The Merthyr Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Iron Districts of South Wales

I £ 11Y M N Til Y. THANK Go l, cur hay harvest is nearly finished, and whatever may become of wheat and potatoes, the main ar!icle of folder is secure. Sir James Hall says fodder is often so scare in the high lands of Scotland, that the cattle are frequently known to eat each other's ears in lieu of grass or heather, which the frost bound soil re- fuses to their needs. Of course a hard light preceeds these flagrant violations of meum and tuum. We have not yet been so hard driven here as to cannibalise to any great extent, but it must be admitted that a great consumption of finger nails look place before we could get up to the scratch of ten-pence a pound for cheese, bacon, and butcher's meat; and though we do not dine on hay directly, the price of it is felt in a three-penny cabbage. Potatoes are coming in now, but sadly enough a good part goes out to ti e wash-tub again. and even here the high rate of oats and hay is manifest, not only ia the price but the weiehts of the itinerant vendors, and we do hope that if they will feed their half-starved nags on the road at our expense that they will at last give them the bad potatoes and leave us the good ones. ANOTHEK ACCIDENT ON THE LIMESTONE ROAD. -In spite of the numbers of people who have been killed on this road by riding on the trucks sent up to the Trevil for lime, it seems impossible o prevent foolish persons from periling their lives for the pake of a paltry two-mile ride to Dowlais. Last week James Morgan and his wife were going to the Yale of Neath Station for an excursion to Swansea; as both were walking on the (ram-road, he met a friend, and turned in to drink with him, while his partner walked on. An ctigine coming up the road, he must have a ride, and jumped on one of the trucks but before he could get clear, the carriage came to the coal stand, when he got jammed between the wall and the truck, and was taken up insensible. He was taken up and carried home on a shutter, while some one ran to overtake his wife, and rec?] her from the thoughts of a pleasant excursion to a perhaps dying husband. The man was found to be less hurt, however, than was expected there were no bones broken, and he is said to be reco- vering from his injuries. TREDEGAR. THE "MONSTROUS" TEMPERANCE FESTIVAL.— If Hoi ace had had Tredegar in his eye when he wrote— "Nulla placere diu, ncc vivere carmina possunt quae soiiibuntur aqucc potoribus." (No songs please or live long which harp on the teetotal string), he could not have said a thing more apposite to our text. Six months ago all Tredegar was revolutionised by Cheap Jack," and the teetotal millenium was seen to be near at hand by enthusiastic stargazers through a bot- tomless beer barrel carried on top of a pole. Unfortunately, however, after highland fashion, the people were baptised into the new faith in hot water, which did not cool more readily than their devotion. Nor was this all. It appears that a number of black sheep, or rather wolves, crept into the fold, and abused the confidence of the unsuspicious elect, among whom we may place foremost Mr. Thomas Howells, grocer; for there hid long existed in this town a Temperance So- ciety, and if devotion to the cause gives a title to eminence, Mr. Howells must be named as its chief; for years and years, when the great tern. perance heart quailed under the powerful organ- isation of licensed victualism, would this un- daunted teetotaler walk 20 miles to meet the deputations of the parent societies, and rather than confess failure, pay the defaulters' subscrip- tions out of his own pocket. No wonder, then, that Cheap Jack should appear to him as the Temperance Messiah, or that he should receive proselytes into his heart and his books, when they so touchingly avowed their conversion. But benevolent enthusiasm is a bungler at a trades- man's ledger, and the consequence of Mr. How- ells's simple faith is, that many of his dearest converts have gone to spread the truths of tee- totalism in the western hemisphere, without giv- ing themselves time to pay their debts. Thm Mr. Howells's'affairs have suffered by this inju- dicious missionary haste, and that brings us, after a most unconscionable preface, to Cefn Goleu, where the friends of temnerance are invited^Q publicans, who are more exacting now than ever; and ncjiey that they can point to a false prophet, deride the .notion of a true one. Besides, this unfovtan -te ticket reminds many backsliders of the monthly deductions made in ridiculous good faith at the office on account of Temperance Hall shares. For all this, if ever there was a fair claim to assistance, this is one, and we were glad to find it more generally r-sponded to than the present aspect of the movement warranted us in believ- ing. Before we go to tea, let us remind the class of men who owe their existence to the defects of our representative system, that a time is fast ap- proaching in which the poor victims of.' intem- perance will not be impoverished and insulted at the same time; and that, if their own interests have net suffered by a great reformation, it is that no honest, earnest-minded man has set about the task in a rational manner.—We have men- tioned Cefn Goleu, but the heavens proved un- propitious had and rain descended in torrents till three in the afternoon, and all thoughts of an out-door tea parly were ¡:: ivcn up, and the Town- hall was hastily fitted up for Lhe occasion. This proved a serious blow to the success of the spe- culation; and though the Hall was well tilled, th", expenses of advertising, labour, and mate rials, will leave, we fear, a small margin of profit for the man whose benefit it w;is mleiided to promote. After tins iame conclu-ivn of ;i fefif, .flltarscferistics ana tendency oi tHe msuruirons as they exist at present. One thing appears certain, from the experiment of the last six months to get the business done without drink, and that is, that they will stand or fail with the public house system. In Tredegar fifteen or sixteen public houses are permitted, all with first class licenses for day and night work, and they pay enormous rents, so as to constitute a powerful phalanx of county voters at an election, at which doubtless the landlords always vole the way. Besides the enormous custom such houseR must get in a voluntary way, many ot the clubs in this and all other towns in the district, have been got up by the landlord interest, to secure a climtele or regular body of consumers, and such is the influence they can bring to bear that many of the clubs would come to an untimely end were they to stand apart from tho drinking customs. If the providence of the men could be directed into a better channel at once, we should say let them break up as soon as possible, for scarcely of them will stand the test or old age, imtf^thn.t isji-y no means certain, and in the mean tiiftfi it is BE- tor to let things contmue as they are till th<*yevil works its own remedy. Another feature in the Tredegar clubs is the bulk of their savings is in the hnuds of the Iron Company wfe eertahily g-ve a biir interest for the money. the ar- rangement is suggestive of an unjSfo'standing VI me: is likely to hamper the freedom of the oocnilive,should matters proceed tosn e.Jremity. uiub buildings are open to the sameoojet iiou and Ll fact, eovi.sic'eri'ig the little care for ttiC phj sicnl w. 1being of the workwcn by employers in South Wales generally, and in tire Truck d'triets espe- cially, wo hold it to be every mvtu'a uufcy to avoiu. i identi(ving himself with the interests of the locality as much as possible pecuniarily. This may appear harsh doctrine to many who can fiud independence in a leisehold house, and £ 10 at death. But the number of complaints we receive daily of the injustice of masters, operating in every way but a nominal reduction of wages, convinces us that the only attitude a working man can take up is one which will leave him perfect freedom of action to remain here, to go to the North, or to emigrate to America, just as his own wishes cr his interest may direct. In towns in most of the iron dis- tricts the grievance appears almost to pass the bounds of endurance. One man loses his earnings in dead work; that is, labour produc- tive of no immediate return to the master. The collier complains that in the coal he is cropped so excessively that it occasions a great diminution of his wages, while his brother miner sees his ore lying on the bank for years exposed to the wea- ther, and in the meantime can hardly get as much )f it cast or paid for as will afford his family bread. With these facts staring us in the face, we say to every man, Silve by all means, but never part with your money It may be all very fine to live in a house of your own but it is yet finer to carry that house in your pocket: it is prudent to guard against sickness, not by such expensive toys as sick clubs, with Adam and Eve proces- sions, and midnight debauches, but by vigilance and economy. If employers, 0 workmen can- not make their speculations pay without aiding themselves by establishing a truck shop, it is time for you to take your spare cash into your own hands, and say, "Let us try." Thanks to steam navigation, you can now look over the whole world for masters. If men are treated more like human beings in the North, you can go there If wages are at double, while provisions are only at half the rate, in America, £20 will take you all, bag and baggage, there; and it visions of a golden Australia flit across your imagination, with the same money you can even get there, leaving your children to keep a home for their mother till you can fetch her. While we admit that the simple people who insure their lives by means of a house and a club, arc perhaps the valuable class of working men a company can get, we cannot help comparing them to those generous insects the aphides, which, when visited by the ants, exude a sweet liquor, which, aecording to Newman, the ants greedily devour. The readiness with which this supply is afforded to ants alone, has caused the aphides to be styled Yacca formicaria. Men, however, are not aphides, and thus we may cau- tion our working clnss not to be so foolish as to become a great milch cow for the benefit of their masters. MERTHYR BOARD OF HEALTH. Tnis Board met on Thursday, when the fol- lowing members were presentGr. Clark, Esq., (Chairman); G. Overton, ESqL; Messrs. W. Jones, G. Martin, D. Rosser, J. Bryant, E. W. Scale, E. Purchase, T. Williams, and L. Lewis. The minutes of the last meeting having been read and signed, the following report from the Surveyor was read :— Merthyr Tydfil, August 2, 1860. To the Members of the Merthyr Local Board of Health. Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,-I have examined the nuisance complained of at Elizabeth-street, Dowlais, caused by the smoke from the bakehouse, and recom- mend that the owners of the property be called upon to raise the chimney-stack three feet higher. It would be a great improvement to the apDearance of the street if the bakehouse were set back to the line of the adjoining houses. The approach to Hjll-street, reported at last meeting, may be much improved by having additional steps put in the middle of the lane, and a pitched gutter on each side, which will cost about £ 5. The Tail Vale Railway Co. have delivered a plan and notice relative to certain alterations they are about mak- ing for widening their railway at its junction with the Cefnforest road and the Parish-road, near Pontygwaith, which I beg to lay before the Board. I have to report the following parties—viz., Isaac Morgan, John Evans, and Howell Morgan, for not' com- pleting the houses at Mountain Hare, in accordance witi the deposited plans and the permission granted thereon by the Board on the 18th of August, 185D,—none ot the three houses having any privies. As the present contract for hauling and team work will expire on the 17th instant, it will be necessary to advertise for new tenders. It may be as well to state that I have found the system of contracting for the haul- ing to work exceedingly well. I find that the team work for the first six months in 1859 cost £ 159 2s. 3d., and during the six months of the present year, £ 15i8s.ld. which gives a saving of £ 104 14s. 2d. in the expenditure of the Board: there has been about an equal quantity of work performed during both periods. I beg to submit to the Board a plan and section of a new road to be made on the Trebedda estate by Mr. Anthony Hill. It is proposed that this road shall be 20 ft. wide, in place of 30 it.; and as it will only be built on one side, i am of opinion that the width will be suffi- cient. The cottages are to be built on the east side of the road, and are to have gardens on the west side 100 ft. in depth. I have to report Mrs. Enoch Williams for having railed oft a portion ot Coedcae Court ad joining her house,which 1 am informed is public property.* The following parties have submitted plans for per- mission to huiId-viz. William Williams, two houses and stable, and William Rosser one house—both at Moun- tain Hare; David Thomas, one house in Davies-street; John Prosser, two houses in Wyndham-street; David Evans, additions to shop in Francis street; and William Simons, two houses in New Cross-street—all in Dowlais, to which leave may be given. There is also an application to build a boundary wall to the road leading from Church-street to the back 6t Oourtlaud Terrace. I have made a tracing, showing the proposed line, which I think will be a great improve- ment to the iomiity. f. I have the honor to be your obedient servant, ALFRED TAYLOR, C.E., Surveyor the Board. 'It was stated by home of the members of the Board that the portion of Coedeae Court railed off by Mrs. Enoch Williams, was intended to prevent the continuance of a nuisance in that. part; hut as the entire corner had not been taken in, and the railed off part had only removed the nuisance lower down, the Hoard agreed that if she asked permission, and agreed to rail off the entire corner, that she be allowed to do so by paying a nominal annual acknowledgment. TIUILDING PLANS. When the building plans were submitted, Mr. Brtunt, pointing to two or three of them, usktd the surveyor if he knew by whom they were drawn out. He had heard they were drawn (u in the Buard of Health olfice by the surveyor's pupil, The surveyor admitted that they had been drawn out by his pupil, but denied that. he had any advantage from the work, or that he wa influenced m any way by the circumstance. His pupil. generally did them after hours for oraetice and in order to obtain a few shillings pocket money. Mr. Bryant submitted that the practice was coutrary to the agreement, of the Board with the surveyor' who was to undertake no private prac- tice. It might be true that literally he (the surveyor) did not do this piivate work/but couid Jie, without actually doing it himself, approach nearer to a breach of his agreement. To s.'iy the least of it he stood in competition with priv?«io draughtsmen, which was not fair when paid a high 8swy out of !;e ruihlic money. The «»h?.irman d;d :;ot. believe ».».">>t- iu;. Taylor would.s,e Inarmed h; favour of any pUu cri;wn oui by hid jjUpu, ¡èl hu t tiu'.re a proof" io dIe contrary, tor ajiiong i he vor.v pun is obje/.ted to was one drawn om uy ids pupd. There was one adv«;n'rtge in the r1\B made by Mr, Tayior's pupil, tiu't ther wer- intelligible, which comu not; be said of most oi the plan* submitted. lIe (the chairman) highly approved of the general conduct of the surveyor, and it would be a prfy that any thing should occur to shake the confi- dence of the Board in him. and therefore, with- out intending a censure, he would advise him to order his pupil to discontinue the practice in future. Mr. KoRgr r agreed in the remarks of the chair- man. If plans were allowed to be made by the surveyor's pupil, the public would have no con- fidence in the surveyor, and all plans rejected, unless madf> ) y his pupil, would be attributed to pf vate feeling. Mr. Bryant would in future have verv little confidence in the recommendation of the Bur- vcivor, for ho had recently recommended a pl%n submitted by Mr. Thomas, Bethesda-street, for the erection of a house which would not only block up nine or ten cellars in the back, hut part of which would be built over a public passage. It was altogether a most objectionable plan, and he would appeal to Mr. W. Jones for his opinion of it. Mr. Jones agreed in the remarks of Mr. Br". ant, and thought that no house ought to be built with the rear abutting on such a filthy plare. The surveyor said that he passed the plan re- ferred to on the principle that it lessened a greater evil and nuisance existing there before. With regard to the plans, as the Board objected, he would instruct his pupil not to do any more. The plans were then passed as recommended by the Surveyor. A letter was read from residents in Mary- street. Dowhiis, complaining of a piece of unen- closed ground in the neighbourhood being a nuisance. Mr. Martin said that he had visited the spot; and there was certainly great reason for com- plaint. It appeared that the ground belonged to Mr. Frederick, who had obtained permission to build two houses upon it some time ago. The Clerk was instructed to writfl to Mr. Fre- derick to abate the nuisance immediately. The boundary wall proposed to be built by Mr. W. Evans, of Union-street. just below Court- land Villa, and leading to the back of Courtland Terrace, was highly approved of by the Board, and permission was readily granted for its erec- tion. Mr. Bryant drew attention to the Local Go- vernment Bill" now before the House of Lords, and having explained an objectionable clause in that bill, suggested that it should be opposed by petition with the seal of the Board. Mr. Clark would agree to any practical means to oppose the measure, but he thought it was now too late. He did not approve of a svstem of legis- lation that took advantage of the incautiousneu of the public, though "in this case the measure was a benefit to the iron trade interest. Mr. Overton considered the measure of vital importance to this town. and would propose that a deputation from the Board wait upon the Go- vernment, in order to support the withdrawal of the clause objected to. Mr. T. Williams seconded this, but the majo. rity of the members thinking it was too late, the motion was not carried. After some other business of minor importance had been done the members separated. MARKET INTELLIGENCE. LONDON CORIT-MAEKET, (MARK-LANE, Mon- day, August 6.)-The weather is still unsettled, and since Saturday a good deal of rain has fallen throughout the south of England. The temper- ature continues low for the season; but, notwith- standing this the accounts of the growing cropw speak of some improvement. The progress is, however, very slow, and unless we have very much fine weather, harvest operations will not fairly commence in less than a fortnight. At the provincial markets, on Saturday, trade waff generally dull, but it was only in exceptional instances that prices were lower. The fresh supplies of English grain at Mark-lane to-day were moderate, but the foreign imports of wheat, barley, oats, and flour were large. Trade was rather unsettled, but without much change in general quotations. English wheat, of which there was a good deal left unsold from previous markets, was held for late rates. Foreign was without change. But; few floating cargoes are now off the coast undisposed of. The last price paid was 54s. for Marianople. Flour is easier to buy. N orfolks 39s. to 40s. American barrels, 29s. to 30s. Indian corn was 2s. per qr. dearer. Barley met a good demand for feeding. Beans and peas were a slow sale at late rates. Oats were more freely purchased at former prices, many cargoes, recently arrived, having gone to store. METROPOLITAN CATTLE-MARKET, (Monday, August 6.)—There was increased supply of stock of all descriptions this morning, consisting of a very large proportion of foreign. The condition of both cattle and sheep from our own grazing districts was better than of late, although stifl below what might be termed a good average. The trade generally was dull, the largest supplies inducing buyers to be more reserved in their ope- rations. For a prime beast here and there about last market rates were paid, but prices on the average were quite 2d. per stone lower. The same remarks will apply to sheep. Lambs and calves were also a slow sale at 2d. per stone de- cline. Pigs were in moderate request at the quotations. BOROUGH HOP-MARKET, (Monday, August 6.) The accounts from all districts coming worse. The market has opened this morning with consi- derate excitement, and an extensive business has been done at a further advance upon last week's prices. Sussex pockets, £ 6 to £6 158.. Weald of Kent do., £6 6s. to E7. Midland and East Kent do., £ 6 10s. to L7 10s.; choice molding do. £7 15s. to i9; super higher. Duty, £ 80,0C0. Our "special correspondent" has had another turn through the plantations, and reports most unfavourably of every district. Here and there a picce is to be found which will do a little, but none could be set over 5 cwt. an acre, whilst the great majority of the grounds won't average a poekct. The duty fluctuates between £80,(X)() and £90,000, but his firm conviction is it will not realise £õO,OOO.

rl nf. Times says we have still only two rifled cannon on board the English fleet, while there are six hundred in the war ships of the French. COLLIERY EXPLOSION AND LOSS OF EIGHT LIVES. On Thursday morning a serious explo- sion of fire-damp took place at Winstanley-hall, near W igan, at a pit worked by M. Bankes, Esq, of Winstanley-hall, which has occasioned the death of eight persons and serious injury to as mauy more. The pit in question is termed Baxter's No. 3 pit, and in it are employed about forty men and boys. At the customary hour for CJIUfencing work thiity-sevenpersonsdescended, and all apoeared to progress satisfactorily till about ten o'clock, when intelligence was brought tLe Ill, nagor of the colliery that an explosion had laken place. The information proved too trae, and the ill news spreading apace the friends and relatives of those employed at the colliery were quickly seen making their way to the scene of the catastrophe in a state of the greatest excite- ment. The manager of the collieries was soon on the spot, and under his guidane, the pit was descended, and search was made as to the fate of the workmen. Twenty-one of these were soon discovered and sent up the pit, having escaped witii a slight scorching. By further efforts eight more were found alive, but the state of these was far from satisfactory. All were severely burned, and many were insensible. Twenty-nine persons had now been recovered, but as it was known that there wcrj eight oth rs still in the mine the efforts of ths searchers were not te- laxeu. Two hourj elapsed before those on the pit brow heard aav inteUigojvce, mid then sev^n dead bodies followed each other to the surface in rapid succession. The state of the pit was taen louad to be sue'i that further progrtss was im- pcsjVule, aUd the search had to be stayed for the nighi. i/Rrly on the following* morning, how- ever, the _6tber body was recovered, The cause of explosion is st-iU unknown.

clause in its true light, and appealing firmly and forcibly to the Lords against the meditated in- justice. On Tuesdav this petition, signed by 426 ratepayers was forwarded to II, A. Bruce, Esq., and it other constituencies have been simi- larly active, we entertain the hope that, though almost too late, the bill will yet be thrown out. If so, too great praise cannot be awarded to Messrs. Bryant, Smyth, T. Williams, Overton, F. James and others, who have showed such energy in the interests of their fellow ratepayer?. It is right to state that II. A. Bruce, Esq., was not the first to inform his constituents of tl e nature of this bill, as he was not in hia place n the House of Commons when the clause was i; troduced into the House of Lords, but it is said, notwithstanding the personal interest he has in the measure becoming law, that he has, nevertheless, exercised his influence to prevent its passing. In addition to the petition sent up, a deputation, consisting of Messrs. Overton and$tussell, has gone to London to wait upon the government re- specting this clause and when Mr. Bruce per- ceives that his constituents are so uilited in its opposition he will, we have no doubt, still further exert himself to support the object of the peti- tion and deputation.—Since the above was written we have received from Mr. Walter Smyth the following copy of a letter from H. A. Bruce, Esq., in reference to the petition: liear Sir,—I have received, and forwarded for pre- sentation to Lord Stanley of Alderley, the petition forwarded to me by you. I have been in constant communication with Ministers in both Houses on the subject of the Local Government Bill, and am not without hope of success in obtaining the withdrawal either of the Bill, or at least of the obnoxious clause. I am, dear Sir, yours very truly, Athenaeum, August 8th, 1860. 11. A. DRUCB. Mr. Walter Smyth, Merthyr. THE GKAND RIFLE VOLUNTEER GALA AT GLYN NEATH.-Large posters everywhere ex- hibited on our walls notify the startling prepara- tions now making for the forthcoming g :11. And we fully anticipate that although much enjoy- ment has been received this season and many trips made by our volunteers, this grand day at Glyn Neath, amidst scenery unrivalled, and in the company, of course, of wives and sweet- hearts, will surpass them all. We heartily trust Thursdav next my be a "Queen's day," and memorable for sunshine as well as pleasure. There is no doubt that a large attendance will be present, and ss it would be a convenience to the -committee of management to know as early as possible the approximate number, we would iStrongly recommend visitors to purchase cards of admission forthwith, which may be had at Merthyr at the TELEGRAM Office. GAND MUSICAL CONTEST.—An announcement in another column informs us that a grand musi. cal contest, similar to that recently held in the Crystal Palace, will take place in the neighbour- hood of Neath on the 24th and 25 th of Septem- ber next. We have not yet seen the programme, but when favoured with it we may again draw attention to this the first contest of the kind we believe in South Wales. OUR COAST DEFENCES.—The late fete at Car- diff not having given so much satisfaction as was anticipated, probably owing to unpropitious wea- ther, our friends at Cardiff appear desirous of redeeming their good name by another trial, and accordingly, on Monday next it is announced that a grand military demonstration will be hold in the Cathays Park, to celebrate the arrival in town cf two large 18-pounder guns, intended for the defence of the coast by our artillery volun- teers. From the programme we anticipate that the proceedings will be of an unusually exciting and attractive character. RECOLLECTIONS. No. II. WHEN I look around me and see the marvel. lou.s changes everywhere perceptible, I almost forget in the greatness of the spectacle its insigni- ficant beginning. Whether it be persons or trades menfwhom I knew in the humblest posi- tion, or trades of the smallest charactcr, it is all the same. In no case is this more strongly shown than with Scotchmen. Let any one con- trast them as they now are, living in comfort, some in princely state, with the pedlars of thirty or forty years ago, and they will be astouaded. I forget the name of the first Scotchman who visited Merthyr Tydvil as a tea hawker; indeed, if my memory serves me correctly, tea was first introduced here by a rector named Price—Tho- mas Price, I think-who had a supply for home use from London, at the rate of a guinea a pound. He commended it so highly that some of the better conditioned of his parishioners were in- duced to try it, and the good old man served them at cost price, much to their pleasure and approval. After this time a Scotchman of a wandering character seems to have found the village, and having discovered it in his journey- ings soon made a business. But his movements 48urprised the people; they were at a loss, and dumbfounded, for he did not come as the old Irish hawkers did, men bearing immense burdens and carrying them on long sticks from liouso to house, shewing their wares, and buying as well as selling; but in the most random manner tnis stranger went from door to door throwing in little packets of tea as if his sole object was to get rid of it for nothing! I recollect his having been at our house well. We were all out at the time, but when my mother reached home she found one of these packets had been thrown in on the iloor-we did not lock doors then, burglary was a word unknown to us—she picked up the packet, and examined it—the good old lady had tasted tea before-and having seen that it was a lot. of}, tea, very good and odorous to all appearance,lie placed it by until the good man came home, when a family consultation could be held. When the master of the house arrived the (irstmlelli- gence was about the mysterious packet, but he had heard from neighbours that similar presents had been received elsewhere, and so was not much surprised. Still he was loath to hAve it used, and so the tea remained a few days in the expectation that something more would be known. We didn't think then that the first Scotchman was simply scattering the seed from which a good harvest would be reaped. Yet so it was. We used the tea and all praised it, and when the pedlar came a week or so afterwards, my parent opened an account which continued for many a long year.. 1 In subsequent times I remenioer a man ot the name of Jones selling tea. He was t ie only one who did so, and so great was the demand that he disposed of two chests a week. He sold and thrived well, but unfortunately for him his good fortune became known, and a rival started up in the person of a Scotchman, whose energy soon showed itself by reducing Jones's sale to one chest per week. This was not to be borne. The idea of being so opposed in his own town by a stranger was preposterous, and not to be endured. Accordingly he made his appearance before the magistrates, and having obtained a hearing stated his case. A stranger to the town had opened a rival shop, and by the opposition his trade had been reduced in the article of tea fully one chest per week, and he submitted that it was a case requiring the inter- ference of the law which should protect him. a native, against a stranger. His tale was heard,, but only to be laughed at, and he returned home a rebuke! and a mournful man. Sucli is a picture of the old times reader, and of our si., pie heart ed forefathers. Contrast them with our Alcrchauts," every one is a merchant now, and side by side with our warehouses, vaults, stores, put the primitive shanties of past time. It will do you good. .$»_ ABERDARE. PEACE WAR.—A. meeting, having for its. object the promotion of peace principles," was held on Wednesday se'nnight, at the Siloa chf»t>el. The Ivev. Mr. O'Neil, of Birmingham, aud Mr. "R. G. Jones, Merthyr, (11.1 the absence of the Rev. Mr. Daniel, of Mynyddhaeh,) attended as a deputation from the Peace Society, had made excellent speeches on the subject; which the meet- ing had been called to discuss. The Rev. D. Price ably filled the chair, and there was a nu- merous audience in attendance. LECTUKE.—On Monday evening last the Rev. Wm. Rees, of Liverpool, delivered a highly in- teresting lecture on the life and times of the celebrated Welsh preacher so well known as Williams o'r Wern. The lecture came off at the Tabernacle English Independent Chapel, and was, we regret to state, hut thinly attended. D. E. Williams, Esq., of Hirwaun, occupied the chair, and the rav. lecturer gave ample satisfac- tion to his auditory. In moving a vote of thanks to Mr. Rees, the Rev. John Morgan, Cwmbach, was so inappropriately facetious in his remarks as to cause the exeunt of two or three very re- spectable members of the audience. THE MASONIC DINNER.—On Monday last a grand provincial meeting of members of the Most Ancient Order of Freemasons (for the Eastern Division of Glamorganshire) was held at the Black Lion Hotel. Considering the inclemency of the weather, there was a pretty numerous muster of the fraternity. After meeting at the I Lodge, the brethren of this ancient and respect- able order formed into a procession and marched to St. Elvan's Church, where an excellent dis- course was delivered to them by the Provincial Grand Chaplain. Several ladies attended the service, and the highly respectable appearance of the Brotherhood, together with their gentle- manly demeanour, were the subjects of general eulogium. Diviue service being over, the pro- cession re-formed and returned in excellent order to the botel; from which place, about 4 o'clock, the members proceeded to the Assembly Rooms to dine. The hall had been neatly decorated and prepared for their reception. The tables were laid with consummate taste and elegance, re- flecting great credit on Mr. Ed. Watkins, under whose superintendence the whole of the arrange- ments in connection with the dinner were per. formed. The "bill of fare" exhausted all the availables of the season, comprising as it did soup, fish, fowl, all kinds of seasonable meat, tarts, custards, jellies, pines, grapes, &c., &c., forming a spread of so varied and recherche a nature as to be capable of satisfying the most fastidious disciple of Trussler or Beau Nash. A staff of professional waiters were in attendance, who gave the greatest satisfaction to all con- cerned. The tables having been cleared, the doors were closed to the "uninitiated," and, under the able presidency of the P.G.M. Colonel Kemys Tynte, who was ably supported by the Vice- chairman, Mr. James Gawn, a pleasant evening was spent. Before concluding this brief notice we ought not to omit to mention that Mons. Rolland, the celebrated French cook, performed the functions of le chef de cuisine with his accus- tomed skill, and that all the arrangements made by the spirited host and hostess of the Black Lion Hotel on the occasion of this graad Masonic fes- tival, speak much for their liberality as public ,aterers. WE are glad to notice that matters in connec- tion with the staple trades of this valley look a shade healthier than when we last made reference to them. rhe several iron works of the district are in lull employ, and most of the coal-masters are well supplied with orders, and the complaint of a dullness of trade is not low so generally heard as it was some six weeks ago. Messrs. Samuel Thomas, Scuborwen, and Rhys and Ho., Cwmd ire, have been favoured with orders to supply m immense quantity of coals required by the Great Eastern," and a large number of Government orders lave been received by other proprietors during the week. Jwing to the extremely unseasonable weather with vhich we have lately been visited, but little progress las been made with the harvest. The corn crops look inusually green for this time of the year, and a feeling )f despair appears to have taken possession of the minds )f most of the important farmers of the district. BBAUFOKT. CLUB FESTIVITIES.—On Saturday last the members of the Benefit Society neld at the Victoria Arms, held their anniversary, and marched through this village headed by the Ebhw Vale brass band, to the residence of G. P. Bevan, Esq., where they partook of some re- freshment. On their return they went to the Primitive Methodist Chapel, where a short and interesting sermon was preached to them, at the eonclusion of which they marched back to their club room where an excellent dinner was pro- vided for them by the Miss Bedford's. The afternoon was spent in harmony. HOUSE WARMING SUPPEII. — Mr. Francis Francis, of the Eagle Beerhouse in this place, provided a supper a few days ago at his house. A great many of his friends rallied around him and enjoyed the excellent spread which was so bountifully set before them. BEYNMAW Iv,. ENGLISH INDEPENDENT CHAPEL.—The anni- versary of the Sabbath School connected with the above place of worship was held on Sunday last, when three sermons were preached. In the morning at half-past ten and in the evening at six o'clock, by the Rev. W. Thomas, pastor of the church, (late of Street, Sommerset), and in afternoon at half-past two o'clock, by the Rev. F. G. Andrews, of London, now pastor of the English Independent Church at Beaufort. Suit- able topics of discourse were chosen by the ministers, and at the close of each sermon the children recited portions of Scripture), dialogues, and pieces of poetry, as well as some interesting and truly touching prose pieces, especially that entitled Christ is all/ The singing of the children and the choir was very good. The con- gregation, especially in the afternoon and even- ing,- vrtfs the largest ever seen in the cuapel, .and -the amount realised also exceeded that on any- previous anniversary, it being above £ 6. -This chapel is one of the stationsfof the Home Miss onary Society, and it is gratifying to observe the great advancement our English independent friends have made since the settlement of Mr. Tnomas amongst them; through the labours of the Rev. Mr. Greig, their previous minister, the financial state of the church is so slightly oppres- sive that the present pastor and active church are able to devote all their attention to the spiritual and numerical improvement of the cause, and we have been informed that all sittings are Jet, and that many are unable to procure pews for themselves and families, so that an en- largement of the chapel is become necessary and we are glad to find that our friends are not unmindful of their duty. We sincerely hope should they undertake their corneal plated altera- tions they may meet with every encouragement. — Communicated. IM-YIXA. A certain gentleman on the Bench remarked to us lately, apropos of a parish squabble, that "the press is getting too licentious." This re- mark, we interpret, is, as it was doubtless meant, using too much license;" and in this sense we beg to ask if a magistrate can be too licentious? Certainly the press has not given the publicity it might have done to many complaints of the ineffective"working of the police courts of the division; and not a month since, Mr. J, Russell on Lie Blaina Bench complained, in the absence of the Clerk, when more than half an hour had elapsed, that the business was n JL ready to enter upon. The same gentleman also complained on the same day that orders of removal were asked for improperly, and before- the proper steps had been taken to find the absconding husband. Then again, with regard to the late parish difference on the very same day, the overseers proved to the satisfaction of the Bench thai there was no neces- sity for a nun mo .& on the parish of Abery is truth at. all; and that when this was explained to tbe Bench the' previous day, it was withdrawn. we had givçn a report of the animated scene which took place before the Bench that day on the sub- ject of costs between Mr. Waiers's clerk, Mr. Brook field, and the overseers, we could have tickled the public ear far more effectually than the assistant overseer did by a statement literally incorrect; .ar-d further, were aMmiUed to the table of the Board of v, ;• should be in a position to show a state ci U •>* Ui: u v'ould fuily account for tne tiis<«*.u.; .!•■4r. Leviek -fxpressed very umeocrvedly at a previous session. As wo s■'■•■•'ted last week, Mr. Levick could not help noticing with disapprobation the manner in which parties are dragged about from one part of the division to another, often without neces- sity and we need not ask whose fault it is. Un der the jurisdiction of a stipendiary magistrate all goes with the punctuality of clock-work and we feel convinced that, however upright and painstaking the unpaid magistracy may be, wt shall never be efficiently served in the crimina) courts till the Act just passed in this session or Parliament for the extension of the stipendiary system is applied to the adjudication of our police business. EBBW VALE. EARLY CLOSING.—We arc glad to perceive that the necessity of finding time for drill has led the tradesmen to an agreement for closing at 8 in the evening; and it is to be hoped that thi step, so essential to the health of men immured in a shop all day, will not only be maintained, hut, as the days become shorter, followed up by another, restricting the business hours to 7 p.m. If Saturday night must be sacrificed on account of pays and draws, it must so, but this very ar. rangement makes the necessity for late shop. keeping unnecessary. If this arrangement could be come to at once, it would be a great advantage to the progress of the, drill, of the diligent prose. cntion of which, thus far, we cannot speak in terms of approbation too erreat. Three separate squad? are working hard in different parts of the work- daily and we doubt not, if the clothing and arms can be obtained in time, we shall be able te muster 200 men for. iiVr Majesty's inspectim, at Gloucester in September. This is a feat worthy of the ambition of our volunteers, who will, b. such means, show most convincingly with what case and celerity peaceful citizens may be trans- formed into a national guard. RruElw HILL FAIR.—We suppose the bad weather must account for the small display of live stock at this market, which can only be called a fair in deference to the holiday seekers, who rejoice in any excuse for a day's sport. The onlv animals we observed there were a couple of droves of pigs, which, from the leisurely manner in which they grubbed up their oats, seemed quite at eas- from the apprehension of involuntary change of masters. The preparations for the amusement of the juveniles evidently took their complexion from the military ardour of the inhabitants,- rifles of all shapes and sizes, with targets of most tempting proximity, invited the youth to crack expensive nuts; while adventurous boys and girls performed prodigies of valour in chariot or on horseback. For the amusement of hobbledehoys the good" Angel," with outspread arms, had pro' vided ninepins in two houses gutted for the nur pose, and an ample supply of beer for the thirsty performers nor were the young damsels for gotten,—Brumagem brooches and a heap of nicknackery tempted the vanity of sweet seven- teen, while cherries and gingerbread excited the cupidity of penniless urchins ;-so far, a scene of Arcadian simplicity. Let us go before the Angel's guests grow red in the face. NANTYGLO. ON Tuesday last the inhabitants of this place were sorriewhat surprised at seeing our Volunteer Corps, with their hand, marching through the village in quick time, at so early an hour. Many suggestions were thrown out as to the cause of the muster on the occasion. Some wanted to know if the French had landed at Newport; others said there rnuat have been a riot in some place, and the Eifleinen sent to quell the mob'. One knowing character would have it that there was "something up," because the Hifiemenlookecl so savage, having no time to answer questions. They hastened onward through the neighbourhood, and when near the Western Valleys station the band struck up the old and popular tune of See the conquering hero comes." On arriving at the station the men were ordered to "fall iu" in two columns, the front column to right about fhcc." It was then ascertained that tlier Ensign, Crawshay Bailey, Esq, jun., was coming by train, and that they had met to give him a welcome home. They presented arms" while he passed through, and then escorted him to Nantyglo House, b where they halted for a while, partook of refreshments, and marched back to their armoury. -POIM TYP HID D. NEW METHODIST CHAPEL.—Thursday is the day nxed for opening this chapel, and as all the shops are to be closed and many eminent preachers to be present, we doubt not that it will tennr n/ fier fllJali leilRtheued report of the^proceedings in our next. AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH.-On Saturday last a mason named John St. Stoney, after partaking £ breakfast fell down dead in the kitchen of inn lodgings. An ia quest was held on M on- day on the body of deceased, when from the evidence adduced it appeared that he had disease of the lieart, and the ju y returned a' verdict accordingly. ODDFELLOWS' FESTIYAL.-OU Saturday last tne members of the above society, assembled the Butchcra Arms Inn to celebrate their anni- versary. The day presented anything but a promise of being deuce masses of rain anJ clouds flew athwart the heavens with fearful rapidity, and seemed like evil spirits congrc»aMuo- to one common centre, imparting to the heavens a most ominous aspect. However, about eleven o'clock, the piecing of Sol began, gradually to dispel the inurny gloom, and changed the skV to one vast ocean of bright azure. Headed bv the lontypriud brass baud the procession moved, i the var/otw scarfs and other insignia of the order presented a picture lio less lovely than picturesque. After parading the principal streets of the town, they proceeded to the Hocking btooe, where a dresses were delivered by sortie of the members on friendly topieg. AmonV ['•■> speakers was the Nor. Mr. Oliver, Independent minister of ■Sardis Chapel, but with this gentle- man's remarks we cajftnot altogether agree, that music is in any wayjoohsh or demoralizing, and that the young members, should be ruied"alto- gether by their eiiMr or aged brethren, is to us a perfect anomaly./ We, .woulCaujriSfltajtij. oddfcL lows and all otf.gfr socie:'iSV*TolSrfflrT- course, fully ing into• extreme cannot biw^ro^-<jle^n!eimffo all that is beneiiei^l in friendijr-- &f56,tsr"N'eiilier can we perceive that a Jjojdfy- of- sober, well conducted and intelligent m.g»?'Shoald deprive th'Bmselres of the pleasure -oVl'iearing good music in going to andlrefurning from church or cnapel on their eiub festival day. We make thrse observations in no ill spirit to the rev. gentleman, but merely beg to say that in our opinion, true religion was never, nor will be, injured by musir; when conducted properly. After tire addresses they again formed into procession, and proceeded to the lodge room where they were regaled with a good dinner. Lhe usual toasts were given, and the evening ter- minated in the most convivial and satisfactory mannerCommunicated. &LA.NTAFF IvOJiifE ANNI\REKSAHY.On the same day the members of the true Ivorite Society met at tlw L:unb Jnri and proceeded to the Aictuoaisi Chapel, where an able and eloquent address was delivered to them by the liev. M'r. 1 >uvies._ After parading the streets they returned to the Lodge, where afiulllptuous repaH awaIted tie*m. jDunng the evening several songs—both Welsh and Jinglish—were given, and later dancing commenced and continued up to a late hour. Mr. Evans, of the factory, ably presided. Of the hajJpiil, Mr. Evans, of the Harp Inn, wr; cannot speak in too high terms. His excellent playing was the delig:-1 of the whole parly.