The Merthyr Express

& jMcset exjuHcd noes&&& of peepl. have learat how to reduce their ex^tiit«re OR <K ■ dress without sacrificing apK»r»teet. The secret lies in the fact that W # they have diteorered the valve of the I JihnsBR Patent Processor Dry Cleaning S They have their rarioos articles of attire cleaned again and again- C every time they return looking like new. jw Call at our local branch and see the specimens of garments which have been 9 V dry cleaned. We avoid shrinkage or alteration of shape, whilst reviving the SL # colour and smartness, so that you experience afresh the felieity of wearing S 3r aew clothes. Jt We clean BLOUSES from 1/3, PRESSES g COSTUMES from 4-/9. jf iL GLOVES from 2d. GENTLEMEN'S SUITS, 4-/8, TROUSERS. 1/- 4L lL**7tf)h¥lSftn 2V<rrr £ 2)rj/QUaners, S UUU119UAH FLVJL 2** BRANCHES EVERYWHERE. £ 101a, HIGH STREET, MERTHYR; 8b. TAFF STREjT PONTYPRTDD; 49b, COMMERCIAL ST., ABERDARE; 12, ANGEL ST., IsEATH. g t')' NtMe Chockinate. t j < can cuie yocr iUa before they come Buy L w to-day and prove it.' jflj LADIES! LADIES! Mrs. E. SHAFFER-BENYON, the Eminent Lady Specialist, has much pleasure in an- nouncing that her REMEDY WITHOUT MEDICINE is the only Positive. Safe. Cer- tain. and Speedy one known. It acts almost immediately, and does not interfere with household duties. Send at once stamped-ad- dressed envelope for full particulars and most convincing Testimonials (guaranteed genuine under a penalty of 21,ow) to-Mrs. E. Shaffer-Benyon, Catford, London. 9 a. (Established 10 years in Holharn.) CHEAP WOOD WORKS. Steam Saw I ç Mills. Timber, illlff (ill lllilli l||i| 1 '!i Joinery and l 3,1 k,nds °' j Building llllllillllillllll itlilllllj.jlu^ Materials. Oofcs ot all kinds in sections or put together. Light Rafters and Boards, 5s. 100 feet. Solid Rainwater Shoots. 4d. ft., hold up against snow. Illustrated Price List. Id. stamp. Carriage paid anywhere. TILNEY, ch^oprk™od Abertillery. TREDEGAR COTTAGE HOSPITAL Whit-Wednesday, June 2nd, 1909, Grand Picnic & Fete In the Beautiful Grounds of BEDWELLTY PARK. NOVEL SPORTS, MARATHON RACE, FANCY DRESS CARNIVAL, AMBULANCE COMPETITIONS, &c Refreshments at Nominal Charges. Procession at 12 o'clock. Judging at 2 o'clock. Gates open at 1 o'clock. Band in attendance.

TROEDYRHIW. Te Housemaids and Wives, why bother your lives In rubbii.0" your tables and chairs. Tour strength do not waste. use BAGLEY 3 "Y GORBT" paste, Such labour and worry it spares. D rubbinsr all day, no wonder you say Your bodies are reeking with pain; Now take the advice we give without pricc- Don't ruL without Bagley's Y Goreu" again. LLOYDS BANK.—A branch of this old- established Bank has been opened at Bridge- street, Troedvrhiw. The hours of business are from i 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays. irjiii J f ^29 NAZARETH CHAPEL.—Annual meetings were held in'connestion with Nazareth (C.M.) Chapel, on Saturday evening, Sunday and Monday even inc. Large congregations attended the services. The preachers were the Rev. R. Roberts, of Crabadi (a Troedyrhiw boy) and the Rev. R. Morgan, of Llanddewi Breii. ACCIDENT. A slizht accident, which caused complications to set in, resulted in the death of Mr. Samuel Morgan, 44,Yew-street, on Friday morning last. Deceased was a master haulier at a neighbouring colliery, and was much respected at the works and in the locality. The interment took place on Tuesday, at the Abcrfan cemeterv, and the funeral was very largely attended, the cortege extending over half-a-mile in length. Members of the Shepherds, R.A.O.B. and Glantaff Society attened to pay their last tribute of respect to their departed brother. The chief mourners were the widow and family. The burial service was performed by the R^. J. W. Price (Saron), assisted by the Rev. D. E. Davies (Mount Zion). CONCERTS.—On Wednesday and Thursday concerts were given at the St. John's Kail, by the Troedyrhiw Infants' School, with the object of raising a fund for the pv.rchase of a piano lor school purposes. The hall was crowded almost to suffocation, and the large attendances were exceedingly gratifying to the head-mistress (Miss Evans) and her staff. There is every reason to believe that their ambition will te realised. Their task in training the little ones to perform with such precision was no easy one but the performances of the children were all that could be desired. The children, as well as the teaching staff are to te congratulated. The president on ednesday was Councillor D. J. Lewis, who substituted the Mayor, the latter having teen called to Manchester, and Alderman J. Harpur, Deputy-Mayor, presided on Thursday eveniner. The programme was as follows:—Chorus, Over the Fields of Clo- ver," (test piece, Mountain Ash), the Juvenile i Choir chorus and duet, You shan't play, etc, M. Richards and L. A. Jones; chorus. We are Babies," Third-class Infants; action song, Trip, Trip, Tripping," First-class Infants; action song, Humpty and Dumpty," M. L. Llewellyn and S. Russell; trio, 11 Under the Old Umbrella," W. Manns, E. Price and E. Morlan; action song, The Troedyrhiw Band," First- class Boys action song, Boys' School; recitation, Boys' School; action song, Ten Little Jappy 91 Maids." Second-class Girls; Musical sketch, The Tradesmen," First and Second-class Boys solo and chorus, The Little Mandarin," B. Carston and Choir; action song, The Little Cooks," First-class Girls action song. Butter- cups," Fifst and Second-class Girli 's trio. Gosspis," M. A. W illiams, M. Medlicott and B. Harris; action song and drill, The Shield Song," First-class Girls coon duet and chorus. The Picanninies," M. Ansell, T. Davies and Choir; action song, The Burlesque Band." Boys' School' finale, Hen Wlad fy Nhadau.

MERTSYR VALE. EISTEDDFODIC SUCCESS.—Congratulations to the Merthyr Vale Juvenile Choir on obtaining two first prizes at Bargoed, on Monday, beating the once famous Mountain Ash Juvenile Choir. This makes four first prizes gained. THE TRESPASS CASE.—Mr. James Morgan, 21, Crescent-street, Merthyr Vale, writes to say that he was fined 3Cs. and costs, and not 10s. and costs, as reported, for trespassing on land at Quaker's Yard.—Mr. Morgan contends that he had a perfect right to walk along an old footpath, and says he is taking action to prove it. PURE NIMR.-Arthur Hirst, of Pontygwaith Farm, near Treharris, has received the following analyst's certificate :—" Cardiff, May 4, 1900.— I have carefully analysed (in duplicate) the milfc sample received from you to-day^ and find it contained :—Total solids, 13.05 per cent., consisting of butter fat, 3.65 per cent. non- fa.tty solids, 9.40 per cent. Specific gravity, 10341. Condition normal. Marked, Merthyr Police, 2." The milk is considerably above the legal standard, of very good quality and clean." —(Signed) J. H. Jenks."—The annual sale of milk from Pontygwaitli Farm now reaches a total of over 10,000 gallons.

ABERFAN. P.S.A.—At the meeting, on Sunday, Mr. Dd. Griffiths read a paper against politics being e ntered into by the Churches.—Mr. R. A. Jones presided.

Suffragists sent up rockets from a launch near the House of Commons on Tuesday. Religious disturbances between Roman Cath- olics and Protestants have occurred in Lanark- shire. Mr Walter Runciman received an influential deputation on Tuesdav on t6- of mora! instruction.

w w An Aberdare Sensation. GIRL SHOOTS HERSELF WITH A REVOLVER. On Saturday night a sensational affair took plaoe at the Aberdare Constitutional Club, Florence Ford (17), a servant at the club, shoot- ing herself with her master's revolver. The girl went upstairs to her bedroom about 11.30 on Saturday night, and shortly afterwards a shot was heard. Mr. Mumford, the steward at once rushed upstairs, and found the room filled with smoke and the girl lying on her side, ^mh a revolver, which she had taken up from the club premises, lying discharged at her side. Dr. Trevor Jones and Dr T W Scale were at once summoned, and upon examination found that the girl had discharged the revolver into her abdomen, the bullet having passed through her body. She was subsequently removed on the police ambulance to the Aberdare Cottage Hospital. On Sunday she regained consciousness, and said she had sat on the bed, and taking the revolver, which is a heavy Webbley six-cham- bered weapon, but had only one chamber load- ed, put it against her body, apparentlj aiming at the heart, and managed to pull back the trigger. He condition was regarded as serious from the first, and she died on Monday morn- ing. Ford had been in service at the Constitutional Club for some 12 months, but left on Thursday night last, and slept that night at lodgings, go- ing home to her parents at Cwmaman on Fri- day morning. On Saturday she and her parents being in Aberdare met Mr. Mumford, who ask- ed her to go back to his place, and she con- sented to do so. On Monday our representative called at the Constitutional Club, and there saw Mr. Mum- ford, who said that the girl had been in his employ for a year. She left the Club on Thurs- day to take up another situation, but was back again on Saturday evening, having left her new situation. Her parents accompanied her, and as they were leaving she made a remark that she was afraid she might be "chaffed" by tne members for the break in her engagement. She was very cheerful at the time, and played with the children also partaking of a hearty supper. He was not aware that she knew he had the revolver. He had no idea whatever as to what led the gial to commit such a rash act. iOtir representative next saw Mrs. Ford, who was accompanied by her other daughter. The poor woman was in a terrible state, and during the interview wept bitterly. Mrs. Ford said the girl left the Club thinking that she was 'Zo- ing to a better place. This was the Market I Tavern, Aberdare, and she commenced duties there on Thursday evening, but returned to her home in Glanaman-road, Cwmaman, on Friday evening, remarking that she did not ap- prove of the place. Mr. Mumford coming to know this, expressed his willingness to take the girl back. She was home on Sunday week, and then seemed in excellent spirits. Her daughter had never told her of any trouble she had.

THE INQUEST. Great public interest was taken in the in- quest, which was held on Thursday morning before Mr. R. J Rhy^ coroner. Mr. W G. Phillips watched the case on behalf of the Con- stitutional Club and Institute. Alfred Ford, Cwmaman, said the deceased was his daughter, and she would have been 18 years of age in July. She had been a do- mestic servant at the club for twelve months, On Saturday night, at a quarter to nine he saw her at the club; he had no particular reason for going to see her. She seemed to ba as usual, and was not in the least strange in her manner. He knew cf nothing that troubled her. She had been out oncc or twice with a young man. He knew of no case of suicide in the family. Josiah Mumford, steward of the club, said he kept two servants, and of late they had slept in different rooms. Last Saturday night he saw deceased at a quarter to nine, when she spoke to her father. She afterwards went to the kitchen, which was on the top storey of the premises. He noticed nothing strange in her manner. He went up to the kitchen between eleven and 11.10, and heard a shot. He rushed into the girl's bedroom and found her lying on the floor. She was conscious, but he noticed that her blouse was blackened, and that a re- volver lay by her side. She called out, "Mo- ther, mother, I have done it; I have done it." He saw no blood. The weapon was a Webley's service revolver. He used to be in the Army, and served in the South African War. He always kept the revolver under his pillow in his bedroom. It was not loaded, but there was one cartridge in one of the drawers in the kit- chen, and he had two more cartridges down- stairs. Deceased used to make his bed. She might have had occasion to go to the drawers. When he heard the shot the other servant followed him into the room. His wife was in the bar downstairs. Only one cartridge had been discharged. Deceased had never seen him use the revolver. He found the bullet em- bedded in the wall opposite to where the de- ceased lay, about three or four feet from the ground. He never saw the girl hysterical. In reply to the foreman, witness said that the girl left his employ last Thursday, going to another situation. Whether she liked the change or not lie could not say, but she re- turned to the club accompanied by her father, and he took her back. In reply to Mr. Phillips, witness said the girl returned to the club between 6 and 7 o'clock. He heard she had left her new place, and next day he asked her to return. He went upstairs on Saturday night to close the billiard, card, and reading rooms. He saw two parcels of groceries on the stairs, and took them into the kitchen. It was when coming from the kitchen that he heard the shot. He always kept a revolver under his pillow, and so did his wife. Jane Roberts, 16, said she went into service at the club on the previous Wednesday, and slept with the deceased that night. She did not seem troubled or worried. Deceased re- turned at 6 o'clock on Saturday, and they were together in the kitchen most of the time until the occivtence. Deceased was very quiet all the cveil,no:, and made no communication to witness. Witness said she did not make Mr. Mumford's bed. In reply to Mr. Phillips, witness said that during supper deceased asked for a blacklead and paper. She wrote something, and after- wards threw the writing on the fire. Deceased then went to her mistress's room. Witness fol- lowed, and saw her sitting by the head of the bed It was under the pillow that the revolver was kept. Mrs. Mumford, who wept bitterly, said she had never shown deceased how to use the re- volver. She last saw her at 10.30. o'clock Sat- urday night. Dr. E. J. Trevor Jones said he was sent for by Dr. Scale, and went to the club. There was a bullet wound about Hinches below de- ceased's heart. The girl vomited about a pint of blocd. He came to the conclusion that the best thing to do would be to take her to the hospital, and perform an operation; that was the only chance to save her life. He asked her if she had a statement to make. She said she had kept the cartridge for ten days, and loaded the revolver on Saturday night. She placed the woapon quite close to her clothes, and pulled the twigger with both hands. He operated up- on her, and found the bullet had passed through the stomach, and the lung, and out through hor back. Next morning deceased was conscious, and she repeated the statement. At 5.30 she died from shock. A portion of the clothing had been carried into the wound. She was perfectly cool and quiet.on Saturday night, and also the following morning.' She was not pregnant. The jury returned a verdict "that the girl died from a eelf-inflicted wound, but there was no evidence to show the state of her mind at the time the de2d was committed."

Nonconformists Muzzled at Cefn. During the lengthy and important delibera- tions, in which the Welsh Wesleyans were engaged last week, at Cefn, a rather signifi- cant incident took, place. At the close of the proceedings, which were carried on in camera, on Wednesday afternoon, a strone resolution had been lrafted by the officers of the Synod to express hearty sympathy with the Govern- ment in its noble effort to bring about religious equality in Wales,1 and as the -proposer was speaking to the motion, he was promptly pull- ed up bv a member of the local committee. This gentleman volunteered the statement that such a motion couid not be submitted in that place, as the loan of the room in which the de- liberations were carried on had been secured on the clear understanding that not a: word actainst, the Established Cnurcb should be utter- ed in the course of the week. The large num- ber of delegates from all parts of the Princi- pality were taken aback, but the motion was not put, but another to the effect that no such terms be ever again entered into'by local com- mittees, was carried unanimously.

The best "heip you couid possibly desire fi r washing everything is BORAX nlV SOAP. Tq packets ev'^whwo.

ABERDARE DISTRICT COUNCIL NEW CAPTAIN OF THE FIRE BRIGADE. THE MEDICAL OFFICER. FEES OF COUNCILLORS WHEN IN LONDON. The ordinary meeting of the Aberdare Dis- trict Council was held on Friday, Air. E. Stone- lake, the newly ekcted chairman, presiding. There were present, Messrs. Rees Llewelyn, D. P. Davies, J.P, M. J. Harris, T. Walter Williams, W. Thomas, Owen Powell, W. T Morgan, Lewis M. Williams, J. O. George, T Lewis, W Harpur, William Rees and David Davies, with the Clerk (Col. T. Phillips), Messrs. Beddoe, A. Watkins (deputy clerks), A. Morris (deputy surveyor), and Dr. M. G. Rees (Medical Officer). Mr. G J Davies, sol1cltor, wroie in respect of Gooseberry Hill, Aberaman, and said he had been instructed to withdraw the notices served in respect of this street. — On the mo- tion of Mr. W. Rees, seconded by Mr. T. Lewis, it was decided that tenders be asked for exe- cuting private street works there. The Clerk read a letter from Mr. E. M. Hann tendering his resignation as a member of the Education Committee.—The Clerk said that no member of the Council could divest himself of this position unless he gave up the councillorship. — Mr. T Waiter Williams held that the resignation could be accepted, and that the Council had power to co-opt an out- sider.—The Clerk drew attention to the last section of the scheme dealing with such mat- ters, and which proved contrary to what Mr. Williams had said. The following persons had applied for the post of bath attendant:—R. A. Bridges, Moun- tain Ash; Thomas Richards, Cwmbach; D. Minor, Miskin; John Williams, Tudor-terrace, Rees Jones, Aberdare, and John Davies, Cwrr- place. John Davies was appointed. FIRE BRIGADE. The following report of the Fire Brigade Committee was accepted, and it was resolved, in order to get uniforms before the annual demonstration, to give the Fire Brigade Com- mittee power to accept the tenders for the same.—It was unanimously resolved that Coun. Owen Powell be appointed chairman of this Committee for the ensuing year. — Messrs. J. C. Ilarmston, Davies, and E. R. Rees, to- gether with Lieut. John Davies attended the meeting, and placed before the Committee the names of members of the Brigade for promo- tion. After consideration of the same. it was unanimously resolved to recommend that Mr. R. L. Berry be honorary Captain of the Bri- gade, and Mr. Samuel Harris honorary mem- 1 ber of the Brigade. — Unanimously resolved to recommend that Mr. John Davies be ap- pointed Captain of the Brigade in place or stead of Mr. R. L. Berry.—Unanimouslv re- solved to recommend that Messrs. James James and W. J. Williams be appointed respectively first and second lieutenants.—Unanimously re- solved to recommend that uniforms, etc., be provided as per list submitted by the Deputy Surveyor, and that tenders lie invited there- for.—Resolved that the necessary appliances for the fire engine approved by the Surveyor bo obtained. FINANCE. The report of the Finance Committee was adopted, showinr payments as follows on the various accounts;—General District Rate ac- count, JE688 4s. lOd. libraries account, £24 3s. 4d. water revenue account, J6586 14s. Id. burials 12s. suspense account, £328 3s. 8d. loans 7s. 4d to- tal, £1,704 5s. 3d. The Committee also reo commended that the division of the Id. rate for library purposes made in October last be as follows:—Central Library, £376 6s. 9d. Tre- 13s. Cwmbach, JS33 lis. 4d. Aberaman, JE146 7s. 5d.; Abercwmboi, £19 Os. 6d. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The report of the Surveyor, from which the following extracts are made, was adopted:— The rainfall recorded at the Nanthir Reser- voir for the month of April was 5.32 inches, be- ing a decrease of 1.41 inches on the previous month, and an increase of 1.9S inches on the corresponding month last year. Rain fell on 18 days, the greatest fall being on the 23rd, viz.: 1.24 inches. In accordance with the in- structions of the Fire Brigade Committee, I have examined the list of renewals required for the engine, and recommend that two ac- cumulators and six magneto sparking plugs be obtained; in reference to lowering the gear of the engine I am not prepared at present to recommend that this be altered. I beg to ask for instructions re Cardiff-road paved footpaths, whether the work of repairing the same is to be proceeded with. The sum of £1,50 is included in the current rate towards the carrying out of this work. I have to re- port that the water main supplying Roberts- town is corroded to such an extent that it is al- most impossible to provide an adequate supply of water under the present conditions. I beg to recommend that a new 3-inch cast iron main be laid from Hirwain-road, Trecynon, to Bridge-street, Robertstown, a. distance of 890 yards. About 400 yards of 3-inch pipe3 taken out of Cwmdare-road will be available for this work. The estimated cost o the proposed works is £132. which is provided for in the cur- rent rate. I have received the following build- ing plans and being in accordance with the bye-laws, I beg to recommend that the same he approved, viz. From the Cwmbach Free Library Committee, New Public Hall, Library and Institute at Cwmbach. From Mr. William Jones, 54, Brecon-road, Hirwain, two dwelling houses at Brecon-road, Hirwain. From Mr. David, Blaennantyroes Farm, Cwmbach, con- version of Oid Colliery Offices into two cot- tages at Cwmbaeh-road, Cwmbach. From Mr. C. Edevanc, 102, Jubilee-road, Aberaman, dwelling house in Bedford-street, Aberamaa. From Mr. Jenkins, conversion of No. 363, Car diff-road, Aberaman, into two dwelling houses, From Mr. Arthur Davies, 54, Eureka-place, Ebbw Vale, additions in rear of No. 23, Pem- • broke-street, Aberdare. From Mr. Daniel Jones, Forge View Cottage. Aberaman, addi- tions in rear of 27, Margaret-street, Aberaman. Number of houses approved as above, 6; num- ber of houses previously approved, 10,528; to- tal number of houses approved, 10,534. TENDERS. The following tenders were received for the new water tank, etc., at Cwmama.n :-Messrs. Jones Bros., Abercwmboi, £692 18s.; Messrs. Evans and Murray, £1.111; Mr. J. Suther- land, Abercynon, £800; Mr. John Jones, Gwawr Cottage, Aberaman, £885; Mr W. Brown, Merthyr, £fJ80 9s.—Mr. R. Llewellyn said that Mr. Brown had done some work for the Farms Committee very satisfactorily, and as his tender was the lowest, he moved that it be acoepted.—Mr. W. T. Morgan seconded.— Mr. W. Thomas said that Messrs Jones Bros.' tender was only £12 higher than that of Mr. Brown, and as they were ratepayers in the dis- trict, he moved that their tender be accepted. It was worth more than U12 to the Council | to keep the work amongsv the ratepayers.— Mr. W. Rees seconded, not only on the grounds. mentioned by Mr. Thomas, but also in the interest of the working classes in the district, Contractors from other towns were in the habit of bringing workmen with them from a distance, and so the workmen in Aberdare lost employment.—Mr. E. Stonelake said from his experience on the housing question he thought it was well to get outsiders to come in; the more outsiders they could get the better.—Mr. W. Rees: I am more concerned about the workmen in the district.—The Chairman A contractor will not bring labourers and such like from Merthyr over here.—Mr. Rees: But he will bring masons and carpenters.—On a division, the tender of Mr. Brown was accepted by 11 to 4. THE MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH. The following reports of the Health Commit- tee wero received, and the first report, that of April 5th, was adopted :—Your Committtee considered the question of the re-appointment of the Medical Officer of Health. The Clerk, by order of the Committee, read the follow- ing 1891, March 23rd. Local Government Board General Order. 1906, December 20th. Letter of Assistant Secretary, Local Govern- ment Board. 1907, January 9th. Advertise- ment and abstract of tho qualifications, prin- cipal duties, and terms of appointment. 1909, March 13th. Letter of Clerk to the Local Go- vernment Board upon the qualification of the Medical Officer of Health as to analysing. 1909, March 27th. Letter of Local Government Boa.rd in reply.—Coun T Walter Williams, by permission of the Committee, read the memo- randum which he had prepared for discussion. Your Committeo ha.ving gone carefully through the memorandum, Clause 1 was, after consider- able discussion, agreed to. The Medical Officer of Health assented to same. Your Commit- tee adjourned the further consideration of the memorandum to Thursday, the 15th inst., at 3 p.m. An adjourned meeting was held on April 15th to further consider the memorandum of Coun. T. Walter Williams re duties, etc., of Medical Officer of Health. The Clerk read the letter of the Local Government Board of the 12thinst. Leave was granted tho Medical Offi- cer of Health to read his report upon the me- morandum prepared by Coun. T. W. Williams. —It was moved by Coun. Thomas Bowen, se- conded by Coun. J. H. James, that Clauses 2 and 3 be deleted, and the words from "the analysis" in the first line of Clause 4 to the word "preseivatives" in the third line, also deleted. The remaining words "and the milk should be examined microscopically for tu- bercle'' be added to Clause 1. An amendment was moved by Coun. T. Walter Williams, se- conded by Coun. Thomas Lewis, that the above clauses lie allowed to stand. The amendment and motion were severallv put to the meeting, when two members voted for the amendment, and seven for the motion. Clause 5 was unan- imously accepted, subject to the words "say in every three months" being struck out, and the words "once during the winter months" being inserted in lieu thereof. Coun. T W. Williams moved, and Coun. Thomas Lewis seconded, that the Medical Officer of Health be re-ap- pointed for a term of two years. An amend- ment was moved by Coun. David Davies, se- conded by Coun. Owen Powell, that the Medi- cal Officer be re-appointed permanently by the Council. Three months' notice to be given by him to terminate the engagement. The amend- ment and motion were severally pi.'t to the .'ceeting, when seven •i;e:nbr>rs voted for the arvendment, and tw'o for the motion. On c-o:1siciera.tion of the latter report, f r. T. W Williams said be was Koinc to move an 1 amendment, but as he understood that there was a desire to adjourn the subject for a month he would like a vote to be taken on that point first.—Mr. D. Jackson Thomas said that the Trades and Labour Council had asked that the discussion be deferred for a month, and he moved that the course be taken.—A discussion: ensued, and the matter was ultimately deferred. VARIOUS. A report of Cap! Berry on the fire at Blaen- nant was read, in which he referred to the difficulty of climbing up the hill to the colliery, and suggested some alteration in the grade of the engine.—A letter re the tarring of the county road at the cost of the County Council was, after some discussion, referred to the Roads and Streets Committee.—Tho secretary of Trinity Swimming Club asked for season tickets and the exclusive right of using the baths an hour a week. The latter request was refused.—An offer of two jawbones of a whale from Mr. Burgc was accepted.—An application of Messrs. Parker Bros. for petrol licence was referred to the Surveyor and Inspector to re- port thereon. — The question of refusing li- cences to brakedrivers who only Lame out on Saturday and on special days was referred to the Cabs' Committee. Mr. D..lackson Thomas asked if it was ad- visable to fix the "wages" to be paid to Coun- cillors going to London on Parliamentary business. They all knew what a row they had last time because of the charges made by some of the Councillors.—Mr. D. Davies: I think it was fixed at that time.—The Clerk: No re- solution has been passed.—Mr Thomas: Then I think wo ought to do something.—Mr M. J. Harris: Why not fix a rate now ? I find some Councils havè a fixed 5um, first-class trai:1 fare and £1 Is. a day.—Eventually this rate was agreed to. Mr. Illtyd Hopkins drew attention to the ir- regular way in which brakedrivers applied for hire, and said he was of opinion that the Cabs Committtee should take the matter up. —The matter was referred to the Committee in question.—On the motion of Mr. William Thomas, it was resolved that notices of special meetings of the Council and Education Com- mittee should be sent to the Press representa- tive"—Mr. J. O. George again drew attention to the state of Pontbrenllwyd Bridge. It was explained that the County Council now had the matter under consideration.—Mr. M. J. Harris suggested that the County Council be written to in reference to the widening of Hendrebailey Bridge, Llwydcoed. Mrs. Ed- wards, of Fedwhir, waa prepared to grant, the necessary ground.—It was agreed that this dcyit.

THE MINERS' OUT OF WORK FUND. MASS MEETINGS AT ABERDARE. On Tuesday two mass meetings of the night- men and daymen respectively in Aberdare, were hold at the Market Place, in order to hear ad- dresses on the proposed out of work fund, which the South Wales Miners' Federation aro about to establish. At the morning meeting several hundreds of the nightmen from the various collieries in the valley were present, and the meeting was presided over by Mr. C. B. Stan- ton, the miners' agent for Aberdare. Mr. Stanton said the question of the moment for the night men as a class, as they were all wage men, was that of their position under the Eight Hours Act. He could assure them that as leaders they were going to better their position, and were endeavouring in any new agreement to secure for the night men a six- day pay for five nights' work (hear, hear). He saw no possible reason why this should not be secured (loud applause). They were also care- fully watching the attempt that was being made in certain directions to change the cus- toms in the coalfield to convert day men to piece work. The Federation had done much for the men, but he wanted them to consider things on a business basis, and not to expect to receive a twopenny bun for a penny (laugh- ter and cheers). The Federation had done a mighty work for them, and had secured for them an increase of 60 per cent, or 12s. in the J6, but it could do still more if it had the neces- sary financial support from the men (hear, hear). It had obtained better conditions for the men of to-day, but he, for one, was de- termined to set the mark higher for to-morrow (loud applause). SPIRIT OF CONCILIATION. At the national conference in London last week much was done to secure the conciliatory spirit manifested at Cardiff this week. The employers, after all, were only human, and they did just what the workmen would do in their places, they tried to get all they could out of the men. As the men, however, had now secured the right of collective bargaining, they could tell the employers, "We recognise your rights at present until the St-ate obtains pos- session of the mines to a return on your capital, but we also demand the rights of the men" (hear, hear). If the men would unite to pay and show their principles a great deal was pos- sible. In the past they had relied far too much on the generosity of the employers and that had not been very great. Let them not in the future be penny wise and pound foolish, and talk of everybody in office in the Federation making a good thing on tlvoiback, but think! a. bit of the capitalist, vhc had obtained his motor car, his grand hO'-1: artd his banking ac- count on their back (near. hear) Let them now set the pace, and not locu back, but look forwaH. They had nothing 10 lose but their chains (laughter and cheers). It lay with them when the ballot was taken to say wi'.eiher they would make their position saf- by voting straight for the out of \< orl. scheme. What they wanted was a little lore money, and much more loyalty, and bp fvted that in the forthcoming ballot there be no cross on the wrong side of the paPA. ,'hear, hear). Let '•hem remember that thous?nas would to-day be starving but for tho moneys received from the Federation. It was cowardly and mean for those who were working and drawing wages to allow their fellow workmen to starve. They had never played the game of rades Unionism in Wales as they ought to, but was never too late to start right, and if they so he pro- mised them that better conditions wouJd be (e- cured for the men throughout the coalfield, especially for the night men. They were not going to ask for a, vote at that meeting, but they were going to ask the workmen to vote right when called upon to do so (loud applause). WHAT IS PROPOSED. Mr. Ben Davies, Rhondda, who spoke in the vernacular, said that what their leaders were asking them to do was to double their contri- butions, and so secure a good out of work fund. There were thousands of workmen as good as any one thrown out of employment at various times by explosions or other accidents at col- iieries, or by depression of trade, and now they could only support them by levies. They want- ed to get rid of those levies. Had they con- sidered that the men who had been working had benefitted by the starvation of their fellow workmen? When those men were idle less coal was brought to a glutted market, and thus the prices were maintained. Had those 10,GOO men who had been idle been working the wages of the workers would have come down from *he maximum long ago, for no colliery would have been stopped had concessions been made as asked for by the employers. In his own district concessions of 4s. in the £ had been asked for, but refused. Why 4s. in the £ was more on a wage of JB1 in one week tliTn they were ask- ing for in four months. Stoppages, too, were caused by explosions, inundations, failure and breakage of machinery, depression in trade, owners. getting into liquidation, and other causes, but at present the Federation could not pay exoept by means of levies for any of those reasons. They could only pay in case of strike, lock-out, or victimisation, and they i wanted the increased contribution to enable them to do eo (hear, hear). The employers could then do as they liked about stopping their collieries, for they really cared nothing for the workmen except so far as they could make something out of them. Passing on, he briefly dealt with the question of the Eight Hours Act, stating that he never expected that the Eight Hours Act was going to come at the cost of the workmen.—(The Chairman And it sbell not).—He agreed, but the owners were trying to get that (sha.me). It was a, sha.me to even suggest reducing the wages of those who only earned 2s. 6d. to 2s. lOd. a day. Why, that was not sufficient to obtain bread (loud applause). The attempt was to lower the low- est, who, to-day, had no living wage—it was starvation wages. After a graphic description of the condition of things in the past, he said that the whole of the miners' leaders were agreed that there was to be no reduction of wages. Let them be clear on that — the men's helpers and the colliers' boys were not to have their wages reduced (loud applause). That would not be tolerated for one minute. The employers talked when the Bill went through the House about the price of coal going up 5s. a ton. Then why not recoup themselves out of that and not attack the men's wages? It was much like the publicans' attitude towards the Budget. They complained they would have to pay 3s. 9d. increased tax on spirits, but would make 10s. out of it, and ten they talk- ed of a ruined trade (laughter). Let them show true bravery by being not merely brave in bat- tle, but also beforehand, for battles were won in time of peace (loud and long-continued ap- plause). READY TO FIGHT. Mr. James Winstone, Pontypool, remarked that Mr. Davies had said he was a man of peace and not a fire-brand, but his speech show- ed that he was well in the fighting brigade. He, too, did not want to fight, but he did not want to run awav (laughter and cheers). Not only would the fighting brigade oppose a re- duction, but every miners' leader in Great Britain and every representative of the 70,000 who were represented at London last week would want to know the reason why (loud and long-continued applause). It was said that a reduction of wage rates may be proposed at the meeting of the sub-committee. That, was not so; they were all agreed, and he divulged no secret when he said so. There was to bo no reduction in any wage whatever the conse- quence mav be (loud and long-continued ap- piause). The only thing Mr. Davies and him- were not agreed upon was the method of abolish in." th0 present unfair condition of la- bour. Mr. Davies was a serious believer in Trades Unionism, and he was prepared to ad- mit that Trades Unionism was the basis on ] which thAw were te etftrt, but he the spe&k.9!\ submitted that in these days of aggregation of capital in combines and trusts, they could not overcome them by Trades Unions alone, but must adopt more modern methods, and meet them en the floor of the House of Commons (hear, hear). He, like Mr. Davies, urged them! to pay the increased contributions asked for, and he was sure that the men of Aberdare, re- membering the P.D. dispute, would be the first to do so, but they must demand their freedom not only politically and religiously, but also economically, for to-day they were bound in the bonds of obiigarchy and the throes of cap- italism. While the few controlled the means of living they would control the men's method of living as well. They wanted a little earthquake to waken them up to a desire for higher and nobler things. The out. of work fund was a mere regrettable necessity, a palliative, a stop- gap that merely dealt with the effect of the present ungodlike economic system whieh was crushing out the life of the people (hear, hear). Men were to-day victimised for standing up for freedom, although they claimed to have abolished the discharge note. The employers were still victimising people, and in such a wav that the men could not obtain the bene- fits of the present funds of the Federation. He closed with an eloquent appeal to Christian men to do their duty in this matter (loud ap- plause). A vote of thanks was accorded the speakers. Mr. Ben Davies, in replying, said that Mr. Winston had been preaching the gospel of a Socialistic heaven, but he wished to remind those present that while they were Waiting for that the horse was starving and the grass was not even growing (laughter and cheers).—A vote of thanks to Mr. Stanton brought the meeting to a clos.

Meeting of the Day Men. In the evening the hall was well-filled by the day men drawn from different collieries in the valley. The chair was occupied by Mr. Abra- ham Richards, the chairman of the district, who was supported by Mr. W R. Evans, the> vice-chairman; Councillor Illtyd Hopkins, dis- trict secretary; Mr. C. B. Stanton, miners' agent, etc. Mr. Ben Davies, Rhondda Valley, in the course of a very able address in Welsh and Eng- lish, said that he was there to appeal to the men of Aberdare to vote solid in favour of the establishment of an out of work fund in con- nection with their Federation. He thought that one of the strongest arguments in favour of the establishment of such a fund that he could place before an Aberdare audience was the fact that no les3 than 700 men were at present mo- ment out of work at Aberdare, and the Federa- tion had no method of paying them except by means of a levy. Welshmen never took kindly to levies—he did not know why, unless it was that in Biblical times the tribe of Levi used to take tithes from all the other tribes for their maintenance (laughter). Ever since then Welshmen had been much opposed to tithes, which, oven to-day, they were protesting against in the strongest terms (laughter and ap- plause), and they had taken an objection to tho "levies" altogether (roars of laughter). At any rate, he, for one, was glad that he did not belong to the tribe of Levi, but to that of Ben- jamin (renewed laughter). After dealing with tho out of work fund, he parsed on to deal with the present position of affairs in the coalfield, and said that if the coalowncrs in South Wales attempted to reduce the day men's wages they would have the most disastrous strike the world had ever known, and they would not get the reduction at the end of it (hear, hear). The fact, of the matter was that if the colliery offi- cials gave the men a proper clearance, and supplied them with sufficient trams, and a good supply of timber, rails, and all other necessi- ties, the men to-dny could turn out 15 per cent. more coal than they were doing, and if that was done when the Act came into operation no reduction of output need follow (loud ap- plause). Mr. James Winstone, Pontypool, referred to a statement that the workmen in the South Wales coalfield during the past nine years had been receiving an average of £17 16s. 3d. a year more than for the previous 20 years. What a tribute that was to the value of the Federation. The men in return for the 13s. a. year, which they were paying the Federation, got £17 odd as interest (loud applause). He then explained some of the objects of the new fund, but said that, in his opinion, the fund was not a real remedy for unemployment, nor was it intended to relieve the Government of its obligation to deal with that question. The latter portion of his speech was an advocacy of Socialism as the real remedy.—Votes of thanks brought the mfeeting to a close. WHAT THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAVE TO DO. As some doubt seems to exist as to what the sub-committee appointed by the owners and workmen's representatives on the Sliding Scale Committee are to do, one of our correspond- ents has made inquy-ies both from coal owners and workmen's representatives as to exactly what the committee's functions are, and he is in a position to say positively that the will have nothing to do with the question of wages. The men's representatives definitely informed the employers during the discussion on the employers' suggestion that they should agree to the question of whether the Act put an end to the agreement or not, that they would not consider any suggestion for the reduction of the day men's wages, nor indeed for the re- duction of the wages of any men engaged in the coalfield. This was definitely repeated more than once, and the employers accepted this, but pressed their proposal on the men, and when the men definitely refused to agree to that proposal, they put forth their counter proposal that a subcommittee bo appointed to make sxrajjircments for the working at the collieries when the Act comes into operation, and this ultimately agreed upon by the employers, in. this connection it must not be forgotten that this is the men's proposal, and that they have made it clear from the beginning that the sub-committee will have nothing to do with the question of wages. This was repeated more than once on Monday, and acquiesced in by the employers. The only reservation made by the employers was that if the sub-committee cannot make. such arrangements as will, in the opinion of the employers, minimise the loss they still reserve their rights to give notice on the 1st pmx.

The Glamorgan Water Bill. PROCEEDINGS IN PARLIAMENT. Thi-s week the above Bill is being considered by a committee of tho House of Commons, and as there are a large number of witnesses to bo heard on behalf of the scheme, as well as a large numbsT m opposition, it is thought that the proceedings will be prolonged. The Gla- morgan County Council are represented by the Hon. J. D. Fitzgerald, K.C., Mr. G. M. Freeman, K.C., Mr. Gerald Fitzgerald, a.nd Mr. Rhys Williams; while Aberdare District Council n represented by Mr. Wedderburn, K.C., and Mr. Keen; and Mountain Ash Dis- trict Council by Mr. Forbes Lancaster, K.C., and Mr. Keen. Monday was devoted to the opening speech of Mr. Fitzgerald for the promoters. A con- siderable portion of Tuesday was also taken up by that gentleman, tho only witness heard that day being Mr. T. Mansel Franklcn, clerk to the County Council, for the promoters. In the course of hi" cross-examination by Mr. Balfour Browne. K.C., he admitted that the Monmouth- shire Bill was thrown out last year, but. he con- tended that that Bill was not similar to the present one. He had to admit that the Local Government Board made strong objections to the present proposals. On Wednesday Mr. Franklen, clerk to the Glamorgan County Council, was further cross- examined by Mr. Ackworth, representing Cardiff Corporation. Replying to Mr. Wedder- burn, K.C., counsel for Aberdare District Council, Mr. Franklen said he know of no way in which the interests of Aberdare would suffer under the Bill. Mr. Wedderburn sa.id Aberda.re had their own water supply, which had cost a heavy sum and was satisfactory for the district. Counsel cross-examined witness with the ob- ject of showing that the Aberdare Council had always adopted an attitude of opposition to the scheme. Witness admitted that Aberdare's con- tention had always been that it had nothing to gain from association with the proposed Water Board. Mr. Wedderburn: They propose to take pow- ers to drag us in; this is the thin end of the wedge as regards us. The Chairman pointed out that if the clause were passed in its present form, and it was sought to bring in a district by Provisional Order, there would be a local inquiry. Mr. Wedderburn said it was a question as to whether or not they should be liable to the inquiry at all. unless it could be shown now that there was something for Aberdare to gain by being dragged in. Answering Mr, Forbes Lancaster, K.C., who appeared for the Mountain Ash District Coun- ciI, witness said it was intended to presene to each constituent authority a minimum supply of water of 25 gallons per head per day from its own Eources of supply.

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FOCHRIW. CLOTFTNO AND nOOTS.- You will find at T. FiDe and CO.i the largest and most comprehensive Stock of Clotltin" and Boots in Wales. Men's suits from 16:0;. lid. to 45s., Youths' suits from 12s. 6d. to 26s. lid., well-tailored and well-fitting garments; always something new in Fancy Suits, for little boys, at moderate prices.—T. FINE & Co., Pontlottyn. CARMEL Pu-i-m.-Tlio following students of the Pontypridd Collegiate occupied the pulpit of Carmel Congregational Chapel, on Sunday —Morning.—Mr. 0 D. Jeffreys, Troodyrhiw afternoon, Mr. E. Powell, Maeateg; and Mr. George Davies, Treorchy ovoning, Mr. 0. D. Jefferies and Mr. E. Powell. F in TO.—On Thursday afternoon week a fire occurred at No. 5, Guest-street, the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac. Jones. The firo was caused by a piece of live coal shooting out on to some clothes which were drying by the firo. P.S. Williams was quickly on the spot, and the fire was soon extinguished, and luckily no great damage was done. I.O.G.T.—The weekly meeting of tho Star of Fochriw Lodge of tho International Order of Good Templars was held at the Baptist Vestry, on Thursday evening week. The meeting was lorened by Chief Templar Bro. William Jones. Two excellent, papers on Which is the more influential, Conversation or Reading ?" were read by Bros. Thomas Lewis and J. C. Payno, the former in support of conversation, and. the latter in support of reading. The papers were much appreciated by the large number present. —Bro. A. Drage, C.T., Bro. A. E. Dowden, P.C.T., and Bro. R. Diggle, E.S., Pontlottyn spoke, and a hearty vote of thanks was accorded Bros. Lewis and Payne for their papers. SOIREE AND D -t-N C E.-A soiree and dance were held at the Church Institute on Thursday evening week, promoted by the St. Mary's Sowing Class. The tables were beautifully laid and were pre- sided over and assistance rendered by the following :—Mrs. B. Angel, Mrs. Wellings, Mrs Yeo, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. E. Price, Mrs. Baldwin Mrs. Jones, Mrs. White and Miss Morgan. Messrs. Ernest Price, Austen Price, and Albert Yeo also assisted.—After tea dancing, etc., was freely indulged in. The duties of M.C. were carried out by Mr. Phillips, Pontlottyn, whilst the pianoforte was presided at by Mr. J. Prosscr, Pontlottyn. The secretarial duties were carried out by Mr. H. C. Seaborne. SOCIAL.—The technical class of art needlework conducted by Mrs. Roderick, held their annual social a,t Nazareth (C.M.) Chapel, on Tuesday evening. There was a good attendance, and the tables were Leautifully laid out. The following ladies presided at the tables:—Mrs. P S. Williams, Mrs. Maggie Davies, Mrs. Capt. Edwards, Mrs. Catherine 'ihom'as Mrs. Daviea (Eurainfa), Miss Williams (Brynawel), Misa Lily Way (Aelybryn), Miss Annie Davies,.Mrs. V. itlianis, Mrs. Ba!lard, Mrs. Capt. Jones, and Mrs. Evans. A splendsd programme was gone through, when the following took part:— Recitation, Miss Thomas, Brvntirion; duet, Misses 11 alio and Doris Davies short address, Mrs. Williams, Williams'-row reetiation, Miss Lorris Davies; sclo, Miss M. A. Walters, Brynteg short address, Miss Maggie Davies; solo, Miss Tiromas, Bryntirion. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mrs. Capt. Edwards to all the workers, and this was seconded by Mrs. Lewis, and carried.

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