The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

Death of an Old Lady in the Rhondda. On Friday Mrs Mary Evans, the highly-respected mother of Mr Evan Evans, formerly of Pencelli Hotel, Treorky, died at her residence at the ripe age of 93. On Tuesday her remains were deposited in the burial ground of the old Parish Church, Ystrad. The Rev. W. Lewis, Vioar of Ystrady- fodwg, officiated on the occasion. Out of respect to the departed the funeral was largely attended. 0-M

PERFORMANCE OF THE "LION OF JUDAH ff AT YSTKAMHONDDA. On Thursday, at the Wesleyan Chapel of this place, the sacred cantata entitled the Lion of Judah," was creditably performed by the choir belonging to the said chapel, who were assisted by a local string band. Mr W. Williams, A-C. (Alaw Machno), proved an efficient conductor. The chair was ably filled on the occasion by Mr D. Evans, Bodringallt House, who is ever ready to promote every good cause in the neighbourhood. The firpt part of the programme was miscellaneous. Thij part was well disposed of, and we may specially mention the singing of Miss Smith (a very promising soprano), Messrs Aneurin Lewis (Alaw Dyfodwg), and John Jones (Alaw Rhondda). The last two named sang "Go baffled Coward, go (Samson) with good taste and skill. This being over the chief attraction of the meeting was reached, viz., a grand performance of Lion of J ndah." The members of the choir numbered over 60. The choruses were taken up with great thinness and precision. The various solos were interpreted by Miss Smith, Alaw Dyfodwg, and JOlin Rhondda. Great praise is due to the following gentlemen, who proved to the satisfaction of all that they were capable of discharging the part allotted them. Messrs Kingdom (pianist), T. Hawkins (harmoniumist), W. Perry (first violinist), J. Kingdom and W. Humphreys (second violinists), and D. Hawkins (violincello). The opening part ot the programme was gone through in twenty-five minutes, the cantata (composed by J. Guest) occu- pied an hour and twenty-five minutes. At the con- clusion the performers received a hearty cheers as a sign of appreciation of the treat offered by them. A vote ofthanks was accorded the worthy chairman, moved by Mr James C61eman and seconded by Mr J. Kingdom. The sacred edifice was crowded to overflowing. The members attending the above place of worship are to be congratulated on their success in selecting suitable music for the occasion, and soloists, &c-, who were able to carry out their undertaking to a suoceseful issue.

THE ALLEGED INDECENT ASSAULT ON A LITTLE GIRL AT PENTYRCH. THE CASE FURTHER ADJOURNED. 1- At the Pontypridd police-court, on Wednesday, (before Messrs Blandy Jenkins, E. John, and C. Bassett), Thomas James Beynon, schoolmaster, Pentyrch, surrender to his btsil on this charge. Mr Morgan appeared to prosecute, and Mr Plclws for defendant.—On this case being called on, Mr Mor- gan said an' important witness is ill with scarlet fever, and, therefore, be must ask for a remand for 14 days.—Mr Plews objeoted, and said it was a very serious matter to defendant. The prosecution has the Crown at it back and the expenses will be paid, but it is a serious expense to the defendant. It is enough to kill defendant to have this charge hanging over his head.—Mr Blandy Jenhins said it Was serious to the defendant to put it off. If the 131kild had the scarlet fever ehe would not be fit to into Court for three months. He thought it °uld be adjourned for a week for the dootor to said* if a8 uatnre of her illuess.—Mr Plews for the W -uld rather the adjournment should be .• _e 1016 asked for, inasmuch as then the prose- t tin,00" have no ground for complaint.—Mr B n+;8t. 'here could be no ground for the prosec o unnecessarily to wish an adjournment. -Mr Plews replied he was not so sure of that. From information he bad he thought there was something in the scenes that might afterwards come out.—ine case Was ultimately adjourned for a fortnight. a fortnight.

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IHOLESALE THEFT BY I DOMESTIC SER- VANT IT TYLORSTOWN. At Ystrad police-court on Monday (before Mr J. Ignatius Williams, Stipendiary, and Mr Blandy Jenkins), Elizabeth Williams was charged with stealing a number of articles. Mr Rosser for the Srosecution.-Margaret Jenes said she is the wife of ohn Jones, ostler, Tylostown. Prisoner came to their house as a servant on the third Sunday in July last at 12s per month. In consequence of information received ou Friday, January 22nd, she searched her house, assisted by her daughter,and found the follow- ing articles missing: 4 blankets, value 93; 2 twill calico sheets, value 33; 4 Welsh flannel petticoats, value £ 115s; 3 Welsh flannel aprons, value 13s 6d 2 Welsh flannel shirts, value 18s; 1 Welsh flannel drawers, value S. 8d; 1 Welsh flannel turnover, value 5s; 1 pair iblack cloth trousers, value 91 4s. The value of the whole being 98 2s 2d. She saw the ar- ticles all safe during the time prisoner was in the house. The articles produced by P.C. Williams are the property of her husband John Jones. She never authorized prisoner to pledge the articles. She pro- duced the nine pawn tickets now produced from the prisoner's son, Richard Nicholas, last Saturday week. He ladges with her.-Croeii-examined by pri- soner Never sent her to pledge anything but a shawl in October last, to obtain money to pay taxes. The shawl is not among these articles, Never received any money from her except the 6s for the shawl. She has that ticket. It was pledged in prisoner's name. —Eli Joseph, pawnbroker, Ferndale, said en the 8th Oetober a blanket was pledged at his shcp by Harriet Morley for 4s. On the 20th October prisoner herself pledged an apron for Is 6d. That anion he cannot lind. On the 7th November she pledged an apron and turnover for 2s 6d. On the 8th December Ellen Morgan pledged a pair of black trousers for 4s. On the 15th December Harriet Morley pledged a petti- coat and shirt for 3s 6d. On 1st fanuary Harriet Morley pledged a sheet and apron in her own name for 2s 3d. On the 18th November Harriet Morley pledged a blanket for 4s.-Harriet said she took ar- ticles from time to time to pledge at Mr Joseph's at 1 the request of prisoner, who told her not to bring the money to Mrs Jones's as Mrs Jonei did not want her husband to know anything about it. Prisoner came to her house and received the different amounts P.C. Williams said he arrested the prisoner and told her the charge. She said she had pawned two or three things for her. Harriet Morley and Ellen Morgan had also pawned things. She never stole any of them.—Richard Nicholas, son of defendant, said he lodged at John Jones's. He handed nine pawn tickets to Mrs Jones last Wednesday week. He found them in his mother's bedroom, six in a knife-box on the chest of drawers, and three under the bed on the floor. His mother had left the previous Monday. Defendant was also charged with obtaining money by false pretences.—Hannah Powell, wife of Charles Powell, checkweigher, said she sells the daily news- papers. She supplied Mrs Jones with a paper daily. About a fortnight before Christmas defendant came and said Mrs Jones had sent to ask for the loan of Is 6d, promising it should be paid next morning to the girl who brought the newspaper. She handed the money to defendant, believing it was a loan to Mrs Jones. About a week later defendant came and she asked her who the money was for; she said it was for Mrs Jones. On 16th January Mr Jones came to her shop and she spoke to him about it.—Hannah Lewis corroborated.—Mrs Jones said she never sent defendant to borrow money from Mrs Powell.-P.C. William* said on charging defendant she said, No, I had nothing from there for her only the papers. Of course she has paid for them." A third charge was brought against defendant. Margaret Daniel, wife of David Daniel, greengrocer, Tylorstown, said on the day before Christmas defen- dant came to her in the bakehouse and said Mrs Jones had sent her to borrow 4s for her until two o'clock next day. Believing the money was for Mrs Jones she gave her the 4s. About a week after defen- dant brought a loaf to bake and said Don't think we have forgotten you about the money, you will. be sure to have them on Saturday." Have never received the 4s back.—Margaret Jones denied having sent her to borrow any money for her.-P.C. Willi £ »ms said on being charged defendant said, Yes, I had the 4s Mrs Jones sent me for. She Wanted it to pay Mr Smyth, Pontypridd, for porter."—Committed for trial on all the charges. *—

AIARMING PIT ACCIDENT IN THE GARW VALLEY. On Friday evening an accident of an alarming character happened at the Ffaldau Colliery, in the Garw Valley. The pit carriage fell with ter- rific ferce from the top to the bottom of the shaft, and was dashed to pieces. Happily DO one was injured, and the pit was soon got into working order again.

SEIZURE OP DYNAMITE IN THE RHONDDA VALLEY. Mr Superintendent Matthews, of Pontypridd.and Mr Inspector Jones, of Porth, have visited a farmhouse on the side of Rhondda Fach Moun- tain and seized a large quantity of djnamiteand blasting powder, illegally kept in the attic of the dwelling-house occupied by one Mr Evan Thomas.

THE TAFF VALE DIVIDEND. The directors of the Taff Vale Railway Com. pany will, at the half-yearly meeting of the 9th February, recommend a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent., and a bonus of 2 per cent. per annum on the ordinary stock, orlinary shares, and preference stock No. 1 for the half year ending 31st Decem- ber last, carrying forward a balance of £1,170 to current half year. .:=

COLLIERY FATALITIES AT MOUNTAIN ASH. On Wednesday in the Deep Dufjryn Colliery, a young man named John Jones, living at 35, High Street, Mountain Ash, was so crushed between trams that he died from the effeots on the follow- ing day. On Thursday in the Penrhiwceiber Colliery, a similar accident befell a youth named John Wilks, staying with his parents at 87, High Street, which in a few hours afterwards proved fatal. -=- ==

COLLIERY ACCIDENT AT MERTHYR. THREE MEN KILLED. Three men were killed and a fourth injured by a fall of coal at one of the Cyfartbfa Collieries, Mer- thyr Tydfil, on Thursday morning.

SOUTH WALES EXAMINER FOR THE ROYAL ACADEMY. Mr John Thomas has been appointed by the Royal Academy of Muaio examiner for South Wales, in suocession to the late Mr Brinley Richards.

RHYMNEY RAILWAY DIVIDEND. Mr W. Mein, seeie'ary of the Rhynmey Railway Company, states that, subject to audit, the direc- tors recommend that a dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum be paid on the ordinary stock and shares for the half.year ending 31st December last, leaving a balance of £ 5,721 to be carried to the next account. ¡,

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PARLIAMENTARY NOTES. [BY A XlIW ICIWBRB]. I have thought, Mr. Editor, that some of the many readers of the Chronicle would care to read a few notes written in narrative form of the experience of men and matters by a new hand in the House of Commons. A large number both of old and new members attended the first meet- ing to elect a Speaker, and to take the oath or affirm both in manner and form as by statute provided. As soon as the Speaker was elected, proposed by Sir John Mowbray, and seconded by no less a man than Mr. John Bright, the next question in the minds of many was—what will be dene with regard to the junior member for North- ampton ? We had not long to wait for after the Speaker was challenged upon the question be gave his decision in such a judicial and statesman- like manner as to commend him certainly to the majority of those present, and to settle the ques- tion for all time, an before another Parliament meets, if this one be not a very short one indeed, an Affirmation Bill will have become the law of the land. Little that was interesting occurred until the opening of Parliament by Her Majesty. As a very loyal subject I have to regret the Queen has not obsarved that impartiality incumbent upon the Sovereign with regard to the matter of epening Parliament in person. Yet those less pronounced in their loyalty than myself were quite as eager to witness the ceremony. I have read of the unceremonious way in which the faithful Commons appear before the Bar of the House of Lords. Now, I have realised, not only the want of dignity, but the indignity undergone to put in any kind of appearance. Many of the Members of the House of Commons only reached the popular house after severe struggles; but I question if any of them had before experienced anything like the difficulty they did in the rush ani crush of the few who were suecessful in running the gauntlet of the House of Lords. Of all the crashing that I have undergone, nothing has approached what I experienced on this occa- sion. Yet, I will be candid enough to say the scene I beheld, when I was fairly or unfairly within the Gilded Chamber, quite repaid one for all the tortures I had endured. I do not believe that in any capital in the world could be brought together such a gathering of rank and beauty as were assembled in that chamber. There were but few peeis present, and though I am one of those who have complained of their laxity of attendance I quite absolve their absence on that occasion as their presence would have necessitated abstention of their more favoured relations. In order not to trench too much upon your space I will revert to the other plac-5, and offer a few remarks in connection with what took place in the House of Commons. Upon our return business was commenced in earnest. The Address in reply to the Speech from the Throne was moved by Lord Curzon-a beau ideal of a young English nobleman. His lordship per. formed his task so well as to call for the commen- dations of Mr. Gladstone. After the gentleman who seconded the Address had concluded, up rose that hero of a hundred fights and was received in a manner worthy of the high position he holds in the estimation and. I may add, of the hearts of his followers. The readers of the Chronicle have perused the report of this magnificent oration; but thejeharm of voice, manner, and style could .nly be realised by those privileged to be present on that memorable occasion. I have had the good fortune to hear Mr. Gladstone deliver many speeches, but in his case familiarity does not count, for I listened to him with as much interest and delight as if it were the first time I was an auditor of the greatest statesman of this or any time. The next actor was the-now late Chanoellor of the Exchequer. The worthy baronet has a pleasing manner, and the utter absence of anything in the way of pretension goes to make up for the want of sterner qualities. His task was infinitely greater in ocming after such a renowned debater as the leader of the opposition; and not only that, but the "dinner hour" was reached, and it would have necessitated an orator of the first order to have counteracted the powerful attraction of the dining department. It must be very trying for members to speak as Sir Michael had to do on this occasion. A stranger would think that the members were about to make a general stamped-1, though I have witne&sed much greater routs on other occasions. Hitherto the quiokesc means of dispersing a gathering of people to my knowledge was to send the hat round, but much more effeetual is the rising of some well-known bore in the House of Commons. When some of those droning wind. bags rise, it does not matter from which side of the House, members rush into the lobbies as if a live bombshell had just fallen among them. Never- theless, these drones will grind out their too-well prepared-well not speeches—it would be sinful to call those intolerable lucubrations by any such title, or class them among speeches. On the first night of the debate on the Address a baronet on the Coa-ervative side wasted just an hour anl a qnarterio delivering one of the most dreary, listless, and pointless so called speeches, it has been my mis- fortune to endure. 1 cannot lay claim to he considered such a martyr to duty as to have remained in my pLea to listen to that pre. sumptuous spouter-for the term though low-is quite high enough for him. The two ends of his speech were more thin enough for a reasenable being. No, I took tbn genuine opportunity of ad- journing to a more enjoyable plac namely to the smoking room in company with Mr. Jessie Collings. Soon the duet was swelled into a quartette. Lord Randolph Chulchill sisd Mr. Labouchere came and sat with us. I have heard some smart things in my time both at home and abroad, but for genuine and racy humour the cross-firing on that occa- sion equalled anything I have hitherto experienced. The young lord mode himself as agreeable as could be desired and the smart things he said made his company quite enjoyable. It would have been difficult for a stranger fresh from an electoral campaign to have believed bis own senses were he told that men differing so much socially, politically, and otherwise, would chat and banter each other as only those who were on the best of terms would dare to do. Yet such is the fact, and in my estimation one of the greatest charms in a social sense appertaining to the life of a Member of Parliament is to be on terms of intimacy, if not of friendship, with those who may, or may not, be of your political creed. Not that it is to be supposed members of the different parties do not keep together wherever they may be as a rule, though the exception does occur pretty frequently. The enjoying a good dinner, and the soothing influence of a cigar just sets one up to bear the three or four extra hours that one has to pass before the House usually adjourns. On this particular night the first speaker of im- portance after the dinner hour was Mr Parnell. The uncrowned king of Ireland as he is styled by his followers, is a fairly effective speaker. Ne doubt the power and influence he wields goes for a great deal in the ordinary estimation of his place as a public speaker. Speaking of him in the abstract, he would pass for having more than average ability as a debater-indeed one of some eminence. The great desire evinced to hear him that evening was caused by some being of the opinion that he would make a statement. Those I who expected that the Irish Leader would divulge his scheme were doomed to be disappointed. Clearly his policy is to take all he can get, wh" ever can give him the most; that will be his. scheme and policy. There was not much to be learned from the speech of the hon, member for Cork. It was chiefly remarkable for a protest against those who asserted that in the event of Ireland securing home Rule the Protestant minority would c me off badly. lIe was very energetic in combatting such an idea and said that as a Protestant he would be the first to stand up in defence of his co-religionists I am quite of the opinion that, whatever kind of Government will be established b. Ireland,—for some form of Home 'Rule is certain-the Protestants will not auffer se such, for there are few plaees where so much religious toleration is observed as in Ireland. I find the notes going into great length, and though I should like to say something more in reference to Mr Parnell, I must leave him now, ae I shall in all probability have many opportunities to discuss him in the near future. As soon as the Irish leader had resumed his seat, one of I. ho North of Ireland Conservatives rose to address the Honse. From the angry glances of the National- iots,. one had not long to wait to notice how much" the two parties fr< m Ireland hate each other, and I must say that the representatives of the Orange party do not give many examples of moderntio%, either in language, style, or matter. The gallant major who rose to reply for the Conservatives of Ulster said several smart things, but he intro- duced terms that were quite unworthy of one who posed as the spokesman of the respectable portion of the commuaity. No doubt allowance must he made for the fiery nature of those meu of the North, and certainly I am not prejudiced againt tbem-quite the reverse-ini I feel th« more annoyed with them for such misconduct from that fact. All the smart things he said, and some ef them original too, did not shield him from the scathing sarcasms of Mr Tim" Healy, who rose to reply to thebon. jintleman apposite. Hie speech was a treat to all but the victim who wriggled in his seat like an eel being skinned alive, an opera- tion which he was undergoing metaphorically. The debate was concluded for the night by ■ J' i Churchill. His lordship did not indulge in any flights of rhetoric, hut made what was undoubtedly under the circumstances a plain and straightforward speech. Nothing conld be more candid than hid assertion of the readiness of his colleagues to give up the seals of office if the leaders of the Opposition were prepared to leave them. I must adopt a less discursive mode, for I find that the greater part of my notes cannot be given and I am the more sorry as what I consider the more important events have to be ignored, and would not be appropriate I to be continued in our next." I can say that the first night of the debate on the address has been acknowledged by mem- bers who have served in many Parliaments to be the most important they ever experienced. The great speech of Mr Gladstone, worthy, as it is said, of his best days, would have made the debate noteable, fore-shadowing as it did the eve of one of the greatest constitutional changes since the re- volution. The Conservatives were: it was very plainly to be seen, only^oo ready to change sides. They had played a desperate game which had gone against them in a manner scarcely to be conceived by their bitterest opponents. They did manoevre skillfully in order to shnnt the first two amend- ments to raise the issue on a Coercion Bill; but the Liberals were not to be taken into the trap, and as the sequel has shown, the Government has been overthrown. In my next contribution I will give a few incidents that took place previous to the divi- sion upon Mr Jesse Colling's amendment. At the present time the all-absorbing question is the formation of the new Cabinet. Mr Gladstone has sufficient materials at hand to make a very strong Government, which will be needed to give effect to the very important reforms now within measureable distance of legiilation.

Pontypridd Police Intelligence. SECOND COURT. Wednesday.—(Before Messrs E. John, Blandy Jenkins, and C. Bassett.) ASSAULT AT PONTYPRIDD.-Elizabeth Martin was charged with an assault.-Catherine Williams, wife of Samuel Williams, tailor, said last Tuesday week. January 26th, at 12 o'clock noon, she went to her next door neighbour's house and sat there with the child in her arms. Her little girl came in and said defen- dant's girl was beating her. She told bar to go baek and do the same to her. Defendant heard it and caught hold of a jug with water in it and threw it at her. Afterwards on going home, defendant threw a stone weighing 51bs. at her, but missed her. She then caught hold of'her by the hair of her head and 1, punched her so that she bled dreadful." It was in her mouth she was struck. She also kicked her on the right leg, after pulling her to the floor with the ba.by in her arms. Ann Gronow, half-sister to com- plainant, corroborated.—Daniel Williams, brother-in- law, to complainant, said he heard women screeching, and, on going out, saw defendant kicking quite freely at her. Ou seeing him she went away.—Witnesses were then called for the defence. Edward Lewis said he heard a noise and saw Mrs Williams throwing a stone at defendant. Saw blood on Mrs Martin's forehead.—Winifred Edwards, 63, Taff-street, said she-saw complainant throw a stone at defendant, and then strike her in the face.—Defendant fined 10s and costs, or 14 days, and both to be bound over to keep the peace for six months in 95 each. I BASTAKDY ARREARS AT FKHNDALE.—CLAIM FOR £ 12 18s.—Evan James Evans was summoned on this charge.—foarah Price said she obtained the order in May, 1876, for 2s 6d a week until the child is 13 years 101 weeks are due. He paid £ 1 12s 6d last April! He bad not paid any before for two years to. the 4th of February last.—The Bench said acoording to her statement upwards of £17 was due.—Mr Rosser, who appeared for the defence, cross-examined. Defen- dant's mother took the child on Nov. 17, 1884. It was kept before in Knighton by a Mr Davies at 38 a week. Defendant was to pay 2s 6d and she was to pay the sixpence. The ehild was about 4 years with Mrs Davies. The money paid by Mrs Pennel was- handed over to Mrs Davies.-Remanded on bail for a week.

Rhondda Yalleys Chamber of Trade. The quarterly meeting of the above Chamber was held at the Ivor-hall, Llwynpia, on luesday evening, Mr. Lone being in the chair .-C onsider- able regret was expressed by several members that, by an omission of the secretary, they were left uninformed of the kind invitation from the Merthyr Chamber to the annual confprence of chambers lately held there. They said they would assuredly have attended bad they known of it. It was resolved that the secretary should apologise for himself and the chamber to the Merthyr Chamber for the omission-It was resolved to re- spectfully request the kind attention of the Taff Vale directors to the urgent want of shelter ac- commodation on the up platform at Llwynpia Station, and the secretary was instructed to inform the Local Board that on Saturday and Sunday last in the district of Pentre, from Treorky to Ystrad, the gas-lamps were put out at ten and eleven o'clock, the nights being dark and the roads dangerously slippery.

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