The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

NOTES ON PASSING EVENTS. FORMATION OF A RATEPAYERS' PROTECTION ASSOCIATION AT PONTYPRIDD. Pontypridd has at last discovered a loop- hole into the necessity of protecting itself against the exorbitance of those "le^islatne spendthrifts," the Local Board, whose prodi- gality of late has been 80 unbounded as to oall forth the unmeasured indignation of those who have to "pay the piper." At a special meeting of ratepayers held on Thursday eve- ning last, at the Assembly Room of the Butchers' Arm?, Mr D. Cule presiding, it was unanimously decided to establish a Rate* payers' Protection Assjciation for Po.ntypridch and a committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements for giving effect to sach resolution. The list of members Rlready contains the n un63 of numerous infiuentihl I ratepayers, and some good work may be expected to result from their deliberations after the association has obtained a substan- tial footing. At tho meeting uamed the credit for having inaugurated the association was attributed to the efforts of Air Charles Good. man, High-Street.

THE FREE LIBRARY. Recklessly as the members of the Local Board may have beensquanderiog public money lately, they are now called upon to "fork out" to the tune of another £ 1,500. And we hope the ratepayers will not begrudge them this item of expenitdure, as it is intended for a purpose far mere noble and magnanimous than laying down street pavements, namely, that of defraying the major cost of erecting a free library for Pontypridd. This is the consummation of an object as necessary as it will be beneficial, and we earnestly express the hope that no dissenting voice will be raised against the payment of the sum asked for by the committee. We have felt a warm concern for the welfare of the free library movement from the beginning, and are pleased to see it ZD in I bidding fair to attain material comoletion at no distant date. -0-

THE WANT OF MUSIC IN PONTYPRIDD. A correspondent writes us as follows :— "I was highly pleased to understand that our Volunteer Brass Band gained a first prize and silver medal at Trealaw Eisteddfod on Good Friday. This shows that under new leadership it is making marked progress in regard to efficiency. May I be allowed to suggest the advisability of the band making its appearance on the streets of Pontypridd occasionally of an evening ? I hope I am not suggesting anything in the way of itinerance. In several places, to my knowledge, where military bauds are located, the members meet at stated places in the town, once or twice a week during the summer monthp, and play for a period of an hour or two. This in a populous town like Pontypridd would be an appreciative boon, and I scarcely think the tradesmen and others who will enjoy the music thus catered for them by local means will be behindhand in tangibly recognising the services of our instrumentalists. I hope the matter will be taken up by the band named."

LOCAL & DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE PONTYPRIDD. SoiBEB-^gOn Wednesday evening a conversa- zione took place at St David's Hall in connection with the Mutual Improvement Society and Bible Class. There was a good attendance, and the pro- ceedings were highly enjoyable. WAXLED a Boy over 13 years of age, as appren- tice to the Printing trade. Apply at the Office of this Paper. Harris, 75, Taff Street, Pontypridd, is agent for Harris' (of Calne) noted SMOKED WILTSHIRE BACON; also WILKINSON'S NOTED CAM- BRIDGE SAUSAGES. TREFOREST. A CASB OF DROWNING.—On Saturday an inquest was held at Treforest, touching the death of a man named James Phillips, aged 64, gardener, who was found in the river Taff on the previous morn- ing near the Llanbradach Inn, which place he left on Thursday night somewhat the worse for drink. A verdict of "Found drowned" was returned. DINAS. MINING.—Mr Matthew Evans, overman at the Dinas Colliery, has been awarded a first-class certificate under the new Mined Act. Mr Evans is a creditable example of self-made men. Have yoa tried HARRIS' NOTED TEA, at 2s PER POUND ? Try a sample quarter pound, 6d, and you will always use it.-HAnuis, grocer, Taff Street, Pont- ypridd. TONYREFAIL. CONCERT.—A concert of an attractive and suc- cessful description was held at the Board School, Tonyrefail, on Saturday eveoinsr, under the presi- dency of Mr J. P. Williams. The proceeds were for the establishment of a reading room in the place. BUTTER BUTTER BUTTER Best Canadian Butter, lOd per lb.; Finest Irish ditto, Is; Choicest, from best dairies, Is 2d; Margarine (selected), 6d and 8d per lb.-HARuis, Taff Street, Pontypridd. YSTRAD RHONDDA. TEA PARTY.-On Monday the Sanday School chil. dren and several others enjoyed a capital treat of tea and cake at Nebo Baptist Chapel. SAD AcCIDFNT.-On Saturday a young girl named Hobbs, daughter of Mr and Mrs Hobbs, Lamb Inn, received severe injuries to her head through coming n contact with a swinging boat. DEATH OF A RESPECTED INRABITANT.—We have to announce the death of Mrs Mary Weston, widow of the late Mr Stephen Weston, of this place. Deceased identified herself closely with the Good Templar movement, and was a faithfal member of the Sunday School. She died on Tuesday in her 54th year. Mrs Weston leaves several children to mourn her loss. ELECTI IN OF GUARDIANS.—On Tuesday an enthusi- astic meeting was held at the Sandy Bank Hotel, in favour of securing the return of Mr D. Evans, Bod- ringallt Honse, as one of the representlloti vesof No. 3 Ward. Mr Luke English presided. Several-persons spoke in high praise of the candidate. Sqrely the inhabitants will raccgnise the advisability of choosing a gentleman from their midst. The other gentlemen who seek election reside in the neighbourhood of Clydach Vale and Tonypandy. VOLUNTEER CaURCH PARADE.—On Sunday week last the Pentre Detachment of tiifle Volunteers held a Church Parade. There was a good muster of both rank and file,and the men,who looked dean and eoldiarlike. were addressed from the the pulpit of St. David's Oouroh by the R->v W. Lewis, R.D., vicar, in the course of an appropriate ssrmon. The company was under the command of Captain Tallis. One Penny Packet of EDWARDS' DESSICATED SOUP will make a basinful, which for flavour is unequalled.—Agent, HARRIS, grocer, Taff Street, Pont- ypridd. TREORKY. SPECIAL MEETINGS.—On Sunday and Monday the members worshipping atHermon Independent Chapel held their special services. The ministers engaged on the occasion were the Revs. D. Evans, Carmarthen, (formerly of Pentre and Cymmer), and W. J j,mes! Swansea. The sermons were impressive, and were listened to by large congregations. The Rev. J. S. Edwards is the resident pastor, and through his ac- tivity, coupled with that of the members, the good cause is in a flourishing state at Hermon. EISTEDDFOD.—A very successful Eisteddfod was held at Noddfa Chapel on Easter Mondky, under the presidency of Mr E. Evans, of Cardiff, (late of Treor. ky). The chief choral prize of X60 was awarded to Blaencwm choir, three choirs competing. The ad- judicator, Mr W. H. Cummings, of London, said he had never heard better singing. PENTRE YSTRAD. Last week a little girl named Annie Mattie, aged 13, daughter of a widow living at Pentre, died from the effects of injuries sustained through accidentally falling on the fire. Dr. Cassidy was in attendance before death. TON YSTRAD. CAB-IERY PIETirION.-At the monthly meeting of the Rhondda. Valley Steam Coal District Delegates, held at Ton on Monday, it was resolved to petition in favour of the abolition of the London coal daes, and a deputation, consisting of Mr W. Abraham, M.P., and two others, was appointed to wait upon the Home Secretary in support thereof. SELLING OFF GREAT BOOT SALE. MEN'S NAILED Boors FROM 43 61.-Womon's and Children's EQUALLY AS CHEAP at G. OLIVER'S, 85, TAFF- STREET, PONTYPRIDD.

CORRES, ONDENCE. [We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our correspondents.! FUTURE X.P.'S To the Editor of the Chronicle. DEAR SIR, -At a political meeting recently held at, Pontypridd, Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., was kind enough to say that he hoped the Rev. John Pugh, of Pontypridd, would be elected a member of the Local Government Board for this district when Mr Ritchie's bills had become law. No doubt many who heard that remark concurred with it. For many reasons, Mr Pugh's friends might wish to see that hope real- ised. While fully concurring with Mr Thomas as to Mr Pugh's fitness for the position indicated, I wish here to give expression to a larger hope and one, if realised, fraught with more important consequences. I would wish to see AIr Pugh sitting beside Mr Thomas in the House of Commons. His qualifications are al- most universally known to Welshmen. He is atrne Eatriot; a dear lover of Wales and Welshmen. The best interests of his native land are studied and thoroughly appreciated by him. A Liberal to the core, but claiming perfect independence of judgment and action. A Gladstonian, but without a tinge of idolatory, and quite capable of saying "no" to the dic- tates of the arch autocrat of Hawarden. The two burning questions of the day for Welshmen are the disestablishment of the Church in Wales and the- legislative regulation of liquor traffic in the direction of total prohibition. Wales requires men of strong convictions, clear, broad, practical principles; men who will neither compromise nor swerve from them f men able to giva expression to what they believe and know on matters of such overwhelming importance in the House of Commons. The settlement of the latter question is vital beyond every other to the best interests of the people. Its gravity is gradually being recognised both by the people and some of our leading statesmen. On this question Mr Pugh is an authori- ty. To its study and exposition he has devoted the best years of a laborious and vigorous existence. Will the temperance party among us open its eyes and recognise its best friends, and give a united and hearty support t) leaders who may be trusted both on the. score of principle and ability ? I am, &c., Pontypridd. WILLIAM PAStar.

LLANWONNO SCHOOL BOARD. The monthly meeting of this Board was held OR Wednesday afternoon, at the Vestry Hall,Pontypridd, when there were present: Mi J* W. Jones (in tho chair), Mr Idris Williams (in the vice-chair), Mesua. H. Abraham, W: W. Phillips, C. J. N. Grey, M. H. Thomas, Ll. Llewelyn, and R. Mathiaii.-The Clerk (Mr S. Shipton) presented the half-yearly financial statement, and also the estimate for the forthcoming half-year.—It was explained that a precept for £ 2,580* which was equal to a rate of 3}d in the £ would bo required.—This was agreed to. The precept for the previous half-year was £2,OOO.-Before the statement. several questions were put by Mr M. H. Thomas,with, a view of eliciting details. The replies given by tho a clerk were satisfactory, and, on the motion of Mr Phillips, seconded by Mr Thomas, the accounts weife passed.—The Chairman said instructions had been given to the attendance officers to ascertain the popu- lation of the parish, and a census had been taken, which the clerk would now submit, it being thought the ratepayers were entitled to have two more mem- bers on the Board.—The Clerk said the total popula- tion of the parish was 21,954, whereas, in 1881, it was only 18,500.—The Chairman: Aberdare Valley has nearly 12000 .-The Clerk: Yes, and the Rhon- dda 13,018.—The Vice-chairman: So that the Rhoudda contains 1,000 more people in this parish ?—Tho Chairman: Yes.—The Vice-chairman: I propose thatr we apply to the Edusation Department for two new members. There are new places springing up, whieh ought to have members.—Colonel Grey secondo&- Carried.

PONTYPRIDD LOCAL BOARD ELECTIOI. The result of the annaal election for the triennial vacancies on the Pontypridd Looal Board was made known on Wednesday, the voting being as follows GRAIG WARD. Mr Jabez Evans 289 Mr H, S. Davies 252 Majority for Evans .37 TowN WAiai). I Mr Moses Cule (old member). 37fr Mr Thomas Taylor. 324 Majority for Cale. 62 Mr W. White PhillipswlU re-elected unopposed for- the Rhondda Ward as was also Mr John James foe the Treforest Ward.

FOOTBALL On Good Friday football matches were played ia this locality as follow:-At Cardiff, the Pontypridd Firsts faced the Cardiff Harlequins, and their chances of success were cast to the four winds of fate by the home team winning by two goals and a try to a try and two minors.—The Pontypridd Juniors stayed at home, and had a friendly kick with the Treforest Hunchbacks, the match resulting in a draw.—The Pontypridd Harlequins had a match with a group of "Unknowns," whom they rendered still more mys- terious by a try to nil. In connection with the latter. Bones, the captain of the "Unkuowu," was rendered hors de combat by some means, which doubtless was the cause of their defeat.—On Saturday afternoon, the Treforest Second Fifteen had an "at home," and met the Pontypridd Harlequins, reaultiiig ia another draw

STEALING WATER FHOM THE POtif- YPRIDD WATERWORKS GOMPANJ. A CAUTION. At PontypriJd police-court, on Wednesday, (before the Stipendiary and other magistrates), Elsie Cameron was charged with stealing water, the proper- ty of the Pontypridd Waterworks Company. Mr Rhys appeared for the company. John Hams, in the employ of the company, Fisidbo saw defendant take water from a pipe belonging t the company. She took it to Mr Singleton's houso" There was a man with her, who was also carrying water. Mr William Jones, manager of the waterworks said the pipe was to supply Mr David Evans' houses. De- fendant's master had no right to have the water For the defence William Singleton, master of the defendant, said the girl had only been with them for four or five days, and he did not think she knew titer had no right to the water. He and two lodgers ways fetched eleven buckets of water from a well every morning. He and his wife were out when abe got the water from the pipe. Fined Is.

EISTEDDFOD AT GROESWEN. An Eisteddfod was held at the above place on Goocr Friday, nnder the presidency of Mr. A. Thomas. M.P. The accompanist was Miss Evans, Caephillv Tne attendance was good. The chief feature of tho day was the choral competition, a prize of £ 13 beuur ^e?ed i°I bea' ren?ering of Bendigedig fydda Arglwydd Dduw Israel. Only one choir came for- ward, that of Yuyaybwl, under the baton, of Mr. Hoods, and was deemed well worthy of the prize For the best rendering of the duet, The Martial Spirit," Messrs. Evans and Hoods, Yuysybwl, were the winners. The tenor solo, "Bedd Llewellyn," EOil Morganwg, Mountain Ash essay on "The Brooks and Confluences of the Pariah of Eglwv ilan," the best was Mr. J. Williams (Gwyndaf llan), Groeswen recitation, Lizzie Fach, Llinos- Myrddyn, Jstrad Englyn to the Elephant, the suc- cessful one, from a large number, was that by Brvn- fJob," Pontypridd, contralto solo, "But the Loira in- mindful of His own." This was an excellent oompeti- tion, but a little girl, under the nom de-plume of Llinos Myrduyn," hailing from Jstrad, was by far tie best. Elegy to the late Dr. Evan Thomas David and Miss Sarah David, Tymaen; live compositions were received, but one was too late. Of the other four the best was by Brynfab. Next came the bas3 solo competition, "Revenge, Timotheus Cries. Ihis, agarn, was a good competition, but the beak was Mr. E?an Thomas (Llew Rhondda.) For tbe best six stanzas to the Aber Fawr New Bridge. oh °omP°sition by Mr. E. Evans, Graiff Schools, Pontypndd, was the best. Pianoforte play T1^ xv^kaa Aberdovey" (with variation), Mis* Jones, Nantgarw. Soprano solo, The Skylark," t FUUSi