The Merthyr Express

Rhymney Valley Echoes [By "RECOBDEB."] I attended the Mynyddislwyn Council last lVeek because I heard that something would be (aid in reference to the Rhymney Valley sew- erage scheme. Something was said but not very much. A letter from Mr Frank T James {Clerk to the Gellygaer Council) was read, ask- ing what action the Mynyddislwyn Council, proposed to take in regard to that scheme. The reply which the Clerk was instrucied to send was that Mynyddislwyn Council weio •> aitipg for a conference of all the interested a norities on the Monmouthshire side on the report of another engineer. I heard, however, other things which only tended to confirm ray impression (an impression shared by many more) that it is a great pity that the Rhymney Valley as a whole is not con- stituted into one authority. I have heard the Bedwellty Council bitterly complain of the sel- fish policy pursued by Gellygaer, but at Myny ddislwyn I heard a similar complaint—just .as bitterly made— against Bedwellty It was in respect to their selfishness in regard to supply- Ing-or unwillingness to supply-a portion of the Mynyddislwyn area with water. And, truly, Mynyddislwyn seems to be hard pressed for water. Risca is not disposed to meet them ex- cept on terms which Mynyddislwyn cannot ac- cept, and Bedwellty, in regard to the Black- wood frontier, is an unwilling "Parkus." And to, Mynyddislwyn is forced at one point to re- IOlve to supply about 60 houses with unfiltered water from a rill. Were the Rhymney Valley constituted into one authority, all the parts of it would be equally served, but, as it is, all the authorities follow an exclusive policy of their own. and if a neighbouring authority wants anything, the one able to supply it seeks to make a profit, or offers it on prohibitive terms. Scarcely a more isolated and selfish policy could be pursued be- tween two nations foreign to each other and whose frontiers were co-terminous. than the petty farthing shop policy which animates and dominates the various Councils of the Rhymney Valley Some of the members would be the better for a year or two's travel to broaden their visions. It is strange, but it has not seemed to have ever dawned on the Local Government Board that if it made it a part of its policy to lacili- tate the easing of the burdens of the rate- payers in matters of local taxation, it would, by so doing, strengthen them for bearing greater ones. when necessary, in regard to imperial taxation, ahould times of storm and stress arise. As the laxe Mr. Evan Thomas said: "The Rhymney Valley is one community," and if the Supreme powers could be persuaded to take that view, and end the parcelling out of it into ■ Sphere of influence, and resolve the half-dozen Councils, which now nag and bite at each other, into one Rhymney Valley Council, it would be a relief to the public in the burdens they have to bear, and end many of the dreary and chao- tio muddles which now arise. Mr. W. S. Nash, of Fleur-de-Lis, chairman of the Mynyddislwyn Council, is one of the greatest enthusiasts in educational matters in the Valley, and in the matter of statistics re- lating to the Monmouthshire side, I doubt if he has his equal on 1 the School Managers Board. Here is a man who takes a thorough delight in local ad-ninistrative work, and who, if he stood for the unified interests of the whole Valley, would be capable of pursuing a policy that would be for the lasting benefit and comfort of its future large population. As things stand, he is a good man lost for the many in order to took after the few, and thus talents and enthu- siasm worthy of a larger sphere of action are narrowed down, cramped and dwarfed in order to care for Mynyddislwyn alone. The election day was ideal for the work in band. The sun shone as if sharing the ardent hopes of the candidates: and the wind blew as if it knew the real value of promises, and so treated them accordingly, and the dust fairly blinded people as if to prevent them voting with their eyes open. But one should expect dust at election times. The results of several of the Council elections have come as a surprise. At Caerphilly, Mr. Joseph Howells, an able and experienced man, has lost his seat by four votes, his successor beincr Mr. C Stuart Roodfellow, a popular BO- licitor, whilst at Nelson Mr. Thomas Evans has given place to Mr. J. Rowland Leigh Thomas. In Gellygaer, Mr. T. J. Williams has lost his teat to the forces of re-action and partly, it is possible, to the fact that he stood for the repre- sensation of a section rather than the whole of the oomimmity. Mr. T. C. Jones, who retired, was an able and promising member, who stoop manfully for equity in everything, and was ani- mated by no form of prejudice. One may re- rret the decision which led him to vacate his Seat, for had he stood, his return was certain. Had he contested the election it looks as if the Council would have then had two schoolmasters, and this, in time, might have led to all tne Schoolmasters of the parish seeding Council h^n- ours. This would possibly have kindled £ houprhts in the public mind as to the results the schools. Gellygaer needs to go forward and not back- ward. Mr Horace J. Davies was at the bottom Of the poll. He has been in Bareoed a very abort time, but he was the only man who de- lerveda; different verdict, for he was the only man who really fought the election on public Principles. » The Labour party have lost two seats. I do Oot rejoice over that-for some reasons I really fegret it. I would like that Party to make itself One with the generaJ oublic on general public Matters. I am sure that they and the public would be gainers bv it. The Labour members generally are a fine-set of men on all the Coun- tils I am acquainted with, and so far as the Gellygaer Council is concerned, without Mr. Walter Lewis, 1vIr, W. Hammonds, and Mr. R. Davies, nearlv half its vigour would be lost. The result of this election should be a rallying tall to the forces of progress.

GELLYGAER DISTRICT COUNCIL A special meeting of the Gellygaer District Council was held at Hengoed on Tuesday after- noon to consider tenders for the scavenging of Bargood, in consequence of the withdrawal of a tender by Messrs. Rees Bros., Bargoed, which had previously been accepted. There were pre- sent Mr. Ed. Lewis (in the chair), Mr. Ed. Richards (vioe-chairman), Dr. J. Richards, Messrs. W. B. Lloyd, D. S. Jones, B. Hughes, Edmund Jones, and Lewis Edwards, with the Deputy Clerk (Mr. Powell), the Medical Officer of Health (Dr. W. W. Jones), and the Surveyor (Mr. J. P Jones) It was reported by the Deputy Clerk that the Surveyor had laid a letter before the Public Works Committee received from Messrs. Rees Bros., of Bargoed, stating that there was a se- rious miscalculation in their tender, and that they were unable to carry out the work at the price, viz.. L311 12s. In consequence of this it had been found necessary to make temporary arrangements with a contractor for doing the work at Gl3 10s. a week, which he (the Sur- veyor) considered to be excessive. The Public Works Committee had confirmed the action of the Surveyor, but had decided to invite fresh tenders,, and this special meeting had been call-1 ed to consider the three teners received.—A lengthy and somewhat contentious discussion then ensued as to whether the Council should take action to enforce the carrying out of the tender of Messrs. Rees Bros., it being main- tained by several of the members that the ten- der, by its wording, was virtually a contract. In the end it was decided to refer the matter to the Clerk for advice. In respect to this, how- ever, the Deputy Clerk said that Mr. Frank James had written to Messrs. Rees Bros, point- ing out that the contract waa binding as be- tween the Council and themselves, and only needed a stamp. In reply to Mr. Lloyd, the Deputy Clerk maintained that the fact of a con- tract not being stamped did not impair its va- lidity.—After the tenders had been opened, it was agreed to accept the tender of Mr. James Lewis, of Plas Farm, Brithdir, at -0377. Complaint was made by some of the members present of the irregular system of collecting re- fuse, and the putting out of pails in front of the houses in some cases and in the back lanes in others.—Dr. Jones said it was a matter which needed uniformity, but that there were some back lanes where a horse and cart could not go down.—It was resolved that where possible the rubbish should be placed in the back lanes for collection.

RHYMNEY. ANNIVERSARY. Anniversary services were held at Beulah Baptist Chapel on Sunday and Monday. The officiating ministers were tht Revs. E. Lewis, Treforest, and D. G. Harris, Nantyglo. There were very fair congregations on both days. MUSICAL SUCCESS.—Two local pupils of Mr. W J. Watkins, F.R.C.O., conductor of the Dowfais Male Voice Choir, and organist of the Parish Church, Dowlais, in the persons of Mr. T. J. Harris, Rhymney, and Mr. W. J. Tip- pett, Pontlottyn, both gained the intermediate certificate at the Trinity College of Music Ex- amination, recently held in Cardiff. Their suc- cess is exceedingly creditable, and they, as well as Mr. Watkins. are to be congratulated upon so praiseworthy an accomplishment. WILL.—Mr. Llewellyn Thomas, of The Gwent Refreshment Rooms, Rhymney, who died on the 7th of January last, left estate valued at 21,500 35. 3d. gropcis, and at £ 1.319 8s. 2d. net, and probate of his will,'dated 1st January, 1909, has been granted to Mr. Stephen Evans, confec- tioner, of The Square, Pontlottyn, and Mr. Henry Moses Thomas, of Gwalia House, Rhym- ney, draper and outfitter. The testator left £ 20 to his 6on Stephen, and the residue of his es- tate a-s to one fourth to his children Henry, Moses, and Annie Elizabeth in equal shares- one-quarter between his sons Samuel and Al- bert, and the remaining one-half to his eon, ACTMAKFA GANTT. — The Congregational churches of the Rhymney district held their an- nua! "cymanfa ganu" on Monday. The con ductor was Mr Caradog Roberts, Mus. Bac.. who did his work in an excellent manner, and won the esteem of the audiences. The morning meeting was held at Nazareth Chapel, Pont- lottvn, and was presided over by the Rev W. Morgan. Graig. This was practically a chil- dren's meeting. Suitable tunes were well Ten. dered, especially those composed by Dr. Parry. The children recited the, second chapter of Matthew, and were catechised by the Rev. R. E Peregrine. The afternoon meeting was held at Moriah Chapel. There was a very good aud- • The Rev. Fred Jones presided. In the Lronine the meeting was at Seion Chapel, and ;n the absence of the Rev. J. R. Davies. the rhair was occupied by the Rev. R. E. Pere- grine. 1° addition to a number of well-selected the following anthems were rendered: "PwV yw 7 byn?" (Stainer), "Yr Amser a r _g/wnwyd" (Stephens), and Beethoven's "Hallelujah Chorus." The singing throughout crreat credit on the leaders of the re- ™ als: Mr.-W. S. Davies, Mr. David John Pnce an Mr. Owen Edwards. Mr. Caradog Roberts gave selections on the organ in the f. noon and evening, which were very much «^iated. The accompanists were: Mr. Car Davies, Mr. Charles Edwards, and Mr. joneft- The competition for composing u tunes resulted in the children's hymn-tune ySd to Mr. Arthur Perkins, and the hymn- tune to Mr. Abel E. Jones.

BEDLINOG. FO,TBAU.-Aft,er going through the season without tasting the sweets of victory, Bedlinog nese,rves b.ave at length accomplished their hearts, desire, and that in no uncertain man- near j^bargoed being oompelled to bow the "er> Bedlino" to the extent of 5 goals to 1. Well played, Reserves

A memorial service for the late Mr. Reader Harris v.a^ held, on Sunday, in tiie chapel of j Gray's Ian-

PONTLOTTYN. MUSICAL.—The United Choir have been busy lately preparing for the Fochriw Eisteddfod. The test piece is £ i Etc a ddaw (T. Price), and it is hoped on all hands that success will follow the arduous efforts of the choirmaster, Mr. John Evans. ZOAR CHAPEL.—On Sunday half-yearly ser- vices were held at Zoar Baptist Chapel, sermons being preached by the Rev. W. R. Jones, B.A., Merthyr, to large congregations. The singing was conducted by Mr. John Morgan, choir- master, and Mr. David Thomas presided at the organ. Collections were made towards the Church funds. A REHEARSAL.—Last Saturday evening, at Zoar Chapel, the choir members from the Baptist Chapels in the Upper Rhymney Valley, met to rehearse the hymn tunes, anthems, etc., for their annual singing festival. The choristers attended in strong numbers. Mr. T. Gabriel (Bargoed) conducted, and Mr. David Thomas presided at the organ. FIRE.—A fire broke out, on Friday night, on the premises of Messrs. Samuels and Sons, drapers, Pontlottyn. It is said that one of the assistants went to light the incandescent lamps in the window, and a mantle fell amongst the Easter goods on show. The estimated loss is stated to be about £200. Police-Inspector Canton and Sergt. Nicholls were on the scene with a number of policemen, and rendered great service in extinguishing the flames, but their task was difficult in consequence of the fire appliances being locked up beyond the control of the police. About three or four weeks ago one or two of the members indig nantly protested against the fire appliances being left in the care of the police, and owing to this it was resolved that they should be removed. UYMANFA GANU.—On Monday morning the Congregationalist3 of Rhymney, Pontlottyn and Abertysswg held their annual Cymanfa Ganu." The morning meeting was held at Nazareth Chapel, when the Rev. W. Morgan, pastor of Zoar Church, Graig, presided. The conductor was Mr. Caradog Roberts, Mus. Bach., Wrexham. Various hvmn tunes and anthems were sweetly sung. Dining the meeting the Rev. R. E. Peregrine. B.D.. cate- chised the children upon the 2nd chapter of Matthew. Mr. Caradog Davies was the organist. All the arrangements had been made by a committee, of which the Rev. J. R. Salmon was chairman, Mr. D. Morris treasurer, and Mr. J. T. Jones, Rhymney, secretary. All who attended had a musical treat, and the children proved careful training.

FOCHRIW. Have you anything to Sell? Advertise in our Want Columns, a.nci it is a.s good as sold. CHAIR EISTEDDFOD. — There are a record number of entries for the Chair Eisteddfod to oe held on Easier Tuesday, and, given a fine day. it will prove a great success. The var- ious committee are working hard with that view. W.C.A. — The weekly meeting of the Car- mel Branch of the Women's Christian Associa- tion was held on Tuesday evening, when an ex- oellent paper on "Joseph" was read by Miss Ceridwen Thomas. The meeting was presid- ed over by Mrs. (Dr.) Davies. I.O.G.T.—The weekly meeting of the "Star of Fochriw'' Lodge of the International Order of Good Templars was held at the Baptist Vas. try on Thursday evening week. There was a good number present, and the meeting was presided over by Chief Templar Bro. William Jones. After the business of the lodge had been transacted, the programme, for which Bro. William Parry, Pentwyn, was responsible, was proceeded with, and was contributed to by the following :—Violin solo, Bro. A. Price; solo, Bro. William Griffiths (guard); recitation, Bro. J. Willjams, D.M.; short address, Bro. J Mor- gan, New Tredegar; mouth organ solo, Bro. J. Powell, New Tredegar; short address, Bro. T. James, New Tredegar; solo, Sister Jones, Abertysswg MEMORIAL SERVICE. — A service in memory of the departed was held at the Old Church, Pentwyn, on Sunday last (Palm Sunday), and was conducted by the Rev. W Edwardes (cu- rate of Fochriw), assisted by the Rev B. Glo- ver (curate of Newtown), and the Rev. Robert Jones (curate of Troedrhiwfuwch). The sermon was preached by the Rev. Thomas Rees, vicar. from St. J.ohn, xii., 12—13. The rev. gentle- man stated in the course of his sermon that the churchyard was consecrated by Bishop Oliphant, and the first burial took place on January 13th, 1871. The person buried there was Mr. Daniel Jones, Brithdir, aged 32 years, the solemn rite being performed by the Rev Thomas Theophilus, now Vicar of Tre- degar The total number buried in the grave- yard was 1,192. All Christians should endea- vour to keep the Church intact if onlv for the sake of those near and dear, whose bodies lay sleeping in the graveyard close by, awaiting the glorious Resurrection. A very large number of people visited the graveyard during the day, many of the graves being decorated with flowers.

BARGOED. SUDDEN DEATH.—Early on Tuesday morning Mr. Joseph Horler, aged 53, of McDonnell- terrace, Bargoed, complained of pains in his stomach, and, gradually becoming worse. Dr. Bowen was sent for, but the doctor arrived two or three minutes after the man had died, about half-past four in the morning.—It is thought that an inquest will be held. CHEAPER GAS.—No,w that the cables for the electric light have been laid in Bargoed, it is reported that the Rhymney and Aber Co, propose reducing the price for gas. Have you anything to Advertise in our Want Columns, and it ia as good as sold. I

Bargoed Chamber of Trade. I The attendance of members at the monthly I .meeting of the Bargoed Chamber of Trade, on Tuesday evening was very small, and the sitting a short one. Mr. D. M. Yorwerth presided, and reported on the visit of the deputation of the Federated Chambers of Trade to the General Manager of the Rhymney Railway Co., in regard to the proposed fusion of the Taff Vale and Rhymney Railway Companies.—Mr. Yorwertb deplored the tactics adopted by some of the representatives in airing all kinds of petty grievances which they felt they had against the Rhymney Railway, which the manager pointed out did not concern the proposed scheme. Eventually, however, the deputation, with the exception of the Barry representative, agreed not to oppose the Bill, on the understanding that there should be no diminution in the travelling facilities, no increase in the charges, and that a joint station, between the Rhymney and! Great Western systems would be provided at Cardiff. The Chamber endorsed the action of the Bargoed representatives in this matter, and it was understood that the secretary of the Chamber, Mr. John Evans, would go to London to give evidence in support of the Bill, at the request of Mr. Beasley, the general manager. Mr. Gus Jones called attention to the fact that on the day of the election (Monday) he noticed with regret that the presiding officer and clerks engaged at the polling stations were not Bargoed men, but men brought in from Merthyr and other places. He thought that the Chamber should take some action to ensure the employment of local men in such matters. The secretary said it was a matter which rested with Mr. Frank James, who, however, would no doubt given attention to any represen- tations made to him on the subject.—Mr. Gus Jon.es moved that the secretary be asked to write to the District Council on the subject, asking them to do what they could to ensure the employment of local men on election days in the district.—This was seconded and agreed to. A letter was read from Mr. R. Y Evans, magistrates' clerk, at Caerpliilly, in reference to the desire for a police court to be held at Bargoed. The letter stated that he (Mr. R. Y. Evans) had canvassed the views of the magis- trates week by week, on the subject, but as the representatives of the Chamber of Trade had had an- interview with the County Council's Standing Committee on the subject, and as it was now in the hands of a sub-committee of that body, the decision of the magistrates must be held over for the present.

CHRONIC ASTHMA. Doctors could do no good. Cured after 18 Years by I VENO'S LIGHTNING COUGH CURE. Mr John Wakeley, Windmill Hill, Ashill, Ilminster Somerset, writes"I suffered terri- bly from Asthma for over 18 years and at times I was so ill that I could not he down in bed, and when I could manage to walk a little I had to rest every few yards. I was under several doctors with no good result thought I should never be better. At last I tried Veno s Lightning Cough Cure, and now I am wonder- fully better and able to go to work I can eat anything (a thing I couldn t do before) anZ walk uphill with esse, and I can now enjoy a good nieht's rest. I consider Veno s Lightning Cough Cure is the best medicine ever produced in cases like mine." Writing later, Mr. Wake- ley says -—"I am still keeping well alter so long, and am better than I have ever been before. Veno's Lightning Cough Cure is the most effective cure for asthma, bronchitis, nasal catarrh, coughs and colJs, wnoopmg coin. m fluenza, and all chest and IUM troubles. Pi ice Sid., la. 1A<U and 2|. Sd„ of.all chemists. [

NEW TREDEGAR. FOOTBALL.—A fine exhibition of the soccer code was witnessed on Saturday at New Trede- gar. The teams were Gladstone-road Elemen- tary Schools, Cardiff, and the selected players from tie Tirphil and New Trcdegar Elementary Schools. A fine game was witnessed, in which the New Tredegar boys were victorious, scoring 6 goals to 3. There was a large attendance. Mr. D. G. Lloyd made the necessary arrange- ments perfectly. FIRE.—A fire broke out on Tuesday, about 4 p.m., in the storeroom of the Elliot Offices, the property of the Powell Duffrvn Co. Luckily the fire was detected immediately, and through the promptitude of the officials, Messrs. W. B. Davies (cashier), F. Wilcox (manager), and D. Williams (mechanic), the conflagration was extinguished just as Capt. Wiseman and his men arrived on the scene, within a few minutes after being summoned. They thoroughly over- hauled the premises before leaving. A large amount of damage was done to the building internally.

New Tredegar Woman Sues Her Husband. Mrs. Cecilia Davies, of New Tredegar, sued her husband, John Davies, at Glamorgan As- sizes on Monday, for J3120, money lent him.— Mr. A Parsons (instructed by Mr. T. J. Tho- mas, of Bargoed) was for plaintiff, and Mr. Lincoln Reed (instructed by Messrs. Haslam and Ebsworth, of Bargoed) was for defendant. The parties were married on April 14th. 1903, and lived at the house of plaintiff's father. When they were married, Mrs. Davies said she had £93 7s. lid. of her own. and she re- ceived presents of money from her parents. A week after the wedding she paid in £27 to the Savinars Bank She drew out £36 in Novem- ber, 1903, and lent her husband that amount as he wanted to pay off a mortgage. Sho also handed him JS4 from her loose cash. In Novem- ber, she lent him £ 80, taken from the Savings Bank. Defendant also borrowed money from plaintiff's brother. Last December, it was stat- ed. defendant deserted his wife. She had on several occasions asked him for repayment be fore he left. His reply was that he had not the money, but if he could sell the houses she could get it. After the parties were married. plaintiff continued to do •some dressrraldng.— The defence was that the whole of the money which he asked his wife for was money he had earned. She had been his banker. He was 1\ collier, and worked on contract. The average he earned a fortnight was not less than f4 or £,1). wh eh he handed to his wife. He had 5s. a pocket-money, that beinir all he had out of his earni»g-s. He had no idea during the time he was with his wife that she had a Sav- ing" Bank book. He did not know his wife had any money beside what she received of his earnings, and she never asked him for the ro turn of the amount. Judgment for the full amount claimed was given.

MACSYCWMMER. THEFT OF A HAMMER.—At Tredegar police court, on Monday, John Jenkins, a labourer, was charged on remand with stealing a hammer, value 2s. 6d., the property of George Jewel, Maesyowmmer, on March 31st.—Evidence was given by the prosecutor that the prisoner came to the house looking for a job. He went down the yard, and while absent prisoner left with his hammer.—P.C. Jury said he arrested the prisoner at the Junction Hotel, Hengoed. He denied the charge, and said that he bought the hammer off a boy on the road for a penny.— j Prisoner, who had been in custody since last 1 Wednesday, Wal disha.ra I

Mynyddislwyn District Council. RATES GOING UP. A meeting of the Mynyddislwyn District Council was held at the offices, Pontllanfraith, on Thursday night. Mr. W. Nash presided, and there were also present, Messrs. 0. Harries (vice-chairman), Faloon, J. A. Thomas, D. Treasure, Dl. Jenkins, H. B. Starey, Rees Mor- gan, W. Walters, Boothman, with the Clerk (Mr. T. C. Griffiths), and the Surveyor (Mr. W. E. Edwards). Mr. W. S. Nash reported on the result of the conference which took place on the previous Monday between the representatives of the Mynyddislwyn and Risca Councils in reference to the Risca Water Bill. Much time, he said, was spent in discussing this matter. He felt, having regard to the inadequacy and useless- ness of the Mynyddislwyn reservoir, that they should have power to take over the water mains, and have the monopoly of supplying their own district. Risca declined to sanction such ah arrangement, and would only bargain to allow Mynyddislwyn to pay pro rata— in regard to which a certain clause was proposed for insertion in the Bill, which their Clerk could not advise the Mynyddislwyn Council to accept. The Risca representatives, moreover, stated that if ever the Mynyddislwyn Council went for & Provisional Order to purchase the water undertaking in their district they must pay a proportion for the reservoir. That reser- voir was useless, and would never be of use to the district. Their lack of water was be- coming to a very serious matter, and a repetition of the experience they had last summer would be most distastrous as, since then, hundreds more houses had been erected Unless, there- fore, Risca could promise to meet them in the way they had asked, excluding them from the necessity to purchase a useless reservoir, he moved that the Council oppose the promotion of the Risca Bill in Parliament. This was agreed to, and £100 included in the estimates for the half-year for that purpose. A letter was read from Mr. Frank T. James (Clerk to the Gellygaer District Council) asking what action the Council proposed to take in re gard to the sewerage scheme for the Rhymney Valley submitted by the Gellygaer District Council. The Clerk was instructed to reply to the effect that the Mynyddislwyn Council, were waiting for a conference of all the authorities interested, on the Monmouthshire side, to con- sider Mr. Lanthom's scheme for a main trunk sewer. The Council considered the estimates for the ensuing half-year, and the collector (Mr. Lewis) stated that the assessable value of the district for general district rate was £19,209 12s.—The Chairman stated that in 1904 the assessable value was only £6.678, so that it had about trebled in five years.—The estimated expendi- ture for the half-year was submitted by the Clerk, amounting to £2,013 12s. 6d., but a. fur- ther sum of £100 to provide for opposing the Risca Water Board was added to that amount. —The Chairman: This will mean a 2s. rate. What will the poor rate be?—Mr. Lewis: 2s. 2d. —The Chairman: And there is the Western Valleys sewerage rate, 6d., which will bring the total rates to 4s. 8d., and I have no doubt the poor rate wiU increase. A rate of 9s. 4d. is a serious thing.—Mr. M. Walters: We are help- less; and the people must know that we are so.—The Chairman Could not the overseers do with a 2s. rate? — I don't think so.—The Chairman It is very serious.—Mr. M. Walters We must face it.—Mr. 0. Harries: I see the rates are goinrr up in other districts.—Mr. Wal- ters Our education rate in the county has gone up l^d.—The Chairman: With no proba- bility of reduction. The rateable value is rapidly increasing, but the expenditure keeps pace with it.—It was resolved to make a general district rate of 2s., and 6d. for sewerage, for the Sir. howy, and a 2s. rate for Fleur-de-lis.

CAERPHILLY POLICE COURT. TUESDAY.—Bsfore Dr. Leigh (in the chair), Mr. C. E. Forestier-Walker, and Mr. C. H. James. A TALE OF TAILS—John France (40), collier, Senghenydd; Walter Roper (29), stoker, Seng- henydd; and Richard Lewis (46). collier, Seng- henydd, were summoned by William Thomas, farmer, Senghenydd, for allowing their dogs to worry his sheep on the 30th of March.—The case in respect to Walter Roper was adjourned for a fortnight, to enable h.:m to call witnesses. —In the charge against John Franoe, Henry Richards, farmer, stated that at about 8.45 a.m. on the 30th of March, he saw two black dogs of the retriever type, another a kind of sheep dog. and a cross-bred spaniel, worry- ing the sheep belonging to his neighbour, Wm. Thomas. There were about 200 sheep in the field at tho time, and the dogs selected one and pursued it until witness went into the field and stopped them He followed the dogs down a back lane into the Caerphilly road, and there met Mr. Whitfield. In consequence of what Mr. Whitfield told him, witness, with a police- constable, went to the defendant's premises, and there saw the two black dogs at large in the garden.—Jonah Whitfield gave corrobora- tive evidence.—Wm. Thomas, of Gelly Farm, stated that he had suffered much loss by reason of dogs worrying his sheep at this time of the year. Pressed on the point, he was unable to demonstrate the amount of loss incurred by the defendant's dogs, but assessed it, roundly, as 21, as five days after, one of the ewes parsed a dead lamb. This, he said, was only one in- stance of many of the kind.—This case was dis- missed. In regard to the charge against Rd. Lewis, much amusement was caused by the de- fendant asking each witness whether his dofr had a short or a long tail.—Mary Lewis, wife of the defendant, stated that on the day in ques- tion her clog was shut up in the house,, to en- able her to attend at the Caerphilly Court about her daughter's absenoe from school.— The Bench: What kind of a tail hM your do?? (laughter).—Witness: A long tail it is (laughter). Continuing, witness said che had never seen a farmer like Mr. Thomas; his sheep were every. where—they clime along the roads and into the gardens—(laughter)—And "had eaten pounds off her" (loud laughter). Witness closed her evi- dence by saying that her little girl had been much worried over the matter.—Mr. C. Good- fellow, who represented the prosecutor, said: So were the sheep.-The Bench dismissed this case also.

CWM. LANTERN LECTUBE.—A very interesting lan- tern lecture was given at the Wesleyan Church to a. crowded audience, on Buy your own Cherries." Mr. F. Gillett presided, and the lecturer was Mr. William White, while Mr. Edwin Gould, Wauolwyd, manipulated the lantern. The proceeds will be devoted to assist the Band of Hope funds. EISTEDDFOD.-As will be seen by our adver- tisement columns the annual eisteddfod, in connection with Tirzah Baptist Church, will be held on Tuesday next, and promises to be a huge success, a large number of entries having been received by the sccretaties, Mr. A. G. Pitts and Mr. J. L. Lloyd, who have been working most assiduously to bring the event to a successful issue. CONSTITUTIONAL CLuiB.-The annual general meeting of this Club was held on Saturday, Mr. Tom Williams presiding. The Secretary, Mr. M. M. Orchard, presented the balance sheet and report, which were considered highly satisfactory and unanimously adopted. The secretary was complimented on the admirable manner in which he conducted the business of the Club, and on the motion of the chairman he wa4s accorded a hearty vote of thanks.

.<- Six people have been injured by an explosion of petrol on a motor-car at Nottingham. Fear of blindness led to the suicide, during temporary insanity, of Mr. Barton Mortimer Briant, 44, a Hastings accountant. The Earl of Derby explains that in his recent reference to the rejection of the Budget by the Peers he spoke absolutely for himself. Another case of inhibition has come to light, Dr. Bullinger having been forbidden by Dr. Knox to preach in the Manchester diocese. The death occurred on Saturday of Lord Gwydyr, the father of the peerage, in his 99th year. The Late peer was present at four corona- tion& A Tunbridge Wells prisoner has broken gaol in a mysterious manner. To get out he must have passed through an iron gate and a grated window.

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Gelligaer Urban District Council Election. BARGOED WARD. Ladies and Gentlemen, I beg to thank very cordially the 510 electors and Others who supported me on the 5th instant. I shall endeavour to merit the confidence which ou have reposed in me. I am, Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours faithfully, T. MYDDFAI JONES. April 6th. 1909. Geiiigaer Urban District Council Election, J909. BEDLINOG AND TRL;^WI3 WARD. LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. Having been returned by an overwhelming majority at the above Election, I wish to return my heartiest thanks to you as Electors, and all my supporters. It will be my duty now to do my best to justify the confidence you have so unmistakably reposed In me. Assuring you of my appreciation of the great Honour you have done me, I am, Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours obediently. GEORGE M. EVANS. Bryngoleu, 7th April, 1909.

Unknown's Fate. FOUND INSENSIBLE AT RHYMNEY. An unknown man, apparently a tramping Pedlar, with cottons and pins in his posses- sion, was found insensible on the street at Upper Rhymnev on Saturday evening. He was removed to the Bedwellty Union Workhouse, Tredega.r, where he died in the early hours of Sunday momin" without recovering conscious- ness. The deceased, it was thought, had a sud- den seizure, and there were no suspicious cir- cumstances attached to the case. The deceased wl!-8 a man about 60 years of age, about 5 feet 5 inches or 6 inches in height, of pale complex- ion, with dark grey hair, grey beard and mous- tache. He had marks of an old injury to the inner corner of the left eye, a scar on the right wrist, and a large dent and scar on the left side of the head. The first and second fingers ft the right hand were contracted at the ends Deceased was attired in an old three-quarter length dark cloth coat and rest, blue serge trousers, and a soft dark grey hat. AU his Wo thing was old and much worn. An inquest was held on Tuesday.—Thomas Kees Evans, a Rhymney man, spoke to finding the deceased, who could give no account of himself. In ten minutes' time, the man sank Into unconsciousness. Assistance was summon- ed, and eventually he was taken to the Union Workhouse.—Dr. H G Brown, deputy medical officer at the Workhouse, stated that he saw the deceased on Saturday night, and he died early on Sunday morning. Deceased was be- tween 60 and 70 years of age, and was a wel L urlshed man. Witness thought the deceased ed from syncope.—The jury returned a ver- iict in aooordance with the medical evidenoe.

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District Gouncil Elections. I Polling took place on Monday for the election of District Councillors, and appended the local results:— GELLYGAER. Bargoed Ward. Mr. T. M. Jones t. SlOt Mr. L P Edwards 479t Mr. Mark Old 432 Mr. Horace J. Davies 244 Bedlinog Ward. Mr G. M. Evans 492t Mr. T. J. Williams 148: CAERPHILLY. Town Ward. Mr. Charles S. Goodfellow 458+ Mr. Joseph Howells 454: Mr. James Williams 134 Nelson Ward. Mr. J. Rowland Leigh Thomas 252+ Mr. Thos. Evans 213: 0 Ystrad Mynach. Mr. John Shannon 292+ Mr. Wm. Jcnes 212 RHYMNEY Upper Ward. Thomas R. Jones (miner) 303t Daniel Jones (Lab.) 257 Lower Ward. David T. Williams (Lab.) 355t Joseph Price (L.) 237 W. Smith 5* Mr. Smith, the old member, had announc- ed that he did not seek re-election. MYNYDDISLWYN. South Ward. David John Jones 13it William Henry Stone 114+ John Hughes 101 Daniel Jenkins 85 George Curtis 63 Rec3 Morgan 62 Georcre Mogford 20 Charles Taylor I. 17 Penmaen. Moses Walters 141t Joseph Lewis 93t W. H. Davies 67 Edward Henry 20 Henry Stocks 4 NANTYGLO AND BLAINA. North Ward. John Davies (L. and Non.) 433+ William Thomas (L. and Non.) 414+ A. Athron (C. and Ch.) 289J George Francis (Lab.) 282+ T. J. Rees (Lab.) I. 216 David Monklev (L. and Non.) 207 W. H. Edwards (Lab.) 176 Central Ward. Wm. Greyson (colliery manager) 360+ James Lancaster (colliery manager) 297+ Thomas Lloyd (Lib.) 259+ Aubrey Jones (Lib.) 243+ James Pitman fLab.) 232t H. Williams (Lib.) 222 Geo. Robert Harris (Lib.). 164 Wm. Jenkins (Lib.) 1.. 138 M E. Thomas (Con.) 93 South Ward. James Manning (Lab.) 405+ T. W. Allen (Lib. and Non.) 320+ Wm. Parry (Lab.) 5051 T. Jenkins (Lab.) 297t Geo. Price (Lab.) 251t John Henry Jones (Ind.) 223 Wm. Bennett (Lib.) 226 Thomas Jones (Ind.) 172 G. Jenkins (Lib.) 169 T. Drew (Lib.) 165 BRYNMAWR. South Ward. Robert Eddy (builder) 139t Alfred J Markall 125 Central. David Griffiths (Prudential Sup.) 135t B. S. Evans .1.. 97 + Elected. + Defeated former member

New Tredegar Chamber of Trade. The monthly meeting of the Chamber was held at the District Council offices, on Wednes- day..there were present: Messrs. D. W. Price (in the chair), Edwards, J. John, T Wiseman, J. H. Retford, A. M. Roberts, F. Jones, J. G Jones, Green, J. Jones, Moyle, Love and M. Morgan.—It was decided that the Easter holidays should be Good Friday and Easter Monday. On the proposition of Mr. T. Wiseman. it was resolved to ask the Bedwellty Council to purchase a horse scraper and horse brush for the New Tredegar roads.—It was proposed by Mr. Wiseman and seconded by Mr. Moyle that, the advertisement screen be proceeded with and the following gentlemen were elected on the committee :—Messrs. E. J. J' .ies, J. John, T. Wiseman, D W. Price and J. G. Jones.—Mr. Wiseman proposed and Mr. J. H. Reftord seconded that the Chamber petition the Gas Co. for a reduction in the price of gas, which was carried nem. con.

DERI. MISSION CHTJBEH.—Mr. J. Rowe Thomas, of Lampeter College, preached at the Deri Mis- sion Church on Sunday to large and appreci- ative congregations. Mr. Thomas is a na- tive of Deri. and is very popular, both at Lam- peter and Deri. PKBSONAL.—The numerous friends of the Rev. D. Griffiths, curate, of Deri Mission Church, and Mr. S. Richards, checkweigher at the Dar- ran Colliery, will regret to learn that they are mdlSpoood. Under the diligent care of Dr. W. W. Turner, Deri. they are making satisfac- tory progress towards recovery. ^D™PIT-—The preacher at the English Bap- tist Chapel on Sunday was the Rev. D. Islwyn Richards, the newly-appointed pastor, whose eloquent sermons were* highly appreciated by large congregations. After the morning ser- vice, the rev. gentleman performed the ordi- nance of baptism, when two female candidates were immersed, and admitted members of the church. COLLIKRY NOTICES. — The workmen employed at the Groesfaen Colliery, the property of the Rhymney Iron and Coal Company, have ten- dered notices to terminate contracts at the end of the present month. This colliery, which has not long been opened, was fast developing, and strong hopes were entertained of a pros- perous future. It seems that a dispute has arisen owing to the delay in the settlement of the cutting price list. The masters subrait- J?. price list to the men some time ago, but this the men refused to accept. The matter waa subsequently referred to the Conciliation Board, and two representatives on each side were selected to settle the dispute; but it is sumjosed that the men handed in their notices with the object of hurrying a settlement. 1OBiTUAKt.—We have to record the death of f l -n ^>r'ce> New-road, after a lone and pain- ful illness. Deceased was an old inhabitant, and was highly respected in the locality, his genial temperament and rare fund of humour winning him a. host of friends. The inter- ment took place at Graig Fargoed Cemetery. A large ooncourse of people assembled to pay their last tributes of respect to the departed. The chief mourners were:—Mr. and Mrs. Wil- daughter and son-in-law; Mr. David Price, Tredegar, and Mr. T. Price, Deri, sons; Mr. and Mrs. J. Evans, daughter and son-in- law a,ncj ]\jjsg Price, daughter The Rev. D. J. Richards, Deri, officiated at the house and at the graveside, assisted by Mr. W. J. Evans, Cardiff College.

BRITHDIR. FOOTBALL. — Brithdir played two League games last week, on Saturday and Monday. Pontlottyn Juniors were met on the first occa- sion, and the result of a rather unsatisfactory match Saw Brithdir defeated by 3 goals to 1. lhe home team were but little inferior to Pont- lj1' luck was against them, and they COUIJ no^bing right while their opponents could do nothing wrong. The game was rath- or too vigorous, and science, therefore, was lacking- The game on Monday was the exact opposite, when Aberbargoed visited Brithdir in the return League game. Hardly a foul was witnessed throughout the game, and a pleasant m^tch was the result. Dr. Organ was in really good form, for although he missed a penalty, ho placed two classy goals to the credit of his Ida. "Brecon," however, was the star artiste in the forward line. Rogers, although exhibit- ing decent form. was inclined to play too far ID, and thus tOuch-line chances were frequently lost. Dick Williams, at centre-half, showed some masterlv touches, and frequently fed his forwards splendidly. H. Williams, at back, made too many mistakes to be pleasant, but Lewis, his partner, was good. Hughes, in good. WaS smai^' 0116 save being particularly

BLACKWOOD. N-S.P.C.C.—The amounts collected for this Society locally are as follow :-Argoed: Miss Jenkins and Miss Pegler. JB4. Blackwood Miss Lewis, £2 15s. 6d.; High-street. Mrs. James Morgan and Mrs. Woodward. £2 8s.; WiUipm-street, Mrs. O. Edwards and Mrs. Samuel, £1 8s. 9.; Lewis-street and Cefn-road, Mrs. Love and Mrs. Winslade, £2 75. 9d.; Roo. district. Mis-s Stewart, £2 Is.; Gordon-Toad, Miss Hart and M-ss Jones, £2 2s. lid.; South district. Miss A. Mitchard, 18s. 2d.; Blackwood East. Miss Bevan, 19s.; Penmaen, Mrs. M. Walters, £1 l9,; Rhyw, Mrs. Hammond and Mrs. Prouse, £1 Is.; Blackwood River-row, Mrs G. Phillips and Mrs. W Davies, 9s. 3d. total, B21 12s. 4d., as compared with £19 10s. for corresponding period] of last year, an in- crease of £ 2 2s. 2|d. ZENANA MEETING.—The monthly meeting in connection with the Zenana Society was held at Libanus Baptist Chapel, Blackwood, on Thurs- day nitrht, Miss N. A. Davies presiding. Miss M. J. Rees read a paper on mission work. which was highly appreciated by the audience. Rev. E. George and Mr. Harry Lewis highly com- phmented the reader. Miss Daisy Weeks gave a solo. ROCK GUILD.—A social evening in connection with this Guild was held on Tuesday night, when a good number of members and friends assembled to partake of tea. After tea, an en- tertainment was held, when solos, adresses, etc., were given by members of the Guild and others. The ses-sion, which has been of great interest and social benefit, was then terminated. It is expected that the next winter's session will be equally as interesting and beneficial, as several good speakers have already promised their ser- vices to the secretary.

Fata! Accident at Maesycwmmer. CRUSHED BETWEEN TRAIN AND PLAT. FORM. An inquest was held at the Police Station, Maesycwmmer, by Mr Harold Edwards, the deputy coroner, concerning the death of Tho- mas Hughes, of 18, Tal-y-brvn-terraoe, Pont- llanfraith, who died shortly alter an accident at the Maesycwmmer Railway Station. — Tho- mas Hughes, father of the deceased, said he last saw deceased alive in the signal box at 6.30 on the 29th ult. Just before he died he complained of a pain in the lower part of his chest, and asked to be taken home to his mother. Deceased was fifteen years of age last September, and was a collier. — Richard Edward Jenkins signalman at the Maesycwm- mer Station Box, said that as the 5.55 train was standing just below the platform — about 20 yards away — he saw the deceased and another lad come on to the platform and go down to the train. To do this they had to leave the plat- form. Presently, as the train began to move, a food box dropped out, and the deceased jump- ed down on to the line to pick it up. Having done this he jumped on to the bottom step or platform of the carriage, and. failing to reaoh the door, he held on to the top platform of the coach. The train was .approaching the plat- form, and a number of colliers shouted. By the time the train had come to a standstill, the de- ceased had been carried between the carriage and the platform of the station. Witness and two or taree others extricated deceased, and took him int-o the signal box. Deceased was in great pain.—Mr. Kirkham Jenkins (of Messrs. Morgan, Nicholas and Bruce) instructed by Mr. Walter Lewis, acting miners' agent, appeared for the deceased's relations, and put several questions to the witness as to why this train, which was going up the line. was waiting on the down line, but Inspector W. Sparkes, of the Brecon and Merthyr Railway, asked to be al- lowed to answer this later.—In reply to a. fur- ther question, R. E. Jenkins said there was an objection in his mind to the train coming down on the up line.—Inspector W. Sparkes iviid that the reason why the train was on the down line was due to one for the Tredegar Iron Company's workmen leaving at 5.55, whilst the P.D Company's train was due to leave eight minutes later. It was for the purpose of obvi- ating confusion and bustling that the two trains came to the respective platforms. This arrangement had been in force ten years. — David Davies said that he travelled by the train in question, and saw deceased on the bot- tom step of a carriage. The train was moving at the time towards the platform, and numbers of men shouted at the deceased, too.—Dr. J. Richards said he was called at 6 a.m., and ar- rived at the signal box ten minutes after. De- ceased's face was livid, and he looked apparent- ly dead. His wrist was pulseless, but his heart was panting. He died in the course of a few minutes. After death, witness examined him. but found no external signs of injury beyond superficial bruises on the hip and chest. Deceas- ed died of shock due to internal injuries, the nature of which, however, he .(Dr. Richards) could not describe, without making a post-mor- tem examination. — A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned.

Horse Show at Caerphilly. LOCAL PRIZES. At the horse show held at Caerphilly, on Mon- day. the following prizes went to the Rhymney V allav ♦ ABERTRIDWR. Brood Cob Mare.—Diamond, Mr. Thomas Davies, Abertridwr. Entire Cob or Pony.—St. Ilan, Mr. G. D. Gould, Abertridwr. LLANBRADACH. Welsh Cob or Pony Mare.—1, Folly, Mr. J. A. Lewis, Llanbradacn. Mare or Gelding (driv- en).—3, Folly, Mr. J. A. Lewis. Llanbradach. Turn-out Mare or Gelding.3. Folly, Mr. J. A. Lewis, Llanbradach. Heavy Horse in harness. —2, Collier Lad, Mr. Thomas Edmunds, Llan- bradach. MAESYCWMMER. Brood Ma.re.-2, Messrs. Thomas Bros., Maes- ycwmmer. Turn out.—1, Messrs. Thomas Bros., Maesycwmmer. YSTRAD MYNACH. One and a half mile Galloway Handicap. 2, Kittle, Mr. Wm. Davies, Cooper's Arms Ystrad Mynach.

At Rugby, last week, Sidney G. Bedworth, auctioneer, International Chambers, Edmund- street, Birmingham, was summoned by Arthur Brampton, on behalf of Messrs. Brampton Bros., cycle fittings manufacturers, Oliver- street. Birmingham, for applying a. false trade description to cycles offered for sale by auction at Rugby on March 20th, and there was a se- cond summons against him for exposing for sale cycles to which a certain false trade des- cription was applied. The Bench imposed the 11 penalty of £20 and costs in the first case. The second was not proceeded with.—Defendant said he should appeal, and considered he ha-1 not been fairlv treated. 1

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