Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

A t ASTOUNDING FACTS! —■—B■BQgqosgLJW II H 2,000,000 persons could have One Week's Linen washed beautifully clean, or lOOjCfU J>crS0il3 co:^d wash their hands and faces once with the SUNLIGHT SOAP made in ONE SINGLE WORKING day at Port Sunlight. tl-rr A,or(l, '01,LjCTION is DA1. [>.E, ■ would be sufficient to h ^j,e j r(-e fr £ j frccs, of ever y men, woman, and child (1.500,000,000 persons) on the face of the Globe. •i.SV SUNLIGHT SOAP £1000 will be given to any Charitable Institution if the above statements »rs untrue.

THE PLYMOUTH CRISIS. MASS MEETING AT THE THEATRE. Another mass meeting of the workmen connected with the Plymouth Collieries was held on Thursday morning at the Theatre Royal, by kind permission of the lessee.—Mr. Robbins presided.—The first resolu- tion expressed the indignation of the meeting with the proposal of the Coalowners' Association with regard to the discharge notes, calling upon the repre- sentatives of the men on the Joint Sliding-scale Com- mittee to meet as soon as possible, and to endeavour to stop this unfair practice.—It was also resolved, That we, as unemployed workmen, tender our sincere thanks to the members of the District Council for the courteous manner they receiyed the deputation for the purpose of laying our request for work before them, also for the prompt action taken in searching for various requirements for public works, so as to find employment for as many as possible, thereby assisting to keep want and distress from the district." -It was further resolved to tender a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. Smithson, lessee of the theatre, for lending the building for the meeting free of charge.- An appeal for assistance is being sent out by Mr. J. Evans, secretary, on behalf of the Plymouth work- men, to the colliery workmen of South Wales. A notice has also been given by the leaders warning persons not to give monetary help to anyone unless they produce the books used by the committee, and containing their namea, MEETING OF THE DISTRICT COUNCIL. A special meeting of the District Council was held on Friday evening, there being present Messrs. T. H. Bailey, D. Davies, Dan Thomas, J. Lewis, J. Evans, Tom Thomas, D. James, V. A. Wills, W. Lewis, and T. F. Harvey (surveyor), and G. C. James (clerk). The chair at the commencement was occupied by Mr. Bailey.—The Clerk read the requisition calling the meeting, signed by Messrs. Dan Thomas, Joseph Owen, and J. Harpur.—Mr. D. Davies proposed, Mr. T. Thomas seconded, and the Chairman supported, a vote of condolence with Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Lewis, Abercanaid, on the death of their daughter also with Mrs. Bell and family on the death of Major Bell. Mr. Bailey then said he would prefer not to occupy the chair that evening for reasons which he need not dwell upon. The vice-president was not present, and he therefore asked the Council to elect another chair- man.—Mr. T. Thomas moved, and Mr. J. Lewis seconded, that Mr. D. Davies lie elected.-rhis was carried, and Mr. Davies then took the chair. The Clerk read the following letter, which he had sent to the Local Government Board "Re Unemployed.—On the 30th September, 1894, the Local Government Board issued a circular on this subject, and they issued a further circular on the 11th February, 1895. The state of the Merthyr Tydfil Urban District Council area is at the present time a perfectly normal one, except that the collieries owned by the Hill's Plymouth Company, and where 2,000 or 3,000 men are employed, are at a standstill in conse- quence of the employers having given their men notice to determine their contracts. This notice expired on the 1st inst. The contracts have not been determined consequent upon the exhaustion of coal at the collieries, but pending the settlement of a question in regulating wages of, it is eaid. aliOOtion of the men. The work at the collieries would be resumed immediately if the men would return to work upon the conditions stipu- lated for by the management. A committee, consist- ing of the whole of my Council, was held on the 10th inst., and the recommendations, a copy of which accompauiee this letter, were adopted for submission to the Council. A special meeting of the Council will be held on Friday next, the 14th inst., for dealing with the recommendations of the committee, when the Council will be much obliged for any suggestions which the Local Government Board It might be pleased to make upon the Council's position to spend the rates in finding temporary employment 0 for the unemployed men of the Plymouth Collierj. It will be observed that, according to the recommenda- tions of the committee, the Council are asked to approach tho Local Government Board with regard to borrowing money, and as clerk I have thought it light to advise that money can only be borrowed upon the sanction of the Local Got erment Board, and for the purposes of carry on permanent work, and after due formalities have been gone through, such as the acquisition by the Council of land, etc.That after- noon he had received the following telegram in reply to the above communication Re unemployed. Board can express no opinion as to whether sanction to a loan can properly be given until they are informed of the nature of the works which it is proposed to undertake, and have been furnished with plans and detailed estimates and with copy resolution of Council authorising application.In reply to this telegram he had wired to the Local Government Board as follows Under circumstances mentioned in my letter of yesterday are Council justified in giving temporary employment to unemployed ? "-To this telegram no reply had been received. Mr. Dan Thomas took exception to the terms of the clerk's letter to the Local Government Board. The paragraph about the exhaustion of the coal showed bias, and the whole letter was only an attempt at trumping up the case for the Plymouth Company. He understood that the Council were to see this letter before it was sent to London, and he should like to knew why that was not done.—The Clerk, in reply, said that, the matter being urgent, he thought it advisable to forward the letter with as little delay as possible. To submit it to all the members of the Council would have meant the loss of much time. He had therefore asked Mr. Tom Thomas and Mr. John Evans to attend at his office, and help him in the framing of the letter. This they had very kindly done. They had seen the letter, and had been supplied with copies of it. He (the clerk) thought they were quite capable of protecting the interests of the Plymouth men. Mr. D. James asked Mr. Bailey if his company would find work for some of the men out of employ- ment.—Mr. Bailey said they could employ men to do some repairing work.—Mr. T. Thomas And to cut coal as well?—Mr. Bailey No.—Mr. T. Thomas said the men could not accept Mr. Bailey's offer. The offer, in fact, had been made, he thought, to pre- judice the minds of the Council. Mr. W. Lewis was of opinion they had nothing at present to go upon. They did not know whether the Local Government Board would sanction a loan, and until they bad obtained information on that point, they were not in a position to do anything. As to providing work, and paying for it out of the General District Rate, there were many difficulties to be met. That rate had already been overdrawn to the extent of about J61,000, and if they went on still further, they would inevitably come into collision with the ratepayers.—Mr. J. Lewis asked if the scheme drawn out by the surveyor bad been sent to the Local Government Board.—The Clerk replied in the nega- tive, as it was the business of the present meeting to consider that scheme.—Mr. Wills said the surveyor's scheme would be useless unless they obtained the sanction of the Local Government Board to raise a loan. The current rate could not be drawn upon.- The Chairman said Mr. W. Lewis opposed anything and everything unless Treharri3 derived some benefit therefrom.—Mr. W. Lewis retorted that the chairman should be very careful in his utterances, and should not indulge in personalities. It was then decided to hear the scheme prepared by the surveyor. — Mr. Harvey said there were several roads that needed improvements. They were the following :—Road from Penrheol to Clwydyfasrwyr; from Gellifaelo? to Bryniau from Goitre to Pontsarn from Twvny- rodyn to C" mbargoed; Gwaunfarren to Gellifaelog the road leading past Cwm Pit; a road at Pengarddu; from Penydarren to Mountain Hare; and mountain roads generally. These would provide work for about 195 men, but he could not srive any definite idea as to the probable expense.—Mr. John Evans mentioned the road from Fairview-terrace towards the Dowlais Incline, and Mr. T. Thomas referred to the road leading from the Swansea-road to Ponty- capel Brewery. —Mr. J. Lewis said be had called on Mr. Thomas Williams, J.P., with reference to the road leading from Gwaunfarren to Gellifaelog. Mr. Williams had expressed his willingness to do every- thing he could to help the Council in this matter. He (Mr. Lewis) had also seen Mr. John Vaughan, solicitor, in his capacity as agent for Colonel Morgan, another owner interested in the road. The Colonel was communicated with, and intimated his intention to come over to Merthyr on the following Monday. In answer to the chairman, Mr. J. Evans said he had a list of 315 men who were in very necessitous circumstances. The names had been sent to him from men in the various districts.—Mr. Bailey thought the only proper person to give a list of people in distress was the relieving officer.-This view was dissented fiom by the members generally.—Mr. Bailey said if they gave relief to people other than those certified to be in need of relief by the relieving officer, they might get into a difficulty with the auditor.—Mr. Dan Thomas argued that the Council was not respon- sible to the auditor for the way in which it spent money, but only for the way in which the accounts were kept. They were responsible only to the rate- payers as to the objects towards which they devoted public money.—Mr. T. Thomas took the same view, and strongly opposed anything that would pauperise the men. After further discussion, it was agreed to give the men work on Monday, the clerk to communicate with the owners of the private roads in question, and also with the Court Estate with reference to the piece of land between the Brickworks and Twynyrodyn. The men to be employed in relays, to work nine hours a day, at the rate of 3s. 2d. a day the surveyor to procure a supply of tools. The ques- tion of approaching the contractor of the new water works was also discussed, but the Council resolved itself into a committee to deal with that matter.—In the course of the discussion Mr. T. Thomas com- plained that several resolutions passed by the Council had not been carried out by the surveyor. The sur- veyor, it seemed to him, had taken this work up in a very half-hearted manner, and had not made adequate effort to facilitate the work contemplated by the Council.—Mr. Bailey thought the surveyor had, in the short time at his disposal, got through what seemed to him to be an astonishing amount of work. -The Surveyor said he had done all he possibly could to carry out the wishes of the Council. The Council, it should be remembered, had given him no instruc- tions. All he was to do was to draw out a scheme. That scheme had been drawn out, and was sub- mitted to the Council that evening. He had taken much interest in the work, and bestowed on the scheme a great deal of careful thought. He did not see what more be could have done, or that anything ( more was expected of him, as he had done what the J Council had asked him to do. I Mr. Bailey at this juncture, rising to leave the room, asked the chairman if it was likely that he could give the Council any further information.—The Chairman said they were all no doubt anxious to know whether there was any hope of the dispute being settled.—Mr. Bailey said he had not been approached by the men. Several members Have you approached the men ?—Mr. Bailey explained that the matter had been entrusted to Mr. Jones, Varteg, who had power to settle the dispute on the part of the management. Mr. Jones had not been approaohed, as far as he (Mr. Bailey) knew. SATURDAY'S DOINGS The foregoing statement of Mr. Bailey' produced consternation among the men. Everybody thought that negotiations had been abandoned, and Mr. Bailey's deebmtion that thecompany's representative, Mr. Joncf, Varteg; WM waiting to be approached by the men was a great surprise. On Saturday morning, Mr. David Morgan was in Merthyr at an early hour, and he was quite as much surprised as the local leaders by what Mr. Bailey had said. Mr. John Bvana I"et no time in telegraphing to Mr. Jones, asking him whether or not he was prepared to resume negotiations with Mr. David Morgan, and whether he had full power to arrange the dispute on t>ehalf of the Company. Unfortunately Mr. Jones had left home for Somerset, and consequently no information could be obtained from him at that time. Ultimately it was arranged that Mr. Morgan should seek an inter- view with Mr. Jones on Monday. The men gathered during the day at the Globe Hotel. The leaders were busily occupied in making arrangements with regard to drafting men for the District Council work on Monday. The names of those in direst need of assistance were taken, and the men were arranged in gangs according to locality. On Monday morning a committee of workmen sat at the Globe Hotel for the purpose of recei ring names and distributing tickets to men who were desirous of doing work provided by the Merthyr District Council. Up to Monday al>out 2,000 names had been lganded in. In the morning a large number of men proceeded to Cwmrhydybedd, Dowlais, with severe dfficials of the Council, and commenced the work ofIhaaking a road through that place to the Bryn-road. On Tuesday the workmen's committee again sat at the Globs, but the proceedings were conducted in private. AID FROM EBBW VALE, A mass meeting of the colliers of Ebbw Vale and Sirhowy was held on Monday to receive a deputation of Plymouth men. Mr. W. Cottie presided, and there was a large attendance. The deputation, con- sisting of Mr. William Roberts and Mr. Rhys Davies, having explained the cause of the dispute at Ply- mouth, appealed for support from the colliers of Ebbw Vale. Councillor Thomas Richards, miners' agent, in addressing the meeting said reference had been made to one phase of the question which was of great importance to the whole of the colliers of South Wales and Monmouthshire. If the reports contained in the daily papers were correct, the Coalowneis' Associa- tion bad decided to enforce the "discharge note." One of the speakers had expressed a hope that the representatives on the Sliding-scale would broach the matter at the next meeting. He could assure them that the question would be raised, for it was a dis- tinct violation of the agreement. If they could not effect the withdrawal of the discharge note by means of the Sliding-scale, then it was time that a revolution should instantly take place amongst the colliers throughout South Wales and Monmouthshire. The enforcement of this objectionable method by the owners would have to be strenuously opposed. He counselled the Ebbw Vale colliers to hold themselves in readiness to sacrifice and to suffer if it was found necessary, and to fight this matter to the bitter end. Mr. Richards then dealt with the Ply- mouth dispute. A short discussion ensued, after which it was unanimously decided to vote jB50 out of the funds of the association towards the support of the men locked out. and that the question be placed upon the agenda for the monthly meeting to see what could be done further towards the same object. On Monday night a largely-attended meeting was held at the ante-room of the Temperance Hall for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisabil- ity of giving relief to the children of the men out of work at Plymouth. The meeting was convened by the Merthyr Ministerial Union, and the Rev. W. Francis Jones presided, the Rev. W. Evans acting as secretary. It was unanimously agreed that steps should be taken to relieve the children of the unem- ployed. A general committee was formed, with Aid. David Davies as chairman, Messrs. J. Morgan and H. A. Hooper as joint secretarie-. and Mr. William Harris (who very generously subscribed jBlO towards the fund) as treasurer. A deputation was appointed to wait upon the trustees of the Merthyr and Cefn Starving Children's Fund, to see whether any allowance could be made upon thisoccasien. We understand that enquiries have been made, and that thereappears to be very strong doubt whether any of the funds could be devoted to the purpose suggested. The reputed trustees, we understand, are themselves engaged in investigating the constitution of their trusteeship. A soup kitchen has been opened at Troedyrhiw, where soup is given out every day from twelve to two. A soup kitchea has also been started at Abercanaid. Mr. H. W. Lewis has contributed £ 25 to the Plymouth men's fund. Subscriptions in aid of the families of the un- employed are rolling in. The following amounts have been received — Cyfarthfa, jBlO; Blain& Collieries, P,20 Lower Dyffryn, Mountain Ash, £5 (pending a general collection); £ 1 from Mrs. Bell, Merthyr Vale and the collieries at Dowlais have promised £ 100. On the 13th February, a writ was issued by the High Court in London, by the agents of Messrs. Morgan, Rees, and Bruce, Pontypndd, on behalf of John Davies, described as a collier, and served upon the Hill's Plymouth Company, for damages for alleged wrongful dismissal. We understand that this will be a test case on behalf of a large number of workmen at Plymouth. AT THE COUNCIL YESTERDAY. At the usual meeting of the District Council yester- day, Mr. T. H. Bailey presiding, Mr. Harvey, the surveyor, in the conrse of his usufil report, stated "In pursuance of your orders, I have engaged a number of men at present out of employment at the Plymouth Collieries, for the repair of roads, &c., and I have been in communication with the Cyfarthfa and Dowlais Iron Companies with respect to certain roads which have been at different times brought under the notice of the Sanitary Authority. "-Mr. John Lewis Are the men to be paid to-night ?—Tho Clerk To- morrow morning.—Mr. Wills Is the chairman going tosign«he cheques t—The Clerk: Mr. Davies has agreed to do so, I believe.—Mr. Davies The chairman of the Council has always signed the cheques, I believe. -The Chairman: At the special meeting of the Council I spoke about it, and I said I thought it was better that as I am connected with the matter it is not advisable for me to sign the cheques.—Mr. D. Davies: I propose that the vice-chairman sign the cheques.—Mr. D. W. Jones I thought Mr. Davies would be equal to his promise. At the special meet- ing he was the man who said, "I will sign the cheques." Now he wants to give me that honour —(laughter)—and I do not want it (laughter).— —(laughter)—and I do not want it (laughter).— Mr. J. Lewis I propose that Mr. Dan Thomas and Mr. David Davies sign' them. — Mr. Dan Thomas: I refuse.—Mr. D. Davies I am not prepared to be made a scapegoat of. I am prepared to sign the cheques like anybody else. It Mr. Dan Thomas signs I will do so, because he is the chief agitator in this matter. At the special meeting the chairman asked who was going to sign, and I said I have no objection."—Mr. Wills I think Mr. Davies should sign, because at the special meeting on Monday night, when the question was raised as to the legality of signing the cheques, and the clerk said Sit was illegal, Mr. Davies said "Then I will sign the cheques."—The Chairman: It would place me in a very invidious position indeed to bign cheques to pay money to the Plymouth men.—Mr. Dan Thomas said he would like one little matter cleared up. He found fault at the meeting on Friday night with regard to the letter the clerk addressed to the Local Govern- ment Board. He did so because he was led to believe that the letter was of a partial character. The clerk then said that before he sent the letter to London he submitted it to Mr. John Evans and Mr. Thomas Tbomsis. That statement came as a thunder-clap to him, and he would like to have another denial by the clerk that day. He asked, "Was that letter submitted to Messrs. Evans and Thomas, and did they approve of it?"—Mr. D. Davies: The clerk did say so in their presence, and they did not deny it.—The Clerk said that on the evening of the 12tn February Mr. Thomas Thomas and Mr. John Evans called upon him at his office. He told them that the draft of the letter was then complete. He (Mr. James) read the letter to them. Mr. Thomas suggested a slight alteration in one part of the letter. He inserted the alteration, which appeared in ths copy of the letter now before him, ana in order to satisfy them he read the letter over again from beginning [to end.—Mr. Thomas, looking at Mr. Evans, said That is a very fair statement of the facts as between both parties," and Mr. Evans quite endorsed what Mr. Thomas had said. They then asked him if he could give them a copy of the letter. He (Mr. James) remained at the office for some time, his clerks having gone, and made a copy of the letter, and handed it to them, and they took it away.—Mr. Wills: I am pleased to hear you say that, because several of the workmen interested have mentioned the matter to me. They have said that a very unfair letter was forwarded to the Local Government Board unawares to anybody. It has been said that a letter waa sent to London by the clerk behind the backs of the representatives. I could not believe that such a thing was done, and I told them what the clerk has said now. After that I think it is fair to our clerk, to ourselves, and to the men's representatives, that all facts should come to light, so that there can be no misconception one side or the other.—Mr. D. Davies said he thought the explanation should be made in the presence of Messrs. Thomas and Evans (who were not pre- sent that day). There was a great deal of exaggeration going on, but he heard Mr. Evms ask- ing the clerk about the letter, and Mr. James told him to call at his office. He then asked the clerk whether it would be legal for him to sign the cheques. Not that he feared a great deal, but unfortunately on one occasion some of the members on another board made representa- tion to the auditor about his signing the cheques, and he was surcharged, He did not think it fair that one member should be singled" out to sign cheques, when it was always customary for the chairman or vice- chairman to sign them. Ho asked the clerk whether he would be justified in signing ?--The Clerk said that that matter had been thoroughly considered by the Council. He told them at the outset, when the employment of the Plymouth men for temporary purposes was considered, that the surveyor had made w estimate for the present period, and that the Council had a sufficient number of ordinary workmen, but that it re.itedjwith the Council entirely how many men they would put on. He looked upon the Council as the trustees of the ratepayers, and they were to spend the money raised by the rate* in accordance with the estimate the surveyor had made. It was pointed out that the Council had a number of unem- ployed men in their district, and circulars were read to the effect that the Council could give work to un. employed men. In his opinion those circulars referred to widespread and universal destitution in the district, and not m a case of disagreement between certain men in one colliery and the management in that colliery. The distress in the present instance was partial, and did not affect ths whole of the district. He would point out again that he could see it was questionable whether, when the auditor came round, he would not take exception to the circumstances under which the men were employed. The auditor would see they were spending an abnormal sum of money on labour, and he (the clerk) fully expected that he would surcharge thsrn that was to say that the geutlemanwhosigned the check would have to meke good his position with the Local Government Board. He sent the letter to the Local Government Board in order to obtain from them an expression of opinion, and they only replied with regard to that part which dealt with the loan. He telegraphed to the Board, Under the circumstances mentioned in my letter of yesterday, me the Council justified in giving temporary employment V" and he had received no reply. He had done all he could in the matter, and he would like to put evorybody in a proper position, because there was considerable risk in what they were doing.—Mr. Dan Thomas said the letter to his mind was of an ex-parte character. He still considered the letter was unfair. But he wr-i surprised that the gentlemen named did not make known to himself and others, when they were con- sulted, that they had seen the letter. They led him to believe that they had not seen it.—Mr. John Lewis said he thought they should have submitted to the Local Government Board a scheme showing the work proposed to he carried out.—The Clerk But Mr. Davies said the men would starve in the meantime.— Mr. Harpur I said at the time that we should not put any men to work until we had sanction to doso.— The Clerk said he did not object to any man saying what he pleased about what he had done. If he had bad a fortnight to write the letter referred to he could not have done it better. It was a fact that there was a dispute at one colliery between master and men, and to have said there was widespread destitution would not have been true. He had done what was right and proper, and his statement was a true statement of the fact and nothing else.—Mr. Davies: I think there must be great poverty in the district.—The Clerk This is a dispute with regard to regulating the wages of a section of the men. It is not at Dowlais or Cyfarthfa. —A reference was made with regard to the men being unable to get employment elsewhere, which the clerk said was a great hardship.—Mr. Dan Thomas said he held hi? own opinion, and if he had had anything to do with the letter he would have omitted the para- graph dealing with the dispute. It was favourable to the side of the employers.—Mr. D. W. Jones said it seemed to him they were going quite outside the matter which was of prime importance.and that was, who was going to pay these poor men who had been employed by the Council. It seemed that Mv. Davies hesitated to sign the cheques, although, when he (Mr. Jones) was in the chair, Mr. Davies did say that he would sign any cheque for the purpose of paying the men. If Mr. Davies still declined to sign, he (Mr. Jones) felt it was his duty to the men whom they had employed to let them know that the Council could not pay them, or find some provision in order that they should be p_aid.—Mr. Davies: You sign.— Mr. Jones: You advise me to sign then. I tun quite prepared to put my hand into my pocket if necessary. —The Clerk: We shall be putting on another set of mon to-morrow, and we "hall require another set of cheques signed on Friday.—Mr. Jlarpur: I think we had better stop the work until we know where we are.—Mr. John Lewis: You are only trying to threaten us. We have passed a resolution, and why dispute that more than any other resolution ?—Mr. Dan Thomas: In order to he on the right side, I move a proposition that Mr. Davies be authorised to sign the and that the fact be recorded on the minutes. — Mr. John Lewis seconded, and it was carried.—It was said that complaint had been made to the effect that tho Counoil had not employed enough men.—Mr. Dan Thomas 3aid he was told that young men were put on the work who elbowed out men who had families. He trusted Mr. Harvey would have regard to older men with families in making his selection.—Mr. Harvey That point has been brought to my notice.—Mr. Dan Thomas asked the clerk what kind of work the Board of Guardians could give the men without their being regarded as paupers. He went through the workhouse that day and saw a large number of sleepers, and there was no firewood in stock. The Clerk They can have any work with- out being paui>ers.—Mr. W. Lewis asked if the men could not have been employed on the Penydarren- road or the new water works.—He received a reply in the negative. A MISLEADING RUMOUR. At the conclusion of yesterday's Council meeting (jur reporter saw Mr. G. C. James and informed him of the rumour in circulation that hp, as solicitor to the Hill's Plymouth Company, had sent a private letter to the Local Government Board with regard to the Plymouth men out of work and their employment by the Council. Asked whether there was any truth in the rumour Mr. James replied, "It is absolutely untrue. The whole thing is a falsehood."

ALLEGED ROBBERY AT MERTHYR. Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon Mr. Evans, land- lord of the Prince of Wales Inn, Nantygwenith. street, Merthyr, missed from the bar a large glass decanter containing three pints of brandy. Mr. Evans gave information to the police, and at five o'clock several constables, upon information received, proceeded to the Harp Inn, Swansea-road, and there found a man named John Richards in a helpless state of drunken. ness, with the missing decanter, minus the brandy, in bis possession. Riohards was cuiveyed to the police-sta.tion, and he was so far gone that Dr. i Idle, the police surgeon, was summoned. The doctor applied the pumps, See., but the patient's con- dition became so serious that Dr. Webster was called in, and further operations were proceeded with. Dr. Biddle thought the man would not survive many hours in consequence of the large consumption of alcohol. Richards was conveyed to the Workhouse Infirmary, where he lies in a precarious condition.

THE EIGHT HOURS QUESTION. On Tuesday night a deputation from the miners of Merthyr and Aberdare waited upon the Home Secretary, Sir. M. White Ridley, who was accom- panied by Mr. Jesse Collings, to urge reasons against the bank-to-bank principle in the Miners' Eight Hours liill. The following spoke:—Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., Alderman David Morgan, Coun- jcillors Tom Thomas and John Evans, and Messrs. Phelps, Aberdare, and J. Davies, Hirwain. The Home Secretary promised to give the matter his careful consideration, his reply being deemed favourable.

REMARKABLE SCENE AT NIAGARA. That nart of the Niagara Falls which is on the side of the United States now presents a curious and un- precedented appearance, owing to the formation of a dam of ice up the river among the islands. Prac- tically, all the water is diverted into a channel along the Canadian shore, so that the entire mass of water passes over the Horseshoe Fall. In the channel leading to the American Fall people walk without wetting more than the soles of thair feet. The edge of the precipice of the fall is, practically, in a dry condition, such as has never been known to exist before.

DOWLAIS. Our Dewlais correspondent is Mr. W. Harris Evans, 26, Pantscallog, who will be glad to be notified of meetings, and to forward advertisements and orders for printing. E. TBNNYBON-SMITH, renowned Temperance Orator (seooud J. B. Gough), Oddfellows' Hall, April 18th to 23rd, ^896. [3684 UNDERTAKING and all kinds of Carpentering and Joinery Work done. Hearse and Mourning Coashss to order. GKO. J. O'Neill, Frederick's Court, North Street, and Pond Street. Dowlais. SANITARY PLUMBING AND HOT WATER ENGIN- EERING.—W. AUSTIN AND SoN have added the above to their old-established House Decorating BHNnese. Beer Engines, Baths, etc., fitted and repaired. Good workmanship and mederate oharges. The largeat, cheapest, and best selection of Paperhangings in ille district. New patterns fer 1S95. Paints, Tarnishes, Glass, ete. —26 U nion-street, and 91, Caeharrit Dowlais. J. JEREMIAH, Plumber and Decorator, 36, High- street, Merthyr, and 8, Nerth-street, Dowlais. J.J. 1MM erected New Showroom at the rear of 36, High- street, Merthyr, where a ekoice selection of paper- hanaings, kc., oan be inspected. Site entrance, 25, Hign-street, Merthyr. All paperhangings. gas flttings, bar fittings, paints aad varnishes at lowest prices in town. Visit my showroom if you want to save money. ALDERMAN EVAN LEWIS.—From enquiries we learn that Alderman Evan Lewis continues to make satisfactory progress towarde recovery. His medical attendant has now pronounced him out of danger. His many friends will wish him a speedy return to his usual state of health. GWERNLLWIN ANNIVERSARY SERVICES. — The annual preaching services of Gwernllwyn Welsh Congregational Chapel were held on Saturday, Sun- day, and Monday last. The officiating ministers were the Revs. H. M. Hughes, B.A.. Cardiff, and W. Parri Huws, B.D., Dolgelly. I.rge congressr-"nns attended at each service, and substantial rn'L^XIS were realised towards liquidating the <»" v" ■ ..LlIt. ST Jour's PARISH CHURCH.—On SUN !iy evening last the Rev. A J. Fryer, district organising secretary of the Home Missions of the Church of England, delivered a moit eloquent sermon at the above place of worship. A collection was made at the close to augment the funds of the Additional Curates' Society. On the same evening the rector, Rev. L1. M. Williams, officiated at Pant Mission Church. DOWLAIS PHILHARMONIC SOCIETT.—The visit of this society to the popular concerts held in the Tredegar Hall, Newport, is being looked forward to with an extraordinary amount of interest in that town. The brilliant manner in which the choir acquitted themselves at the Cardiff Saturday Pops" no doubt accounts for this. The choristers will leave for Newport on Saturday by special train, Brecon and Merthyr Railway, at 3.15 p.m. SPIRITUALISM.—On Tuesday evening last a well- attended meeting of Spiritualists was held at the Committee-room, Oddfellows' Hall. Two excellent papers were read by Mr. Charles Hemmingson The Belief of Different Nations," and by Mr. Thomas Jones(CymroBach)on "The Theology of the Ancient Britons." Both papers were well received by those Eresent, and a cordial vote of thanks was extended to oth gentlemen. Several others spoke during the meeting. The chair was occupied by Mr. Lewis Morgan, Merthyr. LECTURE AT BETHANIA CHAPEL.—On Thursday evening last, the above spacious edifice was well filled by a highly appreciative audience, to hear the Rev. H. Elwyn Tnomas, Newport, deliver his popular lecture, Deng mlynedd yn Llundain." The lecturer vividly described his varied experience in the great city. Mr. John Evans, C.C., Iscoed, occupied the chair, and was accorded a hearty vote of tbtnks at the close. The proceeds were in aid of Mr. David Williams, collier, Lower-row, Penywern, who has been unable to follow his employment for some time past. ACCIDENT AT VOCHRIW PIT.-On Friday morning last a peculiar accident happened to a man named Edward Woodman, who was employed at No. 1 Pit, Vochriw, as a roadman. It appears that Woodman was walking along the bridge which crosses the rail- way sidings underneath, and which is used to convey timber, etc., to the pit's mouth, when suddenly one of the cross timbers broke, and Woodman fell through the hole and on to the railway underneath, a depth of about 20 feet. Happily he alighted on his feet, and sustained nothing more serious than a severe shock to his system. He was at once conveyed to his residence near Pantscallog, and medical aid was sum- moned. Woodman continues to make satisfactory progress. Swiss Cnoin. — Mr Arthur Brogden and his famous Swiss Choir paid their annual visit to the town on Friday and Saturday last. The choir, which numbers 15 Scotch, Welsh, Irish, and Swiss singers attired in their national costumes, sang choruses, duet*, and solos in excellent style, and the plaudits of the audience were vociferous. The greatest attrac- tion, however, is Miss Ada Le Butt in her role of clairvoyant and medium, and her appearance created an extraordinary amount of interest. Each night she answered with wonderful accuracy about 30questions. She does this while under the hypnotist influence of Dr. West. Some cf the queries put to her were most amusing, eliciting roars of laughter. The selection by the band of mandolines was very much enjoyed, whilst the farce or sketch was gone through admir- ably. On Sunday evening a sacred concert was held, when a programme of solos, &c., was pone through in capital style. Special mention must bo made of the young ladies who sang "The Better Land," The Holy City," and He was Despised." The hall eacli night was uncomfortably filled, scores fail- ing to obtain admission. TRADE.—We quote the following from the Western Mail:—For some time after it had actually set in, there was but slight indication of the improved state of trade in the Dowlais Works, and for some time the belief was almost general that the old state of depres- sion would speedily darken down once more upon the staple industry of Ironopolis. The unfortunate strike of the mechanics just at the moment when good orders were in the market kept many of those orders from finding their way to Dowlais, but the prolongation of that dispute brought out some of the resourses which the management had not until then called to its aid, and it may now be taken for granted that on the masters' side there is complete and absolute indiffer- ence as to the course the strikers may take. This fact was emphasised a few days ago, when another depu- tation from the men waited upon Mr. E. P. Marrin, and were told that he had no offer to make them. It is now evident that the men will have to return to work unconditionally before any furtner action regard- ing them can be taken. But while the mechanical departments of the works are, more or less, inactive, most unmistakable evidence of the revival of trade was afforded last week in another department, and one, moreover, which employs a much larger number of men. The great No. 19 Blast Furnace in the Upper Works was re-started. No. 19 was the largest of what may be called the pre-end-of-the-century fur- naces, and was always regarded as being oue of the finest in the whole of the ironworks district. It was blown out at a time when the iron and steel trades were seemingly on the verge of extinction, namely, during the sensational coal strike in August, 1893, I and for many months no attention was given to it. Nor is the re-starting of No. 19 the only event of the week which can be regarded with satisfaction. Mr. Martin has given orders that the re-building of No. 11 Blast Furnace in the lower works is to be proceeded with at once. No. 11 is to be built with all the latest improvements, and, according to one of the agents of the company, it will be larger and more productive than even the Dowlais Furnaces at Cardiff. The ljelief is gaining ground that substantial orders for rails will ere long bo secured from the Far East and from South Africa, whilst the present friendliness of tho Colonies to the Mother Country is attested by the placing with the Dowlais Company of an order for steel plates by Canada. This order is now being worked off. In all branches of the works full time is being worked, and great activity prevails.

TRAP ACCIDENT AT MERTHYR. Yesterday as Messrs. Murphy and Brett (excise officers), and Mr. J. Gorman, veterinary surgeon, were driving from the direction of Cefn, the axle of the trap broke, and the three gentlemen were precipitated with great force into the road, receiving nasty bruises.

TROEDYRHIW. ST. JOHN'S CHURCH.—Two eloquent and earnest sermons, in aid of the Additional Curates' Society, were preached at this place of worship on Sunday morning and evening last, by the Rev. A. T. Fryer, district organising secretary. Liberal collections were made towards the society. Miss Maiy Edith Davies presided at the organ, and Mr. Thomas Richards con- ducted the singing. DESERVING CASE.—We note with pleasure that a movement is on foot to get up a prize drawing to assist Mr. Alex. Thomas, bandmaster, who, owing to illness, has not for some months past been able to follow his employment. Mr. Thomas was at all times ready to render his assistance towards any charitable object, and it is earnestly hoped that his case will meet with the hearty support it deserves.

MERTHYR. THE LATE MISS GWEN LEWIS.—The arangemente at the funeral of Miss Gwen Lewis, Abercanaid, were carried out, in the moet satisfactory manner, by Messrs. Richard T. Jones and Co. (late Phillips and Evans), High-street. THE PAWNBROKER'S LICENCE QUEBTION.-On enquiry we were informed by Mr. J. W. Lewis, solicitor, that the Brecon-road pawnbroker's licence application has been dropped. Mr. Lewis under- stands that one of the brothers who applied has returned to Palestine. GREAT ATTRACTION FOR MABON'S DAT, MARCH 2ND, 1896.-The renowned Treorky Royal Male Voice Party have been engaged, at an enormous expense, by the rontmorlais Calvinistio Methodist Chnrch, to give Two Grand Concerts at the Drill Hall, Merthyr, afternoon and evening. [3665 VISITORS TO ABERDARE should not fail to call at Miss A. OEPPEN'S, Commercial-place, Aberdare, for their cigars, tobacco, &c. A choice selection of smokers requisites is always in stock, and cannot fail to please, both in cheapness and quality. Remember the address Commercial-place, Aberdare. [Aovr FomtD, about 11 years age, by JENKINS, CHRMIST and SEEDSMAN, next door to Police-station, a Perfect CaaE for COUGHS, COLDS, ASTHMA, and SHORTNESS •f BREATH. The same can be had by payment of one shilling. Hundreds have already speculated the cne shilling and the unanimous verdict has been "Nothing equals the Cambrian Cough Cure." [3474 LEGAL.—His many friends will be pleased to learn that Mr. W. A. Griffiths, son of Mr. Thomas Griffiths, manager of the London and Provincial Bank, has just passed the ftnallaw examination. Our young townsman was articled to Mr. Gwilym C. Jamee, solicitor. We join with Mr. Griffiths' friends in wishing him a prosperous career. IKCAKDESCENT GAS JLieHTS INCANDESCENT GAS LIGHTS !!—J. T. DOCTON, 138, High-street, Merthyr, JaM been Specially Appointed for the Sale of the Incandescent Gas Lights. Gas Consumers, by using this Light, will Reduoe their Gas Bills by One Half and Obtain Treble the Ligbt. The various Kinds of Lights can be seen in operation, and full particulars obtained at the above address. Inspection invited. Competent workmen employed to fix same. [ADVT. To PARTIES FURNISHING.—Messrs. J. G. Maddox and Son, auctioneers, will sell by public auction a tthe Auction Mart, 25, Duke-street, Cardiff, on Tuesday aad Thursday, February 25th and 27th, an immense assemblage of very superior household furniture. The sale will commence at two o'clock precisely each day. Further particulars will be found in our advertising column or may be obtained by writing to the auctioneers at the above address. r2849 KEEP YOUR Era ON MOItItIS. WHAT FOR? For Stylish Suits and Overcoats. For style, quality, and talue, Morria challenges the town. Try Morns' celebrated 37s. 6d. OVERCOATS and 50A. BCSINESS BelTS. They cannot be beaten. Once tried always need- Warmth and comfort for the winter months. See that you get no other. In Hats, Caps, Shirts, Collars, Ties, See., MORRIS LEADS THE WAT. Have a took at our windows to see our New Season's Stock of Mufflers, Ladies' and Gent's Lined Gloves, Ac. Note the address, J. W. MORRIS, 10, Pontmorlais, Merthyr. SERIOUS ACCIDENT.—On Sunday last, Mrs. Davies, wife of Mr. James Davies, residing at Clwydyfagwr, met with a distressing accident. It appears that ;-about five o'clock on that day the -poor woman was seized with cramp, and fell against the fireplace. A kettle filled with boiling water was knocked over, and the contents went over her, scalding her severely. The poor woman's screeching could be beard for a long distance. Assistance was quickly obtained, and the injuries were so serious that she was conveyed to the Merthyr Hospital. Mrs. Davies has a husband and three small children, tor whom much sympathy is felt. STARTLING ACCIDENT.—On Tuesday week Mr. Gwilym Jenkins, son of the late Mr. J. Jenkins, whilst following his occupation in the fitting shop of the Cyfarthfa Works, met with an alarming accident. Whilst standing on some machinery a portion of his clothing was caught by the "key" of a revolving shaft, and he was whirled around. His screams attracted the attention of the workmen, who immediately stopped the machinery and released him from a position that seemed to threaten his destruc- tion. As it was the young man bad his clothes torn off his back. OBITUARY.—We regret to have to chronicle this week the death, at a comparatively early age, of Mrs. Davies, wife of Mr. David Davies, fruiterer, 91, Brecon-road, in her 35th year, after a short but very Sinful illness. The sad event took place on Satur- y morning last. Deceased leaves a husband and two little ones to mourn her loss. The funeral, which was ajpublic one, took place on Tuesday afternoon at Cefa Ce-netery, and was largely attended. The Rev. Jacob Jones, pastor of Bethesda Welsh Congre- gational Church, officiated at the house and at the graveside. Much sympathy is expressed for the bereaved family. PERSONAL.—His many friends will regret to learn that Mr. Morgan Reynolds, who for the last ten years has been manager for Alderman David Davies, Glebeland, is about to sever his connection with the town. Mr. Reynolds has accepted a position as traveller for a Cardiff firm, and enters upon his duties en Monday. He has been a very active member of Tabernaole Baptist Chapel, having been secretary of the school fund, superintendent of the Temperance Boeiety, and a Sunday School teacher. He was a member of the Excelsior Debating Society, and took great interest in local politics. A staunch Liberal, fie always did all he could to onhance the progress of the party. His many friends will wish him every prosperity in his new career. SI. WILLIAM THOMAS LEWIS.—A meeting of the General Committee appointed to arrange some aadnring form of recognition of the honour conferred upon Sir William Thomas Lewis by his elevation to a baronetcy, was held on Friday night at Bentley's Hall, under the presidency of Mr. T. Jenkins, J.P., high constable. The Executive Committee, who had met earlier in the evening, recommended that the memorial should take the shape of a statue in bronze or marble, and the recommendation was adopted, the question of the solection of the sculptor being referred to the Executive Committee for inquiry and report. It was deoided to issue circulars inviting subscriptions, and a subscribtion list was started in the room. It was further resolved to open subscription lists in the local daily and weekly papers and at the various bsak* at Merthyr, Aberdare, and Cardiff. TOil EVANS, Bespoke Tailor, sole agant for the celebrated firm of Kino, London, begs to thank his numerous customers for their liberal support in past years, and to announce that he has removed from No. L Market-square, to 24, High-street (opposite the old Obureh), where he has opened business as a fancy draper, outfitter, and gent's mercer. T.E. trusts that by strict attention to the needs of his customers to merit a sontinnance of their favours, and it its with the idea of being able to supply his customers with •very necessary article of clothing, that he has added the mereery business to that of tailoring. Trousers to measure, 10.. 6d.; suite, 39s. 6d.; overcoats, 25s. Fit and style guaranteed. White and eoloured shirts, collars, cuffs, scarves, gloves, &c., of every description. Agent for Rushbrook's butchers' clothing. Every kind of children's fancy hosiery and baby linen supplied. Terms, strictly for cash. T3316 THE MINISTERIAL UNION.—1 he monthly meeting of the above union was held at Hope Vestry on Friday. All the members were present with but one or two exceptions, the Rev. W. i rancis Jones in the chair. A paper was to have been read by the Rev. Jacob 'ones, on Pulpit Power," but it was postponed until the next meeting, owing to the question as to what could be done in the way of preparing to meet the daily need of the children of the unemployed through the labour dispute at the Plymouth Works. This matter being of snch importance, it took up the whole time of the meeting. It was clearly understood that the union did not interfere in any way with the question in dis- pute, and the following resolution waa adopted and unanimously passed :—"That we take steps to con- vene a meeting of all the ministers of religion in the town, and ask every one t. bring with him also a lay member of his church, to consider the advisability of providing relief to the children of those who are out of employment through the present labour dispute at the Plymouth Works. It was then decided that the above meeting should be convened at 5.30 p.m. on Monday evening, in the ante-room of the Temperance HAdl. the circular convening this meeting to be signed by the chairman and the secretary, Rev. William grans, Salem. HOPE CHAPEL.—On Sunday last the pulpit of Hepe Chapel was occupied both morning and evening by the Rev. R. Aethwy Jones, of Oxford. WOMEN'S LIBERAL ASSOCIATION. — The annual soiree in connection with this association will be held on Tuesday next at Bentley's Hall. See advertise- ment. THE POST OFFICE.—The privilege of a second day mail delivery has been conferred on the Penrheol- gerrig district, and it is announced that a beginning will he made on Monday next. ST. DAVID'S CHURCH CHOIB.-The conversazione and dance in connection with the above will be held in the Drill Hall on April 9th, Mr. T. Rhys Lewis' band supplying the music. See advertisement. LOST. -On Saturday 25th, at or near the Merthyr Market, a five-florin piece, half-ringed English silrer; three ini hcs silver chain attached. Anyone detaining the article after this notice will be prosecuted. Finder will receive a reward on returning same to the Timet Office, Merthyr. Advt. Zios WELSH BAPTIST CHAPBL.-On Thursday last the popular pastor of the above chapel, Rev. W. A. Jones, delivered the last of a series of three lectures on The Life of Dr. Paton, the Missionary." The chair was taken by Mr. Joseph Owen, Troedyrhiw. We may add that a very substantial sum has been collected towards the missionary cause. Miss MAT MORGAN'S RRCTTAL-This recital was held at the Temperance Hall, on Thursday, the artistes being the following:—Soprano, Miss Beatrice Evans, R.A.M., medalist; violin, Miss Lizzie Pool; French horn, Mr. Ralph Livsey, late first horn Coldstream Guards; violoncello, Mr. T. Rbys Lewis and Mr. A. J. Silver, F.R.C.O., organist of St. David's Church. A very interesting programme was gone through, and Miss May Morgan gave several recitations in a charming and artistic manner. Miss ELEANOR JONES.—This promising singer has been successful in passing the preliminary examina- tion of the Royal College of Music, held on the 6th of this month. The welcome news was communicated to Mr. Ernest Daniel, the secretary of the committee, on Saturday last. Miss Jones is being trained by Mr. Dan Price, and on the 21st instant will sit for the entrance examination at the above institution. Her many friends and admirers will wish her every success. OBnfARY.—We regret to record the death, at Penydarren End, of Mrs. Jane Hall, at the age of 45 years. Deceased had been ill only for a fortnight, and was attended by Dr. Ward. She suffered with pleurisy and pneumonia, and medical aid proved of no avail. Only six months ago the deceased's husband passed away, and much sympathy is felt for the bereaved children who are left to mourn their loss. The fnneral will take place at 2.30 on Saturday afternoon. 3RD V.B. WELSH REGIMENT.—MERTHTR DETACH- MENT.—Orders by P. R. Cromwell, colonel com- mandant. Merthyr Detachment, for the week ending Saturday, 29th February, 1896. Monday, recruit drill at 8 p.m. Thursday, time marching, parade at the Armoury at 5.30 p.m., drill order with leggings, great coats worn if wet; Friday, recruit drill at 8 p.m. Satardny, time marching, parade at the Armoury at 4.30 p.m., drill order with leggings, great coats worn if wet bugle band to attend. For duty Major Jones, Sergt. Hughes, Corpl. Webb, Bugler Jones. Next for duty: Capt. James, Sergt. T. Elias, Corpl. Jenkins, Bugler KeeB.—By order, D. R. Lswi-4, colonel, 3rd V.B. Welsh Regiment, command- ing Merthyr Detachment. CONCERT AT ST. DAVID'S NATIONAL SCHOOLS.—On Thursday evening last, the children attending the St. David's Schools, Merthyr, gave their annual enter- tainment in the Infanta' Department to a large audience. Long before the time for commencement the room was overcrowded, and many people experienced some difficulty in obtaining accommoda- tion in the front seats. This difficulty was to some extend overcome through the kindness of Mr. J. Sarvis, Castle Hctel, who, at the request of Mr. Evans, head- master, kindly lent several chairs. Owing to the unavoidable absence ot the rector at the commence- ment of the proceedings, the duties of chairman were fulfilled by the Rev. D. Jones, curate of St. David's. In the first part an operetta entitled Examination Day was creditably performed by the infants, who showed that they nad been most carefully and judiciously trained by their governess, Miss Jarrett, and her assistants. The characters were as follows —H. M. Inspector, Master Bertie David (Boys' School: Miss Brown, schoolmistress, Miss C. Jones P.T. Infants); Tommy, Master Rees Harman (Infants' Department), and a chorus of infants. The accompanist was Miss R. Evans (P.T. Infants' Department). There is plenty of amusement in this short operetta, and the young performers did not fail in doing justice to the parts, for the occasional roars of laughter and loud applause at the close of the performance showed that the audience were simply delighted. The second part of the programme was opened with a pianoforte duet by Misses Maud Scott and Selina Rowlands, who well deserved the applause given them. A song, The Swiss Toy Girl," sung in character was well rendered by Miss Blodwen Jenkins, who caused a deal of amusement by exhibiting her various toys. She was followed by Master Sydney Evans, an eight-year-old lad, who gave a selection of Welsh Airs on the harp. This foung boy, who is the son of Mr. Evans, Britannia nn, has undoubtedly commenced well. Misses Violet G. Lewis and Maud David then sang in character a duet, "The Fish Girls." Their sweet young voices blended well, and the cool manner in which they picked out various kinds of fish from a basket carried between them and then held np before the audience completely brought down the house." The fish had been kindly supplied gratuitously by Mrs. Jones, Glebeland. A squad of boys then mounted the plat- form for two or three items, the best of which was by far the action song, Jonny Schmoker." Master Bertie David and the boys gave a taking song and chorus A Professor and L.L.D." Miss Maud David (in charactei) sang The Fortune Teller," and was loudly applauded. Here Miss E. A. James played Winter's Ride on the piano. Miss Alice Webley also with a sweet voice sang The Postillion." She was followed by Miss Prudence J onesandla groap of girls who went through a game of Playing at School," which took well, especially The Fan Drill." Another group of prettily dressed girls performed some Grecian exercises with bras* cymbals this item was well received and loudly applauded. Master John Baker now gave a banjo solo, The Park Crescent March he had to respond to an encore, which was loudly demanded by his mates. Mioses Ethel Owen and Blodwen Jenkins then nicely sang The Darkie's Love Song. Sweet and Low (Bamby) was sweetly and most expressively sung by a group of girls. This was unmistakably one of the ohief and best rendered items in the programme. Mrs. Murton, headmistress girls' department, was accompanist for the girls, and the same function for the boys was carried out in a creditable manner by Master Tom Bevan (pupil teacher, Boya' School). Before singing God Save the Queen the Rev. D. Lewis, rector, said that on behalf of himself and co- managers he wished to propose a hearty vote of thanks to the teachers for the pains and trouble they had taken to prepare the children for that evening; he could assure those present that their services were deeply appreciated by the managers of the schools.— This was seconded by the Rev. D. Jones.—Mr. Evans, headmaster, briefly responded on behalf of the teachers, and proposed a vote of thanks to the Rev. D. Jones for acting as chairman, which was seconded by the Rector, and duly acknowledged by Mr. Jones. The proceeds were in aid of the Day School Fund. J. T. DOCTON, SANITARY ENGINEER. Plumber, Hot Water Fitter, Gas Fitter, Electric Bell Fitter, and General House Decorator, etc., 138, High-street, Merthyr. All orders will receive prompt attention. Distance no object. A staff of experienced workmen regularly employed. J.T.D. may be consulted on Sanitary matters, embracing drainage, ventilation. MC. f281

Errs's COCOA.—GRATBFTI, ASD CoMrojtnse.—" By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a eareful appli. cation of the fine properties of well-selected COCOA, Mr. Epps has provided for our breakfast and supper a delicately Savoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors bills. It Is by the judicious use of such articles of diet that a constitution may be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a proper nourished frame."—Civil Service Gazette.— Made simply with boiling water or milk. — Sold only in packets, and pound tins, by Grocers, .abelled— only in packets, and pound tins, by Grocers, .abelled- JA." Errs & Co., Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists. London."—Also makers of Kpps's Cocoaine or Cocoa- Nib Extract A thin beverage of full flavour, now with minf beneficially taking the place of tea. Its active principle being a gentle nerve stimulant, supplies the needed energy without unduly exciting the system.

THE STEENS AT MERTHYR. The renowned American Mystifiers," Professor rn am Steen, are drawing immense crowds to Temperance Hall nightly this week, and the uni- versal verdict is that the feats they perform are truly marvellous. First of all, a committee of six gentle- men from the audience are invited to take their seats on the platform. These are asked to watch the pro- ceedings as closely as they can, and make every effort to detect the performer*' secrets. Needless to say they are not the least bit wiser at the end than they were at the beginning. Madam Stewnsitaonachair at the front of the platform, with a thickly-folded silk handkerchief tied round her eyes by one of the com- mittee-men. Then the series of wonderful and mysti- fying tricks are proceeded with. One of the most remarkable is that of the three blackboards, which are placed behind Madam at the back of the platform, On one of the boards a. committee-man writes out a series of figures in the form of a simple addition sum. On the second are placed the names of nine months of the year, selected by another committee-man. On the third board a. third cjmmittee-man writes nine or ten Christian names. Then Madam, with wonderful rapidity, proceeds to work somewhat as follows:- "Two, six, fifteen, twenty-four put four down and carry two the name of the third month from the top is June the initial of the fourth name from the bottom is J—J-o-h-n, John." Then she returns to the first board and adds up the second line in the sum; proceeds to name another month on the second board, and another name on the third board. This is repeated until everything on the three boards has been read out. The committee-men are then Mked to point to any figure or name, and Madam says what it is. This she does almost before the pointing is actually done, or as soon as the mind of the committee- man has selected which to point. Madame goes a step farther even than this. A committee-man is asked to think of one figure, then change his mind and point to another. Mada n instantly gives the two figures. At a later stage, questions are put to her by the committee-men, and she answers them all without the slightest hesitation. Here is a sample of the replies You were born in 1859, in the month of February, on the 27th day, which was a Saturday, at half-past four in the afternoon, just as they were having afternoon tea father's name Richard, mother's name Mary. You hold in your hand a silver watch, number 2734, eleven jewels you liought it seven months ago for ten shillings." Having exhausted the committee- men, the Professor goes down to the audience, and puts a great variety of questions suggested by any- body who chooses to do so. These questions, however varied, are answered by Madam Steen as soon as they are asked. On Monday night, Professor Steen announced that the lady might be irterviewed after the performance on Tuesday and every other night during the week, when she would be happy to give replies free of charge, about missing relatives, etc. Madam then retired from the stage amid loud and prolonged applause, and the Professor proceeded to perform his wonderful sarcophagus trick. A young girl is placed in a box that box is locked and roped, and put inside another box, which is likewise locked. Then a small tent is placed round the boxes, with a young man standing by them. Three or four seconds elapse, the curtain is withdrawn, the girl appears, the boxes are opened, and the young man found inside the inner box. All this is done under the eyes of the committee-men. Space does not admit our describing the various other tricks that baffle the spectators. Professor Steen disavows anything of the character of supernatural agencies. He says that spiritualism is a humbug and mesmerism a fraud. On Saturday even- ing he intends making a thorough exposure of the methods adopted by spiritualists. There are many people in our district to whom this item in the Pro- lessor's programme will no doubt be of peculiar interest. Next week the Steens will occupy the boards of the Empire Theatre at Aberdare, The preliminary part of the performance is well sustained by Fred Wilkens, comedian Flo Majilton, a charming singer Frank Newburry, a very clever whistler and George Hanson, a comedian and instrumentalist.

PENYDARREN. EISTEDDFOD AT BETHANIA SCHOOLROOM, GELLt- FAELOG.—On Monday last the annual eisteddfod, held in connection with the above branch, came off with great success. There were two meetings, the after- noon meeting Iteing confined to the Gellifaelog scholars, for whom a varied and interesting pro- gramme had been prepared. There were splendid audiences throughout the day, and the arrangements throughout were carried on in a. most satisfactory manner. The adjudicators were Music, Mr. Meth Lloyd, G.T.S.C. recitations, &c., Rev. W. Jones, A.T.S. (Ivor Chapel). Mr. J. Picton presided over the afternoon meeting, and Mr. D. Griffiths proved him- self to be a very efficient conductor. The eisteddfod song was sung by Mr. A. Bowen. The following is a list of competitions and winners in the afternoon meeting :—Solo, Tyr'd at lesu," Maria Morgan, High-street recitation, Saly Fach a Nel," Minnie Jones solo, I Mi," 1, Sat ah J. Davies, 2, Maggie John recitation, First Psalm," 1, Grace Rees 2, John P. Davies; solo, "Cludydd Arfau," 1, Jenkin Jones 2, divided between J. P. Davies and Evan P. Williams solo, Y Weddw Kam," Ann Williams and Gwen Williams, equal recitation, Y Weddw Fam," Edward Evana solo, Tyn am y Lau," Titus Evans tenor solo, Cwymp Llewellyn," Morgan Jones and Isaac J.Evana equal. The evening meeting was presided over by Mr. J. Evans, C.C., Iscoea, whilst Mr. Edward Griffiths conducted. The eistedd- fod song having been sung by Mr. Evan Thomas (Eryr Glan Morlais), the competitions were commenced with, and the following is a list of competitions aud Erize winners :—Contralto solo, O Rest in the ord," James Jones, Glandower-street hymn-tune, Bryniau Cassia," David Griffiths, Broad-street recitation, Merthyrdod Steohan," Miss Jones, Cefn, and Evan Thomas, Mary-street, equal tenor solo, Bradwriaeth," Tom Williams, Penydarren reading, Joseph Evans soprano solo, Yr Eos," Sarah A. Evans, White-street elegy to the late Mis. Williams, Gellifaelog Shop, Maesyddog duet, Larboard Watch," J. Davies, Caeharris, and David Davies, Mary Ann-street, equal; quartet, God so Loved the World," Tom Thomas and friends; bass solo, Merch y Cadben," Enoch Jones, Francis-street. Great interest was evinced in the chief choral comp^tijjon, "Dyddiau Dyn Sydd Fel Glaswelltyn," for whioh-a. prize of Bl 10b. and a siher medal (presented by Mr. Abraham Bowen) was offered. Some of the choirs who had competed at the recent Rechabite Eisteddfod at the Hall were once more pitted against each other. The singing of all the parties was excellent, the adjudicator finally award- ing the prize to the Music Lovers, conductor, Mr. Griffith R. Evans. A word of praise is due to the adjudicators, both of whom gave general satisfaction, and also to the hon. sees., Messrs. A. Bowen, Gelli- faelog Shop and W. T. Rees, Balaclava-road. The treasurer was Mr. W. Llewellyn, Spring-street, and the accompaniments were played throughout by Mr. L. Powell Evans, aacompanist to the Dowlais Tem- perance Choir, in a most capable manner.

DOWLAIS BOYS IN AFRICA. Sad Death of One of Them. It will be remembered by our readers that a fare- well meeting to Mr. T. Boseley Williams, eon of Mrs. Williams, of the Castle Forge, took place at the Odd- fellows' Hall in October. Young Williams, who was only 20 years of age, was then presented with a handsome gold albert on the occasion of his leaving for South Africa. We are sorry to say that the good wishes which were extended to him on his departure were not to be realised, for the last mail from South Africa has brought the sad news of the young gen- tleman's death and funeral. The cause of death was a severe attack of typhoid fe,r.,r and congestion of the lungs, and no doubt the fever was brought on by the excessive heat. His death took place at the Johannesburg Hospital, where every care was bestowed on him, but to no avail, death supervening on January 26th. Thus the bright prospects of a most useful career have been cut short. We are sure the family will receive the heartfelt sympathy of the public in their terrible affliction. The deceased, before his departure for South Africa, was a faithful and hard-working member of Ifor English Congrega- tional Chapel. Interesting Letter From a Dowlais Boy. The following letter, coming as it does from a Dow- laisian, who volunteered to join the Chartered Company's forces, will be read with much interest. We insert a few extracts relating to the country and the recent crisis in the Transvaal. The writer is Mr. Tom Jones, son of Mr. David Jones, saddler, Dowlais Stables, and he dates from Van Ryn West, G.M. Co., Vlakfontein, near Boksburg, January 20th." He says: "I do not think much of the country myself; the place is overcrowded with emigrants from all parts, thousands being out of work. I would not advise anyone to emigrate at the present time, unless they are masons or carpenters. As for any other trade, it is at a discount. The country is in a bad state, and I have come in contact with fitters and smiths who have been idle for six months and failed to get a job. I walked a great many miles in search of work, but everywhere the answer was no. At last I was almost heart-broken, but Tom Rees and I took train to Boksburg. We managed to get a job, which lasted eleven days and a half, for which we were paid eleven pounds ten shillings. The wages are good if a iierson could obtain constant employ- ment. But only one out of every hundred gets a constant job. On Christmas Day all the Dowlais hoys met together, among whom were Evan Davies, Jack Price, Jack Evans, and Billy Evans, and we spent a very enjoyable time. We are all scattered from eacn other, each one being in a different town. I daresay you have read of the state of the country. I will give you my history as a nine-day soldier during the crisis. I enlisted in the Capitalists' forces because I was out of work. So far as I can understand, the Capitalists had been preparing for war for some years, because they had thousands of rifles in readinesR in Johannes- burg and on the mines. On December 30 men were asked to volunteer to protect the few women and children that were on the mines. I put my name down as one, and I was handed a rifle and sixty rounds of ammunition. I also received a revolver with fifty rounds, so you can Bee I had plenty of pills for. the enemy. We nad to march to Johannesburg, a dis- tance of 28 miles, and that, under a scorching sun, was no joke. Having seen that the women ana children were put safe in Johannesburg, we had to march up Hospital Hill, three more miles, and we arrived there at 10 o'clock that night. Next morning every man was up like a lark. Six of us were des- patched, in company with two old soldiers, in charge of a Maxim gun. There were eight Maxims on the hill, and they had all been in the Mataliele War. About mid-day our company was taken to protect another part of the town. That night the bugle sounded the alarm, so we had to turnout of bed half- dreesed. We were in the trenches for four hours, and it wasno joke. There was too much excitement to think of the New Year. The following night I was one of six chosen to guard the toll gates with orders to shoot anyone attempting to pass through. But, thank God, they all turned back at my command. The weather being so changeable, I was taken ill next morniig.and conveyed to the hospital suffering from a slight attack of fever. I received splendid treatment while there. After I had been in the hospital for five days orders came to lay down arms before Dr. Jameson should be released. I was sent back to Van Ryn, where ay former boss camecametosee me, wi th tho welcome ne" e that I should start woik as soon as I could. We were paid at the rate of £1 a day and rations for our soldiering experience, which was not bad pay, especially when I was out of work at the time."

CEPN. PREACHING SERVICES.—Through the kindness of the church at Ebenezer, that spacious edifice WHS placed at the service of the ministerial students at the Cefn Grammar School, and last Sunday very successful meetings were held there all day, and also on Monday evening. Considering that preaching services of this kind, conducted by young men from private schools, are more or less a novelty in this district, it is not to be wondered at that considerable .interest was evinced in the meetings on Sunday. The result was that tho chapel was filled at all the service? by a most attentive audience, who were simply delighted by the marked ability of the young folk, who have just left their various occupations in oreer to commence a course of studies with a view of entering a theological collego. The sermons, in all instances, were able and eloquently delivered. The students who took part in the meetings were:— Messrs. R. Morgan. Abercanaid J. N. Elias, Troedyrhiw; James Edwards, Dowlais; ThouM" Williams, Dowlais Sam T. Lewis, Penydarren E. Carston, Troedyrhiw J. Evans, Troedyrhiw; and J. M. Elias, Merthyr Vale. Collections were made at the various meetings to defray the expenses of the students. We are authorised by the above gentlemen to thank the Ebenezer Church most heartily for their kindness in lending the chapel. —The Temperance men at Cefn are a most in- temperate lot, as is evidenced by the spirited discussion carried on in the columns of this paper from week to week. What an ado alwut nothing Before ex- pressing an opinion one way or another, I congratulate Mr. Morgan L. Price on the phenomenal strides he had made in his studies. I knew Mr. Price of old, and he always impressed me rs a very indifferent English scholar. Well, I thought that to write a six- hned paragraph in English was as impossible to hint as to speak for five minutes on "Dirweat" without waxing hot. Selling the Times does it no other paper would be capable of producing such remarkable results. Ap Ffarmwr,' lay this flattering unction to thy soul, and take credit to thyself for this stupendous fact But as to the point at issue. From careful inquiries made by John and myself, I find that Morgan is wrong in all his statements. This is rather hard upon dear old Morgan, but I must go upon the evidence. His most clenching argument in support of Cliqueism" was that the Rev. H. Davies was appointed chairman. There is evidently not mnch love lost between Morgan and the reverend. On this point of chairmanship again I must, on the weight of evidence, decide against the Field-street Temperance Reformer. The Rev. Jacob Thomas was, as a matter of fact, pressed to take a most prominent part in the public meeting, but, probably owing to his extreme modesty, he declined to do more than a formal second- inff of a resolution. On tho constitution of the com- mittee "Justice" is most certainly right. All the Nonconformist churches in the place, except the Wesleyan, were represented, and represented by some of their most honoured members. To call a meeting, therefore, that was constituted of gentlemm directly deputed by their various churches to act on their be- half a clique shows a spirit sadly disappointed at some- thing prior to the meeting held by Plenydd. As far as I can see there was nothing in the action of the committee to call for such an ill-advised criticism as Price has meted out to them, and my advice to my old friend Morgan is to leave well alone, for he is certainly in the wrong this time. Htx LANC.

MERTHYR VALE. BOARD SCHOOL, ABERFAN.—■Opening services ni connection with the English Independents were held here on Sunday last, the Rev. I). Waters, late of Mount Zion, Troedyrhiw, preached both morning and evening. A Sunday School has been established in connection with same for some months past. COGNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.-Mr. D. Prosser, the Liberal candidate, is prosecuting his candidature with vigour. Mr. H. E. Gray is expected to come out as the representative of Messrs. Nixon's Company to oppose him if so a warm contest is expected for the vacant seat. DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION, MERTHYK VALE WARD. —There are rumours of two or three candidates Mr. H. E. Gray, the works representative; Mr. A. Daniel, of Troedyrhiw, the Liberal candidate and a working man candidate and Socialist champion, Mr. R. Davies, of Treharris. Doubtless we shall, during the election, hear the echoes of the great water con- troversy. ATTEMPTED BURGLARY.—AS P.C. Venn was going his rounds about midnight near Aberfan Station, Rhymney Railway, he noticed two men leaving the railway premises ove: the fence; he at once gave chase, but lest them in thodirknesa. On examining the goods shed he found that an entrance had beed attempted, the lock having been broken otf, and but for the timely arrival of the constable, no doubt an entrance would have been effected.

BRYNMAWR. JONES and MORGAN, Brynmawr, still take tho lead for cheap and stylish millinery. [3048 WATKIN'S DINING ROOMS are situated a few minutes walk from the station. Excellent accommo- dation for commercials, dinners, teas, &c. [2898 VISITORS to Brynmawr should not fail to call at the TEMPERANCE HOTEL, Beaufort-street. Dinners, Teas, Temperance Drinks, Cigars, Billiards, &c. Moderate charges. J. THOMAS, Billposter and General Advertising Agent, 3, Bailey-street, Brynmawr, rents principal posting stations. [2907 EDWARDS AND Co., praotical tailors and woollen drapers, Worcester-street, Brynmawr; and Aber- ystwyth. [3041 DRIXK HAVARD and MORGAN'S Aerated Waters. Support home iudustries. [gfsf