Cardiff Council Minutes, 1885–1886.

1885 November 9 Monday.

Councillor David Edgar Jones elected Mayor; salary £300.

Alderman Daniel Lewis appointed Deputy Mayor.

Resolved That the ex-Mayor, Councillor Fulton, receive the thanks of the Council for the manner in which he has fulfilled the duties of the Mayoralty, and that he be admitted as the first Honorary Freeman of this Borough, under the powers conferred upon the Corporation by the Honorary Freedom of Boroughs Act 1885.

Resolved That a copy of the foregoing Resolution, engrossed on vellum and enclosed in a gold casket with a suitable inscription, be presented to Councillor Fulton at a public meeting to be called for that purpose.

Resolved That Joseph Monk and Thomas Kelly be appointed Serjeants at-Mace for the ensuing year, at a salary of £20 each and a suit of clothes.

Joseph Mount Stephen, Town Crier.

At the Property and Markets Committee, a letter was read from Mr. G. A. B. Cope, a member of the Re-Organised Church of Latter Day Saints, applying for the use of the Swimming Baths for the purpose of baptising males and females.

Resolved That the application be not acceded to.

The attention of the Property and Markets Committee was called to the storing by Messrs. Cross Bros. of a large quantity of petroleum &c. on Corporation property adjoining the Free Library.

Enquiries are to be made as to the date of the expiration of the lease of the premises between the Free Library and the old Royal Hotel. The latter site, on the corner of Wharton Street and Trinity Street, is required for the new premises of the Cardiff Savings Bank, at present situate at the corner of North Street and Duke Street.

Mr. W. T. Lewis has written the Board of Trade, with regard to the complaint of the Corporation, that "the mud raised by the dredgers from the works at the Bute Docks has for a great number of years past been taken down the Channel and deposited near a rock called the Wolves, which is certainly not in the fairway."

Borough Treasurer is to recover £50. 4s. 4d., amount of damage done to the old Royal Hotel on the occasion of the recent fire in Wharton Street.

Mr. G. A. Phillips, the temporary assistant in the Borough Engineer's Office, is appointed on the permanent staff at a salary of £100.

The first meeting of the newly-appointed Charters Committee was held 1st December, 1885; present: The Mayor (Chairman), Alderman Taylor, Councillors Yorath and Trounce.

Letter from Mr. J. A. Corbett:—

"Cardiff. 13th November 1885.

Cardiff Charters.

Dear Sir,—I am much obliged for your letter of the 11th and the vote of thanks which the Council have honoured me by according. I can get access to a book of translations of Charters, which will enable me to see whether there are any missing or not; and in a few days, when a little more at liberty, I shall be glad to see you on the matter.—Yours truly.

J. A. Corbett."

The Town Clerk submitted the seven old Charters which were handed to him by Mr. J. A. Corbett, numbered respectively 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 12 and 13.

Resolved That Mr. G. E. Robinson be desired to attend the next meeting of this Committee.

1885 December 14.

Resolved That in future the representatives of the Press be admitted to all the meetings of the Committees of this Corporation, as well as to the meetings of the Council.

Resolved That the use of the Assembly Room be granted for holding the Hunt Ball.

An application by Mr. T. Gammon for the use of one of the rooms in the Town Hall, for mission-work on Sunday evenings, was refused.

The new steam fire-engine is to be called the "Walter Hemingway."

Town Clerk reported that he had taken possession of the farms and lands in the Taff Fawr Valley, required for the construction of the Cantref Reservoir.

Charters Committee resolved That Mr. Robinson and Mr. Drane be allowed to inspect the Charters, and that Mr. Robinson be desired to give the title of each Charter and report upon the best means for the preservation thereof. Also that Mr. Robinson have permission to take one of the Charters at a time, for purposes of inspection.

1886 January 11.

Daniel Jones, Water Bailiff, reports that a French schooner and the steamer "Roath" had sunk in the Roads, the latter in consequence of colliding with a German steamer. Her wreck is to be properly lighted and guarded.

The congregation of the Jewish Synagogue in East Terrace ask that the street may have macadam substituted for the pebble pitching.

Police Surgeon Wallace and the Head Constable are to instruct the Police Force in "First Aid to the Injured," as recommended by the St. John's Ambulance Association.

1886 February 8.

T. E. Baker appointed Engrossing and General Clerk, salary £67. 12s., in the place of T. H. Middleton resigned.

Resolved That it be an instruction to the Public Works Committee that they take the necessary steps to acquire the piece of ground in front of the Spittal Cottages, Crockherbtown, in order to widen the street from the Alexandra Hotel to Dr. Hardyman's house.

Free Library Committee resolved That it is impossible, in the present state of the finances, to establish Branch Libraries or News-rooms.

Deputation sent to Birmingham to attend a Town Meeting, for the purpose of considering a scheme for improving the canal navigation between Birmingham and the Bristol Channel.

Moved and seconded, That in future the contribution of £50 from the High Sheriff towards the expenses of the Judge's Lodgings be not required.

— Leonard appointed Collector of Harbour Dues, in the place of G. M. Douglas, late Inspector of Customs at this Port, who has retired.

Parliamentary Committee resolved That the time has not yet arrived for the Corporation to consider the question of the formation of a Harbour Trust.

1886 February 15.

Councillor Yorath elected Alderman, in the place of Mr. Elliott resigned.

Resolved That the Borough Engineer obtain brass plates for the insertion of cards with the respective names of the Members of the Council, and affix the same to their respective desks in the Council Chamber.

Deputation waited on the Great Western Directors, who promised that the question of a station at Roath should receive careful consideration.

1886 March 8.

Charters Committee. Present: The Mayor (chairman), Alderman Yorath, Councillor Trounce.

Mr. G. E. Robinson attended.

Resolved That Mr. Robinson be desired to obtain an estimate of the cost of a translation of the Charters in the possession of the Corporation, and for making facsimiles thereof by photo-zincographic process.

1886 April 12.

The Lord's interest in Ely and Canton Commons has been purchased by the Corporation.

Edward Jenkins, of Pont-y-clown, Llantrisant, appointed Engineer to the Fire Brigade; salary 30s. per week.

W. J. Parish, Clerk in the Borough Engineer's department, is permitted to fish in the river Ely, on payment of the usual fee for a fishing-ticket.

1886 May 10.

A letter from Mr. W. Grant respecting the formation of "a recognised professional Town Band " for the Borough was read.

Resolved That the memorial be allowed to lie on the table.

Resolved That, the Cardiff Savings Bank having suspended payment without a prospect of resuming business, immediate steps be taken to acquire the Bank premises with a view to carrying out the proposed improvements in North Street.

Resolved That the sum of £50 be added to the Mayor's salary, for the purpose of subscribing to the Glamorganshire General Agricultural Society, who are to hold their show this year at Cardiff.

R. W. Lewis appointed Chief Clerk in the Borough Treasurer's Department.

Property and Markets Committee Resolved That in future walnuts, the produce of the trees in Canton Market, be sold as soon as the same are ready for pickling, to obviate the damage caused by stone-throwing.

Discretionary power is given to the Head Constable for the Police Band to play in the Sophia Gardens during the summer evenings.

Swansea, Newport, Neath and Bridgend are asked to co-operate with Cardiff in endeavouring to secure an improved train-service on the South Wales portion of the G. W. R.

1886 July 12.

Vote of condolence with the relatives of the late Alderman G. A. Stone deceased.

Mr. Childers, the Home Secretary, writes directing the Watch Committee to institute a searching investigation into the conduct of the Police on the occasion of the riots during the recent Election at Cardiff.

An application was received from Mr. James Ayre, of 1 Ruthin Gardens, for compensation for damage done to his windows by the mob on the occasion of Mr. Parnell's visit to Cardiff.

Mr. James Cliff, of Penarth Road, is asked to attend before the Watch Committee with reference to his complaint of having been ill-used by the Police on 22nd June.

The Mayor and Councillor Morgan will be deputed to interview David Morrell as to the alleged ill-treatment received by him whilst under confinement in the Cardiff Police Cells.

The Police Surgeon is to furnish a report upon the number of policemen injured on the night of the Election.

Colonel Lindsay, Chief Constable of the County Police, has written the Borough Head Constable, declining to send him any report for the Mayor.

Head Constables Report on the Riot.

"I have to report that during the recent Election the duties of the Police have been very trying and onerous. On the occasions of the visits of Mr. Parnell, Lord Hartington, Mr. Chamberlain and Mr. Dillon, the crowds were very great, and on two occasions the Police were severely handled. His Worship the Mayor and myself received instructions from the Home Office to specially attend and protect Lord Hartington, which was done. In consequence of information received, His Worship instructed me to secure Police assistance from other towns. I applied to the Police authorities at Bristol and Swansea, but failed to get any. Colonel Lindsay informed me that he could not spare any, owing to the annual inspection being held during the week; but on the facts becoming known to Mr. R. O. Jones, he interposed and procured 30 constables, who arrived here on Tuesday the 6th instant, the evening of the arrival of Mr. Chamberlain. We escorted Mr. Chamberlain from the Railway Station, and to and from the Angel Hotel to the Drill Hall, and under the greatest difficulty prevented him from being upset and assaulted. Several attempts were made to attack the carriage, stones were thrown and several constables were struck. The feeling was very high. Several gentlemen were attacked and subsequently threatened, and they claimed protection from the Mayor for their houses. On the night of the 7th inst., after the declaration of the poll, a large crowd assembled in St. Mary Street, quite 9,000 or 10,000 persons. I placed a body of constables in front of the Royal Hotel, and distributed others in various places under the charge of Superintendent Price, Inspector Harris, and Sergeants Hawkins and Johns. Superintendent Price sent Detective Fowler to me about 12. 15, and stated that the mob were throwing stones and breaking the windows of the Western Mail offices. I immediately proceeded with another body of constables. Upon arriving we found a most excited crowd throwing stones. I drew the men up in line near the Western Mail offices, and advised and begged the crowd to desist and go quietly home. It was of no avail. The Police then advanced; stones still being thrown, and several of the Police were injured, including myself. I was struck several times. We charged the mob and drove the greater portion of the crowd away, and returned back to the wall of the Western Mail. The mob returned and recommenced throwing stones; after another advance we succeeded in clearing away the crowd. I used great forbearance, and regret if any innocent or unoffending persons were injured. I am confident that, had we not acted with promptitude and firmness, there would have been serious destruction of property, and our lives were in danger. The mob appeared intent upon wrecking the Western Mail buildings. A magic-lantern canvas, upon which objectionable caricatures had been exhibited, caused a great deal of excitement. Mr. Councillor Vaughan came to me in a most excited state. I had previously heard of his presence among the crowd, and I advised him to go home. That I threatened to strike him I most emphatically deny. The statements that have been made as to the Police being drunk are entirely without foundation. I was surprised where the mob procured the stones from, for I had arranged with the Borough Engineer and Superintendent of Scavengers to have all loose stones removed from the streets. In St. Mary Street at 7.45 p.m. there were no loose stones to be seen."

Statement by Councillor W. E. Vaughan.

I was at the Liberal Club about 10.30 p.m. When the result of the poll was made known I went out on to the balcony and listened to several speeches. There was a large crowd in the road, and their bearing was most orderly. About 12.30, just before Sir Edward Reed came to the Club from the Royal Hotel, I started to go home to Canton. I skirted the crowd on the side next to the canal. As I got to the corner of Mill Lane I saw the police pushing the people about and driving them back. I myself was pushed, and said to the policeman, "I am going home; why do you interfere?" Inspector Tamblyn was standing behind these men. I said to him, "I should think you are trying to incite a riot." He replied, "I cannot help it; you must see the Head Constable." I enquired where he was to be found, and the Inspector said, "At the Western Mail." I at once went across St. Mary Street, but before getting to the Western Mail offices I saw a large number of police with drawn staves rush towards the crowd. The constables were followed by one or two Inspectors and Sergeants, and at the rear of these came Mr. Hemingway attired in plain clothes. He was shouting, "Rush at them; clear the streets." I cried, "Mr. Hemingway, if you want to stop it withdraw your men, or you will provoke a riot." He replied, "I won't be interfered with by you. If you speak to me again (and he rose his stick threateningly), I will knock you down." I had no weapon in my hand. Looking around, I saw a number of men at the corner of Mill Lane being beaten most unmercifully. I could distinctly hear the crack of the policemen's staves on their heads. The Head Constable was shouting like a maniac, "Drive them off the street." I went straight home, passing up St. Mary Street, and could see no signs of rioting. It is a mystery to me why the police thought it necessary to behave as they did.

The Mayor has asked the Government to appoint a Commission of Enquiry into the above circumstances, which the Home Secretary has consented to do on payment of the cost.

1886 July 22.

The Home Secretary has appointed John Bridge, esq., the Stipendiary at Bow Street Police Court, to hold the enquiry into the conduct of the Constabulary in connection with the Cardiff Election Riots.

Councillor T. W. Jacobs elected Alderman, in place of Alderman G. A. Stone deceased.

Finance Committee recommend that in future Municipal Elections the scale of remuneration to be allowed to persons outside the Corporation be as follows:—Presiding Officers, two guineas; Poll Clerks, one guinea; and that no other allowance be made to the officials engaged thereat.

Vote of condolence with the family of the late Alderman Stone, formerly Chairman of the Burial Board. Councillor Trounce is appointed to succeed him in the chairmanship.

A tender was submitted from Mr. W. Spiridion for repairing the Mayor's chain and badge, replacing and making leaves and gilding same, and restoring case, for £6. 15s. Od.

Resolved That the same be accepted, and Mr. Spiridion requested to take to the gold found concealed in the interior of the badge and credit the account therewith.

Letter from Mr. J. Hurman, Traffic Manager of the Taff Vale Railway, was read before a Special Committee. He had written the Head Constable asking him to render assistance on Sunday when the Company's private toll-gate was set up on the new road between Bute Docks and Grangetown, as he was apprehensive of a breach of the peace. He promised to comply, but did not do so. A breach of the peace did actually occur. One of the Company's special constables was assaulted, and received a blow in the mouth, and great damage was done to the Company's property. A new gate has been erected at the same place, and it is stated a similar attempt will be made to destroy it. The Company therefore demand protection.

In consequence of the above letter the whole Committee waited on the Chairman and Directors of the T.V.R., and urged them to remove the tolls; but this they declined to do until their right to the same had been admitted by the peaceful payment thereof on the part of the public.

1886 August 9.

£26. 5s. added to the Mayor's salary, to give a prize at the Cardiff Christmas Fat Stock Show.

The Secretary of State has forwarded a copy of Mr. Bridge's Report re the Election Riots; and suggests that in future cases where, owing to party feeling or other causes, any serious disturbance of the public peace may be apprehended on the polling day, votes should be counted and the poll declared by daylight on the following day.

Summary of the Report.

Cardiff is a town which has increased in population to an extraordinary degree during the last ten years, and now contains a very large population from all parts of the United Kingdom, together with a large number of foreign sailors. "The question before the electors at the election in question" excited the greatest interest. During the visits of Lord Hartington, Mr. Chamberlain, Mr. Parnell and Mr. Dillon, to address the electors on behalf of the respective candidates, the assistance of the Police was required for the protection of some of these gentlemen; and by the exertions of the Police alone disturbances of the peace were then avoided. The authorities were apprehensive of tumultuous assemblies on the day of the election, and the Mayor, after consultation with the Home Secretary, had arranged for the importation of a body of County Constabulary to assist the local Police. The Mayor had also directed that all stones should be removed from Saint Mary Street, where disturbances, if any, were likely to occur. The Head Constable directed that no constable should draw his baton except under the instructions of his superior officer. Before the declaration of the poll, the Head Constable had sent small bodies of Police to protect the Liberal Club, the Conservative Club, the South Wales Daily News, which supported Sir Edward Reed, and the Western Mail, which supported Mr. Brand. This was because the South Wales Daily News had been attacked at the last election, and because, for some evenings before the polling day, transparencies had been exhibited at the buildings of the Western Mail, which, being caricatures of certain eminent political leaders, had greatly excited the crowds coming to see them. The result of the poll was declared a short time before midnight at the Town Hall, in the presence of a large crowd in Saint Mary Street. After it was declared and a speech had been delivered by Sir Edward Reed, a large portion of the crowd proceeded from the Town Hall to the front of the Western Mail buildings. Up to this time the Police and the crowd had been perfectly friendly, although a few stones had been thrown against the different illuminations at the Western Mail buildings. On the arrival of the crowd from the Town Hall, an illumination of Mr. Brand was being exhibited. The crowd threw stones, and with great noise demanded that the illumination should be taken in. A number of stones struck the extra force of constables which had been summoned. At this time there was a very large crowd of from seven to eight thousand people, mostly orderly persons who were mere sightseers. But there were others who were armed with stones, and were noisy, and ripe for any mischief. The night was dark, and no one could see what took place except close to him. After the Head Constable had placed his men with their backs to the Western Mail buildings, he went into the middle of the crowd and endeavoured to persuade them to disperse. The stone-throwing continued, and he was struck by several stones with great force. He then ordered his men to advance in line, but they were unable to press their way further than the edge of the pavement. The Head Constable then ordered them to charge, and clear the street. The Police then charged, drawing their staves, and divided the crowd, driving part of it up the street, and the other down toward the monument. On a second charge, the crowd again retreated, and went not only up and down St. Mary Street, but a number of them went along Mill Lane. Many persons were thrown down, and a considerable number received violent blows from the constables' staves. Two at least, William Davis and John Cabner, perfectly unoffending persons, were seriously injured. But many believed they saw people knocked down by the police, who in reality only fell from the rush of the crowd. In the last charge some of the Police followed the crowd down Mill Lane, without orders, and there struck down some of the retreating crowd. Two women were thrown down at the corner of the lane, who afterwards made complaints. It was toward the end of the second charge that Sir Edward Reed came down Saint Mary Street and, passing through the Police and the crowd, proceeded to the Liberal Club. About this time Mr. Vaughan, a Town Councillor, had some angry words with the Head Constable. Soon after this, most of the crowd having dispersed, the Head Constable drew up the Police in line near the monument. At this time also a large crowd had assembled in front of the Liberal Club, to listen to speeches from the balcony, and a large portion of the crowd had been driven towards Penarth Road and the East and West Canal Wharves, by whom stones were again flung at the Police, causing them great annoyance and bodily injury. One policeman at least was knocked down, and so much hurt that he was incapacitated for duty for some time. While the Police were in this line, Mr. John Duncan, part proprietor of the South Wales Daily News, came down St. Mary Street, and remonstrated with the Head Constable upon the conduct of the Police, but spoke only from what others had told him. Directly after this the Head Constable was called away by the report that a man was lying dangerously injured in Mill Lane, and he is not responsible for what subsequently took place. After speaking to the Head Constable, Mr. Duncan advanced to the monument and there addressed the crowd, telling them that the Police had greatly exceeded their duties. Stones came faster after this; the Police got impatient, declared they could endure it no longer, and Inspector Tamblyn, who was in command, gave orders to clear the bridge. He gave no orders to draw staves; but the Police proceeded to drive the crowd over the bridge, down Custom House Street to New Street, using their staves on them. There was here no violent resistance, and the streets were soon clear. There is undoubted evidence of fifteen persons' having received severe injuries from the batons of policemen. Two of the Police were severely injured by stones, and sixteen or seventeen slightly.

Watch Committee considered the application of Mr. James Ayre, of 1 Ruthin Gardens, for compensation for damage done to his windows by the mob on the occasion of Mr. Parnell's visit to Cardiff.

Resolved That as, at the time the procession was passing the house, some persons therein exhibited party colours, his claim cannot be entertained.

Sir William Thomas Lewis writes that Lord Bute will be favourably disposed towards the scheme for weiring the Taff, provided it can be done without interfering with his own rights or those of his tenants, and that the water is not used for boating purposes above Cardiff Bridge. This last condition is absolutely essential to Lord Bute's approval.

Cardiff Council Minutes, 1886–1887.

1886 November 9 Tuesday. Present:—

The Mayor (Chairman).

Aldermen

Jones,
Taylor,
Lewis,
McConnochie,
Duncan,
Cory,
Yorath,
Jacobs,
Carey,
Waring,

Councillors

Fulton,
D. E. Jones (ex-Mayor),
D. Jones,
Sanders,
Rees,
Lougher,
Proger,
Vaughan,
Trounce,
Beavan,
Trayes,
Jackson,
Reynolds,
Watson,
Le Boulanger,
Ramsdale,
Hurley,
Oliver,
Morel,
Brain,
Stevens,
Price,
Riches,
Burrow,
Mildon,
Shackell.
Andrews.

Councillor Morgan Morgan elected Mayor; salary £300.

Alderman William Taylor appointed Deputy Mayor.

Vote of thanks to Alderman William Bradley Watkins, J.P., Mayor and Chief Magistrate 1865–6, upon his retirement from the aldermanic bench, for the services he had faithfully rendered to the Borough during 37 years.

Councillors Thomas Waring and Patrick William Carey elected Aldermen.

Joseph Monk and Thomas Kelly appointed Serjeants-at-Mace.

The Mayor gave to the Museum the bell from the Old Town Hall.

Vote of regret on the death of Robert Oliver Jones, esq., late Stipendiary Magistrate for the Borough.

T. W. Lewis, Secretary of the Cardiff Cymmrodorion Society, writes asking that the Stipendiary Magistrate next to be appointed may be conversant with the Welsh language.

Letter from His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, asks for the Corporation's support to the proposed Imperial Institute, in honour of Her Majesty's Jubilee. (Referred to Committee re Queen's Jubilee.)

The Justices, including the Mayor, having declined to punish persons for refusing to pay the street hawking tolls, their collection is to be discontinued.

Roath Park Committee arrange to inspect the land proposed to be acquired for the Roath Park.

Alderman Jones submitted a scheme shewing land between Pen-y-lan Road and Fairoak Farm to be covered with water for boating and other purposes.

1886 December 13.

Moved by Alderman Taylor, seconded by Councillor Brain, and Resolved: That the name of the street between Queen Street and the Taff Vale Railway bridge be in future called Queen Street, instead of Crockherbtown.

A time-ball, or public clock, giving Greenwich mean time, is to be provided for the town and set up at the Town Hall or in some other convenient situation.

Sir William Lewis agrees to let the Flat Holm to the Corporation at £50 per annum.

Special Committee resolved That the Town Clerk be desired to communicate with the various municipal corporations of Wales, and enquire whether it is their intention to celebrate the Jubilee of Her Majesty's reign by the presentation of an address, and to suggest that they should join Cardiff, as the Metropolis of Wales, in so doing.

1887 January 10.

The Marquis of Bute has promised to present the Corporation with a site for an Infectious Disease Hospital, near the "Hamadryad" hospital ship.

Water Bailiff is to be provided with a suit of uniform clothes, overcoat, oilskin coat, boots and leggings.

Resolved That in view of the fact that the Bench at Cardiff consists of a large number of Magistrates willing to discharge the duties devolving upon them, it is not expedient to make application at present for the re-appointment of a Stipendiary Magistrate.

1887 January 26.

Councillor Oliver presented a Memorial of Ratepayers, praying the Corporation to order the removal of the Batchelor statue from the open space in the Hayes. They complain that public land is occupied by the statue of a man whose memory is associated with the politics of one particular party. (1,200 signatures are appended).

Water Bailiff is authorised to settle the claim of Charles Bacon, of Walton Bay, near Clevedon, for picking up a Corporation buoy.

The tender of Messrs. Smith & Sons, London, for a time-ball, four feet in diameter, fixed complete for £85, is accepted by the Property and Markets Committee.

Watch Committee. Head Constable reported that William Thorn, manager for Messrs. Gibson Bros., Bute Docks, had been locked up by Detective Fowler, charged with wilfully defacing the Batchelor statue by throwing yellow paint and tar thereon.

Lord Bute's offer of £50 a year for the Flat Holm is accepted.

Special Committee resolve to ask the Charity Commissioners that the £500 per annum granted from the funds of the Wells Charity to the University College of South Wales shall only be devoted to scholarships or exhibitions in favour of poor boys and girls of Cardiff.

1887 February 14.

Deputation appointed to wait upon the Great Western Railway Co., to impress upon them the great necessity for immediately constructing a railway-station for the use of the populous district of Roath, and for converting the Cardiff Station into an open one; also to make an entrance to the down platform, and a thoroughfare from Wood Street to the Station, in order to meet the growing requirements of the public of Cardiff.

Town Clerk reported that a notice had appeared in the local papers stating that an application had been made to the Board of Trade from the Right Hon. Lord Windsor for the acquisition of the rights and interests of the Crown in certain foreshore of the river Taff at Grangetown, containing 7¾ acres.

Resolved That the Town Clerk be requested to object thereto on behalf of the Corporation.

1887 March 14.

Letter from Mr. Daniel Rees, Clerk to the Magistrates. The Justices suggest that the Secretary of State be asked to appoint Mr. R. A. Valpy as Stipendiary for the Borough.

Corporation require that the new Stipendiary Borough Magistrate should sit four days a week, and should have a knowledge of maritime law. The Home Secretary is not disposed to consider the latter qualification necessary.

Deputation of ratepayers petitions the Council to restore the name of Crockherbtown. "This alteration has proved very inconvenient in many ways, without any corresponding advantage whatever.

They are also unwilling that so well known and ancient a name, which has distinguished this as so respectable a part of Cardiff from time immemorial, should be abolished." (Mr. T. H. Stephens, solicitor, headed the deputation. The memorial bore 30 signatures.)

Councillor Price thereupon moved to rescind the resolution altering the name Crockherbtown to Queen Street, but the motion on being put to the meeting was lost.

Resolved That £500 be added to the Mayor's salary for the current year, as the subscription of the Corporation towards the expenses of public illuminations, arches, decorations, flags &c., in connection with the celebration of the Jubilee of the reign of Her Majesty the Queen.

Town Clerk laid before the General Purposes Committee a resolution passed at a meeting of the Cardiff Working Men's Radical Association, deprecating the spending of any money by the Corporation in celebration of the Jubilee of the Queen's reign.

Town Clerk reported that the Borough of Llantrisant, which was recently a Municipal Corporation, had ceased to be a Corporate Borough, and the Corporation thereof had been dissolved, as a new Charter had not been granted by Her Majesty, and now forms part of the County of Glamorgan, and the office of Town Clerk of that Borough abolished. This latter gentleman carried out the duties of preparing and publishing the List of Freemen, and receiving claims and objections thereto for Parliamentary Registration purposes; and also issued a Precept to the Overseers of the Parish of Llantrisant to prepare a list of the persons entitled to vote in the election of a Member for Cardiff, which lists were afterwards handed to the Town Clerk of Cardiff. The Borough of Llantrisant is not co-extensive with the Parish of Llantrisant, the parish being five times larger than the Borough. Only the inhabitants of the Borough have the right to vote in Parliamentary elections for Cardiff. The Town Clerk therefore considers that he should issue his Precept to the Overseers of the Parish of Llantrisant to publish the List of Freemen, etc.

"Whitehall. 18 March, 1887.

Sir,—I have had the honour to lay before the Queen the loyal and dutiful Address of the Mayor, Aldermen and Town Council of Cardiff, on the occasion of Her Majesty attaining the Fiftieth Year of her reign; in which the Town Council moreover pray that Her Majesty may grant that the Chief Magistrate of the Borough may be styled 'Lord Mayor.' And I have the satisfaction to inform you that Her Majesty was pleased to receive the congratulations of the Town Council most graciously—I am, Sir, your obedient servant,

Henry Matthews.

The Mayor of Cardiff."

Resolved That Sir Samuel Griffith, K.C.M.G., the Premier of Queensland, Australia, be presented with an address of welcome on the occasion of his visit to this Borough.

Some old cottages were pulled down at the Cemetery.

The Head Constable is to summon any person cutting turf on the Ely and Canton Commons.

Borough Engineer to report as to the best mode of preventing the leakage in the roof of the Town Hall in times of snow.

"Board of Trade, Harbour Department;

London. 29 March, 1887.

Sir,—Referring to your letter of the 3rd instant, transmitting certain objections raised by the Corporation of Cardiff to the application of Lord Windsor for the acquisition of the rights and interests of the Crown in certain Foreshore of the river Taff at Grangetown, for the purpose of constructing a Dock and other works thereon, I am directed by the Board of Trade to state, with reference to the objection No.2, that the Foreshores of the United Kingdom below high water mark are prima facie the property of the Crown, and have been placed, by the Crown Lands Act 1866, under the management of the Board of Trade; who, with their present information, are unable to admit that the Corporation of Cardiff have any right to the Foreshore below high mark of the river Taff, or elsewhere at Cardiff. With regard to the other objections made by the Corporation, a further communication will be made to you as soon as practicable.—I am, Sir, your obedient servant.

C. Cecil Trevor.

Resolved That the action of the Chairman with regard to the wreck "Strathallan" be approved, and that the Town Clerk be desired to write to the authorities of Trinity House requesting them to remove same.

Resolved That the materials of the old Savings Bank premises be sold by public auction.

Mr. John Stuart Corbett has informed the Health and Port Sanitary Committee that Lord Bute would require a rent of £100 per acre for about three acres of land, part of the Dumballs, with a frontage to the river Taff, to be leased to the Corporation for a scavenging yard.

Cabs Committee. Resolved That, as the present system of regulating the vehicular traffic of the Borough is very unsatisfactory, the same be discontinued and the regulation of the traffic relegated to the Head Constable.

Town Clerk submitted to the Parliamentary Committee a letter from Mr. J. A. Corbett, apropos of the new Cardiff Corporation Bill, alleging that Lord Bute was owner of the foreshore and bed of the river Taff within the lines of deviation, and submitting a clause for the protection of Lord Bute.

Resolved That the Town Clerk be requested to inform Lord Bute's Solicitor that the Corporation are prepared to insert a clause for the protection of the Marquis of Bute, but they cannot admit any right on his Lordship's part to the bed of the river Taff.

re Roath Park.

Sir William Thomas Lewis writes that the correspondence between the Town Clerk and Mr. J. S. Corbett has been submitted to Lord Bute. Provided Lord Tredegar and the other owners of land in the Roath valley are prepared to give their land free of cost, the Marquis will arrange to purchase from his Trustees about 80 acres there and present the same to the public for a park. Enclosed is a plan shewing proposed recreation-ground and lake, the roads around which would form a drive 3¼ miles long, continued along the public highway to Llanishen. The Corporation would of course have to provide the whole of the roads, fences and other necessary works.

Resolved That the best thanks of the Roath Park Committee be presented to Lord Bute for his valuable and munificent gift of a Park for the use of the inhabitants of this Borough.

1887 April 15.

Town Clerk laid before the Council a Precept from the Cardiff School Board for £8,300, the amount required for the expenses of the said Board up to the 1st October next.

Moved by Councillor Trounce, Seconded by Councillor Rees, that the same be apportioned among the respective parishes as usual.

Proposed by Councillor Jackson, seconded by Alderman Yorath, by way of amendment, That while recognising the fact that this Corporation is obliged to comply with the Precept of the School Board, as a protest against the abnormal and extravagant increase in the expenditure of the Board the Council do not take any steps towards the payment of the sum required, until the Overseers have collected the amount.

The amendment on being put to the meeting was carried, and it was resolved accordingly, and the names were taken as follows:— For: Aldermen Jones, Taylor, McConnochie, Yorath, Jacobs, Carey; Councillors Lougher, Jackson, Reynolds, Waston, Le Boulanger, Hurley, Oliver, Brain, R. Price, Riches, Burrow, Hopkins—18. Against: Councillors D. Jones, Sanders, Rees, Vaughan, Trounce, Ramsdale, Mildon, Shackell, P. Price—9. Neutral: The Mayor—1.

Town Clerk read the following resolution passed at a meeting of the Cardiff Conservative Working Men's Club:—"That this meeting heartily endorses the action of the Town Council in voting £500 to to his Worship the Mayor for the Jubilee Festivities."

Town Clerk advises the Council to oppose the proposal for incorporating Penarth. Serious inconvenience would result therefrom, as there would be two municipal bodies in close proximity to each other and mutually antagonistic. Penarth has only an estimated population of 11,000. There is practically no difference between the rating of Cardiff and Penarth. The Cardiff Corporation are the permanent Port Sanitary Authority, with jurisdiction extending to Lavernock Point.

Property and Markets Committee desire the Town Clerk to inform the Board of Trade that they have no objection to Lord Windsor's purchase of the foreshore, provided that all the rights and privileges of the Corporation, as Conservators of the river Taff, and all rates or duties payable to the Corporation for vessels coming into the Port of Cardiff, &c., are not interfered with.

The erection of Messrs. Duncan's new premises in the Golate being now completed, that street is to be laid with adamantine paving.

1887 May 9.

General District Rate 1s. in the £.

Resolved that the Borough Engineer be instructed to cause the front of the Town Hall to be appropriately decorated and illuminated during the week commencing June 20th, in honour of the Jubilee of the reign of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen.

Committee appointed to enquire into the truth of the statements contained in the newspapers as to a dispute between certain of the Chief Officials in the Town Clerk's Office, with full powers to deal with the matter without further reference to this Council.

Moved by Alderman Jones, seconded by Councillor Andrews, that the Mayor and Town Clerk be requested to prepare an address to the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., in honour of his visit to South Wales. (The motion on being put to the meeting was lost.)

William Edgar Stephens appointed junior clerk in the Town Clerk's Office, at a salary of £16 per annum.

Board of Trade write that no grant which they may make of the foreshore to Lord Windsor can affect any rights possessed by the Corporation of levying tolls on vessels entering the Port of Cardiff.

The Committee Clerk, Mr. W. J. Newbery, sent in his resignation, and it was accepted.

1887 June 13.

Messrs. J. Pyke Thompson and Edwin Seward write suggesting the desirability of bringing together a public collection of pictures relating to Cardiff, and of those features of the town which are constantly disappearing by reason of modern changes. They also offer for the Corporation's acceptance the following paintings of local interest:—

1. Original study of the David for the altar-piece in Llandaff Cathedral, by Dante Gabriel Rossetti. Donor, J. Pyke Thompson.

2. An Italian peasant girl, painted in Rome by Penry Williams. Donor, J. Pyke Thompson.

3. Landscape sketch by Richard Wilson, R.A. Donor, J. Pyke Thompson.

4. Old buildings formerly standing in Quay Street, Cardiff. Donor, Edwin Seward.

5. Old Crockherbtown, with the Theatre Royal. Donor, John Jenkins.

6. Cardiff and the old Town Walls. Donor, Edwin Seward.

7. The old Taff Bridge at Pontypridd. Donor, John Jenkins.

The offer was accepted with the best thanks of the Council.

Plans for a proposed extension of Cardiff Castle were approved by the Council.

The Home Office notify the appointment of Thomas William Lewis, esq., B.L., to be Police Magistrate and Justice of the Peace for the Borough of Cardiff.

Moved by Alderman Carey, in pursuance of notice of motion previously given, seconded by Councillor Le Boulanger, and resolved, That the Borough Engineer be instructed to prepare a plan showing the continuation of Charles Street into David Street.

Borough Engineer submitted a plan of the land for the proposed extension of the Free Library and Museum etc., showing the ground to be utilised for the widening of Trinity Street and Working Street.

Resolved, That the same be approved, and the land remaining appropriated for additions to the Library &c., subject to the Free Library Committee setting back the building in Working Street to the line indicated upon the plan, at their own expense.

Resolved, That the Town Clerk be instructed to advertise for tenders for the removal of wrecks which may occur in the fairway of the Channel.

Mr. Lewis Williams writes to the Head Constable, apropos of bogus clubs:— "You will be pleased to know that Mr. Gladstone said to me on the platform, 'Your Police have done their work well, and are admirably handled;' adding 'The Metropolitan could not have done better. I really admire them.'"

Head Constable is to arrange for the Police Band to play in the Sophia Gardens on Wednesday afternoons.

Corporation make special arrangements for the Sunday School children's Jubilee fete in Cathays Park.

Deputation, consisting of the following gentlemen, waited on the Special Committee with reference to the selection of a site for the proposed National Institute of Wales:—

Major Jones, President of the Cardiff Cymmrodorion Society; Edwin Seward, Royal Cambrian Academy; Edward Thomas, Welsh Utilization Society; Tudor Evans, Hon. Sec. Cambrian Society; William Johnston, Secretary of the Literary Society; T. H. Thomas, R.C.A., President-elect of the Cardiff Natural History and Antiquarian Society.

Resolved, That the Council be recommended to grant a buildinglease to the National Institute of the site desired by them in the Hayes, at a nominal ground rent of £1 per annum.

1887 July 11.

The Mayor reported that he had appointed Charles Pearce as Serjeant-at-Mace, in the place of Thomas Kelly deceased.

H.J. Paine, M.D., resigns his appointment as Medical Officer of Health.

Committee appointed to consider the Charity Commissioners' draft scheme for the endowment of the Cardiff University College out of the funds of the Craddock Wells Charity.

In reply to a deputation from the Corporation, the Directors of the Great Western Railway promise that they will give their careful consideration to the question of constructing a station at Roath and making Cardiff Station an open one.

The Golate is to be paved with blue Staffordshire stable-brick.

Borough Engineer submitted a plan for the intended widening of Pen-y-lan Road.

The barbed spikes on the Newport Road fencing are to be nipped off.

Sub-Committee appointed to consider the subject of the pollution of the river Taff.

1887 August 8.

Borough of Cardiff.

To the Most Honourable John Patrick Crichton Stuart, Marquis of Bute, Earl of Windsor, Viscount Mountjoy, Baron Mountstuart, Baron Cardiff of Cardiff Castle, Earl of Dumfries and Bute, Lord Crichton of Sanquhar and Cumnock, and Lord Mountstuart, Cumbrae and Inchmarnock, K.T., L.L.D.

May it please your Lordship:

We the Mayor, Aldermen and Burgesses of the Borough of Cardiff, in Council assembled, desire, in the name of the Corporation and the inhabitants of this Borough, to offer to your Lordship our most sincere thanks for the generous gift of more than one hundred acres of land for the purposes of a public Park for the use of the inhabitants of this large and important Borough, and which has to-day been so appropriately inauguarted by the Most Honourable the Marchioness of Bute cutting the first sod. This is another evidence of your Lordship's desire to promote and foster the wellbeing of the inhabitants of this town, and this is now further proved by the presentation of the greater part of the land required for a public park. We assure you that the gift will be highly appreciated by the people of Cardiff, and will afford them means of recreation which will contribute greatly to their health and enjoyment. As custodians of the land, we assure you that every effort will always be made to maintain and preserve the same as a public park in a manner worthy of the donor. Cardiff is a place enshrined in historical record since the time of the Conquest. Since the first dock was opened in the year 1839, by your late noble father, its population has risen from 7,000 to upwards of 117,000; and from a small town it has become the third port in the United Kingdom; and it boasts of Docks which, both for capacity and construction, are amongst the best in the world. Its export of coal is the largest in the Empire, and its rateable value is not less than £620,000. The splendour of its public and private buildings, the magnificence of its streets, its unsurpassed water supply, its sanitary arrangements, its University College, its Free Library, Museum, and Schools for Science and Art, and, above all, the enterprise of its inhabitants, incontestably stamp it as the Metropolis of Wales. We refer with pride to the spirited policy adopted by your Lordship in furthering the interests of the Town and Port of Cardiff, and we heartily congratulate you upon the completion and opening to-day of the new Roath Dock, which will tend to further develope and give increased advantages to the shipping interests of the Port The sagacious and far-sighted policy your late noble father originated, together with your own untiring efforts, have resulted in the establishment of a vast coal and shipping trade, of which we are justly proud, and rejoice further in the fact of its rapid development having stamped the Port and Borough as one of great and increasing importance. We hope that the warm feelings which your visits to Cardiff have called forth from all classes have proved to your Lordship how sincerely they welcome the presence of yourself and the members of your family in their midst, and how gladly they seize upon every opportunity of expressing their esteem and regard towards your noble House. We hope that you will long enjoy the blessings of health and strength, and that in time to come you will realise how truly your generosity is appreciated by the inhabitants of Cardiff.

Votes of thanks for land at Roath Park given by Lord Tredegar, Major and Mrs. Jackson, and Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey Clarke.

Permission has been granted for holding the Cardiff Dog Show in the Market.

Trinity House, London, E.C.

22nd July 1887.

Sir,—I have laid your letter, dated the 14th instant, before the Board, and in reply am to inform you that the charge of £2 per twenty-four hours for marking and lighting a wreck is, in the opinion of the Elder Brethren, a reasonable one. As regards your enquiry as to whether the Elder Brethren would undertake the watching and lighting of any future wreck that may occur in the Channel, I am desired to state that the Elder Brethren, while perfectly ready to afford such assistance to Local Authorities as may be in their power compatibly with the duties and interests of their own service, are quite unable to state any terms or enter into any agreement in respect of watching or lighting any wrecks that may occur in water out of their jurisdiction, but that they will be prepared to consider any case on its merits when brought before them.—I am, Sir, your obedient servant.

Chas. A. Kent,

Cor. Secretary.

Watch Committee are to prevent the recurrence of the obstruction in Church Street opposite the Old Arcade entrance, on market days.

Resolved That the Corporation buoys be painted and lettered "Cardiff Corporation," so that they may be identified in the event of their breaking their moorings.

Committee accepted a tender for showing the necessary signals day and night on any wreck within the Corporation limits.

Committee approved Mr. J. S. Corbett's plan for an arch across North Road, having a carriage-way of 32 feet with footpaths on either side.

David Vaughan, Assistant Inspector, is appointed Inspector of Nuisances, at a salary of £100, and Inspector of the Port Sanitary Authority at £30 per annum.

1887 September 12.

Council tenders to His Worship the Mayor (Sir Morgan Morgan) its hearty congratulations upon the distinguished honour of Knighthood which has been conferred upon him by Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen in commemoration of her Jubilee, and sincerely trusts that His Worship and Lady Morgan may live long to enjoy the honour conferred upon them.

1887 September 19.

Letter from Mr. H. L. Grover, the Deputy Coroner. He has had the melancholy duty of holding an inquest upon the body of Lady Walker, who died from the effects of injuries caused by being thrown out of a dog-cart in Queen Street opposite the T.V.R. Offices, just before passing under the bridge. He informs the Corporation of his Jury's recommendation that the slippery pitching on the road at that spot should be taken up, so as to lessen the danger to life and limb. (Referred to the Public Works Committee.)

Corporation accepts terms formulated in a letter from Mr. James Andrew Corbett on behalf of Lord Bute. Subject to the Corporation permitting the proposed restoration of the Senghenydd Gate, the Marquess will accept £5,000 for the land required to widen North Street, and will build the boundary wall according to his own design. The Corporation will convey to His Lordship the small strip of land between the Glove and Shears Inn and the new line of North Street, and the 18 yards opposite the Corporation land which was retained by Lord Bute on the setting back of the eastern side of North Street.

Asphalt is to be substituted for the pitching in Caroline Street.

Council memorialise the Charity Commissioners, to the effect that the Commissioners' draft scheme for the re-organisation of the Craddock Wells Charity is at variance with the Will and intention of the founder, and that the funds should be specially devoted to the wants of the poor boys and girls of Cardiff.

Letter from Mr. Arthur J. Harris, Clerk to the Llandaff Highway Board. The Board suggest to the Corporation the advisability of building a bridge across the river Taff at Llystalybont, midway between the bridges at Cardiff and Llandaff. The public at present have a right of fordway across the river at the point connecting the road from Cardiff and the Merthyr turnpike-road, near Maindy, with the road leading past the old House of Mercy to Llandaff Mill. This right is not openly admitted by Lord Bute, through whose land the highways and fordway pass; and it, in conjunction with another similar right higher up the river, has been for some time past the subject of contention between the Highway Board and His Lordship. In the course of friendly negociations it has become evident that, to get rid of the troublesome right which the public at present possess, Lord Bute would consent to the making of a bridge, and would give the land necessary for providing proper roads thereto on either side. This would not only afford an alternative road to Llandaff, but would shorten the route from Roath, Cathays and the north-eastern parts of the Borough. Llandaff cannot bear the entire cost of the proposed bridge, in addition to the maintenance of its approaches; nor can the County of Glamorgan contribute more than half the cost of the bridge. Lord Bute is not prepared to do more than give the land. He will permit, but does not desire, the improvement, which will invade his privacy but not increase the value of any property which he desires to place in the market. The Board therefore ask the Corporation to contribute. (Referred to Committee to report.)

John Alexander Wood is appointed clerk in the Borough Treasurer's Department, in the place of G. W. Newbery resigned. Salary 15s. per week.

The attention of omnibus proprietors is to be called to the new route from Wood Street via Tudor Road to Canton.

Vehicles plying for hire between Cardiff and Barry, Cadoxton &c., are to take out licences.

1887 October 10

On account of the increase of traffic, the Weighing Machine is to be removed from Queen Street.

List of Members of Council.

The Mayor (Sir Morgan Morgan).

Aldermen

Daniel Jones,
William Taylor,
Daniel Lewis,
John McConnochie,
David Duncan,
Richard Cory,
Thomas Vaughan Yorath,
Thomas Windsor Jacobs,
Thomas Waring,
Patrick William Carey.

Councillors

Andrew Fulton,
David Edgar Jones,
David Jones,
William Sanders,
Thomas Rees,
Daniel Lloyd Lougher,
John Guy Proger,
William Edmund Vaughan,
William John Trounce,
Ebenezer Beavan,
Valentine Trayes,
Charles James Jackson,
Thomas Reynolds,
Solomon Andrews,
Dominick McGettrick Watson,
John Amice Le Boulanger,
Joseph Ramsdale,
William Callow Hurley,
Thomas Oliver,
Thomas Morel,
Samuel Arthur Brain,
John William Alfred Stevens,
Richard Price,
Tom Hurry Riches,
William Burrow,
Samuel Mildon,
Edward William Shackell,
George Hopkins,
Peter Price.

Edward Walford, M.D., is appointed Medical Officer of Health for the Urban Sanitary Authority, at a salary of £300, and for the Port Sanitary Authority at £100 per annum. (Dr. Walford was formerly Medical Officer at Ramsgate.)

Borough Engineer reports that the river Taff and its affluents are made the carriers of all kinds of refuse and filth from collieries, ironworks and sewage.

Resolved That the Town Clerk be desired to institute proceedings under the Rivers Pollution Prevention Act 1876, against the Pontypridd Local Board and the Ystradyfodwg Local Board, for causing liquid sewage-matter to flow into the river Taff.

Roath Park Committee give formal expression to their regret at the news of the death of Alderman Daniel Jones.

After reading a report from the Borough Engineer, the Special Parliamentary and Public Works Committee resolve that they cannot recommend the Corporation to contribute towards the construction of the proposed bridge at Llystalybont, as the same would be outside the Borough.

1887 November 2.

Petition to Her Majesty the Queen. After congratulating Her Majesty on her Jubilee, the Corporation, as "the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Cardiff, the largest town and chief port and the metropolis of the Principality of Wales," pray that the Queen may be graciously pleased to direct Letters Patent or a Royal Charter to be issued and granted to the Corporation, according to the Mayor for the time being of Her Majesty's Royal Borough of Cardiff the right, title and dignity of "the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of the Borough of Cardiff."