Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

Ii. lpubltc announcements. Mountain Ash Hospital Eisteddfod. EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 6TH, 1896. TO CATERERS.-Tenders are invited for the sole J*- right to sell Reheshments (non-alcoholic) and Fruit on the Eisteddfod Grounds. Full particulars 'nay be had on application to me. Sealed Tenders, endorsed Refreshments," must be delivered to me hot later than 8 o'clock on Thursday evening, February 27th. D. T. EVANS, Secretary. The St. David's Church Choir CONVERSAZIONE AND DANCE, THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH, DRILL HALL. T. RHYS LEWIS' BAND. M.C.'S MR. H. FENNELL, MR. J. FRAYNE, MR. W. THOMAS. Tickets, 2s. 6d. 3s. at Door. Mining Machinery (For Students), By HENRT DAVIES. The only Book of its kind in the market. Contain- iog Exercises and Examination Questions fully ^J^wered and worked out, on Engines—Winding, Hauling, Pumping, Ventilating—Ropes, &c., as well J8 other important matter. Handsomely and Ex- pensively Illustrated. Supplying a great want in ■Mining Literature. No Student need fear an Examin- ation in this Subject after mastering its contents. PRICE 5s., Post Free. FIFTEEN YEARS' EXAMINATION QUESTIONS. Arranged and classified with full particulars as to the *KSPECTOKATE.—Mining Questions set at Cardiff (10 Bristol, Manchester, West Lancashire, &c., Science and Art Papers. PRICE Is. Both the above to be had only from the Author, HENRY DAVIES, County Mining Lecturer, Treharris, South Wales. [3690 Merthyr Tydfil Gas Company. ESTABLISHED 1886. Incorporated by Special Act of Parliament, 25th June, 1868, 31 and 32 Vict., cap. 77. XfOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Twenty- Eighth Yearly Ordinary General Meeting of fw Proprietors of this Company will be held at the Offices, Merthyr Tydfil, on THURSDAY, the 27th of FEBRUARY instant, for the Election of a Direc- and the transaction of the General Business at such authorised. lhe chair will be taken at Three o'clock in the •ternoon precisely. E. B. EVANS, Chairman. AND NOTICE IS HEREBY ALSO GIVEN, „tha BOOKS of the Company will be CLOSED for i^e Transfer of Stocks from the 21st day of February i V*nt, and will not be Re-opened until after the oiding of the said meeting. By Order of the Directors, JOHN L. COCKER, r, Secretary and Manager, vl Office and Works, Merthyr Tydfil, February 13th, 1896. [3696 MERTHYR TYDFIL. MARKET SQUARE FLOWER SHOW, ART, AND INDUS- TRIAL EXHIBITION, To BE HELD IX DRILL HALL, JULY, 1896. ^KELIMINAIVY NOTICE OF COMPETITIONS. OPen to all under 17 years of age. ) 1st .J 2nd Entrance Fee, 3d. I rize. Irize. £ s d s d I.-Best Copy in Oils (any subject) 0 7 6 4 0 Under 21 years of age. Entrance o Fee, 6d. C,Oopy in Water Colours (any sub- ject) 0 10 6 6 0 »•—Copy in Oils of anv Land or Sea Scape 0 10 6 6 0 —Copy in Oils of any Flower, Fruit, or Figure subject 0 10 6 60 Open to any age. Entrance Fee, 6d. 5.—Copy in Water Colours..Still Life 0 10 6 6 0 6.—Copy in Water Colours of any Laud or Sea Scar>e 0 10 ft c. « 7- —Copy in Oils of any Land or Sea Scape 1 1 n -m a 8. Copy in Oils of any Figure or Still Life subject l i o 10 6 Original Painting m Oils of Still 10 feTx 1 1 0 10 6 Best Drawing in Pen and Ink, copy of an etching or engra- il ving 0 10 6 6 0 12 "-Pencil Shaded Drawing 0 10 6 6 0 •—"Shaded Drawing from Cast, 11 Ornament or Fruit 0 10 6 6 0 ••Model of a Railway Station, ,oase not to exceed3ft. by 2ft. 1 1 0 — "retwork model of Tower Bridge 15 }' (hvnd work; 0 10 6 — retwork Model of Doll's House .With Furniture (machine work) 0 10 6 — ^yfflnTmie to words God Who Hath Made the Daisies" (words -T5ay be found No. 774 in Con- gregational Hymnal). To be written in old notation, and sent to Hon. Sec., not later than July 1st. Aujudicator, E. MINSHALL, Esq., London 1 1 0 — p £ _or Particulars of further Competitions, Rules and Hshi Llons' &c-' see Schedule, which will be pub- th« vi cncl of March, and may be obtained from e'nv .Secretary, upon receipt of stamped addressed 11 v elope. 62, THOMAS-STREET, MEBTHYR TYDFIL, TV FKBRUAUY 15TH, 18%. "EAR SIR, Recognition of the Honour conferped Jy Her Majesty upon Sir W. T. LEWIS, Bart. moment it was made known that Her Bur Gracious Majesty had conferred the honour of a thi- uPon SIK WILLIAM T. LEWIS, it was felt shr> ifh°ut the district that practical expression aw!? given in testimony alike of the dignity lrm~ aQd in earnest appreciation of Sir William s 8 a'id able services to Wales. review those services would be a lengthy and thJ*?vnt task. No one has laboured more than he in jj-i.f^elopement of the Industries of the Prinei- \u.ji y* The impress of his work is to be ceen over a eu,?ef area- Docks, Mines, Steel Works, yielding Th«* u' to hundreds of thousands, are his memorials. Un«? ,arnan, the Miner, the Steel Worker, have been /Singly benefitted by him, and his services nave a p. ended there. He has been assiduous in looking inu ^'e wounded in the battle of Trade and Cotn- in '• *n establishing a Fund for the injured and jr i'ning Schools and Colleges; and not least, in e^Pital work his generous sympathies have been a T° hand down to future generations the memory of fomentation so excellent, a Committee has been t0/°ed for the purpose of soliciting Subscriptions in the Erection of a Statue in some chosen spot ton native place, or some other form pf lastinsr initio* of the dignity conferred upon him by Her v^esty; and I am directed to appeal to you for Co"Operation in the Movement, which, while uPolng to honour him, cannot fail to reflect honour n all concerned. ij^nbseriptions may be made payable to either of the Usurers, or to Yours faithfully, W. J..JONES, Hon. Sec. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE JENKINS, Esq., J.P., C.C., High Con- nie, Chairman.. w • P. MARTIN, Esq., J.P., Dovvlais; WILLIAM y'ANs, Esq., J,P., Cyfarthfa, Treasurers. vMessrs. W. L. Daniel, E. P. Martin, J.P., William ^ans, j p T Bailey, J.P., Christmas Evans, tjni- Griffiths. F. T. James, R. P. Rees, John °gers. J.P., Rev. Daniel Lewis (Rector), Joseph \vVen> H. W. Martin, Charles Wilkin", Rev. Canon i ade, H. W. Southey, J.P., Isaac Edwards, Isaac John Jones (Glanynant), Thomas Price (Loco- motive Inspector), J. Gilleland, Colonel Cresswell, Vc -1 John Roberts (Merthyr Vale), Colonel Lewis, •p?' Biddle, Gwilym C. James, David Williams, °r«as Evans, Thomas Morgan, Dr. Ward, J.P., Dr. ,«bster, J.P., Thomas Williams, J.P., Dr. Crom- Jones, H. E. Gray, Wm. Harris, W. T. Bell.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20TH, 1896. Is. Home Rule dead V Mr. Gciakl Balfour said it Will never be given to Ireland. SiL' William Har- CO\ut told him that never" is a word that does ['"t sound well 111 the mouth of a politician. Hardly ever would even be too strong in this e £ Sc- Said that ardent spirit, Tim Hcaly, Wc |nall harass, and attack, and thwart until we get j*°nie Rule. The Irish banshee haunts ye still." ^very Nationalist in Ireland would re-echo these Avords. Their cause is a just one, and the Irish Patriots will not cease fighting for their country. .Gerald Balfour's emphatic and hectoring dec- oration will probably help to close their ranks.

^AUDTNAI, VATGHAN, though a Catholic, may be lclll up to some Protestants in this district as an e*atnpk of religions tolerance. Speaking to a '-j^iTesp^ydent of the Wcxttnins/er Gazette the other py he said 1 consider it wrong to cotiplc ^Hitariaiw with Agnostics and Atheists. 1 have » great respect for the Unitarians, who obey the natural law, and honour its Divine Author, to the beat of their knowledge. But Agnostics and Atheists deny the existence Of God, and in conse- quence the natural law as revealed by a Supreme Being. They are not, therefore, to be coupled with Unitarians, but with those who inculcate and teach the breach rather than the observance of the natural law."

A POOR RATEPAYER sends us an interesting and timely letter on the subject of one man one board." The annual local elections are approach- ing, and we hope this salutary principle will be borne in mind by the leaders in the various wards. In the case of business men the affairs of one board are as much as they can adequately attend to. A man who sits on more than one board excludes other men from playing their part in public life. Multiplicity of seats leads to clique. ism. The more men we have to administer, and take an active interest in, local affairs the better it is for the community. That is the safest principle to follow.

THE Cardiff Liberals arc making at least some degree of progress. They held a meeting on Friday evening, and it is interesting to read that it was decided that the reporters of both papers be excluded." That is a distinct step in advance. In the past, the reporters of one paper were sent away, while those of the other were allowed to remain. Such a proceeding was probably based on the Scriptural precedent of the two women grinding at the mill. Cardiff Liberals are nothing if not orthodox. Now, however, they have adopted a different policy. They treat all reporters with the same measure of fairplay, and they are to be congratulated on their change of tactics. Though the pressmen were excluded, the Mail got its report of the meeting as usual. That, too, is as it should be.

Tnn voice of Wales was heard in the House of Commons on Tuesday. Mr. Herbert Roberts and Mr. Herbert Lewis spoke on agricultural depression, and Sir Osborne Morgan, Mr. Lloyd George, and Mr. Herbert Lewis pleaded for Home Rule for Wales in matters educational. In other words, they advocated the domination of Welsh ideas in Welsh education. Mr. Tudor Howell, on the other hand, thought the schools of Wales should be con- trolled by English ideas. It is sad to see the son of a veteran patriot like Llawdden in the ranks of the cosmopolitans. Mr. Maclean, the representative of Cardiff, pro- mises to be a most interesting Welsh member. He is continually doing something full of unconscious humour. His latest is a signal act of courtesy in stepping aside and letting Sir John Llewelyn take the chair of the Welsh Unionist Party. Two or three signal acts" of this sort would make him immortal. The Welsh members are not too merry a crew, and Mr. Maclean will be a great acquisition from the point of view cf fun and gaiety. Perhaps our readers are not aware that the member for Cardiff descends from ancient and honoured ances- tors. On one side his lineage is traced to Don Quixote, and on the other to Bombastes Furioso.

MR. CHAMBERLAIN, from the serene heights of popularity, has had a rather nasty fall. Elated by his recent success in dealing with the Jameson raid he sent a long epistle to President Kruger, suggesting an elaborate scheme of Home Rule for the Outlanders. Oom Paul, that exceedingly tough old man who rules the Transvaal with a strong hand, would not listen to Mr. Chamberlain's advice, and rejected it with a scorn he did not attempt to conceal. Unfortunately, before his reply came, the Home Rule scheme had been published in the press of this country. Mr. Chamberlain's position was, therefore, a somewhat ignominious one. He meant well, but he failed in diplomacy, and failure in diplomacy is peculiarly humilitating. Mr. Chamberlain threw the blame on the press. But he need not have giventhe epistle to the London editors, clamour they uever so loudly, until he had received Kruger's reply. Sweet are the uses of advertisement, it is true it is also true that the imprudent diplomatist has to pay the penalty. We do not rejoice in Mr. Cham- berlain's slip. That may be left to his very dear friends, the Tones. Ooni Paul has thus scored another triumph. The conqueror of Majuba Hill has baffled many able men. Jameson has been struck down, and Rhodes and Chamberlain, for the present at all events, have been brought to the dust. How long the sturdy Dutchman will hold out, time will show. It is remarkable there should be so much hubbub over questions affecting a population rather less than that of the parish of Merthyr Tydvil.

IT gives us very great pleasure to publish in our correspondence columns a reply to the letter signed "Fairplay," which appeared in our laat issue. "Fairplay," it will be remembered, narrated an incident that had occurred at the Merthyr Post Office. A monoglot Weisliman came in, and addressed one of the attendants in his native and only language. The attendant was a monoglot Englishman, and told the man he did not under- stand him. Thereupon Fairplay's sonl waxed wroth within him, and he straightway went and wrote the letter to the Times. Cymro o'r Swyddfa" admits that the incident recorded by "Fairplay "did happen, though he is inclined to doubt whether "Fairplay," as he alleged, is a monoglot Englishman. We know "Fairplay," and know that he is what he represents himself to be. Though bearing a Welsh name, he has no knowledge of the Welsh language. He is one of those cosmopolitans who, unlike Mr. Bird, of Cardiff, are more Welsh in patriotism than many of the Welsh themselves. Our correspondent says there are three clerks behind the counter who are thorough Welshmen, and who have a perfect practical knowledge of the language. Our readers will be very glad to hear it. But there is one point we should like to get further light upou. Are the three Welshmen referred to the only officials the public have to transact business with at the Post Omce ? If there are other clerks behind the counter," those clerks must be monoglot Englishmen. That means that monoglot Welsh customers have, in the absence of the three Welsh clerks, to be waited upon by monoglot English officials, a state of things which no sane man will attempt to justify. Will "Cymro o'r Swyddfa" be kind enough to clear this matter up for us ?

THE Aberdare School Board have refused an increase of salary to their teachers. False economy is once more triumphant, and the rights of the teachers trampled undei foot. The salaries under the Aberdare Board, as Mr. Heppell very properly pointed out, are considerably lower than those under other boards in the district. Is there any reason why this should be so ? The fact of the matter is that the Aberdare teachers of all grades are scandalously and cruelly underpaid. They have made an effort to secure some little degree of redress, but the effort has ended in failure. The very economical Board under which they serve will not recognise their claims to a just and humane treatment. Argument, however, is only thrown away on the present Board. The people of Aberdare, for their sins, have got the wrong men on that School Board, and the punishment they have to suffer is that their schools are notoriously inefficient. The results obtained are poorer than those of any other district of a similar character. For poorer results you must go to remote rural districts, where the schools are superintended by the parson, or by a couple of farmers, and where the rate is inadequate to maintain a proper staff of teachers. In Aberdare efficiency has been sacrificed to economy. That disastrous policy will be persisted in as long as the present members remain on the Board. The curious part of the business is that the policy of the Board is wrong even from an economical point of view. The Board's views on economy are altogether erroneous. The rate is low, it is true but so are the grants. A little extra expenditure on the schools would soon be repaid in additional grants. The inefficiency of the schools is thus not to be justified on financial grounds. W hat is required in Aberdare is a Board made up of men who understand that it pays to go in for thoroughly eflicient schools, that efficient schools arc not to be obtained without good teachers, and that good teachers are not to be had without adequate remuneration. We cast no reflection on the present staff, and we would not say anything to hurt their feelings. It is not the teachers who are responsible for the state of the schools. We have it on the authority of the Government Inspector that the inefficiency of at least one department, to wit the Cwmaman Girls' School, is to be attributed to inadequacy of staff, and the probability is that things are pretty much the same in the other schools. The teachers, no doubt, do their best, but there are not enough of them, and the number of certificated assistant? is far too small. The latter deficiency is directly due to the low scale of salaries. The teachers' demand for an increase was a just one, and it would have been a wise and salu- tary step on the part of the Board to grant what the teachers were asking for. The Board, how ever, have thought otherwise, and stuck to their old penny-wise-pound-foolish'^policy of inefficient education. For the sake both of the children and the teachers, this is much to be regretted. When the next School Board election comes round, let the Aberdare parents and electors go in strongly for new blood and thorough efficiency. All false economists should be rejected, and only those elected who are enlightened and progressive educa- tionists, and who will think first and foremost of the true interests of the children. It may not be amiss to give here the voting list in the division referred to. In its way the list is a curiosity, and will provide our readers with food for thought. The teachers' demand was supported by Rev. J. L)avies, J, Griffith, „ D. Griffith, Mr. W. J. Heppell. opposed by Rev. W. James, „ H. R. Johnstone, M. Powell, Mr. D. P. Duviet, 11 W. Charles. The Chairman, Mr. R. II. Khys, also spoke against I the increase.

SPARKS FROM THE ANVIL. BY JOE HAMMERSMITH. They have re-started the Imperial Debating Society at Westminster. The floodgates of eloquence have been opened once more, and the torrent of palaver rushes onward as rapidly as ever. Tumultuous floods of talk o'erwhelm this weary land of om". Sir William Harcourt, I learn, speaks now in so low a voice that his words are scarcely audible to the reporters. Perhaps the air of the Welsh hills does not agree with him. Or perhaps he is tired of talking. On the whole I incline to the latter theory. At his age I would have been tired myself. And Sir William is not by any means ti e worst of them. There is Silomo, for instance. He's an extreme case. But it is gratifying to read that, when he is on his feet, the House steadily empties." This reassuring fact goes to prove that, in the matter of intellect, the House shows no symptoms of deterioration. Time is short, and life is full of interests outside and beyond the House of Commons. The speeches of honourable members are terribly long. One cannot read them all. What, then, is to be done ? My own plan is to glance up and down the columns, pick out the laughters," and read the preceding sentences. I can confidently recommend tnat remedy. It has ■ever been known to fail. People given over to strong delusions are said to be happy. We look up to our Imperial House of Parliament, and our bosoms swell with joy and pride. We think the legislative business of the country is going on satisfactorily. The fact, however, is that it does not go on half quick enough, and legislation consequently falls into arrears. Peradventure some day we shall awake from this dream, and see what a tools' paradise we have been dwelling in. Things will happen then. Welsh legislation in particular is terribly in arrears. Westminster has not kept pace with the progress of opinion in the Principality. We ought to have had Disestablishment many years ago. The land question has long been rotten-ripe, and in education we should have had special laws this many a day. Not only have we not had these things, but the prospects of having them are at present very gloomy. The Tories will not give us what we want most. They may favour us with small mercies, for which we shall be duly thankful. But they will never give us the great things. Dr. Talmage has been preaching about pawnshops, and his words may not be without interest to my readers. He spoke as follows When I look into a pawnbroker's window, it seems to me as if I had looked into the window of hell. To whom did that watch belong ? To a druukard. To whom did those furs belong ? To a drunkard's wife. To whom did those shoes belong ? To a drunkard's child. I take the three brazen balls at the doorway of a pawn- broker's shop, and I clank them together, sounding the knell of the drunkard's soul." These are strong words, and perhaps they are not absolutely just. Dr. Talmage admits that the drunk- ard was thero before the pawnshop. Drink produces poverty, and poverty creates a demand for the pawn- broker. Pawnshops are thus one of the results of poverty, and poverty is the result mainly, though not altogether, of drink. The Guardians elected a new relieving officer for Aberdare on Saturday. Mr. Price was the lucky man this time, and the choice seems to be a good one in every respect. There was some doubt, however, about Mr. Price's age. Mr. James, the clerk, had received an anonymous letter stating that Mr. Price was over the age, namely 45. The selection was consequently made on condition that Mr. Price is able to prove, by a certificate of birth, that he is within the stipulated age. The general rule is, I believe, that candidates for posts with age limitations are required to produce cer- tificates of birth, and to hand them in with their applications and testimonials. Why the Merthyr Guardians should not have adopted a similar course, it is not clear. Four candidates appeared before the Board, and they seemed to be four very good men. Most ot the guardians did their best, I believe, to make their choice without any sort of bias, using their judgment, to the utmost of their ability, to select the most fitting candidate. Some of the votes given, however, would scarcely come, I fear, within this category. Applicants were favoured because they happened to livein a certain place, or because they followed a certain trade, or because they belonged to a certain denomination. As far as some of the guardians are concerned, the lesson of recent experiences appears to have been lost. These guardians are open to censure. The candidates, of course, are not to blame in any way, and despite the biassed voting referred to I believe the man selected will prove a reliable and efficient officer. The anonymous letter sent to the clerk was treated with the contempt it deserved. Mr. James very properly advised the Guardians not to pay any attention to it. Most cowardly and contemptible of miscreants is the man who, from behind a hedge, aims a bullet at the head of an unsupecting passer-by. The Guardians, acted wisely, however, in taking steps to clear away all suspicion, and to make certain that Mr. Price came within the advertised age. Mr. Price himself did not seem to be quite clear 011 the point, and in order to be on the safe side the registrar of births will be .appealed to. There is much speculation going on as to what Dr. Nansen found at the North Pole. I have been fortu- nate in obtaining specially authoritative information on the subject. What the doctor found there was a group of cosmopolitans and Cymru Fyddites arguing whether there °hould be four poles or only one. He says the debate was very amusing, and promises to send me additional particulars later on. I have said, more than once. that the English Liberals of Wales are more Welsh in their politics than the Welsh themselves, and that they do not advocate the domination of English ideas m Welsh politics. The Cambrian Nexus is a paper owned and edited by an Englishman, Mr. Gibson, who is not a blind upholder of everything Welsh, who is a clear thinker and fluent writer, and who has never lacked the courage of his convictions. In the latest issue of his journal he writes as follows:- The English residents of Wales are for the most part prouder of Wales, and more in sympathy with Welsh aspirations, then are the Welsh themselves, and it has often happened that the English in Wales have been the first to teach the natives of the Princi- pality that their country is a country to be proud of, with its history and language, its legends and poetry, to say nothing of its enchanting natural beauty." These are the words of an Englishman who has often said hard things about Welshmen. 1 maintain that he voices the sentiments of his countrymen generally, with the exception of Sir Edward Reed, Sir. Robert Bird, and the editor of the Smith Wales Daily News. Professor Morris Jones' second article on the Goreedd in Cymru, to the general reader, is not quite aa interesting as his first. He shows how the Glamorgan bards, after the great Carmarthen Eisteddfod of 1451, quarrelled with their fellows, and set up an Eisteddfod, or a Gorsedd, of their own; and how, with that Gorsedd as a starfing point, they worked back into the distant past, and wove a chair that linked their institution with the legends and rites of Druidism. Like some of our "county" families, they created an ancient lineage for them- selves, and invested themselves with the hoary halo of antiquity. What will Morien say to all this? But then Morien is out of this business. So is Hwfa Mon. I am the boss of the show now. I base my authority on the memorable line that decides the whole ques- tion: "Digawn gofal y gofangord," "enough care for the smith is the hammer." What have you there but "Hammersmith"? And what is "Hammer- smith but me, at your service ? If I'm not the only genuine Gwyddon Tir Iarll and Archdderwydd, then ancient documents have no value at all. Professor Morris Jones has been blamed for writing these ruthlessly destructive articles. The Gorsedd may not bQ ancient, say these slipshod critics, but it is a pity to disillusionise the public mind. Oh the whole, however, I rather think we had better get at the real truth of the matter, and, having got it, stick to it. That policy will be the safest in the long run. The Merthyr School Beard have been agreeably surprised at the number of highly-qualified assistants they have in their employ. The worthy chairman (who, I may notice in passing, is a most admirable disciplinarian, and will stand no nonsense) has publicly expressed the gratification of the Board at this dis- covery, and declared that the Board in future need not and will not, as far as practicable, go outside their own area to fill up vacancies. That is as it should bp, within reasonable limits. Incompetent insiders should not be given the preference over competent outsiders. But there is no danger of this being done for many years, as there are plenty of fully competent candidates in the Board's own schools. This may be a discovery to the Board. To others the fact was already well known. I am very glad the Board have at last found it out. By the way, does not the question of salary come in here ? Do these assistants, who, as the Board are gratified to find, have such splendid qualifications, receive reasonably adequate salaries for their services? Are the salaries, so to speak, commensurate with the diplomas ? I'm afraid the Board, by-and-bye, will be beaten with the stick they themselves have put in the hands of the assistants. So mote it be, say I. To -Cosmopolonius Your letter is very interest- ing, but I fail to see that its publication would answer any useful purpose at present. The Nonconformist Union of Ministers deserve to be complimented for initiating a soup kitchen for the children of the Plymouth men. They have done this with laudable promptitude. An invitation was issued to the ministers of all denominations to attend a com- mittee meeting on Monday night. The only ministers who disregarded the invitation were those of the Roman Catholic Church, Church of England, and the Unitarians. The Jews accepted, and are rendering most valuable help.

SOCIETYOF SOUTH WALES MUSICIANS. A meeting of the members of the South Wales Society of Musicians was held in the Parish-rooms, Pontypridd, on Saturday evening. Mr. T. Glyndwr Richards occupied the chair.—Arrangements were made for forming districts, and, on the motion of Mr. H. C. Mellon, seconded by Mr. E. Williams, it was decided to proceed with the election of associates at the next meeting. The following is a list of the districts agreed upon 1, Cardiff 2, Pontypridd 3, TafFs Well, Caerphilly, &c. 4, Treforest and Llantwit; 5, Llant .'isant and Cowbridge 6, Rhondda; 7, Cilfynydd, Penrhiwceiber, &c. 8, Mountain Ash 9, Aberdare 10, Merthyr 11, Dowlais 12. Rhymney 13, Tredepoar; 14, Ebbw Vale. &c. 15, Newport 16, Bridgend, Maesteg; 17, Swansea, Neath 18, Llanelly, Carmarthen, &c.

RUPTI'HE.—Important Notice. — S. J. Sherman, Hernia Specialist, still remains at his old addresses— 64. Clumcery-Iane. London, and 26, Kinr-street, Man- chester. Send for his new book of full informatwn, Tad. post free.

MUSICAL GOSSIP. The committee of the Brynmawr Eisteddfod have changed their brass band prizes into four, viz., £20, JB12, JB6, and JBt. This course has been adopted at the suggestion of the Brass Band Association. Mr. George Jones, Troedyrhiw, has been appointed conductor of the English Congregational Churches Singing Festival for the Merthyr and Aberdare Valleys, to be held at Market-square Chapel, Mer- thyr, on June 8. The Dowlais Philharmonic Society, which created such a favourable impression at Cardiff, have been engaged to give a concert at Newport, and already some Cardimans have written to Mr. Harry Evans with a view of getting the choir to sing at the Park Hall next winter. The Merthyr Choral Society started rehearsing for Mountain Ash on Sunday. There was an excellent attendance. The few weeks rest has done the singers a great deal of good, and they apply them- selves to their work now with renewed vigour. One of the bast flautists in the district is Mr. Edgar Daniel, of Penydarren, who plays with great taste. Abouttbree years ago our young townsman commenced to learn the flute, and received able assistance from Mr. W. Price, Upper Thomas-street. He ean now play at first sight any music placed before him, and his notes, both inlower and higher octaves, are as clear as a whistle. Mr. Daniel has taken part in several important orchestral concerts, and his praises are sung by critics wherever he goes. He has in his possession some of the music written by the late Dr. Davies, of Mountain Ash. Mr. Merlin Morgan, a native of Aberdare, has been offered the post of choirmasterat Haven Green Church, Ealing. Mr. Morgan has, however, declined the offer. Mr. Ffrangcon Davies has won his case against his agent. In his evidence he stated his taking for the three years during which the agent acted for him amounted to £1,975. The performance of Ruth" by the Aberdare English Baptist Choir was 80 successful that the choir have been asked to give a second performance. To this request the choir are, however, unable to comply. Is it not about time Maelgwyn left Mr. Dan Davies and the Merthyr Choir alone ? He girds at them in Tuesday's South Wale$Daily Nctvs in the old hector- ing style. He says of the choir that it is now defunct." If Maelgwyn knew anything about choral matters he would have been aware that at the very time his splenetic remarks were being set in type, the choir he so persistently abuses was enjoying itself around the festive board, and doing honour to its renowned leader. That doesn't look like being defunet." Criticism, however severe, is a healthy and useful thing but personal spleen and jealousy and bitterness are as injurious as they are con- temptible. Maelgwyn says there is bitter hatred between the Dowlais and the Merthyr Choirs Not an atom of that feeling exists outside Maelgwyn's own bosom. Many and diverse are the methods adopted to get a choir together. A conductor from the Aberdare Valley recently sent the following letterDear Madam,—You owe me seventeen shillings and six- pence farthing. I wish you a Happy New Year, and keep this sum as a Christmas greeting, but remember to be in the singing practice Sunday night." I do not know the result.

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MERTHYR GUARDIANS. Saturday. Present Messrs. D. P. Davies, J.P. (in the chair), T. Jenkins, H. W. Martin, T. Thomas, Rev." Aaron Davies, W. Phillips, D. Davies, J.P., Father O'Reilly, H. P. D. Phillip, J.P., J. Lloyd, D. Davies, Mrs. Emma Williams, Mrs. Mary Williams, Mrs. Peter Williams, Mrs. D. M. Richards, Messrs. Augustus Davies, T. Edwards, V. A. Wills, T. Williams, J.P., M. Truran, J.P., T. E. Mills, Canon Wade, Joseph Owen, T. Morris, R. H. Rhys, J.P.. J. Rogers..J.P., J. Rees, T. Pyle, D. James, D. Evans, E. Edwards, T. Bevan. Isaac H. Jones, T. Harris, J. W. Evans, W. Williams, R. Edwards, L. P. Edwards, Tudor Williams. D. Abra- ham, E. D. Howells, E. M. Hann, W. Davies, and F. T. James (clerk). SMALL-POX.—Two fresh cases of small-pox were re- ported. One was at Aberdare the patient had been conveyed into the hospital, and everything was done to prevent the spread of the disease. The second case was at Dowlais, the sufferer having been conveyed in- to the hospital.—Mr. H. W. Martin asked the clerk if he had had a report about a small-pox patient in Dowlais walking about the town ?—Mr. Dan Thomas That is the man, I suppose, who attended a wedding when he was actually sickening with small-pox.—The Clerk said that in the case reported from Dowlais the man had for a time refused to enter the hospital, and when he did go he insisted on walking there, refusing to go in the ambulance. WHAT THE VACCINATORS SAY. — The Clerk read the replies of the public vaccinators to the question whether re-vaccination was desirable. They all re- Elied in the affirmative with two exceptions, namely, >r. Leigh, Treharris, and Dr. T. Thomas.—Mr. Rhys proposed, and Mr. D. Davies, J.P., seconded, that placards lie issued advising people to be revaccinated. —Mr. Will" moved that the Guardians, including the lady Guardians, be asked to set an example. —Mr. J. W. Evans seconded the motion, which was carried. UXVACCINATKD CHILDREN.—At the previous meet- ing of the Board it will be remembered that Mr. Wills referred to an allegation that there were 500 children in the parish of Merthyr unvaccinated. The clerk had since made inquiries, and now reported that the figures fcr last year were as follows Births, 2,391 vaccinated, 1,995; dead. 244; removed. 24 vaccination postponed, 126. This accounted for 2,389 of the children born.—Canon Wade said the allega- tion was that a number of children were not registered, and the figures given by the clerk had reference only to those who had been registered. ELECTION OF RELIEVING OFFICER.—The Clerk read the applications and testimonials of four of the candi- dates selected to appear before the Board. These were Rees R. Price, 42, road foreman under the Aberdare Council; Llewellyn Richards, 35, head roods guard, Great Western Railway; David Williams, 27, traveller in the employ of the Aber- ?wawr Brewery and J. W. Young, 27, clerk in the employ of the Aberdare-Merthyr Colliery, Hirwain. The four were called into the room, and questions were asked them by the chairman and other mem- bers. Mr. Price was informed that the clerk had re- ceived an anonymous letter stating that his (Mr. Price's) age was 46 if so, he would be above the stipu- lated limit.—Mr. Price said that, to the be;,t of his belief, he was only 42, but he would be prepared to produce a certificate of birth in order to put the matter beyond dispute.—Mr. D. Davies Do you speak Welsh, Mr. Price?—Mr. Price Oh yes.— Mr. J. W. Morgan You are a Welsh bard, are you not, Mr. Price?—Mr. Price did not deny the soft im- peachment.—The candidates having been personally questioned, the voting was proceeded with, it being understood that Mr. Price's election, if he had a majority, was subject to the production of a certifi- cate of birth proving him to be within the advertised limit. In the first division the figures were Price, 15 Richards, 14 Williams, 9 Young, 6. Young's name was then struck off, and the six who had voted for him were asked to vote again. The result then was as follows Price, 19 Richards, 15 Williams, 10. The third and final division gave the following result:—Price, 27 Richards, 16.—The former was then declared elected. MASTER'S REPORT.—The Master (Mr. Pearcey) reported that the number of inmates in the house was 382 corresponding week, 409 A parcel of periodicals had been received from Mr. Jones, fishmonger, Glebe- land, and the usual parcel ot the Literature Society had also arrived. A LITERARY BREEZE.—There was a slight breeze ment these parcels of literature.—Mr. J. Lloyd asked if the parcels that were sent to the house were exam- ined by anybody with a view of ascertaining whether sverything received was of a proper and respectable character.—Mr. Dan Thomas said the question was a most improper one. It was not likely that the kind people who sent periodicals and books to the house would be guilty of the reprehensible conduct suggested by Mr. Lloyd.—Mr. D. Davies thought the subject was an important one, and he would say a small com- mittee should be appointed to examine the parcels both at the house and the Industrial School. There was danger that the minds of the inmates, especially the young children, might be contaminated by impure literature.—Mr. Dan Thomas said Mr. Davies' mind wanted enlightenment much more than the minds of the little children.—Mr. D. Davies was sorry to say that a book was put in his hands the previous night which he would grieve to find in the house.—Father O'Reilly: Was that a book sent to the house ?—Mr. Davies No.—Father O'Reilly: Are Mr. Davies' remarks not a reflection on the master ?—Mr. Dan Thomas Of course they are. For my own part I shall watch most carefully all literature coming from Baptist quarters henceforth (laughter) —The Clerk, on being asked, said he had, in conjunction with the master, examined some of the parcels that had been received. He had found nothing of an objectionable nature. The worst he could say of the literature was that it was dry, awfully dry (laughter).—Ultimately the matter was left in the hands of the clerk and master. THE BOARDROOM.—A small committee was ap- pointed to consider the alterations required in the Boardroom.

THEATRE ROYAL, MERTHYR. Friday last was set apart for the special benefit of the lady taking the part of "DICk Whittington at the Theatre Royal. There was a splendid house. Several new songs were introduced. Mr. Charles Homer sang Anchored in good style, and Miss M. Kessler, the champion lady cornet soloist, delighted the audience with her solos particularly did she excel in the Post Horn Gallop." So great was the applause that Mr. Smitheon has engaged Miss Kessler to appear in his variety combination next week. Mr. Smithson brought down the house with his sketch entitled Chucked," in which he took the principal part admirably. In the palace scene several Merthyr gentlemen appeared on the stage and sang God Bless the Prince of Wales and several Welsh glees. This week the boards are occupied by Mr. Gilbert Elliott's celebrated Adelphi drama, The Bells of Haslemere." Mr. Gilbert Elliot, the manager, takes the 1tart of Frank Beresford, the hero, admirably. The villian of the piece" is Mr. John Paley as John Silkstone," a London financier, who carries out his role with splendid effect. Some time ago Mr. Paley appeared in Merthyr in the Ticket of Leave Man," and his return has delighted all playgoers. Mr. Eric Mayne as Capt. Vere," an adventurer, is exceedingly good, and the other characters are well sustained. Of the ladies, Miss Amy Sangster, as Evelyn Brookfield," the heroine, acts very grace- fully, and Miss Ellen Snow, Miss Cecile Anson, and Miss Helen Farrington are exceedingly smart. Special importance is attached to Friday night, when Mr. Carlysle will be given a "benefit." Mr. Carlysle is the popular musical director, and the im- provement he has effected in the orchestra is praised by all. The W.M. of the Loyal Cambrian Lodge of Freemasons, Bro. Rowland Harris, and the brethren of the lodge will attend, Mr. Carlysle being a member of the craft. We hope there will be a large atten- dance. For next week Mr. Smithson has engaged a splendid and up-to-date variety combination, in which Miss M. Kessler will appear and give cornet solos. Among the artistes we may specially mention the Eccentric Tooles, knockabout comedians the Sisters Niagara, lady swimmers, who appear in a tank con. taining three tons of water Tom Hill, the Welsh comedian and the great Kelmar, ventriloquist. The lady artistes include Miss Plunkett, Miss Rose Wynne, with her flash of comedy, Miss Bella Lay, the serio-comic and ballad vocalist. The songs will be new and up-to-date, and should appeal to Merthyr playgoers.

DROWNING FATALITY AT ABEH- DARE JUNCTION. On Friday morning the body of a young man, named Richard Thome, 22 years of age, and residing at Top Locks, Aberdare Junction, was found in one of the locks of the Glamorganshire Canal. It appears that the young man was returning home after having taken part in an entertainment which was held in the Navi- gation Schools on Thursday night for the benefit of the widows and orphans of the six men who met with their death in the accident which took place at the Dowlais Navigation Colliery a few months since. The night being dark, and the young fellow being obliged to traverse the canal bank towards home, he must have mis3ed his footing and fallen into the locks. —An inquest was held on the body at the Navigation House Hotel on Friday afternoon, when a verdict of Accidental death from drowning" was returned. o

Correspondence. THE COMING ELECTIONS IN THE MERTHYR VALE WARD. SIR,—Some time ago you very sensibly commented in your columns anent the practice 130 prevalent of public men holding three and even four seats on our various public bodies. With those remarks I heartily agreed, and seeing that we, the electors of the Merthyr ale Ward, are likely to have several contests, I thought the time opportune to call attention to this and another important matter. I have no doubt that if the late Major Bell had been blessed with health and strength, he would have filled the duties apper- taining to the three seats he held with marked ability. But there are other gentlemen in the ward who are desirous of attaining public honours, all of whom, I feel sure, would, if honoured with a seat, display some ability to the advantage of this growing district. You have gentlemen in Merthyr (and they are in our ward too) who preach one man, one vote." But their sincereity in that declaration I very much doubt, for they do all they possibly can to monopolize the different seats, and so violate the spirit of the Acts of Parliament passed for the better administration of local affairs, and by so doing keep perllars far abler men than themselves in obscurity. I condemn this system tooth and nail, and blame my fellow-electors for giving them this monopoly. Any gentleman hold- ing three seats, and posing as a Liberal sails, to mv humble mind, under a false flag. I am a Liberal, bu't I have been thinking a good bit of late about the Acts of Parliament passed for the public good, and after mature consideration I came to the conclusion that I had not yet seen an Act passed that did not increase the rates. Take the Education Act as one illustration. The late Mr. W. E. Forster. when intro- ducing his Bill, said that the School Board Rate would not exceed threepence in the JB. Look how that estimate has been exceeded. I see your popular Senior Member, known as "D.A. has very properly taken some action in St. Stephen's with a view of mitigating this great public burden. We are now taxed up to the hilt, and the long-expected relief seems as far off as ever. Fancy the Taff Vale Rail- way Company paying in one half-year £22,000 in rates, equal to nearly one per cent. dividend on their ordinary stock. A poor working man decides to build a house, and before he can scarcely get the bricks and mortar together he is taxed. Rates and taxes we must pay, but my object in writing you in addition to what I have said above is to try and reach the ears of the Merthyr Vale Ward electors, and impress upon their minds the necessity of binding all candidates seeking public honours to strict economy in the spend- ing of the ratepayers' money, many of whom at the present time can scarcely keep body and soul together. —I am, sir, A POOR RATEPAYER. February 17th. I.L.P. AT TREHARRIS. SIR,—Please allow me to vindicate myself from the assertion of Anti-Socialist" in reference to my change of front which he loudly asserts has taken place. I will not again dwell upon Anti-Socialist's ridiculous charge of connection with the local church. Anti-Socialist is now throwing mud by enquiring where the finances come from. I may say in reply that it is not from the clan of Anti-Socialist." Tom Mann, in an article in the Clarion a little while ago, ably explained that latest and nearly-forgotten bogey of Anti-Socialist's." Perhaps it is Mr. Keir Hardie your reactionary contributor refers to yet who, in the name of common sense, would imagine that Con- servatives contributed funds to fight a Tory candidate ? Anti-Socialist thinks that Welsh political opinion is most progressive. On the other hand, I was incidentally informed one day that what the Welsh thought was revolution the English considered evolu- tion. The Liberal Party's mission has been accom- plished. It is firmly and rapidly being replaced on the lines of the I.L.P., and we are fast meeting the common enemy hand to hand. Anti-Socialist" has queer ideas about Socialism. Is not the Truck Act a Socialistic measure ? Does not the Truck Act protect the interests of the employed ? Now, sir, there are Socialists and Socialists. We will divide these into true and false. I emphatically assert that the former cannot by following the dictates of his conscience support the aims and objects of the Liberal Party. Anti-Socialist" asserts that the I.L.P., by their action, are impeding progress. I say no. Even the Free Labour Association is incapable of such a distinction. We will impede and harass parties lyinr between us and our ends, but not progress. "Anti- Socialist" looks to the great Liberal Party for reform. So did we, and we were disappointed. What is the great Liberal Party doing to prevent the land going out of cultivation?—Yours faithfully, EXPECTANT. TEMPERANCE AT CEFN. SIR,—My letter of the 6th inst. seems to have troubled Mr. Justice and his clique very much. They are much concerned about my ignorance, and pity me in consequence. He has, however, found out his mistake. He says the committee was made up of two deacons from Ebenezer and two from Tabor. I have asked him to produce the names, and he has failed to do so. That proves that the committee was a clique. Come to the point, Mr. Justice and Co. He pities me very much because I am, as he thinks, a mere cat's-paw to my friends. He is a cat's-paw to the clique, but I am not. "Justice" saya Mr. Davies was right. I have proved that he was wrong, and that it was the Moriah Temperance Society that gave them the authority. I ask again, how was Mr. Davies chosen chairman? He told us at the meeting that he was chairman when Plenydd was here before. Is there no one in Cefn who is tit te preside over a Plenydd meeting but Mr. Davies ? If that can be proved, I give in. The general custom is that the minister of the chapel where the meeting is held occupies the chair at gatherings of this sort. What do you think of Dr Thomas Rees, a man who has upheld the Temperance cause for over 40 years ? Where were the doctor's friends ? Four of them were present, three of them being very warm friends of the doctor. I should be very glad to know which of the clique wrote the epistle signed "Justice." We know that the clique has four smoking-rooms in Cefn, all situated within a few yards of certain public-houses. We know where the headquarters of the clique are. It is very doubtful whether there were two deacons from Tabor and two from Ebenezer on the committee, and these churches, I am told, are going to investigate the matter, and call soiaebody to account, and make them go down on their knees, a thing which they have done very little of in their life. Which of these prominent men were present at the Plenydd meeting? Some time ago we saw some Temperance men in Cefn having something to do with the taking out of a licence for a public-house. Do these men belong to the clique ? I am very sorry that" Justice and Co." should be so anxious to see me hauled over the coals by the church to which I belong. I am quite ready for that operation any day. There are men in Moriah Chapel who have a strong moral backbone, and I would be willing to leave my case in their hands. But heaven save me from the clique.—Yours, &c., 4, Field-street, Cefn. M. L. PRICE. THE RAPE CASE AT CAPCOCH. Sin,—It is written, My house is the house of prayer, but ye have made it a den of thieves." What the people of Capcoch are trying to make of their chapels I fail to make out. They have just utilised the Baptist Chapel in that place to hold an indigna- tion meeting to protest against the sentence passed on a lot of ruffiians for committing a rape under the most dastardly circumstances. One of the men was married, and had five children. How would that person like his wife or daughter to be treated in a like manner. Both the judge and jury have, by the verdict and sentence, taken a very just view of the crime, and in the words of a popular song And it don't seem a day too much." I hope that when the Baptist Chapel at Capcoch is next used it will be for a more legitimate purpose.—Yours, etc., ONE or THE CUOWD. Y GYMRAEG YN LLYTHYRDY MERTHYR. SYR,—Er vnwyn "Chwareuteg a'r Cymry cyflog- edig yn y Swyddfa uchod, a fyddwch chwi garediced a rhoddi ychydig ofod i ni i newid gair a Fairplay" ? Nid am ein bod yn credu ei fod ef yr hyu a ymddengys yn ei lythyr yr ydym am ei ateb, canys dywed ei fod yn unieithog, ond pur anaml y canfyddir Saeson un- iaith a fuasent yn debyg o ddal sylw ar ddigwyddiad fel yr un a nodir gan "Fairplay" mewn swyddfa gyhoeddus, ag a barai lddo fyned 1'r drafferth o anfon nodyn i nevvyddiadur er ei fwyn, a sicr yw mai anamlach fyth y canfyddir yr "Elfen deneu ysblenydd" hyny o gydymdeimlad ag sydd yn ei nodyn, o barthed cysuron y Cymro uniaith. I'r gwrtliwyneb, fel rheol, y canfyddir pethau, ac os mai Sais uniaith gonest ydyw hwn, wel, dyma Sais eithriadol. Yr ydym yn rhwym 0 roddi credyd iddo am gywirdeb y digwyddiad a nodir ganddo, ond cofier yr un pryd mai digwyddiad ydoedd, oblegid gellir cael tystiolaeth oddiwrth y Cymro uniaith fu yn achos o'r digwyddiad hwn, ei fod ef wedi bod yma droion yn flaenorol I hyn, a chael rhai o'r tu ol t'r bwrdd cyfnewid yn llavvri mor alluog ag yntau i ymddyddan ag ef yn ei un iaith anwyl. A dygwydd- odd hefyd y tro hwn, cyn iddo fyned allan, i Mr. Fred Wilkins, ein pnf glerc, ddyfod i mewn. yrhwn oedd yn alluog i ddwyn yr hen frawd drwy ei holl anhawsderau. Y mae Mr. Fred Wilkins bob amser yn barod, er nad yw yn drylwyr hyddysg yn y Gymraeg, i wneyd ei oreu gyda phob Cymro uniaith a ddaw i mewn i'r swyddfa. Ein rheswm peuaf am wneyd sylw o nodyn Fair- play" yw ei fod yn rhoddi argraff ar feddwl y cyhoedd, yn neillduol Cymry, fod y tri Chymro ganfyddir yma yn eu tro, bron bob awr o'r dydd, wedi myned, fel canoedd craill o Gymry sydd wedi cyrhaedd ychydig o safle, yn rhy falch i arddel Cymru, Cymro, a Chymraeg. Mae un o'r tri Chymro hyn wedi treulio dros saith mlynedd yn y swyddfa hon; un arall yn frawd iddo, dros chwech; a'r trydydd oddeutu tair. A gallvvn fod mor hunan- ymffrostgar a hyn, ein bod mor deyrngarol i'n hiaith, ein gwlad, a'n cenedl ag unrhyw Sais unieithog, pwy bynag yw. Heblaw hyn, y mae eraill yn fynych iawn o gwmpas y bwrdd cyfnewid" yn alluog braidd i wneyd yr hyn oil ag sydd yn angen o'r gwaith yn Nghymraeg, er hebfod yn hyddvse iawn yn yr iaith. Hefyd yn mhlith y llythyr-gludwyr ceir amryw Gymry o waed coch cyfan, rhai na fyddant hvtli yn gwrido wrth amddiffyn eu hiaith a'u gwlad. Gresyn meddwl, o'r ochr arall, fod yma feibion i deuluoedd Cymreig wedi eu gem a'u magu o fewn ergyd careg i'r swyddfa, heb fod yn alluog i ddeall fawr, nac i siarad dim o'r Hen Omeraeg anwyl." Bydded i'r digwyddiad y mae Fairplay" wedi nodi godi gwrid i'whwynebau, a'usymbylu i fynu meistroli Mamiaith pedeiriaith dirion,—a chwaeriaith Chwe' eraill, sy' feirwon Ond iaith fyw heddyw yw hon, Yn llaw Ner a llenorion." CYMRO O'R SWYDDFA.

THROAT IRRITATION AND COI'GH.—Soreness ADD dryness, ticklinsr and irritation, inducing cough and affecting the voice For these svmptoms use Epps's Gl.vcenne Jujubes. I11 contact with the'glands at the moment they arc excited by the act of sucking, the Glycerine in these agreeable confections becomes actively healing. Sold only 111 boxes, » £ d., tins Is lid., labelled" JAMKS Epps. & Co., Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Dr. Moore, in his work on "Nose and Throat Diseases." savs: The Olycerinc Jujubes prepared by Janves Epp3 arc ot undoubted service as a curative or palliative ajtent, while Dr. Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician to the Municipal Throat and Ear Infirmary, writes: After an extended trial, I have found your Glycerine Jujubes of considerable benefit u almost til forms of throat diecas*

BY THE WAY. There was just the beginning of a breeze at the last meeting of the Merthyr School Board. The members, however, were not haying any this time, and the thing fell flat. That's what it is to have a really strong man in the chair. Very charitable sentiments prevailed at the last meeting of the Merthyr School Hoard. A Church- man proposed, and a Baptist seconded, that an Independent church be granted thu use of one of the schools at a specially low rate. The Merthyr School Board have got their eye on the cleaners," who, they fear, are rather too ready to make extra charges when they are not really entitled to the same. They admit that payment should be made in cases of tea parties, concerts, eisteddfodau, and big gatherings of that sort. But some cleaners are said to make extortionate charges when they have no additional work to perform. Acoording to Stubbi' Weekly Gazette, the number of failures in England and Wales gazetted during the week ending February 15th, was 154. The number in the corresponding week of last year was 179, showing an deoreaae of 25. In the following remarks, which we cull from a most interesting special article on the Plymouth dis- pute in a Cardiff daily, there is a vein of delicate, diplomatic irony of so subtle a nature that everybody is not able to see it:—There is, of course, no ground for supposing either side is subsidised in a Machiavelian policy of resistance. Furthermore, it may be assumed, if not deduced from the recent negotiations, that, although opinions upon some points may differ, the people who are dealing with one another are of flesh and blood, and have a proper respect one towards the other." In the current number of the Traethodydd an article appears on "The Incarnation," by the Rev. John Williams, Princess-road, Liverpool. He gives four theories which are held respecting it, three of which he considers unorthodox. He suggests that the views of Principal Edwards, Bala, Canon Gore, and others are not orthodox. At the Theatre last week two comedians had a heated argument, which ended in the one saying to the other, Well, you are a liar or you must be a commercial traveller." Several commercial men who were present, including our own traveller, thought the cap fitted them, and walked out. We are informed by Mr; John Vaughan that Mr. W. Pritchard Morgan, the Junior Member for the Merthyr Boroughs, will not return from the Antipodes for at least eight weeks. Mr. R. R. Price, the newly-appointed relieving officer for Aberdare, is a good musician, and on Thurs- day he conducted the Aberdare English Baptist Choir when they performed "Ruth." Dr. Leigh, Treharris, was oneof Transvaal Jameson's fellow-students at the London Hospital. At the pantomime last week:- We are glad to hear the news That Merthyr's going to erect a statue To Sir M llliam Thomas Lew(i)s. Mr. Valentine Watson, the Conservative agent, has removed to Mountain Ash to work up that dis- trict on behalf of the Conservatives. Liberals, be up and doing without delay. Where are the Liberal agents ? And where, oh where, is the Liberal Club ? At the pantomime last week Fitzwarren Did you attend the Liberal Federation meeting at New- port the other day?" Cookie: "I did." Fitz- warren But you could not speak." Cookie: Ob, yes." Fitzwarren What did you represent then. Cookie: The Brecon-road Liberal Association." The baptisms in the parish of Merthyr Tydfil in the year 1710 were 7, and the burials 17 in the year 1750, baptisms 27, burials 16. It was then estimated that "in 1813, including the village of Coedycymmer, which is a suburb in consequence of the ironworks, the population may amount to 12,000, being more than double the number of the most populous town or parish in Wales How the times have changed. A caligraphic competition is to come off soon at Merthyr. At present the betting is pretty even on Colonel Lewis, Mr. Charles Wilkins, and Mr. E. Lavvrance,

A FACT THAT PURCHASERS AT ^y^ILLIAMS'S, ]_4, HIGH STREET SAVE FROM 15 TO 25 PER CENT. This is an absolute fact, as many of our customers have testified. Ask anyone who has purchased from us, and they will satisfy you. Many houses in the furnishing trade are accustomed to ticket goods at the doors, especially cheap, to attract attention. Williams's have no call-birds of this description all their goods are priced in the same low ratio as those particularised below. THE PRICES. THE TRIUMPH LEATHER SUITE.-Com- moner Suites are sold elsewhere from 6 to 8 guineas. Our price for a good Suite, sound aa» bell, £4 17s. 6d. PEDESTAL WRITING TABLES. Others' JL price, £3 10s. Williams's price, 44e. SIDEBOARDS.—A grand 6ft. bow-front Sidebotfd, s in walnut, oak, or mahogany, only 13 guinella. DINING TABLES.—Telescope Dining Tables, with extra leaf, polished throughont, 35a. OVERMANTELS.—See our really magnificent display of all solid Walnut Overmantels at 10 to 20per cent, less than others charge for veneered ones. Call upon us, and you will be satisfied thi* is true. OUCHES.—Good Leather Couches, well stuffed, c 17s. lid. SADDLEBAG SUITES -A good, sound, saddle s bag Suite, nice pattern, well-made frames, and clean finish, for 7 guineas. CABfNET. — Inlaid Rosewood, with bevelled C plates, £5 12s. 6d. DEDROOM SUITES.—WilliMns'eGtgaotM Sfcxfr of Bedroom Suites is unep and un- approachable. They are not garret-made goede. Call and see what they are, and the prices will astonish you. BEDROOM SUITE.—A pretty Suite, Japanned Satin Walnut and Hungarian Ash, with plate- glass door to wardrobe, dressing chest, marble top washstand, &c., &c.. £4178. 6d. EDROOM SUITE.—6ft. Black Walnut Bedroom Suite, high-class maleeand finish, far 22 gumeae. This is acknowledged marvellous value. Commoner suites are sold daily for 8 and 10 guineas more money. Call and spe this suite. UCHESSE TOILETS. — Williams's Cheaf» Duchesse Toilets, 36s. 6d. the pair. B" EDSTEADS.—Full size Bedsteads, cWtap makes 9s. lid. BEDSTEADS, with massive pillars, a special line. With 2-inch polished pillars and heavily braes mounted for 65s. as good and heavy a bedstead as those ticketed elsewhere at jM 4s. BEDSTEAD in Parisian shape, with brass mounts and pearl spindles, £ 2 12s. 6d. WIRE MATTRESSES, double woven, from 7s. lid. WOOL MATTRESSES from 9s. lid. MANGLES, full size, 24-inch, warranted best quarted rollers, 35s. Compare the prices. BRASS CURBS and FENDERS from 4s. lid. The Champion Brass Curb, with 6 massive supports and heavy rail, at 18s. lid., speaks for itself you have doubtless seen it in our windows. Call and look at it next time you are passing. OILET and DINNER WARE.—A neat pattern, full size, Toilet Set, 4s. lid. Dinner Servioes from 7s. lid, A.RPETS and CURTAINS.—Tapestry Squares, 15s. lid., excellent pattern; Lace Curtains, with frilled edges, 6s. lid. BASSINETTES and MAIL CARTS.-As we are B compelled to clear these to make rootn for ou' growing Furniture trade, we are offering them a exceptionally Low Prices. t JpRINCESS MAY ROCKERS, 10s. 6d. each. fjpUUMPirN L'RyERY CHAIRS from 10s. 6dT TCHEN CHAIRS. —Good Lath-back Chairs, 2s. lO^d. each. A RODS. Round, Half-round, and Tri angular Stair Rods at 25 per cent. off iron- mongery prices. CORNICE POLES of every description. Shaped Brass Bay Window Poles, l^in. thick Is. 6d. per foot. Our Magnificent Furnishing Guide Free by Post All Goods Delivered Free. Please Note Address:- WILLIAMS'S, THE JJIURNISHINU jgKPOElta 14. HIfU ST. CAEM"'

ABERDARE NOTES. [By ARGUS.] A resident of Ynyulwyd-road, Aberainuii, com- plains of the actions of drunken men who knock at the doors of the houses in the early hours of the morn- ing, much to the inconvenience and annoyance of the householders. Perhaps the police will exercise a little more vigilance over that neighbourhood. It was suggested that God Save the Queen should be sung aa the finale at the Women's Liberal meeting but the majority wanted Hen Wlad fy Nhadau,' and their demands were acceded to. Bravo, ladies Great local interest is being taken in the achieve- ments of Mr. Harry Cullum, who is now a bona fide member of the Aberdare Harriers' Athletic Club. Cullum, who is in fine fettle, has entered for the Southern Counties Cross Country Championship and the mile championship of England. The following notice may l>e seen at Sweet 'Berdar: Only animqps on view." What funny things animails~$mist be Alfred Lewifc, the well-known Aberaman cyclist, intends going to Paris to train for races at Bordeaux. Verily, Aberaman is quite a nursery for crack cyclists. According to a letter read at the Council meeting, Tonllwyd-road, Aberaman, is in a fearful state. Pedestrians going that rcute are over shoes in mud which is from six to seven inches deen." That is worse than David Price-street. The Chairman of the School Board told his colleagues at the Board meeting on Thursday that he did not think there was any necessity for referring the matter of the teachers' salaries to a committee, as suggested by Mr. Heppell. Although the chairman does not see his way clear to increase the salaries of the teachers, he voted for increasing the salary of one of the employees of the District Council some time ago, notwithstand- ing the fact that the official in question did not ask for an increase. We are getting on The English Baptist Choir performed the sacred opera, Ruth," on Thursday. There was a time when some religious bigots viewed the performance of an opera of any kind with feelings of horror and indignation. But since then there has been more light," and members of the Christian < churches now go to hear an opera and are not shocked. I notice in Mr. Berry's studio the portrait of the < oldest inhabitant of Aberdare." This is Mrs. Parr who lives with her daughter in Bond-street. Mrs. { Parr has attained the age of 97, and notwithstanding < her advanced age she is hale and hearty and retains possession of all her faculties. 1 1 Mr. J. W. Evans, C.C., will be a candidate for No. < 3 Ward at the forthcoming Council election. Mr. Evans will, undoubtedly, prove a strong candidate. ] 1 Another young man was fined at the Police-court I on Tuesday for using obscene language in the street. I The police-officer gave a sample of the fellow's 1 vocabulary, which, for beastiality could not. perhap", J be rivalled. It is to be hoped that there will be I further prosecutions of this nature. ] c Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart., has almost recovered from 1 his recent illness, and has gone to the South of I England for a change. < I It is interesting to note that Mr. Grattan, G.W.R., ] Aberdare, is the oldest member of the Amalgamated I Society of Railway Servants in South Wales. i 1 Mr. Arthur Brogden, the founder of the famous I ] Swiss Choir, at present appearing at Aberdare, has 1 had an interesting career. He was in his earlier days 1 a reporter on the Dover Chronicle. It was Mr. Brogden who first introduced the famous Welsh I party, now appearing at the London Empire, before an English audience. Mr. Brogden has not had as ] much credit for this as he deserves. Some people are 1 apt to forget their benefactors. j The people of Aljeraman show their love for the G.O.M. by styling one of their best thoroughfares l. Gladstone-street. 1 Young Jimmy Michael is the greatest attraction at ( Aberaman these days. One of Jimmy's characteris- ( tics is that he has not got conceited and puffed up" I after his famous achievements in Gay Paree." The I "little wonder" is as modest and unassuming as ] ever. 1 There is a spot at Aberaman called Gooselierry j Hill. Of course there are 110 gooseberries there— never were any.. But that does not make any difference. j Some of the teachers at the schools have now, it seems, to act as school attendance officers and hunt up naughty little boys and girls who play truant. Oup-lit not the Board to pay them something extra for doing this work ? We recommend this to the notice of the Economists. A man charged at th« police-court for drunkenness ( hoped that the Bench Would deal leniently with him j because that was the first time for him to appear in that court this year P' Cool, wasn't it ? Justice writes Is it true* dear Argus, that the Aberdare School Board is to be known in future as the Aberdare Sweating Board ? Rather hard on the Economists, eh ? It has been suggested that the new buildings at the ] bottom of Jenkin-street should be called Glan-nant- street. The Council do not, however, favour the idea and argue that the new houses are only a continuation of Jenkin-street. Anyway, Glan-nant is a prettier name than prosaic II Jenkm." Moreover, it is good Cymraeg, and that means a lot. Several groups of ladies have been lately seen practising cycling in the Park. And in bloomers too. Fancy! A person going up David Price-street the other night missed his footing owing to the Egyptian dark- ness that prevailed, and fell heavily. If that person had broken his leg who would have been responsible ? This street is in a scandalous condition not only is it in a terribly muddy state, but it is also badly lighted. Why do the Council not buy a steam roller ? It might cost them something at the start, but it would save them money in the long run. The roller would keep the streets in better order. If small. towns of 5,000 people can buy such an article, surely Sweet 'Berdar, with over 40,000 inhabitants, could.

HEOLGrERRIG CONTINUATION CLASSES. The first session in connection with the above classes, which have been exceedingly successful, was brought to a close on Monday evening. The usual curriculum of the classes was dispensed with, and a social" meeting had been arranged for instead. There were over 90 students present. A capital tea had been prepared under the supervision of the Misses M. Watkins and M. A. Williams (the headmistress of Ileolgerrig Schools), assisted by the Misses Walters, Williams, Jones, and Bowen, and Mrs. Jones.—The tables being cleared, Mr. E. Stephens presided over'the remainder of the proceedings. The Chairman said that he was exceedingly gratified to find such an excellent muster of pupils present at the close of the session. He com pli man ted both teachers and students on the signal success which had attended their efforts.—Mr. R. Price (head teacher of the classes) then gave a brief report of the work done during the session. He mentioned that the attendance had been very good, there being only two less at the close than at the opening of the session. Ninety-four hours instruction had been given, and the average attendance was 80. Forty-eight students had quali- fied themselves for the attendance prizes given by the School Board.—Mr. Ernest Daniel followed with a most encouraging speech, urging the pupils to even greater efforts in the future.—The following con- tributed most interesting items in the way of songs and recitations Miss Ceridwen Bowen, and Messrs. M. Evans. W. Jones, D. Abraham, Fred Pedlar, Morgan Williams, Morgan Webber.—A most in- teresting feature of the evening was the presentation of prizes to those who had attended resrularly. At the close hearty votes of thanks were accorded the ladies for their kind assistance, and the chairman for presiding, and for the interest he has taken in the classes.—Messrs. Tom Thomas, Henry Evans, and J. G. Evans (teachers at the classes), were present, and rendered every possible help to make the affair a success. -a,