Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
7 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
LOCAL NOTES.
LOCAL NOTES. ACQUISITION OF GAS AND WATER. The ratepayers have, in public meeting assembled, determined to support the Local Board in its endeavour to acquire the Gas and Water Company's undertaking on fair and equitable terms." There was no question from the first of the real necessity of this taking place at sometime or other the only question was whether the matter was urgent or not. It only required a, little explaining of the Board's position to convince everyone who was not -either cantankerous or prejudiced that the present was the right time to acquire the undertaking. At the ratepayers' meeting held on Friday night only 23 voted against the pro- posed acquisition. We feel convinced that had the Board acted wisely in the matter still fewer would have been found to vote against it. The Board made a capital mistake in excluding the Press from the meeting wherein it was decided to promote a Bill to acquire the undertaking. The public only needed to be taken into the Board's confidence a little earlier to have fully grasped the situation, and realise how urgent the question was. As it was, the question before it was discussed first of all by the Young Wales Society, and then by the Chamber of Trade, was a strange one to many, and not a few of those who at the beginning of the week were -opposed to the project came round to the Board's side before the end. We trust that the Board will take this lesson to heart, and learv that the more the public is taken into the confidence of a representative Board the better it will be for the Board and those whom it represents. THE CASE FOR THE BOARD. The case for the Boird, as explained by Alderman Meggitt, Mr. B. Lewis, Mr. George 'Thomas, and General Lee, was simply un- answerable. Mr. Meggitt has never been heard to greater advantage. He possesses a gift of lucid expression, which served him in good stead in explaining what, to most people, would have been an intricate financial argument. He showed the advantages of public over private -ownership of the necessaries of life he. showed how successfully local authorities elsewhere had been in their management of gas and water .and then he finished up with a strong plea for immediate action. Why should we buy now ?" lie said. In the first place, because the direc- tors do not wish to sell. In the second place, if we don't buy now, more capital will be issued, and this we will have to redeem, if we buy at some future time." Mr. George Thomas also made an excellent speech, which showed that he could, if he would, be one of the best mem- bers on the Board. One argumen; he advanced which is worth careful consideration. He said that local authorities should everywhere acquire the gas and water, and that the smaller towns in the county should form a kind of syndicate to get pure water from a distance-a thing that is now impossible to any but the very largest towns. General Lee ended up with a strong appeal to the ratepayers to trust their representatives. The interests of the Board, he faid, were the interests of the district; let the ratepayers recogni&e in the members of the Board men who had their best interests at heart, and repose their confidence in them. THE CASE FOR THE COMPANY. We had expected a far better defence of the company's position than was forthcoming at the meeting. Mr. David Roberts appeared on behalf of the General Manager of the Barry Company to say that the directors of the com- pany werev of opinion that the question of acquiring the Gas and Water was premature. But, as was justly remarked by Mr. George Thomas, the directors of the Barry Company are not consumers of the gas and water and in many respects the interests of the Gas and Water Company, and some of the directors of the Barry Company, are identical. Mr. Lowdon had to resort to an argument which we feel sure that he, a conscientious educationalist, can not believe in. Why should we," he said, burden ourselves for the sake of posterity ?" But Mr. Lowdon, as chairman of the School Board, is continually helping to burden the ratepayers for the sake of posterity. But the speech of Mr. Smith-Jones most betrayed to what an extent a blind opposition to the Board— simply because it is the Board—can obscure one's mind. The undertaking of the Gas and Water Company," he said, is not worth buying. The mains are badly laid and badly constructed, and the pumping system, iwhich is used by the company is discredited all over the kingdom." If this is so, it is just the reason why the Board should acquire the undertaking. There can only be one Gas and Water Company here it is, therefore, a question between the existing company and the Local iBoard. The arbitrator who will be appointed will hear evidence from the company's side and the Board's side, and if things are 3.1} bad as Mr. Smith-Jones says they are, the arbitrator will take care not to value the undertaking too highly. We are glad that the common sense of the ratepayers saw through such flimsy sophistries, and that they have determined to support the Board. 1-- PASSENGER TRAINS TO PONTYPRIDD. On Friday an influential deputation waited on the directors of the Barry Company asking them to give a definite promise to run passenger I trains from Cadoxton to Pontypridd. The company acted foolishly in not admitting re- presentatives of the press to the interview. It would be far more satisfactory to every one concerned if the public were informed of what took place by means of trained reporters whose credit would be at stake in giving a fair and impartial account of what transpired. As it is at present, we are indeed in a position to tell our readers what transpired, but we can only give it on the authority of a member of the deputation, who had to depend altogether on his memory. The directors are doing both themselves and the deputation an injustice in placing themselves at the mercy of a possibly treacherous or undisciplined memory. If the account published elsewhere is correct-and we have no reason to believe that it is not sub- stantially accurate-the directors refused to make any definite promise. A Bill would be promoied in the next session of Parliament, it was said, and if that was passed, the directors would then be in a position to meet the views expressed by the deputation. We are sorry to hear that one of the directors took advantage of the opportunity to charge the Local Board with the failure of the Company's last Parliamentary Bill. The director in question has never lost an opportunity of laying on the Local Board the onus of having been the means to defeat the Company's Bill. The charge is as unjust as it is malicious. The Board had no interest in the defeat of the Bill, and everything to hope from its passing, but the Board is, as was properly remarked by Mr. W. Thomas, compelled to look after the interests of the ratepayers, and when in minor matters the interests of the com- pany and the ratepayers clash, the Board wished to amend the Company's Bill in a few compara- tively unimportant particulars. The Board wished to amend, not to defeat, the Bill. EVENING CLASSES. We are glad that evening classes, or con- tinuation classes, will shortly be started at the Cadoxton, Holton, and Barry Schools. At the last meeting of the School Board it was decided to start these classes at once. We trust that the Board, in order to make the classes really popular, will adopt a suggestion which is made by the Recreative Schools' Association, that a committee of working men should be appointed to look after the classes. General Lee's sug- gestion that ladies should be placed on the committee is also worth considering. If the classes are to be popular, they must be managed by as popular a committee as possible.
THE COMING SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION.
THE COMING SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. THE UTILISATION OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE. INTERVIEWS WITH THE LOCAL HEADMASTERS. The date of the next School Board election has been fixed for November 16th. Already there arc many rumours that there is likely to be a keen and stubborn contest; and it is said that the con- test will be fought not so much on personal or sectarian grounds, as on principles. The Welsh electors of the district, and especially the members of the Young Wales Society, are credited with the desire to make the question of the utilisation of the Welsh language one of the chief test-questions of the election. Our readers are doubtless aware that Welsh is already recognised by the Education Department as a specific subject for standardly., VI., and VII., but before it can be taught the mem- bers of the School Board must first of all give their consent. The Welsh people of the district —and they form no inconsiderable portion of the clectoi-ate-look upon this question as one of the first moment, not only from the sentimental wish that their children should be taught the language of their parents, but also because they recognise that the effort of translation from one language to the other will serve as a most valuable educational training to their children. One of our representa- tives, therefore, called during the week on the three headmasters of our local elementary schools in order to ascertain their views on the subject. and to find out whether there existed any practical difficulties in the way which would make the teaching of Welsh impossible. Our representative first called on MR. J. E. REES, the headmaster of the Barry Schools. Mr. Rees' views are all the more valuable, not only because Mr. Rees has been one of the best known and suc- cessful teachers in the Principality, but also because he was one of the first to take advantage of the alteration in the Code, which enabled teachers in Wales to teach Welsh as a specific subject. It is interesting to know that Mr. Rees prepared boys straight from the Llanarth Board School for matriculation at London and Edinburgh Universities, that last week a boy went direct from Mr. Rees' hands and gained a scholarship at the Cardiff University College; and that one of the Llanarth pupil teachers — Miss Ellen Williams-who had been taught by Mr. Rees till within twelve months ago-was the second in all Wales for the Queen's College Scholarship. After explaining his object, our representative asked. "What is it that is exactly meant by a 1 epecinc subject ?" '• A 'specinc subject," said Mr. Rees, is a sub- ject that can only be taken by standards v.. vi., and vii. The Government allows a grant of 4s. for every pass—double the ordinary grant." Does the grant for ordinary subjects suffer if the specific subjects are badly done 7" Not in the slightest." "On whom does it depend whether Epecific sub- jects are taught or not ?" It depends mainly on the Board, but partly on the teachers. The Board would not wish a teacher to teach an uncongenial or impossible specific subject. Would it be compulsory for all the class to take up a specific subject ?" Oh no. If an English boy. for instance, didn't wish to learn Welsh, he would not be compelled to take up the subject: though of course it would be better if the whole class took up the same specific subject." In case the Board determined to have Welsh taught, would you be in a position to begin at ?" once I daresay I could though before a specific subject can be well taught, there must be a careful preparation from the lowest standards. For instance, if Welsh were to be taught as a specific subject in the higher standards. I would commence by teaching the children of standard one to trans- late easy sentences from English into Welsh, and rice rrrm." Do you think you have sufficient time to teach a specific subject ?" Yes. if the children would only attend regularly." Are there any possible objections to the teach- ing of Welsh as a specific subject ?" The only one I can think of is that possibly an extra teacher would be required to take the English boys at the time when the Welsh boys were taught Welsh." And now, what do you think, from your expe- rience, are the advantages of teaching Welsh ?" "In the first place, the teacher would in the case of Welsh boys be proceeding from the known to the unknown—and that would be of inestimable advantage in rural Wales. Here at Barry it would not apply to such an extent. Then there is no better way-indeed almost the only way to master English idiom is by translating from one lanuguage to another. A monoglot English boy neither understands nor appreciates what is meant by an idiom.' For instance, a Welsh boy who has been taught to say, rhowch lo ar y tan,' would naturally translate it into give coal on the fire," and the very effort to learn that the English idiom in thatrespectis different, from the Welsh would give the boy a valuable insight into English composition. Again. English spelling would be improved, and boys would know the difference between is and "his," as and has "—a thing which can't be drummed into the head of the average English boy. I found also that the English vocabulary of the children at Llanarth was increased by the teaching of Welsh. I dare to say that the Llanarth Welsh boys—living in an entirely Welsh district, and whose home language was Welsh—had from five to ten English words for every one that the Eng- lish children of Barry have. And, in the last place, the knowledge of two literary languages makes it far easier to acquire a third. Indeed, the educa- tional training it affords will fit a child to acquire any further knowledge more easily." Then, you think the teaching of Welsh has been a distinct success Without a doubt. It is no fad, but it enables the Welsh boy to compete most successfully with the English boys. By teaching Welsh, I found I was not only teaching English, but teaching it in a vastly superior way. Mr. W. Williams, H.M. Chief Inspector of Schools for Wales, was rather opposed to the teaching of Welsh at first, but after some years' experience of it, he is now a convert to its oenefits." Do you think the requirements laid down in the Code are fair on this matter ?" On the whole, they are very fair. The only thing I should like to see would be more transla- tion, and less mechanical grammar. To learn nomenclature is one thing to learn how to write i is another." Do you think the Board should compel all Welsh children to learn Welsh in schools. I consider that the educational advantages are so great and so easily obtained that the Board would be fully justified in doing so. Children who hear Welsh at home and English at school speak mongrel English. Indeed, the English spoken at the Barry schools by all the children is very bad and the Board should do everything in its power to help the children to acquire a better knowledge of and command over the English language." Our representative next called on SIR. T. HIGJIAN, the headmaster of the Holton Board Schools. He found Mr. Higman very busy with his preparations for the examination which is taking place at the schools this week. Mr. Higman, however, cheer- fully gave a few minutes to our representative, though he explained that it was the wrong time to expect any great ideas from him.. Mr. Higman is the headmaster of the largest school in the dis- trict, his educational record has been excellent, and his opinion on all educational matters muii carry with it great weight. Do you think Welsh teaching can be success- fully worked ? asked our reporter. Without the least doubt," was the reply. I don't sny that I should be prepared to take it up immediately, for our school is not in a position to take up any specific subject just yet. Before a specific subject can be successfully taught, the school must be carefully prepared for it." Have you any teachers who could take up the subject?" Yes there are three or four at the very least who could easily teach it, and possibly more." I suppose you can't enter into the question of the educational value of a knowledge of t 0 Welsh 1" "No, I can't," replied Mr. Higman, smiling, though probably by this time next year I shall be better able to do so. Of course it is very natural that a Welshman should wish his children to be taught Welsh, but more than that the know- ledge of two languages is of great educational value. It gives a boy a largerand a better vocabu- lary. With me, it would resolve itself into a question of value. When the school will be older and better established, and when the upper standards will be more numerously attended, it will probably be possible for us to take up three or four specific subjects. And then will come the question of which specific subject will be most valuable to the children." Therefore," remarked our reporter, the onus of proving the benefit of a knowledge of Welsh rests with the advocates of Welsh teaching." Entirely so. For my own part I look upon the knowledge of a second language as a most valuable education in itself. Probably the best place at present for the teaching of Welsh will be in the evening schools." Our representative next called on MR. T. EWBANK, the headmaster of the Cadoxton 3oard Schools. In reply to our reporter's questions, Mr. Ewbanksaid that there was only one teacher who could possibly teach Welsh in the Cadoxton Board Schools. Are there any other difficulties in the way ?" asked our representative. Yes," said Mr. Ewbank, it is impossible to get time to teach a specific subject. Our time is wholly taken up with necessary subjects, and there isn't a single elementary school in Cardiff where a specific subject is taught." You think, then. that it is impossible to get time-to teach Welsh ?" Yes, unless we drop one of the extra subjects, English or Geography." "But don't you think that by teaching the children to translate from Welsh into English you would be teaching them English as well as Welsh?" That may be possibly the case. In thatease we would have to teach Welsh, as we now te English, from the lowest standards up, and^get bilingual reading books."
TENNYSON AND RENAN.
TENNYSON AND RENAN. Within a week of one another Tennyson and Renan have been consigned to their last resting place. Renan possessed a mastery over French style that has seldom been equalled, and never surpassed; Tennyson, in easiness and grace, in rhythm and beauty of style, has no peer among our English poets. Renan posed as a philosopher and a critic, but his philosophy and his criticism are not the qualities by which he will be remem- bered. His Life of Jesus abounds in passages of the subtlest poetic charm, and in the most wild and extravagant conceptions. He called himself an Idealist philosopher, but the doctrines he preached were those of the Epicurean. Let us eat and drink, for to-morrow we die was the key note to his philosophy. He lived an unblemished life, and taught the importance of morality. But everywhere also was the suggestion that the future was unknown, and that the present was in our grasp, and that the wise man would make the most of the present existence. In Tennyson-poet though he was—there was what Charles Lamb has called the sanity of true genius." Even when treating of the highest and most mysterious problems of human existence, there is evidence of a clear mind as well as of a penetrating genius There is none of the mysticism of Shelley flapping his ineffectual wings in the void expanse. There is none of the despair of Byron. Every- where he teaches that the way to glory is the path of duty that the best and noblest life is a life of truth, purity, and honesty, a life of duty nobly done. Modern writers generally have a depress- ing influence over their readers. Tennyson, if not mirthful, is always serene. There is a breezy freshness—that breathes of an active, wholesome life and English vigour—that is very refreshing after Tolstoi, or Ibsen. It is yet too early to fix Tennyson's place in literature but he takes first rank as a master of English style, and as a singer of England's greatness. He was no prophet with a fiery mission he was a seer who interpreted all that was best in the dreams and hopes and aspira- tions of his contemporaries. Tennyson was born in the year 1809-the year that gave to the world Darwin. Mendlesohn, Chopin, Gladstone, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Two only of these great men are still left, and they are separated by the Atlantic. Holmes still continues to charm the world with the cheerv humour of his American thought; Gladstone is still left to breathe the eager air of his lone eyrie."
IROUND THE TOWNS.
ROUND THE TOWNS. [BY MR. GAD-ABOUT.] The new School Board rate is expected to be about 6Ad. The School Board Election will take place on November 16th. Keir Hardie, it is rumoured; will be unable to visit Barry on Saturday next. The Rev. J. H. Stowell, M.A., has been at Bradford during the past week. The Conservatives failed to sustain one occupier's claim at the Barry Dock Revision Court. Last month the average attendance at the Catholic Rchools out of a possible 199 was 144. Mr. Johnson, of the Dry Dock, on Friday night said that two people could fight. Well, one can't. 5 The General Manager of the Barry Company ha s refused, on any account, to reinstate Mr. Harry Da vies. The members of the local constabulary enjoyed themselves very much on their allotment ground. I was there. Police-constable John Phillips has, I am pleased to know, returned to his duty in as good form as ever. It is said that the Trades'.Council will consider the dismissal of Mr. Harry Davies at their meeting to-night (Friday). I am informed that the moustache of a certain police-constable has lengthened about a quarter of an inch since his holidays. -.< -'A I hear on good authority that one of the can- didates for the School Board will be a well-known local Nonconformist minister. There were 750 occupiers on last year's list for the Cadoxton district, as against 1,300 this year, 11 and 14 lodgers, as against 28. Coming events cast their shadows before." One of the speakers on Friday night called the Local Board the Corporation." :P. i •. The Rev. Ton Evans' name was amongst those who failed to make out a case for a voter's claim at the Revision Court last week. :a¡: If you want gas, pure and cheap, go to the Local Board," were the concluding words of Mr. B. Lewis's peroration on Friday night. It was stated at the Barry Dock Revision Court that Mr. Jones-Lloyd was mainly responsible for the many unsustained Conservative claims. The Board," said an impassioned orator at Friday night's meeting, wish to gull the intelli- gence of the public and to use a false issue," Great disappointment has been expressed that the long promised tennis dance should have turned out to be -1 only a Cinderella dance after all." The articles remaining from the sale of work at Holton last week on behalf of the X ursing Associa- tion were on Thursday sold by public auction. ¥> Boys attend the elementary schools of the dis- trict better than girls. The average of the boys is about 86 per cent., of the girls about 81 per cent. ? Mr. Jones-Lloyd claimed a vote as property- owner, householder, and lodger, and the Revising Barrister called him The oft-recurring gentle- man." Mabon," M.P., Mrs. Abraham, and Mr. Alfred Thomas, M.P., drove down to Barry Dock on Friday on a visit to Mr. J. D. Jenkins, Holton-road, Barry Dock. Every child in the register of the Holton schools turned up for the examination on Wednesday, ex- cept 13 who were on the sick list. Good old Seig again One of the claimants for a vote last Friday was Mr. C. J. Welch, who put in a claim as the occupant of Cadoxton Theatre. The claim was disallowed. The smoker at the Barry Hotel on Saturday evening was a most enjoyable one. Other chair- men could, with safety, take a leaf out of the book of the chairman. There are no property-owners living in the parish of St. Lythans, so it transpired at the Revision Court on Friday. There is also no flushing question there. Mr. Tom Hughes objected to a Jewish gentle- man's claim at the Revision Court on Friday, on the ground there was no evidence that he was a naturalised subject. # The Cadoxton Reading-room has now become the rendezvous of a pack of little urchins, who assemble there on an evening and crouch up in the corners to enjoy a game of cards. I trust the Sage of Barry-road will introduce el that gentleman from the Midlands to me when next he visits Cadoxton. He must be a lively cuss with plenty of good yarns. I am glad to see that my suggestion to get up a complimentary dinner to Mr. W. M. Douglas has borne fruit, and that a dinner will be held at the Witchill Hotel next Thursday week. Among the names objected to by the Liberals at the Barry Dock Revision Court were Messrs. W. J. Phillips. Frank Clode, L. Y. Owen, H. R. Paull, L. W. Jones, and Jones-Lloyd. 4c Mr. T. Higman, the headmaster of the Holton Schools, is learning Welsh, and is quite enthusi- astic in his admiration of the language of Paradise. There's hope for the Saxon yet! Two members of the Science and Art Committee wandered about the corridors of the Holton Schools for half-anlhour before they succeeded in finding the place of meeting on Monday night. The heroic figure of the Sage of Barry-road challenging the whole world at the ratepayers' meeting on Friday night reminded a classical gentleman present of Ajai defying the lightning. 4f Alderman Meggitt, Mr. George Thomas, and General Lee spoke admirably for the Local Board on Friday night. Mr. Meggitt was the strongest in attack, Mr. Thomas in defence, and General Lee in appeal. Mr. F. Blackmore, the assistant-overseer of Barry, was congratulated last week by the Revising Barrister on the first-rate way in which he had made out the lists. Mr. C. Howe also came in for a word of praise. Who says Wales isn't well represented in the professions ? At Barry there are three Welsh, three English, one Scotch, and three Irish doctors one English and three Welsh bank managers and one English and eight Welsh lawyers. # The next meeting of the Young Wales Society will be held on Tuesday week at the Welsh Methodist Chapel, Newland-street, Barry Dock, when the subject for discussion will be the utiliza- tion of the Welsh language in Elementary Schools. I am glad that General Lee agrees with me as to the absurdity of calling the Barry Schools the Barry Dock Schools and as it is now the begin- ning of the school year, I trust the Education Department will sanction the alteration of name. 4c One of the Barry Company's directors is of opinion that, though the Barry Local Board is made up of the most cantankerous lot of dbivils that were ever seen, it has done more work than any other Board in the kingdom in the last three years. 4c It was stated tha.t one of the speakers at Friday night's meeting has been lately brushing up his hand-writing, for in the course of a short speech he quoted two copy-book head-lines, Pro- srastination is the thief of time and '"delays are iangerous." ♦ [ I hear Mr. Thomas De Barri had a lively time of it at a sale on Wednesday afternoon up Pencoedtre way. One woman said she would die in defence of her poultry, and with it brandished an axe and a toothpick. I never before heard of the fair de- fending the fowl A bankrupt Cadoxton builder wore a watch and chain at his examination the other day. The solicitor for the creditors asked the builder to hand over the watch to the Official Receiver, which he did with the remark that he didn't care, aE he hadn't paid for it." An advertisement in a Cardiff evening paper ran as follows:—" Sale, premises coming down. Handsome diamond and sapphire pin, 15s, approval, with pleasure." What does this mean., Is the house coining do xn because of the diamond and sapphire pin It speaks well for the docility of the School Board that it has done its work well during the last year without standing orders. The present members, however, are not so sure about their successors, for on Monday they determined to get some standing orders drawn up. ❖ During the service on Sunday morning last at L'o the Holton Mission Church, the worshippers were interrupted by the devotions of a donkey. Just as the congregation were going to chime in with Amen," this creature commenced with a horrible noise, causing those present to laugh. 11( The Chairman of the School Board wisely decided on Monday not to torture the pressmen by discussing before them the question of the in- spector's refreshments. It would have been too cruel to talk of square meals before the members of an overworked and underpaid profession. A dog barked at the ratepayers' meeting on Friday. Turn him out," said Alderman Meggitt, who was speaking at the time," he isn't a rate- payer." What a touching confidence in his fellow- man did this remark betray. I am not half so sure that there are not some curs among the ratepayers, The resolution of the Chamber of Trade," said Mr. D. T. Alexander at the meeting of ratepayers on Friday night" was carried by 16 votes against and if you multiply 16 by 6 you will find that the number that voted was 22." But Mr. Alexander was much surprised at the god-like laughter that followed. # I should like to call the attention of Mr. Sur- veyor Pardoe to a dangerous and uncovered hole of ibout 10ft. deep near Lower Mie-street. Should myone, perchance, walk that way of a dark night, ;hey would surely be trapped in this pit: which vould be the means of breaking a few limbs if not -he loss of life. 1 One applicant for a vote. om his claim being rejected on technical grounds on Friday, said" It is known that I am a strong Conservative, and. therefore, though I have lived in Barry for three years, I haven't got a vote yet." Then," was Mr. Tom Hughes' quick rdort," The sooner you turn Radical and get a vote, the better." ♦ As a rule our public men affect to disregard the presence of the Press. Indeed, they only notice them officially when they either want to suppress something, or kick out the Press repre- sentatives. General Lee broke through the absurd custom at the School Board meeting, and addressed1 the representatives of the Press as men and brothers. The only three who didn't respond to the invita- tion to lunch which was given to the" Passenger Traffic to Pontypridd deputation on Friday were Mr. William Thomas de Barri and two Pressmen. The Pressmen didn't 'cos they weren't. axed and Mr. Thomas de Barri didn't because he doesn't believe in breaking engagements for the sake of hobnobbing with lords. » I am here to represent the Barry Chamber of Trade," said a pressman to Mr. Richard Evans. the general manager, on Friday last, when he tried to accompany the deputation into the directors' room. We don't recognise the Chamber of Trade," was the curt reply, and the door was shut. But the Pontypridd Chamber of Trade was recognised, and their representatives admitted. 4c I The Liberals objected to Mr. T. H. Morgan's claim, but at the last moment withdrew their objection, and Mr. Morgan claimed compensation, as he had been compelled to break an engagement at Cardiff. •• But your engagement might have been to have your hair cut," said the Revising Barrister, before allowing Mr. Morgan 7s. 6d. Are there no haircutters in Cadoxton 4c Mr. Harris, the clerk of the Cardiff Board of Guardians, is gifted with a very inconvenient memory. One member of the School Board on Monday called him a walking encyclopaedia." and General Lee said of him that he can lay his hand on any letter or record of the past at the shortest notice. I hope Mr. Harris is not a lawyer or a syndicate man, or else his memory must cause him frightful trouble. "This man pays 4s. a week for his lodgings," said the Conservative agent at the Barry Dock Revision Court, '• and is, therefore, entitled to a vote." But, Sir," said Mr. Tom Hughes, he pays 4s. for use of kitchen, attendance, and wash- ing." You allowed a similar claim at Penarth. Sir," said Mr. R. C. Griffiths. No," retorted Ntr. Hughes. The Penarth gentleman had no wash- ing." And the Barry Dock lodger, who did wash, was refused a vote. Moral, don't wash. The public slaughter-house was opened at the commencement of this week. A certain Cadoxton butcher determined to be the first to slaughter a beast there. He accordingly made all the arrange- ments, Red then he went home to breakfast. Mr. Burnett, the butcher, however, came to the slaughter-house in the meantime, caught hold of the absent butcher's axe and killed a beast and cut it up. So Mr. Burnett was the first to kill a beast in the new slaughter-house. At the Cardiff Bankrupcy Court on Tuesday a local bankrupt was asked in the course of his cross-examination by the solicitor appearing for the creditors if it was true his wife had gone into ,one into business since he filed his petition. Yes," replied the bankrupt builder. Aud. pray, what do vou do ?" asked the lawyer. Oh' nothing, only helping the wife by cleaning up and doing odd lobs." was the reply. What salary do you receive from your wife for such work ?" '• Nothing." Mr. Geo. David then said, You do all this work for the sake of love, charity, and affection ?" lie received the reply of "Ay."
BAltRY DOCK POLICE COURT.
BAltRY DOCK POLICE COURT. THURSDAY.—Before General Lee (in the chairV and Mr. William Rees. LOCAL BOARD PROSECUTION.—Edward Delve was charged by the Barry Local Board (for whom Mr. J. A. Hughes appeared), under a section of the Highway Act, witn unlawfully driving over a. footpath at Holton-road on the 20th September, between Brook-street and Bassett-street.—Mr. J. C. Pardoe (Local Board surveyor) proved the case, and estimated the damage done at 6s.—Defendant was fined 5s., including costs. DIU;.MC AXD DISORDERLY.—John Abraham, fitter, as charged with being drunk and disorderly on Saturday last, and with refusing to quit the licensed premises of the Barry Hotel. Mr. R. O. Jenkins prosecuted, on behalf of Mr. Davies. pro- prietor of the hotel.—Defendant was fined 1is. for each case. Police-constable Barnes proved the- ease.—Mrs. Glassey was charged with being drunk and disorderly at Barry Dock on the 3rd Septem- ber, and was fined 5s. and costs.—Kate Morgan, for a similar offence, was fined 5s. including costs. b U.M.AWILI^Y USING A OUX.—William Morgan, labourer, Penmark. was charged, under the Gun Licensing Act of 1873. with using a gun at Pen- mark.-Ser.geant Smith proved the case, and de- fendant was fined 5s. OBSTRUCTION AXD SHEBEENIXG.—John White, of Cadoxton, was charged with obstructing the highway on the 3rd September. Another case of selling beer on the 11th September was preferred against defendant, and both cases were adjourned" for a fortnight. SELLING FIREWORKS WITHOUT A LICENCE. Charles Gwinnett, hairdresser, of Thompson-street, was charged with keeping mixed explosives on his premises without having his premises licensed. -Defendant said he had been entirely misled by the traveller who supplied him with the fireworks, who said he would obtain a licence for him. It was an entire mistake, and he had taken out a licence at once.—Fined Is.—Police-constable Wrn. Phillips proved the case. A CHIMNEY ox FIRE.—-John Rioklev for allow- ing a chimney of his house at Richard-street to be on fire was fined Es. COURTNEY-ROAD AGAIN.—Henry Wakeham, of Courtney-road. was charged by Mrs. Shears, also of Courtney-road, with using threatening language towards her.—Mrs. Shears, 21, Courtney-road, said that on the 25th inst. she was on her doorstep, and defendant threatened to do for her, and used most disgusting language.—Defendant was bound over in the sum of £ 5 to keep the peace for six months.—Jane Dyer was charged by the same prosecutrix with threating her on the 25th Sept. -Prosecutrix said that on the 25th Sept. at middle day defendant, who was drunk, came up to her doorstep and threatened to do for her. She had threatened to do for her four times before.- Police-constable Stephen Davies having giren. evidence as to seeing defendant wantingto°fight with prosecutrix the Bench bound defendant over in the sum of £ 5 to keep the peace for six months.— Jane Dyer was also charged *ith intimidating- Thomas Taylor on the 26th Au^st. As defendant had been bound lover in the last case the Bench dismissed the case. THEFT OF GOODS.—Peter Page was charged on remand with stealing a quantity of goods, the property of John Donovan.—The evidence already taken was read over.—Police-constable Stephen Davies proved the recovering; of a quantity of tho goods in a closet and room at §. Gucret-st.rcet. For the defence, James Allen, seaman, said he ancT Page went to lodge at Donovan's on the 17th of last month, and stayed there until the 23rd, when they left and took their clothes away. Another boarder went with them from the house at the same time as he and prisoner did. He (witness) had the key, and saw that the house was properly locked up. He noticed that the lower pane of the back window was broken when they left. They left because there was no food there, and it was unfit to live in. Prisoner went to another board- ing-house, and he saw him every day. Page and witness each paid £ 1 each to Mrs. Donovan on account of the board when they went to the house. Prisoner brought the clock and bag to 10; Gueret-street where he was staying on the Tues- day. Prisoner brought the goods because of money he had let them have, and said he should keep them until he (Donovan) came back, and if he gave him his money he would return the goods if not. he would keep them. He (witness) had also let Mrs. Donovan have £ 6 to keep, and said he only had X2 15s. back. When Donovan went away, he took a new suit of clothes belonging to Page, and wore them. He had been ship's mate with him for twelve month.—The Bench committed prisoners to be tried at the sessions at Swansea next week. THEFT.—Jane Dyer was charged by Mrs. Richard Burnett, of Holme-street, with stealing an apron, shirt,and singlet on the 4th October.—Mrs. Burnett- said that on the 14th she went to the funeral of one of her children, and the defendant was at the house with the children whilst she was away. She missed the goods after the funeral.-Police- constable W. Smith said he arrested the defendant on the 6th, and she was then wearing the apron. The Chairman said this was the sixth conviction against defendant, and she was sent to gaol for a month with hard labour. THREATS.—Thomas Dyke was charged by George Wilson, foreman in the employ of Messrs. Strachan and Co., Cardiff, with using threats towards him on the litth September. Complainant took a job under the Barry Company, and employed about 20 men. Defendant, who was the treasurer of a local Masons' Union, came to the work threatening to fine them each A:2 10s., and they should not get work elsewhere because they did not belong to his Union. Complainant ordered him off, and defen- dant threatened to wait for him at night, and to use a stick about his head.—After hearing the evi- dence, the Bench dismissed the case. the summons having been taken out by complainant on a wrong charge °
WENVOE.
WENVOE. ANNIVERSARY SERVICE.—These services were held at the Calvinistic Methodist Ciiapel on Tuesday and Wednesday. September 27th and 28th. The ministers who officiated this year were the Revds W Jenkins, M.A., St. David's, and W. Thomas, Maesteg* Powerful and eloquent sermons were preaehed in Welsh and English to large and appreciative audiences Good collections were realised. We trust that much good will follow the holding of the meetings, which we believe will be long remembered in the neighbour- hood on account of the earnest appeals in the sermons. WEDDING IIICJOICINGS.—On Saturday, Oct. 1st. the marriage of Mr. Oliver Davies. Ton, Y i;tra.d Rhondda, and Miss Lillie Jones, Chapel House Wenvoe, was solemnised at the Parish Church Wenvoe. The Viear—Mr. Jenner—oiffciate- The' bells rang a merry peal as the young couple wended their way from church. The bride was given away by her father, Mr. David Jones. The bridesmaids were Miss Jones, Newport (cousin of the bride), and Miss Jones, Ty Luke. The best man was Mr. Lodvvig Ystrad Rhondda. Among those present at breakfast were, Mr. and Mrs. Jones (parents of the bride) Messrs. Christopher and Charles Jones (brothers) the bridegroom and bride, Mrs. Davies, Ystrad, and Mrs Williams, Canton (sisters of the bridegroom) Miss Jones, Ty Luke; Miss Thomas, Rinstou; Rev. D. M Thomas and Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Samuel, and Mr. Lodwig. The young couple left early in the after noon for their hone;, moon, amidst showers of rice and the good wishes of many friends. We wish them a/1 joy and prosperity. The bride was very prettily attired. The presents were numerous, which clearly showed the high esteem in which the bride and htr parents are held in the neighbourhood. PENMARK. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.—The Welsh Indepen- dent connection held their annual preaching services at Salem Chapel, Nurston on Tuesday and Wednesday trie 4th and 5th inst. The officiating preachers WP.-» the Ilevs. Williams, Caergybu, L. Jones, Tynycoed and Dr. Cynonfardd Edwards, Cardiff. The YVeish- speaking part of the congregation were treated to im- pressive and heart-searching discourses by the two first-named ministers, and the English portion was entrusted to the care of Dr. Edwards, who with his fellow-workers, and in his usual masterful manner rendered the blessed truths of the glorious Gospel of Christ in such an attractive garb that its effect for good as a spiritual blessing was duly visible on the eagerly attentive and spell-bound hearers. Mr and Mrs. Jenkins, Rhoose, kindly provided refreshment for a large company of strangers, and also entertained the ministers throughout the meetings.
TEACHING OF WELSH IN ELEMENTARY…
should never be forgotten that education does not mean the cramming of pupils with facts and figures. Real education consists in training the pupil to proceed easily to further knowledge. It has been admitted by the best authorities that a "classical" education affords the best mental training and we contend that a know- ledge of Welsh is as valuable from an educa- tional stand-point as that of any modern language, and that a literary and idiomatic knowledge of it ean be most easily acquired by the child of Welsh-speaking parents. We are glad, therefore, to find that the teaching of Welsh in our Elementary Schools is likely to be Upde one of the test questions of the coming School Board election.