The South Wales Star

EISTEDDFOD AT PEJSTYGRAIG. FULL REPORT OF THE PROCEEDINGS. An eisteddfod on a somewhat large scale was held on Monday last (Mabon's Day) in a field near Penygraig. under the auspices of the Loyal Daniel Thomas Lodge of Oddfellows. It is an interesting fact that this lodge is named after the hero who lost his life in endeavouring to save his friends, and who distinguished himself at the explosions both at Tynewydd and Penygraig. The proceed- ings took place in a large marquee, which had been kindly provided for the committee by Mr. J. W. Lewis, landlord of the White Rock Hotel, and in spite of the counter attraction in the foot- ball field close by, the attendance was very large. The chairman of the day was Mr. David Leyshon (Chairman of the Pontypridd Local Board). Mr. Taliesin Hopkins adjudicated the music, and Mr. Morgan Thomas, Penygraig, the literature. The prize bags were adjudicated by Mrs. W. Lewis, and the drawing by Alderman J. Jones Griffith. Un- doubtedly much praise is due to the members of the committee, and especially to the secretary, Mr. D. Thomas. Brynheulog, and the treasurer, Mr. W. Lewis, for the very excellent manner in which the arrangements were carried out. The programme commenced with an opening song, "Yn iach i ti, Gymru," by Mr. Thomas Howells. Mr. David Leyshon, in delivering his opening address, said that in all parts of the Rhondda Valley the Eisteddfod was financially and educationally a success. He was glad to think that the eisteddfod platform was a non-political and a non-sectarian one, and there Was no fear that people of different de- nominations would quarrel thereon. (Cheers and laughter.) Continuing, he mentioned the fact that a man born in their parish had been selected to be the Lord Mayor of London for the year 1892. (Loud applause.) Mr. Leyshon in conclusion wished all success to the Loyal Daniel Thomas Lodge of Oddfellows, and the Order in general, and hoped that all workmen would see the ad- vantages of joining friendly societies such as that. (Loud applause.) The first competition of the day was an alto solo, Dacw Gymru yn y golwg," and the prize was awarded to Mr. R. Rowlands, Penygraig. For the best rendering on the Jew's Harp of the Rose and Castle," and Hen wlad fy Nhadau," Mr. Evan Lewis, Penygraig, was awarded the prize. In the drawing competition, the subjects of which were a map of Spain and Portugul for boys. and of Italy for girls, a large number had entered, and excellent drawings had been forwarded. Master Harry Shepherd and Kate." whose proper name did not transpire, were awarded the prizes. Emlyn and Gwilym, of Tonyrefail, were the best in the duett competition, Awelon Eryri." For the best prize bag Miss Davies, White Rock, received a prize of 5s. Out of a large number of competitors in the recitation competition, Dinystr y Demi," the prize of 5s. was awarded to Erwyd," whose proper name did not transpire. Mr. John D. Evans, Penygraig, obtained the prize for the best rendering of the bass solo, Breuddwyd y Morwr Bach." Two parties entered for the competition on l; Merch Megan," and the prize was awarded to the Pontypridd party, under the leadership of Mr. J. Evans. Mr. Morgan Thomas, in delivering his adjudica- tion on theenglynion to Captain R. Hill Male, awarded the prize to Mr. E. Edward (Odyn- fab), Porth, the following being the successful stanzas :— Hoff anian gwlad ddiffynwr—a'i hoen glew Fedda'n glwys ddyngarwr; A chan. ras gwel addas wr, Genau rhad gan waredwr. Sedd Hill Male dan sel serch sydd—dysg A is-gadair Odydd, [gydiwyd, A'n hardd wr a ddaw rhyw ddydd O'i wych Ie yn Uwch Lywydd." Only two competed in the soprano solo, Yn iach i ti, Gymru." and the prize was awarded to Miss M. A. Griffiths, Ynyshir. There were no entries for the ijuvenile choir competition. Miss M. A. Griffiths, Ynyshir, was awarded the prize of 5s. for the best rendering of the pianoforte solo. The Queen's Dream." for children under 14 years of age. The chairman generously gave a prize of 2s. 6d. to Miss Mary Phillips, Penygraig, and the other two competitors were also given prizes. Out of six competitors on the essay, Is Mabon's Day Beneficial or Not ?" Mr. Thomas Evans (Ap Persis), Dinas, was awarded the prize of one guinea. An arrangement has been made to pub- lish the best essay in the Smith Wales Star for next week. Eleven competitors entered for the tenor solo competition, "Llythyr fy Mam," and the prize was awarded to Gwilym o'r Glyn, Porth. Although four choirs had entered for the chief choral competition, not one appeared on the stage. A hearty vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meeting to an end.

BRIDGEND SCHOOL BOARD. The usual monthly meeting of this Board was held at the school on Tuesday, when there were present Messrs. W. Buckley and John Evans.— Two parents attended before the Board, stating that they failed to get their children to attend school, but the Board explained that they could do nothing, and the parents were asked to endeavour to send them.—The Clerk stated that he had re- plies from the following gentlemen consenting to act on the Technical Education Committee :— Messrs. F. G. Smith, W. M. Richards, D. Jenkins (chemist), W. J. Lewis, G. H. Dyer, W. M'Gaul, and Rev. J. P. Jones.—A letter was also read from Mr. Evans (Pencoed), the hon. secretary of the Bridgend District Teachers' Association, offering an earnest apology on behalf of the association for taking the room without the consent of the Board, and promised, if the Board considered to grant them the schools, to fall in with any terms they would arrange.—It was also stated that Mr. Kerr, in order to obtain the grant for the South Kensington Science and Art Association, had also formed a.local committee, but the Board decided to proceed with their committee, irrespective of any committees outside. The gentlemen named were decided as a committee, with the members of the Board, to act regarding technical instruction, five to form a quorum.—It was decided that the Science and Art Committee be allowed the use of the room oae evening a week at a reasonable charge.—It was reported that the boy Frank James had been dis- charged on the 2nd inst., and had returned home to his friends.—The Clerk was instructed to ascertain tenders for the supply of coal for the schools.—The attendance officer (Mr. W. G. Richards) reported that since the introduction of the Free Education Act the attendance had been better all round, the average of infants being higher than ever. Some were, however, still very irregular. The attendance at the National Schools had also improved. Pro- ceedings had been taken on September 5 against John Underhiil, George Palmer, Thomas Rees (mason), Richard Evans (boilermaker), and Thomas Pearce (Oddfellows'-row). In the case of the first two, fines of 5s. had been imposed, and in the two latter 2s. 6d.—The Chairman said the balance required for the coming half-year would be £309 7s. 9d. Last year he explained it was £357, but he accounted for the difference that they were now receiving 10s. per head allowance in respect of the attendance of children under the new Education Act in lieu of their school fees. The infants used only to pay Id. a week, and this allowance would be a considerable benefit to them.—It was decided, on the motion of Mr. T. T. Lewis, that a precept be issued on the overseers for the sum of £310. The total expenditure of the Board was estimated at t55219s.4d., outof which jglll would be received in respect of grant, and which, with the balance already in hand of £132 lIs. 7d., made the neces- sary amount.—This was all the business of im- portance.

BRIDGEND FAT STOCK SOCIETY. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual general meeting of the committee of the above society was held at the Local Board- room on Saturday evening last, when there was a fair attendance. Mr. Rees Thomas (Boverton) presided. Regarding the usual show at Christmas it was resolved that Col. Warlow be asked to accept the presidency, Mr. Edmund Lewis (St. Mary Hill) consenting to act as vice-president. Last year's committee were re-elected. Messrs. Edwin Price and F. Moon (National Bank of Wales) were re- elected respectively as secretary and treasurer, duties which they have hitherto performed to the greatest satisfaction. The rules in vogue were altered in several minor respects, the outcome of past experience.

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BRIDGEND BOARD OF GUARDIANS. At the usual weekly meeting of this Board held at the Union Workhouse, Bridgend, on Satur- day, there were present Rev. F. W. Edmondes (chairman), Messrs. Rees Thomas (Pyle), and D. Spencer (vice-chairmen), Col. Warlow, Messrs. E. John, W. Hopkin, D. Bowen, W. Jenkins, James Barrow, Win. Howells (Wick), Wm. Jones, E. Morgan, Thomas Rees, J. H. Thomas, Griffith Thomas, D. Thomas, D. Thomas, John Lewis (Llanilid), W. Thomas, John Williams, Rees Thomas (Llantwit). Wm. Howdll (Pencoed), John Thomas (Coychurch Higher), and Edward Lewis. —The Clerk read the statistics of relief in the various districts in the Union, the total amount of which was £86 13s. Id., as compared with £103 8s. 2d., the corresponding week of last year —The report of the Finance Committee recom- mended, after considering the estimated expendi- ture for next half-year, that a call be made for £3,344. The total amount of the expenditure was estimated at £5,454, but after deducting the re- payments (£2,110) on account of salaries, &c., the amount as above would be required. The com- mittee recommended that the balance ready in hand should be allowed to remain on account of the pro- posal to expend a large amount in effecting certain alterations in the workhouse, and in building a shed for the hearse the latter being only a small item. He (the Clerk) said the out-relief for the half-year just then expired had been lower than he ever remembered, it being also considered that there were 27 weeks in the period. There was a slight increase in the non-resident relief owing to some few paupers removing to other unions, the difference being £100 instead of £90 as estimated for. It was estimated far higher in the current half-year, the reason of this being that there were several items included not hitherto put to this account.—Mr. Barrow said on the whole they had reduced the relief 10d. in the £ in the total rate.— Mr. Thomas Rees said it had been mentioned that there would be a lot of money in hand for the proposal to expend money. He entirely deprecated this when they could borrow money for the pur- pose.—The Chairman said it was always desirable to keep a balance in hand.—Mr. Barrow said the accumulation of this money had not come about practically by any efforts of that Board but by the County Council. The committee were at first disposed to reduce the rate to a very great extent; but seeing that they contemplated spending this money, they decided to tax the Board with £900, which they thought would be spent within the next year. They did not lose any money by doing so. He proposed that the recommendation of the committee be adopted.— Mr. Wm. Howell (Pencoed) seconded.—Mr. Thos. Rees proposed as an amendment that they reduce the call £1,000. He felt, as a ratepayer, that they could nat afford to leave dead money at the bank. —Mr. John Thomas (Llwynhelig) ultimately se- conded the amendment.—Mr. Barrow pointed out that it would have been much better to attend the committee and work it out with them than de- liberate the question at the Board meeting. Nevertheless, he was quite prepared to uphold the action of the committee in recommending the provision. He fully considered the advantages of retaining money in hand for this half-year, whereas they would have to pay interest in borrow- ing money. Also it was the most opportune time, and it was a thousand pities if they de- cided to borrow money in the present case. He could affirm that, so far as manufacturing centres were concerned, they had reached their top pinnacle of prosperity.—Mr. Ed. John agreed that the matter should have been threshed out in committee.—The amendment was put and lost, the original motion being passed.—It was reported that the House Committee had selected a spot whereon to build the shed to keep the hearse, and that an architect be employed to design plans for a shed, with an estimate for stone and brick walls, with slate roof. Also, that a coal-house be erected, covered with zinc sheets.—The Chairman moved that the recommendation of the committee be adopted.—Mr. E. John seconded.—Carried.— Mr. Philip Thomas was appointed architect.—The Master being granted a few days' leave of absence, the meeting concluded.

COITY HIGHER SCHOOL BOAHD. THE ACTION OF THE DISMISSED MASTER A VILLAGE FIGHTING AGAINST ITSELF. THE LATE MASTER MAKES AN AMUSING ENTRY ON DEPARTING. This School Board held their usual monthly meeting on Monday last, at the school, Mr. D. Phillips, vice-chairman, presiding. There were also present — Messrs. George Singer, Morgan David, E. John, and R. H. Cox (clerk).—-The amount expended by the Board for the past year was read by the clerk as being £216 9s, 4d., while the receipts were £246 19s. 9d., showing that there remained a balance at the bank, after deducting certain small amounts, of d629 19s. 8d. He pro- duced an estimate of expenditure for the coming year, and stated that he should require £ 74 8s. 5d. The last half-year it was only £65, but it was higher this year owing to the amount of grant al- lowed in respect of school fees—10s. per head upon the attendance—would be very low. They used to have an average attendance of about sixty children, but at present it was only about twelve. —Mr. George Singer, in proposing that a precept be issued for the amount required, said if the rate- payers liked to send their children elsewhere, it was their own loss.—The Chairman We must have money, but there seems to be plenty in the company.—Mr. Morgan David seconded the pro- position of Mr. Singer, and it was carried unani- mously.—A letter was read from Mr. John G. Williams, stating that owing to beinjr laid up with rheumatism and unable to attend to the duties of the Board, begged to submit his resigna- tion, which the Board decided to accept, and that a successor be advertised for in the Star, whose salary would be placed at £9 per annum.—The Chairman and Mr. George Singer were authorised to sign cheques.—The following letter was read from the Rev. F. W. Edmonds to the Clerk:— Dear Mr. Cox,—I am sorry to say I shall not be able to attend the meeting of the Coity Higher School Board next week, as I have to start on Monday morning for the Church Congress at Rhyl. From information I have received, it seems that very few children are at present attending the Board School. I think that it would be well for the Board to order notices to be served on those parents whose children appear not to be attending such a school as would be recognised by the Education Department. These notices may, perhaps, have the desired effect of securing for the children of the School Board district efficient education in proper premises; but, whether this desirable end be obtained or not, the course which I have suggested will put the Board in a position to take further steps if they prove to be necessary. May I add that it appears to me that this is what the Board has to do to see that the children receive proper educa- tion in proper premises, and that the less anything like personal feeling is allowed to en ter into the matter the better.—The Clerk We are in this un- fortunate position now—we have no attendance officer to serve notices.—Mr. Singer ultimately proposed that the matter stand over the appoint- ment of an attendance officer.—Mr. M. David seconded, and it was carried.—Mrs. Edwards was appointed cleaner of the school, at a salary of £4 a year, with 10s. allowed for firewood.—The Head- master (Mr. W. B. Phillips) reported that two windows of the school had been broken, and in answer to questions by the Board he said they were done during his absence, and that he had received no personal annoyance in the village.—It was decided that the master select wall paper for the bedrooms of the house, and that the work of painting the doors and paperhanging be done forthwith, the windows to be left until the master came to reside in the house.—Mr. Evan John asked, with regard to the resignation of Mr. Peters, whether it was known that there existed in the log book of the school that he was dismissed with- out any reason.—The Clerk read the entry to this effect, which, besides, referred very amusingly to the future of the Board, and concluded with Amen."—Mr. Singer said that the Rev. F. W. Edmondes explained matters to him upon the face of the inspector's report, and he (the late master) admitted them, although not understanding them. —Mr. John said he asked for that, in order to re- fute the ideas extant that the Board dismissed him without any valid reason.—The Clerk read the minute, which stated that the inspector's report and grant being considered unsatisfactory, the Board had an interview with Mr. Peters, which resulted in his receiving three months' notice."— It was explained that there were no reporters present at the meeting to publish this reason.— Mr. Evan John said that was his chief reason for asking for it. He remembered also 12 months ago the Rev. F. W. Edmondes giving him a distinct warning regarding his dismissal unless there was an improvement effected in the result of the school examination.—Mr. George Singer I think we gave him every consideration from the time we started the school. Looking back to the time of his engagement, he said, prima far ir, why was he appointed.—The Clerk thought they had nothing to do about anything said outside the school, and the least said about it the better.—The meeting then terminated.

BRIDGEND RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. The fortnightly meeting of this authority, held at the Union Workhouse, Bridgend, on Saturday last, was presided over by Mr. J. Blandy Jenkins (chairman), Messrs. D. Spencer, Griffith Thomas, Thomas Rees, W. Hopkin, Rees Thomas (Llantwit), D. Bowen, Griffith Thomas, Thomas Thomas (Peterstone), Colonel Warlow, R. H. Cox (clerk), and 11. Leyshon (inspector of nuisances).—It was resolved that Mr. David Owen be paid 7s. Bd. a quarter for looking after the taps at Llanharran.— A letter was read from Mr. Wm. Evans, Court House, Pencoed, asking for a sum of 5s. a year for water running from under his property.—It was decided that a sum of 2s. 6d. be paid for the use of the water, the chairman consenting to the amount.—A letter from Dr. Mellor notified the existence of a case of scarlet fever in the house of Mr Nathaniel Davies, Pump-row.—A letter was read from Mr. E. E. Lewis, Coity, calling the at- tention of the authority to the fact that there ex- isted an unlicensed slaughter-house, belonging to Mr. John Thomas, Caeglas, the stench arising" from which was described as intolerable to the surrounding inhabitants. The inspector was in- structed to serve the man with notice, stating" that he rendered himself liable to punishment if he continued to use the slaughter-house.—It was decided also that the inspector report upon the means of flushing and draining a sewer near the Turberville Arms, Llanharran. — The Inspector said that he had to report that a new school had been opened in the long room of the Oak public- house, Coity. It was overcrowded, and he re- quired instructions concerning it, and he also wanted to find out whether there was sufficient ventilation there.—It was decided that he report accordingly.—In answer to further questions, the Inspector said the state of things at Coity was the result of the letter just read regarding the slaughtsr-house.—The Chairman It strikes nie they are cutting off their noses to spite their faces.—Mr. James Jones, greengrocer, Aberkenfig, who was reported to have been building without first submitting plans to the authority, was or- dered to desist until he had done so, or he would be summoned.—Mr. J. W. Edwards, the guardian of the parish, was reported by the inspector to have broken a dust-bin at Jenkins-row, Aberken- fig, by endeavouring to remove it. He was ordered to replace the damage, or action would be taken in the matter.—The altered plan of the Llan- harran School was again returned, the inspector to report as to the outlet of the drainage at the next meeting.—Several cases of scarlet fever were reported by Dr. Randall existing within his dis- trict.—There was no other business of importance.

GLYNTAFIMBURIAL "BOARD. PROPOSED EXTENSION OF DISTRICT. A SCENE. The ordinary monthly meeting of the Glyntaff Burial Board was held on Friday evening last, Mr* R. Rogers (in the chair). There were also preset the Rev. S. R. Jones, Messrs. W. Jones, F. Judd, J* Hiscock, James Coombes, W. Morgan, and J. & Spickett (clerk).—The Clerk reported that 23 inter- ments had taken place during the last month. THE MONUMENT DISPUTE. The Clerk suggested that it would be better to adjourn the question of Mr. Thomas Rees' monu- ment until Mr. Councillor Roberts would be ab^ to attend.—Mr. Morgan said it had been reported in the papers that Mr. Rees had agreed to the pro- posals. This was not so, and he was still waiting for the matter to be settled in order that he migh gold the letters and put the monument in its pr< £ per position, and as he was engaged with the wor^ he thought the Board should give him instruc- tions.—It was finally decided that the matter should stand over until the clerk should see eack member of the committee individually to obtain their decision, and that, in the meantime, Mr. Morgan should abide by the Board's resolution. THE PROPOSED EXTENSION. Mr. Coombes said that the deputation which v?90 to have waited on the Local Board with referencf to the proposed extension of the district had nO done so owing to the fact that the statistics had not been obtained, and he woul suggest that the matter be deferred until tW deputation had met the Board. He was as much & favour of the proposed extension as any mewbe of the Board, but he did not wish to rush head- long into the matter without giving it due coJY sideration. He believed that if the charter obtained they would be able to extend the disti'ic without obtaining an Act. He then produced extract from the Municipal Act wheih he handed to the clerk to read. They were not particular hurry, and even if they had to defer tM matter for a year they would not suffer a vert great hardship.—The Clerk having read the extract, Mr. William Jones asked whether it did not IDea; that the municipal authority would have power & take Over the present Burial Board district. fare as he could understand it did not imply tb»c they Wollld have power to extend the area of Burial Board to that of their own. Even they woo' £ have to secure an Act of Parliament to accompli^ that.—The Clerk They would have to obtain Order in Council.—Mr. W. Jones added that liminary steps were being made to obtain a of incorporation but if their present experienc was to be similar to the past, the incorporatio would not take place for a long time indeed. as far as he conld see, the work was carried out a very dilatory manner. Neither could he SC that the Burial Board could afford to wait, pecially when they knew that the outlying tricts were anxious for them to proceed with tb work.—Mr. Morgan The meetings were very badly attended, and only one ratepayer was sent at the one which I attended. That does no prove that the feeling of the outlying district 1 with us. 1 Mr. Judd You must not guage the feelings b the meetings. The ratepayers may be in favour and yet not attend the meetings. Mr. Morgan I differ from you. Mr. W. Jones smiled. Mr. Morgan: You must not laugh, Mr. J0neto' and you must not Tut-tut me. I allow y°u talk, and I expect you to listen to me when I spe»*' Mr. Jones Don t be so sensitive, Mr. Morgan- to Mr. Morgan I am not sensitive, but I want be heard. I have spoken to a great number of ratepayers, and I do not consider that we are juis. fied in pushing this thing down their throats 1 spite of them.. Mr. J ones said that the interest taken in Pu^, meetings as a rule was not a criterion of the xn.n rest taken in a certain scheme. He could mention dates when inquiries were held in the town the Local Board proposed to spend £ 150,000 of tJL ratepayers' money on a certain scheme, yet onv two or three ratepayers attended an inquiry whic interested them in a great degree. The Chairman You are quite right. r' Mr. Jones Why did not the ratepayers inter^ fere ? Simply because they had faith in the mel*\ bers of the Local Board, and they gave their sent to the scheme. On the other hand, if ratepayers were against the scheme they w0lJjL attend in large numbers and oppose it. In same manner they had acted towards the B Board the ratepayers had not attended the ings, but if they were against the extension tb6J would have been there in crowds. jt Rev. S. R. Jones agreed, and said that absence from the meetings should be as giving their consent.—Mr. Coombes All tb*^ has been said does not apply to the p0.10' No one objects to the proposed extensi^ The simple question is whether you will InCur > heavy expense by obtaining an Act of Parliaxne d or wait until the town has been incorporated the Board taken over by the municipal author1 I would really advise you to wait a short time see the resuLs of the proceedings now being —Rev. S. R. Jones pointed out that the « Council would not necessarily take over the t Board.—The Clerk And even if they took it they would have to obtain a special Act before tb could extend the boundary.—Mr. W. Jones moved that the Clerk be instructed to take 4 e necessary steps with a view of securing an tie Parliament for the extension of the district. pointed out that it would be folly to wait for incorporation of the town, which might not place for some years. Then the cost would be about £800, and the amount divided among" the ratepayers of the district would be but a pence per pound, but when it would be div^.j. amongst the ratepayers of the extended district w ould be very low indeed, ana their revenue &s Board would be larger, because they would many more burials than at present. But strongest argument of all was the fact that tb were about to extend the boundary of the cemete and if they could not come to an agreement V}15e the landowner they could without extra eXPf?jye apply for compulsory powers. If they delayed ,f matter much louger it would be too late, and t» chances might not be so favourable as they *\qs at present.—Mr. Judd seconded.—Mr. moved an amendment to the effect that the be adjourned until the next meeting. This seconded by Mr. W. Morgan, but on a vote taken there voted for the amendment Mr. Cooing, and Mr. Morgan for the original motion, ^eS 0. W. Jones, F. Jtidd, W. Hiscock, and the ReV/of0 R. Jones.—The original motion was declared passed. PLANS. d sulY Mr. A. O. Evans, architect, attended an tbØ mittedthe plans of the proposed extension of ant).. cemetery.—Plans of new tombs were also b mitted and approved of.