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f EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE.

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f EDITORIAL CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor does not hold himself responsible for the sentiments expressed by his correspondents. THE LATE FORESTERS' PROCESSION. To the Editor of the Merthyr Telegraph. 8111,- Knowing that your valuable journal has been for some years past the great medium of this part of the county for expressing opinions on matters of local interest, I feel confident you will, allow a small amount of space in your columns for a few remarks from a casual visitor to this, the iron metropolis of Wales. On Fridav last (the 17th inst.,) I arrived by the "Vale of Neath Railway-business calling me to this town about once in three weeks—and ac. cording to my usual custom, after disposing of my luggage, I called at a few of the inns, &c., with which I am in the habit o f doing business, and wherein I often times listen to the discus- sion of parliamentary and other affairs judge my surprise, therefore, Sir, when I found all the important topics of the day completely aside, and all totally occupied by the then forthcoming .Foresters' anniversary and grand procession. I enquired when this great affair was to take place, and, on being informed on the following Mon- day, I determined to make my business calls in Dowlais on Saturday and return for the event, and the occurring to my memory of the old adage, "You may go farther and fare worse," put the veto to my determination. Monday morning dawned (considering the weather of the two or three previous days) propitiously, and crowds of people began to assemble in the streets, your humble servant among the rest. All was anxiety, and when you take into con- sideration the motto of the order—" Unity, be- nevolence, and concord," not unreasonable was that anxiety-as the motto itself would lead one jaaturally to suppose that the very Unity and Concord among themselves would ensure for the public a brilliant and effective sight-alike plea- surable to the sight-and reflecting credit ou the Order itself. But, alas! how short-lived was this opinion, about a quarter to eleven the en- livening strains of a band were heard coming up High.street, and as is always the case on such occasion, the cry was heard, they come"-and almost immediately the Foresters came in sight preceded by the Merthyr Town Band, and, at first sight, I mnst say that I thought the opinion I had formed was about to be realised, the lead- ing men confirmed that opinion for a few seconds —Dut there came—what P Did my eyes deceive me P An Order of respectable men walking in procession- and some with short pipes in their mouths. On second sight I found it was alas too true-but here was a redeeming feature-a party in RBAL (P) Robin Hood costume amongst the rest, and a man in armour. But disappointment everywhere. Did Robin Hood and his followers wear party coloured plumes in the caps—hats, or whatever else they -wore P—I really do not think from my reading of history that they did, and I would certainly ad- vice our Merthyr Foresters, before their next precession, to dress a day or two before hand and calmly view themselves in a mirror, and I really think that on cool reflection they will jiot again make themselves so conspicuous a laughing stock for the public generally. The same remarks will apply to the warrior in amour -with the additional advice that if he does so at any future time, to take care to have a stronger and more suitable horse for the purpose, else he may bring himself into the hands of the officers of the society established for the prevention to Cruelty to Animals. This party passed, and, as I thought, the whole of the Foresters' processions; but another band is heard in the distance, and then the appearance of ANOTHER party of Foresters, headed by the Volunteer band, with the same disgraceful pipe- smoking, and the same amount of laughing at the gallant would-be imitators of Robm Hood and Little John,—I was about to ask, Is this Unity !-when the two parties amalgamated on the Square, thus constituting the first of their motto, Unity. As regards the second, "Bene. volence," I must say I think if the money wasted on useless tinsel and other follies in the proces- sion, were added to the Widows' and Orphans' Fund, it would have better illustrated the word. Very little will suffice on the third, Concord," as from what I saw myself, there seemed to be very little of that virtue among a great number of the brethren. I hope, Sir, the Order will not take these re. marks as a disparagement to the good intentions for which these societies were founded. Far from it. I am myself a member of a benefit society, and I wish every working man was the same; and therefore as one I must enter my pro- test against such ludicrous displays as were mani- fested by this and the Ancient Britons' Society, whose procession took place on the same day. In my opinion, members would show their better sense by in future leaving off these miserable attempts at masquerade, and carry out the objects of all benefit societies-to provide for sickness and death. Hoping this will be taken in the spirit in which it is given-viz., the true spirit of friendship, I am, Sir, yours truly, ONE OF THE CROWD. Merthyr, Monday Evening, Aug. 20,1860. RECOLLECTIONS. No. III. THE refining hand 'of time that seems to gild, and burnish, and smooth all things into a civilized state and shape, that takes off the rough coat of barbarism and puts men into Moses's best, or genuine tweeds, plays equal diversions with in- stitutions, grim as the legal courts, or old as the ceremony of matrimony. I heard the other day of a man being reprimanded for not Ilppearing before a registrar in decent costume-we shall hear some day of gloves being positive requisites. But it is the courts of law or the magistrates' courts where changes are discernible. Go into the Police Court on one of the appointed days, and if you can endure the evil odours which are always to be met there, the spectacle will be found interesting and instructive to people of the present day; but, to an old individual like my. self, it is all this, and more, it is suggestive. Strange thing is this memory! How vividly slight matters recall past things—how swiftly actions long since forgotten leap again into being when something analogous strikes the at- ten tion. A little while ago I held in my hand a stray piece of lavender. You all know what lavender is, how strong its perfume, and how lasting, but when I saw it I saw also arise before me the people of the past—old ladies, virgin dames, in the straight dress that knew no crinoline, with the pinned 'kerchief on the bosom, the ancient cap, and ancient bonnet that really served the Surpose of a bonnet, by covering the head—and jaw too, the old beaver hatted man in gaiters and buckled shoes, and swallow tail blue coat with brass buttons, and little waistcoats that just showed the buttons of the unmentionables. Just so with the majority of things, they recall others that lay remote, and by the same law the magis- trates' court of to-day brings back the justices' court of the past. It may strike one as strange, that, with the advance of civilization, our gao!s become larger, our police more numerous, our judges, counsels, and lawyers more plentiful, but so it is. In the old M erthyr days Meyrick and another did the law business and the people of the place comfortably now lawyers are as thick as blackberries. And not the good old fashioned sort of lawyer such as that estimable man, more familiarly known as Billy Morris; men who rode about the country with saddle-bags filled with all requisites, carried an exciseman's ink bottle, an old Bum's Justice," and was equal to making a will, taking an inventory, giving opinion on a tresspass, assault, disputed heirship, and after dinner could put their host under the tab's if wine wa- rood, or home brewed plentiful. But there, ag- arrulous, and I am digressing. ¡ Let me see was the subject I began witl,- oh, the old justices' oourt of Merthyr. The first place where I remember the court held was at the Castle Hotel, then some time after, at the Bush, and finally the Angel. I am not certain—it seems so long ago-whether the court was held at the Bush and Angel alternately or not, but in my recollection the Castle was the first place. The justice was Mr. Bruce, known as old Bruce, with the occasional aid of others. The old law was, that the clergyman of the parish should act as justice, but at the time I write of, that much wanted ecclesiastical law requiring each incumbent to ba a resident lay yet brooding in some portly bishop's head. And in conse- quence, as Merthyr was never very attractive as a residence, this parson or priest lived at Gelly- gaer, having the duty done cheaply for him by a poor aid, who was expected to expose sin, de- nounce vice, generally in the abstract, picture the delights of heaven, describe the rewards to the good, visit all the old women, condole on their many sorrows, from rheumatis to the hard times"-for times were always "hard" with some of us,-act a little in the doctor way, and do a little legal work for a very ridiculously small ..sum per annum. The head man or parson visited Merthyr some times, and then it was to frown down upon his parishioners from the bench, or, at least, on such of his parishioners who beat the constable, got. drunk, stole his neighbour's goose, or refused to abide by terms of service. In addition to these old fashioned justices, and before the Doctor's time, there was Morgans of the Gadlys, who occasionally assisted. I re- collect the last time I saw him, something like ten years ago—venerable looking and very grey -a different man to the Morgans who sat as justice in the old Merthyr days. Summonses, warrants, and all that sort of thing usually, ob- tained from magistrates or magistrates' clerks, were had in Aberdare, at the Mountain Ash, so that in one respect Aberdare, as the scat of legal power, held a higher position than Merthyr in bye.gone times. The justices had plenty of em- ployment, but the cases brought before them were of very similar complexion, drunkenness, with, at rare interval, robbery. All fines for drunkenness, assault, or such like, were put into a little box, and as the people fined, and the lower order generally, eagerly seized on any notion inimical to the worthy magistrate who presided, the rumcur speedily gained ground that the contents of the box were the perquisites of Mr. Bruce. From that time to the close of his magistracy he was known as "Bruce o Box Bach," and at one elec- tion in which the elder Mr. Bruce played a con- spicuous part, little boxes were paraded about the streets and held up in derision before all known Bruceites. The character, however, of Mr. Bruce, senior, on the bench was in many respects a model one. Having to deal with the low, the vicious, and very often the irreclaim- able, there is no wonder that his patience some- times sunk under the trial. Then the old Welsh, partially tinged with Scottish blood, exhibited itself to the terror of evil doers. But his deci- sions were invariably able and often merciful. He would scold and dismiss a man who had scarcely hoped for such leniency, w hile the for- ward, the brow-beating prisoner who stepped into the dock with assurance, found in a very short time that the justice before him was a far superior man to the usual run ot justices; too observant a man to be put off with an artifice, too good a lawyer to entertain a quibble. It is interesting to recall the old Bruce" in these days when "justice's justice" has become a sub- ject for scorn and disapproval, for in him we had the type of the old justice who considered a deviation from law equal to a deviation from morality, and who ruled well and Rrmly crimi- nals called it sternly, in the old days that seem so long ago. Hasty he may have been, but his ire was only aroused by the stubbornness or gross ignorance of those before him. Thus in the beginning of a cross-examination he was patient and gentle, but as it proceeded, and ob- stacles to a fair understanding of the case were placed before him by a stupid or angry witness, then a Bruce" would be seen and heard. I will give on anecdote in point. A man named Williams summoned another named Jones, before Mr. Bruce, for non-payment of wages. The case was heard. "Well, Williams," said Mr. Bruce, "how dos't thee want this money?" I th'nk, your worship, he could pay 5s. a month." Very fair," rejoined the magistrate, That is very fair and reasonable." And when wilt thou begin," he said turning to Jones—but Jones was in a fury at the case turning against him, and could only stutter out Three weeks, three weeks, "intending to say, I suppose, "Three weeks next Saturday." "Three weeks," roared Bruce. Three weeks, three weeks next Christ- mas holidays!Jones would like to have gone down a trap-door there and then .+. ABERDARE. BOARD OF HEALTH ELECTION.—The following are the candidates from whom five members will be selected to fill the seats at present vacant at the Local Board of Health:—Mr. W. W. Waynne, Plasnewydd; Mr. David Davies, Maesyffynon; Mr. David Williams, Ynyscynon Mr. James L, Roberts, Gadlys House; Mr. David Richards, builder; Mr. Evan Griffiths, builder; Mr. Mor- gan Edwards, butcher and Mr. David Hopkins, Mill-street. Voting-papers were issued to the ratepayers on Tuesday last, and the election will probably take place on Monday next. The first four of the above-named will doubtless be returned by a considerable majority, but which of the re- maining number is likely to be successful, it would be idle to speculate. At present (Wednes- day) there is but little excitement visible in the parish, and the general impression appears to be that the election will pass off without the usual accompaniments of storm, riot, and confusion THE REV. HUGH SLOWELL BEOWN.—We are glad to learn that the people of Aberdare will, during the coming month, be favoured with a lecture by this talented gentleman. The subject selected for his discourse is a popular one, and those of our readers who have heard or read of Mr. Hugh Stowell Brown, will bear us out in stating that an intellectual treat is in store for all who intend hearing the lecture referred to. THE Welsh Methodists have commenced building a new chapel near the iron bridge. It is intended to accommodate worshippers from the neighbourhoods of the Trap, Cwmbach, Aber- nant, &c. THE ENGLISH WESLKYAN CIlAPEL.-On Tues- day se'nnight, a tea party and bazaar were held at this chapel. A large number of friends sat down and enjoyed "the cup that cheers but not inebriates." The tables were ably presided over, and after the repast was over, an interesting evening was whiled away in speech-making and friendly discussion. EBENEZER CHAPEL, TBECYNON.-LI connection with this (Welsh Independent) chapel, we hear it is intended to erect a commodious building which shall contain a large school r00m for Sab- bath school purposes, committee rooms, and a library. The largest of these rooms will be pro- vided with portable fixtures, so that if it should be at any time required for the purposes of a tea party, dinner, or bazaar, it could be turned to good account. The building is to be from 50 to 60 feet in length, and we have no doubt but thjic its completion will prove a source of great faction to the members and congregation of the* chapel alluded to. ANOTHER NEW BUILDING.—We understand that the necessary arrangements have been made with the Ecclisiastical Commissioners for tho granting of a piece of ground in Maesydre, on which it is intended to build a new church, as a substitute for the present inconveniently small parish church (St. John's.) A GREAT FACT.—At present the Aberdare Water Works Company are furnishing no fewer than 1900 households with a plentiful supply of good water! i AT the county court held at the Temper .nee Hall on Wednesday and Thursday se'iiniglit, before his Honour Judge Falconer, there were entered for hearing, 36 tiojourned plaints, 357 fresh plaints, H, adjoumed judgment Gutrunonsei, 67 fresh summonses, 1 iuterpicader, and 1 insol- vent. The insolvent case was thrown over, and there was no case of particular public interest heard. AT a vestry meeting held in the vestry-room of the old parish church, on Thursday week, it was moved by Mr. Pritchard, seconded by Mr. W. S. Sampling, and adopted by the meeting, that the Burial Board be allowed to borrow the sum of JSoOO to liquidate the balance of expense incur. red in connection with the cemetery. ELECTRO-BIOLOGY.-On the evenings of Mon- day, Tuesday, and Wednesday last, Miss Monta- gue gave her extraordinary entertainment in the Temperance Hall. Crowded audiences attended, and were by turns amazed aod delighted. THE WELSH BAPTIST SABBA.TH SCHOOL.—The congregation under the pastorship of the Rev. Thomas Price, have in connection therewith four Sunday Schools, each of which is in a thriving condition. On Monday last the teachers of these schools gave all the children under 15 years of age their annual treat." About two o'clock the four schools, united, formed into a procession, and paraded the principal streets. Each school was preceded by the bearer of a banner and its own choir of singers; and in marching through the town, their gay appearance elicited the admi- ration of all who witnessed them. [In connection with each of these schools there are two choirs, the one composed of adults, and the other of children.] At four o'clock the most interesting portion of the day's proceedings commenced, and between that hour and seven o'clock, no fewer than 1057 children, and 543 adults, including teachers and their friends, were plentifully regaled with tea and plum-cake. The whole of the chil- dren were entertained gratuitously, and the adults were charged the nominal sum of sixpence each. All the tables were well served, and the whole of the arrangements in connection with this monster tea party were so well made, that the most per- fect order prevailed during the evening. Shortly after seven o'clock their excellent minister took the chair, and proceeded to address the assembly in his usual effective manner. The remainder of the evening was afterwards spent in an exceed- ingly pleasant manner—singing, reciting, and speech-making having become "the order of the day." THE ALFREDS.—The two lodges of this order, meeting respectively at the Glo'ster Arms and Fothergill's Arms, and known by the name of Y Gweithiwr," and the absurd name of "Nai Shon y Gof," celebrated their first anniversary on Saturday last. A public meeting in connection with the loyal brotherhood was held in the Ynys- lwyd school room, under the able presidency of the Rev. Thomas Price. The Rev. J. T. Jones, and Mr. W. Williams, (Carw Coch), addressed the meeting in appropriate speeches. The pro- ceedings were enlivened by some excellent sing- ing and a variety of resitations and songs were pleasingly rendered. At the termination of this very pleasant meeting, the members formed into a procession, and marched to their Lodges, where a substantial dinner had been prepared for them. The postprandial proceedings were of the usual convivial nature-all things tending to prove that the members pull harmoniously together, and that their young lodges are in a healthy state of progression. THE CEMETERY.—The splendid new cemetery, in connection with which so much has been said and written, will in a week or so hence be opened as a public burying ground. Thebell-aifne-toned one-has been fixed this some time, and there re- mains but little, if anything to be performed before it becomes the hallowed depository of human forms! Owing to the absence of any deed conveying the ground to the parish, the Bishop of the Diocese will not be able to perform the ceremony of consccratior1, and the Church of England portion of the burying ground will, pen- ding the making of this instrument, be opened and used by virtue of his Lordship's license. We believe it is the wish of most of the intelligent portion of the parish that some kind of impressive formality should be observed before the ground be actually opened. We cordially concur in this wish, and shall be glad to hear that the ne- cessary arrangements have been made. Would not an occasion of this kind be of sufficient impor- tance to induce tradesmen to cease from business for a day P and would it not be a fitting opportu- nity for the various religionists of the town to unite in divine worship P Surely the mourner's sob should not be the first sound heard on the picturesque spot, though its future association are destined to be mournful, indeed TRECYNON FA.IR.-rrhis fair was held on Thursday last. There was a much better show of stock than we have noticed on former occasions, and several sales were effected at good rates. In the evening the usual characteristics of a small country fair were noticeable. ABEKAMAN. — To the Editor of the Merthyr Telegraph.—DEAR SIR,- In your last impre- sion I noticed something about the Foresters' Anni versary at Aberdare, on the 13th instant, and I felt proud to read the pleasing account of the evening's enjoyment at Court Lady Harriet ClIve, 1908, under the presidency of the Rev. Thomas Price but I confess that I should like that other Courts had been mentioned in fuller terms but perhaps your correspondent knew nothing of them, therefore he-must be excused for not having wtid more. There appears to be a great d-fference of opinion between your correspondent and that of the Swansea Herald in reference to the pro- cession but it is not my intention to say which is most correct, although I have my opinion on the matter. What I wish to point out is the apparent inconsistency of taking clubs to a field, professedly to hear addresses from reverend gen- tle nen, when a publicau is allowed to erect a tent within ten or fifteen yards of the platform for the sale of beer. I am sorry to say that guch was the case at Aberaman, in a field where the excellent addresses were delivered to the Foresters on their anniversary. And disgraceful as it may appear, it is nevertheless true, that this publican's tent was filled with men wearing the Foresters' re- galia, who stood there drinking; and I am told that some of them were actually quarrelling within sound of the speakers' voice. Is this creditable or becoming in a body of men like the Foresters ? Or have those men lost all respect for speakers and superiors ? And are they really so far fallen that they har,e no respect for themselves ? I trust not; and I hope thnt those who have been guilty in this instance will (after this allusion to the matter) feel ashamed of their past conduct, and learn so do better in future. Thanking you, Mr. Editor, for the space you have allowed me, I beg to remain yours respectfully, A LOVER OF CON- SISTENCY.—Aberaman, Aug. 20, 1860.

ABERDARE POLICE COURT.

STAFFORDSHIRE IRON TRADE.

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RHYMNEY RAILWAY.

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WESTERN VALLEYS RAILWAY.