The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION. JkLWYNPIA AND TREALAW DIVISION. THE CANDIDATURE OF MESSRS. R. LEWIS AND W. WILLIAMS. SPEECH BY MR D. A. THOMAS, M.P. A public meeting, in support of the candidature of Mr R. Lewis and Mr W. Williams, Tonypandy, for the No. 3 (or Llwynpia and Trealaw) ward, was held at Soar Chapel, Clydach Vale, on Thursday evening, the 27th ult., when the chair was occupied by the Rev. T. Williams, who, in opening the meeting, said that Messrs Lewis and Williams were the two Liberal candidates, who were nomi- nated by the Liberal Asscciation, and selected by a properly convened public meeting afterwards held. These gentlemen had undertaken to fight the battle of Liberalism, and were supported by the great strength of the Liberal party. This meeting had been called in order that the electors might be enlightened upon the duties devolving upon 1Ilem. as well as upon the candidates, between this and the election day. Once the people had had explained to them the facts bearing upon the elec- tion they would not be afraid to trust the people, ar.d act conscientiously and rightly. (Applause.) Mr John Benjamin proposed a resolution ex- pressing approval of the Liberal candidates (Messrs Lewis and Williams), and pledging the- meeting to use every legitimate means to secure their triumphant return. Mr Thomas Lacey seconded, and remarked that they as workmen fully concurred with the Tory cry of selecting the best men. The only matter for remark was that it was very strange that the Tories could not find the best men any- where except in their own ranks. (Laugh ter.) They ,(the workmen) on the other hand, and the Liberals of the district, were firmly of opinion that Messrs. Lewis and Williams were the best men. (Cheers.) The Chairman said he had very great pleasure to call upon the principal speaker of the evening, a gentleman to whose presence they had been looking forward with considerable interest, to ad- dress the meeting. (Applause, t Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., (whose rising was a signal for further cheering), said he was not there at all in his capacity as member of parliament, but simply as an elector in this ward, to address his fellow-electors. (Applause.) He observed in the Queen's speech, which was delivered on the pre- -vious Monday, that they as members of parlia- ment were advised to go down, as far as he could understand it, and take an interest in the matter of these elections. It was the last paragraph in the speech, and the ol, ly one reallv relating to home matters. Now he believed that he was abo ut as loyal a subject as they made them—(laughter)— but having regard to the fact that the speech was not her Majesty's own speech, but one prepared for her by her Majesty's present advisers, the Tory government, he had no intention to carry out this by taking part in the County Council Elec- tions. (Renewed laughter.) He had not inter- fered in his own division (the division which he represented in parliament), and he did not intend to interfere in these local matters. He thought he had a very good warning before him in the po- sition which a leading statesman in Glamorgan- shire had taken lately, very much the position of a man who had interfered in a quarrel between husband and wife, and who, therefore, had quar- relled with both. (Laughter.) He noticed that the Interference by the statesman in question had drawn forth a leading article, not only in the South Wales Daily News, but in the Western Mail as well. He, however, was present that evening in his cwn right to take part in this contest, and to take part in it on strictly political grounds. He knew Mr Hood, the other candidate, very well, and were it not for political considerations, he would have been the man he should have voted for, because he had known Mr Hood longer than the Liberal candidates. He did most strongly believe that these contests should be fought °on party lines. (Applause.) He thought every true Liberal should sink nearly all personal qualifica- tions, and vote for the Liberal candidate not only tions, and vote for the Liberal candidate not only here, but everywhere else. He thought it right to say that he was not present at that meet- ing in antagonism to Mr Hood, but simply because he understood he was a Tory, and he did not trust Tories. It was their own fault, not his. (Ap- plause and laughter.) He would like to pay his tribute to the magistrates who had carried on the business of the county in the past. He was not one of those who had ran' down the magistrates. He had seen that one of the localmagistrates there thought that the P(ntypridd bench. were blockheads. (Applause and laughter.) He did not know them there, but he believed that the magistrates of Glamorganshire had adminis- tered the business of the county well and economi- cally, and he did not think it could be adminis- tered more economically by the County Council, yet he believed that it would be far more in keep- ing with the spirit of the times that the County Government should be administered by properly elected representatives of the people. (Applause.) Nor did he think that they had in Glamorganshire but very little complaint to make with regard to the appointment of magistrates. Thev had in the lord lieutenant (Mr Talbot) a Liberal "in politics, net perhaps so advanced as he (the speaker) con- sidered himself to be, but he considered that Mr Taibct had always been earnestly endeavouring to appo'nt the best men as magistrates. They had not nad their share of magistrates from the north- ern or most populous part of the county, perhaps, but he thought that was the fault of the system. Seme complaint had been made in other places that the lord lieutenant had almost exclusively Felected men from one party. He believed there was cne county in Wales where there was not one liberal or Nonconformist member on the bench. He did not know whether that was strictly so or not, but he believed there were very few Liberals on the bench in some counties. He believed also that the division of Glamorganshire for electoral purposes connected with the county council had Qn the whole been very fair, although the Ebondda Valley had not had its due share; but in Monmouthshire there had been gross abuses in the divisicn, for instance, the division in which he lived had only 2,000 inhabitants, and yet had a councillor, while some divisior s had 8,000 popula- tion, with only one councillor to represent them. There had been a far more equitable division in Glamorganshire, although as he had said they had seme cause to ccmplain in the Rhondda Valley. They were entitled to two more members, and more in Merthyr and Aberdare. A great deal had been said and written as to whether these contests should be conducted on political lines at all, and the ostensible objection of those who opposed party lines was that it was necessary that magistrates should have seats on the county council, in order that there should be some sort of continuity be- tween the county business of the past and the fu- ture. He himself should like to see such men as Mr Dillwyn Llewelyn and Mr Rhys on the coun- cil, but he would say let them be there not as councillors but as aldft-men. (Applause.) There "fcere <53 councillors to be elected, and 21 aldermen. Sie4f9uld 3jQg'g £ st that a majority of Liberals si" ould "be elected, trusting to them to select those' magis- trates who had attended to their duties in the past, and he certainlýZvould be fat more ready to trust a Liberal majority than a Tory majority to act fairly towards Liberal magisi rates. He did not think that Tories would (if in a majority) se- lect more than half-a-dozen at the outside of Liberals, but that was the way, however, he would suggest securing continuity of the business. This county formed really about one-third of the whole of Wales, and the business of the county involved vast issues, but they found that the number of magistrates who attended to the business of the county in the past were few. Out of considerably over 100 magistrates, he did not suppose more than 20 had attended to business in the past, and in thinking of the election of magistrates on the coancil they ought to enquire into these things, "but Mr Hood was not one of those who attended to business, simply because he was not a county magistrate at all. Against the opinion of Lord Aberdare in this matter he would give the opinion of one who had greater weight in this matter even than Lord Aberdare, namely, Mr J. Morley. (Applause.) Having dwelt upon the duties of the new council, and entered at some length into general politics, Mr Thomas paid that some time ago he ventured to prophesy that before next Autumn the miners of South Wales would receive advance of 15 per cent, in wages. He was se-; verely condemned in some quarters for it, and told that such words tended to make the men dis- satisfied, but, on the contrary, he had said it be- cause he knew there was dissatisfaction, and he wanted the men to be patient, because he felt sure they would benefit by the rising prices. (Ap- plause.) They had had a 5 per cent. advance, and he believed they would get more, and probably before the autumn they might' reach even the 15 per cent. He hoped the coalowners would see the advisability of revising the sliding-scale, so as to make it respond more quickly to the fluctuations in the price of coal at Cardiff. )Applause.) Mr R. Lewis, in addressing the meeting, com- mencing in Welsh, said he had been amongst them eighteen years, but he has not taken a very active part in public matters of this sort, although he had given his vote on all occasions in favour of Liberalism. (Cheers.) As they had heard he was one of those selected by the Liberal Association for one of the two seats for this ward, and having been selected he decided to do his best to fight the battle. As they had heard, the county council had been formed under the new act to do what the magistrates had been doing in the past. The magistrates had been spending thousands of pounds of the people's money, and the people themselves knew very little of what they were doing. The magistrates had done their work too privately. He was of opinion that it would be far better for mftLers of that kind that theyjshould be dealt with publicly in the presence of reporters, so that the ratepayers and electors might know what they were doing with their money. Dealing with the work of the magistrates he found there were 250 magistrates in this county, about 100 of whom had been attending to the work cn an average, and he was sorry to say there was a debt of upwards of £ 100,000 upon the quarter sessions at present. As the average was so small he thought it was a proof at once that there were over 150 magistrates in the county not deserving of the confidence of the lord lieutenant, but could they (the people) evict them ? (No.) They were justices of the peace, and they would be justices of the peace so long as they lived. He thought those magistrates had not been acting in accordance with the oath they had taken.. There were altogether, he found, 66 councillors to be appointed, and 22 aldermen, and the council bad power to elect aldermen from outside its own body, but he, for one, would strongly contend that aldermen should be elected from amongst the councillors, and if retained they might depend upon it that he would not vote for an outsider. The county lunatic asylum was a very important institution, which would come under the jurisdic- tion of the new council, and inasmuch as the patients in that asylum were paupers, there was every reason that the ratepayers should, through their representatives, see that the institution was properly looked after. (Applause.) The income arising out of the county licenses also would now come into the hands of the county council, to- gether with 40 per cent. of the probate duties. Having dealt with some of the aspects and the duties and jurisdictions of the council, Mr Lewis, in English, said they were aware that the Conser- vatives claimed that this was one of their mea- sures, but according to a speech by Sir Charles Dilke, in Halifax in 1885, the lines upon which this bill was drawn was then laid down. The measure, although a considerable advance over what had been expected from Conservatives, was yet not all that could be desired, for it only gave the council half the control of the police, and there were other matters which would no dcubt come within the jurisdiction of the council whenever a Liberal Government came into power, and it was important that the council, as Mr Thomas had said, should consist of a majority of Liberals, in' order that they themselves might be prepared for carrying on the work in. a manner which would benefit the people. Let them look at the licensing question, for instance. The compensation clauses introduced by the Tories were a disgrace to the Government. He did not speak from a total absti- nence point of view, but as one who felt himself, and knew what the people felt in this matter. He did not wish to make any rash promises, but if returned he would do his best, and if he did not come up to the standard of their expectations, then when the three years came round, let them do with him, as the Conservatives did with poor Irish tenants, evict him. (Cheers.) Mr W. Williams then addressed the meeting in Welsh, and at the outset explained that an ap- parent contradiction appeared as to the figures quoted by Mr D. A. Thomas and Mr Lewis, with regard to the number of councillors, accounting for it by referring to the boroughs in the county outside the new counties. He remarked that the people had now been admitted into the sanctuarv: and dealing with the past conduct of county and other matters, he said that although the vast ma- jority of his fellow-countrymen, were Nonconfor- mists and Welsh people, those who had been ap- pointed in this county had in a great majority of cases been Churchmen, Tories, and, in many instances, unacquainted with the language of the people. He referred to the county lunatic asylum as illustrating his reference, and the appointment of officers unable to speak Welsh, and he said that if they appointed a county council of the right sort such a thing would not in future be tolerated. (Applause.) The evening was far advanced, and, therefore, he did not intend to enter at any great length into the duties devolving upon the county council, for he hoped to have an opportunity of addressing the people of Clydach Vale later on. He would now content himself with echoing the words of his fellow-candidate (Mr Lewis), and re- marking that if they returned him, he would be sure to vote on the right side. (Applause.) In conclusion he proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Thomas for coming amongst his workmen and other neighbours at Clydach Vale, and giving them so forcible an illustration of the beneficial effects of having intimate and amicable arrangements between capital and labour. Mr Lewis rose to second the vote of thanks, and said that Mr D. A. Thomas was an exception amongst employers. (Applause.) The resolution was then carried with acclama- tion. Mr D. A. Thomas, M.P., returned thanks, and proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman for pre- siding. Rev. W. Edwards seconded, and it was carried. Mr D. Deere referred in enthusiastic terms to the recent appointment of Mr D. A. Thomas as one of the whips of the Welsh party. Mr T. E. Ellis had, he said, declined the post himself, and mentioned Mr Thomas as an excellent substitute, and he (the speaker) had no doubt Mr Ellis was perfectly right, knowing as he did that the best man to handle the Welsh whip was a. thoroughly patriotic Welshman. (Laughter and applause.) The proceedings then terminated.

I SUDDEN DEATH IN A RHONDDA PUBLIC-HOUSE. Late on Wednesday night a man named John Jones, a mason, of Glamorgan-terrace, Penrhiwfer, was drinking in the Lewis's Arms Hotel, Penrhiw- fer, when he fell down in the bar, and died instan- taneously.

COMPLIMENTARY SUPPER TO IR W. STEWART, PENRHIWFER. On Thursday evening, the 20th ult., a compli- mentary supper was given to Mr W. Stewart, on the occasion of his leaving Penrhiwfer to manage the Treharris Navigation Collieries. Mr W. W. Hood, Glyncornel, was president; with Mr D. Evans, manager, vice-president. At the central table, besides the presidents, were the guest of the evening; Dr C. J. Jones, the Court, Tony- pandy; Messrs Gilmour, Edgar M. Phillips, Eyre, Dr. E. Naunton Davies, and Wyndham Lewis. After a splendid spread by the genial hostess, Mrs Rees, the tables were cleared, and the proceedings commenced with a pianoforte solo by Mr E. P. Mills, Pontypridd, the accompanist of the evening, and right worthily did he acquit himself through- out on this, his first appearance in the Mid-Rhon- dda; his capital playing contributed greatly to the excellence of the singing. Song, Mr T. John, Llwynpia Schools, "The Old Campaigner," and in response to an encore he gave "King of the Company." After the loyal toasts, Mr Edward Hughes gave in his usual superior style "Love's young dream." Then came the toast of the evening, "Our guest, Mr Stewart," proposed by Mr John, Llwynpia Schools. He was sorry Dr. David, who was to have proposed the toast, was absent through pro- fessional emergencies. He had known Mr Stewart longer than Dr. David he knew more about his excellence than he could express. He was a man of dogged perseverance, as his career in that lo- cality had proved. Mr Stewart was also, in the words of the Bible, "slow to anger." He wouldn t think much of a man who never felt angry, but Mr Stewart in his own business was such. His knowledge of colliery work was not profound, rot extending below No. 3—(great laughter)—but he knew that in Penrhiwfer, owing to his dogged per- severance, Mr Stewart had held his ground against terrible odds, and fought the way he had done. He would not try to speak of him professionally, or he would be landed in a difficulty, but in a public capacity Mr Stewart and his violin had ever been ready at the service of church and chapel, and at concerts in aid of poor men. King Saul used a harp in days of ore to drive away evil spirits, but Mr Stewart had no evil spirits to drive away. As a School Board member he was straightforward and honest. It was extremely galling to schoolmasters, honestly trying to do their duty, finding illiterate men as members, who did not appreciate education at its proper worth. Mr Stewart was very economical. If more men like Mr Stewart were members, so much the better. Mr Stewart was a Scotchman by birth, but a Welshman by matrimony. He was sorry Mr Stewart's example had not been fol- lowed by other Glamorgan officials. He hoped and trusted Mr Stewart in his new sphere would be highly successful. He would say this, that if indomitable and invincible will could accomplish anything, the Treharris Company would find it in Mr Stewart. (Loud cheers.) Mr N. Griffiths, as a working man under Mr Stewart for years, had found him a very good friend. He would only say this, that Mr Stewart's first care always was for the safety of the men. (Applause.) He was glad Mr Stewart had gone to better himself. Mr Steven Evans, although he thought they should have the best preacher last instead of first, was bound to say something. It was their duty to speak of a man as they found him. As one under Mr Stewart for a number of years, he could say he had found him straightforward. He was glad he had been under such a strict master. He used to wish sometimes that Mr Stewart was not so tall, as he could find the smallest quantity of gas. He wished him joy in his new place. (Ap- plause ) The toast having been drank enthusiastically, with musical honours, Mr Stewart, who was much affected, said it was too difficult to respond under the circumstances as he would wish to. He could not think for a moment he deserved all his friends had said of him. If he had done anything it was due entire- ly to the gentlemen under whom he had lately served. Never could there be a better body of men to serve under than the Glamorgan Coal Com- pany. (Applause.) Before sitting down he had to propose success to his late employers, hoping a silver lining would appear to the cloud passing over Penrhiwfer. It was an honour to work under such a firm. He proposed prosperity to Penrhiw- fer, coupled with the name of Mr Phillips. Mr. Phillips, in response, felt pleased with the kind manner in which Mr Stewart had referred to Penrhiwfer. He hoped Mr Stewart would make Treharris a great success. His departure was a great regret to them all. Song, "Jack's Yarn," Mr Joe Lewis. Song, "Nos galan," Mr Richard Morris. Dr Evan Davies then proposed "The Visitors," whom they were always glad to see and welcome, as conducing to the harmony of their gatherings. After referring in eulogistic terms to Mr Stewart, whose loss, as a very close and true friend, he greatly regretted, he expressed a hope that they had not lost him. altogether, but that he would still be present at their gatherings. (Loud ap- plause.) Mr Eyre responded in a capital speech for the visitors. Their references to Mr Stewart that night would greatly raise him in his (the speaker's) estimation. The Chairman (Mr Hood) then said he wished Mr Stewart every success in life. Everyone pre- sent that night, he was sure, was wishful to see him succeed in life, and no one more desirous than himself. (Applause.) In wishing him success, he regarded it in his mind as certain, for he possessed the great essentials—indomitable will and honesty of purpose. A man who could work against such fearful odds as were at Penrhiwfer would succeed anywhere. Many a time he had felt sick in com- ing from thtere. None but a hard-headed Scotch- man would have carried on the undertakings. He was glad, however, he had been long enough in Wales not to be hard-headed. Where a Scotch- man would batter his head against a wall, a Welshman would jump over it, and the joint qualities of the two would build up a man. (Loud applause.) He wished Mr Stewart and his Welsh wife (and he could endorse what had been said about her sterling good qualities) all prosperity and happiness. (Cheers.) Song, "Plas Gogerddan," Mr R. J. Davies. Dr Jones referred also in eulogistic terms to Mr Stewart. After songs by Mr J. D. Morgans, Mr W. Jones, ("The amateur Carver"), and glees by the Apollo Club, the health of the hostess was proposed. THE AMATEUR CARVER. Written at the above supper by Mr J. W. Jones, Penygraig Schools. (Tune—"Johnny comes marching home.") A poor yoong man at table stood,-Hurrah; He held a knife both sharp and good,-Hurrah; A goose as well before him lay, To carve he thought he knew the way, CHORUS- And all felt gay except the poor young man. The goose before him looked so nice,-Hurrah; He thought he'd carve it in a trice,-Hurrah; Each joint he thought seemed easy and loose, 'Twas easy work to carve that goose, And all felt gay, the goose was going home. He stuck the fork right in the bird,-Hurrah; Then earnestly, without a word,-Hurrah, He chucked the napkin 'neath his chin, And with the knife he did begin, And all felt gay to see the treat in store. Alas! those joints seemed very fast,—Hurrah The sharpness of that knife seemed passed The poor old bird lay on its back, The carver then began to hack, And all felt gay except the poor old bird. The bird was shorn of every limb,-Hurrah; The slices came quite fat from him Alas! then came great botheration, Cries of "goose" from quite a nation, And none felt gay to see it was not coming. The carver then with a sly laugh,—Hurrah; Of goose gave Morgans quite a half, Advice I'll give to serve through life, Don't leave home carving to your wife, And you'll feel gay wheen carving goose from home. I EXCORE VERSE— I see you folks wish for encore,-Hurrah; Of songs howe'er I have no more; If you won't cut a goose quite true, I fear your friends will then cut you, And you won't feel gay when carving away from home. Mr Tom Rees, on behalf of his mother, the hos- tess, said he was only too glad to have the honour of their presence. He hoped they had fared well, and enjoyed themselves, as that would be their greatest pleasure. (Applause.) It should be stated that the room was beauti- fully decorated with a set colliery piece in the centre,composed of a sledge, mandril, safety lamps, and shovel, and had a very pretty effect.

ANNUAL DINNER TO SOLICITORS' CLERKS. On Monday, the clerks in the employ of Messrs Morgan and Male, solicitors, Pontypridd, had their first annual dinner, under the presidency of Mr Male. A substantial spread was provided, to which full justice was done. The cloth having been removed, several toasts were drunk. Mr C. T. Gibbon proposed the toast of the evening-, the health of Messrs Morgan and Male, which was seconded by Mr George Merchant, and carried with applause.—Mr Male responded, expressing regret that Mr Morgan was unable to be present. He was very pleased to meet the staff upon such an occasion. In his oppinion a little cordial sympathy on occasions of this kind was mutually beneficial. He gave the clerks some sound advice, and thanked them for inviting him to be present. Songs and speeches were afterwards given by Messrs Merchant, Gibbon, Lane, Hunter, and the enjoyable proceedings were brought to a close with a vote of thanks to Mr Male for presid- ing.

FOOTBALL. PONTYPRIDD v. NEWPORT" A." Played at the Trallwn field on Saturday, before a fair number of spectators. The ground was in a very good condition, and fast game resulted, which throughout greatly in favour of the home team. Soon after starting Newport was compelled to touch down, and they bad to resort to the same tactics two or three times in the first ft w minutes. T Harry at length succeeded in crossing the line, and the try was allowed by the referee, but the Newport umpire con- tended that the ball had been in touch previous to the try being obtained, and in order to avoid dis- pute the Pontypridd team decided to yield the point. Soon afterwurds A. Llewellin got in from a line up but the kick at goal by J. Williams failed to land the major point. Pontypridd contiaued to force the game, and when the whistle blew for half time, plav was in Newport territory. In the second half Ponty- pridd still had the best of the game, and D. Davies succeeded in scoring a try, and though J. Williams made a splendid attempt at goal, from a most difficult angle, he just failed to land it Pontypridd ultimately won by two tries and seven minors to one minor. The following were the teams —Pontypridd -Back, J. Williams three quarters, G. Gould, D Gimblette, and T. Harry half backs, G. Lewis and J. Thomas forwards, W. Williams, D. Davies A Llewellin, E. Llewellin, F. Tilke, T. Nicholas, J Nicholas, E. Gould and W. Mitchell. I FOOTPALL TOURNAMENT.. The continuation of the tonrniment on Moud ay next is likely to prove a. success. Nine teams will take part. PONTYPRIDD v. PENYGRAIG. This match, which is exciting great interest in the district, will be played on the Trallwn grounds, on Saturday next, and as both teams are strongly represented a tight game is anticipated.

CHRISTMAS AT CAERPHILLY. Several of the tradespeople of the ancient and historic litlle citie" have celebrated the great festive season by an unusual display of their re- spective goods in their windows. We compliment them on the artistic manner in which these necessaries of life were placed before the public gaze. The great sight of the place, however, is the Ironmongery Stores of Messrs Cross Brothers. Mr Farnworth, the energetic manager of this unique establishment, has had a world-wide experience having spent considerable time in the Antipodes, China. U tried States, and other colonies. Being natural '.j endowed with uecorative faculties, he is always to the front with some novelty in the decorative art, and the appearance of these stores at this festive season have no match in the Princi- pality. The drug side. which is elaborately fur- nished, is aiao decorated with a choice collection of exotic plants in bloom, while the iron pillars that support tin ceiling are enwrapped with crimson cloth, intertwined with palm leaves, which gives it a picturesque effect. At the iron- mongery department we came across a sight that fills one with ecstasies of delight at the novel ap- pearance of the "iron side" of the establishment. There, where the pots and saucepans are suspended from t';e cosi.ng in great numbers, are intersected huge Chinese lanterns, which makes one almost believe that lie has been transported by the fairies to the celestial city. All has been arranged with such harmony and keeping with antique appear- ance of the exterior of the premises that stamps Mr Farnworth as a great artist. Happy new year I to you all. 1

I Pontypridd Police Court. THIFT OF BOOTS AT FBHKDALE. — At the Ponty- I pridd polioe.conrt on Friday-before Dr Jones, Messrs T. P. Jenkins, and D. W. Davies-Thomas Hughes, tailor, Ferndale, was charged with steal- ing a pair of boots, valued 4s lid, the property of Owen Williams, tailor, his fellcw-lodger.— Prose- cutor said that dffendant and he lodged in the same house, and slept together up to Wednesday last. About one o'clock p.m. that day witness went to bed, having previously taken off bis boots. When he got up about five p.m. the boots were missing.- Fined 20s, or fourteen days. IMPUDENT THRFT OF A COAT.-Enoch Thomas, hanHer, William Norman, collier, and Daniel Llewellyn, haulier, all of Pontypridd, were accused < f having, on Wednesday evening, stolen an over- co t, valued at 80s, the property of Thomas Williams, a building society agent, living at Hopkinstown, from the Red CV-rr "Vic-house, Hopkinstown. The parties wer together in the Bed Ctw, and it w» oat when prosecutor left the room for a« > e,Enoch Thamas took the I coat from the ohau aid walked out, accompanied by the otber defendants. Subsequently P.C. Lewis found that Thomas had pawned the coat with Mr. Abrahamson, Treferest, for4s3d, and that Norman was also there.-Williams said when be found the coat had been stolen,be entreatedThomas to re- tarn it, but he refused.—Thomas was sent to goal for seven days,Norman was fined 20a, and Williams was discharged. THE MINIR AND HIS GBCCERTAS.—Samuel Endaoott, miner, Cymmer, pleaded guilty to having on Wednesday evening last stolen a parcel of grcceries, the property of William John, Trebanog. Pros -out or, a collier, said that the parcel con- tained a pot of jam, lib of bam, a tin of potted palmon, and a bottle mixed piokles, altogether of the vijue of 8d. About nine o'clock in the even- ing he went into the Hotel, and placed it on the counter. J:h went oat for a short time, but upon his ro-I ine groceries were missing. Defendant was VM-eentf and when bis house had been searched by P. C Bowen, the artioles, aome of them more than half consumed, bidden onder ohairs and bozM. -Fined 20s.

LOCAL CANDIDATES THE CLAIMS OF MR ROBERTS AND MR LEYSHON. (Continued). (BY WELSH PEASANT). Mr Leyshon, speaking at Treforest, set forth his claims for a seat on the County Council be- cause he is and has been for about 15 years a a member in two Local Authorities. It is very possible for a person to be more than 15 years in Local Boards, and not more fit to be there than a baby. The practice of going around houses, Ail- ing voting papers, and hurling ignorant people to the polling booth, and multiplication of votes, might secure a seat on the Local Board to the most unworthy person, and keep him there for twenty years. Fifteen years at a public Board gives a member a history of himself. Is the his- tory of Mr Leyshon such as to recommend him to be entrusted with more public business ? I believe when Mr Leyshon refers to his own history that he feels himself a drowning man and clutches at every straw. He refers to the selling of the sur- plus ground at the master's house, Graig. When the above house was in course of erection I heard a discussion; the persons present were ratepayers, owners of house property and a senior member of the Board. It was said there and then that the I building of the house was an unwise step, and the house was too large and expensive to answer the salary of the schoolmaster and pay reasonable in- terest, and no man would put his own private money in house property to command such a small interest. Mr Roberts said the same thing at the Board in due time, but he then was a junior and the seniors would have their own way. The Ratepayers consider themselves very lucky to sell the surplus ground, and in doing so reducing X200 of the mortgage. I believe this is a case in favour of Mr Roberts. I Mr Leyshon is the Chair- man of the Attendance Committee is there any- thing in the history of this Department to prove that he is a very good man in public business ? I can't see anything. The expenses of this depart- ment are on a regular increase, which, in the opinion of the ratepayers, is quite the reverse to what it ought to be. There is an instance in the history of this department to prove this opinion. Once there was 'an attendance officer who. if he was allowed to go on, would soon decrease the ex- penses. What became of him ? The Chairman of the Attendance Committee advised the Board to discontinue his service. An officer who brought around the best results without one summons during his term of office was thrown to the dust- bin, and another officer better than the above, if we can dwell on Mr Leyshon's own words, was sent about his business, and then, on the motion of Mr Leyshon, another officer was appointed, and the salary was increased by £15 a year. Did Mr Leyshon's advice bring a satisfactory result? No, after a fair trial that new officer was backed with gifts and presents to the children at the expense of the Ratepayers. Did this prove satisfactory ? No, summonses are still in practice, poor parents are dragged before the magistrates, and shameful 119 money is paid either by poor parents or the rate- payers. If the officer who was sent about his business had been encouraged by the Chairman, the desired fruit would be enjoyed without a single summons. I believe there is an instance I during the chairmanship of Mr Leyshon that as many as twelve parents have been dragged to the court the same day, and the magistrates dis- missed all but one, the ratepayers of course to pay the costs. The Chairman of the Attendance Com-' mittee examined all the cases, one by one, before taking proceedings. True, the cases are put be- fore the General Board, but by the word of mouth of the Chairman of the Attendance Committee, and in the form and shape and colour he thought proper, and of course his advice is carried out. Such a proceeding has a tendency to weaken the hands of the Attendance Officer. Ask Mr Gibbon and he can tell you the story. It is generally be- lieved that an enormous sum of money is wasted in this department, and that for want of an able man to preside over the attendance meetings. Is there anything in the above history to recommend more public work to the care of Mr Leyshon. Fifteen years in the Local Board I shall only refer to one instance which happened after the law- suit. Was it not Mr Leyshon who advised the Board to proceed to carry out a certain work on J the premises of Messrs Leyshon, grocers, and knock the plug off on Mr Rees's pavements and in doing so intruding on the right of one of the most quiet, innocent, industrious, and respectable families, in his own ward, and putting the Board liable to another law-suit. Was it not Mr Roberts who opposed and recommended the Board to re- place the stairs, and settle with Mr Rees on fair and reasonable terms, and no more law suits. The Board concurred with MrRoberts, and justice and peace was retained. In this place the two candi- dates stooet in a direct comparison. Before voting judge for yourselves which of the two has the eye of a public business man and most humanity. The Tories say, The is no room for politics on the County Council." Where is a place that there is no room for politics, and what sort of a place will it be ? A neighbourhood with no politics must be an ignorant one, a house with no politics must be a dull one, a head with no politics must be a bull's head. The Council is to be one of the most im- portant matters for the interest of the people, on politics depend the comfort and peace, progress and advarcjment of a nation. He who says no politics in tne County Council must be of a very shallow mind, or attempt to throw dust in the eyes of the ignorant when running under the covey of Independent." Besides that, it is the fashion of the day, petitions are laid on the table, and at once a member proposes one way, and another will propose another way, and in half a minute the Board room is full of politics, and the parties raUy round their different colours, and a sharp, lively, political scrimmage will take place, and in about thirty minutes the petition is going out of the room either a Liberal or a Tory, up to London, telling them there that a certain Board or a Council is a Tory or a Liberal, as the case may be, and no more notice is taken of it than a hundred of the bogus petititions which are carried round the_ country with sextons and over-zealous ladies. Voters, don't be deceived; politics will be in the County Council, and it is already said by the leaders of the Government that great matters are kept waiting in order to have the opinion of the County Council on them. Fellow voters, let us be led by our intellects, reason and common sense, and return honest and outspoken Liberals-Messrs W. H. Morgan, J. Roberts, and E. Edwards, and in doing so, do honour to worthy gentlemen and honour to. ourselves.

PRESENTATION TO A PONTYPRIDD MINISTER THE REV. E. E. PROBERT'S LATE CON- NECTION WITH ABERCARN. We extra.ct the following with pleasure from a Newport contemporary, believing it will be read with interest by many of our readers. This is the third presentation which has been made to Mr Probert since his departure from Abercarn: A highly interesting meeting was, held at the Town Hall, Abercarn, on Wednesday evening, when a testimonial was presented to the Rev. E. E. Pro- bert, late of Abercarn, but now of Pontypridd. Mr ?* T-Green,J.P.' presided, and he was supported by Mr W. H. Davies, J.P., Dr. F. J. Davies, Rev. J. W. Jones, Messrs T. S. Edwards (solicitor), W. Jones (colliery manager), D. Bowen, T. Howe, D. W. James, &c. Letters of apology were read from several subscribers, expressing regret at their un- avoidable absence. A number of gentlemen ad- dressed the meeting, all of whom spoke in the most eulogistic terms of Mr Probert, and referred to the substantial work he had done, not only as a Christian minister, but also in the cause of tem- perance, education, and every philanthropic movement, during his residence of more than ten years at Abercarn, and expressed their deep sense of the loss the neighbourhood had sustained by the removal of such a valuable citizen. The tes- timonial consisted of a beautifully illuminated address (prepared by Messrs WaterW aiid Sons, London), and a substantial purse of gold The' rev. gentleman suitably responded. A cordial vote of thanks to the Chairman for presiding brought the meeting to a close. °

THE CANDIDATURE OF MR W. JENKINS, YSTRADFECHAN. MEETING AT PENTRE. A public meeting was held at Old Siloh, Pentre.. on Tuesday evening, in support of Mr W. Jenkins., general manager of the Ocean Collieries, who in one of the three gentlemen in the field for the No. 2, Rhondda Ward. The chair was occupied by Mr Thomas Edwards, who, in the course of a Welsh address, explained the objects cf the meeting, and said be thought they ought to be proud that a gentleman of the position, influence, and ability of Mr W. Jenkins was ready to place his services at (Applause)a S6at °D th<3 Co"nfcy Counoil. Mr William Rusp, in"a pithy, racv, English speech, dv elt upon the need of economy in tLe administration of the affairs of the county of Glam- °r" ai.Dt* exPressed hearty approval of the candidature ol Mr Jenkins. (Applause). Mr Thomas Jones, Tynybedw, followed in Welsh and spoke of Mr Jenkins's kindness to him per. sonally as showing that rentl-man's readiness to do a good turn to those arund him. (Applause). Mr Henry Harris, Cwn,park, said if Mr Jenkina worked as wisely, honestly, and successfully for the electors as he haa done for the Ocean oom- pany it would be a great saving to the ratepayers. (Applause). They should support him for this reason and also because they wished to break through the power of men who, on meeting each other in the street, arranged committees to pre- Ev^bIUppi«s;rd <* Mr W Jenkins, the canditate, then rose to address the meeting, and was received with cheers. In the course of a Welsh speech, he said he did not know whether he was fully entitled to the praises bestowed upon him by previous speakers, who dep. oribed as an economic d man. Now, although he did his best to be economical, consistently with efficiency, he did not believe in losing the ship for the want of a pennyworth of tar. (Applause). Reference had been made by the chairman, to the work of the Local Board, and he (the speaker* considered that the Board bad not been extrava- gant. They bad done as much as they could without overburdening the ratepavers. THPV -r mignt, certainly, have done more, but it would undoubtedly, in many cases, have resulted in some small house owners losing their property. /'Hear ie"h *theyAad eD^0ftV°ured to avoid what would lead to sucn harshness. As had been said, he placed his services at their disposal, and asked them if they saw that he was fit to represent them, hnn«i6^ • 1,(Hear' heai")* Personally, ho hoped they wou!d see that he had qualifications! and that they would elect him. (Laughter and applause). As to the Local Government Act, and the powers it conferred upon tbe new Cauncillors, he could ordydescribe them,briefly,in the worCs of a gentleman who spoke recently at Ton-that it was a very small baby, concerning whose birth a great deal of fuss had been made, but it was a baby possessing an excellent frame, and, with care, it might yet develove into a well-proportioned adult. (Applause). Dealing with tb, main features of the duties of the Council, Mr Jenkins (turning to, English) tersely summarised the work expected to, be done, and, in conclusion, said he had been connected with the Rhondda Valley Collieries for upwards of 29 years, so he must know something about the distnofc. His edocation bad been mainly obtained amongst them, and it was for tbem to'sav- whether he had been an apt pupil or not. fAn- plause). v The chairman said Mr Jenkins had admitted what bad been stated by a previous speaker, that he was not a public speaker. Well he was reminded of a gentleman who onoe said* I cannot apeak publicly, but give me something to do and I will doit." (Hear, hear). Thoa« Knew MB Jenkins were perfectly confident that, if Mr Jenkins was not, and did not profess to be a publio speaker, if the electors gave him something to do, he would do it, and do it well. (Applause! Mr Edward Edwards, proposed, kwdsb, a reeolution, pledging the meeting to support the candidature of Mr Jenkins. (Applause). Mr Edwin Gay proposed it in English. Mr Evan Rees seconded the Welsh resolution and Mr Edward Hague seconded the English resolu- tion, and quoted statistics as to the responsibility and debt of the county of Glamorgan. The resolution was then put up to the meetinff- and carried unanimously. On the motion of Mr Jenkin3. "seconded by Mr Bay, a vote cf thanks was recorded to the chair- man, and the proceedings closed

CANTATA PERFORMANCE AT CLYDACH VALE. On Thursday evening, a grand concert was held at Zoar Independent cbapei, Clydaoh Vale. The chair was ably filled on the occasion by Mr W. Priohard, manager, Clydaoh Vale Collieries. The looal choir (belonging to Zoar Chapel) was con- ducted by Mr James John (Ef's Clydach). The first part of the programme was misoellaneous, commencing with lin overture on the pianoforte by Mr Gwilym Lowis, Llwynpia schools. Eos Wen- allt followed by singing If The Children's home." Miss Joanna Hopkins rendered the "Gardotea Faoh, in a very tonobrng maaner. Mr John John Pontypridd, contributed Young Brigade" •' Cymru dirion was next given by Eos Wenalit. Miss Hopkins was very happy in her rendering of the Better !and." This part of the programme was pleasantly duposed of by the singing of the capital duett Excelsior," by Mr John John and Eos Wenalit. The second part embraced the performance cf the cantata entitled "Debora" composed by Mr Hugh Davies (Pencerdd Maelor). The solos allotted to Miss Hopkins were P'le mae gogoniant Israel ?" "Lief ein gweddi •" "I mewn fy Arglwydd," "Yn nyddiau mab Anath and joined with Eos Wenalit in rendering the duett "Bendithier y gwyr." Notwithstanding her heavy task, she did her part most creditably. The solos Eos Wenallt sung, were I'r gad," Gyd- filwyr cyfodwoh yn awr," Molianer Ðuw." and sang "OArglwydd pan gerddaist" with Misg, Hopkins. The duett Os ymhyfryda Israel was sung by Messrs John John and Eos Wenalit. M r John also contributed the solo Oni chawn ogof yn y bryn." The portions for the party to render were'^Awn tua'r oadfaes," "Gwae ni Ganaaneaid." The items for the choir to expound were "Daeth y nos" (part song), chorus, "Duw eia. tadau, gwrando ni" (part song), "Llifo mae Ze-ynol gild," "I lawr moddailr miJoedd" (chorus) "iTmSf'» ymlidiwn (chorus), An felly o Ar- glwydd, (chorus). To our knowledge, this was the first performance cf this cantata in this district, hence singprs will enjoy to hear how this produc- tion is arranged. This information will assist- them in forming an accurate idea of its merit. The mstrumentalists were Messrs Gwilym Lewis,Llwyn- pia, and Harding Morris, Clydach Vale. The soloists received approbation. The choir and; party made a very favourable impression in the r rendering of the several items assigned them in the programme. The leader, Mr James John (Eos, rendering of the several items assigned them in the programme. Tbe leader, Mr James John (Eos, Clydaoh), is entitled to a word of praise for dis- v charging his duties so well. The conceit was well-attended, and much enjoyed throughout;

IR WILLIAM WILLIAMS, [HETOH'SJ TESTIMONIAL- I beg to acknowledge toe receipt of the following • contributions towards the above testimonial, viz— s. d. Thomas Bees, Eeq (mayor of Cowbridge) 1 1 o Rev Morris Morgans, Swansea 0 5 0 Rev Thomas Jenkins, Pentytcfi 0 1 g Mr David Williams, Pentyrch .0 5 0 W. W. Phillips, Esq., Hafod 0 10 6 jea 3 0 Havod, nesr Pontypridd, January 2nd, 1889. HENRY ABRAHAM, Treasurer.