Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

AT EIN DARLLENWYR. Cyfeirier pob gohebiaeth Gymreig ar bynciau dyddorol, llcol, neu weithfaol, yn nghyd n'r farddoniacth, i'r swyddfa fel y canlyn :— "IORWERTH," Mcrthifr Times Otiice, Merthyr. COLOFN Y BEIRDD. Hen Nktwen FY Mam."—Amryw gyffyrddiadau douiol yn y gan hon. DEIGRYX HIRAETH Ar ol Mrs. Surah Ann Phillips, priod Mr. Edward Phillips, Aberaman. Ti aethost, Sarah, anwyl chwaer, Yn gynar trwy y glyn; Ac heddyw 'rwyt yn I)erffaitti iach, Yn ardaJ Seion fryn Ac mvvyach ni chawn wel'd dy wcdd, Er edrych ar hob llaw Ond yn y nef cawn eto gwrdd, Ein cartref dedwydd draw. )he'I' Ynyslwyd yn brudd ei gwedd, Ac wylo mae yn drist; Mewn galar dwys o'th golli di, 0 pglwys lesu Grist; Lie buost am flynyddan maith, Yn cyrcliu gyda bias T gael bendithion ar y daith, A chanmol dwyfol ras. Bvr ysgafn gystudd, Sarah Ann, A gefaist di yn wir Ar Ian yr hen Iorddonen ddofn, Arosaist ddim yn hir; Mor dawel fuost ar ei glan Doedd arnat ofn na braw 'Roedd lesu'n sefyll ger y fan, list trwyddi yn ei law. Pwy oedd y cyntaf ddaeth i'tli gwrdd, 'Nol iti groesi'r glyn ? Pa un ai'th frawd ai'th anwyl chwacr Mi garwn wybod hyn Cei arcs belIaeh gyda hwy A choron ar dy ben A thynu wrth y tanau aur Gerbron yr orsedd won. Rhinweddau da dy fywyd gwvn O'ent fwy eu gwerth nag aur Mac'tli goffawdwriaeth ar dy ul, Yn werthfawr i ni, chwaer Fr fynwent oer daw llawer un, A hiraeth yn ei wedd, I dywallt deigryn uwcli y fan, LIe' huna'th Iwcb mewn hudd. Dy briod hoff mewn galar sydd, Ynghyd a'th riaint cu Ond cysur iddynt rydd y Ifaith Mae yn y nef 'I ivy t ti Ni ddouwn ninnau ar dy ol Y terfyn nid yw mhell, I gwmni Iesu Grist ein brawd, I wlad sydd lawer gwell. Aberaman. David D.wiks (Eurfab). LLWYN HOGYX. Mae "Llwyn Hogyn" mewn Hawn egni—a'i ddur Lif rhydd awch i dori Twll mewn craig 'rol hyn bvdd cri, A rhwyga'r creigiau crogi. Cefn. BUWCH ODRO JoT MAM llwyn cofio lieu Nepwen, buwch odro fy mam Wrth feddwl am dani fy nghalon rydd jam Hoedd pawb yn ei hadwaen o'r orsedd i'r cryd. A Nepwen yn adwaen y teulu i gyd. Hen Nepwen fy mam, Bnwch odro fy mam, Mewn hiraeth rwyn eanu Ar ol i mi golli Pet anwyl y teulu, Hen Nepwen fy mam. Mor nfudd y denai pan alwai fy mam Mor gyson y cerddai heb golli'r un cam "Mw-w," meddai Nepwen, "tyr'd Nepwen," medd mam. Mor anhawdd yw canu i Nepwen ddinam. Hen Nepwpn fy mam, &c. Adwaenai ^Iiss l'wsi swn Xepwen yn dod, A rliedeg wnai Tango yn ysgafn ei dro'd Ccid llawer i gyngherdd o flacn drws 'r hen dy, Pvhwng Rosi a Nepwen a Tango'r ci du. Hen Nepwen fy mam, &c. Cyframi yn Iielaeth bob boreu a nawn Wnai Nepwen o gynwys ei ehadair oedd lawn, Nid rhoddi a danod wnai Nepwen fad gu Ond rhoddi heb eithrio i bawb drwy y ty. Hen Nepwen fy mam, &c. Clafvchu wnaeth Nepwen, a chododd ei cliri, Kes dcallo'r teulu mai marw roedd hi Fe wylodd fy mam, ac fe wylodd y gatli, Ac wylo'n ddiarljcd wnaeth Tango'r tin fath. Hen Nepwen fy mam, &c. tin farw hen Nepwen, a tnarw'r hen gath, A marw wnaeth Tango'r ci du yr un fath Ni fu y fath wylo, ni chlyw'd y fath gri, A'r d'wrnod y'u claddwyd yn nghae dan y ty. HenNepwenfyman),&c. Fe godwyd cof-golofn er nodi y fan Y'u claddwyd o'r cerig a gloddwyd o'r llan Gwyn-galehwyd en hen wan mewn llyth'miau yn llawn I mam gap! eu darllen bob boreu a nawn. Hen Nepwen fy mam, &c. Pan fyddi di farw, fy nghyfaill dinam, Rwyf am i ti gofio am Nepwen fy lIJaln Gwna dyfu mewn rhimvedd yn g iugen fawr gref, Yn llawn o'r per flodau sy'n harddu y nef. Heu Nepwen fy mam, &c. Cefn Coed. At.aw Buvciikiniog.

MAMOX. Dyma ddywed Asser o Dyddcwi am darddiad v degwnt n yr un flwyddyn Tsef 855) y rhyddhaodrl y parchedig frenin Aethelwulf ddegfod ran ei holl deyrnas oddiwrth bob gwasanaeth frcnhinol a threth, a c2|ydag ysgrifbin y bydd coffa bytli am dano, efe a'i hoffrymodd, yng nghroes Crist, i Dduw yn Un ac eto'n Dri, dros iaehawdwriaeth ei enaid ei hun ac enaid ei vagflaenoriaid. Sylwa Mr. Darlington fody ddau nofelydd enwocaf yn yr L nol Daleithiau yn dwyn enwau Cymreig,— W. D. Howells a Henry James. Cymro o'r tlelli, Sir Frycheiniog, oedd tad Mr. Howells. Pwy wyr rywbcth am wehelyth Mr. James? Nid anvddorol fydd y nodyn a ganlyn, a dyfynir o ■Ctnnru —Ab Sect. Yr wyf yn cael llawer iawn o drafferth gyda chwi. Dylech ofalu am gywirdeb eieh cyhuddiadau cyn cuf gyru i mi Dywcdwch fed y Parch. wedi llithro i'w Gymraeg wrth bregethu Saesneg, ac wedi dweyd iaciiawdwriaeth" yn He "salvation." Gwelais v Parch. a soniais am y mater wrtho..Yr oedd yn ddigllon iawn, ae yn dyweyd mal cam-gyhuddiad cywilyddus oedd. Nid llithro i'r Gymraeg wrth siarad Saesneg a wnacth, ebai ef; ond llithro i'r Saesneg wrth siarad Cymraeg. Dywed y gwr parchedig ar ei wir na ddywedodd "iaehawdwriaeth am "salvation dim oud dweyd "salvation" am iaehawdwriaeth wnaeth. Y mae gwahaniaeth mawr, chwi welwch. Pechod anfaddeuol yw llychwino'r Saemeg; ond am yr hen iaith Gymraeg, waeth beth wneir iddi ? Fe ddywedwyd dwy o leiaf o streujn da iawn (mac Daniel Owen wedi clasurciddio y gair streuon) yn Nghynadledd Addysg v Rhyl. Un gan y Parch. Barrow Williams. Tna diwedd araith fer, gref, ffraeth, galwai ar ei wrandawyr i yni^-sgwyd at y gwaith. Ma-e'n nhw am ein pluo ni," meddai, a rhaid i ni godi row nen mi feddylian bod ni wedi marw fel y meddyliodd yr hen wraig hono yn Sir Drefaldwyn am ei gwyddan." Yr oedd hi wedi nol sached o soeg o Lanfair Caereinion i borthi'r moch a'r lloiau, ond rywsnt cafodd y gwyddau at y soeg, a gwleddasant arno nes oeddynt yn chwil ulw feddw ac yn gorfedd hyd lawr y buarth fel meirwon. Tybiodd yr hen wraig eu bod wedi marw, acaeth ati i wnend y goreu ohonynt," sef eu pluo. AVedi gorphen, aeth yr hen Gymraes i'w gwely, a'r petli cynta glywodd hi yn y bore oedd lief y gwyddau. Mawr oedd ci dychryn pan welodd hi hWYllt a'u clywed yn gwaeddi mor resynus. "Wei, draen bach," meddai, "fasech chi'n gwaeddi cyn i mi'ch pluo clii ?"' Mae'r addysg ar y gwyneb. Yr oedd pawb yn v gynulleidfa fawr ar tfrwydro. Yr oedd yr hanesyn arall a ddywedwyd yn dda iawn, ond buasai yn well pe buasai Esgob a chyn- Ddeon Llanelwy yno yn ei gu rando. Y Parch. O. L. Roberts, Pwllheli, gynt o Gaerdydd, a'i dywedai, a phriodolai ei hawduraeth i'r diweddar Robert Griffith, Bethel. Dywedai fod gan Eglwys Loegr yn Nghymru saith (y rhif (icrffaith) o egwyddorion mawrion—^fundamental principle*, fel en geIwir. Sef —" Y pump torth a'r ddau bysgodyn."

DIFFYG UNDEB. Diffyg undeb yw lIecyn gwanaf cymeriad y gcnedl chwalwr yw y Cymro fel meddyliwr ac fel gwleid- iadwr. Cregyn mewn saeh ydyw yr undeb goreu a gawsom erioed. Diffyg undeb a ddamniodd ein hynatiaid, a dyma ein pergyl ninau liefyd. Gwynedd a Gwent, Gogledd a D< cwmwd yn nghledd a chwmwd, Northman a Hwntw," y naill ran o'r wlad a'r liobl gyda golwg ar ranan eraill y wlad a'r bobl fel gwarthcc Pharaoh yn hwyta. eu gilydd, yw hanes ein cenedl yn oes oesoedd. Ombai am y gwendid hwn, ni laddesid Llewelyn, ac ni feiddiasa i estron o Sais na heb araU jsgwyd ei dafod yn erbyn ein cenedl. JMae gormod o'r hen yspryd hwn yn fyweto. Dafyddai cael Ymreolaeth i Gymrn, pe gellid. Ond a'n helpo ni Mae y son am dano a't rhagbarotoad gogyfer a'i geisio, yn co3i bwganod o bob twmparth ae yn detfroi y croesdeimladau chwerwon, cynhyrfus, sydd yn berwi y wlad fel crochan a rhaid ini ddysgu dirgelwch cyfnndrefniant a medru llywodraethu ein gilydd cyn disgwyl v bydd genyra lawer i'w wneyd yn llywodraethiad eenedl- oedd ereillj y byd. Na, nid pobl ddiasiad, sectol, anghytnnol a gwasgarog en nerthoedd fel nyni, yw y gcnedl sydd yn codi yn gylfredin i'r Hcddan uchel yn nghydymgais ehwyrn ccnedloedd v bj-d a gwael yw y gobaith y liydd gan y Cymry fys ua llaw mewn llywodraethu yn uadblygiad dyfodol y ddynoliacth. Faint bynag o ddawn masnachol y Pho uieiaid gynt, neu o athrylith lengarol yr hen Roegiaul sydd yn y naturiaeth Gymreig, rhaid addcf nad oes nemawr un o deithi nieddwl llywodracthol yr hen Rufeiniaid yn perthyn iddi. Fe gaiff y Cymro fyw dywedaf hyn, fe /tin y Cyinio fyw dywedaf fwy eto, fe fyn fyw fel ag i fod yn allu yn y byd ac yn fendith itldo ac yn fendith ynddo eithr nid byw i deyrnasu.—Parch. John Evans (Eglwysbach).

ABERDARE SCHOOL BOARD. Friday. Present Mr. R. H. Rhys (chairman), Mr. U. P. Davies (vice-chairman), Rev. W. James, Mr. W. J. Heppell, Rev. H. R. Johnstone, Rev. M. Powell, Mr. Railton, Rev. J. Davies, Rev. J. Griffiths, Aberdare Rev. D. Griffiths, CwTudare Mr. W. Charles, and Mr. Morris (clerk). Tm: SALAUIKS QUESTION.—It was reported that the committee had recommended that no increase bo made in the salaries of the teachers.—Mr. W. J. Heppell moved that the recommendation of the committee bo not adopted, and that the question of salaries bo refer- red to a committee of the whole Board for further consideration. The matter had been before the com- mittee for some time past, but practically they had not got beyond one particular point. He (Mr. Heppell) felt that the subject should be further con- sidered by the whole Board it was the lower-paid class of teachers that lie proposed to specially consider. The scale was very much below what other Boards in the neighbourhood were paying. — Rev. J. Daviea seconded Mr. Heppell. -The Cliairman said that Mr. Heppell had put his case before them in a very plaus- ible manner. Personally lie (the chairman) had a strong objection to any increase being made. It was, however, for the Board to consider whether the ques- tion should have further consideration.—Rev. H. R. Johnstone If the school committee, whose business was to consider matters of this kind, cannot come to a conclusion, it is not likely that a committee of the whole Board would. Mr. Heppell The committee base reported against the increase.Mr. D. P. Davios concurred with the majority of the committee. -On a vote being taken the following voted in favour of further consideration of the matter by a committee of the whole Board Mr. W. J. Heppell, Rev. J. Davies, Rev. J. Griffiths, and Rev. D. Griffiths. The following voted for the committee's recommendation Rev. H. R. Johnstone, Rev. M. Powell, Rev. W. James, Sir. W. Charles, Sir. D. P. Davies, and Mr. Railton. The recommendation of the committee was, therefore, adopted. Sfri.TI W IN P.u.vu. IT was reported that the tt-stut of the drawing examination at Aberaman School (Boys) wa.s good.- The Headmistress of Park School reported that the .-ehool was closed on Mabon'S Day afternoon in consequence of an eisteddfod at Mill- street, Trecynon. The Headmistress of Llwydcoed School made a similar report.—The RER. Richard Morgan wrote, stating that he was removing to Barry and asking that HIS SON, Mr. O. Slorgan, should be released from his pupil-teachership under the Aber- dare Board, so that he might complete it at Barry. —It was understood that the application would be granted. The Auditor >ravc notice of the usual audit. LOANS. With respect to the Board's application for a loan, the Ecclesiastical Commissioners wrote to say that t) cy could not entertain such an application. The Clerk read letters from other loan offices. Sir. Heppell proposed that the matter be referred to the Finance Committee, so as to get at proper details. This was agreed to. F'WMAMAX ST'HOOJ..—Tile report on this school was read. The average attendance had been us follows :— liovs 153, corresponding period 156 girls 142, corres- ponding period 133 infants 168, corresponding period 181. The average grants per head were: Boys, 18 s.; girls 17s.: infants, 17s, The total amount of grant earned was £406 14! Br.AENOWAUW SCITOOR.. -The report on this school was ALSO read. The average grants per head were Boys, 19s girl-, 19s.; infants, 15s. OWMUACII SciiOOi.s.Two tenders wen- received for alterations and additions at the above schools, viz., from Messrs. Williams and James, Pontypridd, who-e price WAS- £ 66910s., and Mr. John Slorgan, Aberdare, whose price was j3579. -Sir. Morgan's tender was accepted. ScuoOL ATTENDANCE.- The school attendance lists were submitted. The number of children on the books for the week ending February 8th was 5,824. The average attendance was 4,764.—It was remarked that the improvement in the attendance at the Higher Grade School had tx-en very marked.

IRISH UNREASONABLENESS." Speaking at Arbroath on Saturday, Sir. John Morley said they were sometimes provoked by what they might consider Irish unreasonableness, He had been Chief Secretary for Ireland for three veal's, and he knew what that meant—but just think of this. It was not easy to measure the effect upon a just and sensible. Irishman when he thought of his own exasperating helplessness in the affairs of his country. Who could wonder if the consciousness of his own desperate impotence produced in the Irishmau a temper of unreason, because lie saw that it was not reason that decided ? Who could wonier if he was full of impatience because patience brought him no nearer ? Who could wonder when they saw in Irish- men a railing temper of insurgency, because action and argument did not lead afiywhere in Irish affairs ? This sort of thing took the heart out of men; it demoralised them as citizens. They gave up the game they became impotent, they became insurgent. Public spirit died down, or became distorted, and that was and must be the effect of invitius: the people to speak as they did by their franchise laws, and then refusing to listen.

LAND TENURE IN AY ALES. A correspondent of the Jfancheder Guardian says Slessrs. Lloyd Morgan and Rees Davies have en- dorsed the Bill introduced by Sir. Price, a Norfolk member, for the amendment of the laws relating to the tenure of land. The Bill has not yet been printed. I do not believe the draft has ever been settled finally. Butitwillprof-cedverymucltonthennesof the Welsh Land Bill, and as its provisions are to ex" tend to Wales the evidence taken by the Welsh Land Commission wm afford USEFUL material for the second reading debate. It PROPOSES to give security of tenure and full compensation for improvements to the tenant, and it will ALS.O provide some MEANS, either by a Land Court or arbitration, for fixing A fair rent. The debate has been fixed for an curly Wednesday in March, and as it has secured first place, an interest- ing debate and division is assured. Mr. Price, although born in England, claims to be of Welsh descent.

Here's a fact which all Trade L'nionists should bear in mind: The Merthi/r Times Office is the only Society Printing Office in the district. What does that mean ? It means that the men are paid union wages for working union number of hours, and that the office does not swarm with apprentices. No sweating allowed in any t-hapeor form. Here you will get the very best printing nt moderate charges, and you will know that the men who do the work are iiouourably treated^. )

(.NOW FIRST PUBLISHED.) fon MONEY oil FOR LOVE? F.Y <•' 'RDON STABLES, MD, R.N., i- uikor of rr¡, Hg,ot of Allahdal* "The Mystery "The Haunted Alt list at I)uiiil'«ij> A I'iiousar.d )IiI., in a l'UaT¡(lI, 4kt' .te. [ALL HIGH IS RESERVE 1).J I CHAPTER XXXIV.—HORROR OF HORRORS -IT WAS STRAXSOX THE TEC Sir John Brewer's wooing of the interesting American inillioruiress—a word 1 have coined for this especial occasion—had nut prospered quite so well az Sir John could have wished. In fact nothing sho"t of ''Congress. as she I called ou: Parliament, would suit her. and it would seem that this particular Ministry would never dit^olre. But after long months the happy day came round. O. 1,0. not the wedding day nor the election day, but Parliament was dissolved at lust, and a new election was on the tapis. The millionairess was delighted, and more kind and affable to her John Bull, as she called our Lri'trht. than ever she had been. l'id ho himself, she asked, feel quite certain he wnild be eboted? There was nothing more sure, he had exclaimed, enthusiastically, except his. unalterable love for her. "Yes," sho ;aid, "you may kis« me. and if you're very good you may often have that privilege. "But," she added," I mean to introduce my-ctfj to over so many of your Toting people." Voj won't hazard——" he began somewhat timidly. ^"Bribery! she laugl ?d. "Oh, no, Sir John. Noihing aetionable, I assure y«u. The briix-ry of a smile, perhaps—perhaps half a promise. (). you excessively virtuous Sir John: not an action more than half n promise. I giye rou my word. Why. Joh- i—my .John—you're as good as elected already." j "W-dl, he said, smiling his sweetest. "We mus'u't be too sanguine 1 "lb'her, John! that is what you said about yot r illy old divorce that you took sueh legal pains to secure. All, deac 'man. they do these things better in America. Rut now mon brave,' go and face ycur foes. Come back to me victor, jny John, or—com* back on your shield." Sir John was in th, thick of the fight. He had scarcely time now to look at a newspaper. His secretary wrote most of his letters, and scanned the political news for him every morning at breakfast. But Si- John hiir.self made the speeches, here, there and everywhere, all over the county for which he was standing in the Conservative interest. Ho mad.. the speeches both in public halls and in schoolrooms, and best of all perhaps, after jolly dinners, for about this time of day he was always in the best of oratorical form. How quickly the time went round to 1*? sure, and the election day came round almost before he wns aware of it. Tix- following is something that his sec-retary noiiced in an evening paper on the very day before the polling, but thought it best not to bother Sir John bv reading, or even alluding to. THE UPTON MURDER, STARTLING DISCLOSURES. "Our representative boarded the eaih this morning before she had passed Ports- mouth. and interviewed the celebrated detective Stran^on, who. it will be remembered, for reasons of his own sailed in the Earl of Clova's beautiful yacht many months ago. The detective wa* naiutally reticient. but our representative gathered the following facts. First, particulars of the loss of the Ella Lee. The beautiful vessel broke down in one of the Reaches of the Straits of Magellan, either through foul play, it would seem, or the work of a maniac; she afterwards took fire, and was deserted by her crew. These for many months were at the mercy of those implacable savages, the natives of Tierra del Fttego, and the islands in the straits, and but for the timely arrival of the Wooloomooloo would have been all massacred. The next piece of news is stranger still, for the clever sleui'i hound, Stranson, has at last run down and bring* home with him the real murderer of the unfortunate Squire Upton, of Upton Hall, or at lp:d one of the murderers, so justice will be done at last, and this mysterious affair made as clear' as day. We know no more, at least we should say we are not at liberty to give more complete details at pre- sent. The rest will follow, and this journal will be the first to give its readers the fullest'particu- lars of the whole ghastly business." Far more depended upon Sir John's being re- turned to Parliament and subsequently married to the millionairess than anyone save himself had an idea of. .ings financial bad not gone so well with him of late. He had ventured upon large speculations, and they had failed. It is no wonder, therefore, that his election day wa« one of the most exciting ever he had passed. But victory was secured at last. Hi* hour of triumph had come. He Was con- ducted. almost led out to the balcony by his madly rejoicing friends, and there—yes there was the sea, of upturned faces he had often, so often, dreamt of. lie addressed the multitude. He did not know what he said. Neither did anyone fISf. It mattered nothing. He wa« seen to be gesticulating^ the wild huzzas would have drowned the voice of a factor* hooter. But when he waved his arms above his head the people knew he was cheering and cheered the louder, until exhausted Sir John waa glad to retire. At the top of the stair, and in the well-lighted passage, a stranger stepped from behind a curtain. Horror of horrors—it was Stranson. the tee. Sir John's head swam. He reeled, and would have fallen but for friendly support. Exceedingly sorry. Sir John Brewer, ta inter- rupt you at such a time. But I am sure your friends will excuse you. I hold here a warrant for your arrest Wii—what—1what!" gasped Sir John. "You are charged," went on the prim detective, with the wilful murder of Squire Upton, of Upton Hall." Murder!" more than one exclaimed, and friends that had stuck to him staunchly before now recoiled from the man with fear and loathing. How cold the clasp of those handcuffs! How awful the sound of their click! How more than terrible it was to be driven awav to prison through the self-same, still excited mob that had gathered there to cheer him. Yes. and many knew him. but. unacquainted with the facts, shouted yet again. "Long live Sir John!" till the welkin rang again. Fallen, fallen, fallen. Fallen from his high estate. Yes. and there was not a policeman who passed the cell door. and peeped in through the grating at the bent and crouching figure there, who did not feel something of pity for the man. He seemed to have grown old and decrepid all at once: his very face was shrunken and grey, and his eyes had in them that hunted look that tells of bodily suffering and anguish combined. Oh! that first awful night in the cell! So long, so dark, so full of a nameless terror! Would morning never, never come? It did at last, though, and he fell into aa uneasy, dreamful dose, only to start after a time and tremble to find himself shut in bv those grim, grey walls, as in a living tomb. Those walls had looked down on grief and misery many a time but perhaps never before on so utterly wretched a being as Sir John Brewer- murderer. It is not pleasant to dwell on eo black and sad a study as this. Let me have done with the tragedy as soon as may be. „ When at long last then the ship arrived off the i-vl on which accident had marooned Jake Roberts Join Brewer. Tom's joy knew neither bouiulo lIor limits, more especially when informed that his daughter in rself was on board the rescuing vessel. Th* doctor was the man who had broken the news to Tom. He had done something else—for he wae an exceedinglv practical man—he had brought on shore decent apparel for the men. for he guessed aright that thev must be clad m rags and skins, so that when the boat brought them off they pre- sented a fairly respectable appearance. 'J h» meeting of father and daughter was afleoting in the extreme. There are scenes from real life which the novelist does well to leaTe to the readers imagination. If he attempts to describe them he faih: and this was one of them. There was a meeting of another sort, however, on board that very *hip. and about the same time that I am bound to sv>eak of. Jake Rolierts had not been en the vessel an hour before lie noticed Stranson. He was standing for- •tv aid near the forecastle looking overboard at the sun- lit sea bottom as quietly as if he had not the slightest inter^t in anvthinc that was occurring. Pre-ently a hand was laid lightly on his ihoulder, and looking round beheld Jake Roberts stood be- tide him. I would speak with, ou alone, sir. Straii.-ou moved off and took a position about midships, quite apart from anyone, save Jake himself. "You are a detective ? 1 am- „ r ,r "And you hold a warrant for the arrest of Jom Brewer for the murder of Squire Upton many years ago I do—bu!— Pray do not interrupt nie. I must say what I have to say now at once, else my courage may ehb :a". Tom Brewer is as innocent of the crime as von yourS'Jf, sir, "What How do you know ?" Who should know if I did not know. Fifteen \>ars aero, sir. John Brewer, the barrister, extri- cated me from a position that might have been unfavourable to my freedom for ever. I became that clever solicitor's servant, nay, his very slave. I admired the man. his very daring captivated me. I thought it splendid then. I have had time to ihink and repent since. When he met and fell in iov* with Sheila Moore, he determined to marry kr: lie felt sure of victory from the first._ 111 ii'o.e davs few voting ladies could have resisted Joim Brewer's blandishments, lie and 1 planned ¡ the tirst meeting. I was the man whom he knocked down in the street. But things began to h»ok black fur us. Slary Venner was my sweetheart. Alas 1 was her sorrow and her ruin, but she win placed at Upton as a spy. Sou begin to see how tlr'ngs went, sir ?" I do. Proceed. Evi-n L sir. do not like to flunk of that mid- o;i;; at the luetic- bridge. But it Has nee- u Va ito our plans to rid ourselves of the poor .-q e. John Biewer loved Sheila madly, but Sheila without money ho could not afford, and that money was. about to be Milled awny from her. Then eauiy the deed. P.n",vet Mould have, been content with murder aloec. 1 vr.»s not I returned and rifled the squire's jKi,i's. I ho watch and chain are hidden now in tin- haunted )"11;11< /if the Grar»e«\v 1" But tin marked coin that Tom Brewer waI known to change lhat was what I thought at the time a liappy inspiration. 1 placed u on the ground where the tramp could find it. Tiiis is all I hare to say, pir. Stranson was silent for many minutes. At last lie seemed suddenly to louse himself. ii-tt is your object in making tiiis confession?' he asked, abruptly. Because I have some human feelings left. I am not the utter wretch 1 may seem. 1 have lived iony and all alone with poor Tom Brewer. I have fCnI° -i -"m as ft hnjiher. Think you now that 1 am going to stand between him and the happiness he deserves. J ¿{¡ok aft, sir. Behold Jlim with his daughter. Look at. her bright and happy facf and Ins. No, sir. I am your prisoner. Totd Brewer "Jlall never he tried for crime of mine." "If what you say ij true, and 1 do not doubt you for a moment, you will be admitted as Queen> evidence against the murderer. Brewer. But. I eliould ten you that before Slary Venner died shc-" "Is Mary dead?" "She is dead, and she with her la.i breath took all the guilt upon her 0, n head." Jake Roberts l>ent hjs head. "Poor Mary* Poor Slary! It was all he said or could say, u he turned awav to nide his tears. (. think, sir, said a gaoler to an inspector, there is something the matter with the prisorer Brewer. 1 cannot wake him at all this morning." "Go simmons the surgeon at once. Tell him to come with all possible speed. Juleps tlian ten minutes Dr. Gray, the prison suiyeon, was in Sir John Brewer's cell. lie bent ever him he lifted one of the Irdf- elosed eyelids. fhe t-y? was fixed and glassy, He laid his hand upon the heart. That. t'.a.s ali. '"Dfead?" It was the inspector who spoke. Ay. dead enough. And may God have mercy cn his soul." Mhen. just nine 'nonths after the gruesome end of Sir John Brewer, Tom Hamilton snd Ella Lee were made man and wife in the quaint and beauti- fill wee church of Sorning, there wasn't & happier man in all the parish than Bob his brother, ex- oepting as a matter of course the bridegroom him. self. It whs just sueh a st iiunrr morning, reader, an 1 know your marriage will take place upon. You could not 1.Ie married in a prettier little church, cor in a more charming village. The teuder spring tints were still upon the trees; t.he grass was very green in the quiet churchyard that Tom led hit bride through; the chestnuts, pink and white. wer3 all in Mooin: the thrushes sang their joy uotes in the spruce thicket; down by the river- side. where the scented Slay trees grevr, the nightingale's voice was loud and ringing, and then three was the river itself, with the wild Nowerw nodding over it. and the drooping foliage kissing its silvery surface as it wcund out and wovid ia as jf Joath to leave so sweet II scene. It Mas one uf the quickest weddings that ever WM known, but none the less joyful on that acoount. The breakfast took place on the Earl of Clova's boat- liouse. Y P<. the Earl was there himself. Some Aid the Earl wis soft. But I think that he behaved like man. and like a tru* brother to Ella from the very moment he found out that she could never be hit. There were three who said that Ella herself wax soft in preferring the hand and heart of a simple sailor to that of the rich Earl of Clova; in electing to sail the salt seas with her husband, now captain of a Greek ship, to living in a castle at home, sur- rounded by every luxury that wealth coufrT hriur- But I think that Ella was wise, and that her happin?« with her true love Tom but proves the truth of a verse in a dear old song that keeps ring- ing in my head even now, as I write these last lines. •• It ne'er Mas wealth, it ne'er v as wealth lhat ooft (brought) contentment-, peace and pleMTUVft The bonds and bliss o' mutual love, Ah! that's the chief o' world's treasure. W hat do you think, reader? The End.

DOWLAIS TRADESMEN'S BALL. The eighth annual Tradesmen's Ball was held at the Oddfellows* Hall, Dowlais, on Thursday evening last, and was undoubtedly the best yet held. The decorations of the hall were carried out by the mem- bers of the committee, and it is not too much to say that through their unflagging efforts, the hall was transformedfinto a veritable fairy palace. Large mirrors, on which were supported fairy lights, were placed along the walls, as well as many-hued flaps and muslins, all of which were arranged in an artistic namier. High overhead, in suspended lines, hung a large uuiuber of Chinese lanterns, which gave quite an Oriental aspect to the gay scene. The pillars supporting the balcony were draped with yellow sateen, while from pillar to pillar were festooned ever- greens. The front of the balcony was decorated with art muslins and cretonne, on which were fastened Japanese fans of all colours, bannerettes, and flags in great variety were also hung, and a huge Union Jack m the front of the gallery was much admired. The orchestra seats on the platform were effectually hiddeo by tastily-arranged palms and foreign plants. On thw background of the p!atform was suspended ahum emblem, "Success to the Annual Dowlais Trades* men's Ball, printed in scarlet, and edged with ever- greens. Dancing was commenced promptly at eight1, and a programme of 20 dances, excluding extras ofthft newest dance music, were played by Mr. F. O. Roberts' excellent Cardiff Band. The M.C.'« were Slessrs. R. LI. Atkins, D. J. Danes, A. J. Freed- man, Roger Harper, M. Levinsohn, and T. Stephen Evans, and these gentlemen carried out their duties to perfection. Supper, which was laid out in the Assembly-room, was partaken of at midnight. The tables were beautifully laid out, And laden with a great variety of viands, which were prepared by Miss Pritchard, Plough Inn, who also supplied the wines, and Mrs. D. J. Davies, Gellifaelog. A refreshment bar was also in charge ot Sirs. Pritchard. The caterers were Messrs. D. Joraes, Dickenson and Co., and they satisfactorily carried out their duties. The arrangements throughout were perfect, and this in a great measure is due to the officials, who with Sir. David Jones as chairman, and Messrs. J. W. Price, High-street, and Tom Evans, draper, as secretaries, worked with great energy to ensure its success. The committee were: Messrs. It P. Rees, chemist; Tom Lewis, grocer; J. J. Powell, Victoria-street; Bernard Freeaman, Morlais- street; A. Bowen, Gellifaelog Roger Harpur, High- street A. J. Freedman, Victoria Buildings; Alfred Austin, Union-street; D. J. Davies, grocer, GeUi. faelov; R. LI. Atkins, ironmonger; Marcus Levinsohn, Slilford House; E. W. Jenkins, iron- monger D. U. Evans, Central Supply Stores; T. S. Evans, Cwent House; M. L. Walters, West End Stores and B. R. Jones, Royal Stores. Mr. E. P. Slartin, J.P., very kindly lent the plants, palmB, 4c. Appended is a list of the guests;—Mr. andMn, W. R. Lewis, Slerthyr; Miss Thomas, Fontmorlais, Slerthyr Sir. and Mrs. Thomas Davies, Fontmorlais, Slerthyr; Mr. Hermann Gittelsohn, Union-street; the Slisses Gittelsohn (2), Uniou-street; Mr. Georgw Eason, Mount Pleasant-street; Mr. A. Hansard, Merthyr; Mr. W. W. Meredith, solicitor, Merthyr; Sliss Gould, Graig-terraco Miss A. Evans, Graig- terrace: Mr. and Sirs. T. E. Morgan, Queen's Head Inn Mr. Phil pot, Bristol; Sliss Hughes, Dowlais Inn; Mr. and Sirs. Alien, Aberdare; Muses Freedman (2). High-street, Penydarren; Messrs. Freedman (21, High-street, Penydarren; Mr. Abe Freedman and Sliss Freedman, victoria-street; Mr. Edward Williams. Blanche-street; Air. Chappell, Broad-street; Sliss Davies, Canford Inn; Miss Jones, Corner House Inn; Miss Thomas, Paris House, Victoria-street; Slisses Rogers (2), Vulcan Hote!, Merthyr: Mr. and Mrs. Fine, Rhymney; Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Evans, Mr. Griffiths, Treforest; Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Atkins, Market-street; Mr. and Sirs. Levinsohn, Morlais-street; Mr. and Mrs. A. I. Freedman, Victoria Buildings Mr. and Sirs. David Jones, Slary Anne-street; Sliss Samuel, Peneoed, Bridgeud Sir. and Sirs. D. J. Davies, Gellifaelog Slessrs. Humphreys (3), Pontmorlaia, Slerthyr; Ur. A. Bowen, Gellifaelog Post-office: Mr. T. Steohen Evans, Uwent House; Sir. Marcellus Cartwrisrht, High-street; Sir. MOrRc, Bristol; Slisses Prosser (2), Builth Sir. David Price, Wimborne-street; Miss SI ia Thomas, Farmers' Arms Hotel; Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Thomas, Gwent House; Sir. J. D. Watts, Union-street; Sir. Price, Thomastown, Slerthyr; Mr. and Sirs. Tom Powell, Union-street Sir. J. W. Price, Castle-street; Mr. Tom Evans, High.stPeet; Miss Morgan, Tredegar Sir. T. H. Harris, Llanelly; Mr. F. Arnold, Blanche-street; Sir. James Williams, Last-strmt: Sir. and Sirs. Mander, Aberdare; Miss Sadie Lewis, Dowlais Top; SIv. John Craig, Cross Ftancis-street: Sir. and Sirs. Llewelyn Williams, East-street; Sir. Arthur Jones, Slerthyr; Mr. Samuel Dix, Slerthyr; Mr. and Miss Jacobs, Rhymney; Slisses Isaacs (2), Brynmawr; Stias Maud Harpdr and Miss Ethel Harpur, High-street; Miss Fennel!, Met thyr: Sliss Hicks, Brynmawr; Miss Annie Short. Cross Key;- Inn Sir. Crad Evans, Blanche- street Mr. R. Rawlinson, Bee Hive Hotel Mr. D. Rees Thomas, Slount Pleasant Inn Mr. Williams, Vaughan-street: Mr. R. P. Rees and Sliss Edith Rees, Slorlais-street; Mr. and Sliss Araott, Aber- dare; Sir. D, B, Evans, Well-street; Mr. J. J. Powell; Mr. Alfred Austin, Union-street; Mr. E. H. Woodman, Gellifaelog School House; Mr. Harris Isaac, Horse-street: Sir. Thomas IAewilltii Caeharris Sir. Andrews, Tredegar: Mr. Ruse, f Blackwood: Sir. Slorris, Tredegar; Mr. J. T. Davies, Tredegar: Sliss Isaac, Horse-street; Mr. Bell, Tredegar; Sir. Slorgan, Tredegar; Sliss Griffiths, Star Inn, Slerthyr Miss Boyle, Slerthyr; Sliss Hughes, Dowlais Top: Mr. Alec Lewis, ■ Slerthyr.

AMERICANISING THE BIBLE. The unique revised version of the Bible, which was adopted recently by the Board of Education in Chicago for the use of schools, has been in preparation for some years. It containsonly two prayers, one being the Lord's Prayer, which is set to music. The 23rd Psalm also finds a place in it. The Songs of Solomon arc omitted entirely, also the stories of Jacob and Sarah. '4 Tlie Psalms hav e been greatly cut, so that only a terse extracts apjjear. The story of Joseph bag beetta treated serially, each adventure being narrated in separate chapter. The Potiphar episode is left ouJj| The irvised Bible opens with the thirtieth and thirty- first verses of tlie twelfth chapter of tbu Gosp»?J according to Slark, followed by the tenth chapter of the same Gospel. Then come the Proverbs, the Book 1 of Job, and other selected passages. The whole volume consists of two hundred pages of large print «

SALE OF A CHAPEL AT TROEDtfl RIIIW. H

I FAMILY FLOUR FOR THE HOUSEHOLD. /<&/ a k /<&/ p™ m \^y Whkati-.n Meal y/ FUK /V/ BROWN BREAD. Recommended by the best Analysts and /sr Physicians. To be obtained in Sacks and Small Bags from all Provision Merchants in this District. Wholes ale fkom J. REYNOLDS & Co., ,3071] ALBERT MILLS, GLOUCESTER. N) /sr Physicians. N To be obtained in Sacks and Small Bags from all Provision Merchants tt in this District. Wholes ale fkom J. REYNOLDS & Co., ,3071] ALBERT MILLS, GLOUCESTER. public announcement*. MISS P. LEWIS, DRESSMAKER, 86, Lower Thomas-street, Merthyr. ALL OKDEKS PROMPTLY ATTENDED TO. BEST WORK GUARANTEED. MODERATE CHARGES. [5659 — —- BATHS, LAVATORIES, and WATER CLOSETS, A SPECIALITY. FRANK S. WILLIAMS PLUMBER, &c., HONG Kong PASSAGE, High ST., door to Mr. Daniel Jones, Bootmaker, MERTHYR PLVMBIN<* IN ALL JTS BILVNCHES. Water Pipes, Lead Roofing and Guttering attended to on the shortest notice, and at very Reasonable Charges. J'KIVATK ADDRESS: 30, WILLIAM STREET, SlERrilYR. Orders by 1 'o- t receive immediate attention. Workshop: HOXU KOAG PASSAGE, MERTHY K. ATLAS FuHNisniNu Co. MMITKD, JJAYES jgUILDINGS, ^ARDIFF. BY FA It THE MOST EXTJiNSlVK COMPLETE BoesE FURNISHERS IN TI \1:: PRINCIPALITY. We Supply Every Requisite tor the Complete Fur- milling of COTTAGE, VILLA, OK MANSION for Cash, or on Easy Tonus considerably Cheaper than most of tho Firm* who advertise to Sell for Cash only. This we. are ablo to do through lining LARGE BUYERS OF MATERIALS AND BONA FIDE MANUFACTURERS of the Piineipal Goods we Sell. An appreciable idea • of the EXTENT OF OUR STOCK can only be gained hy making Il tOil" through our Showrooms. Warehouses, and Workshons. Uvcr £ 50,000 WORTH OF STOCK to select from. If desired, terms may tw arranged to suit customers' eonvenienee. I )on't forget that we are the PUEMIElt |_J <>USE j^URMSIlERS j IN -w An immense Stoek always 011 hand of | CABINETS, SUITES, MIRRORS, SLOE- BOARDS, CIIIFFONNIERS, CARPETS, LINOLEUMS, FLOORCLOTHS, and all kinds of Furniture, Watches, Clocks. Jewellery, etc. Successors to 11 Lifli INS CO for the .Sole Agency of AVHEEEER AND WILSONS j^EWI N G Yj A C Jl 1 X E S Acknowledged to be one of the Best Machine1? ill the World. AGENTS FOR CARL OTTO'S PRIZE MEDAL FLAXOS. ALERS IN ALL KINDS OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS. Catalogues, with Prices and Terms, l'n:c on Application. ALL GOODS DELIVER El > FREE WITHIN 100 MILES. OUR JQ ECO U A T 1 V E JQ E P A J R T M K X T IS THE FIN EST AND BEST I X CARDIFF, BALLROOMS, (CONCERT ROOMS, & ARTISTICALLY OECOR A TED. ^riXTVL DECORATIONS ion THE TOWN HALL ASSEMBLY-ROOMS. CHAIRS, SETTEES, *<• LENT ON JURE, TERMS M.ODER ATE. "if/ff. Utq: Onuv Addkkss in Cakdji f g'ilfiB -^JUJLDIXGS, ^'lARDIFF. j AT **iP«6e*ss BTREFJ, LONDON, W.C. 7- public announcements. T. WHITTY EVANS, LICENSED AUCTIONEER, VALUER, AND ACCOUNTANT, F> EOUESTS the honour of your favours and recommendation. Prompt settlements. Offices EAGLE INN, ABERDARE. [3606 STRONG, THE POWERFUL, B.D. Co.'s EVER RISING. YEAST HlUSTOL MHTlLUSG Co., I/rn. C'HKKSE LANE, HIUSTOL SoiDfkz (wd Prices on {I)Jpliarfioll. BUYIXG AGENTS WANTED. [3469 DAVID EVANS, ACCOUNTANT AND AUCTIONEER, 51, Gwaelodygarth Terrace, MERTHYR. ENGLISH AND WELSH SALES ATTENDED. -8- J. LL. ATKINS, F.A.I., AUCTIONEER, VALUER, ACCOUNTANT, and GENERAL COMMISSION AGENT. Offices: Gcllyfaelog Cottage and 20, Upper Union- Street, Dowlais. Agent for the Liverpool, London, and Globe Insur- ance Co., the United Kingdom Temperance aad Provident Institution, and the Ocean Railway Acci- dent Co. Also for the White Star Inman, and American Steamship Companies. LLANDOVERY COLLEGE. ENTRANCE SCHOLARSHIPS, JAN., 1896. Two of L25 i yetr ezacti. TwoofJE20 Twoof.815 TwoofJBlO Six of £ 8 8s. „ The EXAMINATION will begin at 3 p.m. in the School Hall, on WEDNESDAY, Jan. 15th. Three grades of papers will be set Senior, Intermediate, and Junior. The School Fees are 40 guineas it year for board, and JC8 8s. a year for tuition. Tho IJjljtinetioll" List for the year 1895 in- cludes Six Scholarships and Exhibitions at Ox- ford and Cambridge, one being the First Mathe- matical Scholarship. JE100 a year, at Hert- ford College, Oxford 21 Higher Certificates, and 23 Distinctions from the Oxford and Cam bridge Schools Examination Board, bracketed in the 10th place in the number of Certificates, and in the 7th place in chc number of Distinctions, in tho 1st place in the number of Distinctions in Mathematics, in tho 1st place in tho number of Distinctions in Mechanics, and in the ?irl place in tho number of Distinctions in English; 6th place, with £ 10 prize in Honours, London Matriculation, June, 1895. There arc about 180 boys in school, of whom 130 are boarders. The resident staff consists of 11 Graduates of Oxford and Cambridge. There are classical and modern .sides in two distinct departments, boys' studies and readincr-rooni, it large library, a laboratory, and a saiiitoriiim. Boys are prepared for the Uni- versities, for the professions, for the Civil Service, and for busings. There are three fields for cricket ami football, one covered and two open fives-courts, and a gymnasium. Regular instruction is given to the whole school in drill. Next Term will Ixgin on FRIDAY, January 17th. Boarders return previon- day. For particulars apply to the Warden, College, Llandovery. -Uo' To House and Property Uwners Generally. JR. II. LUSCOMBE, PAINTER AND DECORATOR, &(., 44, Victoria-street, Dowlais, H. H. L. beg-i to thank his customers for their liberal support in the past year, and respectfully draws their attention to the large and choice, stock of Papcrhang- ings, Paints, Varnishes, &c.. &c., which he has. 10,000 pieces ofChoice Paperhang- mg for the coming season, comprising" Pulps," from Id. per piece to 2s. 6d.; Satins," from lOd. upwards Sanitaries," from 3^d. to 3s. 6d.; Golds," plain, from 7d.; embossed, from Is. Id. to 7". 6d. per piece. Having secured the sole representation of one of the leading Engusii Manufacturers, I am able to give a Special Discount of I". in the £ on all orders over J61. Paints of the finest quality only, from 4id. per pound. Vakniskks. — '• Copals," "Crystals," "Church Oak," "Hard Oak," "Body Varnish," "Carriage Varnish/' Elastic," and "Spirit Yarn nil),of the best makers only. PAlNTtNii AND DECOUATINC. R.H.L. gives personal attention to all branches of the above trade. Sign Writing, Decorations, and Gilding Glass Embossing. A staff of experienced workmen kept. All orders receive prompt attention, and general satisfaction guaranteed. Orders by Post promptly attended to. Agent for "Seccotinc" for .sticking everything. Cryptographs. Windsor and Newton's Artists' Materials, &c., &c. Choice selection of all things kept in stock. LADIES AND THEIR AILMENTS. It is frequently a subject of considerable debate in a Lady's mind as to what is the most effectual and Certain Remedy to Relieve and Correct all Irregularities of the System, especially as there arc now so many unprincipled and recently- sprung-up Advertising Quacks, who have no medical experience whatever. LADIES Do not delay and waste precious time and money on Worth- less Rubbish, but send stamped- addressed en velope for particulars of the GOLDEN and RE- LIABLE Medicine which has Relieved Thousands, to Established) A. D asm ail (Specialist) (50 years of 30 years experience, and you will secure í,FÙv,r and E:JOY HkaltHjIIavh- Nl'SS, PtlOS- r km TV, and Frkkdoji. j\ DASM AIL, 112, Lan-dale, WALTHAMSTOW. .n Tiikiie auk FEW Homes in which the preparation of the Christmas Pudding is not as regular as the nriveut of Christmas itself, and the notion among tho juvenile members of the family that a vigorous stir at the compound means good fortune during th" coming year, still holds its own. We think our lady readers may like an excellent recipe for a Christmas Pudding, and theicfore give the best we know:—Take three- quarters of a pound of flour, two large teaspoonfuls of !Jorwick's Baking Powder, two ounces of bread crumby one and a half pounds of suet, two pounds of raisins, one pounds of currants, ten ounces of sugar, two ounces of almonds, one pound of mixed candied peOl, fall ami spice to t;<e. Mix ingredients well together and add ■•i\ ogg.> well beaten, and three- j quarters of a pint of milk, divide in two and boi eight hours Al)\"(. I

Country Gentlemen should not fail to obtain a copy of tho "Country Gknti.kmkn's Catalogue." It iS the handiest, and most useful book published. Everything y«m want is there. Cloth, 3s, od. Paper boards, 2s. M- post free. Edkn Fisheb & Co., 6, 7, and 8, Clement's Lane, E.C., and all kscllers and bookstalls, 2933

BRITISH WORKMAN'S ASSURANCE COMPANY'S DINNER AT ABER DARE. On Thursday afternoon tlie annual dinner in con- nection with the agents of the Aberdare and Merthyr districts of the above company was held at the Cardiff Castle Temperance Hotel, Aberdare. Mr. Morris, the inspector tor Wales, who was accompanied by Mrs. Morris, presided, supported by Mr. D. Davies, superintendent, Aberdare, and Mrs. Davies Mr. Richards, superintendent, Merthyr, and Mrs. Rich- ards and Mr. Bishop, superintendent, Brvnmawr. There were also present Mr. D. D. Jones, superin- tendent, and Mrs. Jones, Pontypridd M). T. Griffiths, superintendent, Maesvcwmmer Mr. H. Llewellyu, Mountain Ash Mr. T. J. Davies, Pen- rhiweeiber Mr. Rees Thomas, Cwmaman Mr. Bowles, Mountain Ash Mr. G. Thomas, Aberaman Mr. Levi Jones, Aberaman Air. B. Llewellyn and Mrs. Llewellyn, Mr. J. Yeater, Mr. I). Gray, Mr. Bowen, Hirwain Mr. D. Jenkins, Aberdare Mr. T. Lewis, Abe-dare Mr. T. Phillips, Merthyr Mr. J. Brewer, Merthyr Mr. E. Lewis, Merthyr Mr R. Jones, Merthyr Mr. W. Peters, Merthyr Mr. E. J. Arthur, Merthyr Mr. M. Jenkins, Merthyr Mr. J. Wilks, Merthyr Mr. Arthur Harris, Merthyr Mr. W. B. Thomas, Merthyr Mr. D. Williams, Merthyr Mr. Thomas Davies, Aberdare Mr. T. Davies, clerk, Neath Mr. D. M. Richards (Express), Mr. Fred Lewis (Merthyr Times), and Mr. G. M. Evans CTzrian). An excellent dinner was catered for by Mr. and Mrs. Pugsley, the foDowing being the menu V—Joints, roast beef, roast pork, roast turkey sweets, rhubarb tarts, rice pudding, tapioca, jellies and blanc mango salad, butter, cheese and celery; dessert, apples, figs, grapes and nuts. After dinner was over -ui interest- ing programme was gone through. Pianoforte solo, Master Caradog S. Davies (well given) song, Mr. Rees Thomas, agent. The Chairman, who was received with applause, read a letter that had been received from Mr. S. J. Port thanking them for the invitation to lie present, but regretting his inability to avail himself of the Opportunity as it was Board day and he was busy. He wished them every success, and gave some very useful suggestions respecting the carrying oil of their insurance business. Mr. Port (said the chairman) was a gentleman who had attained to a very l-esponsible position, and he trusted that all present that day would take his suggestions to heart. Continuing, the chairman said that he was called upon to preside over a great many meetings in tho course of the year, but he felt more pleasure in coming to Aberdnre than any other district (applause). He had speut a very plea-ant two years at Aberdare. They would recol- lect a meeting that was held there in 1893. Since that time, he was pleased to say, their business had grown very rapidly. They never thought that the business would have grown to the extent it had. The fact that the district had been divided, so as to form separate districts, was enough to convince everyone that the company had made progress second to none (applause). Air. D. Davies, the Aberdare superinten- dent, was well to them, and his services were highly appreciated by the managers and by everyone tu the district. Some time ago it was decided to separate Merthyr from Aberdare, as the business had grown very rapidly. It therefore devolved upon him (the chairman) to nominate someone to take charge of Merthyr. He appointed Mr. Richards to tho post. lerhaps Mr. Richards had not been in the business as as Mr. Davies but he had been very well drilled in the work and would prove the right man in the right place (hear. hear). Mr. Bishop, the superin- tendent at Brynmawr, had also been very successful, and so had Mr. Griffiths, the. superintendent at Maesycwmmer. Ho also praised the agents for their energy. He was very pleased to see Mr. R. Jones, of Merthyr, present ho had been with them for a long period. He also noticed several young agents present whom he had not met before, but judging from their appearance he thought that they were men who were likely to succeed (hear, hear), lie was also glad to see Mr, Llewellyn present. He also was well known to them all. He was also glad to see the representa- tives of the press present—(hear, hear)—and he asked them to give them a hearty welcome (hear, hear). The chairman concluded by referring to the fact that w^hereas there were only nine districts in 1893 there were now 18 (applause). That showed them that the company had made great progress and stood in tho very first rank of insurance companies (applause). Song, Superintendent D. Richards (received with applause). „ fpl,lJt. A. N. Bishop, Brynmawr, gftve the toast of Tho British Workman's Assurance Company, and Our Manager "—(applause)—and said that he felt that they could not but come to the conclusion that they could not represent a better company. The manage- ment treated them in a manner which ho (Mr. Bishop) had found wanting in other companies (applause). Mr. Bishop referred in eulogistic terms to Mr. Port, the manager. The toast was received with enthusiasm, and the chairman in responding said that there wao: no insurance company who dealt more liberally with their policy-holders. And, as Mr. Bishop had just stated there was no company that treated their representatives better (applause). There was, also, no company that possessed a tatter manager than theirs. Mr. Port was the only man alive that had had anything to do with the formation of that company, and it was due to him that the company stood in the position it did to-day (applause). The company had between 6,000 and 7,000 policy-holders lit the Aberdare and Merthyr districts. The company had paid in the half year ending October, 1895, claims amounting to £ 65,234 they had nearly 1,000,000 policy-holders that day. Their premium income per annum was over £430,000, and they had a reserve fund ef j6226,428 7s. lOd. (applause). Their financial year would close in April, 1896, and it was expected that there would ho an increase in the premium income of j650,000 (applause). The company would compare favourably with any company in this country. or in America, where theiv friend Mr. Bishop had had so much experience (applause). He was pleased to see ladies present; they could be of ereat help to their husbands in the furtherance of their business (applause). Song, "I Bias Gogcrddan," Agent Levi Jones.. 8upt. D. D. Jones, Pontypridd, gave the toast of "Success to Aberdare and Merthyr Di;;trict.c; and wished Mr. Davies, Mr. Richards, and all the agents in those districts every success. Recitation, Agent J. H. Bowles. Violin solo, Agent Thomas Davies. Superintendent D. Daviea, Aberdare, in responding to the toast (which had been well received), said that they had done fairly well in Aberdare as shown by statements of the chairman and other gentlemen, but what they had done was only an indication of what they were going to do in the future (applause). He thanked all the agents for the very energetic way in which they had worked in the past. He hoped that they would redouble their efforts and show other districts what they could do. Out of the 17 or 18 districts they had never been lower than the 6th, and they had been up to the third place (applause). They must, however, not rest satisfied until they got to the top (apolause). Mr. Richards, Merthyr, also responded. He could assure them that he wished their Aberdare friends every success, but, of course, he wished success to Merthyr first of all (laughter and applause). He trusted that all the agents would put their shoulders to the wheeland work energetically in the furtherance of the business (applause). Song, Holy City," Agent W. Peters. At this juncture, Agent Levi Jones was presented with a leather-bag for havinp- niado the largest increase 111 the industrial department during the year. The bag was the gift or Superintendent D. Davies, and the presentation was made by Mrs. Davies. Agent T. Philips wa-" also presented with an ink- stand, for having made the second largest increase. Mrs. Richards made the presentation. Addresses were given by Agent R. Jones, Merthyr, and Agent Llewellyn. Aberdare, both of whom spoke in eulogistic terms of the company and their deter- mination to do all that lay in their power towards the furtherance of the company's interests. Superintendent T. Griffiths, Ms.esycwnmier, gave the toast of "The Pre.ss," and said that they owed a great deal to the press. 10 Mr. Frtd Lewis (Mcrtht/r Times) and Mr. T. Davies, Keath, responded. Song, Agent E. J. Arthur. Song, Agent Rees Thomas (encored). A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the chair- man and Sirs. Morris for their presence, and the Chairman, in reply, gave some sound advice to the agents, his remarks being frequently applauded. A vote of thanks »vas also accorded the host and hostess, and a most pleasant gathering terminated with the National Anthem.

THE RAPE CASE AT CAPCOCH. INDIGNATION MEETING. On Wednesday, at the Cardiff Assizes, Richard Morgan, Richard Richards, William Richards, and Edmund Davies, were charged on bail with violently outraging Sarah Ann Crisp, a married woman, in the neighbourhood of Capcocb, Mountain Ash, on the 6th of January last.—Mr. Ernest Bowen Rowlands and Mr. St. John Francis Williams (instructed by Mr. Gwilym Jones, Mountain Ash) appeared for the prosecution Mr. Lewis (instructed by Mr. Charles Kenshole, Aberdare)defended. —Mr.Bowen Rowlands, in opening the case, said the prisoners stood charged with an offence of a brutal and almost diabolical character.—The evidence has so recently appeared in tlieeo columns that it is not necessary to repeat it again.—The jury returned into court after some deliberation with a verdict of guilty against the whole of the prisoner", but recommended them to mercy; and in sentencing the prisoners the learned Com- missioner stated that it was a very bad case, aud the least sentence he could pass would be that of five years' penal servitude. Tho decision of his lordship caused considerable sensation in the court, and the prisoners, who seemed dazed at the result, were quickly led by the warders into the cells below. The sentence passed on four men (one of whom was a married man with a wife and five children), Richard Richards, William Richards, Edmund Davies, and Richard Morgan, who were at the last Assizes sent for five years' penal servitude for a rape on Mrs. Sarah Ann Crisp, has created intense excite- ment in the neighbourhood of Capcoch, Mountain Ash, Aberaman, Cwmaman, and Cwmbaeh, as well as the whole of the Aberdare Valley, and several private meetings have been held during the latter part of last week to protest against the injustice of tho sentence. At one of these meetings a deputation was appointed tosccMr. Kensliole, the solicitor for the defence, but they were unable to see him. The deputa- tion then acting upon the instructions received, saw Colonel Thomas Phillips, aud as the result of their interview with him a mass meeting of the inhabitants of Capcoch and district was held at the l'aptist Chapel, Abercwmboy, which was erowded by au intensely excited audience, over which Councillor Thomas Davies, Abercwmbwy House, presided. Several speeches were delivered, in which the subject was very fully discussed. Some of the speeches were of the most indignant character as to the sentence passed. It was decided unanimously to prepare a petition to the Home Secretary, praying him to reduce the sentence passed on the young men, and it. was resolved to ask Mr. T. Phillips, solicitor, Aber- dare, to draw out a iietition to that effect. ¡'

All hope of comfort in mv home had (licit full the MATCHLESS CLEANSElt SOAl'