- ing rates and taxes. The Rev W Jones presided, and there was a good attendance of ratepayers. including County Councillor Evans, M essrs Evan, David, D Hopkin, S Lewis, W Thomas, W H Clatworthy, J Grace, H B Comley, 0 J Brooke, T James, T D Griffin, See. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and ratified, The Chairman read the notice convening the present, meeting, after which The Overseer (Mr Rogers) said the ealls at present were JE274. Mr brooke pointed out that the total of the new valuation was £ 1,173 Is. The Chairman explained that they could not make the rate on the new valuation that evening, but they could do so by adjourning the meeting for a month. Mr Grace moved that a rate of Is in the £ on the valuation be made. He remarked that it was a most disagreeable business to an overseer to be in arrears, and the parish was overdue now. Last year they narrowly escaped being hauled to Bridgend for being in arrears. Mr W Thomas observed that if the call was made I on the old valutaion all the new houses would escape navmrmt. Mr Li-race said the difficulty in regard to the new houses could be tasily met. Some of them bad escaped taxation now for some months, and it would be no great hardship if the overseers called when the new valuation was made, and demanded payment, as they had power to do. The moment a house was occupied taxes could be demanded they did not want to wait for a valuer to go round. Mr Singer said in that case a 9d rate would be enough. Mr Comley seconded Mr Grace's proposition, and said a resolution had already been passed instructing the overseers to assess new houses immediately they were occuniei. Mr Thomas moved as an amendment that the I making of the rate be postponed for a month, so as to enable it to be made on the new valuation. Mr Jenkin John seconded. Mr C James (to Mr Rogers, overseer, who was on I the point of addressing the meeting) Don't you mind the vestry. If the money is wanted you get 'em (laughter). Mr Rogers said a portion of the rates was due on the 26th of May. It was now June 7th, and if they were going to adjourn the meeting for another month without making a rate he should certainly take no responsibility on his shoulders. They had been told that the rate must be collected at once upon the old valuation and that if the parish got in arrears this half-year the overseers would be summoned. Mr David The ratepayers ought to be summoned then. Mr Brooke said the vestry ought to follow the example of the Board of Health, who were making the rate on the old valuation. County Councillor Evans said if the rate was due it should be paid. Mr Singer moved as an amendment upon the amendment that a ud rate be made. Mr Thomas asked if they could put the rate on the new houses on the old valuation ? Mr Singer No, you must have a supplemental valuation list signed by the Assessment Committee. Mr Thomas' amendment was then put to the meeting, and only the mover and seconder voted for it. Mr Grace's motion was then carried with practical unanimity. Mr Singer then expressed a wish to move that a 9d rate be made. Mr Grace thereupon pointed out that the matter was now closed, as his resolution that a Is rate be made had been carried. Several speakers dissented, contending that the Chairman had not mentioned any specific amount, but merely that a rate be made that evening. Mr Dare said the resolution had been falsely carried. Mr Grace emphatically retorted that it was not. Mr Thomas Yes, it was the proposition was not understood. Mr Grace This is the old game, that ever has been and ever will be (a laugh). In the summer it has been usual to go in for a big rate, for then people can pay. The Chairman agreed. County Councillor Evans suggested that Mr Grace withdraw his motion. co Mr Grace I am surprised that you, who sit on the County Council, should spoil a thing after it has been carried. The Chairman admitted that he did not mention the shilling in putting the resolution. Mr Grace You should have asked the vestry clerk to write it down. We have one on purpose. The ChairmauS: Then he ought to have done it. The Overseer said Mr Grace proposed a Is rate, and it was carried. Mr Dare No, no. I propose that a 9d rate will cover all expenses, Mr Rogers: You supported Mr Grace's motion (laughter). Mr Dare replied that he did not know the shilling was in.' The Chairman eventually ruled that the matter had been disposed of, and amid undertone mut- terioga the other business was proceeded with. The Chairman moved that the two National Schools and allotment grounds be exempted from taxation. He thought it was very hard for him to ask for subscriptions and have to pay them afterwards in rates and taxes. The schools had never been rated before this new valuation, and he intended appealing against it, and also in regard to the allotment gardens. Mr Elias seconded. Mr Griffiths said he had always held that the rating of school buildings, whether voluntary or otherwise, was a most ridiculous thing. He was not, going to attack Nonconformity, but the new valua- tion, which was intended to remove anomalies, set up anomalies, feecause if voluntary school buildings were to be rated, then why not chapels ? The gen- tleman who made the new valuation told him that any building where admission charges were made was subject to rating, and entertainments were held in chapels. The Chairman (to the Overseer) Are the chapels rated ? Mr Rogers: No, sir. The resolution was then put and :carried unani- mously.