The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

CORRESPONDENCE. [We do not hold ourselves responsible for the opinions of our correspondents., LLANWONNO VESTRY: APPOINTMENT OF OVERSEER. To the Editor of th<i I 'Ch ro t-,ic'e. SIR,-It was with great sarprise I perused the re port the last week's issue of your p-tipfi- of an im- portant nioeting recently held at the Llanwonno Vestry Hall, Pontypridd, especially so when we, as ratepayers, were expecting it to oe convened, as re- solved upon at a. meeting held about twelve months ago, by placing notices on dissenting cha pel doors as well as church doors. How those in authority can over-ride resolutions passed in open vestry, I must confess, it is difficult for ma to understand, more es- pecially when the guardians of the union coufiraied such a wise step an behalf of the Llanwonno rate- payers, by issuing instructions to each of the collectors in the nnion to act in a similar manner, and I am told that the Llanwonno collector stated in the police court last Wednesday that, although the guardians may have issued such instructions, it was not incum- bent upon the overseera to comply with sue a iusErai- tions. Surely the ratepayers of the parish are not to be placed in the helpless condition of beiu< unable to administer their own affairs, by S:H:11 trivial technical objections, and that in matters where a salary of several hundreds of pounds is voted to one of their officers. It appears to me incomprehensible how ratepayers can so unconsciously vote very large sams of money in such a private and quiet manner, without allowing the whole of the ratepayers evea an opportunity of voting upon the matter. Amongst the !iam>.r who knew nothing of the vestry were the vicar of the parish. and one of the overseers, but when we examine the positions of those who were present tht matter trtay be sufficiently explicit. I thought and believe3 that the resaltof the recent agitation was, not only the s^vini; of buadreds of pounds annually to Llanwonno parish, bat aiso of large suras throughout the whole of the parishes in the union of Pontypridi, bat if these proceedings are to go unchallenged we do not kuow to what financial chaos the officers of t e anion may lead as. Strange to relate the ratepayers present at this meeting were not satisfied iu voting the extravagant salary of .£300 a year, in addition to the £100 paid as collector, exclasive of another probable sum of £100 or more made out of the preparation of the list of voters, but resolved to vote the earn of £ViO to reim- burse the collector the money saved by a formar vestry meeting, by deciding to Lave it3 valuation list trieniaUy, instead of annually prepared.. Indeed, to my micd, such a retrospective resolution is certainly illegal to vote to a person a "'elm of money for services nat ordered to be done by t je vestry, aud it ia a question whether the overseers are justified in pay. ing the money without running the risk of being surcharged by the auditor. Fearing that I am trespassing too much on ycue valuable space I must leave tue q -estum to my co- ratepayers, to fully consider whether ctiey Have not a a remedy yet in tneir hands to th wart the n.-tion cf those who were present at the recent vt.-atry. in voting such an exorbitant sum of a: least it a year. RATEPAYER. Porth, 3rd April, 1SSJ.

SERIOUS WOUX in N't OiSE AF PONTYPRIDD- THE INJURED MANT UXAUL.S T3 APPEAR At the Pontypridd police-soars on does day I Thomas Kelly was cuarged with wounding Thomas William Vaughan. Mr William John, as- sistant to Dr Leckie, said he was called on Satur- day night to the Cross Inn puKiic house, and there saw a man sitting with a. broken none, two black eyes, and a cut two inehes long on forehead and down to the Done. He put two sate aes in taa forehead. Both nasal bones of the nose Wdr6 broken, and the nose was right under t e left eye. His injuries were progressing favoaiaoiy, but the man was suffering from the shock, and unable W attend. A kick m;iy have broken the nose. The injury to the forehead may have been caused by an instrument, or by falling on a. sharp scone. Tbe man was put to bed in the public house, an4. still IiM there unfit to be removed.—Mary G-ibbon, wife of John Gibbon, said Kelly inflicted the injuries upon Vanghan. The defendant waated ta drink out of different people's glasses. Vaughar» told him to be quiet, and then def en lant attacked bim.-Bemandecl f jr a week.

YSTRADYFODWG SCHOOL BOARD. SERIOUS CHARGES AGAINST A SCHOOL MISTRESS. A DEPUTATION OF WOMEN. The monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Monday afternoon, at the Public Offices, Pentre, when there were present-Revs W. Lewis, W. Jones, and W. Morris, Mr W. Pritchard and Mr S. H. Williams; with Mr W. G. H jwall (clerk); and Mr — Rees (architect). The Rev. W. Jones was elected to preside. PENYGRAK} SCHOOLS. The matter of the liability of the board to pay a certain amount due to Mr John Jones Griffiths, in connection with Penygraig Schools, was discussed at length, during which the clerk explained that Mr Roberts, the auditor, was of opinion that Mr Rosser having been appointed agent to the late Penygraig School Committee, there was no claim against the Board. The Board, however, in the face of resolutions which had been passed, took a contrary view, and were of opinion that Mr Rosser had acted in the matter on behalf of the Board, consequently the Board was responsible. Ultimately, it was decided to defer further con- sideration for a special meeting of the Board, to be held on Friday, the 12th inst., the Rev. W. Morris giving notice to add as a rider to his in- tended motion the desirability of employing a so- licitor to defend the action on behalf of the board. ALLEGED ILLTBEAIMKNT AT TOX SCHOOL. A DEPUTA- TION OF WOMEN. A deputation of three women from Ton asked to be allowed to attend before the board with com- plaints of over-pressure and ill-treatment of chil- dren at Ton School by Miss Whitmarsh, the mis- tress. The Chairman: The deputation is outside; Shall we receive them ? Rev. W. Morris (awe-stricken) What, a depu- tation of women ? The Chairman Yes, of women. (Laughter and expressions of profound bewilderment.) Mr Pritchard We have dealt with the complaints already in committee, but we may allow the women to come in, so that we may hear what they have to say. The deputation was then allowed to enter, and after being accommodated with seats, one of the fair trio, named Mrs Davies, volunteered the re- mark—One from near the bridge, I am." The Chairman: Very well, and what is your complaint ? The deputation then "started off" exeunt omnes to give expression to the complaints they had to make. The mother of one said her daughter was continually beaten about the head by Miss Whit- marsh because she did not know her lesson—not on account of ill-behaviour; another mater said her innocent damsel had been seized by the chin; while the child of the third (Mrs Elizabeth Donald) had been knocked about by Miss Whitmarsh, and the marks of her fingers were to be seen on her cheek. Mrs Donald's child had told her mother that she would not go to Ton School, because Miss Whitmarsh was like "a old murderer." Rev. W. Morris (to the deputation) Have you any proof that the children have been abused ? The deputation: The children are continually coming home with complaints, and thair hands are oftentimes swollen with caning. They are willing to go to Pentre School, but are afraid to go J to Ton. Rev. W. Morris (to Mrs Donald): Did anyone seethe marks of fingers on your child's cheek be- sides you ? Mrs Donald: I don't know, sir; but I told a neighbour about it. Mr Prichard said he had received complaints before the deputation had arrived, and had de- cided to caution Miss Whitmarsh as to over-pres- sure and ill-treatment. This seamed to please the deputation immensely, and their ardour for talk was now increased to a degree bordering upon fever heat, the episode cul- minating in the women entering into a kind of tete-a-teti with the members individually, while the officials and others present gazed upon the -scene with exultant delight. A female deputation is certainly a novelty-and amusing as it is novel. The women left the room giving utterance to a chorus of threats that they would come before the board again if they had cause for further com- plaints. Their exit seemed to give the board con- siderable relief, and in a few moments they again recovered the normality of business temperature. ADDITIONAL ROOM ACCOMMODATION. A letter was read from the Local Board with regard to the school board's application for addi- tional room accommodation at the public offices, and the clerk was requested to make such arrange- ments in the matter as he considered expedient. 1PCBLIC IMPROVEMENTS AT CVVM CLYDACH. The Clerk read letters from Mr H. 0. Fisher, -on behalf oflthe Taff Vale Railway Company,with regard to the proposed new road and footbridge at Cwm Clydach. The company were prepared to carry out the work if the board would subscribe £100 towards the cost, and find the land free and also if the company was met in a generous spirit by the parties interested the adjoining properties. Thj entire cost would be abort -800. Rev. W. Lewis asked Mr Pritchard if his com- pany would assist in the matter. Mr Prichard: Our company's works are a mile and a quarter away. Rev. W. Lewis: But I thought your company would be interested. Mr Pritchard: 0, no; we would not ask for any assistance; we would do all ourselves. (Laughter.) At any rate, we have not asked for anything yet. Rev. W. Lewis Very well; We must take notice of that. (Renewed laughter.) Mr Prichard said he should like the considera- tion of this matter to be adjourned. He was per- fectly certain that Mr Fisher had promised to do all the work provided the land was supplied. However,the board could not bind him to a promise, but the letters read that day were definite enough, and they might act upon them. On the motion of the Rev. W. Lewis, seconded by Mr Prichard, the question was adjourned for a month. FEI'.ND.VLK ClOIBINArxi;>N SCHOOL COMMITTEE. A petition was read from tradesmen and work- men in Ferndale, asking that Mr E. T. Evans, ^grocer, Pontypridd Road, Ferndale, be elected a member of the Ferndale Combination School Committee in place of Mr John Morgan, Ynyshir, the latter having, they contended, vacated his seat through absence from the meetings of the com- mittee for six months. Mr Evans had been unanimously selected by them, and they were sure he would study the interests alike of the board and the ratepayers. The Clerk explained that, asmember of the com- f mittee, Mr Morgan did not vacate his seat through non-attendance, but if member of the board lie would, consequently there was no vacancy. Mr Pritchard: It will be discourteous to Mr Morgan to appoint a successor before he resigns. The matter then dropped. APPLICATIONS. Permission was given to use Treherbert School for the holding of an entertainment for the benefit of Mr M. O. Jones, the master, who, it was ex- plained, had been instrumental in providing 12 annual concerts at the same school, before it was transferred to the board, and by those means it was computed that a sum of no less than JE500 was secured. It was, therefore, intended, by way of compliment, to give Mr Jones a benefit concert. The use of Ton School was granted to a glee party for practice purposes in view of Treorky Eisteddfod. A letter was read from the Rev. J. P. Hughes, vicar of Llantrisant, applying for the use of Peny- graig school for two days about the end of August, for the holding of a bazaar. On the motion of the Rev. W. Morris, seconded by Mr Pritchard, the application was granted. THE HIGRER GRADE SCHOOL. The Clerk reported that Mr William Lewis, of .y the Higher Grade School, had passed most credit- < Ably the recent examination, obtaining a place in the first class. (Hear, hear.) w FINANCE. The Finance Committee's report Showed bills to have been paaeed that day to the extent of £ 871 12/8. There was a balance ft the bank of JE2807 9/4 in favour of the board. On the motion of Mr Pritchard, seconded by Mr S. H. Williams, a precept of £ 3,500 for the next half-year was resolved upon, jE2000 of which to be paid by the let of June. The Chairman accordingly signed a precept to be served npon the rating authorities. The Clerk remarked that he had been informed by Mr Idris Williams, the assistant overseer, that he was wishful to meet the whole of the expenses of the parish for the half-year with a lOd rate. "CONTRIVING TOGETHER TO DEFEAT THE LAW." In connection with the school management com- mittee's report, the Rev. W. Morris protested against the restriction placed by the Education Department upon D. Walters and E. M. Powell, teachers at Ynyswen School. Walters waB an ex- cellent teacher, and had secured the grant two years in succession, yet the department said that "no payment can be made under Article 110 for Walters or Powell, as they are not required by articles 83 and 115 (2). He thought they should deal with the boy Walters in a very liberal manner. He was the oldest boy at Ynyswen. Another boy had been thrust upon the school, but he did not know how or by whom, and that had made the school overstaffed. It was a very hard case, and the board should give Walters the grant earned, because the treatment he had received was very discouraging for the boy. The Chairman What can we do ? The Depart- ment has withheld the grant. Rev. W. Morris: Give him the grant. The Chairman We cannot do so. The depart- ment will not sanction it. I I Rev. W. Morris: It is not fair, and it has affected his studies already. I know it. We are morally bound to the boy, and it is cruel not to give him what he has so well earned. The others receive the grant, and why not give it in this case as well ? He cannot help that the average attend ance at the school has gone down-it is not his fault. The Chairman: It is his misfortune, not his fault, that the average has fallen. What can we do ? I am not opposad to the boy, but the law is against us. Mr Pritchard: I will give 5s towards the amount, if you like. (Hear, hear.) Rev. W. Morris: I will do the same. (Hear, hear.) But I beg to propose that the amount of grant be paid to the boj Rev. W. Lewis seconded. Mr Pritchard; I cannot agree with that, but I will not object. The department refuses, and why should the board pay ? It is all very well to argue. The boy who went to Ynyswen School after Wal- ters had earned the grant, and he must, of course, be the brighter boy. The department has placed its veto upon the grant to Walters, and what has the board to do ? The Clerk said he did not know how the board could pay. The board had not received the grant; how then could the board pay? Besides, the auditor would not allow the amount. Rev. W. Morris: But we have assisted the teachers before with books. Rev. W. Lewis: We can do the same again. The Chairman: If the law is in our favour. Mr Prichard Progress please, gentlemen. It was then resolved to pay the amount to the boy, if possible. Mr Pritchard: Well,here you are now contriving together to defeat the law. (Laughter.) Rev. W. Morris: 0, no; we will pay it if it can be done. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. The school atteudance officers reports showed that there had been a general improvement of one per cent. in the attendance of the children. It was decided to give final notice to Rees Isaacs, Ynyshir, with regard to the truancy of his son. He had been fined five times, and three times since last October. THE EDUCATION CODE. Mr W. Prichard said that the proposed new Education Code would meet, in a great measure, the wishes of the boa :d. A copy of the new code was now on the table of the House of Commons, and school boards and other educational authori- ties in the country were invited to consider its provisions. He proposed that a special meeting be held on Friday, the 12th inst., at 6 p.m., to con- sider the new code, and that the school teachers be invited to be present to give their opinion. Rev. W. Morris seconded, and carried. The Chairman That is all the business, gentle- men. Mr Prichard: The business has gone to the county council to-day. (Laughter.)

ECHOES FROM CAERPHILLY CASTLE. [By JACKDAW.] COMPLIMENTARY DINNER TO ALDERMAN LEWIS.—On Wednesday eveiung, the 27th ultimo, a grand dinner was given at the Clive Inn, Caerphilly, in honour of the return of Mr David Lewis, Castle House, Caer- philly, on the County Council, and his subsequent elevation to the aldermanic chair for the Caerphilly division. After partaking of an excellent dinner, served in host and hostess Morgan's usual good style, to about 90 guests, Mr Hugh Begg, Van, Caerphilly, was unanimously elected cbairmaa of the evening's meeting, and Mr T. Salathiel (manager), Caerphilly Colliery, was vice-chairman. The venerable chair- man was supported on the right by Mr John Kichaads (manager), Rlios-Llantwit Colliery, Caerphilly, and on the left by Alderman Lewif. The vice-chairman was supported on the right by Mr Thomas, Castle Factory, and on the leit by Mr Lewis Miljs, Bedwas. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts were drunk with true old Cambrian enthusiasm, which would have gladdened the heart of our beloved sovereign to wit- ness. Next came the toast of the county councillors, coupled with the name of Alderman Lewis, which was drunk with musical honours. Mr Lewis, after r turning thanks for the kind and hearty manner in which they b¡8d drunk to his health, spoke in felici- tous terms of the work already accomplished by the newly-elected couaty coancil. Mr Lewis also kindly took up a remark that had fallen from the lips of the chairman to the effect that a little more enterprise was wanting in the people of Caerphilly; that the place much needed a public h\U and reading room for the holding of public meetings and the elevation and culture of the rising generation. He informed the company that the matter of acquiring a public hall was so advanced that tenders for the erection of the same were to be sent in on the following Friday. This lit:\s s was received with loud applause. Steps were also being taken for securing a site for the erec- tion of a. workmen's institute for the ancient citie, and which would be an accomplished fact daring the present year. Following this came the toast of the trade and prosperity of Caerphilly and district, coupled with the name of Mr Thomas, Castle Factory, The toast was drunk in a hearty and enthusiastic manner. Messrs Begg, Richards, and Salathiel spoke most practically and exhaustively on the future of Caerphilly. Each gentleman said that the place was new only in its infancy, and that it bad evidently a bright and prosperous future in store as the mineral resources of the Caerphilly baiii* were almost inex- haustible, and that men of capital and enterprise had commenced operations which would ultimately result in the development of the trade of the district, and the prosperity of the aucieut town of Seugbeuydd. Mr Thomas and Mr Lewis Miles responded to the toast in very pithy and terse speeches. After dispos- ing of son:e minor toasts, bearing on local topics, the chief item in the programme was proceeded with,. nimely, the presentation of ai illumii. a; d address by tbe miners of the Caerphilly district to Alderman Lewis, in recognition of gratuitous services rendered some years ago in connection with one of their dis- putes, and his return oa toe ccnaty council. The ad- di eas was most artistically got ap and tramed in plain oak, under the direction of the gallant old hero, Mr Fred. Davies, who was entrusted by t hj miner with the getting up of the same. The presentation was made to Mr Lewis, on behalf of the men, by Miss Gwen Morgan, youngest daughter of Mr Morgan, the landlord of the inn where the dinner was given. Alderman Lewis received the address from the hands of the little cherub in a most courteous aud affable manner, and returned thanks for the same in a feeling and grateful way. A.fter the singing of "Dacw'r bwthyn gwyn i'm ganwyd," by Mr John John, aud the recitation of englynion by Cenydd, a most enjoy- able evening was brought to a close by singing "God bless the Prince of Wales."

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KhoBdda Police Court. Before Mr D. W. Davies and Mr T. P. Jenkins. INDECENCY AT TREOBKY.—William Harris, haulier at PeBtre Pit, was charged with exposing his person. It appeared defendant was on the side of a mountain,and committed the offence purposely. Defendant, in reply to the Bench said he had nothing to say except that he would not do it again.-Sent to prison for a month with hard labour. THE SUNDAY CLOSING ACT AT TBEAM.w.-William Davies, Heolfach, and Daniel Williams, Blaen- clvdach, were charged with falsely representing themselves to be travellers. Sergt. Hoyle said on Sunday he visited the Trealaw Inn, and saw defendants drinking. They said they came from the Ogmore. He found they lived about a tnile from the Inn.-Fined 20/- each. DAMAGE TO A WALL AT FERNDALE.—Jane Lewis was charged with doing damage to a wall, value 9/11-. Mary Masters said on the 16th March defendant threw a stone into her house, and pushed down a portion of the garden wall. She said, referring to a hat hanging in complainant's garden, "Take down that hat you old w Mr Rhys for defence examined. She did not see the hat until Saturday, 16th. It had some red flannel round it. She did not know that defen- dant wore red flannel round her head. -Mary Thomas said she saw defendant throw down about 14 feet of the coping of the wall down. The hat was hanging in the garden the previous Thursday. I Mr Rhys said this charge was in spite for a case heard about a valentine in that court about six weeks ago. Defendant's hat blew into com- plainant's garden, and was put on a pole with red flannel round it.—John Davies said he had seen the wall broken down for the last six months. William Williams said the wall had been broken down for the last nine months.-David Davies had seen the hat hanging in the garden for a week. —William Davies gave similar evidence. Mary Ellen Lewis, daughter of defendant, said her mother threw two stones from the heap at the hat, but did not touch the wall.-To pay 6d damage, and 5/- cost of summons, cost of witnesses disallowed. ASSAULT AT Y STRAD.-Henry Furbert was charged assaulting Sarah Lorie, wife of Mr Moses Lorie, pawnbroker.—Complainant said 9n the 9th of March defendant made a row, and was very abusive, and came to the counter, and struck her in the face, knocking her down. They sent for a policeman, who took him away.-Ann Jones said she was present. There was an awful row. Defendant said he would have the house down. He wanted some braces and a kerchief. He knocked Mrs Lorie down.—Mr Lorie said defen- dant came in determined to have a row. He pushed the people about, and knocked his wife down.-P.C. Allison said he went to the shop, and defendant complained that Mr Lorie had taken his suit, and allowed him 25/- for it, aud gave him another suit, for which he was to pay 15/- balance. That was on the previous Tuesday. On the night in question defendant charged Mr Lorie with altering the 2 into a 1, and the 1 into a 2.—Mr Larie said he had made a mistake in the bill, and altered it to make it right.—Fined 20/-

SHOCKING CRUELTY TO A HORSE AT THE OCEAN CoLUERY.—John Saunders, haulier, was charged with cruelty to a mare at the Ocean Colliery. Mr Rhys for the prosecution, and Mr Phillips for the defence.—Mr Evans, veterinary surgeon, said the mare was one of the quietest and best in the pit. He examined her on the 18th of March. She was then suffering from severe inflammation of the after hocks. There had been a cut near the eye. She had to be kept from work for some days.- Cross-examined—The wound on the eye might have been three or four days old.—David Evans, timberman, said at the request of defendant he drove the mare for him on the 18th. He at once noticed a swelling on the hock of the hind leg. He showed it to a labourer and a door boy, who told him something which he reported to the manage- ment. Defendant had several times said he would make her unfit for anybody to drive her at night except himself. He would teach her tricks.- David Phillips, labourer, said on the 18th ultimo David Evans showed him a mark on the mare. On the previous Thursday he saw defendant hit the mare on the head with a sprag. Same day he threw a sprag after her to make her kick him (witness). The sprag hit her. He had seen him hit her with a sprag under the tail. He had also seen him kick her.—Thomas Pugh, doorboy, said David Evans showed the mare's leg to him. He had seen defendant kick her on the leg, hit her on the side and head with a sprag, and hitting her with a piece of iron, and kicking her in the belly. He had seen him put pins into her to make her kick. He had also seen him push a r ig into her. -Mr Einon, manager, said the first complaint he heard of defendant was when the mare's head was hurt. Defendant said the mare had fallen, and he thought that was true. After hearing com- plaints about defendant's cruelty 1n Tuesday, the 19th, he stopped his working, and asked him to come that evening, and face his accusers, but de- fendant did not come near the place.—Fined 20s. DRUNKARDS' LIST.—Benjamin Llewellyn, Mardv, was fined 15/- for being drunk on the 19th March. --Morgan Roberts, Tylorstown, was fined 10/- for being drunk on the 17th of March. William Williams and David Thomas were fined, the former 10/- and the latter 15/- for being drunk on the 23rd of March. James White, Tylorstown, for being drunk on the 17th of March, was fined 10/-

ACTION AGAINST A FONTYPRIDD BAILWAY COMPANY. In the Queen's Bench Division of the High Court of Justice, London, on Wednesday, the case of Lord Tredegar v. Pontypridd, Caerphilly and Newport Railway Company came before M Justice Stephen, sitting without a jury. In these two actions Lord Tredegar claimed, first, an injunction restraining the defendants from acting on certain notices to treat for certain land forming part of Tredegar Park for the construction of a new line of railway and secondly, certain tolls and rates which the plaintiff alleged he was entitled to under section 23 of the Pontypridd, Caerphilly, and Newport Railway Act, 1883, in respect of traffic conveyed by the defendants over the Tredegar Park Mile Railway between certain junctions. Sir Horace Davev, Q.C., M.P., and Mr Beale, Q.C., appeared for the plaintiff, while Mr Rigby, Q.C., Mr Jenne, Q.C., Mr Lawrence, and Mr Ram represented the defendants. Mr Rigby said the defendants did not resist the injunction asked for in the first action. His Lordship remarked that upon the admission of Mi' Rigby there would be judgment for the plaintiff in the first action with costs. Sir H. Davey said that the defendants had constructed the railway authorised by the Ponty- pridd, Caerphilly, and Newport Railway Act, 1883, formed two junctions between the new line and the Tredegar Park Mile Railway, and used the Tredegar Park Mile Railway, and, therefore, the defendants were bound, under the 23rd section of the Pontypridd, Caerphilly, and Newport Railway Act, to pay the plaintiff tolls in respect of the traffic conveyed by the defendants over the Tredegar Park Mile between the two junc- tions. Mr Rigby, on behalf of the defendants, sub- mitted that under the act the plaintiff was not entitled to the tolls claimed. The act gave the plaintiff three alternatives. He could make the new line, maintain it. and receive tolls, or he could widen the existing line and receive tolls, or he could hand over the Tredegar Park Mile Railway to the defendants, and cast upon them the duty of making the new line, and thus abandon his right to tolls. The plaintiff had adopted the latter course, and, therefore, he could not sustain his claim for tolls. The learned counsel then proceeded to carefully examine the sections of the act, which he said bore out his contention. Sir H. Davey, in reply, said there was no ground for the defendants' contention that they were en- I titled to the exclusive use of plaintiff's railway without paying any toll or compensation. His Lordship reserved judgment. i I

MIU-RH JNDDA CHAMBER OF TRADE. ANNUAL DINNER. ANNUAL DINNER. ,%Ji •_ *he first annaal dinner of the Mid Rhondda Chamber of Trade was held at Richards' Assem- bly Rooms, Tonypandy, on Thursday evening,the 28th ult. The Chamber has now been in existence for some two or three years, and to it the inhabitants of Tonypandy owe many of the improvements which have lately taken place in the district. Through the efforts of its members new pavements have been laid through Pandy the postal facili- ties have been greatly improved Pandy Square has been better lighted even the unimpression- able officialdom of the Taff Vale Railway has bowed its head to the demands of the chamber, and widened the area for the deliverv of na.ivuaie About forty gentlemen sat down to dinner, and after the table had been cleared, letters of apology I7re,retd from Mr W" W- Hood (Llwynpia) and Mr McMurray, postmaster, Pontypridd. The Chairman (Mr W. Pritchard, Clydach Vale), proposed « The Queen and Royal Family." Song by Mr J. D. Morgan, "Bring down your wants to your means." Mr Councillor R. Lewis then rose to propose "The President and Vice President of the Mid Rhondda Chamber of Trade." In the course of his remarks he said that before any public body could carry on its duties with method and with auy measure of success, officers must be elected to govern that body. A crew without a captain would soon scuttle a ship, or an army without an officer would soon find itself in a state of mutiny. So it was in other institutions, a great deal de- pended on the officers. He might say they had for their president a gentleman (Mr W. W. Hood) of whom they were justly proud. (Cheers.) He carried out his duties with vigour, intelligence, and enterprise. They were proud, too, of their Vice Presidents. (Cheers.) But although he respected their President and Vice Presidents, he could not help saying that they had not fulfilled their duties with regard to the Chamber. The Champer did not pretend to be an important in- stitution, (laughter), but he hoped the officers would attend the Council Meetings of the Cham- ber a little oftener in future. Some of the Vice Presidents, he was glad to say, had been very faithful, and were it not for them the Chamber would have sunk into obscurits. He did not want to change the officers. (Cheery.) He felt they ought to be proud of them, and he had pleasure in asking those present to drink that toast. Mr George Knill (Post Office), said there were too Vice-presidents besides himself present, and he would not occupy much time. He was glad to say he had attended regularly. (Cheers.) The Chamber was affiliated with the Federated Cham- ber of Trade, and, judging from the meetings of that body which he attended, be should say the Mid Rhondda Chamber of Trade held its own with any Chamber, and was, in fact, on the top of the list. (Cheers.) Dr W. W. David thanked the members for so I heartily responding to the toast. He was sorry he had not attended well. He was rash to make promises after dinner—(laughter)—but he would I say that he would do his best to attend next year. (Cheers.) J Mr Jno. Williams (Trealaw) replied in Welsh. Song by Mr David Evans (Llwynpia.) Mr Thomas Jones (Paris House) proposed, as the next toast, Loard Board, Board of Guardians, and School Board. These were three important • 'j j. Chamber of Trade was specially indebted to the Local Board for the improvements of the district. Considering the rapid progress of the Rhondda, he believed he could fairly say the state of things under the Local Board was very satisfactory The Board of Guardians, too, was important, for, unfortunately, the poor and needy are alway with us. The School board he looked upon as the most important. (Hear, hear.) He had pleasure in coupling with this toast the names of Messrs D. W. Davies, E. Jenkins and W, Pritchard. Mr D. W. Davies, in replying on behalf of the Local Board, expressed regret that one of the senior members was not present. During the four years he had been on that Board a great deal had been done. (Cheers.) Pavements had been laid, and they were still widening roads, ) building bridges, etc. The speaker then referred to the widening of the Llwynpia Road. At the widest part it was not more than 24 feet. On an average there were 5,000 foot-passengers per week passing to and fro. The road was much too narrow, but because the three local members had tried to get it widened some of the ratepayers had made a great deal of noise. Mr Hood had offered them land on the lower side, as well as stones to the foot of the incline. That he considered a good offer, but the Board rejected it. He was sorry he could not please all, but he had a duty to perform, and would do so fearlessly. (Cheers.) He then spoke of the Sewerage Scheme for the Rhondda, and paid a high tribute to the surveyor of the Board (Mr J. W. Jones.) Mr Ed. Jenkins (member of the Board of Guard- ians) thanked them for the way in which they had received the toast. He did not wish to blow his own trumpet, but he might say that he had been congratulated by one of the oldest members of the Board upon his good attendance. (Cheers.) His Board had received valuable suggestions from "cl that Chamber. (Cheers.) Mr W. Pritchard thanked them on behalf of the School Board. That he thought was the most important of all Boards. There were something like ten thousand children in the Vallev, and upon the education they received depended their future character. It was wrong" to say that education would prevent a man from being a good workman. Education ought to make better 71 1 workmen. (Cheers.) He was sorry the educa- tion of the children of England and Wales was carried on a wrong basis, that of -1 payment by result." Mr Pritchard dealt at length with this subject, to show the evils of this system. He hoped the children of to-day would grow up as good, if not better, than the present generation. (Cheers.) Mr Josiah Lewis proposed the trade of the dis- trict in a few suitable remarks. Mr Councillor William Williams replied. He spoke from experience of the increase of trade in the district. He remembered the time when one postman delivered all the letters from Dinas to Treherbert. The census of the parish then was 17,000, whereas it was now over 50,000. (Cheers.) Mr Williams spoke of the gradual development, of Tonypandy, and, in conclusion, said lie hoped the steam coal of the Rhondda would be the steam coal of the world for generations to come. Mr John Jones spoke in Welsh. The Chairman proposed success to the Mid- R iond(in, Chamber of Trade,coupled with the names of Mr T. John and Mr Gale. After Mr Gale had returned thanks, Mr T. John rose, and said he had only to agree with his colleague. Mr Gale had for the last year done most of the secretary's work. The only time his own help was necessary was when a letter had to be written to one of the boards, and when it became necessary to flavour such a letter with choice expressions, his experience became useful. (Laughter.) He thought the chamber was very necessary in such a district. Those districts which were the most clamorous got what they required. Tonypandy had got more improvements than Pen- ygraig, Trealaw, or Clydash Vale, and the reason was that Tonypandy was more active. The Chair- man had just asked the Chamber to endeavour to get a telegraph wire to Clydach Vala, but he (Mr John) believed that if Clydach Vale folks had attended their chamber oftener a telegraph wire would have been put up long ago. (Cheers.) They had done a great deal for Pandy. At Pandy Square a new patent lamp had been placed, and at least the chamber was very effectual in shedding light. (Laughter.) He appealed to the tradesmen of Pen- ygraig, Trealaw, and Clydach Vale to the Mid- Rhondda Chamber of Trade. (Cheers.) The usual toast to the visitors concluded the programme.

THE JUBILEE YEAR Is already, and yet will be, celebrated by the care of hundreds of thousands of poor sufferers from various Blood, Skin, and Nerve diseases, which are most mar- vellously affected by the use of the world's renowned remedy, viz:-Hughes' Blood Pills.

OPENING OF NEW SCHOOLS AT CUYYXYDD. ADRESSES BY MR. ALFRED THOMAS, J M.P., AND OTHER GENTLEMEN. On Tuesday afternoon Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P. for the Eastern Division of Glamorganshire, formally opened the magnificent new schools just erected at Cilfynydd, near Pontypridd, by the Eglwysilan School Board. The building is a com- modious and well-arranged one, erected at a cost of f5,330, to accommodate 630 children. The contractor was Mr George Griffiths, whose work has been most admirably carried out the benches and school fittings, which were well and substantially constructed, were made by Messrs Morris Brothers, Pontypridd, and the design of the whole structure reflects credit upon the archi- tect, Mr T. Rowland. Mr H. Anthony, J.P., the chairman of the board, handed to Mr A. Thomas, M.P., the key of the school buildings, and the hon. member per- formed the actual opening ceremony by turning the key in the lock, and opening the door. The large room, to be occupied by the girls, wee well filled by an audience comprising members of the school board and the friends of education in the neighbourhood, teachers, and school children. Mr Anthony took the chair, and was supported by Mr Alfred Thomas, M.P., Mr L. Gordon Lenox, J.P., Rev. T. W. Jones, Rev. D. Evans, Messrs J. Morgan, D. Morris, D. Williams, E. Jenkins, D. Ellis, T. Thomas (clerk), T. Rowland (architect), Mrs Morgan, Caerphilly; Miss Rees, Cardiff; Miss Jones, Caerphilly Miss Williams, Globe, Caerphilly; Mr and Mrs T. Jones and Mr J. Evans, Coadpenmaen School; Mr Richard Wil- liams, head master of the new schools, and Miss Lewis, the Mistress of the infants' school; Rev. E. Rowland, deaf and dumb missionary, Pontypridd, &c. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, said they were there upon the interesting occasion of the opening of Cilfynydd Schools, and he was glad to see so large an attendance, and hoped the children, as well as their parents, would take an interest in the new school. The ratepayers of Eglwysilan had gone to a great deal of expense in providing school accommodation in the parish, ,and they had had loans for the erection of school buildings amounting in all 'to £ 22,037. and JE19,000 s bill r nnained unpaid. He hope 1 the children and parents would assist the master and mistresses as much as possible. He was sorry to say that there were many parents in the parish who did not send their children as regularly to school as they ought to. He hoped this would not be the case in Cilfynydd. He was proud to see such a gathering on the occasion of the opening of this new school, with Mr Alfred Thomas, the member for the division, and Mr Lenox. He had had the honour of being a member of this board since its commencement, eighteen years ago, and, therefore, took great interest in the schools, and although he did not intend being a member of the next board, he hoped that the gentlemen selected by the ratepayers would work satisfactorily, more so even than in the past. He now begged to ask Mr A. Thomas, M.P., to deliver an address. (Applause.) Mr Alfred Thomas. M.P., after addressing a few words to the children, heartily complimented the board upon the completion of the school building which he had first had the pleasure of declaring open. He was glad to see such a splen- did school erected at the rapidly growing village of Cilfynydd. He had visited many schools in his time. He did not say these were the best, but certainly they would bear favourable comparison with any he had ever seen. He was pleased also to find that in this county the two great educational agencies were running together on parallel lines-the great cause of religion and education. He called them both educational agencies, for he could not consider anyone educated who had not had a religious training. He was very glad to find that in the schools of the Eglwysilan board the Bible was read. He would not go any further than that. He certainly would not approve of note or comment by the teacher. He must be quite understood to say that. Supposing two boys or girls of equal ability were placed side by side, one reading the Bible by his or herself, and the other trained by the highest theologian. He would prefer to take the theology of the one who had not had the advantages, it may be called, to that of the one who had had the theological training. Of course he did not mean to say that the clergy and ministers should not teach those under their charge. He considered that there was even greater responsibility resting upon them now than in the days gone by. He made no secret of the fact that he looked upon religion as indeed in every way advantageous, and Hot only that, but tending to the prosperity of the people of our country. The country was only so strong, prosperous, and peaceful as its people were religious. Therefore he laid great stress upon religion being placed in the foreground. At the same time it was the duty of those concerned in elementary education to see that every boy and girl in tbe kingdom were properly educat d. He was very pleased to find that we had in this country a very good system of elementary edncation. Possibly it would be difficult to imorove much upon it. He had heard some strictures with regard to the new code issued, but it wan possible to make it still what was desired. H Iwever, there was 'a great gap in the educational ladder between the elementary school systbin and eollegiate school system establishej in this country. They certainly bad colleges, and he:hoped good governors, for be ,himself was a governor. (Laughter and appliuse.) But there was an absence of government provisions for inter- mediate education. Thoy wantei grammar seh )ola placed on the same fooling as elementary schools. Government had promised attention to the gii'ter, and he hopei they would give it. He bad heard some people advocate the establishment of intermediate schools in m,i ny p-,t but he f ared that such schools could only Od sacjesafal in large ceatres like Cardiff, PontypriJ<i, and Merthyr. It certainly would be a disadv socage to the children to go from h'me to atten 1 suc'h schools. Now, as they bad iu elemenut 'y scho ols each as th-so head masters and mist: ejses quite cap .ble of taking the children not oaiv th.ough the w^rs of the school, but through suhj_cr3 which would (.,rdinati!y be taught in the intermediate schools. He saw no reasoa why they should not do so, and be paid for doing it. He was Vleasecllv fiud that he-id masters in this division b id been very suc- cessful indeed in the passing of their scholars in such a way as to obtain certificates of competency as colliery managers Oue word with regard to I the new code. He bad heard it was wronj co teach two languages to the children. But tb^se who said this were often very inconsistent, aud w^re the very people to s-nd send their children to schools where they were taught. French, German, Latin, Greek, and other languages, and yet they were the people who said theircbildren should not know Welsh. (Laughter and Hear, hear.") Duoglot people like the Swiss w^re certainly the most successful t>eople in life, and although the Welsh language might not be very useful outside Wales, it certainly was useful in the principality. Some boys bred and burn in GlAmorgansaiie ha.d worked tueir ways up to be doctors and professional men, and yet, simply because they did pot know their mot er tongue, they were unable to take appointments in their native couaty He appealed to parents in Cilfyoydd njt to plase tneir children in snch a disadvantageous position. He was very proud to see such a motto as tney had on the front of the sobool-" Cyinru fydd," a motto for which, no doubt, they were indebted to their clerk, Mr Thomas, of Tynywern. In conclusion, he expressed great satisfaction at theldisciplina which was already shown by the children in this school. He hoped that such a state of things would con- tinae, as it certainly would be on of the best lessons taught iu this school for use in after life. (Appl use.) Mr L. Gordon Lenox, J.P., Ynyeangbarad, after- wards spoke, and in the cou/se of an appropriate speech, dwelt upon the advantages of education and the importance of elementary training in its effects upon the after life of the children. He reminded them. however, that others besides school boards had provided educa- tional facilities for aboat 60 per cent of the schools of the oountry were Churoh of England I schools. about 20 per oent schools of other de(it>> minations, and about 23 per cent were boar* schools. (Applaose.) Rev. D. Evans, Cilfynydd, complimented the I board upon the opening of the new schools. Mr D. Ellis, while regretting the unavoidable abseDce of Mr Henry Lewis, joined in the congra- tulations, and gave an interesting outline of the steps taken is inducing the board to open a. temporary sch Kd. and afterward. ereet a buildings They had had to pay through the nose for th, site, but the place w&s now one of importance ani he trusted the children and their parents would appreciate the advantages provided fvr them. (Applause.) Although some cf the boys now in school might yet be working under ground, he ventnred to say that education wonl 1 be of value to them. Tnerewere now in the colliery lads who were able to check their p decimals included. (Laugiter and appisitse.) Kev. 1. W. Jones, Taff s We!), echoed the senti- ments of the bon. member for the division with regard tj religious as well as elementary education, 0 y and expressed an earaest hope that parente, not only at Cilfynydd, but throughout the parish, would oo-operate with the teachers in making the schools successful. (Applause.) Mr J. Morgan, Caerphilly, and Mr D. Morris, having briefly addressed the audience, the chair- m". proposed a vote of thanks to Mr A. Thomas, Mr Leaox, and other gentlemen for their presenoe and addresses. This was seconded by Mr J. Mor- gan, and carried with acclamation. About four hundred children afterwards par- took of a sumptuous repast of tea and cake. Mr Coombes was caterer. THE STAFF OF THE NEW tCHOOL. Mr Richard Williams, the bead master, who was complimented upon his success as a disciplin- arian on the opening day, received his training at Cardiff College. Miss Thomas, head mistress, has recently come from Swansea College, and Miss Lewis, the mistress of the infants' school from Bristol College. Each was connected with th& schools of the Kglwysilan board prior to entering college.