The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

THE "GLANFFRWD" BANQUET AT PONTYPRIDD. A GAT3ER1NG OF BARDS AND LITERARY MEN. On Tbnrsday evening, a banquet in honour of the literary and bardic successes of the Rev. Glan- ffrwd Thomas was givn at the Welsh Harp Hall, Pontypridd, when the following were amocgst those present: Mr David Leyshon, Graig Brewery, who presided, and the Rev. S. Rowland Jones, Ticat of GljEtaf- who occupied the vice-chair; the .Rev. Glanffrwd Thomas (senior vicar of St. Asaph) and Mrs Thomas the Rev. Henry J. Williams, vicar of Pontypridd the Rev. W. Jones, curate of Xilanfaboo K<v. ldris Thotnas ("Glanffrwd's" brother), L'anwyno; the Rev. T. Morgan, Hafod; Mr Iestyn Wiiijams, Vlrs Williams, and Miss Rhiauedd Williams, Gellylwoh "Nathan Dyfed," ■"Dewi Wya o Kssvllt," "Homo Dda," "Tafonwy," --Ii%loeseu" ( Pentrebaoh), "leuan Wyn," "Mathon- wy," "Dewi Heulwen," "loan Towy," "Gwyl- iedydd" (Cardiff) "FfRgttn" (Cardiff), "Morien" ,<Craig.yr-H:tiilv an), and Messrs John Crockett, Arthur Lewis (Bank), D. Williams, (Maltsters' Arms), Morgan Williams, John Morgan (Hafed). T. William*, iohn Thomas (Bridge Inn), T. Mor- gan (Rose and Crown), Thomas James, (Pwllgwaun), W. W. Pniihps, S. Jenkins, John Phillips, Iii. P. Mills (pianist), William >eaton, William Edwards, David Tbom is (builder), William Jenkins (Taff I Vale Cottar), David Rowlands, R. Gwyngyll Hughee, Thomas Rees, Gwilym Hughes, (Ap Idaufryn), South Wales Daily News; T. Davies (Awatin), Chronicle Office; and Mr H. J. Wiltshire, Pontypridd. An exoellent dinner had been provided by Host Evans- On the removal of the cloth, the loyal toasts were given from the chair, after which the Chair- man gave "The Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all Denominative," coupled with the names of t! e Rev. H. Williams, vicar of l'ontypridd, and the Rev J. T. Morgan ("Thalamus"), Baptist minister, Hafod. The Vicar of Pontypridd, in responding, said the Bishcp of Llsndiff liad proved himself to be an ardent Welshman, and bad stood up for the rights, if not of the whole Welsh nation, at all -event.. of the Welsh clergy and the Welsh- speaking portion of the Principality. (Ap- plause.) "Thalamus" also responded, and referred with pleasure to the bishop's pronounced determination not to allow incumbents who di not know Welsh to be thruet upon people who require the vernacu- lar. (A piauae.) The Chairman read telegrams Rnd letters of apology for absence f.om Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., Mr D. A. Tru>ma3, M.P., his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams, "CYcfidicl," and i'elynfab" (Hirwain), Congratulatory messages were read from Mr AInn Lloyd, Kbyl; Dr. Easterby, head-master of St. Asaph's Gramm"r School; and others. Pianoforte aoto Professor Edward Mills. The Chairman thou proposed the health of "Glan- ffrwd," and in doing ao heartily congratulated the hero of the evening upon his literary, bardio. and Other successes "Glarjffrwd's" breast was deco- rated with medals, his heid was full of wisdom, and he (t1."I speaker) hoped "Glarffrwd's" pocket would be full 01: money. (Laughter and applause.) He wa3 glad to read the biographical sketch appearing that morning in the Western Mail, giving them, as it did, before they Came to that congratulatory gathering an outline of the brilliant career of the talented gentleman in whose honour this banquet was giver:. (Applause.) The oareer was one which Shov'-I be an incentive to other birds and literary Anen to push forward and endeavour to attain the bigh position now occupied by the Rev. Glanffrwd Thomas, and, if possible, to outstrive even that gnccegsfn bard. (Applause.) The toast was re- ceived with musical Honours, followed by cheers for Mrs Thomas. "Dewi Wyn o Essyllt" read the address of con- gratulation ia Welsh. The address expressed hearty welcome to "Gianffrwd" on his visit to Pontypridd, and congratulated him upon his suc- cess in becoming the chief pryddest composer of Wales, the winner of two chairs, two gold medals, and j680 in money in the course of one year—a record of which there was no example in all the history of the literary competitions of the country. (Applause). In addressing him they addressed the successful bard., the eloquent speaker, the inter- esting historian, the careful Hicite the trenchant preacher—in the same person an honour and ornament to the pi ess and pulpit. The address was signed by "Dewi Wyn o Essyllt," D. Leyshon (chairman), Tom Williams (vic-chairman), J. Towy Thomas (secre Lary)," leua n Wyn'' (treasurer) and the following members of the commitLee :—R. Jones, "Homo Ddu," "Dewi Henlwen," CoMa- thonwy," "Thalamus," I'afonwy," "Gwyngyll," Morgan Hedydd Lewis, "Llew Llan," lestyn Williams, W. Howell, R. Evaus, J. Thomas, J. Leyshon, and T. Rees. Bardic addresses and speeche3 w^re then delivered by "Dewi Wyn," ''Nathan Dyfed," "Mathonwy," "Ffagan," J. Towy Thoums ''Homo Ddu," "leuau Wyn," and "Hedydd," and a few lin-. a sent by "Creidiol" were a read. Dewi Wyn o Essyl.t'a englynion were as follow Goran o ertiau ein cwrawd— gwawliog, Yw Gwilyui T. Glar.ffrwd; Seraph y .,àf1 ddiswrwd — Faith ei rhin nas s.vcl fytb. rwd. Awen uchel, aniebou-i eryr Gyrbaedd ei hynlylon; Awen ail awen Iliou,-neu'r awen dda, Daniai Isaiah, a'r prophwydi'n Seion. Eithr, nid awen wen ti-weiniol-a roed, I'r awdwr anfai wol, Cngbyd Ood douiau mwy na'r dynol—rhiniau'n A doniau hefyd, sy'n haner dwyfol. Athrylith fyw, amrywiog—ei theithi, G-vedi eu dodi, ar waith godidog M-rcb l&n, ddigymhar ei cblog,-argl wyddee, A brenhines y *dryn Awenog. *Parna.ssug. 11 Pwy'n ein gwydd mewn un blwyddYIJ-ddng Ddwy Gadair mor chwipyn, [odiaeth A chlod a dan fathodyn, A'r oydau aur cyda hyu ? I Alpau uwcha'r pwlpud—y e nlodd, Fel dysgawdwr astud; Y Western Mail ai'n estron mud, A'r Wasg, heb ei lafur esgud. I llir oescd. heb boen na gresyn,—a pban Orpheno bob testyn A gwaith, fel rhyw Seraph gIVyn, iied i wlad dawel wed'yn. Nathan Dyfed read the following Henffych well ein Glacffrwd hawddgar, Henffych well y Cymro gwiadgar, Un o ragorolion daiar, Ar ein Baniar wyd Un o foib yr Hen Easyllwyr Gynt flaenorynt fel PI if Aiwyr, Mewn ami aerfa a'r Rhifeinwyr, Sawdwyr Gwent ddi swyd Y llenfardd craff ei olwg, hanyw o Forganwg, Gwiria'i fant, ail syfrli r nant,- Dafodiaith Sant Tyfodwg; Din as Asa'r Glyn toreithfawr, A wefreiddia'i froddau treiddfawr, A mel ddilian'i awen eynfawr, Swyna'r glodfawr Glwyd. Eistedd urddau'r Fainc Esgobol, Dawn y Qwanar Eisteddfodol; pwyll'r hanesydd gwladwriaethol, Ar ei goryn hardd. Gwen rhagluniaeth ar ei lafur, Siomai schemes" Hen lane y bladar," Gorfa arno fisio 'i fetor Ar ei gar d'ai gwardd; Yr ornest a attaliwyd, rhwno y pla liniarwyd, Oea y person tirion ter, I'w "Bader" a arbedwyd; Geiriwn ninau yma heddyw, Mewn Gymreigiaeth bur ddiledryw— Ton a thant, a. llafar hyglyw, Hir boed byw y bardd." • Yn IV Qrganwg lleoha'i yebryd, Ira roae'r corph yn troedio Gwyndud- Boed i'r ddau gael cyd ddychwelyd, Er dedwyddyd hir; Caed ei I- Linos*' ami dalentog, Kinioes lawn i'w dawn perdonog, A mwynhad hir fri toreithiog,, De a Gogledd dir A boed i'w plant bnr feddiant 0 ddysg a dawn, a rhinwedd llawn, I gynydd iawn ogoniant; Ban gydfloeddiwn eh,'n hyfrwd, Nes adseinio'r llawr a'r nenfwd,- Y "eli mawr fendithio Glanffrwd, Bardd y Gwynfwd gwir. loan Towy, the aeoretary, read the following, sent by Creidiol Rho'wch i Glanffrwd frwdfryd<—ddiha!og Ddeheulaw'r "Cylcb Barddol;" Yn uwch daeth yn ol—ag aur ac urddas, Y Brif Ddioas yn brawf haeddianol. dalent, awen, a nerth dilesg— Goreugwr yw fagodd Craig yr Heag." Y Llun yn y Mail sy'n llawn mwg, A Gwilym, druan, o'r golwg. He also read the annexed englynion of his own composition:— Y gwr hwylns goreulen—wr o ddawn Artidunol ei awen; Gyda'i bwnc e gwyd ei bEla, I I noddi do gwlad addien. Byw wr enwog, mae fel ein brenin-cawr Yw'n enro yn ddiflin; Mel yw ei gerdd. mae mal gwin, Neu hafawl haul Mehefin. Hoff red y gerdd at Glanffrwd gn-gwron Gerir trwy holl Gymru Yn fwyn, dywedaf na fu Ei amgenaoh am ganu. I'w lwydd ef y mae'r wledd hon,—o herwydd Mae'n arwr y beirddion lawn frawd, a genau ei fron Yn yfed pob hynafion. A'i Linos anwyl lawn swynion, Ah wele hi yn y wledd hon, Y gynes gerdderes dda,- Dyg hi hwyl i deg Walia. After the other bards had delivered their ad- dresses, Llew Llan sang aong with chorus, and Mr D. Jenkins gave a solo. Glanffrwd then rose to respond, and prefaced his remarks by thanking the committee for the kind feeling they had shown towards him in getting up so cordial a demonstration in his honour. He felt that that evening's proceedings were the result of feelings of sincere respect which they entertained towards him. A'j first he felt some hesitation as to whether be would accept thab gratifying ex- pression on the part of his fellow-countrymen, and that for several reasons. He felt he was not worthy of the honour which it was intended to bestow upon him, and it would appear like presumption on his part to attend a complimentary banquet got under such circumstances. As they were aware, most people cherished a high estimate of their own merits and qualifications, and it was said of bards that it was not possible for them to under-osti- mate their own abilities. (Laughter and ap. plause.) But by this time he had become used to regarding himself as a good bard and literary writer; and he was pleased that the committee, composed as it was of sensible,and respected gentle- men, thought so too. In consideration, therefore, of the respectful feelings in which tne invitation was extended to him, he accepted the same. (Re- newed applause.) He further felt that he was too young to be so honoured. In this world it was not possible to gain experience and fame in a day. These were the result of time. yet youth afforded golden opportunities for energy and exertion. As h td been said by the late Isaac Disraeli—"The history of heroes is the history of youth, and almost everything that is great has been done by youtb." The captains of ancient and modern times both conquered Italy at 25; Gustnphus Adtlpbaa died at 38; John de Medici was Cardinal at 15, and lJope Leo X at .37 Luther robbed him of his glory at the age of 37. Pascal wrot i a great work at 16. Byron was only 37 when he died. Raphael, who painted the great Palaces of Rome, died at 37. Well then, he thought, if he was not a youthful geniu?, be could not deny the divinity of youthful genius he would, therefore, go to this receptional banquet, hoping that if he had not done anything great he was young enough to attempt it, anc/, therefore, that reception should be in anticipation of future merit and features. He had had occasion to feel humble on the score of youth before this. He went round the whole of North Wales as depu- tation for the Bible Society, instead of Dr Dickens Lewis, when he was in America. He reached Oriccieth rather late-the hall was tall, expecting the deputation, whose bardic name was well-known to tbem, but not his person. He went into the meeting, presented himself at the table, when one of the old brethren came on, looking savage at him, and said—"Young man, are yon here instead of Glanffrwd Thomas ?" He was so staggered that he could not reply. Tma old man turned to the audi- on oe, and said be was sorry to tell that the Rev. G 'anfErwd ThomAs had not come, but had sent a yOung man instead. He (Mr Thomas) bad the greatest difficult y to explain. He tried to get some of them to couie closer, and look at the number of grey hairs he had. (Laughter.) Now he feared he had commenced his literary journey too young, and people thought he ought to be 60, and aot 40. He did start very early, and he feared without heeding the excellent advice given by Jerold to a young man who burned with desire to see 's name in print. Said Jerold-HBe advised by i.e. young man, don't take down the shutters before thure is something in the window." After f.t. y^uth was the period for work, and to prepare for a higher life. Eben Fardd gained his chief prize when but a young man, and tbere was Dewi Wyn o Essyllo— he had reached the summit of fame while enjoying the bloom of health and vigour. (Cheers.) There was another reason why he thooght he should not accept the invitation. Ho was a clergymau and a churchman, and it seemed somewhat singular that V e should sit down to dinner with those who were so strongly opposed to the Church, but seriously speaking, he saw no objection, whatever to that, because it was but few clergymen or ministers he bad ever spen who were opposed to a good (tinner. (Renewed laughter and cheering.) En f. it proud to dine in company \'n:h bards and liteiary men who had known fozii his youth, and whose names added lustre to fair Glamorgan. He wised th"m to observe that he wa.s fully aware of the lact that, he was a clergyman, and what was due to his po- sition as a minister of the gospel of Christ But he was there, not as a churchman—not a& belong- ing to the establishment, to patty, or denomination but as one of the literati of Wales, rejoicing in the fact that be had here a platform on which to meet all his friends without distinction of party or creed. It was pleasant to be free from the email things which separated them, and to have an opportunity of meeting his brethren, whose anthem and chorus were the words cf the scripture—"Behold, how pleasant a thing it is for brethren,to dwell toger,her in unity." Ho thanked them for the honour con- ferred upon him, aad for the address presented to him. The eloquent address was full of good feeling, as tender as the address of a mother to her child, as full of love and exaggerated description of his work as that of a young woman over bead ani ears in love with one to whom she was writing. (L "Tigh- ter and applause.) He could not return thanks to them as he would wisb-language failed him—but he could say in the words of one of thd bards present-the immortal Essyllt- Diolch i chwi weateion-fawrddyeg Feirdd a pharchedigion Ni a'ch cariad na'ch coron I law neb o'r galon hon. Whatever distinction he bad achieved was due to bis wire-(applauee)-wbo had adjudicated upon all his compositions before he sent them to eistedd- fodau, to the Weekly Mail, or published them in any way. (Applause). In conclusion he said Fe dreolia oea a bywyd dyn Ac ameer fel y don, Wrth dori tr y gadarn graig, A'n fyrdd o cKlarnaa bron: Ond serch eyfeillion pur a'u parch A erya fel y nen, Nad yw'r ystormydd trymaf ond Ya paro'r lie nwchbea. Ysgydwaf law a chwi bob un, Mynwesaf chwi yn awr, A c fel fy enaid hoff fy hun, Cewoh fod tra ar y llawr. Cyfeillion fyddwn fyth mewn hedd Yn caru'n gwlad a'n hiait,, a'n lien. Sy'n aros fyth mewn gwyrddol wedd, Heb uurbyw arwydd myn'd yn hen. Un fyddwn mwyaoh yn ein St'rch At ddefion anwyl GWlfld y Gao, A'n tfariad fyth fel oariad rnerch, Gydbletha o amgylcb Cymru lAn" Ein Cymru hoff, nid Cymru f ch, Ein Cymru dlos, nid Cym u diawd, Pan gloddiwch dan ei brynia i iach, Cyrhaeddwoh nythle aur a fhwd Yr oeddym yn ei charu gynt Pan elwid hi yn dlawd a llwm, Barddonol oedd pob chwa o wynt A deithiai dros bob bryn a ihwtn; Onel bellach Gwlad yr Aur yw hi, Ymgryma gwledydd ger ei bron, A chydolygant 'nawr a ni, Mai tir Paradwys ydyw hon. Feallai deuant cyn bo hir I wel'd gwythien aur ein U^n, Y gwelont bwy fod iaithein fir Yn troi yn aur wrth fyn'd yn ben Ond aur neu beidio, hon yw-ri gwlad, A Meibion Cymru ydym Hi, Yn earn—carw Cymru fad, Yn oaùw'n hiaith mewn gwyrddol fri. -(Great cheering). Mrs Glanifiwci Thomas sang with wonderful effect, "Home. Siveat Home." co a The Rev. Thalamus Morgan, Hafod, proposed "The Literature of Wales," coupling with it the name of "Morien." He dwelt eloqmntly on the past history and present aspect cf t,io newspaper literature of the vernacular press. Me condemned some features of that press, and said that the pay for writing for it was so small that the best men of the Welsh nation did not care to write to the papers published in tbe Welsh language. Morien, in reply,defended the character of Welsh literature both ancient and modern. "Gwyliedydd" (Cardiff,) followed, echoing "Thalamus's" sentiments. The Rev. S. R. Jones, vicar of Gly: 'tatf, proposed "The Press," adding that he felt gre .t pleasure to be present at the banquet in h mt ur of "Glan- ffrwd." (Cheers.) The toast was coupled with the names of Mr Thomas Davies, Chronicle and Mr Gwilym Hughes, South Wales D dij News. The meeting came to a close by MtS Glanffrwd Thomas singing the National Anthem in fine style, the audience joining in the chorus.

ALLEGED STEALING A WATCH AT PONTYPRIDD. At Pontypridd police-court on W^lnesday (be- fore Mr Evan John and Mr D. W. Davies), Mary Ann D ivies was charged with steahng a watch value 23 10s. ftobert Evans, of Treharris, said ho came to Pontypridd on Monday. In the railway carriage he met defendant, and they went to ,'etiher to the Blue Bell, and bad a glass of beer eaoh. They afterwards went to the Boot and th., Lamb Inns, and had more drink. He afterward* laid his head on the table and dozed for about a quarter of an hour. On waking he misaed the girl :.ni his watoh. He found her in the Boot Inn. E e had a silk handkerchief in hie pocket, but ha di i not miss it until the polioe showed it to him. Hannah Lane, servant at the Lamb Inn, having given evidence, Tinis Hemmiags said he was in the Lamb Inn, and saw prisoner with the watch in her hand, while prosecutor was asleep. P.O. Lewis said he found the silk handkerchief in her pocket tnd 7s 7J in money She denied having the watch in her hand. For stealing he handkerchief, she was sent to prison for 14 days.

Pontypridd Police Court, WEDNESDAY. —Before the Stipendiary, Mr C. J. Jones and E. John. THE SUNDAY CLOSING ACT.—Jom than Hughes, Tyloretown, was charged by P C. I I-wellyn with being unlawfully in a poblio-bouse. -Fined 10s. A KING IN TROUBLE ATYNYSYBWL —Owen King Davies was charged with fighting on the 10th inst. P.O. Oliver said he saw defendar t and another man fighting.—Charge withdrawn, d -fondant being now in prison. PLAYING ON SUNDAY AT COEDPENJI VEN.—Herbert Baker was charged by P.C. Hopkim with playing at ball on Sunday against the wallcf a house on the highway. The practice of Sabbath-breaking in this neighbourhood has become a perfeot nuis- ance.-Fined 2;6. DRUNK ON THE RAILWAY AT TYLORSTOWN.— Howells, David Harris, and Dav;d Elias were fined, the latter 25s, und the other two 20s each, for being drank aud causing a disturbance in a rail- way train at Tyiorst^wn. Morris Gibbon and David Davies were charged with bt-ing drunk and attempting to filter a railway cirri ige whilst in mot ion.-P.C. Evans gave evidence it this and the previous case.

EAST GLAMORGAN LIBERAL 300. appointment OF A secretary. At the adjourned annual meeting of the East Glamorgan Liberal 300, b dd at Sard;s Vestry, Pontypridd, on Mondav, Mr ldris Williams in tbe chair, letters apologising for absence were read from the Rev .Vnren Davies. Pontlottyn and Mr D. Ellis, tii.; hon. secre- tary. Mr W. Jones, Geilideg, was elected secretary pro tem. A PAID SECRETARY APPOINTED. The recommendation of the executive coun- cil that a paid secretary be aI- pointed at a. Salary of £ ob per annum was idopted, and Mr Charles Morgan, Bronwydd, Pontypridd, who was the only condidate for the post, was unanimously elected. A, hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr D Ellis for his pervices as hon. secretary of the accommodation. PROPOSED LIBERAL THOUSAND. Mr William Jones, Geilideg, proposed that a committee be appointed to consider the desirableness of extending the basis of the association by increasing the number of members from 300 to 1,000, this being, in his opinion, essentially necessary in urder to bring the organization into a closer touch with all classes ot the electors. Mr W. R. L>avies, solicitor, seconded the motion, which was unanimously accepted, and a sub-committee, consisting of the Rev W. I. Morris, Messrs H. S. Davies, James Roberts, Jonn Griffiths, and William Jones, was chosen to assist the secretary in drawing up a scheme tor presentation to the executive coun- cil at a. special meeting to be held at Caerphilly I on Monday week.

CORRESPONDEN CE. [We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of oar correspondents.] PONTYPRIDD GUARDIANS. To the Editor of the Chronicle. Sra,—With your permission, I desire to write a few words again npon the question of settlement officer. I am confident that if such an officer is appointed dozens of paupers which may now be chargeable to this Union would be transferred to their proper parishes for maintenance, because I am persuaded that from the want of proper and efficient enquiries several names are added yearly to the paupers' list, which means an increased annual expenditure. And once inserted, it is with some difficulty they are again removed. This officer could also make the necessary enqairies-as suggested by you-after those who neglect or escape their responsibilities of maintaining their dependents, and surely is it not enough for the ratepayers to maintain those who are truly helpless and poor without being called upon to maintain those who have relatives fully competent to assist them. I trust our relief committees will feel the responsibility whbn disposing of the ratepayers money, there being more thau £7,000 spent in outdoor relief alone during the last six months. While discussing the expendi- ture, it would be well if Guardians would elicit from the clark further information respecting the item in the statement of accounts—salaries and other re- muneration of officers, £601 7s 2d-so that ratepayers may know what are the salaries of the officers to which it refers. It appears also hardly fair that the present rate- payers are called upon to pay for the large extensions at the workhouse to the benefit of ratepapers for many years to come. If each ratepayer would procure for himself (which can be had by simply applying at the workhouse) an Abstract and List of Paupers, it would afford him some excellent and very instructive reading after returning from his hard day's toil. From your report last week, it appears that the only persons aggrieved by the action of the guardians in reducing the vaccination and medical fees are the clerk and a Llantrisant magistrate who are naturally sore at seeing the clerk's princely income reduced. More again. Yours, &c., RATEPAYER;

THE PUBLIC-HOUSE PROPAGANDA A" PWLLGWAEN, PONTYPRIDD. To the Editor of the Ghronicle. SIa,-Will you please allow me, through the medium of your valuable paper, to oall the atten- tion of the public to the strenuous efforts made just now to saddle another additional curse and nuisance upon the inhabitants and ratepayers of our town. Pwllgwaun field, or Newtown, has been looked npon as one of the best conducted parts of the district. True. it is occasionally disturbed by the brawls and beastiality produced by the liquor traffic. Tho manufactured goods 'of the publican, as a rule, are noisy and bru'al, and when these are let loose upon any place they make a havoc cf it. It is a peculiarity of the liquor traffic to blight, blast and and tarnish every place and person that comes under its sway. The mission of the liquor traffic is the reverse of the Saviour. He came not to destroy, but to save, but the liquor traffic has come not to save, but to destroy. The Rt. Hon. W. E. Gladstone truly says that the liquor traffic brings us mischiefs greater than the combined ravages of war, pestilence and famine. And who that lives in our proverbially drunken district, can doubt the words of the veteran and venerable statesman. Whero the public houses are thickest in our town it is like hell upon earth on Saturday evenings, and, indeed, on other nights as well. The fights, foul languaga, and beastiality which rages in these accursed spots reminds one of some parts of Dante's Inferno. Language fails to express the foulness of those spots in Pon ypridd, where the temples of Bacchus are thick upon the grmnd- And yet, sir, there are those in Pontypridd who would spread the pestilence Jinstead of confining it to where it is now, they would spread it to the Pwllgwaun Field to curse the inhabitants there. A huge human slaughter-house is built ahere-- without consulting the inhabitants--for the pur- pose of some person to fatten upon the ruin of ohe people. The people protested last year against the iniquitous endeavour of those who place tempta- tion before the weak, and a nuisance at their door, and although their prayer was not heard at Pontypridd, it was hoard at Naath. The suocess of the people at Neath greatly enraged the traffickers in human shame and ruin. And now to be sure of gaining their God-dishonouring and soul-deotroying end they have got some to oanvass the present inhabitants of Pwligwauu to settle a curse in their midst that will ruin the place for venerations to come—or as losg as tho accursed thing will be in their midst. I don't know what has been the success of the envoys of the traffic in their pilgrimage through Pwllgwaun, but I know this, that they are sinning against God and the people by lending themselves for this bad business I have been very much surprised to find that one of the gentlemen who goes on this horrible mis- sion is a clerk of a deacon of a Christian Church. I can scarcely believe that he has gone around the houses of poor working men to get signatures with the approval of his employer; for he knows that the battle between the liquor traffic and the Chal eh of God is only a part of the condict which rages betweeu heaven and hell. That the clerk of an employer of labour should go about canvassing to secure the certain curse of the people is oat- rageous but that the clerk of a gentleman who is an employer of labour and an officer in Christ's Church, should do so is indescribably bad. I hope, for the sake of our common humanity, .let alone our glorious Christianity, that the employer wili make it plain that he has had no part or lot in this abominnnion. lie may do tbis by letting all the inhabitants of Pwllgwaun know that it is not his will that they should bring this great sin upon themselves. I fe-vr that I have already trespassed too much npon your space, and hence will not trouble you further this time, with any reference to the other canvassers. I hope to have something to say to irt a future i-^srje. TVnsM'ig that the people .1 ot Pwilgwaon will quit themselves like men, and noi, allow themselves to be influenced to bung this great curse upon themselves,—I am, &c JOHN PUG i, Pontypridd, Tur5; 1'J, 1SS8.

Rhondda Police Intelligence, j b MONDAY.—Before the Stipendiary and Mr T. P. Jenkins. MARGARINE PROSECUTION AT GKLLI -»!) ward Martin, grocer, Gelli, was charg d with rising margarine for sale without a hbei —Super, iteu- dent Matthews gave evidence in «oppn; s f the charge.-Fined 10s. UNJUST WEIGHTS AT GELLI. John Mason, grocer, Gelli, was charged with having unjust wc), ki in his possession.-Snperintendent Matthews prose- outed.-To pay 12'8 coste.

I THE SUNDAY CLOSING ACT IN PONTYPBIDD. MEMORIAL TO THE MAGISTRATES. SPEECH BY THE STIPENDIARY. A memorial signed by many of the leading in- ha-bitanta of the town and neighbourhood of Pont- ypridd waa on Wednesday morning received by the Stipendiary Magistrate (Mr Ignatius Williams), calling his attention to the disgraceful scones wit. nessed on the Tumble and the Tramroad on Sun. days, and urging him as chief magistrate to stilt further enforce the provisions of the Sanda-y Cloning- Act, by instructing the police to be more vigilant, and suggesting that endorsement; of license would probably have a very salutary effect where the offender was a license bolder. Noticing that the Rev. W. Parry and the Rev. J. Pugh were in court, The Stipendiary, addressing those gentlemen, remarked that the magistrates—(Mr Blandy Jen- kins and Dr. Jones were with the Stipendiary)- kid been talking over the memorial, and they qnit^ agreed with the spirit of it. The memorial would be brocgbt under the notice of polioe, and no doubt they would do what they could to give effect to the viewa of the petitioners. There was no dQubt a man might forfeit the character of a bona fide traveller if he drank a good deal at one public- house, and then went into another. At the same time it placed a rather invidious duty upon the police, because he could quite naderstand a number of prosecutions failing. A man, for instanoe, in taking a good long walk, might drink at more than one public-house, and not forfeit his position as a traveller by so doing, or, in going to London by train, a QMS might take refreshments at several stalls during the journey and still be a traveller. However, having read the petition, Mr Matthews wouid no doubc give effeot to it, as far as he could. At the same time they would very greatly assiat the police-who, of course, were very limited in number-if some of those who sympathised with the viewe expressed in the memorial would bring information of any cases which they might consider to be violations of the Act. There was one thing pointed out in it—that they had observed some in a state of intoxication. That was a matter which olearly laid the publican open to correction. The man who supplied a drunken person with drink committed an offence against the Licensing Act, whether on Sunday or some other day and what they appeared to have observed, viz., gangs of people going from pnblio-house to public-house in search of drink, was an offence against the Licens- ing Act and against decency and everything else; and it was a matter in which the memorialists woold receive the support of the Bench in trying to stop. Of course, they could only deal witheac.i case on its own merits. Before they could convict a man, if he was more than three miles from hom-e drinking,they would have to make out affirmatively that he was out for the pnrpose of ."sotting," and not for the purpose of travelling. He was sure the police would be thankful for any assistance they could give to carry oat the Act. Rev. J. Pcgb We are exceedingly obliged to you for your kindness in making those remarks. Wo have nothing personal to gain in this matt-r-it is Z, only for the good of the public. What we deplore very much is the fact that inhabitants of the town can have as much drink as they like without going awav for it. Mr Stoekwood (Magistrates' Clerk) Can you prove it ? Rev. J. Pugh I have called the attention of the police to several houses in the town which are no- torious for this- kind of offence. Rev. W. Parry: There are gentlemen who can prove it. Mr Superintendent Matthews: I suppose Mr Parry is in the same difficulty as myself. We ex- perience the greatest difficulty in procuring satis- factory evidence, because persons are set to watch the approach of our constables. The Stipendiary the police are limited in num- ber and ari well-known, even in plain clothes. It is very s ldom they suooeed in catching offenders. Rev. W. Parry It has been my duty of late to help the police in this matter, and I am very pleased to receive encouragement from your wor- ship in that direction. The Stipendiary: Another matter to which I should like to draw the attention of the friends of temperance is that we shall have great, and in- creasing, difficulty in deiling with drunkenness unless there is some power given to deal with clubs which become a great nuisance—not, happily, in this district, but in others. No doubt, unless some legislation, or something, be done to enable as to deal properly with clubs, the more we hamper pubiio-houses the greater will be the increase of clubs. Practically, we will be in the same difficulty as now.

THE ALBION COLLIERY STRIKE. MEETING OF MINERS AT TON. IMPORTANT DECISION IN FAVOUR OF THE MEN. An adjourned meeting of the Rhondda Miners' District Association was held at the Windsor Hotel, Ton, on Saturday evening, to consider what course should be adopted with reference to the prolonged strike of 600 workmen at the Albion Colliery, near Pontypridd. At a preliminary meeting of the Asso- ciation held on the previous Saturday, the dispute was the subject of lengthy discussion, and Mr Gallo- way's map and Mr Beith's book of sections of the mine having been submitted, the delegates almost unanimously agreed that the men were right in their contention that the seam of coal worked at the Albion Colliery was the six-foot, and not the four-foot as alleged by the employers, and that the men, there- fore, deserved the district's support. This being so, and that the district b^ this decision relieved the Albion men to a great extent from all responibility, and took the dispute upon their own shoulders, the question arose what course should be adopted with a view of bringing about a settlement. A sugestion was made that the question be referred to the sliding scale committee, whilo others argued in favour of submitting the dispute to open arbitration, and that these offers should be made to the company. The decision ultimately arrived at was to lay these pro- posals before the men at the various collieries which form the district. With that view the present m:>et- ing was held. An unusually large number of dele- gates representing 10,000 colliers attended, the pits represented being the Great Western, Maritime, Hafod, Coedcae, Ynyshir, National, Xylorstown, Mardy, Dinas, Penygraig, Llwynpia, Clydach Vale, Gelli, Eastern Pit, Cwmparq, Cwmdare, Blaenrhon- dda, Ynysybwl, Penrhiwceiber, Navigation, Albion, Treharris, Forest Level, DeepDyffryn, and Abergor- ky. Mr David Williams (Dewi Heulwen) occupied the chair, and Mr W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon), the district agent, was also present. Attention was called to the fact that the Albion Colliery under ground work had been undertaken by contractors. who were now advertising for workmen. It was Nfelt that this fact considerably aggravated the dis- pute, and after a very warm and animated discussion, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to That this meeting, specially called to consider the most effective mode of settling the dispute at the Cilfynydd Colliery, near Pontypridd, having heard that contractors have taken the colliery to work it for the employers on conditions prejudicial to the ;nte- rests of the workmen, and that these contractors are now advertising for men to be engaged in the colliery, do most emphatically censure and condemn the action of such contractors, and call upon all workmen to keep away from the place until the dispute is fairly settled between the employers and employes, or by some person or persons authorised by both parties to do so." In view of the facts related in this resolution, the meeting deemed it prudent to postpone offering any mode of settlement for the moment. The following was unanimously agreed to. That this meeting, after a full re-consideration of the question in dispute at the Cilfynydd Colliery, and being fully convinced of the justice of the workmen's cause, is of the unanimous opinion that it is the imperative duty of all members of tho district to give ample support to their fellow workmen in the present struggle, and calls npon all colliery committees to aid the Cilfynydd men in the I collection of the workmen's contributions towards their support."

EXCITEMENT IN WEDMSBIM. THE COMMOTION CAtJSKD BY TMiT STArEMENT OF A W fcLi.-KNOW>f RESIDENT. AN INVESTIGATION BY THE "HERALD" RWRMRKA RESULTS IN THE STATBMENT BEING VEKIFIED BY KAN* PROMINENT PEOPLE. (From the Wedmsbury Herald." We have recently noticed in the column* of our exchanges an article from a well-kuown citizen ot this place which was so unusual in its nature and s4 remarkable withal that a reporter of this paper .waa commissioned to investigate its details and verify its facts. The article referred to was a statement made by Mr Isaac Wbick, of the Borongh Arms," secre- tary of the Retail Brewers' Association. Mr Whick wa.s visited by our reporter, and upon being questioned, said:- Well, sir, logically I have been dead, but really i am as you can see me. Six years ago I was takr-u ill with pains in the small of my back which gradually grew in intensity, until I was obliged to call in my medical adviser. He diagnosed my case, and ata&ed that I was suffering from disease of the kidneys. fie. gave the usual remedies, treated me for three yean, but I gradually grew worse. In the summer of 1886, after years of suffering and wasting, the physician h onr family was, npon my request, called from a neiglv bouring city to consult with my regular attend ant. A difference of opinion arose between them as to whether my complaint was kidney trouble or stone in the bladder. The result was that a surgical examina- tion was decided upon, and I was carried to Birinic^- ham that I might have the benefit of the most eminent surgeon in that city. The examination resulted in my being informed that no msdicina oo'tJA cure me; and my medicol man ww told that I could not possibly live three mouths. Returning home I was naturally very despondent, when a little book was placed in my bauds in which the symptom* of my disease were clearly put, and the uanie of tho remedy given which would cure it In sheer despera- tiou I pncclnsad a bottle, and after taking it experienced some benefit. I bought morp, and wittk each bottle could see and feel an improvement. lily friends also noticed my changed appearance, and congratulated me upon my recovery. I hewe t *keiv none of the medicine since last Autumn, and am to day a perfectly .well man. I weigh half a stone n )r.) than I aver did in my life, and have no sign of dta^as'i about me. I consider that I owe my life to W.imt-r'i SAMS Care." But doesn't the publication of your case n th* newspapers cause you great annoyance ? "Not in the least. To be sure, I get hnndreds of letters every week, asking if my statement is srue, and I am glad of the opportunity of lontirrnum my public statement, in the hope that I may rescue soma poor sufferer from the same horrible deatu tn^t menaced me. My gratitude at having been siivi-4 prompts me to do this." What do your friends think of your recovery, :'Ill' Whicks ? They are naturally rejoiced at it, but per naps tJI1 best way would be for you to call and see some of them." Acting upon Mr Whick's qnggeanon, 've called upm William Tart, 56, Great Western Street, who n :ù. man moulder at the Patent Ssait. Mr. Tart confirmed Mr Whick's statement in every particular. SaiJ bo, I hadn't the remotest idea he was going to reipvor, but daily expected to hear of his death, and wtoou I heard he was taking Warner's SAFE Cure, and was getting better, I decided to take a course ot the. medicine myself. I had suffered from pains in my back for ten years. and every little while would be laid up with it. The remedy cured me entirely, and have had no return of my old complaint." The next gentleman we met was in the street, and it would be impossible to run against any resident of Wednesbury who does noe know Mr Whick. Mr Edward Brown, of the Foresters's Arm3," Portway Road, is an old citizen, whose reputation for veracity has naver been questioned- In answer to our inqary about Mr Whick's case, and fee said, It is simply wonderful, sir. l: ot one of his friends expected him to recover, and even the doctors whom be consulted not only gave him no hope, but prophesied his speedy demise." At Ridding Lane our reporter saw Mr Francis Dicken, ex-presideut of the Licensed Victuallers' Societv, who said, I know the circumstances of Mr. Whick's case intimately, as to his sickness and recovery, and what he has said about it is icaj in every respect." Mr Edward Ellis, the well known auctioneer, who resides at Holyhead Road, said, I can vouch fjt every letter of Mr Whick's statement. Not only that, but I know' he is better to-day than he has beeiv for years. The case is a most remarkable one, and I know of people who have come forty miles to see and ask him about it." Upon our return to the "Borough Arms," Mr Whick asked us if we were satisfied wirh what we, had found. If not, said he, perhaps you would like to call upon Ylr F. W. Topham, solicitor, West lIromwich; Mr J. Rolinson, treasurer of the Benevolent and Protection Society; Mrs Cook&e\\ Royal Oik, New Town Henry Butler, Rising Sun, New Town Gaorge Page, (Jasih^ Foster Street, Darlaston D. Tyler Hold on," wd cried, we don't propose to call upon all these people after what we have already learned." Well," replied Mr Whick, whether you do at not, I can name fifty people who will vouch for every word I have said, among others, Mr S. Burghope* Parliamentary Agent ot the Licensed Victuallers' National Desence League, London. My Oaqe hatj created a great deal of excitement, and I want you to know all about it." The conclusion which mast come to every resident of Wednesbury is tha.t a miracle of healing has been performed in our midst, and that, too, by a sinipfs means within the reach of everyone and al* > ttt&t the remedy which proved so valuable and saved alite which wasjbrought down to death's door, must unques- tionably be certain in all minor troubles, which provo so disastrous unless taken in time.

RHONDDA JOrriKGS- (BY RAMBLER.) Some people have a rude habit of entering and leaving places of worship- I am speaking of tho practice of covering the head. After entering tha sacred editice many will not take off their hats nntii they have occupied their seats. In quitting the sacteel edifice again the practice of putting on their feints as soon as the service is over. This should not be allowed I remember once being in Gloucester Cathedral. Qna of the congregation before leaving the building did cover hfs head, and he was astonished when asked to take his hat off. He knew th meaning, and without hesitation the request was oboyed, but net without 8k blush noticeable on his visage. Again, I may mention another item which causes, displeasure. 1 am reierring to the practice cf ri'i;;iiig hymn books. <fcc., while the service is being conducted Oar duty is to listen to what is said by tbo preachers, &c. It is certain we cannot attend to botn tbicr^3 the same time. Tunny otten leave places oi worbuip without even remembering thJ test selected to meet their spiritual wants. This is very sad. We should aim at a better conclusion. To merely attend plana of worship to pass a few hours away carelessly is j),t enough. No, wo ni'ist eudeiivo'ir to seek what is really needed for one daiiy comfort. Reading whilo in a place of worsnip should not be tolerated except when the Sunday School work is oeing conducted, at when reading scripture at prayer meetings. *»* I cannot abstain from referring to the awkward position which some people asamno when occupying their seats daring their service. Some will have their heads bent, while others wili sit crosswajB. Everyono who has the slightest respect for the place where tha Word of God is uttered should not tarn a deaf eat (because it means this) when words of encouragement are offered them. I think people guilty of such things are heedless of what is really esserotial for their com- fort. Their actions are not commendable. Hones they should endeavour to relinquish them. 0* To ensure reform, I consider our leaders should take up the matter. Example and advice from them would doubtless result in a change of manners toa often neglected. A new church is in course of erection at Pontre, The new building will afford accommodation '0. several hundreds. When accomplished the new church will be a great boon. The Home Mission Room at Ystrad Rbo-:drU •* often crowded with attentive audiences. I am 01 opinion that a new building here would be hailed b* the church people with satisfaction.