The Merthyr Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Iron Districts of South Wales

8, HIGH STREET, MERTHYR. } J. W. "GMT N N'S I HALF-CBOWLVT (2/6) TEA. THIS Well-known Strong Black Tea can now he obtained from Mr. ALEX. GUNN, Confectioner, 39, HIGH STREET, MERTHYB, and UNION- STREET, DOWLAIS, and delivered by his Vans to the oliowing places weekly Cefn, Troedyrhiw, Rhymney, Tredegar, Quakex's Yard, and Nelson. 2964 I GARDE N SEEDS. N D- GEORGE (Late T. REES, 128, HIGH-STREET, MERTHYR TYDFIL, BEGS to state that he has just received a Large Stock of New Garden Seeds from one of the largest and most respectable Houses in the Trade, and solicits an early inspection. The prices will be found strictly monderate—compatible with New and Genuine Seeds. Catologues on application. 3044 ALBION HOUSE, HIGH STREET, MERTHYR. EASTER HOLIDAYS. The Public are most respectfully informed THAT OUR SHOW ROOM IS NOW OPENED With an Extensive Assortment of NEW GOODS, Consisting of Jackets, Shawls, Dresses, Straw Millinery and Bonnets, Feathers, Flowers, and Straw Hats in Endless Variety. • ALSO MEN'S AND BOYS' HATS AND CAPS. JONES AND JEREMY RESPECTFULLY Solicit the same Liberal Patronage as hitherto received, for which they beg to tender the Public their best thanks. 3082 SALE BY MR. DAVID PRICE. IRON LANE, GEORGE TOWN, M ERTHYR. TO BE SOLD B Y AUCTION, BY MR. DAVID PRICE, AT the ANSEL HOTEL, on Thursday, 19th MAY, instant, at Seven for Eight o'clock, subject to conditions of Sale there and then produced. all these SIX COTTAGES with GARDENS, and C.\KPE)iTER::i SHOP adjoining, situate in Iron Lane, in the occupation of Thomas Jones, Samuel Williams, and other?, and numbered 34, 35, 36. 57. 38, and :iV, producing the yearly rental of £ 33 16s. Od., and subject to the annual ground rent of £ 7 ils. (id. The above premises are held under a lease for 90 years, from the 2Mb December, Iljûï, granted by Messrs. Auctioneer's Offices, 60, Thomas-street, Dynevor and Richards. I Opposite Adulam Chapel. 3112 Thomas Town, Merthyr, May 4th, 1870. JIR. DAXIEL DAVIES'S NOTICES. DOWLAIS, & c. DESIRABLE INVESTMENTS, MR DANIEL DAYIES WILL SElL BY PRIVATE CONTRACT THE FOLLOWING DESIRABLE PROPERTY ES:— LOT 1.—All those Four Substantial and Well- built HOUSES. with Large Garden and Pre- mises attached, situate in High-strcot, Dowlais Top, Dawlais, and being numbered 10, 11. 12, and 13, and tenanted by Messrs. Thomas Lewis, Thomas Davits and others. LOT 2.—AH those Two HoL'SES and STABLE, wi'h rtardt-ns and Premises attached, situate in Mary-street, Dowlais, and beinir numbered 71, and 72, and tenanted by Mr Samuel Evans and another. LuT 3.—All those Three HOUSES, with splendid Gar- dens and Premises attached, situate on the top of Peny- darren Cinder Incline, and close to the Dowlais Railway Branch, leadini; from Dowlais to the Taff Railway. About half-an-acr; of land attached to them. The Tenants will show the respective Lots, and further particulars mAY be obtained of the Auctioneer. 10, Ivor-street, Dowlais. 3101 DOWLAIS. TO CAPITALISTS, MR. DANIEL DAYIES, WILL SELL BY PRIVATE CONTRACT, f'l'HE LEASE of t'.wt Building Ground, J situate next to Mr. David Jenkins's, Grocer, and nearly opposite: the Gvveriillwyn Chapel, Mary-street, Dowlais. I This spot of Ground contains room to build Three or Vour Cottages, and stands in one of the best situations in the town. Further particulars may be obta ined of the Auctioneer. Ofticc-19, Ivor-street, Dowlais, April 28, 1370. 3102 TO BE L E T, 4Rcsp-Ct:ibl<- RESIDENCE, Ix-ing No. 14, Charlotte-street. Dowlais. The House contains four large rooms, and other offices on the down floor, with four large bed-rooms on the second floor there are also a STADLE and larqe <;ardeu attached to the said house. The Premises caa be conveited iito a house of business with a very small outlay if desired.- Further- particulars may he obtained of .dr DA.viir. DAVIKN, Auctioneer, Are., HI, Ivor-street, Dowlais. May 12th, la70. 312G L L A X D R I X D 0 D WELLS. LLANERCH HOTEL. H I S ol(i eslitbl;,hed -md THIS old established Family Hotel and Boarding-house, IS NOW READY FOR THE RECEPTION OF VISITORS. r E it M s Frcm the 1st of April until the 15Mi of June, £,1 L's. per week, including board, Lodging, and Attendance, After that date, i2 2s. per week. Proprietor — E. DAW SON. 310.5 BROWN & POLSOFS OOEW FL.OUI-ó IS GENUINE. PREPARED SOLELY FROM MAIZE- INDIAN CORN To OBTAIN- EXTRA PROFIT BY THE SALE, OTHER QUALLTILS BEARING A FALSE NAME ARE UNSCRUPULOUSLY SUBSTITUTED INSTEAD OF BROWN AND POL-SON'S CORN FLOUR, I Which is prepared solely from Maize-Indian Corn. BR O W N AND P O L SON were the tirst to adopt the name of Corn Flour„ and they are treatly interested in maintaining its reputation, which is liable to be discredited by the '•nwarrMi'able appropriation of the name to articles of a different cha- racter. BROWS AND polsok'S CViiS FLOUR With Milk for Children's Diet. With Milk for Children's Diet. RO W IS AND POISON'S CORN FLOUR to thicken Soaps anil Sauces. BROW N ATNLT ~PO s (TN^S CORN FLOUR to thicken JD CORN FLOUR to thicken Beef-tea B~~ 11 O "W N AND P O L SON'S! B CURX FLOUR '• for Custards. 'j BROWN AND P o L s o N • G CORN FLOUR for Blanc-m a.nge. "ROW N A N d po L > O N S CORN FLOUR CORX FLOCR *—— for > Puddiargs. PE arlYNAT" i p J s rich in albuminous properties, t Prepared by ( h. _H- BROWN and PoLSON PEAR LIN A J Is rich in tiesh-forming properties- Prepared bv BROWN and POLSOX. { Prepared bv BROWN and POLSOX. { PearliiTI Has the sustaining properties of Oat-neal without being so heating. PEARLINA „ JL May be used with or without Milk. Prepared by BROWN and POLSON. PE A R L I N A Br Htd *itU Water, and a little salt is the mc)gJ; digestible Sirt)per PE A K L I N A or Breakfast. < Prepared by BKOU N and POLSON Prepared by BKOU N and POLSON PEAELIM For Baked Puddings. Prepared by BROWN and POLSON PEARLINA For Plum Puddings. c Prepared by BROWN and POLSON. J b PEARLINA 5 p Recipes upon each Package ° Price tid. q LONDON HOUSE, TEEBEGAR. WILLIAM DA VIES BEGS to announce his return from the LOX- JL) DOX and other MARKETS, and his EXTENSIVE SJH.O\\ HOOMS WILL BE OPENED ON SATURDAY NEXT, AIIPLIL 30tl" with a MAGNIFICIENT STOCK OF -°- MILL LIN KEY, SlIUWHATS AND BONNETS, FLOWERS, FEATHERS. MANTLES. | PALE i OTS. I FUIOHLS. DRESS MOHALES. FRENCH MERINOS. BOUKNOLSE CLOAKS. LACE SHAWLS. STAYS, COSSETS. &c. GLOVES. HOSIERY. RIBBONS. LACES. FRINGES AND TRIMMINGS. LADIES' CLOTHS. SKIRTINGS. 0VEKSKIR73. SUN HATS. I SUN SHADES. UMBRELLAS. TABLE LINENS. CARPETS, FELTS. | DRUGGETS. HEATIHRUGS. GRENADINES. MUSLINS. PUINTS. -¡ WOOLL.E N CLOTHS. DOESKINS, &c. A Larp e Stock of New Straw and Felt Hats. 3103 1= i To Gi on Assinttaits Oth< L | y^J'ANTED immediately a respectable Young- v T ULin, -t be willin? and active. Apply to ALT VA;, DKR Guxx, High-street, Merthyr. TO PARENTS ,S: GUARDIANS. WANTED a well-educated Youth as an Apprentice to a Chemist and Druggist.—Apply to .JOTIJV JONES, Stamp Office, Aberda.ve. 3113 HOUSEKEEPER WANTED. T 17" AN TED a 31 iddlc Aired Woman as » III'I SEKEKPE'R to a Branc h Establishment. N o other servant kept. Apply to Mr W ILLIAM HARKI^, 1 44, High street, Merthyr TJ dfil. 3109 MILLINERY AND STRA W BONNET 31 AKIN (r A ^fRENTICE.S W ANTiSD to the Jiiilinery Straw IJomiet Making, where they will \vron"h knowledge of the 1 msiness. Alk) lin- Vo,' W anted, io-doors or out. A] ,ply to Mrs. PRICE, s- 2;> and >< ellington Street, i*l erthyr. 3001 HOUSES WANT 'ED. W-V^ K On >:■ or Two Dwel- preferrer: Th'nas To » u. Northen End Glebeland ^treetf A^nt'lto W' L™* 'Stall°Re-H 21' Society. a 1 t0 thc ( ^morgan Building 3006 DERRI, NEAK^INIL3L\"EY. TO BJi- LET, with immedi.ftto HOUSE cfc SHOP, suitable for a Fittings complete, and a good DweJlicjr touie T'1]1 Rent Moderate. Apply to MrEMCx»J.u»is gwyn Uchaf, Derri. TO BE LET, WITH immediate {vosst'ssion, at a moderate rent, all that detached and convenient VILLA called Bute Villa," situate in the TOWJI of Aberdare. For FU rther particalars aj>ply to Air. DAVID ROSSES, Solicitor 17, Canon-street, Aberdare. May li Rh, 1S70. 1119 c E I N C O E D Y C Y 31 M E R NEAR MERTHYR TYDITL. j T °n fET' with immediate possession, a r :Mch-b ZrlZb^} detarh,ed VILLA> with stable, mown ai l Y \'p v' ?'10U.SCri, vines included], j f tw A ,T. «md lately iji tJie occiiuafcion nf c liUam H opkins. Gas and Water are laid on ThP S iouae is, situated in a most healthy spot, and in the aidst ot romantic scenery, and within Ave minutes' w £ lk f the Cefn station of the Brecon and Merthyr Kailwav rFor further particulars aply to Mr. Thomas elt dot.-I, star Htrllp Ty<lol, TEMPERANCE HALL, MERTHYR. FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY. TUESDAY, MAY THE 17JH, 1870. v a: N 0 E And his Popular •• CONCERT AND COMIC OPERETTA PARTY' —* Comprising' Eight Eminent Artistes from the Crystal Palace, St. James's Hall, Hanover Square Rooms, &c., &c., London. j Patronised by the Aristocracy and Clergy of Great Britain and Ireland. Tickets at Mr. TAYLOR'S, Market Square, Merthyr. Prices: 2s., Is.. and Gd. Doors open at 7.30 Overture at S.O Carriages at 10.15. Secretary, Mr. Peck Stevens. Manager, Mr. Thomas W.Charles. 3115 TENDERS EEQUIEED FOR THE ERECTION pF A NEW CHURCH AT TROEDYRHIW. THE Committee having Postponed the con- JL sideration of the Tenders until the 19th of MAY, Tenders will be received -up to that date, addressed to the Secretary, Building Committee, Troedyrhiw. — Plans and Specifications may be seen on application at the TELEGRAPH Office, Merthyr. The Lowest Tender not necessarily accepted. 3124 I PONTYPRIDD UNION. THE Guardians of this Union are prepared to JL receive TENDERS from persons willing to CON- TRACT for the supply of COFFINS, and undertake for the BURIAL cf Paupers. A Specification and form of Contract may be seen at my oflice. Tenders mnst be sent to me on or before the 25th day of May, 1870, 3107 E. C. SPICKETT, Clerk. MERTHYR TYDFIL LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH. SEWAGE M A N U R E. THE BOARD are desirous of receiving TENDERS from Persons willing to purchase and re- move the Mannre arrested by tlieSewage Tanks on Aberfan Road. The quantity will be 14 or 1(; tons per Week, and will be taken Qut of the Tanks and placed conveniently for removaL and must be cleared away wiihin twenty. four hours. Tenders, Stating the Sum offered for the same per Calendar Month, to be left at the Offices of the Board, 71, High-Streit, Merthyr, on or before the 17th instant. THOMAS WILLIAMS, 3111 Clerk.

MERTHYEt TYDFIL LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH. "VTOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the .131 AUDIT of the ACCOUNTS of the Merthjr Tydtil Local Board of Health, for the year ending 31st day of December. lat,9, advertised for the isth day of May inst., is POSTPONED until further notice.. THOMAS WILLIAMS, Clerk to the said Board. Datfd this 12th day of May, 1870. 3122

'MERTHYR POUND. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that there _l3l are in the above Pound TWO BAY MOUNTAIN MA RE PONIES and ONE COLT thrown last Friday,) also TWO SHEEP and ONE LAMB.- Unless they are claimed on or before the 21st instant, they will be sold to defray the expenses. By order, JOHN DAVIES. Merthyr Tydfil, May 12th, 1870. 3128

TO SADDLERS, HARNESS MAKERS, &c. &c. A. & H. KENT BE G to inform the Public that they have constantly on Sale. at 30, Yew-street, Merthyr, a Large Stock of WHITE LEATHER, beautifully dressed by a first-rate worfman. 3127 CLASSICAL i: COMMERCIAL SCHOOL, Cefncoedcymmer. riljH E above School will RE-OPEN on Mox- ■ DAY, May 16th, 1S70. Master: Rev. I. WILLIAMS. 3125 LOST NEAR DOWLAIS FARM, A YOUNG TERRIER DOG, about four months old, light brown, with dark brown stripe along the back, ears and tail not cut.- -Whoever will bring the above Dog to the TELEGRAPH Office, Merthyr, will be suitably rewarded. 3125 WHY GO TO BRISTOL AND PAY M O U E ? DA Y BOOKS .—A Large and Varied Stock. DAY B (J 0 K 6. — In Strong" Leather Bindings. DAY BOUKS at the "TELEGRAPH Office. C' AS [I Bo'oKsTt tlm7, TETYGRA-PH Oilice. Oilice. J^AY BOOKS. THESE Account Books bpingmanufacturert upon the premises, and by Efficient Workmen, will be found not only better quality than those unusually supplied from Bristol, but at Jeast 10 per cent. cheaper. A CCOUN T BOOKS, CLUrf BOOKS, &c. Ruled to order. CHEQUf1: BOOKS of every description Perforated and Numbered. Note the Address.-—P. WILLIAMS, h Teleg-raph Ofike, Opposite the Market House, Merthyr. Publishing Arrangements.—Important to Authors. MOFFAT & COMPANY, State Publishers, 1. and Agents to the Dublin Steam Printing Co., beg to announce that they have resolved to CHARGE NO COMMISSION for PUBLISHING WORKS PRINTED BY THEM until the Author has been refunded his original outlay. They would also state 1hat THEY PRINT IN THE FIRST STYLE, GREATLY UNDER THE USUAL CHARGES. Their Publishing Arrangements will enable them to promote the interest of all Works committed to their charge, as they have very considerable experience of the channels most likely to ensure success. Intimates and all particulars furnished in course of post. •• Those about to Publish may reJy on finding Econo- my and Despatch in all Departments. MOFFAT AND Co s BOOK LIST sent free on application to PUBLISHING OFFICES «, D'OLIER STREET, DUBLIN. 34, SOUTHAMPTON ST., STRAND, LONDON, W.C Frice One Fenny Mpnthly. Registered Jo? Transmission Abroad. fT\HE CHURCH RECORD. Edited by the REV. THOMAS SCOTT, M.'A. MOFFAT AND COMPANY. LONDON AND DUBLIN. VVORKS BY ALEXANDER VANCE. The History and Pleasant Chronicle ef Little Jehan 3s 6d Vox Clamantis. 7s 6d The Be>ok of the Knight of Tower Is 6d Roman tic Episodes 0s Od Hellenii'a Scara 15s Od .The INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER may be had separately, (id) MOFFAT AND COMPANY, LONDON AND DUBLIN. Price Ticopedce Monthly. Regkered for Transmission A1,Dad. PLAIN WORDS. A Christian Miscellany. t Edited by the Rev. HAMILTON MAGEE, assisted by Ministers and Members of different Evangelical Churches. MOFFAT AND COMPANY, LONDON AND DUBLIN. E W BOOK S.— NOW READY. Heirs of tHe Soil. By Messrs. Lorenzo N. Nunn 10s 6d Concerning Earthly Love, etc. By aCountry Parson 2s 6d Harmony in Keligion. By a Roman Catholic Priest Is üd lona and other Sonnets. By Wade Robinson 2s 6d Life of St. Patrick. By Joseph S. Smithson Os (id Marsh's (Sir Henry' Clinical Lectures 2s 0d Medical Examination Papers of University of Dub.in.&c. Is Od Queer Papers. By Barney Brady 0s 6d The Church under \he Tudors. By D. Dun- lop, M.R.I.A. 3s 6d The Philosophy of the Bath. ByD. Dunlop, M.R.I. A 3s 6d The Life of St. Patrick. Edited by Rev. J. Lynch, P.P. Os 6d Time will Tell. By N. J. N. 3s6d MO FFAT d: CO., State Publishers by Appointment, Agents for the Dublin Steam Printing Company) 34, SOUTHAMPTON ST., STRAND, LONDON. 6, D'OLIER ST., DUBLIN. THE RED-HAIRED MAN'S WIFE: or, THE AWFUL PROCEEDINGS OF STAGAN VARAGY, 1:1 Œ MARKET S-r ROLLER. The last and best story written. By the late William Carleton. Will commence in the iyra. Number of TE CAR LOW COLLEGE MAGAZINE.'1 Price (id. MOFFAT AND CO., State Publishers, 34, SOT TUAMPTON ST., STRAND, LONDON. 6, D'OLIER ST., DUBLIN. To be had hy .order of all Booksellers in Town and Country. 3117 GLAMv OUGA RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. Orders for t foe Wed; Endinj Saturday, May 21st. RUESDAY—Con '4»»ny ciriL.' .8.30 p.m., Drill Hall. WEDNESDAY-t Company Drill 8.30 p.m., Drill Hall. L'flUitsDAY—No. • 2 Section will assemble at 4.30 p.m., at the Sh wsting Ground, for Class Firing. FRIDAY,—Recruit drill 8. p.m., Drill Hall. SATURDAY.—No 2 Section wiH assemble'at 6.30 p.m., at' the Shoot Ground, fee Class Firitg. OFFIl ZA:S £ cr THE W'EK;- Ensiyn ifr wc7; Corporal Meredith. NOTICE TO CORRESPONDENTS. J SHON O'R COKNEL in onr next. a

THE GOVERNMENT BALLOT BILL. THE anxiety and curiosity of the advocates of secret voting are now fairly set at rest by the in- troduction of the long promised Parliamentary Elections Bill. We have called it the Ballot Bill, though it does not in reality pass under that designation. We have to thank an enemy of secret voting for provoking the Prime Minister to christen it by this name, and we believe that it will hence- forth be better known as a Ballot measure than by any other title. Colonel Knox charged the Government with bringing in "a Ballot Bill in disguise." No," retorted Mr. Gladstone, it is certainly a Ballot Bill, but not in disguise." The whole country was prepared to hear that the prin- ciple of the Ballot had been adopted by Her Majesty's advisers, and therefore expected that they would no sooner touch the putrid sore of the British Electoral system than they would prescribe secrecy of voting as the main cure. The Ballot can hardly be called a party question now. Most of its opinions will probably be discovered under the banner of Conservatism, but some of its sup- porters are rank Tories, while many of its oppo- nents are Whigs or Liberals. Colonel Knox might well have saved himself the trouble of insinuating that the Marquis of Hartington's Bill would be a Ballot in disguise, for there is not 'the slightest occasion in the world for disguising the Ballot. This measure of reform must be conceded to the imperative demands of the British nation, and the audacious interference of one class of voters with another has left the country no alternative but the Ballot. We were all prepared, then, for the frank assertion of the principle of secret voting as one of the bulwarks of individual freedom. And yet the Government measure takes us by surprise. We hardly expected a cut and dry system to be launched. We knew that a cloak of secrecy must be provided for the voter, but the exact pattern by which the garment should be cut was scarcely anti- cipated and, therefore, when the Postmaster- General threw down the mantle on the floor of the Hlmse, ready made, and scrupulously finished off, even to the minutest detail, the country could hardly do otherwise than look on with bated breath. It is unquestionably a bold step on the part of the Government to invent a system of secret voting, and lay it on the table. It must be remembered that the country is almost deluged with such in- ventions, and some of them of a highly ingenious character. Nothing else could have been expected in a community famous for many centuries for its mechanical skill. Some of the inventors had ac- tually proceeded so far as to secure possession of the offspring of their genius by means of a patent, while others were urging with much force the superior claims of their own theory, though— through the kindness of Fortune—not yet protected by a patent* Her Majesty's Ministers would readily have been pardoned had they assured the House that they were so completely bewildered by the multitude of contrivances which had been sub- mitted to them, that they proposed to appoint a body of Commissioners to examine the various devices, and report. But we all know what a lingering process such an enquiry would neces- sarily be. The Government has avoided the disaster of delay, refused to send out a half- fledged bird from its nest, and presented the country with a finished measure. We do not hesitate to pronounce this a most gratifying con- clusion for the agitation of years to have arrived at. For a strong Liberal Ministry to have con- tented itself in the year 1870 with simply de- claring in favour of the principle of secret voting, would, after all, have been very unsatisfactory. It was clearly incumbent on it to say how the thing should be done. Nor has it shrunk from this task, but boldly accepting the responsibility, it has pre- pared a scheme which differs in some important particulars from all that had previously been sug- gested by outsiders, and it is so constructed in the main as to supply the very want of which the people have everywhere been vehemently com- plaining. There will, no doubt, be some hard criticism levelled at the Bill. Those especially who, like Mr. Leatham, have Ischemes of their own, will be disposed to pick holes wherever any- thing soft or friable enough for picking can be discovered. Mr. Leatham has, indeed, already denounced the Government plan, for not rendering the votes absolutely inviolable and it must be admitted that no one is more entitled to speak on the Ballot than Mr. Leatham, but it is not to be, and has not been, forgotten that this was the very objection which was made to his own method. At the same time, we are free to confess that the ob jection is, to some extent, a sound one—not j affecting the principle of the measure, it is true, but showing that there is room for one improve- ment in the details. We have given the Marquis of Hartington's description of the Government Ballot in another column, and refer our readers to it for all particulars, but we shall briefly explain it here in order to point out the precise improve- ment which we would suggest. The deputy- returning officer appointed to preside at a booth will be furnished with polling papers resembling a cheque in a banker's cheque-book. These papers will have a counterfoil, and this counterfoil will have a number on it corresponding to a number on the back of the polling paper. When a voter pre- ) sents himself, he will, in the first place, have to establish his claim to vote, and will then receive a polling paper. The deputy-returning officer will, meanwhile, enter upon the counterfoil the voter's number on the register, so that the counterfoil will now have two numbers on it—one corresponding to that on the polling paper, and one corresponding to that on the register. The elector will then retire to a private room, cross out from his polling paper the names of the candidates for whom he does not wish to vote, fold it up with the number outside and the names inside, and, in presence of the deputy-returning officer, and the candidates' agents, deposit it in the ballot box. This arrange- ment will thoroughly prevent the deposit of fraudu- lent votes, for not only must the paper be dropped into the box in the presence of witnesses looking on with eager eyes, but it must have the number outside so as to be seen there and then, and if any attempt should be made to practice cheatery it will be nipped in the bud. At the close of the poll, the deputy* returning officer will open the ballot box, in presence of the agents of the candidates, make all the papers up into packets of so many each—taking care to keep the numbers up, and not the names and will then have his own seal, and also the seals of the agents, affixed to them. This having been completed, he will forward the packets to the returning officer. When this official has received all the papers from the various booths, he will proceed, in presence of the agents of the can- didates, to reckon the votes, without looking at the numbers printed on the back, and will then re-seal the packets, and transmit them to the Clerk of the Crown. The elector will thus be thoroughly protected in the exercise of his franchise. But will all apprehensions of discovery be thus removed from the voter's mind ? There is certainly some reason for fearing lest the deputy-returning officer may take a note of the number of a particular voter in whom he may be interested, and when he is opening the polling papers he may turn this one over so adroitly as to see at a glance what votes I have been recorded. It would be easy to open a paper in such a way as to see both sides, while ap- parently not endeavouring to look at more than one. Even if this could only be done with diffi- culty, it would act upon the minds of many a one as an intimidation, and would in this way destroy that sense of security which the ballot system is intended to foster. If an arrangement could be ( made by which the number on the register would) be printed on the counterfoil, and the same number afterwards written with invisible ink on the back of the polling paper by the deputy-returning officer, and no other Qtygiber printed or written on this i >aper, the electors would have no reason to fear tny discovery. The polling paper would be sent )ff to the C!erk of the Crown as soon as the declara- tion of the state of the poll had been officially nade, and no person having any local interest in J. voter, or his vote, would have any opportunity of scrutinizing the papers. We are, therefore, dis- posed to ask for this one amendment in the Go- vernment scheme. In all other respects we regard their contrivance as both simple and practically perfect. It may be improved a little, but even taking it as it now stands, it is a system worthy of the thanks of those who have long striven for the Ballot, fought for it against deadly odds, and al- most despaired of seeing it recognised by a respon- sible Minister of the Crown. Secrecy of voting is not, however, the only good provision in the Government Bill. The intolerable nuisance of public-house committea rooms is to receive a fatal blow. There are public-houses conducted in an unobjectionable manner, but uhousands of those which are employed for electioneering purposes in every large' constituency are nothing but sinks of corruption. We have recently had evidence in our own parish of the influence such places have on local elections, but when they are made centres of action while a seat in Parliament is the honour coveted, they convert a whole borough into a sort of madhouse. The present nomination system is also to be abolished, and the degrading scenes too often witnessed on and from the hustings, are to be relegated to history. These are wise proposals. Some others might have been ventured on. The defraying of expenses out of the rates might, for instance, have been provided for but we have re- ceived a good handful, and may well rejoice over it—assured that all other requisites will come in time.

MERTHYR BURIAL BOARD. The monthly meeting of the Board was held on Wednes- day last, when there were present:—Messrs. T. Williams (chairman), W. Smyth. W. Gould. G. Roach, J. W. James, L. J. Davjes, and the Rev. J. Lloyd. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. THE RATING OF THE CEMETERY QUARRY. The Deputy Clerk (Mr D. R. Lewis) stated that the rate of 4s. made by the VaynOlt overseers on the quarry at the cemetery had been paid, for they could not do otherwise; this time, as they did not appeal before the assessment committee. If they objected to pay it, it was now for them to decide whether they would appeal. Mr James thought that as they made a pro6t out of the quarry it was only right that they should pay. If they appealed it would only cost them more money, for the Clerk would charge about £ 2 2s for attending before the assess- ment committee. Air Goizio contended that they were rot making a profit out cf the concern, for by the time that they had put the ground all right it would be no profit whatever. The Clerk, he thought, would attend before the assessment committee in his official capacity, and would not be justified in charging anything. A Ion-, and unimportant conversation then ensued, after which Mr James proposed and Mr Koach seconded that the Board pay the rate. The motion was however negatived, and the Board agreed to appeal. REPAIRS TO THE CEMETERY CHAPEL. The Clerk read a report from Mr J LeNi8 of the repairs necessary at the chapels, and an estimate of the probable cost of putting the same in thorough repair. It amounted to 1m 16s., and he recommended that the Board give it out by day work, for as the woikwas of such a varied character, it was impossible to have it contracted for, and he was of opinion that if it was given out by day work it would be executed much better. Mr Smyth thought they had better commence the work at once. The Chairman asked if some of the work could not be given out by contract. ° Mr J Lewis was called in, and stated that the painting might lie given out by contract, though the other work could not. Mr Gould thought they ought to give it out by day work, and ha.ve it done well. Mr Smyth stated that the painting work was very small, only estimated at between £ ? and £\1, so he thought it was not worth while contracting for. Mr Koach remarked that Mr Lewis, painter, Pontmor- lais, bad always been very obliging in sending a man up to the cemetery whenever anything was wanted, and he there- fore thought he should have the work as usual. He then made a motion to that effect. Mr Gould seconded it. The Chairman said they had better first agree that the work should be done. Mr Smyth thm proposed that they do the necessary re- pairs by dfy work, as recommended, and that Mr Lewis, who is a practic-tl man, be asked to superintend the work. Mr Roach seconded the proposition. Mr L. J. Davies proposed an amendment, that the work be given out by contract. No one seconding the amendment, the motion was de- clared carried. THE GRAVEYARDS. The Inspector stated, in reply to the Chairman, that the Twynrodyn Cemetery had not been repaired.—It was agreed that the necessary cleaning and repairing should be done forthwith, the Inspector to look after and see that the same be done properly. Respecting the Zion and Taber- nacle Chapels graveyards that he had reported last month, he had to state that the former had been put in order, but the last named was in a worse condition than it was when ho reported it. He (the Inspector) had been told that the authorities at the Tabernacle Chapel intend doing some alterations immediately, and after these were coiiipletfd tney would put the graveyard in a proper coudition. The St. Tydfil's churchyard would also be put in a good condi- tion immediately, the reason for its not being done before was the change in churchwardens. THE INSPECTOR'S REPORT. A report was read from Mr C. Davies, which stated that the interments for the month had been :Graig. Abercan- naid, 2; Saron, Troedyrhiw, o total 7. Registered deaths ;-i\Jerthy¡- Upper, 83; Vaynor, 4; Merthyr, 64; total, 151. Hearse hiring* :—eight at 5s, 40s.; three at os Gtl, 19s Gd one to Pant, 10s; total, £ 3 9s Gd. Inter- ments in the Cemetery, GO. Mr James remarked that they had agreed a short time ago to have the hearse painted, as it required it very much. He thought some arrangements oug-ht to be made, so as not to deprive the public of a hearse in the meantime. Mr Smyth stated that it would take about a fortnight to do it, and he thought they had better enter into an arrange- ment to have it done in that time, or the painter be sub- jected to a fine of 10s for every day that he would keep it after that period. Mr lloach asked if they could not engage Mr R Gabe's hearse. Mr James thought they ought to do something if they did engage Mr Gabe's hearse, the public ought to have it at the usual rates, though it would cost the Board more. The matter was ultimately referred to a committee of the Chairman and Mr J. W. James. THE CLERK'S SALARY AND FEES. Mr L. J. Davies remarked that there were GO interments in the Cemetery this month—last month there was a larger number; on each of these Is 6d was charged for registra- tion fees. He thought that was very excessive, and it caused great dissatisfaction in the town. The Chairman stated that there was a large set of books to keep. Mr Davies asked who received those fees. The Deputy Clerk replied it was the Clerk. Mr Davies Besides his salary of £ 65? The Deputy Clerk replied in the affirmative, and said that the salary was 175 and not i6t¡. Mr Davies thought that taking into consideration the high salary the Clerk, received. that he ought not to receive 'tt Is 6d registration fee for each funeral. The Deputy Clerk stated that it took the whole time of one clerk to attend to the registering of the burials. At first the duties were very light, but now, when there were from CO to 70 interments every mouth, he assured them it was no easy task, for they had about eight books altogether to keep. Mr Davies said that great dissatisfaction existed in the town because of this exorbitant charge. He had written to the Swansea Burial Board respecting the salary they paid to their Clerk formerly he (the Swansea Clerk) had received £100 per year, but a committee had recently been appointed to enquire into the wiitle of the salaries, and the result was that- they reduced it to .£50. The Deputy Cierk stated that knowing something of the case referred to by Mr Davits, he should like to explain it. Mr J ssery was the Clerk to the Town Council, Boaid of Health, and Burial Board, as well as holding several other offices, for the whole of which he received £500 per year A committee was appointed..s stated, to enquire into the salary paid tohiin for the different offices he held, and they decided to apportion only £ 50 for his being Clerk to the Burial Board, insteal of £ 100. They did not reduce his salary by that amount, for he still receives JIOO per year all the committee did was to re-apportion the salaries. The Chairman said that as the subject was a very import- ant. one, he thought Mr Davies should give notice of his motion. This he did accordingly. "THE SORRY HALF-CROWN." Mr James remarked that Mr Davies should have attached to his motion the question of charging the half-crown for reading the burial service, for he contended it was not right on tneir part to charge parties a half-crown when they did nett choose to have a religious service at the burial, for they might have a friend to do it for them- He thought the public should be at perfect liberty to do as they liked. The Chairman stated that they could have the minister of any religious denolnination. Mr James agreed, but contended that the public ought to be allowed to let their ft icnds read the service if they desired it, and in that case they ought not to be charged the half-crown. They had agreed by a majority of the Board to a petition which the Chairman had signed, in favour of Mr Osborne Morgan's Burial Bill, which Bill was favourable to persons being buried in churchyards, with or without a minister. He thought they ought to allow the public the same liberty. The Chairman said that he was not present when the peti- tion had been brought forward. He strongly objected to the burial service being read by any person not being a minister. Mr Gould would not object to an upright man reading the service, but the reason he objected to what Mr James referred to was, that they might have some drunken person chosen to read the service, and thereby have a disgraceful disturbance at funerals. The subject then dropped, and the Board shortly after- wards broke up. — — MOUNTAIN ASH BOARD OF HEALTH. The usual fortnightly meeting was held at the Workman's Hall on Monday last, when there were present Messrs G. "Wilkinson (Chairman), J. Gray, T. Edwards, E. Thomas, ¡ J. Griffiths, R. Williams and D. Morgan. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. INCREASE OF SALARY TO THE INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. The Chairman asked what was the salary he received at present ? The Clerk JE10 per year. The Chairman thought that the inspector deserved an increase, for it was admitted by all that his duties had in- creased. Mr J. Gray asked what his duties were when he was en. gaged. The Clerk on referring to his appointment stated that they were the inspection of nuisances and lodging houses. Mr J. Gray said that if he did any extra work he should certainly be paid for it. The Chairman was of opinion that the mere looking after the gas lamps, an office to which he had only just been ap- pointed, was worth £10 per year. Mr J. Griffiths proposed that the salary of P.S. Hodgson should be increased from tlO to jLl-5 per year, and that the increase should commence from the beginning of the year. Mr li. Williams remarked that the inspector^ disc his duties very efficiently, and was in fact a very gooi o cer. H e therefore begged to second the proposition at Mr Griffiths. The Chairman concurred, and thought the inspector was entitled to the increase. S The proposition to increase the salary of the inspector to Sla a year was then agreed to unauimously. HOSE AND REEL. Mr J. Griffiths proposed, in pursuance of his motion, that the Board purchase an efficient hose and reel. It was always admitted that the wisest policy was to meet an enemy, and not to wait until it had arrived, and more es- pecially if it was such a merciless enemy as fire. At pre- sent they were totally unprepared to meet such a calamity, and he thereforore thought they ought to get the things necessary, though he hoped at the same time that the day was far distant when they would be visited by a fire. He thought that when they had purchased one that it should be left in a convenient place in the centre of the town, so as to he ready of access in ease of emergency. They would also have to agree .vith the Water Company for a supply of water in such cases, He concluded by again moving that the Hoard buy a suitable hose and reel. The motion was duly seconded, and'the matter was left over for the Surveyor tc report upon the size of reel best adapted for the district and the length of hose necessary. WATERING THE STREETS. Mr J. Griffiths remarked that the Surveyor had told him that they could get a hose and reel that could also be adapted for watering the streets. Personally he could sec no reason why it could not water the streets if that was so there would be no need of a water cart, as had been given notice of by Mr Edwards. The Chairman was of the same opinion, for he thought they could easily water the streets with a hose. Mr D. Morgan thought the contiuual dragging of the hose about the streets would soon wear it out, and they would require a new one very often. Hose was very ex- pensive. being about 10s. per yard, so he thought the best and cheapest plan in the long run would be to have a proper cart. A short discussion ensued, after which Mr Ed wards post- poned his motion until the next meeting of the Board. ABSENCE OF THE SURVEYOR. The Clerk stated that in consequence of a death in the family of Mr Harpur. their Surveyor, he was not present —having been obliged to attend the funeral that day. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES' REPORT. The usual report from the Inspector was read, which stated that the notices ordered at the last meeting had been served. He also reported several existing nuisances, to the owners of which he recommended notice to be given to cleanse or remove the same immediately. He stated also in his report that during the past fortnight several of the gas lamps had only been partially lit, whilst others were out entirely. Mr J. Giay stated that he had in his hand a copy of the last report respecting the gas lamps, with, he thought, satisfactory answers against everyone of the charges. He then proceeded to read them, from which it appeared that there were none of the lamps half lit, but were supplying the full amount of gas, namely, five feet per hour, for the burners had been properly tested but he supposed the reason why the Inspector had reported them was that several of the burners consumed six feet of gas per hour, and therefore the lights in the former lamps would seem- small compared with the latter. Respecting those that were entirely out, he stated that they were lighted each night, but as the glass was Iroken in every one of the lamps saiel to be out, he could only accouut for the wind blowing them out. He concluded by remarking that when the Inspector next found some of the lamps only half• lit," as he called it, he (the speaker) should like to have his attention drawn to them. Mr Morgan asked whose duty it was to keep the lamps in repair. Mr Gray replied that it was the duty of the Board. After a short discussion it wfs agieed to solicit tenders from the different glaziers to put the glats in, and after- wards when the Inspector saw a pane missing he was to order the repairs of the same at once. FINANCE. The report of the Finance Committee was read, and on the proposition of Mr J. Giiffitlis, seconded by Mr Ed- wards. it was adopted. It stated that there was £304 14s. 8d. to the credit of the Board in the bank, and they re- commended that various accounts should be paid. Cheques were accordingly signed to the amuuut of £78 l:t 8el., the election accounts being £258s. 2d. It also stated that Mr Jones, the Government Auditor, would examine the books of the Buard on Friday next. HIGHWAYS. Mr Gray gave notice that be would propose at the next meeting that the Board should take to the following streets, and declare the same highways. namely Glyn, Gwyn, Philiips and Allen-streets, and those in New Town. Air J. Griffiths also gave notice that he would propose Bailey-street being taken to by the Board. One or two other unimportant matters having beendis. posed of, the Board afterwards broke up. 0 110. MERTHYR POLICE COURT. SATURDAY.—{Before J. C. Fowler. B. J. Davies, and T. jb.va.ns, -tsqrs.) SAD LOSS OF CHARACTER. THEFT OF LEAD FROM DOWLAIS HOUSE. John Edwards, messenger and postman for many years to the Dowlais Iron Company, was brought up charged with stealing 3 cwt. 2 qrs. 18 lbs. of lead, value £2 15s 9d the property of Messrs The Dowlais Iron Company. Mr R Squire, plumber, Castle-str< et, Merthyr, said I know the prisoner; he is in the employ of the Dowlais Iron Company a short time ago, I was relaying the lead on the Dowlais House; the old lead was left in large pieces about the yard it weighed altogether I should think about a ton and a half; and was worth about 15s per cwt; I saw the leadthere Oil the 27th ult; one of the pieces (produced) I can distinctly remember as being part of what came off the Dowlais House, because it is a singularly shaped one, aud came off a ridge on the roof.-Mr Wm. Kemp said,-I am an agent under the Dowlais Iron Company the prisoner has been in the employ of the Company for the last fifteen or twenty years, and for the ten or twelve years as a mes- senger and postman. The relaying of the lead on the roof of the Dowlais House was in my department, and I saw the work uoin" 011 several times each ûay when tue wdfc-k was completed the old lead was taken by my direction in a cart to the warehouse a day or two afterwards my attention was drawn to the lead, and I went and exaruined it in the warehouse, and found that there were several pieces missing I have not the slightest doubt but that this piece (produced) callie from tbe roof tue Dowlais House. In reply to the Bench the witness stated that the prisoner had nothing whatever to do with the lead.—Margaret RyalJ. wife of John Hyan, marine-store dealer, Merthyr, said —I live at Bridge-street, Merthyr. On the 22nd ult., 1 received some old lead from the prisoner he brought it in a trap in the morning he asked for my husband but he was not in so he left it there, promising to call next day this he did and brought with him another lot of lead he then saw mv husband the lead (produced) is that lead; I gave it all up to the police; it was not kept separate, for we did not happen to have any other lead.-John Ryan, marine-store de-iler, said, —On the 22nd ult. I was at Aberdare, and when I came home 1 saw a quantity of lead in the passage I asked my wife where it came from, and she told me that John, the postman from Dowlais House, had brought it and would call next (layabout it on the 23rd ult., (the following day) he called again, bringing with him another lot of lead I paid him then £1 9s for both lots; when leaving he said he had more to come. On the following Thursday he called again with a quantity of lead, for which 1 gave him 17s or 17s 6d. He bought 3511bs of lead alto- gether the witness stated that he had only entered 2001bs. of it in bis book, the reason he assigned for so duing beincr that as he had brought it down in the Dowlais trap he be- lieved the prisoner got it honestly.—The Bench reprimanded him for not entering each transaction in his book as required by law. He should have done it even for his own protection.-P.S. Davies (47) said—I arrested prisoner in the stable at Dowlais House on Wednesday laat I told him he must come with me to the station, about some lead he had stolen he said How was that found out? I re- plied that it was found out; I thl,n searched the premises in the presence of prisoner, and in a hen house, tbe key of which I had ,frum prisoner, I found a box containing ano- ther lot of lead on finding it I said, why here's some more lead John he replied, well it is no good to tell a lie about it, 1 had it all from the yard of the Dowlais House" I then took him to the station, and charged him with the theft, to which he replied, "Yes all right." The lead is the property of Messrs The Dowlais Iron Company. This was the whole of the evidence adduced, and the Bench then told prisoner that he had a choice of being committed for trial on the charge at the Quarter Sessions, or if he pleaded guilty the case would be at once disposed of. He replied, I wish you to finish it now, I did do it." The Bench asked him if he had anything to say in defence, upon which he replied that he fonnd the tirst lot in a uag in the street, but the other lead he had taken from the yard of the Dowlais House.—Messrs T. Lloyd, Dowlais, P. V\ illiam? W. Kemp, Dowlais, and Superintendent Thomas spoke in favourable terms of the prisoner's character, and that ho was known by them for a great number of years as a sober trustworthy man.—The Bench in sentencing prisoner re- marked that it was not necessary to make any remarks, for he (the prisoner) had pleaded guilty; they had therefore only to state, that they very much regretted that a man of the prisoner's charactershould bebroughtuponsuch acharcre. Remembering the number of years he had been in the em- ploy of the Dowlais Iron Company, and the excellent cha- racter he had hitherto borne, and which Mr Fowler of his own knowledge could testify, it would have been a pleasing act on their part to have looked over his offence, but they had a public duty to perform, which as magistrates they must not shrink from. The good character that he had hitherto borne aggravated in one sense his misconduct for it led to his being confidently trusted, though on the other side there was no charge of dishonesty brought before them before, and they hoped that this jet stood out isolated, and tlmt dishonesty hitd not been a practice with hUll. The least sentence the Bench could consistently pass was that he by,imprisoned at Swansea Gaol for four calendar months with bard labour. CHARGE OF LARCENY.—A respectably dressed man named Daniel Sullivan was charged with stealing a flannel shirt and some mother articles, the property of David Davies' quarry man, Penyard.—Mr Simons appeared for prisoner: The wife of prosecutor appeared, and stated that the shirt produced was her property she was certain of it, because she had bought the stuff and had made it into a shirt; she iost it as well as several other articles on the 16th of Feb- ruary last from off the clothes line in the garden by her house. It was put there in the morning, and she missed it in the evening, about half-past six the prisoner passed by there daily to go to his work. Her reason for supposing- that he had taken it was that one day he was coming along but on seeing her he turned back. k Cross-examined by 1\1; Simons she Admitted that the pattern was a very common one, and much used by the working classes. Ann Harris deposed that this was prosecutor's shIrt; she recognized it by a little piece on the neck band. She always used to wash it, and was confident that this was the prosecutor's property. PC. Rees said he arrested prisoner on the 4th instant at his lodging, and round the shirt produced, which Mrs Davies said waf, ,,e(>°.I?eJ°st from the line on charging prisoner with the theft, he said I did not do it." Mr Simons contended that there was no case against pri- svner, for it was admitted that the shirt was a very com- mon one, and ot a pattern very extensively worn by the working classes, though should the Bench require it, he had two witnesses who would put it beyond a doubt that this was not prosecutor's shirt. He then called Ellen Collins who stated that she bad bought 32 yds. of flannel about nine months ago, to make prisoner a shirt; she had also paid one shilling to another person for making it and TL i?aS tha,t the shirt (produced) was that one.— I he Bench thought there was no evidence against prisoner he would therefore be discharged. SIMILAR CHARGE.-An otd man 67 years of age, named David Davies, was charged with stealing two pairs of boots worth Sl 6s, the p'operty of Samuel Goldstein. The prose- cutor, said that the boots (produced) were his property he had them on the 11th of last month, and missed them on 15th ult. He could only swear to one pair, and they were worth 14s; the prisoner lived in his house,—George Edge,