The Central Glamorgan Gazette, and General, Commercial, and Agricultural Advertiser. — 1893-06-23 (Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales)

CHIT-CHAT FROM SWANSEA.  (BY ACHILLES.)  Swansea can now pride herself on having one of her sons in the House of Lords.  A great deal of excitement was caused last week with regard to our future representation of Swansea, and there was much speculation as to who the new member would be. * * *  On Monday, the nomination day, there was a large assemblage of Liberals at the Guildhall, anxiously awaiting "developments." No Labour or Conservative candidate beiag nominated, Mr W. Williams, of Maesygwernen Hall, Morriston, who is a large tin-plate manufacturer, was returned unopposed. * * *  A special meeting of the Swansea Town Council was held on Monday for the purpose of taking into cousideration a resolution, already passed by the Council, relating to the proposed increase of the Mayor's salary, on the occasion of the forthcoming Royal marriage. * * *  Since:the resolution was passed at a special meeting of the Council recently, much dissatisfaction has been expressed among the already heavilytaxed ratepayers in this most ancient borough.  Last week the Town Clerk received a resolution, adopted by the Swansea Trades and Labour Council, and couched in the following terms :  "That this Council learns with regret the proposed expenditure of £5OO of the ratepayers' money on the forthcoming marriage of H.R.H. the Duke of York and Princess May, when the same County Council, during the last two months, thought it wise to discharge about 50 workingmen from their employ. And this Council would consider it an everlasting disgrace were they to take part in the forthcoming demonstration." * * *  I merely quote this resolution to show the nature of the alleged inconsistency in the Town CounciL Never were the rates so high in Swansea as at the present time. They have been raised to about lOs in the so as to meet the heavy expenditure, and yet, argued the dissentients, tho Council (or rather a few of the so-called ratepayers' representatives) vote £3OO towards increasing the Mayor's salary.  Where is the consistency? One minute, says the malcontents, again, Swansea Town Council is greatly in need of funds, and the next minute they can afford to throw a lot of money away, because it is nothing more nor less than throwing it away when we need it ourselves. Swansea Town Council is, or has been, trying to be generous and not just. * * *  However, at the special private meeting on Monday, a majority of the members presenb thought it wise, in the interests of the ratepayers generally, to rescind the resolution made at their special meeting, while some, again (including the Mayor) urged that £l2O oa £2OO ought to be voted. A warm discussion ensued, and eventually it was decided not to spend a penny of the ratepayers money over the event. * * *  Some of the councillors afterwards suggested that a procession should be formed in honour of the Royal marriage, whereupon the Mayor, who had by this time waxed warm in consequence of the resolution arrived at, asked the councillors at whose expense the procession should be; he, for one, would not subscribe a penny towards it after such a shilly-shally shabby trick.  Here's a chance for loyal subjects to shew their loyalty by contributing towards the expense of the procession. * * *  A destructive fire took place at the South Dock on Saturday last, when the saw mills belonging to Mr Stone were completely demolished, the damage done being estimated at £2,000. • * *  The charming seat of the late member for Swansea, Mr L. Li. Dillwyn. has been taken by Mrs Turbervill, of Ewenny Priory, Bridgend. It has undergone complete renovation. (Don't let your readers confuse this with the seat taken by Mr R. Burnie). * *  On Friday last, a man named Thomas attempted to take his life by throwing himself into the sea at the West Pier. Fortunately he was rescued, and being thought to be suffering from mental derangement was removed to the Workhouse, where he succeeded in evading the vigilance of the authority and hanged himself.  Our readers will learn with pleasure that our gifted young tenor, Mr Brophy, has won the • Parepa Rosa Gold Medal at the Royal Academy. Only 12 months ago he won the Joseph Maas Gold .Nledal. We wish him every success. * *  The weather at Swansea during the past week has been intensely hot. Some people state that the hot weather here this week is equal to that in India, such is the intensity of the heat. Prayers were offered in several of the churches on Sunday last for rain.  Rain visited different parts of South Wales on Monday midday, accompanied by thunder and lightening, by which one woman living at Gorseinion, near Penllergare, was struck down dead whilst standing near her fire-place. Five children, who were in the same room, miraculously escaped. * * *  The good people at Forest Fach have been experiencing some phenomenal weather, hail and snow having visited them during this month. The oldest inhabitant in the place does nob remember such an oceurence. * *  A shoemaker named Edwin Thomas, residing in apartments with his wife at 114 Western-street, committed suicide on Thursday, last week, by drinking a quantity of oxalic acid. The reason assigned is gambling aad jealousy. * * *  On Sunday the Rev D. Burwyn Davies, minister of York Place Chapel, whilst on the point of opening his sermon was seized with illness. It is surmised that he has an attack of influenza. * * *  Much progress is being made with the rebuilding of the extensive premises of B. Evans and Co.