The Merthyr Express

Temperance Hall, Merthyr. This week's programme provides a deal of amusement, and contains several novelties never before seen in Msithyr. The chief item is Ashley's American Circus, which has been secured by Mr. Price at considerable expense. From start to finish, the audienca arc kept in roars of laughter by the comical pranks of the animals, which have been most wonderfully trained. Will Probyn and Co. pay a very wel- come return visit, and their act is one of the j most interesting now before the public. Their performance deserves the honours bestowed upon it both by public and press. For genuine merriment and a lively quarter of an hour there is Ho act that can rspiace that of Stidder and Dunbar, being a combination of rar ident and humour. Each evening the soloist receives rounds of applause, and deserves ii. A sketch, true to life and well staged, i" that of Shiriev and Ransome, entitled, 'Arf f, Quid," introducing comedy and pathos, peculiar ly blended Tom Yorke, is a character and re- fined comedian, "a roan with a name," and oacb night night he receive? well-earned a.p- pjausf»; A novelty act is that of Cliff and Keen, who present a dancing speciality. The audiences keenly appreciate this performance ni"htly. Another interesting: turn h provided by the clever Victor Bros., tho Olympic nth- L-vfr", every unit of their act being distinctly original and worth seeing'. This week also* the orchestra deserve commendation for the exc*?!- of the selections rendered, which add a charm to an already delightful programme, Tin* Biograph. popular as ever, shows some r", markable productions, and is the means of pre- venting any "waits" between the acts, thus making the programme a "lightning- one." See our »dv:rt. columns for next week's gigantic attraction.

CORRESPONDENCE. TO C(;R.RESPODE1\T. f?evernl letters are unavoidably held over I for next week. "Ratepayer," Merthyr.—Your letter is held over until next week. I "One who Pays through the Nose."—Owing to pressure on our space, your letter is held over until next week. ¡ COUNCIL HOUSES AND THEIR FITTINGS. Sir,—Much discussion has arisen regarding tho two competitive fittings called "Lanco" Im- proved Range, Copper and Bath Combination, I and "The Comes" Combination. I am fully conversant with the "Cornes," as the same is installed in the Penywern Corporation Houses, but not being so familiar with that of the "Lanco," I took advantage of the offers which have been made through the medium of your paper to thoroughly inspect this "Improved Lanco," both at the showroom of Mr. Lancaster (next to Post Office), a.nd also in practical work at Aberfan. After a very ca.reful examination at both nlaces, I am fully convinced that it is a. very marked improvement upon the twelve fitted at Penyard. There seems now nothing to be desired in their "latest Lanco" as regards efficacy, durability and pleasing appearance; although n:y inspection was almost hypercriti- cal, for, to be candid, my mind had been abso- lutely prejudiced against this "Lanco" fit- ment hence my reason for thoroughly going into the matter, for I believe I am only one of into the matter, for I believe I am only one of many who have been likewise prejudiced. I learn that the reason for Mr. Lancaster having taken showrooms in our midst and for practical- ly demonstrating this "Lanco" at work was to gite the Merthyr Town Council an opportunity to inspect and thoroughly overhaul each part, with a view to their adopting these new fit- tings in the 38 and 68 houses they are about to erect, and also to give the members of the building clubs an opportunity to see the fit- tings specified by local architects. The following facts may internet your read- ers:-The "Lanco" was selected by the Coven- try Corporation for their latest housing scheme (70 houses), although the "Cornea" had been previously installed by them in their former cottages. The Great Western Railway Com- pa.ny also selected the "Lanco" for the Goodwick Cottages Fishguard, although they had previously used Cornes' fitting, and there are many other examples where the "Lanco" has been selected by competent' authorities, on account "of its superior merits from both ten- ants' and landlords' point of view. "Lanco" claims the following advantages:—(1) Larger oven (2) larger hot plate; (3) auxiliary or copper fire in scullery (Where it .should be, not in the kitchen) (4) neat and uniform in ap- pearance, thus saving the housewife unnecessary labour; (5) allows much more headrcwm over copper: (6) takes up little more than half the wall space on the kitchen side, therefore is a saving of brickwork to the builder, gives a copy corner by the fireside, and a much more substantial foundation to the chimney and upper brickwork- (7) where expense of coal is a consideration a. lifting fire can be supplied and with very little consumption of coal water can be efficiently heated and the cooking effi- ciently accomplished. I hope that every member of the Merthyr Council will make a. point of viewing this "Lanco" at Post Office Chambers, Merthyr, so that they can judge for themselves, and, at least, give fair play to people who only wish to honestly compete. Merthyr should certairdy have the bast fitting, and this can only be done by comparison of the two fittings now before the Corporation.—Yours, etc.. COTTAGE BUILDER.

DISFIGURING Emm Onjjjri's fce-Sutfered for 18 Months— Was in Despair-Got Na Rest Day or Night-Medical Treatment UseleSt- Wild I with joy Over Cure by Guticura. I was troubled very much with eczema on my face for eighteen months. I was under doctors' care but it did not seem as though they could do me any good. I gave them up in despair. All the titne I was going from bad to worse. My face was one mass of sores. I could not get any rest day or night, nor could I go out as I looked awful. One day I sent for a. Cuticura Booklet. As soon as I read it I sont to the shop and got a set of the Cuticura Remedies, consisting- <&.putfcmra Soap, Cutkmra t)'inffi^fe^.v and C^»a" Resdlvent: The first night't .felt, .differentf not itch half so much^frein t-W d*y I resolved to go on with the Cutrcura. Remedies. After the fivstj. month you cannot.isjeg^ my surprise to see my face almost well. I was nearly wild with joy. I used three sets of ÜtÖ' Cut'icurit'Remedies and now 1 am quite cured. My face is as clear as a child's. My doctor came to 6CC me and he could not believe I was the same girl that was in such terrible despair only a few months ago. I thought, to myself it was hardly worth living at. all OH I was such an nwfu! object. MisS A. Richardson, 21, Canute Road, Olive Vale, I Hastings, Sussex, Eng., March 1\)081"

Rating of Cyfarthfa Works. i FROM 57^35 TO £ 2;5Q0. "4- BRICKWORKS TO BE CLOSED. DOWLAIS WORKS TO BE REVALUED. At the fcsonthly meeting of the Merthyr Union Assessment Committee, on Satutdav, Mr. G. C. • lines (Messrs. G. C. James, Charles, and Da- vies), with Mr. John- Ifarpur." appealed, -in the name of Messrs. Crawshay Bros. against' the rating of CyfartMa Works, j'U-X'SO gross and on the -ground thst kbo worka are praeticariy idle, and also the assess- ment of the brickworks, gross rateable £1,060. Mr. ReesRees (chairman) presided, and ft.-erg were also present Messrs. J. Rogers, Ed. Edwards, W. Harris, Dd. Hughes, .0. Evans and Joshua Aurelius, with Mr. F. T. James (cleric), and Mr. J. L. Morris (deputy clerk). Mr. James said that owiijg to depression in trade Messrs. Crawrhay Bros, had been obliged to close their wótks. They hoped not per- manently, but for the present the works were completely closed. They endeavoured to keep the works going during laat year, but as the year progressed one by one the blast furnaces were closed down, and one by one the mills also were closed. In November last the whole of the works idle. Messrs. Crawshav Bros. felt that, .bey would have the committee's sym- p<thï. machinery in the works was not rateable per fe, but rateable to an extent. Thev were only rateable, the appellants contended, tnd he (Mr. James) thought the Clerk would advise the committee that that, was the law, as n. warehouse. That was la1d Clown III the case of Staley and Castieton. The works in that case were closed down, and upon appeal Ithe Assessment Committee reduced t-he rateable value, on the ground that the mills should be rated as a warehouse for machinery. The ap- pell-ants therefore contended that they should be put in the same position, and asked to be rated at a nominal figure, under the circum- stance5?. Something might be said as to the fact that in conjunction with the ironworks there were pattern, fitting a-nd smiths' shops, which to some extent were working. But those depart- ments were working for the purposes of Cy- farthfa Collieries, and were rated with the col- lieries. The appellants did not object in any way to the present rating of the collieries. The shops he had named gave employment to a cer- tain number of men. and if those shops were I not at the works they would be near the pits. THE FUTURE. Mi*. E. Edwards: Is there any work carried on at the works now:—Mr. G. C. James: There is a small order which had to be completed (one small mill by tho office was opened about 14 days ago), and about 65 men were employed finishing off some steel girders. That work will cease to-riight.—The Chairman: Are you pre- pared to Carry out another order if one came in? :—Mr. G. C. James: Not at present. There is no demand.—The Chairman: Supposing an or- der came in for the work to be done at Cy- farthfa?— Mr. G. C. James: We should proceed at a remunerative price, but not at a rateable value such as thfe.—The Chairman: Are the mdls in such repair that you could carry out orders?—-Mr. G. C. James: Yes. That is what I say, that the principle laid down in the case of Staley and C'astleton should apply, that is the warehouse principle. Wo should have to keep a few men here and there to oil and look after the machinery, and keep it in proper con- dition, and if times improve, and remunerative dition, and if times improve, and remunerative prices are <:1btainabll) we can at once start work.—Mr. E. Edwards: There is no intention of stoppin"- the works entirely;—Mr. G. C. James: Not if we can get remunerative or- ders. But we warn relief now on the ground the works are like a warehouse.—Mr. W. Harris asked ..whether the boiler workers employed;~Mr. Harpur Very trifling.—Mr. Harris: In case you ara successful in this an peal. and the works restart, will the Company agree to the old assessment coming back au- tomatically.—Mr. G. C. James: That would be a matter for further consideration.—Mr. Har- ris-.—Some of the furnaces are lined now?—Mr. TTarpur: Yes.—Mr. G. C. James: So as to be kept in order.—Mr. W. Harris: One of the ar- cruments used against engaging an expert to re- value Dowlais Works was that the Cyfarthfa Works were idle, and yet nrying upon the full rate.—Mr. G. C. James: You may have heard I it^privately.—Mr. E. Edwards: The Cyfarthfa Works are rated senaratelv from Dowlais Works? Mr. G. C. James: Yes, and the collieries are separate from tho works.—The Clerk: Can you the Committee the exact date that you closed down?—Mr. G. C. James: The blast furnace and mills were closed in I November last.—Mr. J. ITarpur: The first furnace was blown out on November 1st, 1907, the second on May 15th, 1903, and the third on the 8th July, -1908. Wo have paid all the rates ¡ in full up to the present, although the steel mill was stopped on November 28th last. It had been working only two or three days a month previous to that.—The Chairman: What do you consider would be a fair reduction on the assessment?—Mr. G. C. James: We really ask, nnd hope; that you will nut- It at a nomiusj figure for the present:—The Chairman: Do you suggest anything?—Mr. (?.' C. James: It would scarcely do for me to make any suggestions to what the figure should be. THE BRICKWORKS. Mr. G. C. James then applied for a reduction in the assessment of the Cyfarthfa Brickworks. He said that at the present moment the works gave employment to 45 hands. Consequent up- on the stopping of the steel works they had been obliged to stock bricks in order to keep things going, and at the present moment there were one million bricks on hand. The appell- ants wore endeavouring to find markets for them. Unless they had a substantial reduction in the rateable value of the brickworks, couse, quent upon the fact that those works were not profitable, the aspellajitp. intended closing them it would; not, pay to keep them going.—Mr. Ed. Edwards asked how many hands were employ- ed at the brickworks in the past.—Mr. J. Har- pur: They are a.ll fully employed.—Mr. W Harris: It is a good brickworks.—Mr. James: Yes, and a good brick.—The Chairman: You make use of the argument to close the brick- works to reduce tho assessment Mr. G. C. James: We ask you to aid us as far as you can. We are separately assessed for the fire clay which is used to some extent in the brickworks. —Mr.' W. Harris, Js. it usual at this time of the year to stock bricks'—Mr. Harpur replied that bricks were not stocked to the extent they were now on hand.—Mr. James and Mr. Har- pur, with Mr. Rogers, then retired. The Clerk said that the £1.060 rateable was fixed as the result, of an appeal against Messrs. Castle and toons' valuation. It was formerly £1,250, but when the Company appealed Mesrs. Castle recommended that the figure be re- duced. The works were new a,nd up to date, which Messrs. Castle took into consideration. The figures were altered in June, 1901.—Mr. E. Edwards said that inasmuch as the brickworks were now in full Operation he did not think the Committee could touch the assessment. The "house" was not vacant, and the Company could appeal again if necessary.—Mr. W. Harris: The Company will say that you stopped the works. —Mr. Edwards moved, and Mr. Dd. Hughes se- conded, that the assessment of the brickworks be confirmed.—In reply to Mr. David Evans, the Clerk Said the Penydarren Brickworks were rated a.t £ 130.;—Mr. Evans then asked whether Cyfarthfa Steel Works Ijelonged to Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nett-lefolds or Messrs. Crawshay Bros.The Chairman: The appeal is made in the name of Crawshay Bros.—Mr. W. Harris Said tha.t as a matter of justice the rating of the iron and steel works ought to be reduced, but he thought an export-valuer should be engaged to revalue the DowLais Works. He was told the new plant had been working for some tirne.—The resolution confirming the as- e¡;i¡m"n t on the brickworks was carried unan- imously. DOWLAIS WORKS. Mr. W. Harris said he understood that part of the new plant at Dowlais had been riveted at Cyfarthfa.—Mr. Dd. Evans again asked whether Messrs Crawshay or Messrs. Guest, Keen a,nd Co. were the appellants.—Mr. Dd. Hughes: It does not make any difference to us.—Mr. Evans: Do Messrs.*Crawshay Bros, receive rents from Cyfarthfa?—In reply to questions, the assistant overseer said the overseers recommend- ed thai a substantial reduction should he made, but- no amount was mentioned.—The Clerk re- ferred to the case quoted hy Mr. G. C. James, and said that the contention was quite right.— The Gommittes were entitled to charge a ware- j house assessment.—Mr. W. Harris Said he was as much' it) favour of getting the full pound of flesh oiit of nll undertaking as anyone, but the I Committee' must in this case, having regard to (he fac-fc'thafi the works were idle, do that which was justv 'He moved that the rateable value fee" rcduced to £ 2,500.—Mr. Edwards: What will b;) our position if the works are in full swing: again?—The Clerk: A new rating would be- at once-put in a supplemental list.—In reply to qlletióM, the Clerk said that Messrs;- Craw- sahy- Bios, were a limited Company, and he understood-, that they transferred or assigned their sliares to Guest, Keen' and Co. at a cer' tain figure on condition that the name of tainûgurc on condition that the name of Crawshay Bros, was maintained. He under- stood—though he had not seen any documents— that Messrs-. Crawshay Bros. had nothing to do with the works. — The resolution was carried, and Mr. W. Hfcrris moved, and it was agreed, that the overseers be asked to employ an expert valuer to revalue Dowlais Works, and said the Committee would, ho was sure, recoup them- selves fiv £ times the amount knocked off Cv- farthfa Works.—Messrs. G. C. James, J. Har- puf. and J. Rogers returned into the room. and were told of the resolutions passed.—Mr. Har- pur said the brickworks would have to be shop- ped.j-r.J. F,9g!írs;. I 4m sur.thcy wijl be stopped: 'Thera-:&ill li £ mote imefitnlo cd \< ,j

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In and Out of the Merthyr County Council. [Oy CORNIIULICM DAN THOMAS.] Our municipal :.M:rder<s are being constant! r added to and arc assuming immense propor tlans. What with Impending costly scheme to which the Council is pledged, and proVidir.r; for the educational necessities of the district vast sums will have to be expended in the n;\ future. The Or^-ncia1. outlook of our distrie- consequently, IS net a' very reassuring C T. and I fear our tfs-tebteiLafcgs ba alarmi-g. increased wHHt sources of revenue will diminishing. 1 sior-wcly trust this may not bf so, and I am s.iDguine that, eevn after the great outlays to which I have alluded, we shall be a long way off our debt limit. The present Government, like its predecessors, steer clear of the thorny problem of reforming local ratifg. Local liabilities are rapidly increasing, not so much from municipal extra- vagance as from the imperious demands of the authorities and the obligiltionh imposed by successive Parliaments upon local authorities Each session our legislators pass measures which must be enforced, with attendant ex penses. For a moment, I may be permitted tr point to the very large outlays necessitated by the demands for an improved condition ot sanitation; better lighting, and h'gtWays—the maintenance of which is added to through the great use of motor cars. Then we have the housing question, hospitals of various kinds forced upon us, not to say anything about the provision of open spaces and parks. But these are not the only direcctions in which the money goes to the tune of the I^ducation Department's whistle. Better schools, more teachers, larger salaries with pensions, have been the commands and demands. The attitude of the Board of Education in this respect has I been very exacting, and local ratepayers have to suffer. In our district, particularly, enor- I mous sums have been expended, and as I alluded to in my opening observations, very many more thousands will go the sitae way. Besides Cyfarthfa Castle scheme and the new schools at Gehifaelog, his Majesty's Inspector, our townsman, Mr. Edwards, calls for tRe erection of a large new school in the town ¡ proper, and possibly others at Pentrebach and I Mount Pleasant, Merthyr Vale, if certain of the local members have their way. When these schools have been erected they will have to be furnished and staffed, and will be permanent and huge additions to our present heavy expen- diture. A glance at the revenue and expenditure in the Merthyr borough for the past decade demonstrates the rate at which this branch of expenditure on local government has been going up. For the year ended 31st March, 1898, the expenditure on the teaching and maintenance of the schools in the borough amounted to £ 2fi,670 7s. 2d. For the year ended, March, 1903 it had gone up to F-35,691 5s. 8d., an increase in five years of £ 9,020 18s. Od. During the next period there was a still greater increase-the amount expended reaching the stupendous amount of £52,555 ICs. 9d.— practically twice as much as ten years ago. These figures do not include anything in the way of capital expenditure, but maintenance only, and had to be met by way of earned grants and rate contributions. The result has been that the call upon the rates for those years leapt in ten years from;910,500 to £ 23,000. The i'2 tires are so in teres tin 2 that I repeat them- For the year 1898 j;10,5001 „ „ „ 1903 £ 13,000 „ „ „ 1908. £ 23,000 It will be realised that, of necessity, the j heaviest item of expenditure in this connection was the salaries paid to teachers, and the figures are very significant:- In 1898 teachers received E17,648 15s. 10d. I „ 1903 „ £ 25,470 15s. 2d. „ 1908 „ „ £ 36,543 17s. 3d. The Government, I acknowledge, have, for j ti the past couple of years made contributions I to authorities who, rates for elementary education exceed Is. 6d. in the £ per annum, but it is only a contribution towards the amount spent in excess of the Is 6d. rate. This matter deserves and shall have further attention. We3 have schemes galore, the carrying out of which will frighten sensitive ratepayers. Let me mention only a few of the more costly. The Cefn bridge, the Georgetown bridge, the public abattoir, and a refuse destructor, with parks for Trocdvrhiw, > Merthyr Vale and Trcharris. The minor and equally necessary ¡ ones are almost numberless. One which will cost but a trifle was criticised the other evening respecting a suggestion from Mr. John Vaughan, ) the far-seeing local agent of the owners of Pendarreu Park. He proposed to hand over ¡I to the Corporation a piece of land above Park Chapel, containing 1,278 square yards, on condition that the owners of the estate arc permitted to build below the chapel. The result would be the closing of the old footpath, which has become the haunt of very objection- able and undesirable persons. I have no doubt II but that the proposal will be favourably entertained, and we shall have another small open space, which will tend to beautify the Park and make it more attractive. Some weeks since I made allusion to the quantities of meat declared to be unfit for human consumption, which, having been surrendered, was destroyed by the Council's officials. I have to chronicle a much-improved state of things in respect of our meat supply. It is reported that the beef of foreign animals slaughtered at Birkenhead is invariably very good, and that the meat formerly supplied from English centres and distributed by coster-, mongers has now ceased. The meat sold is now obtained from local slaughtermen, and is inspected before being taken out in carts. This is as it should be. If proof were needed of the honesty of our local purveyors of meat, I may mention that recently no less than l,3071bs. of meat has been voluntarily surrendered, and your readers will kindly understand that it was the owners of or dealers in the meat who drew attention to its condition before its voluntary surrender and subsequent destruction. We are improving. Dydd Gwyl Dewi was an unqualified success, so far as the children's musical performances were concerned. The little ones had been well trained, and were encouraged by the presence of their parents. The scene in Zoar Chapel was a brilliant one, but I have had complaints of the enormous dimensions of the head-gear —of the Merry Widow type—worn by some of the ladies. A Welsh festival, I imagine, should have at its head Welshmen of reputed ability, able to write and speak yr hen iaeth as it ought to be written and spoken. I observe in the preliminary programme of words and directions we have sach sentences us Yr holl o'r Merched" and "Yr holl o't bechgyn." Very limited acquaintance with the mother tongue enables one to correct the genius who drew up the programme. Yr holl" is absolutely wrong it should be yr oil." What would Professor John Morris Jones, the gt authority on Welsh literature, who recently addressed a meeting at Zoar Schoolroom, have said at eueh an unpardonable error ? The professor was most painstaking, persistent and eloquent in impressing upon the local members of the Cymieigyddicn Society the study of Welsh, and the importance of the language to their children. His advice seems to have been neglected in Merthyr. In this connection I may relate a most amusing incident. This Welsh gathering, pro- moted ostensibly for the purpose of I the study of Welsh and the glorifying of every- thing appertaining to Cambria, was marked by an almost entire absence of Welsh speakers. The Mayor, who presided, could not speak Welsh, and those who could drifted into English. The little ones, who had been taught parrot-like to sing Welsh songs, the words of which they did not comprehend, were even instructed by the conductor in English. Was not all this display of yr iaith fam a mockery, especially when regard be paid to the motto on the pro- gramme—" Oes y byd i'r iaith Gyrorcig." Councillor John Davies, the mia&ero' agent, Dowlais, seems to be in hot water over the Catholic teachers question—more particularly so far as it affects the principles of Trade Unionism, as lie advocates those principles when they have to be applied to colliers. I can see no difference." Teachers of whatever denomination, if they do their work satisfac- torily, should all be dealt with the same. Catholic workers in the Dowl is mines will be perfectly justified, indeed they will be lacking ( in duty if they do not, withhold t ,.ir levies to the support of my friend, Councillor Davies. They have Judge Roberts's dictum in justifica- tion. I note it is stated that Mr. John Davies declared that he entirely disassociated himself from any connection with the Labour group on the Council. I thought I had seen soine such indications, and the tendency to kick over the group" is not confined to the independent Councillor Davies, of Dowlais, The Labour group is certainly not a very harmOfrkws family.

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Merthyr Health Committee. r LODGING TIOUSE "DEPUTIES." A meeting of the Health Committee of the Merthyr Corporation was held on Wednesday night, Coun. F. S. Simons presiding. A number of men and women appeared be- fore the Committee for inspection as to their suitability to act as "deputies" at common lodging-houses in Merthyr and Dowlais. On the motion of Coun. Isaac Edwards, It was agreed that women should not be registered as "deputies."—AH the men were registered, the Chairman saying that the Committee would expect their regulations to be carried out, so that tht» lodging-houses might be carried on in the best possible way.—A lodging-house keeper at Dowlais appeared before the Committee with regard to there being more men in a bed than the regulations permitted.—Inspector H. L. Jenkins said he found men in bed fully dressed. —Coun. Dan Thomas: Why net? You cannot stop me going to bed with my clothes on. It's absurd (lau g] i ter' -.Questionecl as to the colour of the sheets, the Inspector said it was late when he made his N't, and he did not exam- ine the bedding.—The lodging-house keeper said it was on a Saturday night.—A caution was administered. Upon the recommendation of tho Medical Officer, Cefn Forrest Farm, Treharris, No. 5, Sunny Bank. Merthyr; No. 1, Ferri-court, Dowlais, and Nos. 29, 40, 42 and 43, The Cwm, I Dowlais were declared unfit for human habita- tion. Closing orders were authorised for the following houses if the same were not rendered habitable or closed: Nos. 2, 3, 7, 8, and 9, Garden-row, Horse-street, Dowlais, and Nos. 1 and 16, Tistington-court. n'c' Dr. Duncan recommended that the work of sewering Pengarnddu be proceeded with as soon as possible. A number of houses were with- soon as possible. A number of houses were with- out. sanitary conveniences, and the soil in the neighbourhood was getting impregnated with filth. In his opinion there was a serious risk of an epidemic qf typhoid fever, breaking out at any time.—The Surveyor was asked to re- port. t Dr. Duncan said that there seemed to be no abatement of the dust nuisance at Treharris. On the 25th of last month he interviewed the colliery officials, who were of opinion that the w.or3 £ they are carrying out with the object of abating the nuisance would be completed within a couple of months. The Medical Officer, in his report, stated that during the early part of February there was a slight recrudesence of scarlet fever, or rather ah extension of the epidemic to Dowlais and Penydarren. Two fresh cases of typhoid fever from Cefn were admitted to Mardy Hospital. Inspector Milton Thomas reported that dur- ing last month he paid 68 visits to dirty and overcrowded premises, and he was glad to re- port that it was only necessary to apply for legal notices in four eases. In one case a four- roomed house was occupied by frwo families (eleven persons), and one room was occupied as a dayroom and bedroom by a husband, wife and four children, the eldest being 16, and in another case, where there were four rooms, j he found 13 people (two families). Inspector Thomas reported that during last month 1,077 lbs. of meat had been surrendered and destroyed after inspection by Dr. Dun- can.—In reply to Ccun. Dan Thomas, Dr. Dun- can said this meant no reflection upon local butchers. They did not know an anitnal was diseased until after it was killed, and the dis- case was discovered in the slaughter-house, None of the meat was exposed for sale. It was voluntarily surrendered. Inspector Jenkins said that visits had been made to the cowsheds in his district at milk- ing time, with a view of inspecting the con- dition of the milker's hands, which, in every case, were found satisfactory. Dr. Duncan said he had heard that Coun. Dan Thomas had said that the Committee did not deal with houses belonging to Messrs. Craw- shay Bros, as with other people's property in the ma.ttcr of compelling them to provide sani- tary arrangements. He had, therefore, prepared a huge list for Mr. Thomas, showing houses dealt with at Rhydycar, and in respect of which notices had been served.—The Chairman The days for favouritism in this Corporation arc past.—Coun. Dan Thomas still contended that all people were net dealt with alike. He had to put one w.c. for each house in property with which he was co.,icerned.-Dr. Duncan pointed out that there woro different circumstances. The Deputy Town Clerk (Mr. Biddle) report- ed that only one tender was received for sup- ply.ng meat and groceries respectively to Mardy Hospital, which prompted Coun. Isaac Edwards to ask whether a local ring existed.—Aid. Har- pur said they were from the tradesmen who had the last coniracty, ro that if there were- a ring there would be another name.—Coun. ThomaS Williams: Perhaps there's a "group" (laughter).—The tenders of Mr. W. Williams, Plymouth-street, for meat, and of Mr. John Evans, Royal Stores, for groceries were ac- cept.ed.Thc tenders fQr drapery were referred to Couns. D. Phillips and W. Lewis (Treharris), and those for drups to Couns. H. M. Lloyd and R. P. Rees to pick out the lowest in each item. —Coun. Isaac Edwards: What if they disagree? -Court. Dan Thomas: oall in n, doctor (laugh- ter). t- Coun. Thomas ridiculed the dmding of tenders, and referred fo one case whero wire Was had from one tradesman and staples to fix it from another, and also to a case where timber from one firm was sent to another firm's yard to be cut. Inspector H. L. Jenkins reported that he had^ visited the slaughter-houses in his dis- trict, and 230 lbs. of meat had been surrendeV-ed. Inspector D. B. Davies reported the subsid- ence of a portion of the lane fit the rear of Cottrell-street, Abertan.Th Surveyor was t:ked to report.—Coun. Issac Edwards said that house refuse was thrown over a wail into a lano near this place.

WARNING TO EMIGRANTS. The Emigrants? Information Office desl-ro to warn intending emigrants to view with great caution offerd of employment in Venezuela, es- P^'ally when such offers are coupled with the obligation of giving security .by making an in- vestment in the undertaking offering employ- ment. Official information has recently been received of a considerable number of cates in which emigrants who have gone out in response to similar offers have found themselves destitute and have had to apply to a British Consul for relief. It is necessary to point out that Vene- zuela does not offer a suitable field for the or- dinary emigrant from this country, iw.n, to the great differences of laws, language, climate, and condi-tions of life and work.

Interesting Presentations to Mr. Will Smilhsors- Mr. Will Smithson, who completed his 30th year on February 16th, was the recipient, oi many costly and beautiful presents. In honour of the occasion, Mr. Smithson gave a banquet at tho Queen's Hotel, BarnaJey, to his ^co-direc- tors and friends of the town, and those con- nected with the musicJ-hall world, amongst thos-e present being Mr. C. W. Poole, Mr. J. Poole, and Mr. Tom Pacey, together with numerous friends, including the Mayor of Barnslev, sup- ported by several magistratso, councillors, and the leading lights of the medical profession, there being eight doctors and six solicitors pre- sent. After an excellent repast, Mr. England (dir- ector of the Barnsley Empire), on behalf of the directors, presented Mr. Smithson with a solid leather travelling case with silver fittings.—Mr. J. Tennani, assistant manager, en behalf of the -tO. presented a marble clock with bronze figures. Ho said it was a spontaneous effort 011 the part of the st-aff to show their appreciation of their manager who had manifested great consideration for them at all times.—Mr. Wal- ter Hast, on behalf of the boys and girls on the bill last, week, then asked Mr. Smithson's ac- cepta.nce of a beautiful case of pil),-s.-Other presents were also sent by friends.—Mr. Smith- son, in replying, said that he almost felt over- whelmed at the Yorkshire welcome and kind- ness shown to him. He had only, .realised that day what a number of friends M had in Barns- Isy. He practieally came amongst them a stt-aiiger two- years ago (Although-he had play- edt in the town yeact-«*g<q). And on'his forming a limited company -to builtl the Empire Palace he met with such ready response that the suc- cis.4 of the Empire was assured before the foun- dation stone iva,, laid. He said, as an old per- former. having played many parts in his time, he should always feel (although now a manager) fbal b" one of the boy.?. In propo-in'f the toast of the evening, Mr. Poole snid that lie and Mr. Smithson bad been close friends for 25 years. He spoke vert- highly of the business abilities of his friend, and said that whatever he undertook he invar- iably catri-ed through with success.

Merthyr Watch Conimiiiee. BYE-LAWS AFFECTING COSTERS. THE POLICE TO ACT WITH DISCRETION. A meeting of the Watch Committee of the Merthyr Corporation was held on Wednesday evening, tho Mayor (Aid. A. Wilson) presiding. —The Committed passed regulations dealing with the control of the police force, and tha same were ordered to bo sent to the Home Secretary for his approval.—Aid. D. W. Jones: What is the regulation as to constables visiting public-houses?—The Chief Constable: Any con- stable may, if he has reasonable grounds, go into any. D. W. Jones: L don't want to press for their going to public- houses too often. A letter was read from Messrs. G. C. James, Charles, and Davies, solicitors, asking the Com- mittee to meet a deputation of the Merthyr Costers' Association to d'seuss a, summons issued against a local coster for shouting fish in the street.-—The Committee agreed to receive the deputation.—Mr. Charles said that the dj putation represented wholesale dealers as weU aS costers. A coiter, named Franc;" was sum moned for shouting in the street at Treharris*, in contravention of a bye law which read: "SO person shall, for the purpose or hawking, SGli-o iijg, distributing, or advertising any artic, shout or use any bell, gong, or other nois# instrument in any street cr public place., -so c, to cause annoyance to the inhabitants of *hi# neighbourhood." If it went forth, said Mi. Charles, that costers could not shout, it woula mean that 200 men would have to give up earn- ing their livelihood He was sure the Com- mittee would appreciate that it would be a great nuisance to householders, aild particularly to housewives, to have thess man knocking it their doors, and he urged upon the Committee the fact that the cti-rtom of shouting was a con- venience. He presented that view to tha Bench, and Sir T. Marchant Williams, who ap- preciated the position, dismissed the ca.e in order that the matter might coma before the Watch Committee. There was a shocking lack of unemployment throughout the country at the present time, and many more local men would be thrown out oi work if the bye-law were enforced. The costers were always ready to desist from shouting when requested to do so. He therefore -suggested that instructions should be given the police only to enforce the bye-law where a man acted contumaciously. Motor wagons, drays, and other heavy vehicles caused mora row than costers, concluded Mr. Charles.—The Chief Constable said the cvictone-a was that Francis refused to desist from shout- ing when requested to do so. Colliers who worked nights and slept by day had complained. —Mr. Charles said the case was Eo serious io the costers that if there had been a conviction, he would have been obliged to take the Cal-C to the Divisional Court, because persons were not eallcd who had been annoyed. The bye-law said that the shouting must be "an annoyance to the "rha.bítants.A)d. D. W. Jones said that exception was taken to a similar bye-law by Mr. T, Manse! Franklen, wac-n it cam. c be- fore the County Council, and it was then said that it was never intended to prosecute ordinary case- but only where persons did not dcsi from shouting when requested to do so. If the Merthyr Council tried to stop everybody from shouting their wares in the street, ir would ba straining the bye-law. Oouri. David John:- Street, organs are a greater nuisance than shout- ing.—The Mayor said the Committee would con- sider the request. As one who sometimes worked nights, and slept by day, he would rather hear a man shout than rap at the door p for a long timn.-Ald. D. W. Jones: The police, must, not request every, eostermcngcr not to shout.The Mayor-: It was- sever the intention./ —Mr. Charles thanked tha Committee for re- ceiving the d-eputation.-The Mayor raid that several cripples, who acted as hucksters had com- plained to him. and he thought the police should have instructions to too their discretion. —Aid. J. M. Berry: I think ebstcrs arc usually very reasonable. The tender of Messrs. Leckey and Co, Wal- L-all, for supplying mounted police equipment, was accepted, the price being £39125. 9d. Tha Chief C&ostabls said he bad visited the lodging-houses:?-fated: found that in only one:, case was provi&ioo made to cope with an out- break of fire. In one case, there were thirty beds in one room, and -avery narrow staircase. The remit of a fire would be very disastrous.— Coun. D. John said he brought this matter before the Waterworks Gornmittce. and hyd- rants would be installed near certain lodging- houses.—The report of the Chief Constable waa referred to the Waterworks Committee. Ald. D. W. Jones referred to the overcrowd- ing of trams on 'Thursdays and Saturday, and said that last Saturday a tram which should contain 26 persons had no fewer than 38. Hg hoped the police would see that tin bve-Iawa were enforced. P.C. Williams, assistant clerk in the Central Police Station, was advanced to be first class constable. The Chief Constable reported that he had made a careful examination of fire appliances in use in the Borough, und rtconiiiioide4 that, stand pipes, hose, jumping sheets, smoke hel- mats, lamps, hydrant key-, crowbars, etc., be furnished to stations which he named.This was agreed to. It was resolved, on the motion of the Mayor, that no payment be made to a police-court missionary at Merthyr. MISSING DEPUTATION. A letter was read from tlie Merthyr Free Church Council, risking the Committee to re- ceive a deputation to discirs the question cf rowdyism in the streets of Merthyr on Sunday nights.—Several visits were made to the cor- ridors of the Town Hall with the object of in- viting the deputation into the room, but they were nowhere to be found.—Aid. D. W. Joheø said the matter was one that ought to be re- ferred to the Chief Constable.—'The Chief Goni. stable said that during the last two months. about twenty cases of jostling in the streets on Sunday nights had bscn tried at the polieej court. There was a "marked improvement in the of the streets between eight and ten on Sund ays as the result of the action taken by the police.

TB'Tf'S' I dogpisip your foot5teps i H Are you always suffering? Per- 9 9 haps it is constant headsehe. Or fl fl pain after eating, and nausea. May- B (9 be you get suddenly dizzy and tired ■ M without any reason. Perhaps you N I have a pain uear the heart, and 8 B feel as if you were choking after jB going upstairs. Ill-health will con- 9 tinue to dog your footsteps until S you cure the Indigestion which is K the cause of these symptoms. Take Mother Seigel's Syrup and all these troubles will vanish as they did in the case of Mrs. S. J. Bassett, 2, ,yenetiau .Place, Institution Street,. WoodhouSe, Leeds. Ju a rec&it letter she says: ■ "I would wake -,jp sick, fueling weakani ■ quite unfit tor tfce day's work I ira4 tio S H ippef.te and dreaded to cat becau±e of Lhe 8 ■ pain rat triy cfeast. which followed., TiJte* S ■ years since Mother Sei^el's Syrup njfl M 9 of all tny ailments and there is scili uo Slja 8 H of a r«turn of sny of them." I »—« MOT n — SEIGELS B" ? ?" S* SYRUP >

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE CONTINUED -?"" PREsEKT.TIos.-In our report last week, of the presentation at the Glamorgan Arms, to Mr. Harris, wo omitted to mention that the articles were supplied by Mr. Max Wehrly, j jeweller. BRECON-ROAD SOUP KITCHEN—Mrs. Dan I Davies, of the Oaklands, last week gave a free meal, when the children who attend the Brecon- road Soup Kitchen were supplied with pan- cakes, bread and butter, jam, etc. Mrs. Davies 1' kindness was greatly appreciated. DEATH OF MR. LEWIS WILLIAMS, OF CARDIJ-T. —Throughout South Wales deep regret is felt ¡ that the sudden severe illness of Mr. Lewis I Williams, the well-known Liberal and Non- conformist leader of Cardiff, terminated fatally on Wednesday, in his 66th year. FOR BRECON-ROAD SOUP KITCHEN.—The Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers of South Wales and Monmouthshire have kindly sent f3 for the Brecon-road Soup Kitchen, this being the second donation from the same source, f,4 being received on December 19th. ENTERTAINMENT.—On Monday night an entertainment was given at Market-square Schoolroom, under the auspices of the Band of HDpe., Mr. E. Stephens presided, and the accompanists were Miss Besley and Mr. W. Phillips. Those who took part were:-Bond of Hope choir, band (conductor Mr. J. W. Rad- neege), Tydfil Thomas, Irene and Lily Vaughan, Male Voice Party, Mr. Jones, Bertie John and friends, Rose McNully, Miss A. Watts, Lily Burns, May Lloyd, Tom Rees, and Miss Lewis. EMPLOYEES' DINNER.—On Monday night, at the Tiger Hotel, the eighth annual dinner was held by the employees, of Messrs. Eastman, at the Merthyr, Aberdare, Mountain Ash, an Rhondda branches.—Mr. J. A. Martin, district manager, presided. A capital programme was provided, those contributing being Messrs. Gamon and Tal Jones, who gave songs and banjo selections Mr. E. Evans, Mr. Alger, Mr. Williams, Mr. E. Davies; Master Victor Williams (pupil of the Ajax school) gave a smart Indian club solo, and Mr. W. Pitcher, the miniature Ajax, presented an athletic speciality, parlour athletes." Mr. Ben Phillips also contributed to the programme. HOLIDAY TOURs.-The Sunday Companion" is offering 25 Swiss holiday tours to readers of that journo.1, who obtain the largest number of votes, the first coupon for which will appear on Saturday. The many friends of Mr. Alfred Young, secretary of the Y.M.C.A., are desifoue of plumping for him, in order that he may go away for a change after his present troubles in gathering in money for the new building fund, and so on, and friends who would like to vote for Mr. Young are requested to send signed' coupons to the Y.M.C.A. rooms in Church-street, or direct, to the 11 Sunday Companion office. The coupons will appear weekly until June 26th. NATIONAL UNION OF CLERKS.—The monthly meeting of the Merthyr bMnch was held at Aliens'. Central Restaurant, on Monday last, Mr. N. R. Skyrme in the chair. Eight applica- tions for membership were.received, and passed. Mr. Silas M. Harris was elected delegate to the South Wales and Mon. Federation ot Branches. A resolution was passed condemning the letter ¡ of Mr. Haldane, approving of the recent action of the Alliance Assurance Co., compelling their clerks to belong to the Territorial Forces. The election of a delegate to the Annual Conference, to be herd at Bristol was deferred to the next meeting. All clerks in the district are invited! fo join the local branch. Information can be obtained from the branch secretary, Mr. W. R. Lloyd. THE FOOTBALL SQUABBLE.—At the Merthyr police court on Tuesday. Mr. F. P. Charlts mentioned the case of Mr. W. T. Jones, secretary of the Merthyr Amateur F.C. against Mr. J. B. Evans, treasurer of the Northern Union F.C.. which was a claim for 5s. damages, in respect of damage done toth e press box at Penydarren Park, on the occasion of the first match between the Welsh League and the Kangaroos, at Pen- ydarren Park. The circumstances of the case are well known. The Stipendiary urged the parties to settle it out'of court, and Mr. Charles, who appeared for the complainant now said the parties had agreed to terms suggested by the Stipendiary, and they were obliged to him ¡ for his intervention.—The Stipendiary said he J was glad, and hoped the friction between the parties would soon disappear: Mr. F. S. i Simons was for the other side. ST. MARY'S C.Y.M.S.—On Monday evening an entertainment was held in the rooms, Morgan town, under the presidency of Mr. Charles, Bernaflconi. The attendance was much jSiore numerous than on the previous Occasion. Mr. Bernard Keetfe very kindly brotight a party of trjends, who contributed greatly to the success of the cntqrtajrxment.^ The followi^ .Was programme-.—Selection' "(yu>|in; and ptanp), Messrs K.eefife and H. Powell; Song,j^he. blind boy," Mr. Wm. Keeffe; song, Volunteer !.o^inist," Mr. McDobald song, The robber king," Mr. O'Connot; recitation, The Spanish champion," Mr. Moran; song, They found j me." Mr. M. J. Kivilin; song, "Sleep and! forget," Misa Sullivan song, Bid me to love." Air. A. Thomas; song, The veteran," Mx. (I. .J ones; harp selection, Mr., li.- Jones; duet, i Exeelsior," Alesers; A. Thomas and G; Jones; _¥. I violin solo. PLomance," Jlr. B. Keeffe; comic ) song, Swanee River," Mr. A. Thomas; song, ITho white man," Mr. Mas Wehrly; song. iMy daddy's a. gentleman," hornpipe, Mr. O'Rourke and friend, accompanied by Mr. P. McGrath aong, Soul of the motherland. Mr. McDonald recitation, The fireman's wedding," Mr. Moran; song, Down in th<- • depths below," lrIr. O'Connor; Irish jig, Mr O'Rourke and friend, accompanied by Mr. P. IcGrath From Poverty-street to Golden-square," Mr. O'Reilly; finale, "Gnd save Ireland." The chairman, on behalf r j the C.Y.M.S., tanked the artistes heartily for so kindly giving their services. Woods' Great Peppermint Cure for Coughs 8.tld Colds never fails. 1/1, 2/9.

I ft j Theatre Royal, Merthyr, This week we have been favoured with a visit from Mr. Ernest Bodkins' Company, who are present ng M. Bernstein's remarkable play, "rhe Thii..f." produced in London with such plwr.omenai success by Mr. George Alexander. I ¡ is a very clever play, in which the charac- toi-3 are thoroughly human, in strong contrast to the Ideals of the average drama. The great is the emotional scene in the second act, in which the husband forces a confession of (heft from his wife, where rapid and violent transitions of mood, from playful "ch&ff" and conjugal endearments, to sudden suspicion, then dp?adful certainty, repronches, curses, tear?., and supplications, are the features of one of the most passionate SC-õue3 ever put on the stage. Mr. Paul Lovett as "Richard Chel- ford, and Miss Kathryn Stocks as his wife "Mar se," are strikingly realistic in this trying j ordal, and carry it through with great drama, tie effect. They are well supported in the other scenes by the other members of the com- pany. ) "MISS HOOK OF HOLLAND." This most recent of the great successes in musical comedy is announced for next we It is a real Dutch piece in two acts. by Paul Rubens and Arthur Hurgon. and is "!<i.;med to be the most successful musical comedy of the day. Mr. Dudl-y Bonnet and Mr. T. d. Wrav's Company is a first-claw selection of rrincipals and a full chorus with orchestra and band. "Mr. Hook" is played by the well-known comedian, Mr. Charles McLagan. "Slinks" (the loafer) by Mr. Fred Dark. "Ludirig Schnfpps" by Frank Attre; and tall and manly "Cap- by Mr. J. B. Fox. A Viands me bnd- master is impersonated by Mr. Ldward I- 'cvd. •'Sa.lly" (otherwise ';Mis.s Hook, of i played by that charming actress. Miss James, and "Mina" (the maid to the Hooks) by Miss Muff Carewe. Walker's Letterette? in Pads Ig. each, or Singly 3d. per dozen.—"Kxpress" Office. Glebeland-streeU