Glamorgan Free Press

l j QUALITY! QUALITY!! QUALITY 111.1. Notwithstanding the scarcity of Danish and other Butters, we are gtill receiving our regular Dairies, and intend to continue supplying easterners with the Finest Quality only, at a small margin of profit. MAYPOLE UTTER IS THE BEST. One Quality only, namely, THE BEST. FRESH CHURNED MARGARINE at 5d., 6d., Sd., 10d. and Is. per lb. Far superior to Second Quality Butter. "MAYPOLE" T" E A. 1/ 1/2, 1/4, and (the Very Best) 1/6 per pound, WHY PAY MORE t RICH, PURE AbID FRAGRANT. MAYPOLE DAIRY CO., LTD., 83a, TAFF STREET, PONTYPRIDD, And at 62, Duffryn Street, FERNDALE. BRANCHES IN ALL LARGE TOWNS. AGENTS EVERYWHERE. 4528 ROYAL CLARENCE THEATREI PONTYPRIDD. "T. MESSRS. TRENCHARD AND JONES. MR- TOM JONES. JuiliVaGhii» — Saturday, October 7th, last night of THE WOMAN IN BLACK. Monday. October 9th, and during the week, first visit of Miss Ida Millais' Company, under the direction or Mr Henry Herne, in the grea t sensational drama- NO MAN'S LAND. 50 TONS OF REAL WATER ON THE STAGE. See the Tremendous DiviDg Scene. The Sensation of London and the Provinces. Time of opening and prices as usual. No smoking, bad language, or indecent conduct allowed intbis recognised place of amusement. Booking office at Messrs Thompson & Shackell, Taff Street 4883 Monday, October 16—" THE SILVER HORSE SHOE. PIE SOLD, THE PENTRE RHONDDA JEWELLER. True and Steady to Greenwich Time are PIESOLD'S Watches. Miners' Watches trom 10s. 6d. Cyy With PIESOLD'S Lucky Note PIESOLD'S Silver English Lever Wedding Rings beautiful AT A Pre9entS «iTOn- proof' ITja Ay J^jy Special attention paid to Large assortment of Engagement Presentation Orders. Ring3 from 5/6 upwards. SPECTACLES—Oculist's Prescriptions worked on the shortest notice. Lowest prices. 4913 I STOPS COLD I use a good deal in Whiter, giving it to wrvanto wnrf and invariably hear of good results. My ftnther, who had Whooping Cough, aad could not nit, found it the greatest relief. —fc.M.D., The Mans. Faringdon, Berks, June, 1808. c ''CASH 2 CE and 2i6 Mrs A. S. RklMN B&itreas of Baby," Feb., 1898, aavs ■ Havman's Balaam has earned an excellent limitation. I have tried it myself, and found it give •Snediate relief. 1 had it carefully analysed, and It C&n be used safely for young children and infanta. CUBES COUGH 15 CHAFF CUTTERS FOR HAND OR POWER, Crushing and Grinding Mills, Pulpers and Turnip Crushers, Ploughs, Barrows, Cultivators, Sheep, Pig and Cattle Troughs, Sheep Racks, Cattle Cribs, Steam, Gas and Oil Engines, Horse Gears, Tools of every description, Spades, Shovels, Forks, Axes, Hoes, Hay Knives, Crashing Hooks, &c., &c. Haimes, Traces, Plough Chains, Back and Tug Chains, Hurricane Lamps, DaBdy Brushes, Carts, Wagons, Trollies by the Bristol Wagon Works. CATALOGUES FREE. JOHN HIBBERT & SONS, THE AGRICULTURAL HOUSE," 10,-& 11, CASTLE ST., CARDIFF. 460ft ijiOPPING AND SPINDLER (HARDAWAY A TOPPING), FLUSHING. HOLLAND. (WAREWITCff, CAMBRIDGESHIRE, &c. BOOBLE AND TREBLE EVENTS. S.P. ACCUMULATORS, fcc. lite Sportsman, published twice dudfeg the season, containing latest nuHbet nSvltnenta on above a^d all important race4 free on receipt of address. '1'1a Oldbst Establishes and MOST Extensivk Agkmct OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD. All letters to be addressed- TOPPING k SPINDLBR, Flushing, Holland (Postage 2d) 4786 Tenders. HffONTtPA. URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. TO SCAVENGING CONTRACTORS. The COUNCIL Invite TENDERS for the SCAVENGING of their Ferndale and Blaen- fleohau District for the term of 11 months. Specification and Form of Tender may be ob- tained at the Surveyor's Department, Council Offices, Pentre, R.S.O., Glam. All Tenders most be delivered under Seal by Ten a.m. on FRIDAY, the 13th inst., addressed ti the Chairman of the said Council, and ert- dorsed "Tender for Scavenging." The Council do not bind themselves to acccpc (be lowest or any Tender. By Order, W. J. JONES, Surveyor. 3rd October, 1899. 4989 SUFFERERS fromN"rvotis Debility, Physical Exhaustion in Men, also loss of Vital PowerWritP to G. Hortox, M.P.S. (from the Birrninr1 ■am General Hospital). 68. Aston ]MPA swtb. Rirmi.gham, State your case -WAY, rephec a oat tree. 4m SANI)ERS' CITY PHARMACY HAS ALWAYS ON HAND A Choice Selection of Toilet Requisites OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. TOOTH, NAIL AND SHAVING BRUSHES. BATH GLOVES, SPONGES, AND SPONGE BAGS 47, QUEET STREET, (Next the Empire), CARDIFF. 45 Sales by Auction. CORPORATION HORSE REPOSITORY, CARDIFF. Messrs BAILEY, GILLER, and TELFER. will hold their next FORTNIGHTLY SALE of upwards of 50 HORSES at the above Repository on Thursday, October 12th. Early Entries Solicited. Auctioneers' Offices, at, Duke street, Cardiff. N.B.—A few Carriages and lots of Harness can be included. 4986. PARK HOTEL YARD, PONTYPRIDD. IMPORTANT SALE OF CART OR COLLIERY HORSES. Messrs HENRY LEWIS AND SONS have been favoured with instructions to sell by PUB- LIC AUCTION at the above-named place on WEDNESDAY, OCT. 11th, 1899, the whole of the following HORSES, Viz, 4- Aged Horses, about 15 hands high, 1 do. about 14.3 hands high, 1 do. about 14.1 hands high, all Good Workers, suitable for 1 Ttap8' Underground Work. TERMS, CASH. Sale to Oommmce at 12.30 sharp. Auctioneers' Office, Qeliihir Farm, Nelson, Glam., Oct. 5th, 1899. 4995 E. T. DAVIES. THE AUCTION ROOMS, MARKET SQUARE, PONTYPRIDD- Sales of Furniture every Wednesday at One o'clock and on Saturday evenings at Six p.m. Cash advanced on goods consigned for positive sale. 4886 -_h THERARRIS. The Treharris Town Band Eisteddfod HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5th, 1900. Further particulars will appear in a later issue. 4971 The finest Coffee Essence that money can buy is Symington's Edinburgh Coffee Essence. Makes a cup in a moment. From Groce.s throughout the world. MSB j Public Notice. MOUNTAIN ASH URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. TEMPORARY CLOSING OF PUBLIC ROAD. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that that part of the Highway between Abercynon and Ponty- pridd extending from Carnetown to the junction of the road from Ynysybwl with the said High- way near Glyn Coch, will be closed to the pub- lic from 6 a.m. Monday, the 9th inst., till noon Tuesday, the 10th inst. Dated this 5th day of October, 1899, H. P. LINTON, Clerk to the Council. 4992

YSTRADYFODWG SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION, 1899. TO THE ELECTORS. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,— It is now three years since you did me the honour of electing me as one of your represen- tatives on th,, School Board. I find that being a member of the School Board means devoting the greater part of my time to the interests of the ratepayers; and this I have done ungrudgingly, and my woii has become one of my greatest pleasures. I have attended not only the Board meetings, but with very few exceptions all the committee meetings to which I have been summoned. As I have been your only lady representative on the Board, I have taken particular interest in all questions affecting the teachers and schol- ars of the girls' schools, and trust I have be of special help to some of them. The cookery instruction is now quite a. feature in the education of our girls, who always bl,- pear to apprecie.te the lesson. I have also given my most thoughtful atten- tion to the important subject of the religious and moral training of the ohildren, and trust that the working out of the scheme formulated by the Board for the guidance of the teachers in this matter will materially help the parents in laying the foundation of a good character ;u the early life of their children. If you think that I have faithfully sevred you during my term of office I again ask you :0 favour me with your votes and influence at th' coming election. Believe me, I Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, ADA JONES. Maindy, Ynyshir. Dated this 4th day of October, 1899.

ETHOLIAD BWRDD YSGOL YSTRADY- FODWG, 1899. FONEDDIGESAU A BONEDDIGION,— Y mae yn awr dair blynedd er pan roddasoch arnaf yr anrhydedd o'm hethol fel un o'ch cy- nrychiolwyr ar y Bwrdd uchod. Yr wyf wedi cael profied fod aelodaeth f r Bwrdd Ysgol yn cynwys cvflwyno y rhan fwyaf o'm hamser i wasanaeth y trethdalwyr. Gwn- aethum hyn yn Uawen, ao y mae y gwaith wedi dyfod yn un. o'm pleserau penof. Bum yn bresenol yn gyson nid yn unig yn nghyfarfodydd y Bwrdd ei hun, ond hefyd, gydag ychydig o eithriadau, yn holl gyfarfod- ydd y pwyllgorau i ba rai y'm galwyd. Gan mai fi yw yr unig foneddiges a'ch cy nryohiola ar y Bwrdd, yr wyf wedi cymeryd dyddordeb neillduol yn yr holl bynciau a berth- ynant yn uniongyrohol i'r athrawesau a'r merched yn yr ysgolion, a hyderaf fy mod wedi bod yn gynorthwy arbenig i rai o honynt. Y mae cogyddiaeth wedi dyfod yn awr vn nodwedd yn addysg y merched, ao y mae y dyddordeb a gymerant yn en gwersi yn profi fu bod yn eu gwerthfawrogi. Yr wyf wedi rhoddi ystyriaeth fanwl i'r pwnc pwysig o roddi hj-fforddiant grefyddol a moesol i'r plant, a hyderaf y bydd i'r cynllun a ddar- parwyd gan y Bwrdd gyda llawer o ofal » phryder fel cyfarwyddiad i'r athrawon TO y gtwaith hwn fod yn gynorthwy sylweddol 'r rhieni wrth osod i lawr svlfaen cymeriad da yn moreu oes eu plant. Os canfyddwch fy mod wedi eich gwasanaathu yn ffyddlawn yn ysbaid tymor fy swydd, etfya- iaf amoch eto i'm ffafrio a'ch pleidleisiau a'ch dyianwad yn yr etholiad sydd ar ddyfod. Ydwyf, Foneddigesau a Boneddigion, Yr eiddoch yn ffyddlawn, ADA JONES. Maindy, Ynyshir. Hydref y 4edd, 1899. 4991-0166

YSTRADYFODWG SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. TO THE RATEPAYERS. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,— In response to the unanimous decision of a largely attended public meeting of ratepayers, held during this week, I again offer myself a candidate at the forthcoming triennial election. During the nine years that I have had the honour to represent you on the Board, the education and general welfare of the children with the wisest economy, have received my most earnest thought and strenuous support. It has been my privilege during the past thirty- three years to live amongst you, and to take part in all the educational advancements of the inhabitants of these Valleys, and with you I rejoice in the splendid system, plants, appli- ances and superior training, which is now 'within the roach of every workingman's child in the parish. It will be known to many of you that as the result of my endeavours the Higher Grade School and Organised Science School, embracing all the advantages of an Intermediate School, are now secured free of cost to all the children of the Rhondda Fach, and put on an equality with the children of the big Rhondda. Also I have thrown all my influence in favour of building a new and more worthy building for the Higher Grade and Science School at Pentre. Remembering that upon the Ystradyfodwg School Board devolved the management of over 30 schools, including over 80 departments, with a stuff of over 600 teachers and an annual ex- penditure of over EW,000, with liability to the extent of E122,000, it behoves the ratepayers to secure the services of men of ability and experience to guide and control interests of such considerable importance. If you honour me again with your confidence. I will pledge my- self to give attention to serve your interests. Again soliciting your support and patronage, I rerntiin, Yours faithfully, T. BEVAK. October 4th, 133-3. 4993 C167

Situations Vacant. SMITH'S STRIKER, 16 to 18 years ot age, IO wanted Apply-Carriage Works, Morgan Street, Pontypridd. 4944 WANTED, Girl to assist in house work, TV aged 13 to 15; comfortable home. Apply-A.H., 113, Tudor Road, Cardiff. 163 NURSEMAID Wanted, reference required. Mrs Houghton, Summerfield, Tyfica Road, Pontypridd. a157o 4 CERTIFICATED MON THLY NURSE V-/ (City Road, London). MRS pADFIELD, 36, RICKARD STREET, PONI YPRIDD. OPEN FOR ENGAGEMENTS. References given. Al55f

PLAIN TALK TO PONTYPRIDD PUBLIC MEN. "0 wad some pow'r the giftie gi,o m To see ourselves as others see us." We make no apology for indulging in plain talk with, to, at and about local public men on some important ques- tions which must sooner or later ibe grappled with-and the sooner the bet- ter. The poet sings of one who was "beguiled too early and betrayed too long," and we can certainly apply the phrase to some sorely-needed local im- provements, for, if the betrayal is not wilful, the delay in dealing with the ques- tions is such as to bring procrastination perilously near to betrayal of trust on the part of those who were elected to look after the interests of the ratepayers. It is no use euphoneously describing Pontypridd as a town of "mushroom growth," and to excuse delay (as it sometimes is excused) by quoting any such catch-phrase. If it be suggested that the town and district have outgrown the ideas of many of those having charge of local public affairs, we sorrowfully admit the seeming truth of the accusa- tion, for (in such a form) accusation it is. The same old topics are being vaguely and indefinitely discussed by our public bodies now as have been under discussion, off and on, for five, ten, and even twenty years, and their final dispo- sal appears just as far off now as in the beginning. Of course, they are useful topics at election times, but, even in the midst of the turmoil of a contest, some of our public men adroitly fence with the questions by merely promising to consider them, so that they may not afterwards be charged with having broken their pledges. All they pro- mised was to "consider" those ever re- curring points, and they have considered them, are considering them,and will con- sider them. Indeed, we have no doubt, if some of our local public men have their way, they will go on, slowly, sure- ly, steadily, lazily, dreamily 'consider- ing" matters until they wake up some fine morning and find Pontypridd eclipsed by Ynysybwl, Senghenydd, Nantgarw, or Penycoedcae, when each and every custodian of the public rights will rub his eyes and, turning to his neighbour, exclaim—"I told you so." But, why are we led into this melancholy strain in trying to have a little "plain talk" with our local public administra- tors ? Oh, simply because these people make haste so slowly that the "march of events" is rapidly leaving them be- hind-and the town suffers-the district is suffering, and the ratepayers of the future will suffer still more because those who should be leaders lag behind the times. Take the District Council, for instance; what is the position of its affairs, and what can, and ought to, be done by its members collectively? Past laxity left the inhabitants of Pontypridd shut up, almost like caged rats, in an unfairly small district, and, when com- mercial enterprise developed the re- sources of mineral wealth within that district, a vista of prosperity, wealth and comfort was opened up to the fancy of a deluded people. They had fond visions of attractive parks, of wide streets, of a pure and plentiful water supply, of cheap gas, electric lighting, tramcars, and-what not? Well, then, what happened? Spas- modic fits of reform prompted inquiry into various subjects, and there were times when some work was done, but these fits only came on, as we have said, periodically. We can scarcely separate the deeds and misdeeds of the District Council from those of the old Local Board- The first-named body inherited the sins of omission, as well as the sins of commission, of the last-named body. Between them we may, over a range of years, trace some real work, and some sham work accomplished; we may find some deeds to praise, some to blame, some to laugh over, and some to weep over. But the drowsiness which has marked the record of latter years was creeping on slowly and surely from the g beginning, and consequently their sins of omission are metaphorically driving them down into a bottomless pit. They purchased the gasworks at the wrong time, tinkered the roads in the outlying portions of the district, and practically left the town to its fate; spent ten thou- sand pounds (if a penny) in remedying their own remissness in regard to the rails of a tramway which, as it is now, really serves nobody's purpose. Yes, yes, they bought property and acquired a site for a public slaughterhouse which. like a glorious white elephant, costs the ratepayers at the present time about sixteen pounds a week! What else? The members, in committee, in Board meeting, and in Council, talked about other biff questions, and did nothing but talk. And. like the clown in the pantomime, they come tumbling before the public every opportunity they get with the- same old story—Here we are a:1in!P Yet, to this day. Pontypridd is only on the outer fringe of the great, work which lies before its local public men. The music must be faced, and. a* we have already said, the sooner the better. We have no desire to hamper T the authorities in their attempts to ne- gotiate with the Waterworks Company —if they really intend doing anything beyond the usual fruitless "inquiry into the matter," and we will, at present, say no more than that they ought to have tackled the subject before the new re- servoir was constructed. No-we are of the District Council and of the Water-works are not co-terminous; but the Joint Boards (or Coun- cils) might have negotiated earlier, and even now, delays are dangerous and ex- pensive. Then, to turn to another sub- ject, let us glance at the People's Park. We are not now speaking of the pesti- lent-stricken site of the gipsy's encamp- ment on the Old Mill-field, but rather of the general question of a real, acces- sible recreation ground, well-laid out by nature and improved by human skill. Such a spot is provided in Ynysangharad fields, and if there is much more delay in acquiring it, the opportunity will have been lost, for building plans have al- ready been prepared in the offices of the owners of the Llanover estate. We understand that Mr L. Gordon Lenox is quite prepared to forego his tenancy of a portion of the land for the public good. Col. Lyne may have more profitable de- signs in view for the benefit of the es- tate, but, if so, let compulsory powers be sought by the District Council. At a time when other, neighbouring, bodies can borrow money at 21 per cent., surely Pontypridd can awake out of its deadly lethargy and do something to prevent the passing away for ever of valuable opportunities to provide for the present and the future of a growing district. The green memory of the loveliness of Mill Street is as fresh as ever in our minds, for, although rosy pictures of a new, alternative switchback road to- wards the market have been periodi- cally thrown upon the screen, the whole proceeding has been that of a magic lan- tern entertainment. When the shadow passed away, there was nothing left ex- cept Mill Street and its crushing arch, looking, for all the world, like the tun- nel in the Phantom Railway at Stoll's Panopticon! The proposed Electric Tramway is, so far, "scotched" by the District Council, which,- as a body, has fallen asleep across the rails, and the welfare of the town may, after all, be sacrificed to the droning slumber of the Council, whose duty it was, long, long, ago to have bridged the difficulty of the narrow arch by, either, widening that arch or constructing a bridge under the great centre arch of the viaduct- It may not be tor. kte now and it would probably pay the Tramway Company to contribute towards the cost. But, surely, it is the duty of the District Coun- cil to move ahead, and not merely act the part of a stumbling block- It might, again, be worth their while tak- ing time by the forelock, by exercising their power to purchase the existing tramway and making a continuation of it through the town themselves. In illustration of our meaning, let us just cast a glimpse over what is going on in Manchester just now:- At a meeting of the Manchester Corporation Tramways Committee a letter was received from the secretary of the Manchester Carriage and Tramways Company, in which the directors offered the following terms for a ten years' ex- tension of the lease of the tramways: That the company pay to the corporation, in lieu of the existing rent of £23,333, a remi of £ 50,000 pel year, and an annual sam of £ 4,000 for the main- tenance and repair of the existing city lines. The rates and taxes payable by the company on the suggested new rental will amount to about E16,000 per annum. It was pointed owt is the letter that the offer assured to the cor- poration a net sum of 950,000 for the lines at present in lease otthe company in addition to which there would be about £16,000 in aid of the rates. After discussing the proposal a resolution was adopted to the effect that as the City Council had already obtained statutory powers to municipalise the tramways, and had made arrangements with adjoining local autho- rities for the working of their tramways in con- junction with those in the city, the committee oould not contemplate the extension of the lease of the Carriage Company. The committee also recommended the council to obtain borrowing powers for £860,000, including E250,000 for the reconstruction of the permanent way, P,360,000 for purchase of cars, and 2150,000 for overhead epuipment. This amount, however, was stated to be only an instalment of what would ulti- mately be required." The quotation is a long one, but the subject is important, and even the men- tion of eight hundred and sixty thoun- sand pounds spent by a public body on one local improvement will, we fear, not suffice to startle the Rip Van Winkles of Pontypridd out of their long sleep. If, by chance, they rub their blinking eyes, and gape, it will only be to ask in comie surprise: Where, oh, .where is my leedle dawg gone? Where, Oh! where can he be ? Kit his ears out short and his tail em long— Oh, tell me, whora is he? The dust of a couple of generations rests lightly upon the municipal cloth- ing of our local public men, and that must be brushed off, or some of them well shaken in (if not off) their seats before any real life is thrown into the administrative work of the district, Whenever one or two have beoome un- easy in the midst of the sleepers, they have been, and are, unable to wake the others. The only answering echo has been- The voice of the Sluggard, I heard him CQm- plain, You have waked me too soon, let me slumber again. In private life, and outside the work of the Council, these members, strange to say, are capital, go-ahead business men, but the collective wisdom of the Council dwarfs their ambitions, chokes their aspirations, and seems to have (as regards the larger questions) the sopo- rific effects of an opium den upon them —more's the pity. What ventilation can do in such places is just the effect we would like to produce in the Coun- cil Chamber by well ventilating these important topics. Now is a peculiarly- fitting time for the wakeful ones to rouse their comrades to action, for, if present opportunities arc lost, they may rest assured that in so far as some very im- portant local public improvements", and their cost, arc concerned, the sins of the fathers will verily be visited upon the children, even trato the third and fourth generation. We would have mentioned. and would still like to mention, other proposals, such as the want of Public; Baths—especially swimming bat,hs-a. cottage hospital, and other conven- ictU'es, together with the removal of tbe hcoble stench-traps which make the atmosphere of our main streets intoler- ably sickening, but, until the older ques- tions are in some way disposed of, we can only plaintively ask, Cui bono?

Election Notes, BY ELECTOR. THE OLD MEMBERS. 24 Nominations! What a plethom of candi- dates after the so-called indifference and apathy of the Rhondda electors. A week ago it was thought that an election might even be avoided altogether. It is pleasing to note that 14 of the old mem- bers have been nominated, and it is evident tUat the motive power of the old Board at all events will again manipulate the educational machinery of the Rhondda. --<)- Beginning with the old members, we are glad Messrs D. R. Jones and David Williams have again been called upon to fight for the upper part of the Rhondda Valley. During the past three years of School Board work, Treherbert has been the richer by a brand new set of schools—an ornament to the district; Manual Training Classes, and Higher Grade Classes seutre,lised in the new block of buildings. -0-- Extensive alterations are also being made to I the Ynyswen premises in order to meet the wants of pupils from the upper part of Treorky and the lower part of Treherbert. Both tht. old members deserve the hearsy support of the electorate as being staunch workers for the good of the people of Upper Rhondda. Coming to Treorky, we find the constituency is again fortunate in having at its disposal three such well-tried worthies as Rev W. Mor- ris, F.R.G.S., Mr W. Jenkins, and Rev W. Charles, M.A. The two first named gentlemen were mem- bers of the first Board elected in 1878; and for 21 years have watched the development of the educational facilities of the Valley, step by step, from the old British School of the rseventies" to the present happy days of Free Education, from the Infant Department to the organised Science School. -0- We are sure the electors of the Rhondda will recognise "experience" as one of the principal claims for support in the coming School Board contest. No Rhondda educational body would I be complete without the presence of the be- loved pastor of Noddfa Church and the Squire of Ystradfechan, and we expect both to occupy honourable places on the poll-list. | Rev W. Charles, M.A., completes his first' sitting on the Ystradyfodwg School Board, but sitting on the Ystradyfodwg School Board, but he claims, in addition, very considerable ex- perience as a former member of the enterpris- nig Bedwellty School Board. The claims of Mi- Charles for re-election are undeniable, for his academic distinctions, coupled with an earn- est sympathy for young Welsh boys and girls is their present day struggles, give him a very strong claim for support from ell parts of the Valley. -0- Mr Charles has gone up the educational lad- der step by step to the proud distinction of Master of Arte—a record which might be held up before the Pupil Teachers of the Board with advantage. We trust sincerely to find him re- elected, in a satisfactory position on the poll. -0-. The much respected vbar of the parish, who has, like the Rev W. Morris amd Mr Jenkins, grown grey in the service, is again a candidate. In the 1896 contest the Rev W. Lewis stood third on the poll, though in 1893, if we re- member rightly, he was on the bottom of the list. The latter result was doubtless owing to over-confidence. 'The Vicar is alright," was the cry. But it was a cry that nearly meant disaster. We hope this policy will not be repeated. The Vicar has always shown a thorough grasp of the vital questions of the hour, and the people of the Rhondda Fawr have in addition found in him a worthy cham- pion of their Higher Grade School. To him, very largely, belongs the credit of procuring a I new Higher Grade School for the upper Rhon- dda. --0-- We expect the Vicar to again occupy am honourable position on the poll, as the Rhon- dda School Board would not be complete with. out him. Rumours were once afloat that Mr W. W. Hood, of Llwynpia, would not seek re-election. It was felt that his retirement would be noth- ing short of a calamity to the district. Electors, apart from creed or denomination, are unani- mous in their verdict that Mr Hood is positive- ly one of the ornaments of the Board. -0-- Mr Hood possesses a breadth of conception on all great educational questions which, coupled with a lengthy experience of the work of the Ystradyfodwg School Board, stamps him as an ideal member. We expect him at or near the head of the poll, his customary posi. tion. --0- The Rev T. Williams, of Clydach Vale, has doubtless proved a very valuable member. As chairman of the School Management Committee, he has guided much of the routine work of the Board before it has been brought before the eye of the public, at the monthly meeting. --0- And after aU, the bulk of the work lias to be saws and planed in its committee stages. Faithful, and moderate; cautious and unob- trusive, he has followed the work of the Board in a manner which admirably fits him for re- election. Clydach Vale has found in him a worthy re- presentative, and as he again places his ser- vices at the disposal of the electors he deserves handsome support. -0-- Probably one of the most painstaking Rlkd attentive members of the retiring School Board is Mr Daniel Thomas, of Trealaw. We believe his record of attendance stands unique in the annals of public men. He claims the rare distinction of having attended every com- mittee and Board meeting since his first elec- tion. -0- Mr Daniel Thomas may be said to have charge of the purse strings of the Ystradyfodwg School Board, for as chairman of the Finance Committee he is largely responsible for the ad- ministration of the public mqney. That the financial condition of the Ystradyfodwg Board is highly satisfactory is evMent from the fact that only Its 5d per head is drawn from the I rate-pavers? pwJcefc. as compared with £1 Is per he-ad throughout. England a-nd Wales. This is n. statf of affairs of which the Rhoudda electors may be justly proud. Mr Daniel Thomas possesses a keeJiness of perception in the educational questions which affect the Rhondda boy and girl, that can only be acquired by loag years of application and oareful attention to the work of the Board. We hope and believe that the Rhondda elec- tors in all parts of the valley will recognise the many claims for re-election which Mr Thomas doubtless possesses. We hope to find him oc- cupying a very high position on the poll list, for he is certainly one of the most worthy of the retiring members. -i> At Porth and Cymmer both the retiring mem- bers offer themselves for re-election. Mr Henry Abraham has a long record of ser- vice behind him, for during a number of years he sat on the Llanwonno School Board pre- vious to the re-arrangement of areas is 1895. And "experience," as we have stated above, is positively one of the greatest claims in School Board contents. Mr Abraham's pro- fessional arrangements have to some extent in- terfered with a very close attention to School Board matters during'the past few months, but we are exceedingly pleased to find that the course is now quite cleared of obstacles, and he again offers his services to the electors of the Ystradyfodwg Parish. In 1896 Mr Abraham was fifth on the poll list —a position be again deserves. He possesses one quality which is an absolute necessity in & large and important Board like that of Ystrad- yfodwg—and that is Caution. Mr Abraham is not carried away by the enthusiasm of the moment, but calmly weighs and considers the "pro's" and "cons" of every new scheme, and never gives his vote until a matter has been thoroughly thrashed out. This earnestness and caution—the result of many years of close at- tention and experience are valuable traits in a public man. Mr Abraham's friends throughout both Valleys are many, and he richly deserves all the support they can give him on the election day. Porth, we hope, will recognise Mr Abra- ham's undoubted claims for a very high position on the poll. —o— Mr John Davies, Cymmer, has completed one triennial sitting upon the Ystradyfodwg School Board. In 1896, Cymmer, for the first time in the history of the Rhondda elections, was in- cluded in the constituency of the Ystradyfodwg School Board, and Mr John Davies was the people's representative. α- Mr Davies comes forth again loaded with the same "enthusiasm" which has always character- ised his work upon the School Board. Mr Da, vies is full of his responsibility as the representa- tive of the ratepayers and enters into the work of the Board with a vigour that stamps him as a man bent upon knowing the intricacies of the Educational Code in all its departments. Mr Davies is a typical working man representa- tive, Hid merits big support in troth Valleys. '0-- Cymmer lias found in him a very faithful re- presentative and strong advocate of their claims during the past three years, and their oonfid- enoo will again be well placed if the electors return him. Mr Davies has served on the Attendance and P.T. Centre Committees, and has thus derived a wide experience to fit him for re-election. --0- Mr Davies is a keen supporter of the Higher Grade Schools movement for all parts of the Valley. --0- Miss Ada Jones has, during the past three years, fulfilled with a very high degree of suc- cess a somewhat difficult position upon the Ys- tradyfodwg School Board. She is the first lady who has ever sat upon the Board, and the universal comment upon her efficiency as a member tells the electors pretty clearly that she cannot be spaced from the new Board. At first naturally a little strange to the many de- tails of such important work, she fell in with. the routine of the many committee of which she is a member, in a most commendable manner. Miss Jones never fails to take a broad view of the many important questions which from time to time come before such an important or- ganisation as the Ystradyfodwg School Board- Indeed, it almost appears that a lady member has become a necessity upon the Board, and we believe the electors of the Rhondda Valley will shew this when the election comes off. --0- Miss Jones deserves votes from every polliug booth in the Valley. She has shewn herself a friend of the child of the working man, and what greater proof is needed. Though Miss Jones stood fairly well on the poll last time We believe that the memory of her noble work for the school children during the disastrous strike of 1898 will be vividly remembered on Saturday, 14th. Miss Jones deserves to stand very high on the list of the successful candi- dates. --0- The retiring chairman, Mr Bevan, headed the poll in 1896. For some time be had run a good second to Mr Hood, who was chairman of the Board for many years. To head the poll with two other candidates in Mardy and one in Blaenllechau was a feat to be proud of, and Shewed the high esteem in which he is doubtless held throughout the Valleys. The Rhondda. Fach may well be proud of their champion- The new Higher Grade and Organised Science School is due largely to his personal efforts-- in fact, the whole Higher Grade movements of both Valleys have always received his warmest support. There baing no nominee from Mardy or Blaen- 11 echau, two mfembers can safely be retumea for the upper part of the Rhondda Fach- -0-- During the chairmanship of Mr Beva., the vexed Married Mistress Question has been pro- perly settled. The tedious Hafod question has finally disappeared from the agenda of Board. New Higher Grade Schools have been decided upon, Mannual Training Classes have been added to a liberal curriculum «» schools, and "'progress' marks the work of Boaru. Mr Beva.n will, doubtless, be supported every polling booth in the district. We esp* to see him high on the poll- a position be justly entitled to. -0- Wo will deal with the new candidates in next issue.

THE VIRGIN MARY'S RING. ier t It was recently stated in a society T-1 a ring—said by Roman priests to be *J» 'nre» Man 's wedding ring—was amongst the trra?1<vnt of a. church at Perugia. A wrresponu^^ writing in the "Church Gazette," says may be as wr-11 to state that the ring in quf was of onyx or amethyst. It was giy«n by a jewellrr of Jerusalem to Ra.n:nus, jgrful. mond merchant from Chisium. Its \0» lont! properties were discovered on the nur ar(, restoration to life of Raiifriuss scr. ;)S the marvellous cures attributed to i .^fl€8s, the healing of sciatica, the removal of n0t the expulsion of evil spirits, and m-s {jjat least, the reconciliation oi roarried ^up^ were given to It™* Clusium and transferred in I486 tc