Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

JHE Brecon-road Liberal Association, after discussing the question at two meetings, have pronounced in favour of the policy of One Man One Board. They take their stand on the broad and healthy democratic principle of government by the greatest Possible number. There was not a single speaker, at either meeting, opposed to the 11 Principle of the resolution. In future, the Association cannot support any candidate Jrtio is already a member of another board, liberal Associations in other parts of the district would do well to take the matter IIP, and discuss it seriously and thoroughly. Another subject dealt with by the Asso- ciation was the hour of meeting of the Y^rious boards, more especially the District Council and the School Board. These, it Was contended, should meet in the evenings, 80 that Labour members might attend with- °Ut losing turns,and tradesmen without neglecting their business. The question is 0 an important one, and deserves careful attention.

kiR JOHN GORST introduced his Education yul into the House of Commons on Tues- day evening. It is a great and complicated j&easure, and must be carefully studied before the whole scope and tendency can be jully comprehended. We may safely say, however, that some features will be heartily approved of, especially by Welsh Liberals. According to the provisions of the Bill, '♦ales will have power to establish her own code for the primary schools, and so adjust the curriculum to the special needs of the country. This means Welsh Home Rule in ^ducation, and will be gratefully accepted 7 the Principality. Other provisions of he Bill, however, will be strenuously Opposed. Additional aid is given to sectarian ^chools, but it remains to be seen whether he control of the new educational boards 2,ycr these schools is real or only nominal. I "e abolition of the 17s. 6d. limit will also >e objected to, as also will some of the provisions having reference to religious instruction. But the public will no doubt eep an open mind on the merits of the Bill ntil they have had an opportunitv of studv- n8 it in detail. A conference of South Wales Liberals and nonconformists will be held at Neath on the h jnst. to discuss the education question, ir John Gorst's Bill will then be discussed y the chief exponents of progressive ought, and the judgment arrived at will Carry groat weight.

TJU: editor of the Speaker is not in love with Jhe Home-Rule-All-Round policy. The very act that it is proposed by a Welsh member 1JC enough to condemn it in the sight pompous and verbose mug-wump. He calls it an absurd and entirely gratuitous proposal," supported by nobody of the pghtest inlfuence." The official mind always ooks for influence." The movement was Set on foot, according to this official hench- n,tan, for the purpose of stirring up dissen- ?l°n in the Liberal ranks, and for dethron- es present Liberal leaders. Nothing of the kind, oh Speaker. The policy mav°be "lOng, bhut It doeg not spring from a or niotive. twelS\Ll!Wr?,Sare"'jt «aai»st tfe lcadcrs- NeitllCT it «rve fpni1 l|)urP0sc stir up dissension. They j ''however, that things have come to a a-dlock. Irish Home Rule, in their opinion, to put it mildly, 110 very hopeful pros- pects. The Liberal party can do nothing ^ntil they pass Irish Home Rule. If that is O0t a deadlock, perhaps the editor of the tt ..a!i.u will kindly tell us what is ? Then c theory i« suggested that Home Rule All }jJl might be easier to carry than Irish The question is one of tactics, I of pnnclple for the Liberal party are P edged to the principle of general local All T»'UllenV The adoption of Home Rule hia »t0U,K' il solution of the difficult}*. It °nlv n°it Ve ^e ^est solution, but, as the sonf u^on suggested, deserves at least aa- c Rmount of consideration. The matter to C ,s. a'e!j i" vital degree. If we have *01 ^disestablishment until Ireland If tl !e Kule, sorry indeed is our plight. iii<f-le edit«rof the Speaker, instead of indulg- hio In contemptuuus personalities, addressed <me8.. 1,1 earnest to the elucidation of this nior • '1e 11)0 a^° t0 discover a nnf e Sat'sfactorv and a more practicable way °Ut °f the deadlock. \r

SPARKS FROM THE ANVIL. [BY JuK HAMMERSMITH J Good-bye, Mr. Editor; I'm off to Egypt with Sir Wilfrid Lawson to look for the Dervishes. Shan't be away long, though; for as soon as we see those ballyhooly Der- vishes we shall come back. The War Office reckons me equal to thirteen Dervishes and a boy. That is great responsibility, isn't it ? I shall start operations, I think, on the boy, and see how 1 get along. Mr. Chamberlain, however, assures us we needn't do any fight- ing, unless we particularly wish it. I shall not particularly wish it. Besides, I have serious doubts whether the sand of the desert and the summer heat will agree with my constitution. On the whole, I am in- clined to think I shall be back in time for the Mertliyr May-day Show and the open- ing of the Liberal Club. I shall keep you well informed about the wars. Mr. Editor My status in the cam- paign will be that of special war correspon- dent for the Mertkf/r Time*. The arrange- ment is that a few shots will be fired into bushes and sand-hills, just to oblige the press. The journalists, in their turn, will send home glowing accounts of the encounter with adjectives strong enough to burst the telegraph wires. Have you ever heard of a gentleman known to fame as Tartarin of Tarrascon ? He lived somewhere near the Alps, and once upon a time went to Africa to hunt lions. At another time he ascended the Alps, and the accounts of his exploits, written by a clever French author, have made Europe laugh. The present Egyptian campaign seems to be designed on Tartarinesque lines. Our Tar- tarin hails from Birmingham. P.S.—Lord Salisbury has written me to ask if the rumour, told him by the Duke of Devonshire and the Duke of Argyle, about my going to Egypt is true. If it is, the offer of assistance from Canada, he says, will be declined. There will be no need ot the 600 Canadian soldiers in the Soudan if I am going there.—Those thirteen Dervishes and a boy give my nervous system a twitch now and then. I wonder whether I could get my Brecon-road friends to pronounce for the policy of One Soldier One Dervish." Your correspondent "Eye-on," whose letter vou published last week, is rather hard on the Labour Guardians. He accuses them of niggardliness in the treatment of public officials. Such a charge, I think, cannot be maintained. I do not agree with the view they took of the questions affecting the Gelli- gaer and Aberdare temporary relieving officers. But niggardliness or otherwise was not the chief factor in the problem. The Labour Guardians would be the first to give a fair day's wage for a fair day's work. In the cases referred to they held, I presume, that the son's work was remunerated by the wage given to the father, and that the pension, increased to the former salary, would have been an adequate return for the services rendered. Such a view was not consistent with sound logic. Still it was not an un- reasonable view to take, and the accusation of niggardliness cannot be proved. We have no idea what funny things there are in this world. 'Pon my word, I don't know sometimes whether to laugh or to cry. For instance, here is somebody denouncing London Welsh Nonconformists for taking part in the Dewi Sant service at St. Paul's. Really that is carrying matters rather far. Why, 1 would have read the lessons there myself, and preached the sermon too, if they'd have let me. A downright good sermon would have been a welcome feature. I read a gratifying bit of news in the papers the other day. At a funeral in a church in a certain Welsh county, the rector invited a Nonconformist minister to come forward and read the chapter. The minister accepted the invitation, and everything went on without a hitch. I salute that magnani- mous rector, and take off my cap to him. Alas here's another little story. A lady was asked to rent an empty cottage for Sunday School and other religious services. This is her reply Mrs. ———— intends to pull the cottage down, as it is useless. She never lets a house to be used as a Dissenting place of worship, as there is a Church in the parish where her tenants attend." The letter was written, not three hundred years ago, but in the present year of grace. I am too sad to indulge in further comment. Dr. Edwards, Principal of Bala College, is a man honoured by all Wales. He enjoys a European renown as a theologian. But he has sinned, and the heresy-hunters are on his track. In his new book, The God-Man," he appears to have spoken of the Theology of Paul and the Theology of John." Therein the heresy- hunters smell the most villainous hetero- doxy. The poor Principal is reckoned amongst the free-thinkers, and charged with corrupting the orthodoxy of his students. Dear me, isn't that terrible ? I should have thought that, as Paul and John wrote a good deal about theological subjects, it would net be wrong to speak of the theology of Paul and of John. But the subject is too profound for a humble blacksmith like me, and the only suggestion I can make is that the question be referred to arbitration. Sir W. T. Lewis and Mabon arc great peace- makers, and Mabon is a deacon. Sir William is not a deacon, though he would have been one long since if he had stuck to Noncon- formity. Both are qualified to deal with this dispute. If they decline, we have colliery managers who arc specialists in theology, and who would be quite prepared to arbitrate. Should they also refuse, there's nothing for it but to fall back on Mr. Allen Upward. Aelwyd yr Awenydd is the title of a recently-published volume of poetry by the Rev. Joseph Francis (Maesyddog), Dowlais. Macsyddog is comparatively a young man, but his fame as a poet has gone out to all the land. All the poems in this volume arc readable and interesting, and some of them reach a high standard of literary merit. The author is at his best in delineating natural beautv. Here he is quite at home, and his lines are woven with skill and lightness of touch. The little poem of four stanzas, Boreu o Haf," is very pretty. Here are the two last verses Mor swynol yn wir—dynered yw wf, Fel Rweu o adfwynder ar IwybrairffcjBl, Yn dyfod niewn liarddwuh o froydd y nd, A tlilysni yu lliwio ei wisgoedd i gyd Mor dyner a swynol, Mor hardd a dyniunol, Yw haf-foren hudoI, l'n lloni o hyd. Un boreu o haf yw bywyd y lief, I A dwyfol ardduned dyn gloewi ei bryd, Yt lawn" yw ei hanfod, a'i dlysni byw ef, Yw cariad yn tori'n ogoniant o hyd, Pelydrau ysblander, Gwen" Haul y Cytiawnder," Yn haf o addfwynder Yw'r nefoedd i tfvd. In his next volume let the poet eschew the word "rhyw," and avoid italics as he would Beelzebub. A few day; ago a certain London weekly paper accidently found its way into my hands. Glancing over the leading article, I found that the proper religious instruction r of the young was a subject that weighed very heavily on the editor'i mind. The editor deplores the spread of the School Board system of education, and solemnly declares that the abolition of what he calls the voluntary schools would be "disastrous in every way." Such a calamity, he says, would place us at the mercy of faddists and secularists," and exclude the" healthy influences of religion." Very pious man, this editor. His journal, I find, contains 42 columns. Thirteen and a half columns are filled with advertisements, mostly about music halls. Athletic sports take up B} columns theatres 2 and music halls, six the noble and elevating pastime of horse-racing, 10. The remaining four columns are devoted to politics and general topics, the turf again coming in for a considerable share of attention. Such are this very pious London editor's methods of spreading the "healthy influences of religion."

MERTHYR GUARDIANS. Saturday. Present Messrs. D. P. Davies, J.P. (in the chair), Rev. Aaron Davies, J. Lloyd, T. Williams, J.P., J. E. Mills, Mrs. Peter Williams, Mrs. 1). M. Richards, Messrs. T. Thomas, Rev. J. E. Jenkins, Joseph Owen, M. Truran, J.P., Dan Thomas, Canon Wade, 1. H. Jones, H. W Martin, J. W. Morgan, T. Pyle, T. Jenkins, J.P., R. H. Rhys, J.P., T. Morris, J. Rogers, J.P., J. Rees, D. Davies, E. Edwards, J. Edwards, Father O'Reilly, Augustus Davies, D. Abraham, and F. T. James (clerk). HALF-YEARLY ESTIMATES.The Clerk said the estimated eupenditure for the coming half-year was JB 18,500, and not JE19,500, as lie had stated at the previous meeting. The calls upon the several parishes would amount as follows for the half-year -Aberdare, JB6,315 Gelligaer, £ 2, itW Mertliyr, £ 8,727 Rhigos, JB258 Penderyn, £ 393 Vaynor, J6308 total, £ 18,500. A LETTER was received from Mr. 1). A. Thomas, M.P., expressing much pleasure in presenting the Board's petition in favour of the Officers' Super annuation Bill, which had, he said, passed the second reading. FUNERALS AT AREKOARE. — Father O'Reilly pointed out that no contracts had been given out for funerals at Aberdare. He moved that an advertisement be issued for tenders.—Mr. J. Rogers, J.P., asked who held the contract last year.—It was replied that several held it.-On the suggestion of the Chairman it was resolved to send forms of application for contractors to the various undertakers in the town. ABERDARE OVERSEERS. A communication was read from the Aberdare Council stating that the following had been appointed overseers for the parish Owen Harries, E. Morgan, Morgan John, E. M. Hann, T. Thomas, and Daniel Thomas. ■INDUSTRIAL SCHOOL.—The amount of grant earned bv this school last year was £134. The report, together with another circular, was referred to the School Committee. GEJXTOAER COAL.—Mr. J. Jones, assistant-over- seer for Gelligaer, had prepared a return showing the amount of coal raised in the parish during the year, a summary of which will be found in another column.—Mr. D. Davies proposed that the assistant-overseers of the other parishes in the Union be asked to prepare a similar report.—The Clerk said that this was done for the parishes of Mertliyr and Aberdare, there being no coal raised in the other parishes.—Mr. Davies said he had not seen them.—Mr. Thomas Williams, J.P., said he had not seen them either. —Mr. Dan Thomas said the reports were sent by post to the Guardians.— The subject then dropped. ASSISTANT-NURSE.—For the post of assistant- nurse at the infirmary seven applications had been received in reply to the advertisement. They were the following :—Annie Moseley, Warrington E. Harries, Eccles F. S. Ellison, London F. M. Ford, Birkenhead E. A. Franklin, London Lily Squirrell, Belfast T. Smith, Bridgwater.—Father O'ReiHv said the only certificated nurse amongst the applicants was Miss Franklin, and as their advertisement stipulated a certificate, lie pro- posed that this candidate be appointed.—After further discussion, it was resolved that Miss Franklin and Miss Ford be asked to attend at the meeting of the Board next Saturday. ASSESSMENT COMMITTEK. Mr. R. H. Rhys, J.P., presided over a meeting of the Assessment Committee, there being present: Messrs. T. Jenkins, J.P., H. W. Martin, T. Williams, J.P., M. Truran, J.P., J. W. Morgan, J. Rogers, J.P., Joseph Owen, D. P. Davies, J.P., and T. Thomas. PLYMOUTH OLl) IRONWORKS. —Mr. G. C. James, solicitor, appeared before the Committee in refer- ence to the assessment of the Old Ironworks at Pentrebach. These were now assessed at £100, and a reduction was applied for. The works had been stopped long since, and were now dismantled. The place was only used for storage purposes.— The assessment was reduced to £ 50. ANOTHER APPEAL.—Mr. Henry Parfitt, for whom Mr. G. C. James appeared, applied for the reduction of the assessment of that portion of the Pentrebach Ironworks used by him as a smithy. The rent paid by him to the Plymouth Company was JEM a year he also paid CM a year for steaiu supplied to him by the company. His premises were assessed at £ 200.—After some discussion, the assessment was reduced to £ 104. SUPPLEMENTAL VALUATION LIsTs.-Thesc were presented by the assistant overseers, showing the following l-esults :—Vavuor, increase, £ 86 15s. Penderyn, decrease, £9 15s. Rhigos, decrease, £ 32 Aberdare, increase, jE694 Mertliyr, increaseJ j62,283 17s. 6d. Gelligaer, decrease, A:2,069 15s. The lists were signed by the chairman and the other members present. REFERRED TO THE CLERK.—The questions of assessing the sporting rights of the Union and of rating the National Telephone Company were left in the hands of the clerk.—The public-house appeals are reported in another column. .—

A PUBLIC-HOUSE CASE AT MERTHYR, On Monday, at the Merthyr Police-court, Frederick Rowlands, landlord of the Volunteer Inn, High-street, was summoned for keeping his house open during prohibited hours. Mr. Beddoe was for the defence.—Sergt. Thomas said that on the 19th March, at about five minutes to twelve at night, in company with P.C. Hawkins, ho was standing near the Volunteer Inn, when he saw Mr. Rowlands, the landlord, come to the door and look up and down the street. Witness then asked him if he had anybody inside. Mr. Rowland said he had a few friends. He went into the bar, and saw five men there standing near the swing door as if ready to leave. He asked Mr. Rowlands how lie accounted for them being there so late. Mr. Rowlands said he had been to the theatre, and invited one or two of them to remain behind and have a drink with him. Witness took their names and addresses, and then asked who were the invited ones. The reply was All of them. It is 25 years to-day since my marriage, and I asked them to stay behind to have a glass to celebrate the occasion."—Mrs. Rowlands said she had been away all day. She was standing behind the bar, and said to witness Take no notice of it this tune; it never occurred before." Defendant then asked what would they have to drink. He told them they would have nothing. There were nine glasses on the counter. He told Mr. Rowlands he should have to report him. Mr. Rowlands said Alright you have to do your duty."— Mr. Beddoe asked no questions.—P.C. Adams corroborated. —For the defence, Mr. Beddoe said that a landlord had as much right to invite a few friends to have either eatables or drink- ables with him as an ordinary citizen. What the landlord told the policeman was quite true. That day was his silver wedding day. and in order to celebrate the occasion, Mr. Rowlands asked the five persons mentioned to stay behind with him. A toast was proposed to Mr. and Mrs. Rowlands, and not a drop of anything was paid for.—Mr. Rowlands then went into the box, and corroborated the remarks of Mr. Beddoe. He had been in the house for 22 years, and this was the first accusation brought against him during that time. Two of the men who stayed behind were put into the box.After a short consultation, the Bench dismissed the case.

NORFOLK STALLION SHOW. i'he annual show of stallions organised by the Norfolk Agricultural Society took place in the Agri- cultural Hall, Norwich, on March 2?. Prizes were offered in five classes. The first prize of E12 foi shire stallions foaled prior to 1803 was awarded to Mr. J. Howell, of Huntingdon, for Koyal Salute. A similar firet prize of 1: t2 for shire siallions foaled in 1893 was won by Mr. Garrett Taylor, of Trowse, Norwich, with Grenadier III. Mr. F. Childerhouse, of Attleborongh, Norfolk, took the Jirst prize for hackney and riding stallions above 15 hands high, with Pegasus II.: while Mr. Garrett Taylor won a similar prize of 4: 12 for hackney and riding stallions, 15 hands high and under, with Ges- ture. Mr. J. Norton, of btow, Downham Market, Norfolk, took the 1st, 1:1.2 prize, for hackney and riding stallions, foaled in 18t1;.t or 18U4, with Stow Gabriel. This horse was also the winner of a gold medal of the value of £10, presented by the Hackney Horse Society. The entries in the various classes were scarcely so numerous as usual. -Ø.

A DELIOHTFUIJ FLAVOUR. Cracroft's Areea-Nut Tcoth Paste. This delicious Aromatic Dentrifeics makes the Enamel of the Teeth white, sound, and pol'-hcrt like uory. It is exceedingly fragrant. Cracroft's Paste is now sold in 6d. Pots,

j MERTHYR COUNCIL ELECTION. There was only one contest here, viz., in the Plymouth Ward, when Mr. Henry W. Lewis, the retiring member, was opposed by Mr. Arthur Daniel. Mr. Lewis was successful, polling 578 votes as against 455 recorded for his opponent. There was an entire absence of excitement, and the contest was fought with the utmost good humour.

\A\NOR PARISH COUNCIL ELECTION. This election was fought on Monday. There were two booths at the Board Schools, Cefn. Everything passed off very quietly there was no excitement, and a very friendly feeling pre- vailed throughout. Late on Monday evening the result of the poil was declared as follows ELECTKO. William Hughes (L) 204 James Parry (L) 201 Matthew Owen (L) 192 Wat-kin Meredith (L) 191 Joseph Llewelyn (Labour) 188 W. B. Griffiths (L) 187 William Silvanus (L) 175 D. W. Davies (L) 174 Richard Price (L) 173 Din-id Williams (C) 172 John Morris (L) 168 Lewis Meredith (L) 146 William Harries (C) 142 William Skym (C) 140 Morgan Parry (C) 133 NOX ELECTED. Rees Gabe (C) 129 R. M. Wat-kins (L) 129 Daniel Jenkina (C) 127 Tsaac Jones (C) 112

ABERDARE COUNCIL ELECTION. There were only contests in two wards. Polling took place on Monday, but there was very little excitement manifested. In the Town Ward, Mr. G. George, J.P., the sitting member, was opposed by Mr. Tudor Williams, and in Aberaman Ward, Dr. Davies Jones opposed Mr. Thomas Rees, the old representative. At nine o'clock, Colonel T. Phillips, the returning officer, declared the results as follows TOWN WARD. Mr. Griffith George, J.P. 636 Mr. Tudor Williams 555 Majority 81 ABERAMAN WARD. Mr. Thomas Rees 583 Dr. Davies Jones 561 Majority 22 All the candidates were professed Liberals, and the election was, consequently, not fougli on political lines.

THE BATTLE OF THE SCHOOLS. The Government Bill. On Tuesday Sir John Gorst introduced the Education Bill into the House of Commons, and it was read a first time. The following is a summary of the chief provisions of the Bill :—(i.) Grant of 4s. per head for every child in Voluntary schools, and also in the case of" necessitous Board schools." (2.) Abolition of 17s. lid. limit. (3.) The age of compulsory full-time school attendance, irrespective of the standard passed by the child, be raised to twelve years. (4.) A condition of receiving the Government grant to be that provision should be made for giving such definite religious instruction as a reasonable number of parents desire. (5.) The creation of a paramount educational authority in every county and borough—to consist of the County Council, or in the boroughs municipal authorities working through their technical educa- tion committees, which will have powers of super- vising all expenditure beyond a certain point and administering the Government grant. (6.) This authority to administer also the special grants for technical and secondary education, (7.) Voluntary schools to be exempt from rating. (8.) The rating authorities to have powers of checking the increase of School Board expenditure.

PLYMOUTH (MERTHYR) CRICKET CLUB. It was thought at one time that the well- known Plymouth Cricket Club would not be reformed this season but we are given to understand that the members have decided to have a team this year again. The club have a very good record, and last summer they defeated some first-class teams in South Wales.

ANCIENT WELL AT TROEDY- RHIW. An Antiquarian Find. Our Tr>edyrhiw correspondent writes In removing the cottages necessary for the exten- sion of the Yew-street Schools, an ancient well was found under the foundation, about three or four feet below the surface. It was of cir- cular shape, with several steps leading down to it. The nnd has naturally aroused a great deal of curiosity a uongst our local antiquaries, and it would be interesting to know something of its origin.

FAREWELL MEETING AT TROEDY- RHIW. The members and friends of the Troedyrhiw Choral Society met on Thursday evening to bid farwell to Mr. George Jones (Howy), the 0 conductor of the society. Mr. Jones is leaving y o to take a responsible position at Brynmawr under the Pearl Life Assurance Company. Tea was provided, and the following ladies presided at the tables Mrs. W. Richards, Mrs. JohnE. Davies, Miss Margaret Morgan, assisted by the Misses Mary Edwards, Sarah Morgan, Gwen Richards, Martha Griffiths, and E. Parry. After the removal of the cloth a miscellaneous pro- gramme, consisting of songs, addresses, and re- citations was given. Dr. C. M. Jones presided. and in a few well-chosen remarks, eulogised the conduct of Mr. Jones, and wished him all pros perity in his new sphere. Mr. B. James (super- intendent) spoke in very flattering terms of the prospects and abilities of Mr. Jones. He was sorry to lose him, and although in Mr. Jones' departure lie was losing an able co-worker, lie rejoiced in his promotion. Messrs. E. Morrell, D. J. Davies, Evan Davies, Woolbridge, W. James, and Llew Jones also spoke in similar strains. Mr. Jones very feelingly responded, and remarked upon the pleasant two and a half years he had spent in their midst, and that the Choral Society would always have a very warm place in his affections. He also complimented the society upon having secured the services of Mr. Taliesin Hopkin, Porth, as their future conductor, and predicted a successful career under the baton of Mr. Hopkin, who is unques- tionably one of the ablest conductors in Wales. Some capital songs and recitations were given by Messrs. Gwynne and party, John Davies (Windsor-street), John Davies (Rhodfa-terrace), B. James, and E. Davies, and the singing of Auld Lang Syne terminated a very interest- ing gathering. It is intended at an early date to present Mr. Jones with a framed photo of the society.

LAUNCH OF A NEW BATTLESHIP. Her Knjesty's first-class battleship Mars was on March 30 successfully launched from Messrs. Laird Brothers' yard at Birkenhead. The naming ceremony was performed by Mrs. William Laird, in the presence of an immense crowd. The Mars is sister ship to the Majestic and the Magnificent, recently commissioned, and is 390ft. long, 75ft. broad, 14,900 tons displacement, and 12,000 h.p. Her speed will be 17J knots per hour, and her armament will consist of four 12-in. 46-ton breech-loading new type wire-coiled guns in barbette, and 50 quick-firing guns. She is also armed on the bridge and in her mast tops. She has five torpedo tubes, and her engines are of the triple expansion type. The total weight of metal work treated in the construction of the Mars has been upwards of 10,000 tons, and the wages expenditure in connection with her in Birkenhead alone has been upwards of £ 250,000. The Mars illustrates the ad- vantage of building these large battleships in dock instead of on the usual flip, as when floated out on Monday she carried with her all her citadel armcjr and most of the barbette armour. Indeed, all the armour plating would have been completed had it not been for the press of work in Sheffield rendering it impossible for the armour-plate manufacturers to make delivery as early as required. The main boilers are also on board, with atl mountings and connections complete ready for steam, while the engines are in a very forward condition, so that the ship is in a far more advanced state than would have been the case had she been built on a slip and launched in the ordi- nary way. The order for the Mars was giren exactly two years ago, and her keel was laid in June, 1894.

All kinds of printing can be done neatly, cheaply and ex- peditiously at the Times Printing Works, Merthyr. fcverv attention is paid to the smallest as well a the largest — Apply te the Manager. BORWICK'9 BAKING POTS DER. Best Baking BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. 10,LD"R I TH* BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. True. *nd Fric BORWICK'S BAKING POWUEK From Alum.

FOOTBALL NOTES AND NEWS. By HPECTATOK. The Merthvr Saturday F.C. beat the Merthyr Thursday F.C. on Thursday by a penalty goal to nil. The match was played at Penydarren Park, and the proceeds were for the benefit of Tom Lewis, Penydarreu, who met with an accident some time ago and has not been able to continue his employment. D. Thomas placed the goal. The game was a verv evenly contested one. But of the two teams the Thursdays exhibited the best combination. The Merthyr Thursday F.C. have done very well this season, having won most of the matches played. 1. The match Merthyr v. Troedyrhiw, Oil Saturday, was stubbornly contested. When the teams met on the previous occasion Merthyr won by a dropped goal to a try but on Saturday Trwdyrhiw managed to affect a draw of a try each. The benefit match on Good Friday, in aid of the railway orphans, is arousing great attention. The rival teams will embrace some fii-st class footballers, and a keen tussle is anticipated. Mountain Ash have reached a position in the Glamorgan League that no other team can possibly reach. They are therefore the champions for the season 1895-96, and will become holders of the cup lIld the recipients of the gold medals. They have still a couple of matches to play, in- ;luding a fixture with the Merthyr team. The following is the present position of teams in he Glamorgan Football league — Matches CII'b. play'd. Won. I/Ost. Or'n. Vis Mountain Ash 11 11 0 0 22 lilwynypia 15 8 6 1 17 Treherbert 12 8 4 0 16 I'envjfraigr 11 7 3 1 15 Pontypridd 11 5 5 1 11 Ferndale 12 5 6 1 11 Treorkv 13 2 11 0 4 Merthyr 10 0 10 0 0 ASSOCIATION. The Merthyr "soey" team have been doing a lot of practising lately. Next winter a good team will, in all probability, be formed. There is plenty of "socy" talent at Merthyr, and it only needs proper training to bring about one of the best "socy teams in South Wales. A match was played at the Vnys Meadow, Aberdare, on Thursday afternoon, to decide w hat the bills called the championship of the Aberdare Valley." The opposing teams were Aberdare Town and Treharris. The weather was fine and there was a good attendance of spectators. An Aberdare gentleman had kindly undertaken to present very pretty medals to the members of the victorious team, so both sides exerted their ut- most endeavours to win the trophies. Both teams were representative, and there was a very good exhibition of the "soccer" code. During the first half no goal was scored, but dur- ing the latter half good combination amongst the Treharris forwards culminated in their scoring the only goal of the afternoon. Treharris thus won by a goal to nil, and become entitled to the medals, which are of very pretty design and well worth possessing. On the day's form Treharris were the superior team. Their forwards showed capital combination, whilst the backs quitted themselves creditably. T. Griffiths, the well-known Aberdare full-back, was decidedly off colour; but his colleague, F. Deacon, played a good game. Gomer Watkins at half-back was fairly good. E. T. Davies, in the same line, played a nice game but H. Jones was not up to form. Ot the forwards, A. Jones (captain) and n. J. Thomas were the best. W. H. Sydney, on the right wing, was also good but his colleague, J. E. Thomas, was decidedly out of form. I). Rees, at centre, was, also, far below the average. A special note of praise is due to Mr. Niauis, of Treharris, the referee, who won the greatest admiration from the spectators for his impartial and firm refereeing. We have every authority for saying that Mr. Newton, the secretary of the Aberdare K.C., will not again undertake the duties of that office. This is to be regretted, for the club are under a great obligation to him for the time and attention he has bestowed upon the team during the present and previous seasons. Treharris are likely to itiake tt bold bid for the South Wales Junior Challenge "Cup." Their- opponents will be the Barry Reserves. [ With reference to the Aberdare v. Treharris I Rangers' match, our Treharris correspondent writes The loug-looked-for match has at last come off. The Merthyr Times has had a great deal to do with the arranging of this match, and now to my joy I find that Treharris has succeeded in lowering the Aberdarian colours by one goal to nil, and won both the silver medals put up by an Aberdare gentleman and the championship ot the Aberdaie Valley. I prophesied this result long ago, and although many of the Treharrisites may be what is called light-weights," they possess plenty of grit and go. A correspondent writes Now that Treharris have beaten Aberdare and won the medals, the Nelson team feel very desirous of playing Treharris. They are willing to play them 011 any ground Treharri* will decide upon. It seems that Treharris and Aberdarc played for the champion- ship of the Aberdare Valley, though I fail to see how Treharris can be counted in the Aberdare Valley so now Nelson would like to play Treharris for the championship of the Merthvr Valley. Nelson are fixtured to play Swansea Villa on (rood Friday and a good game is anticipated. ABERAMAN* STABS v. ABRROARK GRASSHOTTETIS.— Played at the Public Park, Al>erdare, on Saturday, and ended in a victory for the Stars by four goals to iiil. Ernest Poar and M. Lloyd played well for the visitors, the former scoring the tour goals. E. Wil- liams was the referee. liams was the referee. MERTHYR POLICE-COURT. THmsuAT.-Before Stipendiary North, Messrs. C. H. James, W. Morgan, and T. H. Bailey. UsUAi.s.—The following were tined for having im- bibed not wisely but too well :—Mary Kale, John Donovan, Thomas Price, Charles Hennessey, Evan Powell, and Cornelius Lynch. OUGHT TO BE ASHAMED or THEMSELVES. Char- lotte Griffiths charged Ann Dyke, a young woman, with assaulting her.—Several witnesses were called. -The Stipendiary said that the parties ought to be ashamed of themselves and dismissed the case. MONDAY.—Before Messrs. W. M. North and T. Williams. DRUNKS.—The convictions for drunkenness were Patrick Brixtone, Hugh Richards, James O'Donnel, John May, John Owen, William Thomas, John Morgan, Rowland Evans, Edward Jones, John Williams, Mary Evans, John David Morgan, John Rees Hopkins, Richard Jones, D. Bassett, Stephen McGill, and John Brown. ASSAULTING A POLICEMAN. -John Mayne was charged with being one of the drunk and disorderly brigade, and also with assaulting P.C. Arthur Phillips on Saturday.-A fine of 10s. and costs was inflicted for the first offence, and 20s. and costs, or three weeks in durance vile," for the latter offence. MINUS LIGHTS.—John Johnson was charged with driving without lights, and fined 5s., including costs. OBSTRUCTION IN HIGH-STREET.—Richard Jones, Reee Williams, and E. Brandon were charged with obstructing High-street, Pontmorlais, 011 22na March, and fined 5s. and costs each. COAL PiLFEUERS. Mrs. O'Brien, Mary Garlick, Willjain Lark, and Thomas lewis were all fined for stealing coal, the property of Nixon's Navigation Company. NEIGHBOURS FALL OUT.—Mary Parish was sum. moned for breaking a window in the house of Timothy McCarthy. When defendant stepped into the dock, she at once said her name was not Mary Parish, but "Mrs. Constantine O'Gogus" (laughter). She had buried her husband, Augustus O'Gogus, at Cardiff, in 1890, and was the mother of eight little children (laughter).— Complainant then gave evidence, and stated that defendant broke his window, and damaged the frame to the amount of 5s. —Defendant loudly protested that she was not guilty. McCarthy had pushed her. Defendant then commenced to liewail her domestic woes, but wpls cut short by the Stipendiary.—P.C. Lamb said defendant kept a disorderly house, which had been vixited by the police once or twice.—Ultimately both patties were bound over to keep the peace. OBSCENE LANGUAGE.—Margaret Healv wa* fined 5s. for using obscene language in Georgetown. DISMISSED.—David Evans, Margaret Evans, aud Rachel Evans were bummoned for assaulting Elizabeth Evans, but the case was dismissed. THEFT or A HATCHET.—Herbert Spear was charged with stealing a hatchet, the property of Thomas Lewis, Penrhiwceiber, on 24th March.—Mr*. Lewis said that on the morning in question prisoner, who i lodged with her, got up all hour before his u-ual time, and went into the pantry where the hatchet was. She then heard him go out. She had been chopping sticks with it previously, and when she went in again it was gone.—Other evidence was given.Prisoner pleaded "Not A fiue ot 20* or 14 il <ys' imprisonment was inflicted. v

I A NELSON DRAPER'S AFFAIRS. j A meeting of the creditors of Daniel Morgan, j draper, Nelson, was held 011 Friday at the ofhcee of the Official Receiver at Merthyr. The state- ment of affairs showed liabilities to rank for dividend amounting to £ 1,010 .Is. 71/. with assets £19:; 10s. 7d.

| CAERPHILLY FAIRS. j The new fair grounds at Ca-'rphilly, Tonyftl'ii Meadows, as will be seen from all advertisement in another column, will be opened to the public on Saturday and Monday next, the ith and 6th inst. On that occasion prizes will be given for entire horses exhihited and stock offered for sale.

COAL STEALING AT CEFN. At Cefn Police Court, on Friday, John Hawkins, Cwmtaf, was charged with stealing coal at Ffrwd Quarry.—The constable who gave evidence said that he saw the defendant coming from the dires, tion of the quarry with something concealed under his jacket it ultimately proved to be coal stolen from the quarry.—Defendant was fined 10s. and costs, or 7 days.

HE WANTED TO FIGHT THE SERGEANT AT CEFN. At Cefn Police Court, on Thursday last, William Jenkins, fruiterer, was charged with being drunk and disorderly and refusing to quit the Lord Rag- lan lnn at Cefn.—Seigeant Lloyd said that he was called to the Lord Raglan. He saw the defendant there drunk. He was ejected from the house and when he got outside he wanted to fight him (the j sergeant).—Defendant was lined 10s. or 14 days.

Au' JOJtN EDWARDS, Treharris, and Mr. hiUchS^US ^ayies' Aberaman, appear to be defp-t exc,'ci«ed over their ignominious hiatt at t^c Board °f Guardians in the fej- c.r of remunerating the temporary In officers at Aberdarc and Gelligaer. (jCaj. 8 week's Tori an they publish a letter thej UlS Avith the matter, and they attack t'i opponents with much bitterness. °f all, they go for Mr. David Da vies, ^er^arc then they smite Joe PoiSmersmith hip and thigh our corres- fjev nt Eye On next comes in for a ^ferth ^rouncino 5 ;ind the editor of the UlT Jr Tl mes, the present humble scribe, all n °rthy 0f suc|1 llonour, is castigated the °m^Scuous-like from the beginning of i^Pjstle even to the close thereof. He is Of to reply to the letter in the columns e ^uri'n- There is nothing to reply to. pei, cannot reply to abuse and scurrilous °Pe °lla^es- Kicking the air is a wearying &• And wha is the use of being y0 of a paper if you have to reply to vT critics in another paper ? that essrs. Edwards and Davies insinuate Plav would not have been given fair the r-0 themselves in the columns of We arc exceedingly sorry they to have taken that view, which amounts of a reflection 011 the integrity and fairness veirt ^0urnal the conduct of which, AVC to say, has not merited such an Coj • They knew Aery well that our i«e pins were perfectly open to them to ai1(i^^0 their opponents, and to discuss this Ij^. any other question within reasonable Pan • rcP]y comments of one HbL"1''n auother paper is not a conimend- ;i Practice but to challenge an editor to Y warfare in an arena other than savours of the grotesque and donlUr C01Tcsp°ndent, "Eye On," Mould 110 be highly interested in Messrs. lln ,Vai'ds and Davies' letter, if he could only lie ^d it. As a pronounced Socialist a strong advocate of Labour repre- ;u'd the doings of all Labour «*re followed by him with great ^.LC" Unfortunately he is an Englishman 0Ms 110 Welsh..Perhaps Mr. lato 01 ^aAies .will kindly trans- \Ve ^tter into English for his benefit. thaf^0ll^d have done it ourselves were it not in e ^°und the original somewhat misty parages. I{niv0tlding this curious e])istle over a second pi -e' °urniind is haunted with a horrid sus- Clot,. Can it be that the editor of the has been hoaxed, and that some and irr^.— -IV wag has made free ^hc names of Messrs. Edwards and I Such things do happen, as wc know from sad experience. It is difficult to believe that the two Labour Guardians would have stooped to write and publish a letter such as the one that appears over their names in the Torian. We should be very glad to hear that our surmise is cor- rect, and that the peculiar concoction which appears in our contemporary was meant to be what it is—a harmless, innocent joke.

RETURN VISIT OF MR. LOUIS CALVERT TO MERTHYR. Mr. Louis Calvert and hip powerful company will pay Merthyr a very welcome return visit next week, and this engagement should prove most attractive for the holiday week. Mr. Cal vert's repertoire, as usual, has been selected with care and discrimination. On Easter Monday afternoon and evening he will play "Proof," himself in the leading part of "Pierre Lorance," and all will remember what a splendid piece of acting this is. This performance will also be repeated on Saturday. On Tuesday, Othello will be staged, and on Thursday, "Richelieu." Both are grand plays, and we are assured that Mr. Cal verts' assumption of both the title roles ia a delineation of character to be remembered if once seen. On Wed- nesday and Friday he will give Rip Van Winkle," and in the many towns in which Mr. Calvert has revived the play, both press and public have been unanimous in highly praising him. Whether as the jovial devil-may-care young "Rip," or the broken- down weary old man after his 20 years' sleep, with this attractive repertoire and surrounded by a com- pany even more powerful than ever before, we are sure that crowded and delighted audiences will assemble each night at the Theatre Royal.

AFFAIRS IN FRANCE. It was announced in Paris on March 28 that M. Berthelot, the Foreign Minister, had resigned office. The portfolio of Foreign Affairs has been assumed by the Premier, M. Bourgeois, and M. Doumer, the Finance Minister, has temporarily taken charge of the Ministry of the Interior. M. Berthelot has resigned in consequence of the attacks made upon his manage- ment of the questions arising out of the Dongola expedition—especially the threatening note of March 17, of which it is well known that he was not the author. He felt that he could not run the risk of being obliged to use the foreign policy of France as an instrument of home government. This is the real significance of the substitution of M. Bourgeois for M. Berthelot. A semi-official note has been published in Paris, stating that, in regard to Madagascar, France is ready to grant Great Britain the benefit of the most-favoured-nation clause in relation to othet nations, but not in relation to herself, as she consider. that she possesses in Madagascar a special position, and is consequently entitled to special treatment. n

I A RETROSPECT OF MERTHYR. Ihetilcof the Mtrtfiyr Telegraph, a journal now extinct, having come into our possession, we propose to devote, from week to week, some portion of our space to such extracts from its columns as will, we believe, be of general interest to our older readers as recall- ing many incidents at the time exciting enough, but of which the memory has faded and to those of our readers who are younger they will have a value in giving them some idea of the history of the Old Merthyr that is now passing away. The editor of the Merthi/r Telegraph, the late Mr. Peter Williams, secured the services of many able contributors in various departments, and perhaps the most interesting of the articles which appeared are those dealing with subjects of local antiquarian interest, many of them from the pen of the late Mr. Thomas Stephens. While we shall record passing events in a more or less chronological fashion, still it must follow that the various articles of antiquarian value must be dealt with as they are reached. The first number of the Telegraph appeared on the 11th of August, 1855. The editor, in his introduction, refers to a previous attempt to establish an exponent of public opinion, the non-success of which lie attributes to the error of not recognising the great body of the people as the base of the social pyramid. He claims to be The poor man's champion, the tradesman's guest, and the humble servant of a real aristocracy wherever he shall find it." With such words, thenthelittle barque was launched on what was to prove a tempestuous career. This number, indeed, contains items which are not uninteresting, both in its advertisement columns and those of its contributors. The first advertise- ment announces that all the shops will be closed on the following Monday, so that the assistants and others may join the Oddfellows' procession. The omnibus to Brecon is advertised to start from the Castle Hotel at 11 o'clock on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday's, and from Merthyr at at 3 o'clock for Brynmawr. As may be supposed a good deal of the paper is occupied with the progress of events in the Crimea. The prices in the Merthyr Market on the 4th August, 1855, are given as follows Beef, 5d. to 8d. mutton, 7d. to 7 jd. veal, 6d. to 7ad. fresh butter, Is. Id. to Is. 2d. fowls, 2s. to 3s. and ducks, 3s. to 5s. a couple. On the Taff Vale Railway three passenger trains each way, daily, suffice for the requirements of travellers while two mails are made up every day. The proceedings of the Local Board at this time form interesting reading. We find there was an agitation for a water supply in progress the woes of the householders, some of whom have to remain nearly half the night near the springs and wells which form the supply, are duly set forth; but the Local Board, after much discussion and the examina- | tioy of n:any schemes, at last resolve to borrow £80,000 for the construction of waterworks. People with money to lend, however, are not ready to do so, even at 5 per cent; a ratable value of less than £80,000 is not considered sufficient. security, and so the scheme falls through, but not without considerable evidence of dissatisfaction on the part of the public. The members of the Local Board at this time are Messrs. R. T. Craw shay (chairman), Overton, D. Rosser, R. Fornian, John Jones, C. H. James, J. Bryant, L. Morgan, D. Evans, W. Thomas (Court), and A. Hill, with Mr. Russel as clerk, and 8. C. Gant, C.E., as sur- veyor. The Pant Cemetery is consecrated on the 20th August, 1855. Advertisers were often facetious in these days, as witness the following from the issue for September 1st, 1855:—"The owner of the Candle House, Riverside, Caedraw, will leave more large pieces of coal any weight next week in the same place that lie left the last, if the thief who stole the latter will kindly inform him at what hour it will be convenient to fetch them." The opening of the Dowlais Schools on Sep- tember 11th, 1855, is worthy of record. They were erected on a site which formed part of the Dowlais House Gardens, by Mr. John Gabe, of Merthyr, from the designs of Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the Houses of Parliament, at a cost of over £ 8000. The openingjproceedingswere graced by the presence of Lady Charlotte Schreiber, Mr. H. A. Bruce, M.P., the Bishop and the Dean of Llandaff, Sir Ivor Guest, Mr. J. E. Hutchins, M.P., Rev. Canon Jenkins, Mr. G. T. Clarke, Admiral Warde, C.B.. and I many others. The ceremony was followed by a grand ball in the evening. There is an interesting contribution dealing with the Merthyr churches, from which we find that St. David's was built in 1847, and St. Tydfil's in 1807, the tower having been added in 1820. When St. Tydfil's was rebuilt in 1807, replacing a more ancient structure, there was found at the very foundation of the old church a huge stone coffin, and in it a skeleton of great length over the coffin was an inscription in very early characters cut in red standstone, which Mr. Stephens read as Aitlien," who was a brother of St. Tydfil. The stone was placed in the north wall of the church, now in course of reconstruction. During the period that Mr. Maber was Rector of Merthyr a very interest- ing and curious manuscript book was preserved in the iron chest in St. Tydfil's Church, con- taining a quaint description of the entry of Oliver Cromwell into our town, after lodging the previous night with his kinsman at Aberfan. It has unfortunately disappeared, and none of Mr. Mabel's descendants are able to trace it.

ABERDARE BURIAL BOARD. The annual and ordinary meeting of this Board was held on Thursday last, at the clerk's officc, in Canon-street, Aberdare. There were present Messrs. n. P. Davies, J.P., T. Thomas, Owen Harris, Revs. R. E. Williams, D. S. Evans, H. A. Davies, and Henry Jones. Mr. D. P. Davies took the chair. The first business was to appoint a chairman for the ensuing year, the Rev. R. E. Williams being unanimously elected to that position.—The report from the vestry clerk was read, in which he reported that the Rev. R. E. Williams and Mr. n. P. Davies were re-elected members, and the Rev. Henry Jones was also elected a member of the Board. Also that Messrs. W. Fithen Botting and D. M. Richards were appointed auditors for the next 12 months.—Abetter was read from the assistant secretary to the Great Western Railway Company in reference to the ease ment of bridge over their railway to the Boatcl's additional burying ground at the cemetery. He stated that the matter of the permanent easement of bridge should be laid before his directors, with the suggestion that the company should forego the condition as to determination of ease- ment. The clerk was directed to communicate with the company with a view to their accepting a lump sum for the easement in lieu of an annual payineut.— The matter of inspection of the plan" and specification of the new burying ground was left in the hands ofthechairmanandoneortwo other members to report on.—The clerk was instructed to write to the inspector of police as to getting a couple of policemen to be in attendance at the cemetery on Palm Sunday.

ABERDARE COUNCIL. Friday. Present: Messrs. R. H. Rhys (chair- man), D. P. Davies (vice-chairman), M. John, G. George, Owen Harris, J. Howell, R. Llewellyn, D. Williams, W. Thomas, E. Morgan, T. Rees, Revs, T. Humphreys and B. Evans. OVERLOADING.—The Clerk reported that James Rees had been fined for overloading his brake. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT.—This report was read. One fatal case of diphtheria was reported, the victim being a girl. ROADS AND STREETS COMMITTEE. —The report of this committee was read. With reference to the proposed improvements at Gadlys-road, the com- mittee recommended that the matter be disposed of fur the present.—The report was adopted. SANITARY INSPECTOR'S REPORT.—This report w as read and adopted. DAMAGE FOR BROKEN GLASS.—The surveyor's report with regard to the breaking of the glass at M essrs. Hodges and Son's shop in Commercial-place was received. The report stated that four of the Council's men were employed in cutting up the road opposite the shop, and a stone flew by and broke the window. He estimated the cost of replacing the glass at JE9, but it was expected that the exist- ing part of the glass would realise £ 4.—The report was adopted. IhtAMATic LICENCE. An application for a dramatic licence for the Cwmaman Public Hall was received.—Chairman Is the hall in a proper state ?—The Surveyor said that he had seen the hall three weeks ago, and it was alright then. The application was granted. THE REGISTER OF VOTERS.—A letter was received from the clerk to the County Council in reference to the application of the Aberdare Coun- oil fo have the list of voters for each street placed together, and not as at present. The County Council stated that they had llú authority to make such an alteration. SURVEYOR'S REPORT.—This report was read and adopted. Several plans of buildings were passed, as the surveyor had certified that they were in accordance with the bye-laws. APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT OVERSEERS.—The Chairman said that the time had now arrived for the re-election or otherwise of the assistant over- seers for the ensuing year. His idea was to re- appoint all the old assistant overseers.—Mr. n. P { Davies then proposed that the old assistant over- seers be re-appointed, with the addition of Mr. D. Thomas, Canon street. Seeing that the overseers had some 25 acres of land to look after, they would be doing well in appointing Mr. Thomas, who had a special knowledge of matters in connection with land, drains, &e.—The proposition was agreed to. DRIVER'S LICENCE.—A man named Sage, from Aberaman, attended the Council and applied for a driver's licencc.—The Clerk said that the applicant had several testimonials.—The Chairman remarked that he objected on principle. It was no good giving a licence to everybody.—On a vote being taken it was, however, decided to grant the appli- cation. ESTIMATES.—With reference to these, the Chair- man reported that the Finance Committee had not met to consider the estimates but ho (Chairman) might say that he had spent two hours on the pre- vious day, in company with the surveyor and clerk, in considering them. They would, however, be dealt with again. HoEiDAT. It was decided that the employees of the Couucil be granted a holiday 011 Easter Monday. FritE APPARATUS.Mr. D. P. Davies asked whether the fire apparatus was tested occasionally. If not, he thought that it should be done.- It was decided to give a general order to the police to test the same. CwM BKIDOE.—Rev. B. Evans asked whether anything had been done with regard to CWDl Bridge., respecting the condition of which lie had made a complaint at a previous meeting of the Council.—The Surveyor replied that he would report regarding the same at another meeting of the Council. Mr. J. Howell (jocularly) Are you a candidate at the electionV—The Hey. B. Evans: Xo.—Chairman But he will be next year (laughter). ASHES NOT REMOVED. Rev. B. Evans said that some people in Wayne s-street complained to him that their ashes were not cleared by the man appointed by the Council to do that work.—It was decided to see into the matter. STREET OBSTRUCTION.—Mr. T. Rees called at tention to the question of street obstructions, and asked whether those tradesmen who put out ob- structions did so in defiance ? He thought that the Council should insist upon the tradesmen in question removing the obstructions from the pave- ments. They seemed to defy the police.—Chair- man Name'—Mr. T. Rees gave the name of one tradesman who had a sack of potatoes on the pavement. — Chairman Anybody else ? — Mr. Rees That is sulHcient for the time being, I think. I will submit another name when I find another obstruction. Such things as shovels, Jfcc., are hung out opposite several shops.—The Chair- man suggested that the person referred to by Mr. Rees should be cautioned, and that placards, or handbills, should be circulated warning people against obstructing the pavements, &c.—This sug- gcstion was adopted.

Ouk 01." Tows WALLS.—Masons in different cen- turiea had special ways of treating their etunewort. The Normans used amall etones, such as men could lift singly and they were all about the same size, uerhap. 100r 12 inshes square, which has given their work a bead-like regularity. They made a facing on each front of their walle, and jjlled up the interven- ing space with rough rubble. In later times stone- of more Taried sizes were used and more irregularity became the rule. In some coi: rses a stone not high enough to reach the level of the course abore it was supplemented by another to attain the requisite height; in others, one too large ascended half-way up the course above it, and the necessary lerel had to be regained by the use of one much smaller than the rest. Later still, much larger and more eren- sized stones were used. Even then the extreme regularity of modern masonry was not in vogue. The manner of masonry eives us the age of it. Ferruginous and other streaks in the stratification of the stones, mosses, lichens, Ftoijecrop. and ot her wall-plants, shade und damp, sunshine and give uf the incomparable tints of it. I-UKK at our "old town walls as vs may, now that we are so far from the necessity of their use, we must always regard Ihew. as memorial* of the mlonr, prudence, a-id fedustrr of the men who mad?' Knglaud the rerf desirable possession to which we have auyjeeded.- Corn h ill Ma<ia.:lai