The Merthyr Express

CORRESPONDENCE. The Editor wishes it to be distinctly understood that he will not hold himself responsible for the opinions or statements of correspondents, nor under- take to return rejected manuscript. Correspondents MUST write on one side of the paper only. Correspondents are requested to condense their re- marks as much as possible as. owing to the very great demands upon our space, we cannot undertake to publish letters of great length. Letters of a personal character will not be inserted. .V'J -J- TO CORRESPONDENTS. "Aberda.rian.Abcrdare streets were lighted with gas for the first time at the end of 1855. On the 19th of November of that year, it was resolved that twenty-one street lamps be pur- chased for that purpose. "Enquirer."—Recs Morgan, Pencraignedd, is said to have been a good bard in his day, but so far we have beau unable to find any par- ticulars about hint Can any of the readers of the "Express" assist? "An Old Reader.Tho Merthyr Court of Request, also called the Court of Conscience, was an important one before the County Court Act was passed. The books were burnt in 1831 during the Merthyr Riots. Can anyone give th» story ? COST OF CYFARTHFA BAND. Sir,—I should like if someone more able than my would take this matter up. I think it id time the members on our Town Council began to keep the promises made during recent municipal elections, and save the public purse from useless drainage. When I looked at a paragraph in the "Merthyr Express" a couple of weeks back, and read the account of the spending of 25 each for uniforms for members of the band, making a total of J6125, I thought that the members of the Parks Committee had decided to spend their own money; instead, they are going to dip into the public purse, and use the ratepayers' money.. I don't think it fair to the backs of the members of the Cvfarthfa bandsmen to satisfy taeir pastime and pleasure, while hundreds are reaJly m need of the neoessaril-s of life. Then, again, they must keep one man and give him a light job at a salary of a little less than 9100, so that he may teach these few bandsmen; but worse than all, they ar? to have the use of the Caetle Park one day in J un-a to raise money for the benefit of the band. Are we to tolerate such a thing? I hope the Labour membera will see that it is time they woke up and put a stop to such useless expenditure. MERTHYRITE. HOW TO A VOID STRIKES. Sir,—Allow me a smaJl space in your valuable paper for a few hints on how to avoid strikes among colliers, masons, carpenters, rail way men, dockmen, etc. From time to time, I have come in contact with different classes of people, and all have expressed their feeling in regard to strikes, etc., and the best method of avoid- ing them. These last few days we have been on the eve of a great calamity in the coalfield of South Wales, but we are glad that the dark clouds seem to be clearing away slowly. May I suggest through your columns the following remedy:—(a) Do away with miner6' agents and agitators, etc. (b) Have two independent men from the House of Commons, along with the referee, Lord St. Aldwvn, who has proved him- self a good man for both sides. May I ai:o mention the name of Mr. W. Llewelya Wil- liams. M.P., as one. He is a business man, and therefore krowe something about the neces- sities of the working class. I will leave it to others to propose another man from the House of Commons, either a Liberal or Conservative. —Yours truly, TWM SHON EVAN. MERTHYR EDUCATION AUTHORITY AND THEIR TEACHERS. Sir,—In the last issue but one of the "Ex- press," one or two correspondents pointed out the unfair treatment, of some teachers by the local Education Authority. With your per- mission, Sir, I herewith, give some facts con- cerning two teachers. It is unnecessary to give their names; hence, for the present purpose, I shall call them A and B. (1) Both attended the Advanced Elementary Girls' School at tho same time. Before leaving that school, A passed the Second-class College of Preceptors' Examination, whereas B only passed tie third- class of the corresponding examination. (2) The late School Board for Merthyr decided to engage 40 probationers for pupil teachership. Over 90 local candidates competed at an exam- ination for these 40 places. Result: A was No. 1 on the list of successful candidates, B was placed below the 40th position; nevertheless, matters were then so manipulated that B was engaged as a probationer. (3) A was appren- ticed as a pupil teacher from January l«t; B's apprenticeship wa3 dated from the follow- ing August 1st; hence A is senior to B by seven months. (4) In her last terminal examination at P.T. Centre Classes, A was placed second on the list; B was not so successful. (5) At the Preliminary Certificate Examination, A gained two distinctions. At the same Government ex- amination, B gained one distinction. (6) A passed well enough in the last-named examina- ¡ tion to be admitted into one of the leading Loudon l'i Cjgliegeg, B waa jefyasd ad. mittance into the Training College she origin- j ally applied for, but subsequently got into an- j otter college in the South of England. (7) Be- fore leaving their respective colleges, A gained two senior prizes in two different subjects. I have not heard that A gained a college priza at all. (8) At ths Government's final certificate I examination for students in Training Colleges j held in June, 1909, A successfully passed the examination, and gained two distinctions which are stamped on her parchment already reoair- ) ed; B also successfully passed the same exam- ination, but I have yet to learn that she gained any distinctions. (9) In July, 1909, the Mer: thyr Education Committee appointed three out J of the four ex-students, who had just left col- lege, as certificated assistants. B received the first appointment, and that to a town school, | but A received the third appointment, and that to a school down the valley When spoken to j on the unfairness of these appointments, a j member of the Committee stated that "A should be thankful for small mercies, and she only ea obtained the third appointment" by the skin of II her teeth." So that A is penalized to the ex- tent of nearly £ 5 per annum for railway fares, I has to leave home earlier in the mornings, and I. forego the pleasure of having her mid-day meals at home. (10) And the last, but not the least. Recently, an attempt was made by a kindly-disposed, or perhaps a conscienoe-stricken person, to transfer A to a school nearer home, so that her position would be slightly improved financially bv the part saving of railway fares. When her case was laid before a committee of the Education Authority, another member—so I was informed—objected to her transfer, be- cause A and her clais were becoming acquaint- ed with each* other, and therefore it would be unwise to make the change. Consequently, A continues at a salary of JE70 per annum, minus nearly 25 per annum for railway fares; but, although B left the services of the Education Authority for a few months, she was recently re-appointed to another school in the town at a salary, so I understand, of 290 per annum, and this practically means about 9s. per week more in salary to B than A. After reading the above, how many of your numerous readers, Sir. will venture to say that A has received justice and fair play? And how many will dany that B has been well'Iavoured?-Yours truly, IOLO. GLAMORGAN COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION (PONTLOTTYN WARD). Sir,—In the results of the Glamorgan County Council Election given in last week's issue, I find you have placed me as Conservative. I may <say I fought the election as an Independent. Please give this letter the same publicity as the results, and oblige.-Yours truly, J. E. JONES. Dynevor Hotel, Tirphil. BEDWELLTY WORKHOUSE VACANCY. Sir,—Having overheard a conversation last week concerning a vacancy that has occurred at Bedwellty Infirmary, I find there is a difference of opinion prevailing amongst the members re- garding the filling up of that post. Seeing the election is so near I shall be pleased if Mr. Burrows would kindly give his reasons in your I columns why he objects to this post of head charge nurse being given to the one under dis- cussion.—Yours truly, SILENT LISTENER. THE REPORTS OF THE BEDWELLTY BOARD OF GUARDIANS. Sir,-Yotir Tredegar reporter seems to be indignant over an imaginary grievance. Permit I me to say I was only giving vent to a common complaint in saying that the reports are in- adequate, whatever may be the cause. The complaint is not absolutely groundless from my standpoint, and the standpoint of the electors. Moreover, more than one member has con- fessed to me that the reports are not full re- ports. Perhaps the root of the ma-ttre may bo I m themselves in not having the gift of express- ing themselves clearly. I can understand why these members do not complain to your reporter, as it would savour of vanity and self-advertise- ment. The Guardians themselves may be the authors of the blowing and squashing by con- verting themselves into committees, but I re- peat that the reports of the proceedings of the Guardians are not full and adequate enough to suit the electors.—Yours truly, EVAN jUORGAN. 71; Queen-street, Tredegar. CHRISTIAN SOCIALISM. Sir,-Will you please allow me a small space in your columns briefly to reply to the Rêtv. H. S. F. Williams, who says I am mistaken in charging him with saying the reforms of the modem Socialists mean destruction to the country. In your issue of February 19th I read those word& I have also asked several pron; inent Churchmen who beard the address, zlr"ll they express ths opmion that those words wes used. In low: k-iters he applies the remark a few extremist?, who do not balong to the T.L.P. or Socialist Party. If he is anxious io find extremists let him look at the ritualistic clergy in his own ranks. I do !!O; favour the views of Blaiehford or Quoleli, • neither would they be endorsed by the I.L.P. as a body. The letters of the rov. gentleman are not consistent with his address. Will he kindly let me know whether the former or the latter convovs his true The rev. j quotation from Gal. Bondage is still bondage, whether it be spiritual or temporal. I still beiieva the social uplifting of humanity to be equally as much an aim in the life of Christ as was His great work of redemption. That being so it cannot bo termed a bye-product. The doc- trine of the ancient Christian Church was ab- solutely Socialistic. To ignore the physical needs of humanity is sacrilege. The doctrine of the Christian Church is fellowship built up in association, not individualism in the person- ality of isolation. The Bishops of the ancient church were chosen from among the Christian democracy. Bishop Alexander, of the third cen- tury, was a charcoal burner chosen by the whole people. The modern Bishop must essentially be a gentleman chosen by an aristocratic and cap- italist government. Take away the social work of Christ and we verily rob the greatest of all liveupf its highest attainments of all that is beautiful and of all that commends it as a lifa to be copied by humanity in the present age. I respectfully submit that the statement of the rev. gentleman that Christ was an individualist fails. Prac- tical Socialism i3 the highest attainment of humanity kindled into activity by the great and noble example set forth in tlla life of Christ, and a desire to follow tha-t example. In answer to the rev. gentleman's question re Mr. Bib- bing's, as I am not a member of the I.L.P. or Socialist Party, it is difficult for me to obtain the facts, but from reliable intormation I am in a position to say that as Mr Bibbings had departed from the policy of that party he could not take the platform as their organiser and direct represenhtive.- Thanking you for past favours, I am, sir, yours, etc., WILLIAM PRICE. 47, Eureka-place, Ebbw Vale. BRYNMAWR. DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTION. Sir,-Kindly allow me a small space in your valuable paper to ask Mr. J a.41".33 Blcor whether he is in favour of the Western Valicy.5 Sewer- age Scheme? W-a know he has always been a great advocate of it, and has voted for its adop- tion by the Council. He, however, changes his views so frequently that we working men can- not follow him. We were told last year that the Western Valleys Scheme would mean high- er rents for the workman and higher rents for the property owner. Mr. Bloor, though know- ing these statements were being circulated, tried his best to get it passed. What is his opinion now ? Perhaps, when he issues his elec- toral address, he will let the people of the Cen- tral Ward know his views. Should ho do so, perhaps lie will also give U3 his word that he will not change his opinion directl he is re- turned to the Council—that is, if he gets re- turned.-Youxs faithfully, A VOTER. SHALL DRUNKARDS GO TO JAIL? Sir,—The Government have just issued the minutes of evidence given before a Depart- mental Committee of the Home Office on the working of the Probation Act. Tliis evidence proves that it is possible to reform drunkards, and protect society, without resorting to fine or imprisonment, which seldom does either. Several London magistrates gave specific evi- dence as to the great value they had found the condition of "total abstinence" in reform- in goffonders during their probationery period. One witness, in answer to a query by the chair- man, Mr. Herbert Samuel, M.P., as to whether it had been made a condition in any of tbo probation orders that a probationer should ab- stain from intoxicants, replied "Yes," and that he had found "this condition very beneficial." "Perhaps the worst case I have had," he said, "was a young man charged with stealing a bicycle. Drink had been at the bottom of his failure all along. Ho was an outcast, practic- ally, from his father's home. Drink was the oae thing which had hindered him from keep- ing a situation, and the magistrate bound him over not to enter a public-house or to drink. He has completed his time now; he has a nice I little sum in the bank, and has a good situa- tion and when I saw him last, he was full of gratitude to the magistrate, who had given him the opportunity, and he said that one of the things that helped him most was the fact that when he wanted to go into a public-house, he dared not, because he was afraid the police- men would see him." Now, here is direct proof that the pledge with the fear of the law behind it, will do what punishment will not do, and the time has turely come when this do, and the time has turely come when this

ro n The nicest and by far the I If most digestible are those made 9 P at home with 1 IBORWICKS I 'AKING pmmij j •" -t •*»

THE SONGS OF WILD WALES. [By T. J. Thomas, B.Sc. (Sarnicol).] It is almos* a truism in literature that the translation in poetry from one language into j another ia impossible. In fact, have not all great masterpieoes of so-called "translation" been really the orinigal work of the translators themselves? Fitzgerald's "Omar ivr.ayyam" will at once suggest itself as an eminent ex- ample of whaf may be termed an "original translat-ion" ? To appreciate the poetry of a nation, then, it follows that an intimate know- ledge of its language is not only desirable, but essential. Again, to quote Matthew Arnold, I "tl literary judgments of one nation about another are apt to be 'sangrenus' 'vsipudent- ly absurd," as he translated it). I How true all this is of the literature of "wild Wales" can only be understood by one who ie thoroughly conversant with its ancient and ex- I pressive tongue. "Who has not heard of the Welsh Bards?" asks the inimitable Borrow, I. "though it is true that, beyond the borders of Wales, only a few are acquainted with their I songs, owing to the language, by no means an eaev on-e, in which they are composed. Hon- ¡ our to them all! Everlasting glory to the I three greatest—Taliesin, Ap Gwilym, and Gor- II onwy Owen!" No greaf poem, no thrilling epic, no immortal drama exists to shed lustre ¡. ou, the annals of Welsh literature. We have not had a Homør, a Dante, a Shakespeare, or I a. Goethe to win for our little nation undying fame in the eyes of the world. But we may well be proud of the "wonder-world" of the Mabinogion; for the legends of our great King Arthur have asserted themselves in the arena of cosmopolitan literature. i There is an excellent translation of this won- j derful collection of Weloh romanoes, upon j which Renan has based his famous esssy on j Ccltio poetry. But to the person who is equal- j Iy versed in either ian>;uage, it is at once evi- 1 dent that the di-Jicarc- tiavour and subtle charm j of the original old Welsh are lost in the Eng. lish version. The following description of 1 01 wen, the heroine of one of these talcs, { though so often quoted as to have become aJ- i most hackneyed in Wales, may be new to sos» j English readers: "She wore a garment of t flame-red silk, with a chain of ruddy-gold and j pearls, and emeralds around her neck. Yellow- er was her hair than the flower of the broom, j Whiter was her skin than the foam of the ( waves. Fairer were her bands and fingers than [ the blossoms of the anemone in the fcpray of the meadow fountain. Brighter were her eyes than the eyes of the ha.wk as he gazed upon the falcon. Whiter was her bosom than the breast of the white swan. R-edder were her cheeks than the reddest claret. Whosoever saw her was filled with her love. Wherever she trod, four white trefoil sprung up, henoo was she called (White Foot-mark). It is admitted by such an eminent critic as Matthew Arnold that the magic of words in the description abova quoted is almost unrivalled in the whole range of literature. And then we como to the Bards themselves; but where are we to begin ? Is not their name legion? No oraiy simpletons, whoso descend- ants to-day write insipid rhymee to newspapers, no half-witted word-mongers were they; but true singers who filled the heart of a nation with courage, who mourned in the time of their country's sorrow, and who fiMsd a people's soul with the hope of a futuire glory. Such were the bards of the time of the first Edward, of whom Gray represents one as singing, per- haps unjustly:— "Ruin seize thee, ruthless king, Confusion on thy banners wait," in his famous Pindaric Ode. Of the famous Dafydd ap Gwilym, it may be said, as in the ..se of other great authors, that he is a good dead more talked of than read. George Borrow, whose enthusiasm for the Ba.rds, howeves, exceeds his knowledge of Welsh poetry, declares him to haye bean the greatest of all European poets of his time (1350 about). This may be in excess of the truth; nevertheless, the fact remains that Ap Gwilym wrota some wonderful love-songs, and nature- poetry. In his "Burial of the Bard of Love," he sings :— "My shroud, the blossoms of the tree, Eight willow wands my bier shall be; A thousand white gulls of the sea Shall bear the bier to bury me." The original assonantal Welsh lines faintly imitated in the last part, with the alternate change of final accent, which cannot well ba imitated in English, possess that crystalline fixedness of form which one despairs of attain- ing in the words of another language. The high artistic polish of the original couplets is quite inimitable. Never was the secret of style, "dignity of words with distinction," as Matthew Arnold puts it, better understood than by the bards of wild Wales. The same eminent apostle of style and culture quotes the famous prophecy of Taliesin in illustration of this gift of style possessed by the Welsh Bards:— "Their Lord they shall praise, r Their tongue they shall keep, Their land they shall lose Except wild Wales." Goronwy Owen, the third of the bards, men- tioned by Borrow, was above all a stylist of the very first water. His lines are fixed and polish- ed as the richest gem. In his famous Ode on the "Day of Judgment," how majestic and powerful, and at the same time how terse and crystalline, are his lines on the "Downfall of Eryri" (Snowdonia):— "Ail i'r ar ael Eryri, CyfaTtal hoewal a hi," which may be freely rendered thtis:— "One with the tilled land shall be the brow of ¡ Snowdon: Level it shall be with the slowly moving waters." That alliteration and assonance are contrary to present-day English taste is, of course, no Reason why the same devices may not add charm and even dignity to verse in another tongue. The nineteenth century also producad in Wales a large number of poets who sang in the tongue that "tells tales of the days of old, and brings memories of the days of other years." Ceiriog has been compared with Burns and Beranger as a song-writer of the people. The magic of the days of old, the spirit of the remote mountain glen, the simple charm of a shepherd's life on the lonely Welsh hills, all these pervade his sweet and natural songs. The Welsh people have of recent years been touched with the grossness of industrialism; but no poet has done more to prevent the undue growth of materialistic tendencies in the heart of the nation than has John Cajricg Hughes. He has invested the old pastoral life, out of which Wales has to a large extent emerged, with a poetic beauty not soon forgotten. In- deed, the progress of Wales in matters of re- ligion and education are, in part, at least, due to the influenoe of the sweet singer of Glyn Ceiriog. To the world at large, Wales is more noted for its coal than for ite literature, but lleaven be thanked that thera are yet influ- ences which keep Welshmen still in touch with the mighty Past. Echoing the worda pf Ceir- iog, we can sing:— v •'•'Still the mighty hills remian, Still tlo w;nds above them roar, And the shepherds' glad refrain ■v J

EVENTS OF THE WEEK. The death occurred on Sunday evening of Sir Edward Yayson Wills at Bristol. Two Irish M.P 's, Mr. T. C. Harrington and Mr. James O'Connor, died on Saturday. The Queen presented badges to Territorial nurses at Buckingham Palace on Saturday. Mr. Churchill has formulated an important rule for improving the lot of political prisoners. Dr. Macnarmara has promised to take the part of William the Conqueror in the Empire Pageant. About £1,500 was paid out at Llanelly County Court, on Monday, under the Workmen's Com- pensation Act. Lieut. Henderson presented five medals for long service and good conduct to naval reservists at Llanelly, on Monday. Mr. Andrew Carnegie has given JE125 towards the cost of a new pipe organ at the Risca (Mon). Primitive Methodist Church. Mr. Silvester Horue, M.P., spoke at White- field's of the "miserable snobbery and class feeling" running througheEnglish life. C," At; tbè IJt. P.. Conference on Easter IVlon- day a proposal will b3 brought forward sug- gesting the formation of a united body for So- cialism. Swansea Harbour Trustees have paid £20,000 ronus, to the new dock contractors for expedit- ing the work and finishing months before the contract time. The Swansea Finance Committee are re- commending the Town Council to levy a general district rate of 4s. 6d. in the the same as last year. Miss Rhoda Brown, daughter of an ex-Mayor of Newport, has been appointed assistant librar- ian of the Maindee public library. There were twenty-three applicants. Mr. and Mrs. Randell, formerly of Axbridge, Somerset, been appointed master and matron of the Pontypool Workhouse in succes- sion to Mr. and Mrs. J. Richards. At the Monmouth Assizes, on Tuesday, Victor Jones (21), was sentenced to death for the murder on February 3rd of Violet Pick, an elementary school teacher. Miss Gladys Dillwyn Llewelyn, the daughter of Sir John Llewelyn, of Penllergaer, is to be married to Mr. Francis Mounts at St. Paul's, Knightebridge, on April 13th. In the course of a speech on his recent visit to England Prince Henry of Prussia expressed in very friendly language the cordial feelings of the German people towards this country. Major Fawcett, in a lecture on Monday night, stated that in his explorations in South Ameri- ca he had met half a dozen men who swore to a glimpee of white Indians with red hair. Sir Edward Strachey, M.P., Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture, in » speech on Saturday, stated that up to 5th March, 72,155 acres had been acquired for small holdings. Mr. George Bryant, a. Swansea stevedore, has been presented by the Mayor (Mr. D. Matthews) with the Royal Humane Society's certificate, for rescuing a. man from drowning in the North Dock basin. At the first meeting of the new London County Council on Tuesday, the Moderates took the ten vacant aldermanic seats, raised the rates, and refused to feed the school children during the Easter holiday week. Swansea's ship repairing business during the past twelve months shows an increase of ove* 13,000 tons in the gross registered tonnage, compared with the previous year, the totals be- ing: 1908, 360,345 tons; 1909, 373,887 tons. In the House of Commons, on Monday, Mr. 1 McKenna introduced the Navy Estimates for the year, and remarked that nothing but the imperative needs of safeguarding the security of the country could justify such a total as £40,600,000. Mr. John Thomas Tweed, one of the oldest solicitors on the roll, having been admitted in 1845, died at Lincoln On Saturday at the age of 86 years. Mr. Tweed was for fifty- five years town clerk of Lincoln. He had also been mayor of the oity. Suddenly tapping water 80 ft. below the surface level, Fred Watts, a professional well sinker, had a. narrow escape from drowning at Towcestsr. By the time be had seized the rope and given the signal to be hoisted tAP, ( the water reached his neck. The North British Locomotive Combine, Glasgow, has booked an exceptionally heavy order for locomotives for South Africa. The number is stated to be 42. They are to be of very powerful design to overcome the steep gra- dients between Durban and Johannesburg. Lord Rosebery proposed his "reform" resolu- tions in the House of Lords on Monday, and explained his plan to be the limitation of the hereditary principle and the adoption of an elective system through the Corporations and County Councils associated for the purpose. The Chancellor of the Exchequer appeared in the Lobby on Tuesday evening with one of his arm? in a sling. He explained that he was suffering from an attack of cBuritis. Ttie right hon. gentkman was in considerable pain, and he paired for the remainder of the sitting. The Soitth-German Art-Metropolis is prepar- iug for great deeds! In addition to the annual partormanceo of Wagner's works in the Piinzregententheater and Mozart's operas in the Reeidenzthedter, a series of great niusb- festivals will be held in the coming summer in connection with the "Exhibition Munich, 1910." Messrs. J. P Coats, the large thread com- bination of Paisley, have just placed an order for about 5,000,000 Ihs weight; of eotton yam. The bulk of it will be produced in Manchester and Bolton spinning mills. A similar contract was given some four or the months ago, and further big commissions are promised. At an inquest on Monday night at Llan- gollon, the jury returned a verdict of "Death from misadventure" in the case of John Ed- wards, who was run over on Friday night by a motor-car. It was stated that the deceased, who was very deaf, was struck by the centre lamp and carried sixteen j, sustaining dreadful injuries. The Durham tniners delegates at their coun- cil meeting on Saturday decided by a substan- tial majority not to abolish the eight hours agreement which has been the cause of so much trouble in the Durham coal trade since it came into force on New Year's Day. It was, how- ever, agreed to seek alterations andi amend- ments in the agreement. < Having been offered £5 a week for the first month and jE6 per wbek subsequently, a number of young hand-framework knitters from various Nottinghamshire villages are leaving for the United States. They areo take their machines, and will introduce an entirely new industry into America, that of making high-class silk and lace ties, motor scarves, shawls and veilings, all of which are now imported from England and France. The funeral of Sir Alfred Hickman, Bart., at Penn, near Wolverhampton, on Monday af- ternoon aroused a remarkable demonstration of sympathy and respect, the roadside leading to the Church of St. Bartholomew being lined by nearly 100,000 people. Scores of associations with which Sir Alfred had been connected dur- ing his strenuous business and political career sent representatives, but only one-fiftieth of those who made the journey were able to find places in the church. In the House of Commons, on Monday, Mr. Glover (Lab., St. Helens), asked the Home Sec- retary whether, in view of the 1,445 fatal ac- cidents in the mines during 1909, and 5,859 non- fatal accidents reported to t,he inspectors, he could state when more inspectors of mines would be appointed. Mr. Masterman said the Secre- tary for State had the recommendations of the Royal Commission before him and proposed as a first step to carry out the re-arrangement of the districts and the re-organisation of the eXiStmg staff which the Commissioners recom- mended. Employment in February showed improve- ment as compared with January, especially in the metal ,engineering, and shipbuilding trades. The cotton trade was still much effected by the high price of raw material, but otherwise all the textile trades are well employed. As compared with a year ago, all the principal industries, except cotton, showed an improvement. In the trade unions making returns, 40,121 (or 5.7 per cent.) were unemployed at the end of February, 1910, compared with 6.8 per cent. at the end of January, 1910, and 8.4 per cent. at the end of February, 1909. A pitiful story was told by a mother to the Newport Coroner (Mr. Lyndon Moore), on Monday night. Mrs. Emma Jane Jones, cf Barthropp-street, said that on the previous Tuesday she was in her bedroom when her boy, I Christopher Jones, aged four years, shouted out, "Come, mother, I am on fire." Witness said she did not wait to walk downstairs, but tumbled down them. When she got into the kitchen it was to find her child in flames. He was only wearing a woollen singlet and a shirt at the time. She tore the things off him, and a neighbour at once came to the rescue. The child was dressed with linseed oil and at- tended by Dr. Lewis. On Sunday, however, he succumbed. It transpired that the little boy was trying to light something in his little toy motor-car when his clothes caught fire. The medical evidence of Dr. Lewis showed that death was due to shock following the burns, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

VITALITY RESTORED. TRIAL OFFERED FREE. W. want every NERVE SHATTERED and VV Debilitated SUFFERER to test the remark. ablo properties of RADIO-VIMETTES, and will send free of charge on application a sample box, with full particulars, qf this great remedy, if stamp is Messed for postage. Pjoved by thousands to be unsurpassed in restoring lost vitality and strength in all cases of Debility, Nervous Exhaustion, Urin. aty Trouble, Varicocele, and all Diseases of the Blood, Nerves, and Brain. Not a quack remedy, v but oompouudid from the Private Prescription or a celebrated Doctor. Sold only by THE S. M. POWELL MANUFACTURING CO., Ltd., Manjj- fa,cturii]g Chemists, Wandsworth, London, S.W., at 2/9 per box; special, A/6, post free, under a guaran- tee to return in full if a cure is not effected. Mr. H. F. W. (Hoxton) writes: "Radio-Vimettes have completely cured me of Nervous ExhaagUop, mi ujsLMj? afcgBgtfc i. U'Jl ■liJJlUiui^idf' I "was tailing I I off rapidly" S |H BABY MAPPLEY jg| KM |. HAPPLEY, of 14 Same. Boaa. E» Anerley, S.E.. writ. E3 Virol has done my baby a great K» bH "deal of good. She is a breast-fed 2 £ 1 H5 *1aaby, and after weaning she was K&c igH "falling off rapidly. I gave her HK 88* "Ylrol, she took it readily, and the 19 Eg result is most satisfactory*" Sw n "thought we should w H never rear her" B ■9 X. P. MARTIN, of 4 Goodhind Street, |B M Stapleton Road, Briatol; writes Htt Bffl .1{y daughter was premattTrely born. m HM "Every one who laW her thought we 8hould RjB IP never rear her. We gave her Virol. Ever Nff KB gince she haa been putting on lleah at the MB; MB "rate of over half-a-pcmnd a week. The SBf nl doctor (aid she was just the child for Virol. SmB ■8 She is new a bonny baby. At the time of BUS HR "nÛJIC ah. weighs about 12& at En| 18 VIrOIII a magnlfleent flesh-«&rm« Hal Hi in all wasting diseases, and la of faf ■H great value In eases of caogh* 1|9| .41 and VIROL KB A Wonderful F00& In Jar.,lh 1/8, 2/11. tB2-166 Old St., London, E.O. tga, IMPORTANT TO ALL. A UNIVERSAL REMEDY. Through indisputable proof from Europe, All. t^alia, Asia, Africa, and America, The "MAN* NINA" Herbal Ointment can lay claim to the dis^ tinction for healing all manners of diseases to whica the human body is subject. It is prepared in three distinct strengths—As No. U Full, for Cancer, Tumours, Lupps, etc. As 1\\0. 2, Medium, for Poisoned and Virulent Wounds of every; description, Rheumatism. Piles, etc. As NQ. 3, for all manner of Skia Diseases, Burns, Scalds. Sprains, etc., etc. The Prices per pot for No. 1-2/9, 4/6 and 8/6. „ „ Nos. 2 and 3-1/1, 2/9, and 4/8. And is sold by the following Dispensing Chemists, viz.Messrs. V. A. Wills, 3a, Victoria-street, thyr; T. Davies, Porth; D. E. Davies, Treorchy; Emrys Evans, Aberdare; Oliver Davies. Mill-street, Pontypridd; Mr. D. George, Dispensing Chemist, 153, Bute-street, Treherbert; Mr. T. Thomas. M.R.P.S., Consulting Chemist, Cash Drug StorcS Co., Treharris; Mr. D. Williams, M.P.S.. D',spens«; ing Chemist. Commercial-street, Mountain Ash, et. or tan be obtained direct from the Sole Proprietors, The Mannina Ointment Co* (Trade Mark) ( Main Street, FISHGUARD. Please write for Free Booklet COUGHS,' COLDS, ASTHMA, I | BRONCHITIS, i DI:¡\KIN'5 MIRACULOUS CHEST, COUGH, JSJNTE) LUNG HEALER. Will immediately arrest the course of the disease and guard against all ill effects. It possesses mar* velloua healing and tonic properties, PJld givea- ingteat Relief to Coughs, Colds, Hoarseness," Bronchitis, Difficulty of Breathing, etc. It is verjf. beneficial, and has proved for many years BOON and a BLESSING to THOUSANDS of SUFFERERS in all parts of the World. Prices, 1¡1 and 2/3, of all Chemists and StoresJ; <. 1/3 or 2/9 frpwi the sole proprietors and inventory G, DAKIN & HUGHS" Ibmdi Her.eaies 60., BAYON, .J¡ woN¡ .TAKE 'fHE BREATH DBAKIN'S -J *J ( There's ¡,¡¡any a littij one lost who would be to-day if their Mothers not neglected th«m. Tbej* f pitiful screams and JgOmU nesa by day and night denon ijSgjEyTW pain which can be and the danger removed P# JONES' RED DROPS; if»^l ^,a^n°u3 iH as a soother and health?! Hh M HrBm should be Jones' Red I)ro £ | 11 to Save Pa,ia and Sorrow^ foUowing Agents;- Wk Chemist, 5a, Victoria S&j £ finnw "rr-i rasDowlais, Mr. EVANS, BAOK°WA«U LC7; S"t J B«n,cc. jgj Troedyrhiw, Mossis. J. *3 'flffffflWBMIIIllflfM fBr House. Beaufort Sir. Price, Post-office, gf Bargoed Mr. Pritehard, Chemist. B (BABIES! Jf Pritchard. Chemist. g Caerau Macsteg Mr. Howells, Chemist. ■ M Pontypridd .From all Chemists. ■ ta Tonypandy — Mr. Emrys Richards, Chemist. m S Llwynypia—Mr. J. W. Richards, Chemist. B a Treorcny .Mr. Prothero Chemist. B a Treorchy Mr. Davies, Chemist. B m ierndale .Mr. Burgess, Chemist. ■ Tylorstown..Mr. W. R. Williams, Chemist. H Abercynoa. Ml. W. C. Williams, Chemist. ■ S Mountain Ash.Mr. Williams, Chemist. B m Mountain Aah Mr. Jones, Chemist. B *<jrtn From all Chemists. H JONES & SONS, Manufacturing m Chemists, LLANIDLOES, HOOPIN G-COll GB r CROUP ——" B Tho Celebrated Effectual Cure without B Internal Medicine. I ROCHE'S I HERBAL EMBROCATION. Hj Will also be found very efficacious M in cases of | BRONCHITIS, LUMBAGO, and | RHEUMATISM. B Price ds. Bottle, of all Chemists H W. EDWARDS &SON. 157. Queen Victoria Street. London. Eng. ¡ í 1 E THGUS.4A/asf. KOlEAP-kCjpj 1 !rUvVU!iKb Printed amd pu.Mished by the Proprietor, | Wood SouTHiT, afc Glebeland-gttget, F „ tyMt Massfe A9J& wiPi j

¡ method should be more generally adopted. The drunkard needs sympathy, encourage- ment, and help, rather than punishment. He is not an ordinary criminal; his offence is often accidental. A thief sets out to steal, but a drinker seldom sets out to get drunk, but simply succumbs to a legalised system which makes it easy for him to get drunk. If any offender is entitled to special consideration, it is the drunkard offender. The crucial moment to attempt his reform ij when his habit has t brought him within the power of the law, and experience now proves that the "abstinence" condition will do this more effectively than any other method. It further spares the offender the stain of conviction, which is of vital im- portance to an offender whose previous conduct may have been exemplary. The mistake which is so frequently made is to regard the first drink-caused offenoe as too trivial for any pun- ishment other than a small fine, or payment of costs, and the man is released without any re- striction being placed upon the habit which has once caused him to break the law. Unless re- stricted, drink will in all probability again be the causa of his being brought into court-, by which time the drink habit has often got so great a hold of the man that it is difficult and somgjfeyes impossible- for him br^ak it. hSrihlf'Ms btoflfeht- a'Htan intb*cour £ COWJrt should exercise to the full the power they now have under the Probation Act, and make total abstinence for at least one year a condition of probation in lieu of the maximum punishment. Many London stipendiary magistrates and some judges are doing this, and express themselves satisfied with the results. I shall be pleased to forward particulars and literature on receipt of a stamped- envelope.—Yours faithfully, WALTER EAST. Hon. Sec., W.I.T.P. Marian House, Leicester. THE WELSH SUMMER SCHOOL. Sir,—May I be aJlowed: to call the attention of teachers and others interested in the study of the Welsh language, history, and literature to the necessity for an early decision on their part to attend the above school. It will pro- bably be found advantageous to secure rooms at Llandrindod Wells in advance, while the ac- commodaiion of the Victoria Hall and County Offices, which the Society have engaged for the purpose of holding the school, may be found to be rather limited on the occasion. The fol- lowing gentlemen have promised to deliver lec- tures :—Prf. E. Anwyl, Aberystwyth; Prof. J. Morris Jonea, Bangor; Prof. J. E. Lloyd, Ban- gor; Mr. S. J. Evans, Llangefni; Mr. W. J. Gruffydd, Cardiff; Mr. Ifor Williams, Bangor; and Mr. T. Gwynn Jones, Aberystwyth. Mr. D. E. Daviea, the town clerk of Llandrindod, has promised to act as excursion guide, and will supply any applicant with a list of hotels, etc. I shall be pleased to supply any applicant with copies of the syllabus and time table. D. JAMES (Defynnog), Secretary of the Welsh Language Society.