The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

L LIBERALISM AT PONTYPRIDD AND THE RHONDDA VALLEY. WE ARE very pleased to learn that the Rhondda Valley Liberal Association is about to form a branch at Pontypridd. There need be no doubt of the Liberalism of the people of these valleys, but that Liberalism is at present too scattered, and now is the time for the Association named to gather force. H ele is an enormous population composed principally of Nonconformists, a.id the Churchmen almost to a man are Liberal Churchmen. Indeed, we remember during the election campaign of 1874, Messrs. Talbot and Vivian visited Pontypridd, and at a meeting at which there were churchmen and dissenters present in hundreds only two hands were raised against the vote of confidence in the Liberal M.P.'s. Yet, until lately, there was no Liberal Association here, and, with all due respect to the gentlemen who form the Committee of the Rhondda Valley organisa- tion, we must say that that body has not yet made its presence sufficiently felt. Meetings to discuss such questions as the revision of the Bills of Sale Act are all very well in their places, but we venture to think that such matters are more appropriate for discussion by Chambers of Commerce, and Chambers of Agriculture. Of course, it is within the province of a Liberal Association to pasn resolutions on subjects of the kind, but the "working classes take no interest in them, and such a body as we have named ought to reach the masses. We will give credit to our Rhondda friends for a step in the right direc- tion in obtaining the services of the Leeds gentleman who delivered a nun.ber of lectures D the valley some time ago, and now that Pontypridd is to be taken under the protection of the Association we suppose the lecturing circuit will be extended. But why limit the work to one series of lectures during a season ? There-are in the district men who are as competent to discourse upon the political questions of the day as the lecturer referred to, and who; if properly invited, would doubtless join the association, and so increase its power and influence. Why not hold a series of meetings, properly announced, at which local gentleman of standing shall speak upon political questions, and, at the close, invite working inen and others to give expression to their views ? There are chapels and school-rooms, and other buildings which would be gladly thrown open for such an object, and, while educating the populace upon matters immediately affecting them- selves, the Rhondda Valley Liberal Associa- tion would be recruiting into its ranks men of all classes. It is not necessary to point out the importance of educating the people politically at a time when it is confidently anticipated that an extension of the franchise will take place. It is scarcely necesssary to mention the power a strong Association would have in helping to get Pontypridd and the Rhondda Valley formed into a Parliamentary Borough, so that when there is a redistribution of scats we may have at least one M P. of our own. Then let the committee be up and doing, and let the Welsh Liberals rally round them like one man, and ere long we shall have such an Association as shall be a credit to those who first conceived its formation and an honour to the District. Wales has too long been sleeping, but the advent of Mr Henry Richard, Mr Osborne Morgan, Mr Morgan Lloyd, and Sir Watkin Williams into the House of Commons has changed the tide of affairs in Parliament. Some measures for which Cambria had clamoured long have at last become law, and Wales now occupies a higher position than she has done for centuries. Let us strike the iron while it is hot, consolidate the forces of Liberalism, and strengthen our position in the House of Commons. Having the sum- mer months before us we would suggest that open-air meetings be held at different places-mass meetings for political purposes -to be addressed by local gentlemen, and that two or three Welsh M.P.'s be invited to support them by their voice and presence. Mr H. H. Vivian, M.P., the last time he was at Pontypridd, publicly stated that he would be very happy to pay us another visit. Why not ask him now ? Mr Henry Richard and Mr C. H. James, who are neighbours, might also be asked, and if Mr Morgan Lloyd could visit the Pontypridd Eisteddfod we do not think that he would object to come and help in this matter. The Rev. D. W. Williams, of Fairfield, Mr G. Williams, Miskin, and others might do much in assisting to secure the services of the gentlemen named before, inasmuch as they are personal friends of some of them, and if Mr Walter H. Morgan, the Secretary of the Liberal Association, devotes but a tithe of the energy he possesses in the direction here suggested we think the Association will soon be established on a broad, firm, basis, and much good shall have been done, not only to Pontypridd and the Rhondda Valley, but to Wales, by bringing her still more to the front as a political power.

NOTES ON PASSING EVENTS. CANON JONES ON THE COMPETENCY OF MR. MOSES ROWLANDS. THE REV. Canon Jones, Llantrisant, in a letter sent by him to the Western Mail, refers to the statement made in Mr Wright's report of the Penygraig inquest, that Mr Moses Rowlands, when in his seventeenth year, was at a National School for some time." Now, the National School here referred to," says the Canon, was Lougher National School, with which, as a rector of parish, I was at the time officially connected. I have thus a personal testimony to bear on the point, and I think it but just to Mr Rowlands that I should, without loss.of time, give it publicity. The state- ment in the report would naturally lead to the inference that he joined the other scholars in the ordinary routine working of the school In the subjects which he studied. ( That was not the case; when he entered the school he was well up in arithmetic, and had done a good quantity of algebra, and his handwriting and composition were such as would qualify him for the situation of accountant in any office of business. He worked up some of his subjects with the articled pupil teachers of the school. He was very steady and studious, and spared no pains in every way to improve himself. I do not pretend to know the qualities required in a colliery manager, but comparing Mr Rowlands with other managers of my acquaintance, I should say that as regards Khis literary attainments there cannot be two opinions as to his competency for the management of a colliery." PRO BONO PUBLICO. RIGHT glad are we to learn that the Rev. D. W. Williams is once more to take a seat at the Urban Sanitary Authority. It was certainly a loss to the ratepayers and to the Board that the rev. gentleman was oustead at the last election, for, as we stated at the time, his services could ill be spared when such am important question as the sewagp scheme has to be considered. His election by his' colleagues to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Mr Phillips shows the high value they set upon his experience and ability, and, if there had not during the past year or two been an influx to the district of ratepayers who knew not Joseph," we do not think the 'squire of Fairfleld would have been defeated in April. MR. CRAWS^AT AND THE LOCAL BOARD. MOST people will regret that a dispute should have arisen as to the qualification of Mr F. R. Crawshay to sit as a member of the Urban Sanitary Authority. But we do not see that he has anybody to thank for it but himself. A rule is a rule, and if Mr Crawshay absented himself from the meetings of the Board for nearly nine months, as was stated, then it was but right that ottention should be called to the fact, for Mr Crawslmy's constituents to say whether they desired more frequent representation or not. Still, there is reason in what he says that if he was disqualified the seat should have been declared vacant at the LAST election. That would have been the time for the ratepayers to have their "say." The unanimous vote of the Bo;ird shows what the me.nbers thiuk of the disqualification, though no | doubt every one of ,them will be glad enough to vote for Mr Crawshay's re-election We shall look with some interest to the result of the appeal to the Local Government Hoard, for though their lordships stated that they do not interfere in such matters, they may doso;ef. At any rate, they iuterfered a good deal in the matter of the quali. fication of Mr James Brown to sit as a Guardian at Newport last year.

PENTRE POLICE COURT. MONDAY.—Before Mr G. Williams, Stipendiary. MURDEROUS ASSAULT.— Elijah Elton, Pentre, was brought up in custody on an adjourned charge of wounding Daniel Jones. Mr Walter Morgan defended.—Prosecutor, a haulier at Pentre, stated that last Saturday week he was on the road below the Woodfield Hotel He quarrelled there with prisoner. As he was going along homewards prisoner followed, and struck him on the side of the head until he fell. Prosecutor got up. Pri- soner then struck him again, took hold of him and threw him down, gave him a couple of kicks on the ground, got him from his knees and gave him another kick across the back of the head. Prose- cutor rose. A portion of his scalp hung on his ear. HE was carried home on a box after he had bled some time. Mr Caird, assistant to Dr Jones, attended him, and was still attending him. Cross- examined I struck the first blow in the public- house.—David Evans, collier, Edward Evans, repairer, and the medical assistant having given confirmatory evidence, prisoner was committed for trial. ASSAULT.—Caleb Jones, Llwynpia, was fined 20s aaid costs for assaulting Police-constable Francis. The constable met the defendant reeling drunk on the highway. Two young men kindly volunteered to take him home. The moment they approached him he knocked them both down. The constable then took him in hand, when he struck and kicked the officer. RHUBARB AT TON.-J ob Fudge, Ton, was fined 5s for damaging Mr Jenkin Phillips's (Maesgwyn) rhubarb. The defendant and other young men were ball-playing in the neighbourhood, when the ball went into the complainant's garden. LAMP SMASHING.—Thomas Jones, Pontrhondda, was fined 20s and costs for wilfully smashing the glass of one of the public lamps at Llwynpia. Police-constable Demain proved the offence. NON-MAINTENANCE OF A FATHER.-It will be remembered that on Wednesday last the Rev. D. W. Williams, Fairfield, chairman of the Pontypridd Board of Guardians, called the attention of the Board to some remarks made by the stipendiary magistrate at Pentre on Monday, to the effect that the board was somewhat eccentric in the manner it relieved the poor. The particular case in which the remarks were made was in reference to pro- ceedings instituted by Mr D. Jones, relieving-officer for the parish of Ystradyfodwg, against Richard Thomas, carpenter, Tonypandy, for leaving his father, James Thomas, 82 years of age chargeable to the said parish. A full report of the case ap- peared in these columns. At the Pentre police- court, on Monday, the relieving-officer applied for and obtained summonses against the old man's three sons, viz.: John Thomas and Edwin Thomas butchers, Tonypandy, and Richard Thomas, carpenter, returnable that day week, charging them with leaving their father chargeble to the parish. BASTARDY. — Thos. Thomas was charged with being the father of the illegitimate child of Cecilia Howells, widow, who had resided for some time at Treharris. An order was made for 3s 6d a week, and 20s expenses and costs. TREHERBERT HUTS.— Mr Walter H. Morgan, on behalf of the Ystrad Local Board, of which body he is clerk, obtained orders for the discontinuance as human habitations of two huts at Treherbert, the property of Mr James Combs, Bridgewater, and Mr Llewelyn Jones, Treherbert. Mr Cule represen- ted defendants. Inspector John Evans and Dr James proved the case. It was agreed that when the houses were made properly tenantable (to the satisfaction of the authorities), occupancy might be resumed. ASSAULT.—John White, Pontypri ld, was charged with assaulting P.C. Thomas Davies, on Saturday night, 14th inst. Defendant, after he had been handcuffed, struck the constable in the face with both fists several times. Another constable came to his assistance and defendant was taken to the police-station, followed by a crowd of some hun- dreds. He was sent to goal for 14 days with hard labour. SURETIES FOR THE PEACE.-Ann Price, applied for sureties against her husband, Joshua Price. Defendant had held a candlestick over her head, and threatened to murder her. NON MAINTENANCE.—Alfred Wilton, Ton, was ordered to pay 58 a week for the maintenance of his children for a. month.

PONTYPRIDD POLICE COURT. Wednesday-before Mr G. Williams, (Stipendiary) Catherine Delany, of Llantrisant, was summoned by Mr Johns, master of the Workhouse, with having carried certain liquors, to wit brandy to a patient in the Infirmary without consent. Fined 10s including costs. STEALING COAL.- Milathian Jenkins, of Treforest, was charged by P.C. Jenkins, with stealing a quantity of coal, property of Daniel Thomas. Fined 5s including costs. ANIMATION. -Charlotte Harries, of Pontypridd Union, obtained an order of 3s Gd per week, against Joseph Thomas, of Pentre Ystrad, and Mary Cotwell, Trealaw, obtained a similar order against George Payne, of Blaenclydach. DRUNKENNESS. — Joseph^ Pascog, Pontypridd, William Goodman, Williamstown, Owen Thomas, Cymmt*r, David Edwards, Porth. Sarah Edwards, N antgarw, and Thomas Hart, of no abode, were charged by Supt. Matthews, with drunkenness, and fined in sums extending from Is to 10s and costs each.

ALLEGED CRIMINAL ASSAULT AT LLANTRISANT. On Llantrisant Fair night, four young men, named respecively George Morgan, Ben Maddy. William John, and Thomaa John, Llantrisant, were appre- hended on the charge of having committed a criminal assault that night on Mary Bond, a single woman, living at Llantrisant. All except Thomas John were bailed out, he being detained in custody. It was alleged by the complainant that all the pri- soners in succession criminally assaulted her and tore her clothes into shreds. It appears that about midnight Sergeant Tamplin's attention was at- tracted by the loud screams of a female as if in distress in the neighbourhood of Plocyn." lie hurried in the direction of the noise, accompanied by Police-constable Jeukins, who bounded over a gate, and entered the wood, from which moans stemed to come at intervals After entering the wood he saw four man, and a female lying on the ground. One of the four ran away. Polioe-con- stable Jenkins caught hold of one of the men, whom he found with his h;ind on the prostrate female's mouth, and another was holding her down. The three escaped from Police-constable Jenkins, and fall through the fields to the road, when they were neatly captured by Sergeant Tacn- plin. Police-constable Jenkins found 'the young woman in a pitiful condition, blood on her face frotu se,atclieti she had inflicted on the faces of her cowardly assailants, and tattered clothes, On Wednesday, when the case came on for hearing, it was stated that the young woman had settled the j affair with the prisoners she having received f5 as compensation. The charge was therefore with. drawn.

the Irish Land Bill has been read a third time. Numerous meetings are being arranged in support of Mr Bradlaugh, and Nonconformists are offering subscriptions for continuing the agitation. John Hunt was charged on remand, at Wool- wich police-court, on Wednesday afternoon, with the murder of his wife, at Eltbam. Mr Balguy committed the prisoner for trial at the Old Bailey on the charge of wilful murder. The murdered woman was interred at Eltham on Wednesday.

MISCELLANEOUS. Vice-Chancellor Hall has made an order for the winding up cf the Coffee Public-houses National So- ciety (Limited). A farmer, named Thomas Lister, of Tudhoe, near Durham,who was upwards of 70 years of age, has been gored to death by a bull. The skeleton of a child has been found in the moss at Birsay, near Kirkwall. It is supposed to have lain there or over 40 years. The hair is coloured red. Captain Wilson has been sent to Queenstown to in- quire into the correctness of certain statements Ie- cently made respecting the accommodation on board emigrant steamers calling at Queenstown. A memorial to the Home Secretary, praying for the commutation of the sentence of death passed upon William Payne, at the last Staffordshire assizes, for the murder of his wife at Darlaston, has been drawn up by the prisoner's solicitors. A reward of JB100 is offered for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person who murdered Mrs. Reville at Slough on the 11th of April, with a free pardon in the case of any accomplice not having actually taken part in the murder. The United Service Gautte has every reason to be- lieve that there will be an award of the Bath to the army generally for the Queen's birthday, and that the names of the volunteer colonels to be made aides-de- camp and to receive the Order of the Bath will be pub- lished on the same day. The census returns shew the population of Bristol to be 211,659, an increase on the past ten years of 29,107. St. Albans has a population of 10,930, an increase of 2,547 over that of 1871; Luton 26,028, an increase of 5,484; the city of Oxford, 39,740, including the whole of the parishes in the Parliamentary borough. A contemporary states that the reply given to the question of Mr. Macliver, M.P., Jby the Postmaster- General, has produced intense dissatisfaction among the telegraph clerks all over the country, and serious consequences are feared unless some steps are taken by the Government to allay the agitation which now prevails. At Wakefield a lad named Lawson has been re- manded on a charge of stealing j324, and a bank de- posit book for £ 100. The prisoner and a man broke into a shop used for a waxwork exhibition, during the absence of the owner, and took the property men- tioned. Out of the prisoner's share of the plunder he bought himself a new suit of clothes and a watch. A serious accident lately occurred on board the French corvette Themis at Hong Kong. During the firing of complimentary minute-guns, on the occasion of the death of the Czar, one of the charges of the guns exploded during the process of loading, mor- tally wounding the gunner and severely injuring two others of the crew. The gun was a breech-loader. A youth named Baker, aged 16, employed at some cement works at Elmley, near Sittingbourne, got entangled in some mashinery through impru- dently taking hold of a revolving shaft. His arm was torn off, and remained up in the shafting, and the thumb of his other hand was also wrenched off. He was removed to the Rochester Hospital, where he died. Mr. Chamberlain, M.P., President of the Board of Trade, in reply to a request that he would support Mr. Anderson's bill for the amendment of the patent laws, writes: "The Government are giving careful attention to the subject of the amendment of the pa- tent laws, and whenever the state of public business will permit, will be prepared to submit their proposals in the matter." An influential deputation, representing proprietors of provincial newspapers, waited upon the Attorney- General, on the subject of the Corrupt Practices Bill. Facts and arguments were laid before the Attorney-General with the object of inducing him to eliminate from the bill the clauses which make pay- ments for advertisements and for printing, aBove certain amounts, corrupt practices. Among the resolutions passed by the council of the Liberation Society at its recent annual meeting was the following "That, in the opinion of this council, members of Parliament should be allowed the option of taking the oath, at present prescribed, or of affirming; and it trusts that the friends of religious freedom will assist the Government in passing a measure which will abolish another of those religious tests against which the Liberation Society has always protested." James Marler, cotton broker, has been charged at Hyde with having attempted to murder his wife by cutting her throat. Some singular revelations were made respecting the matrimonial relations of the unhappy couple, who were only married on the 13th Apri). For the defence it was sought to discredit the prosecutrix's statements, and to shew that she was subject to suicidal mania. The prisoner was committed for trial at the Chester assizes, but admitted to bail. Her Majesty has accepted a portrait statuette of the late Lord Beaconsfield, modelled by Lord Ronald Gower, and has been pleased to express her gratifies tion at possessing so excellent a likeness of an at- tached and devoted friend. The two favourite pea. cocks of the late Lord Beaconsfield have been forwarded from Hughenden Manor to her Majesty the Queen at Windsor Castle, by her desire. After their arrival her Majesty, Princess Beatrice, and Prince Leopold drove to the Royal aviary to see the birds. At the sheriff's court, Orkney, a girl from th« South Isles has been fined 10s. or five days' imprison- ment for assaulting a former sweetheart, who had broken with her, and become engaged to another girl. She went to his house more than once, and used language anything but complimentary, but that seeming to have no effect, and finding him ploughing in the field, she took stones and turnips and pelted her former lover, frightening him and his horses to such an extent that he had to make for the house, she following him as he went. At a meeting of the Council of the National Rifle Association the question came under discussion of organising competitions for shooting at unknown dis- tancee, in pursuance of the objects contemplated by Mr. Mullens in his gift of jB2,500 to the association. It was thought possible, by forming a series of trenches at various distances from the butts, and by suddenly springing up a mark, by means of electri- city, to accomplish some of the objects desired. It was feared the nearness of the Wimbledon meeting would preclude the full intentions of the donor being carried out this year. Letters received at Plymouth by West India mail steamer describe a terrible fire, which destroyed a large part of the city of Buenaventure. The con- flagration commenced on April 12, and destroyed the whole of the commercial centre. Strong winds were blowing, and house after house caught, and soon struggles to save property became struggles for life itself. Seven persons are known to have been cut off by the flames and perished. After the first few hours all attempts to check the flames were abandoned, and the fire practically burnt itself out, the panic-stricken populace only saving what little they could remove. News was received the other day by the police at Bootle, Cumberland, that a cock fight was about coming off at Corney. Finding themselves watched at Hit! Farm, where arrangements had been made for the fight, the would-be sportsmen drove off with their birds in the direction of another farm. Thither after a short delay the police followed them and at last descried them in a distant field, evidently at work. The officers by dint of dodging and creeping on their hands and knees, got within recognition range, where they watched their opportunity and succeeded in pouncing on the men red handed." It is not, the Broad Arrow believes, the intention of the War Office to withdraw Major-General Sir Evelyn Wood from the command in South Africa on the con- clusion of peace with the Transvaal Boers. Sir Evelyn Wood has exhibited so much sagacity in dealing with the hybrid3 of Natal and the settlements beyond, in addition to coping with native prejudices, that the Government have resolved not to disturb the present command. It is felt that an officer of prestige as well as of administrative capacity is required to con. trol the southern division of our great African colonies, and that such an officer exists in Sir Evelyn Wood. An extraordinary scene has been witnessed at a sheriff's sale at Mullingar. The claim was for nonpayment of rent. Two horses and a cow were bought in by the tenant, but he, having refu-ed to bid anything for the goodwill of the farm, the Property Defence Committee was declared the purchaser, against the protest of the tenant, who claimed to have a lease of the holding, and who also alleged that the conditions of sale had not been com- plied with. Some strong speeches were afterwards made by priests and others. At the close of the proceedings the horses were decorated with green ribbons, taken round the town in procession, accom- panied by a band playing, and followed by a large crowd. Sir Stafford Northcote will preside at the annual festival of the Newspaper Press Fund, which will take place on Saturday, the 18th of June. During the last two months a large number of forged £5 Bank of England notes, very cleverly manufac- tured, have been in circulation in Sheffield, Notting- ham, and other parts of the country. Detective Eddie, of the Nottingham police, getting a clue to a man who had passed some of the notes in Notting- ham, tracked him to Leeds, where he found him undergoing two months' imprisonment. The in- spector took to the prison three persons who at once identified the prisoner as a man who had given them forged notes. His term of imprisonment at Leeds will expire on the 19tb June next, and he will then be apprehended and taken to Nottingham on a charge of forging and uttering £5 Bank of England notes. Prince Oscar, Duke of Gotland, second son of the King and Queen of Sweden, has arrived at Bourne- mouth, where their majesties and Prince Carl are staying. At an inquest held in Vestry-road, Camberwell, on the body of William Cullum, master builder, a doctor who saw the deceased before his death stated that Cullum told him that a number of wounds which he found on his body were self-inflicted. He had cut, HI* windpipe by thrusting a knife down his throat, and had stabbed himself once under the right ear, F ur times in the breast, just over the region of the heart, six or seven time on the abdomen, and had SLHSI.EIL his left arm and wrist. It was shewn that DECEASV > I H ID been suffering from congestion of the brain, and the jury returned a verdict of death from injuries self-inflicted while in a stme of tempamqr inaanity.

LOCAL & DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE. PONTYPRIDD. SCHOOL EXAMINATION.—The annual examination of the Graig Boaid Schools took place on Monday and Tuesday, by Mr Edwardsand Mr Rees, govern- ment inspectors. EVANGELISTIC SERVICES.—A series of evangelistic services will be held at the different piaces of worship in the town during the next fortnight. The English and Wel h will hold seperate services. The first meeting will be held at Penuel chapel on Sunday evening, after service is over in the other chapels. SUDDEN DEATH.—Much excitement was caused in the neighbourhood at the sudden death of Mr Joseph Jones of Glyntaf Farm. It appears that the deceased was taken very ill at Llantrisant Fair on Thursday the 12th inst., and expired at his home at 2 o'clock the following morning. The funeral took place on Tuesday, the corpse being conveyed by a hearse to Llanfabon Church. He leaves a widowed mother and sister to mourn his loss. VESTRY MEETING.—On Monday evening a vestry meeting was held at Glyntaf SCHO^T^OFO, the Rev. S. R. Jones, vicar, presiding, for the purpose of revising and altering the table of fees now in use at the Glyntaf Ce metory. The following alterations were made by the vestry, at the suggestion of the Burial Board :—moved by Mr Bassett, seconded by Mr Wm. Griffiths, and resolved, that the scale of fees in use at the Glyntaf Cemetery be altered as follows — Common grave for pa- ) IOCJ- I- rishioners J 1* 6d in lieu of 16s6d. Re-opening A oommon grave, if within three > 8s Od in lieu of lis 6d, years (full fee after) J Ditto, if purchased ) o grave .r 8s 6d in lieu of 10S <5D Entry of registry of vault or grave in ( „ „ „ „ perpetuity, and cer- C 2S 6D LN HEU OF 5S 0D- tificate thereof J HIGHWAY BOARD.-On Wednesday the usual monthly meeting of the above Board was held at the board room, the Kev.,D. W. Williams, Fairfield, presiding. A communication was read from the county Board, in which it was officially announced that the No. 1 Highway Board had been abolished, and that in future all the business would be transacted by the Board hitherto called No. 2 Highway Board. It was also stated that Mr John Griffiths, Porth House, had been appointed sur- veyor of the united districts. Tenders weie received for the construction of a new bridge at Crugglas, Glynogwr, which the Boards at Ponty pridd and Bridgend were about to construct at th ir joint expense. The tender of Messrs. Williams and Jenkius, Pontypridd, was accepted. Mr John Evans, surveyor, and inspector appeared before the Board in reference to the appointment of a person to look after the roads, sewers, and waterworks at Caerphilly. He suggested that the person appointed should be under the control of the Sanitary Board, and that in consideration of his attending to the roads a portion of his salary should b paid by the Highway Board. This was agreed to, subject to the approval of the Guardians of the parish. For the future the meetings of this Board will be held at 11.30 a.m. once a month. LLANTRISANT. THE LLANTRISANT TIN-PLATE COMPANY (LIMITED). A meeting of the creditors of the above company was held at the police-court. A large number of creditors were present. Mr B. Lewis, auctioneer, Neath, was appointed receiver; Mr Colquhoun, Tredegar Iron Company, tiustee. The committee of inspection comprised the names of Messrs. T. Townshend Wood, Swansea; David Williams, Pontypool; and Dennis O'Sullivan, Swansea. The solicitors were Messrs. Tennant and J ones. DINAS. INQUEST.—MRS Grover, held an inquest at the Graig Ddu Inn, touching the death of Thomas Davies, who met with his death at the Dinas Steam Coal Colliery on Monday last. A verdict of Ac- cidental death was given. TREHERBERT. CONCERT- A grand concert was held at the Primitive Methodist Chapel at the above place on Monday Evening May 16th when the following Artistes took part, Mr D. Davies, Miss E. Butler, Mr Gwillym Jenkins, Mr George Evans, and Mr P. W. Williams, late of Rhydfelen, accompanied on the harmonium. Chairman, Mr Goldsworthy. The programme was as follows harmonium solo, Mr P. W. Williams; chorus, Choir; solo, "The Thorn" Mr D. Davies song, The Missing Boat" Miss E. Butler; glee, come Bountions May Mr G. Edwards and party; song, Idle day in Summer time" Mr T. Williams; duet, "The Minute Gun at Sea" Messrs J. Evans and G. Jenkins; Welsh song, Mr A. Williams; anthem, "Saints and Angels" Choir; song, "Friar of Orders Grey Mr G. Jenkins trio, Mr G. Phelps and party; song, Death of Nelson Mr G Evans; quartet, The Voyager's Return" Mr G. Edwards and party Solo aud Chorus, Miss Fanny Monday; part-song, Choir; song, "Anchor's Weighed" Mr D. Davies song, O'er the Stone" Miss E. Butler; duet, "Albion' Messrs J. Evans and G. Jenkins; glee, G. Edwards and party; song, "The Wolf" Mr G Jenkins song, The Violets Fair Mr. A. Williams duet, Mr and Mrs. G. Edwards; song, "Maid of Llangollen" Mr D. Davies; chorus. Choir; Finale, "God Save the Queen." The proceeds of the concert are in aid of Mr John Merchand and family who are leaving for America. The chapel was crowded.

PONTYPRIDD MUSICAL FESTIVAL. The association of the Baptist choirs of the Pontypridd district was held on Monday at the Tabernacle Chapel, when several efficient choirs were present, and the baton handled by the re- nowned Caradog In the morning the chair was occupied by the Rev B. Davies, Pontypridd, and there was a very fair audience, when several hymns were sung and psalms chanted, and the anthem, "Yr 'Arglwydd sydd yn Teyrnasu" (The Lord Reigneth), composed by Mr J. Thomas, was very ably rendered. At the alternoon meeting, under the presidency of Mr H. Abrahams, Porth, there was a large audience. The anthem sung was Yr Arglwydd yw fy Mugail (by J. Thomas.) The association has undoubtedly been very successful in securing the services of so able a conductor as Caradog, and the local leaders must benefit by the pointed remarks he made during the day as to the improvement of choral singing. There was an absence of the loud, strong singing which is but too often heard amoung the mountains of Wales and in its place a precision, sweetness, and melody very seldom attained. In the evening a concert was given, which was as follows solo, on the violin by Caradog. Arm arm, ye brave by Mr J. C. Hughes R.A.M. In answer to an encore he gave the audience "The Old Oak". Then followed Bos Dar singing "Bodd y Milwr," Miss Jennie Lewis, Cardiff, rendered "Darby and Joan," and the congregation was again entertained by Caradog on the violin. Eos Dar then gave Never mind the rest," and Mr Hughes followed with Tar's Farewell," Master Edward Williams, a young lad, sweetly sang He was despised which was given a second time in reply to the audience's encore. Mr Hughes rendered the "Mermaid" a very old piece of music embodying the sentiment of sailors in ancient times \%ho believed that their doom had been sealed when they saw the Mermaid. Miss Lewis then gave us "Rest in the Lord," and Eos Dar Llongddrylliad accompanied by Miss Lewis on the piano, the concert could not be allowed to pass without having the "Farmyard by Caradog. Matters were brought to a close by the singing of God save our Queen." Just one hint to the professionals. The next time they come to the neighbourhood let us have something new Fresh music even if it were inferior will be afceept- able for the sake of change. We are informed that Mr Bradlaugh proposes to present himself again at rhe House immediately