Glamorgan Free Press

PONTYPRIDD. TRALLWN WARD, The electors of the Trallwn Ward should not hesitate as to which way they should cast their votes on the polling dav. To choose between Mr. Watkin Williams and his opponent at any time would be an easy matter, but at the present moment it is especially so. What is the opinion of the electors ? Listen to this, the Chairman of Mr. Watkia Williams' Meeting, held on W ednesday night, declared that there was only one man in the field" while the other speakers proved conclusively that there was no coil] pa,-ilson.,i)e een the two candidates. s VV -'0- The election address to which Mr. Taylor's name is appended, came -in for a severe mauling at the hands of Councillors Watkin Williams and Fred Edwards. l ever before in the history of local elections has a candidate been so severely criticised, and it is safe to say that the points scored went right home with the audience. --0- Surely by this time Mr Taylor must regret having consented to the publica- tion of such an address. First of all the grammar was dealt 'vith by the two Councillors named. Just imagine a man talking of the Unequivocal development of the district." Then hete is another choice specimen from this precious election address, Mr Taylor says, My opponent asserts that he has given you his best representation but have his actions on the Council qualified the assertion. Anyone acquainted with the English language knows that the word used in this connexion means modified, and with this meaning the sentence is absolutely absurd. --0-- How furny some funny folks can be to be sure. The writer of Mr Taylor's address evidently thinks that a word of four or five syllables is in its right place anywhere. What a weakness, and yet this is not the worst form of weakness displayed in this precious epistle. -0- Mr Taylor charges Councillor Watkin Williams with having opposed the erection of a footbridge at the Berw. Referring to this point at his meeting on Wednesday, Councillor Watkin Williams gave it the most emphatic denial possible. Mr Williams always calls a spade a spade, and in answer to his opponent's charge, he said it is a lie." -0-- The evidence of Mr Taylor given before the Parliamentary Committee of the House of Commons on the Cardiff Railway Bill proved beyond a doubt his position in this matter. Councillor Edwards dealt with Mr Taylor's election address, and then gave the audience the pleasure of hearing alongside this the parliamentary evidance, and oh what a. picture he revealed. This evidence must be haunting Mr Taylor like a horrible nightmare. Electors must note that whatever Mr Taylor may say about being in favour of increased railway facilities he cannot dispute the fact that he has for three years in succession assisted the Tali Vale Railway Company in opposing the New Railway. We shall wait Mr Taylor's reply to the speeches made at Wednesday's meeting. If he replies at all it is sure to be interesting, if he does not the electors will know that it is because he dare not. .0- TOWN WARD. The advent Mr of Tom Rowland into the contest of the Town Ward is giving great tribulation to the supporters of Mr R. L. Phillips. -1)- The desperation of the situation is made very clear by the unfruitfulness of their efforts to find arguments in support of his return when the electorate have choice of Mr Kowland before them. One of his supporters declared last week that Mr R. L. Phillips had "attended a very large number of Council 2n Meetings during the last three years." Marvellous argument! Was it not the duty of Councillor Phillips to attend all meetings ? Is this not another way of saying, that he is not so bad as we expected for he has attended a large number of meetings." But the pith of the argument after all is, What has he done while making his attendance at a large number of meetings ? .0- Good attendance and nothing more is very much like faith without works." Attendance must produce fruit of active deeds and if not the representative value of the man who claims it is worth little. --0-- It is urged that Mr R. L. Phillips made one suggestion to the Council. Only one It is claimed that he ad- vocated the spending of Xioo upon a piece of ground on the Beiw Road for the pleasure of the public. But whose ground was it. ? and what hold has the public upon it? These should be co-ordinate considerations. Mr R. L. Phillips' advocacy means that the public money has to be spent on a piece of land which belongs to the Great Western Coal Company and which is liable to be recalled to its service on the following day of the expenditure of our public money on it. --0-- It does not require much common sense to knock the bottom out of this over-glorified idea, and also to measure up the mental capacity of the man who presumes distinction of an administrator by it. We want pleasure grounds but let us make them on tenure which is safe for the people's continued possession It is very elementary administration indeed, to make pleasure grounds for i. Colliery Company which never asked for it and will rip it up directly it wants its. If Mr R. L. Phillips has not made a better use of his three years experience than this miserable record we are afraid it is not very hopeful to expect much in the future. If Mr R. L. Phillips had only tried to use his nasal powers and not rack his poor brain for ideas, he would have advocated the spending of more money on our flushing tanks which are supposed to flush our drains two or three times a day in order to keep the sowers clean. These are locked up, and only used in some cases once or twice a month, because, forsooth, the expense of providing water cannot be met. This would be a lire of business for which we would give him credit. Anything to remove the foul smells arising from the manholes in our streets would be an effectual power to lessen fever epidemic in our midst. --c- We have no doubt in our .mind that Mr Jtt. L. Phillips innocently thinks that this flotation of the £100 for a pleasure ground will be swallowed by the working man as a tip top perform- ance. It would be as well that Mr Phillips should know things as they are. The working man of to-day is a wide-awake fellow and can see through such electioneering dodges. He has a full dose of them in Pontypridd and we recommend Mr Phillips to change his tactics. --0-. The working man has not yet forgotten the attitude of Mr Phillips towards him at a meeting of the rate- payers held last May at the Lesser Town Hall. It was the" Common as a Park question that was under dis- cussion and it was then suggested to refer the matter to the ratepayers of the town and district. What constituted a ratepayer became the next question ? One section, the progressive people, contended that all householders were ratepayers, but the other section—the the money bag, the £ s. d. worshippers, maintained that the working man who rented a. house was not a ratepayer at all. Mr R. L. Phillips was in this class. And yet he poses as the friend of the working man The right to vote, the right to have his say, are precious principles with the working man and anyone who refuses to concede him these rights because he pays his rates through rents is no friend of his. In our opinion Mr Tom Rowland is a man of such practical intelligence that we feel 0 that in this fight he alone is the man I that is truly a fit and proper person to represent the Town Ward of Pontypridd.

RHONDDA. List of Withdrawals. CONTESTS IN SIX WARDS. Tuesday was the day for receiving withdraw- als of candidates for the forthcoming Council election, and the following withdrew their can- didature. -:>- Ward No. 2, Rev W. Charles and Mr George Edwards. -0- Ward No. 3, Mr E. H. Davies, J.P., Dr E. Hughes, Ton; and Mr D. S. Thomas, The Btazaar. Ward No. 6, Mr Tom Evans, checkweigher; Mr Tom Evans, manager. Ward No. 9, Mr James Miles. -0- Ward No. 10, Rev Charles Evans, Mr Walter Jones, surveyor. -0- With Ward No. 7, where only three candL dates were nominated, this leaves four wardlO without an election, and contests will there fore be fought out in Wards No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8. The outlook augurs spirited and close fights, and during the next few days, the vari 011.3 localities will be in a turmoil regarding the contests. There are a superfluous number of candidates left, the No. 1 Ward having five to fight for supremacy, Ward No. 2 five, Ward No. 3, the absurd number of 9: Ward No. 4, 4; Ward No. 5, 4; and Ward No. 8, 4. In the three upper wards there will be surely most interesting fights, and in the fact that such a number of candidates are let to run the race, speculation is indeed rife, as To the pro- bable members. -()- WARD NO. 1. In this Ward five were nominated, and the five remain to contest for three seats. Two of the candidates are old members, i.e., Mr W. Morgan, Tynewydd, and Mr Morgan Llewelyn. The other three aspirants are well-known in the neighbourhood, and there appears a diver- sity of opinion as to who will dr I 'hem- ves ousted. The Ward has been divided into five polling districts, the one named Blaencwm, which extends as far as the Tre- herb-rt gates, and the other Treherbert cover- ing the remainder of the Ward down to Ynys- wen Schools. --0- Mr Morgan Llewelyn and Mr W. Morgan are old and tried "fighters." They have re. presented their district for some time, Mr Morgan claiming longer service than any public mra. We shall not comment upon their merits this week. but confine ourselves to the other three aspirants. Mr Evan Watkins. known in musical circles as "the Crotyn," comes out in this role for the first time, though he has been enr" .:I in manv enuallv momentous struggles, only in nnother direction, when he so succe.«sfullv led the once renowned BVencwm Cho;r to lrnnr a notable victor-. He ha-s lived in the Ward for a period of 21 years, durin'" which time he hn.s served 11 s as an underground work- man, tncl thus eliiiq the support and the sym- rwthv oF the workin? man. He advoent-os pugc-ested altcmfions in this immediate "inii:v, pTirl suggests severnl advantageous eh;r^c< Like "11 oth"r candidate he is dr- e'eeted. Like oH other enndidotes h^ is dr- "•"ont of nrneta'isinc strict economv vith th" r^f-mrer-' moT-ey. lmt fhic piio-it done vritbon- eflSetenev. Mr W",Jldn, ic: r.-e \triP7 an 1'I1VII.1C: and is nlrendr P, ii riT), fho district. TTo eviflpnfl- seems popular.and stands a splendid ckanee of success. Mr John David, the representative from the remote part of lilaenrnondda, is another new no" comer entirely, for he has not contested any •similar elections. BUL he is not without his qualifications, for during his long stay in the neighbourhood he has witnessed its develop- ment, and knows its requirements. He will no doubt obtain much support from Blaenrhon- ddn, where he is widely known and popular. Mr David, it appears, is a strong :>■!v >■• i"e of b Temperance cause, and the Gcod Templars throughout the, Ward appear 10 Lave pfedeed th?m<?elves to secure his return. He will unloubtedly make a good fight. Mr W. Jeffreys is the other candidate. We all know Mr Jeffreys as an experienced mar,. for he represented his district for a very long reriod on the Board of Guarians, until the last election. Mr Jeffrevs has had a wide experience in parochial affairs, and has acted also in the capacity of overseer for the parish fo- Tn2tiiv years. He has not previously con- tested the District Council election, but pos- f'n[>"i"'T1'A of bcin a tried stayer on t""tp.1. th District Council election, but is well known throughout the Ward, and should cer- tainly run a close race. Election contest is not an unknown quantity in Treherbert for many a hard and valiant struggle has been fought within its bounds on many an occasion. But tne approaching elec- tion promises to produce an unparelleled struggle, for each candidate is widely known and extremely popular. The fact that three candidates for honour are placed so near each other in the upper part of the Ward may give the remaining two. an outside chance, but we should not like to venture on a forecast just now. Meetings in support of the various can- didates are being incessantly called, and early next week will see things in really working order. Efforts were made to avoid a contest bI inducing two of the candidates to withdraw, but the inew aspirants were so determined that the struggle will be fought out to the bitter end. WARD NO. 2. Similarly to the adjacent ■Vst'irr., the voters of Ward No. 2 have five candidates at their disposal for three seats. Here again, it was thought that a struggle would surely be avoi- ded. But only two ot -his seven nominators ded. But only two of the seven nominated having withdrawn, i.e.. the Rev W: Charles and Mr George Edwards, five candidates will enter the arena. The re-uivision of the Ward and the polling places has culminated in Tre- orky proper, from the Ynvswen Schools down to the Tynybedw Bridge, including Cwmnark, constitutinsr a Ward of its own. and it cannot be gainsaid that the said alterations has proved a boon to tlieMistrict, and will give the electo- rate a distinct chance of re-i-?alin? the popular and desired candidates of the district. There are five strong candidates, all of whom can claim sympathy from some direction or other. We would urge the electors to five every con- sideration to fl), merits and standard of the resreatiTe canfir^a.tff? r»r.-«rouc to thei final is^ue. Thf* majoritv of the p/hlresses -,trp noiv Issued, and by such means the electorate will be afforded a clearer chance of r"f1erti, and iudrrinir upon the intertio is of tho would-he members. WARD NO. 3. Out of the twelve candidates nominated in Ihe above ward three Imve withdrawn, viz., Messrs E. H. Davies. J.P., Edward Hughes, M.D., and D. S. Thomas, The Bazaar, thus leaving the preposterous number of nine can. dictates to fight for supremacy for three seats. Singularly all the aspirants are entirely strang- cr., to election turmoil with one exception. The redivision of the Wards lends additional inter- est io the forthcoming contest, and the signi- ficant fact that not a single old member seeks re-election probably accounts for the superflu- ous number of contestants. Evidently, from the great preparations which are taking place there are prospects of a 1ceenand spirited con- test. Several of the candidates have already issued their addresses, and the district is being thoroughly canvassed. From the various pro- mises and policies which are Min"- submitted the electorate are given an appropriate oppor- tunity of judging the merits and abilities of the respective candidates previous to recording their votes. --0- Coming to tho candidates, we find that al- most each section of the community has a re- presentative. and that all are extremely popu lar within their own sphere. Mr Thomas Da- vies, Windsor Hotel, is a widely known in- dividual. and enjoys a fair amount of popu- larity throughout the Ward.Ho is an old resi- •rlent in the district, ana can iustlv claim to know its requirements. Mr Thomas Realty, draper, is an unknown quantity in the cistric but is considered to have strong claims. Mr D. W. Jones, solicilor, is another strong candidate, and the active part which he has taken in the recent labour disputes in the dis- trict will probably merit i he support of the workin classes, and the fact that he has of late taken a keen interest in all affairs of pub- lic interest, should certainly be taken into con- sideration. Mr Edward Jones, Librarian is a candidate who possesses undoubted abilities. Coming from the working class, he has every confidence in appealing to them for their suffrages. It -s highly probable that he will enter the arena as a la.bour candidate, and will probably receive his support from that quarter. --0- Mr David Morgan. builder, on merit, can certainly claim to have a 'J;) in matte-s appertaining to ihe bu^ncSo tra sacted bthe Council, and his professional duties should enable him to serve the ratepay- ers to t11 best advantage. -0-- Mr David Morgan, -rocer, with practically no past recommendations in his favour, may still cause a great deal of trouble. He is well known in the neighbour hood, and in placing his services at the disposal of the electors claims to have a sincere attachment for the progress and welfare of the district. .r- Mr Richard Morris (Coffee) is so well-known that comment is hardly necessary. He has in the past repeatedly sought the suffrage oi the electorate on numerous occasions, and hIS qualifications are widely known, and need no repetition. --0- Mr James Rees, ironmonger, is another old inhabitant of the district, and one °f thcheavi- est ratepayers in the Ward. Up sent he has taken an interest in pub, c. but has not been afforded an eppor nnty oi testing his abilities. Should he ho elected he would undoubtedly prove himself a va u^b.e member, and his business capacities would avail him in financial and other matters. -0-- Mr D. L. Treharne, solicitor, bids fair to become a dangerous competitor. His claims arc also so strong as to unhesitatingly demand universal support. His abilitv is beyond^ pute, and he should certainly prove one o, the most capable to further the interests of t e Ward. --0-- No. 4 WARD. Ystrad and Heolfacli will provide a good fight. There are four candidates for the three seats- two of them. Mr Wight and Dr. Ihomaf, are old members, and few, we think, will grudge them the merit mark of efficient service. We have watched Mr Wight s careEf on the Council with close interest. His action has always been that of the practical experienced man. His suggestion on the boring alone is worthy of the hearty continuous support of the electorate. His failure to return, we unbesi- tatingly say, would be a distinct loss to the skilled experience on the Council, and we trust therefore, there will be no doubt as to his success at the poll. Because we believe rfcat a few medical men are inchspetisible on the District Council, we also heartily op" for the return of Dr. Thomas. The last District Council hardly reached the appre ciation of the Medical Officer's Report on several occasions and we noted with interest the ynipathetic action of Dr. Thomas, who knew through hIS professional knowledge how inimical to the comnon good of a heuhhy state, was this lack of appreciation. 1 lie District Council must understand the funda- mental truth that "life is more valuable ti-nn property and Dr. Thomas 15 one that w ill rub this solemn fact into it. The return of tlie "Doctor" for the sake of this supremely essential matter must be made certiiin. the third seat must go to Mr Thomas Thomas, grocer, or Mr Evan Morgan. The latter gentle man is a voung man of winning ways, and through service as an artizan, a foundation of experience to the duties, but btill we thuik that as a popular choice he will not titand comparable to Mr Thomas Thomas. Forrezis-ti, well known in Heolfacli this gentleman is very popular. His line of conduct has always been consistent with the great truths of the great book he loves. He has a firmness of character combined with a warm sympathy which makes him a very much liked man all round. And for these reasons we think ho will win the seat. -0- NO. 5 WARD. Llwynypia and Clydach Vale Ward will have the benefit cf an election. It is not saying too much to place the responsibility of a contcsfc upon Mr Thomas Evans, Bush He tel. He has a perfect right to invite the veto of the Ward upon his claims and popularity. Still, it must be admitted by his most anient admir- ers that the public meeting which was held some weeks ago to select three candidates gave a vote which was unmistakably a very averse one to his aspirations.Mr D. Jones, builder, at that meeting stood a good fourth, and recognised tlIP4- Mr Jones wps by no candidate witTiout strong claims. iiiaenely-L ach, as the centre of the Ward, was, however, already represented by Mr Rhvs Griffiths—tiie chairman of the Council—and doubtless the. recognition of tfce service rendered by him weighed the decision of Mr Jones to withdraw from the contest. In this way. he deserves the hearty appreciation of the ratepayers cf the Ward by saving it, what appears to all 1 reasonable people, an unnecessary expense. It is a pity that Mr Evans, the Bush Hotel, could not reduce himself to the same frame of mind, and the resentment of a large number of people must fall upon him for causing an elec- tion. It is clear to us that his motive of at- tack is the displacing of Mr Griffiths. And why? is the question generally asked. It is a case of Blaenclydach being a divided coun- try. At Clydach Vale, the top part of the Valley, Mr Evan Williams is the selected can- didate. and no influence which Mr Evans can command will shake him in the least. He will enter the poll with a strong backing, and that important part of the Ward deserves a repre- sentation, and will get it there is not the least dcubt. Again, the lower end—the Llwynypia area—is equally entitled to a representatives, and in Mr Oilmour it has fixed upon a man that knows the work thoroughly. This cannot be denied, and we do not think Mr Evans would, for a moment, though not wanting in self-confidence renerallv. claim that he was a better qualified candidate than the Llwynypia nominee. It is srratifvincr also to know that the people of this pirfc of the Ward are one in belief, that in Mr Oilmour they possess a can- didate that will, if successful, be an acquisition to the District Council. If. is indeed patent to all this Ward that Mr Thomas Evans' per- sistenco to stand is unfortunate in the ex- treme. If the Blaenclvdach old member were fI, weak 0"0 and VioTnn? in experience, we i -ni-hf, rHn0 tho opr.r¡o,itifl011 he receives from his noiwlihour. But ju^ed point by point, disnite Mr Evans' selfC0nfiilent t>.olief. Mr Rhys Grif- (lih" has infinitely ihe better re 1":1 d fapne'^v and exr°ri'"nce a* a Didrid Ounci?- W. Thi-j, ve will he the verdict of the electorate '1ho. --<>- Fo. 6 WARD. Tnnypardy and Trealaw, or rather we should say by the light of this elect i oti-'I'rfa It w snd Tonypandy Ward, will, after all the pre- liminary skirmishes, hftve no elections. On Monday it was Lombard street to a China orange that we were going to witness in this ward a real good tussle. The upsiiot of the fintl meeting held was that Messrs J. I), Williams, Tom Evans (check-weigher), and, John Williams (agent), all of Trealaw, were the selected candidates. Mr D. Williams, tlie old and tried memb-r, lost by one vote, and thereby 1-ffc Toilyp^ndy totally unrepresented. The meeting, it was urged, was not the most systematically conducted, the distribution of the voting papers, anCl the title of some of the voters were more or less unsatisfactory. This caused discontent at Tonypandy, tTxl par- ticularly it was made intolerant because of the ous'ing of Mr Dd. Williams. We cannot, therefore, seriously cond -nin the subsequent attitude of Tonypindv in taking independent action to .secure a representa:ive. It was felt that its title to < R" representative was fair, just, and reasonable. BLit "it never rains but rcurs," and the meeting, after selecting Mr Dd. Williams, found that Mr Tom Evans, manag-r, was also deterrainKt to stand the election. Thus, as we have already said, things looked promising for a go-id old time, Our columns reveal that disputes had already commenced. Old women and wooden heads were some of the missiles. There is no doubt that the two Evanses who have retired have done so purely and honestly in the interest of peace. They are men who possess excellent recom- mendations, and who would bt> an honour to mendations, and who would be an honour to any electorate. Unfortunately, also, some personal consideration had been infused, and. all in all, Mr Tom Evans, checkweiglier, has shown that lie can suboridnate aspiration to the higher dictates of christian feeling. In Mr Evans, the manager, the ward has a possible future candidate of a strong type, but since his intrusion could possibly be interpreted as antagonism to, Mr D. Williams, who is so universally recognised for the efficiency of his service, he has wisely acted in withdrawing. His time, 'however, must come. He belongs to the hardy lot, and his claims and support which cannot be suppressed. We feel quite confident also that his namesake at Trealaw is a coming He has closely indentified himself with Jocal movements, and is always impulsed by the be,t intentions of promoting the welfare of his fellow workmen. --0-- No. 7 WARD. There is very sound common sense in the Penygraig. W illiamstown and Dinas Ward in leaving the representation by Messrs Lemuel Crrifiitn8, David Rowlands and Dr. Evan Davies uncontested. Tile Doctor will be an expert, as we have already said of Dr. Thomas, in a department which is tuo much outside the sympathy of our Councillors. Indeed, we should like to see very many more medical men on the Council. The health of the district is a concern of CourMiidom above others. It is no matter what roads, &c., &c, we possess if sanitation is neglected. In Mr David Rowlands we find an old resident who has closely studied the affairs of the parish, and has gone ahead with its marvellous progress and developments. As one of our overseers, he has had an insight into the financial department of the Rhondd ts, which will be an experience of inv.tluab-.e service, and we have no) e too many com- petent for the work, and therefore, we h«-arti!y commend Mr Rowlands' seleelioti. In Mr Lemuel Griffiths the Ward has one of the youug bloods of the last District Council, and, previously, we have testified to our apprecia- tion of their services. Mr Griffiths is built on strong lines for close and faithful discharge of a public duty. His energy and persistant appli- cation have prominently been shown in tho improvements witnessed at Dinas, and he well deserves a continuation of office as a District Councillor. --<>- No. 8 WARD. Judging from I lie correspondence column the mental electioneering attitude of Porth is very excited. Of course, no amount of barking from ttie partisans of rivals can displace .Mr T. Griffiths, who has now a record of long service registered in his favour. He represents a large interest and is. furthermore, of a calibre that takes a generous view of the obligations of the Council to the people. He knows his duties and his locality with a command of detail which few, if any, can excel. The first place on the poll will surely be accorded him and all impartial critics will admit that the position he holds to-day in his native place is one that reflects great ability, tact, and other charactertics which go to iiiake up the sum total of a successful man. Any man who starts life at the lowest rung of a colliery lad ler. and steps to its topmost, and st4vs there securely, is a man of capacity, sufficiently superior we believe, to represent this locality on the District Council. --<>- 4fter disposing Mr Griffiths to his right phcA the light will be interesting in this Ward; and the result very problematic. Mr Brooks is without doubt a man of ability. The business of his life demands alertness, quick decisiveness and soundness of judgment which can easily be applied with equal success to the work of District. Council. Mr Powell is a man of rather narrow parochial views yet. In one of his speeches he appeared to us to lack breadth of grasp of the great responsibilities. Fie must remember that social progress is not entirely a, matter of £ s. d. and that the right of the people to live in the best surrounding conditions should have a deeper consideration than is generally given it by the save-mouey-at-any I price latepayer. Mr Powell must expand in his views In many other respects he has good points, but he must rid himself of old fashion notions in order to advance to our ideal of a strong municipal administrator. We know very little about Mr Rees, Britannia, but we venture to say this, that it would be a mistake to allocate all the District Councillors of a ward to one part. It is essential, that if ability of aspirants admit it to distribute them. This is certainly an argument that Mr Rees can use with justice. No. 9 WARD. The lower Ward of Rhondda Fach wi!! have no e,nk-t, We must <-andid!y deplore the t>ct since it is due t"> the withdrawal of tVJri Miles, Wattstown. The Tylorstown division has been over grasping in retaining two. If Mr 8mith was elected its representative, Mr Miles for the centre, with the veteran Mr Mathias for the lower p:u.t of the Ward the representation w{¡u!d be ideal in point of strength and dis- tributive arrangement. We think'the Ward and the Cov.ucil are loser? by tho withdrawal of Ntr 'NIiiel. As a. gentleman (if nn/ouh'el public capacity, we have, few iu the Rhondda* who have better claims to representative authority. Net only is he an admirable speaker, sound and nEnblr. but as a secretary of a large undertaking be has had a preparatory xper- valli(i to latze parochial clut-ie3. But it is not to be. We are glad, however, to find that Alderman Matlnns still gives the parish the advantage of his wide knowledge. He is a man of wider fame than his Ward, and for practical experience he is like Saul, a good shoulder higher than the com- munity generally finds to serve it on its public bodies. -0-- No. 10 WARD. We will finish our prospect with the Ferndale Ward. Mr Morris Morris and Mr DJ. Evans, we are please to note, will have an undisturbed return to the Council, and Ferndale, with com- mendable consideration, will not use its might to deprive Mardy of a representative. We have no doubt that of the two withdrawals that the best possible selection would fall upon Mr Walter Jones, judging, as we do, by the fact that he is a surveyor. The Rev Charles Evans was probably actuated by the hJ-t motive to accept nomination, still it is the opinion of the Free Press" that there is no particular rail for cIel ics on the District Council. Of course every man, cleric or lay is entitled to stand f;,r every Board. We should be sorry to sue.re?t restrictions, but in Mr Morris arid Mr"Daniel Evans, Ferndale commands tw > representatives who hold the essentials of a Christian interpre- tation of the duties ot a public ofhee, even OIl the District Council. Therefore, we are glad that Ferndale fo r once is peacefully and calmly disposed in an election crisis. Wonders never cease. But since it is the case, it is additionally complimentary to the two local members. We congratulate Mr Griffiths, Mardy, upon the facility to enter public; life which lias attended his first attempt. Few are tlitij priveleged. — -»

CAERPHILLY. NELSON. Mr Thomas Evans, Nelson, has withdrawn, so there will be no contest in this ward. PENRHIWCEIBER. A general feeling of satisfaction is felt that Mr Thomas Bcvan will be returned to his seat as District Councillor without any opposition. It was twelve months ago that Mr Bcvan was first returned, and during that short period h- has gained the confidence of libs ward. Mr Bevan is a young man, and promises well, and we have every confidence that he will become a. most useful citizen. We believe also that there is another very strong reason why no one appeared as an opponent. During the recent strike, Mr Bevan and his respected parents evinced the greatest interest in the poor and needy, and shewed the greatest generosity in money and food; ana we are glad to find that the inhabitants, when having a chance show their appreciation of such kindness. We wish our young friend every success as a District Councillor during the coming three years. t,

Description of Rhondda Wards. The forthcoming Rhondda District Council election affords an opportunity of testing the system of the Ten Ward Scheme, which, pro- moted tome time back, comes into operation with the advent of tho approaching election. Much has been said en the unfairness of the old system of five wards. The rerih ision re- sults in the district being more equally divided into ten wards with three members to each ward. There is no gainsaying- the fact by means of the change, the representation will be more thorough. Equality seems to be the motto of the inauguration of the ten ward scheme, and for such a populous district 38 the Rhondda., the notified change is desirable and important. The following will suffice 10 delineate the extent of each ward with its estimated population at the ratio of 6.5 per house, and the number of voters for each ward according to the returns of the last Revision Court, commencing with the upper part of the Rhondda in rotation with the wards. The No. 1 Ward extends from the remote part of the Rhondda down to a point by Ynys- wen defined thus: To th3 boundary between "YViysfeio and Ynyswen Farms, and on the south-west of the river down to the boundary between Cwmsaerbren and Nantdyrus. The polling places in this Ward are Blaenycwm and Treherbert. The estimated population is 10,387, with a number of 1,240 as voters. No. 2 Ward extends from the boundary of No. 1 Ward down to the Tynybedw Colliery Incline which forms the boundary between No. 2 and 3 Wards. This Ward, therefore, in- cludes the whole of Treorky, and also Cwm- park. The polling places are Treorky. Tyny- bedw, and Cwmpark—the latter, for the first time, having been made a polling district of its own. The estimated population of this portion is 11,671, while the number of voters reaches 1,480. No. 3 Ward runs from the Tynybedw Col- liery siding down to the Ward boundary to the Cross Road on the south-east of the Railway Inn (which means that the Railway Inn acts as boundary), and on flie south-west of the river down to the Bwllfa Ocean Colliery In- cline. This, therefore, includes the whole of Pentre down as far as the Railway Inn and that part of Ton down as far as the Bwllfa Incline. Estimated population, 11,479; num. ber of voters, 1,419. Polling places, Pentre and Ton. No. 4 Wiard.—This commences from the pcint near Railway Inn, and runs down as far as the boundary between Tyntyla and Tir Wil Bach Farms (the Partridge Hotel) cn the north-east of the river, and from the Bwllfa Colliery Incline to the Ward boundary being the Nantgarw Brook. Estimated population, 11123; number of voters, 1,249. Gelli forms a polling district in above with Bodringallt. No. 5 Ward includes the polling places called Lljwynypia, Court, and Clydach Vale. This includes the whole of Llwynypia from the- Pontrhondda Bridge down to the Tonypandy Bridge, and the whole of Blaenclydach and Clydacli Vale. Estimated population, 13,494; number of voters, 1,690. No. 6 Ward contains the remain- der of Tonypandy down as far as the Nantgwyn Brook and the whole of Trealaw from the Partridge Hotel down as far as the boundary wall of the Cemetery in Cemetery Road. Poling places, Tonypandy and Trealaw. Estimated population, 10,771; number of voters, 1,218. No. 7 Ward consists of the part on the south of the river from Nantgwyn to Ffrwdamos (meaning the Penygraig portion in Ystrady- fodwg Parish), to include as much of Gilfach Gcch as lies in the Ystradyfodwg Parish, and the portions called Williamstown, Edmunds- town, and Dinas down to the boundary be- tween Tynycymmer and Graigddu Farms, in the Southern Parliamentary Division of Gia- morgan. Polling places, Penygraig and Dinas, Estimated population, 10,933; number of voters, 1,217. No. 8 Ward includes the portioi from the boundary between the Tynycymmer and Graig- ddu Farms down to the district boundary -it Hafod, including Cymmer, Hafod, and Forth, up as far as the boundary between Penrhiw- gw>nt and Penrhiw Farms. The polling plr.ces are at Hafod, Cymmer, and Porth. Es- timated population, 15,335; number of voters, 1.801. No. 9 Ward.—The remainder of Trealavv from the Cemetery Boundary to the junction of the Rhondda River, and from that point up t. the boundary between Penrhvs Isaf, Pen- rhys Uchaf, and Cwmllwyndar Farms on the west, and from there to the boundary between Hendiefadog and DufTryn SafiVwch. Farms, i.e., the end of Tylorstown, and on the eaiti of the river from the boundary between. Peu rhys and •Penrhywdyv.-yllgoed Farms up to the boundary between Pendyrus and Blaen-i llechau Farms. This Ward, therefore, jjtt* eludes Ynyshir, Wattstown, Pontygwaithyi Stanleytown, and Tylorstown. Estimated population, 14,705; number of voters, 1,627< No. 10 Ward.—On the south of the rivef from the boundary dividing Hcnlrefadog rnyl Duffryn Saffrweh Farms (the end of Tylors- town) up to the district boundary on the Iiortll cast-the end of Maerdy and on the nortli., east of the river from the boundary between Pendyrus and BlacnlleeïlClll Farms to the boundary dividing the Aberdare and the RhoB- dda Urban Districts, i.e., the v.-hole of BlaeO- llechau. Polling district^, Fernale, Maerdy, and Blaenllechau. Estimated population 16,589; number of voiers, 2,057. The polling districts have been so well- arranged, thanks to the efforts of the assist* ant-oyerseer, Mr David Jones, and others, that the voters will, be well accommodated, several old 'Cli",ricii ies and obstacles having been re- moved. That the arrangements are satisfac- tory will not be doubted, and in the coming elections the Ten Ward Scheme with its inno- vations, will be given a sound trial.

THS EASTIR MONDAY 0 'NCBRT. the programme, now ready, we see that Miss Llewcta Davies will give as one of her pianoforte solos that diSIcalt ..nd brilliant "Tannhauser" Wagner-Lis-.fc. «?.: Mr Frederic Griffith will play a vVelsh fantasia of his own arrangement. Miss Nora a Rich is down for the ever delightful son7, "Should He Up bv Bishop, and Mr Harrv Miller, ot Llandaff Cathedral, selected "The Bando- lero," and Sullivan's ''Thou'rt Parsing Hence." Miss Gwendolen Davies will ar>,F in the trio,, Mozart's "NCZ7C di Figaro." and Ruber's "Ma- saniello," as well as in two well-chosen violial solos. The other items, mclndir.g Miss Norob Rich's recitation*, seen equally attractive. Messrs Thomson and PhncMl will supply a Kap's Grand -Pit on the occasion.

Penrhiwceiber. Last week a young man named Gwilym Owen met with a serious accident at Cwmpen- nar Pit. He narrowly escaped with his life. We are glad to state that he is gradually re- covering. The Rev R. Thomas read a translation to Welsh of the first chapter of "In His Stel)s" to the young people on Monday evening. We understated that he intends completing tba. book and publishing same.

The Pontypridd Coachbuilding Company (prize winners for carriages) are now doing and are prepared to undertake the best class of work in the trade; carriage trimming a speciality. Showrooms are now open.—Carriage Works, Morgan street, Pontypridd. 4526

ROYAL CLARENCE THEATRE. The Proprietors of this popular place of amusement have provided their patrons this week with a most enjoyable performance by the special engagement of Mr Walter Sealby's celebrated Company, in the drama of Paul Kauvar, giving an illustration of some of the stirring event which took place during the Reign of Terror, in Paris, in the eighteenth cen- tury. It would be invidious t) particularise where the characters are uniformly so well sustained as they are in the hands of this capable company, judginsr from tne reception hitherto accorded during the week wo anticipate crowded houses this and Saturday evenings. The boards will be occupied next week by Miss Em-na Rainbow's company in "Proved True," the part of Robert Ihvnne, the school- master being sustained by Herbert Princep. New scenery will be provid-d for the representation of this sensational drama, which will be enlivened by the introduction of new and cacl,y med'.eya and dances, step-dancing being a.n.Ilounc¡>d. as a special feature. -rr<o-

FEMALE AILMENTS. Irregularities and Obstructions however ob- stinate quickly and surely relieved and removed in a few hours, after all else fails, this remedy act3 as magic. Full particulars, and proofs will be sent on receipt of stamped envelope. Madam MARTYN, 20, Bishopsgate Without, London. Established 30 Years. 4048 Printed and Published by the PropristorO 8' the "Glamorgan Free Press" Printing Vrorks 22, Taff Street, Pcntypridd, Pariah of pont pridd, County of Glamorga. SATURDAY, MARCH 18. TSW-

(CM. t¡¡":(eIÍ (ram paye 5). Mr Gwilym Seaten, had written expressing his regret, and giving a satisfactory reason for his absence, and he had no doubt Mr Gowan had been prevented by circumstances over which he had no control from attending. Mr Fred Edwards now accessed the meet- ing, and announced his intention of dealing briefly with Mr Taylor's election address. Mr Taylor said "During that time I conscientious, ly, practically, and to the best ci my abiliry. (il all in my power in the inceiesfc cf the ratepayers." But seeing that Mr Taylor was rejected twelve months ago after he had prac- tically, etc.. served the Ward, his opinion, and tll" opinion of the electors, were not at one. In the next paragraph he said "my opponent, for want of better subject, attempts to resus- citate my alleged antagonism to greater rail- way facilities." That was a high-sounding phrase, but he 'would like to say, it was for the want of a better subject he referred to the railway facilities. What, better subject did they want? Mr Taylor had actually put himself cut of the way to go to London twice to oppose a scheme which would bring thou- sands of pounds to that Ward. Mr Taylor dealt with the fact he was in favour of in creased railway facilities; but did his actions show that? They would see what Mr Taylor Lad to say in London, because actions spoke louder than words. On the 30th of June, 1898. in answer to counsel for the Taff, who were opposing the new proposals, in answer to the question ''And if yen do use the railway,would you have to construct new railway sidings, which would lead to some inconvenience and loss." he replied "I dcn't Know what I might do because the cost of sidings, etc., is very great-, an: it woulx not pay me to put in sidings 11 if i moans loss." Counsel for the Bute askea him" "ÐllÓ1G the past five or six weeks you have arranged to put in sidings at the near- est point to the Albion Collieries? The answer was, "Yes. That disposed cf the question. After his alleged desire to suppers greener railway facilities, they would expect to put h.mseif out of the way to give evi- dence in favour cf them, in answer to coun- sel for the Bute, Mr Taylor said he was a .general contractor, and at that moment ha was carrying out more than one contract unclcf the Tafi. nc1-i: tint he was carrying out wcrics for otnei* people as well. He further admitted that lie had assisted the Taff Valtr Company m getting up evidence against the Bute Railway Bid in 1335. 1897, and 1898. That was 2. matter of vital importance to the electors cf that Ward. Phc-at against the statement which was made in his election arL dress, and he (the speaker; would like to ask t which should greater credence be giver. ? If he was in favour of increase rail- way facilities, they would have expected hin, to give evidence in favour of increased railway facilities, but he had not done so. He had assisted the Taff in getting up evidence against the Bute Bill. (Applause). In cross-examination te said he did not know his last election was fought out on the issue of the Cardiff Railwa, Bill. (Laugher). They knew it was. He a!J said he was not known to be an opponent of the Caraiff Railway Bill. He did not know "whether his opponent, Mr Edward Williams, was in favour of the Bill, and he said that fc-j did not know that tHe conversion of the canal into a railway would give them greater facilities. The electors last year at the election said the proposals were just what they wan- ted, and what they were determined to have. He (Mr Edward-;) w-s certain they were going to prove again this year. In his address Mr Tayior said Mr W. Wiihams introduced grano- lithic because of self-interest. But there were e some people who might say—he did not say it —tuit Mr Taylor sup-ported stone pavings so much because tie was a quarry owner. (Ap- p*aua&). The adalcmenfc of Mr Taylor that lbir Watkin Williams had opposed ine erection oi a ieotijnJge the latter had characterised as -Q 1-e, and Mr 1, nod Edwards couid not put it in stronger language or else he would. He .produced we:: nunutes of the District Council .on the Sub whicti provej that Mr Williams had supper tea the erection oi a bridge since tue subject was firs: broached. Ihey thought it wouid be well if they could just place the footbridge across the abuttments or the old xitrw bridge to meet the requirements of the wtrkman until the preparations for the new budge were complete. Mr Tayior supported tnat, and so did Mr Williams.lie (the speaker) ved that application be made to Messrs Crawshay and basse,t to allow them to erect a tuiiij-porary footbridge across the old abuttments uuJ. to spend the sum of CbU in repairs. Mr jjN(;" ,1<1. he quite agreed, buu Mr Crawshay wjtiiu not agree. He wanted them w erect a -carriage bridge,and that was what, they wanted li-- Taylors name uid not appeur on the xuinutes except in a general resolution confirm. iog the report of the committee. Mr Crawshay alterwarus said he wouid allow them the land to construct a bridge at another point, but to that the Council would have to divert the rouu an-i carry out work for —r Crawshay, winch would cost about £ 5,000. No member ca the District Council in his right mind could agree to that. They rejected those terms,and -made application ior a Provisional Order, and rney were waiting to hear that the Local iiovernmeiiu iioarti had consented to it.They Jhai Úvile all ill their power to push forward th: improvements to many of the Trallwn streets, but the Council had had much difli- cacjr with the landlords. The public could Lave no idea how much the Council were ham- pered by landlordism, orders had been given f3r several of their streets, which were now in the hands of the surveyor, and the work would be carried out in a short time. No one could help forward the work more than they had done. The improvements to David's street had been dealt with, and the work would be carried out almost immediately. Mr Williams and he had come to arrangements with the owners to hand over the property to the Coun- cil to allow the work to be curried out. It the writer of that address, and it did not ex- actly mean that it was Mr Tom Taylor, but if and the writer were identical, he had mis- tsJcen his vacation. He should have been a -w-i-er of romance or a weather prophet. li iie were he would have excelled to an extra- ordinary degree. Personally, he supported Hr Watkin Williams because there was never a time more than the present when the pre- sence of strong, sturdy, upright, straightfor- ward M, cr,. of character were required on the Council and if they worked shoulder to shoul- der un to the day of the poll, the cry would go art from the other side in the words of the Irish-nan, "Bury mo dr.cent. (Loud applause). Tlie 'Chairman said that as a Trade Union, lis. ho did not swallow all Mr Tom Taylor's statements. He would like to know whether 1M crave all his work to Trades Unionists? A Voice: He didn't at Llantwit. The Chairman: I can prove he doesn't, and i&crrif-ore his granolithic question will have Yery little effect upon Trade Unionists like myself.