The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

PONTYPRIDD SCHOOL ATTENDANCE COMMITTEE. SCHOOL CENSUS OF LLANFABON PARISH. The parish of Llanfsbon, the only parish in the Pontypridd District not having a School Board of its own, is under the jurisdiction of the School Attendance committee of the Board of Guardians. At a meeting of this committee held at Ponty. pridd, on Wednesday, there were present: Mr A. Cule (in the chair), Messrs J. Evans (Crofta); Moses Cule; and T. Williams (Glog). Mr Jones, school attendance officer for Llan. fabon parish, attended, and at the request of the Clerk (Mr Spick. tt) reported that, according to a census taken by him, there were in Llanfabon parish 447 child, en above five and under 13 years of age; 421 of those attended school, onanlaverage, and there were 26 absentees. The school accom- modation was as follows Nelson school, for 330; Graig, Berthlwyd, 120; Navigation, 25; Ystrad, 120; a total accommodation of 595. Mr E. Edwards, who (though not a member of the committee) was present, said the accommoda- tion at the Board school at Navigation was for 35, not 25. Mr Jones said that was the information be had. He had gone on his own way without instructions, and done his best. He had hitherto been unable to find a committee to report to. He came at the request of the clerk that day fo'tnight, and also on the previous Wednesday, but found no com- mittee. The Chairman thought the committee should meet a little oftener. The Clerk (to the officer) Have you taken pro- ceedings against the parents of tht-se who don't attend school ? Mr Jones No, I thougnt I must get instructions from the committee before I could do that, and besides, I think I can't get them to attend without it. The Clerk: You know that it is your duty to summon the parents ? The Chairman I think the attendance is good out of the number of children. Mr M. Cule: The school accommodation seems to be far in excess of the requirements of the parish. Dr. Leigh said that the officer had done a great deal of good in keeping up and improving the attendance of children at school The Clerk: Have you the names of those who dont't attend P The Officer: No, because I thought I could get them to attend by simply threatening legal pro, ceedings. The Clerk But you understand that you must report to the committee, who will instruct you as to taking proceedings. Mr J. Evans had been on this committee aboutf: two years, but had not attended before. (Laughter) In fact he had received no notice. The Clerk The committee aae appointed every year in March. It is their duty then to make arrangements for meetings. No arrangements were made by this committee, and I thought arrange- ments should be made. ? Some conversation ensued as to how often the committee should meet in future. The Clerk suggested that they should have a monthly meet- ing, but it was decided, on the motion of Mr M: Cule, seconded by Mr J. Evans, that they should meet once in two months. This concluded the business.

YSTRADYFODWG BOARD OF HEALTH. The fortnightly meeting of this Board was held on Friday afternoon, at Pentre Chambers, when there were present: Mr J. Davies, Brynfedwen, in the chair; Messrs. W. Jenkins, E. Thomas, E. Evans, W. Davies; with the clerk, Mr W. H. Morgan, and the surveyor, Mr Jones. The minutes of the previous meeting having I been read and confirmed. The Clerk read a letter from Mr Hollier, stating that Mr Crawshay Bailey would lease the land necessary for making channels and drains at Tynybedw, but he would do nothing more. This was a matter which cropped up at the last meeting, when it was stated by several members that Mr Hollier had said he would advise Mr Bailey to bear part of the expense, or something to that effect. The present letter, however, did away with that idea altogether, and the Board decided to decline the offer as an inadequate one. ROAD REPAIRS NEAR TSTRAD SCHOOL. The Clerk read a letter from Mr D. Rosser,Clerkto the Ystradyfodwg School Board, complaining of the state of the road leading to Ystrad School. The Board directed the Clerk to reply that it was a private road, and in the course of conver- sation, it was stated by some members that the portion of the road referred to was being repaired by some people interested. DAMAGE BY FLOODS AT PENYGBATG. A communication was read from Mr Richard David, the owner of Shop-y-gareg, stating that the water during the recent floods had damaged his property. The Clerk was instructed to reply that it was not owing to the neglect of the Board that the dairage had been caused, and, therefore, they were sorry to say they could not do anything in the matter. CLAIM FOR REWARD. A letter was read from P.C. David Jenkins claiming the reward offered by the Board for the apprehension of persons damaging public lamps, he having caught one doing so at Ystrad. He also complained in the letter that the case had been dismissed on, payment of costs because the offender had asked the pardon of some member of the Board. The members present stated that they had never had any conversation with the offender caught by P.C. Jenkins, and they did not think the statement was correct. CONFIRMATION OF APPOINTMENT. A notification had been received from the Local Government Board of their lordships' approval of the appointment of Dr. 1. B. James as medical officer of Health. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The Surveyor read his fortnightly report, in which he suggested that certain alterations should be made in the road near the Ynyswen Schools, which were about to be completed, and also at Ystrad and Ton. The Board decided to advertise for tenders for widening the road at Ynyswen, and tenders for 2,000 tons of limestone for roads at Ynyshir and Clydach Vale. The Surveyor submitted the plan of a new villa resideuce, the property of Mr D. W. Davies, draper, Tonypandy, and plans of cottages on the Ma indy road, the property of Mr Jenkin Davies. These were approved of by the Board. THE LIGHTING AT TREALAW. With reference to supplying Trealaw with gas and water, the Clerk was instructed to get a memorial signed by the ratepayers of the place, and presented to the gas Company. MISCELLANEOUS. The Board decided to take over and have lighted the new road at Clydach Vale. 11 y Mr Jenkins gave notice that at the next be will move that the whole of the streets of Tylors- town shall be sewered and paved at the expense of the owners of the property there. The Chairman, Mr Evans, and the Clerk, were oppointed to wait upon Mr Corbett to arrange for obtaining land for a new road at Cwmpark. The Snrveyor was directed to have all dangerous places in Cwmpark fenced.

PONTYPHIDD RURAL SANITARY AUTHORITY. A LITTLE BREEZE. The monthly meeting cf the Pontypridd Rural Sanitary Aathirity was held on Wednesday, at the Union Woakhouse, when there were present: Mr A. Cule (in the chair),, Mr M. Cule, Mr J. Evans (Crofta), Mr E. Edwards (Llanfabon), Mr T. Williams (Glog), and Mr E. John; with the clerk (Mr Spickett), and the Surveyor and inspector'(Mr J. Evans.) THE LLANFABON WATER SUPPLY. The Clerk said the Merthyr Local Board had sent him no answer to the complaint that the water at Llanfstbon was polluted by sewerage, so thiy evidently considered it junfonnded, or they did not admit their liability in the matter. I FINANCE. The Clerk stated that the bill of costs incurred in the action against Dr. Price had been taxed by the Clerk of the Peace, and reduced from JE41 7s Id.,to £ 39 12s 2d. The Collector reported that of the Caerphilly water rate for September J652 2s 4d bad been got in, and there were recoverable arrears amounting to 97 2s 2d. The Treasurer's account showed a balance over- drawn of £ 36 13s 2d. A new water rate of 6d in the JE for the half-year commenring the 1st October was ordered to be made. WHAT'S IN A NAME ? Amongst the bills presented was one put in by the Inspector for money due to the "waterman'' at Caerphilly, described in the bill as "Aquanus." Mr Spickett remarked that he did not carry a pocket dictionary about with him, but he had doubt as to the propriety of the term used. (Laughter.) The man was employed jointly by this Board and the Highway Board, and perhaps Mr Griffiths, the road surveyor, would give him some crack name too. (Laughter.) MR MOSES CULE AND THE INSPECTOR.—A BALMY BREEZE. In the course of his monthly report, Mr J. Evans, the inspector, stated that Mr Price, of Cardiff, who owned four houses on Bedwas-road, Caerphilly, paid no attention to the notice served upon him te provide privvy accommodation for those houses. M, Evans remarked that Mr Price was in receipt of the rents, and the notioes were accordingly served upt'n him. Vr M. Cule: He is not the owner, you know. The Inspector: They may have some arrange- ment, or a lease. He receives the rents, and I have taken him to be the owner. Mr M. Cule Why do you come down upon this poor man, when a gentleman from Glyntaff, with plenty of money, has been the owner for years. It is unfair, I consider. The Inspector I know not this man from Glyn- taff, Mr Cule, I know not this man from Glyntaff. Mr Price has been summoned by me before for drainage, and he paid. Surely, he would not pay if he was not liable. Mr M. Cule I have known it for years, and what I say is that it is not fair to come down on this poor man the moment some kind of an arrangement appears to have been come to, when the strong man had been left alone years. The Inspector: I know not this man from Glyn- taff, I tell you. Any. accusation of partiality you may bring against me is unjustifiable. I have been inspector under the Board now for ten years, and thi is the first time I have ever been accused of unfairness. Mr M. Cule Well, I hope you will follow up the notices in the immediate neighbourhood; that is all. The Clerk said it seemed to him that according to the Act, Mr Price was the owner upon whom the Board had power to call. The matter then dropped. The Inspector then proceeded to report as to the necessity for drains to some old houses near the Travellers' Rest, Llanfabon. Mr E. Edwards Are they without drains ? The Inspector: Yes, that is nothing new in Llanfabon. The Chairman: How have those places been li ft like that for years ? The Inspector 1 can bring you sccrea of them from Llanfabon again. The Clerk If he brought them all at once, he would afterwards have no work. (Laughter.) The necessary notices were ordered to be issued. There was no othpr business of importance.

PONTYPRIDD. ENGLISH CONGREGATIONAL CHUBCH.—On Sunday last, Miss and Mr W. Spickett, of Maesycoed, presented to this church a handsome communion service.—On Tuesday evening, Rev. W. Jansen Davies, of Cleckheaton, formerly of Newpoit, preached at the above chapel to an appreciative audience. A collection was made at the close in aid of the funds of the church. On Sunday next the Rev. J. Kilsby Jones will preach, and on Monday night that gentleman will deliver his lectu e on Self-made Men." CONSECRATION OF ST. CATHERINE'S CHURCH.—On Thursday, the Lord Bishop of Llandaff consecrated St. Catherine's Church, Pontypridd, as a separate district church. The service was largely attended. At the door of the church, the Bishop, (who was accompanied by the Rev Arohdeacon Griffiths, the Rev. Canon Jones, the Registrar, Mr 8. Denning, and the Chancellor of the Diocese, Mr J. Ollivant) was met by the Vicar of Glyntaff (the Rev. S. R. Jones), and the Churchwardens of Glyntaffand St. Catherine's—Messrs Crawshay, Penn, Grover, and Key,—and the petition for a separation having been read, the usual consecration service was gone through. Archdeacon Griffiths afterwards preached a powerful Evangelical sermon. In the evening the Rev. J. R. Buckley, vicar of Llandaff, preached. The formal separation of the two districts will soon be made, and an incumbent for Pontypridd ap- pointed. The first presentation is in the gift of the Vicar of Glyntaff, but all future appointments will be in the hands of the Bishop or his succes- sors. OUR MILK SUPPLY.-In consequence of an order just issued by the local authority of the county of Glamorgan, energetic measures are being adopted by Mr Superintendent Matthews to enforce the 646 milksellers and cow keepers within the petty sessional division of Pontypridd to observe the regulations. A most important provision in those regulations is the order that no one shall sell milk by retail unnless he (or she), has a proper dairy, which is well lighted, with good ventilation, suit- able floor, and plenty of water at hand. Then there are orders to provide proper cowsheds, duly lighted, ventilated, of proper height, and size, and with concreted or pitched floors. As the health of so many persons is affected, either for better or worse, by the milk supply, it is impossible to pay too much attention to regulations such as these, and we heartily trust that the efforts put forth by Mr Superintendent Matthews will be supported, not only by milk consumers, but by the milkseilers also.

DISGRACEFUL CONDUCT UF A LAND- LORD. BOX-HAT ARMY AT TREFOREST. We have received the following from an es- teemed correspondent at Treforest :-Great com- ment has been occasioned by the disgraceful cenduct of a certain landlord in Treforest. Since the arrival of the Salvation Army, a great cry has arisen from the landlords owing to their trade being at a very low ebb through the conversion of most of their customers, and in order to regain the loss which they had sustained, this certain land- lord has raised an army to interfere with the good work. Each member's dress consists of a red ooat, a pair of white trousers, and a box-hat and they are consequently called the box-hat army." One evening last week the good and evil workers met near the Old Castle, bat owing te information having been given to the police of their intention, a strong reinforcement was received from Ponty- pridd, and kept in readiness should any distur- bance take place, otherwise serious consequences would probably have ensued.Also a sho.t time ago, while the juvenile army was out, the same person threatened to choke the conductor, and threw a quantity of rockets among the children. We should have thought that in Treforest there was too much enlightened common sense for it to be possible for even a landlord to be guilty of such discourtesy.

THE SEWERAGE OF PONTYPRIDD. MR. LOMAX'S SCHEME. EXPLANATION AND DISCUSSION. FULL REPORT. A special meeting of the Pontypridd Local Board was held on Friday, the 10th, at their offices, in Mill-street, to hear Mr Lomax, C.E., explain in detail the scheme by which he proposes, if his suggestions are adopted, to deal with the sewerage of the Ponty- pridd District. There were present: Mr C. Bassett (chairman); Rev. D. W. Williams; Messrs. M. Cule, G. J. Penn, D. Leyshon, R. Smyth, W. Griffiths, A. Cule, Jabez Evans, and D. Davies, with the Clerk (Mr H. L.1. Grover); and the Surveyor, Mr Bees. Mr Lomax proceeded to explain to the Board the proposed working of his system, according to his report, as follows :— The physical fer tures of your District are of a peculiar character. It is situate on the watersheds of the Taff and Rhondda. These watersheds being precipitous and rocky, the water therefrom runs off with great rapidity, which in times of heavy rains givea rise to floods. In designing a drainage scheme these characteristics require special con- sideration. The populated parts of the Districts are so arranged (with some exceptions) that the drain- age thereof may be effected without encountering many engineering difficult ties. The Parish Roads or Highways in your District are well macadamized with good materials, and are good roads for traffic; but they are narrow and by reason of the mountainous character of the surface of the country, so undulating as to prevent their utilization as a site for your main sewers unless the higher parts were tunnelled. As there are indications that rock would be met with, the cost of tunnelling would be heavy. In addition to this the narrowness of the roads would prevent their being used for carriage traffic during the progress of the works. For these reasons I consider it necessary that some other plan be adopted, which would prevent any extravagant outlay, and be no inconvenience or danger to the public in its execution. As to the point of action of youselves and the Ystradyfodg Authority with regard to sewage, disposals; I consider it most practicable and desirable that each District have a separate and distinct system; excepting the se.wage from a small portion of the Ystradyfodwg Pistrict, at Trehafod, which will necessarily flow into your system, and cannot be included in their scheme. This would reauire an arrangement being entered into between the two Boards, as to the amount which Ystrayfodwg would pay you for dealing with sewage on your works; the cost of laying down the man pipes and connecting sewers and drains would have to be borne by the Ystrady- fodwg Board. At present the whole of your District is drained by surface drains into the rivers Taff and Rhondda, which also receive the excreta from many of your closets. This state of things, al- though neoesitating an entire new management of drainage is fortunately an advantage, having regard to tke scheme I propose for your consideration. Had the District been sewered in some manner according to the necessities and circumstances requiring it, there is no doubt but such sewers would have had to be taken up and relaid in order that they might be connected with the new arrange- ment. It is therefore, in this sense an advantage and a saving to the owners of property. As regards the present drains, I propose to utilise them as fir bs practicable, for rainfall drainage, to convey the rain water into the river?, and to disconnect all house drains therefrom, thereby producing a duplicate system of sewerage. By the abstraction of the shed water it economises the cost of the proposed main sewer and sewerage works, by re- ducing the size of the main pipes and the capacity of the sewage works, and thereby lessening the quantity of precipitants required, and the labour in dealing with it. In the arrangement of the proposed scheme, I have divided it into four parts, vis: sewage works, intercepting sewers, com- municating sewers, and the closet -Laccommodation ef the District. SEWAGE WORLS. I propose that the works for the purification of the sewage be on the quiescent principle and that such works (as adopted by me at Astley Bridge, and which were inspected by your committee), be constructed in Taff Vale, upon a plot of land be- tween the river Taff and the Corn Mill. They would require protecting from the effects of the flood in the river by the erection of a wall on the side of the river, and one on the west side of the plot of land; both of which would answer as boundary walls. The works necessary to be con- structed would consist of a building to be used for the purpose of grinding precipitants, too sludge tanks, three precipitating tanks, and the necessary conduit pipes and outlets. I talso recommend that a filtering bed be provided, for when borrowing powers are obtained so that if found necessary it could be constructed at a future time. I don't think this would be required, and only recommend it as a precautionary measure. INTERCEPTING SEWER. I propose to meet the necessities and accom- modation of your (District to construct and lay down an iron pipe conduit along the bed of the river Taff from the proposed sewage works up to your extreme boundary at Trehafod, and from thence to such a further distance along the Ystrad District as cannot be dealt with in that District. I also propose a branch from the main intercepting sewer at the junction of the Taff and Rhondda, ex- tending along the Taff about five chains north of the new bridge at Pontypridd. COMMUNICATING SEWERS. In these intercepting sewers I propose to insert junctions for connecting the communicating sewers which will be made for accommodating and draining the different portions of the District; which will be divided into sections as the con- formation of the ground and the distribution of the population may require. CLOSITS. The cottage dwellings are of a superior class We 1 built and convenient, and, were it not for the want of yard space and proper closet accommodation would compare with any in the country for comfort and convenience. This part of the subject has only an inconsiderable effect on the sewage scheme, and only in those cases where the closets com- municate directly with the river. Still it is a part ofthesanitaryquestion which you are endeavouring to settle; and I would, therefore, recommend that all soil pits having communication with the river be altered at once, and also all others where in dilapidation. I would also. recommend that the above-named and all newly-constructed ones for new houses, be built to the plan I herewith enclose an inspection of which will, I think, make apparent many advantages over your present closets. As your committee made a personal inspection at Astley Bridge of works constructed on the same principle as those advised in this report I have considered it superfluous to give a fuller description." He had on the table a model ash closet, which he considered was the best kind for use, as by having under it a large receptacle, with a side entrance, tho ashes, when there was a quantity, lIould be removed. He did not consider that those closets need be cleaned out oftener than about once a YC:lr, ns there was absolutely no smell arising from them. The cost of each closet would be about £6. His suggestion was that only closets -sanning a nuisance and those dilapidating be ordered to be altered to the ash closet principle. If a radical change were brought about in the whole district at once it would cost about 226,000, but if the chunge were gradually brought about in the manner he suggested the system would be altered to his in about 30 years. In a colliery district like this, he had no doubt plenty of ashes could be obtained. All this having been elicited in conversation, Mr Lomax remarked: 1 understand from Mr Mo,es Cule that there is no dispute between anybody and you as to the condition of the sewage passing into the river. The Clerk The Cardiff Union sent us a very strong letter, Mr Cule, threatening legal pro- ceedings. Mr Cule: Yes, but that was because we emptied the excretion into the river. Mr Lomax Then cork up the excretion If you think you are perfect on this closet question leave it alone. The Chairman Our surveyor's monthly reports to us, Mr Lomax, show us that we are not perfect. In reply to further questions, Mr Lomax said the works" for dealing with the sewage would be very little; there would have to be a wheel to mix the precipitants, and this would be worked by the power produced from water. The sewage would be passed again into the sludge tanks, the precipitating tanks, and the filter beds into the river. The result was what they now saw before thm-a pure specimen of water. Mr Penn: You would require a large engine power. Mr Lomax Not at all. We make the sewage do its own work-wash its own shirt, so to speak. The power required would be very small; a donkey engine would do. At Astley Bridge and Farnworth the scheme has been applied with a large measure of unqualified success. The Chairman: What is your filtering bed composed oi ? Mr Lomax The ordinary media-stones, gravel, &c. The Chairman Don't you use any disinfectant? Mr Lomax It is disinfected before it gets-there. Mr Jabez Evans What quantity of ground will you require for the sewage work ? Mr Lomax What is the population ? The Chairman About 12,500. Mr Lomax remarked that the ground wanted wouldnotbemuch. Mr Jabez Evans How many acres ?. Mr Lomax Acres be hanged-yon could put it in your waistcost pocket. Mr Evans Will you want an acre ? Mr Lomax: No, half an acre will be enough. But I advise you to get a little more than you will actually want. Mr D. Davies: Had the rain water better go with the slop water ? Mr Lomax No, keep it out. Mr D. Davies What will it cost? Mr Lomax That is very much like asking the size of a piece of chalk. I can't tell you until you say what you want me to do. At Farnworth, with a population of about 24,000, the works cost JE7000, but I don't say that it would be only half that here. It depends upon the size of the works, and what is required, more than the population. Mr Jabez Evans Do you include the cost of the pipes in that ? Mr Lomax No, there are about 60 miles, you know. In conclusion, Mr Lomax advised the Board to visit the works at Farnworth and Astley Bridge, before finally deciding upon his scheme. He then retired. Rev. D. W. Williams As one of the deputation who, with Mr Grover, and others went to see the works at Astley Bridge, 1 should like to say a few words., I don't know whether the present Board have heard the result of our visit, because the Board has changed greatly since then. What we saw satisfied me that the scheme adopted there was a very successful one for the district. The only question in my mind was whether what succeeded there would succeed here similarly. It is but natural that Mr Lomax should think that his scheme is the best, but I should like to know whether it has been tried in a district similar to ours, and whether it was successful or not. If I am not mistaken, the Ystrad ratepayers are going to adopt the scheme he suggests. I don't know how long it will be befoie we shall be called ttpon to sewer the district, but I should like to ask the Local Government Board for time to see how that plan succeeds at Ystrad. (Hear, hear.) Mr Penn agreed that it would be better to wait, if they were allowed to. And if they were going to spend, £20,000, £ 30,000, or £40,000, they must be j udicions, and he still adhered to the opinion that they. ought to advertise for plans, and see what others suggested. Mr Jabez Evans thought they had better adopt the Rev. D. W. Williams' suggestion. Mr Smyth said Mr Lomax bad opened his eyes. Mr Moses Cule considered that putting this scheme in motion would entail a very great cost, and he did not think people would keep the ash closets clean. He really thought they had better go in for a thorough system, with water closets. The Clerk said he thought that the Local Government Board would set their faces agaiust water closets. Besides, where were they going to get water for water closets ? Mr Moses Cule thought the waterworks company were bound to supply it. The Clerk Oh, dear no. And suppose you have a drought the same as they had two years ago in Cardiff. when people were only allowed to draw water for about an hour each day ? The Chairman That did not shut out the water from the water closets. It was simply as regards domestic use. 1 he Clerk: I think water closets are the most difficult things to manage. I have seen the other in use, and found it did admirably. Mr Moses Cule said he knew houses in Ponty- pridd where such a thing was in existence, and the effluvia was most abominable. The Clerk could only advise the Board to see the scheme in operation, and they would be satisfied. Mt Moses Cule urged that, not by any meant the least important objection to Mr Lomax's scheme was that many of the houses in Pontypridd were built in such a fashion that there was no access to to them, to clean the privvies, except right through the houses. Mr D. Davies had seen similar closets to Mr Lomax's used, but they had not been. constructed by a scientific man, so Mr Lomax's might be better. He thought there would be no harm in waiting. Ultimately, it was understood vhat the Rev. I). W. Williams's suggestion is to be brought forward as a motion nt the next ordinary meeting of the Board, it being suggested that the Board might ask for 18 months' grace. The meeting then termi- nated.

Pentre Police Court. MONDAY.—Before Mr G. Williams, Stipendiary. ON SUSPICION.—Edward Howe, living in a van on the road between Dinas and Porth, was charged on suspicion with poaching and stealing three fowls, the property of Mrs Lewis, of Croft yr baidd farm, Llantrisant. He was remanded until Wednesday. CAUGHT IN THR ACT AT DINAit.-Francis William Weeks, a young man, was charged with stealing 10s lid from a till at the Prince of Orange puplic house, Dinas. Mary Ann Jenkins, daughter of Thomas Jenkins, the landlord, said that on Friday morning, at 10 o'clock the prisoner came to the Prince of Orange and had a glass of beer. She went to breakfast, leaving him, in the bar, as he said he was waiting for a friend. Presently she heard the money rattling and when she stepped round quietly to the bar she saw the prisoner with his hand in the drawer. She caught hold of him, and held him while her father came. Prisoner afterwards drew 10s lid from his pocket, saying Is 6d of it belonged to him. He was given into custody by her father. Thomas David Junkins, the landlord, corroborated. P.C. Samuel Smith deposed to finding the prisoner at the Prince of Orange bar in the custody of Mr and Miss Jenkins. In reply to the charge of theft, all the defendant said was, Bighteen pence of it belongs to me." Prisoner now pleaded guilty; and was sent to gaol for two months' hard labour. SCHOOL BOAItD CASM—Thomax Davies, Treorky, summoned by School Board officer Wm. Thomas, of Ystrad, for neglecting to send his child to school, was fined 5s.—Thomas Phillips, Treorky, summoned for a like offence, pleaded that the boy, nine years of age, would not go to school. The boy being in court, he was ordered by the Stipen- diary to be seperated for a while from his mother. John Jones, Cwmpark, pleaded the same excuse, and the magistrate dealt with the boy in the same way. Cases against Richard Winter, Treherbert, and John Landsowne, Ystrad, were adjourned for a month, to see how the children, who are now in school, would attend. A PALTRY ASSAULT CASE AT PENYMNSLIN.— Sarah Evans, married woman, of George-street, Penyrenglyn, Treherbert, was summoned by Charlotte Henry, also a married woman, residing next door, for beating the latter's son, Charles Henry, three years of age. Mr Coe, (from the office of Mr W. H. Morgan), appeared for the defendant. It was alleged that the defendant slapped the child in the face, in the presence of its mother, because he pulled the hair of defendant's little girl, 18 months old. Mr Coe described Master Charles as "a precocious youth," and submitted that no assault had been committed. The Stipendiary said there seemed to be no doubt an assault had been committed, as, strictly speaking, no person bad a right to inflict punish- ment upon another or another's child J but this was a very paltry case, and he would inflict only the smallest fin", viz., Id and the costs, which amounted to 16s 9d in all, as witnesses had been called. MISCELLANEOUS.—Elizabeth Davies, a widow, charged with stealing 201bs of coal from the yard of the Llwynpia Coal Co., was fined 5s.—Jane Hopkins, Ann Davies, Mary Ann Davies, and Ann Bassett, were charged with stealing coal from the Ahergorky Colliery yard. P.C. Dumaid proved the case. Fined 2s 6d. each.-Emma Cooke, of Pentre, charged with refusing to quit the Railway Inn, was fiined Is. and. costs.-Edward Price and David Williams charged with a breach of peace at Treherbert, were fined 10s and costs, and bound over.-Sarah Rees, Blaenclydach, summoned for setting her chimney on fire, was cautioned.- Phoebe Ann Phillips, a woman with a babe in her arms, was summoned by Catherine Thomas, of River Row, Treorky, for a breach of the peace. Bound over. A BAILIFF FINED FoR ASSAULT.—Thomas Cum. mings, a bailiff, living at Penygraig, was summoned for assaulting Caroline Hopkins, at Gilfach Goch. Complainant stated that defendant went at a quarter past 10 at might to the complainant's house to levy upon the furniture; that he used bad language, and acted indecently. The Stipendiary said the assault did net seem to have been been a serious one and he fined the defendant 5s. ASSAULTING THE POLICE AT HzOLFACH.—WiiHam Williams, and John Howells, colliers, of Heolfach, were charged with assaulting P C. Jenkins, and with being drunk and riotous. It appears that Williams held a pipe in his hand and cut the constable's face by striking him. The other struck him, and one of them bit his finger. Defendants were fined 10s each and costs for being drunk and riotous, and 40s each and costs for assaulting the officer.

Pontypridd Police Court. WEDNESDAY—Before Mr G. Williams, Stipendiary and Mr. H. Jackson. KEEPING A DOG WITHOUT A LICENCE.— lames Davies, summoned for keeping a dog without a license at Rhydfelen, was fined 5s including oosts. DRUNK AND RIOTOUS—Richard Jones, collier, Ferndale, fined 10s and costs; Elias Williams, Ferndale, fined 5s and costs; Gwilym Williams, Ferndale, 5s and costs; Joseph Smith, collier, Tylorstown, 10s and costs David James, Cymmer, 10s and costs. ALLEGED COAL STEALING.—Elizabeth Morley, Margaret Howells, and Elizabeth Jenkins of Porth. were charged with stealing coal, the property of the Cymmer Colliery Company, It was stated that the last named was picking coal for one of the others, so the Stipendiary dismissed the case against her with a caution, and fined Morley and Howells, 5s each and costs. ASSAULTS. -Charles Burnett, collier, Pontypridd, summoned by Griffith Griffiths, of ithe same place, for assaulting him, was fined 5s and costs.—George Lock, labourer, Treforest, was summoned by Henry Hoyle, of the same place, for assault. The case was said to have been settled. SUSPECTED THEFT. —Edward Howe, labourer, Dinas, was charged, on suspicion, with stealing three ducks, the property of Mrs Lewis, Croft-yr- haidd farm, Llantrisant. Mr W. H. Morgan, solicitor, appeared for the prisoner. A remand for a week was granted, the prisoner being liberated on his own bail, after depositing d620 with the superintendent. ALLEGED ASSAULT AND ATTEMPTED RESCUE AT LLANTRISANT.—Gabriel and Benjamin Davies, father and son, of Llantrisant, were charged, the elder with assaulting P.S. Tamplin, and the younger with attempting to rescue his father. The prisoners were remanded to Llantrisant police- court, and admitted to bail on their own recog- nizances. ALLEGED THEFT AT- DINAS: AN EXTRAORDTNARY CASE.—Thomas Cummings, s bailiff, and Charles Napper, a haulier, living at Dinas, were charged with stealing 8s, the money of John Evans. a collier, at the same place. Mr W. R. Davies, solicitor, appeared for the prisoners. The prosecu- tor said that on Monday night, at stop tap," he left the Brithwcunydd Hotel, and went for a few minutes to a neighbouring house, In that house were the prisoners, who at once said he was one of those who broke the windows on the previous night. He denied that, bit they produced some- thing which looked like handcuffgj with a piece of chain attached, and threatened to handcuff him. Cummings said the prosecutor must go with them, and they took him by the collar across to the other side, and when by Dinas stables, Cummings said he (prosecutor) must give them 7s 6d each, and he should go. Being afraid of them, prosecutor offered 8s-all he had—to Cummings. The latter said give it to him (pointing to Napper), and Napper took the money. Mr Davies elicited, in cross-examina ion, that the house at which the men met was one of low character, and that the prosecu- tor did not give immediate information to the police, &c. Prisoners were remanded for a week, but admitted to bail.

ON ACCIDENT. -On Friday morning, as William Green, a young collier, was on his way along the Great Western Railway to Harris's Navigation New Pits, he was knocked down by an up goods train, and the whole train of loaded wagons passed over him as he lay between the line of rails unconscious. A dense fog pravailed at the time, and he did not see the train until it was close upon him. He was taken home. and Dr. W. Watkin Leigh attended to his injuries, which are not of a very serious description. Strange to say one of his boots was torn from off his foot without doing him any injury.

TREFOBEST. FOR many years past the want of some suitable entertainment on Christmas-day has been felt throughout the neighbourhood, but this year, we are glad to learn, preparations are being made by the Calvinistic Meth dist choir for a grand entertainment, after a tea meeting, which will be held on the 26th inst.

HEOLFACH. "UNSPEAKABLE CONJUGAL BLISS."—On Monday morning the Rev. T. H. Williams, home missionary in the Rhondda Valley, married two mutes at Ystradyfodwg Parish Church. Their names were Edward Morgan and Ann Thomas, both of Heol- fach. The whole service was conducted by the rev. gentleman by means of the sign langaage.

TREALAW. QUARTERLY MEETING.—The quarterly meeting of the Welsh Baptist Church was held on Sunday, when three very powerful sermons were preaohed by the Rev. J. Ceulanydd Williams, Merthyr.

TYLORSTOWN. A READING Roov.-On Friday evening, the 9th inst, several of the workmen, tradespeople, and others, met at the Vestry of the Independent chapel, to consider the desirability of having a Reading-room for the benefit of the workmen and the inhabitants generally. Mr D. Matthews, manager, having been voted to the chair, the following resolutions were passed:—That the house kindly offered by the proprietors of the Tylpr's colliery, be occupied; that Mr S. H. Wil iams, clerk, be appointed secretary; and Mr D. Matthews, manager, treasurer; that the following form a committee:—Rev. J. D. Roberts, (B.), Pontygwaith; Messrs. D. Matthews, James Williams, 8 H. Williams, Henry Thomas, E. Terrar, B. Davies, J. E. Jones, grocer, D. T. Howells, and others. Speeches were delivered in the course of the evening by Messrs H. Thomas, James Williams, Rev. J. D. Roberts, and others, on the utility of the institution to the neighbourhood. It is under- stood that the proprietors of the colliery (Taylor & Co.,) have kindly promised, not only to grant the use of the rooms, but also to present several papers, &c., for the benefit of the institution. A vote of thanks to the chairman brought the meet- ing to a close. RAILWAY FACILITIES.—There are some places that are well blessed with railway facilities, but there are others that know nothing whatever but of non-facilities. Amongst the latter is Tylors- town. Although the place can count its inhabitants by hundreds, if not thousands, and although the Rhondda Fach branch line of the Taff Vale com- pany runs through the place, yet, hitherto no station has been erected here. This grievance was borne patiently bv the inhabitants, honinc that. in its own good time, and that that time would mot be very far distant, the company would give them those facilities, which they justly deserve. But patience has its limits, as in this case. A short time ago a public meeting was held to consid r the matter, when it wis resolved to petition the com- pany. In accordance with this resolution the place was canvassed, and the result was that a petition was got up, measuring, it is said, eight yards in length, and forwarded to the proper quarters. What was the result? As yet. nothing! It is hoped, however, that, ere long, the Taff Vale Company will see its way clear to oomply with the reasonable request of the inhabitants of Tylorstown and neighbourhood.-Communicated.

TONYPANDT. SWINE FEVER.-It is reported that swine fever, in a virulent form, has broken out among pigs the property of Mr W. Williams, Court, Tonypandy, and two were destroyed on Wednesday, by order of the magistrates.

LLWTNPIA. THE REV. J. R. JONES occupied his pulpit twice on Sunday after his illness. The congregations were large. The rev. gentlemad in his sermon on Sunday evening in very pathetic tone referred to the death of the Rev. Dr. Thomas late of Ponty- pool. CONCERT.—A grand concert was given at Salem ohapel, on Thursday evening last, when the following artistes took part: Madame Llinos Rbondda, Miss M. J. Evans, Clydaoh Vale; Messrs Rhys Davies, D. J. Evans, Llwynpia, D. Evans, Ystrad, J. John, and Mr Idris Thomas, Porth. Mr D. Bowen, Dowlais, accompanied on the pianotorte, and it is needless to add that his execution was thoroughly appreciated. The Bethania Choral Union, under the conductorship of Mr D. J. Evans, sang Datod mae rhwymau caethiwed." The singing throughout was very creditable" Mr Hhys Davies, in his rendering of Cymro Dewr and Baner Rhvddld," proved the possession of a very r:ch voice. Miss Evans, Clydach, sang The old sweet story," and showed that with a little stage control fshe will soon become a good singer. Her evident nervousness placed her under great disadvantage. Mr Idris Thomas' singing of "Jack's Yam" was encored, and his rendering of The Pirate Chief" displayed great richness of intonation. Madame LlinoB Rhondda was received with deserved enthusiasm in Summer Showers" and Y Gwcw ar y fedwen." It is much to her credit that she sustains her reputation undimin- ished. The duet, Dring, dring i fyny by Messrs D. J. Evans and Idris Thomas went well, and Mr D. Evans's singiug of Milwr Dewr and Baner Rhyddid showed that, notwithstanding that the s'rains were familiar, an artiste can always add novelty and charm to good music. Mr Tom John sang the rollicking Midshipn an Easy in a truly nautical spirit, and his rendering of the Little Hero," Stephens Adams' newest song, brought down an encore. This song was sung iu the London Ballad Concert of Wednesday, and the Telegraph speaks of it as the winning card all throagh the season." Mr D. J. Evans sang "Cyan Ehydd in a patriotic spirit. Mr W. W. Hood was the president, and his "ring" in the pronotinciation of the Welsh names was heartily appreciated and the cordiality of his reception indicates clearly that he commands the best opinion of the locality. The Rev. T. G. Jenkins, the respected minister of the church, was absent through illnes. The proceeds went to the liquidation fund.

YSTRAD. THE SEWERAGE QUESTION.—On Friday last, Mr Lomax, C.E., who had been through the Valley on the previous day with a committee of the Board of Health for this district, met the Board, and discussed with them matters of detail as to the sewerage. It appears that the Board have already adopted his scheme, but some slight modifications were made by mutual consent on Friday. The plan adopted seems to be almost identical with that suggested for Pontypridd, but here it was agreed that it would be better to keep the main intercepting sewer as much as possible from the bed of the river, and t unning along the low-lying land instead.

PENTRE. RELIGIOUS SMVICM.—The quarterly meetings of Shiloh Independent chapel were held on Sunday and Monday, 11th and 12th inst., when the Rev. J. Thomas, Glandwr, and Rev. J. Rees, Treherbert, preached to large congregations. Collections were made at each service towards the chapel fund. TREHERBERT. ANNIVERSARY S:nVICES.- The anniversary ser- vices of the Primitive Methodist friends of this place were held on Sunday and Monday. The attendance throughout was very good. LtcroM.—The Rev. Taliesin T. Jones, of Rhym- ney, delivered a lecture at the Public Hall, on the 13th inst. subject, Gas." The attendance was very small.

A RAILWAY THIEF. A man named William Walters has been sent to prison, at Coventry, for three months with hard labour for being on the North Western Railway Company's premises with a felonious intent. A. railway detective new the prisoner cross the line towards the train in which he was sitting, and, suspecting his purpose, entered the lock-up parcels van, which contained several boxes of valuable jewellery. He felt about, but found nothing unusual. Jost as the engine started, however, the officer saw the figure of a man lying between the jewel-boxes and the guard's seat. He instantly threw himself upon the intruder, and held him down until Birmingham was reached, when he was handed over to the police. On being searched, an ingeniously made key which would open any carriage door was found on him.

SINGULAR FIRE. A yonth engaged at a telephone office in the Rue du Bac, Paris, recently haa a startling experience. Having opened communication with another station, he was awaiting a reply, when suddenly to his terror and amazement a volume of flame and smoke issued from the tube containing the wires. After a vain attempt to extinguish the names, he ran out and called for the engines, by which, however, the fire was not put out until telephonic apparatus and furni- ture, to the value of six thousand francs, had been destroyed. It was found that a man working in a sewer under the Boulevard St. Germain had with his pickaxe accidentally knocked a hole in a gas-pipe, and that the gas, being ignited by the flame of his lamp, set fire to the casing of the telephonic cable running along the sewer. As the casing was com- posed of some highly inflammable substance, the fire Quickly spread, and so gained the office of the Rue

TRAFFICKING WITH PRISONERS. Although the returns from our prisons published In the recent report of the commissioners are gener- ally favourable as regards order and system, some exceptions here and there appear. At Derby we learn that a system of trafficking with prisoners has prevailed for some time, which there is reason to think has not wholly ceased and four officers have been discharged. At Newcastle six officers have left on resignation, while two have been dis- missed and two others have resigned to escape dis- missal. A clerk and store keeper in this prison has also been convicted of serious defalcations. It is said that peculiar temptations exist at Newcastle, the prison being in the immediate vicinity of low haunts. In Wakefield prison the authorities do not seem to have set an example of economy, as a considerable saving in fuel is attributed in part tc stopping the supply of steam nsed in the warming apparatus of the governor's extensive greenhouses.

MURDEROUS ASSAULT AT FERN- DALE. At the Pontypridd police-court, on Wednesday, (before Mr G. Williams), Roger- Cunningham, Thomas Cunningham, and Evan Davies, Ferndale, were charged with wounding William Davies, of the same place. The injured man was unable to attend owing to the injuries he had received, and only formal evidence was taken. It transpired that the three defendants and the injured man were together in the Bridgend Inn, Pontygwaith, when al quarrel took place, and Evan Davies at. tacked the injured man, who is his own brother, with a stick, and that the two Cunninghams held the attacked man for him to be able to do it with greater security. By and by, the injured man proceeded home, followed by the three defendants. They entered his house, and Evan Davies, one of the defendants, picked up a poker and struck him on the head with it with such dreadful results that, besides other bruises, there were three cuts to the bone inflicted. The defendants, mere striplings, were remanded till that day week, but admitted to bail.

LLINELLAU a ddarllenwyd ar gadeiriad Trodynfab, ar ol ei fuddugoliaeth yn Amerig :—Testyn, Cyflsi- areddiad, Heddwch," yn Pitston, Pa. Cawr feirdd ar bwysig- yrfa-anrhydedd. Fu'n traedio'r Olvmpia; «i Ond daeth corao Pitston, Pa., I aelwyd bardd o Walia. I'r awen fyw hwn geir yn fsb-haeddianol Gwr o ddoniau Arab [mellt, Awdwr pur-nid yw cadair Pab—nag un Yn taro i danffellt awen Trodynfab Dalia'i awen gystadleuaeth—deilwng, Dalia'i teg feirniadaeth Mai saer cerdd y mesur caeth Oedd i gaelbuddugoliaeth. Cawres 0 awdl hvawdl oedd —curodd hon Cofiwn, awduron ein "cefnderoedd," Angel "cywyd gynghor," -mewn tawelwch Haf, ac heddwch yn brif egwyddor. Cynhadlai'n nghlustiau cenhedloeddnerfawr A'u harfog fyddinoedd— Rhowch ffarwel i ryfeloedd,-a chwifiwch Luman heddwch ar aelian mynyddoedd. Wedi hir nos 0 deyrnasiad-ofer Rbyfel ac anghariad Yn y tir, ai nid toriad-teg wawr aur 0 loewaf nuddaur y cyflafareddiad ? Awdl yw hon rhwng dwy wlad,—a'i hurddas Yn goflyfr addas o gyflafareddiad. Daeth yr awr yn awr i ni Hen frodyr ei fawrhydi,- Wobrwyo mab yr awen Haenus, sionc o'r'Ynys Wen. A chadair hardd," a chedwir hon Ha hyd deiroes gan dy wynon Gwr o had yr fwyn Gerwidwen-ydwyt, Paid gwadu tynghedfen: D'oes yn awr,-ond dos i nen Amljwiog hoff deml awen. CARNET.IAN.

RHONDDA VALLEY AND SWANSEA BAY RAILWAY. PUBLIC MEETING AT TREHERBERT. A public meeting of the inhabitants of Treher- bert was held at the Assembly-room, Dunraven Hotel, Treherbert, on Friday afternoon, to consider the advisability of supporting the Rhondda Valley and Swansea Bay Railway scheme. Mr John Walters, provision merchant, was voted to the chair. Mr S. W. Yockney, the engineer of the Rhondda Valley and Swansea Bay Railway, pro- duced plans showing the route of the proposed rail- way and the competitive lines, explained the scheme, and answered various questions put to him in reference to it. Then it was moved by Mr Alfred Lewis, and seconded by Mr Evan Cule: "That, after hearing the very lucid and elaborate description given by Mr S. W. Yockney, C.E., of the projected Rhondda Valley and Swansea Bay Railway, and comparing it with other pi oposed lines out of this valley to the western ports of Glamorganshire and South Wales, this meeting cordially expresses its approval of, and preference for, the Rhondda Valley and Swansea Bay Railway, and pledges itself to pro- mote its successful passage through Partiament, and give every support for the succesful and speedy completion thereof." The motion, on being put to the meeting, was carried unanimously. It was next moved by Mr E. Cule, and seconded by Mr E. Davies, That a list be opened at this meet- ing for subscriptions towards, and in aid of, the preliminary expenses of obtaining the Act for the proposed railway." This resolution was also carried nem. con., several gentlemen at the meet- ing expressing their willingness to contribute sang varying from £200 downwards, and tile meeting terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

NIHILISM IN RUSSIA. REPORTED DISMISSAL OF IGNATIEFF. In their conduct with regard to the recent attempt on the life of General Tcherevin, the Russian autho- rities have, according to the Daily Telegraph'« St. Petersburg correspondent, again shewn that extraor- dinary indecision which has always been conspicuous on the occurrence of anything really serious. When the attempt was made the first idea was to keep the matter a profound secret, and the correspondent believes it was the intention to conceal it even from the Emperor. It was, however, naturally impossible to hush up so grave an affair, and by the middle of the following day what had occurred was well known in St. Petersburg. The correspon- dent learns on good authority that, in consequence of the assurance of General Ignatieff as to the re-estab* lishment of tranquility and the complete discomfiture of the Nihilists, the Emperor had determined to remove shortly from Gatschina to St. Petersburg. The attempt on General Tcherevin has, however caused the greatest consternation at Gatschina, and the return of the Court is now indefinitely post- poned. It is rumoured in St. Petersburg that the Emperor is so incensed with Count Ignatieff, in consequence of his sudden discovery of the real position of affairs, that he has dismissed the General from Lis grwt as Minister of the Interior, and has appointed M, .ohansky as his successor. With regard tc Sankowsky, General Tcherevin's assailant, the correspondent states that as a matter of fact he is not the miserable drunken wretch official reports assert, but is of respectable parentage, and a native of Little Russia. He had been drawn by lot to commit the crime, and had no personal feeling against the General. His associates had apparently not much confidence in his determination, and one of them, Melnikofft undertook to see that he fulfilled his task. It appears to be quite true that Melnikoff treated his man to wine and spirits to keep up his resolu- tion u itil the moment of action arrived, but it does not appear to be the fact that Sankowsky was an habitual drunkard. The St. Petersburg correspondent of the Daily News telegraphs In connection with the recent attempt to assassinate General Tcherevin, I am enabled to publish the following letter, which was received a few days since through the post by the frefect of police Excellency For a long time have not slept, being tormented with strange and fesrful visitors every night. Perovskaja and Jeiiabotf come and sit beside my bed, and imperatively command me to avenge them; and, above all, to kill the Minister Ignatieff and yourself and I am firmly resolved to execute this mandate. I do it with regret, especially as concerns General Ignatieff, who is, in my opinion, on the right track, and who really does his best like the Narodinki (people's party), to alleviate the lot of the people, and to render their life more endurable. But it must be. As to you, I don't know you, and feel, consequently, quite indifferent about killing you. I merely wish to warn you, so that it might not be said I acted treacherously. Receive, Ac." The writer, who is a medical student, has been arrested, and upon him were found a loaded revolver and a poignard. This thews there was an intention to take the life of both General Tcherevin and Count Ignatieff. A letter from St. Petersburg states that San- kovsky asked to see General Ignatieff, and not General Tcherevin, that the letter he handed in was ad- dressed to the former, and that when his attempt bad failed he inquired whom it was he had shot at. On being told it was General Tcherevin, he exclaimed, I have made a mistake. It was General Ignatieff I was to have shot." It is rumoured at St. Petersburg (says a Morning Post correspondent; that a plot has been discovered tiiere to assassinate the Grand Duke Vladimir, the Czar's brother, and the eventual regent. A decree has been officially published in St. Petersburg, revising Artiole 17 of the recent law for the preservation of the State and of social order. It provides that all trials for State crimes as well as those specially calculated to excite the people shall in future be held with closed do rs. The decree further directs that only officials whl' e duiies warrant their presence, and the wife or one direct relative of the accused will be allowed to witness the proceedings. A shocking -very ha* been made at Askam- in-Furj.iss, T j-olic-ha\iMi.- received information that _iwo j-101 i-< <>ple named Elizabeth Ann Corn- thwaite and had been missing for several days, their inquiries led to a reservoir belmig- :a.; to A-kam Steel Works being searched, where the l> -<lie-i of both j a.rt,ies were discovered. Cornthwaite ha I her hat on. and a partly used reel of cot on grasped in iier left hard. Robinson h td the woman's shawl wrapped round his neck and shouiders. No m u-ks of violence were found on the bodies. When h.t seen thj parties, who were sweethearts, had been quarrelling.