Glamorgan Free Press

Harvest Thanksgiving Services. COEDPENMAEN ENGLISH BAPTIST CHAPEL, PONTYPRIDD. Harvest thanksgiving services were held at thi, place of worship on Sunday, the 2nd inst. when special sermons were preached by the pastor, the Rev Joshua Thomas. The chapel was prettily decorated with flowers and fruit, and the services were enlivened by anthems, duets, etc., by the choir and members of the Sunday School. There were good attendances at each service. GLYNTAFF. The harvest thanksgiving was held at Glyn- taff Church on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thurs- day last. On Tuesday, the service was in Welsh, and the Rev E. H. Hyslog. Vicar of All Saints! Cardiff, preached an interesting and in- structive sermon to a large congregation. Wed- nesday evening the service was in English, and the preacher, the Rev J. Pritchard Hughes, Vicar of Llantrisant, who preached an eloquent sermon to a crowded church. On Thursday morning there was a celebration of Holy Com- munion at 8, and a Litany service at 3 in the afternoon, which was ably conducted by the Rev James Thomas, B.A., Pontypridd. On Thursday evening another large crowd filled the church, when the preacher was the Rev H. A. Coe, Vicar of St. Dyfrig's, Cardiff. The choir rendered the anthem, "Thanks be to God" in a masterly manner on Wednesday and Thurs- day, and Mr J. H. Nott is to be congratulated for the able manner in which he sang the solo on both occasions. Mr D. Davies, F.T.S.C., with his usual efficiency, presided at the organ, during the festival. The church was decorated in a manner which reflects great credit on the genial Rector (the Rev S. Rowland Jones), and the ladies who assisted him. The offertories on each occasion were devoted to the Curates' Fund The large quantity of choice fruits and vege- tables which were used in the decorations were distributed as usual to the poor of the parish. YSTRAD. The annual harvest thanksgiving services in connection with St. Stephen's Church, Ystrad, Rhondda, were held on Wednesday and Thurs- day evening last week. The service on Wed- neaday evening was fn Welsh, when an excellent sermon was preached by the Rev D. Davies, B.A., Mardy, and on Thursday in English by the Rev J. E. Davies, B.A., Treorky, who preached an eloquent sermon to a large congre- gation, The church was very prettily and tastefully decorated for the occasion. The ser- vices throughout were fully choral, and were I intoned by the Rev T. H. Williams (curate in charge), who was ably assisted by the Rev J. M. Raymond, Ton. The singing was all that could be desired. Collections were made at the close of the services in aid of the Additional Curates' Society. CWMPARK. The annual harvest thanksgiving services in connection with St. George's Church, Cwm- park, were held on Thursday last, when the order of the services were as follows, viz., 8.30 a.m.. Holy Communion; 11 a.m., matins and sermon; 3 p.m., an organ recital and sacred solos, and at 7 p.m., matins and sermon. The weather throughout the day proved very un- favourable. The morning service was conducted by the vicar (Rev T. Harries, B.A.), and the lessons were read by the Rev J. E. Davies, B.A. (curate), and the Rev G. Griffiths, vicar of Nantyglo, the preacher being the Rev G. Grif- fiths, vicar of Nantyglo, who delivered an excel- lent sermon to a fair congregation. The evening service commenced punctually at 7, when an excellent discourse was delivered by the Rev D. Davies, B.A., vicar of Newcastle, Bridgend, to a crowded congregation. The church was very nicely decorated for the occasion with fruit, vegetables, etc. The greatest credit is due to the congregation for the admirable manner in which the church had been decorated by the Rev D. Davies, B.A., vicar of Newcastle, Bridg- end. The services throughout were fully choral, the singing being all that could be desired. These services were continued on the following Sunday, when the Rev J. D. James, M.A., vicar of Llwynypia, preached excellent sermons both morning and evening to very large con- gregations. Collections were made at all the services in aid of the Additional Curates Society. TON. The annual harvest thanksgiving service in connection with the English Congregational Chapel, Ton, was held on Thursday last at the above place of worship, when the Rev D. Rhag- fyr Jones (Bethania), Treorky, delivered an ex- cellent sermon to a large congregation. The services were continued on Sunday last, when the Rev D. Walters (pastor) officiated in | the morning and evening. Collections were made in aid of the chapel debt. The annual harvest thanksgiving services in connection with St. John's Parish Church, Ys- tradyfodwg, were held on Sunday and Monday last in excellent weather. The order of the services were as follows: Sunday, 11 and 6, matins and sermons, the preacher being the Rev J. Rees, B.A., vicar of Tylorstown, who de- livered excellent discourses to large congrega- tions. On Monday, at 8.30 a.m.. Holy Com- munion; 11 u.m., matins and sermon; the preacher was the Rev W. R. Thomas, Aber- sychan; in the afternoon, at 3, the preacher was the Rev D. Fisher, B.A., Penygraig, and in the evening at 7. the Rev Lewis Jones, vicar of Taffechan, preached. The services through- out both days were well attended. The church was handsomely decorated for the occasion, and reflected the greatest credit on the ladies of the congregation. The lessons were read by the Revs Precentor Lewis, R D. (vicar of the Parish), and T. H. Williams, L D. (curate). The service was intoned by the Rev J. M. Raymond, L.D. (curate in charge). The musical portion of the service was admirably rendered by the cboir, and reflected the greatest credit upon the conductor, Mr Thomas Jones. The organist was Master W. J. Voyle, who presided in his usual, manner. The collections were very liberal, which were devoted to the Additional Curates Society. GELLI. The annual harvest thanksgiving services in connection with St. Mark's Mission Room, Gelli, will be held on Sunday and Monday next. The preachers will be the Revs H. Williams, B.A., Pontypridd; D. Thomas, Llwynypia; T. Tis- sington, curate, of Gilfach Goch, and J. E. Davies. Collections will be made at all the services in aid of the Additional Curates Society RUDRY. The harvest festival was held at St. James's Church, Rudry, on Thursday last, when the Rev George Thomas (Rector of Bedwas) and the Rev William Jenkins (curate of Ma- chen) preached to crowded audiences during the day. The church was prettily and tastefully decorated by the lady members of the congre- gation. The anthem "All Thy Works Praise Thee," was rendered with effect by the Church Choir. Mr Z. Burris presided at the organ.

6 5 lVIusical Examinations. i A smart brochure on "Musical Examination, with some particulars respecting proprietory musical "colleges," their shareholders, working, issue of diplomas and robes, etc., etc. has re- cently been issued from "Musical News" offices, 130, Fleet Street, London (price 3d), wihch all intending candidates for examinations in music should read. It is well known in the musical world, that of late years a number of irrespon- sible examining bodies have sprung into exist- ence, some of them merely one man concern, others Joint Stock Companies, who have christened thei." concerns with high sounding names, and making large profits by lavishly issuing diplomas and certificates to their mis- guided victims. Instances are given in this pamphlet of persons who have had diplomas granted with any kind of examination whatever by simply paying the required fee. One of the unfortunate results of such frauds is that there are scores of young people in the Brtiish Isles who, although with a shallow and imperfect musical education, are misled into the belief that they are as capable of imparting musical tuition as are teachers who have devoted the best part of their lives and energies to pass examinations at well-known colleges, whose de- grees when conferred are hall marks of ability. It is almost unnecessary to remind our readers that the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music, the Ryoal College of Organ- ists, and Trinity College, hold this distinctly authorative position, and that degrees obtained at these can only mean diligence and merit,and while such institutions exist it is a pity that such impostures created simply for money mak- ing objects should exist in our land. Good work has been done by Sir John Stainer (Mus. Doc.), Sir Hubert Parry (Mus. Doc.), Mr Side- botham, M.P., and a host of other great men, in exposing some of these frauds in speeches re- cently delivered at I.S.M. meetings and else- where. "Truth" and other high class papers in London and the provinces are taking the matter up, and if our readers pursue this work, we do not think they will be inclined to pin their faith to the specious wiles of mushroom institutions. which will under the light of public opinion dis- appear as rapidly as they have sprung into being.

Things Theatrical. 0 ROYAL CLARENCE THEATRE, PONTYPRIDD. As we anticipated, "The King of Crime" has drawn large houses during the week, and quite justified the high reputation the piece has held in the large towns of fche Kingdom. "The King of Crime" represents a tale in which crime plays the principal part, but at the same time there is a strong undercurrent of pathos in which a blind wife has a most important part. Mr Samuel Livesey represents the part of Ron- jarre, and makes the many aliases of that King of Crime a most important part of the play, wibdle Miss Rosalind Scott-Watson gives a pathetic rendering of the blind and trusting wife. Mr Clarence Temple has made a special study of the part of Louis Mascarot, and presents it most effectively. Sam Wilford might make the part of Mick Maloney rather lighter; an amus- ing account of Tabarat, the old inn-keeper is given by Mr Thomas E. Marshall; Mr A. H. Elliott gives a stately effect t othe character of Mons. Folgat. The company is, on the whole, well up to the standard of those to which we are accustomed when Messrs Dottridge and Longden take the control. RETURN VISIT OF "MIZPAfT." The enthusiastic reception of the sensational drama "Mizpah" on a previous occasion, fully justifies the management—after a sufficient in- terval-to again place it before their patrons. In addition to the interesting story depicted in the development of the plot, it is replete with those delightful touches of humour for which the author is so well known to the public. An additional feature since its last visit is the new and elaborate scenery specially painted for the production, which bids fair to equal, if not surpass, the records in dramatic representation with which Mr Jones is catering for local play- goers. We have had the privilege of seeing some of the bookings from this time forward, and must say we are astonished at the diversity and ex- cellence of the entertainment provided by a liberal manager for what we trust will meet with a liberal support. THEATRE ROYAL, TONYPANDY. "The Union Jack."—This week, at the Theatre Royal, Messrs Henry Petitt and Sidney Grundy's dramatic combination, under the di- rection of Mr Horace Stanley, are appearing ir the Great Adelphi drama, "The Union Jack." Mr Magill Martyn appeared as "Jack Med- way;" Mr Wallace Eastlake as Sir Phillip York; Mr Carl Merlin as Captain Morton. Mr Stan- ley Serdham as Lieut. Stanley, both the latter named gentlemen sustaining the characters of the officers of the Warwickshire Reigment ex- ceedingly well, and all the other members of this attractive company to the number of 19 did themselves full justice, and created loud plau- dits. For next week is announced Mr Marriott Watson's company in "The Trail of the Ser- pent." THEATRE ROYAL, CARDIFF. The rollicking fun and buffonery of "A Night Out' 'has been drawing crowded houses at the Theatre Royal, Cardiff, this week. The hold and lively representation of the farce by Mr E. Lockworcfs splendid company eliciting shrieks of laughter from the audience. Mr E. W. Gar- den, as "Joseph Pinglet," the master builder, is the chief actor, and is well supported by Miss Eva Dare ("Marcille"), Miss Madge Avery (Mrs Pinglet). Mr George Muller (Matthew), Mr G. Mallett (Paillard), and Mr H. Sontor (Maxime). For the coming week Mr Redford announces "la the Ranks."

[ Pontypridd's Water Supply. +- ANALYST'S REPORT. MORE COMPLAINTS. tyedical Officer's Report Strong Measures Suggested. Mr P. Gowan, J.P., presided over Tuesday's meeting of the Pontypridd District Council, when a letter was read from Mr Morgan Morgan, secretary of the Pontypridd Water Works, with regard to the Council's complaint that the water supplied by them was discoloured, and con- tained peaty matter. The discolouration, wrote Mr Morgan, was only temporary, and due to the construction of the new works at Maerdy. The Chairman thought the matter should remain in abeyance until the analyst's report had been received by the medical officer. Shortly affcerwards Dr Howard Davies arrived and presented the following report: "Since the last meeting of your Council, the sample of water taken from the tap in my sur- gery in the presence of an employee of the Pontypridd Water Works Company, has been submitted for analysis as requested by you. The analyst's report reads thus: 'This water is free from evidence, of urinal or sewage contamina- tion, but is largely impregnated with vegetable impurity. Waters of this class at this season usually contain a considerable quantity of vege- table impurity, but the amount in the sample is quite abnormal. The water is turbid from vegetable matter in suspension, and in colour is a darkish brown. Its present condition is not at air satisfactory, but efficient filtration would greatly improve it. Such water can, hardly be considered dangerous in the ordinary sense of thfll term, but it would be Bkely to give rise to intestinal derangements in persons.' "This analysis was Signed by Dr Thomas Hughes. "You will observe," continued Dr Davies, "he remarks that the amount of vegetable matter present in the sample is quite abnormal, and that its present condition is not at all satisfac- tory, and further that it would be likely to give rise to intestinal derangements in persons dringicg it. The water analysed is a sample of that supplied from the Maerdy reservoir. The sample taken to-day in the Pwllgwaun district shows very plainly that there has been no im- provement in the quality of the Maerdy supply. On the contrary, if anything, it is more turbid than it was a fortnight ago. I think you will all agree with the analyst that its present condi- tion is not at all satisfactory. Now to follow the remarks of the analyst regarding the likeli- hood of the water to give rise to intestinal de- rangement, I have had only too frequent occa- sions to notice the ill effeots upon persons drink- ing this water, and I assure you they have not been of a pleasant nature. It is needless to men- tion cases, as probably you, gentlemen, know of instances of the ill effects produced upon in- dividuals by the water in question in districts supplied with this water. The symptoms mani- fested have been mostly of stomach and intesti- nal irritation. Children especially have suffered from persistent vomiting and diarrhoea, and this has continued for a considerable time, in fact, until water was obtained from other sources. Adults also have suffered similarly, and I have had cases personally of such severity in grown up persons verging upon death. It is a strange coincidence that during the month of September, the several registrars' returns of deaths in that period should include 34, or nearly half of all the deaths-the total being 74-from diarrhoea and gastroenteritis, the latter disease being almost identical with dirrhoca, and being produced by causes similar to those causing diarrhoea. The death-rate per annum for diar- rhoea would be equivalent to 11 per 1,000 of the population. A large number of deaths from this cause for the month of September is quite with- out precedent in your district in my experience. I believe I am right in stating that the Ponty- pridd Water Works Company supply a popu- lation in tie Rhondda. with water from 60,000 to 80,000 persons. It would be interesting to know their experience in the Rhondda during the period under notice. For the period of thirteen years, I as medical officer of health, have had to complain from time to time of the scarcity of the water supply of your district, and also of its quality. The singular fact, how- ever, remains, that whether or not your district is adequately supplied with pure and whole- some water, the handsome dividend is reaped from year to year by the shareholders of this company. You, as a Council, and also the formerly constituted Urban Authority, have gone to considerable expense in order that the district under your jurisdiction should be pro- perly provided with an abundant and whole- some supply of pure water. I will only instance the securing the services of the eminent water- works expert and engineer in this matter. Your efforts in this direction seem to go unheeded, for with an alleged provision of an abundant water supply, the water is still delivered for domestic and other purposes at the present time in the district supplied with Maerdy water in the state seen in the specimen produced to- day." Dr Davies here produced a bottle of the discoloured water. "Whatever explanation is forthcoming," he added, "I think the com- munity at large are entitled to n explanation from the Water Works Como y of the grist- ing state of t' ings. I* 's i" el-a: the com- pany in question have up to the pres-v.t time manifestly faded l il obli,x, i,,ni to »ou mid through you 'o tie public in Loiierat Now the question ari.-t- Is it no **(>»>! lent that. supply of water to « 'nmu^ty illte thip hctilci be control ed by the local authority that has the charge of the public health? I maintain that it is incumbent upon this Conucil, and forth- with to consider this state of things that now exist, and determine whether in the interest of the public health it is not absolutely neces- sary that you should combine with other dis- tricts involved, and assume without delay the control of the most necessary commodity of life in your district, i.e., water." The report of the committee appointed to in- quire into the complaints from Cilfynydd, and particularly that of Dr Lyftle, was to the effect that they considered the complaints well foun- ded. and recommended the Council' to take steps towards compelling the Water Company to supply more wholesome water. A letter was also read from Dr Dahue, Hop- kinstown, complaining of the water supplied to his house by the Pontypridd Water Works Company. A strong smell arose from it, and the water was of a bad colour, and in some samples he had taken from it small worms, some of which were still living. It was quite a sight to see the inhabitants of that place rush to a well close by to obtain water fit to drink, and people were waiting around this well eevn then. This waconfirmed by the chairman. The medical officer, in reply to one of the members, said the only remedy was for private consumers to take the matter up, and take action to obtain compensation for any injury that might be done to their health. The Rhon- dda Council were pushing this matter forward and had sent a committee, consisting of th' members of the Council and the medical offioer of health, to visit the new Maerdy reservoir. He (Dr Davies) had only just returned from the Birmingham Sanitary Congress, where he had the opinion of several experts on filtration, and all of them thought that the old method of filtration, viz., by sand, was the best means of filtering the water. A new process had been adopted at the Maerdy reservoir, and if the water had passed through it, then the apparatus was not a successful one. Mr W. Lewis asked what was their position in the matter, and if they could take proceed- ings in anyway against the Company. The Chairman said that as the Clerk (Mr Gro- ver) was absent, it would be best to refer the matter to the Sanitary Committee, with tie clerk, with power to act. This was moved by Mr Lewis, seconded ).v Mr Bramwell, and carried.

East Glamorgan Baptist Association. BANDS OF HOPE FESTIVAL. The Pontypridd section of Bands of Hope of the East Glamorgan Baptist Association held a singing festival at the Tabernacle Chapel on Monday last. The section included Cilfynydd, Tabernacle, Vestry Hall, Rhondda Chapel, Treforest, Rhydfelen, Llantwit Fardre, Hop- kinstown, and Llantrisant, and numbered be- tween 600 and 700 choristers. The weather proved exceptionally fine, and as the day was observed as Mabon's Day, the Chapel was crowded by choir and congregation. The sing- ing was very appreciably assisted by a string band, under the leadership of Mr John Rees, flopkinstown. The conductor was Mr D. W. Thomas, grocer, Hopkinstown, who is to be congratulated upon the manner he discharged his duties, and the excellent rendering of the programme by the choirs under his charge. It was easy to distinguish that some of the music rendered was very popular,, and without going into details it may be mentioned that one of the pieces, which seemed to have laid hold of the choir and congregation, was the march, "Ni, wirfoddolion Iesu:" composed by Mr John Hughes, Llantwit Fardre. The composer con- ducted the rendering of the march at the even- ing meeting, and the manner in which it was repeated again and again by the choir and con- gregation made one fed that the old "Welsh Cymanfa hwyl" had seized the whole concourse. This march has been one of the favourites at each festival throughout the district of the Associa- tion. This fact reflects great credit upon the youthful composer, and should act as an incen- tive to better and greater achievements by him in the future. The Rev Thomas Richards, Llan- twit Fardre was chairman at the afternoon meeting, and Mr Rhys Davies, New Mill, Llan- trisant, presided at the evening meeting. The duties of secretary of the section devolved upon the Rev Thomas Richards, who has, taken great interest in the movement from its inauguration. The Rev W. Griffiths, Liantrisant; -Rev W. Rees, Rhondda, and Mr W. Williams (Meton) took part in the proceedings, and the singing was interspersed with recitations by Miss James, Llantrisant, and Master Jones, Cilfynydd. The feeling of all at the close of the meetings was that a movement had been started which de- served to live, and that no effort should be spared to ensure the complete attainment of the objects in view, viz., to teach the rising generation to appreciate the principles of so- briety and virtue.

A fragrant, grateful, and comforting cup made in a moment by using Symington's Edinburgh Coffte Essence. In bottles from all Grocers. 3j98

AP-TAFONWY AT THE CAPE. CONCERT ON BEHALF OF THE SOUTH WALES MINERS' RELIEF FUND. A well-arranged concert was held last even- ing in the Metropolitan Hall, in Burg street, the proceeds of which will be utilised to aid the distressed women and children i nSout-h Wales. The entertainment being given for duch a lau- fdable cause, it was extremely gratifying to see, the body of the hall, as well as the gallery, with- out a vacant seat. Despite the apparent slump n the attendance at the local entertainments of late, the charactenstic patronage of Capetonians where charity is concerned was certainly ex- hibited in a full measure last evening, from which it may be concluded that the committee will 60 enabled to despatch a substantial sum to contribute to the relief of the starving wives and children of the South Wales miners. To this end Messrs E. Lewis (hon. treasurer), of Cardiff, and T. B. Williams and D. M. Evans, of Llandovery (hon. secretaries), have worked in a very indefatigable manner. The Welsh Glee Party, conducted by Professor Mills, con- tributed some very tuneful melodies, and met with a big reception, whilst Madame Clement Thomas, of Llanelly, gave a charming rendering of "Gyda'r Wawr" (J. Thomas), and later "The Maid" and the Robin." "The Bedouin Love Song," by Mr G. E. Davies, followed, and was given in good style, as were the recitations by Mr H. E. Memmens, entitled "Hanging a Pic- ture" and "My Aunt's Crinoline," which pro- voked much merriment. Professor Mills was responsible for "The Soldier's Song" (Masche- roni), and a Welsh song, "Llythyr fy Mam" (W. Evans), which were given in a powerful manner. Messrs T. B. Williams and G. E. Davies gave a duet, *The Larboard Watoh," for which they received an encore, as did Mr Collins, who re- presented tEe humorous element. In the second portion of the programme Madame Thomas and Professor Mills contributed with great effect "I've WandeAd in Dreams," a duet by Wade. With a vocal rendering of "The Village Black- smith" (Weiss), and further contributions by the artistes already mentioned, what was cer- tainly a very successful entertainment drew to a close. Professor Mills and Mr F. Williams acted as accompanists during the ever:g in a very able manner.—"Cape Times," E, -)t. 14th.

EVERY "WOMAN SEND TWO STAMPS for oar NEW BOOK, entitled How to limit your family," con- taining valuable information.to Ladies, how all Irregularities may be entirely avoided or Re- moved by Simple Means. Recommended by eminent Physicians as the only safe, sure, and genuine remedy. Never Fail. Thousands of Testimonial* Mr G, 1>. PLAXMATZD, Clsremont Yora* ruad, Dalst^r: L-.v«ior,. 4' 18

CHIPS OF NE WS. ¡ Tae postage stamps of Gibraltar are to 1M I ^nanged once mow, British money value* btJtag substituted for Spanish centimos and pesetas. ( The death of the Emperor of China is semi- officially confirmad. "Suicide" is the official version, assassination is thought to be ihe correct term, however. Police-constable James Baldwin, of the G Division, was stabbed to death near Kingsland- road, London, on Saturday. The alleged murderer was arrested. The Japanese Government have placed a large contract with the New Explosives Company (Limited), of Stowmarket, for cordite, chiefly for heavy ordnance. The International Arbitration and Peace Association have issued, in their organ. Conrord, an indictment of the Egyptian campaign, under the heading, "The Sirdar's Shambles." At Seaham Harbour, on Saturday night, a Salvationist named Mordue was seriously in- jured by the upsetting of a paraffin lamp, which he carried on a pole, at one of the Army's meetings. A joint conference between Churchmen and Nonconformists, to consider the question of Christian union, was held at Bradford on Saturday. It was resolved to hold a similar con- ference annually. Charles Rotherham, seventeen, committed suicide in Wormwood Scrubbs Prison, and a coroner's jury recommended that the observation holes of the cells should be large enough to admit of a view of the whole apartment. At Brentford, two men and a woman were charged with having in their possession certain papers for the purpose of committing frauds on the Austro-Hungarian Bank by means of bogus notes. They were remanded. The bulletin-board in front of a Cleveland urch last Sunday, says the New York Tribune, .mtained tnis rather ambiguous announcement. "Evening service seven o'clock, Hell is Paved with Good Intentions.' All are welcome. Seats free." The Goole Fire Brigade, late on Saturday night, were called to a fire at Hook, where seven stacks of oats and wheat were discovered to be ablaze. Within au hour they were called to another outbreak in the same village to find another stack of wheat burning. The fires are supposed to be the work of an incendiary, as this is the third within a week. Reports to the French vintage go to show that the vines have had to contend with an excess of heat and a deficiency of moisture: as a result. the wine is expected to be excellent in quality, but deficient in quantity, as the grapes have not attained their full development. William B. Norris, formerly a solicitor, who was sentenced recently to ten years' penal servitude at the Old Bailey for forgery, on his a, discharge from Broadmoor, whither he was sent by Mr. Justice Grantham in March last, has again become insane, and has been received into Broadmoor again. John McDonagh, of Errislanon, Connemara, has attained the great age of one hundred and twenty years. When the French expedition, under the command of General Humbert, landed in Killala in August, 1798, McDonagh, who is still in the full possession of his faculties, 'was a youth employed as a workman in drawing stones. Pheasant shooting opened with exo:"ent pros- pects on Saturday, birds being plentiful and healthy. Colonel Parsons has inflicted a severe defeat on a Dervish force which attempted to retake Gedaref. It is again stated in Germany that the Kaiser's visit to Constantinople is devoid of political significance. German trade with China in 1897 shews a falling off of three-quarters of a million compared with the previous year. The wounded Soudan troops at Netley Hospital will be visited by the Queen. The American syndicate for the construction of the Canton-Hankow line comprises some of the most powerful firms in the United States. The new by-laws of the London County Coiincil, giving citizens more power in the II matter of abolishing disagreeable street noises came into force on Saturday. Ill the course of an address at the City Temple on Sunday night Dr. Parker said that several persons had been trying to get a petition signed against flogging on the ground that it demoralised the subject, but what, he asked, could be more demoralising than wife-beating, which was so prevalent throughout the country. A rural postman, named James Woolley, of Chewton Mendip, Somerset, who has retired after more than thirty years' service, has during that period walked 230,000 miles. This gives a daily average of over twenty miles! The Cunard liner Pavonia arrived at Queens- town on Sunday morning from Boston, and among her passengers landed were seven lunatics, one of whom partook of no food from the time he left Boston. He was sent to the hospital. Mr. L. J. Paice, residing at Oakley, near Dorking, was fined at Dorking the full penalty of R,5 and costs for using the electric com- munication of a train on the London and Brighton Railway without reasonable cause. The defendant stopped the train when it was passing the station at which he wished to alight, and at which it was not timed to stop. Edward George Stride, a shunter, was at work at East Usk junction, near Newport (Mon.), when he stepped back on to the down main line and was caught by an express and killed. In consequence of an Anarchistic proclama- tion posted up on the walls in Zurich, descriDing the Federal Council as a band of thieves and rogues, five arrests have been made, and it is expected that others will follow. The United States Commissioners appointed to consider the question have agreed that the Hawaiin islands shall be admitted as a territory of the United States, thus enjoying all the privileges which such a recognition implies. iSie period to be given the Turkish troops for the evacuation of Crete will probably be pro- longed for a short time. According to a telegram from Victoria, British Columbia, under date September 25th, Indians on the Ashcro,ft-Stikine trail say that they know where the body of Sir Arthur Curtis is, but they demand 1,000dol. for the information. Elizabeth Moore4 eighty-seven, who lived with her sister at Park-street, Brighton, has been found burnt to death. Frederick Round, fifteen, committed suicide at Long-lane, near Halesowen, by cutting his throat with a razor. John Dillon was working at the foundry of Hannay, Donald, and Wilson, at Paisley, when a tank fell on him, crushing him to death. Extensive stack fires, involving a loss of several thousand pounds are reported from Ivy- church and Sandwich. At Chesterfield, one hundred and twenty-one pit lads were each fined 14s. for absenting themselves from work at the Stanton Colliery. The wife of a tradesman at Brompton, near Chatham, has died from blodd poisoning, supposed to have been set up by eating peri- winkles. Two seamen of H. M.S. Jupiter, named Friday and Painter, were capsized in going off to their ship from Weymouth, and Friday was drowned. Thomas Griffiths, private in the Staffordshire Regiment, was found in the cemetery at Spike Island with two terrible wounds in the throat. The men at Bwllfa and Nantmelyn Colliery (non-associated) have struck against being reduced to the same terms as the hands in the associated collieries. Mr. John McNeill, of Larne, and a coachman, have been drowned, near Coleraine, through the upsetting of the trap in which they were driving, owing to the horses bolting into the water. Madame Carnot, widow of the late President of the French Republic, died on Saturday. While the Norwegian steamer Spec, from the Baltic, was entering Shields harbour, the master, Edward Wulfsberg, was seen to mount the taffrail, produce a revolver, and shoot himself through the head. He fell overboard, and was dead when picked up. It is announced at the War Office that Lieu- tenant-General Sir G. White will assume the duties of Quarter-master-general to the Forces on October 15th in succession to Sir Evelyn Wood. The Paris Figaro publishes a letter from Cayenne, saying that Dreyfus knows nothing of what is going on in France, and that he is still in Devil's Island, and in very good health. At the Mart, Tokenhouse Yard, the other day, a London firm of auctioneers submitted for sale without reserve a number of shares in under- takings connected more or less with the cycle industry. 10,000 fully paid £1 shares in one company were started afid. per share, and were eventually knocked down for Id. each. Every year the crush of candidates for clerical posts in the Civil Service steadily increases. At the last examination for second division clerks there were one hundred and seventy-five vacan- cies, and no fewer than 1,065 applicants. The last six examinations have actually brought die* appointment to 4,000 young men, many of whoa. in the opinion of the examiners, were qualified tn enter the service

The State of the Coal Trade. I The "Shipping World" states that throughout last week nearly everybody engaged in com- mercial pursuits in South Wales was chafing under the restraint imposed by the extreme scarcity of tonnage at all the Welsh ports, but particularly so at Cardiff, Newport, and Barry. Indeed, ftie coal trade has been altogether crippled by the want of tonnage, and, unfor- tunately, the outlook for the current week shows no improvement in this respect. On the contrary, freights are about 6d. higher on the week to the chief coal ports, and very firm at that. With a 9s 6d rate to Genoa, we could not under any circumstances look for a pro- longed boom in the coal trade, but even at this figure the supply of tonnage on offer is exceed- ingly small. The immediate effect of this state of things has been to bring most of the pits to a standstill on one or two days per week, owing to the impossibility of getting wagons released. Nevertheless, colliery owners have managed to keep quotations up to a comparatively high level. In order that they might do this the more readily, they have allowed their con- tractors to take practically as much coal as they- liked, irrespective of conditions. The cause of this action is simple enough. By maintaining quotations at a high level, no matter by what means, they hope to influence prices in their favour on the contracts which are now coming along. It will be decidedly interest- ing to watch the result. Last weeks' shipments from Cardiff amounted to 280,000, which is fully 100,000 short of the demand. On Monday and Tuesday, there was a fairly good supply of ship- ping in port, and these were, of course, the busy days. Still most people seem to have practically unbounded confidence in the imme- diate future of the coal trade, and certainly all they want now is plenty of tonnage. This is the first Mabon's Day—the miners' holiday- which has come round since the settlement which provided for its abolition, but a large propor- tion of the pits are idle. Save for the principle involved, the masters would be very glad of the stoppage in the present condition of trade, as they were on Thursday, when all the miners in the Aberdare Valley stopped work to demon- strate in honour of Alderman David Morgan, one of their leaders, on his release from prison. Whether the result is nipped in the bud, or continued in the future, will depend very largely upon the discreetness of the action or inaction of the masters in regard to it.

Close of Relief Work at Ynystyr. The work of relieving the distress at Ynys- hir came to a close on Tuesday, 26th ult. As there was a surplus a general meeting of the committee was held at Saron Vestry to wind up the affairs of the Committee. The following, who had actively engaged in the work, were convened: —Rev E. C. Davies, chairman; Rev T. Jones, vicar (vice-chairman); Rev John Mor- gan and Mr William Evans, draper, joint trea- surer Rev E. J. Hughes and Mr David Lewis, Troedyrhiw, joint secretaries; Mr William Wil. liams, chairman of executive; Messrs John Da- vies, William Davies, Weston Terrace; William Thomas, Thomas Davies, Richard Richards, Wm. Pugh, David Williams, David Walters, David Davies, David Llewelyn, Mathew Weeks, Rich- ard Evans, Richard Jones, Henry Phillips, Ebenezer Harris, David Harris, Gwilym Thomas, Idris Thomas, Joseph Evans, Ambrose Watkins, Morgan Thomas, and William Davies. It was resolved that the surplus be handed over to the Benevolent Committee conditionally upon having the following as representatives on that committee. Revs E. C. Davies, S. Jones (vicac), J Morgan, E. J. Hughes, and Messrs William Williams and Joseph Evans. The following gentlemen were appointed auditors: Revs E. C. Davies, S. Jones, and Messrs Ambrose Watkins and Joseph Evans. A special vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Ebenezer Harris, South street, for his excellent work in connection with the work of relief. The whole of the provisions Raving been bought at reasonable rates from local tradesmen by M W. Williams for the first period and Mr Ha- "« for the latter period. A long discussion took place with regard r\ the best method of recognising the work tion, in their tours, which resulted in an addition I £82 to the funds. It was resolved to leave the mattei in abeyance, the suggestion of a com plimentary concert being warmly received Thanks were also given to two local gentle- men who have anonymously rendered valuable aid to the committee. A grant of £ 5 was made to Saron Church as part payment of the work of renovation of th? vestry after the constant wear and tear of the building for 23 weeks. During this period the relief committee have given closeupon a total of 70,000 meals. The thanks of the committee 2 Close of Relief Works at Ynys are due to the married ladies and young ladies of Ynyshir who were always ready to attend at the vestry, and also the workmen generally, who attended to the fires, doors, and work of registration, and collection of tickets. THANKS TO MISS JONES, MAINDY. The Rev John Morgan proposed a special vote of thanks to Miss Ada Jones, Maindy, for the valuable assistance she had given to the Relief Committee. The rev. gentleman, in the course, of 'his remarks, which were punctuated with applause, referred to the charitable work of Miss Jones, and doubted whether any individual lady or gentleman in South Wales had done as much during the recent distress. She had, hb continued, not only borne the expense, but had herself superintended the work daily. Several gentlemen present seconded and supported, and the resolution was carried enthusiastically, and the secretary was instructed to communicate the same to Miss Jones.

DON'T BREAK DOWN. Mighty is the power of the spade, and those who wield it are the pioneers of our greatness. The fearless miner burrowing in the earth, and the strong navyy removing mountains are the very sinews of the Nation. These men must al- ways keep their strength at full stretch. Labour of the severest is their lot, and full health is necessary in accomplishing their daily tasks,and if they are attacked with Indigestion, Liver Dis- orders, Lung Troubles, Ague or General Debili- ty, they take Gwilym Evans* Quinine Bitters, The Vegetable Tonic, because they know it ig the Best Remedy of The Age for various ail- mients. We would impress upon the hiard- working toilers, generally, of the United King- dom, and also to those who are in the Counting- house or the Market-place, that they should re- member the old saying, "Prevention is better than cure," and that just as it is necessary to call in a Medical man, when brains and body are over-taxed, so it is desirable to do all that is possible to keep the system thoroughly un to the mark for every rush of competition and extra labour. You have a regular doctor, you have a regular preservative of health to save you from the Doctor and Doctor's Bills. If not, try Gwilym Evanie Quinine Bitters, The Great Tonic Preventative against Serious Illness. This world-renowned remedy is sold in Bottles at 2s 9d and 4s 6d each. Beware of Imitations. See that you get "Gwilym Evans' Quinine Bit- ters" with the name Gwilym Evans" on Label Stamp, and Bottle. This is important. Sole Proprietors: Quinine Bitters MannfaHnrmr Company Limited, Llanelly, South Wales.

THE PUBLISHERS OF THE GLAMORGAN Free Press Have pleasure in announcing that they have made arrangements for the publication in these columns another production from the pen of that popular writer WIRS. HARRIET LEWIS, Authoress of H The Secret of His History" The Old Life's Shadows" Sundered Hearts&c. Whose Thrilling Story- "A DARING GAME" Delighted the thousands of readers of the GLAMORGAN FREE PRESS Some two years since. » THE FIRST CHAPTERS OF THE NEW STORY, < Lord Waldemar's Heir Will appear in our issue for OCTOBER 15TH, 1898, And to secure copies it will be necessary to Order Early from your Newsagent. 4 Remember I Next week's issue will contain the Opening Chapters of LORD WALDEMAR'S HEIR, By MRS. HARRIET LEWIS, Authoress of "The Hampton Mystery", The Bailiff's Scheme," The Lady of Kildare," The Old Life's Shadowst\ "Daring Game," &c., &-c.