Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

GELLIGAER SCHOOL. The following boys from this school have passed the Cambridge local examinations as under :—Under 19 years honours; class III, R. P. Jones, Gelligaer A. J. Prosser, Treharris. Under 16 years, J. Jones, Brynmawr; G. D. Watkins, Brynmawr. Between 16 and 18 as juniors; J. Williams, Treharris.

STOKERS' DISPUTE AT MERTHYR VALE. We learn that Mr. W. Evans, miners' agent, has had an interview with the men, and, as a result of this, a deputation waited on Mr. Gray, tbe manager, and at a meeting of the affected men in the coffee tavern, the terms of settlement were stated to l>e that Mr. Gray bad conceded the eight hours asked tor,and pro- mised to consider the matter of the advance of wages in the case of some of the men that had the most difficult work to do at the No. 2 boilers. The con- cession granted is to come into force on the 10th of March next. It is now confidently believed that the dispute is happily ended, and that no stoppage will take place.

THE COWBRIDGE SCHOOL. In the House of Commons on Monday, Mr. Maclean snored that a. humble address be presented to Her Majesty to exclude the Cowbridge Grammar School from the intermediate and technical education scheme of the Glamorgan Town Council. Ho said the objection to the scheme was that it proposed to confiscate the revenue of a school which was regarded as a distinctively Church of England School. He did not propose to go into the details of the history of the school. It stretched back over a great many centuries. If the scheme became law it would prevent the school from remaining under the Church of England. Leoline Jenkins, who filled various public positions in the reign of Charles II., died in 1685 and left the bulk of his property to Jesus College, Oxford, subject to a charge of B450 a year for the benefit of the Cowbridge Grammar School. There could bo no doubt from the terms of the will that Jenkius, who in life was a staunch Churchman, intended that the school hould be exclusively a Church School. The history of this school showed that it hadalways belonged to the. Church of England, and it ought not to be torn away from that Church in order to be absorbed in thin now scheme for intermediate education in Wales. The Church of England was now in such a position that it naturally sought to retain what was its own. Church- men paid the bulk of the cost of the Board Schools, and for conscience' sake they taxed themselves to support their voluntary school- Under the guise of promoting national education violent hands were being laid upon Church endowments. He appealed with confidence to the House to take care that this valuable educationarcharity should not be snatched from the Church of England. Major Wyndham Qnin seconded the motion. He thought that the fact that there was and had been a close bond of union between this school and the Church in Wales had been fully established. It was most probabb that the foundation deed was lost or destroyed at the time of the Commonwealth, but without that, he contended, the actions and indentions of the founder and the terms of his bequest were sufficient to show the connexion between the Church and this school. Mr. D. A. Thomas contended tint this was not a Church school on the authority of the Rev. Edward Jenkins, who, he believed, was the prime mover in the agitation for the exclusion of Cowbiidge from this scheme. The opposition to the scheme really came from the Church brigade, a mere handful of elegy it was the creation of the joint Education Committee and had been prepared with the assistance of the Charity Commission and approved by tho Education Department. The locality were thoroughly in favour of the scheme, by which it wot.ld be immensely bene- fitted. The scheme made it obligatory on Jesus College, Oxford, to giN-e;0500 a year to this grammar school, and. in addition, it wculd receive JE600 from the general fund of the county- He appealed to the House not to throw over a scheme which had taken yews of the time of competent men to frame. Mr. Brynmor Jones (Swansea District) opposed the resolution. The House divided, and the numbers were For the motion 160 Against 45 Majority for 115

THE TREORKY PARTY AT MERTHYR. On Monday the Treorky Male Voice Party paid a visit to Merthyr, at the invitation of the Pontmorlais Welsh C.M. Church, and gave two concerts in the Drill Hall, one at three and the other at eight. The platform had been tastily decorated for the occasion. In the afternoon the chair was to have been occupied by Mr. W. Thomas, J.P., Brynawel, but that gentle- man was unable to attend in the evening Mr. W. L. Daniel presided. Much interest was taken in the event, and people looked forward with eagerness to seeing and hearing a combination of singers who had distinguished themselves, not only in the Princi- pality, but also in Windsor Castle, when they appeared bef jre Her Majesty the Queen. There was a. fairly good attendance at the afternoon concert, but in.the evening the hall was simply crammed, every av,ailable inch of space being occupied, and many having to be turned back from the doors for lack of room. The programme for both concerts was prac- tically identical. In the evening the pro- ceedings commenced with a magnificent ren- dering by the choir of Rille's "Destruc- tion of Gaza," Mr. W. Thomas wielding the baton, and Mr. J. T. Jones accompanying. Mr. Gabriel Williams, the well-known Rhondda baritone, followed with Bill the Bos'un," to which he did ample justice. Then came Madame J. Thomas, Llanelly, with Clay's She Wandered Down the Mountain Side," which was sung in a manner that provoked enthusiastic and rapturous applause. In regpons9 to an encore, Madame Thomas sang Car- mencita." This lady possesses a voice of tre- mendous volume, yet flexible, sweet, tender, and under perfect control. Mr. W. Todd-Jones, who is coming mto the front asatenor.sangPinsuti's pathetic eong, The Last Watch." A quartet followed, which wati rendered'v/ith much grace and finish. An encore being demanded, Mentia Gwen was given. This s-otig is a solo, and does not quite take on as a quartet. It sounds a little grotesque to ask a lady to marry four gentlemen. The next item was a rendi- tion by the choir of Letnnander's "Safe m Port," Comrades in Arms being given in response to an encore. Both pieces weie excellently rendered. The first part of the concert was concluded with a duet, Love and War," by Messrs Williams and Jones. During the interval the royal baton, presented to Mr. W. Thomas by the Queen, was exhibited to the audience and greatly admired. The interval over, the choir sang Dr. Parry's "Pilgrims, a piece abounding in pretty touches, though rather long, and lagging here and there. Madame J. Thomas next sang Ernani, fly with me," interpreting the spirit of the song with much vigour and accuracy. There were loud calls for an encore, but the singer refused to respond. Mr. J. Devonald followed with that ever- green favourite, "Genevieve," the choir taking the chorus. Mr. Gabriel Williams gave "The Young Brigade," and Mr. Todd-Jones "The Children's Home." Then followed what proved to be one of the gems of the evening, namely, Ambroise Thomas' The Tyrol," by the choir. This is one of the finest piepes ever written for male voice parties, and tests their capacities to the utmost. The choir came through the ordeal with infinite credit, and such was the appreciation of the audience- that an encore was emphatically demanded, the ohoir responding with Y Delyn Aur," which they rendered with very great sweetness. The last item on the programme was R. S. Hughes' Llam y Cariadau," beautifully t-iiiig by Madame Thomas. Then. came the finale, "God Save the Queen," by the choir, and so concluded one of the most enjoyable concerts ever given in Merthyr.

BAPTIST MUSICAL FESTIVAL AT MERTHYR. On Monday last the annual Baptist Musical Fes- tival was held at Zion Chapel, Twynyrodyn, Merthyr, and proved a great success. The choirs who took part were from Cefn, Bethel (Georgetown), Ebenezer, and Zion. The singers numbered between 400 and 500, and sang the various choruses with splendid effect, under the baton of Mr. Dan Davies, the talented leader of the Merthyr Invincibles." The accom- panists were Mr. David. Williams (Zion), and Mr. Morris, Cefn. The chairman of the committee was Mr. Thomas Humphries; the duties of treasurer were entrusted to Mr. Richard Llewelyn, and the onerous duties of secretary were carried out very admirably l»y Mr. W. J. Lewis, Bethel. The morning meeting, held at- Bethel, was for juvenile choirs, which w-re conducted by Mr. WiHiam Thomas, liethel, in the much regretted, but unavoidable, absence of Air. Dan Davies. The following tunes were siin.- I'latit y Nofoedd," "Arglwydd, dyma fi," "Golchwyd eii Gynau yn Ngwaed yr Oen," "Bryniau Canaan," "Sychl1 y Dagrau," Fe Aned y Messiah Mawr." Tho Rev. 11 Illtyd Jenkins, Bethel, presided. The singing of the children was very effective, especially in the tune "Bryniau Canaan." At two o'clock the afternoon meeting was commenced at Zion, under the presidency of the Rev. W. B. Griffiths, of Cefn. The ¡ chapel was crowded in every part. The singing was magnificent throughout, tho followiug being the tunes: Samson," Job," Salem Lan," Gotha," Graig," "Bala," "Engedi," "Winchester,"and "Waterstock." Mr. Dan Davies conducted in his well-known brilliant style. Special mention should be made of several tunes, including Salem Lan and "Gotha," as well as the 'grand chorus, Worthy is the Lamb," which was given with grand effect. The recently-composed anthem, by Mr. Lewis Morgan, "Mawla'th Krys Di yn Seion," was also sunv, to the great delight of all present. The anthem is exceedingly pretty, and was sung in good style. The evening meeting was presided over by the Rev. W. A. Jones, Zion, when the follow- ing tunes were sung, Mr. Dan Davies ascain conducting Haydn," Irfon," Tadmor," Pisgah," Ebenezer," Beverley," Croesawiad," "Dies jlras," Hungerford," Llanbeblipr," and "Worms." Tho special feature of this meeting was the rendering of the magnificent tune composed by Mr. D. C. Williams Irfon; those in tho know'' declaring it to be the best item on tho evening's pro gramme. This uptaks highly of our worthy towns- man. The effect was marvellous, esjjecially III the singing of the last four lines of each verse O na bai modd i mi Ysgoi ci hymchwydd hi, A hcdfan mveh ei lli' I'r Ganaan hyfryd "Mae braw ar f enaid gwan Mai boddi fydd fy rhan, Cyn cyrhacdd tawel lan Bro y golcuni IAliani yr ofnaf mwy? V Duw a'u daliodd hwy A'rn dyga inau drwy Ei dyfroedd dyfnion." A stirring addres5 was delivered by Mr. Joseph Owen, and the gymanfa was a grand success in 'I', every way, musically as well as financially. There lira-! a crowded attendance at eaclj meeting.

CONSERVATIVE MEETING AT ABERDARE. On Thursday night a public meeting was held at the Constitutional Hall, in connection with the Lady Lewis Habitation of the Primrose League. There was a large attendance, and much interest was taken in the proceedings. The hall had been very attractively decorated with mottoes, plants, and evergreens, by Mrs. Wilson and Mhs James. The plants had been kindly lent for the occasion by Sir. W. T. Lewis, Bart., and Mrs. W. T. Rees, Maesyffnon.—Dr. Davies, J.P., presided, and was supported on the platform by Mr. Oswald, delegate from the Grand Council Mr. Valentine Watson, Conservative agent, Mountain Ash Mr. A. P. Jones, chairman of the Constitutional Club Mrs. W. T. Rees, Maesyffynon, Ruling Councillor of the Lady Lewis Habitation of the Primrose League Mrs. Wilson, secretary, and the ladies of the Executive Committee of the Habita- tion.—The Chairman introiuced the principal Bpeaker of the evening, Mr. Oswald, to the notice of the meeting.—Mr. Oswald, in the course of a vigor- ous speech, dwelt on the aims and objects of the Primrose League. He traced the history of the League and the great progress that it had made. It started with only six members, but now it had a membership of a million and a quarter. During the past Primrose League year" 6,000 new members had been enrolled, which proved that the League was as popular and progressive as ever. The object of the League was to protect and uphold the Queen and Constitution, the maintenance of religion, and the integrity and unity of the Empire. Mr. Oswald also spoke of the Government policy with regard to voluntary school?. He upheld that policy and said that he was not in any way prejudiced. Mr. Oswald also eulogised Mr. Goschen's firm policy with regard to the British Navy. Had it not been for Mr. i Goschen they would not have been able to get the Flying Squadron properly manned and equipped on the waters in the short space of seven daye. It would have taken other Towers six months to put such a squidron on the waters. The spirited policy of the Government in the recent crisis showed that England was not to be trifled with. Mr. Oswald also said that it was the object of the Primrose League to uphold the House of Lords. This House, he said, was a safe- guard and check upon headlong legislation. The Liberals attacked the House of Lords and called it a house of lunatics. Nevertheless, the fact remained that Mr. Gladstone had sent more peers to this House than anybody. The Primrose League was not estab- lished for party purposes, and to show that he was not in anyway prejudiced Mr. Oswald referred to the fact that he was a Wesleyan Methodist. The speaker sat .aute. down amidst applause. j Mrs. W. T. Rees, Maesyffynon, the ruling coun- cillor, was, by the sanction of the Grand Council, presented with the second order of the grand -tar and a. handsomely bound diploma decorated with primroses in recognition of past services on behalf of the League. The presentation was made by the chairman. Mrs. Rees, who was quite taken by surprise, expressed the pleasure she felt in receiving such a present, although she did not expect it. She had endeavoured to do all that she possibly could in the past towards the furtherance of the principles of the Primrose League, and she would continue to do so in the future. We may mention that the presentation was made at the instance of the executive committee of the Lady Lewis Habitation. The chairman alaj presented special service c!a-I)s to Mrs. Wilson, sec., Mrs. Bilrkle, Mi's. Temple, and MIs. Mertz. All the recipients suitably acknowledged the compliment. Mrs. Meredith sang "The Holy City" and, being en- cored, gave Y Gardotes Faen." Miss Hopkin, Aberaman, sang "KiHarnfy, Master Gus Preeee 1 gave a humorous song and quite brought down the house. Mr. Eben Powell, sang Anchored," and, being encored, gave "The AVolf. --A vote of thanks was proposed to Mr. Oswald on the proposition of Mr. V. Watson, who, in the course of his remarks, referred to the Conservative Club that was about to be started at Mountain Ash, and for which he prophesied a successful future. The proceedings con- eluded with "God Save the Queen." The aceom- panists were Mr-j. W. T. Rees and Mrs. Temple.

NBRVK WORRY, DEPRESSION,—Quinine the only remedy Pepper's" Quinine and Iron dispels all rerve trouble Hurt be Pepper's Qu ine.

GAME TRESPASS AT HIRWAIN. At the Penderyn Petty Sessions, on Thursday, William Abraham, carpenter. was summoned for tres- passing in search of game at Hirwain on the 17th February.—Charles Goodwin, head gamekeeper to Mr. Whitting, said he found a wire set over a hare's nest in a cover, and his assistant, at his request, knocked the wire on one side. They then concealed themselves, and in about ten minutes time the defen- dant, who was working ciose by, came to the cover and went to the spot where the wire was fixed. Wit- ness and his assistant went up to the place and found that the wire had been re-set as it was when they first saw it.—Thomas Ba*ford, the assistant keeper, cor- roborated.—The Defendant pleaded that he had got leave to go into the cover for stakes, and it was for that purpose that he went on this occasion—not to get any game.—Fined 5s. and costs, or seven days.

SAD END OF AN ABERDARE COLLIER. THE INQUEST. On Friday morning a fatal accident occurred at the Werfa Colliery, Aberdare. It appears that whilst a collier named Benjamin Reea, living at Windsor- terrace, Abernant, was proceeding to his work under- ground at the above colliery, in company with other colliers, he was knocked down by a tram which had been detached from the rope. The poor fellow had his leg broken as well as other injuries. He died soon afterwards from shock and loss of blood. The deceased leaves a large family to mourn his loss. On Saturday, at the Rose Wenallt, Abernant, an inquest was held by Mr. R. J. Rhys, coroner, touch- ing the death of Benjamin Rees, 1, Windsor-terrace, Abernant, who was killed on Friday morning at the Werfa Colliery. Mr. G. F. Adams, one of the assis- tant inspectors of mines, was present, while Mr. W. Thomas watched the case on behalf of the company, From the evidence it transoired that two journeys of coal were brought down simultaneously toa double part- ing from the three-feat seam and the sever."feet seam, the same rope being attached to both. The practice at the colliery is that when the rider on the seven-feet seam has got his journey ready, he signals by an electric bell to the rider on the other seam. Then hQtb riders let their trams run at the same time. On Friday the rider at the No. 3 seam, John Howells, got his signal All right," and allowed his tram to run down, with the result that the rope on the three-feet seam became detached, and, running wild, knocked Rees down, breaking hie leg and otherwise injuring him, with the result that he died shortly afterwards, It was shown that. the lider on the No. 3 seam bad not gi ven the signal Howells had received, and it tran- spired that the lx>ys employed underground have been in the habit of interfering with the signals, and the manager stated that he had offered a reward for the detection of any offender of this kind. The Coroner reviewed the case, saying that it was evident from the evidence that some one had interfered with the signals and the jury returned a verdict to the effect that Rees had been killed by a rope running wild, and the Foreman said it was to l>e hoped that the officials at the colliery would be successful in find- ing out the offender on this occasion, and that J.. would be prosecuted.

ABERDARE SCHOOL BOARD. Friday. Present Mr. R. H. Rhys, J.P. (chair- man), Messrs. D. P. Davies (vice-chairman), Railton, Aberaman W. J. Heppell, Cwmaman Rev. M. Powell, Aberaman Rev. H. R. Johnson, Aberdare Rev. J. Griffiths, Aberdare Rev. D. Griffiths, Cwm- dare Rev. D. M. Davies, Cwmbach Mr. Charles, Trecynon Mr. Morris (clerk). MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE COMMITTEE. — The I report of this committee was read and adopted.—The Committee made several recommendations with reference to the staff at Aljeraman, Abernant, Roberts town, Capcoch, Cwmbach, and Penywain Schools. AN EQUITABLE RECOMMENDATION.—The Secretary of the National Union of Teachers wrote, on behalf of AN EQUITABLE RECOMMENDATION.—The Secretary of the National Union of Teachers wrote, on behalf of that body, to the effect that at the conference the Union had held the question of paying the mistresses of infants' and girls' schools was considersd. The Union were of opinion that the mistresses of infants' "chools should be paid as much as mistresses of girls' schools. They had equal qualifications. It was also more difficult to teach infants than girls. The N.U.T. hoped that the Aberdare Board would do all they could to place mistresses of infants and girls on the same scale of salary. GIVINC. NOTICE.—Miss G. M. Davies, ex-P.T., wrote to say that she would be resigning her appoint- ment at the end of the month.—MissGwladvs James, ex-P.T., also gave similar notice, and so did another ex-I).T. MORE WAGES WANTED.—H. Mills, caretaker, ap- plied for an advance in h;s wages. His work had been greatly increased since the time he had first taken up the duties. Classes were now held every night and there was also an extra class on Saturday. All this meant increased work. Moreover he had to find his own brushes, A.c.—Chairman What does he get now ?—The Clerk £2 18s. 4d. per month.—Chair- man For the three schools ?—Clerk Yes, and the Higher Grade School.—Mr. D. P. Da vies said that it meant a great deal for the man to have to find every- thing.—It was understood that the matter would have consideration, although no action was taken. MCLTTM IN PARVO.—It was decided to borrow the loan required.—Tho reports of the Capcoch, Cwm- dare, Llwydcoed, liobertstown, and Cwmbach Schools were read.-At Capcoch the total amount of grant earned was JB263, as against S259 2s. 6d. in the corresponding period; at Cwmdare the total grant was £ 194 14s. 6d., as against £ 181 18s. '10d. at Llwydcoed there was also an increase in the amount of the total grant; at Cwmbach the total grant Was JE506 6s., as against JB294 16s. 6d. there was a slight decrease in tne amount of the total grant at Roberts- town. THE NEW REOCLATroNS. —Mr. Heppell Are the new regulations in force at the various schools?—The Clerk replied that a copy had been sent to each head teacher.—Mr. Heppell I suppose that the whole of the teachers will get a copy ?—Clerk Yes. There are plenty of copies for them. Ex-I'.T.'s LEAVING.—The Chairman, i-efeiring to the matter of the ex who were leaving, asked the clerk to get all the information he could as to their leaving.—Mr. Heppell al-(j moved that the School Management Committeo should consider the question of pupil teachers leaving. CWMDARE SCHOOLS.—Rev. D. Griffiths, Cwmdare, complained that there was great difficulty in getting water to clean the Cwmdare Schools. It would be advantageous to have a tap erected on the premises. THE Ex-P.T.'RT SALARIES.—The Chairman gave notice to consider the advisability, or otherwise, of increasing the salaries of the Ex-P.T.'s. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.—The school attendance lists for the previous fortnight were submitted. The number of children on the books at the end of the previous week were 5,828 present at all, 5,453; average attendance, 4,818. The highest percentage was at the Penywain and Capcoch Schools.

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ABERDARE WATER SUPPLY. At tl e Penderyn Petty Sessions, held at Cefn on Thursday, before Messrs. W. M. North, John Rogers, Jenkin Matthews, and Edward Davies, Mr. Phillips, solicitor, and clerk to the Aberdaro Urban Council, applied with lexpect to certain land on the Bodwigaiad Estate, in the parish of Penderyn, which the Urban Council desired to procure for the purposes of their water works-. The tenants had made certain claims which the Council could not allow, and he, therefore, applied under the Land Clauses Act for the magistrates to settle the matter and fix a day for the purpose.-The Bench fixed that day three weeks, at 11.30, as the date on which they will meet to decide the matter, and they will then meet all the parties concerned on the spot.

EISTEDDFOD AT ABERDARE. On Monday (Malxm's Pay) a grand eisteddfod was held at the Nf'!w Public Hall, under the auspices of the Loyal Anwylyd Lodge of Alfreds. There was not a large attendance. Mr. D. W. Lewis, Bryn- aman, adjudicated the music. The Rev. J. T. Job (Isawel), Aberdare, adjudicated the recitation and also acted as conductor of the proceedings. Prof. R. Howells carried out the duties of accompanist. The secretarial duties were carried out Ijy Mr. John T. Evans, 17, Oxford-street, and Mr. John James, 46. Gadlya-itreet. All the above-named gentlemen carried out their respective duties in a \ery efficient manner. Mr. J. W. Evans, solicitor, was to have presided over the proceedings, but that gentleman wrote to say that he had been called away to Cardiff and could not attend. In his absence Mr. G. M. Evans, Tcrian, filled the chair, and made a few suit- able introductory remarks, in the course of which he wished the gathering every success. Miss M. A. Richards sang the Eisteddfod solo, "Cymru Fydd," and the competitions were proceeded with as follows —Contralto solo, "0 rest in the Lord"; four com- petitors. The adjudicator said that the competition was a splendid one. The best was Miss M. J. Walters who, the adjudicator said, had jfiven a very effective rendering. She had a good voice and sang with true spirit.—Soprano solo, YGardotes Fach"; five competitors. Mrs. J. Davies, Cwmaman.— Duet, "Flow gently, Dtva" four competitors. Mr. J. Doronald and Mr. A. Evans.—Recitation, "Y Diwedd (J. T. Job); three competitors. Mr. John Walters, Abernant.—Baritone solo, "0 rhowc'h i mi fy ngloew gledd"; eight competitors. Mr. Jonah Jones, Trecynon, and Mr. E. Evans, Troedyrhiw, equal. Male Voice Competition, "Gwyr Philistia" (D. Jenkins, Mus. Hac.), prize, £10. It was when this competition came on that ar.vt'r':>g like enthusiasm was displayed. Th." parties "lUg in the following orderCwmaman. viditeted by Ap Dewi Alabon Trecynon, conduct- by Mr. D. Evans; Aberdare, conducted by Mr. Phillips. The adjudicator con- gratulated the parties on possessing such good voices. The competition had been a very close one, and it was a very difficult matter to decide as to which was the best. The first party's balance of parts were very good, and their reading was very correot; they also kept vood time. The party gave evidence of careful training. They entered into the spirit of the piece, and improved as they went on, so that at the conclu- sion one felt as if he would actually like to go to battle in accord with the spirit of the piece, which was a military one. The second party sang in fairly good tune their reading was correct, and they kept good time. They sang parts of the piece in good spirit, but in some parts they did not do to. The rendering was not as consistent as he should wish. The party finished in good style. No. 3 party had good voices, their intonation was correct, and the reading was very good. The party also kept good time. The party gave a very consistent rendering, they sang well from the commencement to the end, and one could not but be carried away with their spirit and enthusiasm.^ Summing up, the adjudicator said that No. 1 and No. 2 ran each other very close. No. 1 had very good voices, but the tendenoy wa3 to overdo the piece. Perhaps the voices of No. 3 were not as rich as those of No. 1, but they were very care- fully trained.^ The prize would be divided between No. 1 and No. 3, viz-, Cwmaman and Aberdare not as rich as those of X o. 1, but they were very care- fully trained. The prize would be divided between No. 1 and No. 3, viz., Cwmaman and Aberdare (applause). The respective conductors were invested amidst applause. Tenor solo, "Llam y Cariadau," five competitors; Mr. Alfred Evans. Chief Choral Competition, test piece, "Then round about the Starry Throne" (Handel). PriLe, £15. Onlyone choir competed, viz., Robertstown, conducted by Mr. D. Evans, A.C. The competition wa" thus shorn of interest. We understand that two choirs from Cwmdare and Trecynon had rehearsed for the competition, but owing to the stoppage of the Xant- melyn Colliery, where most of the members were employed, the choirs broke up." The adjudicator saia that the Roberstown Cho.r had given a very good rendering, and were worthy of the prize. EISTEDDFOD Trr-UITS.-The attendance was exceed- ingly small. Possibly the bad state of local trade was to a large extent accountable for this. The Aberdare locality is evidently flush of baritones. There were eight of them on for the baritone solo competition. —Miss Walters r,S again successful in the soprano competition. This singer has won quite a large numlier of eisteddfod prizes. — The piece selected for the recitation was "Y Diwedd." This beautiful piece is from the pen of the Rev. J. T. Job, Aberdare, and was awarded a prize of two guineas at Carnarvon Chair Eisteddfod.—We congratulate the committee in selecting "Gwyr Philistia" as the competitive piece in the male voice competition. The Destruction of Gaza" has had a too lengthy reign in local eisteddfodau.—The weather was very cold, and the memliers of the press, as well as the con- ductor, had to "pull their collars up."

GRAND THEATRE, CARDIFF. A drama, with the comprehensive title, "Fps and Downs of Life," written by Mr. F. A. Scudamore, the well-known dramatist, is the attraction at tne Grand this week. The author, in the course of four acts, gives strongly-marked representations of various phases of life, and an additional interest is imparted to the play by the magnificent scenic setting. Much of the scenery is dioramic rather than purely theatrical in character, and is full of variety as well as interest. The Greenwich Morton's Company give a splendid representation of the niece, and on Mon- day evening received an ovation from a large house. Ups and Downs of Life," which is really a sterling drama and a farcical comedy in one, is decidedly worth seeing.

THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. Mr. Fletcher, the popular lessee and manager of the Cardiff Theatre Royal, is to be heartily congratulated upon his good fortune in obtaining for Cardiff the honour of the first production out of London of Mr. Sidney Grundy's latest contribution to contemporary drama. Mr. A. R. Garland' Company, who produce the play in Cardiff this week, cover themselves with glory, and the applause which greeted every smart remark and every well acted denoument showed plainly that the large and appreciative audience were well satisfied with players and dramatist alike. The piece rests on no sensational change of scene for its success. Brilliant in its book, it is a play that requires clever intrepretation to be a success—and such a success as last night's production. Mr. Grundy's play is preceded by Before the Dawn," a bright little comediette by Henry Byalt, the characters being well sustained by Messrs. Grenville and 1". S. Harrison and Misses Ailsa Craig and Madge Lewis, the latter scoring a big success.

ABERDARE COUNCIL. Friday. Present Mr. R. H. Rhys, J.P. (chair- man), Mr. D. P. Davies (vice-chairman), Mr. Owen Harries, Trecynon Rev. B. Evans, Gadlys; Mr. Rees, Aberaman Mr. John, Cwmbach Mr. Llewellyn, Col. Phillips (clerk), Mr. Owen Williams (surveyor), and Mr. John Evans (sanitary inspector). MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT.—The Medical Officer reported four cases of scarlet fever, one of which had proved fatal. There had also been one fatal case of typhoid, and one fatal case of croup. SANITARY INSPECTOR'S RBPORT. — The Sanitary Inspector reported that several notices to abate nuisances caused by choked drains had been served.- He (sanitary inspector) had also visited the lodging- houses to ascertain whether there were any more cases of small-pox, but he had found none.—He had also conducted a house-to-house inspection.—Several hou-ef had been connected with the main sewer. CONDEMNING HOUSES. — The Medical Officer reported that Nos. 1 and 2, Dare Cottages, were in a damp state and unfit for human habitation. SURVEYOR'S REPORT.—This report was read as follows Water Supply, Howell's-row, Cwimlare.—I beg to report that the lead water main supplying Howell's-row, Cwmdare, is in a very leaky condition, and I recommend that a three- inch cast-iron main be substituted therefor for a distance of 60 yards at an estimated coet of C9. Building Plans.—I have received the following building plans, and, being in accordance with the bye-laws, recom- mend that the same be approved, viz.From Mr. William Williams, 49, Duffryn-street, Mountain Ash, two dwelling- houses at Abernant-road, Aberdare from Mr. Henry Lewis, Cemetery-road, Aberdare, two dwelling-houses in Llewelyn- street, Aberdare from Mr. David Price, 123, Olanaman-road, Cwmaman, a dwelling-house at Glanaman-road, Cwmaman from the Cwmaman Co-operative Society, new shops in Fforchaman-road, and dwelling-house in CwmReol-street, Cwmaman from Mr. David Owen, 14, Cynon-terrace, Hir- wain, a stable in rear of 14, Cynon-terrace, Hirwain from Mr. B. Jones, 18, Gwawr-Btreet, Aberaman, a stable at Tan- yard-place, Aberaman, Aberdare. Drainage Plans.—1 have received the following drainage plans, and recommend that the same be approved, viz. Two dwelling-houses at Abernant-road, two dwelling-houses Rt Llewellyn-street, one dwelling-house at Glanaman-road, Cwm- aman, one dwelling-house at Cwmneol-street, Cwmaman, two dwelling-houses at Cross-street, Hirwain, three dwelling- houses at Station-place, Aberdare, a stable at 14, Cynon- terrace, Hirwain, and a stable at Tanyard-place, Aberdare. Number of houses approved as above.. 11 previously approved 7143 Total number of houses approved 7154 —With reference to the three-inch cast-iron main, which the surveyor recommended should be substi- tuted for the lead water main supplying Howell's-row, Cwmdare, it was decided that it be obtained, on the motion of the Chairman.—The report was then adopted. MARDY-ROAD.—Mr. Richards, in the course of a letter, again urged the necessity for the erection of fencing on the side of the Mardy-road. —No action was taken in the matter. MORE LIGHT.—The Secretary of the Gadlys Building Club wrote applying for the erection of new lamps for the new row of nouses they had just built.- Chairman They don't require gas particularly up there.—Rev. B. Evans But they intend building on the other side as well.—The application was refuted. ONCE MORE.—Rev. B. Evans again drew the Council's attention to the state of tne footbridge at Cwm. It wanted repairing badly. A large numlier of colliers used the bridge in going to work at Bwllfa and Nautmelyn Collieries, and it was impor- tant that the bridge should be put in a state of proper repair.—Mr. Llewellyn said that people had fallen down there.—Rev. B. Evans: It is also very danger- ous for the children going to school.—Mr. Llewellyn There is a good deal of traffic there altogether.- Chairman (to surveyor) Have you a report on the bi idge ?—Surveyor: No but I estimate that it would cost from L30 to J655 to put it in proper repair.- Chairman You had better report on the matter at the next meeting. BELLS.—Two men named Wadsworth and Thorn attended the Council and complained that the police had stopped them from having a bell attached to their oil cart. Their trade had suffered in eonsequence.— Chairman: We have no fiower in the matter.—The men said that they had asked the police as to who had com- plained of the noise of the liell, but they had not named anybody. Their trade bad suffered very much. On the Saturday they had the bell ringing they took £ 4 15s. 10^d. but on the following Satuv- day, when the bell was stopped, they only took 15s.—Clerk We can't do anything.— The Clerk read a copy of the bye-laws dealing with street noises such as bell ringing, &c.-The Chairman said that he did not think that the bells attached to carts created very great noise.—Mr. D. P. Davies remarked that there were worse noises than those of the bells. Theis weie the fish cries, for instance (laughter). He could hear those a quarter of a mile off from his house (laughter).—Chairman (to the men): Come to the police-court on Tuesday, and I will make enquiries into the matter.—The men replied that they would do so. TONLIAVYD-ROAD.—With reference to the abrve road, as to the state of which Mr. Cheap had made a complaint at the previous meeting of the Council, the S irveyor now reported that the road was in a bad state. There was a footway there, and to put this footway in good condition would cost from £ 50 to £ 35.—Mr. Llewellyn Have not the railway com- pany power to stop traffic that way ?—The Chairman replied that he thought they had, if they chose.-No action was taken in the matter.

"DELIGHTFUL" TREATMENT FOR CURING CORPULENCE. The process of curing any physical disorder is so generally the converse of delightful" that the use of this and similar terms in reference to Mr. F. C. Russell's now popular treatment for corpulency natur- ally attracts special attention. These terms are to be found in a large number of letters included in the just-issued 18th edition of Mr. Russell's little volume of 256 pages, "Corpulency and the Cure" (Woburn House, Store-street, Bedford-square, London, W.C.). These communications are from persons of both sexes, and it is apparent that their number is represented by thousands annually, who have found in this system of treatment a safe-, rapid and permanent cure for excessive fatness. This testimony forms in the aggregate, indeed, a wonderful record of rapid reduction of excessive adipose tissue, and those who have pesoual reasons for being inter- ested in the subject should send to the ahove address six penny stamps for a copy (post free) of Mr. Russell's notably-suggestive little book. I think the treatment most delightful," writes one out of a large number of equally-enthusiastic correspondents. And the expressions Admirable tonic," Splendid stuff," A delicious beverage mixed with mineral waters," are of constant recurrence in this singularly-interest- ing correspondence The details given by many of the writers of these letters as to the results of the treatment fully justifies the use of such eulogistic phrase-. It must certainly be delightful to experience the sensation of losing unnecessary and dangerous fat by pounds per week, and frequently by stones per month, and that bv aid of treatment which simul- taneously increases the appetite and renders its reason able indulgence inocuous. The experience, too, must be still more delightful by the knowledge, which may be gained from a perusal of Mr. Russell's book, that his preparation is a pure vegetable product, without any admixture of the mineral poisons which are too frequently administered. With a candour which also is delightful, Mr. Russell prints in his book the recipe for the preparation.

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