The Merthyr Express

MOUNTAIN ASH COMMENTS. [BY "SPECTATOR"] For some time I have received communications j calli it attention to the social and moral state of c-eriain areas under the control of the Moun- tain Ash Urban District Council, but pressure of other duties has prevented me from going into the matter. I have, however, kept such communications in mind, and on Saturday evening I made a tour of inspection of Pen- rhiwceiber, Ynvsbocth and Abercynon. I began in tlie vicinity of Penrhiwceiber- road, and found that the statements made by Various if" anything, short of the actual fact6. The congested state of several houses WAS something to wonder at, for the crush in the bars was almost indescribable, and Biack one seriously doubt whether the statement often made by temperance orators, that the Country is becoming more sober, was really true. I must say that many of the scenes I witnessed brought vividly before mo the horrors of the Inferno described by Dante in The Divine Comedy." • On the road within a very short dis- tance I counted no less than twenty men and six women obviously under the infucnce of drink, and although the night was bitterly cold, snow having just fallen, I saw two women under the influence of drink sitting on the sfcc of the road, each of whom had a young baby in her arms. It was a sight not likely to bo Boon forgotten- At one public-housc I counted no less than fifteen young lads between the ages of seventeen and twenty-ono yeafs who were foing into and coming out of the hotel, and asked myself what sort of citizens those boys were likely to make in the future. 1f. Two police officers whom J met on the way stated that the condition of Tyntetown and Ynysbootb and certain parts of Penrhiwceiber on pay Saturday was beyond belief. I also interviewed two respectable residents, who 1110 '^a'L curse of drunkenness was _K-°»ly evil, for there was even a more nnforfmfV16 °VIL IN TII0 Presc'«eo of 1 hoso for "old ° ° wcmcn' v' ho barter their virtue fche^ersoiv-^in? to.e aScneral opinion among ;;1FS '"wVieTed that strict was there a~"e* oniv }brpp^° -Pcnrhiwceiber tSt5 mhair force to Ynys'oeth and 'J>ntetown/ Vhen it Remembered that five out of every sir charges ^.drunkenness against women tried at the Mountain Ash police court are from this area the general conditions prevailing ca,ll be better unarmed than described. .The, Churches arc doing practically nothing to deal-: with this dark and neglected siiot It js' true thero are small chapels at Ynysboeth, «i connection with the English Baptists, the ♦Velfili Congregatiorialists, Wolsh Baptists,' and lhe Welsh Methodists, but on Saturday night jTeyy one of tl;ese chapels \^as hi darkness. t is to the credit of the Church of England Ut sll0 ha.s j)rovided recreation rooms, and Cy: were brilliantly lighted on Saturday ilig, and a-welcome, given to all comers. tell- Avas tho only lighted spot aruidsfc the gloom a4d darkness.

MOUNTAIN ASH. PVKCHASK your Groceries and Provisions at II. I'h'NOv's. Mountain Ash. Quality and price uu- ( siirpusscd. » IF you arc in doubt where to Furnish, go to YIC- TOR T'EEED. tite leading house furnisher, where you can lie supplied at your own t.crms.-3 and 4, Miskin- Itoacl, Mountain Ash. E N T KP.T xiy iify v.—At tho Ffrwd Welsh Baptist Vestry a lantern entertainment was given, when pictures of various members of the Church, including the pastor, the Rev J. Glandv/r Watkins, were thrown on the screen. A reading on Life in other lands" was given by Mr. 1). W. John, and this was illustrated with soms beautiful slides, the lantern being manipulated by Mr. D. J. Lewis. There was a good attendance. Proceeds were devoted to defraying the debt on the chapel. A.U.C.'El--iTho monthly meeting of the | Mountain; Ash branch of tho Union of Co- operative Employees was held on Wednesday last at the Nixon's Workmen's Institute, under the presidency of Mr. Thomas Thomas: Several' important;matters v/ero discussed, and Mr. W. E. 13-aker. of Cardiff, was present; and addressed the meeting on the work of the Union. Several me inters warmly thanked Mr. Baker for his presence and advice. The following arc the officers fo the branch:—Chairman, Mr. T. Thomas; vice-chairtuan, Mr. J. rliomas treasurer, 11. Davfes; and secretary, Mr. Jonathan J. James. For Chronic Chest Complaints, Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. 1/li, 2/9.

Welcome Home to Mr. S. Deverill, Mountain Ash. A very successful social gathering took plac« on Monday evening at the Craig Baptist Sunday School, Newtown, Mountain Ash, to welcome home the choirmaster of the School, Mr. S. Deveril!, who, as a. member and treasurer of the Glyndwr Male Voice Party, took part in their successful tour tliro-, c-b the United States of America. Over 200 members of the School and Nazareth English Baptist Church sat down to the tables which were laden with good things, i i-,d a very pleasant evening was spent. During tha three years of Mr. Beverill's connection with the School, as conductor of the choir and teacher, he has endeared himself to all. During the evening Mr. Deveriil led the choir and friends through several choruses, after which addresses of welcome were delivered. The Rev. E. V. Tidinan, pastor of the Church, who presided, welcomed the guest of the evening on behalf of the whole Church, and spoke in eulogistic terms of the past services of Mr. Deveriil. He also spoke of the pleasure the Church felt in knowing they had one representative in that band of singers, who had not only charmed Americans by their wondrous singing, but had brought credit to Wales, their town and their homes, by their sterling characters. Mr. W. Watkins, superintendent of Nazareth School, then ex- pressed the pleasure they all felt in seeing Mr. Deveriil ba,ck again, and wished him long years to enjoy the good name the Party had earned across tho seas. Mr. J. Davies. Mr. P. Butlen, and Mr..E. James, members of the Craig School, all spoke of the pleasure they had always experienced in singing under Mr. Devcrill's baton, and said they looked forward to greater things in the future. Ble, Tom Prosser, organist, and Mr. Tom Narbett, superintendent, of G'ra'ig expressed the welcome of the schooL Miss Lena Panting presented Mr. Deveriil with a Bible, and on behalf of the school, assured him that it was a token of the love they had for him. Mr. Deverill was filled with emotion as he rose to reply, and thanked the Church and School for their past kindnesses, and for this present token of their love for him. He hoped that the tour bad fitted him more fully for the duties of choirmaster, and expressed the wish that, as in the past, so may the future be filled with labour for the school where they bad had so many pleasant experiences. The following ladies waited at the tables :—Mesdames Allen Narbett, Powell, Furlong, James, Blacker, and- Ilatton the Misses Minnie Brown, Mabel Brown, L. Burton, M. James, G. Webb. The Graig Sunday School is a branch of Nazareth English Baptist Church. SERVANTS can easily be obtained by the use of a small Want Ad. in these columns, State your requirement", anti I you will be sure to get suited at once.

¡ Opening of Soar Ha! Mountain Ash. The Soar Hall, in High-street, Mountain Ash, was opened on Monday. It has been erected by the Soar Welsh Congregational Church, at a cost of £ 500, and has a seating accommodation for about 250 peoplo. The architect was Mi*. T, W. Miller, and the work was carried out by Messrs Evans and Murray, contractors, Moun- tain Ash- On Monday afternoon a very largely attended tea was held in the new hall, when the following ladies presided:—Mrs. R. J. Evans, Mrs. D, Davies, Mrs. J. Jones, Mrs. W. Griffiths, Miss Esther Isaac, Mrs. T. Davies, Miss J. Cobley, Miss R. Cobley, Mrs. (P.C.) W, Rees, I Miss Katie I.ewis, Miss Lizzie A. Harris, Miss L. J. Adams, Miss Nellie Thomas, Miss Hannah Davies, Mrs. (Inspector), Davies Mrs. Rees Thomas, Mrs. J. Griffiths, Mrs. James Davies, and Mrs. D- Jenkins. Messrs. John Davies, T- Cobley, W. Griffiths, Thomas Davies, John Jones, T. Hughes, Daniel Cobley, Richard James Evans, David Jones, David Evans, John Isaac, James Davies, and others also generally assisted to make the event a success. In the evening the Soar Chapel was well filled, when the Soar choir, under the conductor- ship of Mr. Herbert Llewelyn, gave a capital rendering of the cantata, entitled The King and the Kingdom" (T. Mee Pattison). The Rev. D- Jeremy Jones, the pastor, presided. The'cantata depicted the life of Christ, and opened with a bright chorus, which went with Then followed a contralto solo, a 0, thätI had wings," by Madame S. A. Evans. rTiir'lr was very nicejy rendered. A bass solo, i^Ivot in the Kingly Palace," by Mr. John Williams, was the next item, and this was a ealW fine performance- The choir rendered )he ^orus, On Jordan's banks," after which )!i5S L J, Adams sang the soprano solo, To "jo God's Will in good style. A tenor solo, "°<jlad tidings .of joy, we proclaim," was next n<r by Mr. H. J. Griffiths and was well received bv "tho audience. Another chorus Jesus J;mes to bring" was well sung by the choir, C d after a contralto Solo by Madame Evans, aUhMtjtiful duet, Thou Living Bread," was a nc bv Miss Adams and Mr. H. J. Griffiths. Tbis item was exceptionally well rendered. .1 cr splendid item was the IK-JSS solo, 7 iffht of Light;' by Mr. John Williams. An „ld famiii;ir Vmn in a new dress v.;vs the rano solo and chorus, I think when I read, f v Miss Adams and choir, and this was followed h'l an unaccompanied quartette, O Man of a ,mws bv Miss Katie Lewis, Madame Evans, d Messrs.* Griffiths and Williams. Another a"\findid chorus by the choir was followed by a for femo-le voices, and this was charmingly tno Katie Lewis, Miss Adams, and Efans. The cantata, which was well /•fornied thorughout, ended with tho massive P.1 a Jesus shall reien where er tbp sun,. CJlS was'l^oly sung by the choir. Prior to ■' the renclel-ing of tb e.c the ren .aDlllle was given, when solos were eon- f'r. t J bV the principal artistes of the evening, tri ,U., recitation given by Master Iwal Shelby. ,njcfc was Mr. William Rees Thomas. Rw the tea and concert something like £ 150 realised towards defraying the cost of the i all -aid <rreat credit is due to the com- of which Mr. Jonathan Lloyd acted llVirm ri, Mr. John Davies (I)uHirn-strect}, vice-ybair^^1' L' VIce. 'r-'<'

-W''A'ro-1' Mountain Ash Education ¡ Committee. NEW REGULATIONS FOR LETTING OF SCHOOLS. FURNITURE FOR THE ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL. The meeting of the Mountain Ash Education Committee was held on Tuesday, under the presidency of Capt. F. N. Gray. The other members present were:—Mrs. Jone-j, Mrs. Wil- liams, Rev. E. V. Tidnian, Messrs. Thomas Jones, Griffith Evans, William Evans, E. Mor- ris, Siias Williams, Geo. Hail, William Lam- burn, William Davifs, D. Rogers, and W..Mil- lar, with Messrs. Alfred Morgan (Director), W. II. Williams (Architect), and Dr. Williams (Medical Officer). The Director submitted the report of a com- mittee concerning the charge to bo made for the of school pianos.—The Committee recom- mended that no change be made in the charge, and tho report, was unanimously adopted. Mr. A. Morgan, on behalf of the Evening Schools Committee, asked that the members of the Physical Culture Class at the Caegai-w Schools might have the of the central hail ar the school.—It was decided that the applica- tion be granted. The Director reported that he had received several letters from societies, etc., concerning the new rules find prices aioptcd by the Com- mittee for the letting of schools. The first let- ter, was from the member-, of the Newtown Temperance Lodge, who occupied one of the Committee's schools for their meetings. The letter stated that they had u-ed the room for four years, but they feared that in view of the new prioes fixed, they would have to disband or seek other premises. They considered it a pity to bring the organization to a close.—Mr. T. J. Lloyd, secretary of the Aberdare School of Commerce, who applied at ths last meeting for the loan of a room to hold a. class at Moun- tain Ash, also wrote stating that he would net be justified in paying the price asked for.-Let, ters to the same effect were also read from Mr. S. J. JDavi-as. secretary of the Mountain Ash Male Voice Party, and the Rev. J. Sinnett Jones, Vicar of Mountain Ash.—Mr. Silas Wil- liams said he considered the new price's very reasonable, and if they only compared them with those made by other authorities, they would find that such was the case. IIo moved that the recent resolution be adhered to.—Re- plying to a remark made by the Rev. E. V. Tidnian,- Mr. Williams said that the Commit- tee would consider any special cases.—Mr. Wrii. Evans seconded the proposition.—Mr. David Ror-ensaj he hud all along contended that the prices were unreasonable. He was of opinion that Is. 6d the charge originally made, was ample to cover the exp?niias. It wou'd be a .pity for these friendly societies, etc.. to have to hold their mociings in public-houses, etc., because th-ay were unable to pay the new charge made by the Committee.—There was no amendment to Mr. Williams's proposition, which was therefore carried.—Mr. Rogers, how- ever, gava notice, to move that the motion be rescinded at the next meeting of the Commit- THE ROMAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL AGAIN. Mr. A. T. Davies, of the Board of Education, i wrote that the erection of the new Roman Catholic School without increasing the accom- modation was not equivalent to the prevision of I a new school. He wi-hocl also to point out ¡ that the new desks required were not to supple- ment an insufficient supply, but to replace some of the existing no ionger fit to be used. The were, therefore, responsible for providing the furniture.-T11e Chairman asked what th9 cost of the- furniture required would come to.—The Dir->j:r\ replied that it would cost from £oQ to :CCC. w, William Davies said it wap evident ihat the >>ca.rd of Education were tho rulers iI. the -.r.v.itev, and they had stated it was the duty of the Committee to fur- nish the school. As it was the dlW of the Committee to carry out the work, he thought it should be no longer delayed. He moved that a small committee be appointed to carry out the work as suggested in the recent report submitted by H.M. Inspector. They should I eive this school the same kind of treatment as they were giving other schools.—Mr. Griffith Evans seconded the proposition.—Rev. E. V. Tidman remarked that the Board of Education pointed out the duty of the Education Com mitwe. but they were careful not to point out the duty of the managers who, he thought, ought to furnish the school in the first, instance. —Mr. D. Rorer sa-d the Board of Education had not dealt with them on the same terms as they had dealt with other authorities. Before the steps recommended were taken, he thought a deputation of the Committee should wait upon the Board of Education, or they asked to conduct an inquiry into the matter. He was not prepared to do what the Board of Educa- tion asked, and it was high time that they as a Committee took a stand in the ma'ter. Thr children at the school did not suffer because of the Committee. He moved as an amendment, tha-t no action be taken M. present, but that the Bonrd of Education be again communicated with.The Rev. E. V. Tidman seconded,—Four voted for Mr. Davies's proposition, and ten for the amendment. A TEACHER'S INDISPOSITION. The Director asked for instructions in refer- once to the salary of Mr. Williams, headmaster of the DufFryn School, who had been in ill- health for some months past. The Committee had decided to pay Mr Williams's salary for three months over the month usually allowed by tha Committee.—Mr. Thomas Jones ex- pressed his sympathy with Mr. Williams, but said he thought it was a very dangerous mat- ter to continue paying him when not able to attend to his work.—The Chairman, Mr. Wres. Davies, and Mr. Lamburn concurred.—Tho Rev. E. V Tidman said they had already granted five months to a teacher simpily for pleasure. Here was a man battling- between life and death.—It was pointed out that Mr. Cynon Evam, the teacher referred to by Mr. Tid.um.n. paid a. substitute.—After some further discus- sion. it was decided that a. further sum be paid. The estimates for the half-year ending 30th September. 1909; for (a) elementary education purposes, (b) higher education purposes, were next considered.—Mr. Thomas Jones observed that the expenditure had gone up 10 per cent. nnd he thought they should make an applica- tion for an increased grant. — The estimates were referred to committee.

Notices Suspended at Miskin Colliery. The notices given to the workmen employed I at the Miskin Colliery, Mountain Ash, at the beginning of February, have been suspended for a week in order to see whether a working arrange- can be arrived at between Alderman Prosser, .Treharris, the owner, and Alderman Enoch Morrell, the men's agent. Alderman j Prosser asks the men to acccpt a reduction of j five per cent, and also to accept a half-penny instead of the penny per inch previously paid for coal under the standard thickness. He also wants the men to accept 15, 8ld. per yard for roadway instead of the 3s. 8Jd, per vard which has been paid up to the present. Unless a settlement is arrived at it is understood that the notices will take effect on March 6tli

Aberdare Territorials. On Wednesday evening a. meeting of the Aberdare Sub-Committee, convened at the sug- gestion of the County Association, to assist in the work of recruiting at Aberdare, was held at the Armoury. In the unavoidable absence of the High Constable (Dr E. J. Trevor Jones) tho chair was occupied by Mr. F. W. Mander. Major W. D. Phillips, the officer commanding tho Aberdare Detachment, said that tho great difference between the Territorials and the Volunteers was that the Territorials secured more efficiency for the men, and compulsory attendance at camp. The great difference, how- ever, was in the matter of organisation. In the Volunteers they had a mass of men without cohesion, now they had a proper army, and unless use was made of the present organisa- tion compulsory service was inevitable. It was resolved to form a local committee, and the meeting was adjourned to Wednesday next, when all who take an interest in the movement are urged to attend. A march of the Territo- rials from Cwmaman to Aberdare is arranged for Saturday next. I

THE HOME BEAUTIFUL A SPLENDID OPPORTUNITY FOR OUR 1- READERS. Tlitf love of good pictures is one of the most striking traits of our Anglo-Saxon race. Yet how few, comparatively speaking, are the homes where one sees pictures which charm the eye with their beauty of colour and please the mÓlù with tho scene., they portray and the thoughts they awaken. True, the scarcity of good pictures in thousands of our homes is due in great measure more to the question of cost rather than the lack of desire for thing's beauti- ful. And it will interest our readers to know that tho question of cost need no longer deter the speedy filling-up of blank spaces in the hall, in the living rooms, the nursery, and bed- rooms with the choicest works of one of the greatest of our living British mastera We have received one of a series of beautiful colour studies by Cecil Aldin, R.B.A., which arc actually being given away on the coupon system free of cost to ushers of Oxo, the well-' known fluid beHf. Theso exquisite pictures have been in great demand of late by people of good taste and discernment, and there is hardly a country mansion in the United Kingdom which does not give a. place to these choice prints on its walls. But their sale has been confined to narrow limits because, up to now, their price has been rigorously mantained at one guinea each. Recently, however, an art expert ap- pointed by the Oxo Company secured the whole of the publishers' stock of those pictures for free distribution to users of Oxo. An illustrat- ed list of tho 24 different subjects will be sent free to all who write to the OXO Com- pany, Picture Department. 4. Lloyd's Avenue. London, E.C,

"-JrG-L"f'=' PENRHSWCEIBER. } THE PENRHIWCEIBER CABINET WORKS CO. 'undertake all kinds' of Cabinet Work and Repairs, Rc-aphoislcring, Re-polish ins, and Joinery Work. Sofas and Chairs Re-covered.—Cross-street., oppo- site Lee Hotel, Penrhiwceiber. M 13 LECTURE.—On Wednesday evening, an inter- esting- limelight lecture was given at the Public Hall by Mr. Summers, of the N.S.P.C.C. The chair was occupied by the Rev, W. R. Jones (Jerusalem): The hail was crowded, and at the close a collection was made towards the expenses. Amongst those present were Mr. E. T. Williams, Mr. David Jones, Inspector Thomas, Pontypridd, Rev. pd. IJowclls, Beth- esda. and others. EISTEDDFOD.—The fourth annual Eisteddfod held under the auspices of the Pcnrhiwceibcr Literary Society look placc oil Monday, at the Public; Hall. There were large audiences, both in the afternoon -and evening. The chairman ill the afternoon was the Ttey. Samuel Williams (pastor, Carmcl W.I. Church), in tho unavoid- able absence of-Dr, Ben Phillip Jones, Tany- bryn. In the evening. Mr. John P. Davies pre- sided. Mr. Davies- gaV-e a beautiful silver cup for the champion open solo. The conductors were Messrs. Win. M. Ilicks and David Francis, Troedyrhiw, and the adjudicators, music, Mr. Wm. Howell, Forth; literature, Rev. David Jones (Hermon), and Rev. T. Muriel (Talvan), Portl; a.rt. Rev W. Rhys Jones (Jerusalem); Mr. Rees Morgan, assistant head teacher, Pen. rhiwcciber: Mrs. (Dr.) R. W. Jones, Tanybryn and Mrs. Thomas Rees. 1nc accompanist was Mr. David Erasmus, A.R.A.M., Penrhiwceiber. The awards were as follow:—Male voice (test piece, "Gwarwvn." composed by Miller), Pen- rhiwceiber United (conductor, W. R. Wrigley); champion open solo (silver cup), D. Price How- ells, Porth; soprano solo. Miss Elizabeth Evans, Abercynon tenor solo, Daniel J, Eyans, Moun- tain Ash; bnss solo, Lewis Williams, Aber- dare: open solo, for those who had not won a prize before, D. Arthur Jones, Abernant; boys' solo, under 16 years, Tommy Jenkins, Miskin; girls' solo, under 16 years. Mary Jane Davies, Miskin children under 12 years 1. Edith Da- vies, Miskin; 2. Maggie Evans, Miskin; re- citation (oDon). Iienry Davies. Cwmbach: re- citations, under 16 years, Miss Caasie Pugh, Penrhiwceiber; 23rd Psalm, under 14 years, 1. Miss Cassie Pugh; 2, divided between Edith Evans and Sydney Jones: 10th Commandment, under 12 years, 1, Cassie Pugh; 2, divided between Richard Jones and Edith Evans; tran- slating English to Welsh. 1, Ethel Erasmus, Rheol-street; 2, Daniel Jones; 3, Hugh E. Jones: letter writing (boy or girl to parents), 1, Ethel Erasmus, Rheola-streetv 2, D. Jones; 3. divided between Hugh E. Jones and John ThoHma; "essays (open), 1, John .Thomas, Pen- rhiweeiber- 2, Wm. Thomas, Mountain -Ash; short eesay on 12 most prominent Welshmen, Dd. Jones. Abercynon: poetry (three versos),' H. C. jftcberts; poem, Wm. M. Hicks;' englyn, Ap Hefen, Aberdare;' prize bag, 1, Mrs. Mor- gan, Abercynon; 2, Mrs. Charles Jones {prize given by Mr. J. P. Davies, chairman). Praise is due to the committee, of which Mr. Richard B. Richards was chairman, and Evan Davies- treasurer, and Mr. HitdhC. Roberts and Mr. Morris Hughes secretaries, for the admirable manner in which they carried out the arrange- ments. <

.# 18" .-= "0- ,i\ Poo 5I"GS Always tise "Perfection" [ I Soap and you will soon be able to save money out of your household allowance. St makes ttiree separate savings. j You Save in Price. J You Save in Weight. f% j You Save in Soap. LJ j Perfection Soap is absolutely pure, has ^reat cleansing I power, and is specially hardened to resist waste in the wash; jS||||l full I so that it washes better and goes farther for the "same money I than any other household soap. Hg&giHF j "Perfection" Soap is always packed in full pounds of 16 ozs., so that you are sure of getting proper value for [ your money. "PERFECTION" 'SOAP is only. 3d, per UiIl market prloo v.. for purest &ndK.best household soap, It & t £ 8nu@ «?f 10 per cent, in the shape of a 3d. tablet Of NOYPIO "oilet .p for every 10 wrappers (send 40 wrapptrs jor 4 tablets), SO t!14t,-th even less than 3d. per Sb. This makes Perfection'' the best §oap "'O, WII.It.'tI;. value in the world. I ■• ••■ o Also 10;,QO,O ill Cash Clftle it is Perfediofl H The Great |P| H Household £ p

ABERCYNON POLICE COURT. TETDBSDAY.—Bofore Capt. F. N. Gray and1 Mr. D. Prosser. DnuNxi,-NNF.m.-Fi ties, as' owl- ere in- flicted for drunkennessAlice Powcl1.jJI Pen rhiweeiber-road. Miskin, 10s. and cosEs; G. PairStt, in Main-road, TVntetown, 10s. and costs; Reuben Jenkins, in Windsor-place, Yn- ysybwl. 10s. and costs; Idris Humphreys, in Mountain Ash-road, Abercynon, 10s. and costs; John Jones, in Aberdare-road, 15s. and casts, II or 14 days. BAD LINGUAGE.—Ellen Matthews was sum- moned for using indecent language in the street, and was fined 5s. and costs. ASSAULT.—Idris Humphreys, who had b?es:> previously fined for drunkenness, was charged ¡ with assaulting P.C. Williams in the execution of his dui,v.-The Constable said that ifc he was taking him to the police station defendant a<;o. 'saultod him and tripped him. They both gob on the ground, and defendant kicked him. — Fined 20s. and costs. ) JOSTLING.—George Middleman, Arthur Frame, David Davies. John Roberts and Alba-rt Steel were summoned for jostling persons in the street.—P.C. Williams proved the charge. —Fined 10s. each, including coste. ARBEABS.—Edward Lucas was summoned for not paying £ 8 for the maintenance of his son in tho Quakers' Yard Truant School. He had only paid JS2 since 1902.—Committed for eix weeks, the warrant to be suspended for a fort- night to enable him to pay. PARENTS SENT TO GAOL. Lewis Parry and Elizabeth Ferry were sum. moned for neglecting their children. Mr. W Thomas, solicitor for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, prosecuted, and said there was one point be wished to draw attention to. The landlord, about Christmas, owing to the defendants not having paid the rent, took off the front and back doors. Land- lords had their proper remedy to get the people from the house, but had no right to do that, and subject the children to such suffering.— Inspector John Thomas said that on the 13th January he visited 13, Homertou-street, Tynte- towh, in company with P.C. Evans. He saw the defendants and their five children, between six years and one year old. All the children were huddled in a back bedroom. The doors had bean taken &-way. and the place was very filthy. The stench was abominable, and the bed dirty. The baby a year and four months old was very emaciated; all the children were ill and in filthy condition. In another room there were soma vessels full of excrement, and the whole of the house was dirty. With the exception of the'bad there was only a table in the house. The female defendant told him that the landlord had taken the doors away because tb-y were back with the rent. In consequence of a certificate issued by Dr. Jon-es, he removed the baby sev-en days later to the Workhouse, where it gained 14 ounces in seven days, but it had since had a relapse. Wit. ness described other visits, and said that a month later the child, aged two years and a half, died, and at the iuquest it transpired that no medical officer had been called in. The jury returned a verdict of death accelerated by dirt, neglect and want of medical treatment. The Coroner censured the parents, and advised the Society to take proceedings against them. In May last be found the male defendant work at the Abercynon Colliery, but he refused to take it.—Mrs. Hannah John, who lived with defendants in apart,ments, said the children did not receive proper food, as the man was out of work.—Ellen Barnslcv, a neighbour, said she advised the mother to send for a doctor. She sent in a ponnyworth of milk to the house every day for three weeks. She was only one? ill the house. They all lived upstajrs, and the room smelt very heavily.—P-C! Evan Evans described several visits to the house, including j one on th-s 10th of February, two days before the child died. He de';crilxxl the condition of the child's body fatsr death. It- was a mere skeleton, and there was a rash on the bcdy due to diarrhoea and dirt. Parrw^uring the past two years had been ejected from two houses, and worked very irregularly. Witness had received numerous complaints of the fe- male defendant begging late t, night-The male defendant was sent to prison for two months, and the female deiendant for one month.—With reaard to the act-on of the land- lord in taking the door= oft. the Stipendiary •"Aid he quite agreed with the remarks of Mr. Thomas that the landlord should not do fO, but take the proper course by obtaining an order in that court.

In 1907 the United States collieries produced the enormous quantity of ''80,363,424 short tons of coal, of tons vvere, -bit-.uminot" 83,604,312 short tons Pennsylvania; anthracite. Last year there was a falling off of over 70,000,000 tons in the output as a conscquenee of tlie collapse of trade in' the autumn of 1007. i'

Married Ladies. I My recent offer of a free sample of Nurse Powell's Popular Pellets met with such striking success, and enabled 30 many ladies to prove that they do actually cure all irregularities, that I have derided to repeat Uie offer. Ladies should write for I'rre T?o?:, enclos- ing penny stamp for postage. Dciay is often dari- Serous, so write itow.-Nurse T. M. l'owdl liufhaw B.I' "1rI41 Lt,n4tA. 8 't.. t. t

Coal Output in the Merthyr Union. Returns were presented to tho Merthyr Assessment Committee on Saturday showing the output of rateable coal in the various parishes of the union during the past year ac compared with the year 1907. The returns show the following results :— Merthyr.—Large coal worked and raised In the parish, 1,789,787 tons—increase, 61,215 tons; small coal, 502,897 tons—increase, 31,484 tons. Coal worked in other parishes and brought to bank in the parish of Merthyr: Large 38,227 tons-decrease. 20,198 tons; small, 7,853 tons—decrease, 3,3-55 tons. Gelligaer.-Large coal worked and raised in the parish, 1,894,567 tons; small coal, 361,440 tons—increase. Coal worked in other parishes and brought to bank in the parish of Gelligaer: Large, 125,100 tons^r-irvcreaso, 740 tons; sraalL. 3,757 tons—decrease, 325 tons. f Aberdare.—Large coal worked and raised "in the parish, 1,707,353 tons—decrease, 185,034 tons; small coal, 586,879 tons—decrease, 59,774 tons.

LLWYDCOED. L-zm-rmp -On Thursday evening, under the auspices or the Horeb Mutual improvement /Society, a lecture was delivered by the Rev. D E. Davies, B.A., Troedyrhiw, on ''Oliver Cromw-ell." Mr. W. Jones, Miners'-row, pre- sided..

Penderyn Licensing Sessions. GEFN, THURSDAY.—Before Col. J. J. Jones (chairman). Major Powell, Mr. Dd. Evans and Mr. T. J. Evans. THREE OAKS, PENDERYN. The police objected to the renewal of the Three Oaks Inn, Penderyn, on the ground that the house was not required.—Mr. E. Jones ap- peared for the police; Mr. F. P. Charles (Messrs. G C James, Charles, and Davies, Merthyr) for the licensee, who applied for the renewal of the licence.—The Police gave evi- dence to the effect that the house was not re- quired, on the ground that only afcout forty people resided in the locality.—The licensee, Mrs. fones, told the Bench that she had increas- ad the accommodation owing to increase in the business. She sold about three barrels of beer a. week.—Mr. Llewelyn, of Cardiff, told the that he considered the house very convenient for refreshments, and he agreed that its prospects had greatly improved as the re- sult of the construction of the waterworks in the locality. As a matter of fact, said witness, he found the licensee more anxious to supply a person with a cup of tea than with a pint of beer (laughter).—Mr. W. Jenkins, Cardiff, and Mr. Ernest J. Hill, Whitchurch, commercial travellers, and Mr. J. C. Morrison and Mr. J. M. Scott, who are engaged in connection with the waterworks, ga.ve similar evidence.—After the Bench deliberated, the Chairman said the magistrates were not unanimous, and the li- cence would, therefore, be renewed. RAILWAY INN, TYNTON. Mr. Ernest Jones, on behalf of the police, ob- jected to the renewal of the licence of the Rail- way Inn, Tynton, on the ground ihat the house was not required, that the samtary arrange- ments were defectivo that the house was not properly conducted, and that it, was not con- veniently situated for police supervision.—-Mr. F. P. Charles applied for the renewal of the licence.-P.C. Boor said that the conduct of the house had been very bad on Sundays, and pro- ceedings had been taken against persons found on the premises under the Sunday Closing Act. The population within a mile radius was only 90. The supervision of the house was so difficult that he could not approach the house from any direction without being seen half a mile away.— Mr. Charles: If we put up screens within a distance of 50 yards would that meet with your objection? (laughter). — Witness replied that it was not for him to say what should be done. —P.S. Davies said t-iist tho house was nothing but a resort for people who described themselves as bona fide travel] ert,. -i\lr. Charles said that objection was made to the house three years ago, and the licence was then renewed. He did not think it was right to harass a licensee in that wa.y without there being any change in the eireiim-stanc,s.-Tho Chairman: There is a change in the circumstances to some extent. There is Sunday business done now, which was not done then. The objections are numerous.— Mr. Charles- Numerous and diffusive.—Evi- dence having been given by the licensee as to the amount of business done in the house, the Chairman said that the magistrates were not agreed, and that the licence therefore must ,ig stand. ROSE AND CASTLE, CEFN. Mr. Ernest Jones, on behalf of the police, also objected to the renewal of the license of the Rose and Castle Inn, High-street, Cefn, on the ground that the license was not required, there being a number of public houses in the vicinity.—Mr. F. P. Charles applied for the renewal of the licence.-P.S. Davies said that within a certain area containing an estimated population of 801 there were 178 private houses, and eight, public houses, including the one under notice. The estimated population of Cefn was 3,281, and there were 19 public houses in the village, or one for every 172 of the in- habitants.—Supt. Hand, in reply to Mr. Charles, said tha.t structurally the Rose and Crown was a good house.—Mr: Charles addressed the Bench at great length, contending that there was no reason why this licenc-, should be taken away any 'more than the licence of any other house.— The Chairman If there are too many public houses the question arises which is to go.—Mr. Charles: The police ought to give evidence on which you can act, and show which house ought to qo.-The Chairman: I must sav that the evidence is not so strong as I expected it would bs.—After consultation the Bench decided to refer the Rose and Castle for compensation. The Court adjourned for a week. Are you looking: for anything-? If so, a Want Ad. in our column* will got it for

Why Intoxicants are Bought. Some very common sense talk about the real cause of the cravin for intoxicants was recent, ly heard at the City Temple, London. Thft speakers asserted that quite 80 per cent, of men and women get into the habit of drinking intox" icants merely for the sake of the spasm ot energy which follows, and bluntly, low vit-nlity. caused people to give way to intoxicants. It is appropriate to point out that the most effective, remedy for Io-rr vitality is undoubtedly Phas- ferine. Referring to this very subject, Dr. Butler, L.R.C.P., etc., says: "As a corrcctive for low vitality, I nse Phosferine for Neuras- thenia, Nervous Debility, Depression, etc., and find it a most valuable nerve tonic and restor tive." It is undoubtedly true that as Phosfer- ine produces all the energy the body requires, the tendency to obtain a stimulus from intoxi- cants Gkap:7,

V -STRAOFELLTE. Licensee SnuaoxED.—At Penderyn Pettl Sessions on Thursday Jane Davies, iNCN; Inn. Ystradfcllte, was s'tiyiimotied for permitting drunkenness on her premises, and also fot supplying drink to a drunken person.—Mr. W. Lewis prosecuted on behalf of the polioej Mr. F. P. Charles was for the defence.—It waa st.ated that a man named Davy was in the hdfces under the influence of drinl, with a pint beer before liim.—Davy and other witnesses swore that, he was not drunk, and that he wa4 able to walk straight when asked to do so by, tlie defendant, and in the presence of the poj lice.—Tho Chairman said tho Bench considered the evidence conflicting, and dismissed the ca.sai

GLYN-WEATH. OBITUART.—Wo regret to record the deafly on the 20t.li ult., of Mr. William Woodward Jenkins, at. the early age of 36 years. De* ceased^ was the last surviving son of tho laid Mr. W. M. Jenkins, of Ton Ystrad, and Garthi Mr. W. M. Jenkins, of Ton Ystrad, and Garthi Hirwain. A few years ago Mrs. J enk with her late son, l-eased Ynyscvmer Farrtw and effected great alteritions there. M Jenkins has been left with one daughter only, —her other son died some time ago when jusfc leaving college for the Baptist ministry-M Dr. Richards, Abercrave. The funeral took, placo on the Thursday following at Penderyn* The Rev E W. Llewellyn, Pont-nc&€b< vaughan, and Rev. D. Collier, Abertillery officiated at the house. At the church tW Rector of Penderyn. and at the graveside thd: Vicar of Abercrave and other ministers. TlnI mourners were Mrs. Jenkins (mother), Mis.' Richards (sister) and Dr. Richards. Messrs. and W. Davies, Tanygraig, Cwmtaf; Mr. Gwii lym Thonras, Nantvryafa. Llanwonno; and Mri James LowÍg, Tirphil. There was a nwnTO following of friends from various parts. Muchf sympathy is felt for tho aged lady and Mrs. Richards in their great bereavement. ThW funeral of Mr. Jenkins took place on Thursday? last at Penderyn Churchyard. The mourner^ were :-Mrs. Jenkins (mother); Mr?. Richards^ Abercrave (sister); Dr. J. E. Richards, Aber- crave (brother-in. law) Messrs. Rees amd Wm,, Davies, Cwmtaf (cousins); and Messrs. Gwilvnv Tliomas, Llanwonno, and James Lewis, Tif- phil. The bearers were: Messrs. Mills, Hut- chinson, Needhay (Ton, Pentre), and Bray, ot Brecon Arms, Penderyn. Others present wereii Brecon Arms, Penderyn. Others present wereii Revs. E. W. Llewellyn. D. Hughes, F. &.■( Harris, Glynneath; D. Collier, Abertillery: C. I J. Pipe. Lewis Jones, and J R. Davies, Abfav! crave; Dr. McClivo, Glynneath; Messrs. Mar-i pan Davies, Ton; W. Davies, J.P., Plasyfelin;' J. Jones, Angel Hotel; J. Davies, E. J. Hop-j kins, W Rowlands, W. !?tanlev Thomas, RcL M. Davies, and John Williams, Glynneath; Hopkin Jones, Torgilfach: William Kerne vs.) Pcnyeraig; A. Watkins, Edward Morgan, snd1 Joseph Rowe. Hirwain; John Powell, Idris Davies, and Howell Morg&rt. Aberdare: Wm! Henry. M.E. TMherbert. The Revs, E. W. Llewellyn and D. Collier officiated at the house,- and the Revs. Ll. Jenkins (Rector of Pen-; deryn), J. C. Harris, D. Hughes, Lewis Jones, J. R. Davies, and C. T. Pipe at the graveside-i Tho fun-eral arrangements were carried oat hff- Messrs. J. M. Jones and Son. Hirwain.

LI COCOA Ms "There is a Sal lightness and 1H rof delicious M B 'NATURAL 9 II i flavour about ffii H ft VAN HOUTEN'S It || A that appeals rSI to one." M | VAN HOUTEN'S FFI ffi COCOA BEST 11 II AND GOES |f M | FARTHEST, M

MSSKSM. WHY Purchase your Groceries at Mountain Ash when T. P. EYNON can servo you with the Best and Cheapest Groceries in Town. Noted for Provisions. —I. P. EYNON, Groecr, Miskiii.

ABERCYNON. AN?MRIRRSASY.—Tho anniversary servioos of St. Donat's Church were held on Sunday, when excellent sermons were preached by the Rev. J. G. Jones, B.A., Glyntaf. There were good congregations. TEA.—On Thursday evening last, at the Co-operative Hall, a tea was held by the shop assistants of the Abercynon branch of the Co-operative Society. The tables were in charge of Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Roberta, Miss Roberts, Miss Evans, Mrs, Jones, Mrs. Phillips, and Mrs. Jones. After tee. an address was given by Mr. Rees (Ton) on the benefits of being a member of the A.U.C.E., Mr. J. Morgan, Cilfynydd, presiding. R.A.O.B.—At the last meeting of the Cynon Lodge, at the lodge room, Ynysmeurig Hotel, six of the brethren were raised to the 2nd degree, viz. :—Bros. Dr. A. J. Griffith, W. Jonas, W. J. Bevan, D. Edmunds, Lanwern, aud Morgans and three to the 3rd degree of knighthood, viz. —Bros, F. S. Aust, C.P.C.S., J-J- Griffiths, C.P., and Peter Bedford, C.P. In the unavoidable absence of Bro. G, P. Jones, P.G.P., Bro G. Scrivens, I.P.G.P., Merthyr, presided. The ceremony was perfromed by D.G.P., Bro. W. Harrison, K.O.M., Abercynon. Telegrams were sent from a number of officers, expressing their inability to attend. The introducer of tho knights-elect was Bro. Jones, K.O.M., Dowlais, and the interest taken in the event was shown by the presence of 23 knights. Speeches were delivered from the chair, by, Bro. W. Harrison, K.Q.M., Bro. Scrivens, K.O.M. (Merthyr), Bro. Davies, K.O.M. (Dow- lais), Bro. Billinsley, K.O.M. (Merthyr), Bro. J. M. Zctterstrom, K.O.M., P.G. See. (Merthyr). Bro. Edward1; K.O.M. (Troedyrhiw), Bro. Jenkins, K.O.M. (Nelson), Bro. Jones, K-O.M, (Aberdare), Bro. Williams, K.O.M. (Cwmbach) and Bro. Jones, K.O.M, (Dowlais). Bro. Zetterstrom, in presenting the three newly-made kinghts with miniature jewels and collar ribbons expressed his satisfaction at being present, and highly congratulated the members of the Cynon Lodge on their choice of knights. The three briefly responded. Bro. Woodman then took the chair, and some other jewels were presented. Bro. J. Lewis, Bro. J. Ward and Bro. Gallani contributed to the harmony of the evening. An excellent repast was prepared by Bro. E. Trcbarne. 158 brethren registered during tho evening. ST. DAVID'S DAY.—At the Tabernacle (Welsh C.M.) Vestiy a splended tea was pro- vided by the bachelors of the Church. Over 200 persons partook of the excellent things provided. Tho arrangements were carried out by a committee, of which Mr. John Jones acted as chairman, Mr. W. T., Humphreys as secretary, and Mr. W. Llewellyn Williams as treasurer, The vestry was very nicely decorated for the occasion, the Welsh emblem, the Leek," occupying a very prominent place. The tables were very tastefully laid out, and were in charge of the following gentlemen :— Messrs. J. E. Jones, R. Pugh, H. Roberts, W. J. Williams, A. Evans, E. Pugh, W. Jarvis, who were assisted by Messrs. Richard Humphreys, Roberts, Mm. Williams, Grifl Jones, Jack Evans, G. E. Roberts, Th< s. Jones, and William Thomas. The cutters were :—Mr. John Jones, Mr. J. Jones, Mrs. J. Roberrs, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. W. Jones and Mrs. Humphreys. After tea an excellent programme of Welsh songs and recitations was gone through, which was greatly appreciated. The Rev. Wm. Jones presided and the programme was as follows :—Pianoforte solo, Welsh Airs," Mr. W. T. Humphreys; chorus, Hariech," by a choir under the conduetorship of Mr. Evan Davies recitation, Gcgoniant i Gymru," Mr. R. E. Jones; solo, Miss Cassie Jenkins; paper treating on Dewi Sant," by Mr. David W. Jones solo, Cymru Fu," Mr. Edward Francis solo, Caradog," Mr. J. E. Jones; duet, Dewi Sant," Miss Evans and Miss Thomas; grama- phone selection, Gwlad v Delyn," Air. H. Roberts. All the po$ts preseftt were called upon to recite verses, etc., and the following responded:—Messrs. W. Elli3 Thomas, David Humphreys, Edward Francis and the Rev. J. R Hughes. A selection of Welsh airs was then given by a party under the conductorehip of Mr. J. E. Jones, and other items were :—-Solo, Baner ein Gwlad," Mr. Dan Williams paper treating on Old Welsh Characters," by Mr. W. R. Jones solo," HoS Wlad fy nghenedig- aetb," Miss L. Evans; recitation, "A Glywsoch chwi fod Abertawe wedi suddo." Mr. Ed. Francis; duet, "Hywel a Blodwen," Miss Cassie Jenkins and Mr. Evan Davies; solo, Bryniau aur fy Kgwlad," Mr. Henry Jones, The accompanist was Mr. W. T. Humphreys. LIBERAL, ASSOCIATION.—The third meeting of tho newly-furmed Liberal Association, was hied at the Lesser Hall, on Friday evening last. Sir. T. W. Jones, the president, occupied the chair. After discussing arrangements ior the future, and other business matters had been dealt with, the Rev. J. R. Hughes gave an address on The Disestablishment and Disen- dowment of the Church in AVales." He re- marked that the Church had been by law both established and endowed, and, therefore, could be disestablished and disendowed by law. It had not been established by one law in particular, but by a large number of laws made from time to time. It was clearly proved that the view generally adopted by Churchmen that the Church was endowed by its own past wealthy members was not true. Mr. Hughes then went on to say that the time for disestablishing and disendowing the Church in Wales had now fully come, for that Church had failed to accom- plish the work for which it was instituted. The three main objects as given in the address were To provide (1) religious instruction in Wales, (2) religious pastors for the people, and (3) sufficient Church accommodation.. In each of these the Churc^ was far behind. All these remarks wer<i'' supported by quotations from authorities on Church and other histories, and from statements made by certain great men, bv Churchmen themselves, and by others connected with. the Church. Mr. Hugbee was foilowM by by Mr. T. Pr\f<é ,no, having expressetl 'his agreement with what had been said, stated that the Church in Wales was not Welsh, and that in fhe majority of cases, the needs of the people w £ re not taken into consideration when appointwents to Church ofkices were, made. The Church was out of touch and sentiment with thw nation. Instances" were given v-here t the Chu.'ch had utterly failed to provide proper ■jccQttu&$(ittU90 tiie people; iu oao flar-[

ticular instance, in a district with a population of 15,000 the Church could only accommodate 2,500. Another important point touched upon by Mr. Price was that the duties of the Church and State respectively, being so entirely different, it was unnatural for the State to control the Church. This had the effect of drawing down the Church from a spiritual to a political atmosphere; and further, it was a singular fact that the Prime Minister, whether he be Churchman, Nonconformist, or even Atheist, I had the sole right of selecting the chief officers of the Chijrch.