The Pontypridd Chronicle and Workman's News

THE COMING CONTEST IN PONTYPRIDD. So rapid are the changes which in these days take place in local public matters, that some people feel it a little difficult to follow the march of events. Fortunately, weak- kneed Liberals are very few in this district. The robust Radicalism of the majority of the electors enables them to keep pace with even a forced march," when that is necessary. The triumphant cheers of the supporters of Councillor Walter H. Morgan had scarcely died away ere the news of aldermanic honours came and preparations for selecting his successor had to be mace, but DO decision was come to until Fridiy evening last, when the names of Messrs 9. T. Wales, S. Hopkins, D. Cule, and H. S. Davies were submitted to a committee, con- prising ten per cent. of the electors, anl, after a spirited ballot, Mr. Wales was ChOSill as the Libeial champion. An unexpecttd objection to his candidature was,on Tuesdar, raised by his employers (or one of them1, and he was reluctantly obliged to retire froo the field- Mr 0. Morgan, the Libenl t. i agent, hastily convened another meeting of the Selection Committee," and there was a strong muster on Tuesday night at the Congregational Vestry. The names of Mr H. Hopkins and Mr D. Cule were again submitted, and the first named gentleman obtained a majority of votes. Mr Cule and his supporters then pledged themselves to work for the return of Mr Hopkins as the candidate of the Liberal party. The announcement was received with enthusiastic cheers, and, thanks to the tact of the chair- man (MrW. Jones), and the good sense of the members of the comm'ttee, the fact that there are among Pontypridd Radicals several gentlemen fully qualified to become County Councillors will not prevent the party from presenting a united front in another campaign. Not being so fortunate as their opponents in regard to a choice of candidates the Conservatives have been for the past fortnight imitating the old fogey who, once upon a time, took a lighted candle in his hand in broad daylight and went through the market to look for a man." After vainly endeavouring to bring y about a split in the Liberal camp, they resolved to bring forward Mr D. Leyshon, Graig Villa. Against Mr Leyebon personally we have not one word to say, but he comes out under Tory auspices, and that in itself is sufficient The electors of East Glamorgan and the Rhondda emphatically declared against independent candidates at the recent elections, and it was made manifest that to be elected it was absolutely necessary to belong to one side or the other. Mr. Hopkins was on Wednesday nomi- nated by representative Liberals from all parts of the ward, and considering that the final selection of a candidate was not made until Tuesday night, the promptitude with which the work was done reflects credit on the organisation of the party and seems to us to foreshadow a battle which will be short, sharp, and de- cisive. Canvassers who were indefatigable in their exertions for Alderman Walter Morgan are once more at their posts and eager for the fray committees have been formed in various parts of the division; public meetings will be held at the Town- hall, Coedpenmaen Vestry, and Gyfeillon Vestry, on Monday .Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings speakers, eminent and other- wise, will deliver addresses, and until Thurs- day next-the polling day-we shall be once more in the midst of lively electioneering turmoil: but we believe the result ia a fore- gone conclusion. We do not exactly coincide with those who blame the Tories for "showing fight." True, they put the county to expense, but, then, they are "used to that sort of thing." Another thing they are getting pretty well used to is defeat; and if they wish to prove their own weakness over and over again why should we object ?

BRISTOL AND WEST OF ENGLAND BANK, LIMITED. In another column we publish the balance shel t and annual report of the Bristol and West of England Bank, Limited, which will be perused by our readers with the interest with which its progress and increasing pros- perity hare been watched from the commence- ment of its business ten years ago. Rising like another phoenix from the ashes of the unfortunate West of England and South Wales District Bank, it has succeeded,thanks to the splendid business capacity and the prudence of its directors and managers, in placing itself in the front rank of the banks of the district in which its business is carried on. A glance at the figures in the balance sheet will give the details of its assets and liabilities, amounting in che whole to £1,128, 564 2s 3d, and showing an increase for the year of about £ 112,000. The bank com- menced with a capital of ^150,000, which has already earned for the shareholders X144,000, and of which ^69 4,390 have been paid in dividends,and £50,0,00 placed to the Reserve Fund. The market value of the shareholders' property is to-day J6340,000. The directors have lately issued to the share- holders 10,000 new shares of J620 each, on which £7 I Us will be called up, at a premium of X6 10s per share, which will be added to the already existing Reserve Fund, thereby raising it to the handsome sum of £115,000. This has been done, not, as will be clearly seen, that the bank is in want of funds, but that the time has now come when it is in the best interests of the shareholders that their business should be extended and daveluped in the safe and sound financial lines on which it has been carried on since it began. This view has been abundantly confirmed by the general public, who are already paying from -02 to f3 additional premium for the purchase of the new allot- ments. Perhaps the most telling feature of the balance-sheet is the large amount on available assets, consisting of cash in hand! and investments in Government and other stocks, amounting altogether to £450,201 odd, being something like 50 per cent. available against any possible contingencies or disturbances in the financial market-a condition of things which tells of absolute security for depositors and shareholders alike. As to the local branch, opened in Market-square, Pontypridd, on Wednesday, under the management of Mr R. A. Lewis, it has made an excellent beginning, and is certain to become an important banking establishment.

HOPKINSTOWN. PUBLIC MEETING.—Mr H. Abraham, as candidate for a seat on the Llanwonno School Board, addressed a public meeting of his supporters at Rhondda Vestry, on Tuesday evening. Ur Iago Daniel pre- sided, and among the speakers were Mr M. Morgan, Mr T. Yorath, and Mr Wm. Humphries. A unani- mous vote of confidence in Mr Abraham was passed.

TREHERBERT. COUNT T COUNCIL.-A representative meeting of the Blaenrhondda, Tynewydd, Treherbert and Treorky branches of the Liberal Association was held at Treherbert, on Friday evening, for the par- pose of selecting a candidate in place of Mr. W. Morgan, Tynewydd, who has been appointed alder- man. Five names were submitted, and the select- ion was effected by ballot. Mr W. Jeffries obtained 12 votea Mr David Thomas, oollier, Blaenrhondda, 21; Mr John Walters, grocer, 47 the Rev W. Morris, Treorky, 73; and Mr Evan Davies, butcher, 85. The last named was therefore declared the adopted candidate.

PEN AND INK SKETCH OF THE LLAN- TWIT F ARDRE SCHOOL BOARD. [BY DEMIOS.] MR JAMES RICHARDs.-Chairman of the late Board, and worthily filled the post. Has evident- ly taken the question of the education of the masses as a personal matter. His conduct on the Board has been characterised by a sincere sacrificing self-devotion. He does his duty to the ratepayers without infringing upon the just rights and privi- leges provided by a generous Education Act in matters concerning their moral and social eleva- tion. His motto is economy, with a due regard to the higher aims of an enlightened preparation for the rising generate>n. Should and will win his seat with a triump: 'in number of votes. Mr D. LEYSHOX.—Th.. vii-T-cbnirman of the late Board. Popular and widely-esteemed in the parish. Has a large pecuniary stake, and reason- ably will not sanction a wilful waste of public money. An ardent friend of education, as every genuine type of a self-made man should be. Won- derful attendance at the last Board. Positively lost no meeting. Such conscientious return for the honour of heading the last poll bespeaks honesty and sincerity of character. "Tried and not found wanting." MR JAMES RoBE;.r-.—A good advocate for an educated democracy. His past record of services on the Board his been a good (.,ne. The right man in the right place. Has worked well. notwith- standing his heavy business demands. Won the county council seat after a stiff contest with Mr Leyshon. On the school board, however, they have united aims—the efficient education of the children. Here the discordance of county council warfare will be relegated to the political arena. Concord and harmony will reign supreme when parish interests and education claim the applica- tion of their experienced abilities. It is hoped the county council will not monopolise Mr Roberts to the injury of education in the parish. MR D. BF.YANT.—The representative of Llantwit proper. The agricultural typical representative. and has by the regularity of his conduct and the consistency of his actions on the late board proved himself a claimant of indisputable right to re- newed confidence. Let Llantwit folks remember these eminent traits on the election day. and sav in the words of a good unanimous poll—"Well done thou good and faithful servant." FATHER ASHBY.—Direct representative of the Roman Catholic fraternity, and a genuine one to boot. He succeeds the gifted Father Pudney, and when it is said that the successor is apostolic in more senses than one we deem the compliment sufficiently complimentary. He takes a kind and cheerful interest in schools without the obtrusion of fussy officiousness. Will be returned with certainty. Quite right too. Mn JUDD.—He was elected at the last election for the first time on the School Board. His ser- vices have justified the confidence then reposed in him. He is a thorough educationist in sympathy and aspiration. His doctrine that the nation's best money investment lies in the provision of a good and liberal education to the working man's child is practically carried out by him in speech and action in the Board meetings. Let the work- ing man not overlook his claims. He is not one of those who believe in a minimum education for the children of the poor. Then vote for Judd. REV. E. REES.—A Calvinistic minister hailing from Bethesda. Somewhat deep-voiced and very serious, but minus an all-absorbing sectarianism. He reserves the Calvinism for Sunday duties, and accepts the question of education on a broad and generous basis.- Like Mr Judd, has won his spurs as an educationist during the last three years, and 'ully deserves the reward of re-election. It is said that he was dangerously near addressing the board on one occasion as "Brodyr," but such a breach is nOl Hkely to occur further more. Deserves to be ret" lied. The above sketches embrace the late Board, and in justice I am compelled to speak in favourable terms of one and all. They have worked in har- mony and the result has been eminently satisfac- tory both educationally and financially, but it is possible that there are other considerations to be taken into account, such as local and class preju- dices, and personal popularity, and a few of the members may, perhaps, be ousted. For the sake of the public I append a sketch of the new as- pirants for school board honours. MR EVAN GRIFFITHS.—This is not the gentleman of water-rate celebrity, neither can he claim the eminence of the "safe one." Said to be strongly imbued with sectarianism. He hails from Llan- twit, and is a grocer by avocation. Let him leave the custody of educational concerns to Mr Bryant, who has faithfully executed his trust in the past. Let Mr Griffiths forbear for the present,and doubt- less he may be able to believe and to express that "his time will come" for such distinctions and honours in the universal period of happiness com- monly known as the sweet by and bye. MR THOMAS LEWIS.—Another member of the "serious family of Methodists." A "Knight of the Exchange," well-known thereon. If he persists in bidding for "school board stocks," it is feared he will not turn out an educational "Nitrate King'" He labours under an evident disadvantage. The "Bethesda pool" is not propitious to him. Another has watched the troubling of the waters and thinks he alone is entitled to the use of the bath. Still, Mr Lewis may eucceed in making a plunge, and if he does he will no doubt make a member quite equal to the average. He is a true Liberal in politics, notwithstanding what some folks may say. MR HOPKIN MORGAN.—First attempt for school board honours. Personally Mr Morgan is highly estimable, and as a business man he has proved a success. If one of the old members can be un- seated, Mr Morgan is safe. There ought to be a sufficient number of votes in Pontypridd to carry him and Mr Leyshon in. MR WALTER HOGG.—This applicant is capable of an enlarged treatment, but it will suffice to dis- miss him with this isolated remark—hejkeeps a private school.

«< THE DEAF HEAR AND THE DUMB SPEAK." EXTRAORDINARY AFFAIR AT TREHERBERT. David Davies, at present living in Hopkin's-etreet, Treherbert, a native of Treorky, was one of the many sufferers from the explosion at Penygraig Colliery, December 21st, 1880. He was then a door Doy, work- ing with his father and two brothers. It was his fearfnl lot to see these three struck down by his side by the explosion, withoat being able to get to them, although bad he been able it would have been of no avail to them, as they were all three dead. David himself was a terrible sufferer, having been very badly burnt all over both his legs and in the front part of his body. In consequence of the injuries he sustained he was obliged to keep his bed for four years. In course of time, however, these injuries were over- come, bat by the shock he was at once struck deaf and dumb. So he continued until some little time ago. The doctor who attended him informed him that his only chance of recovering his hearing and speech was as the result of a shock somewhat similar to that by which these infirmities were occasioned. David says he always had faith in this, and accordingly some time ago he placed himself as near as safety would permit to where six shots were to be fired in the Bute Pit, where he had been working for six months. Five shots were fired without any effect upon him, but no sooner was the sixth shot fired, a very heavy one, than David found his hearing perfectly restored to his left ear. His right ear will never be of service to him, as several operations have been performed upon it, and the dram is broken. Still he was without the power of speech. Last Sunday week, the 3rd inst., David was visited by the Rev. E. Rowlands, Pontypridd, a missionary among the deaf and dumb. In course of conversation the rev. gentle- made a remark which aroused the ire of David, who involuntarily or instinctively made an effort to express his anger. To his utter amazement the power of I speech came at the moment, and now, as we can testify from personal knowledge, he can talk away pretty freely. He Bays talking makes his throat sore, and his tongue is made sore by his teeth. Singularly enough David had arranged to marry a deaf and dumb girl at Llandaff the next day. The ceremony was duly performed on Monday, the 4th inst., at the Registrar s office. JAMS I JAMS J JAMS I-A large assortment of, Jams and Bottled Fruits of the best makers. Always in Stock. Special line, 21b Jar of Pure Jam, 6d. Harris, 75, Taff Street, Pontypridd.

COUNTY COUNCIL BYE-ELECTIONS NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR PONTYPRIDD. Nomination papers for the Pontypridd Division were handed to Mr H. LI. Grover, Deputy Returning Offioer. on Wednesday, the two candidates nominated being Mr Henry Hopkins, Glenview, Liberal; and Mr D. Leyshon, Graig Villa, Independent. Mr Hopkins' Nomination Papers were as follows:— FIRsT.-Proposer-H. T. Wales. Great Western Colliery; Seconder—David Thomas, check- weigher Assenting Electors — Charles John, Thomas Rees, Evan Rees, Emrys Morgan Price, Michael O'Brien, Daniel Gwyn, Alfred Price,. Thomas James. I SECOND.—Proposer—George Williams, Mill- street; seconder-David Ellis, Merthyr-road; Assenting-James Edwards, John Thomas, Isidoc Kuner, William Henry Davies, Daniel; Arnott, Charles Richards, William Edwards. THIRD.—Proposer — Hopkin Smith Davies seconder-David Cule assenting—David Wil- liams, Thomas Gowan, Daniel Williams, Thomaa Howells, John Thomas (carpenter), Thomas Jen-* kins, David Samuel, and Daniel Davies. FOURTH.-Proposer-I same Williams, Gwaelody-J graig seconder—William Lewis, Top Hill assenting—David Griffiths, Richard Thomaa Richards, Henry James Wiltshire, Thomas Jones, Evan Morgan, George Thomas Hooper, William Leyshon, Phillip Richards. FIFTH.—Proposer—William Jones, Gellideg; seconder—Richard Rogers assenting — Evan Griffiths, David Richard Evans, I. Prothero, H. Morgan, J. Coombes, D. L. Evans, Waiter Games, Joseph Mansel Edwards. Four nomination papers were banded in on behalf ot Mr D. Leyebon-one being from the Cbainworki, one from Rhondda and Pwllgwain, and two from Pontypridd. Tax HARMS' 21. TEA.—No Finer in the world at the price. A mixture of China, Indian, and Ceyl I. lon.-75, Taff Street, Pontypridd.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS OF THE Bristol and West of England Bank, LIMITED, Submitted to the Shareholders at the Tenth Annual General Meeting, held at the Bank, Corn-street, Bristol, on Thursday, January 31st, 1889, at one o'clock precisely. The Directors herewith submit to the Shareholders a statement of the accounts of the Bank for the twelve months ending 31st December, 1888. After payment of all charges and expenses, and making provision for bad and doubtful debts, the net profit for the year is £18,603 7s 9d, out of which an interim dividend at the rate of 8 per cent. per annum, amounting to £ 6,000, was declared in July last, leaving for present disposal ;E12,6037s9d. j & f The Directors recommend that from this sum £ 7,500 should be appropriated to the payment of a dividend for the past half-year at the r:. e of 10 per cent. per annum, free of income-tax, and that the balance of jE5,103 7s 9d should i,o carried to the Reserve Fund, which will then be £50,321 13s 5d. The new Premises at Temple Gate, Bristol, have been completed, and this Branch was opened for business on the 1st May last. As conducive to the interests of the Bank and the extension of its business, the Directors have recently created and issued, under the Bank's Articles of Association, 10,000 additional Shares of JE20 each, at a premium of zC6 10s Od per Share, upon which .£7 10s Od per Share will be called up. Such 10,000 Shares have been rateably allotted to the Shareholders. The premiums on this issue are to be carried to the Reserve Fund, which will then exceed £ 115,000. Mr Summers and Dr. Harrison, two of the Directors, retire by rotation at this Meeting; they are eligible, and offer themselves for re-election. The Auditors, Messrs Turquand, Youngs, Weise, Bishop, and Clarke, and Messrs Tribe, Clarke, and Co., also retire, and offer themselves for re-appointment. Resolutions will be submitted at- the Meeting for the purpose of fixing the remuneration of the Directors and Auditors for the current year. The Dividend Warrants will be forwarded to the Shareholders by post on the 31st inst. JOHN GUNN, Chairman. Bank, Bristol, 16th January, 1889.

BRISTOL AND WEST OF ENGLAND BANK LIMITED, 31st December, 1888, BALANCE SHEET. DR. LIABILITIES. £ s. d. £ s. d. Current and Deposit Ac- counts. 868,319 1 6 Drafts on LondonAgents 7,298 6 0 Interest due on Deposits, outstanding advices, Ac 43,209 10 5 Total liabilities 918,826 17 11 To Capital subscribed, 20,000 Shares of £20 each. 400,000 0 0 Amount called np :— X7 10s per Share on 20,000 Shares 150,000 0 0 Reserve Fund-invested in 2i per Cent. Consols as per Contra 45,218 5 8 Rebate on bills carried forward to next Account. 1,915 10 11 Profit and Loss Account:— Balance being Net Profit for the year 1888 18,603 7 9 Less Interim Dividend paid in July last 6,000 0 0 ————— 12,603 7 9 £1,128,564 2 3 ASSETS. CR. £ s. d. £ s. d. Cash in hand and at Bank of England, Bristol. 87,402 18 11 Cash with London agents, other Bankers, Bill Brokers at short notice, and in transit 209,891 9 8 ——————— 297,294 8 7 Investments: 2i per cent. Consols— Reserve Fund 45,218 5 8 2-4, per cent. conslos.. 30,000 0 0 Corporation of London Bonds, Corporation Stocks, Colonial Gov- ernment Bonds, and British Railway* De- benture Stock. 77,689 13 4 ——————— 152,907 19 0 Bills discounted:— Three months and under 210,843 3 1 Exceeding 3 months.. 36,443 0 10 247,286 3 11 Advances on Current Accounts. 373,300 15 3 Promissory Notes to the Bank. 4,685 1 5 ——————— 377,985 16 8 Bank Premises, Freehold and Lease- hold. 48,113 14 0 Dividends and Rents due, Stamps and Sundries 4,976 0 1 Total Assets £ 1,128,564 2 3

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT. £ s. d Interest due and paid to Customers. 13,556 18 8 Current expenses at Head Office and Branches, including Rents, Taxes, Salaries, Agents' Commission, Di- rectors' Remuneration, Income Tax, &c 18,583 4 8 Rebate on Bills not doe 1,915 10 11 Interim Dividend at 8 per cent. per annum paid in July last 6,000 0 0 Balance 12,603 7 9 Proposed appropriation:— Dividend at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum for the Half Year ending 31st December, 1888. 7,500 0 0 Reserve Fund. 5,103 7 9 £12,603 7 9 £52,659 2 0 JOHN GUNN, Chairman. & s. d. Gross income for the year ending 31st December, 1888, after making pro- vision for bad and doubtful debts.. 52,659 2 0 £ 52,659 2 0 GEORGE JOHN PICKIN, General Manager.

AUDITORS' REPORT. We have examined the balance sheet of the Bristol and West of England Bank, Limited, of which the foregomg is an abstract, and have compared it with the Books at the Head Office and the Branches, and £ nd it to be m accordance therewith. We are of opinion that the balance sheet represents folly and fairly •the positien of the bank. J 3 TURQUAND, YOUNGS, WEISE, BISHOP, & CLARKE, TRIBE, CLARKE, & Co. -Auditors. 16th January, 1889. j

BRISTOL AND WEST OF ENGLAND BANK, LIMITED. ESTABLISHED FEBRUARY, 1879 Capital (50,000 Shares of X20 each) £ 1,000,000 Subscribed Capital (20,000 shares of X20 each. £400,000 Capital (50,000 Shares of £ 20 each) £ 1,000,000 Subscribed Capital (20,000 shares of £ 20 each. £ 400,000 Paid-up Capital ( £ 7 10 0 per Share £ 150,000 Number of Shareholders, about 750.

DIRECTORS. JOHN GUNN, Esq., J.P., (Chairman of the Mountstuart Dry Dock Comnany), Cardiff. JOSEPH TINN, Esq., Ironmaster, Bristol. AUGUSTUS WILLIAM SUMMERS, Esq. (Messrs WM. SUMMERS & Co.), Bristol. ALFRED JAMES HARRISON, Esq., M.D., J.P., Failaud Lodge, Clifton, Bristol. EDWARD JAMES SWANN, Esq., J.P., The Gables, Leigh Woods, near Bristol. JOSEPH BENJAMIN BRAIN, Esq., The Mythe, Stoke Bishop, Bristol. HEAD OFFICE: CORN STREET, BRISTOL. GEORGE JOHN PICKIN General Manager. HARRY HOUSELANDER Sub-manager.

LONDON BANKERS: THE UNION BANK OF LONDON, LIMITED. Current Accounts are received on convenient and advantageous terms. Temporary Loans are granted. Approved Bills ere discounted, and Bills payable abroad are negotiated at favourable rates of exchange. Deposit Accounts.—Sams of £ 5 and upwards are received upon deposit, subject to tan days'notice of withdrawal. For these sums receipts are granted and Interest is allowed aacording to the value of money. Arrangements made to meet special cases. Transfers of Money are made between the Head Office and various Branches for Customers without charge. Purchases and Sales of all British and Foreign Stocks and Shares are effected upon specially advan- ta geous terms, and Dividends are collected. Bills Payable in London are retired, and the Bills, Cheques, Drafts, and Notes of other Bankers are collected, or received as Cash to the credit of Customer's Accounts. Drafts on London are issued to Customers at any date to suit their convenience. Drafts on London are issued over the counter for sums of £10 and upwards at 7 days' sight, 11, 14,or 21 days' date,free of charge, and on demand" upon payment of a small commission regulated by the amount. Drafts and Letters of Credit are also issued on the Bank's Agents in Scotland, Ireland, and in the principal Cities and towns in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere. Strong Room accommodation is provided free of charge for the custody of Plate, Deeds, and other Securities lodged by the Customers of the Bank. Every Officer of the Bunk is required to sign a declaration of Secrecy, and is bound not to disclose the transactions of its Customers. Bristol, January 1889. G. J. PICKIN, General Manager. j

CORRESPONDENCE. J WILL PONTYPRIDD TAKE CARE OF ITSELF ? SIR,—In past elections we, in Pontypridd, have divided our votes between various candidates, and sa. been left out without any representation on the Llanwonno School Board. Can Pontypridd not be induced to take care of itself this time by plampingl for Mr Coombes, and let other parts of the parish return their own candidates? JEALOUS FOR THE HONOUR OF THB TOWN.

"DELMOS" AND MR W. W. PHILLIPS. SIR,-Yonr correspondent "Delmos" was too hard on Mr W. W. Phillips last week. Mr Phillips has brought practical knowledge and experience to bear on the work of the Board, and has been,'and will be, a useful member. GREAT WESTERN.

LLANWONNO SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION: MR DAVID THOMAS. THE WORKING I MAN S CANDIDATE. J SiE,—It is with the greatest pleasure I find the name of Mr David Thomas, checkweigher. amongst the list of candidates. It is full time that we as work- men should assert cur rights and demand a fair reprej sentation on our local boards. We directly and indi- rectly contribute the thousands of pounds which are spent aunaally in the administration of local affairs. Therefore, is it not fair and right that we should have parsons sitting on the various boards who are in en- tirfe touch and in foil sympathy with us ? Liberal Governments have given us the franchise in local as well as imperial matters. Therefore, if we do not return honest, straightforward, and representative men like Mr David Thomas when we have the oppor- tunity, we should never complain of the indifference and ingratitude of those persoas who owe their digni- fied offices entirely to our votes. rhe question of fees is one which comes Lome to each of our hearts, especially of those who have large families, and who know what it is to maintain and educate them with very small incompe. We are told that f-ee education is not far off, but if we return men who are not in direct sympathy with ua, the glorious dawn of that long-Iooked-for period will be longer postponed than it need be. Most of the countries on the Continent of Europe and the Colonies have adopted the system with success, and there the teachers are not handi- capped and harassed by the required attention to the payment of small fees, and no promising youth is de- terred and hindAred in his education by indifferent and careless parents. The child of a workman has the same chance as the children of those who consider themselves higher in the social scale. Every facility is given to every child irrespective of creed and posi- 0 tion to prepare himself for the "Struggle of life." Then, let us, in the interest of oar children and fu- ture generations, support men from our own ranka whom me consider worthy of our support, and in con- clusion I would ask workmen of every grade to PLUMP next Monday for Mr David Thomas, who is the only Labour Candidate seeking our suffrages. A WORKMAN.

JEWISH WEDDING AT PONTYPRIDD. On Thursday afternoon, the 7th inst., an interest- ing Jewish wedding took place at the Synagogue, y 11 U Pontypridd, when Miss Annie Goodman, the second daughter of Mr George Goodman, Pontypridd, was united in the bonds of matrimony to Mr Sol. Barnett, of Swansea, the third son of Mr Henry Barnett, Heathfield Street, of that tDwo. Tne officiating minister was the Rev. Mr Abeieon, of Mertr yr, assisted by the Rev. M r Price, of Swansea, who delivered a most impressive lecture to the young couple. There was a numerous company from all parts present to witness the ceremony. The bride was attired in white corded silk trimmed in pearls, wreath and veil, diamond ornaments (the gift of the bridegroom), and she was attended by three bridesmaids. Miss Pearlie Goodman (sister of the bride), the Misses E. and B. Barnett (sisters of the bridegroom), who were also neatly attired-white silks, morie sashes, with hats to match, and carried exquisite bouquets, also the gifts of the bridegroom. The company after wards adjourned to the Town Hall, where a sumptuous banquet was partaken of by about 70 gaestB. A ball was given in the evening at the s,me place, Mr Stephens, of Cardiff, being the catei er. Danc- ing was maintained with much spirit until the small hours of the morning to the enlivening strains of Mepsrp. Johnstou and Roberts' (Cardiff) band. T!oe bridal presents were numerous and costly. The happy pair left the town in the evenirg for London, amid evident manifestations of good wishes on the part cf friends and the public generally.

THE VACANCY IN THE No l WARD, RHONDDA VALLEY. A correspondent, writing us from Treherbert, states that, in common with many others, he was astonished at finding that the Rev. W. Morris, Treorky, had been nominated in opposition to Mr Evan Davies, Treherbert. The Rev. W. Morris, at the association meeting, said:—" Whoever may come out against Mr Davies, whether he be a Liberal or Conservative, I will work for Mr Davies shoulder to shoulder." In the face of these circumstances our correspondent concludes that Mr Morris must have been nominated without his knowledge.

TIIE RHONDDA CONTESTS. fMr Ridge (from the office of Messrs Morgan and hys) attended at the Ystrad Local Board offices, on Wednesday, to receive the nominations of County Council candidates from the various divisions in the Rhondda Valleys. For No 1 Ward, Mr Evan Davies, butcher, Treherbert, and the Rev. W. Morris, Treorky, were nominated. For Pentre and Ystrad, Mr Aneurin Cule, grocer, Pentre, and Mr David Thomas, checkweigber, Ton. For Porth, the candidates nominated were:—Rev. Hugh Jones, Baptist minister, Penygiaig; Mr T. Jones, Ynyshir; ana Mr D. Powell, Porth; and for the Cymmer Ward, Dr. Evan Naunton Davies, Penygraig, and Mr John Davies, school attendance officer, Cymmer. So there will probably be contests in all the foregoing wards. For Ferndale, Mr D. Evans, Bodringallt, is un- opposed. A REAL TREAT FOR BREAKFAST.—Harris' MILD CURED BACON. Try it. 75, Taff Street, Ponty. pridd.