The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

NOTES ON PASSING E TENTS TEMPERANCE CONVENTION. The great event in the Temperance world during the last week was the United King dom .Temperance Convention' held on Wednesday in the Covent Garden Theatre, London. The most sanguine anticipations as to its success were realised, and without doubt no such magnificent gathering of the temperance fcrces of the United Kingdom has ever before taken place. No fewer than two thousand delegates from Societies of all kinds in all parts of the United Kingdom were present under the presidency of Mr W. S. Caine, M.P. There was a morning and an afternoon sitting, and four resolutions were altogether passed. The first con- demned the liquor Traffic, deprecated any more regulation of it, and called for absolute control of it for and by the people. The second rejoiced that the Government had at length recognised the people's right to Prohibition, claimed for the Veto Bill the | earliest possible consideration, and the extension of its provisions to Ireland. The third called upon every delegate and Christian Church to afford the most strenuous assistance to the Government to pass the Bill, The fourth proposed the adoption of the Memorial to the Prime Minister which lucidly set forth the history of the Veto in Parliament, and prayed for immediate passage into law of the Govern- ment Bill. A large number of able and influential speakers took part in the dis- cussion of these resolutions, and the greatest unanimity and enthusiasm pre- vailed throughout the whole proceedings, whichi,ncluding the evening public meeting, practically lasted twelve hours. A point worthy of note is that this great political demonstration was organised with absolutely no advertising at all outside the temperance press of the country. The "London Echo" says "The outside public were quite ignorant of what was going to take place, though the numerous temperance organisations bad been thoroughly worked." The demon- stration in the evening under the presidency of Sir Wilfrid Lawson Bart, M.P., was a most inspiring gathering. GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL VETO The day after the Convention, a highly influential deputation waited upon'Mr Glad- stone at bis official residence in Downing Street, to present to him the Memorial and the resolutions adopted at the great Conven- tion and evening demonstration. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Sir W. Harcourt, and the deputation was composed of four ladies,two of whom were Lady Henry Somerset and Miss Frances E- Millard, and 86 gentlemen representing about forty national and provincial temperance organ- isation. This deputation was to finish the work began at the Convention the day before when there was a unanimous desire to have an explicit statement from the Government as to their future intentions with regard to the Veto Bill. Sir Wilfrid Lawson and Mr W. S. Caine headed the party. A glance down the list of those composing it shewed an enormous amount of speaking or what is called "platform" power. Indeed it is questionable whether as great a moral force as the deputation undoubtedly represented could be marshalled for any other question in the country. Ehis was the kind of audience Sir Wm. Harcourt addressed for nearly half-an-hour, and Mr Gladstone for ten minutes. Sir William gave the most satisfactory assurances as to the Veto Bill, declaring that the statements of enemies were only made with a view of damaging the Government and disheartening the temper- ance party. Mr Gladstone also assured the deputation that the Government meant to I press forward with the measure Altogethei the deputation had much reason to be gratified with the inter- view, as indeed they expressed themselves at a subsequent meeting. Referring to this interview the "Daily Chronicle" frankly acknowledged that "the pressure exerted n Mr Gladstone and Sir Wm. Harcourt was of a thorougly legitimate character, devoid of exaggerated doubts or menaces," and stated that "the Government are perfectly aware that the Veto Bill has the strongest claim to a very early place next Session." TREFOREST READING ROOM. Mr Judd is jubilant over the success which has attended the opening of the branch reading room at Treforest. He says there is a marked difference in the appearance of the streets since the young fellows of the place have had a room to go to. There is no lending library as yet, but the promoters hope that by next winter, even that will be provided. Some prominent local men have promised to give books to help the new institution, and the Committee intend getting together all presents which they can secure in readiness for the grand opening. As the Christmas season is approaching, people who have not yet promised, may contribute books. Who will give two, three, four, or five volumes ? Please, don't all speak at once, but communicate with Mr F. Judd (the Chairman of the Committee), Mr F. Hill (the treasurer), or Mr McCarnie (the sec- retary.)

MUSICAL LICENCES AT PONTYPRIDD. I A STUBBORN FIGHT. THE MAGISTRATES EFFECT A COMPROMISE. I The Pontypridd magistrates, on Wednesday, heard a number of applications from local pub- licans for musical licenses. His Worship the Stipendiary (Mr Ignatius WiUiams) presided, supporting him on the bench being Mr T. P. 1 Jenkirs, Mr W. Merchant, Captain Williams. hit Joseph Henry Jones of Cardiff, appeared for tke temperance party, the applicants wno were repre- sented by Mr J. Phillips, being Messrs John Snape, Horse and Grcom Hotel, Pontypridd R. H. Williams, Tredegar Arms Mrs Elizabeth Thomas, Bridge Inn A. Parfitt, White Hart John Jones, Blue Bell; W. DavieP, Glyntaff Inn; W. Seller, Bonvilstone Hotel, Coedpenmaen and Evans, Windsor Hotel, Ynysybwl. A large deputation of representatives, ap- pointed by the various Nonconformist churches of the town, attended, including the Rev W. 1. Morris and Mr James Roberts, who spoke against granting the licences. The justices retired, and after an absence of fifteen minutes, returned into court, and th* Stipendiary said they were as anxious as anyope to discourage drinking and immorality, they were not anxious to discourage singing and music. The Tredegar Arms and the Horse and Groom had suitable accommodation for a concert-room, and licences for music and singing only were granted upon the same terms as the one grantea to tne Victoria, namely, that there should be no drink sold in the concert-room while a concert was going on. If they liked to get the licences upon these terms theylmight have them,if not they could leave them alone. All the other applications were refused.

Landslip Near Dinas Owing to the recent heavy rain which occurred in the Rhondda Valley a landslip took place near Dinas, which caused much damage and incon- venience. Stones and earth, amounting to nearly 200 tons, slipped into the road and two commer- I cial travellers had a narrow escape from being buried under it. ='

A DEPUTATION OF WOMEN AT YSTRAD. On Monday last a deputation of women con- sisting of Mrs Jones, Mrs Cosser, Mrs Evans, Mrs Slade, Mrs Price, and another lady, all from the neighbourhood of Ystrad Road and Shady Road, attended the attendance committee of the Ystrad School Board, praying that their children be per- mitted to attend the Tyisha and not the Bodrin- gallt School, because the former was nearer. The committee reported that the school was already overcrowded and it would soon be time for them to consider the advisability of adding a new wing to the school. (Laugnter.) Mr W. Jenkins asked how long the school had been opened. The Chairman: Six weeks ago. (Laughter.) It was resolved that a temporary arrangement be made by removing some of the children.

BRUTAL ASSAULT NEAR YSTRAD. Benjamin Roberts and David Morgan, colliers residing at Gelli, Ystrad, were charged, at Ystrad Police-Murt on Monday, with wounding Thomas Bowen, living in the same locality. Mr Phillips, Pontypridd, defended.—It appeared that on the 25th ultimo the prosecutor and his wife, whilst returning towards their home, met the prisoners, and Roberts, without any provocation, struck the prosecutor on the eye, causing him to fall. The other prisoner participated in the assault.-Dr Griffiths, Pentre, stated that probably the prose- cutor would lose the sight of the injured eye.- Prisoners were each fined zC3 and costs in default, one month's imprisonment with hard labour.

LOCAL INTELL GENCE. BIRTHS.—The medical officer of health for the County of Glamorgan reported that during the past year the birth rate in the Pontypridd dis- trict for the past year was 39 per cent. THE FORWARD MOVEMENT. -A very interesting lantern lecture entitled "The London Slums," was delivered at the New Town Hall, on Saturday evening last by Mr G. J. Williams, in connection with the South Wales Mission, which is under the superintendence of the Rev John Evans, Eglwys- bach. Sister Ida, the talented daughter of Mr Lewis Williams, Cardiff, was the principal speaker at the pleasant afternoon service held on Sunday. COEDPENMAEN CALVINISTIC METHODISTS. — On Wednesday night, the choir attached to the Coed. penmaen Methodist Sunday School (Penuel branch), conducted by Mr Esau Williams, gave a very enjoyable representation at the Coedpen- maen Board School of the cantata "Christiana." The cantata was illustrated by Mr R. Bevan, Pantygraigwen, the lecturer being Mr J. T. Llew- ellyn. TOBACCO AND CIGARS of the choicest kind may be obtained as chpaply at MrJ. Brooks's estab- ment, High Street, as any place in the town and district. He has also a variety of pipes, cigars and cigarette cases of all kinds. His hairdress- ing saloons are patronised by ladies and gentle- men who are attended to with promptitude and civility. LOCAL ADMIRERS of the merry tripping of "the light fantastic toe" should note that a ball in con- nection with the Pontypridd Quadrille Class, will be given at the New Town-hall, on Thursday, December 28th. MORTALITY.—We find from the annual report of the medical officer of health for the county that the infantile mortality in the Pontypridd district during the past year was 195. The highest death rate in the county, namely 147*8 per 1000 was in the Pontypridd Rural district. DISTINCTION FOR A LOCAL TRADESMAN.—We are glad to note that Mr Jamas Coombes, of Ponty- pridd, has been elected president of the Federated Chambers of Trade for the ensuing year. In the absence of Mr Coombes from the meetings the compliment was gracefully acknowlepged by Mr W. Williams, the president of the Pontypridd Chamber. FEDERATED CHAMBERS OF TRADE. — We notice that the Pontypridd Chamber of Trade was re presented at the annual meeting of the Federated Chambers held at Merthyr on Thursday last by Mr W. Williams (president), Mr T. Mayberry Williams, Mr W. H. Key, and Mr R. A. Lewis. A SMART CAPTURE.—James Eiler, a collier of no abode, was arrested late on Sunnay night last on the road at Norton Bridge by P.C. Lionel Nicholls on a charge of deserting his wife and five chil- drpn two years ago. He was handed over to the Br:stol police on Monday. THE liev W. I. MORRIS, like many others in the town, has been laid up uith influenza. How- ever, he managed to attend service on Sunday last bat found himself too weak to preach. His many friends sincely hope that his recovery will be thorough and speedy. CONGREGATIONALISM.—We are given to under- stand that the friends at the English Congrega- tional Chapel, Gelliwastad, are speedily paying off the debt on their chapel. The large sum of jBlll was collected at the last anniversary ser- vices, while they have collected during the year the magnificent sum of between £ 400 and £ 500. THE ROADS. -The Council Council have spen £ 476 Is 9d in strengthening the Cardiff and Mer- thyr Road between Pontypridd and Walnut Tree Bridge. The section of the Road between Ponty- pridd and Cilfynydd was reported to be consider- ably better than it was three months ago though there is still room for improvement. BILLIARDS AND WHIST.—On Thursday evening last an excitedly inter club match bptween mem- bers of the Pontypridd and Aberdare Clubs took place at the Pontppridd Constitutional Club, the billiard match resulted as follows—Pontypridd, 1432 Aberdare, 1337, the highest breaks for Pontypridd being scored by Ball and Thyer and for Aberdare by Dyke. The' whist match re- sulted in each club scoring 14 points. "THE PRODIGAL SON."—There is an excellent musical treat in store for Pontypridd and it* popu- lous neighbourhood. On Thursday, the 21st inst, a grand perfcrmance of the above named oratorio will be given in the New Town Hall. The plan of the hall, showing the position of the seats, &c., can be seen at Mr Phillips, the Arcade. The Sar- dis Choral Society will execute the choral move- ments. The artistes are Miss Kate Thomas, R.A.M., Miss Ceinwen Jones, R.A.M. (Medalist), Mr W. Evans, R.A.M. (from the Crystal Palace Concerts, and favourite tenor of Madame Patti Nicolini, and Mr Sims Reeves), and Mr John Walters, R.A.M. (Gold Medalist). Mr E. Roberts' Cardiff Orchestral Society—this popular and well- known body of instrumentalists has its own dis tinctive reputation. Mr W. Thompson will be the conductor. There is good reason for stating that this beautiful oratorio-being its first performance in Wales—will be rendered with a considerable amount of credit, and it is sincerely hoped that the performance will command a full house.— E.R. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.—On Sunday last the anniversary services in connection with the Cal- vary Baptist Chapel, Wood Road, were held when the Rev E. Aubrey, Abercarn, occupied the pulpit morning, afternoon, and evening, and preached powerful sermons to large and appreciative audiences. It is satisfactory to note that the col- lection made towards the building fund was a good one and exceeded the expectations of this pushing church. The chapel is now quite a modern building,having been recently transformed from a dark, dismal, structure, to a neat, hand some aud commodious one, comfortabb to the congregation and a credit to the designers. I MUSICAL SUCCESS.—Master Andrew M. Setter (pupil of Mr E. P. Mills) was the only candidate successful in gaining the advanced certificate of the Incorporated Society cf Musicians at the examination held December 1st. The examiners were —Mr S. Myerscough (Mus. Bac. Oxon and F.C.O.), and Mr R. B. Moore (Mus. Bac. Oxon. and F.C.O.) WITH THE LAND COMMISSION THROUGH NORTH WALES" W>iS the title of, a. lecture delivered on Friday evening last before the members of the Liberal Club by MI Gwilvm Haghes. Mr Wm Jones. Gelliwastad, presided, and there was a crowded attendance. The lectnro was largely illustrated by magnificently coloured slides, the lantern being manipulated by Mr J Davies, of the Mill Street Schools. Mr Hnehes spoke for an hour and half, giving a. vivid descrip tion of the many beauty spots of the North, and dealing exhaustively with the manifold grievances of the Welsh farmers as they were presented dnring the tour before Lord Carrington and his colleagues. On the motion of Councillor Hopkin S. Davies, seconded by Mr R. A. Lewis, the lecturer was heartily thanked, a suggestion being thrown out that the lea tnre should be repeated before a larger audience at the Town Hall, and that the committee should con sider the best means of bringing this aWont. Speeches were also delivered by Messrs Joseph Thomas, J W J-ihn, T Mavberry Williams, T Jones, Griffith Griffiths, and D Arnott. Griffiths, and D Arnott. A TREAT FOR THE LIBERAL CLUB MEMBERS.—We understand that throngh the exertions of Mr Gwilym Hughes, the debates secretary of the Liberal Club, arrangements were made for the attendance at the Liberal Club on Friday night of this week, of Mr M Robert Jones, barrister (coroner for Sonth Mon monthshire), Mr Hngh Jones, barrister, and Mr W T Lee, of the South Wales Liberal Federation, who will address the membsrs on the Welsh Church question. The chair will be taken at 7.45 p.m. prompt. THE Largest, most varied and elegant selections of Christmas Cards and Pretty Books and Articles for Christmas Gifts at W. H. Key's, 90, Taff-street, Pontypridd. BUTTER, BUTTER, BUTTER — Two consignment weekly of New Grass Fancy Butter, direct from reliable Dairies, and some of the finest the wolrd produces which never fails to please.—Harris's Grocer, 75, Ttff-street. Pontypridd Go to Fennell for Best Preserved Green Peas. t

THE WELSH LA DIE? CHOIR AT PONTYPRIDD. The eoncert given by the Welsh Ladies' Choir the New Town Hall, Pontypridd, on Wednesday se'night, was one of the richest masical treats whio.fr local folks have ever had the pleasure of listening to. There was a crowded audience and it is stated that the promoters—the Committee of St. David's Presbyterian Church—sold 1,500 tickets, so that there mast have been a handsome surplus when the accounts were squared. The chair was occupied by Councillor Hopkin Smith Davies, or at any rate he acted as spokesman during the evening. Mrs Clara Nove'lo Davies, the conductoress, WM accor led a magnificent ovation when she appeared before the audience. Some of the ladies forming the choir were absent and consequently several changer bad to be made in the programme, but people accented detailed derangements as matters of coarse and lost sight of the inconvenience in the splendonr e! the sinking. The opening air "The March of the Men of Harlech," by the choir having been beauti fully rendered, Miss May John and Miss Gertie Drink vater gave a splendid rendering of the duett "Qai Leste Homo," Mrs Davies accompanying. Miss Aunie Bowen sang "Home. Dearie, Home," and the choir followed with Curshmann's "Protect ng." Next came Misj{]M&y John with a solo, and her appearance on the platform was greeted with enthusiastic applause. Her first song, Francis Lloyd's "Dearie," elicited frantic cries of "encore" and in response Miss John sang "The Holy City," piece which gives fall play to her b '-like mice. Y, We noticed that the programme on this c :casiou properly described Miss May John as the winner of the soprano solo at Ctiicago, and Miss Emily Francia, who sang later in the evening as the winner of the winner of the soprano costume solo at Chicago. Thes descriptive 'appelat'ons have been somewhat mixed up in programmes prepared in other towns, and we are glad that Pontypridd gave honour where hooonr is due. The pianoforte solo "Pasquinade" by Miss Winifred Evans was splendidly executed, and Miss Gertie Drinkwater's capital rendering of the solo "Mia Piccarella," led to an encore to which she responded with "Dear Heart." Miss Antie Davies'. "Genevieve" (Tosti), was redemanded, and the request was granted. By the bye, Miss Davies w. thtt willner of the contralto oolo at Chicago. The choir then sang Emlyn Evans's arrangement of "Clychan Aberdyfi" with snch a tintiuabulous effect that the hqs had to be rung over again. Miss Annie Jenkins's "Gyda'r Wawr" had to be followed with. "Another Day" as an encore song, while Miss Emily Francis's ehirupping song "The Bird that came in Spring," secured a re'call when she gave" Poor Wandering One." The Spanish Gipsy .Chores," with which the choir had won at Chicago, was rendered in a manner which almost brought the house down, and "Gwenith Gwyn was afterwards charmingly rendered, although to those who followed the words it seemed tomewhat singular that upward) of 30 young ladies should so fervently declare- Mi sydd fachgen ieuanc ffol Yn caru'n ol fy ffansi." Sach words from such lips seemed like wasting sweet. ness on the desert air. Miss Nellie Griffiths's Merry Zingara," as might be expected, led to an enoore, all i she responded with "Oh Promise." Miss Annie Jenkins and Miss Annie Bowen sang "In the daskof the twilight," and Miss Edith Edwards* in Welih costume, sang the sole of the choral song, Dear Old Waleø." which obtained a splendid reception. Miss Mary Williams and the choir struck up "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" and the programme was brought to a close dutifully and loyally with "God Save thQ Queen."

YSTRAD COUNTY COURT. At Ystrad County Court, on Taesday (before His Honour Judge Gwilym Williams), Annie Maria Evans, formerly a domestic servant in the employ of Mr John Morgan, of Maindy Farm, Ton Pentre, sought to recover the sum of El 19s. from her late employer, being wages alleged to be due, and a month's wages in lien of notice. His Honour held that the plaintiff had left her employ of her own accord, and without sufficient notice, and consequently he would enter judgment fop defendant with costs. Mr James Philips, Ponty* pridd appeared for the plaintiff. At the same court an interpleader summons, issued at the instance of the High Bailiff, in which Henry Palmer, of Treherbert, claimed to be the owner of certain goods and chattels taken in execution by one Ellis Ellis against Henry Culver- house. came on for hearing. Tbe claimant deposed that he purchased the goods from the landlord, Jimes Collins, under a distress for rent. The defendant, Henry Calverhouse, was also called, and corroborated the statement of the claimant, and after both had been severely cross-examined, His Honour said he was of opinion that the sale was not a bona-fide one, and, addressing Calver- house, he characterized the whole affair as one of trickery, and requested him the next time he anpeared before him to come with clean hands. He would, therefore, enter judgment for the execution creditor with coats.

Y GOLOFN GYMREIG. AT Y PARCH W. 1. MORRIS, PONTY. PRIDD. Syr.-Gan eich bod yn cael eich tydnabod yn arwr y madiad dirwestol oddiar eich dyfodiad i'r dNf. crefaf yn garedig am attebion oddiwrthych i'r gofya itiao canlynol- I.-A ydyw holl weinidogion ymneilldnol Ponty pridd yn llwyrymwithodwyr ? 2 -Ai gwir fod ambell weinidog yn ffoi oddicartref pan fo cyfarfodydd dirwestol yn cael en cynal ? 3—A ydyw dyn sydd wedi appelio am d/wydded tafarn o fiaen ynudon Pontypridd y flwyddyn o'r blaen a'r bresenol yn gymhwys i fod yn ddiacon yn eglwys y Duw byw ? 4.— Pa gyondeb sydd rhwn-Z eglwys yn oamatan yr olaf a.c yn gwneyd protest nos Sul diweddaf i fyned o flaen yr ynadon am iddynt beidio caniatau trwydded gerddorol i rai dafarnwyr y dref ? Atebion i'r ucbod allant fod yn foddion i rwystro eglwys i gyfeiliorui. Yr eiddoch, TRWYN HEB FOD YN Gooa:

Finding an Umbrella TANTAMOUNT TO STEALING. Mrs Sarah Ann Mellor, Tower Street, Ponty- pridd, summoned Elizabeth Collins for stealing an umbrella belonging to her. and valued at 3s 9d, on the 25th of November last. Prosecutor said she left it open near her door to dry, and missed it in five minutes. She gave information to the police. On Saturday night defendant came to her house and asked witness if she had lost an um- brella. Witness said "Yes." The defendant asked her what sort of an umbrella it was, and she replied "The one that the policeman fetched from your house." Mary Ann Symmons, who lived in the same street said she saw the defendant carrying an umbrella which she knew belonged to Mrst Mellor. P.C. Canton proved finding the umbrella in the defendant's house, and the latter when arrested said, "I did not steal it, I found it wide open in the street when I returned from town.' The de. fendant was discharged with a caution.

PENTRE. TEA AND CONCERT.— On Thursday last the annual tea meeting and concert were held at the Pentre National Schoolroom. Many hundreds partook of the delicious things provided for the occasion. The following ladies presided at the tables: Mrs Lewis, the Vicarage Mrs Edwards, Golden Key; Mrs Thomas, bookseller; Mra Lewis. Llewellvn-street; Mrs Shepherd, erocer Mrs Evans, Pleasant-street; Misses Rachel, Martha and Mary Janes Williams; Miss Griffiths, dressmaker; Miss Griffiths; Miss Davies Miss Nicholas, and several gentlemen. The place was beautifully decorated thronght the generosity of Mr Scott, painter, Pentre. The Vicar, Revs G. Price, Ton; J. Rees, Treherbert; — Raymond, Ton — Morgan, Treorky kindly rendered valu. able services. The following took part in the concert: Miss Williams, Dowlais Madam Ruth Edwards, Owen Treharne, Francis Royal, Mr Wilkes, and Frank Edwards, Miss Moreton and Mr Morgan, recited. Mr David, the organist of St Peters' Church, presided at the piano. Thcl proceedings throughout were enjoyable.