The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

ITALIAN STEAMERT FIRED UPON BY A FRENCH WARSHIP. No little excitement has been caused by the an noancemeut published by the j^eicito, the leading ttiilitary paper, and re-produced by all the news Jvipera in Rome, that all Italian steamer has been tired upon and hit by a French cruiser. The inci- vleiit, which took place between Genoa and Nice, is explained by the commander of the French war- t-nip to have been the result, of au accident. The whole affair, however, must be received with cau- tion, and will probably prove to have no more importance than the frequent "incidents" that are reported from the Franco-Italian frontier. Hut it is not to be denied, that it is calculated, little jjrave as ii may prove to be, to further entangle "e relations between the two countries, and to throw fresh difficulties in the way of the conclu- sion of the treaty of commerce. j

THE MURDER BY A SURG SOX. At the Barusley Court House, William Henry IRmeris Burke, surgeon, Manor House, Honk- inetton, was. after repeated remands, brought Ii i', charged with murdering his daughter, iilen; Kthel Burke, aged nine years, at the Norman Inn, MoMkbrettou, on the night of February 4 last, ¡,y shooting her with a revolver. The prisoner aNo shot himself, and had been confined to l>eek< u. II ospita.1 since, under medical treatment.—Air. "Williams, a West Riding solicitor, prosecute'! Mr. Mellor, barrister, defended.—Pri-iOBor, who Was accompanied in court by Dr. Cla-kbum, war- very pale. He was accommodated with an en-v chair in the dock.—Mr. William* stated the i'a i- of the case, showing that the prisoner shot the ■ehild, and attempted to take his own ti fe. He jwoposed putting in a letter which the prisoner wrote at a public-house that evening, addressed ho iiis wife. The letter was written in graimnatical style, was punctuated, and was written by a person in his right mind.—Police-constable F.mslie and George Taylor, the landlord, gave evidence, show- ing that the prisoner shot the chillI, alld tried to shoot himself. The letter written by the firisoner to his wife stated that ho once loved his wife. but that she had converted this into entire indifferent by leaving him. He bade her good-bye.—The prisoner was committed for trial.

A REMARKABLE ARREST. A correspondent says that an extraordinary rOmauce of crime has been unearthed in Birming- liam. A gentleman whilst travelling from Bristol by train for Birmingham, had for companion a man who bore a striking resemblance to the newspaper descriptions of Lye, who was wanted for murdering a woman near Hminster, Somerset. The gentle- man who was perusing the account of the murder, remarked upon it to his fellow traveller, who mani- fested great uneasiness. His suspicions being nrmsed, the gentleman communicated with the .oliee on arriving at New Street Station, Birming- ham, and Detective Blizzard, who was in the sta- tion, approached the supposed murderer and accosted him as an 0111 acquaintance, and observed that he did not expect to meet him. The stranger ttenied the acquaintance, but would not give any account of himself, was arrested and taken to the police-station. He maintained silence and was charged on suspicion, was then ^searched, and a scrap of paper bearing the following words was found upon him, He gave chase to me, but I ran for a mile and got away." Prisoner the a stated that he came from Exeter, and gave an address in that town. The police at Exeter was communicated with, and a description being furnished them they telegraphed a reply saying that prisoner was lict, the murderer, but was an escaped highway lobber. Whilst being conveyed from Trowbridge to Mer- thyr Tydvil, he had broken from the otiicers anl escaped with the hand-cuds on him, prisoner was now re-charged and admitted the identity, remark- ing that had he been arrested on the right charge at first he should have made a bold bid for freedom. His name is Robert Ayres, alias Carter, aud lie is native of Merthyr.

AN IMPORTANT LICAL CHIRCESY ACTIOS. PHILLIPS v. DUay, THE END OF THE TlHEDMJLR WILL SUIT. is tvine same on for hearing before Jnstiw* Kel: wjoh Oil Wednesday t"at. Oar rwMtmi will r«-n'«»mb»»r that Jamfn Williams Hawlri.8tiied on the 1st cf Asgusf., 18P0, poweeaeed of coaeiderable property, and by him will, dated 27tik July in that y, r. i,f' the whol,- o,f it to Mra Dar, and her ch'bire*. 1 he vnlidi^y ef the will was contested. 1-p Jjpri<»e Bu t, how**i nr. after a two days trial, id»d that lIoch will ehostld hs npheld, and de- li»err<i judgment acsordingly on the 17th nltisao. It m pears that Mis Phillips, the plaintiff in this aotior, represented|to Mr» lhry, the defeadant, that she held a deed of gift exsented by Mr Hawkicd. by which tha waole of the property pa-snr-d to Mr- l'hillipe, and in oonaaqaencs tesre- ..t. •'t the lfih Augnst. 1866, N eeare G. and C. J il,ne;il. of Merthyr, who at that time acted as do- fenoants' sol eitors, prepared a deed of arraoee- oiea- whereby Mrs Dory took J&idOO#, and Mre Pbiili|)3 the reivain^er rt the property, amounting in So abent <eK)fw «tte«. Uuo. it.a traucpiritig, however, that Lb. alleged derd of gift was in fact a w ll, Mrø Dnry destined to sarry opt the covenants of the devfi. sod this astion wae brviught by Mrn Phillips to ba-0 snch deed oarried ioio < ffect. Mr Warsainifton, Q C., and MrJJp- jofen, in«trncted by Mr 0. D^nncay, of Trsdaifar, ar-pearnl for the plaintiff, birs Phillips, sad Mr Byrne, Q C.,at d Mr Norton, instructed by Messrs Morgan and Male, of For.typridd, represented, the dt,f."dttut. Up<n Lis Le)rdo;iiip taking his seat on the secoTid day tf the tiial Mr Warntingtoa ststsd that since the court rote last evening an arraags- meet had been arrived at between the parties.— Hi* Lordfhip I am very glad to hear it -The it-rms of eeit enient are tÍlht Mrs Phillips, tbe pl«int<fT, is to deliver up the deed of arrangement 11) defendant to be eat celled, the defendant nnder- t«kit.g to pay her tl550 in full discharge of all rUinie* nnder such deed witSin a fortnight) of profiate of the will of the lata Mr Hawkins being granted.

SAD CASE OF DESERTION. An English girl who was married by a Chinaman* and deserted by him in China, has returned lioine with her clliU to lSuldon Colliery. The girl was married at bunderlaud, on the plausible represen- tation of the Chinaman ttiatshe would be a lady ia, China, but on getting there she-found the China- man had already one wife, if not more. After I being dc-! rted by the foreigner she was taken into- I a hospital, and has just been enabled torotuftt. lioiiie. biie is imw residing with liei* parents.

THE "CHARGE OF CONSPIRACY. Five men, named Henry Buchanan, John Nelson. John Wilson, Edward Thomas, and Raphael Shires., the two i:rst-named having several aliases, have been charged bef(."c the Manchester Stipendiary witbr conspiring to defraud certain persons of various* sums of money. Thr; evidence went to show that! the defendants had earried on business as medical specialists, and from time to time whe^i patients- waited upon Lliev had charged thein con- siderable sun)- of money under the pretence of cur- ing them of various diseases. In consequence of' tlw Inany complaints which reached the authoritiett inquiries were set on foot which resumed in the arrest of the ii v e men, most of whom had previously been employed as clerks to betting men. Among- the witnesses were two police constables, who visited two of the defendants as patients and pro- fessed to medical assistance. They were is, eaeli case assure! that they were sulfering from\ some disease, Lhough as a matter of fact they were in perfect health. The prisoners were committed^ tor trial at the assizes.

A PRAISEWORTHY OBJECT. Knowing the do-ititute condition, iu which the • families of sailors are invariably !ef& when the I husbands or fathers die at sea, Mossrs. Eider, Dempster, and Co., of LiverjKX)!^ have just com- phrted a xihemo for the relief of such distress. is an arrangement with a first-ctaaa local assurance society, whereby the men, by th< payment. of ,;d, per week while at sea, ensure for their families the handsome sum of i;ot) in case of t thoir death. The officers, for I-, per week, are insured for t'10!), and all are medically examined before th«y sign the ship's articles. Although the promoters wera led to originate the scheme out oi pure philanthropy, they find that two objects of a, very detirablo nature are gained. While the system relieves tho di«tress, it also onsureaa bettec class of men being obtained for ttte ships' crews—■ that is to say, uuiu who are in thorough good heatta. Messrs. Elder, Doinp^tor, and Co., do nobmake ib a «' qua fon that tho men tnnat be insured. The system has been in force for the past few weeks. < and the men havo been found very willing to em- brace so good an opportunity. In order bo help the insurance company, the promoters undertake to collee", the weekly contributions from the men. The scheme is one which appears to be worthy ot imitation by Liverpool shipowners generally.

A SECOND "JACK SHEPPARD." Ab the South wark Police Court, London, Wis, Tyndal (locally known as Jack Sheppard), Stephen Haines, George Bainoa, and William Batchelor, were further examined on a charge of being con- cerned in burglaries in South London and obber parts of the metropolis, and William Chandler. coffee house keeper, pi York Streeb, London Road, and Edward Woodford, signalman, in the omploy of the South-Western Railway, for receiving vari- ous proceeds of the same. A domiciliary visit was made toChandler's house, where between £300 and A400 worth of goods Waa ■■ discovered. Among these goods were a gphl mourning ring with hair in centre, and engraved on the back, In memory of Elizabeth Purvis, or Purkis, died Dec., 1869," and five gold scarf piM. the first, a fine gold horseshee second, fine gotd pear-shaped, having evidently once formed part of a pair of earrings third, a round medalliou, with diamond star in centre fourth, a large topaz, seb round with 20 pearls, which had originally been a brooch and lastly, a monogram scarf pin with 44 small diamonds. There was also a large uumber ef rings, watohes, Ae., aud a quantity of valuable goods in seal, skunk, and racoon, the vfrhole-.of which are on view ab Bermondsey Streeb Police Station. Haines was committed for trial on the Arab charge, and the others were further remanded.

A>T i MPUDENT~THTEF. At the Chester City Police Courb, before -the- Mttyor (Mr. W. Brown) and Mr. Charlos Toifoa- bond, a woman uamod Elizabeth Jones,'who is unfavourably known to tlho police authorities, was. brought up in custody charged with stoaling a. sovereign, belonging to Mr. C. Ellis, coal agent. 2, 8t. Jamcf Stiteet, Chester.—Prosecutor sbaLe-l that he visited the Bear's Paw public-house, Foregabe- Street, and when iu the yard adjoining the house, and whilst lie was counting his ntoney, prisooor suddenly came up and snatched the sovereign fron> hi« hands. He and idr. Garsley, the landlord, endeavonred to gst it from her, but she resisted, and said she had not gob ib.—-Police-constable Jonea de)tope<.t to prisoner being taken into cusbody, and denying having committed the theft. EYI. deuce was it(idumi too the etfecb that when the prisoner was eoarcbed ab the liolioe office tlie coin wim found upon her.—The prisoner elected to be dealt with summarily, and pleaded guilty.—The- magistrates xyntouKod her to three months' impti- sonment with hard laboar.

THE SOMERSET TRAGEDY. George Lye, the small farmer and butcher who suspected of the murder of Martha Charlos (oU), East I^aiuhrook, Somersetshire, as already ra- ported, was captured at Charlton Adam, near Soaiorseb, and was at once conveyod to Ilminstei* Police Station. He lias been brought up charged With the murder.—Sergeant Dawe stated the ease, from which it apjteared that, prisoner called at the bouse of the deceased, who attended to his domestic requirement*, at half past ten o'clock on the nighb in question, and said he wanted his (oleal) clot hes, as he was going oil' next day. Deceased re-lighted her fire, dried the clothes, which consisted of a shirt, collar, pair of stocking", and a towel, ironed th-jia, and took them to Lye's house. The poor Woman never returned to her home. Her daughter Went to iuquire aboot her, but got an evasive answer. from Lye. Next* morning, ;it daylight, j several neighbours went to Lye's house, they found I the back door open and everything in the kitchen 4a the usual state but on opening the door of the Bitting-room a revolting spectacle presented itself.. The iioor was covered witn hlood, the walls bespat- tared, and the body of the unfortunate woman lay Stretched on the floor. Her head was fearfully fcattero.l, and she appeared to have received five blows with a (toloaxe which yvas found in the room. The murderer must first have struck his victim on the top of the head with the sharp end of the axe, suid whilst she lay on the floor four other blows Unust have been inflicted but this time the other and of ths axe was used. No motive can be giveu Zw the tearful crinse. Deceased had always been "OB good terms with Lye, attending to his wants "'When others shunned him because of his occentric manners. The clean clothes which decease 1 took to the boaM were found hung on the settle in tho: ';room, and two bottles, which smolt strongly of gin. were found cloae at hand.—The prisoner was Tymandsd. He preserves a stolid demeanour, and lias not said a word about the crime. An inquest has been held at East Lambrook, be- fore Mr. Munckton, coroner and evidence to the mbove offset having been given, the jury returned verdict of wilful murder againsb Lye.

A SOOTH AFRICAN HERO'S PROWESS. At tbs Widnes Police Court, a man named Daniel Gilmour, Barn Street, Widnes, said to be «ne of the heroes of Rorke's Drift, was brought up VB a charge of feloniously wounding Thomas Dorio- who lives next door. From the evidence of a IHUi named Thomas Jackson it appeared that he Saw the prisoner kiok Donovan's door open and Hash into the house. The complainant was \yhv/ -no the sofa, and prisoner kicked him off and knocket Jtlqt down. He then picked him up and struck him im the head with a chair, eventually breaking the "Gltair into pieces oiy the poor fellow's head. Dono- •n was seriously wounded, and bled profusely.— Police-constable Worafold stated that on going to 3>oiv> van's house he foujtd him in a semi-conscious condition, and ilulfering severely from the wounds Its had received. He sent for a doctor, and after-. tmrda VSftt to the prisoner's house, but was re- fused Mnaittanoe.. He. burst open the door, and Sound Gilmour under the bed. Prisoner then said,. °" Is it, for the affair next door?" He then took "e ptjspasr into custody, and afterwards conveyed >%be enatpliummfe to the infirmary on a stretcher. Dr. H uopinaon attendwi the complainant, and car- 'K6ed that his life was in danger, and that pleurisy Mid' iuflalmnatiou bad set in. On the application *CStawrift$eud<Mi* Johnson, prisoner was remanded "il iMtngrefsoed.

Anxiety as |o the water snppty of Leeds is now sJlay«Ml. It has been computed that the reservoirs .^onUiinerl a aupply. for 141 dtys. as compared with a H:! -lay-* swpplv aK this titii,i htst year. F»«hiuii » pre-onb levoluMon is provoking an %K«4^irlTrw»- r in Pari", lr-is gradually pP0« dkit ing 1le;v»nri.)n of t.ho o)xjra-hat and thv tin waistcxat.

MMOKKO PARISH VESTRY. 1 ANOTHER LIVELY MEETING AT PONTY. PRIDD. A largely-attended vestry meeting of the ratepayers of L'tHiw nuo parisb was held at the Vestry Hall, Pi Litypnriil, on Thursday afternoon, ?be 3f2nd inst., the Krv. 1.\1, Lewis, vicar of the parish, presiding.. Mt V Phillips, the assistant overseer, read the notice COI1\, oiug the meeting, which dealt with the nomination of overseers; the precept towards the expensfs of the Burial Board; tbj valuation list; and the nomination of iruardians. The first baseness taken in hand was the nomina- tion of overseers. It was explained that the custom adopted was to presant to the magistrates a full list of persons qua?i"iied to act an overseers, that list be- ing now tead, but that, eiiber from that list, or out- tide or it, three persons should be specially recom mended, by tlie vestry, the custom having been to nomini-. ie on« from Mountain Ash, one from Ponty- pridd a)id one from the eetitre of the parish. Mr E Griffiths, Brynteg., proposed the noKiination of Mr W. Wiklia tBt. Mr J. E. Lloyd, Porfrh, seconded. Mr H. Porcfeer, Pontypridd, remarlcod th%t solicitors were exempt iron) acting as overseers, and be noticed thatMrH. LI. Grover's naine was included in the list reudbv the a^sistaut overseer. Mr D. Powell, Portih, proposed the nomination of Mr John Morgan, builder, Hafod. The Assistant Ch'trt.-i-r stated that Mr Morgan was not a. he s-. hoider in this parish. Mr «J. Crockett proposed the appointment of Mr David Rowlaivl. Mr Williams, Gellrwastad Road, seconded. Mr Crookefcc thought, they ought to appoint a country representsti>vr., n town representative, and a Mountain Ash representative. The Assistant Overseer: You arp bound to have one from Mountain A-sh it is a separate ward. Mr EvanTfooma3, solicitor, proposed Mr William Jcnes, Pwll'heiy(f. Mr David Llewelyn, DHrvvenno, seconded. I\ir T. Whitty Evans, Mountain Ask, proposed Mr W. L. Herbert, Mountain Ash. This was seconded iy Mr Edwards, Mountain Ash. W. L. Herbert, Mountain Ash. This was seconded iy Mr Edwards, Mountain Ash. Mr if. T. Wales "proposed Jilr Arthur Cobb, I'ER.T) pu.^d. J 21r J. Cvockett secoi ded. Mr lJ. Ca!e proposed Mr David iLlewelyn, Dar- wonno. Mr Joha Thomas, Oanwrnno, seconded. Mr John Morgan, Hafod, proposed Mr Morgan Williams, Hafod. Mr E. Griffiths escosded. Mr W. Jones, Pontypridd, suggested that it would he well to have one overtecr from Perth, one from Pontyprkrd, nnd one from Mountain As-h. Mr E. Griffiths proposed for Porth district Mr Levi Re("'S., of Porth Mr John Morgan did not remember An overseer of this parish residing in the Rhondda Valley. He aer" tninly thought the Valley bad a claim. If they took Irem Pontypridd to Ferti ale they ooabt to have one in the cenire, lor there was a very large population. At a meeting held at Portb they unanimously decided that they should get one from the neigh- bourhood, because the^y did not -ee v. hy ths faimers on the mountains and tl>e peoph- of ii^-sybwl should always have one forsnoR a sin nil I cpuUtior., when the large sopnlation of the valley was without one. tlr E. Griffiths.. I was an overseer in the valley about 18 years ago. Mr Williams, Gelliwanfcad Road You may as well say 1000 years ago. (Great laughter). Mr D. Rowland, Pontypridd, remarked that he did not care whether he was appointed, or not. He was not at all anxious for the post. He had served two years, and he thought it would be as well for someone else to be appointed but still be was will- ing to act if they wished. Mr Crockett remarked that Mr Rowland would stand. It was pointed ont that there being only one gentle- man nominated for Mountain Ash, there was no necessity for voting for him. Mr HeTbert was, therefore, declared nominated. For Pontypridd, the two put to the vote were Messrs D. Rowland and W. Williams, draper. Mr Cobb withdrew in favour of Mr Rowland, but Mr E. Griffiths declined to withdraw his proposal of Mr Williams, and urged Mr Cobb to stand as well, so that they might all go to the poll- Mr Cobb said be would not think of prat-tiag him. self in competition in;th Bli- Lowlabd. The voting was as follows:— For Mr Rowlrnd—53 For Mr Williams — 6 Mr Raw1 mida was, therefore, declared doly nominated. Mr E.Griffiths: I doli't tbink tbe people under- stand. (Laughter). I donbt v-.ry much, be«anse the seconder did not vote at all. (Renewed laughter). I The voting for the oth' r portion of the parish was then proceeded with, and the names of those left read ptcr, namely, Messrs Morgan Williams, Levi lleea, I M-tid Gwihm Jones. Mr D. Rowland remarked that Mr Mjrpaa Davies, the lata-overseer, had been omitted, and he had very gteat pleasure in proposing him. as an no trouble was too much for Mr Davita to go to in connection with ¡ lite duties of the office. Mr D. Cnle seconded. Tim result ef the voting was as follows :— 1 Mr Davies—18 I Mr Jones — 2 The nomination sf Ifr Levi Rees was withdrawn hy Mr Thomas in favour of Mr Morgau Williams. For Jliforgan Williams—21. Mr E. Griffiths said thev conld not vot«> for two. (Cries of "No.")Ha addad that was why he raised the qn^stion at the beginning. Mr Williams, Gelliwastad Road Yon voted, and j r!»i*ed hanrN op yourself then. (Lauirhter). j Mr Herbert, Mountain Ash Mr Chairman, please proceed to business, will you wo waut to go by train. The Chairman It is a question to be decided as to whether one ratepayer can vote for two parties in tha tame district. It an important pjint. Mr D. tCiwland It is very iticonaUtent to do eo. Tho Chairman: If that is so the voting mut be d tif %Yor again. A. Voic4?: 3fco. no; let ns vota on the two highest, o we will be hfjre all H?fy. (fIr-Ar. hear) The voting waa as;aiu proceeded with when there vv er I For Mr Morgan Davies—22. I or Mr Morgan Williams1—2*2. The Chairman Mo two votes this lima. Mr Williams, Gelliwast«d Yet; no cheating this ti.ue. Keep year eye on thorn, especially this side. (Lausfbter.) Mr E. Griffiths: Mr Williams, plaae<» to keep year insults to yourself. Yoa hava plenty of neod for th'rti. The Chairman I Sntf I aw pi" in a very pniufnl position to iecida thiv matter. I always do it i II <» iiood spirit, and I h"p'" I am doiulC the best for thrf pnrish. J will.say Iik.* the farmer when b( had I' hn old horse—" I t worked wnli wliau I had it befora." 1 deeide iu tavour of tho old one. (Langhter and ap- planse) I am obliged to decida cue way or tue i.thcr, aud with the ccutral of the pariah I had a v»rv f^oat. feeling and it ij central to go up front Ynysybwl a» well aa other parts, nurl, in fact, it is vrv f^oat. feeling and it ij central to go up front Ynysybwl a» well aa other parts, nurl, in ftet, it i-i healthy for people to take a walk. (Renaved I lanyhter). Mr Morgan Daviee was therenpon declared daly elected. THB BURIAL BOl&D PRS^BPT. Th • A=pi«tsnt Overseer read a precept frant the Gly. tali Hriria] Board for £206, tho (•■ liection of wLieh wonld amount to an additional 4;20. Mr D. Cole proposed that the precept be made and collected as nsual. Mr R. Thomas. solicitor: I will aeosnd it with pleasure, although it is a hard burden. Carried. THE VALUATION LIRT. A letter was read from the clerk of the (Jnien (Mr E. C Spickett) directing the re-valaation of the parish, and statins that the assessment committee desired that in fntnre 30 per cant, should he taken off for rates and taxes, as well as the 15 per cent, for repairs which had been nwaal. The Assistant Overseer said this would make a difference of aboet 15 per caut. in the rateable valns. Mr J, Morgan, flafod, said that tttia expenditure for making the ra valnation was heavy. Why not make only a supplemental list,and have a re-valuation every fenr or five years. Mr R. A. Lewis, tbe Grove, Pentypridd, asked was not that a ntatter for the overse. rs ? Assistaut Overseer: It is a matter for the Guar- dians. Air R. Thomas, solicitor Tha assessment commit- te. directs it. Mr John Morgan Well, we mast bring pressara to bear npon them. Mr R. Thomas: You are bound to make a re-valaa- tion, and the question is how ataoh to pay for maktu it. 1\1 r W. Jones, Pontypridd, said the qaestion raise3 hv Mr Morgan was perfectly fair, but in the presata iostanee tlvey conld not b, lp thewselves. Instr^oliajifc bad been isancd by the haia*s«ue«k eoMasittee to hava this d. ne. he to it was p«c>aible for tha vestry tc rec»mi--><r.d to tllp. ,u.it{- that ib nipr,. rt-n '< h- -hly anew ia three y.ar. iust- y 11 ■ w ■»«? r sa f*t :he p ■ • -ti.. ••»n »•' a »a » a Ii«v ha« •i "'1 ix m It 1 s for the vestry to recomwend to tbe committee. I Mr A. Hale: Yes, quite so. Mr R. A. Lewis: Let as finish with this first. Mr W. Jones said he wished to raiee a point upon it, and that was that when any new vsiaation liBtwas ordered by the assessment eommDSbee, if the rewflt was that the valuation bad not increased by one-sixth of the previous valuation, the expense incurred wae to be borne by the common fund, and est by the parish alone. That being so they need cot vote at this meeting the amouot to be paid, LiA Mr Phillips drat of all ascertain whether they bad gslned ope-sixth. Mr R. A. Lewis It will mean t"he same in the end. The Assistant Overseer: Have yon the section? Mr Jones; Yes; I am glad tbt* we have legal gentlemen with us who will no doubt assist as (Laughter.) Mr D. CuVe- They will want '6s -3d. Mr R. Thomas: Hear, hear. (Laughter.) Let the clerk of the Union assist yon. Mr R. A. Lewis Could we not get the money To- funded ? The Assistant Overseer The parish would have to contribute to the common fund, so it will be the same in the end. Mr E. Griffiths Others will have to pay the ex- penses of this parish. ] Mr D. Rowland did net think they would be any better, because this parish would have to pay the same on another occasion to some other parish. Mr W. Jones thought to pass the resolution would be illegal, and the auditor would object to the pay- ment. Mr Whittey Evans askeS what Mr Jones was quot- ing irotn 0) Mr Jones: "Shaw's Parish Law." The Assii-tant Overseer remarked that this resolu- tion had been passed by the vestry before, aIrl the auditor had passed the account. Mr D. Rowland proposed that they proceed at once as usual. Mr 5). Cule seconded. Mr f»V. Jones moved as an amendment that they postpone the consideration of this vote of the expenses c!»nnrcced with the valuation list until sueh time as the assistant overseer had completed his work. He ventured to say again that if they passed this now it would be illegal. Mr J. Morgan, Hafod, seconded the amendment, and said that it was no criterion to say that they bad passed it before, and, th&sofore, it was legal. The amendment, on buing put to the meeting, was supported by 21. For the motion, 23. Mr Rowland's motion was, therefore, -declared carried amid applause In reply to a question, the assistant overseer said that 1fhe amount paid last year for preparing the list was £ 160, and in 1885, -it was JE150. M-i- D. Thomas, Mountain Aah, proposed that they pay tbe same amount as last time first of all because the f.ssistant overseer bed more worK, (Hear, bear.) He/the speaker) had lived in the world 56 years, and his experience went toithow that if they bad a dog, or a-cat, a man-servant, a maid-servant, a-son, or a daughtor, tb6 worse thing they could do was to keep them on short allowance. They ought to keep their assistant overseer prspefrly. He had been brought up in this place, and he was an honour to the town. (Hes-T. hear.) They should keep him as a man, and they could expect work from him. M-r W. Evans, Ynysybwl, seconded. Mr Williams: More, and then have more work from him. (Laughter.) Mr John Thomas: Will you propose more, Mr Williams. Mr Williams, however, declined. The motion was then put, and carried. NOMINATION OF (. UAHDIANS.—A CONTEST INEVITABLE. The next business wasihe nomination of Guardians. Mr Rowland proposed Mr Aaron Cale. Mr J. Crockett so-,ended. Mr D. Cule proposed Mr T. Jcnes, Maind-j House. MJ. W. Evans seconded. Mr R. A. Lewis proposed the re election cy: Mr D. Llewelyn, Darwonno. Mr D. Rowland seconded. Mr Davies proposed Mr W. Evans. Mr Seaton seconded. Mr D. Thomas proposed Mr C. J. N. Grey And Mr W.L. Herbert for Mountain Ash. Mr Wbittey Evans seconded. M ? H. Porchor asked if fcnis was not something new for Guardians to be nominated in the vestry. The Assistant Overseer, This is nothing new, but there is nothing binwiiis: in it. Yen may nominate nutside PS well, bnt it has been the eustom to nomi- nate at the voatry here. The Assistant Overseer proposed the nomina&ioh of Mr T, Morgan, Fron. The Assistant Overseer remarked that Mr Morgan was at present a representative of Llantrisart. Mr Pnr«her It dots not lollsw that he will be. Mr R. Thomas seconded. Tbe Chairman proposed Mr Wales. Mr R. Jo(i«s. Hafod, seconded. Mr Jobo Morgan oaid this was all in Tain, beeasss others could be nominated again* and wonld be no donbt. As more hsd been nominated than the number re- quir" aud a contest thus rendered inevitable, the matter was left an open questien. rMPOKTAKX HECOMMeXDATIO* TO T1TB A8SEBSUBKT i.UilMIITEB. Mr W. Jones moved e. resolution that this vestry respectfully recommends to tbe assesementeommittee oi the Pontypridd Union in fature to only order the valuation list once in' three years instead of every year as at present. Mr John Morgan, Hafod, seconded, and the motto was carried pnanimonsly. Mr J. Morgan, Hafod, writes:— "At tbl-J meMtintr of the vestry, held en Thursday last, I was proposed as a candidate for the overseer- ship. but aa objection was raised by the assistant cverseer to my qualification fcr the office, on the ground that I wan "not a householder" m'tkin the parish, and I was in consequence thrown out of the competition. I have now, however, ascertained that anch ruling was contrary ts low, fortbeAotdiotinatly atntes that a person who sball be assessed io the poor rate, and a resident within two miles froa theohsrqh or eLapet of the pariah, is inly qualified for the offiee at, overseer. I was the nominee ef the Ratepayers' Protection Asaoeiatien, and had a large majority in my iavour." —1

SUICIDE OF "COUGH CANDY." The Carditf eoeen<>is, kisvl hy the a^hvifnat ef C^kdy, s«-aiMitt<d eakras Vanday ky f, I Um 14- 0-i 6; H*s v 4 I. the 0 q, r. will nof '1 t. a at, ?to sttr.AsSr.

LOCAL RATES & THEIR BASES. A paper read by Mr Idris Williams, Bryngtu. at a meeting of the Ratepayers' Protection Associ- ation, Portb :— Mr Chairman and Gentlemen—Allow me at the out&et to congratulate you upon tbe formation of this iissociation. If I understand its objects rightly it ia established for the sole purpose of enlightening ratepayers on the principles upon which the the ratepayers on the principles upon which the rn.teq are made and collected, or in the words of the rule—"The protection of ths interests of the ratepayers generally." In order to bring this about it is distinctly stated in Rule 6tb "that it shall be I non-politick.1, aiad shall not interfere with party politics" All persons, of "whatever political creed, I may, therefore, heartily join and tak", part in its proceedings. Ani in order to instruct, and educate ettoh other upon questions appertaining to Rates ar-fd Taxes. "Role 9 soya—"That at a general uieet- rag etc member bhall be appointed to read a paper on a subject to the interest of the ratepayers, &c." Now, in order to cany out that rule I stand before yon to say a few words upon the stsbjpct given me, I namely, "The Local Rates and their bases." I wonld first point ent that it is not my intention so ■peak npon this subject from the standpoint of a le.'i^lator—that neither T nor you havo anything to do with here to-ni^ht. We have the laws by which tbe severs! ratea already made aie imposed, whe- ther to"'y liT" jurt or unjust., fair nr nnfair. we have to do with. I am here to state, and yon are here to listen, as to the mods in which thslaws I npon t'nepp sublet* are administered. And allow me to tell ynn th-iit wp all have something to do in order to effect the dne administration ef the laws, not only of ratine, but. of all laws nnder which we iliA subjects live. I would also state that in my onininr the more we become acqu-.iinted with, and the better we understand, these laws the easier and the wore effectual will their administration be carried ont. Now, Sir, hy local rates we nnderHtand I' those rates that are levied, collected, and epent by our local authorities, viz., the poor rate, the high- way, or, in onr district, the local board of health rat. which comprises the highways, the sohool bnacd rate, the bnrial rate, the gas and wtior rates, which by the way are regnlBted by Acts of Parlia- ment granted to private companies, bnt would no iknM he to the benefit of the ratepayers if they were tnfren over and managed by the local public authorities. The county rates, these are described as local rates. I presume, to distinguish them from the imperial taxes, viz., the income tax under its various schedule*, tho levying, cnllec ing, and disbursement of which local bodies have nothing to do with. They are settled ty commissioners of income tax, mad* up of local centlemen appointed I bellieve, by the Lord Chancellor. The mo-Je of appointing in this instance requires great reforma tion. which undoubtedly will ultimatelytake place. Now, let an glance at the machinery, the compli- cated machinery, by which these rates arencxesaed. The oldest of these i* the parish vestry. The an- thorif.y and power vested in the vestry is some- thing wondprfnl when we talre into consideration the per;ed in which it was first established. I believe I am right in stating that it was in exis- tence before any of the representative bodie s now ex:stmjf were created. In fact, the power giren to the vestrv of the parish is the perm of home rule, and if properly attended to by the inhabitants would ultimately dev»lope itself into th&t. The next is the Bonrd of Guardians. Thee cornea the Pehnol board, with the local board and burial board. Yon will observe that I put them down in the order in which they bav been established in this distsiet. There are two authorities, viz., the highway hoard am-i tb- rural sanitary an* hority, who have the pnpwrvisYow and control of those portions of par- ishes lyin-g outside the boundaries of the local boards of lie-Itli. Theee are made np of the mem. bers of the Board "f Guardians, representing the parishes within which th-pe districts he. The o,prv,eers are elected once in every year by the vstry. The vestry that is the voting D"wfr fn a vr*try, is given to *11 the ratepayers of the -pirieii, and h«re I would *-ave yon clearly to nnderstand that the wnrd ratepayer does not mean tbe p»r«nn who a.etn,,I',v TvnyFo the rBt. hut a person who eecn- pies a rateable tenement, whether Or not he directly pays the rates. Perhnps, Mr Chairman, that this is about the least understood question. People wv<-> live in cottages, whose rates are paid by th,e landlords, never think ef attending vestries, Ncvet them on the several or.rd8 Ae" why 11 -;rmply. boocamom thoy are andor tVe f-l". inipredion that they are not ratepayers; ♦ h»t c>acln»i n t^ey afrive^' •<; ihrongh the ffcSt that they are never troubled t, the Nte. ool- leetor, bf-rop tlont, ther ATIII debarred frntn psrtici- potinr in thA d'senssiona and vn-ing at vtfstry tiui-s. Kever w", there a pr-pit-r delusion. J. maillastrnte this—«npn"se ^r>n bnild a number of oettnges. »'■* o^at say of £ 150 sack. The first thine yes do is to Salts Into oonaideration how you ar» to reimburse yoarsslf with this outlay. YOB set d»*i—ftronad rent, sar j61 interest upon the outlay, £ 7 lfa rates and taxes, say £ 1 10n; insu- rance, 16a; r^t ars, JB1 j total, £11 IBs. Kov7, yo« par it A own that yoo onght to be rennid the owthty iv 20 vpl!r-; pit down again towards that object, fT 10a, and eharge the tenant. J619 Bs or 34s. per m"nth, in order to g-t t1-e j619 peranniun to rseonp ynnrself and P'1 enrrmt sxpsnssa. Now, who is the rats^ayerf TM faet. who is it that pays every., thiacf Why, the tenant, ef course. The Isgislatare haa taken this view of the matter, and has siven him full power, eqnal right, to we to ths vestry and vete thereat alongside Mt landlord. is faot, the tenant j" the ritspAyer practically speak- ixar. barasse fbij Act of Farliafneat provides that where thare i- ns tenant neither are there anv rates to be paid. "11. majority of the peeple reeidirr in the Khordda Talley arS ignorant no")» this Jioipt, sad T trnst that this essoeiatfon will be the tr«ana of snlightesing people, and awaken them to the priviTeres eenferred upon thaw, and as sash the obligations they lay nnder in coneeqaenoe. w. the vestry haa the powsr te appoint ths ovetseers, that is. to wnminate tbsm, so that the magistrates may make the final appointment. Te these over- s-are is entrusted the responsible tint) of assessing the several properties liable to be aeecseed in their pariah. Thin is not always an easy task to do. ,It b-a been laid down as a rnle to take the rent as a basis of the valuation. But thia is by no means eompslsory npon the overseers, arid indeed in many instances it would be most unfair to do so. Bat as a rnle this plan is adopted, so that in thoae a«aes the tenant and the owner are joint valneri be that valnation hith or low, if tho- walwation is made neon tbe rental basis. war, 0-0. sop a rale, can semolain. *"t there ars exs»ptir>ni to every role. Sappose a father rente a shop or a house to his efcild. at a nominal rent, and lets another house to a nen-relatiw- at a eonsid»r«bly excessive rent. Tr would he safnir is that ease te make the Met poid the kaeie of the ateesameat. B-cause the one would be belnw its ro-a1 walsobad the other above it. In es" ot th;v )riad the averaeers are to exawise tbrjr nw. Judga*en'. There are eases again whera one pere"e peva an exorbitant rent in order to ohtiin premises and keep some other tenant out r-f it. The rent paid is Br)t a ftir basis. Perhaps you will say that it would he serving that fellow right to make him pay ffr bis folly. Bnt you must hear in mind that no parson is justified to adminis- ter the law in aspi-it. of ",at. kind; the adminis- trator is to do trf beat to arrive at what ?s just and fair. A4T»in, there are manv iastauces in whish property is let at a very low rate, because the owner Vas ecme iedrrest ""1 te reeosp himself. For iaeWaee, a brewery company takes to a public I hones, and let it to a tenant, at, #Ay, one third less than a private pttraon weuld i.. Now it woaVd be nnfair toasa s* this h uss upon the rent paid, be sanse the honee is hound to the hrewerv, and eun- BO| sell any roo^a bat that auppli^d by the c m pasy, the proflte.arieiar therefrom beiog saflRcieut so raennp the wnpssv for the low rent eharged. Take again tha oaae cf a eollieiy aompauy, which I have hailt ansae, and let tSem at a lower rent than private parties do is the a-tme loe-.Iity. It ¡ weald W nafair So asea«a tbs eompany at ths rent paid and the private iadi'idaal the aame, heeanae if She frat iasbanee the aewpaay are sere of tbeir rant, whepa-e tbe arivata party lnsee a great "I thratHrh asa-vaymaat. 1 Ivet £ lfi ia thi« way «*m. ael psaer had hat • dc*ke a»d a s->«k tmr ft (U tsp) esi the naaas sf beiaf a very kind landlord. 4. "-Yo «Ye rirt.0 kfO* r-t fttp Tiiipo vrl$.V. Ws»1>«i a uch houses are not suitable to the district in 1 which they fire built. Ia that case aguia it would be unjust to assess that property at a value above its rental. Then there are premises having been leased at a high figure, and since that took place the circumstances of the locality bavl" undergone a complete change in down grude, so that it would be unfair here agaiu to assess the tenant upon the rent. This c'se may be put vice versa, a lease being takeli upon premises when the surrounding circumstances were low and poor, but have since gone up, so that the property now is worth thr-e times the rent that is paid for it under tbe Irasp, New it would be unfair again to assess this property upon the present system of rent basis. I mention these points in order to show you that although the rent paid ns a rule m- y he a £"11' basis, yet it is not always a fair bisis. Hence it is stated in tho "Paroohial Assessment Act," 6 and 7 William 4, c. aG-That no rate for the relief of ? poor in England and Wales shai! be allowed by any Justices, or be in force, which suall uofc be made upon an estimate of the neot annual value of the several hereditaments rated thereto, that ia to aay, of the rent at which the same raiirht reasonably bt expected to let from year to year, fre.- of all usual tenants' rates and taxes, und tiuu> com mutation rent charge (if any), and deducting therefrom the probable average annual cost of repairs, insurance, and other expenses, if any), necessary to tnaimaiu them in a state to command such rent. To illus- trate this, let me further take a ca-e—Suppose an owner lets a house for £13 a year. he undertaking to pay all expanses. Experience teaches us that at present 30 per cent. is required to meet all rates and taxes, £ 4 gross estimated rental, £ ^»y )Ha.infor repairs and insurance, XL I. 4.7 1GB would he the aotual sum to b., rated upon. Agnin, suppose tile tenant was to undertake to psy £ 13 and all above exptnses, bis rent would be incogs d by that amount, hence he would be assessed ac- cordingly. Assuming that I have made this clour I proceed to point out how ratepayers should pro- ceed in case they are not satisfied with the valua- tion. It very often happens that a ratepayer is under the impression that he ia over assessed. Now, once the valuation list is signed by the ovcr- seers, they cannot make alteration afterwards, however much they might wish it. It is gone out of their hands, "and what is wiitten is written." But the law provides a remedy. The valuation list ia deposited with the clerk of the Gaatdians, a copy of which is left with the overseers, by which the next rate is to be made, and that rate must in every particular correspond with the valuation list as deposited, and before any deviation ciu take place a warrant, to that effect must come from the slerk to the assessment committee, pointing the cltpration to be made. This warrant is produced at t ie aadit, which alone can release the (jversecrs from the responsibility touching the dv'pirture from the original document. Tue party aggrieved must give notice in writing to the overseers of the parish, and also to the clerk of the assessment committee, stating his grounds for objecting to tha valuation list. New, sir, my experience is this, that rattydyers are too r¿ady to think that tho collector can make any and every alteration hn may tbink fit in the valuation FAn,i the rate. This is a grand mistake. He eares cot touch it. He trust abide by it, and carry out its provisions to the letter, and for thus performing hisdutyl e is very often sorely abused. All this is done to pro- tect the ratepayers. If the collectors and over- eeers had tine power to alter the valu..ti. n just as they liked, what guarantee would there be ag iin-t, J fraud? Ncthing at all. But under the present, system, before fraud in this way o>»n be accom- plished, YolE. meat get a. combination botwean the clerk to the assessment committee and its eh-»ir. man, who has tosiga the minutes of the commit- tee, and likewise between them and the overseers wbich is very unlikely to take place. The ovetseera have iu view the equal valuation of prupprcies in tneir parishes. The assessment committee have to see that u 11 the parishes in the Union are equally assessed, and the co,unty assessment commtlee h'lvP to see that all the Unions in the county arn equally assessed. The importance of the duties devolving upon ocerseers ot the poor will be seen if we consider that. Their valuation is made the basis for all other catee. The poor rate is thu basis for making the local rates, the school hoard rates, the burial rates, the county rates for various purposes, the water rates, and, to a great measure, the income tax, especially the house duty. I he. lieve that the time is not far distant when the ratepayers will awaken to a sense of their daty. We often get vestries with only a few attending, and that when some of the most important ques- tions are involved. At other times we get erowded meetings when personalities are in the question. I hope that this institution, thoagb of small and iD. significant beginning, will dsvslope itself so as to send forth light and learning to the vast popula- tiwn of the Rbondda, who are now apparently sitting and resting, satisfied to be in the land of darkness, and Soon may tne day dawn "pan byddo bamwyr y ddFLetr yn santaidd, a'¡ threthwyr yn g;rtiawn." tipplause.)

STEALING CLOTHES 11 PENTRE. A MANIA FOR SHOPLIFTING. At Tstrad polios eoort (before the Stipendiary Messrs T. P. Jenkins, and D. W. Davies), Mary Williams and Ann Williams were charged on re- all irand with stealing a suit of olothss. Thomas Evana, outfitter, Baglnn Place, Pentre, said on the 12ca instant the two defendants same into bis shop. When they left, he missed a suit of clotbes cf blaok olotbes fruin ths eoanter. The suit w"s worth 259. He s^w Ann Williams stoop- ing down just before,* «• went out of the sh-ip. Lewis Fiimburg, paw a broker, Tonypandy, said Ann Williauls came to his shop, on ta*i liui inst., and pledged the suit of clothes for 9*. Ssrgear.t Loyns proved the apprehension of the defendants. Defendants were sentenced to two months* hard labour at Tredegar in April, 1887, for stealing six suits of clothesand other artici^a, Mary Williams was diactiarged, aud Ann Williams sent. to prison for two months.

Kiiondda Police Melligence. MoxnAY.—Before the Stipendiary, Messrs J. Davies, D. W. Davies, and T. P. Jenkins. A PCGITL'STIC CotTPLK AT DINAS.—Georgs Peaks and Thomas Williams were charged with being about to fight on the 18th instant. They were boand over in 95 each to keep the peace for six ninths, and to pay the costs. WoitRTtNo SHKRP AT TR"ORKT.-Joaeph Tayleure Was charged with this offence-—Evan Evans said two sheep were killed on the 14th iostaut at Ynyswen Farm.—Case dismissed in couseouence of the wrong man having been summoned. A fresh summons was taken out against defendant's son, Ddtvid Tayleure, who was the owner of the dog. ALLEGED ASSAULT OX A FEMALK AT Pnnrsn.Y-John Northy and Richard Evans were charged with as- saulting Ellen Evans on the previnns Mo.day.- Complainant said John Northy came on to her in the street, and raised up ner clothes. Ev*na tbet did the same, and struck ber five times, knocking her down. It was a quarter to 'J at nii<ht.—Mary Jones said she saw Evans strike complMu<mt.—Dufandanta did not appear, and a warrant was crdered to be issued against thaat. DI\U:K AT PK^TRK.—John Northy and Dd. Davies were charged with being drank.-P,C. Lynch said he now defendants at Pentre fighting, a woman holding a caudle tu light t.bem.- The case against Davies was dismissed, and that against Northy to stand over tlutillte was arrested on another charge. THE SUNDAY CUOSIKO ACT.—James Manning was charged with falaely representing himsslf to he a traveller on the 18th inst.—Inspector Jones proved ths ease.—fined 20^. Howell Griffiths, Olydach Vale, was eharged with the same offence.—P.C. Llewelyn preeeeuted.— Fined tIH.

I M PO H-TANT wo LADIES.—MJJDAWI i celebrated GUINEA CORSETS (Bktsk Sfe) Mty be obkaiosd fwft her Agetstm, Jon EtaM SVB Co., yewrwmmmlt.

THE UNIVERSITY B0A'i. KAUHU The University Boat Race was rowed, as nsua^|v on the Thames, on Saturday morning. Thousands cf ofoctators from all parts were present. At aid, early hour the more anxious ones were seen taking up their posil ions. Everywhere along the roub^ presented a festive appearance. Cambridge have been favourites throughdUb!) That their prospects should have been considerec1 in a favourable light was only natural, for every- thing went well with them from the first, in marked contrast to last year, when disaster after disaster for the crew was not definitely made up until after they came to Putney. Tliii time there has been scarcely any change from the firsts After :i very exciting and interesting race it r&» stilled in Cambridge winning.

í STRANGE ASSAULT CASE. At the Liverpool Police Court, a man named, Philip (j rt:«n, aged thirty-nine years, was brollghtl up charged with assaulting Peter Crook, aud de- manding money from him by menaces. Com^ ptnin.mtis a Iu w stationer at 52, Castle Streelw Prisoner up to a week ago was a clerk in his em- ploy, when he was discharged for assaulting the., office boy. Shortly after four o'clock on tho day i in question, prisoner went to the complainant anfll said, If you don't give me a shilling, I will strike you." Complainant refusqd to give prisoner Sk- "hilling, and the latter then (struck hit,1 a violenb Glow on the nose.—In answer to the charge Llie prisoner now said lie would not have assaulted that complainant if lie had been sober.-He was sen- tenced to one month's imprisonment with hani, labour.

THE DARING ROBBERY IN MANCHESTER. Ab Manchester, Job a Prescott, who was cap- tured while decamping with £1,200 stolen from •>- cab outside a bank, has been committed for trial. Information has now been obtained as to his ante- cedents. Ho has been convicted in London and. Hkris, been six times in prison in America, and ba»- freqneutly made bis escape while in custody. .&

EXPLOSION IN DERBYSHIRE. A disastrous explosion took place the other day at Feruiloe Gunpowder Mills, near Buxton, Derby shire. The works are a miscellaneous colleotion sheds and mills isolated In a valley near the source of the river Goyi. Two sisters named Martha udr' Maria Turner, eighteen a»4 sixteen years of age- respeebively, aud a saeahanle named Joba Whit- field, whe was werfclag if tbe cartridge room, vim s« severely infSM# thwt they ^ece ab eass retsrsd SWTWBC* TIIIa