Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

BUY FROM THE PRODUCER. ] TREMENDOUS REDUCTION IN PRICES AT LIPTON'S HAMS! HAMS! I HAMS! I BACON! BACON! I BACON! PERFECTION IN QUALITY. THE FINEST HAMS IN THE WORLD. QWN KILLING AND CURING. SPECIALLY SELECTED. SPECIALLY SELECTED. Own Brand, 6-Ld. per lb. From 4d. per lb. 2 A PRICE HITHERTO UNEQUALLED FOR CHEAPNESS. LEAN, MILD, AND FINE FLAVOURED. jons Qf ex^ra choicest to select from EVERY HAM GUARANTEED PERFECTION. 20,000 OF LIPTON'S HAMS SOLD WEEKLY. g O L L S A N D 0 TJ T S OTHER CHOICE QUALITIES, Tfc 1 "11^ ^eorefc how LIPTON can sell Hums and Bacon Cheaper than all Com- JL Gl' OCI* ID* petitors is:—Because he is one of the Largest Curers in the World. Customers NO MATTER WHAT PRICE IS PAID, FINER CANNOT BE HAD. buying from him save all Middlemen's profits, and get a much superior article. LIPTON, THE LARGEST TEA, COFFEE, & PROVISION DEALER IN THE WORLD. Local Branch: 4, MARKET SQUARE BUILDINGS, MERTHYR TYDFIL. BRANCHES EVERYWHERE.

LICENSED VICTUALLERS' BANQUET. The annual banquet of the Merthyr and Dowlais Licensed Victuallers' and Beerhouse Keepers Associa- tion, was held at the Bush Hotel on Thursday evening last, when close upon two hundred members and visitors sat down to a most recherche banquet which was served out in a manner that reflected great credit upon Mr. and Mrs. B. Michael, the genial host and hostess. The dining hall had been decorated in a beautiful manner, which proved that Mr. Meredith, to whom this duty was entrusted to, is possessed of very considerable artistic talent. The walls had been draped with coloured hangings, relieved here and there by mirrors and fans, and in in prominent posi- tions were such mottoes as Success to our Associa- tion," Defence not defiance," and Unity is strength." The whole arrangements were in the hands of Councillor Dan Thomas, who carried out his duties in a most assiduous manner, and utilised that rare ability of which he is possessed to make the event the most successful of its kind ever held in Merthyr. The chair was occupied by Mr. E. D. Evans, Heol- gerrig, the outgoine president of the Association, and he was supported on the cross table by Mr. Reginald Mortimer (barrister-at-law), Alderman Hislop, J.P., Newcastle-under-Lyne, president of the National Defence League, Mr. Alfred A very (general secretary of the League). Mr. Herbert C. Lewis (The Mardy, Aberdare), Colonel Lewis, Messrs. Christmas Evans, W. Griffiths (Taflt Vale Brewery), J. T. Harrap, Thos. Jenkins, J.P. (High Constable), Councillor Dan Thomas, Dr. Cromwell Jones, Mr. Thomas Moiris, C.C. (Taff Brae, Cefn), Mr. F. T. James (solicitor), and the Rev. Canon Wade. Whilst the inner man was in the course of being satisfied, sweet strains of music enlivened the pro- ceedings, Mr. Morgan manipulating the harp, and Mr. Scott the concertina. A most exhaustive toast list had been prepared, and the first two toasts, namely those of "The Queen" and The Prince and Princess of Wales, were loyally drunk with musical honours. The ministers of all denominations" had been entrusted to Mr. J. W. Lewis, who, in the course of a felicitous speech, said that the drinking of that toast was an acknowledgment of the conscientiousness with which ministers discharged their duties. He observed that at a temperance meeting in Cardiff a minister of religion had admitted the utter failure of the Sunday Closing Act in Wales, and when ministers admitted that they might depend upon it that it would not be long before that Act would be repealed. The gentle- man who was to respond to that toast was noted for his devotion to duty, and his solicitude for the welfare of the poor, and he asked them to heartily drink the toast, coupled with the name of Canon Wade (applause). The Rev. Canon Wade, in responding, declared that) they should not blame the licensed victualler, who conducted his business in an honourable manner. What they should blame was the abuse of the trade (applause). It was as wrong to blame the publican for the evils of drink, as it was to blame the gun- powder manufacturer for causing hecatombs of slaughter on the battlefield (applause). It was a matter of regret that their learned stipendiary and the magistrates' clerk had been forced to confess that the Sunday Closing Act was a failure, and it was also a matter of regret that he, as a minister, was bound to join in that confession (applause). He knew that it had created fresh crimes, and it was a proof of the failure of the experiments of faddists. Mr. Vazie Simons proposed the toast of The Army, Navy, and Auxiliary Forces," coupling with it the names of Colonel D. R. Lewis and Major L. P. Jones. Colonel Lewis, in responding, expressed the pride he felt that he was the commanding officer of the largest regiment of Volunteers in Great Britain, and in Fact that the Merthyr detachment was so efficient. Arrangements had been made for a march of a Welsh regiment through South Wales, and he felt certain that they would be able to prove to the inhabitants that they were not the drunken lot that they were usually thought to be, but that they were men who could properly behave themselves. He hoped that when they did come to Merthyr the licensed vic- tuallers of Merthyr would treat them as they should be treated (cries of We will"). When a battalion of engineers passed through some years ago they were billeted upon the licensed victuallers, and a corporal had told him that instead of being treated to boiled stuffs they had had the choicest poultry (laughter). He concluded an able speech by complimenting the men on their behaviour at camp, and by hoping that Government would deal generously with the force in future. Mr. Reginald Mortimer proposed the toast of Our Magistrates and the Governing bodies," and in the course of a lengthy speech observed that they had few opportunities of showing the magistrates how they appreciated their voluntary yet arduous duties— (hear, hear)—and he would not be presuming too much when he said that the presence of magistrates at gatherings of that kind was due insomepaitto the sympathy they felt for those who were doing their beat in a difficult and sometimes despised trade. In proposing that toast he could not but allude to the fact that, since their last annual gathering, one of the most respected magistrates in the county of Glamor- gan had been taken away. There was no man whose opinion was more appreciated by his fellow-townsmen and all who knew him than the late Mr. Smyth (applause). That gentleman was appreciated for his extreme integrity, uprightness, and impartiality, and everyone present that night deeply lamented his loss. He asked if it would be possible for some of them to show a little more true sympathy with those who had to carry on a very difficult and a very arduous trade (apolause). Those engaged in the trade had a difficult task to perform in trying to perform their duty to the laws of the country, their duty to the people, and their duty to themselves. If this sympathy was shown, he did not think the Bench would lose one whit of its dignity, and he was sure the people of the country and the members of the trade would deeply appreciate it (applause). There were other governing bodies besides the magistrates, and there was one authority which was higher than the magistrates, and that was Parliament. The Houses of Parliament- the House of Commons in particular-had not been very busy with the trade during the last year, for they had been otherwise engaged. No Local Veto Bill had been re-introduced this year, but it was true they bad the promise of one in the future. He could assure them that when this Bill was re-introduced it would have a warmer reception than its wretched predecessor (applause). They had heard no more about the Welsh Local Veto Bill, and he supposed that measure was crumbling in the mausoleum where all the ill-gotten progenies of teetotal reform would keep it warm company (laughter and applause). Sir William Harcourt could not raise any money on the Nonconformist conscience, of which they had heard so much, and he was obliged to turn his attention to the licensed victuallers, the brewers, and the distillers. Overburdened with taxation as the licensed victuallers were, yet they were ever ready to come forward and put their hands deep into their pockets on behalf of any good object—(applause)—and they had proved themselves always ready to help the fatherless and the widow in a time of need. During the past year they had heen entertained a? onlookers at several schemes which had lieen placed before the country. The Bishop of Loudon had come forward with his little licensing scheme, and the Bishop of Chester (Dr. Jayne) had bis scheme, whilst there were several suggestions from various teetotal organisations. The result of it all had been that amid the smashing of mitres and the clashing of teetotal tongues, the licen- sed trade still went on, and the people who required reasonable refreshments treated those in the trade as respectable and responsible citizens (applause). Despite all these tilings, they must not be surprised if he said that they were not quite contented, for they did not want to see sri much credence given to the thumping lie of the United Kingdom Alliance agita- tor, nor so much countenance given to the evidence of paid spies, as the system of espionage was altogether un-English (applause). England's greatness had been made by maintaining her old institutions, and by the liberties which were allowed equally to all Her Majesty's subjects (applause). The High Constable responded in a witty speech, and was followed by Mr. V. A. Wills who said that one of the great apostles of teetotalism in Merthyr « said that the beer was at the bottom of the recent yocal election. He (Mr. Wills) differed entirely from that gentleman, because he believed that the elections were fought on the water question—(loud laughter)— and if they would only refer to the columns of the local papers during the last three weeks they would see very interesting debates on the water question. Soma members of the old Local Board were unable to retain their seats owing to the fact that a large CUJtb.r of them were members of the great secret committee (applause). But m common parlance he iniflit tell them that at the very first meeting of the new Council they busted the show "—(applause)— and from henceforth each and every member of the Council would have the right to know the ins and outs of everything that was being carried on. Last year he told them that at the Local Board there was an inner circle, but by the spirit and energy of men like Mr. Dan Thomas—(applause)—with his trenchant remarks in the press, they had been the means in a great measure of bringing the electorate of the parish to a right sense of their duty. He flattered himself that the electors had sent to the Urban District Council a finer body of men than had ever sat there before (applause). He did not mean to say that they were going to bring down the rates straight away, because under the new Act they would probably have to entail considerable expenditure, but they might stake their bottom dollar that the majority of the Council would do their liest to economise. A great deal had been said about One man 'one Board," but until he sat on more than one public authority he had no idea of knowing how the affairs of the parish were managed. The very men who cried out One man, one Board," had been sitting on several local bodies for years andfcad things all their own way, but when they found^hat a few men like himself, Mr. Dan Thomas, and Mr. Evan Lewis followed them into their den and liearded them, they began to cry "One man, one Board" (applause). To-day Wales was suffering from a very bad disease—the Welsh Sunday Closing Act-the only remedy for which was to repeal the Act—(applause)—in such a way as would meet with the approval of the people. He hoped they would make this a test question at every election until they got the Act repealed, so that the poor man would no longer be robbed of his beer on Sunday (applause). The Licensed Victuallers Defence Leigue of England and Wales and the National Trade Defence Fund was proposed by Mr. Tom Edwards, Ponty- pridd. He contended that there was nothing to be found fault with in their trade except the abuses which crept in, and in every good thing which God had bestowed upon mankind abuses of some kind would creep in and there came the mischief. When their Great Master lived upon the earth something like nineteen centuries ago there was amongst the Jews a proud sect known as the Pbarises who thought themselves righteous and despised others. To-day, unfortunately amongst the Gentiles they would find a proud sect who thought themselves righteous and depised everybody connected with the lisensed trade. If these people would come amongst them at gather- ings of thatr kind they would get 110 harm, and the presence of good men like Canon Wade could only assist others to become good (applause). For nearly forty years he (the speaker) had lived in the trade and he had done business amongst public houses from January to December, and those who knew him could judge whether he had been at all demoralised during the whole of that time. His experience was that public houses were a great source from which people obtained an enormous amount of intelligence and recreation. Faddists might try their best to injure the legitimate licensed trade, but that trade could not be dealt with by better hands than the magis- trates, who now rightly insisted upon having every house properly conducted. Alderman Hislop, J.P., responded, and having explained the objpcts of the league went on to say that it was called into existence in 1872 owing to the embarassing legislation which took place at the time under a Bill introduced into Parliament by Mr. Bruce, now Lord Aberdare. This Bill bristled with pains and penalties against members of the trade, and It was therefore considered necessary that some national organisation should be established. The first meeting was held at Salford, where they had a fair representation of those engaged in the trade throughout the kingdom. They formed an executive body called the Council, and with their president and vice-president they had continued to exist until now (applause). The duty of the league was to watch the various measures which were from time to time intro- duced into Parliament, and which could be con- sidered as aggressive against the trade. In that respect they had endeavoured to do their duty as far as they possibly could, and to-day, the league was more powerful than it ever had been before, both numeri- cally and financially. The financial year was just closing, and the finance committee would meet next week, and he was glad that in this respect the year had been a successful one (applause). It was a national movement, and he was proud of the colleagues he had worked with during the last 21 years. He had met those who had known the trade 30 years ago, and from them he had received a good schooling, and gained a great experience which had proved of much use to the league. They had briefly referred to measures which had been passed, and which had proved highly detrimental. Take the last 25 years what had been the cause of these measures being introduced ? Was it because there had lieen any great degradation of the people, or because of any great a cry on the part of the nation of such legislation. With regard to the Welsh Sunday Closing Act, what was the justification for the passing of that Act. At the demand of the Principality, a commission sat some time ago to enquire into the operation of that Act. This commission visited all the most important towns in Wales and collected a vast amount of evidence but lie was sorry to say that there was a great absence of evidence given on behalf of the trade. He regretted this, because, if anyone knew how the trade was being conducted, and how it ought to be conducted, it was those who were engaged in it (applause). It was not the Bishop of Chester, and it was not the gentlemen who preached on Sundays, or the gentlemen in the House of Commons who knew how to conduct the licensed victualler's trade. It was the licensed •victualler himself. This commission, then, that sat in Wales-he believed it sat in every important town in the Principality—collected a large amount of evidence in regard to the Sunday Closing Act. When they issued their report, he must say that report was most incomplete, it was most inaccurate and halting, and disappointing, meaning neither one thing nor the other. The Commissioners' report meant nothing whatever. The question which that commission was expected to answer was whether the operation of the Sunday Closing Act had decreased or increased drunkenness on Sundays (applause). But upon this question the Commissioners were silent. However, they all knew that drunkenness had greatly increased through the operation of the Act. The Commissioners, it was true, made certain suggestions such as that the bona fide traveller should nave to walk six miles instead of three, and that no one should be allowed to remain in a public-house to consume spirits longer than was necessary, and that the land- lord should keep a book in which the names of every- one who called for a drink should be entered. This was an insult to the licensing trade of Wales (applause). Then there was the Local Veto Bill, which had now mysteriously disappeared, and for which there should be some justification before it was introduced into Parliament. The petitions signed against the Local Veto Bill con- tained the signatures of 2,000,000 people, whereas the petitions presented in favour of the measure only had 600,000 signatures, and this, he ventured to say, showed the feeling of the country upon the matter. I He was pleased to hear of the success of their asso- ciation, which he believed was due to the efforts of their president and Mr. Dan Thomas (applause). He hoped they would all stand together when the time came for them to return members to the House of Commons. He apprehended that they had a candi- date-(" We have")—and he hoped they would leave no stone unturned in their efforts to return him to Parliament (applause). Mr. Taliesin Morgan and Mr. Dan :Thomas also responded. Mr. Herbert C. Lewis, who was received with loud applaube, next proposed "The Town and Trade of Merthyr." Ho spoke of the mineral wealth which was only waiting for capitalists to develop, and said that in the coal trade Merthyr was not only the mother in South Wales but of the whole world (applause). The expansion of Merthyr was still going on, and an instance of this could be found in the employment which Mr. Christmas Evans was finding for Merthyr men who chose to go over with him to Gilfach Goch (applause). Mr. Lewis con- i eluded by paying that those who had made enormous wealth in Merthyr had left behind no public monu- ments. He believed that there were resources from which Merthyr could again renew her strength and continue to prosper (applause). Mr. W. Griffiths, in responding to the toast, said that Merthyr rose to prosperity very rapidly, and 18 or 20 year. ago it seemed likely to go down as rapidly. But now they could see new houses in front of them, houses behind them, and houses on each side, and p!enty of people anxious to fill them. With regard to the proposed new public offices, he thought that the site chosen was an excellent one. as it was situated j H midst the three graces. There waa St. David's Church signifying Faith," and Hope Chapel on the other, whilst at the back they nad the Union Workhouse signifying Charity (loud applause). He saw that from the Board of Trade returns the trade of the country was improving, and he sincerely hoped that Merthyr would get its full share of national prosperity (applause). Mr. Evan Lewis al £ o responded. Mr. W. Meredith, in submitting Success to the Merthyr, Dowlais, and District Licensed Victuallers' Association," said that it must be understood that the object of the Association was not to defend those who wilfully broke the law, but to assist those who were honestly endeavouring to carry on a difficult trade to the best of their ability (applause). The President, in response, said that during the past year the association bad increased by forty members, and as regarded finances, they were in a splendid position. He would endeavour to support those who supported the trade, and turn the tables at the next Parliamentary election (applause). He also hoped that their new president (Mr. Dan Thomas) would receive the same support from the members which he (the speaker) had enjoyed during the two years he had been in office (applause). Mr. Mansfield, the vice-president, proposed the toast of the "Visitors," which was responded to by Mr. Avery. "The Press" was proposed by Councillor Thomas Morris, and responded to by Mr. J. O. Jones (Ap Ffarmwr), editor of the Merthyr Times Mr. E. R. Evans, Merthyr Times; Mr. Alfred Edmonds, assistant editor of the Merthyr Express; Mr. J. G. E. Astle, 80"uth Wales Daily News; Mr. H. V. Coles, Merthyr Express. "The Chairman" having been honoured, the proceedings were brought to a close by the rendering of the Welsh and English National Anthems. During the evening the following gentlemen entertained the guests to musical selections, namely "Gwyn Alaw," Messrs. Sandford Jones, D. C. Fowell, W. Williams, and Matt. Keating.

MERTHYR SCHOOL BOARD. THREE YEARS' WORK. The School Board election is drawing near,an event in which an exceptional degree of interest is taken by the voters and the general public. A brief review of the work done by the present Board during its tenure of office will not be out of place. Wo can only men- tion some of the more important items. The reader who is anxious for fuller information should secure a copy of the Eighth Triennial Report, recently issued by the Board. SCHOOL ACCOMMODATION*. — At Aberfan a new infant's school was opened to accomodate 200 children. Classrooms at Abermorlais have been enlarged, cloakroom and lavatory fitted up, and ventilators put in the roof. Infant department at Abercanaid enlarged, and additional accommodation provided in the mixed department. Additional room erected at Clwydyfagwyr by chapel trustees. Addi- tional office accommodation at Caedraw. The sum of JB580 spent on office accommodation at Dowlais, demanded by the Department many other improve- ments effected. New set of offices and fuel house at Gellifaelog. Alterations in the lights, ventilation, and office arransrement at Georgetown, these also demanded by the department, carried out by Messrs. Crawshay, who own the property increase of annual rent, f20. New cloakroom, &c., at rfeolgerrig. In 1891 a large classroom to each department put up at Trehirris, at a cost of £ 456; pressure still continuing, a contract for a separate girls' department has been given for £1,475. Plans for new cloakroom, &c., at Troedyrhiw submitted. TRUANT SCHOOL.— The Board are interested in this institution to the extent of one-fifth, and a loan of £1,500 has been raised. The land cost JE500. and the contract price for the building was £ 6,279. Up to the present the school has cost £ 10,054. NEW SCHOOL.-The new Board will have to erect a new school at Grawen, where a site has been acquired, 99 years lease at a rental of £ 10 7s. 6d. accommoda- tion, 300 children. ACCOM MODATIOX.—The schools managed by the Board have accommodation for 9,907 children on register, '92, 8734; '93, 9162: '94, 9252; average attendance, '92, 6827; '93, 7032; '94, 7402. The voluntary schools accommodate 2414 on register at present, 1908 average attendance last year, 1481. In the Board Schools the percentage of attendance is 73*3; Dowlais Catholic, 64'6; Merthyr Catholic, 68'8; St. David's National, 65'2; Pentrebach National, 67'8. Total number of teachers of all grades, 325. GRANTS.—In '92, 17 schools out of 18 earned full grant; in '93, 18 out of 21 in '94, 19 out of 21. Spe- cific subjects: '92, j328 8s. '93, JB66 15s. '94, £ 58 17s. ATTENDANCE.—Special efforts are made to secure attendance. In '92, 867 notices were served on paren s; in '93, 788, and in '94, 874. The numbtr of summons issued during the three years were 479, 398, and 515 respectively. In '92, 251 persons were fined 5s. in '93, 220; and in '94, 221. Fifty-eight lad" were sent by the Merthyr magistrates to the truant school; out of these, only six were sent there a second time, the remainder doirg better in school than ever before." AGE OF CHILDREN.—This subject is exhaustively dealt with in an address delivered by Mr. C. H. James, J.P., a report of which will be found in another column. FINANCE.—In '70 the rateable value of Merthyr Parish was jB151,798 now it is £207,916. In '72 the Board received Ll,265 from the rates, or 2id. in the E. Last year it received £11,600, or a rate of 18. 2'2d in tbeJB. On the whole the increase has been steady, though there are exceptions. One of them is the year '92, when the sum was B6,500, or a rate of 7'77d., the sum for the previous year being £ 8,250, or a rate of 10"47d. The rate has exceeded a shilling only three times, namely in '88 (Is. 0'71d), '93 (Is. 0"46d.), and '94 (Is. 2'20d.). The average rate since the formation of the Board in '71 is a little over 7d. in the j3. The poor rate has been practically the same since '68, when it was 3s. It has been 2s. nine years 2s. 3d. two years 2s. 6d. three years and 3s. twelve years. Last year it was 4s., owing to arrears having accumu- lated. The expenditure for the three years amounts to £ 66,390 out of this £ 2,193, or 3"31 per cent., was paid as salaries to officer*; the whole expense of administration was £ 3,305, or 4'99 per cent. £39,258, or 59'13 per cent. was paid to teachers. In '92 the expenditure was Lll,441 '93, £16,629; '94, £ 16,666. COST TER HEAD.—In '92, the expenditure per head was £ 2 7s. 4d. (omitting decimals); '93, £ 2 7s. 5d. '94, £ 2 5s. 3d.. Note that the cost per head in '94 was less by 2s. 2d. than it was in '93, and less by 2s. Id. than '92. The average expenditure pet head in all board schools in England was B2 7s. lid. in '92, and £ 2 8s. 4Jd. in '93 in Wales, £ 2 Is. 4d., and £2 2s. 6jd. respectively. GRANT PER HEAD.-The Government grant per head was as follows :—19s. lO^d. in '92 £1 Os. 4'07d. in '93; and £1 Os. 1'28 in '94. The average grant in board schools in England was 18s. 9^d. in 92, and 18s. lid. in '93; in Wales, 18s. 7jd. in '92; figures for '93 and '94 not published. ATTENDANCE OF MEMBERS.—The members have attended as follows :—Mr. D. Davies, 190, out of a possible 204; Rev. D. C. Edwards, 60 out of 155; Mr. Isaac Edwards, 122 out of 185; Mr. H. E. Gray, 79 out of 141; Mr. C. H. James, J.P., 121 out of 190 Mr. T. Jenkins, J.P., 87 out of 190; Mr. Joseph Owen, 107, out of 185; Father Pippett, 65 out of 152 Mr. Rees Price, 190, out of 190; Mr. T. Williams, J.P., 135, out of 219 Rev. James Williams, 108, out of 152 Rev. R. S. Williams, 104, out of 152 Mr. V. Wills, 116, out of 190. For the first time, no change has taken place in the membership of the Board, either by removal or death during the entire term.

STEALING A MACHINE AT CWMTAFF On Thursday morning, at the office of Mr. T. L. White, before Mr. W. M. North (Stipendiary), and Mr. William Williams, a navvy, named Stephen Russell, was charged with stealing a knife-cleaning machine, value £1 5s., from the Miller's Arms, Cwmtaff, on December 26th.—John Howells, son-in- law of the landlady, said that he saw the prisoner in the bar, in company with others. He asked to be allowed to stay for the night, and he was accommo- dated in the long room. The next morning he left the premises before the occupants of the house came down, and the machine wa3 missed. On December 29th the man was arrested at Dolau, Radnorshire, on another charge, and the machine was found in his possession.—P.C. Pound proved receiving the man into custody, and defendant said that lie picked the machine up in the load. He was sent to prison for 14 days.

MERTA i. YR GUARDIANS. The ordinary weekly meeting of the Merthyr Board of Guardians was held on Saturday morning last, at the Board-room of the Union Workhouse, wnen there were present:—Mr. D. P. Davies, J.P., in the chair, Rev. Aaron Davies; Messrs. J. E. Mills, H. W. Martin, D. Davies (Glebeland), T. Pyle, Alfred Phillips, T. Morris, R. Edwards, J. Reee, D. Davies, J.P., D. Tudor Williams, J. Edwards, Mrs. Emma Williams, Mrs. Peter Williams, Mrs. D. M. Richards, Mrs. M. Williams, Messrs. M. Truran, D. James, W. Davies, Joseph Owen, T. Jenkins, J.P., J. W. Morgan, J. H. Jones, Rev. Father O Reilly, Evan Lewis, Rev. Canon Wade, George Seabourne, D. Abraham, T. H. Bailey, Dan Thomas, Augustus Davies, E. M. Hann, J. L. Smith, R. H. Rhys, J.P., V. A. Wills, T. Bevan, J. Lloyd, Lewis Edmunds, John Rogers, and F. T. James (clerk). OUT-SELIEF.—The Clerk stated that the amount paid in out-relief during the past week amounted as follows :-Aberdare, J674 12s. lOd. Gelligaer, jB29 4s. 8d. Merthyr Lower, JB68 2s. 7d. Merthyr Upper, £ 75 14s. 6d. non-settled, £ 8 12s. removal to asylum, £ 2 4s. lOd. and £ 1 14s., making a total of JB265 5s. 5d., and leaving a balance of £ 62 10s. lid. —A cheque for JB260 was ordered to be drawn. TRAINING SCHOOL COMMITTEE.-This committee, which met on Wednesday last, recommended to the Board that the thanks of the committee be conveyed to Mr. Ishmael Harris and Mr. Arthur Rosebery for their kindness in allowing the children of the school to attend the pantomime, also to Mrs. Williams, Black Lion Hotel, Aberdare, for a gift of ten dozen buns to the children. SCHOOLMASTERS AS GUARDIANS.—The Clerk pre- sented the following report, re qualification of paid servants of School Board to act as Guardians of the poor: "As requested, I beg to report as to the quali- fication of a paid servant of a School Board within this Union to sit as a. Guardian. The statutory qualifica- tions of a Guardian are dealt with in the Local Government Act, 1894, and also in the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1842. The disqualification con- tained in the Local Government Act, 1894, Sect. 46, which apply to this case, are as follows:— That a person shall be disqualified from being elected, or being a member or chairman of the Board of Guardians, if he (d) holds any pr.id office under the Board of Guardians, (e) is concerned in any bargains or contract entered into with the Board, or partici- pates in the profit of any such bargain or contract, or of any work from under the authority of the Board. In my opinion this section does not apply. Section 14 of 56 Vic. Cap. 57 of the Poor Law Amendment Act, 1842, enacts (inter alia) that any person receiv- ing any fixed salary or emolument from the poor rates in any parish or union shall be incapable of serving as a guardian in such parish or union." The construc- tion of this section has been brought before the courts, and in the cases of the Queen v. Dibbm (decided by the Court of Appeal) it was held that the clerk of a Highway Board or a School Board, whose salaries are paid out of a district or School Board fund which is fed by monies contributed by several parishes with precepts issued under the provisions of the Highway Act, 1864, or the Elementary Education Act, 1870, is not disqualified under 5 and 6 Vic. Cap. 57 Sec. 14 as being a person receiving a fixed salary from the poor rates in any union or parish from serving as a guardian in such i>arish or union. Lord Justice Bowen, in his judgment, puts the point very clearly. He says The question is whether Rawlins is a per- son within the meaning 5 and 6 Vic. Cap. 57 Sec. 14, who receives a fi ved salary from the poor rates of the parish or union of which he is a guardian. He receives his salary from a fund which is fed partly by the contributions in the nature of poor rates, and partly by contributions which are not. It cannot, therefore, be said that be receives a fixed salary from the poor rates, and consequently is not within the section. In my opinion the case of a schoolmaster or school- mistress, paid by the Board, is analogous to that of a School Board clerk, and therefore, the above cases I apply in like manner and no paid servant of a School Board, whose salary is paid out of a fund made up partly out of the poor rates, and partly from other sources comes within Section 14 of the above Act, and is not disqualified from sitting at this Board."—Mr. John Lloyd asked for permission to speak, but the Chairman said he did not want to make it a per- sonal matter. —Mr. J. Lloyd: My name has been mentioned.—Mr. V. A. Wills: Wo are perfectly satisfied with the report.—The Chairman said the mover of the report had stated that it was not his object to make it a personal matter, and the question then dropped. THE PROPOSED RELIEF COMMITTEE FOR ABERDARE. —Mr. Pyle said that before he moved a motion which stood in his name, he desired to remove a little mis- apprehension regarding it. Mr. D. E. Williams had once given, notice to move that the train fare of paupers coming from a distance to a"k for relief be paid. This was the spirit of the motion which he (Mr. Pyle) had. The paupers had to come to Merthyr once every three months, and that entailed considerable expense. The matter had been made a test question in his ward at the time of the election, and he was returned on the strength of a pledge which he ga\'e that he would bring forward the matter. Some people thought this was the first step towards separating Aberdare from Merthyr, but he could hardly think that any gentleman was desirous of that. It was a pity that old women of 50 or 60 years of age should be compelled to come from a longdistanceinsuch weather, as they had recently experienced, and he believed that as a matter of justice they should make a move in this direction. He did not wish that this committee should have carte blanche in the way of granting relief. He knew of instances where people had to borrow money in order to pay their tram fare to come to Merthyr for relief, and in order to meet such cases as these he wished that some steps should be taken and no doubt the same thing would refer to Gelligaer, or to any other part of the parish but that matter could be left in the hands of the representatives of those districts. He would therefore move that in future the paupers ot Aberdare Valley be not required to attend at Merthyr, but that a relief com- mittee be appointed consisting of Guardians from Merthyr and Aberdare to deal with the question, and sit at Aberdare.-The Clerk explained that the Board should apply to the Local Government Board for an order to make Aberdare a separate relief dis- trict.—The Chairman But we have standing orders which will have to be rescinded before we can deal with such a question.—Mr. Rhys entirely disagreed with what Mr. Pyle suggested.—Mr. Pyle was about to speak again, when Mr. Wills rose to order, and said that before he could go on further with the matter he should give a notice of motion to rescind the standing orders.—The Chairman said that the standing orders were fatal to the motion.—Mr. Pyle then complained of the apparent neglect of the Guardians to the requirements of applicants for relief, but was smartly called to order. THE NEW AREA.—Mr. Rhys proposed that Dr. Leigh lie appointed vaccination officer for the new district of Llanfalxm, upon similar terms as his pre- sent contract.—Mr. Martin seconded, and the motion was carried.—It was also resolved that the Treharris public vaccinator be appointed to a similar post in the same district. NEGLECTFUL MEMBERS.—The Rev. Canon Wade gave notice to consider at the next meeting what for- feit should be paid by members who neglected their duties—Mr. D. Davies hoped that there were not many who bad been elected who did not intend to carry out their duties. THE MASTER'S RETORT.—Mr. Pearcey, the master, reported that during the week he had admitted 31 and discharged 24 paupers. The number at present in the Worknouse was 390, as compared with 351 during the corresponding week of last year. THE PALTERS' DIET.—Mr. Evan Lewis called atten- tion to the fact that the pauper inmates did not get bread with their dinner on Tuesdays, and there were several complaints, and he calculated that to provide the 390 inmates with 4oz. of bread tor women and 5oz. for men on Tuesday would cost only 6s. or 6s. 6d. per week.—Mrs. Richards (Aberdare) It is with the soup, is it not?—Mr. John Lloyd asked why bread was not allowed with the soup on Tuesdays.—Mr. Pearcey (master): It is according to the dietary.— Mr. Thomas Morris, C.C., said it was a very impor- tant matter of altering the dietary table, and he suggested that Mr. Lewis should give notice of motion.—Mr. J. Lloyd I should like to know what is the master's opinion on this question The Master I think it is very necessary.'The dietary has been in force for many years.—Mr. Lewis then gave notice of motion to reconsider the dietary at the next meeting.

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MERTHYR, DOWLAIS AND DISTRICT TEACHERS' ASSOCIATION. ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the above association was held on Saturday afternoon in Caedraw Schools. The members attended in force, and Mr. Woodman, Dowlais, took the chair. The first business done was the election of president for the forthcoming year. Following the usual custom Mr. R. Price, the vice- president, was elected president and took the chair amidst loud applause. THE PRESIDENTS ADDRESS. Mr. Price sincerely thanked them for conferring the honour upon him, and said that he had taken the important question of the overcrowded curriculum which was agitating the professional world to such an extent at present as the topic upon which to deliver his presidential address, and, after a few preliminary remarks, proceeded as follows In the year 1884 there was a great outcry against Overpressure in schools." At that time the curriculum, as I shall show directly, bad not assumed anything like its present proportions; yet the strain was so great that the executive of our union felt compelled to institute an inquiry into the whole question. The result was the publication of that important document, The New Code and Overpressure in Elementary Schools." Also the matter was deemed of such importance that a conference of members of Parliament was held, and a deputation from the National Union of Teachers gave the teachers' views on the question, Public meetings were also held in different parts of the country. Now the document referred to contained vast amount of startling information. It stated that a number of letters from local associations in all parts of England and Wales had been received, testifying to the existence of overpressure on teachers and scholars. These contained the names of many teachers whose deaths had been attributed to the overstrain caused by their work. In other cases, teachers had com- pletely broken down under the pressure, and had been obliged to give up their occupation while others were working in Schools at ereat risk of a breakdown in health. Other additional evidence, overwhelming in its force and extent, was adduced. From this I think it is perfectly clear that practical men saw danger in 1884, in the overstrain experi- enced at that time, in the demand for results. And I seriously ask, if there were c verstrain then, what can be said of the condition of things to-day with the recent additions to the currictilam ? I shall not trouble you with the requirements of the Code of 1884, but I should like to point out briefly the addi- tions made to that code. In 1884 class subjects were optional; now one must be taken. Then, too, draw- ing was an optional subject; now, wherever there are boys drawing must be taught. In 1884 the examina- tion in singing by note was by no means a difficult test; now a further test in time and tune in Division IV. is demanded in all schools with an average atten- dance exceeding 60 where there is more than one certificated teacher. Now, in addition to all this there must be provision on every school time-table for :-(a) object lessons and suitable occupations (b) instruction in Swedish or other drill or suitable exer- cise (e) ten minutes' recreation at every school meet- ing. Who will dare deny after this that this is not a question of primary importance ? Why, our best equipped and most favoured town schools from all parts of the country are sending in their protests against these further demands, and pointing out the absolute impossibility of carrying thein out under pre- sent conditions. If this is the case with the town school, what about tho poor rural schools, where the teacher has, in hundreds of cases, to take charge of three, four, and even five standards himself ? We can but arrive at one conclusion that it will simply be unbearable, and the cry cver-pressure" will have to be raised with renewed energy. And it isourduty as unionists, yes as human beings with a trace of sympathy in our natures, to direct public attention to the whole business. Let it be atonceunderstoodthat we are for a wise and generous curriculum for the child of the toiler. Further, none of us look for finality in educational progress. Far from it. Swedish drill, physical exercises of all sorts, and suitable occupa- tions are excellent things in themselves, and we, as teachers. fully realize their value and highly approve of them. Also, we believe that Mr. Acland, a gentle- man whom we all honour and respect as an excellent administrator and one imbued with the highest prin- ciples of education, has made these additions with a laudable object in view, viz., the true happiness of the children. But the fact of the matter is this Mr. Acland has piled his pet ideas on to the curriculum without taking off the load which his predecessors left behind tfiem, and one result only, as tar as I can see, must inevitably follow. The endeavours to encompass and achieve all these matters may cause the machinery to break down of its own weight, and then maybo we shall have a thorough-going re-constitution of the curriculum. There is a danger also that what should be healthy physical training may, in many instances, be rendered a dull and even irksome task in consequence of the unreasonable demands made by the rather inelastic system under which we are bound to work. Take the subject of drawing, for instance. What might lie a pleasant interlude for all concerned is ren- dered, I fear, more or less a drudgery of the inexplic- able ways of the Science and Art Department. The question amounts to this Is it possible in the limited number of years available for school life, and in the number of hours during which the school could be opened, to get through the number of subjects demanded in anything like an intelligent and efficient fashion ? We say decidedly, No. We readily admit that the code grants a consider- able amount of elasticity in choice of subjects, and that a good deal of improvement has been obtained in this direction stfll I think there might he still more liberty to choose subjects. And in pleading for lightening the requirements on the children, we agree that the code should make provision for the develop- ment to the utmost of the mental faculties of every child, and I am sure none of us would suggest to cut oilt from the code anything necessary to such Educa- tion. I feel confident that every teacher most ardently desires to make every school a fitting por- tion of our great educational machine all of us long to see school life an endless round of happiness and sunshine for the children in many cases school should be a relief from the squalid home aid in all cases it should be an attraction to be quitted with regret and ever regarded with pleasure. But if our schools and our teaching are to approach anything near the ideal, they must not be so closely interwoven with the payment of grants, and the value of educa- tion must not be too readily gauged from the £ s. d. standpoint. It is true that a better and more rational education is given now than in former years, but we say best is better, and we maintain that if educa- tion is to be the most precious heritage of the future citizens of this country it should be the best possible. The fact is, England is saturated with the commer- cial spirit, the spirit that Napoleon justly satirised when he spoke of us as a nation of shopkeepers." Probably England is the only civilised country that could have been persuaded to sacrifice its education for 30 years to the principles of the yard stick and tape measure. It is still difficult for many to under- stand what could be amiss with a system of pay- ment by results there is a great deal of lingering inability to rise anywhere near to the heights of the question, or to appreciate the finer threads which weave education into right living. Not only in rural districts, but in numberless towns, is there a great and palpable distrust of education, and as a policy of inaction is out of the question, the role of the enemy of the elementary schools is to choke education when- ever or wherever possible, or dole it out in small doses, warranted innocuous. However incredible it may seem, there are in our much-boasted nineteenth century persons in our communities, especially in our rural districts, who still look upon the enactment which provides for the attendance at school of young Hodge as a mild form of national lunacy. They object to be made contri. butory to this senseless aberration, and they make no secret of the fact that the beginning and end of their School Bodfrd policy will be to render the cost of equipping the schools as insignificant up human ingenuity can make it. To many I have no doubt these statements may appear exaggerated but they accurately represent the high water mark of the intelligence of an appreciable section of even directors of education. To any who wish to dispute this, I would recommend a close perusal of Mr. Macnamara's paper on Small School Boards." Now we will readily admit that educational qualification may not be essential in those who essay to guide the work of national education. Many of the best and noblest friends to the cause of education in this country are to be found amongst those who were denied the advantage in early life of such training as the schools provide. But what is absolutely indis- pensable is that anyone who wishes to interfere in ) le education shall be a man or woman of public spirit and that he or she shall have a high estimate of the value and importance of the work being done in the schools of the people, a ready sympathy with the teachers, and a burning resolve to allow no obstacle which makes for inefficiency to go unremoved. From similar reasons to those I have mentioned already arises the fact that some people do look rather contemptuously on the office of school teacher. But no doubt the feeling is fast disappearing as it must necessarily do under the influence of the present-day teacher. People forget that it is no longer the wooden-legged sea captain-" not the man to impart a good moral tone "-as the Blue Book for 1850 puts it, or the one-armed sea captain "salary J618 a year with no house"—who is teaching the young idea how to shoot nowadays. Oh, no the present day teacher has gone through a self-denying apprentice- ship of five years and generally two years college course, during which he has been subjected to the most vigorous examinations anent his physical condi- tion and mental capabilities. However, rather than you should think that I tm taking a too pessimistic view of the whole situation, I am pleased to confess that there is every evidence that the area of real interestedness in education is rapidly extending. And I am proud to say that nowhere is this more conspicuous than in the working classes of the pre- sent day. Here let me give you a quotation showing what that sturdy and honest champion of the working- men, John Burns, thinks of education and teachers. Speaking atameetingin London last June, heexpressed his "regret that schoolmasters did not take a much more prominent and active part in public life as was the case with teachers in France, Switzerland and Germany. The teachers there after training the children, turned their attention to guiding and influencing the adults. He felt jealous that the virtues, the patience, and the discipline which teachers acquired and exercised in their calling were not utilised to a much greater extent outside the schoolroom. He found fault with society for accord- ing the teacher a status below that of the doctor or the lawyer, while in his opinion the teacher was more valuable than either. The teachers' work brought them into daily contaot with numbers of poor and neglected children, they had constantly before them the sad effects of parental neglect and of bad home conditions, and he called upon the teachers in these cases to take a human interest and to play a parent's part. He was in favour of ample pay which would relieve teachers from the necessity of undertaking extraneous work, and thus enable them to return refreshed to their daily dutiea. He wished to rub in the lesson that money spent on education was really nianey saved, that it was far better to spend money in fitting'children to earn au honest living, and in training them to virtue, than to spend thoivsaude in tracking down criminals, or to vote away millions on armies and navies." The following is interesting and instructive at the present time, and we value it highly, because we believe it to be the heartfelt conviction of a true friend of the people. We also have the assent nf all kinds of politicians in saying that few, if any, public men have a keener conception of the new leaven which is leavening the political lump, or a more accurate judgment of the forces which are shaping the con- trolling democracy of these realms. Lord Rosebery, in a speech delivered last May, assures us that we are the captains and guides of the future democracy, which is to make our future destinies." A whole host of lesser authorities in both parties are enunciating the same truth. Indeed it is generally admitted now that a State governed on democratic principles must see that its real rulers, the people, are equipped with due knowledge and intellectual training, if they are to register wise decisions on weighty political pro- blems. It has been said truly that ignorance is neither a safeguard ofconstitution nor a fit weapon of reform." The true greatness of this country depends upon the intelligence and the education of the demo- cracy, and the moulding of these is in the hands of the primary teachers. The country then, for its own sake, should insist upon teachers receiving fair-I would say generous—treatmmt. We have only to hope now that the compliments which are showered on us will not only blossom and bring forth good fruit, but golden fruit. Before concluding, I feel it is my bounden duty to say a. few words on our great Union. First of all, let me heartily welcome to our ranks those friends who have just left college, and who hold appointments in our district. I sincerely trust that each one will make it a point of enrolling himself or herself at once. In glancing over the executive's report for last year, I find that over 80 per cent. of the certificated men teachers of the country are associated in Union but, I am bound to say, that only about 40 per cent of the women certificated teachers are members. This seems strange, but then possibly the explanation is that they have other unions in view, more congenial to them, and where they think that the vexatious troubles of school life Ni-ill be heard of no more" (laughter). But looking at the question seriously, it is a matter of great regret that during the past year, our own numbers should have fallen off, because we feel that the Union may now more than ever claim the adhesion and loyalty of its members, both old and new. It must be evident that the Union is now in numbers so strong, and in influence so powerful, that no teacher, no matter how well placed or how poorly paid, can afford to remain outside the self-protective phalanx of its ranks. To those who still hold aloof may I add one more to the many earnest appeals levelled at them ? They may desire to stand aside, indifferent and apathetic. They may have no quarrel with the Union they may simply want to be left alone. We say the attitude is an impossible one. Their very apathy, if the conflict of terms may be allowed, is actively hostile to the Union's aims and ends. Every non-member, whether he or she desires it or not, is absolutely a drag on the wheel of Union progress. Those who are not for us are against us. With every new member enrolled the benefits accruing to membership are enhanced mani- fold and increasingly. Let ns all, therefore, endeavour to enrol every possible member in our district during the coming year. We believe that a brighter and happier day for education and the teacher is near its dawn, and we may fairly claim that the long and steadily continued operations of our Union have been the chief agents in bringing about those improvements in education and in the position of the teacher which are now visible. Although a vast amount has been done, still we cannot regard this as sufficient, or as strictly typical of the work of years to come. In the immediate future, great problems in education will need to be grappled with, and the power and resources of the profession will more than ever need to come into play. At every stage in our progress fresh duties and responsibilities arise. For what has been done by the veterans in our ranks wo may well be thankful for what remains to be done the Union, with its pre- sent leaders, may well take heart and determination. No teacher can justly rest until the whole educational system of the country is founded upon an educational basis, and until the high mission and faithful labours of the educator are accorded the recognition and con- sideration, professional, social, and pecuniary, which are their due. The address was frequently applauded, and Mr. Price resumed his seat timid loud cheers. A vote of thanks to the outgoing officers for their services, was proposed by Mr. John Lloyd, seconded by Mr. J. R. Evans. and carried unanimously.—Mr. Woodman briefly returned thanks.—Mr- A. Houlson, Dowlais, was elected vice-president, and Mr. T. David, secre- tary. Miss James was re-elected Measurer. The following were made members of the Executive Com- mittee :—Misses Morgan, Jenkins, Jones and Davies, Messrs. Walters, Fleming, Lloyd, J. R. Davies, M. Owen, E. Williams, T. T. Jenkins, Edward Jenkins, R. H. Rees, W. T. Williams, and Woodman.—Mr. J. R. Jenkins was elected recreative secretary, and Mr. Walters and Mr. Price, the piesident, were appointed delegates to the Manchester Conference. The members afterwards adjourned to tea.

FANCY DRESS BALL AT MERTHYR VALE. On Wednesday se'nnight a most successful and enjoyable fancy dress ball took place at the Merthyr Vale Assembly-rooms, which were prettily decorated with bunting (kindly lent for the occasion by Captain Pomeroy, Cardiff). The ball being subscription, the proceeds were devoted to defraying the expenses of heating Merthyr Catholic Church. The guests num- bered over 200, and presented, when dancing, a aplen. did appearance owing to the variety of costumes worn. The arrangements were under the supervision of Captain and Mrs. W. F. Bell and Mr. and Mrs. Rees. Subjoined is a list of the principal costumes worn :—Captain Bell, uniform Welsh Regiment; Mr. W. McDonald, Highlander; Mr. T. Davies, French clown Mr. T. Rees, clown Mr. H. Southey, Bolasius (Falka); Mr. S. Simons, Selim j Captain Probert, cowboy Mr. H. Thomas, Jack Tar Mr. S. Murphy, court dress Mr. W. Murphy, uniform; Mr. J. Smith, uniform Mr. J. Goldsworthy, uni- form Mr. Charles, uniform Mrs. W. F. Bell, Red Rose; Mrs. Rees, Madame La Pompadour; Airs. Primavcsi, Italian Mrs. Kops, gipsy girl; Mrs. S. Harvey, lady of olden time; Miss K. McDonald, evening dress; Miss Flora McDonald, Puritan; Among other visitors present were :—Dr. Evans, Dowlais; Mr. S. Evans, Dowlais; Miss Evans, Dowlais; Miss Nancy Evans, Dowlais; Mrs. Primavesi, Cefn Miss Goodfellow, Merthyr Miss E. D. Geodfellow, Merthyr the Misses Thomas, Tre- harris; Dr. Finlinson, Treharris; Dr. and Mrs. Draffin, Merthyr Vale; Capt. and Mrs. Dowdeswell, Treharris Mr. Ralph Dowdeswcll, Treharris; Mr. W. T. Marsh, Merthyr Vale Miss Maggie Marsh, Newport; Miss Sarvis, Merthyr; the Misses Williams, Troedyrhiw Mr. D. Harris, Abercanaid Mr. W. Harris, Abercanaid Mr. W, Harris, Mer- thyr Miss Llewellyn, Merthyr; Mrs. Murphy, Merthyr Vale Miss Martin, Merthyr.

THE MANXMAN." At the Merthyr Theatre on Monday night, Hall Caine's famous play, The Manxman," was per- formed to a full house by Mr. Bandmann's company. The play occupies the boards during the rest of the week. The plot is familiar to most of onr readers. The scene is laid in the Isle of Man hence the title. Pete Quit ham, a young fisherman, is in love with Kate Cregeen, daughter of a man who runs a public- house, holds land, and preaches the Gospel. Pete goes away to Africa to seek wealth, leaving Kate in charge of Phillip Christian. Kate and Phillip fall in love with one another. Two years pass by, Pete returns and marries Kate. The young wife makes an effort to love her husband and to crush out her passion for Phillip. But she fails, and finally run4 away to Phillip's house, who by this time is deemster. Pete feels the blow so much that his intellect seems to give way. He tells his friends and neighbours that Kate has gone to Liverpool to stay with an unole for the benefit of her health. He even writes a letter purporting to have been written by his wife. Eventu- ally, Kate, filled with remorse and longing for her baby, returns to her home. But Pete will not receive her unless she can say that she loves him, and that she does not love the man to whom she had gone. This she cannot say, and her husband takes her to her father's home. There, in the farmyard, the final scene is enacted. The deemster makes nis appearance, confessea his guilt to Pete, and offers to pay the penalty with his life. Pete, for a moment mastered by anger and a desire for revenge, attempts to kill him he is restrained, however, by his wife and her father. Regaining composure, the blood-hunger leaves him, he bids adieu to all and everything, and goes back to Africa. Kate goes into the house to her child, commands the deemster to go his way, and the curtain falls. Such is an outline of the plot. It transgresses the laws of probability at almobt every point. There never was a play the incidents of which were less true to life. Things do not happen in that I way. Human beings do not act like Pete, and Kate, and Phillip. The Manxman," as a drama, is there- fore lacking in that important essential, probability. For an improbable play, however, it has been handled with marvellous dexterity and exquisite craftsman- ship. It is full of scenes of a pathos which is simply overpowering. The attention of the audience is claimed by theee isolated pathetic incidents rather than by the progress of the plot as a whole, The conception of the story is forced, unnatural, and even morbid. And yet the play, as represented on the stage, is a series of scenes of absorbing psychological interest and intense pathos. The three most important characters are Kate, Pete, and Phillip. The three are thoroughly Celtic in temperament, with their heads chockfull of senti- ment, and the emotional, introspective side of their nature fully developed. Kate is played with marvel- lous histrionic sublety by Miss Gertrude Evans. Her's is a difficult role to enact, the test of success being the doing of full justice to a morbid, emotional character without drifting which the old ruts of hysterical whining. Miss Evans proves herself a true artist, and does not transgress the golden rules of her art. Mr. Leonard Ilobson is a dignified deemster, and APr. J. W. Henson plays the part of Pete with rare skill and effect. These three are seen to great advantage in the pathetic seones already alluded to. Mr. Harvy Cave is an excellent Cscsar Creegen, and Miss Esther Phillips a lively and delightful Nancy. Trfe other characters also deserve a word of praise Mr. A. A. Pringle as Ross Christian, Mr. H. Robinson as Monty Missit, Mr. Claude Aymond as Professor Mawley (these three are particularly good in the drunken scene), Mr. J. M. Campbell as Tom, Mr. P. Mortimer as Johnnie, Mr. Russell Vane as Dr. Mylchreest, Mr. C. Geary as Joneque Jelly, Miss Mary Denver as Miss Christian, and Miss Millie Hilton as Bella Cellv.

HOUSEHOLD ACCIDENTS. These are occurring hourly. Either a child is burnt or scalded, its linger cut or bruised, perhaps bitten by a dog, scratched by puss, or it may be a. fall, a. strain, or one of the thousand vexatious troubles cropping up in the home, in the business, the stable, the hunting field, barracks, on ship- board, the playground, and in the sporting world— from cycle to steeplechase. It is then that HOMOCEA shines. Apply in all cases freely, and in a very sliort time all pain is allayed and healing begins. Any night baby may have an attack of croup, and just a quarter teaspoonful given internally acts like a charm; also for rubbing the throat and chest HOMOCEA is useful. Again, what father or mother does not know what it is to be awakened by a child crying with earache or toothache. Fill the ear with HOMOCEA, or rub the gums, and if the tooth is decayed, put HOMOCEA in, and the business is done. Mr. J. w. C. FEGAX, Writine from "The Boys' Home," 95, Southwark Street, London, S.E., Cavs I know no preparation like Homocea for general n>.efu'.ness in an institution like this. I have thoroughly tested it by persoiv.il application, and amongst our boys, for all. kinds of puin and accidents IT DOES ALL that it is guaranteed to do, and we would not be without it here on any account. It is not only a wonderful lubri- cant, but strongly antiseptic, and relieves inflammation and pain almost instantaneously. Personally I cannot express my thankfulness for it. 1 have used it for all kinds of ailm-r.ts during the last eight years here, and at sea, and in Canada, t or stiffness, sprains, muscular rheumatism, so e throa'. inosipiito bites, &c., it is a real boon, and no p ai c. be too nigh for it. No one need be afraid to it for even the most tender part, or even on raw flesh. I have frequently used it for my eyesight with much benefit. 1 have always kept HIPPACEA' (i!,e veterinary preparation) for stable use. For sore backs, broken iicels, &c.. it is a grand specific." Remember that HOMOCEA subdues inflammation and aliays irritation almost as soon as applied for. "TOUCHES THE SPOT." All wholesale houses stock HOMOCEA. It can be obhxmed from Chemists and others at Is. 134d. or 2s. 'Jd. per bo: or will be sent by post for 15. 3d. and 3s. from the wholesale ageucy, 21, Hamilton Square, liirken'n^ad.

Business announcements. PORTRAITS TAKEN DAILY AT THE NATIONAL STUDIO, ABERDARE, AND MONDAYS, THURSDAYS, ANI) SATURDAYS AT MERTHYR. BEST WORKMANSHIP. MODERATE CHARGES. Call and See Specimem. PRESENTATION PAINTINGS A SPECIALITY. OUT-DOOR GROUPS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. Don't Forget the Address :— B. THOMAS, Photographer, MERTHYR AND ABERDARE. [170-±il HARMSTON & COMPANY, ABERDARE MUSIC SxURES. GREAT REDUCTION IN PIANOS & ORGANS. ORGANS. 10 Guinea Full Compass Oryan, with Mirror in Walnut. Price 18s. 6«l 18 Guinea Orjran, with 7 Stope, 2 Kneo Levers, Couplers in Polished Walnut Case, with Mirror, Brackets, ke. Price 91 Guineas 20 Guinea Pipe Top Organ, 10 stops, and Knee Levers. Splen- did tone. Price 12 Guineas PIANOS. 30 Guinea Full Compass, Full Trichord Piano, Walnut. Price 14 Guineas 35 Guinea Iron Frame Piano, in fine Walnut Frame. Price 17 Guineas 55 Guinea It Collard" Piano, all improvements, new. Price 34 Guineas ANY INSTRUMENT ON INSTALMENT SYSTEM. HARMSTON AND CO., 7, CARDIFF STREET, ABERDARE. Tooth-ache, Neuralgia, Tic-dolo- reux. ALL Wlfo "SUFFER SHOULD TAKE JONES' NEURALGIA MIXTURE. This Mixture is prepared from a Special Prescription of a late Eminent Physician, who never failed to effect a rapid and lasting cure with it. One trial will con- vince the most sceptical of the above assertion, and its marvellous efficacy is the only wairanty in thus speaking so confidently of its virtues, and making it known to the public. RECENT TESTIMONIA LS. "I had been a martyr to Neuralgia for anioutli.one bottle of your mixture quite cured me. A. SWEET, 8, Penry Street." I had been suffering for years,and had tried manv chemists and doctors' mixtures, but all did me no "ood. One bottle of your mixture greatly relieved me. ° The result was marvellous. MARGARLI RICHARDS, 12, Iron Ijane. I have found such great relief from your Neuralgia Mixture that I have advised a friend of mine to take it, and I hope it will do her as much good as it has; done me. WM. WAGSTAFF, 17, Howell Street/' "It acted like a charm.—J. D." Two doses completely cured my toothache. D. H. P. "Have been a sufferer for many years. One bottle has given me more relief than all the other medicines put together.—J. J. The above are only a few recent testimonials, other! are being received daily. Sold in Bottles, Is. Ud. each, per Post od. extra. riJEPAllEI) ONI.Y Bi CHAS. W. JONES, A.R.P.S., DISPENSING CHEMIST (By Exam.), 3A, VICTORIA STREET, MERTHYR. WEGI MARK "DIWYDRYDD-Y-CYMRY." PARRY AND ROCKE, WELSH WOOLLEN MANUFACTURERS. SWANSEA. Manufacturers of guaranteed Welsh Hosiery. Flannels, Knitting Yarns. All our floods are labelled witn. our licjUtercd Ttad-i Mark for the protection of Should there he any difficulty in your oMainins: oui- manufactures, please drop us a post-card and we will tvi oncc send you address of nearest draper or dealer. SUPPORT YOUR HOME INDUSTRIES. Wholesale only. To be had of Retailers in every town in Wales. RUPTURE TRUSSES.—Referring to the inquiry made by a correspondent recently in our columns, th* following extract from the Lanrct, August 4, 1894, will l>e interesting" The Link Shell Trim Co., 171, Wardour-street, London, W., have a liyw truss. It is claimed that by this method of manufacture a trues is provided which will be more comfortable than the one in ordinary use, and better able to adapt tself to the various movements of the body, especially if those are of a sudden character. The trms is fitted with a hip-joint regulator, by means of which tho pressure is increased or diminished as required, anrH with a soft shell pad perforated for ventilation. Xh^ truss as thus completed is an efficient one. Full par- ticulars are sent free by the Link Shell Truss Co.— Ulatyoiv Evening AcMc, August 7, 1894." 173-224 Printed aud published by the TiMMS I'lUNTtNO John Street, Merthyr Tydfil, Thursdfv. January 24, 1895.