Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

MARRIAGE A FAILURE AT DOWLAIS. At the Merthyr Police-court on Monday, Margaret Jane Scull summoned her husband, W. H. Scull, an assistant in an ironmonger's shop at Dowlais, to show cause why he should not maintam her.—Mr. Beddoe appeared for the applicant, and Mr. D. W. Jones del fended.—The applicant, in the course of her evi- dence, said she was married to defendant in 1892, and three months afterwards he beat her, and she left him. She returned to him after that, but in April, 1894, he came home drunk one night about twenty minutes past eleven. She went up to the bedroom, but he followed her, and told her she was not to sleep in the bed any more, because it did not belong to her. She slept downstairs with her child by the fireside. Next niorninp" she went home to her mother. When she went to fetch her clothes he helped her to put them in her box. He promised he would pay her 3s. or 4s. per week if she did not apply for a summons He paid regularly until seven weeks ago, when he stopped, and she issued a summons against her husband. On one occasion he brougnt home some cartridges, which he placed near the firet saying he would blow them all to nell. He had also threatened to shoot her and to poison her. She believed he could afford to pay her 8s. or 10s. a week. In reply to Mr. D. W. Jones, the applicant said defendant had two children by his first marriage, and when he made her very cross she might have said something about the children, She threw a basin at him once when he struck her. On Palm Sunday, 1894, he asked her if he should place a wreath on her first husband's grave. She said and two or three days afterwards a wreath came to the house, which the defendant was going to put on his firab wife's grave. She objected to that, and some friction was caused. It was not true that she left the house all day, and neglected her husband's step- children. She denied that the step-children were fed -by the neighbours because she was away from the house. She never beat the step-children. On the night before she left him she refused to give him supper because he went out and stayed out late. He had to make breakfast himself the following morning. When she was packing her clothes he told her he had another woman in Merthyr ready to take her place.- Mr. James Sonley, a brother to the applicant, said he delivered a note to his brother-in-law on one occasion. He had heard Scull threatening his wife once.—The Bench considered that there was no evidence to prove that the husband had behaved in such a way 1.B to j' make the home uninhabitable to the wife. They could not find against the husband, and, therefore, they would dismiss the case, hoping they would make jiome arrangements.

THE NEW SCHOOL BOARD. I The first meeting of the newly-elected School Board for the parish of Merthyr Tydfil was held on Friday morning at the workhouse. There were pre- sent the Revs. R. S. Williams, Father Pippett, Jas. Williams, and LI. M. Williams, Messrs. W. L. Daniel, D. Davies, Arthur Daniel, V. A. Wills, Henry Da vies, W. M. Erans, H. E. Gray, Joseph Owen, and Isaac Edwards, together with Mr. E. Stephens (clerk). THE NEW CHAIRMAN.— Mr. Isaac Edwards was voted to the chair pro tem., and the Board proceeded to appoint a permanent chairman.—Mr. D. Davies said he had very great pleasure indeed in moving the name of a gentleman to occupy the chair on the School Board for the coming term, a gentleman who had already held the position of chairman for six years, and previous to that was chairman of the School Management Committee for nine years. He ventured to say that when he named him he would meet with their general approval. He referred to Mr. W. L. Daniel. He was eminently fitted for the post in many ways, and especially in respect of his sympathies and his views on popular education, which in his (Mr. Davies') estimation was a very important thing for them. As long as the ratepayers had elected a Board, a large majority of whom were in sympathy with popular education, he thought they could not do better than elect Mr. W. L. Daniel.- Mr. H. E. Gray seconded, and said he had not very much personal knowledge of Mr. Daniel, but at the same time he thought that as they were deprived of the services of a gentleman who had occupied the chair at the last Board, they could not do better than elect someone who understood the duties, having pre- viously filled the post.—Mr. Joseph Owen supported the motion, which was carried unanimously.—Mr. Daniel, in taking his seat, returned thanks, and said he had occupied a position of this kind for some time on this Board, and had been associated with the work of education in the parish for 30 years. He felt that he knew something about education, perhaps not so much as some of them who had had an unbroken connection with the work as members of the Board for the six years when he was unfortunate enough to lose his seat. He knew what it was to be at the bottom of the poll, and also what it was to be at the head of the poll. He knew what it was to be third from the top and third from the bottom (laughter), and he could assure them it was a somewhat peculiar sensation (renewed laughter). They did not like to have the connection with gentleman with whom they had been working for several years to be roughly severed by an accident. His friends had been too confident six years ago, and some of them were almost too confident this time, but still he was there (laughter). He was proud to say that he had made up his mind at the commencement of the contest not to say one unkind word of any candidate, and he had not done so (hear, hear). He was not new to the work, and he could appeal to his friends who had differed from him on the question of education, that he had invariably acted with strict impartiality. He had spoken pretty strongly and firmly on certain matters, but had tried to carry out that spirit of courtesy which was to be expected when such boards as this met for deliberation. He believed that such deliberations were very much facilitated by observing at all times that Parliamentary courtesy which was due from one gentleman to another. They could not conceal from each other that they were there representing different interests, and different opinions and different sections of the community; but he hoped and believed they all were actuated by a desire to serve the cause of education, however much they might differ. They should always bear in mind that the public were watching their actions through the Press, and the children who hy-and-bye would be members of the School Board, would never, he hoped, say that when the Board elected in 1895 deliberated, some very scandalous proceedings teok place in the board-room. If they made a resolution that such should not be the case, then he had no doubt but that their term of office would be a Ele&sant and profitable one. He thanked them very eartily for electing him unanimously to the position of chairman. ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN.— Mr. V. A. Wills said he had great pleasure in proposing Mr. Joseph Owen to occupy the vice-chair for the forthcoming three years. Some of the honour and glory, he believed, should be conferred upon the representatives of the lower portion of the parish. Five out of the thirceen members were returned from Merthyr Vale, Troedyrhiw, and Treharris. He was getting to be a believer in the policy that gentlemen who occu- pied public positions should not occupy too many (hear, hear). There should not be so much monopoly on the various boards. Mr. David Davies, who had been the vice-chairman for the past three years, should, he believed, make way now. They should hava^change in every sense of the word. Mr. Davies had just been raised to the aldermanic bench on the County Council, and that was an additional argu- ment why he should now make way for Mr. Joseph Owen.—Mr. H. E. Gray seconded. He was glad that the lower portion of the parish had been fortunate enough to secure five seats on the Board. Mr. Owen and he were the only two representatives on the last Board, and, with every due deference, he believed that the lower portion would very soon be the most important, especially as it had a large and growing population. He thought it was only fair that a part of the honours should be conferred on the bottom part of the parish. Mr. Owen had been on the Boa d for several years, and they would only be doing him justice by electing him to the position of vice- chairman. He had nothing to say against Mr. Davies, who occupied the vice-chair on the last board, and the only reason why he wished to support the candidature of Mr. Owen was because he represented the lower part.—Mr. W. M. Evans, as one of the members for Treharris, rose to propose that Mr. D. Davies be re-elected. He was well acquainted with the duties of vice-chairman, having filled that position for several years past. If they were to withhold this honour from Mr. Davies, it would be nothingless than givinghi in a snub—(no, no)— for his services during the past. Z, The experience he had had on the School Board eminently qualified him for the position of vice-chairman. He (Mr. Evans) had ( r 1, not seen him over-ambitious at any time, and he had turned aside that day in favour of Mr. W. L. Daniel. Mr. Henry Davies rose to second the amendment, and believed that as the county had honoured Mr. Davies by making him an alderman, it would not be right that they locally should refuse him the honour of electing him vice-chairman of tLe Board. They should have some reason for removing him from the vice- chair, but Mr. Wills, whilst proposing Mr. Joseph Owen, had not brought one single charge of partiality or weakness against him therefore he (the speaker) saw [no reason for turning him from the vice-chair (hear, hear). There was no logic in the argument brought forward by Mr. Wills that there should be a change all round, for if he carried that a little further he might as well say they should change the whole personnel of the Board each time (laughter, and hear, hear).—Mr. Arthur Daniel also supported, and said it was very evident they would have to take a division some time, and they might as well do it now as later on. He would have no hesitation in supporting the election of Mr. Davies to the chair had he not so magnanimously set himself aside for the purpose of placing in that position a gentleman whom they all respected. The training which Mr. Davies had received eminently fitted him to fill the vice-chair again. He had at all times been faithful to the prin- ciples which underlay School Board education. In the lower part of the valley they were quite ready to efface themselves as far as office was concerned, as long as they placed in those positions men who were in touch with the true principles of education (hear, hear). The Chairman said that both gentlemen pro- posed were personal friends of his, and he felt sorry that there should be a division on this matter. He really beliexed it would be a reflection on Mr. Davies that any member of his party should permit himself to be nominated against him. He believed Mr. Joseph Owen would make an admirable vice-chair- man, and the interest he had taken in the work of education fully entitled him to the position of vice- chairman, but had he (the chairman) any idea that Mr. Davies' candidature for the vice-chair would be opposed he would refuse positively and absolutely to be nominated to the chair. Mr. Joseph Owen would, therefore, know why he refused to vote for him.- The Board then divided, and Mr. Davies was declared elected by seven votes to four. A JRIBL'TE OF KFCSPKCT.—The Chairman declared Mr. Davies elected to the vice-chair, and expressed a hope that both he and Mr. Owen and Mr. Davies would not be any the worse friends because of this little controversy. He would like to refer to the absence of four gentlemen from the Board. They all knew that Mr. Thomas Williams, Gwaelodygarth, was not a candidate yet they would miss him as much as they would miss the genial hearty face of his friend and colleague, Mr. Thomas Jenkins, of Dowlais. He (the chairman) and Mr. Jenkins differed as wide as the poles in their opinions but they were always pleased to meet Mr..Tenkins at the Board. Then they had lost Mr. Rees Price, of Dowlais, a man of experience who was able to bring to bear his excellent practical knowledge in connec- tion with the work of the Sites and Buildings Com- mittee. He was of great service to the Board. Then they had lost a gentleman of education and culture, and a member of one of the great universities, in the person of the Rev. D. C. Edwards, M.A., while the non-return of Mr. C. H. James, J.P., who had rendered such excellent service as chairman of the Science and Art Committee, was regretted by all. He certainly hoped they would be able to retain Mr. James' service in connection with the committee again (hear, hear).—Mr. D. Davies then rose to thank the Board for electing him vice-chairman. He knew he held a good many appointments, but he must admit that he had not sought them all. He ventured to say that when he had told some members that Mr. Daniel would make an excellent chairman he had never mentioned his own name as vice-chairman to anyone. He thought once that he had a claim, not a strong claim perhaps, to the chair but he thought he would be doing a service to the cause of education by waiving that claim in favour of Mr. Daniel. He c I thanked them for electing him to the vice-chair, and would consider it his bounden duty to do all he could for the furtherance of education as long as he was sent to the Board by the ratepayers. THE STANDING COMMITTEE.—On the motion of Mr. V. A. Wills, seconded by Mr. Joseph Owen, and supported by the Rev. J. Williams, it was resolved that each of the Standing Committees should consist of the whole of the members of the Board. The following centlemen were then elected chairmen of the various committees:—School Management Committee, Mr. Joseph Owen; Finance, Mr. H. E. Gray School Attendance, Mr. Isaac Edwards General Purposes Committee, Mr. W. L. Daniel Evening Schools Committee, Rev. LI. M. Williams Science and Art Committee, Mr. C. H. James, J.P.—The following gentlemen were also appointed to represent the Board on the Truant School Committee :—Mr. W. L. Daniel, Mr. Henry Davies, and the Rev. James Williams. THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. — The report of the Finance Committee was read and adopted.—Mr, David Davies said the Board had about Cl,800 to the good at the bank. He was very anxious that they. as a new Board, should be in a good position to start, and he hoped they would never be placed in a similar predicament to the old Board. The late Finance Committee gave snfficient intimation to the Overseers and the ai'-istant overseers of the require- ii)entl, for the year. Ho would like to impress upon the Finance Committee and the Board that it was very necessary that they should have a perfect under- standing between the jjoiud and the overseers, so that their demands and precepts should be promptly paid. He hoped they would not have a repetition of the past arrears of certain individuals.—Mr. Wills asked who Mr. Davies meant by certain individuals. Mr. Davies You know very well who I mean, and I will not satisfy you by naming anyone.-The Chair- man taid that Mr. Davies was an exceedingly clever little man, but he did not know everything. The overseers had to meet many months beforehand to prepare a very careful estimate for the rate. When the matter of the last rate came on they bad already met. They received a very kind letter from the clerk of the School Board, but it was absolutely impossible for them to prepare a rate to meet their demands, for the rate had already been made. They were, however, obliged to pay the Board every penny they a«ked for, and in order to do that they were obliged to resort to what had never happened in this parish before, though it bad occurred in other parishes and in order to pay the balance of J613,000 to the Board, and provide for the JE9,000 expenditure of the Guardians for the half-year, a very heavy rate had to be made. The letter referred to came to hand three days too late, three davs after the overseers had made the rate. He would therefore urge upon the Board that in future they should see that their letters were sent to the overseers in time.—Mr. H. E. Gray thought that the reason why the Board's expen- diture bad been so high during the past six months was because they had at the beginning of the term a deficit of jBl,200 at the bank, for which they had to pay a very heavy rate of interest.—The Chair- man suggested that the Finance Committee be called upon to meet to prepare their budget without delay, for it was quite possible that in future the appoint- ment of overseers would rest in the hands of the Dis- trict Council.—Mr. W. M. Evans Then we shall not have a repetition of the 2s. 6d. rate!-The Chair- man Not if the demands of the lower part of the parish are not too heavy.—Mr. D. Davies moved that the Finance Committee be called to meet that day week.—Mr. Arthur Daniel seconded, and it was agreed to. ATTENDANCE AT THE HIGHER GRADE SCHOOL.—The Clerk stated that in consequence of the irregular attendance of some of the children at the Higher Grade School the late Board, subject to the approval of the Education Department, had passed a resolu- tion to the effect that in future any child, unless he produced a medical certificate, who lost more than three attendances during the month, be refused admission. Now a letter had been received from the Education Department stating that it was impossible to enforce regular attendance at the Higher Grade School, because most of the children had passed the age but they did not consider the resolution a reasonable one, but should any scholar absent himself frequently that rule might be put into force, and the Department would decide each case on its merits.— The Chairman thought it was very unreasonable to expect the childien to be present every day.—Mr. Wills observed that he bad opposed it from the first. -The Chairman You passed a resolution you had no right to pass.—The letter was eventually refeired to the School Attendance Committee.

MERTHYR COUNTY COURT. FRIDAY: Before His Honour J udlte GwiJym Williams. ADMINISTRATION ORDER.—An application was made by Cornelius Berry, blast furnaceman, of Dowlais, for an administration order. His total debts amounted to JB52 12s. lid., and he earned 18s. per week. His Honour made an order for payment in full at the rate of 12s. 6d. per month. CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES AND THEIR MEMBERS.— Thomas Jones, Treharris, was sued by the Treharris Co-operative Society, of which he was a member, for the sum of J618 19s. 10d., for goods supplied. Mr. W. W. Meredith appeared for the society, and called the secretary, Mr. J. H. Davies, who produced a minute book proving that these proceedings had been authorised. The defendant's wife denied the defen- dant, and Mr. Thomas Watkin Thomas, the late manager, produced books, and said that the goods were paid for and an entry made in the pass book. However, when the goods were obtained on credit, an entry was made in the ledger and a bill given. His Honour observed that the pass book would not show a man where he stood. Mr. Meredith explained that there was a ledger specially kept for shareholders, which anyone was entitled to examine.—His Honour: Fancy a collier examining a ledger I shall refer the matter to the Registrar. This was accordingly done. inn UONTRACTOR AND THE BUILDER.—J. H. James sued William Harris, Bargoed, for £ 17 18s. lid. for timber supplied.—Mr. D. Roberts Rosser, Pontypridd, appeared for the plaintiff, and the defendant was represented by Mr. W. W. Meredith. A counter- claim for jB20, alleged damages and breach of contract, was made. Plaintiff said he was a contractor residing at Pontypridd, and had agreed to supply some joinery to be used for certain houses belonging to the defen- dant at Bargoed, for £ 12 15s. per house. He received a cheque from defendant which was subsequently dis- honoured, and, consequently, he (plaintiff) could not carry out the contract. In cross-examination, he said if he had supplied the whole of the joinery ordered, his claim would be £102. There was a door missing in each of the houses, but he had not charged for those. It was very likely that the defendant had to get goods elsewhere because witness told him he could not go on with the contract unless the account was paid up. Corrobora- tive evidence having been given, Harris, on being called, said he had paid £ 94 17s. 10d.,and the amount now due was only £ 6 2s. 2d. James did not supply the joinery complete for each house, and he had to buy and make doors, &c., which had put him to an expense amounting to J620. The cheque for JB12 Os. 4d. which James said had been dishonoured had been subsequently paid.—In reply to Mr. Rosser he said he did not have the cheque now nor a receipt for it. He had been put to expense because James did not tell him that he should not supply any more joinery, and he had either to buy elsewhere or allow the masons to go on without the joinery. He con- sidered JB20 a fair and reasonable sum, but he had not made out a list of particulars.—Judgment was given for James on both claims. A MIXED-LP AFFAIR.—This was an interpleader's case for Treharris, with Weaver and Company and Tucker and Company versus Edward Williams sen., with Edward Williams, jun., as claimant.—Mr. W. Beddoe appeared for the claimants, and the amount claimed in each case was £ 9.—Mr. Slater, of Swan- sea, appeared for the executive creditors. It appears that the claimant's father filed his petition in 1893, and air. Dovey, of Cardiff, was appointed trustee', whilst Mr. David Evans, of Merthyr, acting on the instructions of the Official Receiver, wen? to Tre- harris and made inquiries as to the goods of the debtor. The debtor s wife ciaimed certain goods, and the son, the claimant in the present action, claimed other goods under the will of his grandfather. Mr. Dovey refused to recognise the wife's claim on the ground that she had married the debtor before the passing of the Married Women's Property Act. The son's claim was also disallowed, and the goods were sold. David Evans, auctioneer and Edward Williams, the father of the claimant, having given evidence his Honour gave judgment for the claimant, and allowed the bailiff's costs. THE TRAP THAT WAS>T REPAIRED.-This was a case in which b. W. Fine, furniture dealer, Troedy- rhiw, sued Griffith Jones, a coachbuilaer of Merthyr, for the sum of £ 5 10s. in respect of a trap which he had sent to be repaired. Mr. Beddoe appeared for the plaintiff, and said that in April, 1893, he left a trap with the defendant for the purpose of being repaired at a cost of 12s. 6d. The trap was not returned, and ultimately Jones told Fine he had sold it, and only received 10s. for the wheels. Plaintiff, in the course of his evidence, said he had been offered £6 for the vehicle. It was not true that Mr. Jones had refused to repair the trap because it was in such a bad con- dition, and he had not received a postcard asking him to remove the trap. He had been offered 10s. by the defendant. Corroborative evidence having been given, defendant said that the trap was brought to his yard after it had met with an accident. He told Mr. Fine that it was impossible to repair it, and asked him to remove it. No mention was made of the cost of the repairs, and witness saw no one but Mr. Fine when the trap was brought to his yard. Since then lie had sent two postcards to the plaintiff and a letter, asking him to fetch the trap. He re- ceived no reply to these communications. In reply to Mr. Beddoe, he said it was not true that he had sold the wheels. Corroborative evidence was given by the defendant's foreman, and His Honour gave judgment for the defendant with costs. THE BUTCHER AND THE SAUSAGE MACHINE.—This was an action brought by Messrs. Picton & Morris, ironmongers, Dowlais, against Richard Griffiths' High-street, Dowlais, for £ 2 14s. lid. for goods supplied. Mr. D. W. Jones, who appeared for the defendant, stated that £1 2s. 5d. had been paid into court, and the matter in dispute was in regard to a certain sausage machine which the defendant had returned. His Honour, after listening to the evidence' gave judgment for the plaintiff for the amount claimed with costs. THE BRITHDIR BUILDER AND HIS CREDITORS.— This was an action in which considerable interest was taken subsequent upon the defendant, a bankrupt, having been charged at the Police-court some time ago for having obtained goods by false pretences, but on being committed to the Quarter Sessions had been acquitted. It was a case in which E. W. Jenkine ironmonger, of Dowlais, sued D. Davies, a builder of Tirphil, for the sum of £5 17s. 10d. Mr. Beddoe appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. D. W. Jones represented the defendant. It was alleged that defendant had obtained certain materials for^building purposes from the plaintiff in the name of Mr. Lloyd, Tycoch, Rhymney. Mr. Lloyds' daughter subse- quently called with the plaintiff, and stated that Davies had no right to pledge her father's credit. Practically the same evidence was given as was given in the Police-court, and which was fully reported in the Times. The case was adjourned for a month THE GREENGROCER AND THE PUBLICAN.—Henry Gray, Market House, Merthyr, sued Edward Davies, Court Arms Inn, Merthyr, for the cost of goods sold to defendant in 1892, when he was a greengrocer. When defendant gave up his greengrocery business in 1893, he alleged that he had an interview with the plaintiff at the latter's house, and agreed to sell his cart for E6 and the amount due on the account, the subject of this action was to be allowed. Defendant (who was represented by Mr. W. W. Meredith), said that no one but the plaintiff and himself were present when he sold the cart and received the money, and he had no application for the payment of the amount for three years. When plaintiff's 80n came for the money in February last, witness told him this, but the plaintiff took these proceedings. -His Honour held that the plaintiff had not made out his case, and gave judgment for the defendant with costs. MINOR CASES. E. E. George and Company, grocers, Merthyr Vale, sued Thomas Williams, Georgetown, for the sum of £2 7s. 6d., balance due for groceries.—Mr. W. W. Meredith appeared for plaintiffs, and stated that part of the account was due for goods supplied to the defendant in his own name for a lodger. This was the only part of the claim now in dispute.—Defendants wife said she had also paid money for which no credit had been given.—Judg- ment was given for plaintiffs, with costs. Crawford and Sons, biscuit makers; Leith, sued E. Thomas, grocer, Merthyr, for the price of biscuits supplied.— Mr. W. W. Meredith appeared for the plaintiffs, and called the South Wales agent to prove the sale and neli very of the goods.— Judgment was given for the plaintiffs for £1 8s. lid. and costs, after credit had been given for sundry empties returned,

MR. DAN THOMAS AND HIS MISSING COAT. Sarah Jones and Jane Anthony were brought up before Mr. North (stipendiary) and Mr. C. H. James at the police-court on Monday, charged with stealing a coat belonging to Councillor Dan Thomas, on Monday, the 11th inat.—Dan Thomas said he was ee an inn-keeper, living at the Plymouth Arms, Merthyr. On Tuesday, the 12th of March, he missed a coat which he had hanging up in the kitchen. On the following morning he gave information to the police. He valued the coat at;Cl.-Florrie Goodman said that she assisted her father, Moses Goodman, as a pawnbroker in Picton-street. She took the coat into pledge from Jane Anthony on Wednesday. She gave the name of Margaret Sullivan. The other prisoner was with her.—P.C. Thomas Jones said he arrested Sarah Jones in Georgetown on Saturday morning. She said she knew nothing about it, but when brought to the police-station she admitted taking the coat. He afterwards arrested Jane Anthony, who, on being charged, said she pledged it.—The prosecutor said he did not wish to press the charge, and hoped the Bench would deal with them as leniently as possible, as they had large families and had hitherto borne a good character.—They were each fined 10s. »

A CURIOUS CASE AT MOUNTAIN ASH. At the conclusion of the proceedings at Mountain Ash Police-court on Wednesday, a man of respectable appearance asked the magistrates for advice in the case of his assumed wife. He explained that five months ago he made the acquaintance of a young woman at Neath who told him she was single. Leaving Neath, they lived happily together as man and wife, staying and travelling from place to place. Last Saturday the couple came to Mountain Ash, and on Monday he missed his paramour. Subse- quently he discovered that her husband was residing in the town, and she had gone to her first love but the fun did not finish there, for he (the fancy man) had missed J65. He sought out his lady-bird, who resided in Woodland-street. Calling there on Tuesday night to obtain the money, if not the woman, he was struck in the face by her legal husband, and was not given a hearing. He now wished to prosecute, but the magistrates advised him to go to Pontypridd for a warrant, which he promised to do providing the police would keep their eye on the female. He stated that the woman's legal hus- band is a man of considerable influence and standing in the town of Mountain Ash, holding a prominent place in the temperance cause, and a deacon at a certain chapel in the town. He did not know that his wife had been carrying on these games during her five months' exile from the place. Our Aberdare reporter learns that the man has circulated many tales relating to the history and doings of the couple during the past few months. He has also stated that they were married three weeks ago, in which case we may hear of an amusing bigamy case.

A MIDNIGHT MARAUDER, At the Merthyr Police-court on Monday, Daniel Harrington was summoned, charged with damaging a door, the property of Ann Bryan, of Quarry-row, on Thursday last, and also with assaulting the prose- cutrix. Mrs. Bryan said she went to bed at ten o'clock and was fast asleep. She heard a row and woke. The clock then struck one. The door was burst in and she screamed. The defendant then put his hand in her mouth. The policeman came in and caught him. She was cut about the face by his nails. The damage to the door was ninepence.-Sarah Ann Davies said that in the middle of the night Mrs. Bryan called to her. Witness went over to her house and saw the defendant in the house. He was sitting in the corner and refused to go out. She then went out and bolted the door, leaving the prisoner in. She kept him there until the policeman came. Mrs. Bryan's face was bleeding, and she was very much frightened. In reply to Mr. Beddoe, witness said that Harrington had been drinking, but he was not drunk. He acted like a man out of his mind.—Mary Ring also gave evidence.P.C. Mallett said that he was called to the house about half-past one on Fri- day morning. He went into the house and saw the defendant sitting in a corner. The old lady said he had tried to murder her and that she had struggled. There were marks on both of their faces. The staple of the door had been forced out. He took defendant to the police-station, and he said 1 am innocent. I did not touch her." He was not drunk.—Mr. Beddoe admitted that this was very strange conduct on the part of the defendant. It was evideut that he bad made a mistake. He had been drinking some whisky because lie felt bad, but the whisky had an effect upon his head which took away his reason for a time. It was also very evident that there had been only a technical assault, for in the dark a struggle had probably taken place because the old woman was frightened.—The Bench considered the conduct of Harrington as being most abominable, and he would be fined £1 and costs, or a month.

THE WELSH NATIONAL CONVENTION The preliminary arrangements for the holding of the Welsh National Convention at Aberystwyth are now approaching completion. The negotiations between the three organisations directly interested, the South Wales Liberal Federation, the North Wales Liberal Federation, and the Cymru Fydd League, have necessarily occupied considerable time, and have somewhat delayed the holding of the convention. All the initial difficulties have, however, now been over- come, and the meetings will take place in Easter week, notably on Wednesday April 17th and Thurs- day April 18th. The first day will be devoted to the annual general meetings of the three organisations sitting as separate bodies to transact their own ordinary business and to discuss the draft of the proposed constitution for the amalgamated bodies. There will be a public reception given by the local committee in the evening. The second day the three bodies will sit together as a national convention. The morning sitting will be devoted to the discussion of the proposed constitution, and the afternoon to the Government Disestablishment Bill, the proceedings winding up with a public meeting in the evening. Officials of local organizations affiliated with the South Wales Liberal Federation should at once com- municate with Mr. R. N. Hall, 53, Queen-street, Cardiff of the North Wales Liberal Federation with Mr. F. Llewelyn Jones, Denbigh and of the Cymru Fydd League with Mr. Beriah G. Evans, at Carnarvon or Cardiff. A large number of applications for delegates tickets for the convention have already been received. The Welsh Liberal Women's Union have elected 36 delegates to represent that body at the convention. Local organisations should lose no time in appointing their delegates and making application for tickets if they have not already done so. A number of leading Welsh members of Parliament and prominent public men in the Principality, have already promised to attend and take part in the meet- ings.

TIRPHIL CHAMBER OF TRADE. The ordidary monthly meeting of the above Chamber was held at the Dynevor Arms Hotel on Wednesday evening last. The following members were present:—Councillor W. Jones (president), Mr. T. Jones (vice-president), Messrs. W. Went, T. I). Jones, Councillor D. Jones, J. Aurelius, D. Hurman, H. J. Sims, J. King, and Jas. Thomas (secretary).— Mr. W. Jones stated that the question of lighting Troedrhiwfuvvch and Craig Rhymney came before the Parish Council for discussion, and he was pleased to state that a committee, consisting of himself and Councillors Geo. Griffiths, Dr. G. Clement Davies, and T. P. Fisher had been appointed to meet and select suitable positions for the street lamps required. The Council desired the Chamber to select one of their members to co-operate in the work, and it was decided that Mr. Henry J. Sims should represent them.-Rc post office for Tirphil: The secretary was instructed to write the Cardiff authorities urging the claims of the neighbourhood in having the question finally decided.—With rererence to Capel Brithdir Burial Yard, strong complaints were made from time to time by the inhabitants of the alleged ridiculous manner in which the graves were being arranged, and of the many errors said to have been made in burying persons in wrong graves the Chamber thought fit to move in the matter with a view to remedying the grievance.-It was agreed that the secretary should write the rector (the Rev. T. J. Jones) ot the parish, asking him to meet a deputation and hear the facts, and so put an end to the alleged disgraceful scenes witnessed from time to time.-Rc removal of Sergt. Davies from the place: The President stated that this matter had been before the Chamber previously, and he thought it a fitting opportunity to suggest that a movement should be made with the view of acknowledging Sergt. Davies' dutiful services during his 24 years' stay in the place. He felt sure that the case would meet with unanimous support throughout the district. Messrs. T. D. Jones, W. Went, and Councillor Jones expressed their feelings in a similar manner, the latter stating that a committee of work- ing men had been formed to work in conjunction with the desire of the Chamber.—The President stated that a sec retary to the testimonial fund should be appointed by the Chamber, and he proposed that Mr. 11. J. Sims should till the office. This was seconded by Councillor D. Jones, and carried unallimously.-A notice of motion respecting the supply of water was given for the next meeting, and all members were earnestly asked to be present.

-I BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. Best Baking BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. l'OWilH in the BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. W.PV101'W- BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. Best Baking BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. in the BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. W.PV101'W- BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. ( Alui

"BALLADS OF WALES." A New Volume of Poems by Mr. W. Evans. It is pleasing to record another volume of poems from the pen of Mr. William Evans. an old Merthyr boy, whose love for his native hills prompts him to sing their praipe in verse, when he can snatch a few moments of leisure from the study of the "lawless science of the law." There are so few Welshmen who have striven in the English tonpue to popularise their country and their countrymen's doings, that one hails, with delight a volume having this object in view. It may ba that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and that London Welshmen have a tenderer feeling towards the land of their fathers than glow in the breast of the residents. Mr. Evans' motto is evidently contained in the lines which he addresses To any Welsh poet" :— Love thou thy country's poets and the tongue They sang in." From which lines also comes this wholesome admonition Love thou the land but when thy voice is ripe For lofty verse, scorn not the English ear. So shall thy notes be borne beyond the seas, And echoes of the solemn Cambrian pipe Be haply heard through either hemisphere, When thou art slumb ring 'neath the dusk yew trees." What will perhaps appeal most nearly to your readers is a "A valley of Glamorgan," from which the following is culled "It was the hour of twilight when I gained The summit of a hill, whose torn side sloped Down through a purple cloud of heather bells, Until it rested where the Rhondda foamed In summer flood. 0 sweet to me the wind, Who, for the whole hot month of June, had moiled Within the crowded town, and sweet to bear The bracken rustle as I clomb. Far down, The narrow valley, like a hi ve of bees, Was all astir with workers." In The Flight of King Edward" there is a stirring martial ring in the verses which tell of the deeds of the valiant Welshmen who put to flight the Saxon foe. Mr. Evans is at his best in the passages of love, whether it be of the hills and vales or of the highborn maiden. Particularly graceful and touching is the story of "Tudor Maelgwyn," the struggling barrister who is mated to Sweet Enid Mostyn,—she a budding rose 'Mongst womenjgraceful with the grace of youth. He thought nolovelier born, no softer eyes Than Iters, that in one momentary glance, Thrilled through him with the mystery of love, And made him conscious of his loneliness Whe she had left his side. No riches brought she for her marriage dower, But sympathy and love beyond all price, And all the treasures of a woman's heart Outpoured on one who gave her love for love, And lost himself in her, as she in him So finding pathways to diviner bliss. Love was left, Their sole possession, when the tempest fell And wrecked their uncle's fortune—love and faith, That gave them heart to bear the worst that came, And look the strong world in the face unawed. In Two Minutes ago," we have a life's tragedy in 18 lines — Two minutes ago How we flew through the blossoming lane Heard the thrushes call out to the Spring Whilst the horses pranced all aglow Though the wind blew straight from the east, said the vane, And frost made the brown earth ring. Two minutes ago 'Twas a part of the day we had spent Full of laughter and music and song, With no break to mar the hours' now What did we speak of ? What was our merriment ? Speak, hours, that to friends belong, Two minutes past! And I wait for the hurrying train, But below, where the road sweeps around, I can hear swift wheels rushing fast And can see her face, showing white as in pain, Stare blank o'er the sundering ground." It is not often that lawyers show their finer nature and unbend to a lighter mood in verse. Mr. Evans is deservedly well-known in legal circles in a vastly divergent character, that is to say as the author of a textbook on the law of Principal and Agent. The older Merthyrians, who remember the studious youth who eagerly devoured the literature on the shelves of the Library and communed with nature on the hill- top" and in such quiet nooks as Cwmffrwd, "far from tha madding crowd," will not be surprised that the fruit ot those years of study and musing is now being gathered. May this little volume not be the last by a good many It is printed and published in a dainty form by C. F. Roworth, Great New-street, Fetter-lane, London. C. R. J.

MERTHYR GUARDIANS. Saturday Mr. D. P. Davies, J.P., in the chair. OUT-REMEF.—The Clerk reported that the out-reliof paid in ,the various parishes during the past week amounted as follows :-Aberdare, JB60 16s.; Gelligaer, JB29 16s. 5d.; Merthyr Lower, 267 4s. 5d.; Merthyr Upper, £768s. 6d.; non-settled, £9 10s.: removal to Infirmary, J61 19a. 5d.; making a total of £ 24514s. 9d., and leaving it balance of JB61. A cheque for JS240 was ordered to be drawn. CASUALS.—A letter was read from Supt. Thorney respecting the allegations made at the previous meet- ing to the effect that casual tramps in Aberdare were not allowed tickets by the police. The superintendent stated that he had examined the books, and found that tickets had been issued, and that the inspector stated that no applicant had been refused. The book was, however, taken away about three months ago, and had not been returned. A letter was also en- closed from Inspector Davies, Aberdare, denying the statement made that he had refused a ticket to the man who had died in the lodging-house.—The Rev. Father O'Reilly stated that he had not said that the man had been refused a ticket, but that he had raised the question because the man had died in a lodging- house where he had been taken in out of charity. He brought forward the fact tha.t Inspector Davies had not been properly appointed by the Guardians as a deputy-relieving officer for Aberdare, and that conse- quently they had no control over him, and he might refuse to give tickets and relieve those who applied to hint. If ne did so the Guardians had no power to blame him. He considered that the arrangements with Inspector Davies were not duly laid down, nor was he obliged to obey Supt. Thorney on a matter of this kind. He believed that a proper appointment should be made in the same way as they had arranged "ith Superintendent Thornev to relieve cases in Merthyr. — Mr, D. Davies said that the explanation of Inspector Davies was better than he had expected, but he thought they should have an understanding with Supt. Thorney, who wax appointed for the whole Union. The matter should be reconsidered, and he proposed that it be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration. It was full time they should get someone responsible in each place, so that there would be no possibility of one officer putting the fault on another.—Mr. Thomas Williams (Gellifaelog) seconded.-Canon Wade moved as an amendment that the Aberdare Guardians should be formed into a committee to consider the matter.—Mr. Dan Thomas thought that Mr. Davies' proposition was the best, as they would have to con- sider the case of Gelligaer and Vaynor as well.—The motion was then put to the meeting, and carried unanimously. THE RATING or MACHINKRV.—A circular was read from the Gateshead Board of Guardians asking the Board to petition Parliament against a Bill proposed to be passed to exempt machinery from being rated. —Mr. D. Davies gave notice that he should move that day fortnight that the petition be signed by the Guardians. THE MASTER'S REPORT.—The weekly report of the Master showed that during the week 38 persons had been admitted to the house. 34 discharged, one had died, and four bern. The number in the house was 401, compared with 315 for the corresponding week of last year.

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COWARDLY ASSAULT ON A DOWLAIS WOMAN. At the Merthyr Police-court on Monday, before Mr. W. M. North (stipendiary) and Mr. C. H. James, John McCarthy was summoned for wounding Catherine Keith, on Saturday night.—The'prosecutrix said she lived in Brecon-street. On the night in question about half-past eight, she was going down George-street with her mother. McCarthy and his wife came out of the Royal Oak, and said"* vou are just the b- thing 1 want to see." He followed her and called her filthy names. She turned her head round, and McCarthy threw something which struck her on the head. She fell to the ground unconscious, and when she came to herself, she found the poker (produced) by her side She went to a doctor and had her head dressed.—In reply to the defendant, prose- cutrix said she had net quarrelled with his wife, and had not seen her until she came out of the Royal Oak.—Abigail Clifford, the prosecutrix's mother, gave corroborative evidence.—John H. Hughes, surgeon, Dowlais, said he examined the prosecutrix. She had a punctured wound just over her left eir. The part was swollen, and the wound was a quarter-of-an-inch long. The poker produced would oause the wound.— Sergeant Jonas Lewis deposed that he arrested the defendant on Saturday night last. Defendant said I know nothing at all about it," but later on lie asked "Did I injure her very much ?" Witness told him she had a nasty cut on her head, and he replied, I thought as much myself. I don't care if I hang for that woman." He was very drunk, but on Sunday morning he asked about it again when he was sober. —The prisoner was committed to take his trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

GELLIGAER DISTRICT COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Gelligaer District Council was held at the Union Workhouse on Saturday evening last, for the purpose of considering what steps should he taken to support the Bill promoted in Parliament by the Rhymney Railway Company. The chair was occupied by Mr. Matthew Truran, J.P., whilst there were also present: Rev. Aaron Davies, Messrs. L. P. Edwards, Edmund Lewis, W. L. Smith, J. H. Jones, G. Seaborn, G. Johns (deputy clerk), and J. Jones (surveyor) —The Clerk read two letters from the Rhymney Railway Company, one asking the Council to pass a resolution in favour of the Bill, and nominating two members to give evidence at the ex- pense of the Company in favour of the Bill. The second letter asked if the surveyor of the highwayfe had any remarks to offer on the Bill, whether he would wait upon the engineer of the Company and try toeometosomearrangements.—The Surveyor reported that he had inspected the plan, and found that the proposed railway would interfere with the roads Q; a place called Cwntcyllii. —Rev, Aaron Davieesaid that the best thing would be to send the letter to the sur- veyor of the highways.—Mr. W. L. Smith said the Council had not power to raise an objection to that for it was a matter for the Highway Board. It was pointed out that the control of the highways would pass into the hands of the Council early in April but eventually it was understood that the letter would be sent to the highway authority.—Mr. L. p. Edwar(js thought no one had any objection to the Rhymney and Mr. Smith said he would support the Rhvmuev as well as the Barry.—Mr. Seaborne said it was un- necessary for him to offer any reti}ayl« on the resolution They had discussed it, am} eyevyMy had made up their minds on the n^er. He would only ask tWi to remember that ^his company had been paying rates for a large number of years, and they ought to have some sympathy with them. So fav the Barry Com- pany had mid no rates, but they hoped thoy would do so shortly. The question was whether they were going to support the Rhymney Railway Company equally to tne Barry Railway Company. He had great pleasure m moving that the Council support the Rhymney Bill, and that two members be deputed to give evidence on their behalf. He would ask the clerk to take down the names of the members as they voted.—Mr. Smith thought that was not fair, far Mr Seaborn was threatening the members (kughter).— The Ghair.nan All votes should be recorded in tho mmuto book. -Mr. L. P. Fd\ya,wfe thought this was a mere farce, since they hud decided to support the Barry Bill. Mr. <J. H. Jones seconded the resolu- tion, which v^as carried unanimously.—Mr. Seaborn tqeu&sked the Council to elect two members to give evidence in support of the Bill.—Mr. L. P, Edwards asked if they were consistent in supporting the two lines.The Chairman The mora railways you can have ill the parish the r^ore rates rOll will get. Eventually Mr. Seabovn and Mr. J. H. Jones were appointed to give evidence on behalf of the Bill when, i it came before Parliament,