Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
12 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
I, TESSA;
[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.] I, TESSA; BY EMILIE SEARCHFIELD, AUTHOR OF « II SNOWDROP," ETC., ETC. k* »■ ■- i' *> I It was the nrst caress since Rob's iast, and I fairly sobbed aloud. She took my arm, and drawing rit through her own, led me away a little distance from the station. There, under a spreading tree, upon a moss-covered bank, she bade me sit and cry, and tell her all. She put her arms around me, and drew my head down upon her bosom, and I wept- wept as a little child might have done in its mother's arms. Even in those first moments I felt how strong, how true she was, and yet she wept with me. "Dear Mrs. Greenwell," she began once, but I interrupted her—" you called me Dora at the first, let it be Dora now and always." "Very well, dear," and her arms tioht-wcl in their clasp and to you I will be Tes<u, Sister Tessa, for his sake." Then we both burst out weeping anew, but by- md-by she grew calm, and little by little induced me to be the same. So we walked homeward to- gether, I taking her arm and telling her all I could about baby, of whom she, on her part, had many quest ions to ask. Dear Tessa she was thus striv- ing to woo me from the past to the present, and I Celt it and loved her for it, even in those early days, when 1 had not even proved'the depth of her loving leart. When we ne;ued my home, which was Rob's no longer. I found that she hesitated a little, and walked more slowly. "I forgot to ask," I ven- tured then to say, whether you came on purpose x> see me ?" I half feared the answer, for, after ill, w"io was I that she should come so far to com- fort use ? ",i"! it Wflf; why I came, dear, but when you are tired 1 if me you must say so, otherwise I can stay r'n wl/.h you for a long time." There was a look in her grey eyes which seemed to say that she, like myself, hungered for real love-for a love which was utterly dependent upon her for life and happi- Ye there are women who would rather give than 1 ake, and Tessa was one of them, and 1, in the n;ter ahaudmoi the rest which her presence seem, i to give me, looked up into her face and said. "You must stay always, Tessa—he would ..nan.shed it; nay, he did wish it;" and then I tec: O.V I the words spoken in the rail way-carriage so li. t r ago, ending with, "and, oh! believe me, my (• ir, 1 cannot be too thankful to you for com- ing. We entered the house and half the gloom seemed to vanish in her presence old Martha, too, called up a smile as soon as her eyes rested on Tessa's peaceful countenance — peaceful in spite of the traces of recent tears. I cannot describe that count-stance to you, although, since then, I have ■stu'li'MI it day by day, and learned to love it more an in Ire-it was simply the index of her sweet soul, pure and unseltish as aught of earth can ever be. luring the evening I asked her how she had in iriaged to com:;—had she not left her home aft-er 1 ? I shrank from bringing back that other :alternative. She smiled reassuringly. My health has proved rather troublesome to me lately," she said. I have not been ill, only—Henry and Mary would neither of them let me go away, as I should have done hful I been quite strong." I am so sorry," I said but I tell you what, 'Tessa. I am going to the sea-side so soon as it can > possibly be arranged, and as you are an invalid and your own mistress, you shall go with me, and then Martha need not leave the house, for I can take care of baby." "Very well, dear, it shall be as you like, only where do you intend it to be ?" (I shall not mention the real name hear, fir reasons which will afterwards come to light. I will, therefore, if you please, call is Holmsley, instead. ) I told Tessa the n.une of the place, together with .my reasons for going thither. You prefer Holmsley, I suppose ? and she looked inquiringly into my face. Yes. In fact, I have quite made up my mind to go there." And so I had, although, of course, I had not, as yet, even written to my old nurse u ion the matter. I had been used to have nv owr, way .,all my life, and I was still of the same d.fmo-i:on, as childish and impulsive as ever. Tessa,, I thought, seemed troubled for a",h:10, but when she saw how my heart was set on Holmsley she gave in to my wishes, saying that it did not much matter, she supposed, where we went, and that, perhaps, the being with an old friend might do me good. CHAPTER III. I was very tired by the time we had reached Holmsley. Nurse was glad to see me she was getting old, and we had been separated for thirteen years, still she was just the same in heart as when I had been her darling and when I saw all she kid planned for my comfort I could not but kiss her, and smile the thanks which my foolish tongue refused to speak. The mid-day glory faded from the sky, giving place to a dusky purple, which was alike lovely and restful; but I sat on, oblivious of every- thing, for nurse had taken baby from me, so that I might have no worry on this, my first afternoon withher. Soltravelled back through the daysof my married life, dropping a tear at each milestone upon the way, until finally it seemed to me that R&b was not far off; and at the last I lay my head on something I mistook for his shoulder, and he spoke to me loving, sweet words, as of yore. A voice close by aroused me at last. "Dora, I am sorry to wake you, but some tea will do us all good, ■ and baby is ready to eat his list with hunger, the little dear and Tessa kissed him again and a^ain. So I had been sleeping, and it had all been but a dream. Indeed, I was scarcely myself when Tessa gave me my bag, and proceeded to pour out tea. That woman's tongue has not failed her one minute since our arrival," she presently remarked. There, listen A strange female voice fell on my ear. It was not particularly coarse or loud, but there was something especially disagreeable in it, and I said so. It is quite in keeping with her face," remarked Tessa. .41 Have you seen her ? "Yes, did you not notice her yourself, Dora? She was at the door when we drove by." I saw no one. What house do you mean ? "The one just below, and on the opposite side of the way," Tessa replied. But there, you were watchino- baby as we came along, and since then you have been asleep. I, however, have kept both my ears and eyes open, and you may depend upon it, Dora, that woman yonder is a gossip of no mean order, and I have made up my mmd to study her -well. Other voices had been filling up the interval till now, but even as Tessa stopped speaking the harsh, pipin» voice again broke forth. "No, I don't know nowt "about 'em, but this I saw thAat. Tessa was listening, and I did the same,^ but strain our ears as we might no more was distinguishable, for the woman took to whispering—such whispering as I had never before heard -being a series of croak- ings and hissings, from which only a word here and there such as "widow" and "baby" mingled with 31 frequent repetition of nurse's name, were intelligi- ble to us. Were nurse (I may as well call her by name Mrs. Burgiss) made her appearance. Miss Dora, dear"(the old name seemed natural to her), "I thought if baby was asleep I could carry him upstairs." I looked round the room inquiringly. You are thinking that you would like some' «ort of bed for him in herb ?" suggested Tessa. "Yes—I but Mrs. Burgess stopped me.. "I have a cot upstairs, miss, and you snail have it at °^When she came back with it I saw that* her .face f was tlusked, and supposed that it had been too heavy for her to carry. I said so to her, and made way for her to pass my chair with her burden. Oh, no, miss, not too heavy, and anything 1 can do for you will be a pleasure. I am sure I never exacted to be waiting on you again, Miss Dora," and with a deep sigh of relief, as it sounded, she placed the cot in a corner, where it was shaded from the sunlight. Then she went away to afrthe linen for the little bed, and as Tessa took the baby from my arms to lay him on the sofa for awhile, I was surprised to hear her repeat to herself Shakespeare's words, "and thereby hangs a tale." About that woman ?" I asked, innocently. "No, dear," and Tessa looked grave. "But! did you not observe how readily nurse carried the cot to the shady corner, and how flushed her cheeks were ? Now that cot must have served her at some time or other, and from this fact arose the motherly instinct and her increased colour at the bare remembrance of what is past and gone." I knew not whether it had been as Tessa said, but I did admire her for the loving sympathy which had fancied it all, and in one, too, whom she had this day seen for the first time. So, when nurse came in to carry away the tea-tray, and I saw she looked at baby with something like a tear in her eye, I just laid my hand softly on her arm. Tessa was then gazing out through the open window at the group of talkers in front of the cottage she had named. I suppose, therefore, that it seemed as though we t" o were alone, and nurse said— Ah, miss, we all have our trials in this life! You know about mine-now won't you tell me about yours ?" and I stood up and put my arm about her neck as I had done in my childish days. Then she sat down, and with a burst of tears— for which I was wholly unprepared—began. "Ah, you wondered, I s'pose, why I had that thing there ?" pointing towards the cot, but I had two such as him," meaning Rob, "and they both died one after the other." Here she paused, utterly unable to say more because of her tears. Yes, I understand, nurse, dear, but it was God who took them." She bowed her head, and her apron quite hid her face from me. You mast not fret, nursie," I went on to say. "He did it in love, you know. Why they are angels nov., and you must fancy them quite happy in heaven, free from all trouble and pain, for ever and ever Ah, Miss Dora I ought not to vex you (for my tears were mingling with hers), "and I won't either," and she rubbed her eyes to clear away the tears but you, who are so good, don't know how we poor, sinful ones rebel and chafe under trouble. God bless you, though, dear, for you've done me good with your sweet words." I She kissed me and went away to the round of her little household duties, and never again did she or I refer to her past; but sometimes, when I saw her fondling little Rob, I found myself won- dering why her babes had been taken when she had so loved them, and I made answer to my- self in a usual way, They were taken from some evil, I suppose." But then, why had Rob been taken, I next questioned—questioned blindly —and as blindly made reply, "From evil too." Tessa never said aught of the little secret her observant eyes had discovered, but I heard after- wards that there was just the reverent, tender tone for nurse as me, and yet, had Tessa no troubles ? Had she no need of tenderness ? She seemed altogether calm, as though nothing had ever disturbed the even tenor of her life, and her greatest joy, I believe, was in giving of her calm, sweet nature to others, asking for nothing again, save an utter dependence upon her own tenderness and strength. She was sitting by the window apparently engrossed in a book she held, but, as I nov/ believe, listening in reality to the voices of the gossips outside, who came and went from and to the opposite doorway. I was thinking and swinging baby's cot as well, when a loud knock at the outer door startled us both. Tessa immediately laid down her book, and I, who had learnt, or was learning rather, to copy her ways, listened too. Two men seemed to be holding a somewhat parley- ing conversation with nurse. There was nothing strange in the voice of the one, but the other was only t-uiraV.e in its gruff heaviness of tone, to lies! 1 in contrast with the piping notes of -m opposite neighbour—in short, it was the ie 1 esi, end most peculiar man's voice I had ever heird. I t. did not strike me as being unnatural, lwl yet I felt sure that I should recognise that voice again anywhere, or after any lapse of years. The door was at too great a distance to allow of our understanding any word spoken, but presently nurse ,;1,0 her appearance with a strange request upon llc: lips. Will you mind, Miss Dora, dear, and you too, miss," turning to Tessa, if I take in amait-lodger for a week or two ? It's what I've never done before, but'you see, he"—meaning the man— doesn't know where to go, and his work lies about here, so that I don't like to deny him." I looked at Tessa and Tessa at me. It would in reality be nothing to us, and yet neither liked being classed with a common working-man lodger. You fee, miss, you have your own staircase leading up from here to your bedroom-as this part of yours used to be a separate cottage once- and the man would go up our stairs from the kitchen, so that you would never see him." What sort of man is he, nurse ?" I inquired by way of answer. "Very respectable as to looks, and Mason, the painter, who lives further down the village, knows him to be quiet and steady. It was he that recommended him here, and I believe-not that he exactly said as much—that he is going to work for him at the new church which is building at Kingsley. I don't see why we should mind him, dear?" It was Tessa who spoke, and I leaned sufficiently upon her judgment to re-echo her words. So it was settled, and nurse looked glad, for she had a kindly heart, and would not willingly say "Nay" to anybody. Oh, how long that first evening seemed We could not go out and leave baby indeed, I doubt if the thought of doing anything to relieve the monotony occurred to us then, and nurse was airing sheets and preparing "the man's" room. It appeared that he had gone away after receiving his answer as to the lodging, but later, just as Tessa and I were preparing to go upstairs for the night, he came in. His step is anything but fairy-like," remarked Tessa, for as he passed our door every article in the room shook. Something just then demand 1 our attention, and I know not how it came about, but we still sat on in the semi-darkness, for the moonlight stream- ing in at the uncurtained windows was all the light we had for full another hour. The man was talking all the time, scarcely pausing, as it seemed, for either questions or replies. Once we caught a few words from both parties. Young ladies ? he questioned, in that queer, heavy voice of his, which was but a trifle lighter than his footstep. I r< Yes." It was nurse's husband who replied. "Married?" inquired the" Griffin," for so Tessa had named him at the first. Then followed quite a little oration from the Griffin," that being the longest, break during the whole of his talk that evening. At the close of this last speech, however, we again caught a word or two, the most connected of which were, Curls, did you say ?" Then the door of the kitchen, which had till now been open, wns closed, and we heard but the dull echo of his voice, which reached us even when we were up stairs and in bed. I wonder what he meant ? I said, musingly, for as I stood before the glass and brushed out my short, black curls, the man's words were again borne upon my mind. The fact was, little things seemed great to us on that dreary evening, and I was really trying to feel interested in what was | going on around, trying not to think so much of Rob and my great trouble. Tessa did not reply. I fancy that she did not hear me, but then and now I associate those words-" Curls, did you say?" with myself. The next day nurse engaged a girl to come daily [ and take baby out, for, as she rightly said, neither Tessa nor I were really able to caryr him far, so c q we bought a perambulator with a chintz shade t,) it, to protect our darUng.from.the broilui-j: sun, and, relieved of our principal duty, life at Holins» ley glided quietly, peacefully by. The sea in its j summer brightness sparkled and danced, as it were. I •• 1
ISTRADTFODWG SCHOOL BOARD.
ISTRADTFODWG SCHOOL BOARD. The fortnighjjy meeting of the above Board was held cm Friday afternoon, at the Public Offices, Pentre, when there were presentMr D. Evans (chairman), Meters E. Evans, E. Williams, W. Davies, M. LWellyn, E. W. Lewis, W. H. Mathias, J. Halkrd, D. W. Davies, and W. Lax with Mr W. H. Morgan, clerk. The Coroner flr the district (Mr E. B. Reece) wrote to the Board calling attention to the danger- ous condition of the road near the Imperial Hotel, Porth. Two fatil accidents had occurred thereat. The Surveyor laid he had ordered a fencing to be placed there. Dr. Davies complained of the bad state of Pont- ypridd road in c(nsequence of the Tramway. The Chairmaiigaid he had seen in the papers that the Pontyflridd authorities had proceeded against the tranu-ay company with respect to the roads, and that f<e company had been fined £ 23. The Clerk saidit was possible to apply for an injunction to pre^nt the company running the trams at all if the Board thought proper. Mr D. W. Daviig; We made a great mistake in giving our conseni to the undertaking at first. The Chairman: Yes, that is where the mistake lay. The Surveyor slid he had at last received a letter from the agtnt of the company, stating that a delay had occulted in the arrival of Macadam it had, however, lOw arrived, and should be placed of the roads forthvitli. The Board decnied to defer proceedings pending the same. Mr W. Thomas, Brynawel, wrote on behalf of the'owner of the lyntila estate offering to grant the'Board an easement for water for the new cottage hospital fOl £ 20. The Board felt kis was considerably high, and, after a conversation decided, on the motion of Mr D. W. Davies, seconded simultaneously by Messrs E. Evans and E. Williams, to obtain a supply from the waterworks company. Mr Johns, Cwmltich, attended before the Board for the pnrpose of Asking the co-operation of the Board in carrying «ut certain drainage work con- nected with his honees at Llwynpia. The Chairman (aid they could not assist in The Chairman (aid they could not assist in regard to private improvements. Mr E. Williams inggested that the applicant should go to his landlord for assistance. After some furthq- consideration, it was agreed that Mr Johns should do 100ft. of the new drain, and the Board the Umaining 20 feet. PRIVATE IMPKOVE^EXTS. GENEROUS CONDUCT LORD BCTE. J The Clerk read a ietter from Mr E. H. Corbett, solicitor, Cardiff, onipehalf of Lord Bute, as to the oarrying out of certajn private improvements asked for by the Board at freorky and Treherbert. The letter suggested that the tenants should undertake the work under section 120 of the Act, but that Lord Bute would materially assist them in the I. defrayal of the cost. (Hear, hear.) On the suggestion of the Chairman, it was de- cided to ask the tenets to undertake the work ac- cordingly. Mr E. Evans spokt highly of the munificence of Lord Bute tawards his tenants; and pointed out that only recently he made a new road in the dis- trict at considerable tost. Mr E. W. Lewis, speaking on behalf of the Bailey's Estate owners, said they recognised 110 liability under the Act, but it was a question as to what extent the Bostd would assist the owners of the houses in the rnatter, as the latter were whollv responsible. The proprietors of that estate had, however, annually agisted their tenants in the matter, and the sum they had laid out on private improvements was & large one indeed. Mr E. Evans: The landlords get the biggest pull out of the property, atid they ought to assist. Mr Lewis: Certainly, and they do assist. Mr Evans: Yes, aIld they get a good return for it. The Chairman was glad the landlords assisted the tenants in the private improvements. It was as much a benefit to 0^ a-s the other. Mr E. Evans: We ought to come *out strong against the landlords, I think. Mr D. W. Davies said in some parts of the dis- trict the roads were in a very bad state indeed. He mentioned one a.t Trealaw, through which streams of water rao sufficient to turn a mill. The Surveyor W. Jones), in reply, said the road in question was in a fairly good condi- tion at first, but the buildings which were now going on there had damaged it. The Chairman: Should not the roads be in a proper state of repair before the houses were al- lowed to be occupied- He was only asking for in- formation. It was so, he thought, in towns. Mt E. Evans: Weight to have some rule to guide us. In Cardift the roads must be seen to before the houses are passed. We ought not to take over roads in such a state, but have channels and gutters made to ta.k:e the surface water. > The Chairman thought they should consider the matter well, and see whether they allowed houses to be occupied before the roads were put in a proper state. It was agreed to discos the question at an early future board, when there would be a larger atten- dance present. Mr G. H. Smith, Feilire, (as agent for another es- tate), also wrote repudiating any obligation in the matter, and stating that the Board should serve notice upon the tenants. The Chairman said he understood from Mr Smith that the landlord would assist the tenants, and the Clerk was ordeted to again write to Mr Smith on the subject. No reply, it was reported, had been received from the representatives of the estate of Mrs Llewellyn. MEDICAL OFl'¡CER's REPORT. Dr. J. R. James, the nodical officer of the Board, presented his report for the month of December, which showed that the number of births during that period was 233, 121 being males, and 112 females. The deaths numbered 155, two-thirds of which were children under five years of age. The birth rate represented 31-32 per 1000 per annum and the death rate 20-64, Dr James attributed the higher rate of mortality than usual to the foggy and damp weather, caUsing chest diseases and bronchial affections. Amongst the deaths was that of a woman at porth. who had attained the matriarchal age of 103 years. The average number of deaths consequent upon chest diseases was 20, but last month there had been 54 from such cause. Twelve died from measles, and all these cases had taken place below liecilfach, mostly in Porth. There had been 24 more fever deaths in the dis- trict last year then the previous year, while the births had alse exceeded the average of 74. The extremes of life compared very favourably with previous reports. The Chairman refllatked, with regard to the woman who had died at the age of 103, that Porth must be a very healthy place. The Clerk: She must have come from a very healthy stock. (Laughter.) FIANCE. Mr W. Lax submitted the finance committee's report, showing that accounts to the extent of £ 1,114 1/10 had been passed for payment. The balance at the bank was stated to be £ 4,900. The Chairman: Not a bad balance, is it? Mr E. Evans: Very good for the bank. On the motion of Me B. Williams, seconded by Mr D. W. Davies, the finance committee's report was passed. The collector's report showed that jE2,984 12/1 had been paid into the bank during the past month. The Chairman The Utoney is coming in very well. SANITARY INSPECTORS' REPORTS. The Inspector for No. J district reported three fresh cases of typhoid fever during December. In No. 2 district there were five fresh cases of measles. In No. 3 district there was no special item to report. A letter was read from, jjfr W., John, clerk to the Llantrisant School feoard, complaining of a certain slip of land which had given way near Dinas School, and asking the Board to take steps to remedy the same. Mr Manias Said the Qoard was not responsible; It was being seen to by tlto Dinas CoUiery Com- pany. TENDER. Several tenders were received for the supply of fire plugs and appliances, and that of Messrs Blakewell & Co., hydraulic engineers, Brighouse, at £179 15/1, was, on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr Llewellyn, accepted. The name of Mr Llewellyn was added to the finance committee. This was all the business.
THE COMING OF AGE OF MR E.…
THE COMING OF AGE OF MR E. LI. THOMAS, TIE HEATH PROPOSED DEMONSTRATION AT PONTYPRIBD. On Friday evening last a public meeeting was held at the Town Hall to-take into considera- tion the proposal to present a congratulatory address, and organise a public demonstration, in honour of the coming of age of Mr E. LI. Thomas, eldest son of the late Mr George Thomas, the Heath, Cardiff, (and heir to valuable properties in this town.) The attentlanee was not numerous, but influential, and the Hev. H. J. Williams, B.A., vicar of St. Catherine's, was voted to preside. lllc s' Amongst those present were Messrs. W. H. Key, J. Coombes, W. Merchant, Joseph Davies (Graig Schools), W. Jones-Powell, D. Rowland, H. Porcher, W. Seaton, James Phillips (Solicitor), T. Forest, J. F. M'Clune (Grammar School), J. Sprague, D. Griffiths (builder), and others. The Chairman, having briefly opened the pro- ceedings, called upon Mr W. Jones-Powell to explain the object of the meeting. Mr Jones-Powell stated that at a meeting held in connection with the Chamber of Trade, several gentlemen of the town expressed their warm approval of the project, and Mr Lenox had also promised to take active part therein. He (the speaker) suggested that a committee be formed to take up the matter, with the view of preparing an address of congratulation, and that an effort be made to organise a public demonstration on the occasion of the young gentleman's^coming of age. He hoped the movement would be taken up in a hearty manner, and that a subscription list be opened to defray the necessary expenses. The Chairman said that such an auspicious event should not be allowed to pass without show- ing their respect towards Mr Thomas and his family. Events of this kind did not often take place, and it was their duty to Rejoice with those who did rejoice." Mr J. Coombes claimed the privilege of being one of the oldest tradesmen in Pontypridd. The meeting was a step in the right direction. There had not, it was true, been a close intimacy hitherto between the owners of the Heath Estate and the tenants, so far as Pontypridd was con- cerned. and there consequently seemed to be a gap between them. The present was, therefore, a good opportunity for forming a closer relation between Mr Thomas' family and the trades- people of Pontypridd. They should overlook the past, and shake hands over it, for the young gentleman was coming of age, and they should unite to celebrate the event in a manner which weuld do honour to the heir. The first step would be to form a committee and appoint officers. Mr Thomas would have it in his power to do a great deal of good or otherwise to the town, so that the occasion of the attainment of his majority was an important one for the towns- people. He moved that a committee be ap- pointed. Mr Merchant, bank manager, seconded, and the resolution was agreed to. On the motion of Mr Jones-Powell, seconded by Mr Lorrie, it was resolved to ask Mr Lenox to act as chairman of the committee. Mr D. Rowland proposed, Mr Coombes second- ed, and it was carried, that Mr Merchant, the bank, be vice-chairman. Messrs. Jones-Powell and W. Phillips were appointed joint secretaries and the whole of the gentlemen present to act as committee, with power to add to their number. A joint treasurersliip was entrusted to the two local banks, notwithstanding the fact that Mr Jones-Powell remarked, amid laughter, that a joint treasurership was a "great nuisance to the secretaries, Mr Joseph Davies recommending that the secretaries should take a bank each. The committee afterwards took into considera- tion the modus operandi, and several sub-com- mittees were told off to prepare the copy of an address, to get up a demonstration, and provide subscriptions. We might add that Mr Thomas will visit Ponty- pridd on the occasion referred to, the 24th of February and a treat will be given at his ex- pense to the inmates of the Workhouse.
l MEETING OF COLLIERS AT FERSMALE.
l MEETING OF COLLIERS AT FERSMALE. A well-attended meeting of the collieries em- ployed at Messrs. D. Davis and Son's collieries at Ferndale was held at the Assembly-hall, Ferndale, on Saturday night, to hear the report of the slid- ing scale committee upon the last three months' audit, and to discuss the result of the last demand of the men for an advance of 2?, per cent, on pre- vious wages. The intelligence that their demand had been refused, on the grounds that the late Mr Lewis Davis had granted them 6d. in the S about two years ago, when there was an unusual de- pression in the coal trade and much distress amongst the colliers, was received with much dissatisfaction, the men inquiring why part of their earnings was being kept back in this way now, no mention of any such intention having been made on the occasions of previous advances. The discussion which ensued resulted in a vote of disapproval. v a. 1
A NAUGHfY BOY AT TREHERBERT.
A NAUGHfY BOY AT TREHERBERT. BRUTAL ASSAULT ON A MOTHER. DEFENDANT SENT TO A REFORMATORY FOR FOUR YEARS. At the Rhondda Police Court, on Monday, (before the Stipendiary and Mr T. P. Jenkins), George Samuel Masters, a boy, was charged with wounding his mother. Hannah Masters, Station Terrace, said defend- ant was nearly 12 years old. He was quite un- manageable. On Sunday he threw a piece of iron at her, and cut her head open. She refused to let him go out, and would not let him have his hat and jacket as he wanted to go out into the siireet. He swore at her, and threatened to break the windows. She tried to prevent him. She took his hat and coat to him outside the house. He then took up a piece of iron, and threw it at her. She tried to avoid it, but could not. The wound was near the top of the head, on the right side. The wound bled until Mr White, surgeon, came and stopped the blood. eon, Alfred Masters, 14 years of age, son of the com- plainant, corroborated her evidence. The mother, recalled, said defendant had many times thrown stones at her. She had tried in every way to control him. Directly his father died five months ago he refused to go to school. He would not obey her in any way. If she tried to command him he kicked her, and if she coaxed him he was impudent to her. It was quite a task for his father to manage him. Ordered to be sent to an Industrial School until he was 16 years of age.
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¡CORRESPONDENCE.
¡ CORRESPONDENCE. 'I TWe do uot bind ourselves to accept the opinions of oar correspondents.] COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. "PEASANT'S REPLY TO THE "HAWK." To the Editor If the "Chronicle." SIR,—If the voters were all intelligent and right-minded men, there would be no need to reply to the Hawk," but I am afraid many are ignorant, and think that the one that says the last word is the best man. Please give me a I small space to help those. No doubt the "Trades- man and the "Hawk are the same kind of btras, viz., birds of prey. They made a great mistake when they thought the Peasant was a Pheasant. These birds are not the same nature. If these birds of prey are subject to such a blunder in their own line, surely they are clangerous guides in matters pertaining to county councils. It is plain that these birds have lost their intellects and reason, and the best thing to do with these birds is to put a knife to their throats. They failed to meet the Peasant on one point. I never said that a Saxon was not a fit person to be on the council, but inasmuch as we have more able men who are Welshmen, nature teaches us to put them on the council. I never thought for the council to be Welsh it is better for it to be English. The law in the Statute Book is English, and the work of the council is to carry out the law. Well, is it not more natural for Welshmen to bring forth the touch than a Saxon ? Voters, be true to nature. The Hawk thinks that the sound of the clock has stunned me. 0, no I never come to Pentre Llangana. I know its character for upwards of 50 years many a male and female have lost very precious things in that locality. They have lost their bodily strength, lost their intellect, lost their money, and, alas lost their characters, and I never heard of any change having taken place in that cursed village. Why did the clock run away ? was it ashamed to look at the awful sights below ? did it blush to give a tune over the element that runs out of the tower ? and which brings about much wjrse results than the tower on the Plains of Sliinar. Peasant is taught that underground is a desosr- ate place for birds of prey. But this is the first time Peasant has heard working men boasting of companies leasing houses. We are told that leasing houses by companies is the same principle as the truck-shop, viz., monopoly. In these houses the birds of prey live, and through these houses the rights of working men are crushed down. If he speaks anything for himself, he knows thc\,t he is not only to be turned out of his works, bur in a week or two he and his family will be put out of the house, and if the works are slack the rent is kept in the office, even if the wife and little children starve. Through leasing houses natives are sent about their business, the place is filled by foreigners, and there is no advantage to any one but companies and birds of prey. Welshmen, true to nature, my boys: don't deprive yourselves of the privilege the Liberal party gave you by the Franchise and the Rallot. Welsh, Irish, and Saxon, join together, and vote for the Liberals all round. WELSH PEASAXT.
THE CONTEST IN THE PORTH WARD.
THE CONTEST IN THE PORTH WARD. To the Editor of the "Chronicle." SIR,-I shall not thank our Parish Scribbler for his gratuitous advice, for no other reason at present than that, taking active part in public matters which touches my well-being, is no less the business of this humble individual than that of his Highness Y Vi Vawr." He reckons without his host when he takes for granted that silence and abuse is the best answer to a non-offensive letter. His libellous attack in lieu of a reply will rather than mend matters to his fashion, aggravate them. If this "Braggadocio" believes that I have no right to take sides and defend his cause, why did he, nearly two months ago, send per a man named Thomas Evans, a printed circular soliciting my support and attendance at his committee room and why in a public meeting held at the English Baptist Chapel, Porth, was a paper handed to him favouring Mr. Williams' candidature, which was to be read to the meeting ? My position as to worldly means was well known to Mr. Bombast before then; or is it since then I have gone wrong in meddling with public matters? Cer- tainly one has ample time to write half a column of a letter to the Press if time will allow him to attend a committee or two every week, besides taking two or three hours each night to go round canvassing in which Mr. Williams has a strong faith, because it does not violate the principle of the Ballot. Notwithstanding all my defects, no one would have valued my humble services as a supporter more than this prince of revilers himself, and I expect that he in future will have ample time to estimate these services at their proper value. The working people of the Rhondda will have but themselves to blame if they fail to send gentlemen in the proper sense of the word to represent them on the Council Council and School Boards. Whether Mr. Williams understands the law of gravitation, or not, it is evident that, while he has sufficient force to gravitate his own blows, he fails entirely to gravitate the people. I hope he will well digest the fifth paragraph in Mr. John Morgan's letter; and with an unbiassed mind compare the refreshing facts therein stated with his own disgusting brag- gartism regarding his chairmanship of Bands of Hope, Temperance Defence Leagues," his Sunday School Class of 2(j, &c. What is the value of all this wonderful capacity ? Why, a postboy can boast that he is a messenger, letter deliverer, parcel carrier, newsvendor, bag carrier, letter assorter, horse rider, and a Christmas present receiver; and the filler of each of these important offices requires the tact of a chairman of a Band of Hope of 30 members. Before I conclude I shall advise A Looker On to have another look at my letter, but with the lenses of his telescope placed in proper order and position. I am, Sir, Yours truly, 4 » METOX. Porth. „ f
MR. J. JOKES GRIFFITHS' REPLY…
MR. J. JOKES GRIFFITHS' REPLY TO MR. IDRIS WILLIAMS. To the Editor of the Chronicle Sm,-Very readily do I accept Mr. Idris Williams' apology for the remarks he made in a letter to you some time ago, with reference to certain private matters of mine at which he can have no cognizance and, now that his better nature is in the ascendant, he may possibly be brought to such a lively sense of his duty as to make me a second apology for the unwarrantable assertion he hazards as to my being the anthor of the letter in your issue of last week signed by "An Elector." Mr. Williams cannot be a very distant relation of Mrs. Partingson, for whenever he opens his mouth he puts his foot into it." You will bear me out, Mr. Editor, that whatever other sins of omission, or commission, I may have to plead guilty to, I am innocent of this charge, at any rate. So—down on yeur bended knees, Mr. ldris Williams, and make the amends honorable once more, and we will grant you absolution this time again, with the caution to go and sin no more," and if any more wanderings from the truth are indulged in, the inevitable thrashing must be administered. u Mr. t Williams hILS "thought fit fo supply your readers with an addendum, or supplementary list" of offices held by him, and which were omitt& from the long catalogue cited by "An Elector."1 The graphic picture, and so beautifully beneficent, which be portrays of himself as teacher of 26 nice young men in a Sunday School, a chairman of the easily impressed children of a Band of Hope, and a Vice-President of a Tem- perance League of men in terrible earnest over this drink curse, is calculated to win the admira- j tion of the gods. But that )u:iiless Goth and Vandal, Mr. John Morgan, oi Havod, the erst- while dealer in wines and grogs, sacrilegiously rushes on the scene, and mercilessly insists upon lifting the veil from the other side of the picture, and its hollowness and sham are apparent. Oh, consistency! what sins are committed in thy name. I heartily reciprocate the wish of Mr. Williams to bury the hatchet when the noise of battle is over. So let it be. Yours truly, J. J OXES GRIFFITHS. [% We entirely exonerate our correspondent, Mr. J. Jones Griffi-.iis, from the imputation that he was the writer of the letter signed I "An Elector." The epistle referred to came from quite another source.—EWTOE, Chronicle.}
IMACLUCAS'S ATTACH ON THE…
MACLUCAS'S ATTACH ON THE TRE- FOUESr CATHOLICS. T" the. of III" .Ildcte." Sir.,—Taking up r:t j P» ■/ /r< I D -strict Herald of the 5th instant, I can: aorjss an article at- tempting to critic se the performance of th* "Colleen B.iwn 1. the Trororest Amateurs. I, hearing of t ie perform mce, and judging froni wilat I ha i previously heard of the ama- teurs, thought I ah .mid eejoy an exhibition of their dramatic p >wer, I alt jnd jd punctually, at í .30 p.m., and h -ing the possessjr oi a ticket for a. reserved seat I was sh nvn to it. Having mvsalf a slight idea of acting, I thought the rendering of such a diiiicult piece, and that by amateurs, to have ha ;:i most creditable. Thera wa,3, I a siign; ah sen J3 of etiquette, and that only bv the two gentlemen who impersonated Mr. Hal-dress Cregan an 1 Mr. Kyile Daly respec- tively. Otherwise I ink the criticisms of tha Herald to be most unnece jsarv. Mr. J je Brooks in particular rendered his part most efficaciously. Great credit is, therefore, due to him, and he may b. justly congratulated upon, carrying the laurels. Mr. Lile's get-up was hardly the thing, bat as to his acting, Mr. MacLucas says he did what he wa exjtected." Yes, he did. and a little more. Mr. Hallesey did very well, still I think that, being born and bred an irishman, he could have no difficulty in rendering the psrfe allotted to him. Mrs. O'Dowd did credit to her- self, although the worthy Herald says she is use! to "struttingjttie boards." Miss Scannell, Mi"35 Morgan, and Miss Davies were most praise- worthy. Taking the performance on the whole, I think it surpassed any amateur performance yet staged in Pontypridd. Wall, to pass over the performance, I should like to call your attention to the insult the worthy MacLucas gave to the reverend gentleman leaning on the orchestra. He refers to the Rev. Father Pudney as a "scholar and a gentleman." Does he dare to insinuate the Rev. Father Ashby possesses neither of these qualities ? As to being a gentleman, I am personally acquainted with him, and find him to be a true one and as to his education, seeing the position he holds, no one but a demented being would say that he did not possess one of a very high order. Ae is a gentle- man who associates with people who bear a good character, and he cares little for demoralised beings who, when they find that he will not stoop from his position as a gentleman to associate with, them, begin to call to question his character. I should like Mr. MacLucas to know that when he comments upon the subject of gentlemen and their duties," he is like a man walking in & strange country—he knows very little about it. The Rev. Father Ashby was by no means bound to see that order was kept by the audience. A policeman was there for that purpose. Father Ashby was invited by the amateurs to be present at their performance, and, being a guest, had consequently nothing whatever to do with t ie arrangements of the evening. I hope Mr. MacLucas Will respect gentlemen for the future, and give honour where honour is due. In anticipation that you will find room for this in your valuable paper, I am, dear sir, ONE WHO ADVOCATES THE ADAGE, "GIVE HOXOUK WHERE HONOUB IS DUE."
SERIOUS CASE OF FURIOUS DRIVING.…
SERIOUS CASE OF FURIOUS DRIVING. ». To the Editor of the "Ch'on'cle/ SIR,—I wish to draw attention to a case of furious driving in Pontypridd, which might have proved serious if not fatal. On Sunday night last I, in company with several others, was coming down Mill-street, when I perceived a break (laden with Sunday inebriates) coming towards us at full speed. With difficulty we got to the turning into St. Catherine-street, and thus averted imminent danger to ourselves. A female coming out of a house opposite was not so fortunate, and sha wfcs knocked down by the furiously-driven break, and narrowly escaped being killed. What made the matter worse was that the fact that the driver of the break paid no heed whatever to the acci- dent to the young woman, but continued his head- long speed as if nothing had happened. Informa- z, 11 tion was at once given to the police, and a gentle- man went in pursuit of the break, so that I hope to hear that the driver will be taught by the magistrates that, in driving along the streets, he must respect the convenience and safety of others besides himself. The incident, I can assure you, was a very dangerous one. Yours truly. AN IMPERILLED WITNESS." Pontypridd, Jan. 14th, 1839.
ENTH03I4SriC MEETING AT PORTH,
ENTH03I4SriC MEETING AT PORTH, MR. J. JONES GRIFFITHS' CANDIDATURE. A well attended meeting in support of Mr. J. Jones Griffiths' candidature for this division wa3 held at the English Congregational Chapel on Wednesday evening last, Mr. Anthony Dew ia the chair. Mr. Griffiths deprecated the personalities which had been introduced into the contest. He said ha was willing to have his actions, past and present, criticised as freely as his opponents pleased, but due regard should be had to the truth. With regard to the County Government Act, he showed he was conversant with the subject. He pointed out the duties which the Council would have to perform, and the manner in which these would be of interest to the electors. He then went into the details of last year's statistics, relating to the county of Glamorgan, and dwelt upon the finan- cial aspect of the question. He suggested that a time would come when the vast sums of money received in royalties, wavleaves, and ground rents would be taxed towards the relief of local rates. Mr. Griffiths showed the effect of the 81st clatsa of the Act upon the possibilities of the near future with regard to the necessity for nnity in securing an amicable settlement of the questions of tithe payment, intermediate education, aad other matters. Several questions were asked, which called forth satisfactory replies. The Chairman threw the meeting open for any proposition to be made. Mr. W. Williams (Meton) propossd a vote of confidence in Mr. Griffiths, which was seconded by another Porth elector. Mr. Hutchins objected to Mr. Griffiths for the reason that he contested on political lines, and. proposed that the vote be given to Mr. Thomas Jones. Mr. Hammond deprecated the taking of a vota at all, and proposed one of non-conifdence." This was seconded by Mr. Powell, hay mer- chant, Perth. AU these were put to the meeting in regular order, with the result that the vote to Mr. Jones was supported by the proposer and seconder only, I and that of non-confidence" had less than a. dozen supporters, while a large majority were in j favour of the vote oi confidence in Mr J. Joneft Griffith