The Aberdare Leader

Aberdare District Council. The above body met on Monday, Mr Jno. Howell presiding. The following members were also present, Messrs E. M. Hann, D. P. Davies, Edward Morgan, D. Jackson Thomas, C. B. Stanton, Dd. Davies, W. T. Morgan. R. L. Berry, L. N. Williams, E. Stonelake, Wm. Thomas, J, M. Jones, W. Rees, with Col. T. Phillips (clerk), and Mr Owen Williams (surveyor.) t MINISTERS' BURIAL FEES. Mr D. Jackson Thomas said he wished to refer to a point of law in connection with the above matter. He believed that the clerk had wrongly advised the Council at the last meeting. Mr Thomas then pro- ceeded to give his view of the Burials Act. The clerk: I must beg to differ from you. Mr Jackson Thomas persisted in saying that he was right, and that if he had known at the last meeting, what he knew now, he not have withdrawn his motion. The clerk, after explaining to Mr Thomas the point considered, said I won't discuss it with you. You seem to know more about it than I do. Mr Jackson Thomas You wrongly in- formed the Council at the last meeting. Mr E. M. Hann This is entirely out of order. The matter then dropped. ABERDARE FIRE BRIGADE. Further replies were read from Fire Insu- rance icompanies with reference to subscriptions towards the proposed purchase of a Fire Escape Engine for the Aberdare Fire Brigade. There was not one favour- able reply. Chairman: There is nothing to come from these people evidently. Mr Stanton Well we can allow their property to burn down. I move that we make a list of them, and when a fire does occur let them burn to blazes (laughter). The matter was further adjourned for a month. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. Dr Davies reported the following cases of infectious diseases Scarlet fever, 157, de- crease of 27, 12 deaths diphtheria, 15, 1 death puerperal, 1 erysipelas, 16 croup, 3, 2 deaths. Dr Rhys reported that there were 7 patients at the Hospital. UNFIT FOR HABITATION. Dr Davies reported the following houses as unfit for habitation :—6, Chapel Row and 1 a, Cross Row, Cwmbach, and 10, Scales Row, The house reported in Beddoe-st., Aberaman (above a stable), could be used if the surroundings were kept clean. The surveyor was instructed to report. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. Rainfall.—The Rainfall recorded at the Nanthiv Reservoir for the month of Decem- ber was 5.56 inches, being an increase of -11 of an inch on the previous month, and a decrease of: -27 of an inch on the correspond- ing month of last year. Rain fell on 23 days, the greatest fall being on the 4th, viz.: 1'48 inches. The following are the particulars of the rainfall for 1904 Greatest fall Number I Total in 24 hours, of days Month. Depth. on which Inches '01 or Depth. Date more fell January 1082 1-98 26 26 February 801 1-48 12 24 March 2-78 '86 7 19 April 8'72 -98 2 19 May 325 -87 1 28 June 2-25 '76 14 9 July 339 -73 22 21 August 5'58 1-76 3 22 September 2-34 -52 30 18 October 2-81 1-12 16 20 November 5-45 1-35 9 18 December 5-56 1'48 4 23 Total 55-96 247 Brynderwen Cottages, Hirwain Iloa(I.-I beg to report that the extension of the sewer to Brynderwen Cottages has been completed and I recommend that notices be served on the owners to connect their pro- perty threwith. House No. la. Crown Row, Cwmbach. —In compliance with your instructions I have examined the above house which is re- ported by the Medical Officer as unfit for human habitation until the following works are carried out:—1st, The valleys of the roof to be thoroughly overhauled and made watertight, and the roof to be provided with all necessary rain water gutters and down pipes. The down pipes to discharge over gullies properly trapped ind connected to the existing drains. 2nd, To provide for each inhabitable room a window or windows, the area of which clear of sash frame shall be at least one tenth of the area of such room and the upper half at least shall be made to open the full width. 3rd, To pro- vide for each inhabitable room that is with- out a fireplace, a proper and sufficient means of ventilation. The whole of the above works to becarried out as directed to the entire satisfaction of the Surveyor. The owner of the house is Mrs Ann Morgan, 28/t, Bridge road, Cwmbach, and the occu- pier Mr Edward Morris. New Tumbler Cart.-The tnmbler carts now in use are in a very delapidated con- dition and are difficult to repair, therefore I beg to recommend that a new cart be obtained. Building Plans,- I have received the following building plans, and being in accordance with the Bye Laws, I beg to recommend that the same be approved, viz.: From Mr J. D. Wilkins, 123. Brook-street, Aberaman, two dwelling-houses at Cardiff- road, Aberaman, and from Messrs Malpas Brothers, 15 and 16, Coronation Crescent, Aberaman, amended plan of two dwelling- houses, and plan of one new dwelling-house at New street, Aberaman. Drainage Plaits.-I have received the following drainage plans and recommend that the same be approved, viz., two dwel- ling houses at Cardiff road, Aberaman amended drainage of two houses, and drainage of one house at New street, Aber- aman and drainage of Gwawr Cottage, Tanyard place, Aberaman. Action.—The surveyor's recommendations were ordered to be carried out. I It was decided to purchase two tumbler It was decided to purchase two tumbler carts at £19 each. CLEANING OF GRAVES. The surveyor submitted a new list of charges for the cleaning of graves,, which was confirmed by the Council. CLAIM FOR DAMAGES. Win. France, a fishmonger of Merthyr, wrote with reference to an accident which befel his horse and cart in Harriet-street, Trecynon, owing to a cavity in the road. He wanted to know whether the Council would pay him damages. It was decided not to pay anything. Mr L. N. Williams (to the clerk) You had better consult Mr Jackson Thomas as to whether* we are liable as a Council (laughter). NEW MOTOR CAR. Mr A. J. Sheen applied for a license to carry passengers in his new motor car. He intended driving the motor car himself. The licence was granted. 0 BRAKEDRIVER's GRIEVANCES. Mr T. W. Griffiths, writing on behalf of the brakedrivers, complained that last Saturday evehing Mr Dix's big town bus did not take its turn on the stand provided in Cardiff Street. Mr C. B. Stanton observed that he was in full sympathy with the brake-drivers in the matter. It was too bad that the bus, which came out only on Saturday nights, should take the cream. Mr D. Davies: Is it legal, according to our bye-laws, for the bus to ignore the stand '? The chairman proposed that they call the attention of the Police Inspector to the matter. Mr L. N. Williams said that it would be dangerous to place a big bus, with four-in- hand, in the midst of small brakes. Mr E. M. Hann differed. There was no difficulty at all. Mr Edward Morgan seconded the chair- man's proposition. Mr D. Davies proposed an amendment that the bus driver be ordered to take his turn. Mr W. T. Morgan agreed that the bus should take its turn. The brake-stands had been erected at great cost and should be used. The brake-drivers grievances should be considered and settled once and for all. Rev. J. M. Jones We have power to withdraw the licence if they do not comply with the bye-laws. Mr D. P. Davies said that the police had powers to regulate traffic other than those under the District Council. They could interfere under the Highways Act. Clerk With the difference that the fine imposed under the Highways Act goes to the county. We get half the amount when a driver is fined under the Council's bye- laws. Mr D. Davies withdrew his amendment, and the motion was agreed to. APPLICATION. Mr A. Watkins, Burial Office clerk, applied for an increase in salary.—Referred to the Finance Committee. MR JACKSON THOMAS' WANTS. Mr Jackson Thomas said he had one or two matters he wished to call the attention of the Council to. First of all, the steam roller was badly wanted on Cwmbach Road. He and his friend Mr John Howell rode from Cwmbach to Aberdare the other day, and he could assure them that it was a very rough ride. (Laughter.) It was very un- pleasant. The wheels went over big stones, first on one side and then another. It was really a very rough experience. He sincerely hoped that the surveyor could see his way clear to take the steam roller there for a few days. The surveyor promised to do so, and added that there was more material used on that road, on account of its narrowness, than any other road of the same length. Mr Jackson Thomas: I also wish to mention Mr J. M. Jones Is this in order ? No notice has been given of these matters. Mr Jaskson Thomas: I only want to mention the need of further considering the proposed new road from Aberaman to Cwmbach. The chairman agreed that this was an urgent matter. Mr Jackson Thomas: I have another matter. Several members rose to leave the room, and Rev. J. Morgan Jones and Mr L. N. Williams protested, Mr Jackson Thomas: There is a danger- ous bridge near Ynyscynon pumping pit. Only the other day three workmen had a very narrow escape for their lives. Mr L. N. Williams: This is entirely a new matter. He ought to have given a notice of motion. Mr Jackson Thomas: Do you want a man to be killed there and give notice of motion afterwards? I say Mr Chairman, I would like the surveyor to see to the bridge at once. The surveyor was understood to promise a visit, ABERDARE TRAMWAYS. The clerk reported that no memorials had been deposited complaining of non-com- pliance with the standing orders in the case of the Aberdare Tramways Bill. X X

WE WISH you all a Happy New Year to all, and if you are suffering from ingrow- ing toe nails or corns, have them attended to at once. D. James has been most suc- cessful and has a quantity of testimonials. He also makes a Porous Plaster for Lum- bago. Cured sufferers' praise of it is aston- ishing. Used by ministers, doctors, chemists, lawyers and all classes. If you suffer, try one. If it fails, your money returned. D. James, 68, Ynyslwyd-street, Aberdare. X X

For posters, handbills and cards in connec- tion with concerts and all kinds of meetings, go to the LEADER Office, Market-street, Aber- dare,

If you have a good business, advertise to keep it. If you have a poor business, advertise to improve it.

Do You Want to know <- • about OXIEN P Perhaps you are already using Oxien. Hundreds of people in your town are doing so. Possibly you wonld like to read of some of the people who have been cured by OXIEN. It is worth your while. If you have never had a Ljfi sample of the wonder-working medicine we are J ready to send one to you free of cost. & OXIEN is the' concentration of Nature's purest medicines in tablet form. It has cured all diseases of the Digestion, Blood and Nerves. j ) A OXIEN acts first on the stomach, thus ensuring r v ('/ Y\! a proper supply of pure blood. Every nerve r n k /centre is properly fed and every tissue of the I \b& m body gets its rightful share of the nutritive pro- V Hi/ M perties of OXIEN. If you don't believe it, ask V f anyone who has used OXIEN, and they will tell V It l\wW w • ou °* ^ie new strength, vitality, and nerve w X/j 11!power given by the medicine. OXIEN prevents (f ^Wffl diseases by building up the run down system. /rf W I -ou have Paius try the OXIEN Electric If wSyvi. Vim Porous Plasters: troubles of the liver or bowels //[ B take OXIEN Tablet Pills; catarrh, a cough, a ■r ✓ M cold, a cut, or an eruption try OXIEN Nazone Salve hemorrhoids of any kind use OXIEN Medicone Pile Remedy. BOOTS and other chemists have all of them in stock. Will You have a Sample Box ? Providing you have never had a free sample from us before, we will gladly send you post paid a trial package of OXIEN with testimonials, all under plain cover. Address:—The Giant Oxie Co. (Dept. 112 A.O.), 8, Bouverie-street, London, E.G. ABERDARE VALLEY STEAM LAUNDRY NOW UNDER ENTIRELY NEW MANAGEMENT. First Class .Work, Promptness and Correctness in collecting and delivering assured. A TRIAL SOLICITED. A postcard will ensure a call from the Manager or Representative. I ■ All particulars can be obtained from the Manager, ,¡.. J. O. WICKS. To Piano Buyers. Notice of Removal. THOMPSON & SHACKELL, LTD., r% Piano and Organ Merchants, Beg to inform the Public that they have now removed to their New Premises at 114 High Street, Merthyr, Where they have a magnificent stock of instruments by all 0 the best makers, and respectfully invite a visit. Sole Agents for most of the following celebrated makers :— Bechstein, Broadwood, Collard and Collard, Kaps, Ibach, Brins- mead, Hopkinson, Schreiber, Challen, Gors and Kallmann, Justin Browne, etc., etc., and the Estey Organs. Best discount for cash or can be had on the 1, 2, or 3 years hire purchase system. Pianos by other makers taken in exchange. Tuners sent to all parts on receipt of postcard. Kindly note new address, and favour us with a call. MR. E. T. DAVIES, F.R.C.O. (DOWLAIS), visits Aberdare weekly and receives pupils in Singing, Organ and Pianoforte Playing, Harmony, Counterpoint, &c. at 20, DEAN ST., ABERDARE-Mondays. Pupils prepared for Examinations & Competitions. Numerous recent successes. For terms apoly Handel House, Dowlais. -———————————————————-—— I JUDGES: The MOUNTAIN ASH FANCIERS Sporting Dogs, WILL HOLD THEIR H. E. GRAY, Esq. J P-, Merthyr Vale- ANNUAL HARRY GUNN, Esq., Cardift. WFSKR EXHIBITION Basford, Notts. ^^==============^=====1===- Poultry (game), W. H. LEWIS, Esq., OF Treorcby DOGS, POULTRY, PIGEONS, CAGE BIRDS, RABBITS, Homers), CATS and CAVIES, E. EDDY, Esq., AT THE Newtown. Pigeons (Fancy), J. P. W. MARX, Esq. NEW PAVILION, RIOUNTAIN ASHY Cage Birds, ON THURSDAY, FEB. 16th, 1905, E. J. DAVIES, Esq., Cardiff. ————— Rabbits, Cats, and Schedules ready shortly. Apply, Cavies. G. R. ROWLANDS, Esq., Mr. B. THOMAS, Sec., Cardiff. LLETTY ARTHUR, MOUNTAIN ASH. DRINK HORNIMAN'S PURE TEA. In Packets only and Full Weight without Wrapper. Always good alike. PRICES—1/6 TO 3/3 PER LB. SOLD BY: ABERDARE Evans, 10, Victoria-square; Harris, 12, Cardiff-street; Jones, 3, Victoria- square; Phillips, 7, Victoria-square; Evans, Royal Stores, Gadlys-road; Phillips, 15, Canon-street; Watkins, 10, Cross-street-, Hiley's Cash Stores, 22, Canon-street; Davies, 82, Gadlys Road. TP.E CYNON :-Teague & Son, grocers Smith, 70, Mill-street. ABERAMAN: Maddy, grocer; Rees, grocer. Aberdare Market ijall FOR COJtCEIiTS, EISTEDDFODAU AND ALL KINDS OF MEETINGS. Capable of accommodating 5,000. 1,200 Chairs provided. TERMS APPLY- JONES, Lessee, Aberdare Market.

Bristol, West of England and S.W. Provident Society. The quarterly meeting of the Aberdare, Merthyr and Rhymney Valleys district committee was held at the Angel Hotel, Maesycwmmer, on Monday, January 2nd, The officers present were Chairman, Mr Griffiths, Aberdare No, 1; vice-chairman. Mr T. W. Phillips, Mountain Ash No. 1; treasurel, Mr A. Duke, Cwmaman No. 1, and Mr D. Abraham, secretary, Cwmaman No. 2. There are 36 lodges now affiliated with the district, the amount of contribu- tions taken being £43 14s lOd. The election of two trustees for the district resulted in Mr W. James, Merthyr No. 2, and Mr H. G. Shepherd, Mountain Ash No. 1, being elected. Mr Shepherd was also elected auditor for the district. The appeals for support on behalf of two un- fortunate brothers were entertained and the sum of X4 10s each was granted them. Mr George Jones, Rhymney, and Mr Robert Evans, Maesycwmmer were elected to visit some of the branches that are not yet affiliated with the district.

FOR "sf) JCOUOHS&COLDSI USE ESSi:> £ Jlif "^INSEED COMPOUND" > is a reliable o'd English home P remedy. It softens bard jhlcg-m. permitting it to be expectorated < without strain, soot hing the membranes and p allaying the irritation so coaimonlv ex- | perienced. There is nothing to equal it. Of all Chemists at home and abroad. Jter'w*?, the 1 many substitutes offered. H

Can the United Kingdom Feed ItselfP '"d Debate at the Aberdare Liberal Club. A public debate on the above question was opened on Saturday evening at the Reading Room of the Liberal Club. The combatants were Mr F. E. Stansfield, who took the affirmative side, and Mr WT. R. Williams, B.Sc., who led the opposition. A thoroughly impartial chairman was found in the person of Mr J. Llewellin Smith, archi- tect, Mr Stansfield, quoting the Earl of Leicester, said that in 1880. there was suffi- cient cultivable land to produce enough food for 80 million people. In the same year Lord Derby said that England could pro- duce sufficient food for 60 million people. He wished to challenge Mr Williams to prove whether the United Kingdom did not feed itself in 1841. He had it on good authority that not a single article in the shape of food was imported in that year. At that period the total population was 24 millions. In 1843, the United Kingdom not only grew sufficient to feed itself but exported grain to the value of £ 12,000,000. That was sufficient proof in itself that had the English people been alive to the situa- tion and extended the cultivation of the soil, they should not be in the dependent position they were to-day. According to Robert Blatchford, the present population of the United Kingdom consumed 29 mil- lion quarters of wheat. Nine million acres could produce over 31 million quarters. They undoubtedly had the land, and at pre- sent there were merely 1 million unem- ployed in the country. If these two factors were brought together, not only could enough food be produced, but there would not be one hungry child in the land. (Ap- plause.) And it behoved every intelligent man and woman, to impress upon the Legislature the necessity of bringing about some drastic reform in the Land Laws. Mr WT. R. Williams, for the negative, pointed out that Mr Stansfield had only re- ferred to wheat, which was but one tenth of the food consumed in the United King- dom. Four million cows were consumed in the course of a year, and it required 4 million acres in cultivation to support that number of cows. Another 4 million acres would be required to feed horses kept mere- ly for agricultural purposes. Sheep and pigs would require another 5 million acres. At present the United Kingdom imported a large quantity of butter, margarine and cheese; to say nothing of sugar, onions, rabbits, tea, etc. After dealing with the treacherous climate of Great Britain, Mr Williams went on to speak of the labour difficulty. Thirty years hence they would require about 6 million farmers. It would be necessary to introduce some form of agricultural conscription. Everything was being done at present to stimulate agricul- ture, but the people would go to the towns. Was it natural then to expect that the people would ever be willing to go back to the land ? After Mr Stansfield and Mr Williams had again spoken, the debate was adjourned till Monday evening. The debate was continued on Monday night, Mr J. LI. Smith again occupying the chair. Mr Stansfield first addressed the meeting for 10 minutes, in the course of which time he replied to some of the state- ments made by Mr Williams on Saturday night. The speaker's argument was that if the breeding of cattle and pigs were en- couraged as it should, and the resources of the waste land utilised to their utmost capacity in growing grain, fruit and vege- tables, ample food for the supply of the kingdom could be found. Mr Williams then spoke for another 10 minutes. He held that considering the nature of our British soil and our trea- cherous climate, it would require the culti- vation of 62 millions of acres to appease British hunger. In order to induce people to go back to the land they would have to adopt some kind of agricultural conscrip- tion. People would have to be compelled to follow agricultural pursuits. Besides, an enormous capital would be needed. Mr George R. Thomas, B.Sc., speaking for the affirmative, said that the vast mountain sheep-walks could be used as arable land. He did not think that the climate bogey should be dreaded, or that the rural exodus would present any great difficulty. Mr R. H. Miles did not think we would be able to feed ourselves by a long way. Of course, there were thousands of acres which were now used for pleasure, and which could be cultivated, but it should be remembered that whereas the inroads made by brick and mortar pn the land eligible for cultivation increased, the popu- lation which required feeding also in- creased. Mr James H. James maintained that they expected too much from the soil. The soil, especially in highland districts, had no depth and had no chemical properties, and would soon exhaust its cultivating re- sources. Mr M. Watkins, speaking for the negative, said that the chief obstacle to the United Kingdom being able to feed itself was the unscientific methods that British farmers had in making butter, cheese, &c. Unless they had more modern methods of agri- culture and better landlords, they would never be able to supply their own food. Mr S. M. Davies having remarked that the unemployed at West Ham could be recruited as agricultural labours, and Messrs Williams and Stansfield having replied to the various speakers, the chair- man remarked that Mr Stansfield had stated very forcibly that man must live. Ruskin, however, had said that man must justify his existence. If rural depopulation were checked, they would hear less of the great problem of physical decline. If pedigree cattle fetched such fabulous prices it showed the capacity of the soil of this country. A great deal of unproductive land could be made productive by means of scientific methods. When the question was put to a vote, 13 voted for the affirmative and 25 for the negative. A cordial vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the meeting.