The Glamorgan Gazette

Make Your Homes Cheerful and Bright for the New Year! Before Deciding where to Furnish, Visit the SOTJTH WALES Who are now making a Grand Display of the latest and most Up-to-Date" Collection of FURNITURE AND FURNISHING GOODS, Artistic and Useful Articles, suitable for New Year Gifts. IJOCAL BRANCHES 25. Wyndham Street,Bridgend 42, Commercial Street, Maesteg.

OGrMORE & GARW NEWS PONTYCYMMER. Lecture.—On Tuesday night an address under the auspices of the Salvation Army was delivered at the Tabernacle, lent for the occasion. Staff-Captain Jack Russell had his usual good reception, and spoke upon Wonders of Redeeming Grace." Funeral.—The funeral took place on the 9th inst. of the 6 months old girl of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Rogers, of Victoria-street. The infant was with her mother in chapel on the previous Sunday night, and died the follow- ing morning at 9 o'clock. The Rev. D. Hughes, Tabernacle, and the Rev. W. Saunders, Noddfa, officiated. The Young, People's Society of Noddfa Church held their usual weekly meeting on Tuesday evening, Mr. Thomas, Tynton House, presiding. Mr. William Jenkins (blacksmith) opened in the affirmative in a debate on the subject "Should the Churches Provide Recreation for their Young People?" and he gave an excellent paper. Mr. Mor- gan Williams, who had been appointed to lead in the negative, was prevented from at- tending, and in his absence the debate was thrown open, and a most instructive discus- sion followed in which a large number of the members of the society took part. Rose of Garw" Lodge.—The balance sheet of this flourishing lodge has just been issued, and the report is highly encouraging and satisfactory. It shows an increase in membership of 32, and a reduction in the average age from 31f to 31-l years. The 4 )3 funds have increased by £ 130, and the mem- bership, including adults and juveniles, by 70. The adult membership is nearly 450, and the juveniles number 171. The finan- cial position is favourable. The value of both lodges stands at £1,560 9s. 3d.—an in- crease of over JE90. The sum of LI,458 is invested in property. South Wales Women's Temperance Union. —The fortnightly meeting of the above was held on Friday night, at Bethel Vestry, pre- sided over by Mrs. D. Mardy Davies. The meeting was opened in prayer by Mrs. Hill. A fine solo was given by Miss Hilda Price, and a capital paper read by Miss M. J. Owen on Character." This was followed by a splendid solo by Miss L. Morgan. An- other exceedingly good paper was read by Miss M. Evans, her subject being "Mary's Humility." A solo by Miss V. Jones ter- minated a very pleasant meeting. Cran- ogwen," organiser of the Society, sent her best wishes to the branch for the New Year. Pledges were taken. Baptist Zenana Mission.—A very success- ful meeting in connection with the above society was held at Noddfa on January 9th. Mrs. Saunders presided over a good number of ladies representing the various Baptist Churches. It was unanimously resolved to form an auxiliary for the Garw for the fur- therance of Zenana Mission work, and the follwing ladies were appointed officers:- President, Mrs. Griffiths, Tylagwyn; vice- presidents, Mrs. Michael and Mrs. W. A. Williams, Blaengarw; secretary, Mrs. Rey- nolds, Zion; treasurer, Mrs. Hughes (draper). The visit of the home secretary, Mrs. Kerry, London, who will be accom- panied by Mrs. Edwards, Cardiff College, will be eagerly looked for.

BLAENGARW, A Receiving Order in Bankruptcy has been made in the matter of John Lambert, 10 James-road, Blaengarw, tipper. In Bankruptcy.—Illness and heavy family to keep were the causes to which d ohn Trigg, collier, Nanthir-road, Blaengarw, alleged his failure, at Cardiff Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday, with liabilities £198, and deficiency 1185. The examination was closed. Social.—On Saturday afternoon all busi- ness at the Blaengarw Co-Operative Stores was suspended and the employees assembled' at the Workmen's-hall, and, together with several local ministers and other inhabitants, sat down to a good spread. The tea was succeeded by a miscellaneous concert, in which some of the chief local vocalists parti- cipated. Several of the leading members of the stores spoke on the principles of co-oper- ation. CRUSHED BY A FALL. At the Workmen's Institute, Blaengarw, on Monday afternoon, Mr. W. A. Williams (deputy coroner) held an inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of Wm. Gould, 42 King Edward-street, Blaengarw, a collier. Alderman John Thomas (miners' agent) watched the proceedings on behalf of the relatives. Evidence of identification was given by Willie Gould -imaged 19), a son of' deceased. His father, he said, was 59 years of age, and was a collier at the International Colliery. On Friday his father, a son named Francis, and witness were working together at the main heading of the Caedefaid Seam. About 8.30 a.m. his father was filling a tram, and witness was standing near by, when there was a fall from the side, and his father was partly under it. Witness went to him and at the same time shouted for help. He suc- ceeded in freeing deceased, who was uncon- scious. He appeared to be very badly in- jured. and died on the way to the pit bottom. By Mr. R. G. M. Pritchard (inspector of mines) They had been pulling down the side that morning—from the middle of the road. There were about six posts under the part that came down. No one had been working at the place during the night. There was no shortage of timber in fact, there were I some spare posts at the place. His father had tried the side in the morning. Francis James Gould, 2"0 Waun Bant, collier, another son of deceased, said he came on the scene almost immediately after the accident, and assisted the previous witness in liberating his father from the fall. He was then alive, but died soon afterwards. Witness was working near the place. By Mr. Pritchard: He was in the place where the accident occurred at 7.30 that morning, and tried the side which came down. It then appeared all right. His father told him that he was going to put up some timber later on, but witness did not see any necessity for double timbering. The supply of timber was good. David Morris Evans, residing at 08 Miriam-street, Blaengarw, a haulier, deposed -that he saw the accident, and gave a similar description to that of the first witness. This was all the evidence, and the jury re- turned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

GILFACH GOCH. Calfaria Baptist Chapel.—Rev. W. Paran Griffiths, late pastor of the above church, oc- cupied the pulpit on Sunday, and preached powerful sermons. The members are now looking out for a successor to Mr. Griffiths. The Parliamentary Bill.—On Thursday, last week, the members of the Ogmore and Garw Urban District Council, held a meeting at Calfaria, Gilfach Goch, Councillor Jacob Edwards, J.P., in the chair, to consider the promotion of the Bill in Parliament for the provision of a bridge at Gilfach, and the ac- auisition of certain undertakings. The Chairman, Messrs. D. T. Williams (deputy clerk), J. Canniff, J. Williams, T. W. Job, T. M. Jones, E. David, E. Griffiths, and T. Lucas spoke on behalf of the Council in favour of promoting the Bill.

The most ordinary kind of man has at least sixteen pockets, while a woman of transcen- dent intellect generally has none, or, if she has one, it is where she cannot get at it.- O.R. in "The Reader."

SIR W. T. LEWIS'S UNDERTAKING. It is stated that Sir William Thomas Lewis, on behalf of the Coedcae Colliery Company, has just acquired from Mr. J. Blandy Jenkins, of Llanharran House, a lease of about 484 acres of mineral land situ- ate in the lower part of the Ogmore Valley on the Craigrhiwglyn side. Sir William has for some years held on be- half of the Coedcae Company several hun- dred acres of land on the opposite side of the valley known as the Caedae property under a lease which did not compel him to work the underlying coal measures provided he paid a heavy dead rent per annum. These two takings adjoin each other, and together form valuable mineral properties. They contain rich seams of both steam and house coals. Some time ago a well-known local gentle- man approached Mr. Blandy Jenkins with an offer for the Craigrhiwglyn property with a view to sinking pits upon it, and spending at least £ 25,000 in opening it out. Sir William Thomas Lewis came to hear of the negotiations, and as the Craigrhiwglyn and Caedae properties are so situated as to be conveniently worked on a large scale by the same pits, he competed for the acquisition of the land, and eventually secured it. It is stated that Sir William Thomas Lewis intends to open out the property in the near future, and that the development will be on a very extensive scale.

NARROW ESCAPE OF OTHERS. THRILLING EXPERIENCE. At Blaengarw on Monday Mr. W. A. Williams, deputy coroner, held an inquest on the body of Samuel Thomas, repairer, who was killed at the Oecan Colliery, Blaengarw, on Friday afternoon. Joseph Short, assistant to deceased, said that at the time of the accident he and Samuel Thomas were in a place in the mine called the swamp," a portion of the main journey road to the pit bottom, and on this road a main and tail rope was working. He and Thomas were walking out from work. When they got on this road Thomas asked some other workmen, Where is the journey, boys?" and the reply from someone was, "Just coming out." This meant that the journey was behind them, and witness and his companion proceeded on their way, feel- ing sure there was no danger. About 50 yards further on they heard a shout, "Quick, boys, the journey." The journey was com- ing in and not out, as they had been in- formed. Witness and Samuel Thomas jumped to the tail rope side, and no sooner had they got there when witness had Thomas hurled against him. Witness, to save him- self from falling, clutched the tail rope and was dragged some distance until something caught the pocket of his coat, and he was wrenched from the rope. He was lucky to fall clear on the side. What became I of Thomas then he did not know. Mr. R. C. M. Pritchard, H.M. Inspector of Mines Do you find you are always cor- rectly told where the journey is in this way? Witness Yes, always. Mr. Pritchard: Well, my experience is that I am told wrongly nine times out of ten. Mr. Pritchard Where are the manholes ? Witness: On the other side of the tail rope, but we had novtime to get to them. Alderman John Thomas (miners' agent): The only way for men to avoid accidents of this kind is not to rely on casual informa- tion, but to test the- rope for themselves, and find whether the journey is going in or out. The Coroner remarked that Short should consider himself a very lucky man; he had had a very narrow escape. Sidney Perry, a labourer, who was with Thomas and Short, said that when the jour- ney bore down on them from the direction in which they were not expecting it, he saved himself by jumping to the side and clutching the rope. He did not hear deceased ask where the journey was. Witness had come to the conclusion as they were walking along that the journey was behind them, but he had not tested the ropes. The Coroner So you came to that conclu- sion by natural instinct? Witness Yes, you may put it that way. The Coroner: It is dangerous to act on in- stinct in the dark. Mr. Prichard remarked that though an examination of the ropes might show a man in which direction the journey was travell- ing, it would not enable him to say whether the journey had passed him or not. Witness, whose right arm was in a sling, said that each tram struck him as he clung to the rope. When the journey came he was walking in front of Short and Thomas. He was employed on the main road all day, but he could not expialn why he did not know where the journey was. Mr. Prichard: Have you ever suffered from an illness which caused lapse of memory "-No Have you been in the Army ?—Yes. Been in hot climates?—Yes; in India, South Africa, and Egypt. I have been in collieries only two years. Dr. Wilson stated that deceased was very badly injured, and his left eye was practic- ally gouged out. The rider on the journey said that as he was going out with the jour- ney he saw Perry, who asked him whether he was coming in again, and he replied, Yes." A verdict of Accidental Death was re- ttiriied.

LLANGEINOR HUNT. The meet of the Llangeinor Hunt was at Coity on Friday, and the field was a very numerous one, including the master (Mr. Lewis), the whip (E. James) and his assist- ant ("Johnny"), the secretary (Mr. J. T. Salathiel), Mr. M. Morgan and Mr. J. Evans (Llanharan), Mrs. Blandy Jenkins and Miss Adams (Llanharran House), Mr. J. Davies (Llantrisant), Mr. Davies (Glyndwr, Ystrad Rhondda), Mr. W. B. Davies (Pencoed), Mr. Cope (Bridgend), Mr. E. Gibbins (Glyncly- dach, Neath), Mr. W. E. Lewis (Bridgend), Miss and Master Harvey (Tondu), Mr., Mrs., and Master John (Marlborough Grange, Cowbridge), Master John Blandy (Broad- lands), Mrs. J. M. Randall (Bridgend), Messrs. Moses Maddox, W. Thomas, and W. Laviers (Maesteg), and others. The covers of Coxin, Tremains, and Bryn- glas were tenantless, but on entering Coed- y-mwstwr a brace of foxes were set on foot, one breaking up towards Hirwain, and the other down towards the mansion. This one was followed. Scent was fairly good, and the pace was a fast one. From the mansion Reynard turned towards the railway, over which the pack had just gone when an ex- press train passed. Taking his course over the roadway not far from Coychurch, he made for the river, and over to Tanylan Woods, from which he soon emerged and directed his mark towards St. Mary Hill, over by Llanilid and Treos, up over Crack Hill, down Colwinston and Llanpha, and close to Soutberndown Road Station, and back again to Llanpha, where he went to earth in the middle of a field. On reach- ing the uplands towards the Colwinston dis- trict scent became very indifferent, other- wise there would have been a kill, as hounds drove their quarry very hard at times when ) the scent was favourable.

THE WYNDHAM COLLIERY ACTION. IMPORTANT JUDGMENT AT BRIDGEND COUNTY COURT. His Honour Judge Bryn Roberts delivered an important judgment, affecting the ques- tion of timbering in collieries, at Bridgend County Court on the 10th inst. The case under consideration, which came before His Honour in November, was one in which Richard John, a Nantymoel collier, was the plaintiff, and Messrs. North's Navigation Collieries Co., the then proprietors of the Wyndham Colliery, the respondents, and, it will be remembered, John claimed £ 2 6s. as damages for breach of contract by wrongful dismissal. Mr. W. P. Nicholas (Messrs. Walter Morgan, Bruce and Nicholas, Ponty- pridd), the solicitors to the Miners' Federa- l tion, was for the plaintiff, and Mr. Charles Kenshole, Aberdare, for the respondent. His Honour said the facts of the case were shortly these Plaintiff was a collier in the employ of the defendants and working in a stall on the long wall system. He put up single posts for the support of the roof, and near one post a cog had been put up. The manager (Mr Leyshon) ordered him to remove the post as he considered the cog sufficient, but the plaintiff declined to do so, on the ground that it would involve the risk of a portion of the roof, which projected beyond the cog, giving way. Inasmuch as the work had not proceeded far enough for his tram, into which he had to fill the coal, to be moved away from the spot where the post was-and where a fall might have occurred if the post were removed—the plaintiff was not willing to remove the post then, but he was willing to do so after the work had pro- ceeded further, so that he would not be in any danger in the event of a fall, and he told the manager so. The manager maintained the view that there was no danger at all, and insisted upon the removal of the post. At the time of the hearing he (the Judge) came to the conclusion, on the question of fact, that the plaintiff bona fide believed that the removal of the post would be dangerous to him and that the defendants' manager bona fide believed it would not be dangerous—in fact, the manager believed it would be even safer if the post were removed-but it was not on that ground solely he ordered its re- moval, but because it was, in his opinion, unnecessary for the support of the roof after the erection of the cog. Mr. Leyshon also admitted that he believed the only reason which prompted the plaintiff's disobedience was his apprehension of danger; his state- ment being I do not suggest that the plain- tiff could have any reason for the unwilling- ness to remove the post other than consider- ation for his own safety." Having come to a decision on the question of fact, he ad- journed the case to enable him to look more carefully into the rules upon which the de- fendants' relied. Continuing, His Honour said: "The re- spondents relied upon Rules 53 and 244 of the Coal Mines Regulation Act. Rule 53 says that every person working in each dis- trict in the mine shall be under the charge of the fireman and shall obey his orders"" 3 iT T" ?I 7s down "anv person wno shall not obey any provision of the Act or any of the special rules or any order or direction of an officer of the colliery to whom e is subordinate, may be compelled by the officer to leave the mine immediately, and if 20t d° S°' he may be removed by force. and every such occurrence shall be re- ported to the manager." Under these rules iecTti5 +*1° d°"ibt that the PJaintiff was sub- rnv vW +i? °rdT °f the manager, but in K th?f rUles do not altpr ^at would wiihoSrs ihe rpons,siiity °f the p^tiff the C" -.They simp,y state that have tbi 111 ont.y °ver the collier shall asTf }i "a™6+rWers of ^forcing obedience it does J+ • + mJlSter~a?f the man" But than are no31™ offiter greater powers ter ovaer theT^n/ by a i+ fol7r,rrr Ii sfr7,ant- ihat berns: mv view master% that TdfT t' "Wo,d and the r.r/1 • °rder to his own servant stated » disobeyed for the reason vant?" TP '.n ^'Titssino- t]10 ser_ him becaucp S+b & 1S •1USV *n dismissing obeved Tri mana^r's orders were dis- tances tin my+0pmion, 'mder these circum- S2jnt"etr2r;a:1r!d EM? oa<?P tbo j servant. In this particular workman ?,ans:er'.+lf an^> *ould affect the workman # alone;^ it would not affect the rest i f.J?11116- If a ^11 occurred at all the plaintiff would probably be the one injured, It was not necessary, as I have stated, to remove the post from any considerations of satet-y or of working the mine, but solely from the consideration that it was no longer reouired, in the view of the manager. The only disadvantage or inconvenience, there- fore, caused bv allowing the nost to remain for two or three days. would be the delay before using the post in some other place. Inasmuch as there is no scarcitv of timber in the colliery, such a consideration would y he of no importance as compared with the safety of the workman. if his appre- hensions were well founded. The plaintiff is an experienced workman, having, I be- lieve, been employed for 30 years inthe col- lieries, and the manager admitted that he was a good collier in every respect. I think, under the circumstances, that it was un- reasonable for the company to dismiss the man. and I therefore hold that he is entitled to recover the damages claimed. Costs were allowed on the amount aivarded.

ASSOCIATION'S IMPROVING POSITION. The Monmouthshire and South Wales Colliery Enginemen, Stokers, and Surface Craftsmen's Association held their seven- tieth quarterly meeting on Saturday, at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff, Mr. William Davies (Mountain Ash) presiding. The attendance also included Messrs. W. Hopkins (agent), W. Bosley (treasurer), and W. Woosnam (general secretary). On the statistics being submitted to the meeting it was shown that the association is constituted of 55 branches, with a total membership of 7,422, an increase of 982 for j quarter. The income has greatly ex- xninc r11 records, and a saving of ^i,I0o 5s. bad. was effected during the same period, thus raising the value of the funds to £ 10,366 14s. 2-2d.-The Agent gave a brief exposition of the new Compensation Act, and it was resolved that a copy of the Act be supplied to each branch secretary.—An appeal from Yorkshire miners was considered and a grant of C25 was made to them.—A resolution in favour of reducing the number of meetings from four to three per annum was defeated.-Mr. W. H. Dando, Cwm, was elected auditor for the ensuing term. At the close of the business proceedings a presentation was made to Mr. John Lewis, Pontlottyn, late general secretary, of an il- luminated address and a purse of gold, and Mrs. Lewis was presented with a gold chain. Mr. W. Hodge (trustee), one of the oldest members of the association, presented the address, and Mr. W. Bosley the purse of gold and Mr. W. Hopkins the gold chain.

An Italian, who failed as a restaurant pro- prietor at Bournemouth, stated at his public examination that whilst a waiter in London he saved over ESOO in tips in sixteen years.

I THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF OGMORE AND GARW UNDERTAKINGS. SPEAKERS REFUSED A HEARING. HALL CLEARED BY POLICE. The third and last of the series of informal meetings of ratepayers, convened by the Ogmore and Garw Urban District Council, to consider the proposal to promote a Bill in Parliament by the Council with regard to the acquisition of three undertakings and the erection of a bridge at Gilfach, was held at the Ffaldau Institute, P'ontycymmer, on Monday evening. There was a large at- tendance of ratepayers, over which Mr Jacob Edwards, J.P. (chairman of the Council), presided. Among those supporting the chairman on the platform were Messrs. T. W. Job, Ogmore Vale (chairman of the Undertakings Committee), J. Canniff, Gil- fach Goch; Evan Griffiths, Nantymoel; Thomas Lucas, Ogmore Vale; Evan David, Blaengarw Llewellyn Jones, Pontycymmer T. C. Jones, Pontyrhil; and Thomas Wil- liams, Pontycymmer. The Council officials on the platform included the deputy clerk (Mr. D. T. Williams), the surveyor (Mr. H. Dawkin Williams), etc. The meeting may be described at once as one of the rowdiest held for many years in the Garw Valley. The Chairman, without any introductory address, called upon the Deputy Clerk of the Council to explain the object of the meeting, whereupon Mr. Morgan Hughes, draper, Pontycym- mer, asked the Chairman whether the mem- bers of the Council for the Garw Wards would be allowed to address the meeting, and whether it would be competent for any others in the audience to speak. The Chairman replied that he proposed to conduct the meeting precisely on the same lines as those upon which the previous in- formal meetings of ratepayers had been car- ried on—those at Nantymoel and Gilfach Goch last week. Questions could be asked, but he could certainly not allow anyone to speak, except those who had been appointed to do so by the Council. This remark was greeted with cries of Shame," and there was much booing. The Chairman: You are not going to frighten me. A Voice: And you are not going to frighten us." Dr. E. J. Parry, J.P. (one of the Garw members of the Council): Why is the deputy clerk on the platform? I have no recollec- tion of his having been appointed by the Council to attend here. The Chairman: The Council authorised the Parliamentary Committee to do this work, and he is here on our behalf. Mr. Morgan Hughes proceeded to address the chair, amid some interruption All we ask, Mr. Chairman," he said, "is that our members shall be given the same privilege as others on the platform. The Chairman declined to alter his ruling. Then Mr. E. T. King took up the gauntlet. "Will you allow Dr. Parry to speak?" he asked of the Chairman. "He is one of the oldest members of the Council." The Chairman I shall not allow anyone to speak in opposition to this meeting. Amid shouts of "Good old Maddocks," and some cheerinrr. Mr. Jonathan Maddocks, of Pontycymi^pr. for many years a member of the Convi], rose to speak. Ad- dressing the "lld the Ogmore coun- cillors, he declared Tf you are not go'ng f to give us fair plsy. neither shall we cive you fair plav"—a remark which was received with loud shouts by the opposition section, who appeared to have gathered in force. Mr. T. P. Jones (grocer) then moved a re- solution Protesting against the meeting un- less the Garw members or some of the rate- payers present were allowed to have a voice in the meeting. Dr. E. J. Parry, J.P. (a member of the Council) appealed to the ratepayers to allow the Deputy Clerk to proceed. The anneal had little effect, and Mr. E. T. King seconded the proposal of Mr. Jones. 1 Mr. Thomas Lucas and Mr. Llew. Jones strongly appealed for ordv, but their re- marks were of little avail. Quiet having been partly restored. Mr. D. T. Williams commenced to address the meet- ing. The primary object, he said. which the Council had in view in convening the three informal meetings was in order that the ratepayers might be afforded information ] from the point of view of the Council—(Some interruption and a voice: "A section of the or." proceeded the speaker, "the maiority of the members of the Coun- cil." There was, Mr. Williams continued, a < large body opposed to the proposed Bill, and they had taken care to spread their views broadcast throughout the district. They had been given the views of the opposition ] and ■—/Cries of "No.") "I am bound to say." said the Deputy Clerk, "that I did ex- pect to receive fair and courteous treatment j from gentlemen who have been members of the Council. I have always extended fair treatment to them. (Hear, hear, and some dissent.) We have come to give you infor- 1 mation, and if you don't want it, say the 1 word." There was some further disturbance, but Mr. Williams proceeded to emphaticallv deny the statement which bad been made in some quarters that he had been partisan in this matter. Mr. T. P. Jones again asked the permis- sion of the Chairman for the local members to rive their views. Mr. Kinr: contended that as the expenses 1 of calling the meeting would come out of the pockets of the ratepayers, it was only fair that the ratepayers should have their say. The Garw representatives knew nothing of this Bill, as it had not been discussed in the oppp Council. Dr. Parry's name had been frequently mentioned in the discussion, and the doctor reouested that his name should not be drawn 1'1+0 the matter. He added that he bad for information many times, but hitherto had not received it. It was now 8.30, and the Chairman de- clared the meeting closed. Those on the platform retired, and then people in the auditorium commenced to discuss the ques- tion. and much heat was displayed. The nlace was in a state of uproar for some time. but Sero-t. Lane made his appearance and succeeded in clearing the room. In the streets, however, the argument was con- tinued until a late hour.

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I PORTHCAWL. All Saints' Choir Supper. -Thirty-sii members of this excellent choir were enter- tained to dinner by their choirmaster-Mr, W. H. Davies—at the Pier Hotel, Porthcawl. on Wednesday evening, January 9th. Miss Thorne, the manageress, had provided a most recherche repast, which was so much appreciated by all present that a hearty vote of thanks was given to her, with musical honours. The host occupied the chair, and was supported by the Rector (Rev. T. Holmes Morgan) and the curate (Rev. T. J. Davies). The Rector proposed a vote of thanks to their host for kindly entertaining them that evening. This also was received with musi- cal honours. In returning thanks, Mr. W. H. Davies said it afforded him much pleas- ure that so many members of the choir had accepted his invitation to that function. A more enthusiastic or a harder working choir he had never been connected with. He would like to propose the health of their Rector and to thank him for his uniform kindness to himself and the choir. The Rector having returned thanks, the choir spent a pleasant musical evening until 11 o'clock. The choirmaster expressed a hope that the choir dinner would be an annual in- stitution. During the evening the choir rendered the various part songs which were performed so successfully at their two recent concerts. The Ancient Order of Foresters: Black Diamond Lodge.—The members of this lodge met on Monday at the Rock Hotel Club-room to partake of a dinner and to spend the even- ing in a smoking concert, interspersed with a few speeches. Amongst the 45 members present were Brothers John Elias (Nottage), John Grace, J. Coombs (treasurer), P. Ed- wards (secretary), E. Jones (chief ranger), D. Roderick, and T. Lewis. After an excel- lent repast, which was served up in good styje by Mr. and Mrs. W. Donne, the host and hostess, Bro. J. Elias proposed The King." The Chairman stated that he must apologise for the absence of Bro. W. J. Jack- son, whom as they all knew was absent through a family bereavement. The follow- ing toasts were then given: —Proposed by Bro. J. Rowe. responded to by Bro. Sergeant J. Raphael, "The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces": Bro. D. Hutchinson. The Ancient Order of Foresters," responded to by Bro. J. Barnes in a neat little speech. The toast of the evening. The Black Diamond Lodge," was proposed bv Bro. E. Jones, and respon- ded to by Bro. Peter Edwards, who gave the following particulars from the balance-sheet of the lodge:-Paid out during the vear- Sick pay, £ 147 7s. 6d. funeral elnims" £ 15 benevolent gifts to members in distress, R,5 6s. 4d. The amount standing to the credit of the lodge is: Sick and "funeral fund, £ 2,000 14s. 8d. management. R39 12s 5d subsidiary, £ 27 Is. 9d. juvenile branch. £ 102 17s.. making a total worth of the court £ 2^75 5s. lOd. The Court gains R121 4s. fid. for the last year.-Soyip-rs were sung by Bros. S. Roberts, E. Jones. B. Rowe, "Charlie" James, and W. Donne.

PENCOED. New Chanel.—The new chapel for Trinitv En"-lish_ C.M. Church is near completion, and dedication services will be held in the earlv part of March. The architects of this beautiful structure are Messrs. Cook and Ed- wards, of Bridgend, and the builders are Messrs. Rees and Sons, Pencoed. New Colliery.—A new colliery has been onened at Werntarw, Pencoed, by the Car- diff and Ogmore Colliery Company, and the prosnects of Pencoed are in consequence very bright. Five hundred miners are alreadv employed at the Raglan Colliery near this nlace, which is owned by Messrs. Hedlev Bros., of Swansea. Fisteddfodic Success.—In the tenor solo c competition. "Rhyfeddol Swyn fv Nrwlad," at the recent eisteddfod at the Workmen's- hall. Nantymoel, the successful candidate was Mr. Evan Samuel. Pencoed. The adjll- dicator was Mr. Gomer Jones, Maesteo- and the contest was a keen one. Mr. Samuel has been verr^successful of late in Eistedd- fodic competitions.

EWE- NNY. Choir Supper. The choir were recently entertained by the Rev. T. D. Bevan (vicar) and Mrs. Bevan to a supper, at the school- room. The tables were most effectively ar- ranged and nicely decorated, and a pleasant time was spent. After supper the proceed- ings took the shape of a 'draw i ng-ro om" en- tertainment. Presents were distributed bv Miss Bevan. The choir kindly contributed vocal and instrumental music, and altogether a very enjoyable evening was spent.—The scholars of Ewenny Day School met in the schoolroom for their winter treat and the distribution of prizes recently, and a merry and animated gathering resulted. Friends kindly assisted in making the little ones happy. Mrs. Bevan handed the prizes to the recipients. A most enjoyable evening was spent.

PONTYRHYL. COLLIER'S BANKRUPTCY. SEVENTEEN CHILDHEN". William Edwards, collier, Brvn Cottages, Pontyrhil. with R70 debts and no assets, aT)- peared before the Reeristrar at Cardiff Bank- ruptcy Court on Tuesday, and said that being a widower with eleven children he felt he was bound to have a partner. He there- fore married a widow with five children, and one born since brought the number nn to seventeen. The examination was closed.

The Swansea Parliamentary Debating So- ciety has by 45 votes to 36 passed a resolution in favour of women's suffrage, subject to women possessing similar property or house- hold qualifications to men. The proposal barred women from seats in Parliament. If Mr. Andrew Carnegie goes on in the way he was heading when he spoke at the Prince- ton University the other day, we shall soon hear of him urging the young men of the world to take up knitting as a pastime. Let us have virility in the race, and we can afford the clothes which the mud may tar- nish.—Melbourne "Herald." Mr. David J. Davies, of Spencer-street, Cwmaman, and Mr. George Richards, Glou- cester-street, Aberdare, students sent by the Aberdare district of miners and the Aber- dare branch of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants respectively, for a year's training at Ruskin Hall College, Oxford, were given a send off at the I.L.P. Insti- tute, Aberdare, on Saturday evening. During the last twelve months the ChurcTi Army sent to Canada 3,000 selected emi- grants, at a cost of £ 20.000. The organisa- tion is anxious to continue this work, as dis- tress from unemployment is still severely felt in the South of England. An appeal is therefore made for R100,000, and if this sum is forthcoming no fewer than 20,000 persons could be sent out during the coming season. Subscriptions will be welcomed by Preben- dary Carlile, at the Headquarters, 55 Bryan- stone-street. W. A sad tragedy occurred at Broomfleet, a small Yorkshire village, early on Tuesday morning. A woman, named Mrs. Arthur Newbourn, left her bed in her night attire. and carrying her baby with her to the brick- yard pond jumped into the water. Both mother and child were drowned. Since the birth of the child she had been despondent. The woman leaves a husband and four young children. About two years ago the woman lost one of her children by drowning in the same place. t

CERIDWEN. i I Har I 'tis the sound of the warriors return- ing, Marching triumphantly on from afar; See I the dim distance is red with the burn- ing Of pyres that feast on the harvest of war. Oh 1 how the tumult and joyous commotion Thrills me when greeting the martial array; Wild is the flood of conflicting emotion Wrecking the peace of my bosom to-day. Where 'mong the gallants that scattered the Norman— Whose hirelings flew from the charge of the free— Where 'mong the sons of the Vale of Glamor- gan Is he that is sworn in love unto me? Surely the silence, withholding the token, Brings to my mind the dark visions of night; Cursed be the omen of death that was broken Mocking my fears as it gleamed in its flight! Never the joy of the warriors returning, But deeper there lies a neighbouring woe, For left on the mountains red with the burn- ing, Beloved ones commingling, rest with the foe. Loud is the blast that recalls from their roaming The tarrying bands on plundering bent. Then gathering round ere lost in the gloam- ing, Wail with Ceridwen her hero's lament. The slumbering vapours of the dt..vn Dissolving shall disclose The peaks that pearled this dewy morn In splendour and repose. The fiery orb of day shall gaze On pastures of delight. Till languid shadows veil the blaze And usher in the night. Though winter snows of matchless sheen Long on the hills have lain, The spring shall clothe in verdure green Their loveliness again. But through the sunshine and the storm— While beauty blooms around- Unconscious lies that manly form Beneath unhallowed ground. Still ever through the lonesome years, Enfeebled and forlorn, My soul shall leap through all my tears When sounds Morganwg's horn" And roused by every warning wail That sets our cheeks aglow, I'll curse the shaft that pierced the mail, And laid my darling low. When suppliants at the altar kneel, And chant their bardic lays, I, too, will share the joy they feel, And lisp my simple praise. For He who guards the warriors brave Will spare the chastening rod, And love shall triumph o'er the grave When sounds the trump of God. ARCHIBALD WH. WINSTON. Bridgend.

ABERAVON & PORT TALBOT BOY DISCHARGES A REVOLVER IN THE STREET. A lad named David John Davies, 20 Park- street, Taibach, was charged at Aberavon on Monday with firing a revolver in the public street on Sunday, January 6th. Police-Constable Kelland stated that he heard several shots fired in the street, and saw defendant running away. He gave chase and captured him. He tried the re- volver at 50 yards in the Taibach Drill-hall, and the danger was shown by the bullet go- ing through an inch thick board at that range. Defendant said he had only fired one shot for practice. He did not think there -vm any harm in it. The Chairman It was a most dangerous and silly thing to do. You had better get rid of the revolver. Hand it over to the Drill-hall authorities, where it will be looked after with safety. (Laughter.) Defendant was fined 20s. and costs. A further charge against defendant of travelling on the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway without a ticket was next gone into. Mr. Trevor Hunter, who prosecuted on behalf of the company, stated that the defendant was travelling up by the 5.45 p.m. workmen's train, and he was found by one of the officials at the Cwmavon Railway Station, secreted underneath the seat of one of the carriages. Dr. Arnallt Jones: A regular Deadwood Dick. (Laughter.) Defendant for this offence was fined 2s. 6d. and costs.

MARGAM DISTRICT COUNCIL. IMPROVING AVON VALLEY. Major Thomas presided at a meeting on Tuesday. Out of 22 applications, Miss Samuel, a native of Bridgend, engaged at the Leicester Borough Fever Hospital, was appointed matron of the sanatorium.—It was reported that all the probationers at the sanatorium were on the eve of leaving. It was resolved not to recognise any notice given by them to the matron, and to demand one month's no- tice. The Port Talbot Sewerage Sub-Committee reported that Mr. William Fox, engineer, attended their meeting and reported that the surveyor of the Glyncorrwg Urban Dis- trict Council had met him, and that he had looked through the plans and sections of the proposed scheme for the drainage of Glyn- corrwg. The Glyncorrwg surveyor practic- ally proposed to join the new main sewer at the central station, and to deliver nearly as much sewage as the Margam Council pro- posed to deliver. It was decided to submit proposals for a joint scheme to the Glyn- corrwg Council. Arising from this, sub- committees of the two Councils had met with the view of ascertaining if a joint scheme could be arranged between the two Councils for an outfall sewerage to the sea. Mr. E. Powell (clerk of Grlyncorrwg Coun- cil) explained the desire of the Glyncorrwg Council), and Major Gray (chairman of the Margam Council) said that owing to the rapid development of the Port Talbot por- tion of the district the Margam Council were forced to proceed without delay, but the Council would be prepared to entertain a joint scheme. Among the provisions suggested were that Glyncorrwg Council should pay the extra cost of connecting their sewer with Margam sewer, together with a proportion of the cost of sewers and works as now proposed by the Margam Council; the extra cost of con- tinuing the outfall from low water mark to the three fathom line to be borne by Glyn- corrwg; the Glyncorrwg Council to be responsible for maintenance of the outfall works below low water mark, and to be equally responsible with the Margam Council for the maintenance and attendance of the joint works.

Three new stamps have just been produced in Holland. Those who stick them on their letters will pay double postage, half the value going to the State and half to anti-tubercu- lous works. An easy way of performing a benevolent act. Le Figaro." A fox, pursued by the Lamerton (Devon) Hounds, dashed over a precipice of 50 feet from the ground, and, coming in contact with a tree. fell from branch to branch to the ground, apparently unhurt, and made good his escape.

MYFYRDOD AR YR HEN FLWYDD- YN—1906. =» Wele flwyddyn arall 6to, Wedi hodeg at y llu, I'r gorphenol, tawel, dwfn A'i chyfrifon gyda hi Cariodd ini yn ofalug, Gyfleusderau yn eichol — Cyfleusderau gollwyd genym, Ond, ni tbroant byth yn ol. Bu yn dda i ni'n dymborol, Cawsom gandii wlith a gwlaw, Rhew ac eiria, gwync ystormus. Gariodd ini yn ei Haw Gauaf, gwan-vyn, h:if n hvdref, Dydd n v"i i; d iaeth • Yd yn gnwo1 iF r me'iaydd, Roddoda ini o. ti i Hiliodd fyrd<)au 'r <v* id It i ;la8t>hj Ne-,vyil :ii-, Dwr i biwb yn rh.vd g't'.anodd, O'r ffynouiiu gloe*v clir r Hi ddefnynodd ar ein llwybran, Nef fen,!ith )n fil d myrci(!, Rhai ddylssenr brofi ini, Yn fen dirhion ar y ffyrdd. Mor yw 'r p.-oli,t?,iu, A M} rch ,vyd ga:i -di hi, Bhv(! cystudd fu i rywrai B1 yofid, b yddyn ddu- Blwyti yn ryfedd fu ieraill — BIwy n:yn wylo mewu tiistau. Am in.; »ngeu wedi e >> idio, rti.ii iediiau Mi.m thad. Hi'hau'r flwyddyn 8Y id yn gorpbwye. Kedrtyw yn y r A loedd dra w, Yn nhnwelwch y ter phenol, Hy-.s ry", fOfP11 er:, ddavv By vi y map, >. eni iji irw, Mewn m^ynti i ht.b ;tjrm na th6n, Yn y tjefolaidd hyfryd, Na to i i d, I raen yn iinrhyw fron. Rhoddodd ini'rf.nt i8 oreu, I'w riefuyddio er ein bri Mewn vandalm glan y cerddodd, Bob yn eiiiad atom ni Ei holi ml fan eijiadau, Rboddodd ini 'n bcrffaiih wyn- Fel yr eiria glan dilychwyn, I yn, Pan yn disgyn ar y bryn. Os ei gwisg sydd wedi'i chrochi, Pan yn ngwlad y pridd a'r clai," Pwy sydd wedi ei difwyno? Pwy gaiff gyfrif am y bai ? Mae y fl-vyddyn yn ddieuog, Nid mewn drwg yr oedd ei maeth I'w Chreawdwr bu yn ffyddlon- xii ddychwelodd fel y daeth. Nid ei Chrewr chwaith a'i trochodd, Cyn o'i law y rhoddodd lam Na, mae briwsion lleiaf amser, Fel Efe, heb unrhyw nam Rhaid mai ni sydd yn droeeddwyr, Ni fu 'n achoe i'w thristau Ie, ni, a ni yn unlg, Raid roi cyfrif am y bai. Mae masnachwyr doeth y ddaear, Yo pryeuro yn ddioed, I wneyd cyfrif manwl, cywir, Pan gyrhasdda'r flwydd ei hoed Dylem ninau, sy 'n masnachu, Yn mhur nwyddau 'r wlad eydd fry- Ddwys ymholi yn weddigar, Beth yw swm ein cynydd ni ? Yn ddifater, blwyddyn anwyl, RhoUom iti lawer loes, Camddefnyddio cyfleusderau, Sathru deddfau rhin a moes 0 fy Nuw, gwna faddeu'n pechod, Pechod gwneyd ei horiau'n sarn, Fel y erallom, heb un pryder, Gwrddyd et,) yti y -1 farn." Naatyffyllon. R. DAVIES.

ATEB 1 DDYCHYMYG WIL O'R LLWYN Un rhyfedd yw y gwrtbrych A welodd Wil o'r Llwyn, I lawr ym mro Morganwg, Ei lygaid am ei drwyn Mi welais inau 'r gwrthrych, Yn rhwym wrth gadwyn gref- A syched mawr ihoedd arno, Fe allsai rhoddi lief. Yn muarth fferm Blaenllyffryth, Mae yno ddau neu dri, Yn rnwystro'r tramp a'r lleidr, I ddyfod at y ty A gvvoiais gan Ddiiiah, Ei fraich drwy gylch o chain, Ei d&fod ya guddiedig, Yn logell y Bardd Maen. Gan Amanfab yr. pier, Mae'r gwrthrych hynod hyn, Cewch weled un o honynt, W rth ddrws yard Maesteg Inn; Ac hefyd wrth bob capel, Yn Llwyni yn ddi-os, A shutter ar bob llygad, Sy 'n gwaethio shift y nes. Wel, Padlock yw y gwrthrych, A welodd Wil o'r Llwyn, Drwy rhym ei north, do shwrna, Mi gedvvais iir a chwyn Wei, Wil, y ti yw 'r capser, A branin yn y Cwm— Os cost ti wir ddiongliad, Rho gredit i hen Dwm. Nantyffyllon. Ap WENCAB. Atebiwyd yn gywir hefyd gan Iorwerth g¡swoedt loan Llyfowy, a Llwydfab.

DYCHYMYG. Mae gwrthrych dan fy ngronglwyd, Ddaeth i mi o Gwm Nedd Un hynod o ddt-fnydJiol, Yw bwn gan bawb a'i fedd Mae ganddo gorph rhagorol, A dwy fraich o'r iawn rhyw, Ac er ei fod yn farw, Mae'n gwr-eyd ei waeth yn fyw. Un goes sydd gan y gwrthrych, Mae ganddo lygad iawn, Mae tafod ganddo hefyd, Ond 0CC anddv ddawn Bu bywyd ynddo unwuitb, Tra 'nawr mae 'n farw 'n wir, Ond rhoddweh fywyd witho, Fe weithia fel y dur. 'Nawr fechgyn glan Morganwg, Dowch allari 'nawr yn Ilu, Mewn pwt o gan heb oedi, Deonglwch hwn i mi Nid oes 'r un glnst i'r cyfryw, Na danedd mewn un man, Fe'i gwelais ef yn llonydd, Mewn Ilanerch ger y llan. Maesteg. LLWVDFAB.

m m umu (BOYER) For and NFRVE8. For nervous ure-iinsomnia, lexvness of spirits, headache, debilil y, faintness, wind, and hysteria. The Annual Sale of Millions of Phials is the bntt p-ocf ofits ir.firvelloTjs restorative qualities. 30n Yuu. RKPUTATION. \Vnr.>-n s-;v 14 It suits them." t Of all Licensed r •r *or iiaistiaicd ^ook, fftt iix>in Hritifth Agency. 46 Holborn Viaduit, London, or call at an local Agents Davii alid SuilS, TvT>udii»u; Stasflt. Bridgeud.

HONOURS TO AN OLD COITY BOY. We have to welcome the advent of Mr. D. Llewellyn Richards to his new position as manager of the Wyndham Colliery (Messrs. Cory Bros.), Ogmore Vale. Mr. Richards is the son of r. Thomas Richards, of Glynder- wen, Coity, an old collier in that locality, and one of the heroes of the Park Slip Ex- plosion, his brother, Mr. John Richards, at present managing the Cefn Slip Colliery, Kenfig Hill. It will thus be seen that the new manager at the Wyndham was cradled in mining surroundings. Gaining his first experience locally underground, Mr. Richards advanced by leaps and bounds, eventually being appointed manager of the Gelli Colliery, Ton Pentre, Rhondda, where he was held in the highest esteem both by the company and men. No better testimony of this could be adduced than the brilliant gathering on Saturday night last at Nebo Chapel, Ystrad, Rhondda, which assembled to speed the parting guest and wish him well in his new sphere of what has already proved a useful life. County Councillor E. T. Davies occupied the chair, and was sup- ported by Mr. W. D. Weight, J.P., chairman of the Rhondda Urban Council, and agent for Messrs. Cory Bros. fR. D. LLEWELLYN RICHARDS. The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said that as soon as it became known that Mr. Richards was about to leave the district a subscription list was opened, so that he should not go without some substantial proof of the good feeling felt towards him. Not only his immediate circle of friends, but the workmen who had so long and faithfully worked under him, came forward and in- sisted on adding their subscription to a general fund, with the result that nearly 980 had been raised. With this sum a number of useful presents had beta purchased, and it was their object that nignt to hand them over to the worthy recipients. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Davies then directed attention to the re- presentative nature of those present, the at- tendance including amongst others, Mr. Wm. Stephens, Hillside-terrace (secretary of the movement), Mr. Jones and Mr. Ace under-managers, Wyiuiham Colliery), Messrs. Rees James, Evan John and Francis Elowells (old workmen the Gelli Colliery). Mr. Wight, in an able speech, spoke of the iÍgh opinion held by all connected with min- ing in the ability of Mr. Richards in all ap- pertaining to underground work; of his :act and discretion and amiable method of managing men. He urged all young men to emulate him, and, by perseverance, to rise to jhe position which the gentleman they were jhen to honour had achieved by his own per- sonal efforts. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Richards vas returning to manage the colliery in which ie commenced his career. (Applause.) The following presentations were then nade to Mr. Richards: Presented by Mrs. SVight, gold wateh and chain; an illumin- ited address by Mr. Dan James (one of the )ldest colliers); a barometer by Mr. rhomas James; and a walking-stick gold mounted) by Mr. D. Sargeant Wil- iams, timberman. To Mrs. Richards: long jold guard, by Rev. D. G. Evans, Bryn "Seion tea and coffee service by Mrs. W. E. rhomas (Llysygraig). To Miss Blodwen Elichards, gold bracelet by Mr. Brooks, lashier, Gelli Colliery. To Masters Edward md Glyndwr Richards, dressing cases, by Irs. E. T. Davies; and to Miss Irene Wynd- lam Richards, a silver cup and silver- nounted "tit," presented by Rev. A. Wil- iams, Nebo. On rising to express his thanks, Mr. Rich- irds was appreciably deeply moved, and said ie hardly knew how to find words to ade- tuately give utterance to his feelings. The )romotion he had received he owed entirely o the unfailing co-operation of the agent, jhe staff, and the workmen. To all he vished to extend his heart-felt gratitude. So would always hold in kindly recollection lis pleasant associations with all connected vith the Gelli Colliery and the Rhondda generally. Messrs. Rees James, Evan John, and Francis Howells voiced the feelings of their "ellow workmen in wishing Mr. Richards ivery happiness in the domestic circle and success in his new professional capacity. A musical programme was contributed to by a number of leading local artistes, Mr. J. C. Ricketts, A.L.C.M., presiding at the piano.