The Merthyr Express

A FINE MILEAGE RECORD. A fine mileage record has been set up by Mr. E. Clowe, of Sandbach, on a Centaur Special Cycle, which h« has used continuously for the last two and a half years. Riding between Sandbach and Loetock, Alsager, Kidsgrove, Goiden Hill, Crewe, Runcorn, Worcester, and several other places, his cyclometer has registered a total mileage of forty thousand n.iies. in spite of this strenu- cus riding, iin i.3.> nsve? had to spend « penr.y p.ec-e 1 yi.t, cth--r Syr^ ana •b.V!j, so liiit'. id no he sidors the name Q^nUtux' v»vi ul !;U6' ¡.. f"

I ST. DONAT'S TRAGEDY. i GIRL VICTIM GIVES EVIDENCE Miss Cranogwen Lewis, the Aberdare young lady who fell over the cliffs at St. Donats, on April 4th, has so far recovered that on Tuesday she was able to give evidence, in her bedroom, at the adjourned inquest on John George Kibblewhite, who fell over the cliiia at the same time, and was killed. Miss Lewis, who sustained a. fractured thigh and severe shock, is making remarkable re- covery. She gave evidence calmly and clearly. She met young Kibblewhite on the Sunday niht" she said, and went for a walk with him along the Dimlands road. They turned into a field and walked down to the cliffs past Tresillian House. They sat there on a seat and got up to return home, intending to do so along the top of the cliffs. She asked him the time. He struck a match, looked at his watch and said it was nine o'clock. They then moved on, but took the wrong path, and in a moment young Kibble- white fell over the cliff, dragging her with him. She must have lost consciousness as she fell, for, though she remembered falling, she did not recollect reaching the ground. A verdict of Accidental death" was re- turned, and the jury added a rider asking the Parish Council to protect this pathway.

TRECYNOSM. STMMFR SHOWROOM.—Special display of the (-,ite,st Fashions and Novelties on Friday and Sat- it.-ilay, May 6th and vtli, and fo¡j()wi)) days, at T JONES & Co., Market Square, Merthyr. MINISTERIAL.—The Rev. W. Cynog Wil- liams, of Mill-street Baptist Chapel, Tr-ecynon, Tas the selected preacher at th anniversary Tas the selected preacher at tb> anniversary <w?rvices at Soar Chap-el, Ystalvtera, S-.vansea vql il-lY. Mr. Williams preached very effec- tively. MB. T. LEWIS, Aberdare I

I "'i-wii.il 1 SATURDAY/APRIL 3.0th. IS THE I 5 LAST OL DAY 8 for posting answers to the ^uestiou :— WHY fi I USE OXO." £ 400 ia 100-i CASH PRIZES. I Capsules (metal tops) from 8ozs. 1 OXO must accompany each answer. OXO 2 4, lXO I i/ .1 AVll4ML.il, L"uv. X C.

IF YOU SUFFER j < FtiOM HEADACHES, FLATULENCY, PALPITATION, INSOMNIA, > ( INDI £ *IMON, LANGUOR, BILIOU$!<U..sS. 1 AGIDITV, LOSS OF APPETII*, [ < OR CONSTIPATION, i a course of Mother Seigel's Syrup will quickly set you right. It is < a highly concentrated vegetable compound, having direct action on < the stomach, liver and kidneys. It promotes healthy digestion and i excretion, expels all impurities from the system, enriches the blood, t and thus imparts health and tone to every part of the body. » ¡ MOTHER I; SEIGEL'S SYRUP • 1 Thousands of men and women are every year cured of indigestion ► and other stomach and liver disorders by Mother Seigel's Syrup. > < Their testimony, given without fee or reward, affords convincing < proof that Mother Seigel's Syrup possesses curative and strength- ening properties not found in any other medicine. For twenty- f I j seven years," says Mrs. Barnes, 139, Upper Bridge Road, Chelms- | i < ford, Essex, Mother Seigel's Syrup has been my only medicine." i WILL CURE YOU TAKTI IT DAILY AFTER MEALS. I TH* b<,t.k': iMiiuinf thru iimes ms much as th* i/ij sin. jj ï'l'If'¿'¿ä¿;'j \j,

ABERDARE VALLEY NOTES. [BY MTFYB DAB.] Hearty congratulations to Coun. William Thomas, solicitor, Aberdare, upon hi_ election as chairman of the Aberdare Education Com- mittee. The current year has been a memor- able one in hie history, for it is no yet quite twelve months since he was appointed High Constable of Miskin Higher, an office highly esteemed anion? his fellow townsmen, and one held in the past by some of our most distin- guished citizens Later on he became Wor- shipful Master of the St. David's Lodge of Freemasons, another highly coveted oflice, in wiiich he has succeeded some of the most em- inent townsmen StilMater he was elected un- opposed a member of the Glamorgan County Council for the Town Ward, the most import- ant division in the parish, and now he becomes the chairman of the Aberdare Education Com- mittee These are high honours, and prove clearly that he is Ereatlv esteemed in the town. A prominent member of the Absrdaro Trades and Labour Council has taken exception to my remarks a fortnight ago in reference to the action of the Trades Council at the recent local elections. My friend, I know, is as ardent a Liberal a lam. and the point lie took was that, the Aberdare Trades and Labour Council did not run Socialists or members of the I.L.P a. candidates, but Trades Unionists. He also was under the impression that I h»d confused the Trades and Labour Council with the In- dependent Labour Pary. As otliig may I)-! labouring under the tame mistaken idea. I wit h to at once that I am perfectly aW,J,re th-i these organisations are distinct, and that I am aware that the Trades and Labour Council run their official candidates as Trades Union candidates. I still, however, adhere to every word which I wrote, and must remind readers that what I objected TO was the running by the Trades and Labour Council of members of the I.L.P. and avowed Socialists as Trades Union candidates in almost every case, whereas a very large proportion, indeed, the large majority of the Trades Unionists in this valley, are Liberals. I agree that the Trades Council cannot be responsible for the fact that the I.L.P. ran candidates of their own; the fate of these can- didates. howeveff proves that the electors of Aberdare do not care for I.L.P.-ism except un- der the guise of Labour, and I repeat whaf I said on the former occasion. What I said was: "I have strongly supported Labour representa- tion in the past, and wilt do so as consistently in the future, but if the Trades and Labour Council is definitely pledged to run only Soci- alist candidates, and to oppose Liberal candi- dates and sitting members, then the question must be fought out whether our loca! reoresen- tatives shall be Liberal or Socialists." This, I think, makes my contention clear, and I trust the Trades and Labour Council will realise the importance of my contention. I am aware that in their "Local Election Bulletin" they did not support the candidature of the nominees of the I.L.P., but some, at least, of their own nominees supported their claims on the plat- form. I have not heard of them supporting the claims of a single Liberal. So much for controversy. I hope the Trades and Labour Council will not let the question of rack-renting be forgotten in spite of the small attendance of ministers and delegates who at- tended the last conference. Let the facts be well rubbed in, and great good will be effected, I hope that they will now be able to get the housing scheme into order without further de- lay, and help to cope with the great and crying need of houses in the district. The frequent applications at the Police Court for ejectment orders is a proof of the scarcity of houses, and some steps must be taken to remedy it. Referring to the new road to Cwmbach I understand that the residents have decided at a public meeting to support for the present a scheme for a road to the proposed station, and I think they are wise in trying to get this at once. The Great Western Railway Company and the Powell Duffryn Company are in favour of that scheme, and once that is obtained and a station erected af Cwmbach, the residents there- will have one great grievance removed. The bigger scheme will, as the promoters know, meet' with great opposition, and it will cost a great deal to carry through the scheme, but the smaller one can be carried through without much difficulty, and at a comparatively small cost, and instead of being a hindrance to the Larger scheme will indeed be a nelp to secure the latter I trust, therefore, that there will be no grasping at the shadow and losing the sub- stance. # If we can get a station at Cwmbaeh we shall also have a hetter train service, for it is well known that if this were secured we should get a motor service on the Great Western railway at let from Quakers' Yard to Hirwain, if not to Pontneathvaugha.n. The Chamber of Trade are pressing this matter forward, but the ab- sence of a station at Cwmbach is one of the stumbling blocks to the realisation of that pro- ject. The continued increased use of the Central Free Library both in the lending department and the -reference department is very encourag- ing. The committee are to be commended on the effort they are making to add to the library and to make it more useful in every wav. The use made of the library by teachers and others preparing for examination is very encouraging, and I hope after the annual meeting this week to give some further particulars of the excellent work done Mý this institution. Have you anythinir to Sell? Advertise in our Want Columns, and it is as seed ■LS sold* — ♦

Threatened Strike in the Building Trade. It is feared that the negotiations between the builders in Aberdare and the maeons will prove unavailing, and that the notice issued bv the masons to terminate contracts on the 30th inet. will acted upon. The masons, at a meeting held at the Bird in Hand, Monk- street, decided to adhere to their original de- mands, and declined to accept the new terms offered by the employers. Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Union has been com- municated with. On Thursday, the General Secretary ol ths Union visited Aberdare, and had lengtny inter- views with most of the builders. An agree- rnent was come to, subject to the confirmation I of the masons, that work b", not suspended on Saturday night, but that another meeting be- tween the employers and the men be arranged for Tuesday next.

Deafness Cured. A gentleman who has cured M-r.^lf :lft"r suffer- ing for 14 years from Deufn^s nnri in the Head, will he I"e¡t"d to forw^id ),,ii p.<rfciuuls«r8 of his Remf^ly, post free. Write, H. Clifton, 82, Sotttetwi) Chamber*, 151, Strand, Loudon, W.C.

ABERDARE. { IF TOP HAVE DEFECTIVE EYFSIGHT, consult the most experienced Eyesight Testing Expert in Mer- thyr. Mr. HENRY M LLOYD, Ophthalmic Optician and Chemist, Merthyr (opposite Market doors). TBIKITY.—On Sunday, the Rev. J. L. Jenkms (pastor) preached special sermons in aid of the funds of the Cardiff Infirmary and Porthcawl Rest. QUARTERLY MEETINGS.—On Sunday, quarter ly meetings were held at the Congregational Church. Abernant, Mr. D. J. Forey and Mr. D. Jones presiding at the afternoon and even- ing meetings respectively. Miss Lettie Jon-as was the accompanist. PRESENTATION — At the meeting of the Young Men's Mutual Improvement Society at Siloa last Thursday, the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, who has been instrumental in having a. monument erocied on tha grave of the late "Gurnos" at Groeswen Churchyard, delivered a lecture on the bard's many-sided life. He was afterwards prcnted with a be3.utifuJ photograph taken OJ 111'. T. Morgan Jones, Commerce House. of the monument which he was in"iTumenta.1 in getting erected. SOCIAL.—On Thursday evening a very suc- cessful social was held at tho Council School in connection wiih the Mining Class conducted by Mr Owen James, and the Scientific: Drejs- making tjlass, conducted by Mi-6 R«?s. Messrs R. H. Miles and Son.* catered in excellent style. At the post prandial proceedings, Aider- man D. Hughes, wno takes a very keen inter- osi in the doings of all the Evening Continua- tion Classes in Aberuare anù district, presided, and warmly e-ncoutaged the taachars and pupils. CALFABTA.—Tho Rev. James Griffiths has just completed twenty yea.s' ministry at Cal. iaria We sh JJaptis* Church. During that per- iod he has received into the church 1,334 mem- bers—542 by baptism, 258 r^sLGrcu, and 509 by letters from o;her churches. He has taken part in the funeral servces of 168 members, of wnom 18 w-er deacons of the church, and he has preached 1,505 10 tile pulpit of Cal [alia A the rrcen .1IJIJ'.C'I'ry serv.ces, oyer £ 250 was collected towards the building Íuná 01 rho church LEGAL.—H«arty congratulations to Master Trevor Jones, son of Mr David Jones, (Jow- bridge Arms, who has just passed the inter- mediate exam nation of the Incorporated Law Society in the fiiet Over 140 articled clerks sat for this examination in March, of whom 102 passed, only 10 taking first class. The tact that Master Jonss is one out of ten m Enjiand and Wales is highly creditable to him. He is the only Welshman who th s yrar has passed in the first class. He is articled to Mr. T, W. Griffiths, solicitor, Aberdare. SINGING FESTIVAL.-—The annual singing fes- tival in connection with the A be. dare and Dis- trict Welsh Caivinisiic Methodist Chapeis took place at Bethama on Monday, the conductor being Mr S. Davies, Cwmbach. Meetings were held in the morning, afternoon, and even- ing, the presidents billS: Mr. D. Thomas, Aberaman; Mr T. Lloyd, Cwmaman; and M, John Williams, Aberaman The organist was Mr. W. D. Stephens. There was a good attend- ance at each meeting, and the singing was °xceii5n6. The secretarial duties were discharg- ed "y Air. T. Thomas V-ELDING.—A pr- ;ty wedding was solemnized xiettiel Baptist Chapel on Wednesday morn- ■ t, the contracting parties being Miss Bessie daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. Evans, College-street, and Mr. David Davies, son of the Mr H. Davies, tailor, Aberdare. The officiating minister was the Rev. R. E. Wil- liams (Twrfab), Ynysiwyd. The bride was given away by her father, and the bridesmaids were Miss H. Jones, Aberaman (cousin of the bride), and Miss Lilian Howelis (ni'vve of the bride). Mr. John Davies (heother of the bride- groom) acted as man. The wrfoir.g :>ak- fat was subsequently pa:tako.J of it tho house of the brid°'s parents. SOCIAL.—On Thursday erenmg last a very enjoyable tea and social took c.sc.t- at Taber- nacia English Congregational Church, under the auspices of the Y.P.S. The arrangements for the tea had been left in the hands of the secretaries ot the Society, Miss M. Morris and lr, W. J Hames. Miss Morris also arranged a 6tall of :10m"m.de sweets, which was very much appreciated, and which was presided over by Miss Lottie Morris and Miss Lewis, read- ing nearly £1. The tea. tables were presided over by the Misses Maggie and Carrie Wil- liams, College-street; Misses Magino Lawrence. Sunny Bank, and May Hopkins, Herbert- stt; Miss Elizabeth Evans, Cwmbaeh School; Miss Polly Lloyd, Herbert-street; Miss Bron- wen Griffiths, Park School 1ûi15; while the following spent some time doing the necessary cutting-u*2»f provisions Miss M. Morris, Miss Beatrice ^SfiHiams, Miss M LawrenoJ, Miss B. M. Richirds, Miss Ethel Williams, Miss P Lloyd, Mr* Davies, etc. After the tea, an ex- oeilen* p^jfijAtnaie of music was given, it iui-V- ing been arranged by Messrs. Richard Hopkins (the conductor of the Church Choir) and 1W- ward Moses (the organist of the church), and Miss Alice Vt illiams. Mr. David Thomas, of Herbert-street, was the chairman. The pro- gramme opened with a glee by the choir, under the eonductorship of Mr. Richard Hopkins, "Awake, Aeolian Lyre," accompanied by Mr. Mosee. A solo, "Nirvana, was then given by Mr W. J. Harris, after which came a duett by Miss May Hopkins and Mies Sarah Davies. The choir next gave a very sweet rendering of "The Fisherman's Life," which was followed by a quartette, Beware," by the Misses M. Hopkins, Alice S. Williams, and Messrs. Bertie Lloyd and Edgar Morris. Later on, a trio, which was accorded an encore, was sung by Messrs. Richard Hopkins, David Rich- rads (Broniestyn-terraoe), and Mr. W. J. Har- ris Ii was the familiar "A Little Farm Well Tilled." Following this wa% another chorus by the choir, "The Hobby Horse." The Chair- man made a neat speech, and finally wound up with thanks to all those who had contributed to the evening's enjoyment. SITMMKR SHOWROOM.—.Special display of the Latest Fashions and Novelties on Fndav and Sat- urdriv, May 6th and 7th, and following days at R. r. JONES & Co., Market Square, Merthyr.

THE EVER YOUNG. There are people for whom the passage of time has no terrors, for year after year sees them as young in mind and body as ever, who face the hurly burly of modern life cheerfully and energetically, and long outlast their con- temporaries. A very practical reason for this abundant vitality is advanced by Mr. Haggett, who long before his lime, felt himself getting old and broken down, but regained youth and energy by Phosferine. Describing the re- awakening of his vitality, Mr. Haggett says:— My nervous system was very low, my head in a whirl, I was sleepless, life a burden and hopeless, until I took Phosferine. Now I feel ten years younger, and look upon Phosferine a.s a. means of prolonging life."—4, Butterfield St., Walton Lane, Liverpool.

ABERDARE COUNTY COURTS MONDAY.—Before His Honour Judge Bryn Roberts. JUDGMENT SUMMONSES. — The list of judg- ment summonses was a somewhat short one. In one Calle an unusual incident occurred, Ih defendant having himself supplied the plaintiff with a certificate of his earnings. INTERROGATORIES.— Mr. W R. Edwards ap- plied for leave to administer interrogatories in the case of Owen against the Abeidare and Rhondda Teeth Company.—His Honour said he could apply to the Registrar. ADMINISTRATION REQUEST.—Mr. W. R. Ed- wards applied for an administration order in the case of Francis Henry Perkins, a collier in the employ of the Powell Dufliryn Company. His earnings were 32s. a, week.—The order was made. NYSTAGMICS AGAIN.—Ivor Wilcox, who was represented by Mr. A T. James (Messrs. Mor- gan, Bruce, Nicholas, and James, Pontypridd) applied for compensation against the Powell I Duffryn Company, for whom Mr. Prosser (Messrs. C. and W Kenshole) appeared.—The applicant was admittedly suffering from nys- tagmus, which is a disease of the eye now I covered by the Act, the other question being, how the compensation was to be dIvIded oe- tween the Powell Duffryn Company, tlft Dullas Colliery Co., and the Cwmaman Coal Company, for whom the a pplican had worked during the twelve months prior to his incapacity.—Mr. F. P Charles, of Merthyr, appeared for the Dullas Companv.—It transpired that from Jan. 9fch to 10th, 190S, applicant worked at the Cwmaman Colliery, making in all 27 weeks; at Dullas from the 26th of July to September 14th. 1909. 6 weeks; and for the Powell Duffryn Co. I from October 10th. 1909, to January 5th, 1910, 12 weeks.—Each Company was ordered to pay in proportion to the time worked, and the cosis were allocated in the same ratio. Applicant will receive in all 19s. lOd. a week; the Cwm- aman Coal Company to pay lis. lOd. the Dullas Colliery Company, 2s. 8d.; and the Powell Duffryn Company, 5s. 4d. a week. A SOLICITOR SUED.—Edward Crossman sued David Richards for £1 Is. for work done.— Plaintiff said that in 1906 he did some garden- ing for Mr. Richards in Monk-street.—Cross- examined. One of the dates charged for was May 27th. 1906, which was Sunday; as also was June 17th, 1906.—The defence was that the work done was paid for at the time.- Judg- ment was given for defendant. WAS THE RECEIPT ALTERED?—Charles "Vicary sued John Manning for £2 3i;. Id. for work done. The real question was whether the amount paid in February iaet was 10s. or .1 10s. — Plaintiff said defendant used to pay such eums as 10s., 9s. 6d.. and 7s. 6d.—Arthur Reynolds Stephens (Mr. Vicary's foreman), who received the money, said that on February 12th he reo ceived 10s. from defendant, and gave him a receipt..—Cross-examined, he said the receipt, produced was the one be ga.ve him, but it bad been altered since.—It transpired, however, that the balance shown was £1, 3s. Id. That was, witness said, evidently a mistake of his — D»feticJarit swore he -0>. and .»nte--ed I on i his book — Cross-exM.-smHe ;l; several occasion*. He •.« ~-2 «■ •- one cccf*'i-«n.—Hie Honour gave jadgmaiu .o. j the plain Ufi.,

Aberdare Education Committee. THE NEW CHAIRMAN. The annual meeting of the Aberdare Educa- tion Committee was held on Friday afternoon. Mr. T. Lewis was elected chairman pro tem. The members present were Mrs. Davies, Messrs. W Thomas, Walter Williams, E. Stone- lake, M. J Harris, T. Bowen, William iiar- pur, A. P Jones, H H. Evans, David Da- vies, liltyd Hopkins, J. O. George, and D P. Davies, together with Messrs. John Morris (director), and T D. Jones (assistant clerk). At the, outset a letter was read from the retiring chairman, Mr L. N Williams, regret- ting his inability to be present. He thanked the members for their kind co-operation during his term of office. Mr. Stonelake moved tnat Mr. W Thomas be, chairman for the ensuing year, and Mr. D P Davies seconded the motion, which was car- ried unanimously Mr. Thomas returned thanks for the honour conferred upon him. The question of education, he said, was be- coming more and more important. With the assistance of the members nd officials he hojr- ed to discharge his duties effectively. Mr. T. Walter Williams moved that Mr. Owen Powell be the vice-chairman 1\1 r, Pow- oIl, he said. took a very keen interest in mnt- ters educationally, and he was sure he would prove a valuabale assistant to the chairman.— Mr. D. P. Davies, in seconding, said lie repret- ter to hear that Mr. Powell was indisposed, and had been so for some time. — Mr. M. J. Harris seconded, and D. Jackson Thomas sup- ported the motion, which was carried unanim- ously. The chairman and vice-chairman were elect- ed ex officio members of all the committees. The name of Mr. H. H. Evans was substituted for that of ex-Coun. D. Tyesul Davies on ail the committees on which the latter served. —Mr. D. P. Davies and Mrs. Davies wen re- appointed members of the Truant School Com- mittee. Mr. T. W Williams gave notice ro move the following motions at the next meeting of the committee. (1) That all teachers engaged in MR. W. THOMAS, Aberdare non-provided schools be placed on the same scale of salary as those in the provided schools, (2) That the educational qualifications of all teachers in the non-provided schools be the same as those in the provided schools. (3) That the Staff and Management Committee make arrangements for carrying out of the above regulations.

The Coal Trade Settlement. ABERDARE TIMBERMEN AND THE AGREEMENT. As it has already been pointed out, much dis- satisfaction exists among the timbermen and other classes of colliery workmen outside the coal-cutting class in the Aberdare district with the new agreement, it baiiig contended by these parties tha.f their claims have been ignored. On Monday morning another meeting of the timbermen and rippers was he'd at the Royal Excha,nge Inn, Aberdare, to receive the result of the recent ballot, for and against the forma- tion of a Timbermen and Rippers' Association, or the resuscitation of the old Union. Afr Dd. Rees presided.—At the outset, Mr. John Wil- liams, Cwmaman, the acting secretary, gave the following figures as being the result:- For. Against. Cwmaman and Fforchwen 264 59 Cwmneol 64 31 Aberaman Colliery 90 58 Fforchaman 53 56 Treaman 20 16 Bwllfa No. 1 124 < 44 Bwllfa No. 2 94 12 Bwllfa No. 3 53 11 Totals. 742 287 It transpired that three collieries had not taken the ballot, but it was pointed out that even if these three went against, the present majority in favour of the proposal would not l) seriously affeoted.-It was urged by several Of the delegates that no one should be allowed in as members unless they were clear on me books of the Federation. -Reply in g to this, tha Chairman said that a la.rge number had ex- pressed themselves determined not to contribute further to the Federation.—This gave rise to a very long discussion as to whether the Union should be run independently of the Miners' Federation, or whether contributions should be paid into the colliery lodges as at present.—A delegate from the Bwllfa Colliery said he was of the opinion that the better poiicy would be to remain affiliated to the Federation. It was true that they had not had fair play, and when their complaints came before one Workmen's Committee, one person was heard to remark that he did not know what th'3 night men really wanted. It was the feeling at the Bwllfa that they should have a committee of their own as night men. They could get the services of the Agent by remaining affiliated to the Federa- tion. They could contribute to the Federation, and allow all expenses to be incurred from fcfye Central Fund. If they separated, it would only mean a, split in the strength, by which they would have sectional struggles, and they would be losers by so doing. When one sec- tion would be fighting their battle, the others, perhaps, would have no sympathy, and under such circumstances as these, it would not be advisable to leave the Federation.—After some further discussion, it was resolved to hold a mass meeting on Saturday next, when steps will be taken to arrive at a decision on this point. The officers and committee will also be elected then. +-

ABERDARE POLICE COURT. WEDNESDAY.—Before Messrs. D. P. Davies (chairman), D. W. Jones, L. N. Williams and Dr. Evan Jones. GAMING WITH CA-RDS.-Griffitb Rees and Daniel Davies were summoned for gaming with cards in the public highway.—P.C. Morris said on Sunday, the 10th inst., he saw the defendants playing cards near Tydraw, Aber- nant.-Rees was fined 10s. and costs, and Davies who did not appear, was ordered to pay 15s. and costs. INSUFFICIENT SPRAGGING.-William Borrows, a collier, employed at the Aberaman Colliery, was summoned for improperly spragging his working place.—Mr. W. Kenshole prosecuted. —W. T. Farr, an inspector at the colliery, said that he went to the defendant's working place. On the other side of the stall he found a slip of coal overhanging. It was 6ft. 3in. thickness, and was overhanging for 3ft. 2in. There was another slip overhanging on the lower side as well, which was 8ft. lOin. lorig.-Edward Parry Jones, the fireman of the district, corroborated. —A fine of 20s. and costs was imposed. PAWNBROKERS SUMMONED.—Messrs. Burkle & Co., pawnbrokers, were summoned by Mary Evans for not redeeming a pledge, Mr. W. Kenshole appeared for the defendants.—Com- plainant stated that on March 26th, 1909, she pledged seven yards of cloth with the defend- ants, and received 5s. 6d.j therefor. On March 26th of this year she called at their shop, and producing the tickets and money, asked for the material back. She was informed that by some mistake the material had been sold.— By Mr. Kenshole: Defendants offered her other things in the shop as compensation. The material cost her £ 1 2s. 6d.~Addressing the Bench, Mr. Kenshole said that his clients were prepared to give complainant the same amount as she would receive if the article in question had been lost by fire.-The Bench ruled that complainant was entitled to the full amount, i.e., £1 2s. 6d., and advised her to sue defendants in t.he County Court for the money unless they paid up. JUVENILE COURT.—Thomas John Griffiths, a boy, was charged with breaking and entering the Ynysyboeth Schools, and taking therefrom a number of small articles.—Mrs. Davies, the caretaker, said she left the school securely locked up on the 26th ult. On the Monday following she found two drawers wide open. A pair of spectacles, some stamps, and other things were missing, the value of which was 3s. 6d.—Miss Dyer, the headmistress, also gave evidence.—P.C. Williams gave evidence of arrest, and said that the fidmitteci brwiik'.r.g 5Tltv/ tne f5ef.¡on9 H1"ft- < tile &itL0;eo. ~JL»u5 iioxiCii OiUoioa to i., seat to tuc- jLiuauli oÅQIJI thtea ycMtt,

Alleged Rack-renting at Aberdare! —— QUESTION TO BE DEALT WITH FROM THE PULPITS. A further conference between the executive ] ot the Aberdare Trades and Labour Council and the ministers of the town in reference to the question of alleged rack-renting took place on Friday evening at the I.L.P Institute. The question has been before the Trades Council for many months, and in order to try and re- medv the evil the executive of that body sought the assistance of the ministers and clergy of the town The first conference between these bodies took place in Dembt>r last, when a large number of the local ministers attended. Eloquent speeches were then delivered, and every minister present pledged himself to do his share towards attempting to remedy this evil Friday night's meeting, however, proved 11 failure, there being present only two Non- conformist ministers, a clergyman and a Church of England Missioner, and nearly a dozen mem- hers ói the executive committee of the Trades Council. The ministers and clergy present were Revs. T. H. Iiryant, Aberaman; James .Tones, C.vmdare, and J. E. Dewi Williams, and Air. A E. Kimpton. Mr. W T James, the vice-chairman of the Aberdare Trades Council, presided, and in his ope!1ing remarks he said they had allowed this question to stand over until the elections were over. so that people could not say then that the Trades Council were urging it forward to servo as an election cry for their candidates, :\1 ud, difficulty had been encountered 10 the course of the investigations, the people in most eases being ivarid to volunteer information lest t hey should be turned out of the houses. Thi" was one of the most difficult tasks that the ] Trads Counc;[ had ever takcn up. Coun. E. Stor^lake then presented his report In their inverfixations they had experienced j considerable difficulty because of the shortage of houses in the district. The present inves'i- gation was altogether different from the on which he made in 1904. He then visited 396 houses out of wiiich 286 vor-• absolutely unin habitable. This time he had been looking for different cases. On the present occasion 79 houses had been visited, these to different owners. Mr. Stonelake proceeded to give particulars of the houses which had been visited. He pointed out that in the last few years the ront in most of (1,ese houses had goni up enormo-K-ly. ,hj!t some of them were badlv in need of repair. They were low tnd in a-i insanitary rendition. He had visited cer- tain houses, which had only two rooms and a cellar underneath. The rent at one time was 165 a month, and it had been gradually raised to 30s. V>"iien the cellars were cndeinned by the District Co"ie;I the rent wen' 110 to £2 a month plus and taxes. There was one house where lived. T> i "nt was 2Cs. a month, tmj -»h >.) he 'ow in a few lodgers it "t, T.i were a num- ber of house6 V.< h. -'0 rack-rented, were badly The owner treat- ed the tenants r high-funded manner. Mr. Stonelake g.. details of other houses in various parts of district which were rack- rented and in a shocking state of repair. He referred to a certain house in CwLK-vnan. The prospective of this house want to Aber- dare to see the agent. He was, however, away from home at the time and the caller saw the daughter. He was asked by the daughter if he was married, and if so by whom was he united. Children, if so, boy or Working nights or days? What chapel did he attend? He was then told that he would have to pay a. sum of 5s. so that inquiries could be made with reference to his character, etc., and it was fur- ther pointed out that the rent at tha.. 1 ;><; was 24s. a month, but in future it WOI.,1 be 26s. This was a custom, said Mr. Ston'Kf,. which was prevalent in the district. The Toners of the houses lived far away, a.nd the rents were collected by agents, who received commission and pocketed f xtra amount they could have by ra-isttiTr live rents, without the knowledge of the owner, i iio f.xcuse given by some owners who were responsible for the bad of the houses was thar :1e lease was running out, or that- they were too poor to carry out the neces- sary -epairs. ^Discussion followed, and Rev. J. T?_ Dewi Williams nrg*ci that the owners be seen by the r/jiiti^siers or clergy of the denomina- tion to wmd, t tiey belonged. He wa.s willing to go and se* 11-.0; ones he knew.—Rev. T. H. Bryant said tfiai, there were no members of his church among the rack-renters given out by the secretary. There v-ere a number who were rack-rented.—The Chairman expressed disap- pointment at the 8m;õ attendance. He blamed his own minister as much as any other minister who wa.s absent. They did not know what the feelings of the other ministers were on the question, and what they were prepared to do.— Mr. A. E. Kimpton urged that a special Sun- day should be devoted for the purpose of preaching sermons on the question from aU the pulpits.—-Rev James Jones said that doubtless the ministers would find a way to get rid of this evil, and he felt sure that every minister in the town wouid do his share. Mr. J. H. Bru- ton said he agreed in having a Sunday set aside for preaching on this question. He had a great belief in the power cf the church, and if the church did its duty they would not hear so much about rack-reliting.. — Messrs. John Jenkins, D. Stephens, and Phillip Jenkins also spoke It was asrreey that a deputation should wait upon the Aberdare Free Church Council, and seek their eo-opetition. Messrs. E. Stonelalfe. W T. James and J. H. Bruton were selected as the deputation.

The Cricket Season. ABERDARE VALLEY PROSPECTS. The Aberdare and District Cricket League, which was formed last year, has been the means of adding to the popularity of cricket in the Aberdare Valley, for since its formation a number of new clubs have sprung into exist- ence, and several have been admitted into the League this season. There is every appearance of tne League having a very successful season, eleven teams having been already enrolled. This number includes clubs from Hirwain, Cwmdare, Aberdare, Aberaman, Cwmbach, Mountain Ash, Penrhiwceiber, Abercanaid and Dowlais. The League Committee have, during the last few weeks been busily engaged in completing the arrangements, and on all sides the opening of the season is looked forward to with no little interest. At one time it looked as if two divi- eions of the League would have to be formed in order to cope with the application for admis- sion, but a number of clubs have dropped out because they have been unable to secure suit- able pitches for playing. This difficulty at Aberdare is an old standing one, and it is large- ly on account of the ground difficulty that the game has been so backward in recent years. The Aberdare Park for instance, is far too dangerous to play on, and it would be well if the Aberdare District Council followed the ex- ample of the Cardiff Parks Committee, who have decided to lay out suitable cricket pitches in their park. The clubs outside the League, such as Mountain Ash and Aberaman, area lay- ing down solid foundations, and the opinion is freely expressed that the "Mount" team, who have been admitted into the first division of the Glamaorgan League, will, this season, capture the trophy.

Aberdare Free Library. The following report of the Executive Com- mittee was presented to the sixth annual meeting, last night, Councillor A. P. Jones presiding :— The Executive Committee beg to submit their report for the year ended March 31st, 1910, together with the usual tables, account of receipts and expenditure, and estimates for the year 1910-11. The number of volumes issued during the past year was 31,725, being 2,901 in excess of the number issued during the previous year. The number of volumes con- sulted in the reference library was 3,686, being an increase of 403 over the previous year. These results may be regarded as highly satisfactory, and it is worthy of note that, of the total issue out of the lending department, 10,280 volumes were issued from the Juvenile section. The library now consists of 8,797 volumes. It is very desirable that the reference library should contain as complete a. collection as possible of books printed at Aberdare, and books relating to the immediate district, as well as pamphlets and programmes of interesting gatherings. A commencement has already been made in this direction, and the Committee would be pleased to receive gifts of books, pamphlets, &c., to be preserved for future reference. Secretaries of Churches, Institutions, special concerts, bazaars, &c., would be rendering valuable service by forwarding records to the Librarian. The Committee have to record, with much regret, the loss sustained through the death of lone of their colleagues, in the person of Mr. Griffith George, who was one of the pioneers of the free library movement in Aberdare. The Library now consists of:—Lending depart- ment Theology, moral philosophy, &c., 529 biography, 678; history, 347; travel and description, 328; law, politics, commerce, and education, 287; arts, sciences, and natural history, 715; poetry and the drama, 281 prose fiction, 2,341 miscellaneous literature, philology, &c., 553; magazines and periodicals, 110 juvenile literature, 1,541 Welsh literature, 246; reference library, 841. Total, 8,797.

Aberdare Haulers and the Federation. SECESSION DECIDED UPON. Following the action of the tirnbarmen and other wage men in the Aberdare Valley, who, Ion Monday, decided to resuscitate their old organization, the hauliers have decided upon the raine course, but have gone a step further, as they have finally decided to secede from "ne Miners' Federation and to become an indepsn dent organization. The first step was taken by the Powell Duffryn Colliery hauliers, who held a meeting last week, at which it was resolved to convene a meeting of the hauliers through- out the valle-y to consider the position. That meeting was held at the Aberaman Hall on Wednesday evening, and was well attended, every colliery in the district having sent its quota of hauliers to represent them at the meeting.—It was resolved that the Press be not admitted, and then, in the absence of the reporters, the whole situation was discussed at great length and with considerable bitterness, as far as the attitude of the speakers to the Miners' Federation was concerned. Several speakers declaimed against the Federation, urg- ing that the claims of the hauliers and other day wage men had been practically ignored by the agents, an exception being made in most speeches in favour of Mr. C. B. Stanton, the Aberdare miners' agent, who, it was ad- mitted, had done everything he could to help the hauliers. The feeling, however, was strong- ly in favour of having nothing more to do with the Miners' Federation, as it had not helped the hauliers at- a.-Ultimately, it waa unani- mouesly decided to secede from the Miners' Federation, and to form Hauliers' Union forthwith.—A sub-committee was appointed to draft rules, etc., and the meeting was adjourn- ed to next Wednesday, when the new rules wiil be considered, and steps taken to consider the best method of getting the othei districts in South Wales and Monmouthshire to join in the new Union. No definite steps in that dir- ection will, however, be taken until after the rules are passed at the next meeting. Seen later in the evening, Mr. Stanton was asked whether he thought the Abardare dis- trict wa« strong enough to deal with the haul- iers. "Yes, and the timbermen as well, he replied. "We have this evening been dealing with the subject in our Executive Committee, and we are going to take very prompt mea- sures indeed to bring matters to an end. It is too late now to deal with the matter before the end of April, but the Executive has passed a resolution which I will lay before my col- leagues at Cardiff at the next meeting, not for their approval exactly, but for their intormation to give notices at every colliery on the 1st of June to terminate contracts, and work will not be resumed until every man employed at the collieries, except the surface craftsmen, who belong to their own Union, which is affiliated to us, has joined the Federation. I can assure you that there will be no half measures in the matter. A mass meeting of the whole of the colliery workmen in the district will be held next week, when I will explain to the men hilly what we are going to do. I have not yet fixed the date, but the hauliers and timberroen may take it from me, there is to be no splitting up of our Union to please them or ajiyone else." Mr. Stanton also bitterly denounced the, in- gratitude of the day wagemen to the Federa- tion, which had done so much for them. The hauliers, he said, had been benefitted to the extent of at least IDs. a month in their wages.

ABERAMAN. M-M- ISTRILI&L.-A host of friends and well- wishers journeyed from Aberaman on Monday afternoon, to witness the ordination ceremony of Mr. Zachariah Davies as pastor of Hirwain English Baptist Church. Mr. Davies, is an Aberamanite, being the son of Mr. Charles Davies, who lived for many years in Abergwawr- street. ODIMTELLO WSHIP. -The local secretary,Mr. Jacob R. Jones of Aberaman,, has again received a cheque for Sixty pounds from the directors of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Man- chester Unity, towards assisting the weaker lodges in the district. This makes a total of £ 1,233 during the last two and a half years received from the same source. ACCIDENT.—On Monday a nasty accident befell a haulier who was taking four horses from the Aberaman stables of the Powell Duffryn Co.

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CWMBACH. REHEARSAL.—On Monday evening a wen attended rehearsal of the senior choirs belonging to the Congregational Churches of the lowe< district of Aberdare, was held at Bryn Seiotf Chapel, Cwmbaeh. The Rev. R. H. Davie* presided and the churches represented were Saron (Aberaman), Bryn Seion (Cwmbach). Bethlehem (Abercwmboi), and Carmel (Pen- rhiwceiber). The conductor was Mr. Philit Rees. In addition to the hymn tunes thl anthems Gweddi Vabbaccuo (soloist Gwyn' alaw), and "Terynroedd y ddarar" (soloist Mr. Lewis J. Davies) were sung. Mr. Jonah Rees presided at the organ. CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY.-The quarterly meet- ing was held on Tuesday evening at the Co- operative Hall. There was a large attendant of members, and Mr. Rees Phillips, Cwmama^ presided. The secretary presented the following report for the past quarter, which stated The sales for 13 weeks reached the magnified1* total of f83,527 3s. 5d. This amount, togethet with the productive sales, viz. Slaughterhouse and bakery, will make a turnover of £ 96,630 6S. The weekly turnover in sales is £6,425 3s. 4d. ■ The members' share capital, including into eO now stands at £ 101,243. After meeting i claims, inclusive of £ 1,095 9s. 3d., interest on share capital, f501 6s. 4d. towards depreciation of buildings, scholarships county school^ £ 2 10s. education £ 15 2s., Holyoake fund jM 14s. 9d., Mountain Ash Cottage Hos- pitaJ Eisteddfod f5 5s., with all incidel1 expenses, there is a surplus of £ 12,552 18s avail' able for disposal at 3s. in the £ to members, an Is. 6d. in the £ to non-members. These figur^ are most encouraging, and especially when f'ltJ consider the present conditions of the tra.de. which are for from being conducive to business generally." RELIGIOUS DRAMA.—On Friday last, at the Vestry of Bryn Seion Church, the religiouS drama, Ruth," (Rev. J. J. Williams, was performed. The work is not a sÏJJlpld dialogue for a number of persons to enact, but a composition which is replete with drama''1? situations throughout. Around the narrative of Ruth's life has been woved a serial of picturesque scenes which are presented & glowing style by the aid of the Eastern COStu-mal worn by the actors. So realistic and fascination was the performance that the crowded called for another presentation of the piece, WhlC.b was given on Tuesday night. The dramas personae was a follows :—Ruth, Miss Charlot Parket; Naomi, Miss Nellie Evans; Elimeleeltf Mr. Edward Evans Malon, Mr. John Lloyd-i Chilion, Mr. Henry Phillips Orpah, Miss iilatf Jane Lewis; Boaz, Mr. John Hughes Y. C'ý. fathrachwr, Mr. D. W. Wilcox; Cenad, )1t Francis Davies, Mr. Dd. Edmunds, Willi-too, Milwyr, Messrs. Thos. Jones Lewis and ToJØ Williams; Llanersau, Miss Miliam Williatfj* and Miss Maggie Daniel; Prif Lenadur, ¡ Samuel Lloyd; Medelwr, Mr. Thomas EV'øJI, Williams also a company of reapers, harve6te4 etc., to form the choir.

to the G.W.R. station at Mountain Ash, to be consigned to Usk. He was passing underneath the Abcrcwmboi bridge on the back of one of the horses, the other three being led behind. The animal he was riding became restive and he was thrown to the ground and trampled upon by another of the horses. ACCIDENT.—While John Watkins, of 37, Gladstone-street, was following his employ- ment at the Deep Dufirya colliery, Mountain Ash, on Friday last, a stone weighing about two hundredweight fell from the door of his working place, and grazed his back in its descent. While struggling to withdraw himself a second fall of stone came and injured his knee rather badly. He was extricated with difficulty by a number of his fellow-workers, who conveyed him to his home. BILLIARDS.—There was a large and enthus- iastic body of billiard players present at the Public Institute rooms on Tuesday night, when an exhibition match was played between Mr. Claude Faulkener, a professional of excellent attainments, and Mr. Tom B. Jones, of Aber- aman, the amateur champion of the AberdarO valley. In a keen game of 1,000 up, Tom B. Jones (who received 500 start) finished nfatf Faulkener putting on a score of 965. The chief breaks were :—Faulkener: 102, 89, 7 70 and 50; Jones 69, 54, 49 and 40. Aftef the match an exhibition of masse strokes waf given by Faulkener, who was cheered again and again as he executed various difficult shots. SACRED CONCERT.—On Sunday evening a pictorial and musical entertainment was held at the Public Hall (Picture Palace). The chaif was occupied by Mr. G. A. Treharne, who delivered an introductory address pointing out the nesessitous circumstances of Mr. G wily a* Jones, Cardiff-road, in whose aid tha concert was organised. The following then contributed to the programme, which was sacred in every respect :-Overture on the piano, Mr. Geo. IL Moses, who also accompanied the singers; bioscope display of pictures (by kind permission of Mr. John R. Poole), by the Picture Palace operator; gramaphone selections (" Sound an Alarm," by Evan Williams, tenor, di Venezia," Madame Tetrazzini, 0, rest ill the Lord," Madame Clare Butt, and La Donne Mobile," (by Signor Coruso); Madame Bessie Williams, late of Rhyl, rendered a fine soprano solo in the vernacular, which was followed by a baritone solo, Excelsior," by Mr. W. JJJ Williams, Aberaman. Mr. Wat Phillips, tenrl pleased the audience immensely with b rendering of Llwybr yr Wyddfa," while hl. brother, Mr. Gwilym Phillips, was also heard to advantage in the bass solo, The heart wrJ mine," Master D T. Thomas, Aberdare, gave a pianoforte selection, and Miss M. A. Barry san3 the solo, Bethlehem." Another series of pictures by Mr. Poole, who was heartily thanked for his kindness, brought an enjoyable evening to a close. A substantial sum has been towards Mr. G. Jones's benefit.