The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

I THE TAXING OF ROYALTIES AND GROUND RENrS. I BT S.S. I The Mountain Ash Local Board, at their I meeting, rejected Mr Jones' resolution, recommending the taxation of Royalties and Ground Rents. It is easily seen, on looking over the names of :the gentlemen sitting on that Boarc*, why such a fair and reasonable resolution was injected. The chairman, who is agent to the Right Hon. Lord Aberdare, argued that it was ill-advised to bring for- ward such a motion. He, like the rest that represents the landlord class, considers it most unwise to ask this class to pay their lowest portion towards the roads, sewers,and the other improvements for the health and comfort of themselves; they must enjoy this privilege free of cost. This state of things has existed, I admit, for hundreds of years that is, the poor and half-starved toiler has to pay all, and improve all. But surely that is no reason why such injustice should go on, and I am glad to find that Mr Jones and his fellow-supporters had the courage to endeavour to put a stop to it. Is not this a fair way to look at it—Moun- tain Ash, some 40 years ago, was a wild, woody district, and valued as farm rental on an average not above 10s. per acre. Since then, speculators have come, won the valu- able mineral, and increased the income of the owners from a few hundreds to JE40,000 per annum in ground rents and royalties. Although the owner of the soil has not risked a single farthing, he coolly and hap- pily pockets this enormous income, uses our roads, and other improvements, and does not contribute a single farthing to the cost thereof and because a resolution is brought forward, calling for a pro rata contribution, the representative of a large o -vner gives his opinion that it is .f iJI-advised," and because of the landlord interest, he is able to upset what is right and just. This is only another instance of might prevailing against right. How long are the bees to go on working, and allow the drones to eat the honey, leaving only the honey-comb for the work- ers r A poor man, by his industry and self-denial, manages to save a few hundred pounds he goes to the landlord's agent, and asks him to let a. piece of land for a. few cottages. The poor man, in many instances, points out a piece of waste land, not worth 5s. per acre. The landlord, to encourage him, says—" Yes, I will let you this piece for 2d per square yard, and 99 years' lease and in order to encourage thrift, he explains that the poor man must pay for the lease, pay all rates and taxes, keep his house in good repair, pay 2d per square yard, which pquals X40 6s. 8d. per acre, and then. at the end of 99 years, these premises must be peaceably given up to the landlord, after increasing and paying the value of the waste land 160 fold. The very first thing that happens to the poor man is that the rate collector calls, directly the house is np, and says the house is worth £10 per annum in rent, and he must pay rates and taxes for sanitary, poor rate, water rate School Board rate, Burial Board rate, income tax, county road rate, toll gate rates, and others, till at last the poor man begins to think that his hard earned money has been swallowed up in rates. Then, because a gentleman in this ninteenth century, dares to stand up and say that the landlord ought to pay upon the princely income, be is told by a land agent that his motion is ill-advised." Well, it is the old story anything and everything that is brought forward to relieve the bur- dens of the toiler is ill-advised Dover mind, friends, try a-nin, and accept my thanks for trying to help us right was on our side, although might prevailed; we are looking forward to the days not far distant, of one man, one vote then we hope to be able to reverse matters a little until then we must keep on battering away at their bulwarks. We have, by the recent Franchise, made breaches in the walls. It is cheering to find that the Govern- ment are making a claim for a portion of royalties out of the small :produce of Mr Prichard Morgan's speculation. Why should they not ? Honestly speaking, the whole of the royalty belongs to the Government, and as a matter of right, ought to go towards reducing the taxation of the country but what appears to me ate very peculiar is that the Government does not claim royalties from all the minerals of the country why should people who own the surface claim a right to what is beneath ? It never cost them a farthing to put it there, neither do they, as a rule, risk a farthing to bring it from there. If the Government bad claimed upon coal and other minerals, as they now do upon gold-mining in North Wales, we should have no income-tax to pay. It is seen from Mr Jones' figures, alone, that from the small district of Mountain Ash, f 40,000 per annum is paid in royalties. Now, if the Government had laid the same claim upon other minerals as they do upon gold-mining, namely, one-thirtieth of the produce, Moun- tainash alone would contribute towards the expenditure of the country, taking the out- put at 1,200,000 tons annually, the sum of £ 14,000 per annum. This would bring millions of money to the ex-chequer. Here is a field for the Tpry ftnanpier (Mr Go3- chen) to work in, and not to tax the hardy toilers by his unjust wheel tax. It is abominable to think that this new Tory chan. cellor should recommend the taxation of labour. It is evident that the poor carrier cannot pay this tax without reducing labour hire, which is at starvation point already. If this Financial Trickster wanted to reduce the burdens of the country, and increase the income, why did he not put his Tory head to work to use the products from the com- mon lands of the people, and not grind the last shilling from the labourer by his un- righteous and unjust wheel tax. But as long as we have a Parliament of landlord, and their progeny, we cannot expect reform or justice for ,the masses. How long are the classes again to rule the masses p We find that the rent roll of 8,000 land- lords in this country equals ^35,000,000 per annum yet, thousands of our poor underground labourers are toiling for 10 hours in the mines for 2s. 8d. per day, or 6s. per week, to follow the legislation of those lords of the land who have such a. grip on the possessions of this world, and also, as they think, on the next, that they try, by their various religions appointments, to have such men as will teach a religion that we worship and protect class, and to be thank- f? one of fche mass- °Qt of tne 4,000 religious livings in the hands of the lords of the land, we find them invari- ably handed overte their poor relations,who, in the past, certainly cared more for teaching of worshiping the Cross than the real cure of souls. I will conclude with hoping that I may enlist some able writer to take up the sub- jects touched upon; we cannot expect much reform from the present Government, consisting, as it does, of over 200 landlords, nearly 200 lawyers, and only nine who represent the masses, or labour interest, in the country, not calculating the stop blocks of reform of the upper house, who are all mass, and nearly all nigger-drivers of the class.

LLANTBISANT POLICE COURT FMDAY.—Before the Stipendiary and Mr E. John. WILIUL DAMAGE AT TONYREFAIL.—Henry Lewis, William Hughes, and John Lewis, all boys from Penrhiwfer, were charged with having done wilful damage to hay, the property of John Williams, also of Penrhiwfer. The complainant deposed that on the 22ad of April he had some hay ready to be put into a truss, when the boys came thsre, threw it about, and damaged it to the extent of 10/- W. Hughes and John Lewis, both of whom bad been previously convicted for wilful damage toatreet lamps, were each fined 7/ and the other boy was fined 5/ all including costs. SUNDAY CLOSING CASE.-William Jones, land- lord of the Fox and Hounds, Llantwitfardre, was fined 40/- for supplying drink on Sunday to John Parry, who lived olose by. Parry was also fined 10/. for obtaining the drink.-P.O. Stibbs proved the cases.

FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT TO A BOY AT PORTH. On Saturday last a boy, 12 years of age, son of Mr Enoch Jones, foreman to Mr D. Jenkins, con- tractor and timber merchant, Porth, was gathering some firewood close to one of the Bawmills whilst in motioa, and reached across one of them so near that his left arm was caught by the saw, which took it right off just above the elbow. The men in the yard came promptly to his assistance, and saved him from bleeding to death until medical aid arrived. Mr Jenkins, with his usual philan- thropio spirit, has promised to bring up the boy in his offices at Porth. The boy, under the sad cir. onmatances.ts doing fairly well, and great sympathy is felt fur the parents in the neighbourhood.

ASSAULT ON A COUNTY COURT BAILIFF AT PONTYPRIDD. A MAN WITH CANNIBAL TENDENCIES. At Pontypridd Police Court, on Wednesday (before the Stipendiary and other Magistrates), David Jones and Thomas James were charged, the one with wonnding a bailiff, and the ocher with assaulting a bailiff in the execution of his duty. Mr W. Spickett prosecuted, and Mr PhiJlips, of Aberdare, defended Jones, Thomag CI way, bailiff of the Pontypridd County Court, said he went to Jones's house on Saturday night at Pontshonorton, to arrest him under a warrant. He was accompanied by P.C. Reeves and another bailiff named Davies. He went to the front door, and the other two to the back. He hgftid Jones say he would not allow anyone to go into his house. Davies called him, and he went to the back, and into the house. Jones was in the back kitchen: Davies read the warrant to him. He (witness) asked Are you going to pay the money, or not ?" He said No." Told him he would have to go with them. He became violent, and tried to rush into another room. He was arrested. He seized him by the collar, whereupon Jones caught his finger, and put it in his mouth. They got him out of the house. At the back he loosed his finger. Outside he (witness) fell,with Jones on him. The policeman then took Jones, who kicked him (witness) three times on the right leg, and twice on the left. Two of the kicks were very severe. They got him about 200 yards before farther assistance came. They were about two hours struggling. He first saw James in the crowd, and he told him to let Jones go. There were about 30 persons present, and both Jones and James tried to incite the crowd to interfere. James took hold of him, and tried to get Jones away. They brought them to the station, where Jones said, speaking of ihe finger, "I only wish I had bitten it off, and eaten it." Frederick Elias Davies, also a bailiff, said he accompanied Clanzy. At the back door Jones tried to strike him twice with a shovel. P.C. Reeves gave similar evidence. Mr J. S. Little, surgeon, said he saw Clanzy about three o clock on Sunday morning. Found two con- tusions on the left leg. The sion was off in both places. The forefinger of the right hand had several small wounds thereon. These might have been pro- duced by a bite. r James was fined 40s., and Jones was committed for trial.

1 —1 YSTRADYFODWG SCHOOL BOARD. The monthly meeting of this Board was held on Monday, at the Public Offices, Pentre, when there were present: Mr D. Evans (in the chair.), Mr W. Morgan (in the vice-chair), Revs W. Lewis and J. S. Edwards, Messrs W. W. Hood, W. Prichard, A. L. Lewis, and S. H. Williams. Lewis, and S. H. Williams. HARK OF RESPECT TO A DEPARTED TEACHER. When the funeral of Mr G. Hnghes, late assistant master under the Board, was passing, the Rev. W. Lewis suggested that the Board should show a mark of respect by going to the Board room windows to stand while the procession passed by. This was accordingly acted upon. THE TONYPANDY ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL. The Clerk (Mr D. Rosser) read a letter froip the Education Department stating that an application had been made for government grant for the Roman Catholic School at Tonypandy, and the Department wished to have the Boara's remarks with reference to the application. The Chairman suggested that the consideration of the matter be deferred until the next meeting. The Clerk: And in the meantime that a census be taken ? The Chairman Yes; and a statement of accom- modation previded by the Board. Mr Prichard: I beg to second that. I remember a similar case coming before the Llanwonno Board. This was agreed to. j THE PENYGRAIG SCHOOL. The Clerk read a letter from the Education De- partment declining to give any advice as to what oourse should be pursued in respect to the period during which the Penygraig Schools were under voluntary management. The matter waB one on which the Board should act under competent legal advice. The Clerk added that be had thought the Depart- ment would have been the most competent legal authority on Buch a matter. Rev. W. Lewis said he had had a conversation with Mr Lemuel Williams with respect to this matter,when Mr Williams said he objected to anything being paid before the teachers' salaries. There appeared to be a claim from Mr Griffiths for school apparatus. The Clerk said that he had told Mr Williams that salaries would be paid first. Mr Hood: What objection has he to paving Mr Griffiths? Rev. W. Lewis: He says the salaries should be paid first. Mr Hood And he was told that would be so. Mr Prichard: That was part of the resolution of the Board. Rev. W. Lewis: There is a claim for salary and apparatus from Mr Griffiths, I believe. The Clerk: I have disallowed that in a sense. I have simply considered the salary. The Chairman: I think the clerk had better write to Mr Williams, and would you (Mr Lewis) have any objection to the clerk referring to the conversation in his letter ? The Rev. W Lewis No, I have no objection. In reply to the Rev. W. Lewis, the clerk said the salaries claimed amounted to about Y.170, and the grants received on account of that school, £200. An application was read from the Rev. D. C.Jones, of Cwmpark, for the use of the schools at Treorky, Ton, Trealaw, and Ferndale, for an examination in connection with the Rhondda Baptist Union.— Granted. Ton, Trealaw, and Ferndale, for an examination in connection with the Rhondda Baptist Union.— Granted. A letter was read from Mr Daniel Thomas, Trealaw, applying for the use of the school at that place for providing refreshments for ministers and otners on the occasion of the East Glamorgan Baptist Associa- tion, June 27th and 28th. The Chairman said he was sorry that that was only a week before the examination. The application was, however, granted on the motion of Mr W. Morgan, seconded by Mr W. Prichard. On the motion of Mr Hood, seconded by Mr S. H. Williams, it was decided to send a. boy named Curtis, of Ferndale, to the Swansea Truant School because of his continual non-attendance. An application from the Nest Dyfodwg Lodge of Ivorites for the use 01 a schoolroom for holding a com- petitive meeting, led to a discussion, in the course of which the members were reminded of the damage done to Penygraig school by the Eisteddfod audience. The Chairman suggested that a guarantee of £ 10 be demanded from the committee. Mr Hood would second it, presuming that the money would have to be deposited. Mr Prichard I really cannot support that; I think that is going too far. Mr A. L. Lewis: £10 would be prohibitive, I am afraid. The Chairman: What I want to do is to show that we are only going to give the schools on certain con- ditions, because damage was done before. Mr Prichard: But deposit it before the meeting ? (Laughter.) The Chairman: That was not my motion. (Re- newed laughter.) Mr Hood: O, I thought it was: (Continued laugh- ter.) The Clerk pointed out that all parties having -the use of the schools had to give a guarantee. The Chairman thought that would meet the case, and he would not, therefore, press the matter. POUNDAGE PAID BY COLLIERIES. The Chairman read a list of the poundage paid by collieries to the Board during the last year. It was as follows el £ s. d. Fernhill 30 1 5 JJunraven gx 4 10 Burneyat, Brown, & Co 210 5 6 Phoenix 12 19 3 Davies & Co. (Ocean) 210 5 6 ^>e»t.re 157 14 6 vrelh and Tonypandy 432 14 10 Bwllfa Level 1 2 11 BodringaUt. 172 9 6 Naval 19 0 8 Penygraig 40 17 7 Tylor's Colliery 187 13 8 D. Davis and {Sons (Ferndale) 260 10 11 Lockett's (Mardy). 293 10 3 Total. 2,126 11 3 Chairman said this did not exactly represent the amount regularly paid, but it was what had been received at the beginning of the year. Some heavy I instalments had, however, been received since then, I for instance, X200 from the Ocean, and-E200 from Ferndale. Mr W. Morgan said it would be well if the colliery companies could be got to pay every three months. mu • ^es' would be an advantage, in t? Clerk: I have asked them to do so. Bsdring- al\t'* entre' and Tylorstown pay monthly,but I cannot get the others to do so. FINANCE COMMITTEE'S REPORT. The Vice-chairman (Mr W. Morgan) presented the finance committee's report, showing that cheques had been signed that day for £2,733 13s 4d, of which £1,793 was for re-payment of loans and interest. They had in the bank, .£1,965 10s Id, so that the overdraft after the signing of the cheques, would be X768 3s 2d. There was, however, X157 in hand of the loan account so that the actual overdraft on account of the Board would be JE602 2s lid. Mr Hood proposed that the report be adopted. Seconded by Mr Prichard, and carried. RAISING THE STANDARD OF EXEMPTION. management committee recommended aJnli u standard of exemption from attendance at ™ be raised from the fourth to the fifth. found sai(? f">m engages he had made be '3^?* fhe c&Udren in school passed the fourth standard when only ten or eleven £ e«a„rji t0l a5e' and 80 lon8 aB the fourth was the stanaard of exemption they could not compel those children to attend school further. lhe Vice-Chairman—Cannot they be allowed to go m e Passing the fourth standard ? them H- Williams—Yes, but we cannot compel ^.f^hard was of opinion that it would improve TI? ance at school and secure additional grants, xne Chairman agreed, and, after a brief discussion, tne recommendation, on the motion of the Rev J. S Edwards, was adopted. mi motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr ffUDar<3,it^as decided t<5 offer to the landowners annum sc^00^ a ground rent of £ 9 per The Chairman remarked that chey had no option in i !? ,r' as tlie Earl of Dunraven and his agent nad thought proper to increase the ground rent since Mr th6 ">01 <n>m ,b8 1Ma This was the business. i

CADBURY BRos. direct attention to the Dutch Cocoas and other English imitations, sold as pure Cocoa, to which about 4 per cent. of Alkali and other agents are added, to give apparent strength to the dftrk C0l0ttr' 111 addition may bt. detected by the scent when a tin is freshly opened. No Cocoa can be stronger than Cadburv's, which is guaranteed ABSOLUTELY PURE. «

I PORTH AND DISTRICT RATEPAYERS' PROTECTION ASSOCIATION. IMPORTANT MEETING. A meeting of the members of the Porth and District Ratepayer?' Protection Association was held at the Washington Hotel, Porth. on Tuesday evening. The chair was occupied by Mr W. Griffiths, Oinas, and there was a t.,)od attendance. Mr H. Abraham, member of the Llanwonno School Board, read the following interesting paper on SCHOOL BOARD EXPENDITURE. GENTLEMEN,—In response to an invitation sent me by the committee of the above association, to read a paper on the expenses of the LIan wonno Scoool Board and on the alteration and extension of Porth Boys' School, I wish to remark that it is not my intention (if I should have been able to do so) to tax your patience j with a very elaborate paper on the subject, but merely to give a brief account of the receipts and expenditure in connection with the working of the several depart. ments under the Board, hoping that it may be of some interest to the ratepayers generally, and also of some information for the good and welfare of this society. You will all agree with me when I say that School JJoards have a very important duty to perform viz. to provide elementary education for the children en- trusted to their care, and to see that the most effec- tive education is given, and that with the least possible expense to the ratepayers. The Llanwonno School Board had under its control during the year ending June, 1887, 17 departments presented for examination, and in those departments there were 3,894 children on the books, a? compared with 3,540 at the corresponding period of the previous year, showing an increase of 354. The average attendance at present is 3,295, thus showing that the attendance is still going up, and also an increase in the population in the parish. Now, as regards the money spent by the Board, in the first place they bad to provide elementary education for 5,894 children to accomplish this, they had to employ a staff of teachers—including head teachers, assistants, pupil monitors, and candidates—at a total cost of Is 5d. In addition to this, they had to provide school apparatus and stationery at a cost of £ 494 15s ri,?o%ir,8n baildiDgs- ^ans, fuel, light, cleaning, dec., £ 927 19s 2d rents, rates, taxes, &c.. £ 128 8s 2d • of ,officers, £ 280 Is legal, and other' costs' xl27 18s 2d total £ 4,181 7s 4d. This was tl,669 14s 3d less than the expenditure. Now this amount of ±.X,3b9 14s 3d had to be taken out of the rates, and would, upon the rateable value of the pariah, be 21d in the pound. Again, if we take the amount (If XI)27 19s 2d expended upon buildings, and the X280 Is paid as salaries of officers, an 1 JE127 16s 2d legal and other costs, it only leaves £333 17s lid, or the sum of id in the pound for school maintenance. The cost per head last year was £23s 2d; this year, XI 19s 7d, showing a reduction of 3s 7d per head. This, upon an average attendance of 2,955, means a saving of £ 529 83 9d • adding £ 220 expended upon new buildings, it shows a. saving of £740 88 9d as compared with the preceding yea £ A Leve tha-fc this statement, which has been verified by the public auditor, will give the ratepayers the highest satisfaction. we compare the percentage of passes onder the highest satisfaction. Again, if we compare the percentage of passes onder the Llanwonno Board with other Boards in the Prin- cipality, it will comparo most favourable. The per- centage of England and Wales was -85 per ceut DIanwonno, 95-3. Grants per head in England and Wales, 17s; Llanwonno, 19s 3\>d. I don't think a higher percentage, or more grants, has been attained under any Board in the Pontypridd or any other Union. Out of the 17 departments presented for examination, 14 were classed excellent and three good. to head teachers (male) varied ,5°™ rt°f 195 10s last year, or an average of t „M,ead £ emale teachers (in girls schools), from <107 to Z108, or an average of Z114 15s lid. Head infant teachers, from 782 to J105, or an average of 797 15s 6d. Assistant male teachers, from 150 to 160; assistant female teachers, from 140 to 750 male pupil teachers, from 112 10a to 720; female pupil teachers, frem 19 10 to 717 monitors, from IS to ? Clerk, l150 attendance officer, 775. The scale of the Board in paying is male head teachers, 7120, and quarter of the grants; female (girls' schools), 770, and the same proportion of the grants; female (infants' schools), 175, and quarter of the grants. Before leaving this subject I must say that I do not altogether agree with payment by results. I would much prefer a fixed salary. No doubt there is much to say against fixed salaries, and as I have heard some arguing that the teachers would not strive to reach the present percentage, as that would not be of any personal benefit to them. But I think that every teacher worthy of the name would look more to his own reputation than to allow his school to fail to attain the resalt of former years. And, should the result be different to the previous years, the managers have a remedy at hand, and can do away with all careless and idle teachers in their employment. The rateable value of the parish is nearly 1160,000. The amount of outstanding loan to the public works loan commissioners is 724,463 15s 5d; annual payment of principal, 7877 16s 2d; annual interest, 7880 12s 6d these equal a rate of 33 6d; or a little more than 2id per annum. Paid during last year to Joint Commit- tees—Mountain Ash, 7627 Is 2d, Ferndale, 721o 4s 7d or about lid rate, so that fully 4d out of the 6id rate for the year was paid for loans and interests, and to thn joint committees of Monntain Ash and Ferndale. The number of school departments is 20; schools, 12; accommodation, 4129; children on books, 4147; average attendances, 3294. I should also like to draw attention to Article 115 of the New Code, which reads thus—"The annual grant, exclusive of any special grant under article 112 may be reduced, by not more than one half, upon the inspector's report for fault of discipline, instruction, or registration on the part of the teacher, or failure on the part of the manager to exercise due care in the supervision and verification of the registers, or after six months notice to remedy any snob defect in the premises as seriously interferes with the efficiency of the school, or to provide proper furniture, books,maps, and other apparatus of elementary instruction. If the inspector, at a visit without notice, not less than six months after intimation has been given of the re- quirements of the Department, reports that they have not been carried into effect, a deduction may be made from the next grant to the school. EXTENSION AND ALTERATION OF PORTIJ EOYS' SCHOOL. It is a matter of necessity apparent to anyone who has been at the above school that the building is in a dilapidated condition, and must, sooner or later undergo repairs or alterations. Lately, a large portion ?C ? breaking one of the desks. Had the children been in school at the time, no doubt some of them would have been eerignuly (if not fatally) inn-red, a thing we sfagvUd all deplore it would also nave been a ease for compensation within the meaning of the Liability Act. An increase of the population oalls for an increase of accommodation at our schools in this locality To of the Liability Act. An increase of the population oalls for an increase of accommodation at our schools in this locality To -fTL* ueJeehDg) tbftt something ought to oe done for the better accommodation and comfort of Smprnf?h generation. The school-and especially some of the class. rooms-must be detrimental to the the children, as the class rooms are tbo small to contain some of the standards present; con- sequently, when children are crammed into such E 1'mast t0 some degree be injurious to the health of the yoong, and also it doea not give proper facility for the teaching of the children. The complaints that are made annually, by H .M.'s facility for the teaching of the children. The complaints that are made annually, by H M a Inspector, and which are written in the log- book of the school, proves that something must be done I wish it to be known that whenever a complaint is made by a Government Inspector about the over- crowding of a school, or that the building is in a dilapidated condition, and that certain alteration or extension, is required, he has, as I have said, power to withhold the grants earned by such school, unless the managers carry out his instructions, or prove to his satisfaction that they have done all in their power to remove the grievance complained of and have failed only owing to circumstances over which they had no control. To lose 2177. in grants is not a very pleasant tbing to the managers or ratepayers, and if such was the case no doubt the managers vould be called upon by the ratepayers to give an account of their steward- ship, and I imagine that the unanimous resolution would be-" Rhoddwch gyfrif o'ch goruchwyliaeth, cftnys m ellwch fod mwy yn oruchwyiwyr." Then, perhaps it is not the question of necessity that is contended by some of the ratepayers, but the mode that we intend carrying the work on. When the matter was first brought before the Board a building committee was appointed to visit the school and report thereon. After having received their report, the Board ordered a plan of the proposed alterations to be made, and submitted for their approval. After several discussions the plan was approved uf. Then came the question of proceeding with the wOIk; on this question the Board was divided; some were of 1 S™ th*l U w«ald to give it out hy the wiSli'n^bv^h u TId be cheaper to .ivj mopimon,no doubt each party was a, nmVat faj kast expenditure. But when it la,no to u aBt^gr 11 done as last stated. Then t ir v asKed us, as local members, if we wuutd take 1 reDlTedeL thn8peffltand-lo°ka.ftert( e hnild^; -• replied in the affirmative, and that without anv °N whatever. I can say for myself a l f believe I can say the same of my colleague. Jlr H-js ^iLila'nS,K We 8ha11 consi(ler ourselves well pu■» oWtirr^°areXert'°?9'8aVeaf- han(^d p.»rf..di (Applause.) ^6rS' least'that is our .nLu •„ Now, gentlemen, I should next like to cal'< attention to this fact—that money making is tiie < object in view by all contractors Mid public otti ■» under the several Boards-no doubt some are wrj than others in this direction. We are here to ui hfc rLhtei»lefne8tS °f and we ate vsry right m doing so. But let me ask ymi, hoy many >f tior th^rrwl s^fice anything, or any valn^U g °f the Pabhc ? Are we not *wtr « snml ri er a C0Qtract to oe given out ny- some of onr public Boards, or an oSw ,s to be flue I SiTbou'rT^to «* r* tor nia labour ? No matter about the rate* if ti true-Tther1 Jnteref'ftt stake. No do ibt this is t true, I, therefore, think that we ou^ht to be v*rv we shoulda1! w n PnWic business, and th it iSt not to hiT endeavour to do what is right an as I am rifd a^ay fay personal feeling, as | am afraid is often the case, but to act in all ir dealings the same as if the money spent was to be A £ ? °*r owniP°ckets- Our motto ought to be ap^usre.)ayS Wage f0r a faiI da^8 work." (L,a.l Tnrwa^v c0"?e of the discussion which ensued, Mr T, referred^. r' a what were the legal expense resorttobrSmm fepIie<J that the Board had had to a wii i compulsory powers for obtaining land in ofli97°»a-5 •at1* Places, so that there was asuiu °Lh^Se „n%MtbE,'0ke" <o <t« At*»- Nlr Lloyd (the Secretary) asked if the series ot teachers were ntt higher undiar the LLijuwt)iiai tl18,a other Boards. Mr Abraham: Yes, I believe they are l'strad salarie" were higher, but that Board them 10 per cent. wrYw 5leV1 Reea l6V*ie]y criticised the estimate of the if W m f K8Saty ? 1 School, and contended that 11, the price would not have beea more than half the estimate. that t0 be the reason why the Board should have left the work, as they hJt x*6' T* Qe hands of the local members. Mr J. Morgan, Hafod, agreed with Mr Rees. i J 9' Schoolmaster, said the men were now employed in makiug ladders for use on the building r d'dn°t the Board give that work to some conttactor who had plenty of ladders. He watched them all day on Saturday. nW Abfrf ila,"l Sttid ifc -WftS evi<ient that Mr Rees had plenty of time to superintend the building work a» well as the teaching of the children. fLaugh^r.) Mr RP-es; But this was on Saturday. Mr Levi Rees did not dispute Mr Abraham's Cf)!1- rr"8- im ™a"er, but questioned the pjlicy of letting out the work otherwise than by contract. Tnere was such a difference between one tender and «6r U ,y ?s t0 warrant the supposition that the price might have been much lower tluu tha Board anticipated. Mr W. Williams (Meton) did not think they slnald now travel outside the limit of the question of prio- h«PlnJ0r ly °u°ald say whpther the price would \f ^r-?r hlSher antil the work was finished. Mr T. Jones then proposed a hearty vote of thanka to Mr Abraham for his able paper. Mr D. Powell seconded, remarking that tbe die- cussioa on the cost of the Porth school buildup CJaltl be resumed if, at the conclusion of the work. it cj ild hear) Was a KrievaQce to discuss. lUear,. This was carried with acclammation. TEACHERS' SALAHIES. Mr J. Thomas saggested the cousideratioa of the teachers salaries question. He hoped Mr Abraham, would ere long succeed in inducing the Board to re- duee the salaries 20 per cent. Mr J. Morgan said that other Boards paid fixed theasystem could they not aak Llanwonno to adopt the system. Mr J. Edwards, Britannia, proposed a resolution to- that effezt. Mr W. Hutchinson seconded, and it was unani- monsly carried, Mr Rees, schoolmaster, being the only- one in opposition he proposed an amendment, but ir* was not seconded. LLWYNCELYN BRIDGE. The Secretary said the next item on the agenda was the consideration of the steps to be takea to obtaia the restoration of the Llwyncelyn Bridge. It was explained that the bridge was some time ago taken down by the Taff Vale Railway Company on account of its dilapidated condition that the bridge wS erected at least 27 years agoWbv the late Mr Edmnnd Thomas, and that it had been ». public way ever since. The absolute danger to life and limb which people ran in crossing the line at the, spot was appalling, and yet the demolition of tie, bridge entirely prevented a considerable number of people from getting over to their business or to their work. Among those who took part in the discussion wera- • „owell, Mr T. Jones, Mr Lewis Davies, Mr Lewis Williams, Mr J. Edwards, Mr J. Morgan, Mr Coles, Mr L. Rees, Mr William", and others' Ultimately it was uuaniniously decided -that the following be requested to torm a deputation to wait upon Mr G. Fisher in referee to the bridge:- Messrs T. Jones, K. Williams, J. LUvies, J. Marfan, and H. Abraham. B The usual votes of thanks brought the proceedings to a close.

PONTYPRIDD FREE LIBRARY. A meeting of the Free Library committee was held on Monday evening at the Local Board Room, Mr G. J. Penn presiding.—After the general business, Mr Jones Powell (the secretary) drew attention to the very limited number of books at the disposal of the librarian.—The Chairman inquired of Mr Powell if there was reason to believe that the public duly ap. preciated the advantages offered by the Library.- The Secretary stated that they did, the attendance steadily increasing. He thought that there was no just cause for complaint with the, exception alluded to-scarcity of books. In December, 1887, the num. ber of books borrowed was 48G; in January, 1888, 500; in February, 453; in March, 620; and in April (two holidays), 562. Thj number of name9 enrolled as borrowers was 3S5.-After some minute questioning on the part of the chairman, it was resolved to procure books to the value of £10 immediately, the books to be works of fiction of the most popular kiud.-The. sub-committee—Messrs J. Coombes, H. S. Davies, i. Davies, and John EvaDs-Was re-elected. '.a "I.

I f BREACH OF COLLIERY" RULES AT MOUNTAIN ASH. At Aberd»re police court, on Tuesday, John Lloyd and Richard Lloyd were summoned for a breach ot the 273rd Special Rule in force at the George Pit j Cwmpennar.—Mr C. Kenshole prosecuted on behalf of the Powell Dyffryn Company.—Pol:ce Constabla King gave evidence that on the 2Sth Df April the da. fendants rode on some trucks which were ascending the fk-orge Pit incline.—The defendants alleged thftt the managers and clerks were in the habit of riding on journeys, and thus gave the men encouragement to do so.—Mr Rhys said that it they reported these persons the bench would punish them as well. Ha added that a good many fatal accidents had occurred on thisincline.-The defendants were each fined So and costs, in default seven days' imprisonment.

SERIOUS COLLIERY ACCIDENTS AT CffMAMAN, ABERDARE. Late on Monday evening a man named Daniel Davies, commonly known as 'Dan bach yr Heolwr," residing at Aberaman, met with a serious accident whilst following his occupation as a roadman at Cwmneol Colliery, Cwmaman. It appears that whilst standing on the drift a number of trams, which bad just previously passed him, got loose from the rope by the breaking of a shackie, knocked him down and passed over his body. Whilst the trams were being drawn away lor tuc purpose of extricating Davies the hitching again broke, and the poor man received additional injuries by tne trams again passing over him.—AiijtUer accident occurred at the same colliery to a'doorhoy, named James Henry Clarke (H), who stumbled under some trams. and received very severa injuries..

TREALAW. MUSICAL MEETINGS.—On Monday, the Methodist choirs belonging to Piagith (Penygraig), Ebenezer (Dinas). Sion (Trealaw), Bethania (Llwynpia), Nazareth (VTilliamstown), held their annual mn- sical meetings afc Sion Chapel, Trealaw. Mr D. T. rrosser (Bos Cynlais) ably conducted. The re- hearsals were oondaoted under the direction of Mr W. Glynfab Williams, and the result of his efforts were nofcioeable on the occasion. The I Gymanfa was a decided success. HAPOD. DKATH OF MISS THOMAS—We regret to annonnec the death of Miss Mary Ann Thomas, aged 25, the respeoted daughter of Mr John Thomas, cashier, Coedoae colliery. She was a faithful member of bethel Independent chapel, Hafod. She was very much liked by all her acquaintances for her qniet and genial manner. Miss Thomas will be missed in the locality. Much sympathy is felt for her relatives. The funeral took place on Wednesday, and was very largely attended, the coffin being carried by workmen and others to Glvntaff Ceme- tery. J GELLI. POSTAL FACILITIES.— Fhia week a letter box has been established at this place. The Yetrad Reform Society, with Mr E. W. Lewis, are desetving of praise for inducing the postal authorities to have such a boon conferred upon the inhabitants and others. CLYDACH YALE. SPKCIAL SERVICBs.-On Sunday, the Rev W. Powell, of Trealaw, preached to a large congrega- tion at the Wesleyan Chapel, of this plaoe. In the evening, Miss Powell assisted her father, and her efforts were much appreciated.—On Monday, the teachers, scholars, and others held a tea party at the Board Sohool, and the proceedings passed off successfully. — The same evening, the Rev W. Powell lectured on The Wonderful Lamp." Mr Robert Morgan, Tonypandy, occupied the chair. YSTRAD RHONDDA. SPECIAL MEETINGS.—On Saturday evening, Sun- day, and Monday, the members belonging to the Methodist chapel held their special meetings. The Revs D. Jones, Dowlais, Edwin Williams, M.A., Trefecoa College, and W. James, Aberdare, offici- ated on the occasion. The discourses were touch. ing, and were listened to by large congregations. Mr D. Evans (Asaph Rhondda), conducted the singing, and Miss Gwen Evans, Bodringallt Honse, presided with ability at the harmonium. The collections amounted to dE41, which will be given towards diminishing the chapel dept. The mem- bers by next year anticipate to wipe off the debt remaining on the chapel.

TMPORTANT TO LADIES.—MADAME WORTH'S 1 celebrated GUINEA CORSETS (Black 25s.) may be obtained from her Agents, JOHN EvANs I.ND Co., PONTYPRIDD.