The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

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VICTORY FOR THE WORKMKN, AN O HOW IT WAS OBTAINED. (BY A MINING CORRESPONDENT.) NOW, that a settlement has been come to, it will be of interest to glance at the action taken and the results as tttfey affect the workmen. The original demand for 12J per cent., although seemingly exhorbitant, was not so much above what the employers could afford as was sometimes urged, or the concessions made would not have been so great. The wisdom of the men in recognizing the Sliding Scale Committee as the proper tribunal to deal with the wages question is now made mani- fest. Whatever may be said about the Aberdare Conference, its decision to give the workmen's representatives absolute power to settle the dispute was the means of putting an end to the crisis in the cual trade. Armed with this power, the re- presentatives were certainly able to make better terms with the employers than any deputation could possibly have done. As to the sliding scale meeting at Cardiff, on Monday, the effect of its deliberations will be exceedingly important in its bearings upon the future relations of employers and employed. There was a full attendance of representatives of employers and workmen, and it was evident from the outset that serious business was meant. First of all came a suggestion from the employers that the notices to terminate con- tracts should be withdrawn. Of course the other side demurred, retired to consider the matter, and finally agreed that, subject to a settlement satis- factory to both sides being arrived at, the notices should be formally withdrawn. Notwithstanding previous negotiations, it was decided to begin de novo by the workmen's representatives making formal applications on behalf of those they repre- sented. So as not to have any futile discussion, they demanded a 10 per cent. advance, which they fully intended obtaining. The employers met this with an offer of 5 per cent. from the 1st of April and 10 per cent. from the 1st of May. A long argument ensued, the employers contending that the pits had been working at a loss, but the work- men's representatives regarded the masters' offer as of little value, because they thought that the result of the audit would give more soon. The employers pointed to the prospects of trade being driven away, and the workmen appealed for more consideration, seeing they had already modified their demand. The employers then retired to consider the position, and when the two sections of the sliding-scale committee again met in the same room the employers, through their spokes- man, said they had fully gone into the matter, and, under the circumstances, were prepared to offer 7! per cent. from and after the 1st of April, to rise to 10 per cent. on the 1st of May. The workmen's side, seeing no possibility of obtaining a full 10 per cent. for April, felt it would be necessary to give way on that point. Other issues were then raised. The revision of the sliding-scale, which had been broached and temporarily deferred pending the discussion of matters of more imme- diate concern, was again brought forward, and this being agreed to an arrangement for the audit to cover the three first months of this year was made so that if more than 10 per cent. should be yielded by the 1st of May that should be given, but that 10 per cent. should be guaranteed as the minimum from that date. This being agreed to, the workmen's representatives made a gallant fight for 5 per cent. increase for the month of March, but this was absolutely refused, and at last they yielded that point and accepted the inevitable. The terms of agreement were then formally drawn up as a minute in the committee book and signed by the chairman, vice-chairman, and two secretaries. The details are given in the official report and need not be recapitulated here, but in view of the fact that 65,000 miners are concerned in the result, it would be well to con- sider what are the effects of the action taken. In the ordinary course the workmen would not be entitled to any advance at all under the present sliding-scale until the 30th of June next, but by Monday's agreement they will from and after the 1st of April obtain 7 per cent. advance, to be followed on the 1st of May by a certain advance of 21 more per cent., with a possible further If per cent. if the price of coal should happen to be 10s 2cl per ton, a not at all improbable prospect. To fully understand this it should be remembered that in June, 1887, the workmen gave notices to terminate the sliding-sckle, but those notices were withdrawn-I think it was in November-and subsequently the sliding-scale committee met at Cardiff and signed an agreement for two years. By that agreement it was stipulated that "when coal reached 10s per ton, the ratio of advances above that should be upon every 2d per ton instead of 4d. in other words, splitting the 4d was agreed to. Up to the present the probabilities of the workmen benefitting by this splitting process has been remote. The last audit showed the average price of coal to be between 8s 9d and 9s per ton; when you add to that the 71¡ per cent. which is granted from the 1st of April, the men will be paid 10 per cent. above the standard, or at the same rate as if the average price had been declared to be between 9s 8d and 10s per ton. Then on the 1st of May a further advance of 2 percent, will place the men on the same footing as if coal were selling at over 10s per ton. But if the audit declares more, the workmen are to have it. Thus, if coal actually sells at 10s 2d they will get, not 10 per cent. over their present earnings,but III percent., or It more than the guaranteed 10 per cent. As nothing could be really claimed until the 30th of June, the workmen obtain a concession of 7t per cent. for one month oat of the three months which will elapse before that date, and for the two remaining months they are certain of 10 per cent., with a possibility, if not a substantial prospect, of more. This prospect, too, is based upon the important consideration that in the audit which will be made in April the prices ruling in January, February, and March, when coal sold at the best figures, will weigh in favour of the workmen. Finally, revision of the scale, while helping to maintain the integrity of the conciliation system, will, beyond doubt, benefit the men financially. Some contend it will be equal to 2 per cent. more wages. Then what have the men lost? their real demand being 10 per cent. They lose If per cent, oi that demand for two months, but they obtain other benefits which more than counter- balance.

FOHTYPRIDD FREE LIBRARY. v CONSIDERATION OF BUILDING TENDERS. ,(' DISCUSSION BY THE COMMITTEE. An adjourned meeting of the committee -of the Pontypridd Free Library was held on Tuesday evening, at the Public Offices, when there were present :-Mr L. Gordon Lenox, J.P., (in the chair), Messrs D. Leyshon, G. J. Penn, W. W. Phillips, J. Evans (draper), Hopkin Morgan, H. S. Davies, Joseph Davies (Graig Schools), J. Coombes, James Roberts, and W. Jones-Powell -^Secretary.) The business of the meeting was to take into further consideration the following tenders which had been received for the erection of the free library buildings Mr W. Seaton, Pontypridd, £ 2,070. L Mr Julian, Pontypridd, £ 1,924. Mr Watkin Williams, Pontypridd, Y,1,997 14/9. Messrs Turner and Sons, Cardiff, £ 1,929- Messrs Jenkins Bros., Swansea, £ 1,865. Messrs W. Thomas and Co., Cardiff, £ 2,071. Messrs C. Jenkins and Sons, Porth, £ 2,183 18/6. Mr W. Crisp, Malvern, £ 2,395. Mr J. Hopkins, Cardiff, £1,863 4/- Messrs Ingood, £ 2,047. Mr Thomas Rees, Merthyr Vale, 92,098. It might be added that Mr Julian's tender last year was £ 1,759. Mr Powell pointed out, as to Mr Hopkins, who had sent in the lowest tender, that he had made enquiries concerning him, and found that he had not been able to carry out a contract which he had taken in hand in the Ogmore Valley. Mr Leyshon was in favour of Mr Julian, on the ground that he was a local man, and the money would be spent in the neighbourhood. The Chairman remarked perhaps a Cardiff contractor would employ labour from Pontypridd. The Secretary and Mr Phillips disagreed, and mentioned instances where contractors had brought their men with them, thereby taking all the money away from the town. The Chairman said the architect had written to him stating that Mr Julian had informed him to the effect that he did not care whether he had the work, or not. Mr Phillips-He was so much annoyed at the previous neglect of the board. Mr Roberts—The hands of the committee were .'then tied. We could do nothing. We had not even had the lard nor the loan. Mr Coombes—If the contract goes away from the town it will interfere very much with subscrip- tions from the town. Mr H. S. Davies-Will it affect them to the extent of £ 60. That is the question. Mr Coombes was of opinion that the 10 per cent. increase asked for by Mr Julian on his original contract should have been granted in the face of the inconvenience and loss he had suffered. He would propose that Mr Julian's tender be accepted. Mr Evans seconded, remarking that if they took a poll of the ratepayers they would find that they were in favour of retaining the work in Ponty. pridd. J Mr Phillips supported. The Chairman said the main reason for giving the contract to Mr Julian was on account of the injury he had received at their hands. If foreign workmen would be brought into the town he thought perhaps it would be better to give the work to a local man. Mr Roberts was not in favour of centralising ithe work in Pontypridd. They had the whole district (Treforest and Hafod as well) to consider, and by accepting the lowest tender they would benefit the whole district. Mr Powell-It will materially affect the sub- scription list. Many persons who have promised will not contribute if the work is given to a stranger. Mr J. Davies did not think that should he men- tioned. Mr Evans-It is a town's question. Mr H. S. Davies could not see why so much feeling should be brought into the matter. It was a question for the committee to decide amongst themselves. v Mr Evans—The feeling hag risen owing to the contract for another thing having been sent away from th3 town. Mr Roberts-If no one else will move, I will propose as an amendment that the tender of Mr Hopkins, being the lowest, be accepted. The credentials of Mr Hopkins are good, and. I look at the matter from the broader point of view of saving as much as possible. Mr Hopkin Morgan seconded. Mr J. Davies—Why advertise at all unless we a cept the lowest tender ? Mr Powell-You are not bound to accept the ,lo Nest tender. The Chairman thought it was a pity that this v,is not considered before they advertised the s ond time. Mr Rowland had made some inquiries as to Mr II ipkins, and found that he had not been used to b. jobs. Besides, he was a comparatively young i.,n. lr H. S. Davies-Neither is Mr Julian used to b. jobs. 'he Chairman—Yes, the work he is now en. aged upon in the town is more than this ci. tract. fr Leyshon said the question now was whether tL se who had promised subscriptions would give them if the work went away from the vC 1. r Roberts considered it was very harsh and n; ir to say that persons would refuse subscrip- T. because a stranger had the job. r Coombes-This is a different case. It is the Ol: 3me of the former contract. :'? H. Morgan-Oh, no; the former contract L. jeen done away with. e Chairman asked if it was not possible to, a. tain the feeling of the public on the matter. was, however, felt that it was not fair to m: t. an appeal to the public, as the matter lay in ands of the committee to determine. 1' ? Chairman—There is a good deal in what Mr 'alter Morgan said the other night that con- ,ble expense is incurred if a contractor to ■_ ry out the work. We should consider M r Roberts-We should have proper sureties to fall back upon. The Chairman-Quite so; even if we have good .sureties, still expenses will be incurred. Mr J. Davies said he had ascertained that Mr Hopkins was not yery well known in Cardiff. Mr Evans-Then why give the job to a man who is not known ? Mr J. Davies remarked it was very strange that th. architect had not forwarded to the committee the correspondence he had received with regard to the references of those who had tendered. The Chairman—Perhaps he would have sent them if we had asked him. Mr Penn-There is certainly a very strong feeling in favour of Mr Julian. Suppose we offer him 960 under what he has tendered. Mr H. S. Davies-It is not fair at all. Mr H. Morgan—It is a very unfair way of doing business. Mr Penn—I agree with you it is not business. Mr Coombes felt strongly in the matter. They should consider the claims of Mr Julian. He thought it was very unfair to have invited fresh tenders at all. They ought to have given Mr Julian the ten per cent he asked for because the market prices of material had gone up. The Chairman did not think that they should have given Mr Julian the ten per cent. Several gentlemen concurred with the chair- .man. Mr Leyshon did not look at it quite from a monetary point of view, but on the grounds of fairness let them give the contract to Mr Julian. It was only a matter of 60, and he would be glad to put his hand into his pocket to contribute a share of the amount, in order to keep the work in the town. Mr Roberts—We should consider the interests of the ratepayers. Ir Leyshon-I am one of the heaviest rate- payers in the district, and will pay my share towards making up the deficiency. Mr Roberts-It is a debatable question whether .you are one of the heaviest ratepayers, or not. Mr Powell suggested, if Mr Julian's sureties were not satisfactory, that the tender of Mr Jenkins, of Swansea, be accepted. Several voices-No, no. Mr Powell-It was done before. I only mention it now in fairness. The Chairman then put the amendment to the meeting, when there voted for it-Messrs Roberts, H. S. Davies, J. Davies, and H. Morgan. For the original motion-Messrs Evans,Phillips,Coombes, Rowland, Powell, and Leyshon. The Chairman and Mr Penn remained neutral. Mr Rowland-Now, this a recommendation to the Local Board that Mr Julian's tender oe accepted, is it not ? Mr Roberts—If I will be there, I will raise the question at the Board again. Mr Phillips- We will fight it there again, Mr Roberts. The proceedings then terminated.

PONTYPRIDD BOARD OF GUARDIANS. CONSIDERATION OF THE CLERK'S SALARY DEFERRED. NO MORE PLURAL APPOINTMENTS TO BE MADE. The fortnightly meeting of the above Board was held on Wednesday, at the Union Workhouse, Pontypridd, when there were present:—Rev. D. W. Williams, M.A., (chairman), Messrs Godfrey Clark, W. John, T. Howells, J. Richards, T. Mor- gan (Tonteg), W. W. Phillips, W. Davies, E. H. Davies, W. Morgan, Rev. W. Morris, T. Morgan (Pontypridd), E. Evans, D. Thomas, E. Edwards, D. Evans, D. Llewellyn, E. Williams, I. Morgan, H. Anthony, E. John, D. Jones, W. L. Herbert, W. Prichard, and D. Fenwick. THE CLERK'S SâLARY QUESTION. The Deputy Clerk (Mr W. Spickett) read a letter from Mr W. R. Beith regretting his inability to be present, and asking the board to allow him to defer bringing forward his motion re the clerk's salary until another meeting. Rev. W. Morris thought he would be in order in moving in liiis matter now, because if Mr Beith had been present he (the speaker) would have pro- posed, not exactly a negative, but something that would be an amendment to Mr Beith's motion, and if in order he was prepared to move a resolu- tion now. The Chairman: I certainly think you are in order. Rev. W. Morris said his motion was that they postpone the consideration of the clerk's salary for 12 months for three reasons. First of all, a reso- lution was passed here some time ago—he did not exactly remember the date—calling for a return of the salaries, grants, &0., received, directly or indirectly, by the officials of the board, and that those returns be printed in the abstract. Anyone who had perused the abstract would see at once that those returns were not presented. Then, for that reason, he begged to move the postponement of the clerk's'salary, because, he maintained, they could not possibly deal with the matter, for as far as he was concerned, and, he believed, many other guardians as well, did not know what in the world some of the officers got, and they had no proper data to go upon. For another reason, that very recently the clerk received an advance of salary from the assessment committee, and, for the third reason, that it seemed that they were now enter- ing upon some vast undertakings, such as cottage homes and other work, which would verv likely increase the work, and if they now increased the clerk's salary it was very probable that by-and- bye another appeal would be made to them for a further increase in salary. He, therefore, pro- posed that the matter be postponed for twelve months. Mr W. Morgan seconded. The Chairman asked if there was any amend- ment. The Deputy Clerk said he was not in a position to speak as to the returns, but if Mr Morris would adjourn his motion for a fortnight he had no doubt his father would know more about them than he did. Rev. W. Morris said the question had been post- poned. He thought the better plan would be to entertain his motion now. The motion was then put to the meeting, and car- ried nem dis. PLURAL APPOINTMENTS. Rev. W. Morris, in accordance with notice given at the last meeting, moved that in future the officers ap pointed by this Board would not be allowed to hold more than oue appointment. He was not going to make a speech upon the motion, for it was simply a reasonable and rational motion in expression of the very radical speech made by the chairman at the last meeting. There had been soma misconstruction put upon the notice of motion, and it had been suggested that he had wished to deal with the present officers, but he simply moved with reference to the appoint- ments that might be made in future. Mr D. Evans seconded. Mr J. Richards was glad to see a vast improvement taking place. That day fortnight they would not take anything but the whole estate, but to-day they were satisfied with "three acres and a cow." (Laugh- ter.) Mr Pritchard What is the meaning of that. Will yon give us a cow, Mr Richards ? (Renewei laughter.) Mr E. Edwards: Or three acres. (Continued laughter.) The motion was then put to the meeting, and car- ried unanimously. THE KEW MAGISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS. Mr Pricbard proposed that application be made to the Local Government Board for permission to elect guardians in place of Mr E. Edwards (Llanfabon), Mr T.^ Morgan (Llantrisant parish), Mr Phillip Dunn (Llantrisant), and Mr D. Evans (Ystradyfodwg), who had become ex-officio guardians since they had been made magistrates. Mr E. Evans seoonded, and the motion was agreed to.

THE CARDIFF PRIZE CEOIR AT HUctNLEY. "A" wi.9 rermrk«-i in this column a week or two aero, it is not every-'m-ly who can visit the annual Eisteddfod, the n'Ui ral aissembly of Wales, but by ihe v'sit of tt;e Cardiff Prize choir one of the principal ittraotiotis pf that world-known gather- ing is brought within their reach. One cf the main objects of this B-nc'ent institution is to foster a musical uste. The 0 vdiff Choir is the outcome of competitions which Imve had this aim in view, and it is a choir any town might be proud of. Each cf the members Is a prize vocalist, aid,further- more, t!ni< voices harmonise exceedingly well. The ch ir is well balanced, and on Saturday, San- day, Mo d iy, and Tuesday gave choice selections w!.ie > required almost 6very kind of execution. Perha. s t'le be.,t wn* "Come. bounteous May" (by ^poffovth), on Monday night, and it was received with rapturous" applause by the audience. It ia hsrd to pai-ticulariss any of the vocalists. The ncpranos. uisnes S. C. Morris, Maggie Purvis, and Frarces Purvis have very sweet voices, and the contraltos, Misses Isabel Ccuney and Annie Davies, are good, the latter having a deep voice well under osnirol. In the tenors (Messrs. D. Davies and D. Lewie) are two capital additions to tae ohior, and the baasfs, Messrs John Hooking and J. H. Moody, give great weight in the ohoruses and also sing some goodfoUKS. Tne accompanist, Mr Gwilym Lewis, exercised nice tastp and enhanced the merit of the songs and choruses by hia judicious playing. One of the principals connected with the choir, a young harpist, Master Aneurin Jenkins, was received with rounds of applause every evening. He has a bright future before him, for he displayed a remark- able oontrol over his instrument, though only in bis fifteenth year, and has won one of the scholar- I shipla of the R.A.M. The masic,as we have statad, was altogether good,and this was perhaps rendered all the more attractive by the quaint Welsh costume in which the ladies of the choir appeared. -Bum;ey Gazette.

TESTIIJNIAL TO MR. E. H. WATTS, BMEHRHONDDA COLLIERY. It is nlways a very pleasant tisk to report practical evidences cf esteem cherished by em- ployeei towards their employers. Long ago a feeling of serfdom caused workmen to feel that tbey were only hewars of woH and drawers of water to their betters." ilia gave way to a healthier feeling, in which tbere was more of man- 1 uoss on the part of the workmen, but still mingled wit I much of the old leaven. All this h-is given way to a different order of things. Some think that the tendency in the present d -y is for em ployees to manifest too masterful a feeling and to carry matters with a high hand towards their employers. However, this may be, but it is certainly most desirable that. eapital should realize its obligations to labour, and labour to oipital, and that a feeling of mutnal dependence a oold produce a feeling of mutual esteem aud Liesrcy good will. This would seem to be the case at the London nd ooth Western Colliery. Tile marriage of Mr E. H. Watts to Miss Frances Lillian Price wa,, eagerly seized upon as affording a very fitting op- portunity for giving tangible evidence of this feeling. In was agreed to make a presentation to tbt gentleman and his amiable lady. Accordingly, on Monday last, the Methodist r Chapel was crowded to overflowing. Mr J. H. » uiiamo, manager of the colliery, ably filled the chair and, in opening the proceedings with a brief speech, ha said it gave him the greatest pleasure to preside upon so interesting an occasion. The object of their meeting was a woithy one. It was to present Mr and Mrs E. H. Watts with a testimonial on the occasion of their marriage. Mr Watts was the eldest son of .Idr E H. Watts, chairman of the London and South Western Colliery Co. As soon as the idea of making a presentation was broached it was taken up heartily, and all felt desirous to render honour to whom honour was due. It would be unbecoming in him to oocupy time by making a long speech. He would, therefore, conclude by wiehing Mr and Mrs Watts a long and happy life, and by expressivg the hope that they would loag live to enjoy the hearty good will of the inhabit- ants of Blaenrhondda. Mr Benjamin Jones read the testimonial, which had been beautifully engrossed and framed by "6 1'T7'- J" A iuessru Yraseriow ana Sons, in Welsh, and Mr Humphreys in English. The latter gentleman said Mr Watts did. not know Welsh, therefore they had the testimonial rendered in English as well as in Welsh. With reference to the presentation he might say, as re- presenting the officials of the colliery, that it afforded them the greatest pleasure to take part in that movement. He had taken part in other testimonials in the neighbourhood, but not one of them had been taken up more heartily than the present. Every one connected with the colliery took it to heart. (Cheers.) They bad had the pleasure of seeing Mr Watts there publicly before, but that was the nrst time they bad enjoyed the pleasure of Mrs Watts' presence. Mr Watts would have testimonials from other collieries, but plop,ibly not in Welsh. f heir's, in that respect, wonld be a novelty, and no doubt it would be an object of interest to Mr Watts' friends when hanging in his home. They all felt there was no better employer in the Rhondda Valley. He bad gone on many hazardous journeys for the purpose of trade. The consequence had been that when other collieries had been partially idle, Blaen- rhoudda had been in full swing. (Load applause.) He begged to offer Mr and Mrs Watts their sinceie congratulations upon theiij marriage, and a to wish them long life and prosperity. (Cheers.) Mr John Thomas made the presentation, the English translation being as follows Address presented to Edmund Hannay Watts, Esq., F.R-G.S., on the occasion of his marriage to Atiss Frances Lilian Price, October 8ch 1886. rEAR SIR, We, the uudersigned, on behilf of the Officials and Workmen of the North Dunraven olliery, Blaenrhondda, desire to present ycu with this address and ornaments as a small token of the esteem and respect in which you are he d by us- and our admiration of you as a kind aud generous employer. We feel that the connection existing between you and us is very near, inasmuoh as our comforts and prosperity depend in a great measure upon you. Through your great energy and desire for trade, you have travelled many perilous journeys into foreign parts in search of naw mar. kets for coal, and by so doing, you have succeeded in giving us good anj regular work. We would also congratulate you upon the pleasing lectures you are able to give of such travels. We are, therefore, deeply interested in your welfare, and unite in wisiaing you and yours a long life of hippiness and prosperity. signed, J. H. WILLIAMS, ChaitmaD. DAVID JONES, Vice-Chairinai. DANIEL JOSES, Treisurer. BENJAMIN JUNES, Secretary. THOMAS WATKINS,\ HENRY ROBERTS, JOHN G. JONaS, lComrnittee JOHN EVANS, F. J. HUMPHREYS. Mr Thomas proceeded to remark that he waS one of the oldest workmen under the company- Their firm, he w is proud to say, stood as high or higher than any other. Tr-" company were always v illiti- to pay a fair d»y's wage for a fur day's work; were always ready to redress any grievances thit might be made known to tfcecn; were influenced by the high principle of loving their neighbours as themselves. itr Watts cad married a Welsh lady, a lady perhaps dear.f-nied fro u one of their ancient princes; at any rate, she had Welsh blood in her veins, and Welsh feel- ings in her heart. (Cheers.) The address was then formally presented to Mr Watts. Mr James Griffiths, another workman, speaking in reference to the ornaments, said they all Inved and esteemed Mr and Mrs Watts, and held them in high esteem. They were all glad he had followed tne example of Earl Beaconsfield and the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, in selecting a Welsh lady as his wife. He could assure them that th-ir hearts wer3 much larger than their presentation, but he hoped that whit rhey gave would be accepted as a small token of their esteem and affections. (Loud applause.) Tbe speaker then handed to Mr Watts two beautiful epergnes, and Mrs "Wliams presented to Mrs Watts a handsomejpair of gold bract lets. Mr Watts, in resp mding, said, on behalf of his dear wife and himself, he thanked them from the bottom of his heart for their kindness. He did not know what he had done to deserve it. Tbat was only the second time he had appeared publicly before them, but he bad often been in the works, though they probably were not awire of his presance. He spent much of his time in trying to find outlets for the coal. N exti week he intended to give a lecture on what he had seen in his journeys, for wnich he bad had large pictures prepared, ana he invited all of them then present to come and hear him. (Cheers.) He migat say tbat he was always glad to redress any small grievances which any of them felt. Of course, larger questions had to be dealt with by the Assjciation, such, for instance, as the threatened strike. He was happy to tell them that that qaestion bad been settled ia a way satisf iotory to both parties. He then explained the terms, which elicited a storm of applause.. The following programme was gone through :— Address by the Chairman Pianotorte Duet, Don Joan," Mrs Humphreys.and Mrs Williams Chorus, "Musioul Drill," Infants School; Sotig, toi Afau Chorae, WaveB of Boand," Mixed School; Song, E08 B«trry; Chorus, My Doll I Rose," Infants' School; Reading of Address I (Welsh), Mr Benjamin Jones; Ditto, in English, Mr F. J. Humphreys; Presentation of Address, Mr John Thomas; Chorus, The Colliers' Chorus," Mixed School; Presentation of-Orna- ments, Mr James Griffiths; Ditto, Bracelets, Mra J. H. Williams; Speech by Myfyr Wyn; Song, Hen Wlad fy Nhadan," Eos Barry Response by Mr Watts; Daet, I wander in dreams," E08 Afan and Boa Barry; Choras, John Brown," Mixed Schoal; Song aud Chorus, Railway Train," Infanta School; Crying Song, Mixed School Song, Boo Atan; Chorns, "Gallop away," Infanta School; Chorus, John Brown," S Mixed Sooool; Ononis, Gossips," Mixed School; Finale. "God Save the Qaeen." Before singing the National Anthem, Mr Watts j thanked tbem for the very enjoyable evening he I had spent. They had provided a capital enter- r tainment, which had given his wife and himself [ gieat pleasure, especially the way in which the infante had gone through the parts appointed to tbem. We need only add that Mrs Williams and Mrs Humphreys ably presided at the piano during the evening.

RHONDDA HOUSE COAL WORKMEN AND THE SLIDING-SCALE. IMPORTANT MEETING AT PORTH. SPEECH BY MR MORGAN WEEKS. The monthly meeting of the Rhondda, Gilfach, Ogmore, and Garw Valleys House Coal Association was held on Monday at the Washington Hotel, Portb, Mr John Price, Porth, presiding. A resolution was passed urging the workmen at each colliery to do thár best to get the employers to obtain a boring machine to prepare holes for blasting, bat on no account to allow any deductions to be made from the yardage. Mr Morgan Weeks, tbe district agent of the house coal workmen, presented his report of the action taken by the aliding-scale committee to bring about a sattlement of the wages dispute. In the course of his address he explained that the employers urged that 5 per cent. for April with 10 per cent, for May was better than the 7! per cent, granted to the Clydach Vale and Ferndale workmen from the 1st of March. This, the workmen's representatives had contended, was not correct, for while the Clydach Vale and Fern- dale men would get foar months' benefit of the 71 per cent.—making in all 30 per cent.—the offer then made of 5 per cent. for April and 10 per cent. for May and June would be only 25 per cent. Therefore, they held oat for 10 per cent. for April, and were ultimately granted 7!. What he laid greater stress on was the revision of the scale, which would affect their future earnings, and he considered they would not be obliged to beg for advances which the scale ought to declare. At present they obtaiaed about 21d out of every shil- ling which the owner had for his coal until its price was eight shillings, but when coal was above that price the workmen got less than lid for each shilling. He contended that the revision of the scale should place it on something like the old basis of 2d in the shilling when the price of coal was above 8s, which was granted by Coffin and Co. in that valley so far back as 1848. (Hear, hear.) Several delegates spoke, and a resolution was unanimously passed approving of the action of the workmen's representatives on the sliding-scale, and heartily congratulating them upon their success in inducing the employers' representatives to concede an advance of 7-J per cent. on the 1st of April and 10 per cent. on the 1st of May. and a revision of the sliding- scale.

A PONTYPRIDD TENANCY DISPUTE. ACTION AT THE ASSIZES. JONES v. JOHNS AND JOHNS v. JONES. This was an action brought by William Henry Jones, auctioneer, Pontypridd, against Mrs Margaret Johns, coffee-tavern keeper, Pontypridd, owner of the premises situate and being 19, Mar- ket Street, Pontypridd, for trespass and for con- version of certain goods belonging to Jones; and there was a cross action brought by Mrs Johns to recover mesne profits for the use thereof. Mr William Evans, instructed by Messrs Mor- gan and Male, was for the plaintiff (Mr W. H. Jones), and Mr Bowen Rowlands, Q.C., M.P., and Mr Bullen, instructed by Messrs Spickett & Sons, were for the defendant (Mrs Johns). Mr Evans, in opening, said that in May last year Mrs Johns let the property in question to Mr Leek, who carried on business at Pontypridd, and the tenancy was to end of May, 1889. In Novem- ber last year Mr Leek sublet one floor to Mr Robert Thomas, solicitor, Pontypridd, and was also desirous to let the remainder of the house to a suitable tenant. About that time Mr William Henry Jones was looking out for a place of business at Pontypridd. Leek saw him on the 27th No- vember, 1888, and asked him if he wished to have premises in Market Place. Pontypridd. In conse- quence of negotiations which followed, Mr Jones agreed to become tenant of a portion of 19. Market Street. On the morning of November 29th Jones and Leek arranged that the tenancy should com- mence from that day. The rent arranged for was 960 a year. Jones sent his goods off by road to Pontypridd. Before starting himself by train he met Mrs Johns, who was aware that Leek had been endeavouring to secure a tenant. Mrs Johns and Mr Jones went to Pontypridd together by the same train, and plaintiff stopped at defendant's coffee-tavern and received the key of the premises from her son. Her son also assisted him in setting up the furniture the following day. Leek, it ap- peared, was a man who had failed to make a busi- nes^ in Pontypridd. but no notice was given by him to Mrs Johns of any intention to quit, and there- fore he was bound to pay her the rent until the termination of the tenancy. It appeared from the pleadings that Mrs Johns relied upon various offences in answer to the allegations made against hjr. But shortly after Jones went into possession Mrs Johns was apparently desirous of getting a higher rent for her premises, and wished to find a tenant who would pay more than Mr Leek. She might also have been frightened that Mr Leek was getting into difficulties. Mrs Johns, therefore, spoke about an agreement which she had entered into with Mr Leek for the purpose of handing over the premises and releasing him from the conditions of the tenancy. But undoubtedly when Jones entered the premises Leek was still the tenant. On December 21st the landlady took the law into her own hands, carted away Jones's furniture, which had been placed there with her sanction, and nailed up a part of the premises. Mrs Johns held that Leek's tenancy was determined not by notice to quit, but by surrender made by him to her. Mr W. H. Jones, the plaintiff, gave evidence in support of counsel's statement. He said that Mrs Johns had informed him that Leek was behind in his rent about f:20, and a distress was executed about December 2nd or 3rd. Mr Bullen, in the temporary absence of his learned leader, Mr Bowen Rowlands, Q.C., M.P., stated that the defence consisted of a contention that Mr Leek had surrendered the property to Mrs Johns, and she never recognised Jones' tenancy as relating to Mr Leek. Evidence was called in support of this contention. Mr Bowen Rowlands, Q.C,, M.P., and Mr Evans, having addressed his lordship, summed up. The jury retired to consider their verdict, and after an absence of nearly an hour returned a ver- dict for the plaintiff, with one farthing damages. His Lordship reserved the question of costs. On Wednesday the question of costs was con- sidered in his lordship's private room, when, upon hearing counsel, his lordship suggested the follow- ing terms, which were agreed to by both parties :— Defendant (Mrs Johns) to pay the whole of the costs of one of the actions (in plaintiff's discretion), and to further pay the costs of the briefs in the alternative action. The defendant to indemnify the plaintiff against payment of any outstanding rent in respect of the premises, and the plaintiff (Mr Jones) to undertake to allow the bank to have quiet possession.

SHOCKING ACCIDENT A r FEENDALE A MAN FALLS OUT OF THE PIT CAGE. On Wednesday morning, Henry Barrow (J.8), a labourer, met with a shocking death at No. 1 Pit of the Ferndale Coilieries. Deceased, with a number of other men, was descending the shaft in a cage, when, having reached to within forty yards of the bottom, he fell out, aad was instantly killed.

xi country utUior Uiini;s it (Jolum as is not ell- I titled to much credit for discovering America, as the country is so large that he could uot well have missed it.

3g PONTYPRIDD UNION. APPOINTMENT OF MEDICAL OFFICER FOR LLANFABON DISTRICT. THE GUARDIANS of the PONTYPRIDD J. UNION will, at their me3ting to be held on th& 3rd April next, proceed to the appointment of a. Medical Officer for the Llanfabon District, at a salary of JE20 per annum, with the usual medical fees, as prescribed by the order of the Local Government Board. Applications to be sent to me on or before the 2nd April. E. C. SPICKETT, Clerk to the Guardians. Pontypridd, 21st March, 1889. PHILLIP a JAMES PONTYPRIDD AND RHONDDA VALLEY. Billposter and Town Crier RENTS ALL THE PRINCIPAL POSTING STATIONS IN PONTYPRIDD AND RHONDDA VALLEY. HORSES and TRAPS kept for Hire. PIANOFORTE ON HIRE. Offices: Tyfica Road, Pontypridd. COWBRIDGE ANNUAL E 18 TE D DFO D. WHIT MONDAY, Jans loth,- I 1889. CONDUCTOR: W. ABRAHAM, Esq., H.Ps (Mabon). ADJUDICATOR (Singing): D. JENKINS, Esq., Mus. Bac. ¡ CHIEF PRIZE.—To the Choir not less than 60 in number, that will best render Worthy is the Lamb." Prize £25, and fl each to the Conductor of the unsuccessful Choirs. To the Male Party, not less than 35 in number, that will best render Monks War Song." Prize i:7 (Dr Parry.) PROGRA MMES are now ready, and can be had at the usual price. JOHN DAVIES, Hon. Sec., Cowbridge.

PERFORMANCE BY THE TREFOREST AMATEUR DRAMATIC SOCIETY. "COLLEEN BA WX" AT PONTYPRIDD. On Monday evening a numerous company assembled at Howard's Hall, Pontypridd, to witness an excellent performance by the Treforest Amateur Dramatic Society. The entertainment was held nnder dis« tingnished patronage, and the proceedings were of a highly appreciative and artistic description. The hall was crowded from "floor to ceiling," and the fair fame of the amateurs naving come to Pontypridd before them,everyone seemed bent upon spending a thorough- ly eujoyable evening. The first part of the programme was devoted to the representation of the celebrated Irish drama, Colleen Bawn," the characters therein biing excellently rendered as follow:— Myles-na-coppaleen Mr J. C. Hellesy. Hardresa Cregan Mr James Brooks. Dinny Mann Mr Joe Brooks. I Kyrle Daly Mr H. White. Squire Corrigan Mr W. Liles. > Father Tom Ur R. Shannon. Mrs Cregan Mrs E. O'Dowd. Eily O'Corinor Miss M. A. Scaunell. AnneChute Miss L. Morgan. Sheelah Mann Miss E. A. Davies. Kathleen Cretigh Miss Josephine. Dacie Blennerhasset Miss Williams. &c. The several acts were capitally gone through. Want of space prevents us giving a f:11'1 description, but we cannot omit to mention the excellent representation given of the water cave*aud drowning scenes in the third act, which were really epieadii. Iu the princi- pal temale pars, Mrs O'Dowd, as "Mrs Cregan," al- though she has not appeared on the professional stage now for some years, still rete.ins tHose finished quali- ties essential to an accsmplished actress, and tuose qualities she introduced to great advantage into her personifications on Monday eveaing. Her acting was indeed a pronounced snccess. Of thepurely amateur element, we single out. with others, Miss Lucy Mor- gan, who, as "Anne Chute," undoubtedly played very finely and well, the rendering of her part bearing clear evidences of care and refinement. MissE. A. Davies, als), was very effective, although sha bad to deal with a character (that of an old woman, "Saeelah Mann,") which was most difficult to one so young. Miss M. A. Soa.anatl, as the "Colleen Bawn," was a great success, although her singing was not perhaps quite so effea- tive a3 her acting. At the same time it should be mentioned that Miss Scannel does not figure as a. vocalist. However, we hope to have the pleasure of seeing her again as an amateur actress. Coming to the gentlemen, Mr J. C. Hellesey, as "Myles-na cop- pahen," was very good, and, indeed, with practice, ought to do credit to the profession itself. He seemed to give inspiration to the whole company, his perfor- mance being simply excellent, and gave entire satisfac- tion. Mr James Brooks, as "Hardress Cregan," gave itnexcesdingly good acconnt of himself, aad, with. Mr Joe Brooks, as "Danny Mann," another difficult part, showed that no pains nor trouble had been spared in their remarkably successful efforts towards proficien.