The Merthyr Express

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JI LITERARY ASSOCIATIONS OF MERTHYR TYDFIL. [By A. J. PERMAN, M.A., COUNT* SCHOOL.] (Given before Merthyr Naturalists' Society.) (Continued from last week.) The "Literature of the Kymry" was pub- lished at the expense of Sir John Guest, and it is to his wife, Lady Charlotte Guest, that we now turn as the next notable figure in the liter- ary history of tho town. She was Lady Char- lotte Elizabeth Bertie, daughter of the ninth Earl of Lindsey, and was born at Stamford in 1812. Marrying in 1833 Mr. (afterwards Sir John) Guest, this versatile and extraordinary woman threw herself ardently into the life of her adopted country, and of her husband's home. She took a deep interest in the Dowlais Schools, and in the welfare of the Dowlais workmen. She visited their homos and gave wise counsel to their wives. She aided in the successful management of the works after her husband's death, and she learnt Welsh so thor- oughly as to gain an enduring reputation as the translator of some of the most characteristic of the Celtic romances. Her versatility was as remarkable as her industry. Between 1877 and 1880 while her son-in-law, Sir Austin Layard, was ambassador at Constantinople, she actively aided the fund for the alleviation of distress among Turkish women and children. She col- lected china, earthenware, fans, and the play- ing-cards of all nations. She published two magnificent folios on fans, three on playmg- cards. She w.as given the honorary freedom of the Fa.nmakers' and Playing-card Makers' Com- panies. In her later years she was blind. But her wider title to fame is that he trans- lated into English the "Mabinogion"—the fa- mous collection of "Tales of the 'Prentice Bards," going back to the twelfth century, and perhaps "in circulation years, if not centuries, before." They are of two classes, "one," as Lady Charlotte Guest remarks in her preface, "celebrating heroes of the Arthurian cycle. the other referring to nersonages and events of an earlier period." The latter are much the older, and are such stories as those of Branwen. the daughter of Llyr; of Math, the son of Mat.honwy; the "Dream of Maxen Wlerlig." The Arthurian stories are such as "TCilhwch and Olwen," "Owain and the Lion," "Peredur," and "The Dream of Rhonabwy." The translation was published in three large volumes (1838-49). with the Welsh text, a large number of valuable explanatory notes, and sev- eral parallel versions—partial or complete—in French, German, Icelandic, and Swedish. The patriotic feeling with which the work was com- posed mav be seen from the interesting dedica- tion to the translator's two sons. "Ivor and Merthyr," the present Lord Wimborne, and Mr. Merthyr Guest, who settled in Somersetshire, and married Lady Theodora Grosvenor, sister or the late Duke of Westminster:—"Infants a* you yet are, I feel that I cannot dedicate more fitly than to you these venerable relics of an- cient lore, and I do so in the hope of incitinr you to cultivate the literature of Old Wales, h- whose beautiful language you are being ini tiated. and amongst whose free mountains yo" were horn. May YOU become early imbued witJ, the chivalric and exalted sense of honour, the fervent patriotism for which its sons havf ever been celebrated. May you learn to emu'atc the noble qualities of Ivor Hael. and the attachment to your native country which d; tinguished that Ivor Bach after whom the elder of you was named. r WARM PRAISE. The translation has won the warmest praise on all hands. Thomas Stephens, in his judicial way, says, "The version correctly mirrors forih fhe spirit of these antique stories, and is as much distinguished for elegance as fidelity. Tier ladyship's good taste led her fully to ap- preciate the charm contained in the simplicity of the original, and she has been eminently sue cessful in producing a version at once simple, animated and accurate." And Mr. Nutt. who re-edited the translation in 1902 with learned notes, praises her warmly for the mingled strength and grace of her style, the unerring skill with which she selects the right word, the right turn of phrase which Butf/rests an atmos phere ancient, remote, laden with magic, with out any resort to pseudo-archaism, to Wardour- street English." The great success of Lady Charlotte Guest in this very difficult and delicate task has naturally led to the inquiry whether she was not aided by Welsh scholars, whose knowledge of the lan- guage must necessarily have been deeper and morc accurate than her own. And there seems no doubt that she wa3 helped over difficulties by Taliesin Williams, the famous schoolmaster of Merthyr; by Mr. Jenkins, also a schoolmaster in Dowlais; and by the Rev. John Jones, known as "Tegid," a Fellow of Jesus and Pre- centor of Christ Church, Oxford, afterwards Rector of Nevin, Pembrokeshire, who stayed frequently at Dowlais House, and whoso accom- plished scholarship must have been of the great- est service to the translator. The style, bow- over. lS one and the same throughout, and with- out doubt it must be Lady Charlotte's own. She achieved a fame as remarkable as it is unu- sual, involving as it did the conquest of an alien tongue, the assimilation of the inner spirit of a far-remote period and of a foreien literary form, and the presentation of these in a man- ner acceptable alike to the enthusiastic Welsh- man and to the critical Englishman. She re- mains a notable, somewhat enigmatical figure. Where Welsh litterateurs have captured their thousands, she-an En!2'lishwom8J1ha.s captur- ed her tens of thousands for a real appreciation and admiration of these Celtic tales. But the why and wherefore of her triumphant excursion into Welsh literature are obscure, and we cannot picture her, place her, or realise her surroundings as we caD picture the chemist- historian of the "Literature of the Cymry," busy ona moment in the preparation of a draught or prescription, and the next at his desk deep in the obscurities of Taliesin or the problems of tho Welsh Triads. A DIFFERENT FIGURB We turn now to a very different figure, that of the scholar, critic and antiquarian, Geo. Thos. Clark, known, from the place of his re- tirement in later life, as "G. T. Clark of Taly- garn." Ho was the son of the chaplain of the Royal Military Asylum at Chelsea, and he showed his filiil piety by printing, in 1872, a collection of his father's sermons. Devoting himself to engineering, he became a pupil of Brunei, and lived for some time in India. Here he became interested in railway construction, and took a leading part in establishing the earliest lines in the Bombay district. He also prepared for the home Government a, compre- hensive report upon tha drainage of the city of Bombay. Returning to England he became, in 1852, co-trustee with Mr. Bruce (Lord Aber- dare) for the Guest estates, and for a number of years was the resident trustee at Dowlais, devot- ing his working days to the cares of management and oversight, and his leisure time to literature, and antiquarian research. He was indeed a man of extraordinary diligence. Besides the massive works to be noticed later he wrote ex- haustive reports for the General Board of Health upon the sanitary condition of Bangor. Brecon, Brynmawr, Coity Lower, Llanelly, Welshpool, Tenby, Towyn, and Wrexham, and he contributed innumerable articles to the "Builder," the "Archaeological Cambrensis, and other antiquarian journals. He was chair- man of the Merthyr Local Board of Health from 1860 to 1369; was chairman of the Board of Guardians (his bust is in the Board-room); and took a very active pa.rt in the life of the district, being at all times energetic in promoting any movements for the improvement of the condi- t;on of living and for the spread of education rand culture. An article which he contributed to the "Westminster Review" on the state of the homes, the hves, and general conditions of the inhabitants of-Merthyr and Dowlais attract- ed considerable attention. SIXTY YEARS AGO. Amongst other things, he says: "The houses are badly built and planned without any regard to the comfort of the tenants, whole families be- ;njr frequently lodged—sometimes sixteen in number—in one chamber, sleeping there indis- criminately. It is fortunate that fires are rare since the miners are accustomed to keep a. certain quantity of gunpowder under their beds, as bein- a dry and secure place." What- ever we may say of housing conditions to-day, it fa clear that in the middle of the nineteenth century thev were infinitely worse. It is, how- ever, upon his antiquarian works that Clark s fame rests, and more particularly upon his "Me- diæ"al Military Architecture in England, pub- lished in two large volumes in 1884. This book, which is made u" of materials printed in vari- ous times in the transactions of learned societies, in different journals, contains first a series of inquiries into the earthworks of the period from the departure of the Romans to the Gon- st; into the politicaJ value and influence of Vorm'an Castles. And second of a detailed des- -it)tion, minute and so far as was possible, Scrupulously accurate, of most of the chief cas- of England, a good many in Wales, and one r two in France and Scotland. In all, one hundred and two castles are dealt with, and in ost cases the descriptions are accompanied by Elaborate maps, plans and pictures. To give an H „ of the extent of the work it may be said '?e, -\f OT-i a is Castle occupies eleven lartre closely rintd pages; Dover, 24; and Cardiff 16. The style in which the work is written is clear nd concise without any pretence to fine writ- ? or elaboration of phrasing. The author at providing trustworthy materials for the aI. of the historian. "Although my work," he uses "has been rather that of a quarryman or fa>kmaker, I am sometimes led almost to re- bn 1 myself as sharing in the glory of the archi- t And it is undoubtedly true that such °rk as this is an essential preparation for his- r°ical writing, which may be more picturesque tor, _|.v make more appeal to the popular im- an"nation..What Clark did was done well, and —1 n imDortant respects was done, once for all. w adid for England and Wales what Viollet-le- 6 ^'irl for France, and just as Professor Free- said 0f tho "Decline and Fall:" "What- m r else is read, Gibbon must be," so we may cve tnr any student of military architecture in f^reat Britain, "Whatever is read, Clark must be," o HISTORICAL WORKS, Another work, the value of which can hardly reaiised by the general public, because it be- 1 o-s so to speak, to the foundations of history "l than to historv itself, is the four voi- unaS publi&hecl ia 1885-1893, of "Cartae et Alia munimenta quae ad Dominium Glamor- gan pertinent" (Glamorgan Charters"), and the "Contributions towards a C&rtulajy of Mar- gam," i.e., a complete collection of tho Chap- gam," i.e., a complete collection of the Chap- ters relating or belonging to MLargaia Abbey, is, though on a smaller scale, of the same kind. He published also "Genealogies of the Older Families of the Lordships of Morgan and Gla- morgan"; and a "Topography of Glamorgan," all filled with the results of laborious research and minute learning. An excursion into quite another field is his "Some Acoount of Sir Ro- bert Mansel, of Margam, and of Admiral Sir Thomas Button," i interesting enough to make one wish that ho had devoted himself more to biographical work. His pictures of Mansel, treasurer of the Navy and Vice-Admiral of England, "probably the ablest and most dis- tinguished public man whom Glamorgan has produced," and of Button, Arctic explorer and gallant Adiniral, "the one considerable man whom the town of Cardiff can claim as her own," are full of vivid, picturesque detail, and hae a human interest not found everywhere in Clark's work. He retired to an estate at Taly- garn, and died there in 1898 at the advanced age of 89. Few men have done more solid liter- ary work. It has no popular qualities, no appeaj to sentiment or the fashion of the moment; but it is honest and thorough, based upon sound investigation and precise observation. It will last when more showy productions have vanished for ever. (To be concluded.) 1

MERTHYR POLICE COURT. FRIDAT.—Before Sir T. Marchant Williams (Stipendiary) and Aid. J. M. Berry. A VIRAGO.—Mary Ann Northey, of no fixed abode, was charged with being drunk and dis- orderly in Victoria-square, Abordare, and also with damaging the windows of the Fothergiil Arms Inn, the property of John Davies.— The defendant went to the public-house, but as she was drunk she was not served with liquor. She went outside, and smashed the windows her boot.—For being drunk, she was fined 10s. and costs, and 40s. and costs for smashing the windows, and the damage, or two months' imprisonment. TRANSFEB.— Upon the application of Mr. F- P. Charles, the licence of the White Swan Inn, Dowlai-3, was transferred to Jeremiah Daley, who has for some years past kept the Blue Boar I Inll. BOTJND OVER.—Flora Davies was summoned for using bad language to two little girls, and daughters of James Evans, at Temperance- street. Merthyr, on. the 26th March..—Mr. F. P. Charles appeared to prosecute, and said the defendant was a violent woman, and a terror to the neighbours in the place where she resid ed. She had a very bad temper, and had not apokrised for her conduct.—Reginald Munro, Brynte-terrace, said he heard the language, and handed the Bench a paper containing the words.—Mrs. Evans said her husband kept the Carmarthen Stores. The children were very 1 much frightened in consequence of the defend- ant's conduct.—For the defence, Mary Ann Mahoney said she did not hear any bad lan- guage. She only heard defendant teU her child that if anyone hit her to hit back.—Defendant was bound over in the sum of £10 to be of v*»h-viour for six months, and ordered to pay "osts. ONT OF WORK.—John Harvey was charged with begging in the streets at Marthyr, and also with assaulting P.C. Davies (83). The officf" said he eaw the defendant accosting people in High-street, and he swore at those who refused to give him anything. When wit- ness aocosted him, he assaulted him, and he was obliged to lock him up.—Defendant, who said he could not get work, and that he camo from Lancashire, was fined 5s. and costs for begging, or 7 days, and 20s. and costs for strik- ing the officer.—Defendant alleged that he was ill-used by the police when ho went to the pokco station for a ticket for a "dosf." "ONLY A HOLIDAY." — Mary Thomas and Mary Ellen ITpnnes«ey, young girls, pleaded guilty to stealing three pairs of boots, value 12s. from the shop of Messrs. Bricrgs and Co., High street, Merthyr. They had b?en in trou- ble before, and the Stipendiary said it was no use inflicting a fine.—They were sent to gaol for two months.—One of the girls (as she ran down to the steps to the cells): Never mind, it's only a. holiday. "JUST MY MARK."—Emily West, summoned for being a disorderly prostitute in the streets at Merthyr, expressed her sorrow, and said if given a cha.nce she would try and tiirn over a new leaL-The Stipendiary: We will let you off with a email fine. 5s. and costs.—Defendant: That will just do for mo nicely. It's about my mark—seven days. BROTHKR AND SISTER.—John Rolls, of Troed- vrhiw. was summoned for assaulting his sister, Elizabeth Harding, on the 27th of March.—Mr. F. P. Charles was for complainant: Mr. J. W. Lewis for the defendant.—Mr. Charles said th" defendant struck his s-ister a blow on the head and on the mouth, and she fainted. The com- plainant would not tike her brother to go to pjao1. The Stipendiary sucg?sted thc.t the bast way would be to adjourn the case for a. month. -r;1:r Charles: And bind the d-efendant over to keep the peiice.—The Stipendiary: Yes. You don't want him hanced. do you?—Complain- ant: Oh no. sir (laughter).—Defendant was therefore bound over. and the Stipendiary said he hoped the parties would become friends again- „ ALLEGED THF.FT.—Lena Sweeney, hawker, was charged with stealing 10s., the money of Mart- Ann Miller, at Merthyr.—It was alleged that tho defendant went to the house ^oll'ing fish, and stole the money.—Defendant said fhe was innocent of the charge, and elected to bp tried at Quarter Sessions.—She was offered bail in one surety of £10.

PAUPER'S OUTING TO PONTSTICILL. James JenkinSj a native of the town, was chargad with being drunk at the Workhouse and with assaulting the labour master.—The Master of the Houso said the man went out for the day, and returned under the influence of drink. He' would not go to bed, and threatened to smash every window in the place.—The Sti- pendiary (to the Master): Did you g-ive him half a sovereign pocket money? (laughter).—Defend- ant said he went for a walk round Pontsticiil. and had a pint of beer at the Abergla.s. j £ e was fined 53. and costs for being drunk, or seven days, and sent to prison for sevan days for the assault TCESDAY.—Before Alderman Wilson (Mayor). Messrs. S. Sandbrook, Rhys Davies, and Arthur Daniel. TRANSFERS.—-On the application of Mr. F. P. Charles the licence of the Three Salmons Inn, Merthyr wa<3 transferred from Mr. Loveridge to Mr. Wm. Jones, of Porth. The licence of the Victoria Inn, Dowlais, was transferred to Mr. Loveridge, Mr. Davies (the present holder of the licence) going to Carmarthen to take charge of another house. REMANDED.—Joseph Huzzey, standing over 6ft. in height, was charged with stealing a youth's coat and vest. He was seen m P<?ny- darren with the clothes under his arm. He he bought them on the road, but he was locked up. The owners of the clothes had not bMn found, and accused was remanded for a *MAN AND WIFE.—David Rees, collier, of Blaina who did not appear, was charged with deserting his wife, Janet, three months ago- Complainant said her husband had been work- ing at Tredegar, Abercanij and Blaina, where he" had lived with his sister. She thought he had gone back to Abercarn again.—An order was mede for the payment of 12s. a week and ^PROVOCATION—William Winkworth and John Archer were charged with fighting in Castle- I street, Merthyr, on Monday night.—Mrs. Win- ford said that Archer came to the lodg.ng-housc in Castle-street. She showed him where he had to sleep. Defendant made indecent overtures to her, and struck her a blow Sne called her husband, who put Archer out of the house.- Archer was fined 20s. and costs, the case against Winkworth being dismissed. His IDEA OF THE WORKHOUSE -John Smith and Patrick Kelly were found by P.S. Clinch sleeping at the Rhydycar boilers on Monday nierht.—The Mayor asked Smith, an elderly and feeble man whv he did not go into the V ork- house.—Smith: It's Just the same as going to saol, sir isn't it?—Kelly was to prison for 14 days; Smith was discharged. THE RULING PASSION.—Several boys were summoned for playing football in Cardlff-rod, Merthyr Vale, and wore fined 2s. 6d. each. IMPUDENT ROBBERY AT MERTHYR. John Donohue, a dirty looking fellow, wdh: only one arm, was charged with stealing spec tacles, value £3" from. the shop of FredericA. Williams, optician, High-street Merthyr, on Friday —Mr Williams raid that defendant came into the. shop. As witness came downstairs he saw defendant, step from behind the counter He said he wanted to beg a penny and walked away. Witness afterwards missed three pairs of spectacles. The sam0 evenmg he missed five pairs of steel frames.—Evan J. Hughes, an as- sistant in the shop, said the defendant cam? into the shop, came round the counter, struck witness to the floor, and broke his glasses. Wit- ness was rendered unconscious, and when he came to himself the spectacles were all about the floor-Thomas Davies, Rainbow Inn, said that on Ftridav evening defendant came to his howe selling spectacles -David Davies, Ivy Bush, gave similar evidence.-P.C. W Rees arrested defendant in Castle street, and he was identified from am on git other-men by the prev- ious witnesees.-Pleading guilty, Donohue was sent'to prison for three months. 4

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Dowlais and Penydarren Nursing Association. The annual meeting of the Dowlais and Pen- ydarren Nursing Association (which is affiliat- ed witb the Queen Victoria Jubilee Nursing In- stitute) was held on Friday evening at the Wimborne Hall, Garden-street, under the presi- dencv of the Rev. LI. M. Williams, R.D. (Rcc- tor of Dowlais), and there was a good attend- anc«.—The Chairman submitted the first an- nual report to the meeting, and said the As- sociation had cause to be proud of the results of the first year's work. Two highly-qualified nurses were sent down from headquarters, and commenced their duties on July 23rd, 1908. From that date to the end of the year, they attended to 110 cases, making a total of 2,056 visits. It was very pleasing for the committee to know that the nurses' services are very great- ly appreciated, and the public financial response was very gratifying.—The chief business of the evening was the election of a chairman in suc- cession to Mr. H. Stuart MaTtin. the vacancy created by the departure of that gentleman in August last having been temporarily filled by the Rector; and Mr. John Evans, Gwernllwyn Uchaf (deputy works manager), was unanimous- ly appointed.—References were made to the ex- cellent services rendered by Mr. Martin in forming the Association, and in his capacity as I chairjnan.—Appreciative speeches were also rfiade by Councillor Wm. Lswis (Penydarren), Mr. C. H. Fenwick (cashier), and Mrs. Cress- well, Hillside (the president of the Ladies' Com- mittee).—Other vacancies on the general com- mittee were then filled, and after passing a vote of thanks to the chairman for the evening, the secretaries of the Ladies' Committee (Miss Cresswell, Hillside and Miss Austin. Usk Villa), the treaurer (Mr. T. R. Nicholas. Lloyds Bank), and the secretary (Mr. W. T. Davies, Dowlais Office?), a. very successful meeting was brought to a clos?. A vote of conrlo'ence was passed with the relatives of the late Rev. Father Wray (the first president of the Association), to whose untiring labours in its inaugural stages the movement is under a la-t.inrr indebtedness. —Apologies regretting their inability, owintr to other engagaments, to be orese.nt at the meet ing were received from Dr. Stuart C. C^e«s- we.ll. Dr. H. L. Hucrhes. and also from Aid. D. W. Jones, who rendered valuable assistance in helping to secure funds for the Association.—It ¡, the intention of the Association in the ne-ar future to make their annual collections, when it is to be hoped the townspeople of Dowlais and Penydarren will respond in the same heartv manner they did last year. Additional fund? are necessary, and as the Association means to add to the mirsing staff, increased subscriotions will be welcomed. "LINSTTI COMTOTTXD' for Coughs and Colds. Of 1 proven efficacy. Of Chemists only. 9d., l/n. 2/9.

Ambulance Work at Dowlais. DISTRIBUTION OF CERTIFICATES AND MEDALLIONS. A well-attended public meeting was held on Saturday evening in the Wimborne Hall, Dow- lais, for the purpose of distributing the certifi- cates and medallions of the St. John Arnbulanoe Association, awarded to the membej-s of the "First-aid" Classes, conducted during the last session by Dr. H. Lewrs-Hughes, Llwynwern, and of the Dowlais" Ambula-nce Brigade, formed in connection therewith, who were successful in the recent examination. The Mayor of Merthyr (Aid. A. Wileon), with whom was the Mayoress, occupied the chair, and he was supported by Dr Hughes, Mr. T. R. Nicholas (Lloyds Bank), Mr. D. J. Davies (Gellifaelog), and Mr Arthur Lucas (hon. secre- tary).—At the outsetj the Secretary read letters of apology regretting inability to attend from Mr. Howell Jones, Trewern, and Mr. J. Henry Jones, Graig House, the manager and deputy manager respectively of Messrs. Guest, Keen, and Nettlefolds' Collieries. The Mayor, in expressing the pleasure it gave the Mayoress and himself to visit Dowlaia that evening, declared their deep interest in ambul- ance work. He said the acquirement of "first- aid" knowledge was exceedingly valuable, inas- much as it enabled a person to render the necessary assistance in case of accident "until the doctor comes." As a miner himself, many instances had come under his notice, where the rendering of help to fellow-workmen in the manner indicated had proved the means of sav- ing life. On that account alone, such service should appeal forcibly to the large companies and all employers of labour, and receive their fullest appreciation and support (cheers). Mr. Lucas (hon. sec.), reporting upon the work of the classes and the brigade, mentioned the interesting fact that seventeen years had elapsed since Dr. Hughes started the classes, and during the intervening period a great num- ber of students had gained awards. Since the establishment of the Ambulance Brigade, the majority of the successful first year candidates had joined the ranks, whereby they kept up their knowledge, and by exercise and practise became more and more efficient. As a body of men, they were also at call in cases of disaster or serious accident, ready and willing to proceed immediately tc the spot and render every pos- sible help. Last year alone, 80 known ca^es had been treated—one member having attended to no fewer than 2whjlst the ambulance car had been used on 40 occasions (cheers). Among other instances, the speaker cited one in which Mr. W. Jeffries had applied his "first? aid" knowledge with excellent results. A patient suffering from a bleeding wound went to a surgery in the absence of both Dr. Hughes and his assistant, and the former declared that the man had been saved from certain death. As a small token of appreciation, the patient had purchased a silver medal* for Mr. (cheers). The brigade station was at the Dow- lais Police Station, and was fully equipped and in readiness to meet any emergency when the members were summoned to the post of duty (cheers). Altogether fifty awards in the various stages had been secured, and the distribution was kindly undertaken by the Mayoress, and as the recipients marched to the front they were cord- ially cheered. Appended Is the list:— First Year Certificates: Messrs. Thos. Bowen, James Collins, Daniel Davies, Morgan Davies. Isaao H. Davies. Chas. Henry Foster, David John James, Thomas Lewis, Richard Rees, William Thomas Rees, Thomas James Thomas, John Thomas Williams.—Second Year (vouch- ers): Messrs. John Collings, Richard R, Davies, Phillip Evans, Lewis Evans, Joseph Jonathan, Thomas R. Nicholas, William Pugh. George Stephens.—^Third Year Medallions: Messrs. E. W. Davies, Isaac H. Daries. Thomas pavie", W'i'liam Davies, Edwin C. Edwards, Silas M. Harris, William H. Harris, Albert Hunt, Thos. Johns, James Jones, Thomas Jones, William Morgan, Fred L. Newman, John Wooding, Wm. Jeffrie^.—Fourth Year (labels): Messrs. Thomas Jenkins, Samuel Jones. Ernest F. Hobbs, Ar- thur Lucas, WiHiaiji J. McMurray, Robert Hy. Parker, Ernest J. Sutton, Stephen Z. Watkins Edwin Withers. — Service Badges (given to members who have performed three years' effi cient service in the Ambulance Brigade): Messrs. Thomas Jenkins, Samuel Jone*, Wm. •T. McMurrav. Edward Morris, Stephen Z. Wat- kins, and Edwin Withers. DOWLAIS MAN'S BRAVERY. Another presentation of especial interest and merit followed, when the Mayor handed th- certificate of the Royal Humane Society to Mr Albert Victor Marriott; and tho Mayoress, amrd resounding applause, pinned to his breast the coveted bronze mo-da 1 of the Society for gallantry displayed in January last. As report ed in our columns at the time. Mr. Marriott. who is a baker, rushed from the heated pre mises of Mr. W. D. Thomas, grocer, x^nyweT,. where he was employed, and at the risk of his own life, plunged into the water and recovered a little boy named Willie Bowen, who ;d fallen into the Fish Pond, one of the Dowlas Ironworks' reservoirs, owing to the ico break ling. The Mayor referred in highly complimentary terms to Mr. Marriott's distinguished bravery, and further spoke of the good work the Royni Humane Society was doing in encouraging s-uch acts of gallantry. He also mentioned, ;n cci nection with the rescue effected bv Mr. Mar- riott, that although the child was brought oi t alive, it was unconscious, and succumbed in the course of three-quarters of an hour, notwith- standing tho efforts of Mrs. Isaac Davies, Pen- ywern, a member of the Ambulance Brigade, who endeavoured to restore animation by means of artificial respiration. During the evening, Mr. J. Collins rendered songs, and Master D. E. Jones gave recitations, and Mr. J. T. Jones, Dowlais Boys' School, presided at the pianoforte. A vote of thanks to the Mayor and Mayoress for attending wa-5 heartily accorded, on tho motion of Mr. T. R. Nicholas, seconded by Mr. D. J. Davies, who also tendered thanks on motion of Mr. T. R. Nicholas, seconded by Mr. D. J. Davies, who also tendered thanks on behalf of the Royal Humane Society; and like compliments having besn paid to the artistes and to Mr. Lucas (hon. secretary), the proceed- ings terminated with the singing of "Hen Wrlad fy Nhadau."

YEARS Of SKIN TORTURE- I Terrible Itching Humour Covered Leg from Knee to Ankle-Pronounced In- curable-No sound Sleep for Three Years—Cured by Cuticura. My leg from the knee to the ankle was entirely covered with a thick, scaly scab which used to itch awfully. When I would scratch it the water would run a.nd scald me for hours. I tried all sorts of so-called skin but all failed. I had attended different doctors and all told me my skin trouble was incurable. Then I saw about the Cuticura Remedies. I had little hopes at first as I had tried so many ointments and medicines before, but after three days' treatment, bathing with the Cuticura Soap, and gently rubbing the Cuticura Ointment on the affected parts, I could see a marked improvement, the itching stopped and I slept soundly, which I had not done in three years. But thanks to the Cuticura R-cni-dicss 1 am as well as ever aud theie is now a healthy skin on my ieg. Mr- Annie Call, Jiuubci;, Co. i'one^al, lie. Feb. 8,

DOWLAIS. J. JEREMIAH, Plumber, Gas Fitter, and House Decorator, 5, North-street. Dowlais. Lowest prices compatible with good workmanship and materials. A trial solicited. Also open to negotiate for the saJe or purchase of property privately. Note the address, 5, ^orth-street, Dowlais. GREAT'SHOW OF CLOTHING for Winter Wear at W. MORGAN DAVIES, 115. High-street, Dowlais. Youths', and Men's Suits in great variety. An inspection invited. Hats, Caps, etc.. in the newest shapes. PLEASE NOTE, our premises will be closed this day (Thursday) as on Friday nights, name- ly, 8 p.m. — R. T. JONES & Co., Market-square, Merthyr. OMISSION.—In the report of Caersalem Eis ¡ teddfod last week, the fact was inadvertently omitted that Miss Annie Rees, the rising Dow- lais soprano, rendered two solos during the evening, and1 was vociferously applauded for her sweet singing. PALM SUNDAY.—Favoured with fine weather, many thousands of visitors were attracted to Pant Cemetery on Sunday. The graves of the departed were decorated with a great profusion of flowers, costly wreaths, and other emblem- atic tokens, although, compared with previous years, there appeared to be a slight fading off in the observance of the time-honoured custom. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—At the recent examination held in connection with the Tonic Solfa College, London, the following pupils of Mr. W. J. Ed- munds, F.T.S.C., PenydarTen, were successful: —Matriculation (practical), Mr. D. W. Jones, Balaclava-road, Dowlais; second stage, har- mony, Mr. W. H. James, Brynsion-street, Dow- lais intermediate, Mr. Evan Roderick, Saxon- street, Merthyr. GWEENLLWYN PASTORATE.—The Rev. Edward Jones, for the past four years pastor of Gwern- llwyn Welsh Congregational Chapel, has receiv- ed an invitation to become the minister of an I important English church of the denomination in Rhyl. North Wales. The fact was communi- cated to the officers, and on Sunday evening the members met together, when a deputation was appointed to see Mr. Jones, requesting him not to leave the town. The rev. gentleman, we un- derstand, intimated that he would take time to consider ths matter, and promised to acquaint the church of his decision in the course of a fortnight. MISSION HALL.A large audience assembled on Monday evening to hear Mr. Moodie, the "Soldier Evangelist," deliver his lecture "From Southampton to Ladysmith." The chair was taken by Major Jenkins, Hafod. The experi- ences of the lecturer, who went through the Boer War, were theri givon, and places of I great interest—as Modder River, Spion Kop, Waggon Hill, Colenso, Ladysmith, and others —were illustrated by beautiful pictures, which were thrown on the screen. A vote of thanks 1 to the chairman, lecturer, and lanternists was proposed by Mr. J. P. George, seconded by Mr. Edwards, of Caeracca, and carried. SCALDING FATALITY.—On Tuesday week, Wm. Joseph, the two-year-oId_*=on of Arthur Taylor, a collier, living at No. 30, Blaen Dowlais, ran into the back kitchen of the house and fell head foremost into a bath, of hot water, which was being prepared by the mother for her husband, Tiie child was severely scalded about the face. hands, and arms, and on Friday evening GUC- cumbed to the effects. At the inquest, conduc- ted by Mr. R. J. Rhys (district coroner) at the I Clarence Hotel on Monday afternoon, the father stated that he was in the back-kitehen at the time of the accident, disrobing for his bath, and he had no possible chance of saving the child, who was strong and active for his age. A verdict of "Accidental Scalding" was return- ed. SUDDEN DEATO.—Several weeks ago a quarry- j man, named Richard Scull, aged 71 years and a widower, who lived with his married daugh- ter, Mrs. Alice James, No. 1, Lower-row, Pen- ywern, injured his hand, whilst at work, and thereby incapacitated. Scull had ako been un- well for some time, and was under the treat- ment of Dr. H. LewiaHughes. He was able to get about, and returning home from a short walk on Friday afternoon, complained to his daughter of suffering abdominal pains. Mean- ¡ while. Mrs. James prepared a. cup of tea, but on taking it to her father was shocked to find that he had died suddenly in his room. Inas- much as Dr. Hughes was able to certify as to the cause of death, there was no necessity to hold a coroner's inquiry. SOCIAL. — A successful social was held on Thursday evening, at the Dowlais Central Schools, under the auspices of the newly formed Dowlais Ladies' Choir, when about 400 young people attended. The buffet was in charge of the members of the choir, and the various games were excellently arranged by Messrs. Dan James, David Rees, Bert Evans, and T. I R. Davies, and Mr. Sims presided at the piano. Praise is due to the active president of the choir, Mrs. H. Lewis-Hughes, Llwynwern, and the enthusiastic members of the choir for the marked success of their first public function. The secretarial duties were carried out by Misses Edith Davies and Maggie A. Watts, r secretary and treasurer respectively The choir 1. has entered the lists at the Abergavenny Easter it Eisteddfod. Mr. W. Hughes is the conductor. 1 PREACHING SEE VICES.—At several local places of worship, special meetings were opened on Saturday evening, and continued over Sunday and Monday, large congregations assembling. Beulah English Baptist Chapel celebrated their anniversary, the Revs. W. Thomas (secretary of the Metropolitan Federation of Free Churches) and W. Rowland Jones, Tabernacle, Merthyr, officiating.—Tho pulpit at Bryn Seion Walsh Congregational Chapel was occupied by the Revs. H. T. Jacob, Peniel, Carmarthen, and D. Emrys James, Buckley, Flintshire (the late pastor), and their discourses, were greatly enjoyed.—The meetings at El m Welsh Bap- tist Church were characterised by much im- pressiveness throughout, and the efforts of the Rev. S. G. Bowen, Bryn, Cemaes (Pern.), and ¡ the Rev. Edward Jones (lorwerth Ddu), Maes- teg, found appreciative hearers. PRESENTATION.—A social tea. and presenta- tion to Rev. T. S. Davies, the newly inducted minister of Ivor English Congregational Church, on occasion of his marriage, took place on Thursday evening. All the arrangements were carried out by a committee composed of the following ladies: Mesda-mes Harry Wil- liams, J .G. Williams, James Jones, W Davies, E. Lewis, and Misses E. J. Williams, L. and M. Austin, Beatrice Williams, Mary Richards, Annie Mitchell, and Jane Powell, who also took charge of the tea-tables. The meeting was pre- sided over by the senior deacon, Mr. John Thomas, and addresses of congratulation were delivered b-" the officers, Messrs. J. Thoxnas (Gorman), W. Davies, J. Gittoes, J. G. Rees, and Evan Jones, and Messrs. John Evans and R. Luscombe. The presentation of a purse of gold to the pastor was made by Mrs. W. T. Williaijis, Bronheulog. Mr. Davies suitably re- sponded, and thanked them on behalf of his wife and himself for their very great kindness and for the very warm welcome they had given both his wife and his mother. OBITUARY.—The numerous friends and &c- quaintances of Miss Hannah Mary Powell (daughter of Mr. and Mrs. D. Powell, Mary- street) were shocked at the news of her death on Sunday afternoon. The deceased had only lately commenced teachin at the Gellifaelog School. After a fortnight at that school, ehe was taken suddenly ill one evening, about six weeks ago. Her ailment came on so unexpeo: tedly that though her medical attendant. Dr. S. C. Cresswell, J.P., and her relatives and friends did their utmost, little availed to battle with the dread complaint. Eventually she was removed to the Merthyr Geperal Hospital, wall the visw of obtaining such treatment M can only be received at institutions of that charac- ter. But all that medical science and skilled nursing could do failed to relieve the patient. On Saturday night she was removed to her home by a small section of the Dowlais Ambul- anoe Brigade. Miss Powell will be sadly massed in Hermon Church, Sunday School, and Choir. She was regular in attendance, and conducted herself with the admirable propriety suitable to her age and sex. Of a meek and unostentatious disposition, she endeared herself to all acquaint- ed with her.

Dowlais Chamber of Trade. THE SECONDARY SCHOOL QUESTION. THE OPERATION OF THE SHOP HOURS ACT. The monthly meeting of the Dowlais Cham- ber of Trade was held on Tuesday evening in the Oddfellows' Hall basement. Mr. John Eva-ns (president) occupied the chair, and was sup- ported by Coun. R. P. Rees, Messrs. D. H. Ed- wards, J. G. Rees, W. Morgan Davies, D. R. Morgan, Arfon Jones, Rhys Morris, J. D. Jones, J. Greener, J. R. Rowlands, David Rees, T. Stephen Evans, Arthur Evans, D. Jones (builder), and Maroellus Cartwright (hon- secretary). With regard to the decision arrived at to raise a petition of the workmen, tradesmen, and the inhabitants generally in favour of pro- viding a secondary school for the Dowlais and Penydarren district, rather than establish one school for the whole of the borough at Cyfarthfa Castle, entailing a vast expenditure of money, the secretary stated that nothing had been done in that particular direction owing to the great amount of time and labour such a proceeding involved. Mr. W. M. Davies, who first raised the subject, said that ho now supported the Rector's motion to endeavour to procure the rtest site possible for a school to servo the area described. It was not. on account of any ul- terior object-, as ho ha.d been wrongly charged that at the outset lie advocated the adaptation of the present Gellifaelog Schools to meet the purposes of a secondary school. He was prompt- ed solely by the idea of rate-saving and he felt the matter so keenly that he was disposed to drop the affair altogether. Messrs. J. G. Rees, D. H. Edwards, and R. Morris sympathised with Mr. Davies, whose motives, they folt sure, were quite sincere and disinterested, other than considerations of what was best for the place. A convenient site for the Dowlais and Penydarren Secondary School was in the immediate locality found the greatest favour among the townspeople. A proposition by Mr. Morris that the Chamber proceed to submit by deputation to the Merthyr Educa- tion Authority their opinion in respect to the proposed secondary school was carried unan- imously. A numerous deputation was named to act, and it was agreed to seek the co-operation of the local district of the Miners' Federation the Iron and Steel Workers' Lodge, aud other bodies in the town. RAILWAY MATTERb. I Ssvcrcl railway ma t: ::s ware re nor ted upon. It was otd that Mr. Uariot, Abergavoour

in So DAVIES & CO.'S COLUMN. Easter & Spring Show THIS WEEK AT u J. S. D A.VIES & Co., IS8, 172, 173, 176, High Street, Dowlais. 0 UR displays of the last few weeks have been the subject of conversation between every two ladies that met. We venture to say This Week's Show will again be the topic, as we are making a Remarkably Effective DISPLAY of PARLY SPRING GOODS. & pecial Show OF LADIES' COSTUMES For Easter. All Garments beautifully Out and Tailored. Ladies' Millinery FASHION'S LATEST VERSIONS. A Choice Selection of the Latest Models of Smart and Up-to-date Millinery, HATS, TOQUES & BONNETS. Representing the Choicest Products from leading Parisian anci London Houses. Copies and adaptations of real Parisian Models at moderate prices. Profuse variety of FLOWERS, FEATHERS, TIPS & ORNAMENTS. Ladies' own ideas carried out in best styl6. CHILDR19WS MILLINERY A SPECIALITY All Millinery TRIMMED FREE OF CHARGE by Expert Milliners of wide London Experience. The DRESS DEPARTMENT Is replete with all the NEWEST FABRICS. Our CLOTHING DEPARTMENT At No. 118 has been entirely RE-STOCKED since our very successful Sale. If it's new, we have it; if we have it, it's new. J. S. DAVIES & Co., oiaer 1 sari, su 5fY' Tram Terminus is opposite the Door > "All Trams bring Customers to DAVIES'B."

I JAMES. 15, North Street, Dowlais I SEWING MACHINES To suit every pocket. New Locksbich Machines, 42s. Beft V.S. Machines, with polished cover, 65s., with all the latest improvements. You may pay double the price, but jamiot get a bettet machine. REPAIRS ALL MAKES; don't be persuaded that your old machine is worked out, bring it along to JAMES, who will make it work as new, having over 20 years' practical experience at your disposal. OILS, NEEDLES, and parts stocked for an iinds of Sewing Machines. JAMES; 15, North Street, Dowlais. -+

Caldicot Tinplate Works. A LOCAL PURCHASE. At the Westgate Hotel, Newport, on wea. nesday week, Mr. D. T. Alexander sold by auoq tion the Caldicott-on-Severn Tinplate Works, freehold, including OuT tinplate mills, five seta of oold rolls, and grinding and mixing plant tot paint manufacture, together with 25 freehold cottages, to Mr. Isaac Edwards (of the firm of Messrs. Edwards Bros., auctioneers, DowlaiaL for £ 1,700. The works have been idle for sev- eraj years, and the cottages bring in 298 Is. per annum. Mr. Edwards was asked by our repra. sentative whether it was proposed to reetazt the works. "Yes," was his reply. "I am buy- ing for a number of clients. I don't know when they propose restarting the works. I suppose it will be as soon as they can." Messrs. Coi- borne, Coulm&n, and Lawreaoe, Newport, tottd aI5 solicitors.

Miners' Election Agents. The arrangements for the election of vogfe tration agents for the various groups of the South WaJe-s Miners' Federation are now com- plefced. The ballot is being taken this week at the various lodges in Group B, which inciudea East Glamorgan, Merthyr Tydfil, and the Rbon. dda Valley constituencies. The following are the candidates who are going to the poll:—Thomas Andrews, Taff and going to the poll:—Thomas Andrews, Taff and Cynon district; John Evans; Twynyrodyn, Mer- thyr, Merthyr district; Illtyd Hopkins, Aber. aman. Aberdare district; Thomas Jenkins, Dow lais, Dowlais district; Isaac Mardy Jones, Mar* dy, Rhondda No. 1; Dav-id W. Thomas, Aber. tridwr. East Glamorgan; David Thomas, Ar", fryn, Trehafod, Pontypridd, and Rhondda NQ. 2 district

SORES ON THE CHEST, NECK, AND HEAD. PERMANENT QURE AFTER Ø2 YEARS' SUFFii:feING, "Dear Sirs.—I am glad to intorm you of < remarkable cure (after twelve years' suffering) of sores on the chest and in the back of nock and head. I can firmly say they are Quite cured by using your wonderful Clarke's Blood Mixture, js uow over tyyo years since tliey went away. Doctors said they would ne\er get any better. I am writing this testi- monial ior mv father, who was the suU>rer.—. iourd truly (signed), VV. GLITHERO, Weldon, ivOvtering, Northampton. s.JhiNv/ml!HC^S.ON c:.ar*e'8 B!ood Mixture cffecti rinl u-h'. h n' CUT: ls,b.cta"^ it is the only ir.edi- "erV i thoroughly drives out all impurities from xnd SHn" „ Rfrl?,n,f1*<"• <I'C Wood is the Lite." L £ Wood l>iseai-:i;s such as Eciama, s?urwV. Bad Lea*, Absceesoft, aM Ji-W £ Soros, arid Eruptions sJ.ni y*' Blood Poison, Glandular Gout, Ac. cau I*™*n«>Uy cured hy purifying the blood, i Mixture hat. stood the test for 40 ar|d the proprietors with eonfidfvice solicit sunorers to sive it a trial to test its value H THE WORLD-TAMED REMEDY FOR ALL § jf SKIN AND BLOOD "DISEASES, a 2/9 per bottle, and in cases contaiuMig s;> Inci the quantity 11; Of all Chemists and Sior- Re. fuse Substitutes), or post free oa receait nico direr; f,W the proprielors, The Lincoln and Midland Counties Drug Co., tincoin.

(repreSenting Mr. J. A. Findlay, district super- intendent, L. & N.W. Railway) had, in conjunc- tion with Mr. Bayliss (stationmaster) met Mr. H. J. Sims and secretary regarding an easier means of access to High-street Station from Caeharris, and after visiting the spot and tak- ing note of Mr. Sims's suggestions, promised to pla. them before Mr. Findlay. A letter from Mr. H. R. Price, Newport (general man- ager, B. & M. Railway), stating that he had requested the National Telephone Company to place their Dowlais goods' station on the tele- phone, was heard with applause, and the thanks of the Chamber were voted unanimously to Mr. Price. The L. & N.W, Railway Company alone have yet to meet the convenience of the traders in making a similar connection, and it was felt that now they must yield to the re presentations of the CTiamber, and fall into line with their more enterprising rivals. The Taff-Rhymney fusion, which had received con- siderable attention during the past month, was dealt with by the President, who detailed the proceedings of the special conference of the Federated Chambers of Trade at Merthyr. A mass of correspondence was read by Mr. How- field, Merthyr, and Coun. Isaac Edwards (the Federation hon. secretary), and he was greatly impressed with the manner in which the con- ference had taken up the subject, and he was pleased to find that the interests of Dowlais had not been neglected. With Mr. J. G. Rees, who was present as vice-president of the Fed- eration, he represented the Chamber on the deputation that waited upon Mr. Beasely, at Cardiff, on Thursday and he could assure them that the case for Merthyr, Dowlais and district was admirably championed by Mr. W. R. Ed- munds and Coun. Isaac Edwards, the Federa- tion President and Hon. Secretary respectively. The thanks of the Chamber to Mr. John Evans (president) and Mr. J. G. Rees for their services were heartily accorded on the proposi- tion of Mr. R. Morris, seconded by Mr. D. H. Edwards, and duly acknowledged. THE FEDERATION. An intimation was read from Mr. Isaac Xd- wards that the summer session of the Federa- tion of Chambers of Trade is to be held at Penarth, on Wednesday, the 12th prox., and desired to know as to whether the Chamber had any matter to place on the agenda. Mr. D. H. Edwards reminded the meeting that in the ordinary course of events Mr. J. G. Rees would be raised to the presidency of the Fed- eration in October next and that it had prac- tically been decided to invite the annual con- ference to Dowlais on that occasion. He sug- gested that the matter should be dealt with at the next meeting, and this was agreed to. The treasurer (Mr. R. Morris) was authorised to remit the Federation subscription for this year. The indisposition of Mr. D. A. Thomas, the senior member for the borough, and of Coun. A. W. Houlson was alluded to by the President, upon whose proposition it was resolved to ex- tend the sympathy of the Chamber, and express a hope for the speedy restoration to health of both gentlemen. The sad loss sustained by Mr. Arfon Jones in the death of his mother was referred to by Mr. J. G. Rees. The circumstances were ex- ceedingly distressing as she passed away and was laid to rest while Mr. Jones was in Lon- don last week. It was not until his return to Dowlais he became acquainted with her demise, as he had not left his address, and, therefore, no communication could reach him. The mem- bers manifested their condolence by rising to their f-et in silence. Messrs. S. T. Evans and A. Ashton, managers of Messrs. W. Harris and Sons "Tea Caddy," High-street and Ivor Shop, Broad-street, re- spectively, were proposed and elected members of the Chamber. iSHOP HOURS. A deputation representing the Merthyr and Dowlais fehop Assistants' Union, who sought an expression of opinion from the Chamber in the matter of appealing to the Borough Cor- poration to put into operation the Shop Hours Act, 1904, was welcomed by the President, and given an attentive hearing. The speakers stat- ed that thev had fjlt for some time the great need of observing uniform hours in the closing of business premises, and if the Chamber pass- ed a resolution in favour of putting the Act referred to into force, they could then call upon the individual members with a certain amount of assurance the they would be able to prepare and submit a prima facie case to the Corporation. Each business must be dealt with separately, and in order that it should become operative in any particular trade, at least two- thirds must determine to conform with the ar. rangement. The hours which they proposed should be observed were 8 a-m. to 7 p.m. on three days per week, and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.. and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on one day each per week. Several questions were ask- ai replied to, a point emphasised bein<? that hawkers, auctioneers, and others who vis- ited the borough were prohibited from selling their wares aîter the regular places of business had been closed if the particular trade which they plied was regulated by the operation of the ohop Hours Act. After the retirement of the deputation a resolution, moved bv Mr. J. G. Rees. seconded by Mr. Rhys Morris, who stat- ed that the ironmongers and furnishers had already dcc-idcci uoon lis aoption was passed in favour of the Shop Ileus Act being: put mto operatjioa 41 the boiough. t