Pontypool Free Press and Herald of the Hills

NEWSCALE OF CHARGES FOR PREPAID ADVERTISEMENTS. OSS THREE 1 INSERTION ISSEBTIOWaj 20 Words 6d. 1/3 28 Words 9d. 1/9 36 Words 1/. 2/3 44 Words 1/3 2/9 52 Words 1/6 3/6 The above charges apply only to the following classes of small advertisements, and must be PREPAID, or former rates will be charged. TRADE SPECIALITIES. One Penny per Line charged for each insertion under this heading, PREPAID for not less than 13 weeks. ROSAMOND HAGLEY, DAUGHTER of WILLIAM HAGLEY, late JL/ of ABERSYCHAN, near Pontypool, Innkeeper, who left Abersychan about 30 years ago, or, if dead, her next of kin. will hear something to her or their advantage on applying to MESSRS. WHITE & SON, Solicitors, Williton, Somerset. WANTED, FINISHERS on all classes of Nailed W Work.—Apply to WM. BROWN WITCHELL, South Wales Boot Manufactory, Abersychan. TO BE LET, GLANAVON HOUSE, Abersychan a commodious and comfortable Residence, with Garden and Lawn, enclosed; three minutes walk from railway station.—Apply to Mrs JONES, Swan Hotel, Pontypool. TO LET, all those large and newly-erected HOUS, SHOP, PREMISES, & OUTBUILD- INGS, situate at Trosnant Street,Pontypool,lately in the occupation of Mr C. Minor, comprising 2 capital Shops, 30ft. by lift., and 10ft. by 14ft. 6in., with capital show, sale, or auction room, over 30ft. by 20ft.; shop, parlour, kitchen, and 4 good bed- rooms, store-room, and the usual out-buildings gas and water laid on.—Apply to W. PARXHOUSE, Commercial-street, Pontypool. 3cp3 TO BE LET, ROCK VILLA, Garndiffaith, a com- JL modious and comfortable Residence large garden, lawn, coach-house, and stables, with a few acres of land if required; rent moderate.—Apply to Mr J. H. STEPHEN, Talywain, near Pontypool. F)NTNEWYNYDD.—TO BE LET, all that L commodious and well-situated SHOP and PRE- MISES lately occupied by Mr J. H. DAVIES, Grocer, &c.—Apply to Mr WM. PROSSER, Pont- newynydd. 3ta2 rro BE LET, with immediate possession, a JL BEERHOUSE, well-situated.—For particulars apply to Messrs PHILPOT & WINGFIELD, Auc- t tioneers and Appraisers, Market House Auction Room, Pontypool. ta. rpO LET, the HOUSE, SHOP, and PREMISES, X situate in Crane-street, Pontypool, late in the occupation of Mr John Knipe, Grocer, Seed and Corn Merchant. Shop, 26 feet by 16, and 10 feet high. Good Cellarage.—Apply to Mr F. PROBYN, Pontypool. 1cp TO LET, a Six-roomed House in Coedcae. Apply JL to C. Lawrence, Coedcae. 3cp2 TO LET, with immediate possession, a commodious JL COTTAGE, at New Inn, known as Rose Cottage," with Gardeu attached.—Apply to Mr R. ELEY, or to Ir MORGAN, on the premises. OTTAGES.—TO BE LET, several COTTAGES suitable for workmen and others.—Apply to "JREENWAY, Pontypool. 3cp3 SALE, a good double-barrel GUN; price, .-Apply to THOMAS PEARCE, 5, Railway ?, Coedygric, Griffithstown. 3mp3 and STATIONERY CASE combined, k rfuamgjled wood, silver gilt mountings, 2 cut ks; pries 40s. (very slight iy scratched), 33s. SBMSf aa;i Sox, Stationer?, Pontypool. 3ta3 LATIN.—Mrs CLAitJi. (Diplomas). Railway Terrace, Pont wynycid, RLV "EIVES PUPILS in the above. ^ITAELE L'-J LET, in bealtby situation; just erected, O in Kri.jgs Street, three stalls. Apply to Mrs MORGAN, > 2, Bridge Street, Pontypool. Imp FR SAl E-A Horse, harness, and Lome car, built by tJi^tkin Newport; only been in use since July >" )r particulars, apply to Mr T. WAITE, Anctio-'fer. 'J»»r«nee Street, RVRKYPOCL. lcp EDUCATION.—A LADY would be glad to receive JU Two or Three Children to take morning lessons with her little boy. Terms and particulars on applica- to Mr HRGHES, at the Office of this Paper. 3tal BIRMINGHAM GOODS, for Auctioneers, Shop- -D keepers, Hawkers, Tea Shops, &c. Agents Wanted. Wholesale Book, Post-free. Address, HENRY MAY, (285) Birmingham. TOWN HALL, PONTYPOOL. EISTEDDFOD Will be held in the Town Hall On Thursday, December 11, 1879. FIRST PRIZE, £3 Os. Od. ADJUDICATORS: MK T. B. SMITH and MR C. LAWRENCE. ACCOMPANIST: iim ME T. H. MORGAN. ■p* .— Doors open a; 6; Chair to be taken at 6.30 p.m., by JOHN PLACE, Esq., Cwmbran. Admission.- Front Seat, Is.; Back Seat, Gil. Programmes may be had of Mr S. WINSOK and of Messrs. HUGHES & SON, Printers Competitors to send in their names to Mr S. WINSOR, Crumlin Street, Pontypool, on or before Doc. Vth. SOUTH WALES CHALLENGE CUP MATCH, FIRST TIE, PONTYPOOL V. ABERDAKE j THts MATCH will be Played on the PONTYPOOL JL GROUND, on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13th. a- JaCK OFF AT THREE P.M. ADMISSION TO THFI GROUND, SIXPENCE. J. W. GREEN, Hon. Sec. JUST PUR 0 HAS ED, -1 WINTER STOCK | OF ] BERLIN WOOLS, FINGERINGS, &C. REDUCTION IN PRICES. PEACOCK FINGERING, in Black and White and Fancy Mixtures. A SUPERIOR FINGERING, for Ladies and Gentlemen's Stockings. EIDER AND ANDALUSIAN WOOLS, for Fine Knitting and Crochet. • JAPANESE KNITTING SILK. SUPER SCOTCH YARN, 2s. 8d. a lb. SUPERIOR FLEECY, for Shawls, Children's Skirts, &c., from 4s. a lb. BEST QUALITY BERLIN WOOLS, Single of DoubJe. EXTRA QUALITY ICE WOOL, Black and White, 5od. a Ball. THE NEW DIAMOND KNITTING YARN, for Cuffs, &c. CREWELS FOR FINE ART EMBROIDERY, Ij-d., la. 3d. a Doz. CREWEL SILKS, 2d. a Skein. HUGHES & SON, J Stationers, &c., PONTYPOOL. MANCHESTER 1110 IT SE CRANE ST., PONTYPOOL. EVAN JONES, BEGS most respectfully to announce that, having D made extensive preparations for the Autumn <$* Winter Trade, He is now showing a complete range of New & Fashionable Goods in all Departments. ———— The alarming Depression of Trade has enabled him to make extremely advantageous purchases the straits to which many Manufacturers have been reduced compelling them to force Sales at nominal prices. LEADING LINES (Bought much under Value). per yard Black French Twills 4|d worth 8|d „ Figured Lustres 4-td 8-id 2 Colored Persian Cords 4id 6 id Ulster Tweeds, dble. width Is 6N.. „ 2s Twill Silk Umbrellas 3s. 6d. and upwards Zanella „ 9d. and upwards NEW GOODS AND GOOD COLORS. Knock-about Serges 5id and upwards Winceys lfd and upwards Wool Shawls, large size, Is lid each and upwards Scarlet Saxony and Yorkshire Flannels, 4td and upwards Real Welsh Flannels. 10M and upwards All-Wool Imitation Welsh 6F and upwards Blankets, Sheets, Counterpanes, Hosiery, Fancy Goods, c., if-c., are being offered at unprecedentedly Low Prices. Thanking you for the liberal support hitherto received, I beg to assure you that no effort will be spared to merit a continuance of your favors. New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. SPECIAL ADVANTAGES are offered to persons 0 booking passages to any New Zealand or Australian ports, through FREDK. SMITH, Bridge-st., BLAENAVON, Local Agent for the following LÏncs- New Zealand Shipping Company (Limited), New Zealand Passengers' Line, Orient Steam Navigation Co., Green's BLACKWALL Line of Packets. | AND OTHER LINES. J For Fares, and other information, apply to the LocalAgent.-To Canada, from X3 1.5s; to Australia, from 14 guineas; to New Zealand, from L16. -n- AMERICA! AMERICA!! To America for £3 15s and upwards. PASSENGERS booked through to any part of the JL United States at REDUCED RATES. Intending Emigrants should apply at once to Mr THOMAS PUGH, Station Master, Panteg. GRIFFITHSTOWN Art Union Prize Drawin91 T LIST OF WINNING NUMBERS. 4729 2359 1-177 3997 1570 51S8 2064 705 4202 6463 593 1020 5702 358 4046 2963 3531 6207 4371 6131 3262 5689 4996 1900 2440 4192 5607 2700 2676 2597 1181 2367 S64 626 2843 832 6100 4541 3435 6409 58€8 4187 6536 4042 5194 4195 lW: 2616 5204 4G35 2501 4315 5904 6554 5546 421 47G3 4262 2067 890 6600 5777 4587 I 4422 4072 3943 1608 898 6474 2604 4065 133W 4286 1171 62\)8 4333 2214 2538 4737 4573 4012 5241 4353 1630 5623 6071 2148 809 63TI3 5553 2063 1466 639G 6496 91 4339 4977 lb23 916 859 1177 2573 348G 4094 675 4530 5468 662 2360 6403 1120 4736 6410 2795 2319 4586 6519 1734 6373 1939 4266 3606 2763 5079 1S58 1949 2444 3604 88 1914 519 917 5461 2380 250 3384 3491 781 4100 6493 801 3946 6501 1909 1337 4259 2617 2524 120 2713 3699 2505 6132 1151 3961 2848 5078 6522 — PRELIMINARY NOTICE. i AN EVEXITCI CONCERT AT THE Abersychan Schools. ARTISTES FEOM LONDON, CARDIFF, &c. To Builders and Others. FREEHOLD BUILDING LAND FOR SALE, OR on lease for 99 years, on moderate terms, situate in one of the best and most thriving situations in Mon- mouthshire or South Wales, being close to the Patent Nut and Bolt Company's Works and Collieries at Cwm- bran. There is a never-failing supply of good spring water on the property, and stone and brick are to be obtained at a low price. Persons purchasing may leave part of the purchase money on mortgage for a short term of years.-Apply to Mr HESIIY KNIPE, Coedygric Farm, near Pontypool; to Messrs. COLHOKXE and WARD, SO.. licitors, Newport; or to Mr DAVID DAVIES, Civil En- gineer, Pontypool. J. WILLIAMS, M.R.C.V.S., L., VETERINARY SURGEON, OF USK, WILL ATTEND AT THE G-lobe Hotel, JPoirtypool, EVERY WEDNESDAY & SATURDAY, About One o'clock. F. I. WALL, Auctioneer and Valuer, MARKET ST., PONTYPOOL. CASH advanced prior to Sale upon all kinds of Pro- perty consigned for Absolute Disposal—Ail Sales settled for same or following day—Manager for the Commercial Loan and Discount Company, 77, Com- mercial-road, Newport, and Market-street, Pontypool— Cash advanced from X5 upward, to Farmers, Tradesmen, Househo'-lers, and others, upon their Stock-in-Trade, FurniVre, and Effects, without publicity.—Address as above. gr All kinds of Household Furniture, Surplus Stock, or Job Lots, bought for cash. N 0 T I C E. GEORGE WILLIAM RODWAY, OF Little Mm, begs to thank his friends for the support that he has received, and to inform them and the public generally, that he has discontinued the Horse Slaugter- ing Business, and that he has disposed of the whole of his Stock-in-Trade to Mr CHARLES COURT, of Tilbach Farm Horse Slaughtering Establishment, Mam- hilad, to whom he trusts they will give their future orders. Dated this 1st day of September, 1879. CHARLES COURT, Successor to Panniers, Kent, Gibbs, and Rodway LICENSED HORSE SLAUGHTERER, TILBACH FARM, MAMHILAD, XR PONTYPOOL The utmost value given for Live and Dead Horses, Cattle, &c., and fetched away, within a distance of 20 miles, on the shortest notice. CART GREASE MANUFACTURER. Telegrams and Orders promptly attended to. SALES BY MESSRS. WAITE AND SON. PONTYPOOI^^N. Sale of Valuable Copyhold Property. WAITS & SON WILL SELL BY AUCTION, at the Crown Hotel, TV Pontypool, on THURSDAY, the 20th NOVEMBER, 1879, at 4 o'clock in the Afternoon (subject to the con- ditions to be then and there produced and read), THE FOLLOWING VALUABLE Copyhold Property: LOT. 1.—All that new and substantially built Dwelling House, with Yard, adjoining Malthouse Lane, now in the occupation of the Pontypool Iron and Tin- plate Co., or their tenants, at the low rental of £22 8s. per annum. LOT 2.-All those Three Dwelling Houses and Yards adjoining, in the same occupation, at. a rental of JE13 per annum. LOT 3.—All those Five newly-erected Dwelling Houses and Yards, in the same occupation, at a rental of JE52 per annum, together with all that extensive Yard, or piece of Ground, on part of which the Three Crowns Brewery and other premises are built, con- taining by admeasurement 1773 square yards (more or less). The above compact and eligible Property is Copyhold of the Manor of Wentsland and Bryngwin, is advantageously situated, near the Top of George St., Pontypool, the New Road to Pontnewynydd. and several Iron and other Works, thereby rendering the whole of the Property very eligible, either for investment or occupation. To view, apply on the Premises and for further par- ti culars to theAuctioneers, or to H. L. BAKER, Eq., Solicitor, Abergavcnny. Auctioneers' Offices, Clarence-street, Pontypool, November 6th, 1879. PONTYPOOL, MON. SALE OF VALUABLE Freehold and Copyhold Properties. WAITE~& SON HAVE been favoured with instructions to SELL H BY AUCTION, at the CROWN HOTEL, PONTYPOOL, on THURSDAY, the 20th day of Nov- ember, 1879, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon (subject to conditions to be then produced and read), THE UNDERMENTIONED PROPERTIES. LOT 1.—All that Old-established and well- frequented copyhold Double-licensed House,known as the "BULL INN," situate in George St, contain- ing bar, bar parlour, smoking room, tap room, kitchen, brewhouse, cellars, bedrooms, pio-geries, yard, &c., now in the occupation of Thomas Brown, as tenant thereof. LOT 2.-All that FREEHOLD well-situated Beerhouse, called THE SIX BELLS," situate in High Street, the same being a very compact busi- ness premises in the occuaption, of Thomas Lloyd, as tenant thereof. LOT 3.—All those two COPYHOLD SHOPS nd DWELLING HOUSES situate in George Street, each containing shop, living room, kitchen, bedrooms, yard, &c., now in the respective occupations of Wm. Cleaves, green-grocer, and Zachariah Patch, butcher, ,as tenants. LOT 4—All that Capital FREEHOLD Six- Roomed Cottage situate in Mill Road, in the occupation of Wlll. Duck. The business premises and cottag'e are well and conveniently situated, being in the main thoroughfares, therefore always command good Tenants. To view apply to the respective tenants and for further particulars, to the AUCTIONEERS, ME. A. MORGAN, Clarence Street, Pontypool, or to M. DAVIS, Esq., Solicitor, Usk. Offices, Clarence St., Pontypool, 30th October, 1879. SALE BY MR. JAMES STRAKER. HIGH MEAD, ILLANY^IR-KILGEDDIN. (Midwriji kand Usk.) I( ATTRACTIVE SALE OF STOCK. MR JAS. STRAKER HAS been favoured with instructions from t&e Executors of the late Thomas Watkins, Esq., to SELL BY AUCTION, on the above Premises, on THURSDAY, the 27th NOVEMBER, 1879, the whole of THE LIVE AND DEAD Farming Stock, Crops, Implements of Husbandry, and other Effects, Full particulars of ic/nrh will appear in future Advertisemtufs, Fosters, and Catalogues. Auction and Estate Agency Offices, 2, Tiverton Place, Abcrgavenny. SALE BY MESSRS. PARRY & BEAR. NEWPOETANDRONHPOOL IMPORTANT SALE OF Newport Water Works Shares, Pontypool Gas and WaterWorks Shares, AND LEASEHOLD PROPERTY. MESSRS. PARRY & BEAR HAVE been favoured with instructions to SELL BY ll AUCTION, at the KING 8 HEAD HOTEL, NEW- PORT, on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11th, 1879, at Two for Three o'clock in the Afternoon, the following Valuable Shares: IN THE NEWPORT WATER WORKS, viz. — 9 Original £10 Shares (fully paid up). 14 New Ordinary £10 Shares (fully paid up), -5 Preference £10 Shares (guaranteed 6 per cent). IN THE PONTYPOOL GAS & WATER WORKS, viz. :— 100 £10 B Shares (fully paid up). Also all those MESSUAGES or DWELLING- HOUSES or Premises, being respectively Nos. 7 and 8, Court-y-bella Street, Pillgwenlly, Newport, in the reo spective occupations of Mr Pitman and Mr Cockling, at the monthly rental of £1 8s each, held under lease from the Tredegar Wharf Company for 29 years from the 29th of September, 1367, at the yearly rent of dE4 4s. For further particulars apply to the Auctioneers or to MR. A. A. NEWMAN, Solicitor, 16, Commercial Street, Newport. Dated—Auction and Estate Offices, Tredegar Place, Newport, October 18th, 1879. SALE BY 1\IR C. MINOE. To Housekeepers. Parties Furnishing-, and Others. TEMPLARS' HALL, TROSNANT ST., PONTYPOOL. MR CHARLES MINOR WILL SELL BY AUCTION W At the above Hall, On MONDAY NEXT, November 10th, 1879, The undermentioned Useful and Well-preserved HOUSEHOLD Furniture, Grocery, And Effects (removed for convenience of sale), COMPULSING— A first-class photographic camera and lens complete. with stand (equal to new) handsome case of birds and animals electro tea and coffee service, paintings en- gravings; pictures; capital magic lantern, with slides pair of kaleidoscopes two model engines and boiler; 8-day clocks and timepieces; square, round, and other tables; windsor, cane-seated, rocking, arm. and other chairs; desks; inkstands; flowers under shade; cornice. poles and rings; books; mahogany and painted chests with drawers wasbstands and dressing tables towel rails; iron and wood bedsteads palliasses wool mat- tresses; feather and niiUpuff beds, bolsters, and pillows; clothes chest; clothes horse quantity of roillpuff; stair carpet; fenders; fire irons; spark guard; fountain; boot rack counter, with bins tea canisters and cad- dies treacle cistern and scales show bowls & scoops sugar nippers; tea, provision, and other scales and weights; butter, tea, and other paper; sack truck; washing boards; brushes; wine rack; rasins currants matches; pair of trap wheels and axle ladders iron pigs' trough; steps dog's kennel; barrows wagon rope trestles; beer trams, coolers, and casks tubs; pantiles jars; boxes; sieves; grindstone salting stone; stone trough; benches; bottles; firewood, &c., &c. Also, A CAPITAL HALF-TON CART, Nearly New. Sale to commence at One o'clock sharjj.—ffo Reserve

STOCK AND SHARE LIST. Supplied by Messrs. THACKERAY & SAYCE, Stock and Share Brokers, 1, Pearson-place, Cardiff RAILWAYS. Paid Prices Stock Great Western L100 111 112 „ London and North Western 100 .144 145 „ Monmouthshire 100 .153 154 „ Rhymney 100 .166 168 „ Taff Vale 100 .208 210x.n PREFERENTIAL. Stock Monmouthshire 5 per cent. 100 .120 122 12 Do. New. convertible 6 11 Ilk Stock Taff Vale No 1 100 .208 210x.n „ Do. 4 £ per cent 100 .111 113 Do. 5 per cent 100 .121 123 GUARANTEED AND LEASED Stock Rhymney, 5 p. c. guaranteed 100 .119 121 50 Aberdare, 10 per cent 50 .120 121 20 Coleford Mon., & Usk, 5 p.c. 20 23 23! Stock Great Western 5 p. c. (guar) 100 .127Z 128T 2 „ Hereford, Hay, & ,Urecon 100 94 95 „ Do. do. Pref. 100 95 96 DEBENTURE STOCKS. Stock Hereford, Hay, and Brecon 5 per cent 100 .124 125 „ Great Western 5 per cent 100 128 130 „ Taff Vale 4 per cent 100 .102 104 BANKS. 20 BristolWtst of England, Li in. 7I. 7F 8} 100 GLAMORGANSHIRE BANKING CO. 100 .135 140 10 Glamorganshire 10 13i 14 4 10 London & Provincial, Lim. 5- 11 lilt 50 National Provincial 21 71 72 20 National Provincial 12 41 42 10 North and South Wales 10 26J 27 20 SWANSEA (LIMITED) 7 8; 81 GAS. 10 Aberdare 10 101 11 Stock Bristol 100 .173 175 „ Cardiff A 10 percent. 100 .180 182 „ Do. B 8 per cent 100 .135 140 25 Do. Shares 7 per cent.. 25 30 32 10 Llynvi VALLEY 10 10 11 Stock Newport A 100 .172 177 Do. B 100 .128 132 20 Do. C 17 18 19 25 SWANSEA 7\ per cent 25 31 33 x.d GAS AND WATER. 10 Bridgend 10 9 10 Stock Do. Deb. Stock 100 .101 102 „ Pontypool (Max 10 p. c.) 100 .135 145 12 Do. ( do. ) 12 16 18 10 Do. Plax. 7 p. c.) 10. 9 11 10 Ystrad 10 21 22 WATER WORKS. 25 Bristol 25 63 64 Stock CARDIFF 100 275 285 11 Do. 1860 100 .165 175 10 NEW 6 12 14 Stock Neath 10 p. c. Guaranteed 101) .190 195 10 Do. 5 per ct. Preference 10. 9 91 10 Newport 10 17 19 10 Do. NEW 7 14 16 Stock Pontypridd 5 p. c. Preference 100 107 109 MISCELLANEOUS: Stock Alexandra Dock, 6 p. c. Pref. 100 .110 120 11 Ditto 8 p.c. Pref. 100 ..120 130 10 Bristol and South Wales Wagon Co., Limited 4 61 6 £ 23 Ebbw Vale 20. 61 6:1 100 Nantyglo and BLAINA Iron Works, Preference 100 22 24 10 Newport ABTRCARN Colliery 10 OF 61: 5 Do. Tramways 5 2i 31: 20 Patent Nut and Bolt, Lim. 14 18 19 50 RHYMNEY Iron, Limited 50 20 22 15 Do. New 15 6 7 25 South Wales Colliery. 24. 4 4 50 Tredegar Iron &Coal, A Lim. 26 14 1,5 25 Do. do. B LIM 25 19 20 Bank Rate 2 per cent. (since 10th April). SELLERS Ebbw Vale Shares at 6f Nantyglo and Blaina Iron and Coal Shares South Wales Colliery Shares (Gloucester Wagon Shares, &c., &c. THACKERAY & SAYCE, CARDIFF, November 5, 1879.

CORRESPONDENCE. The Proprietor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents. The columns of this paper are at all times open to the ex- pression of opinions on subjects of a public character. Correspondents are requested to write on one side of the paper only, and to avoid personalities; and must enclose with the letter their OWN names and postal addresses, not necessarily for publication (unless intended by them), but for the satis- faction of the Editor.

THE 4s. LOCAL BOARD RATE FOR PONTYPOOL. To the Editor of the Free Press. Sir,—I desire to state that a requisition was, a few days ago, presented to our chairman for the purpose of calling a legal meeting of the ratepayers, but owing to a technical objection, the matter is now in the hands of the Local Government Board, and will, I have no doubt, be settled in the course of a few days. I have already shown in print that a 2s 6d rate is sufficient to cover expenses for current year, includ- ing so-called legal expenses; but as there might be some difficulty in the way of altering the rate now it has been confirmed and the seal of the Board affixed thereto (although I still intend, on personal grounds, to test the legality of the rate), I beg to make the fol. lowing suggestion-That those of us who have not paid our rates pay half the amount demanded, viz., 2s in the X, and pay the balance with the rate for next year, which, if we take the next estimate for this year as our guide for next year (when no legal expenses will have to be put in the estimate) the amount then required will be about X900, so that next year's rate need not be more than Is in the £ and if sufficient members are elected next year to support me, I have not the least hesitation in saying that a 6d rate for next year will be sufficient, with the balance due from this year. And I have every reason to hope that trade will improve, so that we shall be in a better position to pay 2s 6d in the £ next year than we are 2s this year. Yours, &c., JOHN WILLIAMS. P.S.—I find that the whole of the legal expenses have been paid, by the amount being advanced by the treasurer. Query Is this legal ? 0

MR J. T. BROWN'S REVIVAL SERVICES. To the Editor of the Free Press. Sir,—I believe, with very few exceptions, those who have read Mr Shields' letter of last week regret that weeks of earnest prayer fcr the good of others should have left him in that stai lot mind that he should ask you to pollute your couamns with such doggerel. What good he could thinl would result from perpe- tuating such stuff everyo/fe seems at a loss to know. If he can derive pleasure)%)m hearing the youngsters, as he passes through the jfeeets, singing Hold the Fort, the Clown is coming," no one will grudge him the entertainment, especially if he could have it all to himself. I am sure t "writer feels flattered to see in print what even his depraved mind would expect to be consigned to the fames the moment it was read. Mr Shields seems to have a desire to have a fling at professors in general, and the Baptists in par- ticular. He glories in the presumption that this pre- cious poetry emanates from a person belonging to a church that has deacons, and seems thankful that Primitive Methodism is not encumbered with what, I suppose, he thinks such useless appendages. Messrs- Shields & Co. seem to have held a council to decide who should have. this insult cast upon them. It struck them it was a religious gipsy. If so, I should think it was one of their own people, for I know of no other sect that have camp meetings, and so comld identify themselves with gipsy life. I don't think it any disgrace to hold these meetings, and should be sorry to use the term in the same spirit that Mr Shields has used it. He only attributes the opposi- tion to some ignoramuses with little education. If so, surely a wise and educated Christian pastor could afford to pass by such worthless characters. I have no doubt our Baptist friends are thankful to the Primitives for Mr Spurgeon; and who can tell i some others among them would let the water extin- guish a little of their fire ? The Baptists might some day rejoice in Spurgeon the second. Fire and water are good servants, but very bad masters; and I hope we may all be able to keep both elements in proper subjection, and use but not abuse them. Now, sir, I attended two of those meetings, and never saw any unbearable conduct. I have asked others that attended meetings I did not attend, and all say they have seen nothing to justify such a charge; the people would laugh occasionally, but not loud, just as a lecturer would expect occasionally to produce such an effect. The first time I attended after the address there was singing and prayer; those who were saved were asked to hold up their hands, and there was quite a cloud of witnesses in that de- sirable state; those who wished to be saved were asked, but there was no response then there was singing and prayer. Mr Brown visited many in the seats, but nothing seemed to have the desired effect. Then Mr Shields—not Mr Brown—in a very insult- ing tone, said, n There is something wrong here to- night; by the life of Pharoah yc are spies,' and the sooner you go home the better we don't want you, nor the Lord don't want you; and we will sing a hymn while you go." We were not charged with any interruption, neither was there any but the charge was that we were spies, and they generally conduct their operations quietly. I went a second time. The description of the first meeting will apply to this one. Mr Brown this time ordered us home, and requested us never to come again while he was there. At this time the majority of the people had gone home, and those who were saved were eommanded to go up to the platform, so there were very few left behind. When he saw we did not obey orders, he shook his head and fist at us, and said if we had no sympathy with the work and no desire for the salvation of souls, Stop where you are; stop where you are." This was more than one old Christian could stand—to be charged with having no desire for souls to be saved— and as he could not endorse the Clown's proceedings, he quietly walked up as he had been invited to do, and asked leave of Mr Shields to explain his position, He was refused, so he took his hat and quietly left, and, then, forsooth, they profess to be offended, well- knowing such conduct as they persisted in. would not be allowed in their own place of worship. I chal- lenge Mr Shields to produce a name of any party connected, or not connected, with a place of worship whose conduct was snch as would justity his remarks. If they are facts, surely they can and ought to be sub- stantiated. Mr Shields' position as pastor does not give him the right to throw dirt in the air that it may, like soot from a chimney, fall on anybody that hap. pens to pass by. Adding insult to injury, he gives what he thinks some well known incidents in the life of some imaginary individual, whom he chooses to call a gipsy, and sends it forth to the press for the public to fit it on this or that individual according to their tastes. I leave it to the judgment of all impar- tial individuals that attended those meetings to justify or condemn my remarks. Yours, &c., P. ECKERSLEY.

To the Editor of the Free Press. Sir,—The recent mission of Mr J. T. Brown, the Converted Clown, appears to have created considerable sensation in Pontypool in more ways than one. And the Rev T. T. Shields, if wo may judge from his letter in the FRKE PRESS of last week, has been greatly per- plexed in trying to bring into proper subjection and control the mixed audiences that were brought toge- ther in the Primitive Methodist Church. He says "Certain parties, in some cases religious professors, instead of joining in the worship, spent their time in laughing and chatting, thus disturbing the more seri- ous portion of the congregation." And in his closing remarks he insinuates that those guilty parties were Baptists. Now, sir, the Baptists with everybody else were in- vited to attend these meetings, and if some of them smiled at the remarks of Mr Brown, so did everybody else. But this, probably, was not the real cause of offence. All those who were saved were asked to come to the platform. Some did so, some did not, and amongst them some Baptists kept their seats and pre- ferred to remain in Egypt among the unsaved. Here- upon certain uncomplimentary terms were applied to them, and they were asked to leave the chapel. There are baptismal services sometimes held in other chapels. I was present at one a short time since in a Baptist Chapel in this town, when the officiating miuis- ter at the close of the service invited any who were present who wished to follow the Saviour to come for- ward and he baptized. No one came forward, all kept their seats but none were called spies," and asked to leave the chapel. But supposing some of the Bap- tists present at the Primitive Methodist Chapel were guilty of some of the charges that seem to be preferred against thorn by Mr Shields, was it wise in him to rush into print in an angry mood, and publish the doggerel Hold the fort, the Clown is coming," &c. (which per- haps had better have been consigned to the flames) P And why does he wish, to fasten its authorship on one of them P Surely, there were others who witnessed the proceedings of Mr Brown who were quite as capable of writing it as they were. I have known and respected Mr Shields for many years, as well as many of his Pri- mitive Methodist friends, but, with many of them, I deeply regret the course he has taken. And I venture to think it will in no way forward the cause he has at heart, nor bring one convert to Primitive Methodism. It will not strengthen the bonds of Christian union among the denominations in the town, nor will it se- cure to his own church a greater amount of sympathy and co-operation from them. I am, sir, yours, &c., A BAPTIST.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. To the Editor of the Free Ptosis ~5tr,—TEff"report m iast week's paper stated that there were found by the inspector in my shop three weights and three measures unstamped, and one un- just. I bei to Rav that, I ¡¡nIy had tm) small weights and two measures unstamped. The weights were a i oz. and Ž oz. They round the 1 oz., full weight, and j the t oz. a little above; and as I don't boy, but sell, by that weight, it was against myself and in-favour of the buyer. The tins alluded to wore two vinegar tins, pint and half-pint, both full measure, but unstamped. Those were the only two measures I kept f6r retailing vinegar by, aud the so-ealled unjust measure never had been used by me for any other purpose than as a wator can in fact, it was my bringing the water in it for the police inspector to test my measures that caused him to take it into his possession, because, he said, it re- sembled the others in shape. All I have to say is this, that it had been in my possession long baforo I came to the shop; and it is a certain fact that if I had kept it as a measure and knew it to have been unjust, I had every chance to have concealed it when asked for water, as I had, to go out to get the water. I was unable to attend the Court, having to attend to my duties in the Post Office. G. JONES, Nantyderry,

ABERSYCHAN STREET LAMPS. To the Editor of the Free Press. Sir,—Being a supporter of your paper lever since it hasbeen established, I hope you will allow me a little space to write a few lines respecting our public lamps. I am very glad to see that one of my brother colliers has taken the matter up and I do hope that more of them will do the same, as I think it is one of the most shameful of things that ever was done about here. I was living in Abersychan before the gas was ever thought of, and when we had the gas in the shops and the lamps in our streets, we thought it a great benefit to all, especially to us colliers, as in the winter it is the only light we can boast of until Sunday comes —then we get one day of daylight. A few weeks ago I saw a report in your paper that it was proposed at the Local Board to put the lamps out at 12 o'clock at night, so depriving us of light to go to our work in the mornings. Now, I should like to know why shop- keepers should want the lights out more than anyone else, when we colliers and other working men have got to pay for the lamps. Some of the shopkeepers think that all we colliers ought to do is to work hard and earn money to pay for lamps for their comfort, for we never see anything of the lamps now,they light them just before we go to bed at night, and when they go to bed they put the I:ghts out. Brother col. liers, I say, let us remember our friends. Some peo- ple say we should spend our money with shopkeepers here, but I ask how they deserve it when they be- grudge us a bit of light in the street to go backwards and forwards to our work. I have told my wife to change her shop, and I hope others will do the same. Your obedient servant, A COLLIER. November 5th, 1879.

We have much pleasure in announcing that next week will be commenced, in these columns, ORIGINAL STORY, by a local author, under the nom-de-plume of "Lionel." The title of the Story is" BREESTON HALL," and its plot will be found deeply interesting and exciting the period is the beginning of the present century. The Story will be continued week* by-week until completed. "To-

AT yesterday's meeting of the Board of Guar- dians of the Pontypool Union, Mr. Bircham, the Government Inspector, was present, and he called attention to the highly-important subject of a very large sum of money being annually wasted, as it might be said, by granting out-relief to persons who ought not to be paupers. He said that as much as £2,500 were spent by the Ponty- pool Union in this manner. He advocated the adoption of the Labour and Workhouse Tests as the most effectual means of keeping away pro- fessional tramps, who dislike work, and avoid those Unions where labour is insisted upon in return for the relief afforded. Mr. Bircham ex- pressed his satisfaction with the scheme of the proposed Children's Homes, and also recom- mended enlargement of the Workhouse, as a means towards the application of the House Test, which unquestionably tends to reduce pau- perism. Other subjects of great importance were also brought under consideration, and altogether the meeting was more than usually interesting, Evidently the Guardians are determined upon the practice of more economy than has been exer- cised of late years, while it is also apparent that investigation into the proper assessing of rail- way property in this Union has at length had an amount of attention drawn to it which is likely to bring about happy results to all but the rail- way companies.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. ANTI-R, KP-T ITPE (Abersychan). —A C.orrespcmdent aetVdg a letter for publicatioa under this signature on the subject of Public Darkness at Abersychan." As inquiries have failed to discover the existence of any person of the supposed: veal name of the writer (given in confidence) at tlieaAldre6ci mentioned, we ear. only cunloC 10 tlle t-imem-N no such person, and that some gentleman (?) has been trying to effect. what may be called a swindle." We may, however, have been misinformed, and should be very glad to see the writer if he will call personally at our office in the course of the m-xt few days. If there is such a person, he will quite understand our position, and his letter can be published as well next week a.- this. If no person calls, we shall of course assume the name to AUD ACT oordincly.

MONMOUTH BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. The half-yearly meeting of the Monmouth Baptist Association was held at Abersychan on Tuesday and Wednesday last. and proved one of the most successful, both in respect to the attendance of ministers and dele- gates, and the value of the work accomplished, of any which have been previously held. Un-Tuesday tbe Association Committee met for the purpose of transact- ing preliminary business and preparing the work of the conference. H. Phillips, Esq., J.P., of Newport occu- pied the chair, In the evening sermons were preached in the English Baptist Church by the Rev D. Bevan J or: es, of Caerleon, secretary to the Association, and the Rev J. Lewis, of Tredegar. On Wednesday morn- ing ministers and delegates met in conference in the vestry of Chapel. under the presidency of the Rev, J. W. Lance, of Newport, president of the Association. The general business relative to the denomination in the County was transacted, and supplemental Home Mission Grants" of £40 were made for the benefit of weaker churches in the County. A motion was also adopted for carrying on special Evangelical Services, the Rev. W. L. Mayo, of Chepstow, being appointed to act as convener or medium of communication between the churches to be visited, and the bretheren who are to visit them. The annual "Association sermon" was preached in the afternoon by the Rev. J. Williams, of Crane Street Chapel, Pontypool, who took for his text the 8th verse of the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. Tqe rev. gentleman delivered an exhaustive and powerful discoursejexplanatory of spiritual worth and faith, the relation of spiritual matters to material things, and the difference between spiritual, physical, and other endowments. Sermons were also preached in the evening by the Rev J. Rerryman, of Canrwent, and the Rev J. Douglas, of Newport, who were listened to by large and attentive ^D^gregations. The annual meeting of the Association will be held in June, 1880, at Caerwent, when the special sermon will be preached by the Rev S. A. Cook, of Maindce. A request was re- ceived from the conveners of the meeting to be held at Swansea in support of the Sunday Closing Movement, that a deputation should be appointed to attend as re- presenting the Baptist Association of the County of Monmouth. It was decided to elect Mr H. Phillips, and the Rev S. R. Young, of Abergavenny, to attend as a deputation. The work of the Association is steadily progressing, and the conference was one which called forth congratulations upon its success.

THE LATE MR. WM. JENKINS, OF GOYTREY. The sad accident, which has removed from our midst one in the strength of manhood, and so universally and deservedly esteemed, has caused a gloom over the whole neighbourhood, which will long be felt. Many have been the enquiries as to the nature of the accident which resulted in his lamented and sudden death. He had recently broken-in a colt that had been so perfectly quiet that, to use his own expression, when he first put him into the shafts, he was like an old horse." It would appear that, while he was hauling out lime on a field at Penystair, the back chain of the cart harness became unhooked and fell down, which startled him at that time; and it is conjectured that this may have happened again as he was coming home, although it had been tied, and may thus have caused him to start and plunge forward on the top of the Canal Bridge, but no one can tell the cause, for no one saw it; and a more careful man with horses than Mr. Jenkins there could not have been. The first intimation of anything wrong was the poor fellow calling out to the men in front, who were with the other horses, Get out of the way;" and the next moment there was a crash, and the horse and cart were seen turned over on the side of the road by a heap of broken stones. Assistance from the Park-y-brain Farm, close by, was immediately afforded, but a frac- ture of the skull had taken place, either from a blow by the point of the shaft, which seems the most likely, or from the saddle of the cart harness, which was press- ing on his head when he was extricated. The only words he spoke were to Miss Charles, who had ran to the spot, to whom he said, I am badly bruised." Several others were immediately present, and he was carried home, but never spoke again. A messenger was at once despatched for Dr. Essex, but ho could not have lived for many minutes; and when Dr. Essex came, and examined the injury, he gave it as his opinion that death must have been almost instantaneous. An inquest was hold on Friday morning, 31st ult., and a verdict returned of "Accidental Death." It appeared that the horse had come over the same bridge, with the cart, on the previous evening, very quietly. Mr. Jenkins had, just before the accident happened, taken the horse from the waggoner, in whose charge he had been, in order to send the wag- goner to his dinner at a cottage a short distance from the fatal spot. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, and it will be remembered for many a day as the most solemn procession of heartfelt mourners the neighbourhood has ever witnessed. The Rev. C. Cooke, Rector of Mamhilad, read a chapter, and offered prayer at the house before leading, and part of a hymnwa pg *>i worrmcrs extended in front Tor over a quarter of a milo in length. The remains (which were enclosed in a handsome coffin of polished oak, on top of which were wreaths of flowers) were borne to their last resting place in the Mamhilad churchyard by his many friends, to be interred by the side of his father's remains, who had also met his death by aorse acci- deut. The poor widow followed in a carriage with near relatives, and then the numerous members of the family, numbering about thirty or more; after them were Colonel Byrdc and the family and dependents from Goytrey House, and a further gathering of mourners behind, followed by the children of the Sun- day and ùay E'chools. Not a fourth of this large assemblage could have found room in the little church at Mamhilad,where the solemn service of the church was impressively read by the Rev. C. Cooke, and at the close of the service the hymn Thy will be done was sung by the children of the schools, and few eyes were dry. No man could have been more universally respecte.d and esteemed than onr late friend. One who well knew his worth and who had been intimately associated with him for over twenty years, refers to him in the following t'erms—" We all know what a faitllfnl man our dear departed friend was in every sense of the word faithful to his God, and faithful in all the social relations of life, beloved the most by those who knew him best. His integrity and uprightness, and strict sense of duty were of an exalted kind, emanating from true religious princi- pie, in which he was a worthy example to them left behind, but his hope of eternal happiness rested on "the merits of Christ alone as the only ground of his salvation, producing those fruits of faith." The Rev. R. A. Byrde, writing to his father, say3, William has been so connected with Goytrey, that it will hardly seem Goytrey without him. It will always be pleasant to remember that there was a real friendship between him and the family he served so long. There are few servants who, like him, think more of their master's interests than of their "own." A lady who knew him for thirty years, being an intimate friend of the family at Goytrey House, writes as follows on hearing of this sad calamity—" Most truly do I feel for all under this sudden and dreadful shock poor Col. Byrde has met with an irreparable loss, for he never can supply the place of the faithful servant and loyal friend William was to him, and all the circumstances are so dreadful to us, though really "to him I cannot but believe it was an easy but sudden transition from his master's work on earth to the service of his well loved Master in heaven." An old friend, Mr. William Wood, of Pontypool, thus writes—We can scarcely realize that he has been so suddenly called away from our midst—" Having known him from the time he lived with Mr. and Mrs. Davies, at Trevethin, which is now many years since, I can with the greatest pleasure state that my know- "lodge of him would justify me in looking upon him as an exceptional and most worthy man, in every respect, and I think I may safely add, he was a true "Eliezer of Damascus." These testimonies and many others indicate the high estimation in which the late Mr. William Jenkins was universally held. He has gone to his rest—His heavenly Father has taken him home to Himself. Truly, In the midst of life we are in death," and may this thought lead us all to prepare for that day when we too shall be called to meet our God. A funeral sermon will be pl-ea at Mamhilad Church by the Rev. C. Cooko, on' Jxday next, the 9th instant.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING AT ST. JAMES'S CHURCH. A Harvest Thanksgiving Service was held at St. James's Church, Pontypool, on Thursday evening. The Church had beon very tastefully decorated for the occasion with corn, flowers, ferns, evergreens, dried grasses and leaves, &c., by Mrs W. H. Haskins, Miss Fowler, and Miss Paton. The service was conducted by the vicar, the Rev J. C. Llewellin, who also read the Lessons. The Psalms, Ixv and cxlvii were chanted to Dr Hiles in G and Gre- gory in E flat. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis were sung to Dr Whitfield's service in E. Dr Stainer's Anthem Ye shall dwell in the land was exceedingly well sung by the choir, the two solo parts for treble and bass being rendered by Miss Williams and Mr T. R. Davies. The hymns were selected from the hymn book used at Trevethin, St. James's, Tranch, and Pontnewynydd Churches, viz. "Church Hymns." They were Nos. 277, commencing" Holy is the seed time," and 284, commencing "Holy offerings, rich and rare." The introductory voluntary was the Benedietus from Mozart's 12th mass, and the concluding one was Batiste's celebrated Andante in G, both being played by Mr W. H. Haskins, organist of the Church, whose skilful management of the fine organ brought out its power and sweetness to much advantage. An eloquent and appropriate sermon was preached by the Rev John Griffith, M.A., Rector of Merthyr, a re- port of which will appear in our next. The congregoa- tion was very large, the Church being crowded. The collection on behalf of the Church Missionary Society amounted to £6. As a proof of the popularity of the preacher, we mav mention that a service at Mount Pleasant Chape!, which was to have been held the same evening, was postponed to give the congregation there an opportuni- ty of attending this service.

In a sandstone quarry near Dowlais a fosaill tret of great dimensions has been found. Lord Lyons has returned to London, and wilj reo turn shortly to his diplomatic post at Paw

PONTYPOOL GUARDIANS. GOVERNMENT ATTENTION DRAWN TO EXCESSIVE RELIEF. The fortnightly meeting of the Guardians of the Pontypool Union was held at the Workhouse on Thursday, Henry Lewis, Esq., presiding. The other Guardians present were Col. Relph, E. J. Phillips, Esq., C. J. Parkes, Esq. (ex-officio), the | Rev. C. Cooke, and Messrs J. Morgan, R. Green- way, C. Conway, D. Llewellin, H. Parfltt, E.Jones, W. Marfell, W. Parker, J. E. Price, J. Browne, J. Derrett, E. Holdsworth, W. P. Jamas, J. F. Pow- ell, and W. Jones. Mr Bircham, an Inspector from the Local Government Board,was also present for the purpose of bringing before the Guardians the amount of money spent in relief in the Union. RAILWAY RE-VALUATION. A letter was read from Messrs Marshall & Co., valuers appointed for the several railways within the jurisdiction of the Union, asking for an ex- tension of time to the end of December, in which to complete the re-valuation of the railways for the purpose of obtaining increased rate assessment. Mr Morgan said he was extremely anxious that the work of re-valuation should be thoroughly and efficiently completed, and to effect this he would rather consent to the application than have it done in a hurried and unsatisfactory manner. There was a greater amount of railway property within this Union than in any other in the county, and he thought every care ought to be taken. Mr Llewellin and Mr Bircham agreed, and it was resolved that the application be granted. THE CHILDREN'S HOMES. EXTRAVAGANT RELIEF. Mr Bircham referred to the proposed exchange of land upon which to build the proposed children's homes, and said he wished to bring before the Union a few facts in regard to the Workhouse and the excessive amount given in out relief. He agreed with the proposal of the Board in respect to the exchange of land for children's Homes, but with regard to the plans already sanctioned by the Board he should not like to give a hasty opin- ion. There was a great deal of unnecessary expense in material and architecture in connection with the last plans, and a great saving ought to be made. Without expressing any opinion as to where the schools ought to be built, buildings could be erected at a much less expense than the previous estimates and at the same time be fully as efficient. He thought 4i acres would be found too small, and the exchange for n would be mTTch better, especially regarding the probabilities of future years. He was glad the Guardians had determined upon the land, for there was now a likelihood of the existing state of things being improved. Every Guardian who knew anything of the state of the House knew that it was over crowded. The question of vagrancy was a very important one. For the year ending Michaelmas, 1879, this Union had relieved nearly 7000 vagrants. The county of Monmouth stood very high on the list of vagrant relief, no less than 21,573 being relieved during the year, while in the adjoining county of Gloucester it only amounted to one-half. Pontypool stood at the head of the poll with nearly 7,000. Putting this number at 3d each in the J21, it would, when capitalised, represent close upon nearly £2,000. He thought this a proper place in which to insist upon the labour test. He knew that there were many vagrants who would come there for relief rather than goto other Unions where the labour test was enforced. Numbers lived by begging, and as soon as the Guardians erected a few vagrant cells, they would put an end to a great deal of vagrancy. He did not believe they would get any vagrants. They had got no room for able- bodied people, and they must be prepared to make accommodation in the Workhouse. What he particularly wished to bring before the Board was the fact that the out-relief had grown most enormously. Here they had during the last twelve months ending Lady Day, 1879. spent nearly .£10,000, and that on the rateable value of the Union represented a rate of Is 9td in the Upwards of 11,400 had been relieved, of which 9,676 were cases of out-door relief. Let them look at some other neighbouring districts. He had taken in his calculations coal and iron districts similar to this, and where there existed as much distress as here. The result was that he found the rate in all these districts did not exceed 71d in the J £ L. In addition to their ordinary relief theyjspent £1,000 in relief to able-bodied [.aupers, which ought not to be. They had had from 40 to 60 applications that day, and many of them were from people who should not be paupers. In fact they gave at least £ 2,500 a year to people who ollght not to be paupers. They had evidently NOT sufficient Workhouse accommodation, and they must have this in order to be in a position to apply the Workhouse test. He hoped the Guardians would take seriously into consideration what was wanted with regard to the children. By the scheme they proposed the children would be separated from the adult inmates, which was in every way desirable. In considering this they would also have to con- sider the necessity of classifying their paupers. It would require a practical committee to buckle up and take the question in hand. Considering the great number of paupers running about the dis- trict, the matter was one of considerable impor- tance. In Monmouth, he believed there was room for the exercise of a great deal more strictness, and if the police were a little more severe upon vagrants, he was assured vagrancy would very sensibly decrease. In Merthyr, where the police had been more severe, vagrants now seldom passed through the place. The Guardians should give relief where it was necessary—it should be given in the most deterrent way they could. The Chief Constable had stated that if Boards of Guardians acted with a little more strictness, the country would not be pestered with so many vagrants. Personally, he thought the site they had selected for the Children's Home was a very good one, in- deed. He thought the extra price they had to pay was very moderate, and for £1000 they had got land which to them was of incalculable value. It might be worth no more, commercially, to a private individual, but to them it was worth more. He hoped the committee would soon meet, and take the whole question into consideration, and before long decide upon something which would effect those improvements which were so desirable. Mr Phillips remarked that it was a matter of considerable satisfaction to the Guardians to know that the proposed exchange of land was approved of by the representative of the Local Government Board. It was the feeling of the committee that the exchange should be made, and little exception had been made to it. Col. Byrde observed that he had not differed with the Board, but he felt that the sanction of the Local Government Board should be obtained before they decided upon any definite step. He should like to know if the plans submitted by the Board would in the opinion of the Inspector be acceptable to the Local Government Board. Mr Bircham replied that to his mind the plans would be acceptable, and he agreed with them. Mr Powell remarked that the poor-rate for their district was 3s in the and it was evident that Is 9d in the £ was paid for the administration of relief, while the remaining Is 2d was devoted to expenses. The Inspector pointed out that there were the expenses of the registration, the highways, the vaccination, the maintenance of lunatics, and a host of other county expenses which were involved in this division of rate, which involved an expen- diture of Is 2!d in the The one was devoted to many purposes, while the other had to bear the burden of one expense alone. He thought that a rate of Is 9d was much too high, while the ex- penses in connection therewith were very small. Their present rate for poor relief was enormous. The rate within the Cardiff Union, and also the Merthyr Union, was much too great in its propor- tion. The first thing the Guardians should do is to put their house in order, and then they could afford to be more strict in their relief to out-door patients. Mr Parkes expressed his extreme satisfaction at the remarks which had fallen from the Inspector. He considered that in looking at the plans of the former buildings there was a most unjustifiable expense directed to unnecessary ornamentation of the proposed buildings. Such a thing was an un- justifiable waste of the public money. In the ex- penditure of money for charitable purposes it was their duty to exercise the strictest economy. In the interest of the ratepayers generally, he most sincerely hoped that the members of that Board would give their best attention to the observations which had been made by Mr Bircham. Mr Morgan stated that the erection of the schools were now in a fair state of being com- menced and completed. He agreed entirely with the remarks of the Inspector, as the efforts of the Local Government Board was to check pauperism. They now stood in the unenviable position of hav- ing more paupers in their district than any other Union in the county. He proposed that a com- mittee be appointed to take into consideration the suggestions of the Local Government Board In- spector. Mr Llewellin seconded the motion, and it was resolved that the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman, and Messrs Conway, Phillips, Parkes, Jones, Par- fitt, and Morgan, be the committee. MEDICAL OFFICER. There were but two applications for the office of medical officer for one of the districts, and on a ballot being taken Mr Edmunds was elected by a majority of 12 to 8. There was no more BUSINESS.