The Merthyr Express

PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT. "1 BEDWELLTY PARK, TREDEGAR. I MONDAY, 5th JULY, 1909. Nf nstre FETE & GALA AND MARATHON RACE. TRKMEN DOUS ATTRACTIONS. fiiyantiG FIREWQRK DISPLAY by Massrs. Brock, of London. .T ■f V?"A.NTfil).0ili6i6lKi for Refreshment Teats-and St<ill-< of every description. -,a -ad Apply for Spaces to—A. P. J. GOUGH, Bedweilfcy House, Tredegar. flEETHYE BHlposting CO. LIM (TrsD, Williams' Square, Glebeland Street, 0 yon want your Bills properly posted come to us, we keep experienced workmen. We have the GREATEST NUMBER of Hoardings the LARGEST Hoardings, and the BEST Hoardings in the District It Boardings In Side Stmts. NAT. TELEPHONE 223. y- TAFP VALE Biliposting Co The Borough Billposters, 18 the Largest in the Diatriot, and are Pro prietora of over 100 STATIONS Built on the Latest Modern erinciple, and occupying the Most Important Positions, including all the Railway Stations and Electric Tram Bootes in Merthyr Tydfil, Dowlais, Caebarris, Cefn, Pentrebacb, Abercanaid, Troedyrhiw, Merthyr Vale, Aberfan. Also at Brecon, Talyllyn, and District. tIl Orders receive Prompt and Personal Attention. Experienced and Efficient Staff. handbills Diatrihnted by Reliable Men. Sandwich Boards, &c., Supplied. Kindly Note Address :— 14, Glebeland Street, FxNEST GLASTONBURY Sparkling Cider. Per dozen reputed Pints 4/- „ „ Imperial Half-pints 2/6 SPECIALLY RECOMMENDED. W. DAVIS, Church Street, Ebbw Vale. Miss Jennie Jones, L.R.I.M., SOPRANO. Double Bronze and Double Silver Medaliat of the Royal Academy of Music, For ORATORIOS, CONCERTS, AT HOMES, etc. Sivgs LESSONS IN VOICE PRODUCTION, SINGING. PIANOFORTE PLAYING, AND THEORY OF MUSIC. t For Terms, etc., apply- Ty Llwyd, Brynmawr.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE] CONTINUED Y.M.C.A.—A very successful social was held in the Drill Hall, on Thursday last. Interest in the event bad been aroused largely through tfee splendid service rendered by the large ladies) committee, who had entered enthusiasti- cally inte the work of preparation. Short concerts, games, physical culture displays, Indian club and parallel bar exercises were given by way of amusements. Refreshments for the inner man were provided, these having been supplied by nearly one hundred ladies and gentlemen. During the evening Dr. C. Biddle (president) and Mr. W Walters spoke of the need 01 the young men throwing their energy into the work in hand, and both earnestly appealed to those preaent tQ assist the secretary In gathering in the amounts promised. At the eloee a warm N -e of thanks, proposed by the secretary and seconded by Mr. T. E. Jones, to ajU who had assisted in any way to promote the success of the social was carried with hearty Reclamation. The committee desire to esprees their great appreciation of the services rendered both by the ladies' committee and titose who gave provisions or lent materials for decorative purposes.

-+- Romantic Wedding at Merthyr. MILKMAID AND MILKMAN. On Wednesday morning a somewhat unique and romantic wedding took place jit _Ynysg.au Chiosi, Merthyr. The bride and bridegroom were milk vendors, employed on !ocaJ farms Tii-v vvare on their usual rounds selling milk, and, by arrangement, stepped in front, of the Chapel, left their horves and cart3 in the street, and in their ordinary everyday attire went into the chapel, and were mads man and wife. The bridesmaid and best man were also milk ven- dors, and they also v. ore their every day clothes. Peopie living in tho vicinity, however, did not 1] fail to observe the romantic situation, and a larno crowd collected outside the chapel, and ga': the happy pair hearty cheers, accompani- ed uy showers of rice, as they left the edlfice. The bride got into her cart, and the bride- gro into his cart, and both drove away in difV.M ent directions to complete their morning calls. -♦ calls. n

Theatre Royal, Merthyr. Mr. Herbert Sleath's splendid company has this week been presenting that phenomenally sue ,rul play, "A White Man," which has re- cen created such an impression. The recep- tion here has been immense, the programme be; n voci erouslj applauded throughout. F..i next week, "Women and Wine" is an- no mid. This is a most stirring draria by Me srs. Arthur Shirley and Ben Landeck, and will be played by a company under the direction of Mi^s Mary Austin and Mr. E. Vivian Edmonds, effect from the Princess's Theatre. London. On Sunday night, April 11th, at S o'clock, a gra^d benefit conceit will bo given in aid of the Ierthyr Distress Fund, under the patic-nage of his Worship ths Mayor. Prof. Dan Price, the eminent baritone, and other celebrated ar- tistes will appear, and the orchestra will be augmented oj' 25 performers. We trust the ef- forts of the manager, Mr. Jackson Withers, "or this worthy object will meet with the M !boy so thoroughly deserve.

4-/ W, giu The k'ook's Best I f BORWIGSC'S J

} MERTHYR TOWJ COUNCIL. THE NEW BOROUGH RATE. COUNCILLORS IN A "FOG." A special meeting of the Merthyr Corporation was held on Tuesday afternoon for the purpose of receiving the reports of the various commit- tees dealing with che estimates of revenue and expenditure for the ensuing year, and to mak? tho rates. The Mayor (Aid. Wihon) oresided The reports were fully explained in our last issue. Coun. W. Lewis (Treharris) said he had been reproached for receiving !he estimate of the Education Committee because it did not set out in detail how the money was to spent. H" vr.shed to point out that he was not the chair- man cf the Education Committee o~ the School Management Committee, but he occupied t>- chair whan the estimate was considered, beca- the chairman was not present. — Aid. Enoc Morrell said that it was well known that the bulk of the £ 25.000 called for by the Education Authority was for salaries, and provision was made for automatic increases. He would, he said, like to see Coun. Lewis taks a greater in- terest- ;n educational work in the Borough, as well as finance.-Coun- Isaac Edwards said the full details of the estimate for education were not given. The Borough Controller was to be complimented upon the form in "hlch all the other details were presented, but the fducation accounts left them in the dark.-Ald. Morrell said that the whole of the accounts had b?en gone through by the Controller.—Coun. Wm. Lewis moved that in future all the details of the education estimate be given. Coun. F. S. Simons said he quite agreed with Ald. Morrell, but as the resolution was not a reflection upon anyone, he seconded it. For the last four esti- mates, the same question had been raised. and on two occasions he had moved that the ac. counts should be presented in detail.—The re- solution was carried. Aid. J. M. Berry asked what the cost would be for elementary and secondary education.— ) The Borough Controller said that about L94,600 I would be for elementary, and about £ 1,000 for secondary education. The rate for elementaiy education was Is. lid.—Coun. W Lewis: If it I is above Is. 6d., we are a necessitous district.— The Controller: Y"s. and you get the aid. A discussion took place as to how the rate was made up. and all admitted thev were "in a I fog."—The Controller said that the estimates which the respective comrrdtees had had before them gave 11 the mone-y to be ppent under var- ious heads (these were given in detail in our last issue).—Coun. Dan Thomas said that the Guardians' precept included charge* lor the maintenance of pauper lunatics. and it also an- pTd in the Coroorat.ion estimate.—Coun. F. S. Simons said it looked as if they were going to levy a rate for the maintenance of pauper lunatics twico over, and he would not vote for the making of the rate until the matter had bsen cleared up.—Mr. Gilbert Evans. a?s;stant overseer, said he was informed 'hat the charge was not included in the Board cf Guardians' preoapt.—Coun. F S. S:mons: How is the poor rate ma-Ie up? Mr. Evans: I cannot say (laughter). We only get the nrocept from th<- i Gua rdians.=Coun, Simons: In is absurd to deal with the finances of this Borough in this way. We have passed precept upon orec-int. and no- body can give us information. We do not know what the money includes, and it looks as ¡ though we pay rnoncv twice over. At the last meeting of the Mertlivr Board of Guardians, the Clerk said the rate would be twopence leis. but it looks like being a pe'">nv more.— Coun. Dan Thoma.s sa,d the c;111 of the Guard- ians for th half-year was £ 30 034, as compn-cd with 28.347 in the lazt lipif-veor. The Assistant Overseer oaid the Deputy Clerk to the Guardian? had told him that morning that the amounts for the maintenance of pauper luna tics, and aha tho cost of union offices were not included in the ^uard:ans' estimate. The General Purnoses Committee recommen- ded that the Council levy two halx-yearly gen- eral dict,.ict rates. amountinfr together to 3s. 5d in the Ð for -an;tpi-y pnl liqbtinrr purposes, and to cover the doficiencv on water revenue „ac I count; also that a precept be levied upon the Ovo-s-ers equivalent to a rste of 3s. J d in the P, for the year to include the cost ole-i^nt- ary. secondary and intorTriprliq.te educa- tion. police purooses, and al! other purposes c,.n the Poro,,rb a sum of £1.250 to cover the estimated defie'enev on cemeteries revenue I1CC0'H1t and a lr.iblic lib- rary rate of Id. in the £ .—Tbn was agreed to with but one exception, the 5? .850, the esti- mated detfi^iency on cemetejics. being reduced by one half. It VIA-, agreed to apply for sanction to borrow E12,91,10 for the erection of 63 houses at Peny- wem. The ^fa.yor mentioned that Coun. A. W. I Hc'eon. th» chnirmfin of the Finance Com- I mittee, wAr, seriously indisposed, .}.id, he wa.s sure would be regretted by the Council. He moved that a rote of sympathy be passed and sent to Council!or Hou'son, with the hope that he would have a soeedy recovery to go^d lieulth.-Al, D. W. Jones seconded, and the I resolution vias carried. ¡ A letter was read from Messrs. Candy's ¡ soVcitons askinrr for pavment of balance of aecoani for iho Cftndv filters. In replv to Coun. Lloyd as to whether the fitters were workinr "llt;o.f"t(\1v the Surwvov faid he I was perfectly satisJi-»d. and assured the Connei1 that- had saved tho raiaoayers 515 000 by their "nsta'Mion.—Dr. Duncan: T am also I satisfied. They do cxceM-^nt worl*. A'd. D. W. Jon-'s mentioned that at the rre- sentatron to Cr-lonel. Lew:s the previous Fri- day. the Colonel ore~<ritpd hi: n'ibh bust the of 1\1. :zcpn)bp Tol)n. TP. A., to Cor- uoration. «nd he 'Aid. Jcnes) informal'v- accen- ted it.—The Mayor moved that the Counoi! ) thank the Co'o.e' for fr^nerous "ift. He thought a good pos't-on for it -wou'd b" tn" Council Cha^her — Aid. K. Morrell in second int thp resp't on, said he .cor«-dered Colonel Lewis an ideal man.—The resolution was carried. CoMTorNO' YADtaMd. Sencsra, Squill. T-olu, etc.), for Oouahs. Of Chemists only.

¡ Merthyr Cwmreigyddion. Tho last general meeting for the present session was held last Friday, when a paper was read by Mr. Pochard G. Price, Dowlais, on The Welsh cfei racter in English literature." Mr. I price said that the Welshmen's character generally in English literature reflected more or less the relationship—cordial or otherwise—as it existed between the two nations at any particular period, prior to the incorporation of Wales both nations were at constant warfare. so that onewas not surprised to find the Welsh described in the English literature of that early period as a cruel, fierce artel bloodthirsty nation. During the Tudor period the Welsh were ex- tremely popular, and the Welshman need not be ah ined to refer to Thomas Churchyard, Michael Drayton,Shakespeare and Ben Johnson for a high tribute to his nation. Mr. Price gave quotations from these authors, and analysed .the various representative characters in support of this sta-ement. During the civil war, in the reign of Charles I., in con- sequence of the Welsh for the most part being Royalists, they became naturally very unpopu- lar with the Roundheads. Practically the whole of the press at that time was in the bands of Cromwell and his followers, so the country was flooded with pamphlets and tracts tilled with the imost scurrilous references to the Welsh allies of the king. References were then made by Mr. Price to the Welsh characters found in Smollet's Humphrey Clinker and Roder- ick Random," Scott's Betrothed," Dicken's "Bleak House," Borrow's WTild jWales," Carlvle's Life of John Sterling," and tho Letters of Walter Savage Landor." Mr. Price dealt severely with the latter, maintaining that the well-known irascibility of his temper and his tyrannical spirit made him a most unsuitable and unfair critic of the character of the Welsh nation. In conclusion, Mr. Price maintained that it was impossible to fairlv estimate a nation's character without living amongst them ",nd mastering that by which a nation expressed itself, viz., its language and literature.—Mr. Harry Thomas moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Price. This was secondsd by Mr. S. R. Williams and carried. The following took part in t,he discussion :—Cynog, the Chairman, the Rev D. Eurof Walters, j Mr. J. Beynou, Mr. David Morgans, Alaw Tydtll, who also read an englyn, and Mr. Kemp.

"He either fears his fate too mucn, Or his doserts are small, That dares not put it to the touch, To gain or Lose it all.'J "The band of commerce was dosign'd T' associate all tho branches, of mankind, And if a boundless plenty be the robs, Trade is the golden girdle of the globe." I ~-C«wper.

Merthyr Board of Guardians. REGISTRAR FOR MERTHYR UPPER SUB DISTRICT. ARCHITECT FOR COTTAGE HOMES. PROPOSED RESIDENT MEDICAL OFFICER FOR THE WORKHOUSE. Tho Rev. J. Ilathren Davios presided at th; fortnirhtly meeting of tha Board on Saturday. The Cottage. Homes Committee reported having received the following application-- for the post of architect for the work of pre- paring plans, etc. resting to th-3 proposed erection of Cottage Kernes:—0. P Bevan, "Ex press" Chambers, Merthyr, rate of commi sion -lans, etc., per csnt., quantities, l per cerit.,A. S. CanvMTcn, 1. Glannant-stieet, Abor*- dare, 6 per cent inclusive; A V Churchin, AbT£k\r(>i 6 perc",nt" inclusive; G. P. Davies, plans, -etc., l-j "per per cent E. G H&nt-on, 22, Cardiff-street. Aberdare, 32 per cent m. clusive, P M Howard, Station road. Nelson, 5i per cent Inclusive, Morgan and Elford, 5.1, Canon-street, Aberclare. 5 per ceni, inclusive; Paiitt and King, Bristol. 5 per cent inclusive; T Edmund Rsss, Gernaat, Merthyr, 3 per cent. inclusive, W Beddoo Fte-js. 3, Dumfries-place. Cardiff, plans, etc., 2j- per cent., quantities, 1 per cent. Thomas Roderick, A^hbrook House. Aberdare, 5 per cent inclusive: J. LI. Smith 7, Victoria-square, Aberclar?, 6!- per cent, in- clusive, G. A. Treharne, Station-street, Aber- dare. 6 p-cr csnt. inclusive.—The Committee re- commended that, the names o? Messrs. A. S. Cameron. E. G. I-Tenton. and Thomas Roderick bo submitted to the Board for the final selec- tion.—Mr. J Prowls moved that the voting be open, and thai, the names of those voting b? recorded. At election times they fhouted that they were to be elected to protect th09 rat spay- interests.—Sx-Ald. D. Evans: You do a lot of that.—Mr. Let the ratepayers know I who are studying their interests.—Things fell flat for a moment or two. and Mr. Prowle rc. marked How am I to be treated 1—Rev. J. O'ReHly Turned out (laughter).—Mr. Prowle: Those are Irish tacr.cs.—Upon a division._ it was agreed by 21 votes to 20 that the voting was agreed by 21 votes to 20 that the voting be open, and the result wa. as follows: Roder- ick 25: Kenton, 22; Cameron, 0. Ths fo'iowing applications were received for the position of racri-trar of births and deaths for the Merthyr Upper rendered vacant by the death of Mr. D. T. Morgan:— Fdward Berry man (ZO). clerk to Surveyor of Tax-ss, Market-square Chambers, Merthyr; J. Garfield Beynon (23), clerk in County Court Office, 3, Brunswick-street. Metfchyr; George Dart (42), Workhouse porter, Union Workhou-e: Edwin Davies (45h Workhouse Master's clerk Dane-terrace. Merthyr, C. H. Neweil Evans (38), solicitor's clerk, J. Ttronheu'o"-terrace. Penyda.rren. Merthyr; J. T. E-uw., (39), grocer's c!?rk, 5, Woodland-torrrce, Troedyrhiw, W H. Harries, as-tant overseer. Parochial OffiCES TToncroed. Edward J. Hughes (33), registrar of births and deaths. 18, New Castle-street, Mer- thyr Samuel J. Jones (42), a*-sistant over$e-ar, g, Tudor-street, Merthyr, Sand^ord Jones (45) collector of t..¡¡,xs, Gw»sIodvsrarth, Merthyr; W. D. -Tores (24), clerk Bailirrlas Inn, Mer- thyr; William Lewi" (36), auctioneer's clerk. Brynt.irion, N-e.'sjn; Frank Midd,oton (33), Ab- thorpe, Towce-te>: John L. Morris (34), assist- ant to Clerk to Guardians 5. Newton-terrace. Merthyr: Trevor R. Nash (26), commercial tra- veler, Fernwocd. Merthyr; Thomas PoweM t35). depute superintendent re.gi.trar, 2. Wcl linr:tcn-?treet. Merthyr; Arthur Reynold5 (50). pay clerk. 36, Union-terrace, Morthvr. Lbw. ellyn Richards (49) warrant officer. Norman- ten-ace. Merthyr; Frederick (39l. railway ^tationmast.or. Beaufort n: Beaufort: Phillip T. Staubury comn-dioion agent, 15 West View-terra.ee, Ebbw Clerk said he had received a letter from the Registrar-Gen- enl ask;»ig the Board, now that the represent ations of the Guard'ans to have the position divided had been dealt with, to fill the vacancy. —It was agreed to reduc* the list to three. Voting was by papar, and the resul* xvas:— Llewellyn Richards, 31; J. L Morris. 25. T. Powell 23: Siford. 10; Bevnon._ Jones, 6: Samuel Jones. 5, Edwin Dav:?s. 4: William T.ewis. 4; F. Berrvimn, 3; T. R. NaJ1 and A. Reynolds, 2 each; W. D..Tone? and N-awell E.¡n:5. one vote each. — Mr. Prowle moved that Mr. Ll. Richards be appointed, but it was agreed to vote on paper —The was: Richards, 15; Morris. 10.— The fir..al votinrr (by ballot) resulted a-s follow;: Powell. 25; Richards, 23. Mr. Powell was therefore, declared appo-'nted. The Cha-rman moved '"That the resolution of Hli., Board to appoint a resident assistant medical officer for the Workhcuse be Tescindecl, and t;J&t a whoie-tim-e medical officer be appointed." -2.rr. T. E. Morgan seconded.—Rev. J. O'Reilly thought such an would cost a great deal of money, with no corresponding advantages. The position would cost about £400 a year, and what were they going to get for it?—Mr. Ed. Edwards thought the appointment would bo an expensive one, inasmuch as the med cal officer, if appointed, would deal only with cases in the Workhouse a.nd not in the whole Union. —Mr. Lewis (Gellygaer) supported the Rev. J. O'Reilly, on tho ground that it was probable that the administration of workhouses would be changed.—Mr. Tdria Davie, support-id the motion.—Mr. David Hughes said he sincerely hoped the Board would no' change the present system without knowing whether Boards ot Guardians were to b3 abolished.—Mr. W Hdey said it was Dr. Ward's request that a resident medical officer should bo appointed. Th? poor would be better off if tbey had a medical man resident in the house.—Mr. H Jones said the matter had been und-er consideration for years. Ho did not tirnk the expense would be as large as wa* estimated.-—The Chairman said h s mo- I tion did not intend to dispose of the services of Dr. Ward.—Mr. T. E. Morgan ea d he seconded j the Chairman because he thought it was Dr. Ward's recommendation, but after what the Rev. J. O'Reilly said, he would withdraw.— Mr. .D. Davies (Pant) thereupon seconded the mo- tion.—After further discussion, Mr. J. Prowle moved that the matter be referred to the House Management Committee.—Mr. Greatorex urged that if there had been no neg'ect a change of tho present system was .not nece-sary. — The Clerk advised ths Board to refer the question to committee, in order t.hj.t, all the details mig-ht be gone ifeto, and this was unanimously agreed to. Two letters received from the Local Govern- ment Board with re'erenoe to the proposal of the Guardians to extend the Workhouse build- ings. and also to add two wards to the Work- hou'e Infirmary were referred to tho House Management Committee. Mr. Dd. Evans (Merthyr) again objected to the mode adopted by the Town Council, a.nd a.!so tho Council at Gellye-aer, in appointing overseers, contending- that the maximum num- ber was four.—The Clerk said that as far as he 1 knew the appointments were now in order.— Mr. Evans: I move that do not recognise the overseers appointed by tha Merthyr Cor- oorat-'on.—The proposition was not seconded. and the matter dropport. The Clerk sa'd the Board required to make a call upon the overseers for £ 41,OCO, divided as follows :—Aberdare. £ 12-C03. as compared with in the last bal-year. G-ivgaer £ 35,642; Merthyr. :£10.480 (lass than la-st half vear, explained the Clerk, by reason of Merthyr being a county borough) P»nderyn, Rhicros, £656: Vaynor, £1 036 The in tho last half year was £40.000 end in the cor- responding period last year, -+-

Merthyr Siaucjliterhouses. SHOULD THE CORPORATION BUILD AN ABATTOIR? On Monday night a well-attended meeting was held at ihe Bush Hotel, Merthyr, in con- nection with the Merthyr Master Butchers' Association. Mr. Morgan Morgan, president, presided, and was supported by Mr. H. C. Da- vies, High-street, the secretary of the Associa- tion Mr. W Payne, of London, secretary of tho National Federation of Meat Traders' sociations; Mr. B. F Thomas, Tcnvpandy; Mr. I George King, secretary of the Cardiff Butchers' Association, and Mr. Griffiths, Pontypridd. I Mr. Payne delivered a very interesting ad- dress. Dealing with pubiic and private slaughter houses, he said that the general ex- I' perience throughout the country, wherever pub- lic slaughter nouses existed, wa.s that they were practically white elephants involving the ratepayers In a considerable financial outlay, for which there was no adequate return (hear, hear). The National Federation of Meat Tra- ders maintained that a master butcher was as much entitled to his private slaughter hous" as any other trader was to his workshop. In a private slaughter house a butcher could main- tain a constant supervision over his live stock from start to finish, and could secure the mini- mum handling of the meat. Moreover he could present his commodity to the public in the I best possible condition. The inconvenience, the increased expenditure, and the risks en- tailed had resulted in the firm determination of master butchers to go into the dead market rather than use public abattoirs. This meant a loss to the farmer, as every private slaughter- house closed took away one or more customers, and the foreign importer gained corresponding- ly. It was, therefore, in the best interest of agriculture that master butchers should be per- mitted to retain their private slaughter houses, which the local authority couid demand to be kept in a sanitary condition. The private slaughter houses in Merthyr were most fay. ourably situated for inspection purposes, and there could be no possible argument that would I hold water for the creation, as proposed, of a costly public abattoir in the district (hear, hear). Whilst master butchers had no objec- tion whatever to meat inspection, they insist- ed that such inspection should be carried out by men qualified for that important work (ap- plause). Dealing with the subject of a war- ranty with fat stock, Mr. Payne 5aid that this to-day was a burning question in the trade. I Master-butchers bad to warrant every cfuncc 021 mea.t they sold to the public, and in order to safeguard the public health it was necessary j that they should have a warranty with fat j stock bought irt bona fides, for which the mar- ket prices TiJlillo- for sound animals had been paid. By giving a warranty vendors could protect themselves from monetary loss by a very small insurance premium. The other gentleman named also spoke. Mr. Dan Sweet, Dowlais, proposed a hearty vote of tha^nka to Mr. Payne for his able ad- [ nil J.W"4S dress, which was seconded by Mr. Goodwill, of Dowlais, supported by Mr. H C. Davies, and carried unanimously. On Monday Mr. Payne, with Mr. Sweet and Mr. H. C. Davies, visited the local slaughter houses. Mr. Payne expressed surprise at the clean and up to-date condition of all the pre- mises. It was shown that rho accommlJdalion for Live stock and for hanging meat, having regard to the quantity brought in, was three times tha required by the regulations, showing, as Mr Payne said, the fallacy of the Corpora- tion's proposal to erect at great cost an abat toir. This accommodation for storing and kil- ling cattle was found within a space of vUO yards. Mr. Payne, there'ore, expressed sur- prise at the suggestion made by the Medical Ofilccr.of 1/oaith that the abattoir should be j a central one. and said there was no difficulty in the way of the local inspectors going to the slaughter houses at any time. "As a matter of fact," said Mr. K. C. Davies, tho- •secretary, |. local butcbers are prepared to give the j inspctnXrt and. the doctor a key, enter, the slaughter houses whenever they like, just the same as an excise officer has keys to. the brew- eries."

Merthyr Territorials. GREATER ENTHUSIASM REQUIRED. On Tuesday night a meeting was held at the Town Hall, Merthyr, for the purpose of con- sidering the question of recruiting in the district, to bring the local companies of the 3rd Battalion the Welsh Regiment up to the required strength. The Mavor (Alderman A. Wilson) presided, Colonel D. Rees Lewis, V.D., acted as secretary and those present included the local officers of the battalion, and the largest employers of labour in the borough, including Mr Wm. Evans, general manager to Guest" Keen and Co., and Councillor N. F. Hankey, of the Huls' Plymouth Company.. In the course of an interesting address, Col. Lewis explained the difference between the Volunteers and the Territorials. He said that if Mr. Haldane's idea had been carried out, to allow the Volunteers to remain as they were, every man being asked to enlist for one, two or three years, he (the Colonel) did not think one hundred men would have been lost. The War Office had seen the error of its ways. He ridiculed the limiting of a battahon to a thousand men, pointing out that on the occasion of active scryice 500 out of the thousand men would scon fall out through one cause or anoth r. That was why the War Office had allowed battalions to be 1,100 or 1,500 strong. If that had been done at first with regard to his old regiment, which he was proud to say was the finest regiment in the kingdom, instead of the number being reduced from 1,700 to 1,000 men the regiment would be the same to-day as when ho (the gallant colonel) left it. In the Boer war the parish of Meithyr had one thousand men at the front; no other parish in the king- dom could show that. He did not favour employers of labour saying to their workmen We want yoa to join the Territorials." That had been done in London, and had not proved a success. But if the employers said Vie shall be glad to see you amongst the Territorials, and we will help you if you join," that would bo the better way. There must bo no coercion. Tho Colonel mentioned that at the church parade last Sunday he could not help noticing upon the pavements some very fine, smart young fellows who walked with a swing, keeping step with the Territorials, and yet who had not the pluck to join. Col. Lewis pointed out that though the camp lasted a fortnight a man need only put in a week there. To-day forty men were required to make up the required strength, and he thought ii a great public meeting wore held the ranks would to very soon filled up. Dowlais was to have a drill station, and he could not see why Dowlais should not have a full company. Councilor Isaac Edwards said the Dowlais people felt they had been snubbed in this matter, and if they wanted to arouse enthu- siasm there a company for Dowlais must be established. Capt. D. C. Harris suggested that all the employers in the borough should be asked to put up notices in their premises to the effect that men were required to make up the full strength, and th.,t facilities would be for the men to join. Thousands of young men went to football matches, and a good thing, he thought, would be td distribute handbills among them to the same effect. Councillor N. F. Hankey moved that a circular be sent to all employers of labour, pointing out tho need cf additional men to make up the required strength.—Col. Lewis seconded. Dr. Biddle said he thought Merthyr should be the headquarters of the Battalion, and not Pontypridd, but Capt. Harris said there was not the slightest chance to mako that alteration. Mr. Wm. Evans said he was present as a private citizen, and not in Ins oflkral capacity. He had taken a great interest in the Territorial movement, his sympathies and desires were very strong in fa your of the army, and he would do everything he could to further its interests. Councillor J. W. Lewis also supported the motion, which was carried, and a committee, consisting of Col. Lewis, Major F. T. James, Capt. Harris and Lieut. H. H. Southey, were ck* ted to draw up the circular. Councillor sjia-) Edwards: What about the epl1.se. -CoJ. ,i5wis: 1 will take care of that. Lieut H. U. Southey said that under the old regulations there were 17 companies, but now there were on! y eight. It was, perhaps, a mista ke to make such a. sweeping reduction. With regard to Councillor Edwards remarks, he (Lieut. Southey) thought it not be wise to introduce too much rivar- between Merthyr and Dowlais. There would he a drill station at Dowlais, a plaeo for the arms, and drills would take place there, but the men would uave to be part of the Merthyr detachment. would be no difficulty, he thought, in the authorities arranging for one company to be I recognised at the Dowlais Company" and the other as the "Merthyr Company." It would be impossible for thsm to get an extra company granted specially for Dowlais. The Rhondda Valley had a. greater grievance than Dowlais, for there was not a single company in the whole of the Rhondda attached to the oth Welsh— the present battalion. He expressed his sur- prise at the indifference shown by the youths of the town and district towards the Territorial Army. The crux of the whole matter relating to recruiting was not the employers, but the absolute indiSerence of ths youths of the country to their country's welfare. Lieut. Southey mentioned that this year some of the best recruits were from Dowla s. A representative comm;ttec was then elected to organise great public meetings.

Abergavenny Easter Tuesday Sports. Considerable prominence has been given the 32nd Athletic Festival promoted by the Ama- teur Athletic Association, to be held in Bailey Park, Abergavenny, on Easter Tuesday. from the fact that a semi-national cross country race has been included in the programme. At the National Contest at Haydock Park, A. J. Robertson, the national champion, was defeated by J. Murphy, who thus secured the national honours of this country. Directly after this even?, it -wa.-s announced that A. J. Robertson had definitely retired frcm the path, and al- though selected to captain tho English team in the International Race, did not turn out; but the hon. sec.. Mr. Z. Wbeatiey has got on the right side of Robertson and unearthed him from his retirement. He will be a. ccrtain starter in this race, together with J. Murphy, the National champion of 1S09. and the follow- ing Internationals of 1900: E. V. Finey, E. Green. E. Guest, E. Massey, T. Aikin, B. W. Curry, K Stead, C. Hill, etc., etc. F. W. Nor ris, of Bristol, who won the Cardiff Marathon Race, is also a .,turd," runner, and will want a lot of shaking off. The cycling events have been well filled, and amongst the entrants are: H. M in ton. Hereford, who created last year a world's quarter-mile flying start record W. J. Bailey, London, who holds the world's unpaced record, etc., ctc. Trotting events are coming to the front at th-eae sports, and this meeting I will see -;ome fine contests. Honest Tom," the property of Mr. J. Williams, Pontnewynydd. is a great favourite, and has already secured fifty first prizes, under tbe guidance of Mr. J. Fletcher, Pontypool. His old rival. "Welsh. Kitty," will also be there, and amongst tha other entrants are: "Our Jacko," '•"On.vard," "Nancy." "Ol&dvs May." "Nora," "Cribin Boy." Creeping Jane," etc. In tho ponv race. "Rufus," "Milkmaid." 'Poll o'r Bryn." "Euclid," "Baby Boy,Little Eva," etc., wili compete. At the CastiV. there arc great attrac- tion. Tho Blaenavon Silver Band will be in attendance, and there will a ner'orma.nce by artiV<>s. dsncng. and 1\rL'0" display. The! whole r," *h. ;1I",¡::m(!¡'¡ts pre. curried Celt under the .Mils direction qi Aid. Z. Wheatley. the boa. s*9»

,po- "_U" Dowlais Catholic Schools Grievances. CAMPAIGN COMMENCED IN MERTHYR. A meeting of Dowlais Catholics was held in the Young Men's Society's Rocnij at Merthyr, in connection with the agitation for better treat- ment for the schoolsi The visitors met with a cordial reception by its members. Mr. Cl: Bemaseono was vote to the chair, and Mr. P Mansfield explained the object, of the meeting at some length. He mentioned several cases of aile;ed injustice to tho schools. One teacher, he said, had to take charge of 60 children, and anyone could readily understand such a large number of children could not pos- sibiy have full attention given them by 011" per-on. He then proposed that a. large, pub demon (ration should be organised, and a pro miuent Trades Unionist iny-ifed tQ speak, on thoir--behalf Mr- Wilson stated that a meeung. of the Xatiooal, .Union -of Teachcrs was. held on gat. u'rday'ev'enhig last, and i:, was resolved to tAke up a case at once and fight the Council. Ho offered as a '-uggesticii to Mr. Keir Hardio, J1.P.. that if ho wan bringing in a. "Sweating Bill," he should include the tcachers of nen- provicled schools. Mr. J. Caughlin caid he endorsed the senti- ments of the previous speaker*, and welcomed the idea cf a raonsire demonstration of disap proval Some time ago. the Labour Party were given a chance, when a considerable num- ber of Catholics voted for a Labour candidate at a recent bye-elcct'on, but nothing was given in return for that support. He could net per- suade himself otherwise than that antangonum i to the Catholic religion v%s the only explana tion for their ac*ron. He did not seek for need- less expenditure; he only asked that their money should be spoilt on their schools. He called upon all to bind, themselves together and demand fair play and liberty of thought, and claim tho ri«?ht to worship at the altar of their la th., together with their children. Mr. D. Hennessey. Merthyr. supported, and .i-'f-ested that the voters' lists be obtained and that a registration committee be formed, in or- der to organize a strong and vigorous opposi- tion fit the time of elect-ions to those who op- posed them in the time cf need. He was in full n'mp.01thy with the movement,, [1Ild he was sure .'he Merthyr Catholics would assist in every pos- j sible way. Dr. Brennan expressed himself a being fully in sympathy with tho movement. They shoyhi !j,1j work for justice, Hnd continue th a¡;:it:1Jion with unabated visrour.—MES'R;. Donovan, Ciif- ford, and O'Brien assured the visitors of the full support of the Mcrthvr Catholic electors WIITI the time came to exerci-^ their votes.—A working committee v:a. formed, and thpir firet meeting would be he'd in the Dowlais Catholic Assemb1^ (ooms. t

DOWLAIS. TrIp. TFmrrruuALS. — The ]001\1 officers are arranging i church parade at Dowlais in a. week^' time. SMOKEB. — A. well-attended smoking concert was bed at the Bush Hotel, on Monday evening A good collection was niada and handed over to Mr. O..Jeukii: for the Widows' and Orphans' Fund of the A.SRS. HE KM ON* SALE OF WORK. In the report of this ven last week, It ;¡bonld have been mentioned that the presentation of a bouquet was made Mrs. Lewis, Morlais Villa, who kindly pwfomH the openiil ceremony, hy Mrs. EC. D. Jc,nc> (wife of the pastor). The name of Mrs. J. j Williams, Broad-.»treefc, should be added to the list, of tea tiay holders. FASHION'S FAVOURS.— Tho display of choice millinery in tho windows of Messrs. J. S. Davids and Co High-street, is one of surpassing beauty in elegance and taste. have never before had the pleasure ot inviting their custorrers to inspect so inr.fi'oib'eenS a show of Eastertide and early spring, and the exhibit is the supreme con- centration of their best efforts. In other depart- ments, also, the house holds equally fine and full atoeks. CHARGE BHIG-ADS.—About thirty lada a.nd officers, with Captain John Evan Jones in command, again had Church Parade on Sunday. l'he Rsv. J. Morgan preached, and dwelt upon ) the advantages of the Brigade. The company ia j rapidly increasing, in number, hut the office*' would like to see a muster of 50. Considerme the advantages offered, this numuer will soon be made up. Intending recruits should attend St. Tyfaelog drill room on Friday, April 16th. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—At the recsnt Trinity Col- lege of Music Examination, held in Cardiff, four pupils of Mr. W. J. Watkins, F.R.C.O., organist of the-Parish Charch, were successfulSenior (Honours), Master Arthur Hughes; Intermediate. Miss Lila Atkins, Mr. W. J. Tippett, lottyn, and Me. T. J. Harris, Rhymnby. Masbr; t Arthur Hughes, who is the son of Mr. William < Hughes, A.C. (precentor of Bryn Soion Congregational Chapel, has distinguished him- i self in gaining marks which entitled him t" "honours" in the Senior Class. He ia on'y fifteen years of age, a most promising young instrumentalist, and acts as accompanist to the Dowlais Male Choir, of which his music master, Mr. WatkiuH, is the able conductor. The other local pupil, 11i"g Lila Atkins, is the daughter of I Mr. J. Lloyd Atkins, F.A.L, auctioneer, &0., Gellifaelog, and she, too, has done exceedingly well in securing the Intermediate Certificate. ONSEQUIKF.—The funeral of the late Mr. Jehn Davies, Blanche-street (formerly of the Canford Arms Hotel), whoes demise was recorded last week, took place on Thursday afternoon, the body being conveyed for interment at Pant Cemetery, The obsequies were for gentlemen only, and the cortege included the two local comrades and ^killed marksmen, Mr. J. Jeremiah, Dowlais, and Mr. E. P. Nash, Merthyr, to whom the deceased had been long associated. The principal n.oiun- ers were, viz. :—1st coach, Messrs. Arthur Evans (son-in-law), Vauubu Reynolds, and Isaac Vaughs-n, Trehe=1-ert. Rees Glandon Da.vi.ee, Clvdach, Breconsbi re, and Arthur Morgan, Oar- diff (COVSIDP) 2nd coich, Messrs. Austin Morgan and Arthur Morgan, Cardiff, Rev. D. W. Morgan, D. J. Harris, Troh uria (nephews), and Mr. David Davie, Pentrebach; 3rd coach, Messrs. F re it Morgan (nephew), D. S. Powell, Revs. D. Griffiths, Mori, h, and W. Ceinfryn Thomas, Hebron. A short service wa3 conducted at th« house by tho rev. gentlemen, both of whom othci- ated at the grave side. Wreaths were sent by Mrs. Davies (widow) and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Evans (son in-law a.nd daughter). OBITTARY. — It is with regret wo have to I chronicle the death, at rl,e age of 63 years, of Mrs Davids, for 31 years lease-holder of the Royal Arms," Pant-road, which took p!aco after a long and trying illness, early on Tuesday morning. A native of the place, deceased was well known and highly n.-sppcted, proof of which was mani- fest by the Jape number of gentleman present at the funera', which took place on Thursday. The following gontlemen representing Mewrs. Bass, M ssrs. J. 11 tfonec, Evans, Brac'd ck, end 1for- M' Tthyr; Mr. Davids. Swansea j Mr. Elwa.ds, Pontypridd; and Mr. Wdliums, Tie- .legar, and there were present a number of leading local tradesman and resident*. Th deceased leh one son and three daughters. Floral tributes were received from the family members of tb* Money Club held at the Royal Arms Mi. Davies. Swansea and Mr. T. R. Wi'dams, Mer- ihyr. The officiating minister was Rev. Edward Jores, M.A., B.D., Gwernllwyn, of which church deceased was a faithful member. The family wish to thank their mrvny friends for the sym- pathy extonded them and the letters received in their [lad bereavement.

Dog Show at Merthyr Vale. The Merthyr Vale and District Canine Society held a, very successful members' show on Thursday last at th-e Navigation Hotel, under the sanction of the Kennel Club. Mr. E. Parry Thomas, auctioneer, Pontypridd, wa* the judge in all tha classes, and his awards gave satisfac- tion. The entries exceeded sixty., and the uiial ity was excellent. A large number of new members were enrolled during the show. The awards were as follow:—Claa» I.. any variety of Puppy, under six months: 1 and special. S. Shemuel, Bryntaff; 2, W. Gardner, Bryntaff; 3, W. Rowles, iYoerdyrhiw. Class II., any variety under 12 months: 1 and special, D. Sullivan, Merthyr Vala; 2, B. Rees. Abercanaid; 3, Mrs. J. Powell, Mount- Pleasant. Class III., any variety, Terrier: 1 and c-pecia}, D. Sullivan. Merthyr Vale: 2, B. Rees, Abercanaid; 3, R. Evans, Merthyr Vale. Class IV., any variety except Terriers: 1 and special, D. Lewis, Moi. road; 2, Mrs. J. Powell. Mount Pleasant; 3, Richard Price, Merthyr Va':1. Class V., Chil- j dren's Class: 1 and special, Master W. Sullivan. | Merthyr Valo: 2, It Rees. Abercanaid; 3. E. iSheninel. Merthyr Vale. Class VI.. Black r,d Tan Terrier: 1 ami special, D. Sullivan, { thyr Vale; 2, W. Gatdr.erj Merthyr Vale; 3, Rowies, TxowivrhiW; J

r., L MERTHYR VALE. GORDON LBNKOX Clch.—A smoking concert was held on Thursday last at the Constitutional Club. A capital programme was contributed to by Mr. William Davies (tenor), Perth; Mr. Drvl) McNeil, comio vocalist Cardiff: Mr John Llewellyn, and Mr. David Ewards (Dai Mer- vyn). An address was given by Mr. J. Little- johns, Conservative a-fent" for Ea -t Glamorgan. Mr. A. Lewis presided. C'JNOKUT.—The vw-C-nfy-third concert promot- ed by the local Free Church Council took place on Saturday last at. the Aberfan Hall, and it was a capital wind-up of the winter 1:e-'lC. Madame Mills-Reynolds, Poni-yprud (soprano), was in very good voice, and had t.i respond to several encores. M?-s Maiycia Jenkins Swan- sea (contraUo), who posses es a voice of exnep tional quality, re-cai'cd after item. Mr. Ted Smith, Trfiharris (tenor- Mr. Evan Davies, Traharrh (bwfiton'iK both sang well, and were encorod. Tht) /H-crefOf?* M. J, Pughe, on behalf of the Council, thanked the many friends in the locality who had contribut- ed to the success-of the concert. 1 •'SMOinn."—On Wednesday evening a smok- ing concert was held at the Aberfan Hotrol in connee!ion with ,he of Valley-' Lodge, Benefit Society. Mr. W. Jenk.n- (Eos tenor Mountain Ash. Air. Ted Davies, Porth, comic; Messrs. Ben Williams and Diln Jones, of Troedyrhiw, Mr. Pike, and Mr. W Swaine contributed to the programme. Black and white photos in n»-tural oak frames were presented to Air. D. Jones and Air. Ed^'crd Chester for services rendered M>\ Dan Evans and Air. T. J. Huehes made tho preseniation- on b <ha'!f of the ledge. The chair was occuph'' by Mr. Dan Evans. The accompanist Air. Jcnkin Fryzer, Merthyr.

TFHHAnRIS.. MR. VT. A. 1:' HABVEY.. 14. PerroU-street. Trc- harris, gives T r-ssons in Violin Playing. Engage- ments accepted for Concerts, etc. Ye Housemaids and Wives, why bother your In rubbing tables and chairs four strength do not waste "sc Eaglet'S "Y GOKEU" paste, Such labour and w-orry it. spares. By rubbing all day, no wonder you say Your bodies are reeking with rain: take the advice we give without price- Do n't rub without Bagley's "V Uomn" again. SOCIAL.—At Forest-read Vestry, on Friday evening, a social was held, under the auspices of the Welsh Class (teacher Mr. J. J. Price). The tables were presided over by Mr. G. Crew and Miss G. M. Williams, a?n,sted by Miss Sullivan. Miss Evans, and Miss S- J ones, also assisted by Mrs. Williams. After the tea a very pleasant evening was passed in games. The treasurer was Miss R. Evans, rud the secretary Miss G. W. Milliams. OF HOPE.—-A tea was hsld at Forest- "oad Vestry, under the auspices of Fcrest-road Band of Hope. The following ladies presided -t the tables :—Mrs. Lewis, assisted by Miss R. Lewis; Miss N. James, assisted by Miss C. Griffiths; Miss R. Thomas, assisted by Miss L. M. James Mrs. Llewellyn, assisted by Mrs. Nicholas nnd Miss Evans. Cutters (cake), Misses A. Stephens, E. Evans, and D. Evans (bread and butter) Mrs. Evans. Mrs. Davies, and Mrs. Price. Abour 300 children partook of the tea which waS greatly enjoyed. The secretarial work was performed by Miss M. James, and the treasurer wa.s Mr. J. Phillip-?. FOOTBALL.—■The game at Ystrad, on Satur- day, was fraught with serious consequences to Treharris Juniors, as a defeat would have placed them below Pontlottyn on the League tabel, whom they headed by one point. A .late start was made, Treharris setting the ball rolling against the wind. An even first half saw the score sheet blank, although Treharris had faded to convert a penalty. Upon resuming, Ystrad woke up and had the better of the play. Row- lands set Thomas, the crack outside left going, and this player, after a run over half the field, notched the first goal with a rattling shot, for which he was deservedly cheered. Treharris commenced bombarding the Ystrad goalie, but Smith did excellently, saving time after time. At length, from a corner, however, he was bcatsn by Hill and the scores equalised. Tre- harris tried hard to get through with the winning goal, but to no avail, and the end found the teams level in tho matter of points. Thus Treharris are now on an equality with Pont- lottyn Juniors, and the final match between these opponents, at Treharris, will doubtless decide the championship.

Unitarian Conference. MR. G. L. THOMAS ON SOCIALISM AND NONCONFORMITY. One of the largest gatherings of South-East I Wales Unitarians that has been held for many years took placo at Swansea on Thursday. Mr. Gomer L. Thomas, J.P., of Merthyr, the pre- sident of the S.E. Wales Society, presided over a.n assembly of quite 500 at a conference held in the morning. Amongst those on the platform wore members of a. delegation of the British and Foreign llnitarian Association, including Mr. John Harrison (the president), the Rev. W Copeland Bowie (the secretary), the Rev. W. G. Tarrant, B.A., the Rev. T. P. Spedding, Miss Helen Brooke (Hereford), and Mr. Tom Prit- chard. In opening tho proceedings the President re- ferred to the fact that the Unitarians did not participate in the conferences of the recent Freo Church Council at Swansea, adding that Unitarians had been excluded, a.nd rightly so, in his opinion, from participation. He did not resent it in an" way, recognising as ho that they were fundamentally different from their orthodox friends. Still, Unitarians had a largo sphere of work. The advance of Socialism had affected a large number of those who be- lieved in the orthodox faith, and in the mining districts it was a very serious matter indeed. When men and women were converted to Social- ism they almost invariably gave up orthodox Nonconformity, and although Unitarians—many of them—were strong individualists, yet ho thought their doctrine was just what those peo- ple were looking for; and they had to induce them to come back to some form of recogniscd religious belief. Tho spread of education help- od the Unitarian causo. for people found it in- creasingly difficult to believe in the unreasonable doctrines of the orthodox religion. Papers were read by the Rev. J. Hath re n D-avies, Coon, on "The Condition and Prospects of our Unitarian Churches in South-East Wales"; by the Rev. T. P. Spedding on "Present-day Opportunities for our Unitarian I Message and Work," and Miss Helen Brooke, Hereford, on "What Women may do for our Churches' and Societies." Afterward 3 lunch con was partaken of at the Hotel Cameron. Mr. Corner L. Thomas occu- pied the chair. Amongst the toasts was that of the "Delegation of the British and Foreign Unitarian Association," Sl1bm;ft,d from the chair, and responded to by Mr. John Harrison. Mr. C. H. Perkins submitted the toast of "Civil and Religious Liberty," observing that their very existence as a Boot was (luo to civil and religious liberty, tho original building on the very site where th.3Y had that roorninrr as- sembled was entirely due to cr: of the ministers evicted on the passing of the Act of Uniformity. The Rev. W. Copeland Bowie, in response, said Wales had struggled and was etill strug- gling for addit'onal religious liberty, and ho hoped the serious effort now being made to at- tain it would not be paralysed by the House of Lords. In the afternoon there was a devotional ser. vice, presided over by the Rüv. W. J. Phillips, the sermon belli"- preached by tho Rev. W. G. Tarrant. Rev. W. Copeiand Bowie, doslmg with the education question, said ho had rrreat in the common snnre of the comrnllnitv if thp. ec- clesiastics, Chnrnb and Nonconformist, could be converted or Grot out "f the way. The question would never be set1¡"d bv comp-omis*. Tlw tte had better make up its minn to haV0 TIO- thIn'! more to elf) with 1h00100"v of any kind. but give secular, or as ha railed it. civic edu- cation only. leavimr special r^ii^ious training to Sunday Schools, parents, and ministers of re- ligion. He w.as persuaded, if the State fol- lowed other States in this course, that religious leaders and parents would begin to give a greater amount of thought to relic-ion than they had ever done before.

Attempted Suicide at Brynmawr. Henry Lewis (2), collicr (late of the Royal Field Artillery), was indicted at Breconshire Quarter Sessions on Tuesday for attempting to commit suicide by cutting his throa.t at Nantv- glo on the 79tii January last. — Mr. J. G. Bishop, solici'or, Brynmawr. was for the pro- secution.—When charged, prisoner said lie did -not remember doing it. Ho had had a iittie drink at the time. This was taken as a plea of not guilty.—Mr. Bishop said prisoner was a coliier and lodged at Nantvdo. near Brynmawr. His par-ent..3 lived at Llwynpwll Farm, near Nantyglo. and early on the morning of the 19th January, prisoner arrived at his parents' with his throat cut. His clothes were saturated with blood, and he was in a deplor- able state. He was promptly attended by a doctor. He thought it right to state that tho prisoner had been in the Royal Field Artillery, and about 3, "ear asro received a serious kick on his head from a horso. Therefore, in fair- ness to prisoner, be would point out that this rash act of his was in al1 probability due to injuria-; sustained to the bad by tha.t kick.— Evidenoe was then taken.—Prisoner paij he had nothing to say only that he had had a drop of beer at the time; he was very sorrv for dcioll it.—The jury found prisoner guilty, with a re commendation to mercy.—The accused was sen- tenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labour.

ABERCANAID. CANTATA.—The Zion Choral Society rendered the popular cantata, entitled" Ben Hur," at the New Hall, Pentrebach, to a very fair audience under the conductor&hip of Mr. John Davies, the precentor of the Church. ANNIVERSARY SERVICES.—On Saturday, Sun- day and Monday, tho anniversary of the Demi Baptist Chapel took place, the Rev. T. M. Reed. of Cacrau, Maesteg, and Mrs. Brynferch Rees, of Pontyrhyl, officiating. There were large congregations, and good collections were taken up. T.L.P.—Oa Friday evening last I\1r. J. B. Lewis, of Merthyr, read a very interesting paper on the" Labour Church." The paper was written in Welsh, a fact which pleased the audience. A general discussion followed, most of those present taking part. Tha criticism showed that the majority agreed with the senti- ment of the reader, though there were some dissentients. OBITUABY.—The death took place on Friday of Mr. Wni. Thomas, of 29 Gethin-street, after a very short illness. Deceased, who was 50 years of age, acted as colliery fireman at Castle pits, Cyfarthfa collieries ,for many eyars, where he was very widely known and respected. He. took great interest in politics and debates on the chief topics of the day. lIe leaves a widow to mourn his loss. On Wednesday the funeral took place at Cefn cemetery, the Rev Isaac James) Demi Baptist Chapel, and the Rev. J. D. Jones, Zion Congregational Chapel, officiating at the house and the graveside.

Your income ia not too small for improve- ment. A great many fortunes havo been built on -jrriail foundations. Financiers have achieved vast fortunes be- 1 cause they have mastered the science which you lack. They ^im for success intelligently and scientifically, [ 1 scientifically, [ 1

m „ w 11 Brynmawr and Western Valleys Sewerage Scheme. LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD INQUIRY. An inquiry was held on Wednesday, in the Old Town Hal!, Brynmawr, by Air. H. E. Reed, Inspector to the Local Government Board, con- cerning the proposed agreement between tho Brynmawr Council and the Western Valley3 Sewerage Board. Mr. F. P Charles, cf Mer- thyr, ropieicntad the Brynmawr RatepuyeiV Association, opposing the Council's action the Hon. U. C. Bailey was counsel for the Council, with whom were Mr. A. Parsons, Air Lyna (for the U.ik Board of Conservators), ar.d Air. T. S. Edwards. In opening- the case, (he Hon. H. C. Baiicy said that this scheme bed been decided upon after long and anxious consideration, end pro- ceeded to trace and review the methods which ha.d been adopted by1 the Council to tle:it. ,"iill the sewage of the district by means of a sewage farm. In 1901, Dr. RosCfc-aud Mr. F&wcfett hsld an inquiry, the result cf their rapiH't, citor&cicns were effected to the pir.05 at an.ex- pense of £ '230. and then it was not „d s:1tisfactor, In lC05 there was a proposal \0 treat the sewage by a septic tajik me»l od, and the Dale ot Beaufort intimated his willingness to give a site on favourable term: This schema was estimated to cost £4,8JA Is. 6d., but several alterations were made to it, increasing the cost, with the result that application was uiadc to the Local GJVeminent Board to borrow £?,9,). An inquiry was held, but afterward: a letter was sent io the Council suggesting that com- parative terms cf the septic tank scheme and the cost cf putting the Rkoncs sewa-Te farm in- to pi '-per condition. Subaeqijently, tho Duke oi BeauJ'orii's advisers, cn 'eir own initiative, asked Messrs. Baldwin, Latham, and Cha Mor- ion, the engineers to the Western Valleys Sow- erage to r:pcrt on tha advisability of Bryn- mawr joining this schorr.e. They submitted three methods, the first of which recommended itself to the Duke's advisers, the aetirnat.etS cost being £7,500 or £8,CGO to cover all con- tingencieE. Tho scheme was put before the Council bv the Duke, oAcred to pay ;ë;,1 OCQ towards the expense, a sum equal to about one- third of the assessable value. They did not say the scheme would be cheaper than the Rhoroa farm had hcsn in the nat. It would involve a five-penny rate, and that the total burden on (he rites for tha whole schcme would ba 13: rl. for loan charges in respe:: to };. 1.1. If t]w schsH10 was sanctioned, they hf-o-'i ic, sell Rhonos farm for between £2[)CO .2,700, which would more than pay off rl") .ci-iting- loan of £2.100, They thought if the loan was sanctioned they would get. rid 01 the serious trouble they had had in the oast, and have a system of sewerage up-to data, 1 hor- ough and complete. Though it would be an in- creased burden on the ratepayers, the health ol the town and their neighbours would be greatly benefited by the new chcmc. MANY COMPLAINTS OF POLLUTION. Mr. John Thomas, Clerk to the Council, said the assessable value of the district to be served Coy the Western Valley scheme was The number of houses in Brynmawr was about and the number of houses at present un< dru.uod was about SO, because they were iso- lated. He submitted an agreement with the Western Valleys Sewerage Board, and added that the Council received an offer of £ 5,COO from the Duke of Beaufort towards the cost of the scheme. Replying to Mr. Parsons, Mr. Thomas said that the pipe line at present Jay in Llanellj parish, and the Rhonos farm also in that parish. They had received many complaints as to the pollution of the river. They had paid damages to the amount of £39 for breakage 01 the pipes to the tenant of a farm. There was a varying cost involved by the up keep of the pipe line of the sewage farm scheme in the dis- trict controlled by the Ciickhowell Council.— —Answering- Mr. Lyne, Air. Thomas said that sinc:) 1376 ho had received complaints from the CsIt: Conservators as to the pollution of the Clydach Brook from the outfall sewer and the leakages The complaints had arisen at time! when repairs had been carried on.—In reply to A Jr. Adams-Williams, Mr. Thomas said thai complaints had been made as to the polution of springs in the district. Mr. Thomas was examined at some length by Mr. Charles, and admitted that the Council ha.d not had an independent investigation into the scheme, which, however, had not been fathered upon them by the Crick ho-,veil District Council, It had been recommended to them. The howcll Council had been agitating for the past forty years, and as a result of various inquiries, the Council ha.d been told by the Local Govern* ment Board inspectors to put their own houatt in order.—In reply to the Hon. H. C. Bailey, witness said tha.t the report of Messrs. Baldwin, Lathram and Cbattertcn had been very care* fully considered by the Council. POPULAR OPINION AGAINST THE SCHEME. Mr. R. Evans, chairman of the Council, said that he had been a member for live years. The Council had very carefully gone into the scheme, and had compared prices and details with cthev schemes, and had come to the conclusion that the Western Valleys scheme was the best. In reply to Mr. Charles, witness said that there had been an election recently, when of the four retiring members, only one. Mr. Dd. Owen, was re-elected, and he was opposed t" the Western Valleys schemo. The three not re-elected were in favour of the scheme. At tho present time ho thought that the popular opinion cf the town was slightly against tha scheme. Air. H. B. Jones, the former surveyor to the Council, said that in November, 18C6, he esti- mated the cost for improvements to the exist- ing Eewage scheme at £ 2,325 19s. 6d., but this did not include the substitution of iron pipes for earthenware pipes. A nine inch iron pipe for two and a half miles would increase tho cost to £5,000. He agreed that complaints had been received from the Crickhowell Council with respect to the pollution of the water sup- ply.—Answering Mr. Lyne, witness said that a field of 20 acres on the sewage farm was clay, which was not suitable for trie purpose. Mr. Baldwin Latham, M.I.C.E., engineer to tho Western Valleys main trunk scheme, said that he had had upwards of 45 years' experi- ence, and had prepared the scheme for the dis- trict. The proposal was to put in an outiaU sewer of 12 inch, having a fall of one in 2CO. It was proposed to connect with the Western Valleys sewer at Nantyglo, and also have two branches at the head of that sewer, intercepting sewers in Brynma.wr. The cost of the main- tenance of the sewer in tunnel and concrete would be next to nothing. His estimate of tha cost was :87,500. The loan charges at 3 78 per cent, would be £285 The proposed scheme would take double the amount of sewage al that taken at present. In reply to Mr. diaries, witness said the over* flow above th3 120 gallons taken by the Was- tern Valleys scheme would bo very little, and would not be turned into the Clydach Brook lie hed considered the renovation of the present sOwago farm, but, in view of tiie remarks ol the Inspectors of the Local Government Boards he oould not recommend it. THE OPPOSITION. This closed the case in support of the scheme, and Mr. Charles addressed the commissions! on behalf of the opposition. He complained that the Brynmawr Council had kept information on the scheme from the ratepayers until the agreoi ment was signed. Not one witness had suggest- ed that the Woatern Valleys scheme was bettel than the present one, if it were out in propez order. Air. Charles referred to the result of the reccnt election, which had Leon, fought on this questicn, and which had one against those who supported it. Mr. Thomas Jones, surveyor in the employ oi the Ebbw Vale Si.ee!, Iron ar.d Coil Co- said that he had considered the Western Valleys main trunk scheme a.nd the sewage farm scheme. Of the two he considered that "it would bo bitter to reconstruct the conduit and farco* which, he estimated, could be done for £6,000. He proposed to la.y two-thirds of the distance with cast iron pipes, -and one third cf earthen- ware pipes. There wa3 no doubt that what it was imposing ou the inhabitants wa; a schr-ma against their wish, and they would also lose the management of their own affairs as regardi the disposal. His scheme would be a saving of £7,365, while the rue would be 2d. in the He thought they would be compelled to pro- vide surface drainage scheme on account 01 the gradient. Answering Mr. Parsons, Air. Jones said thai he was a. mining engineer, and his only expe- rience in such matters were on the Ebbw Vale Company's estate. Air. W. Taylor, president cf the Ratepayers' Association, in reply to Mr. Charles, said the matter had been thoroughly considered by tha Association, which had been trying a long time to get information from the- Council as to what was going on. The Association called a publio. meeting in September, when GOO people were present, and a resolution was parsed asking the Council not to sign the agreement. An- other public meeting wa.s cahed to protest against it. The recent election had bean fought entirely on this question, and only those who opposed the Western. Valley.- scheme were re- turned. As far as he could find out the majority of the people were a.¡rIWn3t the scheme. Hè. opposed the scheme because it was more costly and would injure development of the town, and because he believed the reconstruction of the present_ farm would be far less costly and quite as efficient. He had the election addresses oi the candidates, ail of which were based on this question. In reply to Mr. Parsons, witness said tha.t it the rate for the Western Valleys scheme would 1)3 less than for the alternative scheme Le might then favour it. Mr. A. Parsons, in reply, said that the ÜgurCl of the alternate scheme when compared would show that Air. Jones's propqsÛs would involve a higher rate than the Western sewage sciemfr His would mean a rate of I0.26d., whereas tbE latter would mean only 7d. It was entire!v on the inc-Biase of rates that the opposition had worked. Any increase in the rates was naturally unpopular. He had a memorial signed in favour of the scheme by 1,300 residents of the ptarisb of Llanelly. who were the most affected hy it. —Mr. Charles: They are residents on the ethef side of the Yallev, who are not concerned with it. Mr. A. Lyne, on behalf of the Usk Board el Conservators, sa.id that ever since 1865 lua Board had been flighting for this object in a small way, and this Western Valleys schemo was the most ta.ngib'a schcme for dealing with the matter, and on behalf of his Board he sup- ported ilir