The South Wales Star

A SUMMER EVENING IDYLL. [.Dedicated to DrofsedPJ While gazing from out my window upon the starlit sky watching the moon ride ) vice-regally through the pellucid wa^es of the etheric ocean, listening to the rhythmic flow of the lacteous fluid as it meandered from the family cow into the cocoa-nut fibre milk pail I fell into a muse. My eagle eye wandered to the aforesaid cow, who nothing daunted stood her ground cowfully, and chewed away with evident enjoyment at a succulent bunch of the sun-dried grass. I took in ett passant her graceful unstudied pose, the soft delicate contour of her limbs, and the abstracted look about her forehead and eye supposed by character readers to be indicative' of deep thought and painful research. In sequential order my optic fell, though lightly, upon the accompanying milk maiden. Her de- cidedly Hibernian cast of beauty, her auburn locks done up in the latest—the Greco-Boman style of tonsorial architecture; the rich tremble of the high-strung soprano as she struck P flat in the night-hawk's song, brought me back to child- hood's happy hours. I thought of the days when I had romped playfully about the nursery (2 by 4 V), and sat down convulsively upon the ubiqui- tous tin tack. (N.B.—Time, the smoother of all things, has not effaced its mark.) I dozad over the long bright summer days when we used to—you know. I slept over the balmy spring nights when I used to breathe the clovey words of love into the shell-like earlet of my bestestgirl under the placid mooonlit sky. accompanied by the drowsy murmurs of the adjacent frog pond. I snored over the hal- lowed memory of my early married days, when my mother-in-law came to spend all summer with us, and cut short her visit by falling over the bridge that leads to the Wyndham abode of learn- ing.0 I stirred—I woke with a snort, to find the moon under a passing cloud, the milk pail nourishing the verdure from its upturned side, the milk lady reclining in a recumbent position at some little distance, while the intervening atmo- sphere trembled with the flood of metaphor and simile let loose upon its gentle bosom. The rest was unchanged. The cow stood in her accustomed place ruminating o'er a large piece of Scottish thistle, whose touching members had doubtless irritated the interior wall of her larynx, and caused the unlooked for nooturnal sensation. Nantymoel. TTBTÆUS.

BARRY ELECTORAL DISTRICT AND THE GENERAL ELECTION. Now that-we are within a very short time of the general election, and as there are in this dis- trict one-eighth of the entire constituency of the Southern Division of Glamorganshire, the Liberal Association has for some time past been actively engaged in preparing for the contest, and, at the time of writing, a complete canvass of the district is quite ready, so that, let the dissolution come when it may, the Liberal party will not be caught napping. The canvass is arranged on a new system that will be found in operation to be as near perfection as possible, and with the strong band of workers always ready for the fray, the result cannot be otherwise than grati- fying to the party of progress. The whole of the canvass has been prepared by the secretary. Mr. F. W. Taylor. East Barry, who has had a large experience of electioneering work, and who has given great attention to details in this matter. In the course of his labours, it was discovered that the" removals" was a very large proportion of the electorate, nearly 25 per cent. of the voters having removed from their qualifying residence. Recognising this as being of the utmost importance, Mr. Taylor set about the work of training them to their new abode, and with such results that very few indeed are unaccounted for. and the voters are placed in the canvass books in the district in which they now reside, and not in that for which they qualify. This has been a work of a very diffi- cult character, but it has been accom- plished in a th' roughly systematic manner and cannot fail to be of great value when the day of battle comes. But as it is probable that many removals will yet take place between now and the day of election, we are authorised to request any Liberal elector who may so remove to communicate the fact to Mr. Taylor, or any member of the Association, so that the necessary arrangements may be made to ensure the voter being found when wanted. It is hoped that all Liberal voters, more especially the working men, will render all the assistance in their power to assist the Liberal party at the next election, in giving the Conserva- tive candidate to understand that at least as far as the Barry district is concerned, he must not occupy any other than a back seat.

THE WHIT-MONDAY EISTEDDFOD. The Whit-Monday Eisteddfod at the Market- hall, Cadoxton, promises to be an unqualified success. Last week we had the pleasure of announcing that Lord Windsor, Mr. Fred L. Da vies, and Mr. John Cory had promised to preside JI at the different meetings. This in itself, together with the fact that five choirs are already in the field training for the chief competition prize, would have been a sufficient augury of the success of the Eisteddfod. In another, but even more important direction. strenuous efforts are being made to further the interests of the eisteddfod. It is well known that the proceeds of the eisteddfod will be entirely devoted to the erection and, if possible, endowment of a cottage hospital in our midst. No one would be ;more benefitted by the establishment of such an institution than the working men of the district. We are glad that they are recognising the fact' and; are doing their utmost to help the Eisteddfod Committee. We had occasion to announce some time ago that the friendly societies had determined to come out in force on Whit-Monday and march in procession from the station to the eisteddfod. We are glad to hear, also, that Mr. Maurice Jones, whose enthusiasm as a Welshman to the Eis- teddfod is only second to his love for humane institutions, such as Cottage Hospitals has already collected over £4 in aid of the Eistedd- fod. The Trades Council, we hear, are also collect- ing towards the Hospital. May we suggest to them that it would be better to amalgamate the two funds, and that the Trades Council would do well to follow the lead of their brethren, and hand over their subscriptions to the Eisteddfod Committee. Such a course would not diminish the amount handed over to the Hospital, and would make the Eisteddfod even a greater success than it would otherwise undoubtedly be, by popularising it among the members of the Trades Council and their friends.

A FEW WORDS WITH TOM ELLIS. Our correspondent Aliquis writes I had a short interview with Mr. T. E. Ellis, M.P., a day or two ago an account of which will, I am sure, interest every one of your patriotic readers. Of course my first question was topical. I asked Mr. Ellis why he was not present at the Female Suffrage debate. Mr. Ellis replied, "It grieved me very much to be absent. My views on the question are still as strong as ever in favour of that righteous reform, and the dodges that have been resorted to by the enemy of female suffrage made me all the more anxious to record my vote in favour of that reform. It was, however, absolutely necessary for me to be present at the Welsh Educa- tional Conference at Shrewsbury." Aliquis Were you satisfied with the result of the conference ? Mr. Ellis It was a brilliant success. The Welsh University Council will be on a grand scale worthy of a nation, not a mere petty or parochial business. On the council that is to represent and provide for higher education in Wales all the necessary bodies will be represented. The Crown to guard the public purse, the County Councils to represent local feeling, and the University Colleges to connect the practical experience in the abstract ideas. Wales will now have a real University worthy to be compared with those of other coun- tries' "Aliquis": And now to your favourite sub- ject. How about Welsh Home Hule ?" Mr. Ellis I am delighted to tell you that everything convinces me that the movement.is spreading rapidly in Wales. I 'hope at the next election we shall issue a series of leaflets to make the issue clear to the people." Aliquis Is it a fact, as stated in the Press, that the Welsh M.P.'s were absent from Dr. Clark's motion in favour of Home Rule all round ?" Mr. Ellia On the contrary. All our younger members were present to support him. I should have spoken at greater length myself only I was afraid of a count out. The readers of the South Wales Star 1lave doubtless observed that it was not the most progressive section of the Opposition that voted against us on that occasion." Aliquis" Was it not a fine speech that Mr. Balfour made on Female S'unrage ? Don't you thing that he is, perhaps, after all, the statesman who will give Wales Home Rule ? Mr. Ellis is too good a party leader to be drawn into opinions about other parties' leaders. He merely replied, Mr. Balfour has certainly a logical mind." ALIQUIS.

COLLISION AT BARRY DOCK. Shortly before midnight on Monday the fine new steamer Aladdin, 2,020 tons net register, which has only just been built by and for Messrs. R. Ropner and Son, of Stockport, was about to enter Barry Dock at high water, when she heavily collided with the western pier-head, taking the end cleanly away. The steamer afterwards came into contact with the entrance-wall, and sustained considerable damage to her own stem. The wind was blowing high at the time.

WHY? WHY? WHY?—Why should people suffer from Liver Complaints? Why complain of Indiges- tion ? Why tear the Pains of Disordered Stomach ? Why be wearied with Weak Nerves? Why be dis- tressed with Skin Diseases ? Why endure Hea dache ? Why be troubled with Bad Blood ? Why be tortured with Rheumatism ? Why be a martyr to Fits, Ecszema, Piles ? When Hughes's Blood Pills will soon relieve you from every trouble. Sold by every Chemist and dealer in Patent Mecicines at Is. lid., 2a. 9d., and 4s. Sd.—Advt. HOME CURE FOF DEAFNESS.—A book by a noted Aural Surgeon, describing a System of curing Deaf- ness and Noises in the Head by which a self-cure is effeoted at home. The Rev. D. H. W. Harlock, of the Parsonage, Milton-under-Wynchwood, writes :—" Try the system by all means, it is first rate, and has been, of the utmost service to me." Post free 4d.—D.E YEllE tND CO.. Publishers. 22. Warwick-lane, London, K.C No MORE GRAY HAIR OR BALD HEADS.—See the People's Fireside Journal, this week. All news- agents, Id.; post free, 2d., from 59, Newman-street London, W. Whenever I have aymptoms of Hoarseness coming on, I always fly to my favourite remedy, LEWIS'S PECTORAL BALSAM, take a dose or two, and am right again."—Is. lid. and 2a. 9d. per bottle.

FROM WALES OVER THE SEA. [BY J. YOUNG EVANS.] II. Jersey is a delightful place, and in many ways reminds one of Gibraltar. Not only do its massive fortifications look imposing-especially from the sea-but there is an exhilarating freshness in its scenery. Although I should not like to libel even the Editor of the Star, yet my first stroll though St. Heliers brought him vividly to my mind. As many of my readers know, the Editor, when an Oxford undergraduate, was a member of the Dafydd ab Gwilym Society. In those days that Society was more of a social gathering than it is ever likely to be in the future. It has now become a serious conclave for the reading of essays, but, not so long ago. the few members who comprised it enjoyed distinctive titles. To cut the story short, the man of Brasenose was Arch Aror/ldarthydd, and was never so happy as when darkening the room with the fumes of the peace-pipe. St. Heliers is a grand place for a smoke. In its fine streets almost every other shop is a warehouse of the weed, and the port being a free one, there is no need for the devotee, in the words -of the editor's parody of Iliraeth, "i dalu am dano rhyw gorcn y pwys." Next morning we mide an excursion round the Island. There are many facilities for doing this, inasmuch as two or three rival drags, with four horses, take visitors idaily to some pleasant spot on the other side. We were lucky enough to get the box seats from which accrued two especial advantages. We were able to admire the skill of the driver, and to escape the topographical lectures the guide was giving to a party of Scotch people and others who sat behind. Now I always enjoy scenery, but I prefer knowing nothing at all about it. I like to feast my eyes on a landscape, without having a mass of facts thrust into my ears at the same time. It is J. M. Barrie, I think, who tells a story of an English family travelling by train in Germany. They have their guide-books open. and father. mother, and children look utterly bored as they strain their eyes to look at some castle in the dis- tance, and try to listen to the details of its history in their Baedeker. Finally a little boy asks, Father, are we enjoying ourselves ?" So when a long stretch of pleasant passage lies before you, with the sea beach on the left, and houses glittering under the morning sun on your right, you prefer- or at least you ought to, if you at all deserve a to have a holiday — surrendering yourself to a laziness which hates instruction. It was a much greater relief from the stress of a term's work to watch the whip rounding dangerous corners, or extracting a wail from an occasional cantankerous dog on the wayside, than to observe that this villa is the home of Mrs. Langtry, and that chalet was once the residence of General Boulanger. However, two halts which we made on our way to Plemont were very welcome. One was made to enable us to visit the Church of Saint Brelade, and the Fishermen's Chapel adjoining it. Jersey, like the rest of the Channel Islands, and like Brittany, too, abounds in religious monuments. Almost every place bears the name of some saint. This Fishermen's Chapel dates from the ninth century. In its present state it is a mere room, in fact, a mere barn, although used for Sunday Schools in summer. For some centuries it appears to have been neglected and turned to unworthy use. Hence the works of medieval art which it once contained have been well-nigh ruined. On the roof inside one is still able, by means of a mirror, to trace the outlines of fourteenth century frescoes, represent- ing various biblical scenes. With the incongruity familiar to students of ecclesiasticaLart, medifeval clothing and armour is found assigned to the heroes of scripture story. The chapel window has been but recently restored, and under its pictures are the words, For they were fishers." The other halt was made at the vineries of a gentleman who permitted us to inspect his hot- houses. and to indulge ourselves in a few minutes of tropical heat. The coast scenery at Plemont. our destination, is much like that of Southerndown. Here we rested some hours, not without diminishing the hotel larder, and suffering a corresponding diminu- tion of our own resources. The drive back was just like the first a gallop through tortuous lanes and stretches of level road, as we cleaved the fragrant air, and allowed scene after scene to crowd upon the eye in delightful confusion. We already seemed to have left Oxford months ago. After returning to St. Helier we attended a French service at the parish church, and later on followed the long walk cut in the rocks on the left side of the town. The tide was far out, and the distant waves flickered silently under the star- light. All at once the stillness was broken by the noise of the evening gun in the fortifications on top of the hill, and the immediately succeeding burst of the military bands. Then we returned and walked along the pier, when all was still again. We left Jersey at noon on the morrow. and a voyage of three hours brought us to St. Malo. For the first time in my life I stood on French soil.

STRIKE OF BUILDERS' EMPLOYEES AT BARRY. In consequence of the unfortunate dispute between builders and employes at Cardiff all the masons, carpenters, and builders' labourers em- ployed by members of the Cardiff Builders'. Associa- tion in the Barry district were called out on strike on Tuesday. The plasterers as a body did not strike, but it was anticipated that they would later on adopt a similar course. Two or three of the Unionist plasterers employed by Cardiff builders, including the president of the Barry Trades Council. left work on Monday of their own accord as a mark of their sympathy with their Cardiff brethren. At the Victoria Hotel, Barry Dock, on Tuesday night, a meeting of the members of the builders' labourers branch of the National Amalgamated Labourers' Union was held. when arrangements for continuing the struggle were made. Inquiry of the Cardiif builders concerned, after the meeting of the Association on Tuesday, elicited that the first information that their men working in Barry were called upon to join the strike was obtained through the evening papers. The news was not received with dismay, for, it is stated, there is comparatively little building going on in that district by the Cardiff builders, and the funds of the men's Unions would be burdened with an additional 100 hands. Only four firms affiliated to the association have work of any importance in the district, and in no case is the completion of the buildings urgent. Messrs. David Davies and Messrs. Jones Bros. have in hand the erection of new banks, one for Lloyd's Co.. and the other for the National Provincial Co., while Councillor Symonds has nearly finished the Bassett Arms building, and Messrs. R. and Y. Evans are erecting house property.

GRIEVANCES OF BARRY RAILWAY MEN. THE ACTUAL POSITION OF AFFAIRS. No arrangements had up to Wednesday been made for the deputation appointed by the Barry and Havod Railway men to wait upon the general manager in reference to their grievances. Owing to dissension in the ranks of the men some of the members of the deputation have exhibited a dis- inclination to wait upon the management. It will be realised that under such circumstances as these the Barry Company's officials are not worry- ing themselves in any degree in the way of granting concessions. The strong deputation ap- pointed by the men shortly after the visit of Mr. Harford a month or so ago, stoutly refused to act. because at Sunday week's meeting of the men (a report of which appeared in the South Wales Star at the time) a resolution was passed by a bare majority, which was looked upon by the men's leaders as not binding the deputation, to request the management to strictly adhere to the terms of the strike agreement of 1890. A new deputation was then appointed, and until this deputation places itself in communication with the general manager, all published statements alleging important concessions must be regarded as idle rumours. A statement of the present position of affairs is about being laid by the men's secretary before Mr. Harford. A rumour has gone abroad to the effect that the porters at the different railway stations will in future be allowed a full day's pay for Sunday work instead of half a day's pay as hitherto. The signalmen, it is stated, will also receive a day and a half's pay, at the rate of ten hours per day, for Sunday work instead of a day's pay as hitherto. It is also stated that in future in connection with the proposed classifying of the low level cabin at Barry Dock the Cadoxton and Barry Dock signalmen will be on duty thereat 'n alternately.

LEWIS'S PECTORAL BALSAM did me a wonder- ful amount of good. It relieved my cough instantly -18 lid per bottle.

BRIDGEND HIGHWAY BOARD. ANNUAL MEETING. WIDENING OF THE YNISAWDRE ROAD. The annual meeting of this Board was held at the Union Workhouse, Bridgend, on Saturday, when there were present Rev. F. W. Edmondes, Messrs. W. Howells (Wick), Edward Morgan, W. Hopkin, John Rees, J. Pagett, Evan Matthews, W. Bowen, Griffith Thomas, Richard Williams, John Morgan (Hendra). Howell Williams, and Wm. Street. Mr. Wm. Hopkin was appointed chairman vro tern. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN. Mr. PAGETT moved the re-election of Mr. J. Blandy Jenkins as chairman of the Board for the ensuing year. Mr. W. BOWEN seconded the resolution, which was unanimously carried. Mr. JENKINS shortly afterwards entered the room, and briefly returned thanks. Mr. BOWEN (Wallace) proposed Mr. Evan Matthews as vice-chairman, and this was seconded by Mr. John Rees. Mr. Matthews, however, withdrew in favour of Mr. Wm. Hopkin. Mr. GRIFFITH THOMAS proposed Mr. W. Howells of Wick, and Mr. PAGETT seconded. Although Mr. Hopkin was favourably received, he withdrew in favour of Mr. Howells, who was therefore declared elected. BUSINESS. The transaction of business was then proceeded with. The CLERK reported that he had examined the surveyor's account, and found that he had ex- pended during the past month £301 Os, 2d., made up, among other items, by the following:—Main roads, manual labour, X42 lis. 100. district roads, manual labour, £88 2s. drain roads, materials, £ Hi 14s. 8d. There was a balance due to the surveyor of £92 0s. 2d. He (the surveyor) called for £305 for the next month. This sum included the balance due to him and a further sum of £100 to be paid Mr.T. Rowe in respect of the Southerndown road. It was stated that the total amount already paid in respect of this contract was £750. VELIXFACH-ROAD TO BE WIDENED. Mr. EYAN MATTHEWS took up the motion pursuant to notice given by Mr. Edwin Williams, for the widening of the Velinfach-road from the railway bridge to the bridge over the river. Mr. Matthews called attention to the importance of the proposal, it being practically the key of vehicular traffic between the teeming valleys above. Mr. J. PAGETT seconded the proposition. The Surveyor's estimate was produced, showing the distance to be widened to be 31 chains, and the estimated total cost being about £52 9s. 6d. The width would be 24ft. The land had already been granted for the purpose. The resolution was ultimately carried. MISCELLANEOUS. An application was received from Mr. W. Llewellyn. Court Colman, desiring the board to widen the road at Llangewydd, near the railway bridge, a distance of 1& chains. He promised to subscribe £15 for that purpose. This application was granted. A letter was read from Mr. Knox (Margam), consenting to the widening of the road leading to the "Rest," and, on behalf of Miss TaJbot offering some land for that purpose, consent was given, provided the board made a good wall fence in lieu of the present hedge. The distance was 18 chains, and the estimated cost £277 18s. Owing to the large expenditure the question was adjourned sine die. It was decided that the surveyor report on the state of the stiles and gateways leading from the station to the Ynisawdre-road at Tondu, and also those leading from Coity to Bridgend across the fields. With reference to the road approaching the Rest at Porthcawl about to be built upon, it was stated that a vestry meeting had been held, but no official resolution had been received. It was, how- ever, stated that the parishioners were unanimous in upholding their right of way over the road. The matter was adjourned pending the report of the vestry from the overseer. It was decided that the gift of Mr. Thomas Jones of a piece of land to effect an improvement at Pandy-row, Aberkenfig, be received, provided he set back the houses at the corner to a width of 36 feet. It was decided that a letter be written to Mr. A. J. Williams, M.P., calling his attention to the state of the road leading from Heolygewdwr to Coedmwstwr. This was decided in consequence of a letter from the Rev. Stephen Jones, stating that one of his cows nearly fell over a. fence, which he thought te be in a dangerous state. ROAD CONTRACTS. The following contracts were decided upon for the main and district roads. MAIN ROADS.—Waunskiel to Brynna Bridge, Frank Raikes, Coychurch Cowbridge-road, from Old Butchers' Arms to Brocastle Junction, Evan Matthews, Coychurch Ewenny Road (Brynteg to Ewenny Park), Matthew Llewellyn, St. Bride's Major; Fformwg to Coytralew, William Elias, Bridgend; Ystradfawr to Pyle Bridge, William Elias Red Hill to Newton Nottage, William Ash Caeratry to Bryncethin, Wm. Elias. DISTRICT ROADS. St. Bride's Major, Thomas Hardy, jnn. St. Bride's Minor, tender too high Coity Higher, Thomas Doddridge; Coity Lower, Frank Raikes Coychurch Higher, Evan Morgan, Brynygarn Coychurch Lower, Frank Raikes Ewenny, Thomas Owen Kenfig, William Brown Laleston, Thomas David; Llangynwyd Middle, Thomas David Merthyrmawr, no tender; New- castle Higher, Thomas David Newcastle Lower, no tender Newton Nottage, William Ash Pen- coed, Thomas Doddridge Pyle, John Richards Southerndown, Thomas Hardy, senior: Tytheg- stone Higher, Thomas Doddridge; Tythegstone Lower, Thomas Doddridge Wick, Thomas Wil- liams Ynisawdre, Evan Williams.

NANTYMOEL PARS. [BY TYRTiEUS.] $ Last Sunday and Monday the annual meetings of the Calvinistie Methodists at Dinam were held. Splendid sermons were preached by the Rev. Moses Thoraas, Resolven, and the Rev. J. R. Williams, Pwllheli. The Rev. Edward Matthews. Bridgend, was also announced to preach, but ill-health pre- vented. It is a significant sign of the vitality of Welsh Nonconformity to see the increasing attendance and to note the voluntary contributions, larger every year. at such gatherings. Next Sunday and Monday the Independents will also hold their annual meetings. Some people use a bellows to extinguish an ember. The ember that has been burning this part of the valley in the few weeks gone by was a County Council one, and the alleged boycotting of the place has brought the light of the Press to bear upon it. } should think that the accounts were rather over-estimated. The affair did not require ventilation in the daily print. Undoubtedly there was a little resemblance to boycotting, but if things had been allowed to go on for a few weeks things would once more assume their normal appearance and quietude. Friends will have tiffs, and to make mountains of mole-hills is the proverbial employ- ment of people with idle hands and nothing to do. Education in the Valley is assuming a bright appearance. Last Tuesday the Wyndham Schools were examined, and I hear that the children have come up to the mark of expectation. The science classes have been well attended during the past winter, and next Wednesday the Science and Art examination will be held, when latent talent, I hope, will burst the crust of provincialism, and show what capabilities are possessed by the Nanty- moel rising generation.

OCCASIONAL NOTES FROM PORTHCAWL. ——— We are very pleased to observe that our young swells are commencing to put on their best togs the reason for it is not far to find, they can see the sweet damsels of the other places coming in for their usual seaside trips. Some of them spend all their pin-money in getting scented matches and cigarettes. House building, like fortune hunting, is on the increase. We have a number on here now, and several more to be speedily commenced. The trade done in the port is, I should think, in an extraordinary active condition. I learnt upon inquiry that the import of the week exceeded anything ever seen in the place before, rather over 4,000 tons discharged in the week alone. Marvel- lous, I should say. But the North Navigation Company can well be proud of their agent, who superintended all the work done. The exports in in coal amounted to 5,000 tons, a fine total for a MMtll place.

BRIDGEND SCHOOL BOARD. NEW SCHEME FOR IMPROVED ATTENDANCE. The usual monthly meeting of this board was held at the Schools, Bridgend, on Tuesday last. when there were present Mr. Thomas Stockwood (chairman), Rev. W. John (vice-chairman), Messrs. W. Buckley, J. Evans, and the Rev. F. W. Edmondes. The board considered the question of adopting some scheme for the improvement of the atten- dance at great length. The methods in practice at various boards in the country were laid before them, but contained no extraordinary means except the method of distributing prizes, and the appointment of an attendance officer. The head teachers at the Board Schools. Bridgend, submitted a lengthy and detailed scheme, which was to the effect that cards should be given out each week and month respectively, of different colours, to the children, and the possessor of the cards representing the highest percentage, would receive prizes at an annual distribution, to which parents would be invited, and addresses could then be delivered by persons on the benefits of parents sending their children as regular as possible. By this scheme it was proposed that a bonus of £ 1 be granted the attendance officer for every unit of attendance above 75 per cent. It was stated that this scheme would, besides, save the Board a large amount, possibly effect better attendances, and, conse- quently, better grants would be obtained. The Rev. F. W. EDMONDES proposed that this latter scheme of the three head teachers of the school be adopted. Subsequently the rev. gentle- man modified his proposition so that the expense of the prizes and the extra amount of the atten- dance officer be paid by the Board but the Rev. W. John persisted in his contention that the cards should be paid for by the managers of the various schools themselves. Mr. JOHN EVANS pointed out that, inasmuch as they could not take it as conclusive that the other schools would entertain the expense of this scheme they could only adopt it as regards their own school. Ultimately it was decided that the scheme be adopted for the whole of the schools, and that all expenses outside the extra amount paid to the returning officer be borne by the respective school authories in the town, and that this amount from the attendance officer to be calculated by the pro- portionate improvements. The CLERK reported that the treasurer had received £ 110 from the overseers of the parishes in the district in respect of the call, and there now remained in hand a sum of dS 144 7s. The examination in the schools were reported to take place on Thursday and Friday. It was decided that Miss Phoebe Ann Salisbury, a pupil teacher in the infants' department, be given six months notice to leave the service of the Board, and that she be allowed to remain over the examination, and that her salary be paid her from the time until the expiration of the term of her notice. It was resolved that the gate to the playground be repaired. Arthur Whitehead having served his apprentice- ship, it was decided that his services be retained until July. when his examination for the Queen's Scholarship takes place. The ATTENDANCE OFFICER submitted the result of his census taken in the town. From this it appeared that the number of children attending the Board School between the ages of 5 and 14 was :—Boys. 397 girls, 423. Between the ages of 3 and 5, boys, 57 girls, 89. Total, 976. Attending public school :—Boys, 385 girls, 396 attending private schools, 54 boys, 71 girls total, 906. Chil- dren under 14 working, having passed standard vi., boys, 10 girls, 14 total, 24. Invalided, boys, 5 girls, 4. 37 children under 5 years of age were reported not attending school at all. This concluded all the business of importance.

LLANTWIT-YARDRE SCHOOL BOARD. The ordinary meeting of the Llantwit-Vardre School Board was held on Tuesday evening last. There were present :Alessrs. James Richards (chairman), D. Leyshon (vice-chairman), James Roberts, Hopkin Morgan. Rev. Father Smythe, D. Bryant, Evan Griffiths, S. G. Barrett, F. Judd, and H. S. Davies (clerk). THE COST OF THE ELECTION. On the report of the Finance Committee being submitted for approval, Mr. Hopkin Morgan pro- tested against the sum which had to be paid for the cost of the election. He thought it was not right that a gentleman (who had not been elected) should have thrust himself forward and thrown them into such an expense, especially as he did not reside in the parish and was not a ratepayer. —Mr. Roberts did not think it was right that they should blame one man inasmuch as he had been put up by the ratepayers, who were entitled to nominate whom they liked.—Mr. Hopkin Morgan said he wished the ratepayers to know who it was that put upon them this cost of j660. Had there been three or four candidates for the ward which he represented he would have withdrawn in order to avoid the cost of an election.—Mr. Leyshon asked if it would be advisable to ask the Education Department whether such costs could be avoided in future.-The Chairman said this had been done once, but they had received no reply. Until the Boards of the whole country moved in the matter it would not be right for them to interfere.—The report of the committee was then adopted. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. The Chairman of the School Attendance Com- mittee reported that they had a great deal of trouble with neglectful parents, and they had that day dealt with over 50 very bad cases. He would ask the Board to sanction the recommendation of the committee to prosecute certain parents.-The report of the School Attendance Committee was eventually adopted. THE ROW AT LLANTWIT SCHOOL. The Chairman reported that the committee' appointed to investigate the dispute between the head and assistant masters at Llantwit had visited that school, and had heard both sides of the question. They were of opinion that the com- plaints against the head master were the fruits of imagination more than anything else, and they believed tJlat in future peace would reign supreme."—Mr. Bryant agreed.—Mr. Hopkin Morgan condemned the action of the assistant master in bringing up such a trumpery charge, and thus wasting the time of the members. He hoped the Board would never again investigate such a charge, but order all complaints to be made personally to the Board. THE SALARIES OF TEACHERS. Several applications were made for increase of salaries, and after some desultory conversation it was decided to appoint a committee of the whole Board to consider the question of salaries, and if necessary to alter the scale of the Board. DRAWING. Mr. Roberts requested the Clerk to make en- quiries whether the pupil teachers were taught drawing by those teachers who held certificates. He contended that it was only fair that the teachers should be taught drawing on a Saturday morning. THE RECEIPT. The Clerk submitted an estimate of the receipts and expenditure for the next half-year. The receipts amounted to :£2,025 7s. lid., and the ex- penditure to £ 488 9s. 6d. more. A penny rate, he said, would amount to £ 287 2s. 2d., and he advised the Board to levy a 3d. rate for the next half-year. -It was resolved that this should be done. A USEFUL MOTION. Mr. Roberts gave notice that he would move at the next meeting that the benefit societies of the town should be allowed to hold their meetings at the schools on Saturday nights, if applications be made for the same.

ORIGINAL POETB Y. WALES, A NATION. When the battle's fought and won, and the peace time has begun, And glad Cymru dons her robes of life and light; When the ploughshare—from the sword—turns up the fertile sod, She'll remember those who laboured in the night. She'll sing in praise of those, who fought against her foes, Her sons will rise and spread abroad the light; And many a gallant swain will follow in their train, And the memory of the brave ones will be bright. 01 sons of love and truth, fend Cymru's faithful youth, The nation looks to you her cause to save Her enemies disgrace and low lay, and then we'll place Victory's banner on oppressions deep dug grave. Observatory Cottage, Barry. JOHN JONES.

WHY don't you trade with me," said a elose-fisted manufacturer to a customer the other day. Because," was the characteristic reply, You have never asked me, sir. I have looked all through the newspapers for an invitation in the shape of an advertisement, but in i Tain. I never go where I am not wanted."

BRIDGEND POLICE COURT. <>— SATURDAY —Before Mr. R. W. Lleyfellyn (chair- man) and Mr. J. Biandy J/lkins. TEMPORAIIY TRANSFER.—The license of the Railway Inn. Maesteg, wastemporarilytransferred to William Bevan from Thomas King, removed. DISMISSED CAWES.—John Wilde, haulier, 21, Garreg-roa.d, Pontycymmer, charged Henry Davies and Henry Ilowells. High-street, Pontycymmer, with assaulting him on the 23rd April last.—Defen- dau t Howells also brought a cross-summons against Wilde.—Mr. T. J. Hughes (Bridgend) appeared for the defendants.—John Wilde, haulier, said that that night week, between eight and nine o'clock, he was in the Pontycymmer Hotel, he was coming through the passage, when Davies. without saying a word, hit him on the side of his face. He ran back, and fell down doing so. While on the ground both defendants kicked him, until Sergeant Martin came and picked him up. He had some bruises on the side, and could not work for a few days in consequence.—Cross-examined by Mr. Hughes Witness had never had any cause for disagreement with the defendants before this. Witness did not commence the fighting this evening, and had not been in the habit of doing so, but admitted being previously imprisoned. In further cross-examination witness admitted drinking nearly all the week and attending a cock fight on Sunday.—The Bench decided, upon the evidence they had already heard, to dismiss the ease. The cross-summons was also withdrawn, and a further summons by Wilde against Davies for an assault on the following Monday was proceeded with.—After a long hearing, this was also dis- missed. A QUESTION OF DISTANCE.—Samuel David, publican, Maudlam, was charged with keeping his house open for the sale of drink on a Sunday.— Mr. R. Scale appeared for defendant.—Two men, named George Hamar-and John Worthing, masous, Nottage, were also charged with being illegally present.—Police-constable Robert Shears said that on the previous Sunday afternoon he visited de- fendant's house. He there found the two men already named sitting down with two pints of beer in front of them. Asked where they came from, they replied that it was Newton Nottage.' The landlord admitted this, and thought Newton the requisite distance. Witness had measured the distance, and found it only two miles and 1.276 yards, crossing a few fields near Pennynydd.— Cross-examined by Mr. Scale He thought the distance round the road was more than three miles.—Police-sergeant Williams said he had been stationed at Porthcawl for two-and-a-half years. He knew this footpath as a public route. Witness had warned defendant's wife on the 17th inst. that Nottage was not three miles distant. — The defendant was then put into the box, and swore that he always laboured under the impression that the distance was over three miles. His wife was in the kitchen at the time the man came there. The footpath was used by persons acquainted with the district, but strangers could not find the way across the fields. The two men were strangers. The men told him that they came round the road. His wife had never told him about the warning she had received from Sergeant Williams.—The Bench dismissed the case against the fwo men, and in the charge against David they would caution him in future not to supply anyone coming from Nottage, but they did not think the case a serious one, and if defendant paid the costs they would dismiss the case.

CANTATA PERFORMANCE AT BRIDGEND. One of the most successful sacred cantatas per- formed in Bridgend took place on Wednesday in last week at the new drill hall, in connection with the Hope Chapel Sunday School. The hall was filled with an appreciative audience. The scenic arrangements were very prettily arranged by Mr. Harry Greening, but the whole of the per- formance was conducted by Mr. E. S. Evans, on whom sufficient praise cannot be bestowed for his ceaseless labour. The choruses were sustained by by the Hope Baptist Chapel Choir, and the in- strumental accompaniment was creditably per- formed by the Tondu String Band, conducted by Mr. W. Coleman, and composed of the following:—Messrs. W. Coleman. J. H. Lewis, John Smith, W. Tremwith, J. Barton, W. Whittingham, J. H. Lloyd, the harmoniumist being Master iEneas J. Rich (Bridgend). The characters were as follows :—-Naomi, Miss Hannah Cole Ruth, Miss Lizzie Rich Orpah, Miss Lucy Huxtable Jewish Maiden, Miss Lily Mountjoy Israelitish Woman. Miss Susie Harding Iioaz, Mr W. Caradog Thomas Ft rut lira per, Mr. Afanlais Lewis. Aberavon and Mcssenyer, Mr. Dan Morgan (Eos Glan Wysg). Miss Cole, as Naomi, well merited the deserved reception accorded her. She possesses a rich soprano voice, and sings with great taste. Miss Harding also received quite an ovation in her solo, Haste ye maids of Israel," which was repeated in response to a vociferous encore.

STRIKE OF COLLIERS IN THE GARW YALLEY. THREE HUNDRED MEN IDLE. About 300 of the men employed at the Ffaldau Colliery, Pontycymmer, are now out on strike. Their notices terminated on Saturday last, and on Tuesday the men still remained out. The variance between the men and masters lies in an apparently technical point, viz., that of the selection of a doctor; but it is maintained that the men, actuated, no doubt, by the excitement caused by the first issue, have added that of the retention of the manager, whom they view in an adverse light. A couple of weeks ago, so the men allege, the colliery manager endeavoured to influence the men against retaining the services of the recognised medical practitioner for the colliery, and the men. becoming aware of negotiations being made with another medical gentleman, held a meeting, at which they passed resolutions, first, condemning any action of the officials to this effect, and, secondly, that they (the workmen) would absolutely refuse to work under the present manager. It is generally felt that the wish of the workmen in regard to the first grievance has been gratified, but the sore point is now considered to be the second. It was presumed that the matter would soon blow over. On Tuesday, however, the men did not return to their work. and the result of an interview with Mr. Treharne Rees, one of the liquidators of the colliery, and one of the repre- sentatives of the men did not, we learn, mend mat- ters at all. Consequently, the men are out on strike still. The matter has only just been placed in the hands of Mr. John Thomas, the miners' agent for the district, and he is about to exert his influence on their behalf. Pre- viously the matter rested entirely in the hands of a committee appointed by the workmen. In an interview with one of the leading representavies of the men our correspondent learnt that there has existed for some time several matters of difference, and, it was difficult to get the Ffaldau workmen to follow the rules of the sliding-scale and the ex- amples of the men employed at other collieries in the district. This was supposed to be caused by an alleged misconstruction placed upon some of the clauses of the rules of the sliding-scale committee by the management, and about which a committee subsequently appointed to arbitrate could not agree. The question involved in these clauses is with regard to the period of notice to terminate contracts. The last strike of any length at this colliery was about two years and four months ago. when the men remained out for about seven months over the question of rates. As soon as the men are properly organised it is anticipated that an ami- cable arrangement will be arrived at.

MADAME WILLIAMS-PENN'S CONCERT. On Thursday evening last Madame Williams- Penn's annual concert took place at Tabernacle Chapel, and was very well attended. Amongst those present we noticed the Rev. S. Jones, Rev. Father Smythe, Rev. J. R. Jones, Mrs. F. J. Harris, Miss Francis (Pfenuel-square), Miss Williams (Tredegar Arms), Miss Mills, Mr. and Mrs. H. LI. Grover, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Cobb. Mr. Rhys Morgan, M.A., Morien, Mr. R. J. T. Rhys, Mr. and Mrs. W. Jones (Gellideg), Mr. and Mrs. Gwilym Hughes, Mr. E. P. Ralls, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Evans (Temple of Fashion), Caradog, Mr. Thos. Williams, Mr. A. A. McMorland, Ap Caledfryn, Mr. E. Fennell, Mr. George Evans, Mr. Roberts (ironmonger), Mr. 'John Crockett, Mr. W. Jones Powell. Mr. George Lewis, Mr. W. Hopkin, Mr. D. Macintosh. Mr. T. Phillips, Mr. J. E. Brookes, &c., &c. A most excellent programme had been prepared, and was satisfactorily per- formed. Madame Penn simply charmed her audience, and in Pa Ie mae'r amen delighted her many admirers. Miss Thomas, Ynyshir, the talented daughter of Mr. Gwilym Thomas, was also well received, her Welsh songs being greatly appreciated. The names of Messrs. David Hughes, R.A.M., London, and Trefelyn David, R.A.M., are sufficient to prove that they did full justice to their parts. Caradog, on the violin, and Mr. Edward Williams, on the harp, also gave a good account of themselves. The accompanists were Miss Caledfryn and Professor Hilb.

THIS IS HOW IT WAS THAT HOPKINS' Farm-house Bread WAS FIRST DISCOVERED V g VWAS in March, 18G4, and the place was Dowlais, and something happened, I forget what, some great man died or was married, however, we were face to face with a whole holiday and we two, Dai and I, were shop assistants, setat 22 and 24, the question was what were we to do with ourselves so as to get the greatest amount of pleasure out of an idle day or holiday. I was for a long walk westward over the mountains to Llanwonno Church and public- house, where I remembered a certain vessel made of tin, with a long handle, which held about a quart, usually beer with something in it. It was wide at the top and ran down to nothing on the bottom, or at least to a sharp point. This sharp point was thrust down into the middle of a coal fire, and was called A MULLER After a ten-mile walk over hill and dale in the windy March weather, most people were glad to meet the Muller AT LLANWONNO. For it had no attraction for Dai, he was for going east as far as Gclligaer, where there was another Church on the top of a mountain too, and a "pub," close by which was a farm as well, and noted for RUM and SHRUB. Gelligaer carried the day, so next morning after breakfast, we left smoky Dowlais, by way of Pwllywhiad and Twyn-y-wain. aud made past Cwmbargoed and Cwmfelin towards Gelli- gaer, we met no one but Mary'r Sa'm, whose work all the week was to oil the trams at Rhos Lias, and having a holiday herself thought she could not do better than hunt up lost sprags. a tumbling chain or a missing cast iron double- parting—thus the devoted Mary was, all un- consciously, a link in the happy chain that forged one hundred thousand pounds a year, to be spent in Camford, Dorset, or, failing ability to spend all, to invest in land in the °Vale of Glamorgan. At length we arrived at Gelligaer—we should, however, never have got there had it not been for Dai who knew the lay of the land, he having been born at Cwm Ysgwydd Gwyn, in the same parish—but we were tired and hungry as hunters. In those we were quite independent. having 2s. Id. in cash between us, we treated a collier in the kitchen to a pint of beer, and sat. down to rest. It now turned out that Dai knew Mary, the servant at the public, she was from Cilhaul, and was a very pretty neat- handed Phyllis—nothing was now too good for us two—we must have some fried bacon and eggs, which was soon brought in, and such a lovely LOAF OF BREAD, off which she cut a thick round. On that day an appetite was found at Gelli- gaer, it may or may not be found there now, I cannot say, but we had walked six or seven miles, were young and strong, and bad not called on the way, because there was nowhere to call, so we cleared the bread and bacon then Dai opened his mouth and said, Was' did you ever see bread like that ? I was bound to admit I never had, and forthwith began to question Mary as to how it was made, she didn't seem to want to talk about it to me, but wanted to talk to Dai, who was a very handsome young man, and in religion a Latter Day Saint (soon after this he emigrated to near Salt Lake City, where they gave him a square mile of land, he married a wife and increased in flocks and herds, and had sealed on to him four other wives, and as late as 1888 wrote me to get him a tutor for his 21 boys and girls). However, the secret of that bread I was bound to have. I found it was made from Spiller and Brown's Extras bought at Shop Chain, Caeharris, and raised with barm from Pengam public, where they brewed their own beer (the secret of that barm is now in the keeping of William Pritchard Esq., Rhymney Brewery), the bread was baked in an oven built out of the wall in the back kitchen, and heated with a coal fire lit in the centre, then flashed with sticks and stumps of trees, after the wood had burned itself out, a piece of an old oat sack fastened on to a broom handle was used as a scuffle to clean the bottom, the dough was in a pan before the fire with a snow-white cloth over the top, this was turned out on a clean deal table, cut into four large pieces, moulded up, and put m the oven quick; a huge flat stone was put up as a door te the oven, and made fast by a gambrel with a wooden wedge, and a clayey mixture was pasted round the edge of the stone to make it air-tight. Here lifts the whole secret of FARM HOUSE BREAD! [Reurttllg to our story.] Dai and I ultimately tried the Rum and Shrub, which had a peculiar effect on us, for on our return we failed to find the road back as we had come, but instead, strayed in a southerly direction, and after crossing a valley, made our way up a hill overlooking Troedyrhiw here on the top of Heol Mvrtach we found a land sur- veyor with a theodolyte, some helpers with chains and pegs, settling a boundary dispute between the Baroness Windsor and Richard Fothergill as to some coal royalties. In our ignorance we thought the instrument was a spying glass, but the genial surveyor explained, and gave us an interesting lecture on the Ancient Britons, which so set us thinking that we lost our way until we pulled up at Forest Farm, where dear old Mrs. Pritchard gave us some bread and real toasted Caerphilly cheese we then struck for home, past the Danderry Coke Ovens all ablaze. We were tired when we got to Troodyrhiw Station, and innocently asked for tickets to Top Dowlais. The booking clerk grinned, but booked us to Merthyr, where we were lucky enough to find Mike "the Milk with his mule and cart. who gave us a ride to Geliyfaelog Bridge We then explored Cwm- rhyd-y-bedd, and got home to dream of FARM HOUSE BREAD! I have been nreiming of it ever since, and now offer it to Car lift in all i:s purity. HOPKINS, ■ Hayes Bakery. [149