The Glamorgan Gazette

Matchless Cleanser has swept away a thousand worries of Washing Day.

SUNDAY TRADING AT NEATH. A TOBACCONIST FINED. At the Neath Borough Police-court on Monday —before Messrs J. Fear Davies, T. Teague, and D. T. Sims-Frank Phillips, tobacconist, near the Great Western Railway Station, Neath, was sum- moned for carrying on his worldly business on the Lord's Day, commonly known as Sunday. The offence was stated to have been committed on February 3rd. This was a test case, aud the court was crowded. Mr Edward Powell appeared to prosecute, and Mr Ivor Bowen, barrister-at-law (instructed by Mr A. Russell Thomas, the latter a member of the Neath Watch Committee, which boay ordered the enforcement of the Sunday Observance Statute) appeared to defend. Mr Edward Powell, in opening, said the defen- dant kept his shop open the whole of the day (Sunday) and conducted business in the ordinary way. Proceedings might have been taken under another section of the statute, the effect of which would have been that all the goods exposed by defendant for sale on Sunday might have been confiscated. The cry that they were enforcing an old statute was beside the question altogether, and as to the plaintive protest that had been made on behalf of the poor widows, they certainly had in the defendant not a widow but an able-bodied man. The open shops, with their flaring gas lights and flaunting advertisements, were an offence to the feelings of a Christian community. There was no excuse for the opening of defendant's shop on Sunday. Owen Hopkins, draper, Windsor-road, who said be attended under a subpoena, stated that he pur. chased a cigar at defendant's shop on Sunday, February 3rd. Cross-examined He did not think it necessary that such shops should be opened on Sundays. There were other shops of the same class in the town kept open on Sundays. He had known Neath for 15 years, but had not before heard of a similar prosecution. Police-constnble Davies said he remembered warning being given to Sunday traders by placard in 1890, but he could not speak as to a prosecu- tion similar to this. Mr Ivor Bowen said that the statute under which the prosecution was instituted was 217 years old. Reference had been made to the judgment of Lord Chief Justice Coleridge, but it appeared to him that in that judgment he made a display of his well-known powers of sarcasm. The Act referred to was an obsolete and obnoxious one, and its application was totally unfitted to modern society and modern wants. An Act passed about the same time made it compulsory upon the Mayor and Corporation to attend Chuich every Sunday, and on their failing to do so they were to be fined 3s 4d each. The Sunday Obser- vance Statute provided that a breach of it was to bo punished with the stocks. Mr Powell: That part has been repealed by 39 Victoria. Mr Ivor Bowen The enactment of Charles II was absurd and obnoxious. It would not apply to the purchaser of a pair of boots. If a gentle- man desired to sell a carriage or a horse he could do so without fear, but a horse dealer could not carry 08 business. But the Bench could exercise its discretion in the matter. In 1870 there were a number of such prosecutions in London, and Mr Mansfield, the police magistrate, became so disgusted that he denounced the prosecutions as the wickedest which could he brought, and he wa" so determined to put a stop ".o them that he would in future cases fine one penny, and refuse costs. In conclusion Mr Bowen said that prosecution was an attempt to injure struggling and deserving persons, and he hoped the Bench would inflict only a nominal line and refuse costs. Bringing a man into a criminal court was not a Christian-like way of putting a stop to Sunday trading. Other methods should be employed of influencing the public mind by teaching what was held to be right. If the Christian religion meant anything it meant liberty on questions of religious opinion. Moreover there was a large mass of opinion which was against the Sunday Closing Act and such like measures. Mr Edward Powell corrected the learned advocate in regard to his interpretation of Lord Chief Justice Coleridge's remarks. The Bench retired, and, after deliberation, the Chairman announced that they had observed there was of late a considerable increase in the amount of Sunday trading in the Borough. They fined defen- dant 5s. and costs, and allowed an advocate's fee.

A MUSIC LICENCE CASE AT NEATH. At the Neath Borough Police-court on Monday, before the Mayor (Councillor Hopkin Morgan), Councillor J. B. Davies, Messrs T. Teague, D. T. Sims, and J. Fear Davies.—Owen Page, landlord of the Railway Inn, Neath, was charged with com- mitting a breach of Sect. duf the Public Health Act, on February 2nd, by permitting music on his premises at 10.25 p.m. Mr Edward Powell appeared to prosecute and Mr W. H. David defended. Mr Powell in opening, said the defendant's licence prescribed that there was not to be any music on his premises after 10 o'clock at night. He had been previously warned, and he hoped the Magistrates would impose a salutary fine and revoke the licence. Head-constable Evans said he was authorised by the Neath Corporation to take proceedings. Cross-examined Other houses had been reported and summonses had been taken out. In the case of the House of Lords" public-houne, the summons which had been issued was withdrawn owiug to au informality. A fresh summons had not been obtained, and he did not think it was necesssary for him to explain why not. Mr David remarked that he had gained his point, and he hoped that the Bench would observe that there was unequal treatment of licence holders. He hoped it would lead the Bench to give instructions to the police as to their future conduct in regard to such matters. Police-constable Cross gave evidence as to the music and singing at 10.25 on the night of Februuy 2nd. Mrs Page said there was music at the Swan," and she went up to that house. Mrs Page did not cotoplain that he did not walk faat enough when he was walking in the direction of the Swan." For the defence Mary Page said, that when Police constable Cross came to the Railway Iuu, there were about 20 people in the "long room." The officer spoke to her, and subsequently she and the officer walked in the direction of the Swan The policeman walked so slowly that she passed him, and she found there was music at the Swan." Cross-examined Her husband was warned on January 17th. She stopped the mu-ic directly the policeman came in. There was not much buoiucss done at the house excepting on Saturday Mr W. H. David addressed the Bench in a view to obtaining a mitigation of the penalty, as he admitted that a technical offence had been com- mitted. He did not, however, think it fair that that case should have been singled out, when there were so many offenders. It was very hard that his client had to empty his houee at 10 o'clock, and that his customers could then go to other houses in the town which did not observe the 10 o'clock rule. The Mayor said it was the first case of the kind which had come before that Bench, and a lenient view would accordingly be taken. There would be harsher treatment in subsequent cases if they were brought there. They fined defendant 5s and costs, and allowed advocate's fee. t

NEATH COUNTY POLICE. FRIDAY.—Before Messrs W. P. Struve, J. B. Paddon, O. Sheppard, E. Davies, and M. G. Roberts. DRUNK ON LICENSED PREMISES. William Francis, butcher, Neath Abbey, is an injudicious individual. He allowed himself to be found in a drunken state by a police-constable on the premises of the Smith's Arms, Britonferry. He brought several witnesses to establish his innocence, but their stories were so contradicting that defen- dant had to pay 5s and costs. THE LIGHT DIFFICULTY. Benjamin Parsons, collier, Resolven, and James Thomas, postman. Neath, were found guilty of driving without lights, and had each to pay 5s and costs. WANTED A NAME. Edward Vaughan Evans, licensed victuller, Glyn- Neath, was fined Is and costs for having no name on his cart.

DEATH OF MRS THOMAS, NEATH. We deeply regret to record the death of Mrs Thomas, wife of Police-superintendent Thomas, of Neath, which sad event took place on Sunday, after a brief illness. The deceased lady, who was rightly highly esteemed for her many virtues, was in her 50th ypar. The funeral, which was semi- private, took place on Thursday in last week. It was attended by a large number of the leading townsmen, and by the police of the D. Division of the Glamorganshire Constabulary (the latter in plain clothes, and wearing a mourning badge of crape on the right arm). The Venerable Archdeacon Griffiths officiated in his accustomed impressive manner. The deepest sympathy is felt for buperintendent Thomas (him- self scarcely convalescent after a severe illness), and the members of the family. So md-ny letters have been received by Superintendent Thomas that it will be quite impossible for him to acknowledge each separately. He desires to thank his numeroua friends through the medinm of the Press.

TEA AND DANCE AT BRITONFERRY. On Saturday evening the girls and boys em- ployed at the washhouse of the Baglan Bay Tinplate Works, held their annual tea and dance at the Assembly-rooms, Britonferry, which was gaily decorated for the occasion. The tables were presided over by the Misses L. Jones, T. Jones, Rees, Williams, Mort, Jenkins, Demery, Mathews, and Davies. Amongst those who took part at the entertainment were Messrs E. Williams, W. Ball, LI. Davies, R. Hopkins, L. Jenkins, Miss James and Miss Morgan. The accompanist was Mr T. Jarvis. Amongst those who took part in the dance were Mrs W. Watkins, Mrs R. Hopkins, Miss Jarvis, Miss Mugford, Miss Moyer, the Misses Hutchinson, Miss Morris, Miss Thomas and Miss Rees. The duties of M.C. were ably carried out by Mr J. Richards, who was ably assisted by Mr J. Griffiths.

INQUESTS. County Coroner Cuthbertson held three inquests on Saturday. On the body of Catherine Thomas, at the Police- station, Resolven, evidence was given that the deceased was 66 years of age, and Catherine Evans said she was with the deceased on the previous Thursday. She went to the house of the deceased and when she left deceased went with her. They were walking along together when witness observed somjtbing strange about the deceased. Then deceased fell down, and never spoke after. Dr Pritchard gave it as his opinion that death was due to heart disease, and a verdict was found accordingly. An inquest was held at the Police-station, Garth (Maesteg), touching the death of David Jones, aged 68. Rachael Morgan said she lived with the deceased. He was a labourer, and had been unwell for the last three years. He died in bed. He had no faith in doctors, and did not have one to see him. On tVednesday night he complained of pains in the chest. Witness wanted to send for Dr Thomas, but he said he should be better directly. Dr Thomas, who said the deceased had been a groat imbiber of alcohol, attributed death to syncope, after an attack of coughing. A verdict waa found accordingly. An inquest held at the Colliers Anns, Cwm- gwrach, touching the death of a six weeks old child (David Matthews), son of William Matthews, collier, Mill Cottage, Cwmgwrach, resulted in a verdict of Death from convulsions."

GARW FECHAN FRIENDLY SOCIETY. ————-<<———— A MEMBER'S COMPLAINT. We have received a communication from a member of this society who calls himself An old workman." He refers to two elections for a new secretary which have been caused" all owing to jealousy." The new secretary is described as a sober man," and the writer goes on to state "Sober men always take great interest in their duty, and soberness is a thing that is wanted in every society, as the duties are then better per- formed," an opinion with which all our readers will doubtless agree. After referring to the rough language and hard words uaedat recent meetings of the society, the Old Workman" waxes indignant at the fact that the President on one occasion called his fellow workmen "rats." In conclusion our correspondent expresses the hope that the report of the last audit, which should have been at the colliery on February 4th, will be at once published.

GLAMORGANSHIRE ROADS COMMITTEE. ——- APPOINTMENT OF A BRIDGEND MAN. At a meeting of the roads and bridges committee of the Glamorganshire County Council, held on Thursday afteri JOU, J. Jenkins, Bridgend, was appointed assistant clerk to the surveyor, at a salary of JE78 a year, and Messrs W. Thomas (Aberavon), H. J. Hoiloway (Llangattock), John Parry (Dowlais), and John Griffiths (Pontardawe), were appointed road inspectors at a salary of £85 a year, £5 being an allowance for a bicycle. The estimate of the expenditure on main roads and bridges in the couilty for the year ending March 31,1896, was submitted by the surveyor. The grand total was £31,535 3s 3d, which in- cluded £18,568 17" 6,1, in respect of roads and footpaths in the Llandoff, Aberdare, Bridgend, and Swansea divisions £500 for contingencies £ 4,1-4 8s 5d for road improvements £2,233 Is Id for bridges and approaches, and £4,263 14s Id, for contributions to highways.

BRITISH WOMEN'S TEMPERANCE ASSOCIATION. THE NEATH BRANCH. MOTTO—"FOR GOD, AND HOME, AND EVERY LAND." At the recent meeting of the Neath Branch of the British Women's Temperance Association, the Secretary (Miss Gibbins) read the following report:— In presenting the third annual report of the Neath Branch of the British Women's Temperance Association to the members, subscribers and friends of the association, the committee grate- fully acknowledge the wonderful way in which the Lord is blessing this work done in His name and for His sake in Neath. During the past year over 600 pledges have been taken. Many of these have been signed by children and young people, amongst whom a few of our members are earnestly labouring. We strongly believe in preventive work, knowing that good seed sown in the young hearts is likely to spring up and bear fruit in after years. We have regretfully to acknowledge that some who have signed the pledge in connection with our branch during the past have again given way to drink, buc we are thankful to know that a large number are, by the grace of God, abstaining from all intoxicating liquors. The second annual meeting of our branch was held in the Town Hall in April, 1894, when the Rev Oscar Snelling, of Swansea, gave an earnest and stirring Gospel Temperance address to a large audience, and recitations and solos were given by some of our Temperance friends. On this, as on several other occasions, the Mission Choir (under the leadership of Mr Frank Joshua) rendered most valuable assistance. Fortnightly meetings continue to be held regularly in the Friends' Schoolroom. Although the attendance at these is often small, they prove times of blessing to those who are able to meet together for an hour to wait upon the Lord, and to talk on Temperance and other Christian work. These meetings are conducted by members of the branch, many of whom take an active and earnest interest in the association. In June Miss Greenwood, of Malvern, was present at one of our usual afternoon gatherings, and gave a helpful address. A tea. was provided at the end of August, when about 140 women were present. At a meeting, held afterwards, addresses were given by Miss Fisher, of Kettering, and some of our workers. Pledges were taken at the close. At the request of two young men, who received a blessing during our mission in November, 1893, several of our workers went out to Skewen in May of last year, and a successful meeting was held there. Our President (Miss Hibbert) presided, and three of our members gave short addresses. Solos and recitations were rendered by several of the Skewen friends, as well as by two of our Neath helpers. A Gcspel Mission, from December 6th to 10th, was conducted in the Town Hall by Miss Gorham, of Tonbridge. Most of these meetings were not so well attended as we could wish, but we know that good was done, and we felt the Divine presence in our midst throughout. A Bible Reading was given by Miss Gorham one afternoon, and a Drawing-room Meeting on another, at which there was a fairly good atten- dance. Whilst Miss Gorham was at Neath, our branch undertook one of the Saturday Night Temperance Entertainments carried on every week during the winter by the Neath Total Abstinence Society. The chair was taken on this evening by our President. The last evening of the mission was also devoted to Temperance. Several pledges were taken at this and at the other meetings, and a few joined the association. Again we have to thank many of our musical friends for their kind help at each meeting during the mission. A new feature of work during the year was that in connection with the annual Horse and Pleasure Fair in September. A tent was erected in the Corporation Field, where our members sold refreshments from 9 am. to 10 p.m. The tent was patronized by many connected with the shows as well as by visitors to the field. Whilst some of our workers were providing the many customers, others spent the day distributing tracts. All the travellers who A-emained in the town over the following Sunday were invited by our committee to a substantial tea given in the field, and about 200 were present. After the tea solos were given, and a short service conducted by the Rev. H. P. James and the Rev. W. H. Sarchet, which was listened to most attentively. At the close a short address was given by a traveller connected with one of the principal shows. In the spring our Treasurer attended the annual meetings of the British Women's Temperance Association in London, and brought back a most interesting account of the proceedings of the various meet- ings. A large number of Gospel Temperance Tracts have been distributed during the year, and 100 copies of the National Temperance Mirror are taken by our members and others each month. Although at times our work appears discouraging, we fully believe that under the guidance of our Heavenly Father we have been able to do a little to help forward the Gospel Temperance cause. Our desire is not only to help those around us to live soberly, but to be used of the Lord in trying to point them to Him who taketh away the sin of the world." As we close another year's report, we thank our many kind friends for their help in various ways, and earnestly ask them to continue theirs prayers and sympathy on behalf of our small branch, as well as on behalf of the others teetotal societies and Bands of Hope, which are doing much good in Neath. We are all labouring for the same end and under the same Divine leader, and may we all be united in our efforts in this much needed cause, remembering^the words of our Master, the night cometh when no man can work," and obeying His command, go work in My vineyard."

DEATH OF WELL-KNOWN INHABITANTS AT BRITONFERRY It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Mrs Martha Gilbert, 58 years of age, widow of the late Mr William Gilbert, Trinity Pilot, of the port of Briton Ferry, after an illness of only a few days. The funeral took place on Thursday evening in last week at the Old Cemetery, the Rev J. C. Sarchet officiating. Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved family. We have also to announce theNieath of Mrs Jarvis, 40 years of age, wife of Mr Obadiah Jarvis, Ritfon-etreet, after a very long illness. The funeral took place at the New Cemetery on Saturday last, and was very largely attended. The Rev J. Beynon Davies officiated. The funeral of Mrs Rachel Emmanuel, 64 years of age, wife of Mr E. Emmanuel, took place at St. Catherine's, Baglan, on Saturday last. The large procession waa headed by some of the principal tradesmen of the town. Amongst the ministers who took part were the Revs J. M. Jones (Llanelly), W. Richards, and I. Williams. The Vicar, the Rev Mr Richardson, officiated at the grave.

T^OWLE'S PENNYROYAL and STEEL PILLS for FEMALES quicklv correct all irregularities, removeall obstructions, and relieve the distressing symptoms go prevalent with the sex Boxes, 1* ltd. and 2". 9d., of nil chemists. Sen t anywhere on receipt'of 16 or 34 stamp. by the Maker. E T. TOWLE. Chemist. N ottingham. [247

ALLEGED ADULTERATION OF MILK AT BRIDGEND. ♦ THE COUNTY ANALYSTS AT FAULT. That even experts are not infallible, was strikingly demonstrated at the Bridgend Police Court, on Saturday. A fortnight ago, Thomas Hardwick, a respectable milk vendor, was sum- moned for selling adulterated milk. On that occasion, the certificate of Dr W. Morgan, of Swansea, the County Analyst, showed that in 100 parts of the sample submitted to him, 91 parts were standard milk, and 9 parts were water mixed therewith, in other words, 9 per cent of the milk consisted of extraneous or added water. The de* fendant emphatically declared that the milk was sold in exactly the same condition as it came from the cow. He was selling the milk for a Mr West, and was paid a weekly wage, so that it would not have been any advantage to him to water the milk. The magistrates, some of whom were practical men, adjourned the case, and instructed the In .1 spector under the Food and Drugs Act, (Superin. tendent Jennings). to pay a surprise visit to the dairy, take a sample of the milk direct from the cow, seal it up then and there, and send it to the County Analyst. This was accordingly done, the result being a certificate signed Charles Crocker, C. A. Leyler, B. Sc.. Deputy Public Analysts," and this certificate stated that the sample con- tained 80 parts genuine whole milk, and 20 parts skimmed milk, there being a deficiency in butter of at least 20 per cent. The Deputy Public Analysts also stated the deficiency has been brought about either by a partial skimming or the mixing of the whole milk with skim milk." This supposition was shown to be entirely inaccurate by the evidence of Superintendent Jennings. After a brief consultation with his brother magistrates the chairman (Mr R^W. Llewellyn) said When this matter came before the Bench, last Saturday week the magistrates had con- siderable doubt in their minds as to whether cows under certain conditions and at certain times might not give milk which would be considerably below the standard. Some of the magistrates who had practical experience in such matters were con- vinced that cows under these conditions might give milk which on analysis might be stated to contain certain water. In the first case we find that the milk was certified to be seven degrees under proof, and in consequence of that the magistrates thought the just and proper way to deal with the case would be to instruct the Superintendent to go on the sly, as it were, and inspect the milk again, and see it came direct from the cow, so that there should be no possible doubt as to whether the milk had been tampered t with or not. This course was adopted, and the milk was sent to the analyst, and the result was that in this case it would appear that there was eleven per cent of water. Under these circum- stances we cannot but honourably acquit the def- endant from any attempt to defraud the public, and he goes out of this Court as honest a man as if nothing of the sort had ever been brought against him.

STRANGE NEWS FROM DUNGE- NESS. A WOMAN'S REMARKABLE STORY. THE LOCAL PRESS ON THE CASE. Midway on the coast line between New Romney and the Point of Dungeness there is a fisherman's hamlet of five houses and a coastguards' station, the whole having a population of fourteen men, the majority married and with families. In the largest house in the little hamlet, lately the centre of so much interest, dwells Mrs Brignall. The Kentish Express, an important local newspaper, sent a reporter to question Mrs Brignall, who as a woman of eeventy-one, but hale, vivacious, and agile at the present moment, though she is known to have been on the verge of death from sickness and old age a few months ago. The evplanation of this marvel was what the reporter sought to ascertain. I suffered severely from pains in the side and chest," said Mrs Brignall, in answer to a question I was continuelly vomiting owing to severe wind spasms; my head was always giddy; I got no rest night or day, nor had I the elast appetite. This state of things had been coming on for years." Yes, and it became at last very serious," inter- dosed her daughter, for my mother began to fall down in fits of unconsciousness due to heart failure. One day my father picked her up sense- less in the living-room, and the next day in the wash-house. Of course we had a doctor for her. But her case seemed beyond the reach of ordinary medicine. There seemed no help for her in it." My restoration to health from decay," said Mrs Brignall, "was affected by the use of Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale people." "She had hardly finished taking the first box of Dr. Williams' Pills," intrposed Mr Brignall, when she managed to get out and take a walk on the shore, a thing she never expected to be able to do agaiu. After the second box she got a ride to Lydd, and she actually walked home, a distance of three miles over the beach." It was what I could not have done for years past," said Mrs Brignall, nor yet thought of doing." And it used to be most discouraging to us," said the daughter, to find that she would not eat, get what we would for her. Now she seems always hungry, and she can eat anything. She never used to be much of a meat-eater, but it does one good to dee the way in which she attacks her breakfast. We can scarcely realise now that she was for so long a time a misery to himself and te us, now that she is in such health and spirits. No one can doubt the immense good Dr. Williams' Pink Pills have done her, and friends of ours in Lydd who have been ill, and who have tried Dr. Williams' Pills on our reccomendation, have found the same benefit from them." Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People are not like other medicines; they cure by enriching tho blood and purifying it from disease, and thus strengthen the body and give tone to the nerves. They cure in this way all such diseases as rheu- matism, neuralgia, partial paralysis, locomotor ataxy, St. Vitus' dance, nervous headache, nervous prostration, and the tired feeling resulting there- trom, diseiseB depending upon humours in the blood, such as scrofula, chronic erysipelas, &c. They restore pale and sallow complexions to the glow of health, and are a specific for all the troubles peculiar to the female sex, while in the case of men they effect a radical cure in all cases arising from mental worry, overwork, or excesses of whatever nature. These Pills are not a purgative, and are abso- lutely safe, even for the most delicate. This applies, however, only to Dr. Williams' genuine Pink Pills substitutes and imitations may be dangerous. Dr. Williams' Pink Pills are only genuine in round wooden tubes, about two inches long, labelled with a circular containing Dr. Williams' directions for use, and secured in a wrapoer of pink paper, printed in red ink. Pur- chasers should look for thefull name, Dr. Williams' Pink Pills for Pale People. Sold by chemists, or sent direct from the Dr. Williams' Medieine Com- pany, of 46, Holborn-viaduct, London, at 2s 9d a box, or six boxes for 13s 9d.

ACHES AND SPRAINS!—When a Peer out in the Mountains of Chinese Tartary gives a Panamik coolie some Ellimans' Embrocation to rub in for <t sprain and the coolie drinks it by mistake, and ex- claims, It is good," you have evidence that EUi- man's Embrocation is harmless. Proof:—"To one of the Panamik coolies, who had sprained his knee I gave some Elliman's Embrocation, in one of one tin tea cups, and thought I had made him under- stand he was to rub it in, but to my horror, and before I could stop him, he swallowed the lotion, and in a very short space of time was sprawling on his stomach, choking and spluttering but as soon as he recovered his breath, he got up and salaamed, saying it was very good. So, as he seemed quite pleased and none the worse, I did not enlighten him as to his mistake."—Page 13. Quoted from The Pamirs," by the Earl of Dunmore, F.R.G.S., 1893. Elliman's Universal Embrocation for Rheumatism, lumbago, Sprains, Bruises, Cuts, Sore throat from Cold, Chest Colds, Stiffness, Cramp, Bronchitis, &c is an excellent good thing. Is. l^d^ and 2s. 9d. Prepared only by Elliman, Sons, and Co., Slough, England. 432.

THE COUNTY MEDICAL OFFICER ON SANITATION. SHOCKING STATE OF THE OGMORE, GARW, AND LLYNVI VALLEYS. The Western Mail commenting on the exhaustive report of the County Medical Officer (Dr Williams), says as follows :—"Sanitary reform in Glamorgan proceeds at a slow, uncert pace. That the various authorities hare and .b.as throughout the county are moving is something for which to be thankful in measure, but the progress realised, compared with the needs of many districts, is in- finitesimal. Dr W. Williams, the county medical officer, to whose unswerving devotion and un- flinching courage is due much of the advance al- ready achieved, in his latest report deals in his usual relentless fashion with the dark places of the county—the abodes of sanitary disorder and neglect. Take that delightful district through which the Llynvi, the Ogmore, and the Garw rivers wind their tortuous, turbid, sewage-im- pregnated, disease-laden waters. The general sanitary condition of the Ogmore and Garw dis- trict has greatly improved, we are told, but—we are confronted at every turn with the everlasting but." which must qualify all that can possibly be said in favour of these haunts of disease—"the scavenging of Nantymoel and Tynewy id was re- ported as unsatisfactory, the refuse being thrown by the inhabitants haphazard anywhere. Typhoid fever had been epidemic at Frouwen-row, Tynewydd, for the last three months. A dangerous nuisance still remained unabated there, in the shape of an open sewer, though it was the popular opinion of the inhabitants that this was the cause of the epidemic." c. An open sewer," be it re- marked, backed by the promiscuous deposit of refuse here, there, and everywhere, and a three months' epidemic of typhoid, and yet the authoritie sleep the sleep of the sluggard Puerperal fever, which seems indigenous to the Garw and Ogmore, shows an alarming increase—nineteen cases being reported from the county, as compared with seven during the previous quarter, and thi.->, with an enormous increase in scarlet fever and typhoid, shows that the closing three months of 1894 were a lively period for the rural and industrial centres of the county. For it must be recollected tbab these returns affect what may be termed the country portion of Glamorgan—they do not in- clude the towns, which, with their overcrowded areas and slum dwellings, might be expected to, but do not, compare unfavourably with ihe country section. Pontypridd, the hub of the Rhondda, shows up badly in connection with drainage, and holds conditions capable of furnishing a hot-bed of disease should contagion unfortunately reach that place. And what Dr Williams speaks of in this report—like the matters he has dealt with in previous reports—affects, be it remembered, the elementals of sanitary provision. In his efforts ab the regeneration of tho districts over which he has oversight he has not got beyond first principles— he is even now trying to make the local authorities understand that open sewers, and polluted water, and dwellings reeking with the odours of cess- pits, and filthy slaughter-houses cheek by jowl with houses and sewage-laden brooks and rivers are not good for health. The further development of sanitary laws is, in these districts, amongst the promises of the dim and distant) future, reaching, it may be, to the fringe of the far-off Millennium."

THE BRIDGEND TOWN HALL » TO THE EDITOR. Sir,—Some weeks ago I wrote a letter which appeared in the columns of your valuable paper, calling attention to several very necessary improve- ments at the Bridgend Town Hall, and also sug- gesting that the public should be afforded some information as to who were the trustees in whom the Hall is vested. I had hoped that this infor- mation would have been vouchsafed by someone competent to give it, either officially or otherwise, but it does not seem to have been forthcoming. This being so I hope the Bridgeud Urban District Council will take the matter actively in hand, so that the public may be plaeed in possession of that information to which they are entitled. Surely there is no need to keep the conditions of a public trust secret. Who receives the revenue derived from letting the Hall, and in what way is that revenue expended? Certainly uot on much needed alterations and renovations. I am, Sir, Yours faithfully. JUNIUS JUNIOR. Bridgend, Feb. 25th, 1895. [Our correspondent will see from the report of the meeting of the Bridgend Council that the Clerk has the matter in hand, and will report thereon to the next meeting.—ED. G.G.

THE NEATH COMMITTEE OF THE UNEMPLOYED. A meeting of the above named Committee was held on Monday night, Councillor Isaac Evans (chairman) presiding. Reports were received from the various collectors from which it appeared that Court-y-Bettws Colliery workmen contributed £ 2 12s; Cape copper works officia's (per Mr E. G. Smith) 8s 6d Melincrythan chemical works men, 2s 6d and bookstall boys 6d. A substantial con- tribution was made by railway men through Mr J. S. Church, G.W.R. goods department, and Mr Anthony, G.W.R. passenger department, whose good services had been enlisted by Mr George Hopes. In all the Mayor's Relief Fund has been augmented by about JE8, as a result of the efforts of the Committee of the unemployed. A vote of con- dolence with the family of the late Councillor John Arnold (treasurer) was passed in silence. On the motion of the hon. secretary (Mr John E. Richards), seconded by Mr T. B. Anderson (secretary to the Neath Trades Council), the following resolution was unanimously adopted: — The Committee of the Unemployed of Neath suggest to the Town Relief Committee, that it is most desirable that a permanent Relief Committee with lady visitors should be ap- pointed, so as to investigate and deal efficiently with the chronic distress in the town. Information would thus be obtained which would be of the greatest service in times of exceptional destitution. A depot for the reception of cast off clothing for distribution amongst the poor, might be one of the features of the scheme." Thanks were given to the chairman aud secretary, and the Committee disbanded.

BURNS, &c. In every house children, and even grown people are apt to get burned, apply at once, HOMOCEA, WHICH INSTANTLY TOUCHES THE SPOT, taking away all pain, and in a very short time working a perfect cure. Sold by all chemists. Is. lA'd., and Od., per hox, hy post, 1/3 and 3s. EXANO (HOMOCEA PORT) Is the strong form of Homocea made especially for deep-seated rheumatic pains—more especially of the joints, and for pains m the chest, bronchitis, &c., hut it is not to lie used for open wounds, sores, or delicate parts of the body. We guarantee this ointment, and in every case when purchased direct from us, we will refund the money if relief is not obtained by the purchaser. Price, 2s. 9d. per box, 3s. by post. HOMOCEA SOAP. HOMOCEA SOAP. This soap contains the valuable properties of the Homocea ointment, and is ct iainh perfect toilet soap; but as a medical soap, it if. of great value, especially in the nursery, and for all who have delicate skins. Price, 9d. and Is. 3d. a cake, or 2s. and 3s. per box postage, 2d. and 3d. extra. All the above preparations can be had from Chemists, Druggists, &c., or direct by post from the Homocea Company, 22, Hamilton Square, Birkenhead.