The Glamorgan Gazette

BLAENGARW. I i ices were tendered at the International Colliery at the beginning of January afamst the llOn-Tnionists. At a peueral meeting on Monday evening it was decided to give the non-lmionists month's pri-ce to see if they ill join the Federation. There are a gTeat number out- side the pale of the Federation. Young People's Society.—Mr. David Evans^ presided at a meeting on January -1' which proved a great success. ^vo. a').^ oapers were read, viz., Gideon." by Mr. D. Davies, and Saul" by Mrs. E. Davies. lhe Tianers were highly eulogised by the pastor, W. A. Williams, D.C., and Messrs. 0- •Bowen, J- Francis. D. Morgan, Mrs. J- Tjev. is, and Mrs. Howells. Recitations and solos were contributed by Mrs. J. Lewis and J. H. Davies. 1"1 Oratorio Performance.—As orieny reported fast week a performance of the oratorio, «• Paradise," was given by Nebo Choir, under the lead«;r,hip of Mr. John Llewehyn at the Institute on Wednesday evening. That the choir had been well trained was evident bv the clever rendering of the several choruses, and Mr. Llewellyn deserves high praise lor the able manner he led his choir of 18 voices. The principal parts were ta^n by the following:—Madame Bronwen Williams, Maesteg, soprano; Miss "Rhvmnev, contralto Mr. W. Griffiths, .oiiir vcvmmer, tenor: Mr. Tom Williams, Blaen- garw, bass. Miss S. Butler. Pontyeymmer presided at the piano m her usua i AOOC gtvle, whilst Mr. Willie Rees. of p 1 University, was at the organ. The Garw Orchestral Society, under the leadership u Mr. J. Edwards. acquitted themselves adnii. ably, arrd proved a source of great aid to the choristers. The chair was occupied by J'r- Wilson, Blaonearw. The committee under whose control the performance had been promoted were Mr. W. T. Williams (chair- man). Mr. T. Williams (treasurer), and M'r. w. w illiams (secretary).

OGMORE VALE. Bethlehem Mutual Society.—On uesday an excellent paper was read before this society by Mr. John Davies on "Temper- ance "nd its connection with the church." A recitation and a solo were given by Miss Giveii Lewis and Master Percy respectively, bearing on the drink traffic. Mr. D. J. Morris, draper, ably occupied the chair. Obituary.—We are sorry to record the death, !fter a protracted illness, of Mr. Thos. (Evans. Dunraven-terraco, on 'Tuesday morn- ing. The deceased was an old inhabitant- of the rhico. and was a prominent member of the "Primitive Methodist Church, where his prew > and kindlv lieln will he sorely missed. Much s^nnnathv is extended to the famih. -i their sad1 bereavement. Rif, Hub.—The first team of the Minia- ture Hifle CTub met Birchgrove on Saturday all the range at the Workmen's-hail, when a most interesting match was witnessed by a large audience. The following are the scores —Ogmore W. Moss, 63 W. Berry- man, 66; C. Beryman, 69; Ù. Hart-land, 67; A. Marks, 66; P.C. Holley, 67; R. Foulkes, 63; J. Tuck. 68; total, 531. Birchgrove: E. Porter, 70; J. Mackenzie, 66; M. Wil- liams, 65; C. Parker, 66; A. Porter, 64; C. Midzey. 65; Dan Jones, 66; J. Huckridge, 64; total, 526. The second reserve team journed to Birchgrove and lost, after an ex- citing game by six points. The scores were as follows; -Ogmore: J. Moss, 66: E. Barry- man, 58; T. Parkes, 66; E. Leighfield, 68; A. E. Hartland, 61; T. Sherrah, 63; J. Quick, 64; G. Burt, 64; G. Berryman, 64; A. Burford. 60; total. 634. Birchgrove: Powney, 68: A. Hockridge, 61; C. H. Hock- ridge, 67: D. Thomas, 66; W. Jenkins, 63; J. R. Thomas, 66; J. B. Wride. 62: F. Stone. 66; W. Elliott, 59; W. Mitchell, 62; total, 640. Hall Fund.—During the last few years the workmen engaged at the Wyndham Colliery have paid a levy of a penny in the pound upon their earnings for the maintenance of the Nantymoel WorkmenVhall and Reading- room and the Tynewydd Workmen's-hail and Reading-room. The whole sum has been transferred by the Nantymoel section of the workmen to the Nantymoel committee, but the Tynewydd section of the Wyndham work- men only transferred half the amount to the Reading-room funds, the remainder being retained by them and vested in trustees. The money thus accumulated amounts to £52-1. and on Tuesday evening, at a crowded meeting of the workmen, it was decided to devote C130 of it towards alleviating the dis- tress amongst the workmen who have been locked out at the Wyndham Colliery. The annual general meeting in connection with the Reading-room was held on Thursday eve- ning, last week, when Mr. D. J. Thomas pre- sided over an excellent attendance. The secretary presented the balance sheet of the institution, which had been audited by Mr. G. H. Morgan and Mr. A. E. Cooper. The financial condition is very satisfactory, and there are nearly JE700 in the funds. The election of officers resulted as follows —Sec- cretarv. Mr. Fred Jones (re-elected); trea- surer, Mr. T. W. Job (re-elected); committee —Messrs. W. Davies. Dan Davies. W. Abel. J. Griffiths, T. Calcutt, E. Hopkins, W\ Cole, W. Dunn, Geo. Baker, D. Llewellyn, E. Ed- wards, S. Bryant, G. Parry. John Rees, D. C. Williams, J. Cottrell, W. Ashman, J. Howells. D. J. Thomas. Tom Lucas. T. W. Job, Tom Morgan. Evan Rees, Fred Jones, and Tom Edwards.

NANTYMOEL. Pulpit News.—We learn that a cordial and unanimous invitation to the pastorate has [}pen sent by Horeb English Congregational Church, Pricetown, Nantymoel. to the Rev. f. Hirwain Jenkins, Llantwit Major. Accident.—As Mr. T. Brooks, 64 Oakfield- Trace, Nantymoel, was returning from a isit to some friends at Clydach Yale on iturday evening last he met with an nnfor- nate accident when near the descent to icetown, Nantymoel. Mr. Brooks was nn- le to proceed and was found in this state another person who was crossing the luntain. Help was at once obtained, and t unfortunate man was taken to his home oi stretcher by a willing band of first aid" n. It was at first feared that Mr. Brooks 11, sustained a fractured leg, but medical emanation showed that no bones were br-m, but that the ligaments of the leg had be> rather badly strained. The injured mais progressing satisfactorily under the car-yf Dr. D. J. Thomas and his assistant, Dr- \V. Anderson. R'pening Services.—The re-opening ser- vice^ Dniaiii Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapafter undergoing complete renovation and tension were held on Sunday and Mono when the Rev. J. T. Davies (pastor), Rev. H. Thomas (Maesteg), and Rev. W. E. Pi'leircli, Swansea, delivered eloquent and s-jng sermons to crowded congrega- tions. The singing of the choir, under the ve,te-ral-ade,i-slil p of Mr. Samuel Tudor, was of the ual high standard. Miss M. J. Phillip<bly acted as organist. The col- lection^v/ai-d the building fund realised a 'I, verysH\lctory amount. Since the advent of the Pent pastor, Rev. J. T. Davies. the church Oinam has undertaken the exten- sion of chapel itself, the building of a very con,jjous vestry on modern lines for Sunday ool work, and the erection of a pipe orgs The vestry is nearing comple- tion, ancie work for the erection of the organ ha-ocn placed with a. well known firm who j install the organ at an early date. '1" bast or and the church are to be warmly cqjmeuted upon the success of their laboi Sunday hool Anniversrry.—The half- yearly cer- in connection with Horeb English ll<lt Sunday School were held on Sunday, \vi three highly successful meet- ings were 1 under the presidency of the Rev. H. Riyatt, pastor of the church. Great praisEclne to Mr. John Allen, super- intendent olc, school: JIr. K. C. Jones, the deputy ^rintendent William Evans, the qr(»n':> and adults' choir con- ductor; and;s Lily Davies, A.L.C.M or- gairist, for tsuccess which attended the proceedings tlghont. The sacred edifice was cTowocdnJ the scholars acquitted themselves onncl all in most exemplary manner, and various recitations, solos1, duets, quartet etc., were greatly enjoyed. Excellent reci-.ns were given by Edith Morgan, Magg^. Ruby Ball. Ethel Bar- nett, R. 1. Walter Harries, Lurwen Gregory, Marg 'pavies. Jfi. L. Evans, D. J. Scourfield, Edwards, H. L. Hill, D. J. Lewis, T. Ciier, A. J. Johns, Jennet Edwards. W. jl. Horgan, Willie Boobyer, Bea^ Edwards, Dorothy Phillips, Morfyfiil], J. Horgan, M. J. George, Eva. Mc jennet Lewis. Ethel 4, Barnett, Evelin^varcjs< Elsie Williams, Louisa COlrnettlartha Lewis, C. L. Gardiner, E. F. n, A. L. Hill. Maggie Lewis, Ethel Le William Lewis, Cassie Lewis, Stephen Cassie Phillips, Milly Tunster, J. Ho'rs'j^rs Lewis, Blanche Edwards, Mrs. E^]^ Wm. Evans, Ernest L. Evans, Dill.i^, j A. David, E. David, W. J. Tho L -11. Tunster, Han- nah Lewis, D. G..gory, Sarah Owens, Ethel Jones, KatTorris, 11rs. B-. Lord. Sarah Phillips, Kephillips. Daniel Allen, M. J. Cook, E. St In addition to fine renditions by the musical items were contributed by T. Is and friends, John Evans and friends, lIt Owen and friends, j Lilian Owens and x>aiilei Allen and friends. J. Edwardjly Davies, Beatrice Edwards. Katie J$s' an(j friend, Ethel Moses, M. J. Georgpnrepp Owpns. M. J. Phillips. Interestii;aioa.lies Were given by Violet Edwards arieii,d Robert Allen and friends, Evan LI class Ethei Moses, and Sarah Phillips, Edward Evans's class, John Taylor's The collections, which were made -,he Sunday School funds, realised a Yeryt-antial sum. This Sunday School is in a, flourishing condi- tion. nearly 400 scho^-jjg in attend- aiice.

TOWEl TEA. r A REAL R%HER." A Has a rich. golcis,ir Jn ,be ci'P tcforeaiw -i';laac!ded. Does not v/ciit \n'<rir's licJpackch

POLICE RAID AT BLAENGARW. ALLEGED BOGUS CLUB. POLICE INSPECTOR'S STORY OF A SURPRISE VISIT. At Bridgend Police-court on Saturday an application was made, under the Licensing Act, 1902, that the Blaengarw Constitutional Club be struck off the rogister of clubs, it being alleged that-- (1) The club was not conducted in good faith as a club. (2) There was frequent drunkenness. (3) There were illegal sales of intoxicat- ing liquor. Alderman T. J. Hughes prosecuted on be- half of the police, and Mr. B. Francis Wil- liams, K.C. (instructed by Mr. David Llew- ellyn) defended. The magistrates present were Messrs. R. W. Llewellyn (chairman), W. Llewellyn, J. P. Gibbon, W. J. Lewis, R. L. Knight, and Dr. Parry. OPENING STATEMENT. In opening the ease, Alderman Hughes said the club appeared to have been started in 1898, but the rules were adopted in 1903. The number of members, according to the register kept by the Magistrates' Clerk, was 107, but the registration due this year had not yet been made. The club premises, which were situated in Nanthir-road, were on Sunday, 13th December, raided by Inspec- tor Benjamin Evans and some constables. Books and papers were seized, and had since been examined, and in consequence of what was seen on the occasion ot the raid and what had been found on examination of the booka, these proceedings had been taken. Having read the objects ot the club, and pointed out that it was formed ostensibly to further the cause of one of the great political parties, Alderman Hughes referred to the position of affairs on the occ-asion of the raid. There were two floors to the club premises. On the ground floor was a library, which con- tained 20 books, but no newspapers or periodicals of any kind, and the room was not in use at all. There was also on this floor a small room which the steward stated was going to be used for serving. No care- taker, or custodian, was to be found in this part of the building, the .fsult being that anybody could walk in and upstairs to the roomfl where drink was being supplied before he was challenged. On the first floor was a bar, in which the tables and floor were SWIMMING WITH BEER, and in which there was no indication of any newspa-per or peridical. There was also a games room, in which there were half a dozen men drinking, and one counter served both these rooms. Then there was a bil- liard-room, with two tables, but this had not been used for billiards owing, the steward said, to defective light. Ninety-eight men were found on the club premises for certain, and Inspector Benjamin Evans would say he had good reason for believing there were others who escaped. During the year 1906, the amount which appeared to have been ex- pendied on lectures, meetings, and concerts was £ 29 12s. Id., and on literature, news- papers, and periodicals R6 17s. 6d.. while £1,201 13s. 2d. was spent in drink, cigars, etc. These figures were sufficiently striking and well indicated that the "objects" for which the club existed were bogus "objects." The average amount of money taken on Sun- days was JE170, and on week-days £172, so that the Sunday takings were practically the same as those on week-days. But there was this difference that on weekdays the club was open 1.5 hours and on Sundays 41, which 2 made the Sunday drinking work out at three times as much per hour. As to the beer supplied for the year, there were 341i barrets, 1,152 bottles, and 1,056 quart flagions, which amounted to 101,238 pints, which had been consumed by these THIRSTY POLITICIANS. In addition to this, in order to keep their spirits up they had put spirits down to the extent of 678 pints, including port wine, and these were washed down by 182 dozen of mineral waters. Although in only one case did the profit go as low as 50 per cent., and in spite of the tremendous turnover, the olub had not made a profit, for it was in- debted to Mr. Thomajs- Morgan, of Pontyclun, whom be had subpoenaed and from whom they would hear something interesting, to the tune of over JE681 on his trading account, in addition to a loan of 4-500. A significant fact was that at the last three elec- tions of members, all the candidates were elected en bloc, and the lists had not even been preserved. Only one list-that. on the wall at the moment—was found in the club. Eleven of the men who were found on the premises were armed with cards, but the names on the cards were not on the club re- gister, and no blank cards were. found upon the club premises. This was open to the in- terpretation that the steward kept these cards and handed them to any men who came along. The club gave inter-aiffliation pri- vileges with other clubs, and for all that was known the-oo men might have been WANDERING ABOUT THE COUNTRY with tickets of this bogus; club and been supplied in good faith at other clubs. One of the rulies of the club was that no member would bo admitted! on Sunday who was 14 days in arrear with his subscription, but six persons were found on xne premises who were in arrear for this period or longer. One of the books which the steward made every effort to conceal, but which was recovered from his private premises, was named ac- counts owing," but it would puzzle a Phila- delphia lawyer, to say nothing of the com- mon or garden variety, to make head or tail of it. The Chairman said he noticed one of the heads in the book was" Ocean." Alderman Hughes: Perhaps the word Ocean" refers to the quantity of drink. (Laughter.) He thought it really meant pay day" at tho Ocean Colliery. In further remarks, Alderman Hughes :-aid he contended that the club did not exist for politics at all, but that it was all beer and skittles. He did not suggest that the club was legally tied to MT. Morgan, but he did suggest that it was morally tied to him through the debt which was owing. From November 18th, on every Sunday men were seen coming out of the premises drunk, but no drunkenness was observed at night, when there was a difficulty in keeping a watch. -&- INSPECTOR EVANS'S EVIDENCE. Inspector Benjamin Evans was then called, and in a long examination bore out substan- tially Alderman Hughes's statement. When the police entered the premises there were 20 men in the billiard room, twelve in the games room, and the remainder of the 98 in the bar. All these. rooms communicated with the counter from which intoxicating liquor was served. Every man had a pint glass containing boor, and several of them had had quite sufficient," but all were civil. The floor, tables and counter were wet with drink. Witness was in plain clothes, and when the steward recognised him he took possession of tho "tick" book and rushed out of the bar, throwing it into his private room. Witness asked for it, and the steward said, I wish you would not take it it is my private account book." Witness, howerer, took possession of the book. Five men gave names and addresses which were afterward. found to be incorrect. There were seven others whose names could not be traced on the register. The declaration book showed that 138 nominations were taken from July 21st to December 6th. The ledger showed that a sum of £ 636 was due to Lloyds Bank, apparently on a mortgage account, and there was due to Mr. Thomas Morgan, of Ponty- olun, brewer and wine and spirit merchant, JE681 on a trading account and JS500 on loan. As far as he had been able to ascertain, the club OWED j62,401, and was insolvent. Mr. Thomas Morgan had supplied most of the drinkables during 1906—241 barrels of beer of 36 gallons each, 96 dozen bottles of beer, 88 dozen quart flagons of beer, 36 gallons of spirits and port wine, and 182 dozen mineral waters. Stones, of Neath, had supplied 36 gallons of spirits: Rogers, of Bristol, 42 barrels of beer, and the Ely Brewery Company 58 barrels of beer. Mr. Morgan charged 30s. per barrel, his beer being Burton, and the others 25s. and 27s. The total receipts during the year from members' subscriptions and entrance fees were £ 35, billiard takings (really takings from skittles, as the billiard tables were not used) £ 5, and from miscellaneous sources £ 8. These compared with total bar takings of £ 1,201. [ THE CROSS-EXAMINATION. In cross-examination by Mr. JD. rraneiB Williams, witness said the beer supplied by Mr. Morgan was Burton XXX.; he did not know whether that supplied by other firms was inferior. He could not say that there were sums due to Rogers, of Bristol, of £ 75; to Stones, of Neath, of £ 53, and to the Ely Brewery Company of JE92. The steward ren- dered him every possible assistance, except that he tried to hide the book showing ac- counts owing. Mr. Francis Williams: You said there was no caretaker or door-keeper. You mean there was no-one to check comers-in ?—Wit- ness Yes. What you expected to see was a porter in livery?—There is generally a door-keeper at clubs to check people coming in. I usually find small amounts in club books paid to such persons. You say the greatest crowd was in the bar? -Yes. That is where you would expect the larg- est number, would you nut,—Yes, if they went there for drinking. Would you not expect to find most men in the biggest room?—The billiard room is also large. Perhaps it was no advantage to be in a largo room if it was such weather as this? Alderman Hughes: It was muggy" weather. Mr. Francis Williams: You mean mug's weather. (Laughter.) MEMBERS' AVERAGE SPENDINGS. In further evidence, witness said the bil- liard and games rooms had direct access to the counter from which drink was served, as well as the bar, so that the drinking facili- ties were the same in each. The steward told him that the billiard tables were not in use owing to the light being bad. Witness admitted that five of the names he had men- tioned as not being on the new register might be on one of the old registers, but the steward told him that they only recognised the new book. He did not know that the books were not up-to-date through the ill- ness of the secretary. The secretary did not tell him he had been ill. Taking the mem- bership at 200, the bar takings during 1906 would average L6 per member, or about half- a-crown per week. Mr. Francis Williams; And if there were 300 members, we can calculate what that re- presents. Further cross-examined, Inspector Ernns said the greatei-t drinking was en Snturd;«yB and Mondays. The takings on tne day of the raid were £ 5 7s. 6d., which would be le. per head if a little over 100 members visited the club. The Sun-lay takings were slightly under the average of of pi" days. Mr. Francis "Williams: Uavhi;: rccard to the fact that there are no pvihlic-houfceB open on Sundays, don't you think that is rather a good record ? ¡ Alderman Hughes: I submit that is a matter for the Bench. The Chairman said' it conld be left to the Bench. Mr. Francis Williams: I don't object, hut I think the inspector is a greater expert on matters of club drinking than tho Bench. (Laughter.) In reply to the Chairman, witness said he did not think any of those on the premises were under 18 years of age. The further hearing was adjourned until to-morrow (Saturday), when a similar appli- cation against a Pontyeymmer Club will also be taken.

OGMORE AND GARW COUNCIL. CURIOUS SITUATION AT POXTYRHIL. MR. CROOKE RETIRES. LLANHARAN HALL LICENSE RENEWED MR. D. J. GWYN APPOINTED TREASURER. The monthly meeting of the Ogmore and Garw Urban District Council was held at Brynmenin on Tuesday evening, under the presidency of Mr. Jacob Edwards, J.P'. Also present were Alderman W. Llewellyn, J.P., Dr. E. J. Parry, J.P., Messrs. Llewellyn Jone.s, Evan David, Thomas Lucas, Thomas Williams, J. Canniff, T. M. Jones, Jenkin Crooke, T. W. Job, W. J. Morgans, Jenkin Phillips, Evan Griffiths, A. J. Lawrence, and T. O. Jones, with the deputy clerk (Mr. D. T. Williams), the surveyor (Mr. H. Dawkin Williams) and other officials. WHO SHOULD RETIRE ? At the general election of councillors two years ago Messrs. T. C. Jones and J. Crooke received an equal number of votes in the Pontyrhil ward, and a difficulty consequently arose as to which should retire in April next.. The Deputy CJerk said that the members con- cerned could come to an understanding be- tween themselves, or the clerk to the County Council might be requested to visit the dis- trict and take a. ballot of the Council on the point. The two members had agreed, how- ever, to take an informal ballot of the Coun- cil at that meeting, and to abide by the de- cision of the majority. This would save ex- pense. The arrangement having been confirmed, the Council proceeded to ballot, and the -1. 0:"1__1- veplILY \lel"lS., wiiu huwu 0^1, declared the voting to be ag-amst Mr. Grooke. That member will accordingly retire. in April, while Mr. Jones will remain in office for another year. Mr. Jones remarked that he had offered to toss up" with Mr. Crooke, but the sugges- tion was not accepted. (Laughter.) GILFACH LIGHTING. The secretary to the Toijyrefail and Gil- fach Goch Electric Light Co. wrote acknow- ledging the receipt of the Council's letter com- plaining of the serious deiav in connection with the preparatory work for the lighting of Evanstown. He stated that the Company were in the hands of the makers of goods re- quired, who had failed to carry out their order with the desired despatch. The Com- pany had written to the makers urging the immediate execution of the order, and they hoped this matter would be attended to at an early date. Nothing would be wanting on their part to put. iiiatteii right speedily. Replying to Mr. Canniff, the Deputy Clerk said the letter was dated January oth. Mr. Canniff: Absolutely nothing Ims been do&to since that date with the exception of putting an installator there. I am sorry \ve ever had anything to do with these people. (Laughter.) So far as I can see, the matter j will be put off until the summer. j Mr. Job asked whether the Council could not consider that the Company had broken the contract. The Deputy Clerk replied that as he had not the contract by him, he could not give a definite answer. Mr. Job The best thing for the Council to do is to withdraw, if that is possible, and put up a little place of our own. (Laughter.) Mr. Canniff moved that tile clerk write the Company stating that unless they made pro- per arrangements for the lighting of Evans- town in a month, the Council would annul the contract. Mr. Job proposed as an amendment that the clerk consider whether the contract had been broken, and, if such were the case, that he be empowered to write the Company stat- ing that the Council would have nothing more to do with them. (Laughter.) Mr. Lawrence: You had better go further and move that we erect a works of our own there Mr. Job That will come afterwards. The amendment was carried. PONTYCYMMER HALL. Mr. T. Williams, Llanharran Hotel, Pont- yeymmer, a member of the Council, applied for a renewal of the dramatic license of the Pontycymmer Public Hall. The Deputy Clerk said he had received a letter from Mr. E. T. King, Pontycymmer, stating that he would like to appear before the Council when the application was con- sidered. He consulted the Chairman, who instructed him to inform Mr. King that he had exhaustively stated his case when he ap- peared before the Council recently. Inspector Lewis reported that lie inspected the Public-hall, Pontyeymmer, at 8.45 on the. morning after the last Council meeting. He found the ante-room in a very clean state and thought it must have been recently scrubbed out. He found the walls, particu- larly those under the gallery, rather damp, and a convenience under the hall was not satisfactorily clean. The owner promised to attend to the same-. Mr. Canniff: Is the inspector satisfied that these matters have been attended to? The Inspector: Yes; but the dampness is still in the walls. Replying to other mem- bers, ho said he did not think the owner had time to clean up the hall in the interim be- tween the Council meeting and his visit the next morning. Mr. LI. Jones: Are you aware that the hail was open at 6 o'clock that morning and lights were seen there? 0 The Inspector I cannot say. Mr. Job: That is not the question. The point we have to consider is whether the hall is in a sanitary state now. Dr. Parry thought the walls needed reno- vation. and he moved that the license be granted subject to this being attended to. M'r. T. C. Jones seconded. Replying to the Chairman, Mr. T. Wil- liams said lie would not bind himself to ac- cept any conditions. He would see that all sanitary matters were attended to. Mr. Llewellyn Jones said the exits ought to be improved; one, in fact, was at present blocked up. Mr. Williams undertook to attend to this. and he also informed M'r. T. C. Jones that the lighting would be improved. In further remarks. Mr. LI. Jones said: Of course, it puts our inspector in an awk- ward position. Mr. Canniff protested against that asser- tion, and said he believed the inspector could carry out his duties conscientiously, whether the narty was a councillor or not. In the e>!<! it was resolved, on the motion of Mr. LI. Jones, to renew the license sub- ieet to all sanitary matters being attended to and to the exits being improved. A NEW TE-EASURER. Dr. Parry moved chat the Council relieve Mr. Frank Moon of the treasurership, and that the clerk be instructed to write him ex- pressing thanks for his services to the Coun- cil. Mr. T. Williams seconded, and it was agreed. Mr. Canniff suggested that terms should be invited from the various banking firms at Bridgend he did not think they should con- fine themselves to one bank when making a fresh appointment. Mr. Lawz'ence pointed out that the trea- surer received nothing for his services. Dr. Parry moved that Mr. D. J. Gwyn (manager of the Metropolitan Bank, Bridg- end) be appointed treasurer, subject to his accepting office. In the course of discussion, it transpired that the change in the treasurership was due to Mr. Moon ceasing his connection with the Council's bankers. Mr T. C. Jones thought the Council should advertise for a successor to Mr. Moon. The Deputy Clerk pointed out, however, that the Metropolitan Bank were entitled to some preferential treatment in this matter. For some years there had been a big over- draft—sometimes amounting to £ 2,000 or £ 3,000—and not a cent, of interest had been paid. The motion to appoint Mr. Gwyn was agreed to. SEWERAGE SCHEME. The Engineer reported that the sewage disposal works and a portion of the irriga- tion works were' now ready to receive the sewage from the Garw Valley, and he pro- posed to use the works in a few days. It was resolved, on the recommendation of the Sewerage Committee, that the work of house connections in the Garw be suspended for a short time owing to the inclement weather. HEALTH OF THE DISTRICT. Dr. D. J. Thomas, Nantymoel, medical officer of health for the district, reported that during the month eleven cases of zymotic diseases had been notified in the district—8 in the Garw and 3 in the Ogmore. The Garw cases comprised 4 of diphtheria, 1 of typhoid at Blaengarw, 2 scarlet fever at Pontyeymmer,- and 1 of erysipelas. The Ogmore cases included 2 of typhoid at Og- more Vale, and 1 scarlet fever at Nantymoel. The two cases of typhoid in the Ogmore Ward were infected from a previous case in the house, as they could not isolate the case properly. The certificates of water analysis in King Edward-street and Gwendoline- street denoted water of doubtful purity. Mr. T. J. Job (sanitary inspector for the Ogmore district) reported that 38 cases of infectious diseases were notified in his dis- trict during 1906, which was the lowest num- ber notified for the past fix- years. MILK SUPPLY. Dr. Thomas stated that the Council should see that new regulations for the better con- trolling of the milk supply would soon be adopted, and that registration of milk ven- dors and cow-keepers should be done in the district. The sanitary inspectors could not do their work properly without proper rules and regulations. A committee was appointed to go into the matter, consisting of the Chairman, Messrs. T. W. Job, T. M. Jones. A. J. Lawrence. with the clerk, the medical officer, and sani- tary inspectors. PEDESTRIANS' SAFETY. The Works Committee recommended that the Council write the Great Western Railway Company requesting that a foot- bridge should ho erected across the railway at Nantymoel Station to enable pedestrians to cross in safety that the signalman at Tynewydd Station should give his entire at- tention to signalling and the opening and shutting of the gates across the line, so as to minimise the delay to traffic; that there should be some provision at the crossing from St. John-street to Meadow-street, to warn pedestrians of the approach of any train, but preferably that a footbridge be erected; that the gates at Pwllybant cross- ing "should be kept closed against the rail- way in the same way as those at Ogmore Vale Station"; that engine drivers be in- structed to whistle when approaching the footpath and cart crossing at Braichycymmer and the Llest Colliery Crossings. On the motion of Alderman Llewellyn, the recommendation was adopted. VARIOUS MATTERS. A letter from Mr. E. T. Roberts, of Blaen- garw, with reference to a claim for alleged damage to his property in connection with the sewerage scheme, was referred to the Sewerage Committee. The minutes showed that Mr. Howell Wil- liams, auctioneer, Cardiff, had been ap- pointed arbitrator for the Council as to the claims of Mr. Treharne with regard to the laying of sewers through Trehir and Caegarw Farms. It was decided to improve the lighting be- tweeH the Llangeinor railway station and the Bettws (Port Talbot) railway station by means of four lamps. The surveyor was directed to write. the Garw and Ogmore Gas Co. requesting that more powerful illuminating lamps should be fixed in the district.

QGflORE AND 6ARW BILL. ALLEGATION S AGAINST A COUNCIL OFFICIAL. REPUDIATED BY MEMBERS. ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE POLL. At the monthly meeting of the Ogmore and Ganv District Council on Tuesday. Mr. D. T. Williams (the deputy clerk) asked leave to make a statement in reply to an allegation made by a Garw person concerning himself as an official of the Council. He did not object to a certain amount of fair criticism, but he certainly did object to any hitting below the belt. He complained of a particu- larly offensive attack which was made upon him at a Pontycymmer meeting, and what he most objected to was a statement that lie had urged the Bill upon the Council for his own pecuniary advantage, because of the coots which he would make out of it. He asked the Council to say clearly that he had never done anything of the kind, because it was only right that the public should know that the statement was false. (Hear, hear.) Alderman W. Llewellyn said that as one of the members who were opposed to the B- i which the Council were promoting, he ad no hesitation in declaring mat he could en- tirely acquit the deputy clerk from anything of the kind. (Hear, hear.; Mr. T. W. Job (chairman of the Under- takings Committee): I can say more—that the clerk had always, up to the passing of a resolution by an absolute majority, been more opposed to the scheme than in favour of it. (Some members: "No, no.") I think I can say that in the presence of the deputy clerk and the Council. The Chairman (Mr. Jacob Edwards, J.P'.) I am exactly of the same opinion. Alderman Llewellyn: At any rate, I do not endorse that remark. I think the deputy clerk has been quite impartial throughout. Mr. T. W. Job It is his personal feeling— he has expressed it here more than once— that he would rather see the Bill dropped than proceeded with. Mr. J. Canniff: Yes, but only on account of the amount of worry involved. Mr. A. J. Lawrence: It is your fault that he is given all this worry. The Deputy Clerk I have never brought my private opinions before the Council at all. I certainly have not urged the promo- tion' of the Bill from the very start, and it was not until the Council made up their minds—that is to say, when there was an absolute majority—that I did my best to pro- mote the Bill. The Chairman asked whether it was de- sired to pass' a resolution vindicating the deputy clerk. The Deputy Clerk: No, sir; I merely want the public to know that the statement is false. • DEPUTATION TO THE KING." The Deputy Clerk said he had received a letter from the Parliamentary agents stating that they had been served with a notice from the Duchy of Lancaster Office requesting that the Council should enter into an under- taking that the costs incurred on behalf of the King in respect to examining the Bill would be paid by the Council. In reply to Mr. Job, the Deputy Clerk said the King was privileged in this matter. He had replied stating that His Majesty's in- terests would be very slightly affected by the Bill, and that in a few days a ballot of the electors would be taken, and suggesting that the Duchy authorities should delay taking any action or incurring any expense until the poll had been taken, as the result might not be in favour of the Bill. Mr. Job I move that the Parliamentary Committee form a deputation to the King. and have a talk with His Majesty on the sub- ject. (Laughter.) Mr. T. C. Jones: I'll second that if you add at His Majesty's expense." (Renewed laughter.) The deputy clerk's action was confirmed. NEXT MONDAY S POLL. The Deputy Clerk stated that the arrange- ments were now being completed for the poll of the ratepayers with regard to the Bill on Monday next. He had received a number of telegrams of Friday—from Mr W. Johnson (of the Ffahlau Collieries), Dr. Parry. Coun- cillors LI. Jones, A. J. Lawrence, William Davies, Revs. W. Saunders, C.C., J. Hughes, W. Reynolds, and Davies. Messrs. J. Mad- docks. E. T. King, W. Garfield. J. Llewellyn, and T. Fox prote.sting against the use of the Llanharran Hall at Pontyeymmer as a polling station. He wished to say that the chairman and not the clerk was the return- ing officer for this election, and he had ar- ranged the polling stations in consultation with the committee. It had been decided to utilise the Council Schools in the district for the polling, but Dr. James stated that the use of the schools could not be granted until the school managers of the district- had considered the matter, and as they would not meet until five days before the poll, there was no alternative but to make other ar- rangements. The Chairman accordingly fixed the Llanharran Hall as the polling sta- tion. The clerk had nothing at all to do with the fixing of the stations. Mr. Lawrence thought some of the Garw members should have been consulted. Mr. Canniff The committee had no alter- native. Mr. Lawrence and Mr. LL Jones said the place chosen was inconvenient, and the Ffaldau Tw itute and Bethel Vestry could have been used for the purpose. The Chairman There was no idea of caus- ing any grievance. Mr. Lawrence: Why didn't yon ask the Garw school managers ? The Chairman: We had no time. Ar- rangements had to be made. The matter was eventually allowed to drop.

GARW DISTRICT OF MINERS. THE NON-UNIONIST DIFFICULTY. NOTICES TO BE TENDERED. DAKRiJN WAGES: SUGGESTED TEST CASE. The monthly meeting of the Garw District of the South Wales Miners' Federation was held at Brynmenin on Monday, under the presidency of Mr. George Thomas (Kenng Hill). Nearly aU the lodges in the district were represented, and the officials present included Alderman John Thomas (miners' agent) and Mr Evan David (secretary). This was the firat occasion which Mr. G. Thomae has presided over the District meet- ing, and be was congratulated by the dele- gates on his appointment as chairman for the year. REMARKABLE SCENE. When the minutes had been confirmed, the Delegate from the International lodge said a member of that lodge was anxious to appear before the meeting "to state hie caae." The Chairman pointed out that the dele- gates bad decided at the last meeting that no persons should appear before them for such a purpose, inasmuch as useful time was being wasted. In face of that, the request was out of order. Alderman Thomas: If lie is to appear here the resolution in the minute book must be rescinded, and notice mUlst be given to do that. The Delegate: He wishes to f;)Jook about the evidence which can be brought before the. court in his case. Alderman Thomas stated that he had in- vestigated the case, and if there was any fresh evidence he would attend at the Inter- national lodge to examine the witnesses, and he would see the man there. He briefly re- viewed the evidence in the matter, and the meeting decided that the request for admis- sion be not granted. Then the man entered the room and ac- cused the Agent of speaking untruths. The Chairman requested him to leave, but lie declared he would remain to state his case. He was proceeding to do so when Alderman Thomas sharply ordered him out. "Will you put me out?" the intruder ex- claimed, and the Agent said I could do that, Then come ana have a smack at it," was the retort. The Agent advised him to "go when you are safe," and after further requests by the Chairman and some of the delegates lie retired declaring that he was "good enough for Alderman Thomas." PARLIAMENTARY LEVY. The Secretary stated that he had received a letter from Mr. Thomas Richards, M.P. (general secretary of the Federation), stating that J647 14s. 10d. was due from the District in respect of the Parliamentary levy. It was true, Mr. David said, that some of the lodges were in arrear, but the total amount due from the District was only £ 19 17s. lOd. He wa.s directed to explain the matter to the general secretarv. COLEBROOK COLLIERY. Alderman Thomas stated that he had been given to understand, though not officially, that the owners of the Colebrook Colliery, Pyle, would shortly call upon him to arrange a price-list for the colliery. He was afraid he knew very little about the seam, though he remembered working when a lad at a small colliery known as Billy Bach—(laugh- ter)—where they were driving in a seam called the Drydydd. It would probably be necessary for the District to appoint some- one to take sections. so that he would be in readiness with the facte when the Company requested him to deal with the question of a list. A Delegate said the coal measured 7ft. llin. in this colliery. The matter was left in the hands of the Agent. MINING SCHOOL. Circular letters were read as to the pro- posal to establish a school of mining in con- nection with the South Wales and Mon- mouthshire University at Cardiff. In one letter Principal E. H. Griffiths pointed out that the immense mineral resources of the Welsh coalfield and the increasing dangers and difficulties involved in their develop- ment call for the highest efficiency on the part of all classes of officials, and the utmost skill and care on behalf of the workmen, and in all the other large coalfields schools of in- struction had been established. He hoped the Garw District would assist in the attain- ment of the object, in view, and suggested that public meetings should be held in the district, which he would be prepared to ad- dress. Alderman Thomas said he was fully in sympathy with the movement, and he hoped the proposal would be put into effect at no distant date. It was highly desirable that every facility should be afforded men who were responsible for the safety of those em- ployed in the collieries, to acquire all the knowledge available. He complimented Sir William Thomas Lewis and the chairman of the Coalowners' Association (Mr. F. L. Davis) on the excellent support they had given the movement. hoth having promised to sub- scribe £ 1,000 on certain conditions. The matter haul not as yet come before the Exe- cutive Council of the Federation, and it would be well nerhaps to defer the consider- ation of the matter for a short time to see whether concerted action would be taken by the Executive. The suggestion was adopted. THE WYNDHAM STOPPAGE. M'r. John Williams, checkwe;p>er of the Wyndham Colliery, attended and appealed for financial assistance on behalf of his fellow workmen, who, he stated, were locked out. He reviewed the circumstances which led to the cessation of work. The new owners (Messrs. Cory Bros.) wished to set aside- cus- toms as to prices which had prevailed for up- wards of 30 yeans, as well as the award re- cently given by the Hauliers' Sub-Committee of the Conciliation Board. Every effort had been made by the workmen and their repre- sentatives to continue working under the old conditions and discuss the }Joints- while the men were at work, in accordance with Clauses 5 and 15 of the Board's agreement, but the owners objected to this course. The Central Executive had decided to pay the men strike pay—10s. a week and IfS. extra per child^—but they hoped tlieir fellow-work- men would augment this sum. Over 1,000 men and boys were out of work, and depen- dents numbered 1,500 or 2.000. Speaking 011 the distress, Mr. Williams remarked that it was very hard to be without coal in the winter time. Several of the Delegates and Alderman Thomas spoke, and sympathised with the men in their struggle. A resolution was passed expressing regret that the District funds did not permit of a contribution, and appealing to the lodges to do their best for the men. APPOINTMENT. The Secretary stated that he had received notification of the appointment of Mr. Wm. John as secretary of the Aberhaiden Lodge. Kenfig Hill. COMENSATION ACT. The Agent, suggested that copies of the new Compensation Act. which oomes into force in July, should be distributed among the sec- retaries of lodges in the District. He pointed out how important it would be that the officials responsible for the sending in ot notices of accidents, etc., should weU j versed in the Act. The meeting adopted the suggestion, and it was also arranged that a oonference of secretaries should be held in February, at 'J1Thomas should deliver an address on the new Act. COMPENSATION CASES. The compensation recovered at tne various oollieries during the month amour ted to £133 19s. 6d. The Agent stated that the claim by the widow of Mr. David Jones, who met with & fatal accident at the International Colliery, had been,finally settled, the Company agree- ing to pay J6180 13s. Id. The claim of MTB. Beatrice Williams widow of Mr. David Williams, who was killed at the Raglan Colliery, was also reported 80S "settled." Alderman Thomas said the claim was for JE253 16s. 8d. this figure having been calculated from the pay tickets of the deceased, and the colliery officials acknow- ledged the claim immediately. A letter was read from Messrs. Walter Morgan, Bruce and Nicholas, stating that they had claimed compensation on behalf of a workman named Thomas, 'ho met with an accident at the South Rhondda Collie rv The Agent stated that- the District had de- cided to take proceedings if the money uer«( not paid. BRYNMENIN LIST. Alderman Thomas reported that in accord- ance with the resolution passed at the last meeting, he had telegraphed to Messrs. Hood and Richards (Cardiff), stating that no nego- "nations regarding the list at this colliery v-yuid be commenced until the notices were withdrawn. The notices expired on the day of the last meeting, but tiiey were withdrawn and representatives of the men subsequently discussed the list with the owners. The chief matter in dispute was the cutting price, and the owners eventually agreed to Is. &d a ton. The settlement was c< nsidered very t. Hg- victory. Agent said work w.n? no.v r.v ,-i at lull sw ;ng at the colliers. Gootl p;ofmss 14 A\as t the developments at the- Bryncethin colliery, u..d ■: v. as expected that- in two or three >vetK, .juj vrouid be raised He had been approached by lir. \< ardiKv, the manager, v, ;th regard to a price 1. NON-UNIONISTS. The South Rhondda Lodge applied for per- mission to tender notices on Februarv 1st as a protest against the employment of non- Unionists, and a similar application was made by the Aberbaiden Lodge. A Delegate said there were a few non- Unionists at South Rhondda who were defy- ing the Federation officials. The request of the lodges was granted. SUB-CHECK WEIGHERS. At the last meeting the Agent was ,is" to consider the question of the insurance of sub-checkweighers, whose compensation money in respect of accidents was liable to be reduced by their absenoe from their work- ing places while attending to the weighing machine. Alderman Thomas now stated that the Executive Council were taking up the whole question of insurance of check- weighers, their substitutes, examiners, ttc. The matter was accordingly deferred. DARRAN WAGES. A letter was read from Messrs. Walter Morgan, Bruce and Nicholas, Pbntypridd, the solicitors, stating that they had made in- quiries concerning the old Darran Company, and it appeared that the resolution for voluntary winding up wae passed at a meet- ing oil January 3rd, 190.5. The Delegate from the Darran Lodge said that at a meeting of the men on January 14th the question of the recovery of the wages was further considered, and a resolu- tion was passed requesting the District to hand over to the lodge all the documents re- lating to the wages, so that the workmen could dtveide for themselves the desirability of entering a test-case into court. The Darran men felt keenly the loss of their wages, and were anxious that all possible steps should be taken. Alderman Thomas did not see any objec- tion to the request of the lodge being granted, and he had every confidence in the lodge officials that the documents would be properly kept. He had received a letter from the solicitors when the District thought of taking action, expressing surprise at the suggestion, inasmuch as Mr. Rufus Isaacs, K.C., M.P., had advised that no useful pur- pose could possibly be served by proceedings again the Company. As a matter of fact," the letter concluded, "we cannot. pro- ceed against the Company, as they have ceased to exist, the liquidation having been closed and the liquidator has no assets with which to satisfy the workmen's claims." The lodge could, however, take whatever action they pleased. The Darran Delegate: The men will be satisfied if they get the papers, so that they can see for themselves. After considerable discussion, it was de- cided to hand the documents over. n. re- quested. VOTES OF THANKS. The usual votes of thanks were passed to 1 the officials for the manner in which they had carried out their duties during the past- twelve months, and references were made to the good services rendered by Mr. Jenkin Leyshon, of Pencoed, last year's chairman-

THE ABER ROYALTIES. INCOME FOR SWANSEA HIGHER EDUCATION. Messrs. Cory and Co., the lessees of the • minerals under the Aber Estate. Ogmore Vale (the property of the Swansea Education Authority as governing body of the Swansea Grammar School), are, it. is stated, meeting with satisfactory results in'sinking to lower measures. It is estimated that if the com- pany intend to work out the veins during the period of their lease (which is about nineteen years) the royalties payable may reach as much as £10.000 a year. Such an income, says the "Western Mail." v. «.a)d p-ive the governing body the necessary capi- tal for equipping the Technical College for affiliation with the Welsh University.

Appointment for Mr. Godfrey Clark. Mr. Godfrey L. dark, Talygarn, has been appointed chairman of the Rhymney Raih ..y Company, in the place of Sir Miles Fenton, reeigned.

j >^ujrrr[i^ v.. ffGoddarcTa 1 II PtcltC ..r I f!. :J f Fo'wder k'i for <"leaMii^S»K't-r. £ lecfroPlatc V S.«;d everywhere 1*2/6a. j. V Ti f J (i. £ -WaKOOWMBOE ¥>■ TC&JKT0BQ JJB JSWrf' The Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, Limited, report that the wireless telegraph traffic for Marconi-fitted ships for 1906 is 1.261.000 words sent and received, as againM# 783,950 words of 1905. 0