The Rhondda Leader

Rhondda Light Railway. Inquiry at Pontypridd. The Light, Railway Commissioners— consisting of the Right Hon. the Earl of Jersey (in the chair), Colonel Boughey, and Mr. Allen Steward—held an inquiry at the Town Hall, Pontypridd, on Friday, Into the application of the British Elec- tric Traction Company for powers to con- struct- a tramway from the terminus of the existing tramway in Mill Street, Pontypridd, through the town to' Bridge Street, and a loop through Market Square, and also for powers to widen roads be- tween Porth and Tonypandy, for which the Company have obtained provisional authority, which has not, however, yet received confirmation by the Board of Trade. It is understood that the Rhondda 'district Council intend applying for Powers to construct light railways through- out their district, including the section Powers to construct light, railways through- out their district, including the section frOl11 Porth to Tonypandy for which the Electric Traction Company has already obtained powers, which yet remain to be H1firmed. There was, therefore, con- sIderable opposition to the new scheme for powers to construct in Pontypridd, and j-° the application for powers for between Porth and Tonypandy. The pro- moters were the British Electric Traction ^ompany, who were represented by Mr. ^aniuel (whose local solicitors were Messrs. Spickett and Sons, Pontypridd). Opposition was offered by Mr. J. B. ^itzgerald, K.C., for the T'aff Vale Railway Company; Mr. Rhys Williams, barrister, the County Council and Pontypridd District Council; Mr. W. P. Nicholas solicitor, for the Rhondda District, Coun- cil Mr. T. B. Nelson, solicitor, for Miss Clara Thomas and her trustees; Mr. S. P. Freeman, solicitor, for the trustees of the will of the late Mr. Edward Llewellyn Thomas Mr. J. Griffiths, J.P., manager the Cymmer Collieries, for Messrs. •hisole, Ltd., Aid. W. H. Mathias, J.P., ^airman of the Legal and Parliamentary Committer of the Rhondda Council; Mr. James Granville, for the trustees of ^foriah Welsh Baptist Chapel, Tony- Pandy, and Mr. Wm. Richards, Dinas, on his own behalf. Mr. Morse, in opening the case, said the, present tramway belonged to the pro- moters of the present scheme. In 1899 promoters went in for an order from orth to Tonypandy, which was passed by le Commissioners, and was now awaiting ^onfirmation by the Board of Trade. The ^°mpany also promoted a scheme from •^ontypridd to Cilfynydd, which was thrown out on the opposition by the Taff Vale, Railway. The local District Coun- had the right to purchase the existing ■-ramway, which was worked by horse Power, in 1903, but the Company did not j^opose to electrically equip them until the Councils had decided to purchase the tramway. If the order now applied for Was obtained, the promoters would be pre- yed to sell the railway to the District ^ouncil at the same time as the existing [[amways, if they decided to purchase ,em, the terms tot be left to the Com- missioners, and they would agree that the Railways should be constructed simul- taneously, and the Council consulted in .e matter of construction. Mr. Morsa ?ld lle withdrew all the widenings which now opposed, and contended that County Council and the Rhondda ^°Uncil had no locus standi to bbejet now, they were not landowners, but before he Board of Trade, when the question of ^idenings, came on for confirmation.— jjsssrs. Rhys Williams and W. P. lcholas however, argued that they took J^ePtion to the amount provided for the ^denings, and to the gross estimates, he proposed widenings were not proper lctanings, and the estimated amount for frying them out was insufficient.—The ^airman ruled that they had no locus 'wi di upon the question of the scheduled ell,iligs, but, simply upon the gross esti- at ^Several witnesses were called, and after J^ulting with his colleagues, | he Noble Chairman remarked that he M not think they could grant the line to (. ? company, and that they would cer- CJalnly not go against the wishes of the jJ^ttcil, who obejeted to a light railway ^llv8 constructed between the present ^ttlways and those' to be constructed to t^y^ydd and Treforest, and who con- ^Plated asking for powers to construct ^ilway under the Tramways Act. ^orse assumed that the Commis- c'On trS not grant the application to ru°^ the line, and the Earl of Jersey that was so. eyr: Rhys Williams and Mr. Nicholas that they would reserve their °ns with regard to the other appli- *^e compulsory purchase of land w** Porth and Tonypandy—until the Xhiaeir before the Board of Trade- Hlj8 ^PpHcation was granted by the Com- Boav.jllers" pending the sanctions of the of Trade. _H'

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Upper Rhondda Notes. my "Llwynog.") The old trouble of non-Unionists and arrears in contributions has visited our immediate neighbourhood, and unless there is a radical change in the demeanour of certain workmen employed at, the Pentre and Gelli Collieries this week, it is quite possible that complications may arise that will lead in notices being ten- dered. It appears that there are a number of non-Unionists engaged at the collieries, a fact that in itself must be an abomination to those who have conformed with the general custom, and show their alleigance by sporting the Federation badge. To try and stem the conse- quences, the authorities that, be have issued striking notices throughout the locality calling upon all loyalists to ab stain oven from descending and ascending the shafts with non-Unionists. A demand is also made that those in arrears of con- tributions are expected to pay up at once The continual omission of a certain clique at almost every colliery to pay their sub- scriptions is a source of annoyance that invariably ends in undesirable results, and it isi only fair to add that even Federationists are not altogether true to their principles, by ignoring the laws and regulations. There is, no knowing -what will be the outcome of the drastic notices thus circulated throughout Pentre and district. It may result in an improved system in the future, and an entire ab- sence of non-Unionists. If not, then severe steps may be taken. Developments will be watched with interest, and next week I shall probably be able to furnish further particulars regarding the situa- tion. I suppose that the mojority of readers are fully aware of the fact that we have a fire brigade in our midst, and that it is one of the smartest of its kind in the Principality. This is no, idle talk, for opinions far more weighty than my own concur on that point. The history of the Pentre 1st Rhondda Brigade would form, most interesting matter not for casual reading, but serious meditation. The ondeavours of a, body of men who voluntarily formed the brigade, have not by any means, met, with the success or appreciation they exactly deserved. To sacrifice time and work in the ardent pur- suit, of a vocation performed gratuitously for the sake of a community without, re- muneration is not all that has to be con- tended with. Much more aggravating was the means that had to, be adopted to keep the body in existence with material, equipment, and apparatus. This was not a, small order by any means, and mainly through their own exertions. backed to a certain extent, by the public, the revenue to meet the incessant ex- penditure was, obtained. This was not sufficient, and on two occasions the bri- gadei had to, make further appeals for as- sistance, which was exacted by the means of holding two gigantic bazaars that bene- fitted the, coffers materially. The Dis- trict Council of late have exercised to a certain extent, that power conferred upon them by act of Parliament over the Rhondda brigades, but the transference is not, I am told, altogether a boon. Still, that is not exactly sufficient, and even now the Pentre Brigade; have devised another method whereby their exchequer may be replenished, and a grand ball will be held at the Drill Hall, Pentre, next month when there should be a good at- tendance. The public have not extended that due patronage to the brigade who during the eight, years of their existence have, to use a, sporting phrases, been "playing for the love of the game." In an inward sense, their reward has been the consciousness of having at all times fulfilled their duties, and if any local body is deserving of every possible support, they are the local Fire Brigades. The topic of discussion among young men at Treorchy just now is the advis- ability of establishing an English class in the place. As naturally expected, the opinions for and against, would be well ventilated at the meeting of the Treorchy Young Men's Society; and such was the case, when the subject cropped up in the form of an impromptu speech, followed by a discussion and a vote, with the result that there was a preponderance of opinions in favour of the suggestion. That it is practicable goes beyond question., and with the assurance that the class cannot be Icio,ndu,cte.-d by the Technical Instruction Sub-Committee at the Institute, it re- mains for the Young Men's Literary

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The Cambrian Collieries Concil- iation Board. A meeting of the Cambrian Collieries Conciliation Board was held on Tuesday afternoon at, the registered offices of the company. There were present—for the owners, Messrs. J. H. Thomas, R. Forrest, M. M'Allum, and C. A. G. Pullin;-for the workmen, Messrs. Wm. Brace, D. Watts Morgan, T. Evans, and T. Richards. It was reported that the official reply of his Honour Judge Owen with regard to the position of chairman had not been received. Some questions which were discussed at the previous meeting, and referred to Messrs. L. W. Llewelyn and D. Watts Morgan, were re- ported settled. One or two minor mat- ters were considered and adjourned. A letter was received from the Board of Trade stating that Mr. Thomas Bell, late Government inspector at Durham, had been appointed as arbitrator in the matter of the price list" for No. 3 Pit.

Porth Police Court. Thursday.—Before Mr. T. P. Jenkins, Dr. Parry, and Dr. E. Naunton Davies, Penygraig. Wilful Damage. Thomas, Thomas, Evan Davies, and Harry Yates, Trehavod Road, Havod, were charged with doing wilful damage at the Bridgend Hotel, Hopkinstown, on October 12th., The evidence showed that defendants had been very disorderly at the house, and after being turned out, they threw stones through the window Several witnesses were called, but Mr. Colenso Jones, Pontypridd, who defended, urged that the evidence was very weak, and that there had been no clear identi- fication of the defendants. The Bench agreed with regard to Davies and Yates, and discharged them. Thomas was fined zC2, including costs, and the damage. Ill-treatment of Colliery Horses. Thomas Davies, a haulier at the No. 2 Pit, Ferndale, was charged with ill-treat- ing a horse and doing wilful damage to it. Mr. Charles Kenshole, solicitor, Aber- dare, prosecuted, and stated that when Mr. Hannah, the agent, was in the col- liery on the 30th ult., he heard the defen- dant shouting and swearing at his horse. He took thei strap off and beat the horse severely about the head. The horse was at the time in a narrow, jagged place, and in its efforts to avoid the blows in- jured itself. Upon being, subsequently examined a wound three inches long was seen on the head of the horse, and its eye was closed and running." Corrobora- tive evidence was given by Mr. Hannah and Mr. Rees, veterinary surgeon. The defendant stated that the horse would not go on when the tram was off the rails. Mr. T. P. Jenkins remarked that horses were undoubtedly being barbarously treated underground, but, only few offenders were detected, as some of the cruel hauliers alleged that the animals knocked them- selves against the sides of the roads. This cruel ill-treatent of the animals must be stopped, and as, a, lesson to the de- fendant and others he would be fined 40s. for each offence, and costs, the total amount being R4 15s. 6d. A Fireman Fined. Llewelyn Griffiths, recently employed as a fireman at No. 2 Pit, Ferndale, was charged with omitting to, mark with chalk 28 stalls in order to indicate that they were unsafe for the workmen. The evi- dence was to the effect that defendant had only marked four out, of 32 dangerous places. Defendant said he had been an official at. the colliery for eighteen years, and swore, that he had marked all the places, and told the overman distinctly that he had gone round all his district. Several witnesses were called who said that the places had been marked on the morning in question. After a lengthy hearing, the Bench decided that four of the cases were proved, and fined defendant £ 2 and El 19s. costs in each instance, or tl5 in all. Assault. Thomas Williams, haulier, Brynhyfryd Terrace, Ferndale., was summoned at Porth on Thursday for wounding Lewis Evans, for whom he formerly worked. The men met, at the Rhondda Hotel, and after some words had transpired between them the complainant alleged that the de- fendant struck him with a glass measure. Eventually the charge was reduced to one of assault, and a fine of £3 was, imposed. Publicans Fined. William Morgan, licensee of the Thistle Hotel, Tonypandy (which is in charge of a manager), was fined £ 1 for supplying beer to a drunken person, and Mrs. Mary Sanders, Royal Hotel, Trealaw, t2 for permitting drunkenness. Mr. W. P. Nicholas, solicitor, defended in each case.

Grand Presentation Meeting at Cwmparc. The above took place at the Long Room, Cwmdare Hotel, on Thursday evening last, under the auspices of Llety Ivor Lodge of True Ivorites. The presents were given to members for their faithful activity in helping to swell the ranks of True Ivorites. It is owing to such persons that the Cwmdare Lodge holds its position to-day. Llety Ivor is the strongest, numerically, of the 30 lodges that compose the Rhondda, district. The adult members numbered 302 at the end of last year, juveniles 48; thus making a total of 350, besides some 20 honorary members. Out of this last category the chairman of the meeting was chosen—Mr. John Higgpn, Cwmparc, who is a member of six other philanthropic societies. Amongst those present were the President of the District, Mr. D. Brynaman Davies, Ynyshir Mr. Thomas, grocer, Cwmparc; Mr. Richards, Cwm- dare juotel: and Messrs. Richard Mere- dith and Daniel Phillips, two persons who took an important part many years ago in the formation of the Lodge. The pro- gramme was opened by a march, The Elephant," which was brilliantly deli- verd by the Cwmparc Silver Band, under the leadership of Mr. J. D. Treharne. The chairman then gave his address, in which he expressed his hearty sympathy with benefit societies, and the good and beneficienti work they had accomplished during past years. The first song was sung by Mr. James Jones, Treorchy, I fyny bo'r nod," which was given in ex- cellent style. Mr. Septimus Ashton fol- lowed with an equally excellent rendering of Bugail Hafod y Cwm." The Cwm- pare Silver Band again gave a selection, entitled, Songs of Scotland." Messrs. Rees, James and Rees Jones acquitted themselves very well in the trio, "Fair Flora Decks." Mr. John Edwards, Cwmparc, gave a beautiful rendering of the old Welsh favourite, "Hoff Wlad fy Ngenedigaeth." Mr. Evan, Edwards here made a. speech, followed by Mr. D. Bryn- aman Davies. Mr. Tom Butler sang The Longshoreman," which was very well received. Mr. W. Butler thrilled his audience in delivering a Welsh song, Rwy'n myn'd i'r gad." At this juncture the presentations were made. The first was a large framed portrait of all the past presidents of the lodge, and the present officers thereof. It was Mr. Howell John, the secretary, that con- ceived this idea-, and also gave the picture gratuitously to the lodge. Mr. Richard Meredith formally presented it, to the lodgei. Mr. Ben Thomas was the reci- pient of the other prize-a. framed por- trait, of his wife. Mr. Jacob Richards was, chosen to hand it to Mrs. Thomas. A (handsome and costly walking-stick was next presented to, Mr. Howell John by Mr. Daniel Phillips, Treorchy. After this came the bards, Mr. Levi Morgan (Mathryfab), Treorchy, Mr. W. E. Jen- kins, librarian, Cwmparc, and Mr. Thos. Jones, Cwmdare. Topical verses were afterwards sung by Messrs. Richard Owen,

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Rhondda Gym m rod onion Society. Last, week Miss Cranogwen Rees had a full house at the Jerusalem vestry, where she lectured before the Rhondda Cymro- dorion Society, her subject being, The future of the women of Wales." The paper read was exceedingly able, timely, and interesting, dealing with the subject with thoroughness, energy, lucidity, and unction. The talented Cranogwen showed how important it was for our women folk to be well trained in all things, especially in the grand old characteristics of a true Welsh character. The future of our women folk will be what the others are, what the home will produce, what the pulpit will make it, what the Sunday School will form it, what the literature extensively read will contribute to form. All these things will contribute' to the formation of character, but personal force is the most powerful. The future will be what you choose to make it. The effect, of all these points were evident in the outbursts of applause. Speeches were delivered at the close by Rev. E. W. Davies, Messrs. M. Mill ward, solici- tor; John Jones (Bach), and E. H. Davies. The audience extended its con- gratulations to the popular chairman on his elevation to the aldermanic chair, on the proposition of ex-Councillor Morris, seconded by Rev. W. Jones, the resolution being carried unanimously.

— Ferndale Public Lectures. The first of this season's series of the above, lectures was delivered at the North Street Board chools on Tuesday evening. The subject chosen was Woman's Suffrage," and Miss Jones, governess of Ferndale Girls' School, proved herself to be no mean exponent of the claims of the fair sex to certain rights and privileges hitherto denied them. The lecture was replete with interest from first to last, bore traces of much careful application and originality of thought, and lost nothing by the masterly manner in which it was delivered. Mr. John Richards ably presided, and the lively and instruc- tive discussion which followed was parti- cipated in by the following gentlemen — For—Mr. Jones, Public Benefit; Mr. John Hughes Owen, manager Liberal Club, and others; against—Dr. K. Datti. Messrs. Arthur Morgans, B.A., Bamber, and T. Ayres. In replying to her critics. Miss Jones displayed considerable ability and tact, effectually turning the tables on them at every point, and eliciting rounds of applause from her appreciative and crowded audience, in. which the female element was well represented. The following resolution was then submitted by Miss Jones, and enthusiastically carried, there being but very few dis- sentients That this meeting is of opinion that the franchise is of the greatest importance to: women, and should be granted on the same terms as it is, or may be, given to men." The meeting concluded with a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer and chair- man, proposed by Councillor T. Samuel, and seconded by Mr. Samuel Roberts, both gentlemen expressing satisfaction and pleasure at, being present at such a meeting.

Penygraig Literary Societies. On Saturday evening a, competitive meeting was held by the members of Zoar Literary Society. The adjudicators were —Music, Mr. R. Jones; literary, Rev. D. C'. Jones and Mr. D. E. Jones. The. prizes were given in the form of books. For the best reading of the fol- lowing lines, Mr. Emrys Jones took the prize: That that is is, that that is not is not. The sea ceaseth and it sufficeth us." Mr Owen Walters was given the prize for Welsh spelling. The ear test in music proved a keen competition.; the prize was won by Mr. Bob Jenkins. Mr. John Isaac took the prize for the best speech on the Game of the Age," and Mr. leuan Jones won. for the best reading, of Welsh. Winnifred" had given the best recipe for a shilling dinner, but did not answer to her name. Miss Mabel Jones was awarded the prize for reading an English paragraph. Three parties competed on "Huddersfield," namely, Hendrecafan," "Cor yr Aelwyd," and ''Staffordshire, and Staffordshire," under the conduc- torship of Mr. Tom Jones, were once again proclaimed the winners. A large number had come together, and a very enjoyable meeting was witnessed. On Wednesday evening at Pisgah Literary Society. Miss Mary Jones read a paper on the Probable position of a woman at the end of a century." This i paper, although rather short, was very good and enjoyable. Miss Jones re- marked that woman now held a much more formidable position than slie did fifty years ago. She is to be found now on every board and council, and filling very important positions, and she has also proved capable of officiating in these circles, and if matters go on as they are at present, we shall find her in Parlia- ment as well, and she will be far more pro- minent than she is now. Solos were also rendered by Mr. D. R. James, Mr. Row- land Rowlands, Miss E. A. Griffiths, and Mr. Daniel James.

Ystrad Cookery Success. Prize Distribution. On Tuesday evening at the Ton Schools the annual distribution of prizes and certi- ficates to the successful student of the Cookery Centre, under the supervision of Miss Collins, the cookery instructress under the Ystradyfodwg School Board, took place, and were as follows: — Ton Cookery School. First Class.—Vera Matthews, 84; M. J. Headley, 84; Ann Bevan, 80; Esther Ann Jones 80; Catherine Evans, 79; Mabel Brown, 78; Mary Jones, 78; Jennie Davies, 78; Catherine, A. Williams, 78; Miriam Phillips, 78; Sarah A. Jones, 78; Cassie Jenkins, 76; Mary C. Morgan, 76; Emma James, 76; Sarah Ann Lewis, 76; Tilly Thomas, 75; Lizzie Pugh, 75 Florrie Davies, 68; Ann Jane Vaughan, 68; Ellen Jones, 68; Cassie Jones, 67; Emily Davies, 66; Mary A. Thomas, 66 Mary Jane Evans, 65; Gwen Roberts, 65; Gwen Jenkins,, 65; Elizabeth A Jones, 65; Annie James, 63; Gwen Moses, 62. Second Class.—Laura G. Price, 59; Sarah Gwen Thomas, 59; Lizzie Williams, 58; Eliz. Ann Jones, 58 Susannah Bluck, 58; Elizabeth A. Light, 56; Annie J. Williams, 56; Bessie Doe, 56; Mary Ann Davies, 54; Florrie Morris, 54; Lizzie Watldns, 48; Jaliei Andrews, 48; Annie Jarman, 48; Eliz. Ellen Morgan, 48; May Leakey, 47; Sasah J. Morgan, 47 Hannah Jones, 46; May Thomas, 46; May Jones, 46; Lizzie Phillips, 46 Martha, Morgan, 45; Maud Morgan, 45; Mary J. Rees, 45; Annie John, 44'; Maggie Lloyd, 42; Rachel Hill, 42. Prize .vinners-The first four. Gelli School. First Class—Jennie Jones, 84; Sarah Evans, 84; Charlotte Evans, 80; Lily Pass, 80; Louisa Little, 78; Ceridwen Richards, 78; Lizzie Hughes, 72; Edith Davies, 68; Henrietta John, 62. Second Class.—Esther Richards, 58 Ellen Weaver, 56; Lizzie Herne, 56; Rosie Lugg, 54; Beatrice Hodder, 46; Louisa Chick, 44; Lizzie Sills, 43; Beatrice Hamer, 42; Hannah Edwards, 42. Prize winners.—First two. Bodringallt School. First Class.-Emily Taylor, 86; Annie Masters, 86; Louisa Smith, 82; Lily Ched- gry, 87; Annie Bush, 80; Jane Griffiths, 80 Sarah Jones, 80; Rachel Davies, 79; Louisa Gillet, 79; Lily Singer, 78 Florrie Ayers, 78; Catherine M. Evans, 75; Minnie Davies, 75; Lizzie Heycock, 72; Lizzie Shortman, 70; Malvern Pratt, 67; Mary Eliza Ashton, 66; Mary H. Jones. 64. Second Class.—Lily Ware, 58; Catherine J. Price, 58; Violet Barry, 58; Annie Hembron, 57; Martha, Evans, 56 Annie Gill, 56; Eliz. Whitelock, 56; Blodwen Pearce, 55; Mary Williams, 46; Edith Griffiths, 45; Annie Williams, 45; Gerty Palmer, 42. Those present were —Miss Ada. Jones, member of Rhondda School Board; Mr. and Mrs. W. Jenkins, Ystradfechan Mr. David Lloyd, M.Y.S.B. Mr. and and Mrs. W. G. Howell (clerk) ;Mr. Rhys T. Jones- Ton Schools; Mr. Llewellyn Jones, Higher Grade School; Mrs. Lewis, Vicarage Mrs. Dr. Thomas, Llysygraig; Mrs. Richardson, Mrs. David Lewis, Mrs Llew. Jones, Miss M. E. James, Girls' School, Ton; Mrs. T. G. Jones,, Mrs. Dr. Hughes, Mrs. Edwards, Brynmafonydd; Misses Davies and Griffiths, Bodringallt Girls' School; Mrs. Churchill and Mrs. Price, Gelli; Mrs. Owen, Treorchy; and Mrs! Boyer, Ystrad-Rhondda; Messrs. W. E. Davies, Evan Treharne, and Silas Jenkins. Ton Boys' School. The distribution of prizes and certificates was made? by Mrs. Dr. Thomas. Llysygraig, Ystrad, and addresses were given bv the Chairman (Rev. W. Lewis, R D.), Mr. D Lloyd, and Mrs. Jenkins, Ystradfechan, and an excellent musical prograi-nmei was gone through. An excellent repast was provided for visitors by the cookery mistress, Miss Collins, in the cookery kitchen adjoining the schools, the usual delicacies, having been prepared by the children, Mrs. Pricnard, Ton, and Mrs. Edwards. Ton, presiding at the nicely arranged tea tables. The usual votes of thanks were passed by Mr. W. G. Howells and the Vicar, and responded to by Miss Collins and Mr. Jen- kins, Ystradfechan.

Society to take, up the cudgels and add another important feature to its already interesting programme. Progress is and ought to1 be the motto of the society, and it would be thoroughly exemplified if they carried out the venture referred to above. Too. much stress is laid upon the import- ance of mastering the foreign languages, to the detriment of our own, which, in the, very best of us, is deficient, and cer- tainly ought to be bettered. In a few weeks' time I shall not be at all surprised to learn that, a class in English will be successfully launched under the auspices of the Treorchy Young Men's Society, and a competent teacher secured. Then will be the opportunity for those who at pre- sent feel sadly deficient in or moderately versed with the English language. The County Council bye-election at, Pen- tre the other day revealed a lot of that expected antagonism on the day of the poll. Leaflets and circulars, of a varying description were issued by the respective candidates, and each charged the, other with having committed some breach or other, and having emerged under an assumed cloak, etc. Such assertions were decidedly amusing in more than one in- stance, but were only commonplace, and had but little effect. People do not take time to study incriminating literature on the day of the poll, especially when such otherwise attractive reading is only handed to them as they enter the polling booth. I should think it would be well to fight local elections, and for the matter of that, all elections, on actual merits, and not resort to unfair tactics such as publishing suspicious statements and attempting to gain votes by detracting from the merits of each other. That farcical proceedings are: being introduced into the present-day system of fighting local elections goes without contradiction. It has developed into a common practice to run any man who possesses the slightest claim to popularity for a, seat on some body or othre. And some individuals need. no "running." They" run" themselves, and there is no knowing what, their ambition will cul- minate in. It is not easy to define, and to say that they are pandering after popu- larity is putting it mildly. It is cus- tomary to find more than the required number nominated, but seldom is it cus- tomary to find a genuine withdrawal. They are as a, rule received too late," and the result Ras before now been a forced contest. People must not, think that to contest I an election is a huge joke, though that promises to be the prevailing idea. No, it is. a little more serious, and were we all inclined to consider its gravity there would be fewer ridiculous nominations, and less suspicion about the validity of certain men's intentions. I am speaking of local elections for the past few- years, and am not referring to any incident in particular, and it, is only right to hope that in the future a, marked and appreci- able change will be apparent in the manner with which elections are so indifferently and lightly treated. Last week at the presentation of certi- ficates to successful students of the Tre- orchy Technical Classes, the president, Mr. AY m. Jenkins, J.P., made some pointed and important remarks having reference to the falling off which has characterised the attendances at the classes during thei winter. He greatly regretted such a fact, which was the means of losing so much grant that of necessity went, to materially enhance other technical centres who reaped the benefit accordingly. This is a lamentable truth, and even a casual observer must have noticed the perceptible lack of interest displayed during late years. Even if a good beginning is assured, they dwindle to a, mere few ere the session closes—a most discouraging fact, which must cause the promoters to feel shaky." The latter have apparently done all they could, and not, met with commen- surate support. Let the young people rally round once more, and those who really need a little extra polish in the various subjects "billed," they can have it at a very insignificant cost.

David Evans, and James. Jones. Mr. Sam Evans afterwards sang Love at Home." Votes of thanks were accorded to all who had contributed some service to the success of the meeting, and also to the chairman. It may be mentioned here that Mr. Taliesin Skym, the secre- tary of the district, was unable to be pre- sent owing to indisposition. The secre- tarial work was done by Mr. J. L. Rowlands.