Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

THE SUNDAY QUESTION AT MERTHYR. Mr. D. A. Thomas denounced from the Pulpit. In the course of his sermon at Pontmorlais C.M. Chapel on Sunday evening, the Rev. W. Francis Jones, of Merthyr, referred to the Sunday question. He deeply regretted to see young boys selling newspapers on the streets of Merthyr on Sundays. None of those who listened to him, he felt sure, were guilty of encouraging this wicked and irreligious trade, and he urged them to warn and exhort all their friends to abstain from this form of Sabbath desecration. There was a tendency in this country to underrate the importance of the duty of keeping holy the Seventh Day. The Sunday of which we were so proud, and which was a day of rest and religious devotion to our .1 countrymen, was being turned, or sought to be 1 turned, into a continental Sunday, and made into a day of pleasure, frivolity, and sinful amusements. A motion was brought before the House of Commons the other day in favour of the Sunday opening of museums, free libraries, and galleries, and places of that sort. That motion, lie was very sorry to read, had been carried by a majority. He was still more sorry to learn that the Senior Member for the Merthyr Boroughs had given this motion his support. The pulpit in Wales was free from political partisanship. But this was not a political question. It was a social and religious question affecting the highest spiritual welfare of the people, and it was important that the true feeling of Wales should be faithfully represented in the House of Commons. CHOIR PRACTICE. The Merthyr School Board on the Question. At Friday's meeting of the Merthyr School Board a letter was read from Mr. John Powell, Treharris, asking for the use of one of the class- rooms of the Treharris School for rehearsals by the local branch of the choir for the South Wales Festival.—Mr. W. M. Evans explained that the rehearsals would be held on Sunday afternoons and Tuesday evenings.- The Chair- man said he was strongly opposed to choral practises on Sundays. He was not a morbid Sabbatarian, he hoped he looked upon Sun day as a day of rest, and would not countenance anything that necessitated Sunday labour (hear, hear). He never would attend what were termed sacred concerts. They, as a Board, should have some respect for their school care- takers.—Mr. Henry Davies pointed out that the practices in this case would be held from 4.30 to 6, so that religious services were not interfered with.—The Rev. Ll. M. Williams strongly objected to the granting of the schools for Sunday rehearsals, as they involved extra labour for their caretakers.—Mr. Henry Davies asked how the Board would defend the grant- ing of their buildings for Sunday schools ? The Church of England at Treharris held Sunday school in the Board School, and that gave extra work to the caretakers.—Rev. LI. M. Williams: But this application, if granted, would mean still more work for the caretaker.—Mr. Henry Davies No, it would be done by another per- son.—The Rev. LI. M. Williams It means additional Sunday labour anyhow, and I object to it.Mr. D. Davies proposed that the school be granted for two nights a week.—Mr. Joseph Owen seconded.—Mr. Henry Davies proposed, as an amendment, that the application he granted.—Mr. Wills seconded.—For the amend- ment, the following voted :—Father Pippett, Mr. W. M. Evans, Mr. Wilh, and Mr. Henry Davies against: The Chairman, Rev. LI. M. Williams, Rev. It S. Williams, Mr. Arthur Daniel, Mr. Joseph Owen, and Mr. D. Davies. —The motion was then declared carried. DISTRICT COUNCIL'S OFFICIALS. Sm,—Will you permit me, through your valuable columns, to suggest the following questions to be asked at a future meeting of the Merthyr District Council :—Is it true that some of the officials of the Council are compelled to work on Sundays ? If so, what is the number of officials thus employed, and how many hours do they work on Sundays ? Is [it the fact that this Sunday labour is necessitated, to a great extent, by the innumerable returns and "reports" called for by the Council as a whole, and by fussy and officious individual members t A little information on this subject would be welcomed not only by the religious section of the public, but by the mass of rate- payers generally. — Y ours, FAIR LA HOUR.

CYFARTHFA COAL IN THE LAW COURTS. In the High Court of Justice on Tuesday the Lord Chief Justice tried the case, Gillespie Brothers v. Cheney, Edgar, and Forrester. This case raised a question incidentally as to the fitness of Cyfarthfa coal shipped at Swansea for bunker- ing steamships and men-of-war. The action was brought by the plaintiffs, general merchants, against the defendants, coal commission agents, to recover damages for breach of warranty in the supply of oOO tons of coal which the plaintiffs sent out to Barbadoes. The plaintiffs' case was that having received a letter from a firm at Barbadoes, which stated that they must have coal fit for hunkering steamships and ships of war, and that it would be desirable to have coal holding a high position on the Admiralty list. The plaintiffs' buyer took a type-written copy of the letter to the defendants, and left it with them as showing the coal required. Defendants said Cyfarthfa (Merthyr) coal would meet the requirements, and he professed to supply that coal, but after it had got out to Barbadoes there were complaints that the coal was not fit for bunkering steamships, and there was a claim for B600 damages in respect to one ship which had to put into port and get other coal. The defendant's case was that he undertook to supply Cyfarthfa-Merthyr Colliery screened coal, and he did supply, and that Cyfarthfa- Merthyr coal being on the Admiialty list lie com- plied with his contract.—Judgment was given for the plaintiff.

DR. JAMESON'S TRIAL. Dr. Jameson and his officers again surrendered to their bail on Tuesday morning at Bow-street, charged under the Foreign Enlistment Act of 1870 with fitting out a military expedition against the dominions of a friendly State, viz., the South African Republic. Several troopers of the Mata- bele Mounted Police gave evidence, and, during the proceedings, the Attorney-General read the famous letter received by Dr. Jomeson, dated Johannesburg, December 20th. The hearing was further adjourned till Tuesday next. —

METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER. Recorded at Brynteg. Approximate height above sea level, 685 feet. Date. Direction of Rain- Thermometer Readings. Wind. fall. Max. Min. Wet. brL Mar. 12 N.E. "10 45 42 42 43 15 S. -15 41 39 40 41 14 S. *28 57 40 43 43 15 S. -0 49 33 41 41 16 W. -42 49 43 45 47 17 W. '0 51 43 44 46 18 N.W. v 8 45 39 40 41 Total 1-55

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MERTHYR SCHOOL BOARD. Friday. Present Messrs. W. L. Daniel (in the chair), D. Davies, Joseph Owen, Henry Davies, V. A. Wills, W. M. Evans, Arthur Daniel, the Revs. R. S. Williams, LI. M. Williams, Father Pippet, and E. Stephens (clerk).—Mr. D. J. Davies wrote resigning his post as assistant-teacher at the Troedyrhiw School.—A letter was read from Mr. W. T. Stead asking the Board to support a peti- tion in favour of arbitration between England and America. — On the motion of the Rev. LI. M. Williams, it was unanimously decided to support the petition.—Mr. Henry Davies gave notice that, at the next meeting, he would move that cookery be taught in the (Tills' Schools.—Miss M. A. Harries, of the Penydarren School, was appointed headmistress of Abercanaid Infants' School in suc- cession to Miss M. E. Parry, resigned.—The results of the drawing examination showed that ten schools had gained Excellent" and five Good." The figures last year were "Excellent" 5 Good 10. — Several applications were received for the use of schools, and granted on the ordinary terms. The clerk was instructed to pre- pare a report on the present scale of charges.—The discussions re the granting of a honorarium to the compilers of a Welsh textbook, and the use of the schools for choir practices on Sundays, will be found elsewhere.

OPENING A NEW SCHOOL AT NAVIGATION. The new school built by the Mountain Ash School Board Ttdjoining the old one at Navigation, in order to meet the requirements of that thriving mining locality, was formally opened on Monday afternoon by Lord Aberdare, who is a member of the Board. The new building, with the addition to the old one, provides accommodation for 604 children, and has been erected at a cost of £ 3,900. A large and representative company assembled in the school grounds, and the ceremony was immediately proceeded with upon the arrival of Lord Aberdare. Mr. Edwatd Jones, Ynysybwl, the chairman of the Board, presented a silver key to his Lordship. Having accepted the key, Lord Aberdare observed that he was sure they all, like himself, felt regret that the school could not have been opened by one who had done more than any man of this generation for the cause of education all over the country, and especially in Wales (hear, hear). But bearing the same name, he felt sure that would go a long way with them, and that they would feel that, to a certain extent, he was doing by deputy what would have been very much better and more appropriately done by his father. In conclusion, his Lordship expressed a lp hope that the school would be a benefit to the neighbourhood, and that God's blessing would rest upon it (hear, hear). Subsequently the company made a tour of inspection of the new building. They then adjourned to the infants' department, where they sat down to an excellent luncheon prepared by Mrs. Gunn, of the Navigation House Hotel. The chair was occupied by Mr. Edward Jones, on whose right sat Lord Aberdare. The Rev. B. Lloyd, vicar of Mountain Ash, the vice-chairman of the Board, occupied the vice-chair. The loyal toasts having been honoured, the Chairman pro- posed" The Health of Lord Aberdare, Lady Aber- dare, and Family," and expressed regret that Lady Aberdare was unable to attend owing to ill- ness in the family.—The toast was received with enthusiasm, and upon rising to respond Lord Aberdare was cordially received, and in the course of his remarks his Lordship said that it had always struck him that having regard to the great intelligence of Welsh children, their quick- ness to learn, their brightness and general interest in their lessons, their success in life had not been particularly marked. He hoped, however, that that was a thing of the past (hear, hear). They had now more Welsh members of Parliament than they used to have they had men of great influence amongst them; they had Welshmen and Welsh professors in their Universities they had Welsh- men taking more degrees, and it was a mystery to him that this had not been the case in the past. The children of the Welsh people were excep- tionally bright and clever, and there was nothing that they could not turn their hands to (hear, hear). As musicians they had not done full justice to themselves, but they now saw young Welsh musbians coming into prominence on all sides (hear, hear).—Other toasts followed.

PRUDENTIAL ASSURANCE COMPANY. We beg to call our readers' attention to the annual accounts of the Prudential Assurance Com- pany, published in our advertising columns. It is not very easy to form anything like a definite con- ception of the magnitude of the business tran- sacted by this Company every year. A few figures will show the gigantic undertaking of the Company and the phenomenal success which follows its labours The policy-holders number about a third of the population of this country. The assets amount to jE23,915,890, an increase of jE2,702,085 over the previous year. As our readers well know, the business of the Prudential is distinctly separated into two branches, each of which forms an Insur- ance Company in Itself. Even the ordinary branch is remarkable for the magnitude of its figures. We are told that during the year 1895, 61,450 policies were issued, assuring £6,285,260, and producing in new premium income £342,478 per annum. It will be noticed that the average amount of policy is small. But it would be wrong to imply from this that the Company does not transact business among the well to do classes. As a matter of fact, we believe that it secures its full share of policies for large amounts but trading, as it does in the industrial branch, amongst working men, it reaches a large section of what, for want of a better term, may be called the lower middle classes, who insure for small sums, but who, nevertheless, pay their premiums quarterly, half-yearly, or annually, and who, therefore, rank in the ordinary branch of the business. Even taking its ordinary branch alone, the Prudential is the largest British Insurance Company the premium income of that branch having been no less than £ 2,304,013 during the past year. There were 4,479 claims during the year, or about 12 for every day, and the amounts paid thereunder, including 218 Endowment Assurances matured, totalled P,,172,289, and there were 414,137 policies in force at the close of the year. It is, however, when we turn to the Industrial Branch that the stupendous nature of the business of the Prudential is realised. In that department there were 11,682,748 policies existing on 31st December. The premium income, collected mostly in weekly pence, reached the enormous aggregate of £ 4,352,625, showing an increase of £108,401 on the year. The sphere of the company's usefulness is not yet com- plete, and it is opening out in new directions which later on may lead to great practical benefits. We are told, in the Directors' Report, that they are making an attempt to deal with the difficult ques- tion of old age pensions. It will be remarkable if in this field, as in others, it is found that private enterprise should render Government intervention unnecessary, and it is just such a company as the Prudential that is best fitted to lead the way. One great difficulty of old age pensions is that the stability of the institution which provides them must be beyond all doubt and that can certainly be said of the Prudential, with its funds of nearly JB24,000,000 sterling. The new scheme only came into operation last September, and by the close of year the number of policies of this kind in force was no less than 169,791, pro- ducing an annual premium income of £62,974. The advantages accruing from this branch are many and valuable. The scheme provides that assurers, on reaching the age of 6.3, are entitled to a sum of money that will enable them to purchase an annuity or a pension for the rest of their lives. Many other interesting figures might be referred to, but the summary of the annual report, printed in another column, will supply our readers with all the information they are likely to require. The superintendent for the Merthyr district is Mr. P. J. Phillips, 38, Union-terrace, Merthyr. To praise Mr. Phillips is almost superfluous. The greatest eulogy that can be bestowed upon him is to mention the fact that his district, on the year's work, has put such important districts as Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea in the shade. Mr. Phillips' district, in fact, stands first in Wales and the West of England. This shows that he brings to the discharge of his onerous duties an exceptional amount of ability, tact, and perseverance. The facts mentioned above, without any enconium of ours, bestow on Mr. Phillips the highest praise man could desire. He is assisted by an excellent stafr, of whom the assistant-superintendents deserve special mention. They are Mr. W. Edwards, Treharris: Mr. J. Bosher, Dowlais Mr. D. Evans, Merthyr; and D. W. Jones, Merthyr. Mr. Phillips and the staff under his control are to be heartily congratulated on the brilliant results they show.

THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. "An Artists Model' is attracting crowded audiences at the Theatre Hoval this week. Cer- tainly there is a go and piquancy in the entire production that is entertaining and interest-sus- taining throughout. Handsome women, fine dresses, amusing dialogue, funny contreteinpts, melodious songs, ducts, and choruses, clever, if somewhat daring dances, all make for popularity and this An Artist's Model" is enjoying in an eminent degree. As its title implies, this musical comedy has much to do with art students and their Bohemian adventures, and there is an added spici ness by reason of the main action of the piece being laid in Paris. Rollicking jollity is the pronounced characteristic of most of the characters, toned down here and there with a little sober, not to say sombre, sentiment. The "plot" is, of course, of the flimsiest just an intermittent under-current which may, perchance, be occasionally recognised by the vigilant auditor. Song fanil dances are sandwiched with little speeches, more or less smart a gaily-attired chorus of dashing young women and smart young own is frequently in evidence and the principal ladies, good-looking and vivacious, are rarely oil' the stage.

EAST GLAMORGAN AGRICUL- TURAL SOCIETY. A meeting of representative townsmen was held at the Navigation Hotel, Mountain Ash, on Thursday evening to consider- the advis- ability of holding the East Glamorgan Agricul- tural Show at Mountain Ash this year. Among others the following gentlemen were present: Dr. E. P. Evans, J.P., Messrs. Thomas Davies, Abercwmboy T. Morris, Thorn Hotel, Aber- dare Junction J. Long, A. Clark, J. George, A. Pardoe, W. H. Stone, J. Williams, Bryn- cerddin E. Evans, Bryngolwg J. Powell, Carpenter's Arms J. E. Thomas, draper W. H. Harford, grocer W. Walters, Penrhiw- cradwg Farm E. Walter*, Penrhiwcradwg Farm E. Davies, Penrhiwceiber J. James, Cwm Neol Farm Thomas Taylor, J. H. Wilt- shire, D. Evans, Co-operative Stores E. Rosser, Penrliiwwanger Farm Griffith Davies, Allen's Arms W. Dally (Merthyr Times), W. B. George, who convened the meeting and acted as secretary pro. tem. Mr. J. George was voted to the chair, and Dr. E. P. Evans, J.P., to the vice-chair. The secretary of the society attended the meeting on behalf of the executive committee of the society, and explained that the executive, see- ing that Mountain Ash last year gave way for Merthyr to have the show, had decided to leave the question of holding the show at Mountain Ash this year entirely to the decision of the residents of Mountain Ash. The executive had received a communication from the local secretary of the Gla- morgan Show, which is to be held at Aberdare some time next summer, in reference to the locale of the next show of the East Glamorgan Agricultural Society. The executive of the East Glamorgan Show are very desirous of doing all they can to assist the county show at Aberdare, and would like to see the hearty sup- port of Mountain Ash extended to the county show at Aberdare (hear, hear). The secretary then retired. Addresses were afterwards given by Mr. J. Williams, Bryncerddin Mr. Morris, Mr. Davies, Mr. E. Evans, Bryngolwg, the local secretary of the 1801 show Dr. E. P. Evans, J.P., Mr. D. Evans, and Mr. A. Pardoe, all of whom s- in favour of holding a show at Mountain A: in September next, and also that the town should give the county show at Aberdare its hearty support.—On the pro- position of Mr. J. Williams, Bryncerddin, seconded by Mr. D. Evans, Co-operative Stores, the meeting unanimously resolved that the seventh annual show of the East Glamorgan Agricultural Society be held at Mountain Ash in 1896.—On the proposition of Mr. T. Davies, the meeting unanimously resolved "That the best wishes of this meeting be tendered to the local committee at Aberdare of the Glamorgan County Show, for the success of their show, and promises its hearty support." After the above resolutions had been adopted, the executive committee, who were holding a meeting in another room in the hotel, were I desired to attend the meeting of residents, and on their arrival in the room were received with cheers. The following members of the execu- tive attended :—Capt. J. S. Davies, Pontypridd Messrs. E. Llewelyn, Bryngoleu, Pontypridd E. David, Berthlwyd, Llantwit Vardre T. Jones, Hafod E. Treharne, Pontypridd — Rosser, Penrhiwceiber T. Jones, J.P., Pant- scallog T. Evans, Ffynonhangillt Farm Aber T. Jenkins, Wernydoman Farm, Caerphilly J. Morgan, Brynhyfryd, Caerphilly W. Thanas, King's Arms Hotel, Caerphilly E. D. Evans, Heolgerrig, Merthyr and the secretary.—The Chairman informed the executive that the meet- ing had decided to hold the show at Mountain Ash this year, and also read the resolution passed wishing every success to the county show at Aberdare.—Several members of the executive expressed their approval of the reso- lution in reference to the county show, and were pleased at the good feeling shown. They impressed upon the meeting, while working for their local show, to use their best efforts in assisting the county show at Aberdare.- Y otes of thanks were accorded to the executive for their presence, and to the chairman and vice- chairman for presiding.

GLAMORGAN EDUCATION SCHEME. Debate in the House of Lords. In the House of Lords on Monday night the Bishop of Llandaff moved" that an humble address be presented to Her Majesty praying her to withhold her consent from the following portions of the Glamorganshire Education Scheme :Clause 90, Sub-section B, the words of an undenominational character and the words in such a manner as may from time to time he directed by the school managers.' The Duke of Devonshire said Clause 89 of the scheme contemplated the establishment in con- nection with schools of boarding-houses in which worship of an undenominational character might be allowed. It provided that if persons in charge, of such boarding-houses were willing to exempt any scholar from attendance at any form of religious worship of which the parents dis- approved, the managers were to make proper provision to enable such scholar to attend school. Clause 90 contemplated the establishment, not of boarding-houses, but of hostels to the schools, which would be under the control and manage- ment of the managers themselves, and in that way would be distinguished from boarding- houses which were to all intents and purposes private houses. Clause 90, Sub- section B, which the right rev. prelate objected to, provided that in such hostel Christian family worship should be allowed, but as the managers were an undenominational body such family worship must, he thought, be necessarily of an undenominational character. If the words were left out there would still be nothing to prevent the school managers from regulating that family worship in their own hostel in any manner they might think fit, but if the words were left in they were intended to be a security to Church parents on the one hand, and against family worship which might be of a distinct Calvinistic Methodist or Baptist character, and a security to Dissenting parents against religious worship in such hostels of a distinctly Church character. There was nothing in the provision intended to interfere with the denominational character of religious worship in the ordinary boarding-house. The omission of the words therefore seemed to be undesirable. Even if the words were omitted the managers would still retain complete control over their own hostels, as it seemed to be necessary and inevitable that they should. The Archbishop of Canterbury having sup- ported the motion, Lord Rosebery said he thought, if he might say so, that the right rev. prelate had not grasped the distinction between ordinary hostels and the hostels to which he referred. There was nothing in this Act to prevent the founda- tion of those hostels lie mentioned. On the other hand, there were hostels of an unde- nominational character, which, being under the direction of school managers, would naturally be of an undenominational character. The whole difticulty lay in this—that these were parts of schools or institutions, that the hostels of these schools were not private denominational boarding-houses. Well, if that were so, if there was this undenominational management of these hostels, surely the provision in the scheme was one that was not uncalled for. The right rev. prelate, in his speech in introducing this motion, had said that under this scheme as it stood it would be difficult for the Church of England to carry out any such hostels. He did not believe that that was so, and he believed that there was nothing in this clause prejudicial to the Church of England. The Bishops of St. Asaph and London also spoke. Lord Herschell said this amendment dwelt with what was to be done in hostels under the management of an undenominational body. Supposing the majority of this body were adverse to the Church of England, it would be left 111 their fpower to have teaching and family worship in those hostels which would be opposed to the Church of England. That would be the only effect of striking out these words. The motion was then put to the House and declared to be lost.

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MOUNTAIN ASH COUNCIL ELECTION. The nominations for the vacancies on this Council took place at the Town Hall on Mon- day. The following nominations were received East Ward (two seats) :—*Mr. W. Little, Cwm- pennar, estate agent *Mr. J. Powell, Naviga- tion Villas, chechweiglier. *01d members, returned unopposed.—West Ward ftwo seats) -*Mr. Thomas Jones, secretary, Penrhiwceiber Colliery Company *Mr. Thomas Edmunds, Dover House, grocer Mr. Isaac George, The Grove, merchant Mr. James James, Miskin- road, butcher. *01d members.—South Ward (one seat) :—*Rev. J. F. Williams, Aberdare Junction, Baptist minister. *01d member, returned unopposed. The election for the West Ward will take place on Monday, March 3rd. — —

MOUNTAIN ASH CONSERVATIVE AND UNIONIST ASSOCIATION. A smoking concert in connection with the above association was given at the Allen's Arms on Monday evening to a crowded audience. On the opening of the concert a letter was read fiom Dr. E. P. Evans, J.P., who had kindly promised to preside, regretting his inability to attend owing to having sprained an ankle. Mr. Valentine Watson, the new Unionist agent at Mountain Ash, presided, and made an excellent chairman. He was supported by Mr. James Jeffreys, Conservative agent, Pontypridd Mr. Sidney Cox, secretary of the local Unionist Association and Mr. Williams, Pontypridd. Addresses were delivered by the chairman and Mr. Jeffreys, who dwelt very fully upon current politics, especially the Transvaal trouble, the Venezuela Boundary dis- pute, lie Workman's Dwelling Act, and wound up by a lucid exposition of the true and genuine principles of Conservatism. The addresses were well received and applauded. Some capital songs and instrumental music were rendered throughout the evening. I

BAZAAR AT MOUNTAIN ASH. A grand bazaar was held at the Town Hall, Mountain Ash, on Monday and Tuesday in aid of the Mountain Ash Circuit Funds of the Primitive Methodist Connexion. Great pre- parations had been going on by a committee of ladies in preparing articles for the stalls. The stalls were nicely arranged around the hall, and were in charge of the following ladies :—-Moun- tain Ash Fancy Stall Mesdames Taylor, Oates, Morgan, J. Hodges (senior), Thomas, Mogg, Lawrence, Tucker, Pierce and Taylor New- town Fancy Stall Mesdames M. Muxworthy, Williams, Norris, Lane, Mears, Francis, Jones (Tynant, Nelson), Bendle, Allen, Mills, Wrent- more, Whittock, Shore Fruit and Confectionery Stall Miss Hayes, Miss Hill, Mr. J. Britten, Mr. J. Hodges (junr.) Toy Stall The Misses Mogg, Evans, Williams, Hale Museum Messrs. J. Brooks, C. Willis, J. Branch, C. Whittock, G. Wakefield Bran Tub Messrs. J. Mogg, E. Keen, F. Beecham, J. Wrentmore Refreshment Stall: Mrs.M. Mills, Mrs. Wilcox, Mrs. Bryant, Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Shore, Miss Davies, Miss Collins Carvers Messrs. Wilcox, Lawrence, Muxworthy. The stage of the hall had been nicely draped with curtains, etc., and selec- tions of music, both vocal and instrumental, were given at intervals on both days. Artistes Mr. Ben Davies, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, Mrs. Pugli, Miss Cook, Miss John, Miss Allen, Mr. W. Branch and the Ebenezer Party. The accompanists were Miss Taylor, and Mr. T. Williams. The bazaar was opened by Msr. E. P. Evans, Duffryn Ffrwd, in a neat and felici- tous speech, and was accompanied on the platform by the Rev. W. Taylor and Mrs. Taylor. Mr. Taylor explained that the object of the bazaar was to provide funds for the Mountain Ash Circuit to be able to pay off the debt on the minister's house. The Mountain Ash Circuit was formed in 1894, this necessitating the location of a married minister at Mountain Ash, and the providing of a furnished house for him. The officials deemed it better to purchase a house than to rent one, and this with the furnishing necessitated an outlay of £ 300, j350 of which has been paid off. The officers of the committee were Chairman; Rev. W. Taylor treasurer, Mr. F. Williams, secretary, Mr. E. J. Britten.

MOUNTAIN ASH POLICE COURT. WEDNESDAY. — Before Mr. W. M. North (stipendiary), Mr. M. Morgan, Mr. W. Little, and Dr. R. W. Jones, C.C. ALLEGED FCRIOUS DRIVING. — Mr. W. P. Eynon was charged with furiously driving a spring cart in Commercial-street on February 4th.—Mr. D. T. Phillips, solicitor, appeared for the defence. — P.C. Dunn proved the offence. The defence was that boys were kick- ing a ball in the street, which knocked the horse in the head, making him to run away.—Case dismissed. STEALING COAL. — Florence Sullivan and George Mills were charged with stealing coal, the property of Messrs. Nixon's Navigation Co., on the morning of February 24.-Mills did not appear and a warrant was issued for his appre- hension.—Inspector Reed stated that on the morning in question lie saw the defendants near Deep Duffryn Colliery on the siding. They had some coal which had been taken off the full trams. The value of the coal was threepence. —Fined 5s. and costs. STEALING A COAT AND VEST.—John Jones, living at 9, James-street, Mountain Ash, was charged with stealing a coat and vest, the pro- perty of the Bristol and Cardiff Outfitting Co., on February 29th.—Mr. Edward Lewis deposed that he placed the coat and vest on the pillar of the doorway of the shop on the morning of February 29th, and missed them in the even- ing. He gave information to the police.-Scrgt. Smith said lie arrested the prisoner at his lodgings, and charged him with stealing the coat and vest. He replied lie had bought the clothes at Llwynypia. Subsequently he admitted the theft.—Prisoner, on being charged, pleaded guilty of taking the clothes, but was under the influence of drink.Fined 30s. and costs, or 21 days. STEALING A NIGHTDRESS.—Maurice Trow was charged with stealing a nightdress, the property of Francis Smith, residing in High-street. He was also charged with assaulting P.C. Williams and P.C. Dunn in the execution of their duty. -Evidence of identification was given by Mrs. Smith, wife of the prosecutor, who stated she had hung the nightdress out on the line. The value of the dress was 4s.—Evidence was also given by a Mrs. Rogers, who lived near Mr. Smith, and P.C. Dunn, who arrested prisoner. —The case of assaulting the police was then gone into.-Fined 20s. and costs or 14 days for the theft 20s. and costs for assaulting -P.C. Dunn and 20s. and costs for assaulting P.C. Williams, or 14 days. GRIEVOUS BODILY AssATLT,-Thomas Harris was charged with doing grievous bodily harm to Elizabeth Jane Smith, of 119, Quarry-road, Penrhiwceiber, on the night of Monday, February 17.—Mr. Gwilym Jones, solicitor, appeared to prosecute, and Mr. T. Phillips, solicitor, Aberdare, appeared for the defendant. -The case has been adjourned on a previous occasion for the attendance of prosecutrix, who was unable to attend. Prosecutrix attended to-day.—The Bench having heard the evidence, decided to send the case for trial to the Quarter Sessions to be held at Swansea.—Bail was allowed at R30 for prisoner, and two sureties of JE15 each.

MISS CYNTHIA BROOKE AT THE GRAND, CARDIFF. This week the Cardiff Grand Theatre is crowded with a representative audience on the occasion of the production of a new play in Cardiff. The whole performance can only be voted a distinct success. It is the story of a doctor and his wife whose natures and tastes are, on the first appearance at any rate, about as diverse as could well be. The physician views all the world through the dry light of science he is devoted to his studies, 1 he wife, an ex-music hall artiste, is years younger than the doctor, and of a senti- mental turn. Her old love appears, and the old doctor obtains a divorce. But there, we will not tell the story further. 'Tis a piece that bristles with clever sayings and smart remarks, and there is not a little satire upon the weaknesses of up-to-date society. The company is all round an excellent one, but of course all is subservient to Miss Cynthia Brooke, whose part, that of the heroine, is one admirably adapted for her to display her many charming gifts.—Next week, commcncing Monday, March 23rd, will be staged the original American version of Trilby," the fit-at appear- ance of this world-renowned piece in Cardiff; Monday, March 30th, Her Wedding Day," will be staged, and during Easter week, "Shadows of a Great City.

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