The Glamorgan Gazette

LOCAL GOSSIP. In reference to Marie Trevelyan's request for information as to the existence of rag wells in the Vale, Gwilym Glan Ogwy writes to say that there is a well of that description near Middle Tremains, Bridgend, known by the name of Ffynon-Cae-Moch (the Well of the Fig's Field). "I remember rags being on the hawthorn bush overhanging the well when I was a little boy—a great many years ago now—and there are still some there, I believe. People used to bathe regularly in the well in the old days, and they were al- ways exhorted to tie a rag on to the bush whenever a cure was effected. In the Vale of Glamorgan, as all over the country generally, in these matter-of-fact times, the quaint, good-hearted rural cus- toms are dying out. The rollicking harvest home is now almost a thing of the past. and the gleaners have all gone. Twenty or thirty years ago, before general use was made of agricultural machinery, the gleaning was a much-prized perquisite of the poorer cot- tagers. Sow, however, the mechanical binder, avariciously efficient, takes up every- thing in the true spirit of commercial economy, leaving naught behind. Years ago. too, farmers used to leave a corner of the field unreaped. so that the poor and the stranger might carry the corn away. The custom of leaving the corner of the field and the gleanings is based upon the 9th and 10th verses of the 19th chapter of Leviticus, "And -when ye reap the harvest of your land thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger." William Edwards, the famous bridge builder and preacher of the 18th century, to whom a bronze statue was recently unveiled at Groeswen, was according to tradition the builder of the old bridge at Bridgend, which is erected on oak piles. Edwards was born in the parish of Eglwysilan in 1719. In ad- dition to doing the usual work on his father's farm, he applied himself as a youth to the occupation of a fence-builder, and his ser- vices in that capacity were eagerly sought after by the neighbouring farmers. Gradu- ally he applied himself entirely to that kind of employment, and was thus able to contri- bute from his earnings to the family funds. At this time he knew nothing of masonry proper, such as the dressing of stones and the use of mortar, his fences consisting merely of loose stones dexterously piled up so as to present the appearance of a built wall. Ed- wards by degrees became acquainted with the mason's art, and learnt how to trim stones and turn lime into mortar as a sine qua non in masonry. His first attempt in work of this descrip- tion was a small mill in his native parish. Some time in 1740 Edwards was employed by a Cardiff iron-smelter to build a large forge, and while at Cardiff the mason lodged with a blind baker, named Walter Rosser, from whom he learnt English. During his stay at Cardiff, also, he acquired some knowledge of arithmetic and in other ways improved himself. Soon afterwards we hear of him building many good houses and several forges and smelting-houses. His fame as a builder rapidly spread over the county of Glamorgan. Sir John Morris, of Clasemont, near Swan- sea: at that time was laying the foundations of the flourishing town which afterwards was to perpetuate his name. and he called in the assistance of the Eglwysilan builder to erect some of the more important buildings. The Squire of Clasemont, as befitted his order, was a Churchman, and his first care was to provide the people with a church. The new church was put up. the architect and builder being William Edwards. The church, of course, was built in the orthodox style, with the tower at the west end. Afterwards. Sir John provided for the spiritual needs of the Nonconformists. In 1746, when twenty-seven year of age, Edwards applied himself to the great mis- sion of his life, viz.. the building of bridges. His services were in request first at Ponty- pridd, where the gentlemen of Glamorgan f wished to put up a stone bridge, instead of the ugly pontbren" that had been in use there for centuries, and William Edwards had the contract. At this time he had no ex- perience to guide him. as he found out to his cost. He put up his bridge, a very fine struc- ture of three arches, it is said. but these did not afford a sufficient passage for the accu- mulation of mountain torrents during high floods. The consequence was it was carried away before it had stood three years, and Ed- wards, according to the terms of the con- tract, was obliged to put up another bridge at his own expense. He now decided to con- struct a bridge of one arch, of 140ft. span, and 3oft. high from the chord. Before, how- ever, the parapets were reached the pressure upon the haunches caused the crown to spring This second failure was another lesson to Edwards, and taught him more practical science than if he had been able to read all the authors in architecture from Alberti to Hutton. With the courage of a Bruce. Edwards immediately applied him- self to building a third bridge (all for the simple contract of the first). To preserve equilibration, the want of which caused the downfall of his second bridge, he contrived three cylindrical apertures over the haunches at each end. the lowest aperture being 9ft., the second 6ft., and the uppermost 3ft. in diameter. These were so disposed that the periphery of a. circle passing through the centre of each aperture was parallel to the centre of the arch, whose chord was 140ft. This bridge was completed in 175o, and at the time was the largest stone arch in the world, exceeding in width even the Rialto in Venice. Edwards's career as a bridge-constructor was most successful from this time on. He built no fewer than nine important bridges, which stand to this day as monuments to his architectural genius and cleverness as a builder. Here is a list:—Pontypridd, Usk, Ynys, Pontardawe, Bettws, Llandovery, Mor- riston, Aberavon. Glasbury. It is said that Edwards was a Calvinist in doctrine he lived during a very stormy time in the religious history of Wales. The great Methodist movement had commenced. Row- lands and Harris thundered their anathemas against the Arminians, and Jenkin Jones, of Llwynrhydowen, and other Arminian leaders paid them back with interests. At Ynvsgau, Merthyr. the Calvinists and Arminians, red in tooth and claw," fought unto blood. But Edwards took no notice of the theo- logical wranglings of his day. The Calvinis- tic Methodists were holding their meetings at Watford, close by, where Captain and Grace Price kept open house for them. But Ed- wards kept the even tenour of his way. When his contemporaries were fighting about theological conundrums he was busy putting up his bridges and thinking out his sermons for Sunday. A distinguished contemporary of his was Iolo Morganwg. Indeed, they were bosom friends, men of similar tastes to a great extent. Both were bridge-builders in a way, only Edwards spanned rivers, whereas t-id 1010," by his historical and archaeological researches, spanned the cen- turies.

BRIDGEND POLICE COURT. Saturday.—Before Messrs. R. W. Llewellyn (in the chair), J.I. D. Nicholl, J. P. Gibbon. W. J. Griffin, Thomas Rees, Jacob Edwards, and Major H. C. Prichard. ONLY SIX GLASSES. Charles Woodward, a Bridgend haulier, pleaded not guilty to a charge of drunken- ness. P.C. Price Evans gave evidence. Defendant I was not drunk; I only had six glasses. The Chairman: I should think that was sufficient. (Laughter.) Fined 15s. FIGHTING AT MAESTEG. Thomas Doyle and David Rees, Maesteg, colliers, were summoned for fighting in the highway. Defendants did not appear. P.C. A. R. Williams said the defendants engaged in a fight in Commercial-street, and the contest was watched by a large crowd. Defendants had to pay 15s. each. IX BRIEF. For committing a nuisance Patrick Duno- van, Maesteg, labourer, wa" nned 5s. John Lleyd. a Maesteg collier, had to pay 15s. for misconduct at Maesteg. John Edwards, Bridgend. bone collector, summoned for driving without lights at Bridgend on August 3rd, pleaded guilty. A fine of 5s. was imposed. The following were lined for allowing horses to stray on the highway at Peneoed on July oOth:—Thomas Jones, Penprisk, Pencoed. collier, lis., including costs; Lewis Jones, Penprisk, lis. James Bull, Heolycue. farmer, 5s. Richard Wallen, Heolycue, col- lier, lis. ABERKENFIG POACHERS. Levi Bowen and Joseph Higgins, Aberken- fig, colliers, were charged with trespassing in search of game on land in the occupation of Mr. John E. Griffiths, Werndew, Aberkenfig, on August 6th. Defendants did not appear. Prosecutor deposed that on the date named he heard the report of a gun near the farm, and on going into a field he saw the two defendants. Bowen carried a gun. They ran away on seeing witness, and he then gave information to Sergt. Gill. The Sergeant returned with him to the farm, and they saw the defendants, who again took to their heels. Witness added that a great deal of poaching took place on his land. Sergt. Gill spoke to seeing the defendants on the farm. He visited Bowen's house, and found the door locked. There were previ- ous convictions against Bowen, who was or- dered to pay £2 forthwith, or go to prison for 14 days. Higgins was fined £1, or 14 days. THE DRINK. The following were summoned for drunken- ness :—John Yinn, Nantyffyllon, carpenter, fined 15s. including costs; Richard Powis, Caerau, haulier, 20s; David Minton, Caerau, collier, 15s.; James Allen, Nantymoel, collier, George Nash, Cartref House, Park- road, Cwmparc, timberman. George Vale, Cwmparc. timberman, Griffith Griffiths, Cartref House, Cwmparc, rider, and John Rees (all drunk and disorderly at Bridgend on Sunday. August 5th), fined 20s. each;' Michael Byrnes, Maesteg, labourer, 15s. John Brynes. Maesteg. labourer, 15s. Thos. Powell. Nantyffyllon, haulier. 20s. William Rogers, Maesteg, collier 20s.; Evan Ed- munds, Garth, collier. 15s. Sidney Williams, Blaengarw. labourer, 15s.; Archibald Lewis, Nantyffyllon, collier, 20s.; Morgra David Lewis. Tynewvdd, collier, George Davies. Pricetown. labourer, 1; Illtyd )-Iorgan, Garth, haulier, 15s.; Levis Alfred. Porthcawl. photographer, 15s. Harry Turner, Tvthegstone, labourer, 20s.. and Joseph Williams, Pontycymmer, labourer, los. MAINTENANCE. Albert John Lock, Bridge-street, Ogmore Vale. was summoned by the Bridgend and Cowbridge Board of Guardians for arrears in his contributions towards the support of his parent who is chargeable to the common fund of the union. Evan Evans. relieving officer, said defendant had been ordered to pay 4s. a week, but he owed thirteen instalments. Defendant wrote that he was out of work; this was the reason why he did not pay.—The Chairman Do you doubt the statement that he is out of work?—The Relieving Officer: No, I do not doubt it; but he puts himself out of work.—One month suspended 14 days. David George, 1 Church-street. Maesteg. summoned for £2 12s. in respect of arrears in his contributions towards his parent, was also sentenced to one month's imprisonment, suspended 14 days.—Evan Evans said defen- dant had been ordered to pay 2s. a week.— Sergt. Rees Davies stated that defendant ad- mitted to him, when he served the sum- mons. that he was working in the Rhondda. A similar sentence was imposed in the case of William Lewis, 82 Rope Walk-road, Llanelly. rollerman. who was £1 19s. in ar- rears in respect of the maintenance of his father. Henry Evans. 18 Llwydarth-cottages, Maesteg. labourer, was summoned for JE1 19s. arrears under a magisterial order. Defend- ant's father was being relieved by the Guar- dians, and defendant had been ordered to pay Is. 6d. a week, 26 instalments being now due. One month, suspended 14 days. "1\. NATURAL DESIRE." John Jones, of the Star Inn, Treos, was summoned by John Llewellyn, a Treos labourer, for assaulting him on August 7th. Alderman T. J. Hughes said he was in- structed to apply for an adjournment of the case for a week. inasmuch as a cross-summons and other summonses had been taken out and made returnable for the following Saturday. It was desirable, in the interests of justice, that all the cases should be taken together, though it was perhaps a natural desire on the part of the complainant Llewellyn that his summons against Jones should be taken separately. He had written to complainant on the previous Thursday informing him that he was instructed to make an application for an adjournment, and suggesting that he and his witnesses should not attend that day. The Chairman (to complainant) Do you object to an adjournment? Complainant Yes, sir; I want my case to go on to-day. Alderman Hughes said all the cases arose out of a disturbance at the house kept by de- fendant's parents-in-law. Complainant I want my single case to go on now. The Chairman: Why? Complainant: Because he insulted me on the road. The Chairman: That is no reason why there should not be an adjournment. The application is granted. Complainant: What about my expenses ? The Chairman That will depend on next Saturday's hearing. ASSAULT AT BRYNCOCH. David Lewis, of Bryncoch, sand seller, summoned Matthew Rees, of Tynycoed, Bryncoch, farmer, for assault on August 6th. Alderman T. J. Hughes was for the defend- ant. Complainant said the defendant purchased a pony for him some time ago, and he had not paid altogether for it. On the date named he was returning home. and stopped at the Royal Oak. Defendant came along and tried to take possession of the pony and trap, and when witness remonstrated he said "Leave the pony and trap alone," at the same time striking him several blows. Witness fell, and defendant then kicked him in the ear, and trod upon him. By Alderman Hughes Defendant was his landlord, and had been kind t him. He was in arrears to the extent of £7 in respect of the rent. Later witness denied that he was the tenant of the house at all; Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas was the tenant. Elizabeth Hopkins said she saw complain- ant lying on the ground and she picked him up. Defendant took the pony away. She did not see any blow struck. Elizabeth Thomas gave evidence in corro- boration of the complainant. She pleaded with the defendant not to beat her uncle. Defendant admitted that he pushed the complainant away, but he did not strike him. He had paid various amounts for the com- plainant totalling about £21. and. as he did not see that Lewis was making any attempt to repay him, he took the opportunity to seize the pony and trap. Complainant took hold of him by the throat, and witness pushed him. He fell to the ground, and it was in this way that the injuries were caused. Mrs. Mary Ann Rees corroborated. The Bench held that a technical assault had been committed, and imposed a fine of Is. and 10s. costs.

TALYGARN FLOWER SHOW. A SUCCESSFUL EXHIBITION. The annual show of fruit, flowers and vege- tables under the auspices of the Talygarn and District Cottage Gardeners' Society, was held on the 9th inst.. in the picturesque grounds of Talygarn House, by kind permission or Mi. Godfrey L. Clark, who is the president of the society. Favoured with glorious weather conditions, the event was of a most successful' character in point of attendance, and in point of entry was well above the average. Of the quality of the exhibits nothing but commendation is possible, the cottagers of z, the district sustaining their high reputation. Perhaps the feature of the exhibition was the fine display in the vegetable classes, particu- larly in onions, potatoes, beans, and carrots. The flowers, too. presented a fine sight. The exhibits were staged in a spacious marquee, and refreshments were provided in an adjoin- ing marquee. During the afternoon the Peneoed Brass Band rendered a capital pro- gramme of music, and great interest was taken in the usual cricket match between the Welsh Regiment and Talygarn, which ended in a win for the latter. The visitors during the afternoon included Mr. and Mrs. Godfrey L. Clarke and party, Mr. and Mrs. O'Rorke, and others. During the year an ardent sup- porter of the Society had passed away in the person of His rionour Judge Gwilym Wil- liams. but. thanks to the generous assistance of the gentry of the neighbourhood, the com- mittee were able to offer as substantial and numerous prizes as usual. The event was again splendidly organised by Mr. H. J. Holloway (Brynsadler). the energetic secre- tary of the society, and a strong committee. of which Mr. Ashley ORorke was chairman, the other members being Messrs. John Mor- gan. W. Parsons. D. Bartlett. T. Matthews, E. Jones. J. R. Llewellyn. S. Parsons. J. Watkins. George Austin, W. Whitehead, J. Devonshire, D. Jenkins, E. Williams. B. Beach, T. Baker, and T. Griffiths. Messrs. Tebby and Fishes, head gardeners at Coedy- mwstwr and Na.sh Manor respectively, acted as judges. Mrs. Clarke presented the prizes at the close. The following were the awards: COTTAGERS' CLASSES (Local). Collection of Vegetables: 1, A. J. Lock, Llanharry; 2, J. Devonshire, Talygarn; 3, C. Clissold, Brynsaddler. Collection of Potatoes: 1. A. J. Lock; 2, J. Devonshire 3, C. Clissold. Runner Beans: 1, D. Adams, Ton Brigam 2, C. Clissold; 3. A. J. Lock. Dish of Peas: 1, D. Adams; 2, C. Clissold; 3, W. Williams Talygarn. Spring Sown Onions: 1. G. Austin, Llan- sannor 2, J. Devonshire; 3. D. Adams. Autumn Onions: 1, G. Adams; 2, W. Wil- liams 3, D. Adams. Leeks: 1, J. Devonshire. Round or Kidney Potatoes: 1, J. Devon- shire; 2, A. J. Lock; 2, G. Austin. Brace of Cucumbers: 1. C. Clissold; 2, J. Devonshire; 3, G. Austin. Carrots: G. Austin; 2. D. Adams. Parsnips: 1, J. Devonshire; 2, D. Adams. Tomatoes 1. J. Devonshire. Beetroot: 1. D. Adams; 2. C. Clissold. Cauliflowers: 1, J. Devonshire. Vegetable Marrows: 1. A J. Lock; 2, D. Adams. Broad Beans: 1, W. Williams; 2, G. Austin. Celery (red or white): 1. W. Williams; 2, A. J. Lock; 3. D. Adams. Shallots: 1, D. Adams; 2. W. Williams; 3, G. Austin. Cut Blooms: 1. J. Devonshire; 2, A. Hole. Brynsaddler; 3, F. East. Lanelay.

COTTAGERS (Open). Collection of Vegetables: 1, Frank Page, Llanharry; 2, F. Pocknell, Brynsadler; 3, W. Wilmington, Brynsadler. Collection of Potatoes: 1. G. Austin; 2, Frank Page; 3, L. Jenkins, Brynsadler. Runner Beans: 1, L. Jenkins; 2, William Smith, Ton Brigam; 3. Frank Page. Peas: 1, Frank Page; 2. J. Williams; 3, William Smith. Spring Sown Onions: 1. J. Williams; 2, William Smith; 3, L. Jenkins. Autumn Onions: 1, Wm. Smith; 2, G. Austin; 3, F. P'ocknell. Leeks: 1, L. Jenkins; 2, F. Pocknell; 3, J. Williams. Potatoes 1, Frank Page 2, G. kustin; 3, J. Williams. Brace of Cucumbers: 1. F. East; 2, G. Austin; 3, J. Williams. Broad Beans: 1, L. Jenkins; 2, W. Wil- mington 3, Wm. Smith. Celery: 1, J. Williams; 2, W. Wilming- ton; 3, Frank Page. Cauliflowers: 1, G. Austin; 2, W. Wil- mington; 3, L. Jenkins. Red Cabbage: 1, F. Page; 2. W. Wilming- ton; 3, F. Pocknell, Brynsadler. White Cabbage: 1, W. Wilmington; 2, Frank Page; 3, Wm. Smith. Turnips: 1, W. Wilmington; 2. Edward Thomas, Brynsadler; 3, G. Austin. Lettuce: 1, Frank Page; 2. G. Austin. Vegetable Marrows: 1, G. Austin; 2, L. Jenkins. Carrots: 1. G. Austin; 2. W. Wilmington; 3. F. Pocknell. Parsnips: 1, W. Wilmington; 2, G. Austin; 3. F. Pocknell. Rhubarb: 1. G. Austin; 2, H. J. Hollo- way; 3, F. Pocknell. Kidney Beans: 1. L. Jenkins; 2, G. Austin 3, F. Pocknell.. Shallots: 1, Wm. Smith, Ton Brigam; 2, Frank Page 3. F. Beach. Beet root: 1, Wm. Smith; 2. Frank Page; 3 J. Williams. Collection of Cut Blooms: 1, Mrs. Rustell, Brynsadler: 2. D. Bartlett; 3 J Williams. Calceolaria: 1, A. Hole; 2, D. Bartlett, New Mill. Fuchsias 1. J. Devonshire. Geraniums: 1, J. Devonshire. Window Plants: 1. J. Devonshire; 2. Frank East; 3. D. Bartlett. Begonias: 1, J. Devonshire; 2, D. Bart- lett. 16 Dahlias: 1, D. Adams; 2, G. Austin; 3, J. Devonshire.

MISCELLANEOUS. Collection of Cut Blooms (local cottagers): 1, D. Bartless; 2, A. Hole; 3, J. Devon- shire. Window Box: 1, Frank East. Two Dishes of Fruit: 1. G. Austin; 2, D. Adams; 3, J. Devonshire. Best kept and cropped cottage garden: 1, J. Devonshire; 2, F. Pocknell; 3, W. Williams. Best kept and cropped garden allotment in Pontyclun: 1, B. Wall: 2, T. Williams; 3, J. Matthews. (Prizes by Marquis of Bute.) Best Flower Garden in Talygarn Grounds: 1, J. Devonshire; 2, W. Williams. (Prizes given by Mr. Godfrey L. Clark.) Best kept and cropped allotment in Taly- garn: 1. W. Wilmington: 2, L. Jenkins; 3, C. Clissold; J, H. J. Holloway. Bouquet of Wild Flowers (open to school children under 14 years of age): 1. Charles Freegard, Brynsadler; 2, Dolly Freegard. Best flower garden in Brynsadler: 1, A. Hole. (Prize given by Mrs. Clark.) Two window plants (open to residents in Brynsadler): 1, Mrs. Farrant. (Prize given by Mrs. Clark.) Three sections of Run Honey 1, John Am- bury, Llanliarrv. (Prize by Mrs. Clark.) Three pots of Jam from fruit grown by competitor: 1, -rs. Rustell; 2, Mrs. Far- rant. (Prizes by Mrs. Clark.) Hand-made pair of Quilts: 1, Mrs Pember. Best Flower Garden in Brvnsadler 1, Mrs Farrant: 2, C. Clissold: 3. F. Beech. (Prizes by Mrs. Ashley O'Rorke.) Best Flower Garden in Miskin 1. M. R. Broad; 2, W. Bartlett; 3. D. Bartlett. Two Window Plants (open to residents of Miskin only): 1. D. Bartlett. (Prize by Mrs G. Williams.) Show of Perennial Flowers (Miskin resi- dents): 1, W. Lewis; 2. Mrs. David; 3. Jas. Ballinger. (Prizes by Mrs. G. Williams.) Best Window Box: 1. D. Hopkins; 2, W. Bartlett; 3, Mrs. David; 4. D. Bartlett. (Prizes by Mrs. Rhys Williams, Miskin Manor.)

FARMER S CLASSES. Best Exhibit of Butter: 1, Mrs. Morgan; 2, Edward Watts. Two Cheeses: 1, Mrs. Morgan; 2, Edward Watts. Pair of Trussed Chickens: 1, Edward Watts; 2, Thos. Griffiths. Couple of dressed Ducks: 1, Edward Watts; 2, Thos. Griffiths. Eggs: 1, Edward Watts; 2, Thos. Griffiths; 3, Mrs. Morgan. Sections of Honey 1, John Ambury. Collection of Vegetables: 1. Wm. Watts. Collection of Apples: 1, Edward Watts. NEW BETHEL CHAPEL. HEOLYCUE.

NEW CHAPEL AT HEOLYCUE. MEMORIAL STONES LAID. The interesting ceremony of laying the foundation stones of the new chapel at Heolycue for Bethel Congregational Church took place on Wednesday afternoon in showery weather, but in the presence of a large number of local residents and visitors. The church is coupled for pastoral purposes with Brynmenin and Bryncethin, the minis- ter in charge being the Rev. H. Eynon Lewis. The cause was started as far back as the year 1819, services being held at the Elusendy (aim's house). In a few months the room became inadequate to accommodate the congregation, and a portion of Llwyni- wrch House-now the residence of Mr. Griffith Edwards—was placed at the disposal of the adherents of the cause. Here ser- vices were regularly held until September, 1820, when the old Bethel Chapel was opened, a church being formed in November of the same year. The first Dastor was the Rev. William Jones, a popular preacher known as "Jones Penybont." and he held the pastoral oversight until 1847. He was followed in 1848 by the Rev. William Owen, during whose ministry the chapel was altered, the accommodation being increased by the erec- tion of a gallery. The Rev. W. Owen was followed in 1866 by the Rev. David Lewis, now of Llanelly, who left in 1871, when the Rev. William Morris became pastor. The latter was succeeded in 1889 by the Rev. H. E. Lewis, who has laboured with great suc- cess in the district ever since, the member- ship having more than doubled. The old chapel, though enlarged somewhat in 1893, has now become inadequate, and the build- ing of a new edifice rendered necessary. The site was secured from the Earl of Dunraven, and is about 200 yards from the old chapel, which after Uie completion ot the new build- ing will be used as a schoolroom. The new chapel will be of pretty design, and will be constructed of Llantrisant stone with Dorset quoins and arches. Accommodation will be provided for about 400 persons. The cost is estimated at £ 800. The architect is Mr. Davies (Tondu), and the contract has been let to Mr. Ward David, Llanharran. The service was presided over by the Rev. H. E. Lewis, who was supported on the im- provised platform by Mr. JL. H. Davies, J.P., Pentre (treasurer of the Welsh Congrega- tional Union), Mr. W. H. Elliot, Cardiff; Revs. Stephen Jones, Treos; D. Hughes, Pontycymmer; T. T. Jones, Maindy; J. Jenkins, Llanharry; D. Davies, Llanharran; E. Davies, Aberkenfig, etc. Others present included Messrs. T. Morgan, Hendre, Griffith Edwards, Llwyniwrch; T. Jones, Tontycym- mer; J. Jarrett, Heolycue; D. Howells, Cefn Carfan; T. Howells, Maesygwaelod; Wat- kins, manager of Raglan Colliery; D. Wil- liams, Ogmore Vale, etc. The hymn "Be with us, God the Father" having been sung, the Rev. Stephen Jones read an appropriate portion of Scripture and offered prayer, after which "Gosod babell yn ngwlad Gosen" was sung. The Chairman read letters regretting inability to be present from Mr. and Mrs. Michael Davies, Bridgend; Mr. W. Evans, Pencoed; Mr. and Mrs. Graham Verity, Bridgend; Revs. T. H. V\ atkins, Llantwit Major; T. R. Griffiths, Coity; J. T. Rhys, Aberanian; u. C. Harries, Tredegar; J. Wil- liams, Hafod; J. Harold Williams, Bridg- end, and Councillor Thos. Griffiths, J.P., M.E., Cymmer. The last named was to have laid a memorial stone. The Chairman said the church at Heolycue had been looking forward for ten years to that interesting occasion, and it would have taken place a good deal earlier had it not been for the various difficulties which had to be encountered j indeed, he did not know of any church in the district which had had to face more difficulties than that at Heolycue. One of the chief difficulties had been the securing of land for the building. For over eight years the church had been negotiating with the owner of property adjoining the old chapel with a view to purchasing a plot for the new building and for an extension of the graveyard. Two or three years ago the owner consented to sell the plot. The deed transferring the land to the chapel trustees had not been forthcoming, however, and in view of the inadequacy of the chapel owing to the increasing population of the district, the church was reluctantly compelled to ap- proach Lord Dunraven for the present site, which was readily o:iven on favourable terms. But though everything seemed to be against the church with regard to a new edifice, they could console themselves with the fact that the facing of obstacles had tended to make them more united than ever. It was satis- factory that the membership was greater now than ever, and that the church was united and active. He hoped the present prosper- ous state of things would continue, and that they would work with a will to clear the debt which would necessarily be incurred in con- nection with the new undertaking. The secretary of the church (Mr. Davies) then gave an interesting address on the his- tory of the church. He traced its growth and gave many interesting incidents which had taken place in connection with it. An outstanding feature was that there had never been a split of any sort and all members worked in unison for the good of the cause. Great things were witnessed during the re- cent revival, when the church membership was considerably increased. The hymn "Na foed cydweithwyr Dmv" having been sung, Mr. E. H. Davies laid the first stone, and afterwards delivered an ad- dress. He congratulated the church and its pastor on the energy they had displayed in the past and their courage in proceeding with the erection of a new chapel. The pas- tor was an exemplary man, and, as statistical secretary to the union, he had rendered great service to the connexion. He hoped the church would live up to its traditions, and that unity would, in one future as in the past, be one of its chief characteristics. Let everyone sacrifice something and take a per- sonal interest in the work of the church. On all hands there were indications of develop- ment in that district, and while there was progress from a commercial point of view he hoped there would not be anything akin to spiritual lethargy. The second stone was laid by the Chairman on behalf of Councillor T. Griffiths, and the third by Mr. W. H. Elliot (Cardiff), who is a native of Heolycue. In an eloquent address Mr. Elliot enumerated many interesting episodes of his early days spent in that dis- trict, and said he owed a preat deal to the little cause at Bethel. Wales was greatly indebted to the little country edifices, which had turned out some of the best men in the towns. The backbone of the town churches and other institutions existing for good pur- poses, were the men who hailed from the country places where they had been trained to respect Christianity and to love the house of prayer. The speaker dealt with the move- ment which had so suddenly sprung up in connection with social reform, and said he hoped that church, and every other church, would play its proper part in connection with this movement. He was ufraid the church, which should be the pioneer in the move- ment, had been lapping behind somewhat, but there were signs of an early awakening. He believed that the church existed for the good of mankind socially as well as spiritu- ally. and he hoped it would always discharge these two phases of its vvoii. I The remaining stones were gracefully laid by Miss A. M .Williams. Lan Farm, Bryn- cethin Miss E. M. Griffiths, Tynywaun Farm; and Miss M. E. Edwards, the little grand-daughter of Mr. Griffith Edwards. The service was concluded by the Rev. E. Davies, of Aberkenfig, who offered prayer. Tea was subsequently served in a marquee, the ladies of the church providing the tables." In the evening a successful sacred concert was held in the old Bethel Chapel.

ANOTHER REVIVAL. To the Editor. Dear Sir,—The Bridgend and District Publicans have held a Revival" of their annual athletic sports. Now, sir, I wish to protest against the use of the sacred word revival in this connection, kind especially in the offensive way the said body do it. Whether publicans are permitted by law to organise sports in order to promote drinking is a question for the police and magistrates, but it is for all who love religion and Wales to show disapproval of the prostitution of this blessed word. Do the publicans think their trade religious? Don't they know it is not even respectable ?—Yours truly, WELSHMAN.

THE REPRESENTATION OF MID- GLAMORGAN. To the Editor. Sir,—As it is not unlikely that Mr. S. T. Evans's brilliant legal powers and his great political services will before long find their fitting recognition, and as strenuous efforts are already being put fortn to commit the Labour vote, I venture to point out the wis- dom of making haste slowly in this matter lest we make an irretrievable blunder. What I wish especially to point out is that the seat is not only a labour one, but it is equally and essentially a Nonconformist and a Nationalist constituency, and in selecting a candidate we should insist in having if possible not only a workman but also a Free Church- man and a genuine Welshman. Wales has for more than a generation made strenuous efforts and great sacrifices, for, among other things, liberating the schools from the dominion of the parson and the Church from the State, and yet not less than three of the Labour members voted against the present Education Bill, and that shows a man may be a good Labour member, and yet be hostile to the Free Churches. Wales is what she is politically to-day because of the enlightened and untiring efforts of men like Henry Richard and Tom Ellis and Lloyd George, and an unwise choice may undo all their beneficent work. Moreover, in the Labour ranks and within the constituency there are plenty of suitable Welshmen and workmen who would make capital members.—Yours truly, VOTER.

STREET COLLECTIONS. To the Editor. Sir,—The peace of the seventh day was on Sunday last at Aberkenfig disturbed by a proceeding which calls for some comment upon its character. A procession of men paraded the streets headed by a local band of musicians, with the object of collecting for a fund devoted to the relief of the widows of the employees of the G.W. Railway. Now, I fail to see that the end was such as to jus- tify a breach of the social privacy which characterises a British, and perhaps distinc- tively a Welsh, Sunday. In the first place the object is partisan, and not public-the attempt of a class to create a system of in- surance at the expense of others. For if it be proper to invite contributions for the sake of those dependent upon railwaymen, then it is equally right that railwaymen should be invited to assist in turn the unfortunate posterity of deceased miners, and by impli- cation, to assist every other class. Did each class institute a demonstration on similar lines, and each group assist the other, the net result would be to leave things as they were; while all the trouble incident to carry- ing out the various processions, together with the annoyance caused each other by disturb- ing the privacy of a day of rest, would have been incurred in vain. As this cannot be the end desired, the assumption that the de- monstration was designed to further a class interest is clearly justified, ibe disturbance of Sunday last did not stop at that caused by the playing of the band, but extended to the aggressive act of knocking at the doors. Quite recently I was accosted in the streets of Bridgend with an appeal for aid towards the erection of a chapel. You will perceive the condition in this case to be identical with those of the first. Apart from the specific issues, there is, underlying the practice, an issue of fundamental importance. If there is a cause which contributes more than any other to the need for appeals of this charac- ter, it will be found to oe implicit in the means instituted to assist the one and to pro- mote the other. It is the absence of self- reliance. And self-reliance, wherever prac- tised, will be found to involve another human quality the exercise of which is perhaps most emphatically distinctive, and mose decisively indicative of the superiority of the civilised man over the primitive man. This quality is self-restraint, in which will be found the cardinal element of morality. Its exercise requires that in the absence of the means adequate to realise a desired end, that end is postponed rather than independence be sacrificed. I cannot refrain from adding that my peti- tioner in the last case was a young girl, who will probably be taught on a succeeding Sun- day the rules of right living. Can you won- der, when the unformed natures of such as she have placed before them such a model of conduct in the construction of which they are made innocent accomplices, grow up to see nothing wrong in asking for articles they have no existing means to pay for, and who acquire ultimately that narasitic mode of living whose history can be nrofitablv studied in the annals of our civil courts? Thanking you in anticipation.—Yours, etc., A MORALIST.

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OUR LOST INDEPENDENCE. By LEIGH WESTERDALE. I have been permitted to make a few re- marks in this column before on the tyranny of modern society, on the complete subjec- tion of man to manners, formality and cus- tom, and the impossibility of the soul rising to freedom, reality, and truth unless the body containing it is allowed to return to its original state of independence. For the cancer at the core of life is falsehood to in- dividuality; but falsehood so hidden and dis- guised by age, so believed in as propriety and rectitude, that it has come to be regarded as truth. This belief is even carried, often unknow- ingly, into the home, church, and religious life, veiled or invisible, but always there, pervading all things, the human animal im- aging itself to be a noble pattern of virtuous perfection, whilst all the time it is a lying, deceitful parody on the creature the Almighty originally intended and produced. This truth has again been deeply impressed upon my mind by an amusing incident. A certain gentleman, who reads his Gazette" dutifully, happened to catch sight of my previous article on the subject of in- dependence, and seeing me one day during the following week, assured me of his deep interest in the subject, and how necessary he felt it that so-called civilised races should break free from the bondage of fashion and formality, and allow originality in every way to assert itself. Now, a few days later, feeling somewhat lazy and allowing myself to submit to the slothful inclinations, which, I believe, does one as much good at times as submitting the other way—to work (for why be a one-sided one-idead creature?), I happened to turn up at a certain function unshaved!—with my capillose adornment protruding in bristles about a sixteenth of an inch around my throat and chin. Nature had produced it. I was helpless in the matter. It had grown there without my permission. Usually I re- move it, but, as I say. on this particular day I felt inclined to let it be. Obviously it was no sin to allow it to remain. Therefore I did so. But this local enthusiast on inde- pendence crossing the room to greet me, stared at the lower part of my face with un- disguised astonishment. "Good gracious," he said. "you've forgot- ten to shave!" Not at all!" said I; "I didn't feel in- clined to. Therefore, why snould I?" "Well! You look disgraceful. got nearly half an inch of hair on your chin. Why on earth didn't you cut it off, if only with a pair of scissors, before you came?" I looked him straightly in the eye, without a blush. "Well!" I remarked, "you do look dis- graceful. You've got nearly four inches of uncultured forest over your eyes. Why on earth didn't you cut your eyebrows off, if only with a pair of scissors, before you came ?" He did not seem to see the point of the re- mark at all, but if there were 7,000 people in Bridgend and 6,990 cut off their eyebrows, he would do it too! Because 490 out of every 500 young men he meets with shave every day, he does so, and looks upon rt as an awful dis- grace to neglect the deed. Why should he? Why should I? Why should you ? Why go with the crowd? Why be a sheep? Why? Because we have lost our individuality; we have lost our indepen- dence, and rather than be true to natural in- stincts and inclinations, and follow the god- dess Reality," who ever despairingly bids us forward, we are willing to follow the next- door neighbour—whom we snub and despise at the same time-and put ourselves to any inconvenience because the great all-import- ant They" have decreed this thing the fashion, to bow the knee to "azor," to wor- ship the god Custom." It is grotesque. Yes! 1 received such coldness, such boy- cotting, so many disgusted and amused looks, so many cynical, stupid, illogical remarks from rude people for turning up at that function unshaved that 1 almost lost my usual self-possession, and became ashamed of myself. But not quite. I returned home, read Emerson's essay on Independence, and hunted up the twentieth chapter of Exodus. When I had finished down to "Thou shalt not covet," I felt calm and restored, for no- where had I found Thou shalt not go un- shaven," and I smiled to think that whilst I had received general condemnation for breaking an unwritten commandment (and therefore committed no sin), many of my tor- mentors were probably playing fast and loose with three or four of the ten legal ones, and receiving commendation tor doing so. Such is the force of falsehood to individuality, such is the effect of the loss of independence. The world is all sham—wicked and twisted out of all conception of what is really right and proper. But this homogeneity and one-mindedness leads to far graver issues—mistakes. We accept the voice of the majority in domestic, social, and political life. It is pitiable, but it is not fatal to mankind, for all these phases of existence will one dav pass away utterly and for ever along with the dross and glitter of the world, but when we enter the domain of religion in the same state of mind- paralysis, we are stepping on exceedingly dangerous ground. Originality in thought is needed here, if anywhere, and yet.what do we find-the same acceptance of the crowd's decree, instead of using our own separate brains to delve into the matter and extract the truth. The ant is a clever insect. Put down a pi.^ce °f ,cake, in tlie way of an ant, and he will fetch others to enjoy it. When the crowd is busy eating put down a drop or two of honey a few inches away. Every fresh ant approaching the feast having been in- formed of the position of the cake, will, as a rule, run straight for the crowd and leave the far superior honey—in 'their estimation—un- touched. But if one independent one hap- pens to go out surveying and discovers the better thing, he brings the others, and soon there is a huge crowd around the honey, and the cake is deserted. Man is no whit superior. We accept a thing as best because we do not trouble to search for a better. Worse—we accept a truth, generally recognised as such. when we have neither tapped nor examined it, nor even traced it to its source. For instance, we most of us believe with regard to the first bit of authentic recorded I scandal, that it was the woman who tempted the man. This is well known aiyd is taken for granted by the new aspirant xo Biblical knowledge, and yet it is the lie absolute. If one reads carefully the third chapel of that much neglected classic—the Book of Genesis—it is obvious that the male first tempted the female, else the .'devil is a woman! As he has been authoritatively called "the Prince," this is at once disproved. "He," and not "she," was the author of the first act of temptation, hence the much condemned woman, the temptress, the root of all evil," the curse of the world, is, in reality, the noble!, creature of the two. If man has been given greater powers, he is often the weaker of the two to-day, and has proved himself to be so all through history. Satan chose the gentler of the two as his most likely victim, who by her very nature, would be the most subject to his subtle sug- gestions, and she has had to bear the blame ever since. The female is innocent of the fall of the world into sin and misery. She was the tempted; "he" the tempter. Yet in every book published on the" Fall of Man," and in every sermon preached on it. the same old fable is trotted out, time after time, accepted as truth by most without a murmur, without a thought—the poor women feeling that all the burden of disgrace lies upon them. It is high time womankind was justified and pub- licly exonerated. Again. See how civilized humanity has ordered the use of its appetites, senses, and affections. Morality built up on a false basis. The unoriginal crowd plunging as one into the abyss of darkness, imagining it is in the light. Drunkenness, gluttony, or laziness is voted bad form" in ordinary society. In reli- gious circles gambling, swearing, and. in some. smoking, is "bad form," and barred by the crowd. It is the proper thing for a man to sup- I press the fierce craving for drink. It is the proper thing for a man to conquer an in- satiable desire for food. It is the proper thing for a man to gain the victory over slothfulness. It is the nroper thing for a man to battle bravely with the madness of gambling fever. All this society agrees with; but when that fit of temporary lJ- sanity, the beginning of love, rises up in a

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PORTHCAWL ENCAMPMENTS. WORCESTER AND WARWICKSHIRE BRIGADE EXPECTED NEXT YEAR. At a special meeting of the Porthcawl Urban District Council on Friday evening, Mr. W. J. Griffin, J.P., presiding, the clerk (Mr. E. T. David) read a telegram from Capt. Gerrard, now at Perham Down, inquiring whether it would be possible for the Worces- ter and Warwickshire Volunteer Infantry Brigade to have camping ground at Porth- cawl for August Bank Holiday week, 1907. The members present were unanimous in the opinion that the application should be granted, but it was thought desirable that the camp would be more advantageous to the town if held in July, so that it would not in- terfere with the ordinary holiday traffic. Acting on the resolution passed. Mr. David has replied in the following terms: With reference to your telegram, I am instructed by my Council to most cordially invite the Worcester and Warwick Volunteer Infantry Brigade to encamp at Porthcawl in 1907. My Council would esteem rt a favour if you could arrange to hold the camp in the month of July, inasmuch as there would be better facilities for catering for the Volunteers in that month than in the month of August, which is the busiest month of the year in Porthcawl on account of the number of visi- tors. Volunteer encampments have been held in the month of July. which has been found a more convenient time. If, however, it is impossible to adopt the Council's sug- gestion, they will be ready to extend to thn battalions as hearty a welcome as if they came in July."

Brothers Drowned at Aberthaw. Mr. E. Llewellyn Reece (the deputy- coroner) conducted an inquest at Aberthaw on the 9th inst. on the bodies of Stanley Evan Thomas Powell (11) and Henry Rees Powell (9), sons of Mr. Stephen Powell, collier, of Newtown, Llantwit Vardre, who were drowned whilst bathing in Pleasant Har- bour, Aberthaw. The inquest was held at Pleasant Harbour House, the residence of Mr. Baglett, Taff Vale Railway stationmas- ter, where the bodies of the boys have lain since the recovery. Mr. Matthew Evans, farmer, acted as foreman of the jury. Evidence of identification was given by Emily Jane Powell, sister or the deceased boys, who said she was at Barry Island when the accident happened. Florrie May Catts (12). who was with the party, said she saw the two boys enter the water. Harry sank, and did not come up, but after Stanley had gone under the water he pushed his head up twice. I believe he was trymg to come out, but he could not, remarked the witness. Mr. George Pople said he was superinten- dent of the Wesleyan Sunday School, Llantwit Vardre. On Thursday a party of eight adults (including himself) and 44 child- ten went for an outing to Aberthaw. Before dinner lie warned all the children not to undress to bathe, telling them they could paddle their feet. ^olir"Constable Thomas. Rhoose, said the little boys were about 50 vards from any of the other children. The Coroner (to Mr. P'ople): Did you see them undress? Witness: No, but some of the teachers ordered them out of the water once, only they must have gone in again. James Jones, dock pilot, of 55 Castleland- street, Barry Dock, said he heard of the occurrence whilst at the Leys. The pro- ceeded to the spot and found Police-constable Yates grappling for the bodies. He immediately stripped, and dived into the water. After doing so several times ho recovered the bodies and landed them. The jury returned a verdict of Death from Accidental Drowning.

Mrs. Pleasance Rix, a widow, who has been twice married, has just celebrated her 104th birthday at Sprowston. Norfolk. With spectacles she can read, and seldom misses perusing a daily newspaper. Motor cars she regards as a tempting of Providence. A Greek stowaway named Leonidas Kala- mat, sentenced on Monday at Stratford to 21 days' hard labour, was discovered in a curious manner. He paid a fireman on the SR. Etonian a small sum of money to arrange for Kalamat to secrete himself on the ship. The man kept Kalamat in his quarters, finding him food. On the voyage, however, the fire- man dropped dead, and when his quartern were searched the prisoner was found.