The Glamorgan Gazette

LLANBLETHIAN. Great interest was evinced in the Llanblethian Parish Councils Election which came off ou Monday. It will be recollected that when pre- liminary preparations were made in view of the election, indications were not wanting on al hands that there would be a plethora of candidates. It was current before the nomination day, indeed, that the number of aspirants for seats on the newly-constituted Authority would reach phen- omenal proportions. As the red-letter day approached, however, the number gradually but surely diminished into 15 candidates for seven seats. Mr E. W. Miles was the returning officer. The poll, which opened at twelve o'clock and closed at eight, took place in a house occupied by Mrs Dawe in East Village. The contest pro- ceeded very quietly throughout; but a tremendous crowd gathered to hear the declaration of the poll, which was made shortly after ten o'clock as follows:— ELECTED. F. W. Dunn 96 W. Rees 95 Daniel Evans. 91 Evan Thomas 87 Evan Hopkins. 86 Richards (Penylan, Aburthin) 71 David Jenkins (Labour) 59 NON-ELECTED. B. Parsons. 58 J. Collier 57 D. Richards (Crossways) 51 Isaac Thomas 48 W. Roberts. 41 Henry Jones 34 E. Usher 33 J. Randall 17 There were only three spoilt votes. It is a cir- cumstance not devoid of significance that the six gentlemen who head the poll were those selected by a majority at the parish meeting. The last of the elected, however-Mr David J enkins- displaces Mr D. Richards, who was among the first seven at the parish meeting, but has now gone down to 10th man. Mr Jenkins is a mason, and is the only Labour representative returned.

MAESTEG. The contest here excited a tremendous amount of interest, and the result, as at Bridgend and Porth- cawl, has fairly stunned the old Board. North Ward -Elected John Davies, doctor of medicine, 358 J. Boyd Harvey, general manager, 303; David Davies, grocer, 28 G; William Griffiths, gentleman, 265. Non-elected—Rhys Evans, baker, 237; William Thomas, hotel-keeper, 172 David Davies, colliery foreman, 109; J. H. G. Barrow, mining engineer, 64. East Ward-Elected: W. H. Thomas, doctor of medicine, 369 Evan Williams, merchant, 365 James Bariow, colliery owner. 362; Rees Rees, collier, 358. Non-elected Jenkin Jones, colliery manager, 218 Henry Bowen, miner, 204 Edward Gilbert, colliery under-manager, 204; Joshua Williams, accountant, 174; Evan John, weaver, 39. West Ward—Elected David Beynon, miners' agent, 519 Thomas Jones, hotel-keeper, 511; John H. Thomas, gentleman, 504; T. B. Boucher, accountant, 503. Non-elected — Evan David, miner, 159; William Isaac, draper, 148; George Ferrier, grocer, 133.

girtjrs, mnrringu, mh Jjatjrs. Cr X-otiees of Births and Marriages, (not exceeding Twenty Words) are charged One ShiUing; and Sixpence for every additional Ten Words or less. Notices of Deaths are inserted free. BIRTHS. BRACE.—December 16th, at 4, Green-street, Bridgend, the wife of Mr T. W. Brace, of a daughter. DEATHS. THOMAS.—December 20th, at Wallace, the residence of her son-in-law, Mr David Bowen, Mary, widow of the late Thomas Thomas, aged 91 years. Funeral on Monday, at 2 p.m. Friends please accept this intimation.

GREETING. CHRISTMAS comes but once a year," said a sage with a touch of symmetrical rhythm; and as it condescends to favour mankind but once in the course of twelve long months, it is but fit and proper on our part to receive it with open arms and supplant the multi- farious caies of life, and the endless worries of business by the conviviality that eases the perturbed minds, and the re-unions that gladden sad hearts. Christmas time histori- cally is the season of great joy," and traditionally a time for happy family re- unions, and friendly greetings between man and man. It is a festive-sacred season that is observed the world over and its value as an institution, as well as its significance historically, cannot well be over-estimated. The local world-Bridgend and its environs -has just undergone the strained ordeal of contested elections, and men's passions have been roused, characters traduced, reputations dragged in the mire, and mutual recrimina- tions been the order of the day. But the battle is now over, and Christmas-time, if only for the benignant influence it will exercise in sobering men's thoughts, elevating their ideas, and binding them together in a bond of unity and concord after a period of rancorous bitterness and rancid personalities — Christmas-time, we say, if only for this contribution to the peace of the world, should be made welcome. This, however, is but a trivial incident in its role of usefulness but it is needless for us us to refer to the broader aspect-to the fundamental meaning that underlies the season for its signification has been made manifest to all mea, and though to descant on that with which the world has familiarized itself, involves sometimes congenial labour, especially when the subject matter causes to appear on the surface happy thoughts, glowing hopes, and cherished memories. For what home is there that shall not receive an impetus of strength to fight the battle of life what poor man or woman or child on whom the blessings of charity will not rest; what sad hearts that shall not be imbued with hope; what friends who will not have the ties of friendship cemented 1 Christmas is verily a glorious time-the time of peace —golden peace; of joy-radiant joy; of mirth—glistening mirth. Having regard to the blessedness of the season, let the stream of bounty flow as copiously as in times gone by; let charity be the rule over the length and breadth of the land let enmity cease, and friendship takes its place, and let peace reign. Then 'twill be a Christmas in the true sense of the word! We wish our readers a— HAPPY CHRISTMAS."

THE BRIDGEND SHOPS. Christmas is a season loved of all sorts and con- ditions of tradesmen, for does it not mean the re- plenishment of their exchequer ? To be sure; and to whom is oof not a thing of beauty, and a joy for ever? Men who worship not the glistening metal called gold are devoid of the least vestige of human nature. But there be but few in Bridgend to whom human nature is uncongenial! The Christmas shop decorations will prove that little, and what are these laborious embellishments for but to seduce the wary and the unwary to part with his surplus cash and buy buy buy till he groans under a burden of Christmas goods ? Messrs J. and C. Sankey are well to the fore this year again, and their two spacious front windows—crammed with the good and cheap things of the world-are as alluring to grown-up folk as toys arc to the infantile mind. Christmas boxes-(for presents and for eating)-are there in abundance, and contain as delectabe stuff as man-or woman-can taste. If you believe it not—go and see for yourself. These are confined to one window; in another window are wines of all brands. Mr William Williams' well-known ironmongery establishment in Dunraven Place, is full to overflowing of everything imaginable connected with this branch of trade. A feature is made of aluminium goods, and electro- plate and silver-plate are there in endless array. If you want plenty of meat to choose for a good seasonable dinner, just go to Mrs Morgan, butcher, Wyndham-street, who has a fine show of meat and cattle that have taken first prizes at the recent Bridgend and Cowbridge shows to say nothing of the poultry. For confectionery-all sorts, and at all prices-Mr Nicholl*, Wyndham-street, can supply you with anything you may require in the shape of bread, cakes, puddings, fancy fruits, &c. Mr Gibbon's greengrocery establishment in Nolton- street, is too well-known to need introduction but this Christmas he has an array of Christmas fruits that will please the most squeaiuish of buyers. Apples, grapes, nuts—everything you can think of in this connection are in store. Mr Daniel, hair- dresser, Caroline-street, has a splendid assortment of fancy pipes, and fine blends of "baccy." For all kinds of drapery-outfitting goods-the well- known shop of Mr Thomas Edwards, in Caroline- street, will well repay an inspection, for there anyone can be satisfied—except those who have no money to spare. Rotundifjjuildings, the palatial- looking grocery establishment of Mr William Powell, are as attractive to customers as ever; and there will be found grocery goods of every descrip- tion, a splendid selection of jams being a feature. Mr Jenkins, chemist, Wyndham-street, has a rare collection of fancy pipes &c.

LOCAL NEWS. Mr Frank Moon, manager of the Metropolitan Bank, Bridgend has been appointed Treasurer of the Peterston-super-montem Parish Council.

MECHANICS INSTITUTE SOIREE. We are com- pelled, through pressure on our space, to hold over until next week a report of this successful function which was held on Wednesday evening.

SCHOOL Bourn PBOSECUTIONS. —The magistrates on Saturday fined James James, of Water-street, Bridgend, 2s. 6d. for non-compliance with an attendance order. An order was also made against Thomas Austin, South-street, with reference to his son. Mr W. G. Richards, the School Attendance Officer, proved the cases.

MESSES THOMPSON AND SHACKELL, the well- known musical instrument makers, will, we are informed, shortly move into more commodious premises at the corner of Wyndham-street, now in the occupation of Mr J. W. Roberts. It is also mooted that the same firm, whose enterprising local manager is Mr F. Laurence, will in all probability start a piano factory in the town.

THE HOLIDAY ATTRACTIONS at Bridgend include rerformances by the Female Minstrels at the Town Hall, on Wednesday afternoon and evening, and that ever popular comedy "My Sweetheart," on Wednesday and succeeding evenings by Miss Rosa Meyers and her London company at the Drill Hall. The fortunes of "Tina "and "Tony" are always followed with the greatest interest, and there should be bumping houses. We refer our readers to the advertisement columns for further particulars. The following team will represent Bridgend, against Tondu on Christmas day, December 25th, at Bridgend.-Back. E. Deere; three-quarters, E. Emery, F. Brown, T. Emery, and W. M. Jones; halves, Ivor James, and B. Gregory; forwards, E. Davies (capt)., Hay man, Luke, Harvey, Adams, Davies, Thomas, and Morgan.— The same will represent Bridgend on their Christmas tour, with the exception of E. Emery, who, we are sorry to state, will be unable to accompany the team. His place will be taken by J. Jones.—All desirous of accompanying the team please communicate with the Secretary.

YOUNf: PEOPLE'S GUILD.-In connection with the Congregational Church Young People's Guild, a very enjoyable concert was held on Wednesday of last week. Mr T. J. Hughes presided. The programme was opened with a pianoforte solo by Miss Abbot, after which Mr J. P. Jones gave a capital rendition of The children's home," and Mr John Lewis recited "The Lifeboat." Miss Williams next sang "Uncle John," and after a violin solo by Miss Gregory, the audience were treated to a superb interpretation of When the tidecomesin by MissLlewellyn, who was accorded an enthusiastic encore. A duett by Messrs J. P. Jones and T. Smith, was much appreciated. A pianoforte solo by Miss Alice Davies, and a power- fully-rendered song by Mr A. Llewellyn—" The three shipwrecks "-brought the first part of the programme to a close. The same contributors performed in the second part except Miss Blanche Moore, Miss L. Davies, and Mr T. Hawkins.

CONCKET.—A grand evening concert, organized by the Bridgend Rifle Volunteer Band, came off at the Drill Hall, on Monday evening. The programme was opened with a nicely rendered overture—" Queen's Prizeman "—by the band. Mr A. Llewellyn was heard to advantage in his bass solo Soldier Jim." Miss E. Collins' song Forgive forget" was much appreciated. As a variation a cornet solo by Mr T. Matthews, was much enjoyed as was Mr Joseph Yorath's tenor solo "The Garonne." Miss M. Llewellyn gave a brilliant rendition of a selected contralto solo and Mr E. T. Williams, C.R.A.M., in a trombone solo, proved himself a master of that instrument. In the second part the same contributors performed, and a very successful concert was brought to a close by the band playing a selection from the Songs of Wales." Mr Walter Pierce is to be congratulated on his training of the band.

BRIDGEND SEWERAGE SCHEME. TO THE EDITOR. DEAR SIR, Merthyrmawr Estate and Bridgend Sewerage. In his letter of the 13th inst., Mr Hughes says that I called at his office to ask his consent to the omission of the last few lines of my letter of the 30th ult. This is not the case. Mr Hughes very well knows that the only suggestion I made was that the last paragraph of his letter of the 28th ult., in which he indulged in some personalities, and that the last paragraph of mine, with my opinion of the same, should be omitted. My motive was to spare him the humiliation of seeing his foolish and unprovoked personalities publicly rebuked, especially as they were entirely without bearing on the case in point. Mr Hughes, how- ever, expressed himself proud of them, and such being the case, I had no objection to letting the public know my opinion on the subject. This is entirely a personal matter, but it may give the public some idea of the value to be placed on statements made on behalf of the Board by Mr Hughes, and explain my reasons for refusing to trust to anything but a legal document for enforcing an agreement made between them and the estate.—Yours faithfully, LEWIS D. NICHOLL. 4, Trinity-place, Swansea, December 7th, 1894. «.—-

TO THE EDITOR. SIR,-May I be permitted to reply to Mr George E. Robinson's letter which appeared in a recent issue on the above scheme. He writes that those gentlemen" (meaning of course the Joint Sewerage Committee, of which I am also a member) have without adequate cause resolved to abandon the principle of sewage utilisation, commonly known as the Sandhill scheme,' and to adopt in place of it an outfall at low water, at a cost far beyond the sum demanded for way. leave." If Mr Robinson knew the amount that would be charged for way-leave and is so much interested in the Sandhill Scheme, why didn't he bring his great weight to bear on Mr Nicholl to name the amount when the joint committee applied for it ? Instead of that, Mr Nicholl, in an unbusinesslike manner, wrote asking the commit- tee to sign the agreement first of all, and then he would name the amount for way-leave. Surely, he must have thought he had a committee of schoolboys to deal with. There are many reasons for abandoning the Sandhills Schemo. First the cost will be considerably less, the gradient con- siderably improved, being about 40 feet of fall instead of 4 feet, and once done, it will be done for ever. In reference to the statement that the contents of the sewer would be scattered broadcast along the beach, I say it is all bosh, because the outfall works will be so constructed as to prevent all that. Mr Robinson further thiuks it would become a source of revenue rather than a loss. I've no doubt it would to Mr Nicholl, according to the agreement that was prepared but not signed. The ratepayers would not benefit one farthing by it. I am afraid I've trespassed too far on your valuable space, or I would refer to some other points of his letter.—1 am, &c., EVAN* MATTHEWS. Aberkenfig, December 12th. «

NO LIGHTS AT MAESTEG. At the Bridgend Police-court on Saturday, Robert Delahay, greengrocer of Ma-steg, was charged with driving without lights on the previous Saturday. The case was proved by a Police-constable who said defendant was under the influence of drink, at the time the offence was commit tad. Defendant Am I required to light my lamps on a moonlight night ? The Chairman The order says you must light your lamps at sundown whether it is moonlight or not. Defendant: I don't see why I should light my lamps when the moon is out. The Chairman You must not make laws for your- self, but obey those which are in force. Defendant: I only asked the question and shall know what to do now. The Bench imposed a fine of 5s.

THE OLD BOARD ANNIHILATED. THE BUILDERS' AND ARTIZANS' ASSO. I CIATION CANDIDATES ALL RETURNED. MR. McGAUL "ON TOP." The great battle is o'er the clash of arms has ceased, and the candidates are resting, some on their laurels, others on their oars. Bridgend has enjoyed the luxury of hotly-contested elections before now but this contest has probably been the most exciting in the election annals of the town. This is ascribable chiefly, perhaps, to the new order of things that has just dawned on the world of local government, and in a lesser degree to the diversified interests represented by the several candidates. First, there were the members of the old Board seeking for a vote of confidence after serving the ratepayers; pitted against them were the five nominees of the Builders' and Artizans' Association, all men of influence and recognised status in the town then came the two Labour candidates-or rather, three, for Mr J. Gregory is a bona fide representative of labour, though he did not come out under official colours-and next came the ubiquitous Inde- pendent candidates, of whom there were four. This bewildering rivalry would have been pro- ductive at any time of such an election as the public generally delight in but add to all this the fact that bitter feelings of personal antagonism existed between some of the candidates-as was demonstrated at the meetings held at the end of last weeli-the interest of the fight was at once intensified. It is an admitted tact that an election conducted on friendly lines as between the con- testants does not rouse .the popular feeling to such a pitch as when the candidates give each other a bit of their minds." This was done very freely at the meetings held in support of the candidates, and the uncomplimentary terms in which one would-be councillor alluded to another only tended to spur their supporters to greater efforts on their behalf. Perhaps the first thing to foreshadow the "coming storm" was the now famous nine solid reasons poster. Monday morning, then, opened with the election on everybody's mind, and with the candidates on everybody's track. Unfortunately, the weather was most unpropitious, an almost uninterrupted downpour of drizzling rain rendering electioneering an unpleasant task, and making candidates-or most of them, at any rate-feel as despondent and forlorn as if they had come more for the purpose of burying Csesar than of enhancing their own fame. The polling commenced at 10 o'clock, simultaneously at the two polliug stations, viz., the Town Hall and the Board Schools, the presiding officers for the respective places being Mr T. J. Hughes and Mr R. C. Griffiths. At the time the electors began to give their suffrages there were hardly any indications that Bridgend was in the throes of a big election. The principal thoroughfares pre- sented a deserted appearance, and the only evidence near the Town Hall that something was going on was the presence of half-a-dozen gentlemen who were posted immediately by the facade and engaged in the tedious work of ticking the voters as they followed one another at short intervals into the booths whence all electors returned, but where only nine out of 20 candidates were returned. The first elector to record his vote at the Town Hall was Mr Thomas Jenkins, of Park-street, who was closely followed by Mr Wm. Cooke, one of the candidates. The voting here progressed very slowly for the first hour or two, and in the meantime the candidates gathered in force in front of' the stately hall, and kept themselves busily engaged in promoting their candidatures. On the whole they adopted very pacific attitudes one towards the other, though there were one or two who regarded each other with "eyes askance," this ocular peculiarity being generally taken to signify a deep-rooted wish on the part of those who show. it that those at whom the eye is thus directed might be electorally doomed to perdition. For the most part, however, the would-be Councillors chatted together in friendly clusters and the good-humoured badinage that one indulged in at the expense of another was as innocuous as the gentle rain that gently dropped from the gentle heavens. Mr Wm. McGaul, with a courage born of determina- tion to get in, withdtood the rain from morn till eve and "his reward was great." Most of the other candidates moved to and fro to the Board Schools, where Mr McGaul had his son watching his interests, and a man bearing a poster with the device (not Excelsior nor Excellsissimus though the latter word would have proved quite correct)-but Vote for McGaul the working- man's friend." Another boldly printed bill that came out during the morning contained the behest Vote for Buckley and truth." (" Truth wasn't a candidate but an abstract principle). Some superstitious folk took this bill as being ominous of Mr Buckley's defeat, as it was printed in black, the colour in vogue when people pass away and live no more. At the Board Schools the first man to vote was Cornelius Lynch. Here, as at the Town Hall, the voting proceeded at ding-dong pace. The Builders and Artizan's Association representatives seemed to have the use of more conveyances than the other candidates, and it was evident that they were determined to leave no stone unturned to bring their supporters to the poll. The appearance of a lady voter invariably attracted attention-for that which is scarce is always more precious than that which is plentiful. One old lady fairly non-plussed about half a dozen candidates, who vainly entreated her to place the potential cross against their names. "No said she to each one alike, You won't have a vote from me, ———— is my man," and she went into the booth unconverted. Once a lady makes up her mind, masculine logic or persuasion wastes its fragrance on the desert air. To finish with the ladies, one man innocently declared that they were voting for a certain favourite to a man. Such is the idiomatic absurdity of the English language. That was a species of the unconscious wit displayed during the day. There was also conscious wit. "My man will get in right enough said one enthusiast. "No doubt" said another by hook or by crook•" f, No', retorted the enthusiast by i-otts," and the en- thusiast thereupon ascended the Town Hall steps to vote and his man" be it known,is now a councillor. The rain continued throughout the day, and polling was carried on very quietly until about half an hour before the closing of the poll, when there was a rush of voters, and things became far more lively outside the Town Hall. The last voter was an old woman. At eight o'clock, prompt, Mr Hughes declared the polling closed, and there was a general dispersal homewards. The task of counting votes was entered upon at nina o'clock, the officials being allowed an hour's relaxation after their arduous labours throughout the day. At about 10 o'clock the fpeople began to assemble in growing numbers outside the Town Hall ready for the declaration of the poll. All the candidates were allowed inside, having been granted a permit after signing a declaration of secrecy, the giving of this being left to the discretion of the Returning Officer. The crowd outside, which gradually increased as the time passed by, whiled away the waiting hour by singing-or attempting to sing-some of the popular ditties of the day, the words being adapted to the occasion, and the names of the different candidates being freely introduced. The vocal part, wl -,h was more obstreperous than harmonious, was x more conspicuous than the I rhythm in the parodies. The versification, indeed, was cruelly faulty, as witness:— McGual is in—hurrah hurrah Or he is out—bah! bah bah bah Now that's poetically perfectly legitimate, and it has about it all the pomp of bold originality; but its lack of artistic merit and literary polish will not guarantee that the lines will be familiar to posterity j as household words. The singing was interspersed j by the usual pre-declaration shouts, the hurrahs for McGaul and Buckley being predominant. As the interesting hour drew nigh, the hum of conjectural conversation grew in volume, only to give place to chagrin and silence, when, at 10.45, Superintendent Jennings came out with the chilly message that the spectators might look forward to another hour of weary waiting. And wait they did. It was 11.30 when Mr Hnghes and Mr Griffiths appeared in the Wyndham-street window of the Town Hall. There was at once a bewildering rush from the square tn this spot, the crowd having by this time reached huge proportions. Some of the "livlier" ones amongst the crowd continued to exclaim all manner of things, and Mr Hughes asked them in a very conciliatory way "to behave like Bridgend men." They had shown throughout the day, said Mr Hughes, a very peaceful demeanour, and he hoped that after the reading of the declaration they would disperse quietly to their homes, and not create any scenes. Quiet having been obtained, Mr Hughes proceeded to declare the result of the poll. The names of the candidates were first read in alphabetical order, with the number each candidate had polled; and then in the order in which they came out. When it became known that Mr McGaul was on the top there was tremendous cheering, the success of the old chairman of the Bridgend j Local Board evidently giving unbounded satisfaction. As the position of the other candidates was disclosed they were each cheered to the echo until the nine were counted. It was indeed, at times, a scene of wild excitement, but when all figures were known I the crowd dispersed and the streets rapidly cleared. Appended are the results I ELECTED. W. McGAUL 409 P. J. THOMAS 379 W. BUCKLEY. 334 G. BEVAN 322 T. W. OWEN 301 W. M. RICHARDS 299 O. SHEPPARD. 296 D. H. LLOYD 287 J. GREGORY 265 NOX-ELBCTED. W. FRANCIS 254 W. JENKINS 227 M. DAVIES 211 W. POWELL 204 LL. WALLINGTON 185 J. COX 167 D. LEWIS 162 M. STRADLING 124 E. RICH 107 T. EDWARDS 103 W. COOKE 91 Within a few minutes of the declaration of the I poll, cards were printed at the Gazette office,giving the result of the election, and they were distri- buted freely among a large number of people who were enabled to take them home with them. The counting was done under two hours. There were I 31 spoilt votes. ♦

OGMORE AND GARW URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The miserable drizzle which prevailed throughout the Valleys on Monday, in common with other districts, did not seem to interefere with the electors, who polled very strongly, and came to their various polling stations and were content to wait outside until their turn came. Mr S. H. Stockwood was ¡ the Returning Officer for the Urban District Council Election, and Deputy Returning Officer for the election of Guardians. There were six polling stations. The ballot boxes were conveyed to Bryn- menin on the following morning, and the counting of votes took place there, commencing at nine o'clock. The result of the polling in the Ogmore Ward. was declared at two o'clock, and that of the Garw, shortly before five. The following was the result of the Urban District Council Election ;— OGMORE WARD. KLECrJKli • John Owen 785 J. Blandy Jenkins 758 D. Sims Rees 755 W. Llewellyn 750 David Evans 702 Jenkin Williams. 628 NON-ELECTED. T. W. Job 500 T. Thomas 362

GARW WARD. ELECTED. E. J. Parry 540 D. John 494 H. Rees 378 D. Matthews 364 J. Harrison 328 T. Lewis 326 NON-ELECTED. W. Davies 307 E. Lewis 307 D. Morgan 225 J. Maddock 201 D. L. Griffiths 198 D. Edwards 192 J. Crook 169 J. Keen 41 It will thus be sesn that all the old Ogmore I members have been returned. Two of the old Garw members are returned, and two former members, leaving two seats to be occupied by new men. I I

PORTHCAWL. A tremendous crowd awaited the declaration of the poll at 12 p.m., on Monday and afterwards I addresses were delivered by the successful candi- dates in the schoolroom, the proceedings being very enthusiastic. Elected — John Grace, shipping agent, 215 Samuel Lewis, grocer and draper, 211 G. Sibbering Jones, timber merchant, 208; David Hopkin, farmer, 188 F. H. Wilson, solicitor. 175; Thomas Wilson, farmer, 174; William Jones, clcrk in holy orders, 172 Eustace R. Williams, brewer, 135 Thomas Lewis, coal j trimmer, 133. Non-elected :-Thomas James, 129; Charles Hollman, police superintendent, 113 G. David, 79; J. Henry, 79; J. Elias, 73; H. Thomas, 56 H. B. Comley, 37 J. T. Dare, 15 O. J. Brooke, 13.

ELECTION NOTES AND NEWS. "Snap-shot" sends along the following It seems as if some of the candidates who were kodaked' last week are so thin-skinned that they cannot take a joke. I hear that Mr Buckley is anxious to see me, and that Mr Bevan is going to make me sit up." Well, we shall see. I must candidly confess that the result of Monday's poll came as a complete surprise to a large majority of the electois, and very probably none were so surprised as some of the successful candidates themselves. Mac" undoubtedly owes his position at the head of the poll to the fact that he worked for himself and himself alone. Had all the old members stuck together and gone as one man, I have not the slightest doubt that instead of only two being returned to the Council, there would have been five. Owen, too, got in on the strength of his individuality. P. J. Thomas, undoubtedly the best man of the new councillors, deserved his position on the poll, and if we could only rely on Messrs Buckley and Bevan being as moderate in language and manner as Mr Thomas, the prediction that the new Council will be a veritable bear garden will not be verified. W. M. Richards has fallen off from his high estate, and instead of heading the poll as he has done on four previous occasions, he has to be content with the sixth place. Mr Oliver Sheppard will be a decided acquisition. A keen business man, and withal a perfect gentleman, he will no doubt be able to leaven the lump of possibly heated disputants round the table. The defeated candidates are to be commiserated with, especially those who were members of the old Board, though probably there are some who will consider that they are well out of the whole concern. Wallington, Davies, Francis, Powell, Lewis and Rich have given their time and talents to the town, and they ought to take with them into their enforced retirement the best thanks of the community at large. But it is an ungrateful world, and probably will remain so until the end of all things. The election is a thing of the past—thank goodness-but there are rumours of an unseating petition. This is very foolish, especially as I understand that those who are moving are not the defeated candidates. The question of illegal practices is a deep one. Even supposing that traps which are used for the purposes of hire, were employed on the election day, it has yet to be proved that this is sufficient ground for un- seating any of the elected men-they may be liable to a penalty, it is true, and probably that would be sufficient for some of the agitators who would be only too delighted to see some of the successful men mulcted of a substantial sum. I was accused last week of backing up the old Board, and now perhaps there are some who will say that I have turned round, or in vulgar language "ratted." The electors have shown that they believed the Builders' Association's nominees to be fit and proper persons to represent them, and for goodness sake let us make the best of matters, and hope that the new men will be as good, if not better than the old. Who's to be chairman ? This is the one question on the tip of everyone's tongue. Mac heads the poll, and has polled within a very few of half the total votes recorded. There are some who think this entitles him to the coveted chairmanship, but with the new constitution it is very doubtful whether this would be an advantage to the town. The "Builders'Five" have gone in, and there can be no doubt that the election was fought on the principle of the old Board versus the Builders. The latter were successful, and, therefore, they have the power and the light to appoint the chairman. Who is it to be, though 'i Mac is hopelessly out of the running. Buckley is unsuit- able because of the fact that if he were elected chairman, the personalities between himself and Mac would become a too prominent feature in the Council's proceedings. W. M. Richards lacks support on the Council, and he's out of the running. Public opinion seems to point to P. J. Thomas as chairman, and he would be the best man under the existing circumstances. If I were a sporting man I should be inclined to put my money on Thomas for the chairmanship, and Sheppard for the vice-chairmanship. I may be wrong in my prediction, but we shall see, and even if wrong, there will be no harm done.

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE. 2ND V.B. THE WELSH REGIMENT. BRIDGEND DETACHMENT ORDERS. The annual distribution of prizes will take place in the Drill Hall, commencing at 7.30 o'clock, this (Friday) evening. [n consequence of the new adjutant having to take over all the arms and equipment from Captain Goodwyn on the 1st of January, all rifles, bayonets, waist-belts, water-bottles, haversacks, or any other part of the equipment in possession of members, must at once be returned to the armoury at the Drill Hall. The Commanding Officer wishes to call the attention of members to this order, and to inform them that any case brought to his notice of the order not being complied with will be seriously dealt with. (Signed) D. R. DAVID, Major, Commanding Detachment. 21st December, 1894.

J.. PYLE AND DISTRICT PLOUGH- ING CLUB. I The eleventh annual ploughing match in ccn- nection with the Pyle and District Ploughing Club, took placs on Wednesday, in a field kindly lent by I Mr Rees Williams, New Park. The weather was very propitious till well on in the afternoon, when frequent showers began to make things very un- comfortable. There was a very large attendance of farmers and the general public of the district, who were rewarded for conning by being able to wit- ness some rare good ploughing in the chief classes. The state of the field, which was heavy and stony, unfortunately militated against any phenomenal achievements but there was a general consensus of opinion among coiiuom'enrs in the delightful art of ploughing that, allowing for the ground, some fine work was shown. It was a noticeable feature that some ploughmen who started the best finished the worst; and t'i« twM. The judges' task was thus rendered an unenviable one, but they exercised the greatest care and gave general satisfaction. The judges of the ploughing were Mr Thos. Jones (St. Melons, Cardiff), Mr George Williams (Tondu), and Mr Watkin Bassett (Porthcawl), and of the hedging and ditching: Mr Watts (Tydraw, Llan- trithyd). Stewards on the chaapions Mr Griffith Thomas (We6". Farm, Nottage), and Mr Jenkin Thomas (Tymaen, Pyle): on the men; Mr Wm. Morgan (Sker), Mr D. Vaughan Thomas (Nottage); on the crops: Mr Edward Thomas (The Hall, Pyle), and Mr John Loveluck (Kenfig) on the chill: Mr Arthur Maddock (Pyle) and hedging- r.nd ditching: Mr Jenkin M. Dav;d (Maudlam, Kenfig). The secretarial duties were left iu the capable hands of Mr W. G. Loveluck (New House, Cornelly), and the Club possess an equally good treasurer in Mr Evan Jones (Caegarw, Pyle). Twenty-six teams entered; and of these two did not turn 1HL Appended is the PRIZE LIST: OPEN CHAMPION CLASS.—First prize, JS5. David Ihomas, Margani 2i) i, JB1, David Jervis, Llau- trithyd (employed by Mr Thomas, Garn Farm). CLASS 1.—Open to all comers, except those wh') have won two first prizes in two seuior classes in this or any other match ;-lst, £2 10s, J. Butler (servant to Mr Jenkin Henry, Tycoch, Newton 2nd, £ 2, Griffith Thon as (employed by Mr E. Morgan, Marcross) 3rd, £ 1, R. Thomas, New Land, Margani; 4th, 10s, David Y orwerth, Clawddymanach 5th, 5s, Henry Thomas, Pencyrn, Ystradowen. CLASS 2,-Open to boys under 20 years of age, who have not won the first prize in this class before :— 1st, £2 10s, William Morgan (servant to Mr Evans, Mount Pleasanit, Newton); 2nd, JS2, John Thomas (son of Mr W. ihomas, Eylwysmynydd) 3rd JS1, W. David (servant to Mr Howells. Penyniynydd). CHILL CLASS. -1st, JB2, T. Howell (servant to Mrs Loveluck, Kenfijr Farm); 2nd. jEl, Thomas Butler (servant to Mr J. Thomas, Tymnet), Corneily) 3rd, 10s, J. Doyle (servant to Mr J. Thomas, Tymaen, Corneily. HEDGING AND DITCHING.—1st, jEl. Thomas Thomas, Kentig: 2nd 15s. Thomas David, South Cornelly 3rd, 10s. Wm. Owen, Kenfig; 4th, 5s, divided between James Gould, Nottage; and Wm. Thomas, Kenfig. THE DINNER. The usual dinner was held at the New House. Cornelly, after the match. Major Rees Thomas (The Hall) presided in the absence of Mr Edward Knox, J.P., Margam, who had promised to preside, but who had been called away to London. A large number sat down to a capital feed supplied by Host Loveluck. Among those present were :—Messrs Watkin Bassett, George Williams and T. Jones (judges), Thomas Evans (Mount Pleasant), W. B. Loveluek (Kenfig). Jenkin Thomas (Tydraw), W. Morgan (Sker), T. Penhale (Cornelly), W. Williams (Sealands), T. Powell (The Grove), Watkin Bevan (Newton), James Loveluck (Llangewydd), A. Maddocks (Pyle), T. J. Yorwerth and W. John (Cowbridge), R. J. Lloyd (St. Brides), E. Jones (Caegarw), E. John (Kenfig Hill), — Murray (Park Farm, Margam), R. McEwen (Pyle),, Rees Morgan (Sker), Wm Thomas (Eglwysnynydd), Wm Thomas (Morva Bach), Wm Thomas (Newton), Wm Rees (Cornelly Arms), Thomas Jones (Cornelly), George Thomas (Tyfru), &c., &c. The room was nicely decorated with evergreens, and the "chair" was sur- mounted by the motto Long life to the Chair- man," and Success to the Pyle Ploughing Club. The loyal toasts having been honoured, the Chairman gave The Bishop, Clergy, and Ministers of all denominations," and Mr Watkin Bevan followed with The Army, Navy, and Reserve Forces," all of whose services he extolled in an admirable speech. Major Thomas, Sergeant Thomas, Sergeant Williams, Colour-sergeant Evans, and Corporal Horsell replied. The Chairman next submitted the toast of The Subscribers." If they agreed he said as to the necessity of keeping on the club they must have money. The pecuniary resources of the club were very much weaker than what they were some years ago. It was impossible to carry the thing on without money, and he hoped they woula work together and find the money, or else the club would drop to the ground. He urged them not to let it die, as it did a tremendous lot of good (applause). They had subscribers, it was true, but they had not enough of them. They had a very generous subscriber in Miss Talbot—(ap- plause)—and next to her came Mr Watkin Bassett and Mr Knox (renewed applause). He coupled with the toast the names of Mr Murray (who would respond on behalf of Miss Talbot and Mr Knox), and Mr Rassett. The toast was enthu- siastically drunk. Mr Murray, responding first, said Miss Talbot took great interest in the club, and tried to do her best for it, as well as Mr Knox. (Applause). Mr Bassett also responded. He said he was a new man with this Company. They were financially low, and he might put another pound on (applause). He would do all he could to further the interests of the Club, as well as for the welfare of the district (applause). The Chairman gave "The Judges," who, he said, were the important men of the day. Proper judging was a very essential thing in ploughing matches, and the judges of that day had pleased themselves, and not tried to please anybody else (applause). Mr George Williams, and Mr Watkin BagseM, whose names were linked with the toast, responded. Mr Basset said he was the middle- man," and the two others were such able judges that he had no trouble whatever. The only trouble be had was in walking over the ground (laughter). They had done justice (applause). Mr Williams, in returning thanks, said the judges had tried to reward the best work. He regretted the absence of Mr Thomas Jones, one of the fairest judges he had ever met. Mr Bassett had stated that he intended giving a prize to all the unsuccessful men (applause). At this stage the Chairman distributed the prizes to the successful competitors. Mr Thomas Evans gave The Stewards," who, he said, did their duties splendidly. In the course of an interesting speech, Mr Evans said it was the duty of farmers to encourage their servants to take an interest in ploughing. He understood that the three first prize men that day were the owners of their own ploughs. The youngest was his servant, who bought his own plough by his (Mr Evans') help recently. Alluding to the financial condition of the Club, Mr Evans said rather than it should die, he would double his subscription. The farmers were experiencing hard times, and they must depend more on the landlords than anybody else. Agriculture was the most important of all industries, for the whole world depended on the farmers (applause). Mr Griffith Thomas, in reply, said he had never seen such an excellent class of ploughmen, who left the stewards nothing to do. Mr Jenkin Thomas also responded. There was no need of having stewards that day, the men were so capable. The Chairman gave "The visitors," coupled with the names of Mr McEwen, Mr T. J. Yorwerth and Mr W. John. Mr T. J. Yorwerth, in response, gave three suggestions for the improvement of agriculture, which he had heard from an influential farmer in the vale—(1) they must look to the landlord, (2) to legislation, and (3) to the farmers themselves. He undertook to give a prize of 10a 6d next year for the best turn-out. Mr W. John, who also responded, said he was sorry that the pecuniary resources of the soeiety were low, for the society ought to be encouraged, and he would give a second prize of 5s for the best turn-out. (applause). Mr Watkin Bevan gave The Press," Mr D. H. Lewis (Glamorgan Gazette), responding. The healths of the chairman, secretary, and treasurer, were drunk with musical honours. During the evening fongs were contributed by Mr R. J. Uoyd, and W. John.