The Merthyr Express

[ LOCAL INTELLIGENCE I CONTINUED TEKEITORIALS—MAP READING.—All non-eom- j missioned officers and men are invited to attend the clas3 of instruction to-niglit (Friday), at 18.15, in the orderly-room of the Merthyr I Detachment, on map reading. Th« subject is ¡! dealt/with in a plain and easy manner so that anyone can pick up a great deal of useful knowledge—which a great many officers and non-com.'a, and very often the men themselves, are called upon to apply to practical purposes when out on manoeuvres. j LADIES' READING Room.-The ladies of the district will be glad to know that the Free t Libraries Committee has provided a Reading- room for their use in the Public Library in the Arcade, with a good selection of periodicals and magazines. The ladies will be able to enter their room without going through the general reading room, but if they desire to make use of the general reading room, they are at liberty to do so. Iti s the wish of the Com- mittee that the ladies will make good use of the room. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES. -By reference to advertisement in another column it will be seen that the prizes gained in the Evening Continuation Schools and Tech- nical Classes of the Borough, for the session 1907-8, will be distributed on Thursday evening next, the 25th, at 7.30 o'clock, in the Court-room, Town Hall, by the Mayoress of Merthyr. The Mayor will preside, and a larg ea-ttendance is expected. All friends interested in our young people and their work will be welcomed. WHAT JOHN BURNS SAYS TO BOYS AND GIRLS.—On Saturday last the President of the Local Government Board, when formally opening some new class-rooms at the North Surrey District School, turned to the boys and girls and said he was informed that of 100,000 people who had received out-door relief in the Wandsworth Union during the last twenty years oaly 12 were teetotallers. The moral for the boys was that they must put on one side tjie besetting sin-the cardinal fault of the Anglo- Saxon race—the love of liquor. DEATH OF Miss SKXKNSR.—It is with much regret that we record the death of Miss Skinner, who died at Weston-super-Mare. on January 28th. She was well known locally,, and had a large circle of friends. She was an old friend of the late Mr3. Probert, and ripon her decease kept house for her son, the late Major Probert,! Pencaebach. Miss Skinner came from thej neighbourhood of Porlook, and was a descendant! of the famous P»idd family, mentioned in Black- more's Lorna. Doone." During her residence at Pencaebach she was instrumental in doing a great deal of good, and endeared herself to all those with whom she came in contact. She was of a kindly, good-hearted disposition. ST. T)-,Dm's WELL CITUR.-On Thursday week an excellent rendering of Longbottom's cantata, t: The Desire of All Nations," was given by the choir of this Church and the juveniles i of the Sunday School, under the leadership of Mr. Roger Williams, the precentor, who, with Messrs. Taylor and Jenkin Jones, had trained them marvellously well. The following gentle- men also contributed musical items to the programme :—Mr. Dan Jones, song, Babylon;" Mr. Wra. Davies. song, Lead, Kindly Light." and Miss O. M. Davies, song, Abide with me," all of whi-h were perfectly rendered. Praise is also due to Mr. H. Llewellyn and the members i of his orchestra, for their valuable assistance, I and to Miss A. M. Davies and Mr. White, the organist, for accompanying. The chair was taken by Mr. D. Davies, in the unavoidable absence of Councillor J. W. Lewis.—On Tuesday evening last a Choral Service was presented to Miss Jennie Watkins on her departure for Y stud Mynach- UNITED IRISH LEAGUE.—The fortnightly meeting of the Robert Emmet branch (Merthyr) WAS held lasi; Sunday in the Trevethk'k Hal!. Mr. D. Barry, the president, read the minutes, whi-h were adopted; A letter was read from Mr. F. L. Crilby, referring to the branch's desir« to get visit from Mr., \yA -Redmorwl. M,Pv, W-Mertliyr. The secreteayi, fspeiyed a teieiram and a letter during the^aafcoetftfeing teieiram aid a letter during the^aafcoetftfeing that Mr. Redmond would come ti> >M«rthyr on St. Patri'jk's Day. Mr. D. HennftTsy, M.E.C., gave a very interesting address on the great Irish National Convention in Dublin, which was much appreciated. The meeting accorded him an enthusiastic vote of thanks. The President gave a reading from the late A.M. Sullivan's book New Ireland." A vote of condolence was passed in silsnco with Mi. and Mrs.Dennis Foley, on the death of their daughter Eileen, and a vote of sympathy was parsed with Mr. M, AUman, Peny dan-en, on the iilncx- of his wife* j OiaiTuARi --The death occurred on the 11th inst. of Millie Davies, daughter of Mr and Mrs. William Davies, grocer, Pontmorlais, at the age of 3 years and 9 months, after a short illness Millie was a bright little girl, end the greatest sympathy is extended to the family in eav' rheir bereavement. The funeral took place at Cefn Cemetery on Tuesday, t; Rev. Jacob Jones officiating. The mourners were:-A",r. W. Davies (father), Messrs. Sydney, Johnny, and Mostyn Davies (brothers), as well as a num- ber of relatives and friends. Wreaths were sent by Dr. and Mrs. Biddie; Mr. J. Thomas and family, Brecon-road; Misses Cwyther, ber of relatives and friends. Wreaths were sent by Dr. and Mrs. Biddie; Mr. J. Thomas and family, Brecon-road; Misses Cwyther, Lancaster-terrace, Mr. and Mrs. J. Davies and family, 47, Pontmorla Misses Gwladys and May Evans, Pentmorl- s, Mr. and Mrit J. Braddick and family. Pontmorlais; Mr. and I' Mrs. Lewis Green, Troedyrhiw; Mr DJ. Davies (uncle) and family, 22. Mary-street, TAvyryr- ooyn; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Hayward, Pont- 7/iorlais Magsie Price anJ B. Jenkins, /1 Twynyrodyn; and Miss E-isie John and Mrs. Kate Thomas, Penyd«rren. I MARCil TO VAYNOR.—On Sunday last th 1 I Merthyr Detachment of the Territorials had a. route march to Vaynor Church, where they attended divine service. The men turned out smartly dressed, and each man had carefully cleaned his belt and buttons, with the result that it was a very creditable and encouraging parade. The weather was all that could fee desired, and those who took part greatly bene- fitted by their march throueh the crisp air on it glorious morning. The Rev.— Picton, the popular curate at Vaynor gave a most interesting sermon, illustrating the virtues of voluntary service in all good and worthy causes. The collection at the Church is to bo devoted to the Cefn Distress Fund, which the Rector, the Rev. John Davies, is interesting himself in. The band, under Bandmaster Hanney, turned out 1 in strength, and played splendidly. If they always made such a good show they would soon become a very popular band. Major James was in command, and Capt. Harris and Lieut. Sou they were also present. The men are looking forward to the next route march with interest. DEATH OF MR. CHRISTMAS THOMAS.—With great regret we have to record the death of a very much-esteemed fellow-townsman in the person of Mr. David Christmas Thomas, grocer and butter merchant, of Brecon-road, which occurred on Thursday morning, at the age of 69 years. Deceased had been unweU for about four months, suffering from pleurisy and bronchitis, and was attended by Mr. Cromwell Jones. He was for many years a familiar figure in the town, and more particularly in the Brecon-rojvd district. He came to Merthyr from Carmarthen, when a youth, and estab- lished a business on the Brecon-road over fifty years ago, and had carried it on in the present i premises for over thirty years. For fifty-two years deceased was a member of Bethesda Chapel, and for many years had been a deacon. He was for a long period what is known as the publisher, in connection with the same Church. He was a member of the Chamber of Trade, and a director of the New and Improved Building Society. The funeral will take place on Satur- day afternoon, at Cefn (gentlemen only, and no flowers, by request). OBITUAZY.-WE deeply regret to record the death of Mrs. Fearnley, beloved wife of Mr. John E. Fearnley, which took place at her residence, 30, The Avenue, on Thursday morning. Mr3. Fearnley was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm, Home, West-town, Dewsbury. and came to Merthyr three years ago with her husband, when he took up the appointment of sub-editor of this journal. She was a member of Wesley Church, MerthyT, and when in Dewsbury was an earnest church and Sunday school worker, but, being a devoted wife and mother, her home ties precluded her from taking such an active interest in the affairs connected with the Wesley Church in this town. Mss. Fearnley's mother died on Sunday, the 7th inst., and although this fact was kept from her she was aware that her mother was" dangerously ill, and this had caused her great anxiety. The deceased lady had suffered for some weeks from asthma and bronchitis, and had a serious relapse last week-end, but seemed to be making satisfactory progress until Wednes- day night, when she had another relapse. Dr. Llewellyn Jones, her medical attendant, was called in about eleven o'clock, but his efforts to save her were unavailing, and she passed peacefully away at seven o'clock on Thursday morning. There are six children, the eldest of whom is eleven and the youngest only three weeks. During bis residence in this town Mr. Fearnley has made many friends, who deeply sympathise with him in his overwhelming bereavement, and we join with them in tendering to him and his motherless little ones our sincere condolences in their great aorrow. The remains of the deceased lady will be taken to Dewsbury for interment on Saturday.

He who pursues the sta^ regards not li;uvr. A life without ldewi6 is like a bird wiUiou: wing^

I -tI. CORRESPONDENCE. I' TO CORRESPONDENTS. Several letters are in type, for which we. regret that space could not be found this week. The,v will appear next week. THE CRISIS.—NATIONAL DEFENCE.- REPLY TO MR. HARRIE RHYS. Sir,—The question of national defence is one of great importanoe, and it is a subject in which I am honestly and sincerely interested, I did not write the article which appeared in your issue of the 6th inst. with the object of entering into a newspa;>or controversy and splitting hairs over point* of logic, or of be- coming involved in the political aspect of the question. On the contrary, I desired to make an earnest appeal to the youths of our district j to do their duty to their country, and hdp to make the Territorial syjtoni —which is purely a voluntary -Dite--o, I am sorry if niv arguments did not convey that idea to Mr. Harrie Rhys, of Tredegar. I do not think f advocated conrvcription in a single lino of it. What I dej=red to point out was that Mr. Haldane's excellent schemc for home defence should reeeivc the hearty sup- port of the people and in the proper hpirit. As protection of the country is the primary object for which military forces exi'-t, I am or the opinion that the army of defence should bo sup- ported and placed upon a sound and reliable basis, irrespective of all party or political creeds. I cannot, therefore, accept my critic's judgment that what I wrote was sentimental nonserse. He advises me to turn to more urgent subjects, such as taxation of land v,tltic-z. unemployment, etc. I quite agree that these burning questions demand attention, but have to confess that there are others much better able to deal with them than myself, ana each of us. in his own quiet way. can do a great deal to help the imtortunate unemployed with- out niakiill, dramatic recitals to the public, or debating principles of how and when the em- ployed shall work. Mr. Rhys says: "The people would not tolerate being robbed of their cherished lib- erty." The basis of what is called democracy, however, i-s not only equality of status, but equality of sacrifice; and yet, all through our political system, there runs a maximum of unequal demand for self-abnegation on behalf of the public and the State. We are the least democratic of nations in practical everyday life, yet we pride ourselves npon having the most soundly, democratic political institutions in the world, inequality ot sacrifice ii supposed to bring eratitude and honour in its train. When we- think of "voluntary service" in tho Terri- torial Force, it mw-t be remembered that grati- tude is due not only to the man who comes forward and srives up his time to driH and discipline which he might l spending in a.musement or study. The sacrifice cuts deeper; and relatives, perhaps, deprived of a seaside holiday because the father or brother is in camp during the annual holiday, are paying their share. And what about the employer? If he put. obstachs in the way of camp, he >s thought to be unpatriotic; in reality, he is no- thing of the kind-he is merely a negative sort of pirson, like everybody else. If, however, the employer permits his employees to camp, and willing to sacrifice unearned wages, and gives an increase of holiday, then lie is an active patriot who deserves well of his country. Mr. Rhys scoff- at the idea of an invasion of our shores. While I grant him that an in- vasion with the object of permanently occupy- ing the country would be a most difficult task, in these clays such wonderful and unheArd of things do happen that I venture to think that nothing is really impossible. And, further, a. sudden raid upon some isolated part of our coast- is not, so impossible a dream as he r imagines. The immediate object of such an invasion would bo neither conquest of our terri- tory, nor total defeat of our armed forces, but merely to do damage to us in a general way— the mere accomplishment would have disastrous effects on the country. Mr. Rhys quotes Lord, Roberts, and says what he most d^ires is "that every able-bodied citizen should be acquainted with rifle-firing," and I would remind him that a man cannot learn all there is to know about the modern rifle and shooting in a month "So that in tjie possible event of an invasion, every man could be able to take a hand in the defence of the coast line." This is all the most ardent, advocate of compulsory training asks for. Compuhory training and conscription are totally diffrenf. By a system of compulsory training, each man would drill much the same as the Territorials do now-fir a course of musketry, and do a fortnight's camp each year. What, hardship would there be in that? And if Mr. Haldane's scheme is not a success, then it must of necessity come to that. To take men off to barracks for two or three years at a tretcli--as is the custom on the Continent, under conscription—is quite different, and the present needs of the country and empire do not warrant such a stern course. Your correspondent alluded to civilians tak- ing "pot -bots" at Lord Roberts on the march. That may be an histories,] fact, but it was in Afghanistan; and if we had to fight on our I toil, under civilised rtl l of war, I need hardly point out that the enemy would take most severe measures to prevent civilians taking up arms. In the Franto-German War of 1870, therflt were numerous insances recorded where German sentries tvere phot by unknown civil- ians. In one case, the invaders promptly seiz- ed the mayor and the twelve leading citizens, who were held-responsible for the lives of any German soldiers killed by an-v civilians—con- trary to the ritl^s of war. The Franc-Tirrreurs were always .shot- without trial when capturoo; I they were practically civilians in arms. Your correspondent says every man would r-espond to the call of his country in the time of need. That may be so, but is it wise that the next national emergency should find us still dis- cussing our preparations? An empire like our3 is not confined to a few islands in the Western seas, but dretches over the world. On June 10th, 1903, the Commission appointed to inquire into the war in South Africa sat for the last time. -Thi., war." wrote Sir George Taubman Goldie, in his note on the report, "produced the most perilous international situation in which the empire has found itself since the days of Napoleon." When these words were writ- ten, he little knew the very real and tremen- dous peril from foreign intervention which threatened us. He further adds: "Only an extraordinary combination of fortunate circum- stances, external and internal, eaved the Em- pire during the early days of 1900." We ma.y not have such good luck a second time. Na- tional security cannot be purchased by alliances or "enten," but only by self-reliance and' adequate preparation. War may be a terrible tiling, but that is all the inore reason for pay- ing more respect to war. Because war is hor- rible and ivicked, it docs not follow that we should ma,ke the swords and means of defence we have blunter and blunter by degrees from feelings of humanity, until come day someone steps in with a sword that is --harp, and lops off the arm from our body. I am sorry that in my criticism of the play, "An Englishman's Home," I could not give more- details, but I congratulate Mr. Rhys upon having such a complete knowledge of the play. He must have been considerably helped by the two ;cllaps" from Trodegar who went up to London to see the play. What a burst of patriotism! I hope they enjoyed the trip. I did not know that I had given one sid« only of the 'drama. I read several comments on it, and came to the conclusion that it was evident- ly written for a purpose. If Mr. Rhys will refer to my article, he will find that we agree that it is illogical, for I said: "As a play, it is illogical, full of exaggeration, and far. from I being perfect, with somewhat impossible situa- tions. It may ba doubted whether any Terri- torial officers would cut such sorry figures as the little captain and his lieutenant." Surely he could not wish me to be more severe than I that. There is one point in the play which I am sorry, for Mr. Rhys's sake, I forgot to men- tion. and that is, that the master of the house— a civilian — took up arms gallantly to de- fend his hoipe. He forgot that he wsxs a civilian and1 that it was contrary to the usa-ges of civi- lized war, so he was promptly seized, taken out into the Karden, and shot by the invaders. Mr. Harrio Rhys describes this as indescribably ridiotflous. It may be on the stage, but it is what would occur in war. It is very convenient to refer to the regular troops coming in at the nick of time and preventing the invaders pierc- ing further into the country, but in the event of a big European war the regular troops would have something else to do. The bulk of them would probably have to leave these shores as part of an expeditionary force. Mr. Rhys wonders whether I belong to the 7 alarmist party in England. Not at all, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the Territorials, with over 21 years' service as a Volunteer and a Territorial, and I have benefited a great deal; so much so, that I desire others to join, as I feel it would do them good. I am not the nervous old ladv living in a comfortable subur- ban villa, dreading invasion, as he imagines. When I condemned sport I certainly did not condemn the playing of games and good healthy out-door exercises. I have played most games myself, and had many a tussle on the football field against Tredegar years ago, and in recent years in liockey. I cannGt recall having met Mr. j Harry Rhys in any of these friendly encoun- ters. I never enjoyed anything in my life so muoh as a good well-fought same of football [ or hockey. This is quite a different matter to going through a turnstile to get your sport bw yelling at paid gladiators. The disgraceful scenes at Ebhw Vale, described by the writer of a letter which appeared in the next column to Mr. Ha-rrip Rhys's letter, amply illustrates what I mean bv the coming national curse. I think it is -deplorable that men should pelt, re- ferees with stones and clods, and call it sport, and I cannot agree with Mr. Rhys when-he- al- ludes to my mild remarks as "rot and non- sense." "Sports 'a¥id games-—exc«Ment thiiies In themselves-—hunting, shootirtg, football, cficketi golf^-a'ro subsidiary lineajisof -sustaining the raah hood of the people. Indirectly they contribute to our defensive force by raising national physical standards, but they are largely pas- times of the idle, and very often the rich, of men and women who, incapable of sustaining patriotic effort, are content to enjov the fruits of other men's labours, arid to rely for their security upon the length of their purse, or the self-sacrifice, of their neighbour*. ^T»-. RhT;s vna^ not --r--» ,»■>. I hH.i <!i >! in <h" d.ays "'1 win n vre&ler power on the Continent than she is j to day i but I ,a01 not prepared to carry en a J j J7"1iIIa.AM.¡r J debate upon this knotty question. What good would be served by such a discussion? would be served by such a discussion? The English constitution, as everyone knows, is based upon compromise, so dearly cherished by every Britisher. We have always wished j to eat the cake, and have it, and to en jov the best of the world, and we have fairly well man- aged to do it up to now. It must not be forgot- ten, however, that although we may be forced j into compulsory service bv the slackening of the voluntary spirit throughout the country, the British people are still full of grit, and have not changed so greatly as to be past holding Imperial sway. I do not argue this for one j moment. j The Territorial system is, however, the last trial iikely to be made of the purely voluntary system, and we all hope it will succeed. 1f Mr. Haldane's plan fails then must have some form of universal service, however hateful it may appear to some of my fellow countrymen. Our place in the world cannot be maintained by scarpower alone, and 'or home defence and imperial defence our people must prepare them- selves to fight ashore. Every man who enlists into the Territorial Force may feel that when he voluntarily under- takes the obli:1tion which the act imposes, and sacrifice;; time. and often money, for the sake of his country's safety, he is not taking upon him- self a fictitious, but a grave and serious duty. He is no longer an amateur playing at soldiers, but he is a- citizen soldier, coming forward as a free man to bear responsibilities which others j are shirking. This is the spirit in which the men of old esteemed it a privilege rather than a duty to be permitted to serve in the ranks of the Roman Republic. There is a great, deal which could be said on behalf of universal training. It would be fair because the same duty would be forced on all. It would be democratic because the Peer's aon and the collier's son would have to serve side by side in the ranks, and learn that the acci- dental differences of rank and wealth which di- vide them matter less than the essential fact that both are Englishmen, and owe the same duty to their country. The idea, is no new fangled one. The duty of every Englishman to serve in the Militia was recognised and enforced for centuries. In conclusion, it appears to me unnecessary to logically deduce everything I have said. This generally leads to a long process of dis- tillation, which ends in'nothing. I thus dispense with .all mental gymnastics, and remain con- vinced of the necessity of the principle for which I have pleaded. To defend the Father- land means also to gain the gratitude of the Fatherland, to unite one's name and one's be- ing with tiie name and fame of ene's King— one's leader and one's people—is not the mere fancy of ambitious folly, but a noble and worthy duty.—Yours, etc. Merthyr Tydfil. II..H. S. MERTHYR THEATRE MANAGER'S | GENEROSITY. Sir,—I read with very great pleasure the let- ter in last wesk's "Express" from Mr. Grif- fiths, of 21, Mardy-terrace, thanking Mr. Jack- son Withers for the presentation of the self- j propelling chair. This was a very sad case; not only John Griffiths, but his son haying their legs b!o'.vn off in a pit explosion ia March last. It was a very kind act on the part of Mr. Withers to present the chair to Mr. Grif- fiths, more so as it was a voluntary gift, with- cut any advertisement whatever being atfa-cli-, ed to it. It tiliows that Mr. Jackson Withers j is a man heart is in the right place, I, with a great many more, regret to hear tha; li-3 is about to leave Merthyr. The Theatre is now weli conducted, perhaps better than at any previous period. in its history. Sbrne Cx- ceilent plays have been brought to Merthyr by Mr Jackson Withers, who is to be congratu- lated on his efforts to provide really high-clas-j entertainments. It is said he is leaving because an excise licence is refused him. If so, I think it is a pity, and I would suggest tha; the Town Council should endeavour to meet him. OPERA LOVER. FIRST AID TO THE INJURED, Sir,—1 hope you will give mo a. little space in your paper to express my opinion or the necessity of tho knowledge of first-aid to the injured in every colliery district. Now, my reason for asking for this is—on Monday, the 22nd inst., Miss Sturgess, Nov/- port, who bears such a good name for her teaching in this particular branch, begins her lectures In the Technical Institute, Ebbw Yale, and all who wish to join her clas. no matter from what district, will be made heartily wel- come. L Can I appeal to the wives of the colliers and iron and steel workers to rally round Miss Stur- gess, so as to fill her class, and thus encourage her in the good work she is endeavouring to perform? I sincerely tru-it (and it will be for the benefit of all concerned and those who have any pretentions for the welfare of their husbands and sons) the town, of Ebbw Vale will seize this opportunity of learning how to dress an injury; and I am sure it would tend to strengthen the bonds of unity between husband and wife. Thanking you in anticipation,— Yours sincerely, ROBERT GIBSON, L.R.C.P., &c. 7, Church-street, Ebbw Vale, mmm I ■

Parks and Cemeteries Committee. A meeting of the Parks and Cemeteries Com- mittee was held on Wednesday afternoon, Aid. D. W Jones (ex-Mayor) presiding. Mr. J Thomas, burial clerk, Dowlais Ceme- tery, sent a letter with regard to his recent ap- plication for an advance in his salary. He said ho did not know why he should be treated differently to anyone, unless it was that he collected too much money to please the Com- mittee. He asked for a fair dayY> pay for a fair day's work, and surely lie had a right to expect that from the gentlemen who composed the Committee.—The matter was deferred. The Cefn Sexton (Mr. Meredith) wrote that if the gates of Ffrwd Cemetery were left open, damage would be done to the gravestones, etc., and. people would pass to and from Cefn without going round. Tho Committee, ho thought, might as well make a public road at once. He always opened the gates when a funeral passed that way. A sub-oommittee reported having considered the letter from the Secretary of the Cyfarthfa Band, applying for payment of B50 for services rendered, and recommended that incijmuch as the band played on seventeen occasions, that the application be granted. Tho committee discussed with Mr. Batty and Mr. Phillips several matters connected with the band, and recommended that the members of the Council be asked to find work for three additional players required to fill vacancies; a bo that new buttons and badges be obtained, bearing the Corporation coat-of-arms. The application of the Band to give once concert at Dowlais and another at Treharris during the next few weeks was granted. The coniniittea recommended that the application of the Merthyr Vale Free Church Council for the band to take part, in q, popular concert there be granted.—Coun. Dan Thomas: I move the adoption of hte report. It was a unanimous committee of one (laugh- ter). The tender of Messrs. Gray and Son, Glebo- land-street, for trees and shrubs for the Recrea- tion Ground, was accepted. tion Ground, was accepted. With regard to the piece of land required by the Counoil near tho new houses at the Thomas- town Recreation Ground, the Surveyor reported that ho communicated with Mr. F. T. James I and Mr. F. S. Simons, and submitted the reply r-eceived from Mr. James of the 5th instant, stating that he and his brother, Mr. A. P. .Jame3 were appointed to assign the piece of land to the Corporation for the residue of the term of 983 years and two months from 26th January, 1909. The area of the land is about 1.380 square yards. The only conditions im- posed were that the Corporation should pro- perly fence in the ground and tand-extake not to build thereon., and tbt't it should form part of the Rccreation Ground and be thrown open to the public.—The Chairman said the rcply was a better one than the Committee anticipated.— On the motion of tho Mayor, seconded by Coun. E. Edwards, a letter wa., ordered to lie sent to Mr. James thanking him for tho gift, and accepting same.On the motion of Aid. T. J. Evaox, the Surveyor was empowered t-o carry out improvements upon the site. The Surveyor reported that he had practically completed the draining, filling up. and levelling of the Gorsedd Circle. He hoped the Council would give orders to continue the unclimbable fence along-side the edge of the footpath, otherwise he did not see how the planting of this picturesque place could bo made a, suc- cess.—Coun. Dan Thomas: I think it, would be a good thing if the stones were removed to allow the children to play there.—The Sur- vivor was authorised to do as he suggested. The Chairman said that Mr. England, of HI" Cyfarthfa Band, had applied for the po-sf of caretaker of Cyfartbfa C' Ostia.The Committee considered the application premature, and de- ferred consideration of such appointment. — —<9>-

Merthyr Isolation Hospital. On Thursday, at the Town Hal!, Merthyr. Dr. R. W Johnstone, Inspector of the Local Government Board, held an inquiry into an ap- plication by the Borough Council for sanction to borrow £ 3,800 for the erection and furnish- ing of an additional pavilion at the infectious diseases hospital at Mardy. Dr. A. Duncan (Medical Officer of Health) gave figures show- ing tho number of patients admitted into the, hospital during the past year, and the Borough Surveyor explained that the now pavilion would consist of two ordinary and two-special wards. —jThe -inquiry was of a formal character; and the Inspector subsequently visited the hospital, the Inspector subsequently visited the hospital, accompanied by the Borough Surveyor and the Medical Officer ¡

HORTON'S ORIGINAL Fo, Feraales. BENEDICT PILLS Female I in a low days correct all irregularities and remove aI! obstructions; also cure Anaemia, and cause no in- itiry; to ttio married or sirglo are iiival ua ble. BY post, under cover, for Is. Hd. or 2s. 9d. from G. 1). Morton lat-e Chief Dispenser from Birmingham s lyinjr-in II spitai). Dept. 29. Aston Itoad Norit- j T'.irminfrl).;in. Sold jLUltl-CT ONLY ii j SliLDOM EVER FAIL. 8' —LI" l j j I | Mother | calls me tier i Oxo boy 155' 4 We have never had aay sickness in our house. Mother says it's because I we use such a lot of OXO. Father has 0)(0 for supper, mother ) kes it I for lunch, and I like it as often as I can get it. Mixed with hot milk, OXO is just lovely, and mother says it makes big bones and muscles. I like OXO spread on brown bread and butter, too it's awfully nice that way." A town child fed on OXO is as healthy as a seaside child. Every parent has wished the children could live at the seaside. And no wonder! Who has not admired the Î sturdy little sunburnt lads and lasses s who live at the seaside all the yeaf round? They are pictures of heal til > and happiness i Are your children as sturdy ana strong as you would like them to be? OXO will make them so and keep strong as you would like them to be? OXO will make them so and keep them sc. | A proud father of three sturdy little boys living in the smoky atmosphere of Burnley, Lancashire, writes to OXO as follows TFe have had i 0.\0 in the house for many years, 1 and", Y three boys are living testi- ) mony to its value as a buildev of muscle and physique." But take care it is, OXO. Nothing else is so good. OXO has peculiar properties which make it valuable as a nutrient. It is rich in the extractives of beef which aid digestion and it is also rich in. the nourishing proteids of beef which feed you. Every ounce of OXO is made from the OXO Company own cattle. '$ LONDON! E.CL 1

In and Out 0 j the Merthyr County CounmL [By CO"JXCILLOP. DAN THOMAS.1 rOliB, D, J. Lewis, of Troedyrhiw, who was pitchforked by his inconsiderate comrades into mo chair of the Libraries Committee, has a grievance. This is what I gathered.from the opening sentences of a. spcech which he attempt- ed at last Monday's Council meeting. As it was opening sentences of n. "peach which he attempt- ed at last a Council meeting. As it was aimed at the writer I copimenced shuddering I at- the thought ot what would have follow- ed a vehement oratorical display by my Troedy- rhiw friend, for I gathered from the opening sentences that the diatribe had been prepared for the delectation of his friends, and, of course, with the intention of pulverising my humble self. The Mayo: acting rather peremptorily, would have none of his fellow-groupiat's de- nunciation:; the Mayor was for conducting business in orthodox ioriru He put the extin- guisher on Coun. Lewis. In thus acting, the Mayor might have been strictly right, but good- ness only knows what a bit of fun the Council lost in the summary quenching of the Chair- man of the Libraries Committee. Possibly he now has a grievance against the Mayor, as weli I as myself. LET the Plymouth Ward representa- tive, however, not despair, he may have other opportunities. And arc not your columns, 7 Editor, open for the facile pen of Coun. Lewis:' A It Voter," so he describes him- self, after reading last week's "Express," writes me. He audaciously invites an expression of opinion from me as to whether colliers in gen- eral, and Cyfarthfu, men in particular, get their money's worth for their contributions to the Labour fund. The question is naturally a very controversial one. In the course of many a previous communication I have indicated my views. They arc not altogether in unison with those who unthinkingly demand labour repre- sentation purely from the ranks of colliers. This conclusion leads me to say to my Georgetown interrogator that Cvfarthfa, Ward colliers have net had, and aro not having, in my opinion, full value for such an expenditure as £ 72 17s. Gd. The provision of a few gas lamps, and the ineffective advocacy of doubtful improve- ments is not a record which will justify the out- lay incurred. I trust I have not, by anything which has ap- peared in this column, disturbed the equan- imity oc my friends—the Labour representatives who arc remunerated out of the Merthyr Dis- trict Labour Fund. I acknowledge that they are, from. a certain point of view, good and I faithful servants, and I also realise that they have exacting taskmasters for employers. These tyrants consider that giving an account of stewardship annually is not sufficient; they demand that every month their representatives shall explain their doings and relate generally: what transpires at Town Hall meetings. These poor, unfortunate, 1 think, representatives -will never know what it is to work eight hours a day, even if they do receive eight shillings a day for attending Council meetings. Are not the long reports cf the '"Express" sufficient? I fear there will be strike" on the part of Merthyr's Labour members if there are more such ridiculous claims upon their energies. Need I repeat that I am not opposed to La- bour representation? On the contrary I am in favour but for all that is right, fair, and ad- vantageous, do not restrict the selection of re- presentatives to colliers. There are other work- ers equally able end with qualifications specially fitting them for the posts. Where are the skill- ed arlizalis-olir joiners, masons, plasterers, and painters, whose expert knowledge would be of immense advantage to the ratepayers? But above all, the best representatives are the busi- ness men who have the inclination and time to devote to Council work. They deal with parish affairs with the same scrupulous regard for efficiency and economy that they display in their own affairs. The present is 8. period of the greatest anxi- ety. We have a diminishing rateable value, our loans aro accumulating, and consequently our rates must increase, especially when regar(I is being paid to the reckless demands of the La- bourists. The group have had no business train- ing, and don't think where the money is to come from, or where it goes. To them all that is a matter of indifference. With cur rates go- ing- up what hopes ca,D we entertain of new in- dustries being established in our district? We can hope for little from the Development Com- mittee, whose best efforts must inevitably bo thwarted under existing conditions. Let, its imagine for a moment what would re- sult if these extravagant spendthrifts of the collier class had their own glorious way. They now unblushingly advocate the payment of Members of Parliament. So what all easy step from salaried men at St. Stephen's to paid members on Councils of every kind. Truly, i nice prospect if it were within the range of possibility. Thank goodness it is not. The So- cialistic demagogue varies hi,9 programme with all sorts of fantastic and costly proposals. The idea of paid councillors has actually been made at the Edinburgh City Council. What, I faney, was an unexpected scene ac- tually came off at our Merthyr Police-court, on Friday last. On the stage, of life as on other stages, a prompter is a necessity. The actor may be clever, but occasionally forgets his part. We have others who strut the stage or life who have imperfectly learnt their business, and the acting manager asserts his prerogative and sometimes gently reprimands the imperfect t ones. At our Police-court, Sir Marchsnt is both prompter and manager, and recentiv had to ad- ministsr a mild rebuko to his colleagues for over zealousness. The lesson kindly given to our new J.P.'s has been learnt and not forgot- ten. On Friday last, when a case between mas- ter and servant came forward for disposal our amateur dispensers of justice left their seats of judgment in a body. Tha'exodus did not, I suppose, discomfort Sir Marchant in the slight- est degree. The ever-recurring subject of the Erection of Council houses at Pcnywcrn still worries the frequenters of the Town Hall. Repeated at- tempts have been made to fix a contractor, so that a stirt may be made with the work. 111- luck seems to attend the Council's movement at this point, and the last selected contractor, Mr. Pp.rker Robinson, of Barrow-in-Furness, has not, at the time of writing, named his rt sureties to tho Council. The next lowest ten- der was that of Mr. Lloyd, Cefn, mid it is to be hoped that if it falls to his lot to have the contract ho will sec his way to its execution promptly, so that local workmen may be cm- ployed. This question of local labour pro- vidod a subject for discussion a.t Monday's Coun- j ci! meeting. The groupists advocated the Ccun- oil carrying out the intended improvement at Pontmorlais hv "direct labour"—tho Council doing the work instead of letting it out by con- tract. This costly method was strongly oppo- sed, but as your report will show, a compromise was effected, and the largo amount of excava- tion work will be done by direct labour, pre- ference to be givcn to married men now resident in tho parish, and who aro out of employment. Tho experiment will be watched with some in- terest. and it is to be hoped it will not.be such a c-osily one cs to prevent similar schcmes being iu tho future carried out in a, like ma-iinor. For years there has been A suspicion—na, more, it has been mooted—that certain school- masters in our district have been favoured. I "4 have given credence to iha report, and on more than one occasion ventilated the complaints- of partiality shown by tha.sfimctj bqt^^ notla- mented, School Board. Year6-ago il; ivas a-battle of the sects oil that authority. First the Bap- ¡ tists were the privileged ones, though not for long; and than the Independents having the ¡! power wielded it. and teachers of that denomin- ation were the favoured ones. This favouritism was not displayed in the appointment of school teachers only It extended to almost every branch of olr public administration iiiiil -t last it. became a sine qua non that one had to belong to -— chapel or there was no chance b >• promotion. Let me record the indisputable in tlii:7, re7,1 On Tuesday afternoon a specially convened inciting and uu vm seemed to know why or i wl,, erei ore, was held to consider the "Return .0" school staff. Members turned up from all ths j wards and at the outset it was apparent that f there was elsctricity in the air. The Cha:- .sviO -1 (Coun. John Davies, of was plied ity questions as to the necessity of tho mee.iu*^ and there were two or three suggestive tions With characteristic briskuess the Ci,ai man brusned aside, as it wero, the lilt] hougn unsa tisfied, ones. He took in hand leturn, and commenced dealing with if ,& business-like form. Hitherto a certain ruio Ilj8 Deca acknowiedged—so in any teachcr* to & many pupils—before the school could be eor- s dei^d eilicientlv provided fcr. The first o<f' Abermorlais Boys', and this v.l .ermonau, Giris' Department -h* one certificated teacher too manv having rr -< i4: a° w £ '°rage ,a"endanc*> so It -was agreed'^ 4,9 1 mu^ be removed Schorl nSF nn "he v/a3 Penydarren Bort rnont HIIowinS ,tl10 came rule this depart raent was uncovered to be overstaffed: A <•• tuLeafed teacher could be removed if not dr> tx^l'dt^i0Sbther' but,^e was no inten- tion to discnarge any teachers, though it wa* Aid "if vr r the Sfur:ul C[ii'Io-ved nrianv- L-Joncs the eX-Mav0i-. argueci fa.i;v | no d ,VWh '"S 7th,}h" fhools rher« should ba jf nCslJ it favouritism. That the I AK^rm Sn ,d p,rcvaii at Penydarren as § Abermorlais and other schools. The Alderman i °pimon of the great majority of vot- J « i1nCt «that some consideration 1 Pf1(1 10 suffering ratepayers as well f nnifCari fr: Thc fat 1,1 the fire—til* '1 &nd tho 1 -calioir.^ the tiend ot coming events said ba 4 clar d frh°r' dl J S LI j r f ri" Vi *Vnd" K-^ry school m Of tills maJe- we sha]1 h^' more l The lot of a councillor, l.-kc that of a uol-'ce- 1 F 1 An rrg of-1 ■i-niviinrf ;c i -v .°ccnirecf winch deserves 1 !,r ■» 1 rd <>r* rt .A' other eveninar aiiend- I WC1'C manipulating a c-ertaiii Bub,tû.nœ-in fat-t, of lead, which at a certain of preparation is poisonous. Seeking "knowfed^ W the councillor asked what t;-i-> ;-mS m subs+ancp woe »„j ''ac ,r,ls innocent looking W 1 powder and tasted "h Declarin^^ice lid siveet lie the little on Itis fillge, b.1 s no SOOD2r had he done so than theca mucb merriment on the part of the boys, The couli. had s,aUowed an i.nfin.itesimal portion 01 .'1 TP03"» rnci:i°' I C-mtn'r ,ciairinan of the late District SnL'ir1?111 A or^ f the Queen's, as he f distrfe rvT!5 1 r 1? &e,uPP<* regions of out 4 cd lr's"i>-iHl' ''If undoubtedly secur' | rif nl.-f thr"? sp't amongst the Roma* 1 r «i l,l}ar'y' and hc pl?dsed hinKcif t^t srf J V f? was concerned, Catholic teacher.' 1 s tomd be treated in the same just wav—"oi> ™ ?*" Pne.r?us-as teachers in other school r'SZiu? nWlth-, Unfortunately, Councillor L-ufmhs followed "the group," and violate.) ^r?n?Ises' f' seems ho has repented am, as-urca the Cataohc friends that their confi i- enco m him has not been misplaced. I liolit, so, and applaud Councillor Griffiths for th» courage ho displayed in bearding the lion—fo»i metanhor s sake--I should sav the Penvdarren- cum-Dowlati? wolves—in their den. Piay up, Griffiths, for your are right. i,J £ ? MojHras. Mrs. Win slew's Soothing Syrnp bM i'ff- u^e.d °ver titty years by millions of mothers fcr mm. children while teething, with perfect success. reil^e the poor sufferer immediately. It ig nlensing- to tast; it produces natural quiet sleep, by reli,-veilig the child from pain. and the little eheruli is 111 per botfle. £ 1 butU,D'" °f a" chemists-

k Snow-White & the Seven Dwarfs.' EBENEZER JUVENILE CHOIR. Ebenczer Juvenile Choir, Merthyr (couduo ted by Mr. Tom Williams) gave a performance at the Temperance Hail on Wednesday nigh which v.as one of tho best of its clas3 yet seeci in the district. "Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs" was tile operetta, and the manner in which the juveniles acquitted themselves re- fiocfcsd great credit on themselves and the con. ductor. who had trained them so assiduously^ I he chair was taken by Mr. W. W. Green, Pentrebach. The soloists were "'Snow-Wbite" (soprano), Mi.-s Anita Powell. Tydiil Arms; "Queen"' (mezzo-soprano), Miss Sarah Jones, Abercanaid; "Prince" (tenorj, Mr Ted Smith, Ireharns; "Carl the Hunstman" (ba:), Mr, '1..11 uavid. Jouw, Abercrave (formerly of Aber- canaid); "Arburtrus," Miss Mabel Jones, Ai! the artistes wero in iine voico, and the audienco expressed their appreciation by vociferously ap- plauding the various items. _A splendid orche.* tra. greatiy enhanced the cfiectivenoss of tile performance. The libretto of the operetta io touncled upon Grimm's well-known fairv story of "Snow-White." Miss Anita Powell, as hnow- hite," the leading character, gave au admirable impersonation. In the opening rcena where "Suow-W hite" meets the forest children at a festival, the chorus," "Snow-White, beautiful one," was very. sweeily rendered, fol- lowing which came her song. "Like a Blossom." The "Queen's"' dignified rendering of "I ara the Sovereign Li(ly" was much appreciated- The chorus. "Loyal and True" came next, tha children acquitting themselves very sa-tisfactor- ilv "Fair as a Lily" (chorus) was followed by "The Queen she rules the kingdom"; and a d'ter. by "Snow-White" and the "Queen" waa most tastefully rendered. The second scene introduces gipsv dancers, who acquitted them* selves admirably here. "Carl" (tho huntsman} j a»d "Snow-White" enter together, the latter singing "Life. Thrilling Life," very nicely, "Carl's" robu..t rendering of "Old Death ha j goes roving displayed a richness of tone that j won loud encomiums from the audience. The i "Prmce" gave a delightful rendering of "The I winds that roam. ana a duct by. "Carl" and the "Pr jnce" was wo 11 sung and much appreci- I ated The third scene represented tho interior of the house of the sioven dwarfs. The hum- ming "Lullaby" by iho dlOir. Vla. nicely given. The dwarfs were most amusing, under 1 heir leader "Max." "She's like u radiant lily" was excellently giveft by the "Princo." The fourth scene in the pa'aco grounds wa/s a bril- iant one,, and "Snow-Whito" and the "Prince," preceded by the seven dwarfs, made a triumphal entry, the chorus, "AH Hail." being given with energy, and followed by solos and a quartette by tho artistes. The finale. "Hail, onoe again," by the forest children and dwarfs, assisted by tifo arti&i-a.-i. na, the finest item in the pro- jjfnmirc, Tho staging was excellent, and great CPedit l due to the committee for the excellent 4fii;anygem-"nt3 made., Mr..David Wijliams (or- gawist of Zic-n- Baptist Church) presided at tb< picuo with his customary ability.

FREE TO WOMEN. ANN BROWN'S FEMALE SYRUP hu ob- tained wonderful results in the cure of all fe- male irregularities. I will send any woman a trial bottle free on receipt of two stamps to pay postage and packing, if "Merthyr Express", is mentioned. Do net neglect this offer, but write me to-dty.-Atirt Brov^n, 21, Station Parade Southfielde, London.

Parish Church Conversazione. On Thursday ge'n-night the annual conversa- zione held in connection with Merthyr Parish Church, took place at the Drill Hall. No ef- forts had been spared by the managing com- mittee to make- it as successful as possible, and we are glad to be able to say that these ener- getic workers were not disappointed in their hopes. Messrs. Winton D. Hopkins, and Evan Jones, secretary and treasurer respectively, de- serve special notice. It is small wonder indeed that such enthusiasm was thrown into the con- versazione by the committee and church work- ers generally, the object for which it was set on foot, namely, to swell the organ fund, was felt by all to be deserving of their noble efforts. SL Tydfil is one of tho noblest and haudsomest churches in the diocese, but as yet stands sadly in need of an efficient organ. The hall was very tastefully decorated, as was also the lesser half. Tea was on the tables in the lesser hall from 4 till 7 p.m., and many hundreds sat down to tea. At 8 o'clock dancing commenced in the greater hall, the music being supplied by one of the most efficient bands in the town. Simul- taneously a whist drive began in the lesser hall, the tables having already been cleared. This was crowded with eager and enthusiastic play- ers. The following ladies and gentlemen were mainly instrumental in bringing tho event to such a successful^ issue :—Tray-holders Mr. Hopkins, Mrs. Woodlands, Mrs. Evans (preei- dent), Mrs. John, Mrs. Knott., Mr3. Jone3 j (Tramroadside), Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Winton, Mrs. Thomas (Incline), Miss Griffiths (The Walk). Refreshment stalls: Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Thomas (Incline), Miss Griffiths (The Walk). Refreshment stalls: Ir". Jones, Bridge-street; Mrs. Morgan, Ernest-street; Mrs. Evans, Court-terrace; Mr. J. Jenkin3; Miss James, Mary-streot; Miss Evans, Alma- Mrs. Evans, Court-terrace; Mr. J. Jenkin3; Miss James, Mary-streot; Miss Evans, Alma- street; Miss Lawrence Lewis. Claro-street; Miss Kate Jones: Mr. Willie Thomas. The following made themselves goneral.'v useful:- Mrs. pavies, Thomas-street; Mrs. Moss. Cae- araw"ards, Troedyrljjw; Mrs. W. jAttftinj," U«Tjvj £ -$$i:c; Miss Ken^gjon ;• Miiees '.jyiUiajwistreet; Miss RjpKards. Prim, foSeTTill;' Miss N. Evans; Miss'Polly Knott; Miss Rose Jones; Miss L. Evans; Miss Gwynne. Waterloo House. The following also rendered valuable services in enlertaining. the large pai-ty:Mc.srr-. Winton Hopkins; Rich- ard Jones, Bridge-street; Thomas, Tea Stores; —. Evans, Alma-street; D. Morgan William Jenkins; Tom George: —. Davies, Dowlais; and J. and C. Evans. Court-terrace.