Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

UNITARIAN CllAPEL. D. J. Williams, of '1 Newark, will preach next Sunday morning and even. iag. All seats free, 2852

To PARTIES FCRSMHING. — Messrs. J. G. Maddox and Son, auctioneers, will sell by public auction at the Auction Mart, 25, Duke-street, Cardiff, on Tuesday and Thursday, February 5th and 7th, an immense assemblage of very superior household furniture. The sale will commence at two o'clock pieciselj each day. Further particular; will be found in our adver- tising column or may be obtained by writing to tne auctioneers at the above address. [2849

MARKET-SQUARE Un.UEL. Sunday, thenastor <9i Tabernacle Chapel, Aberdare, lie v. T. C. Evaus, j occupied the pulpit of the above place of worship. )

CYMRf FYDD LEAGUE. —To-morrow night (Friday) j at the usual meeting of the above, a paper will be read by Mr. Ernest Daniel, on Disestablishment, to be followed by a discussion, to commence at eight o'clock, at the ante-room of the Temperance Hall.

I.O.G.T. —The usual weekly meeting of the Ilone of Merthyr Lodge, was held on Monday, when the following officers were elected for the ensuing session: Bro. Tom Evans, C.T. Sister Amelia Davies, V.T. Bro. J. R. Davies, P.C.T. Bro. T. Griffiths, Chap.; Bro. R. Bird, Mar. Bro. H. Millward, See. Sister Gwen Jones, Treas.; Bro. — Davies, Fin. Sec. Bro. Frank Jones, Guard Bro. H. Crook, Sentinel.

THE EXCELSIOR DEBATING SOCIETy. usual meeting of the Merthyr Excelsior Debating Society was held on Tuesday evening last at the Hope Vestry under the presidency of Mr. Gwilym W illiams. There was a good attendance of members and an able, interesting and humorous lecture on Men of wit and weight in Wales was delivered by the Rev. D. C. Edward", M.A.

SUNDAY NIGHT MISSION SERVKK. —On Sunday the service was attended very largely as usual. Mf- W. Walters occupied the chair, and Mr. T..1.^ Price preeided at the piano. The choir of Hope Chapel, under the leadership of Mr. T. Price, G.L.. took the musical part of the service. The following is the programme :-Hymn, "Love Divine, all love excel- ling;" reading and prayer, Mr. Goodfellow sole, Master Gwilym J. Price recitation, The road to Heaven," Mr. Jesse Taylor anthem, "Come praise your Lord and Saviour," Choir address, Rev. D. C. Edwards. M.A. double quartette, "The children's homo, Party; Welsh hymn Os dof fi trwv r anialwchsolo, 1 11 praise Thee, 0 Lord," Mr. E. Jenkins; anthem. "I will praise Thee, 0 LOld," Choir; hymn, Lead, kindly light."

MARRIAGE — ON Thursday morning last the mar- riagoofMr. James Mitchell, fruiterer, Merthyr, with MUa Tirzah Thomas, Mardv-terrace, second daughter of the late Mr. Llewelyn Thomas, formerly engine- driver on the T.Y.R. hdwcen Merthyr and Cardiff, was solemnised at Hope Calvinistic Church, the Rev. D, C. Edwards, M.A., officiating. The bride was attired in a doleskin dress trimmed with velvet, with hat to match, and was accompanied by her two sisters aii bridesmaids Miss May 11. Thotnas and Miss Lillie Thomas. The bride was given away by her brother, Mr. Willie Thomas, and Mr. William Lewis acted as be:t man. After the ceremony was over the bridal party drove to the home of the bride, where the wedding breakfast was partaken of. The newly-wedded couple left by the 1.10 l.R. train fur Cardiff cn route for London, where the hone} moon was spent.

WESLEYAN Hom: MISSION —Ou Tuesday evening, at Wesley Chapel, Pontmorlais, the Rev. T. ll. Ingram, of the Swansea Circuit, delivered a very instructive and interesting address on the Home Mission conducted by the Wesleyan Connexion. He described the various ways in which the necessary funds for this great and good work were raised, and the manner in which the money was spent. The Rev. E. Cornwall Jones, of Dowlais, read portions of the annual report of the mission. The devotional parts of the meeting were conducted by the Revs. C. Augwin and Cornwall Jones, and the chair was occupied by Mr. J. O. Jones, of the Mtrthyr limes, Ou the proposition of the Rev. Cornwall Jones, seconded by Mr. T. W. Goodfellow, a vote of thanks was accorded the lecturer and chairman,-Ou Sunday last services were held at the Wesleyan Chapel, Pont- morlais, in aid of the Wesleyau Home Missions, when eloquent sermons were delivered by the Rev. C. Augwin, pastor, in the morning, and the Rev. E. C. Jones in the evening. There was a good attendance, and the collections towards the mission amounted to a fairly large sum.

UNDERTAKING and all kinds of Carpentering and Joinery Work done. Hearse and Mourning Coaches to order. GEO. J. O'Neill, Frederick's Court, North Street, and Pond Street. Dowlais. J. T. Docrox, S.VNITAET ENG tyres, Plumber, Hot Water Fitter, Gas Fitter, Electric Bell Fitter, and General House Decorator, etc., 138, High-street, Merthyr. All orders will receive prompt attention. Distance no object. A staff of experienced workmen regularly employed. J.T.D. may be consulted on Sanitary matters, embracing drainage, ventilation, etc. [281

SHOOTING CLUIJ. meeting of the memben was held on Tuesday evening, when it was resolved to let the entry list remain open till February 12th.

DOWLAW EISTEDDFOD. — At a meeting uf the guarantors it was decided to give one-half of the nett lunds to the Philharmonic Society. It was resolved to hold the eisteddfod as usual next Decemi>er.

THEATRICAL. —Miss Alice Sinclair, of the Victoria Theatre, was asked by wire on Thursday last to go and play the part of Esther" in Mr. Seymour Hodges' Company, who were performing at Ponty- pridd. This part was enacted by the well-known actress, Miss Ada Mellon, but owing to the sudden death of her father iu London she was obliged to return home. Mr. Lockhart, manager of the com- pany, wired to Miss Alice Sinclair to ask if she could step iuto the breach, and that lady consented to do so. The following letter, written by Mr. Lockftart. speak:- for itself: J H.I1, 2)tll. 1895. D-ar Mi.-s Sinclair, Allow me to thank you very heartily for the quick mi J efficient way in which you stepped into Miss an,] an interpretation of a most difficult character which astonish^] us all. Five hours is not long to give any actress to study a lead- ing part, and I consider you a vunder. Thanking you again for your kindness and wishing you every success, I remain, yours faithfully, Wm. Lockhart."

EXCKLSIOK MIKSTKELH. —Undismayed by the finan- cial failure of their visit to Mountain Ash last week the Excelsior Minstrels have now a very heavy pro- gramme to go throngh. During the past week the troupo has accepted engagements to appear at Brynmawr and Ebbw Vale, and a few more trips, but of a speculative nature, are being contemplated. T'ow'ais, too, is not to hj forgotten. The long-looked for entertainment i 11 be given on Thursday nsvt, fud is likely to L-e s tremendous success from every point uf i»;w. Mr. Harry Evans' special arrange- ment of i! F.eelsior" for thw exclusive tiLe of the j troupe ha^ b-en printed in the nolfA notation by the [ /<< Print ins: Company, and un Monday evening it \M J>*I« into I' h' ai !I for the first time. Excellent progi-eis wa- made, aud wsw more than maintained at •

the rehearsal on Tuesday evening. It is lilieln- til-t the rendering of this magnificent composition will be a revelation to the people of Dowla;s. The arrange- ment is wonderfully effective and as the chorus numbers some of the very best voices, a splendid performance is assured. The first annual banquet of the company will take on Monday, February 18th, at the Bute Arms Hotel. Mr. Councillor Thomas Jenkins, J.P., the High Constable, and Mr. Councillor Evan Lewis, have kindly consented to take the chair and vice-chair respectively, and a. large number of tradesmen and others are exacted to be present. The performance at Brynmawr is fixed for Wednesday, February 20th. In March the troupe will again appear at Dowlais on the 19th. It had oeen arranged to give an entertainment on the evening of the 18th, but unfortunately the Oddfellows Hall had been previously engaged by others and nothing was left for it but to secure the following night. The programme to be given that night will be entirely Irish as befits a celebration of St. Patrick s Dav. This entertainment will be held under the immediate patronage of the Rev. Father Pippett.

SUNDAY SACRED CONCERT. —The last of a series ot four Sunday concerts, promoted by the Dowlais Philharmonic Society was held last Sunday evening, aud like the three that had preceded it was spoiled by the weather. The roads in every part of the town were as slippery as glass, and the towns- people cannot 1*? blamed because they pre- ferred the coziness and safety of their firesides to the dangers of a frost-lxmnd route to the Odd- fellows' Hall. As was usual the proceedings were commenced by the singing of an old Welsh hymn, U fryniau Caersalem ceir gwellod by the choir and the audience, and this done the following programme was gone through :—Chorus, Their sound is gone out. The Choir song, The Chorister," Miss Marie Davies solo, The trumpet shall sound," Mr. Enoch Jones duet, Co, baffled coward, go, Mr. Evan Rees Evaus and Mr. Evan Thomas cnorus, All we like sheep, have gone astray," The Choir recitative solo, The people that walked in darkness," Mr. David Davies solo But Thou didst not leave," Miss Sarah Griffiths song, Flee as a bird," Miss Marie Davips choruses, Worthy is the Lamb," and Amen The Choir. From a musical point of view the concert was conspicuously successful. The choir pang splendidly and all the wloist", were in their best form. As on previous Sundays the accompaniments were played by Mr. Harry Evaus A.R.C.O. and Mr. Evan T. Davies. So ended the series of concerts and ev erybody must have been glad to see the last of them. Never since the Sunday concert was started at the tx*ginning of last vear has there been a succession of four Sundays without such dreadfully inclement weather. Last season there was but one really stormy night—and that was due to wind and rain. This year however the roads on thee occasions have been almost impossible with any degree of safety and on the other it was blowing a perfect blizzard. Thus have the entire series of concerts been spoiled by the frowns of that erratic personality, the clerk of the weather, although a fairly substantial profit has been made out of each of them. The battle with the elements has at length ceased, and henceforth we supjiose the pro- moters ot the concerts will not care whether it blows great guns and small arms and whether it will rain the proverbial cats and dogs. DOWI.AIS PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY. meeting of the general committt-e of the above society was neld on Friday evening at the committee room of the Oddfellows' Hall. Mr. R. P. Rees presided, and there was a fairly large attendance. In pursuance f of a resolution passed at a. previous meeting, by which the guarantors of the recent festival constitute the nucleus of a new committee, those present proceeded to ballot for the new committee-men, and 30 were elected. It was agreed that circulars be sent to the u2wly-appointed member9, notifying them of their election, and also informing them that the old com- mittee, and they alone, would l>e responsible for^the liabilities already incurred by the society.—The Secretary read a letter from the Hon. Anthony HowelfcC United States Consul at Cardiff, in which h<i expressed his regret at the financial non-success of the Christmas festival, and enclosed a subscription of £ 1.—Mr. Harry Evans stated that in view of the forthcoming competition at the National Eisteddfod, it was imperative that the choir should consist of the be^t singers in the town, and he suggested that a test should be applied to all persons who were wishful to join the society.—This was unanimously agreed to, and Messrs. A. J. Silver and W. H. Powell, Merthyr, were appointed examiners.—Some of the best known members of the choir were nominated whips to look up the siugers.— Ou Sunday evening Mr. Harry Evans explained what had 1)f!L'n done to the choir, and the test was gone over by all present. The examina- tion for membership of the choir that is to compete at Llanelly was commenced on Tuesday evening. Mr. Powell was unfortunately unable to be present, and the work had accordingly to lie done by Mr. Silver alone. The candidates were examined oy twos and threes, and the proceedings lasted from a little before eight o'clock until about ten. Altogether about 90 persons presented themselves for examination, an astonishingly large number for so boisterous a night, The examination will lie continued to-morrow (Friday) evening in the assembly room of the Oddfellows' Hall, and will commence at 7-30 o'clock. It is to be sin- cerelv hoped that all singers who are wishful to main- tain the reputation of Dowlais as the premier musical town of Wales will come forward aud render Mr. Harry Evans that assistance and support which he so well merits, and with the aid of which he will come back victorious from Llanelly.

COLLIEP. SICK AND DISABLEMENT FUND. —The adjourned meeting of the committee of management of the above fund was held on Friday evening, at the Forge Hammer Inn. In the absence of the president, Mr. David Jones, one of the vice-presidents, in the i person of Mr. William Lewis, was voted to the chair, and there were also present—Mr. Isaac Lewis, Mr. Thomas Davies (Gellifaelog), Mr. Richard Thomas, Sir. Alfred Williams, Mr. William Rogers, Mr. John (Jones, Mr. Abraham Jones (treasurer), and Mr. David Thomas (secretary). The principal business of the evening was the consideration of application for relief from persons whose cases had been investi- goated by the stewards since the last meeting. The first was that of a man who had sustained what was feared would be a permanent disablement, and who had applied for assistance to start him in business as an oil seller. The man, it transpired, was a member of the Permanent Provident fund, and it was pointed out that if he were set up in business either by the Disablement Fund Committee or by the act of a generous individual he would lose his weekly allow- ance of 8s. from the Permanent Fund. On the other hand the Permanent Fund would be only too glad to set up one of its members in business, and could, for the purpose of doing so, contribute ten times more money than the Disablement Fund could afford. This l>eing the state of things it was decide th.it Mr. -Thomas Da\ies and the treasurer wait upon the man, pointing out the petition to him, and offering to see what could be done for him by the Permanent Fund. The second case was pionounced to be outside the scope of the committee, and the application was ordered to lie on the table until such time as it could l>e dealt with without violating the rules. The third case was that of a man who had been idle for nearly a year, and whose family were in a condition of abjecct poverty. There being no doubt as to the "Ollft ■ of the ca-e a sum of L-5 was unanimously \oted for the man's assistance. A fourth case was less serious than the preceding one, and a grant of £ 2 10s. was made. Mr. Edwin g, O'Neill and Mr..Tame* Collins again attended as a deputation from the North American Indian Minstrels, who had offered to give two thirds of the proceeds of an entertainment for the fund if the committee undertook to carry out all the j arrangements. In the course of discussion it wa-< jiointed out that the committee would be making their annual appeal to the tradesmen in March, and at the same time a lev y of sixpence per head would be made upon the colliers for the new branch of the Disablement Fund, the branch out of which moneys would be granted in cases where the applicant should have been disabled for a period of less than six j months. Under these circumstances the committee could not see their way to accept the offer of the minstrels for a performance, unless the latter were prepared to keep the offer open uncil after the annual collection of subscriptions shall have been made. The Secretary said that he had received a cheque for £ 5 from their worthy chairman of that night's meet- ing (Mr, W illiam Lewis), which was his contribution to the establishment of the new branch of the society to whijh reference has already been made. A ^te of thanks uas heartily accorded Mr. Lewis for his handsome subscription, and the proceedings shortly aiierwiuus lerimuaieu.

EBENEZER. meeting of a very interesting character was held at Ebenezer Chapel in the after- noon of last Sunday, in connection with the centenary of the London Missionary Society. The Rev. D. Rees, minister of the chapel, presided. Mr. M. Owen introduced the service by reading and praying, and two excellent sermons were delivered by the Revs. J. Thomas, Zo-dr, and J. Jones, Bethesda, Merthyr, who gave a. splendid returns of the good work done by the society since its foundation a hundred years ago.

THE Soys or TEMPERANCE. excellent order held its annual session at the Board-room, Cefn, on Monday last, and in the evening a public meeting was held at the Temperance Hall, under the pre- sidency of Dr. Thomas Rees. In the course of the meeting several stirring speeches were made iu snp- poit of the order, which has had a firm footing in tne place, and can boast of a goodly number of members. Let us hope that this visit from some of the most prominent member-) of the order will result in making its claims more widely known.

NOTES HEN LANC." I hear that these notes are saddled on a well-known minister, who is naturally grieved at the imputation. No, the said minister in still a youug man, and deserves not to be called Hen Lane." Be it known to all concerned that Hen Lane is solely respon- sible for the notes. Last week, in a publie-hor.se, not 100 miles from our village smithy, a meeting was held, if I am rightly informed, in which the agenda was to discuss the advisability or otherwise of startiug a Con-ervative Clul) at Cefn, or, as I take it of inaugurating a legalized .shebeen. What was the upshot of the dis- cussion I wot not, but I would earnestly appeal to the leading Conservatives hereto and ponder well ere they take this final step in the moral and social down-grade of my fellow-citizens. Knowing full well the M retched condition of scores of families which have been reduced to the utmost poverty through the craving for drink, I urge upon these people to de--ist from their foolisit course, and forbear adding to the misery and squalor of many a home, if dirty hovels can be called as such. Fireless hearths at this hard season, starving and ill-clad children, and broken- hearted mothers appeal to you to pause, and the future of our youug people-the fathers and mothers of Cefu Fydd, calls upon you to stop ere you swell the already t>j.j largo a number of pub's." by another drinking deu. Then let 11; consider the aituation a little. What ha.t- the brewers and publicans of Cefn done for ths moral elevation of the n«i= 'es ? In the public life of '.Mir hamlet, say 15 or o9 years, an election was a friendly contwit nay, it was a. function of the mo t solemn lelio'ious character, iu which people oted for men of sterling worth and iutegiity, irrespective of [ bigoted zeal for dogma*. How is ifc now ? When the drink party brought out their representatives, the whole tone of the elections was at once changed. For weeks before and after the day on which au election was to be contested, the chronic inebriates from far and near were seen reeling from street to street, or congregating in fields and alleys, for the purpose of drowning tne cankering troubles of the world in the 4, gallon casks respectable citizens, thecnlm tenor of I wnose way nothing could ruffle on ordinary occasions, were seen patrolling the streets in a state of unstable equilibrium, shouting, shooting, kicking doors of peace-loving people's nouses, and making the air rend with oaths and curses too abominable to write on with oaths and curses too abominable to write on paper. If proofs were required of the accuracy of my state- ments, lot those friends who met together last week call to mind the elections of the last few years, which will afford clear proofs, what Had defection in principle is being brought about through the undue and unholy influenoe of the beer barrel. Bonaparte said he found vices good patriots. He got five millions from the love of brandy, and he should be glad to know which of the virtues would pay him so much. Mr. Richards' presentation meeting passed off to the satisfaction of air concerned. What strikes me as the most interesting feature of the meeting was the prominent part taken in it by the Nonconformists. I claim so bo tolerably free trom the spirit of intoler- ance, but after giving Mr. Richards full credit for the good work he did at Cefn, I think I am right in spying that in all be did he was first and foremost a church- man. On educational matters PO much spoken of at the meeting, Mr. Richards invariably upheld the claims of his church. Was it not, therefore, a. little inconsistent in Nonconformists, ay, deacons in Non- conformist chapels, playing the part of hero-wor- shippers to a man who seldom liau a kind word to, ana little practical sympathy with. Nonconformists by showing himself at their meeting, or their places of worship? A man of great catholicity of spirit is respected by all, and his departure is deplored by all, but such ate not an every-day growth. Cefn lsaf is a fine field for rearing pigs, and rar« bargains in bacon are to be had there. The mau who bought the litter last week is a case in point, but where can he keep them without detriment to the health of the inhabitants surpasses my compre- hension. Mr. Dan Thomas, of Merthyr, mentions a horse up here that eats its head. I know of a horse that does not go quite so far as that, but is satisfied with eating the manger, for lack of anything better. The vigi- lance of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals does not include Cefn within its range. .1

TEMPERANCE MEETING. —On Monday evening last a largely attended and enthusiastic meeting on temperance was held at the Pentrebach Schools. Mr. Charles Hope occupied the chair, and Mrs. Emma. Williams, Merthyr, addressed the meeting in Welsh, and Mr. S. Davies, Cardiff, spoko in English. Others addressed the meeting, including Mr. T. H. Bailev, Rev, J. Jones Lewis, B. A., Messrs. E. Howells, T. Mazey, and T. T. Jenkius. A large number of peisona signed the pledge.

COMPETITIVE MEETING. —On Saturday evening last, at the Graig (C.1.) Chapel, a meeting was held, under the auspices of the Good Templar Lodge connected with this place of worship. There was a very good attendance, under the chairmanship of Mr. J. Davies, Gethin-street. The adjudicators were Mr. W. T. Morgan, music, and Mrs. T. T. Jenkiua, literature. The tirst item on the programme was a recitation, the 15th Psalm, The first prize was taken by Miss Magg ie Thomas, and the second by Miss S. May Roes. Alto solo prize, Mr. Isaac Thomas. At thig stag-e Mr. Morgan, adjudicator, gave an exceedingly good address on The human voice." Mr. Morgan proved instructive and interesting, and we hope to have some more of his ideas on the question soon. The tenor solo was won by Mr. James Thomas, while the soprano solo was divided between Miss C. Thomas and Miss T. Owen. The winner for the best letter from son to father was Mr. D. Thomas, and best letter from daughter to mother proved to have been written by a gentleman, Mr. James Thomas. For the best render- ing of Cariad Duw," Mr. E. Powell and party took the prize, and Mr. T. W. Davies' party wen the quartette (fife) "GOdpel trumpet," by H. Round. A few of the competitions were abandoned for the want of time. A very successful meeting was brought to a close by the usual thanks. Great praise is due to Messrs. James Thomas, W. Davies, 1. Davies, John G. James, aud Thomas Thomas for the work they did in connection with the entertainment.

TROEDYRHIW. I SUCCESS. —We are pleased to find the name of Miss j Maggie Owen, Plasycoed, a pupil of Mrs. R. H. Jones, Summerfield Hall, among the list of candidates who passed the examination recently held by the College of Preceptors at Cardiff. Miss Owen is entitled to a certificate in the second class. SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. In view of the coming elections, a meeting was held on Monday evening last in the Yew-street School- room to discuss the situation. The meeting was decided that Mr. Arthur Daniel should be the candi- date in both elections, and arrangements were made for holding a public meeting in his support on Friday evening, February 1st, at 8 o'clock, in the same room.

E.NTEKTAINHKXT. —An entertainment in connection with Smyrna Chapel was given in the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, January 23rd, the Rev. D. Rees. pastor, occupying the chair, and a good number of friends took part in the proceedings.

WEDDING GUT TO MRS. D. MAKDY DAVIES. —The wedding of the late headmi.-tress of the Merthyr Vale Infant School (Miss Jenkins) was taken advantage of by the members of the local tents of Rechabites to show, in the form of a gift, the high esteem in which she was held by the order. The efforts of the committee, aided by the energetic action of their Secretary (Miss Josephine Powell) culminated on Thursday evening in the gathering of over 300 people in the Assembly Rooms, where they were entertained with a substantial coffee supper provided by the Rechabites. The tables Ining cleared Dr. D. R. Draftin, as chairman, riade the presentation, which consisted of a handsome tea aud coffee service. Addresses were delivered by several others, and an enjoyable musical programme was gone through, Mr. I D. Williams presiding at the piano. Mrs. Davies, together with her husband, the Rev. D. M. Davies, suitably acknowledged the gift.

APPOINTMENT. —Mr. D. Nicholas Davit*, of tho TrehairisSchool, lias been appointed head master of the Nelson National Schools. The question of educa- tion is causing much intere.-it and discussion iu tin* neighbourhood. The state of the school is not what. it could be desired to Lt" and the general opinion is. that nothing short of the establishment of a School Board for the Parish of Llanvabon will give satisfae- j tion to the inhabitants. 4

ABEBCANAID V. MERTHYR VAl.K. —Thih match was played at Abercanaid on Saturday, when E. Lewis captained the home team, and C. Warren led the visitors to victory. The only score registered was a try by Davies, the result being Merthyr Vale onw try one minor, Abercanaid two mhiors.

NELSON JCNIORSV. TKEHABKIS. —Played at Nelson and after a well contested game ended in a win for the Nelson Juniors by two goals to one goal. The winners played three substitutes which were picked up in the field.

EBnw VALt; V. PONTYMOILE. —The ground was fairly soft and protected with a thick layer of snow when these teams faced each other in the Bridge End field. The home team started operations and at onee pressed, but the defence was to good to allow any scoring in the first half. Upon change of ciyi: bow- ever, Pontynioile took the aggressive, and on more than one occasion looked like seoring. They only missed the mark by sheer hard luck. Eventually Curlin dribbled up the field, and Bayton following up* took the ball over the line, but as he was in the acS of scoring he was pulled into plav and a minor only resulted. After trie drop out Curlin again rushed off but through lack of speed was overtaken aud grassed. Final score: Ebbw Vale, five minors; Pontymoile, two minors.

THE NEW UNION. The recently established Rhoadda, Merthyr, and Aberdare Valleys Rugby Union, has every prospect of a promising future, as the movement is being taken up with some- spiriti throughout the valleys. Next Mabon's Day a. trial. match between Nos. 3 and 4 Districts will take placq at Pontyclown. "Referee" writes Allow me to contradict thg result of a match played ou Saturday. Januarv 19th. between I'owlai. Hiberuiaun aud Fenydarren Excelsiors. The Excelsiors said that t!te Hibernians beat them by a disputed try if it was lo they ought to be ashamed, for they were nearly twice tha size, and they had seven of the Rovers playing for them. But it was more. The result was Hi!>ernians, one goal, two minors; Penydarren. Excelsiors, one minor."

PLAIN POLITICS. [BY MAENHIB.] [Note.MMnhlr" alone is responsible for what appears In this column.—Bd ]. Evesham has been rather disagreeable. To some extent Wales has to take the blame for this defeat, as we are told that Disestablishment was the article which stuck most in the gizzard of the electors. But the name of Eveshani seems fatal to the ptogreasive cause. It was here that the foiinder of the House of Commons fell, Simon de Montfort, whose death wa* honoured with the tears of the common people, for whom be had fought. And it is at Evesham again that what may be a fatal blow is given to Lord Roso- bery, the first Premier who has undertaken to relieve us from the bondage of the House of Lords. Unfortunately, Evesham does not stand alone. It comes after Forfar, and after Brigg, and be is no true friend to the Government who glosses over these portents, and prophesies smoothly when thing" are going ill. The truth must be owned, the outlook for the party generally is not so bright as it ought to be. Even in Wales we run the risk of losing more than one constituency, exclusive of Cardiff, where the result wholly deperds upon the candidate selected to fight. To what is all this due? To the presence of too much of that enthusiasm which Lord Rosebery • deprecated in his recent speech ? I must be careful what I write, for I find my remarks have the honour of reproduction in the Tory press? but next Tuesday night I shall be meeting a few friends in a quiet way up in Dowlais, and there I may have an opportunity of expressing my mind on the subject. At present I will only say this-and in addition to being a bard, I claim to be a bit of a prophet—unless some great change comes over the face of things before the general election, the Liberal party will not meet with defeat merely, but with something like destruc- tion. One hint I will envv. The Liberal leaders must be taught, and sharply taught, that the power is in the hand-. he working men. In how many constituencies is ,is realised ? In how many Federa- tion meetings is it perceived ? Speaking in the Drill Hall, Merthyr, on tho day of the glorious victory at the polls, I ventured to warn the working men that few of the glittering promises unfolded in the celebrated Newcastle Programme would be fulfilled. Two and a half years have passed since then. We have got Parish Councils, a measure which doe" not affect many of the colliers, and a democratic Budget, which does not directly affect any working man. We have lost Home Rule and Em- ployers' Liability, and we shall lose Disestablishment, Local Veto, Eight Hours, and One Man One Vote. Payment of Members has been refused by our own leaders. Meanwhile the Government have settled down to the process of steadily knocking their heads against a stone wall, and unless their heads get unex- pectedly broken 111 we interval, l nave no ciouot tney will keep it up for two or three years more. It is Lord Herschell who is responsible for the appointment of an English County Court Judge over the heads of his Welsh brethren on the North Wales Circuit. Ever [since he took office this minister has shown his steady determination to ignore the party which made him Lord Chancellor and gave him a peerage and JS10,000 a year, and to toil for the approval of the Tories. To be a Liberal member ig, I am assured by several of those branded with that stigma, to be completely cut off from aU hope of favour from this magnanimous personage. So much the better, perhaps. It will no longer be charged against lawyers that they have any personal ends to serve by enteriugParliament. Their interest just now is to keep out of it. I cannot say that 1. was surprised by the refusal of Mr. D. A. Thomas to put himself forward for the dangerous honour of fighting in Cardiff. Though this has hitherto proved a safe seat, it is always strongly assailed and has to be defended with vigour. Among the many admirable qualities of Mr. D. A. Thomas, piuidence is not absent, and of course no one can the many admirable qualities of Mr. D. A. Thoma", prudence is not absent, and of course no one can blame him if be declines to leave his comfortablej majority in the hills for the glorious but arduous task of representing the metropolis of Wales. It is a great opportunity, aud the man who has courage to seize it will occupy a commanding position in the future of the Welsli party. For the rest-- There is a tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune Omitted. all the voyage of their life Is found in shaflowet and in miseries." The report of tho interview with myself, which appeared in the Western Mail of Monday, is, to put it mildly, faked. The reporter's notes are reproduced as far as they suit thO) Maits purposes, and then his pocket-book is sharply closed. To put me down as saying that tht) prospects of the party in Cardiff were black, simply, is to represent me as saying the exact ieverse of what I did say. If the gentleman who i. called upon me cousults his note-book further, he will find that I expte^sed great hopes that the unity of the party would be restored, repudiated the idea that Toryism in Cardiff had made any progress, explained away our municipal defeats, and foretold a heavy thrashing for Mr. Maclean. The tactics of the Mail are therefore almost as if I had said, The Conservatives will win by no possi- bility," and they had reported me as Haying" The Conservatives will win." Such a trick is unworthy of a high-class journal, and reduces the editor who practises it to the level of the villain in a, story which is now running in the Evtniiin Esprtis. I As a matter of fact, if we can get a sound thorough- I going Radical to fight for us, we shall carry the seat by the biggest majority WI) have had for rears. The strong and justifiable indignation which was at first aroused by the concealment and mystery practised in connection with the letter of resignation, need not interfere with our uniting upon such a candidate as I have described. The friends of Mr. Bird and his Newport-road neighbours are now going about seek- ing to excuse his action, but no cxcuses do away with the fact that it is disagreeable for a member of the J Executive of the Libeml Thousand to learn that his I memljer has resigned through the columns of a Tory newspaper. It is now explained that the so-called deputation to London is not to ask Sir E. J. Reed | to withdraw his resignation, but simply to ask him to couch it in language more fit for publication. Why on earth the rank and file of the party should have been left under a differant impression is a mystery t3 me, except that there are some persons whose souls delight in the importance which they think secrecy ¡ confers upon their doings. Among the fresh names put forward for the vacancy I is that of Mr. Lloyd, proprietor ot the London Ikiibj Chronic.lc, a paper which has within a wonderfully short space of time forced itself into the positijn of tho leading Liberal organ in London. This sur- prising result has been achieved, not by a policy of trimming and caution, of fawning upon tbe official leaders, and parrot-like repetition of the official watchwords, but by one of bold and independent criticism, and uuflincbing advocacy of democratic principles, whether such principles were pationised by the Li tfral leaders or not. I have not the honour of Mr. Lloyd's acquaintance, and tber tfora I cannot say how far his own principles coincide vitli those of his paper. It is often the case that the private views of newspaper proprietors differ wlflelv from those whiab their commercial t interests ron;pet them to advocate in print. This was notably po with the late Mr. Edmund Dwyn Gray, | who reonained on tonus of bitter personal enmity with Mr. Par oell long after the Frccma^s Journal had become that great man's most servile supporter. But if Mi*. Lloyd shares to any considerable extent the spirit; of the Jjoiin Chronicle he will make a very formidable competitor for the vacant seat. It was rather auviwng for the tirst day or two after SirEdwwd Reed's retirement was announced, to find that every person I met took it for granted that I should lie among the candidates for the vacancy. The <tUcstion, Are you coming out?" was put to me t by every othee man I met, in tones of fearful expec- | taucy by the respectable Moderate, and in tones of joyful anticip ation by the wild Democrat. But I was far too wary to commit myself. I could carry the i seat easily einough, but not the party organization. | If the choicis rested with the rauk and file of the I party, perhaps I should have as good a chance of the j] nomination, as some others wLo have been men- "i tioued, but with a select body like the Thousand, I should be aft aid of even such a competitor as Mr. I Alfred Davis 3 of Ilampstead. I The object? <of organization is to secure unity, its I result is gcnenally to place the power in the hands of the middle, a* opposed to the working class. Where I majorities arti narrow, aa ill Cardiff, it may be necessary to sacrifice its wishes to the superior ^persons," but in it constituency like Merthyr I feo?.inclined to say to the tf-Hier. though I fear I shall baire the Editor of the Mtrlhvr Tuna against me, J Don't organize, unless you are pre- pared to jwy alt rho expense yoimclve^, for those who pay tho piper wi 11 be sufe to call for the ttttiu."

MERTHYR STARVING POOR. To the Editor. SIR, —We often hear of the needs of Metthyr Free Library, a well-equipped gymnasium for our young men, a park for the people, &c. But is it not wrong to let the town be destitute of all help to the starving poor? It is decidedly out of all harmony with the principles of Christ, Who fed the people with bread and fish. I am sure there are hundreds of children starving at this season in Merthyr. If our leading men would meet and arrange, there are hundreds of Chris- tian people in Merthyr ready to give for such a pur- pose, and a penny dinner might be started, and soup sold at a cheap rate at different centres. lioping, that the spirit of Christ will constrain our leaders.—JL am, air, your. NOT STARVING.

MADOC AND AMERICA. ¡ 2 Sirt,- I ask your permission to lay a few remarks before you and your numerous readers with regard to the above. I am the second person in this matter, the first being the Hon. Thomas L. James, of New York City. He took with him a shorthand clerk to record all elates, places, and persons, and the research cost him thousands of dollars. After six months searching all the libraries in different States, buying all diaries and manuscripts that money could get, oil his return home he had his researches printed in almost all the New York newspapers. It was one of these articles that I reproduced the substance of in Welsh. Mr. Thomas L. James was born at Tredegar 67 years ago his parent* emigrated to America when he was 12 months old he was educated at the highest grade of colleges in the United States, and has attained a very high standard as a literary scholar. Mr. Jame3 always held our fellow townsman, the late Mr. Thomas Stephens, in the highest esteem, and he has studied Mr. Stephens' essay, and knows Mr. Stephens' opinion in reference to the first discoverer of America. Mr. James, however, has some later dates than Mr. Stephens has in his essay. Nobody can condemn Madoc because he did not return to his native land and report iiis discoveries. Where is the history that has been kept of our nation as Welsh ? Where are our dates places, and persons ? Not to be had but of a late period. So wo cannot blame one individual that went away in a great excitement from England and never returned. Why, the whole nation is under the same condemnation. No one can build a house of reason in this nineteenth c mtury that he can boast much of to defend his searches and discoveries. What about Madoc in the 12th century before the dark ages a little ? Where was the paper to keep records of things ? Where was the press in that ignorant and unlearned age ? Who is the oracle tn-duy that can stand at St. Paul's pinnacle in London and give assurance and certainty to the whole kingdom that Madoc Ap Owain Gwynedd never left England with 10 vessels ?—Yours truly, J. D. WALTERS.

CYCLING TRACK FOR ABERDARE. SIR, —A cycling track for Aberdare? This is not a question of recent birth by any means. You know we have plenty of stuff in Aberdare and Aberaman which only wants bringing out, and a track would be the very thing. The question was raised a few years ago, but no one seemed inclined to do anything in the shape of hard and energetic work. It was mere talk. With the recent return of Arthur Linton from Paris came a revival of the question, and I really began to think that the makiug of a track was now a dead "cert." At the large number of dinner, smoking concerts, &c., held in his honour, every little thing said about the formation of a track was cheered to the echo. But Arthur has gone back, and he seems to have taken the enthusiasm with him. I am very sorry for this, and greatly surprised. As a rule, in Aberdare and Aberaman, when a question for the I improvement of the place is brought forward, it is taken up with alacrity and speedily carried to a successful issue. I am sorry that this important improvement is the exception. Now, I for ono don't like to see a matter which ¡ might be the means of making these two places, noted in the cycling world, allowed to drop so suddenly into I oblivion, only to be restored to life when our hero comes home again. Outsiders will laugh at us if wo go on in tins fashion. I trust that after these remarks a committee will be formed to see what can be done in the matter. I would remind all those who arc interested that there is no time like the present. We hit\" dilly- dallied too long, and the following line., by Edward Young strike me very forcibly as I am writing Time, in advance, behind him liides his wings, And scorns to creep deer«pit with his fiehcld him when past hy when then is seen But his broad pinions swifter than the winds Once started, and the cycle track wiil soon be an accomplished fact. There are a large number of gentlemen in the district who will be only too ready to support any movement in its favour, and amongst those 1 am told that the following may be reckoned Sir W. T. Lewis, Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., Mr. Pritchard Morgan, M.P., Mr. Herbert C. Lewis, Mr. T. Rees (Swan Hotel, Aberaman), Mr. D. Williams (High Constable of Aberdare), Mr. Railton (Abera- man), Mr. J. Howells (Lamb and Flag Hotel), Mr. Emlyn Jones, Mr. J. W. Merriman, etc. Then again, the Aberdare District Council will doubtless, if asked, do what they can to forward the movement, as undoubtedly it will be a means of bringing money into the town. I think a track will be a boon to the town. Why should Aberdare be debarred from holding athletic s)X)rtn ? The only reason to be assigned for it now i., the absence of a place to hold them in. Then again, even if there was a place, without a track no eyeling- races could be tur, and seeing that cycling is now a craze, athletic sports without such races would be a failure. And what :s more, if a track is made an attractive programme would be the means of bringing crowds of people to the town, and everybody knows that visitors meati money. Not only thi". Look at the facilities which would be offered to young and promising riders. They would have evety advantage, and in all proba- bility would lx- able to go and do as our Arthur has done. Now comes the question of Where shall the track be made?" I should say the Aberdare Park. Although 601110 of my Aberaman friends may object to this. I think that after all things are considered the Park would be the best place. But there, that will be a matter for future discussion. I shall say no more at present, but I hope next week to be able to say that .something has beeu done towards realizing this great improvement.—I am, etc., PNEUMATIC TYRE.

LIBERALISM THE EXEMY OF THE WORKING CLASSES. .Sin,—I thought my letter to your last week would have been mv final contribution to this instructive discussion, and I would not have troubled you this week were it not that "Unionist "attributes to me something 1 never said. lie writes: Your corres- pondent 'Disgusted' says that the opening up of a new territory and land would not help Dowlais or Cvfarthfa, liecause there are others likely to compete and get the orders for rails." I never said anything of the kind. Such a remark would not have been within the scope of my reasoning. I do not think that any good or useful purpose would be answered by my prolonging tie discussion with your very able correspondent "Forward." He and I must agree to differ. He seems to think it is a just and proper thing to go to the Dowlais workmen and sav, "Send us, the Tories, to power, and we will open up vast regions in Africa, which will require railways, and which will bring no end of orders to the Dowlais and others ironworks." Such tactic? as these I denounce as dishouest and demoralizing, appealing as they do to the lowest passions of the mob, and, as the Tory orators themselves know very well, meaning absolutely nothing, It is simply a Tory electioneer- ing dodge, worthy only of Tory smoking concerts. It is downright wicked, in my humble opinion, to bam- boozle and mislead the electors ill this fashion. A protest against such despicable trickeries has been the sum and substance of my letters. In conclusion, allow me to say once more, Mr. Editor, that I yield not to Forward" or anyltody else, in or out of Dow- lais, in wishing well to our magnificent ironworks, having the very best reasons for hoping and desiring that thev should continue to prosper.—I am, yours, &C. V DISGUSTED. F.S. —" Forward has a bee in his bonnet about some figures showing the state of trade under Lilieral and Tory Governments. I believe, with Mr. H. C. Lewis, the Tory candidate, that Governments exercise very little influence, if any, on the commerce of the country, and I would advise "Forward" to settle that matter with Mr. Lewis. I am very anxious to see Forward's" programme of municipal improvements, so that we may have some idea as to the way in which Toryism is the friend of the wo'king classes.— DISGUSTED. friend does not want the ghosts, which aro the creation of his own fertile brain, to be staring him iu tho face, in the form of yahoos and ignoramuses," because they are so extremely ugly. So far so good. But now we are privileged with a fresh specimen, when he would have us believe that certain Liberal candidates knew absolutely nothing about the duties of the office to which they aspired, men who had no more intelli- gence than an Australian aborigine, and no more education than a hedgehog." Even Councillor Thos. Thomas, who; has conquered his environment by rising above it, because he has had to work hard in the mines since lie was^very young, who has had almost no elementary training, aud now can stand up and fight giants and privileges, yes, lie has even im- proved himself to such an extent, till it is possible for Forward to find all the links in the chain of evo- lution that exists between the "hedgehog" and the courageous and persevering councillor. Sir, I am afraid that Forward" possesses some of the traits of the aborigine" and hedgehog," because I hear the melodious harmony of the hedgehog in difficulties in his letters. "Forward" may be an intelligent person, but he has a very comical way of showing it. If his intelligence was saturated with wisdom, which he is bereft of, according to the tone of his letters, Forward would treat opponents in a gentlemanly way. If Professor Drummond came across For- ward' letters, which are bristling with vulgar appellations of opponents who have striven hard to aspire high, instead of grovelling in the dust, he could write a chapter on human parasitism." For- ward looks down so superciliously on his opponents, comparing them to the hedgehog and to an Austra- lian aborigine, I humbly beg leave to exhort him in sack cloth and ashes, with fear and trembling to harmonise himself with his environment; then your humble servant will siug the Doxology for such a brilliant and real forward march into the highest altitudes that human nature can aspire. "Forward wants us to believe that old Liberalism was superior to the modern Liberalism, because they gave us tho cheap press and cheap loaf, and that pre- sen! day Liberalism exists, according to him, "to sing praises of murderers in its meetings." For- ward must first prove who are the murderers. There is no difference between old and present day Liberal- ism. Is Fotward aware of tho fact that the pre- sent Liberal Government is going to lay down rail- wavo in India, and that a certain sum is to be expen- ded each year during three years ? Ha j he heard of the introduction of the nine huura' sytteni into the Government dockyards, with the passage of Sir W. Harcourt's unexampled budget ? This budget makes real property pay it, share with personal property, but uoes nut touch the poor man's pocket. This will give an impetus to trade. but no Government can force anyone outside their own sphere to buy rails, whether it be Tory or Liberal, which was Lord Beaconsfield's opinion. If there is depression in trade, it h because other countries, which were buyers from this country, now produce their own articles, or there is no demand. Buyers are not so generous as to give us trade when they do not want articles. The Liberal Government's passage of the Parish Councils Act has shown an interest in the working classes, by abolish- ing the property qualification. The Act gives control over roadside wastes and commons, which is a check on land-grabbing landlords, and which will keep the iieasantson the land,|instead of theircomiug into these Jarge industrial centres. This Act is the thin end of the wedge to the future Land Act for Wales.— I am, &c., PROGRESSIVE.

MERTHYR NON-COMMIS- SIONED OFFICERS' BALL. The second annual ball promoted by the non-com- missioned officers of the Merthyr Detachment of Volunteers took place on Wednesday evening last, and proved to he a decided success. The Drill Hall had been beautifully decorated by Messrs. Richard- son and Co., of Cardiff, who gained for themselves the reputation, at the time of the Hospital and Bachelors' Balls, of having given satisfaction to all concerned. As in the case of the balls above men- tioned the decorations were of a most elatiorate kind. The staircase had been covered with a richly coloured carpet, and a temporary corridor running across the hall was lieautifully illuminated with fairy lamps. The ballroom itself was a scene never to be forgotten. The walls of the vast hall had been draped with crimson baize, and a dado of fancy muslin, whilst the portraits looked pretty in their garb of daintily tinted art muslin. Beautiful statuettes holding lamps repre- senting types of Grecian and Roman art, and draped mirrors, Murmounted by emblazoned shields, an excel- lent collection ot foreign grasses bunting, and cur- I tains of pretty chintz, made up a bright and brilliant picture. To use the words of a lady writer, the ugly Drill Hall had been turned into a veritable palace of delight, an enchanted ground, from which dull care was banished, aud where everyone gave themselves up to the delight of dancins, tripping it lightly to the time of merry music." For the past two or three weeks the committee have been assiduously at work preparing for the ball, and right worthy are they of the praise which everyonega-ve them onWednesday evening. The following were the committee :—Colour Sergt. Harry Jones (chairman), Quarter-Master Sergeant Lockyer, Colour-Sergeant Price Owens, Serjeant S. J. Davies, Sergeant Mitchell, Sergeant Tom Elias, Sergeant Southey, Corporal Charles, Corporal Ben Havard, Lance-Corporal H. Powell, and Mr. W. M. Macdonald, secretary. Mr. T. R. Lewis' Orchestral Band supplied the music, whilst the catering was very satisfactory accomplished by Sergeant Nash, of tho Lamb Inn. A very enjoyable supper had been prepared, and the tallies had been very neatly arranged. We observed that the waiting was done by the non-commissioned officers of the detachment, and when 250 guests declared themselves, it can be taken for granted that the gallant non-coms did their duty well. The proceeds, and it is to be hoped they will reach a pretty tidy sum, will be devoted towards forming a bugle band for the Merthyr detachment. The M.C.'s were the following members of the com- mittee Colour-Sergeant Harrv Jones, Sergeant S. J. Davie?, Sergeant Southey, Corporal Charles, Corjioral B. Howard, Corporal II, Powell, and Mr. W. M. Macdonald (secretary). The following is a list of those present — Mr. and Mrs. Astle, Glebeland-place Mr. F. Anthony, Union-street, Mr. H. Aldridge, booking cleric G.W.R. Mr. Tom Arnold, Dowlais. The Misses Berry, Pontmorlais; Mr. F. Beddoe, Courtland-terrace Mr. and Miss Bernasconi, High- street Mr. and Mr". Breeze, Hed Cow Mr. Berriman, Victoria-street Colour-sergt. and Mrs. Ball, Merthyr Vale Miss Boyle, High-street; Mr. F. Bond, Royal Oak, Cefn; Miss Bevan, Darran Cottage, Darran Mr. H. Baker, Mr. and Miss Bassett, Lower Thomas-street; Mr. Brown, High- street. Colonel and Mis. CVesswell, Dowlais Corporal II. Chat-lea, Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Coles, Mr. Chappell, Dowlais Miss Cox, Merthyr. Mr. W. Davies, High-street, Penydarren Miss Davies, Nelsou Mr. and Mrs. Dix, Pontmorlais Mrs. David, 21, Pontmorlais Mrs. Davies, Glebe- land Mr. Jayne Davies, Dowlais Sergt. W. R. and Miss Davies, Windsor Terrace: Mr. Tom Davies, Temple of Fashion Misses Davies, Wyndham Artns Miss Mary Davies, High-street Sergt. S. J. Davies and Mrs. Davies, The Brewery Mr. W. Davies, Railway-terrace Lieut, and Mrs. Davies, Church-street Miss Davies, Cross Thomas-street Mr. A. Dyer, Dean-street, Aberdare Miss Dowling, Manchester House. Mrs. Evans, Prince of Wales lun Mr. C. J. Evans and tho Misses Evans, Dowlais Sergt. loin Elias, and Mrs. Elias, Tho Walk Lieut. Evans, Cyfarthfa Mr. and Mrs. Evans, Brook-road Miss May Evans, Temple of Fashion Miss Edmonds, Grosvenor Hotel. Mr. W. T. Flooks, High-street Mr. J. C. Freed- man and Miss Freedman, Dowlais Mr. and Miss Fennell; Mr. and Mrs. B. R. S. Frost Mr. and Mrs. Francis, Church-street Mr. John Francis, Thomas- street. Miss Griffiths, Penydarren Cottage Mr. and Miss Griffiths, Pontmorlais Mr. L. C. Goldworthy, Mrs. and Miss Goldworthy, Merthyr Vale Miss Griffiths, Merthyr Mr. Robert Gibson, Miss George, Albert- street Mr. and Miss Ounn, Newcastle-street. Miss Horn-ey Mr. R. Ham, Thomas-street Miss Hopkins, Cefn Mr. D. Haggerty, Bethesda-street Corporal and Mix. B. Havard, Miss Hayward, Nantysrwenith-street Lieut. D. Harris, Miss B. Ham, Thomas-street Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins, Mr. W. Hankins, Mr. and Mrs. Hunt, Alma-row Mr. A. Hansard and Miss Hansard, Georgetown Sergt. G. F. Harris. Miss Jones. Park-terrace; Miss Jones Chapel- street Miss Jones, Albert-street; Mr. Tom Jones. Miss Joseph, Thomas-street; Mr. James, Troedy- rhiw Mrs. and Miss James, Fish Supply Mr. and Miss Jenkins, William-street; Lieut, and T. S. Jones, Cardiff Docks; Dr. and Mrs. S. C. Jones, Victoria-street; CoI.-Sergt. and Mrs. W. H..Tones Miss James, Rupert Plas; Capt. and Mrs. James, Major and Mrs. Jones and Miss B. Jone" Lieut. H. V. Jones, Cefn; Mr. and Mrs. F. D. Jones, Union- terrace Miss James, Twynyrodyn Corporal Jones, High-RUeet: Mrs. and Miss Jenkins, Surgeon-Lieut. W. W. Jones, Corpl. and Mrs. Jones, Merthyr Vale; Mr. and Mrs. J. Jones, Tramroad Inn. Mr. Hug, Park-place. Mr. Kivilin, ^Newfoundland-terrace Mr. Matt. Keating, High-street. Mr. Charles Luther, Aberdare; Mr. Leyshon, Dynevor-street Colonel D. R. Liowis and the Misses Lewis Sergt. :md Miss Lockyer Mr. and Mrs. W. It. Lewis. Mr. J. Logan, Gwalia-place Bugler A. Lewis, Lieut. Lipsett, Dowlais; Mr. H. C. Lewis, The Mardy, Aberdare Mr. Tom Livsey, Mr. T. Y. Lewis, Lloyds Bank Mr. Lewis, High-street; Miss Lankett, Eagle Hotel; Mr. W. Lewis, Robert's-lane. Mr. and Mrs. Morris, Cross Thomas-street Mr. J. L. Morris, Wellington-street; Mr. W. C. Millward, Aberdare Sergeant and Mrs. Mr. W. M. Macdonald, Mr. and Mrs. Motherwav, Mr. D. McLeod. Thomas-street Mr. D. Macdonald, Thomas-street; Mr. aud Mrs. W. Martin, Gwaelody- gartli Mr. Mallette, Seigeant Murphy, Merthyr Yale Sergeant and Mrs. Nash, Lamb Inn. Corporal Oeppen, Mr. Alf. and the Misses Oeppen, Hifch-street; Colour-Sergeant Owen, Albert-street; Captain J. M. Probert, Mr. and Mrs. Parkins, Stuart-street; Mr. R. W. Price, Caeharris Mr. and Mrs. T. Price, Colour-Sergeant H. Powell, Mr. J'oval, Mr. W. Parkins, Miss Prin, Mrs. and Miss Maud Price, Albert-street; Mrs. Parry, High-street; the Misses Pugh, Tramroad-terrace; Mrs. Price, Grawen-terraee, Mr. and Mrs. Price, Red Lion. Mrs. Quant, High-street Sergeant and Mrs. Richards, Grawen; Miss Richard, Bridge-street Mis" Rees, Miss Richie, Nelson Hotel; Miss Rear- din, Red Lion; Dr. J. M. Rees. Cyfarthfa Mr. Richardson, junior, Cardiff. Mr. E. H. Shortland, Mr. Sid Symonds, Sergeant Smithey, Mr. W. Smithy, _Mr. aud Mrs. Staekey, Cardiff: Miss Shutter, Wellington-street Mr. E. Stockwell, Post Office Corpl. Smith. Miss Thomas, Miss Tobin, Corpl. and Mrs. Thomas, William-street; Mr. H. Thomas, Courtland- terrace. Dr. Viret, Wellington-street. Mr. Walters, W'estlxmrue-place Miss Williams, Brecon-road Miss M. Williams, Glebeland-street Miss Williams, care of Mr. Chamberlain Mr. and Mrs. Windette, Rainbow Inll The Misses Williams, Globe Inn Mr. and Mrs. Wall, Wellington-street; Sergt,-major and Mrs. Wade, Mr. W. and Miss Wake, Jdr. Williams, Mr. J. C. Williams, Mr. Charles Williams, Union-street; Mr. T. B. Williams, Dowlais Miss M. Williams, Picton-strcet; Mr, F. C. Williams, jeweller; Mrs. Wootton; Miss E. Watkins, Victoria-street; Mr. James Wiiliams and Miss Williams, Dowlais; Messrs. E. and L. and the Misses Ward, Penydarren Miss M. Williams. Corpl. D. Williams and Mrs. Williams, Miss Short Dowlais; Mr. T. Powell and Mrs. Powell, Upper Thomas-street: Mr. and Mrs. T. R. James, Aberdare- road Mr. Bernasconi, tMortbyr Mr. D. J. Davies, Dowlais; Mr. Rogers, Caedraw; Misses Marks, Mer- thyr Mr. IFov Mr. and Mrs. Thomas, Western Mail; Mr. E. It. Evans, Merthyr Timts; Sergeant- Major Wade and Mrs. Wade Miss Cullan ^tr. and Mrs. Wall; Mits Shuter Mr. A. P. Evans, Dow- biOI; Mr. P. R. Chapel, Dowlais Mr. J. Evans, Abermorlais-terrace Mr. Lewis, Cefn Mr. Simons. Lower Vaynor-toad, Cefn Mr. and Mrs. Prothero, Penydarren; Sergt. Conniham, Merthyr; Mr. p. Davies, Stuart-street; Mr. J, D. Watts, Dowlais Miss Matthew, Penartb Miss Griffiths, Rbydycar Miss Wills, Pontypridd; Mr. T. Davies, Cardiff; Mr. H. Jones, Chapel-street; Mr. W. Tucker, Middle Taff-strcet; Mr. 1). Evans, Thomas-street; Mr. Thomas, Nantygwenith-street; Mr. Sweet, Penry- •street; Miss Teresa Jones, Glebeland Mr. and Mrs. Breeze; Mr. Anthony, Union-street; Mr. G. J. Aldridge, and Mr. J. F. Hams.

FIRE AT TREHARRIS. About two o'clock on Friday morning last a fire was discovered at the back of the Houscnold Stores, Perrot-street, Treharris. A numller of empty boxes, sacks, &c., was destroyed, and some wood-work of an outhouse much damaged. A G.W.R. coal train vas passing at the time, the driver of which uoticed it, and informed a signalman not far off, who promptly had the owner aroused, and the police sent for. »Ve understand the fire was fast extending, but was soon extinguished by willing hands No explanation can be obtained a, to the origin ot the fire.

THE LOCAL VETO BILL. At the quarterly meeting of the East Glamorgan Baptist Association held last week, the Kcv. I.Morgan. Dowlais (secretary of the Temperance Association in Wales), proposed, and Councillor David Davies, Glebeland, Merthyr, seconded, That this conference rejoices in the strenuous exertions made by the leading temperance advocates in support of the Local Veto Bill, and at their determination to prc:rõ. forward its, claims in tho coming session of Parliament, and, further, that w", urge the present Government to bring it to a speedy and successful issue."

THE CHRONICLES OF DOWLAIS. FROM THE "BOOK OF DAYS" OF IOAN AB IORWERTH. OF TWO CABMEN-THE TRUE AND THE FALSE. It came to pass in the 58th year of Queen Victoria, the some in which Ladas defeated all horses save only Isinglass, the aon of Isonomy, and in which Inspec- tor Tollbridge fell sick of a strange sickness, caUed by the learned Waitinginvainforjabezitis," that diver* men from Dowlais were in the country of the children of Tydfil, the daughter of Brychan Brycheiniog. And some of the men looked upon the wine when it was red, and upon the whiskey when it was of the colour of amber, to the end that their speech grew thick,and their legs lost the power to hold them up. And their friends, taking compassion on them, placed them in chariots, and sent them home. And one of the men who had looked upon the whiskey, yea, and had drunk great draughts thereof, was possessed of K wicked spirit, which spake unto him, saying, Thr; menwhodriveth the chariot in which thou sittest knoweth not his business behold, thou thyself cans't drive a chariot better than be, and when he stoppeth on the way, get thee out, and seize the leather rods by which the horse is guided." And the man rowed that he would do as the evil spirit commanded him, but he spake not his thoughts to the charioteer. And it came to pass that after many minutes the charioteer stopped his chariot, and got down upon the road to speak unto a man about divers things that were to occur on the next day. And the man who had par- taken of the amber-coloured strong drink got out of the chariot, and paid certain moneys to the charioteer, saying, That was a fast ride, 0 driver whensoever I go to Merthyr again I will keep mine eye upon thy chariot, and will ride in none other." And the driver said, Thou art a kind man good-night." And they parted, the driver dreaming not that evil days had come upon the land. But the man with the fine tongue was cunning even as a fox, and he Haw the driver go into a secret place. And the evil spirit spake again to him, saying, }*ow. remember thy vow." And the man said, I do," and straightway he lifted himself upon the box, and drave the horse to the north at a great speed. And the driver, when he heard the noise of the wheels of the chariot, ran into the street and blasphemed the man, his eyes, and his soul and followed after the chariot. And the horse was much fatigued after all the work he had done that day, and he could not go as fast as he did in the days of hi? youth. So the man gained upon the horse. And when the horse had come opposite the house of the Great Man of Medicine, who is also chief ruler among the armed men of Dowlais, he stopped for breath, and he would not go another ¡ w'h. And the true driver of the chariot, perceiving this, ran the faster, and when he had climbed upon the chariot he smote the false driver on the ear. And the man fell upon the earth, and heard as he lay the words of the true driver saying, Take that, thou thing accursed lo the spirit moveth me to come down and kick thee all the way to Sheol." And the man waxed wrath, for the blow pained him, and, springing to his feet, he cried with a loud voice saying, "Kick me, will you? Come down here, and I will give thy bones to the birds of the air and thy flesh to the cat's meat man." And the wrath of the true driver was kindled a hundred-fold when he heard these words, and he sprang to the ground crying, I'll have thy blood." But the false driver wanted not for him to come unto him, for while the true driver sprang to the ground, and while he was yet .speaking, behold the false one ran down the road, and came into Market-street. And the angry driver followed after him, but found him not. For the man hid himself in some doorway until the driver grew tired by seeking him. And the driver returned to his chariot, and said unto himself, "Well, it is better that I should not have his blood upon my head."

A DOWLAIS THIEF. John Leary was charged before Mr. W. M. North at the Merthyr Police-court on Thursday with stealing a pair of trousers, the property of Johanna Sullivau, of 6, Erin-row, Dowlais. Prosecutrix said that she was a widow, and the prisoner, who was her brother, had been lodging with her. The trousers belonged to her late husband, and on the 21st instant she missed them. The prisoner had not been working, but he had money enough to get drunk, and she suspected he had taken the trousers which wero worth 10a.—Th« prisoner alleged that the prosecutrix had a share cf the beer bought with the money. Alfred J. Freed- man. pawnbroker, said that the prisoner pawned th» trousers with him for 3s. P.C. Tom Evans said that when the prisoner was charged with the theft he admitted it. A long list of previous convictions for various offences was put in, and the man was now fined £2 and costs, or a month.

THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. The pantomime of "Babes in the Wood" entered upon its last week's run on Monday evening, and once more was well received at the hands of a large audience. Although just now in the height of its popularity, the management are compelled to with- draw it oil Saturday next owing to previous special engagements. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, tare set apart for the benefit ot the leading artistes, and as quite a host of artistes have volunteered their services "bumper" houses should he the result. It may be of interest to patrons of Mr. Fletcher's theatre to know that his pantomime for 1895-6, "Forty Thieves," is already in active pre- paration, and no expense will be spared in making the production a success. Mr. Fletcher hay engaged some of the best comedians travelling, and everything augurs well for next year's Theatre Royal pantomime. We would remind our readers that next week the great success of London, "Charley's Aunt," will pay this theatre another visit. [2846

PERMITTING DRUNKEN NESS. On Monday, at the Merthyr Police-court, Jaime Wade, landlord of the General Picton Inn, Caedraw, was summoned for permitting drunkenness on his premises on January "19th.—Mr. Beddoa defended.— P.C. Powuey deposed that on the date in question, in company with l'.C. Dove,_ he visited the General Picton. It was about half-past ten in the evening. Two men were there, with sleevers in front of them. They gave fictitious names, and one of them was drinking. They were both drunk. The landlady said they had not been there long, and only one sleever had been given them. The landlord said he had been out at the back and promised to turn them out at once.—Mr. Beddoe f have been very much mis-instructed and wish to withdraw entirely from the case. I wish to give defendant the chance to engage another advocate.—P.C. Dove corroborated.- Defendant said he would go on with the case, and called his wife, Mary Ann Wade, a" a witness for ths defence, who denied that she served either of the men with beer. Only one. was drunk.—The Bench con- sidered the ca-e made out, and inflicting a fine of Ws. and costs, or a month's imprisonment, without the endorsement of the licence.

ENFRANCHISEMENT OF LEASE- HOLDS BILL. A LETTER FROM MR. II EN IIV BROADHURST, M.P. A Treharris working-man wrote to Mr. Henry Broadhurst, M.P., asking him what prospects there were of this very desirable Bill becoming law. <_h)" of its clauses ran something as follows :—"That after a leaseholder of a cottage had paid the stipulated ground rsnt for 25 yeais, the ground the house atanra upon (excepting minerals) shall become the freehold of the leaseholder." That would be a blessing to thousands of working-men or theirdescendants. M). Broadhurst does not think it drastic enough, as will be seen from the following reply :— Cromer, Jan. 25, 1395. Dear Sir,—I should think that the present position of public affairs leaves little room to hope for tho passing of the Bill. You refer to the leaseholds for some time to come. By that time I think we shall want a more Radical measure. The great landlords ir -tc, should have taken my Bill ten years back.—Yours, H. BROADHUKST.

A CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH. On Thursday, February 14th, a charity football match will be played at Gwynne's Field, ccru, between the Merthyr Butchers aud the Merthyr and Dowlais Police. The gate, which, it is to be hoped, will be a good one, will go to the funds of the Merthyr General Hospital. This is said to be the first charity football match played in the town. The butchers ani kindly requested to attend a meeting at the Belle Yue Hotel on Monday next at 8.30 p.m.

-z. THE MERTHYR WATER BILL. 011 Thursday afternoon last a special meeting of the Merthyr Urban District Council was held, when there were present: Messrs. T. H. Baitey, J.P. (chairman), Thomas Jenkins, J.P., W. Bell, J.P., U. W. Lewis, J.P., V. A. Wills, Dan Thomas, Dr. James, J. 1..1. Atkins, J. Harpur, D. Daviea, Evan Lewis, J. Roberts, W. Lewis and John Lewis, together with the clerk, Mr. G. C. James, and the surveyor, Mr. T. F. Harvey. The object of the meeting was to confirm the resolution previously passed by the late Board, in which it was decided to promote a. Bill in Parliament.—The Chairman sub- mitted the following resolution: — "That it is expedient for the Merthyr lydfil Local Board of Health to promote a Bill in the ensuing session in Parliament for an Act to authorise the said Board to execute the works and exercise the powers following, or some of them. That is to say (1) To construct and maintain an additional reservoir, conduits, or water mains, and other works for increasing the supply of j water to the district of the Local Board, or to any part or parts thereof. (2) To enable the Local Board to purchase land and to acquire casements in or over land, and to make and carry into effect contractf. agreements, and arrangements for the aforesaid purposes, or ;usy of them. (3) To borrow money for the aforesaid purposes, and to grant mortgages or create and issue debenture stock. (4) To confer upon the said Local Board all such powers, rights, and privileges in reference to tllA aforesaid matters as may be considered expedient,and that the costs and expenses in reference to the promo- tion of the said Bill, shall be charged upon and payable out of the district fund and general district rates of the said Local Board.—Mr. Thomas Jen- kins, J.P., seconded, and the resolution was carried unanimously.—The Clerk explained that he, Mr Harvey, and Mr. Deacon had attended before the special examiner at the House of Commons on Monday, and after the examination of the necessary proof, the Bill was passed as having complied with the standing orders of the House of Commons.— Mr T. Jenkins congratulated the Council upon tho fact that the Commissioner" would offer no opposition to the Bill. The Commissioners had asked the Brecon- shire County Council to oppose tho Bill, but that body had very wisely declined to take any action in the I matter.

PABICJH CHURCH. —Mr. Henry Cane, who is to represent Mr. John L. Pearsou, R.A., the eminent j architect, during the progress of the works at the Parish Church, arrived here from Torquay on Tues- day. Mr. Cane, as a practical clerk of works, stands very high in his profession. ror many years actively serving in that capacity, he was the right hand man of thelate Sir Gilbert G. Scott, R.A., the greatest architect of the century. Mr. Cane's experiences, not only in this country, but on important commissions in India and the United States, have been as varied as they have been responsible and successful. He has just completed the practical superrision of the enlargement of St. Matthias Church, Torquay, now one of the moat ornate and popular churches in that delightful and fashionable watering place. Referring to the finished work the Church in the We-4 for 26th Jauuary says "No small amount of credit for the great success of the work is also undoubtedly due to Mr. Henry Cane, the clerk of workF, whose varied experience, in almost every part of the world, in things architectural, has been of the utmost value through- out the whole course of this renovation." Merthyr, and particularly its church-going population, are to be congratulated upon having so able and accomplished a. gentleman appointed to superintend the works that have been so long anticipated, and which are now so near being accomplished facts. A SECOND MEETING of the inhabitants of Brecon- road took place on Tusday evening, January 22nd. in the Mission Room. The chair was occupied by Mr. James Thomas, 23, Grawen-terraco, whc'n the ques- tion of the site of the proposed new infant school waa discussed. Mr. John Thomas, grocer, defended the action of the School Board in fixing the site 011 the Quar, and considered that the spot was a quiet and healthy one, and its distance from the main road in its favour rather than against it.—Mr. Rees Price, Park Vill, dealt a severe blow at the Board scheme, saying that Mr. Crawshay had built a splendid school about 40 years ago, in a magnificent situation on the Bryant's Field, being in a central position for Pan- tywyll and Williamstown on the one hand, and for Grawen-terraceand Castle-square on the other. They had been deprived of this excellent school owing to the action of the Local Board acquiring the projiertv fur a fever hospital, which was a sourceof anxiety and danger to the densely inhabited neighbourhood. He also pointed out that patients which had been refused everywhere else had beeu admitted to the hospital, and- iie strongly advocated its removal to some other place outside the town, where its isolation would be something more than a sham.—Mr. John Owen, out titter thought that before they could condemn the School Board they ought to be prepared with a better plan aud lay it before the proper authority without delay.—Mr." D. T. Morgan said that the School Hoard had acted in a very hasty manner aud before tixing on a site they ought to have called a public meeting in order to consult the inhabitants.—Mr. W. Davies, 13, Park-street, and several other speakers denounced the Quar site on account of the dangerous Janes leading thereto, every one of them being too narrow to admit of a path or pavement being made for the protection of little children who would be going there from Pantywyll and Brecon-road.—The meeting was adjourned until Monday, January 28th, when the chair was again occupied by Mr. James Thomas.—Jt was decided that a deputation be -ent to the District Council to urge upon them the necessity of removing [the Fever Hospital from our midst.—The deputation will consist of the following gentlemen:—Messrs. William Scott Rees Price, Park Villa Jonah Lewis, grocrr James Gilleland, Post Office; John Owen, outfitter; James Thomas, 23, Grawen-terraco: John Thomas, grocer; John lj«wis, Castle-square Job" Jones, tea dealer and — Harris, furniture dealer.

MUSICAL. —To-night (Thursday) and next Monday evening performances of Dr. Parry's cantata "Joseph will be given the Temperance Hall by the Zoar Harmonic Society, under the conductorship of Mr. W. Morgan, A.C. The cantata will bo performed iu full character, and a musical treat is assured to the music-loving public of Merthyr. The chief parts in the cantata have been allotted to capable artistes, and the chorus has been efficiently trained by the painstaking conductor. e trust their efforts will be duly appreciated, and that the Temperance Hall will he well filled on both occasions* (2855