The Glamorgan Gazette

Air Rifle Shooting. ODDFELLOWS (MAESTEG) v. QUUEN'S (MAESTEG). Oddfellows: W. Dupplaw, 28; G. H. Preece; 31; M. K. Gilbert, 28; J. Dupplaw, 32; R. Bevan, 28; Eddie Lewis, 30; Evan Jones, 21; Thomas Preece, 24 Hop Thomas, 29; H. Howells, 27; S. Bell, 28; D. A. Da-viee, 27. Total, 333. Queen's: S. Hopkins, 26; J. Lefnore, 27; S. Hopkins, senr., 29; G. Gunn, 25; Duck- field, 18; Parkerson, 27; W. Lewis, 23; W. T. Lewis, 31; Furlong, 26; I. J. Lewis, 29; D. Beynon, 28; E. Trehwrne, 26. Total, 315. WYNDHAM, NANTYFFYLLON, v. VIC- TORIA, MAESTEG. Wyndham, Nantyffyllon: J. Gates, 31; T. Gates, 25; T. Edwards, 28; J. Snowdeni, 27; Isaac Williams, 25; W. Davies, 25; J. E. Rees, 26; R. Evans, 28; R. Lewis, 29; W. Chubb, 30; D. Walters, 31; W. Pro- iheroe, 27. Total, 332. Victoria, Maesteg: G. Lott, 29; W. Ell- nood, 28; R. Rees, 22; M. Colway, 27; W. xiidgewav, 26; Mordecai, 21; T. Howells, 24; J. Garner, 2; Riley, 24; W. Jenkins, 27: D. Davies, 31; J. Harris, 30. Total, 291. WHITE HART v. BLAENLLYNFI. Blaenllynfi: W. H. Evans, 27; S. Evans, 24; T. Davies, 27; T. Lott, 21; W. Collier, 25; J. Cooke, 27; M. Jenkins, 24; R. Phillips, 27; W. Bawen, 27; E. Devonald, 24; G. Harris, 33; A. Whitehead, 27. Total, 304. White Hart: D. Evans, 25; J. Griffiths, 13; J. Egerton, 25; J. Martin, 28; W. Brace, 26; J. Thomas, 25; G. Davies, 25; S. Davies, 21; M. Brace, 24; T. Mort, 29; D. J. Phillips, 25; W. Golledge, 28. Total, 294. TRAVELLERS' REST v. BLAENLLYNFI. Travellers' Rest: T. Riley, 28; Wm. Thomas, 32: Lewis Williams, 27; T. Wil- liams, 27; J. Griffiths, 28; B. Howells, 30; W. Jenkins, 29; S. Jones, 25; D. Miles, 24; D. J. Kinsey, 25; A. Jones, 15; F. Barnett, 24. Total, 314. Blaenllynfi: S. Jones, 31; W. Collier, 28; T. Davies, 30; W. H. Evans, 21; K Francis, 25; T. Thomas, 23; R. PtillipS) 30; W. Harris, 23; 0. Parry, 25; E. Devonald, 21: W. Bowen, 26; A, Whitland, 28. Total, 311.

RATEPAYERS' MEETING AT MAESTEG. DECISION IN FAVOUR OF A NEW MARKET PLACE. On Friday evening a ratepayers' meeting waa held at the Town-hall, Maesteg, to con- sider the advisability or otherwise of extend- ing the Town-hall accommodation, or erect- ing a new Market-place in such a way as to render it suitable for seating large gather- ings, such as musical festivals and eistedd- fodau. Mr. J. P. Gibbon, J.P., chairman of the District Council, presided, and explained the object of the meeting. He said he had re- ceived instructions from the Council to call a public meeting of ratepayers to consider the question of enlarging the Town-hall, and also the erection of a new Market-place. They involved two separate schemes. The Town-hall was on trust, and was managed by the Townrhail Committee of Councillors, and no money irom the rates was used for it. If the hail were extended, the money would have to be borrowed upon private security. The majority of the Council were m favour of enlarging the hall. The present seating accommodation was for 92b people, and the proposed extension would afford additional seating accommodation for 375, making the hall capable of seating 1,300, at a cost of something like £2,000. They had not gone into the figures minutely, but that was an approximate estimate of the cost. The pre- sent debt on the hall was £150, and the an- nual income was £200. The hall had been leased to Messrs. Poole, at an annual rental of £150, three nights a week, for a term of seven years, and half of that term had ex- pired. Roughly that was the present posi- tion, and whatever expense was incurred in the proposed alteration could not come from the rates. The only possible increase of rates would be in regard to the Market- place. On January 29th of this year, Mr. J. Howells gave notice of motion to enlarge the hall. This was seconded by Mr. T. Rees (Garnlwyd), and was approved by a majority of the Council. The opposing section of the Council thought it would Oe better to erect a new Market-place, which could be con- veniently utilised for large gatherings. The idea was to build a wall in front of Church- street to a certain height, with a glass roof covering, to provide a seating accommodation for £2,000 people, at a cost of £3,500, and if this scheme was decided upon the money would come from the rates, and a Joan would be applied for. This scheme was brought forward by Mir. T. E. Hopkins. The Coun- cil thought it only fair that before .any action was taken both schemes should be placed be- fore the ratepayers in order to obtain their views. Upon the present valuation, a penny rate would yield £250. He wished to remind them that they were not called upon to ac- cept either of these schemes. They were facing a heavy expenditure in connection in connection with the water works, which would have to be met. Their only object in bringing these schemes before the ratepayers was to further the interests of the people at large. The Market-grounds were held on a lease for 99 years from 1872, at a rental of £20 per annum. Councillor John Howells said he had re- ceived a number of complaints with regard to the inadequate accommodation of the hall, especially since it had been leased by Messrs. Poole, who, to suit their convenience, had lessened the seating accommodation. The majority of the Council were in favour of enlarging the hall. £200 or £300 spent on the basement of the hall would increase the Market-place sufficiently to bring in an- other £50 rental. It was essential for them to look forward and provide for the increased population of the town. He was prepared with others to stand security for the money at the bank, and the increased revenue would clear the amount borrowed in a few years. He did not wish to press his views. The last concert held at the hall was financially dis- appointing, notwithstanding the fact that the hall was packed. It did not pay to en- gage eminent artistes unless they could seat a large audience. Councillor T. E. Hopkins said his views on this question had been published in the Press. The geographical position of Mae&- teg demanded better market accommodation. It was in the centre of an immense popula- tion, and the railway facilities were such as to justify the proposed expenditure. The Great Western Railway were issuing market tickets from Bridgend to Maesteg, and this convenience was likely to be extended to Tre- herbert in the opposite direction. What, he asked could be gained by a costly extension of the Townr-hall when an enlargement of the Market-place would provide a satisfactory solution of the present needs of tpe town ? .The fact that Messrs. North's Navigation were abandoning their interests in other places in order to develop their industry at Maesteg was a strong argument in favour of providing increased Market accommodation. Believing as he did that any matter involving heavy expenditure should be placed before the ratepayers, he trusted they would avail themselves of the opportunity now afforded to ventilate their views on this subject. Councillor J. Bevan was in favour of leav- ing the matter entirely to the decision of the meeting. Councillor G. Davies wished to know upon how many occasions the Town-hall had been inadequate for seating accommodation prior to Messrs. Poole's lease. The Chairman replied that he was not in a position to say, but the space taken up by Messrs. Poole for the stage extension de- creased the accommodation by 150. Mr. Exall: What financial benefit do the ratepayers receive from the Market-place? The Chairman JE90 per annum rent, in- cluding the grounds. Mr. D. Watkins, A.C.. considered the ac- commodation of the hall too limited for the performance of oratorios, especially for the promoters to realise a profit. Mr. J. Lewis (overseer) thought the exten- sion of the Town-hall most desirable, and the Council should give Messrs. Poole notice to surrender the hall for the free use of the townspeople, as was originally intended. Mr. E. Williams (Maesteg House) said that judging by the number of District Councillors present, they were not very enthusiastic for the welfare of the inhabitants. It was for the meeting to decide which scheme would give the greatest satisfaction for the future of Maesteg. He thought that a new Market-place would serve the best purpose. Looking at the prospects of the town, a Market-place constructed to accommodate large gatherings was essential. Councillor T. Rees (Garnlwyd) did not wish to express his views on the subject, but had attended the meeting to hear the opinions of the ratepayers. The Chairman stated that similar meetings on the question would be held in the Nanty- ffyllon and Caerau Wards, and no doubt the Councillors, who were absent that night would attend those meetings. Ma-. R. J. Jones wanted to know, if the Town-hall were extended as proposed, would Messrs. Poole pay additional rent. The Chairman replied in the negative. The contract with Messrs. Poole had been made, and would have to be adhered to. The question was then put to the meeting, with the result that 34 voted for the new Market-place^ and 28 for enlarging the Town Hall. The Market-place proposal was de- clared carried.

PROBABLE PURCHASE OF PORTH- KERRY PARK. Towards the end of last year Ooldknap a.nd Porthkerry Park, Barry, were offered for sale to the Barry District Council. Since then negotiations have been proceeding be- tween the Council and the Romilly Estate with a view to the land being purchased for the town. A scheme has been prepared, and the com- mittee of chairmen of the Council have in- spected the park, with the result that they passed a resolution to the effect that as soon as the terms of agreement with the Earl of Plymouth with reference to the land abutting upon Whitmore Bay as settled, a London ex- pert should be engaged to advise upon the readability of a marine drive frpm Coldknap to Porthkerry Pairk, and its probable cost, and also as to laying out the land abutting on Whitmore Bay and the erection of shel- ters thereon.

BURIED IN A LANDSLIP IN THE TRANSVAAL. MARVELLOUS ESCAPE. .MR. J. H. LEWIS AND DAUGHTER INJURED. Mir. J. H. Lewis, formerly of Aberkenfig, has met with a startling mishap in the Trans- vaal, whither he went some ten years ago. He is a mechanical engineer at the Great Eastern Collieries, and until recently lived in a house over the colliery workings. Owing to a subsidence, the house in which he re- sitted and an adjoining dwelling collapsed whilst Mr. Lewis and his family were in bed, and they were precipitated to the depths be- low. Fortunately rescue operations were ex- peditiously carried out with the result that Mr. Lewis and his family were saved, though a child living in the adjoining house is be- lieved to have perished. Mr. Lewis will be remembered throughout Central Glamorgan as a brilliant musician. He conducted the Tondu Band for some years, was organist of Ebenezer Chapel, where he also conducted the choir. Mrs. Lewis is a daughter of the late Mr. J. R. Routledge, formerly divisional superinten- dent on the G.W.R., stationed at Tondu. GRAPHIC ACCOUNT. The following is an account of the acci- dent as reported in a Transvaal news- paper — Springs, Wednesday, March 20. The quiet little mining village of Springe was in the early hours of this morning the scene of a terrible calamity which has filled the neighbourhood with gloom and sorrow. A large piece of ground situated on the property of the Great Eastern Collieries sud- denly subsided, carrying with it, and com- pletely demolishing two cottages in which Mr. Tibbott, the mine captain, and Mr. J. H. Lewis, the mechanical engineer, lived with their families. At the time of the occurrence the whole of the inmates, with the exception of Mr. Tib- bott, were in bed, and beiore they had the slightest chance to save themselves they were precipitated to the depths below, but mar- vellous to relate, owing to the excellent res- cue work alL were saved excepting Mr. Tib- bott's eldest boy Robbie, aged about seven years, who disappeared completely out of sight, and who, it is feared cannot now be recovered alive, although the rescue party are still digging in the hope of finding him dead or alive. Another marvellous feature of the affair is that none ot the survivors are seriously in- jured, considering the experience they went through, the worst cases being those of Mr. Lewis and his daughter, the former having sustained two broken ribs, whilst his daugh- ter was badly out about the head and faoo. The young lady was discovered under a piano which had fallen on her in the general crash. •- The scene of the occurrence is about a mile to the south of Springs Railway Station, and is in the midst of the large coal-bearing tract which includes the Great Eastern; the Cassel, De Rietiontein, Clydesdale, and Tyne Valley Collieries. The Cassel and Tyne Valley Collieries are now closed down, having been worked out some time ago. The Great Eastern and Cassel Collieries adjoin each other, and it was within a short distance of the shaft of the former that the terrible affair of this morning occurred. For some time past it has been suspected that portions of the ground in the neighbourhood were treacherous, owing to the extensive workings underground, and similar occurrences have taken place before. The scene of the subsi- dence was. however, regarded as quite safe, as it was understood that there were only some old workings underneath, and as the ground had never shown any signs of weak- ness, it was looked upon as the least likely plaoe in the neighbourhood for such a thing to happen. As a matter of fact, the two houses which have been engulfed were re- moved there for safety only, as it has un- happily been proved, to court- disaster. OMINOUS BUMBLING. For some days past the local inhabitants state strange rumbling sounds have been, heard resembling distant thunder, and late" on Wednesday night the whole neighbour- hood began to vibrate with what one man describes as a "subterranean rattling." A state of panic and terror seized upon the re- sidents in the locality of the disturbance, al- though in that part of Springs nearer the railway station and contiguous to the Springs Hotel, Post Office, Municipal Offices and Police Station no one appears to have noticed anything unusual, and the inmates of the Great Eastern Hotel, whioii it not quite a quarter of a mile distant, did not know that anything had happened until this morning. After midnight the rumbling became more and more pronounced, and the inmates of the houses in the vicinity of the Great Eastern became so alarmed that they got out of bed and came out on their verandahs, where they shivered and huddled together, their posi- tion being rendered worse by their incapacity to do anything. It seemed useless to run for safety as no one knew where the catas- trophe, which the terrifying noise indicated was approaching nearer and nearer at every moment, was going to happen. Mr. Tibbott, who occupied one of the ill- fated houses, with his wife and four child- ren, the other being occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Lewis and their daughter, was of the opinion that the noise was nearer the colliery and, thinking that something had happened there, he rushed over to see what it was. THE COLLAPSE. He had only got about twenty yards away when a terrific crash came, and on looking behind he saw that the house which he had just quitted a few moments previously had disappeared and that there was a yawn- ing hole in the earth. The horrible truth soon dawned upon him, and he realised that a subsidence had taken place and that his wife and family and neighbours were plunged into the depts of the fearful abyss at his feet. P.O. Nolan, who spoke to Mr. Tib- bott as the latter came out of his house, was also close at hand when the subsidence took place and managed to get a message sent to the police station, remaining on the spot himself to render assistance. For some time a state of panio and confusion reigned in the village, and the general idea was that an ex- plosion had occurred in the mine itself. A few of the more level-headed people present, who were the first to realise what had actu- ally occurred, lit fires around the edge of the hole in order to prevent people who were rushing here and there from falling in, and Mr. Bowright, the manager, who was one of the first to arrive on the scene, began to or- ganise a rescue party. The ground at the sides of the cavity continued to collapse for some time, and several people had narrow escapes of falling over, one man who stepped into a crevice between a tottering pillar of earth and the more solid ground behind being just pulled back in time. Gradually the people began to realise what had happened, and in the dim light of the torches it was possible to form some idea of the havoc that had been wrought. Far away at the bottom of the cavity could be seen the debris of the collapsed houses, and the shouts for help of the entombed people added to the horrible reality of the scene. THE WORK OF RESCUE. It did not take long to organise a rescue party, and the first man to go down below was Mr. Bowright, the manager, who showed great courage. Without waiting for a light, he got a rope and making one end fast on the surface he lowered himself over the edge and made for that part where the cries for help were coming from. He was quickly joined by others, including Messrs. Chas. Jones, Tom Price, Hart, Carlisle, Jas. Lavis, Jenkins, and several more, and in a few minutes the party had the pleasure of rescu- ing Mrs. Lewis, who had been found by Mr. Bowright as soon as he descended, and she was taken to the surface by means of a ladder, a number of which had by this time been procured. One by one the others were extricated and carried to places of safety, the last to be taken out being Miss Lewis, who had been wedged underneath by a piano, which it required a good deal of labour to remove. It was then ascertained that Mr. Tibbott's eldest boy was still missing, but no sign of him could be found. The last Mrs. Tibbott saw of him was as he fell out. of bed j seemingly through the .floor as the building collapsed, and when .the rescue party got down below they noticed an opening which seemed to lead to the workings below. It is feared that the unfortunate boy fell into this hole, which gradually filled up as the debris and loose earth pressed down on top of it through the weight from above. The Rev. W. McGulloch, Drs. Adamson and Grace, and Mr. and Mrs. Alexander at- tended to the wants of the sufferers on the surface, and conveyed them to different houses in the village, there being no hospital at Springs. On examination it was found that none of the survivors were dangerously injured, Mr. Lewis and his daughter being, as stated above, the worst cases, but they were soon made comfortable, and it is ex- pected that they will be quite well again in the course of a week or two. The rescue party down below continued their heroic work in trying to rescue the boy Tibbott until it became apparent there was no chance of finding him, and it was decided to wait until daylight, when there might be a better hope of success. SCENE AT DAYLIGHT. Daylight disclosed a terrible scene of havoc and desolation. The ground had caved in, leaving a large circular shaped opening about 200 yards in circumference and fully 150 feet deep. The sides sloped towards a common centre and the bottom of the south side was littered with the fragments of the two cottages. The floor of one of the rooms had fallen away in one piece and lay side by side with a portion of the roof. Tables, chairs, and other articles of furniture were mixed up with portions of masonry, and it wasdiffi- cult to believe that anyone had been rescued alive from such an apparently inextricable confusion of debris. A pathetic remanant of what only a day previous had been two com- fortable homesteads was the neatly kept gar- den with its brightly painted fence, which still remained on the brink of the precipice. ANOTHER ACCOUNT. Springs, Thursday. At 1.30 on Thursday morning a large por- tion of the ground near the shaft of the col- liery caved in, carrying with it the houses of the engineer and the underground manager. In the house of Mr. J. H. Lewis, the en- gineer, were his wife and daughter, and the three were precipitated a distance of 40 feet and literally buried in the debris of bricks, iron and timbers, not to speak of the furni- ture, which is broken to pieces. Mr. Lewis is badly crushed, and some of his ribs are broken. Mrs. Lewis was not so much injured, but she suffered from terrible shock and mental strain. Miss Lewis was injured severely, and she is one mass of bruises. She was wedged in, and the heavy piano was lying across her legs, and it was with the utmost difficulty that she was extri- cated. The family of Mr. Tibbott, next door, also suffered severely. Mr. Tibbott, hearing the rumbling sound, went out to the shaft to see what was wrong, and he hurried back to find his house gone and his wife and four children buried in the ruins. Fortunately Mrs. Tibbott and three of the children were rescued, but the eldest, a boy of seven years, had disappeared from sight, and although the men have been at work all day the body has not yet been found. Just as soon as the subsidence occurred an alarm was sounded, and speedily a rescue party was formed under the direction of Mr. S. H. Bowright, manager, and Mr. D. Craw- ford secretary. This party worked like Tro- jans, and, their labours were rewarded in bringing alive to the surface six out of seven.

A REMARKABLE RECORD. Once again we have an opportunity of bask- ing in the enjoyable sunshine of prosperity reflected by the remarkable progress of the Britannic Assurance Company, long known as the British Workman's and General. With becoming modesty the directors merely characterise the year's working as success- ful," although the adoption of more commen- datory phraseology would certainly have been justified, for the outstanding feature of the twelve months ended December 31st last is the attainment of a premium income of con- siderably over one million sterling, the figure of Cl,017,330 being no less than E64,229 above that of the preceding year. The Britannic issues over half a million policies per annum and is so successful that whilst it is able to allot a reversionary bonus of 30s. per cent, to participating policy-holders in the Immediate Profit section, to make ade- quate provision for policy-holders in the Ac- cumulated Profit classes ana to pay its share- holders the handsome remuneration of 10 per cent., it can also add j6211,949 to its accumu- lated funds making the present total security of the policyholders £ 1,776,755. In view of this it is no matter for surprise that the total assurances in the Ordinary branch and the number of policies in the Industrial should both continuously leveal a decidedly upward tendency. For instance, 1905 wit- nessed an increase in the aggregate assur- ances in the Ordinary branch of £ 420,051; 1906 saw one of £ 435,355. And whereas in the year before last there was an addition of 503,665 Industrial policies, last year there was one of 506,049. Thus we have a clear indication of the ever-growing popularity of the Britannic—a popularity that is not ob- tained by a careless disregard for the expense of procuring new business, nor without an annual proportionate increase in reserves for the additional safety of the policyholders. Now, whilst the income from all sources continues to appreciate (being, in fact, £ 1,121,415—an advance of £78,498 over that of a year ago), the company's disbursements in 1906 amounted to £402,096 in claims—dis- tributed in the proportion of £89,161 in the Ordinary, and £ 402,934 in the Industrial branch. These figures bring the amount paid by the corporation to its assurants to more than 5J millions sterling. There is one little point that perhaps is worthy of notice, and that is. the claims met in 1906 included £117,899 paid under maturing endowment and endowment assurance policies. These payments to living assurants—which go to swell the half-million sterling so distributed by the company in the previous eight years— reminds us of the ever-growing importance of endowment assurance. Altogether the figures presented by this corporation constitute a practical demonstra- tion of the principles of thrift as applied through the admirable facilities afforded by the Britannic.

"Å FEW APPLICATIONS" OF DOAN'S OINTMENT GIVE RELIEF TO PILES. Mr. W. Robinson, 47 Ince Green Lane Inoo, Wigan, says: For two years I suffered very badly with piles; the itching and irrita- tion were dreadful, and at times almost un- bearable. Reading that Doan's Ointment was a re- liable remedy for such trouble as mine, I sent for some. I was glad to find that a few ap- plications gave me great relief, and was en- couraged to continue the treatment. From that time I made good headway, and was soon quite cured. "I shall take pleasure in recommending Doan's Ointment to all I know to be suffering as I did. (Signed), W. Robinson." The first application of Dean's Ointment allays the irritation of any itching skin com- plaint, such as Eczema, Piles (whether blind, itching, internal, protruding or bleeding), Scurvy, Scabies, Shingles, Itch, etc. If you would care to test this "thorough" cure yourself, send us (see below) your name, address, and a peniny stamp to cover cost of postage, and we will forward you a free sample. Doan's Ointment is two shillings and nine- pence a pot (six pots thirteen shillings and ninepenoe). Of all chemists and stores, or post free, on receipt of price, direct from Foster-Mcdellan Co., 8 Wells-street, Oxford- street, London, W. Do not forget to use the full name, Doan's Ointment.

—^—i I Goddard's Plate Powder Goddard's Plate Powder For Cleaning SilverElectnoPIate.41 Sold every wtxre \k 2/6 & 4/&

DISCLAIMERS. To the Editor. Sir,—Will you kindly insert this notice in your paper to state that I am not the Samuel Rees, haulier, of Maesteg, reported in your last issue to. have been fined zOs. at Bridgend Police Court for being drunk and disorderly. —I am, etc., SAMUEL REES (Haulier). Post Offices, Caerau. April 15th. 1907.

To the Editor. Sir,-—-Will you please allow me to state that I am not the Thomas Richmond who was reported in your issue 01 the 5th April to have been fined at Bridgend Petty Sessions for a breach of the Licensing Act at Pontrhy- dycyff. As the names are somewhat uncom- mon in the district, the conviction has been in some quarters attributed to refer to me. —Yours truly, THOMAS RICHMOND (Sawyer). Coegnant Collieries, Maesteg. April 16th, 1907.

MR. MADDOCKS AND THE OGMORE AND GARW SURVEYOR. To the editor. Sir,—Now that the excitement of the elec- tions is over and the people have regained their normal conditions, it may not be out of place to refer to some of the speeches de- livered during the contest. We have had the usual cry of efficiency with economy, etc. We have had paraded before us the good work the old members have accomplished, and the good work they intended to do if returned. There is one gentleman whose speeches call for serious consideration from ratepayers. I refer to Mr. Maddocks. During the election he made some serious charges against the sur- veyor of the Ogmore and brarw district. Now, sir, Mr. Maddocks is an old member of the Council and his utterances command a certain respect, especially as the members seeking re-election did not refute any of the charges. Two years ago Mr. Maddocks, Dr. Parry and Mr. Lawrence were on the same platform seeking election. The sewerage was then being constructed, and both Dr. Parry and Mr. Lawrence said it was essential that Mr. Maddocks should be returned, as he knew more about the sewerage than any other member, and had been the means of saving many pounds of the ratepayers' money. Mr. Maddocks stood again this elec- tion, and renewed his charges against the surveyor, and said he was prepared to prove them. I should like to know what action the Council is going to take; the charges are either true or false. If they are true, it is time the surveyor was got rid of. If they are false, the Council ought to vindicate his character. We have a Council to-day com- posed largely of Labour representatives who have been sent there by the workers in the interest of truth and justice, as well as effi- ciency, and we look to them to do their duty in this matter.—Yours, etc., RATEPAYER. Pontycymmer.

SOCIALISM. To the Editor. Sir,—Mr Morris's comparison of the Work- house with Mr. Blatchford's definition of ideal Socialism is exceedingly funny. I sug- gest that our Poor Law system was created for the two-fold purpose of relieving the ever- increasing burden of the Church in provid- ing for the destitute, and also because society dare not allow its poor to starve without pro- viding some alternative. Hencfe the creation of the workhouse, not as a right to the des- titute but as a protective measure taken in the interest of society. The Socialist stands for the principle that each human being has an equal right to live, and any natural dis- ability should not be a severe and impossible handicap to the individual so far as being able to demand some useful employment. Under present conditions the weak and in- firm stand a poor chance in that state of healthy" competition which your corres- pondent, in common with others, imagines to be such a desirable state. Poverty, squalor and degredation exist, and amidst these large numbers of those who will engage in that competition are being born, and yet Mr. Morris speaks of healthy" competition. The workhouse provides free clothing, etc. in the same sense as the prison does its uniform. It is a badge of dishonour in- flicted by society for the crime of being poor, and that we are told is ideal Socialism. It would be well to remember that the Work- house is one of the inevitable results of the competitive form of society, and is a stand- ing argument of its absolute failure. It is indeed strange to hold it up as an argument against Socialism. William Morris and Belfort Base have not said the last word regarding "home" life, but the very fact of their having seriously con- sidered this phase of the question, proves their wonderful catholicity. The records of our Police Courts, Divorce Courts, and the falling birth rate, etc., is evidence that our home life is in danger of becoming a mere matter of history. Socialism would preserve all that is best in our home life, and the care- ful rearing of children, tender solicitude for the sick, and the protection of the weaker members of the human race; but Mr. Morris wants "healthy" competition. You can scarcely have competition, which says the weaker must go to the wall. and that "home" life of the kind such described.—Yours, etc., E.H.M. P.S.—For reasons best known to the Editor, I am prevented from signing my name, but Mr. Morris, if he cares, may have it from the Editor.

OPEN LETTER TO THE MAESTEG URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Gentlemen,—Yours is an unhappy lot, for, with a few exceptions,, there are far superior and more efficient individuals amongst the general public. Yet you are determined to experiment with the fortunes of others, and are destined to plunge the next generation into oceans of worries and expense. Where does your hope lie? You are like pilgrims searching for an oasis in the desert, and simi- lar in action to a boisterous twittering of birds, each with its own plaintive wail. What is there to gain through the exuberance of verbosity? The locality seeks action. You respond with an assurance which is not worth the energy used to explain. True, you have not got so notorious as several local bodies, but really you are worse. Can it be that there are too many automatic machines upon the Council? The whole thing is a farce, rehearsed much too frequently. 'Tis true and pity is, 'tis true" there is one of you who pretends to be a prophet, and assumes to know that the "plays" at your Town-hall have a bad influence upon individuals. The fact is that the threatre attracts the youth from the public-houses. You insist upon having a new Market-hall. Were the dis- trict the centre of an agricultural district all would be well. The erection of a new Mar- ket-hall will merely be disastrous to small tradesmen. Have you not heard the wail of these poor tradesmen, whose assets are bad debts after the visit of each fair" or circus. These are your own friends, forced through ill-health and infirmity to seek pastures new, and you as an administrative body are en- deavouring to render void every effort to earn an honest living. Now, gentlemen, there are thorny fields ahead, and you will require the patience and sympathy of rate- payers, so please think what you are about. Well, gentlemen, who are you going to elect your chairman for the current year ? Sink your petty advertising agencies, and put the best man in the chair. You know him now, and he is a valuable and methodical man, and has proved himself to be quite in sym- pathy with the needs of the place. Drop those firebrands, and you can get on success- fully and above all peacefully. Yours is a noble work, and we must get order and method. Select your past chairman and ex- tend to him your assistance. By so doing you may recognise the true value of a man who has not had greater nor more opportuni- ties than you, but merely made better use of them. THE DREAMER.

To Avertiser8.—Advertisers who send as small advertisementa that come under the various headinga of oar prepaid scale, which appears on the 4th page, are requested to kindly send remittanoe wi*B order.

NOTES AND COMMENTS. BRIDGEND. The "match of the season," as the meeting between Swansea and Bridgend was des- cribed on the posters, has been played, and while the excessive optimism of local sup- porters and others received a rude shock, the former have no need to be ashamed of the performance of their pets against the All Whites. There had oeen considerable over-rating of the abilities of the Bridgend men, and much talk, in no uncertain lan- guage, about the All Whites' sheet wing, spoilt by another defeat, and Cardiff, conse- quently, winning the championship. These prognostications proved totally un- justifiable, but though the homesters were badly beaten, there was much cause for satisfaction. The weather in the morning was none too promising, and rain threatened to spoil the match and the gate. During the afternoon, however, there was a great im- provement, and the sun poured forth its rays with a warmth remindful of June. Under these conditions, it was not surprising that there was a record gate for the season. The game opened in surprising fashion, the homesters almost immediately getting into the visiting quarter, where the All Whites were given quite a warm time. Then for "legs up" Swansea were penalised, and Pennell gave Bridgend a three points lead by landing a fine goal, amid much cheering. It certainly appeared now as if Abertawe would have to go all the way to win, but this idea was speedily removed, the visitors treat- ing the spectators to an exhibition of the passing game characteristic of the team and of a class seldom seen at Bridgend. The home men were now gradually losing ground, and the pace proved too hot for them but still they played gamely. Science was lacking, however, and many opportunities were lost through bad mistakes. A tall score against Bridgend seemed inevitable, as the visiting forwards were completely controlling the scrummages. In the second half Bridg- end were completely out-classed, but the game was never too one-sided to afford no interest to the spectators. Naturally, the home halves, Jenkins and Bayliss, playing behind a beaten pack, had little opportunity of showing what they could do in attack, and they were in addition op- posed to a pair who thoroughly understood each other's methods. They played pluckily all through, Jenkins in particular working like a Trojan. Matthews outshone the other Bridgend threequarters. but the third-line as a whole gave a poor display. Pennell's performance at back was creditable, and his kicking was an outstanding feature from the Bridgend standpoint. The play of the Swansea backs at periods rose to a high standard of merit, the ball time after time passing through the hands of all the threequarters and halves. This quite nonplussed the homesters, whose defence was completely broken up. W. Trew, the cap- tain, played a most meritorious game. He frequently initiated bouts of passing, and his cross-kicking was to the great advantage of his side. Toft was in good form, and did a great deal of work "on his own." Arnold secured three well-merited tries, and Phil Hopkins gave a fine account of himself. REFEREE.

REPORTS OF MATCHES. BETTWS v. GARW COLLEGIANS. At Bettws on Monday in fine weather and before a good crowd. Mr. T. Jones was re- feree. The Collegians started, and Browning re- turned well to touch. From the line-out Bettws broke away and nearly scored. After a series of scrums, the home backs handled, and Trevor John cross-kicking to W. M. Ed- wards, the latter scored a try, which was not converted. Bettws pressed hard, and nearly scored. During some slack play in the home 25, Bettws were penalised, and Glyn Parry placed a beautiful goal for the Col- legians. Half-time was soon afterwards called. Bettws restarted, and immediately invaded their opponents territory. The Collegians gradually worked down the field, and the home men had all their work to keep them from scoring. Harris dropped a goal for the Collegians, who were thus leading by 4 points, and shortly afterwards their lead was increased by the value of a try. Edwards crossed for Bettws, but the try was dis- allowed. Bettws nearly got through on several occasions, but were driven back by the visitors. Play was in Bettws quarters when time was called. Final soore:- T. Ftu. Garw Collegians 2 1 10 Bettws 0 1 3 The pick of the visitors was Lawrence, who played a champion game at back. Abraham Davies, their wing, tackled well, and Price and Feiven also deserve mention. The Bettws back division, Thomas, John, Brown)- ing, Edwards, Hopkins, Thomas, and Cooke all played well. The Bettws forwards were beaten, and consequently the backs were at a disadvantage. Next Saturday Bettws nlay a team of mar- ried men of the district. Kick off at 5 o'clock. PONTYCLUN v. MISKIN SCHOOLS. Played at Miskin on Monday, Pontyclun being represented as follows: —Back, Ivor Grace; threequarters, E. Russell (capt.), T. Edwards, W. Heke, and C. Elias; half-backs, W. Hedges and E. Nappe; forwards, A. Heke, A. Hollinshead, J. Reeves, C. Russell, G. King, W. Morgan, S. Williams, and A. Pickard. Miskin started, and the ball was returned to midfield where, from a scrum, Napper re- ceived and cleverly eluding a few of his op- ponents put in a neat kick, which found touch in the homesters' 25. Reeves got pos- session and forced his way through the Mis- kin defence, and scored a (fry, which Heke failed to convert. There was no further scoring before the call of half-time. Reeves re-started, and Pontyclun soon warmed to their work. Russell scored a try which remained unconverted. Jenkins then scored for Miskin, and Sumsion experienced hard lines in failing to convert from a diffi- cult angle. Pontyclun now proved irresis- tible, tries being scored by Russell (2), Mor- gan and Heke. Heke converted his own try. Final sc.ore:- I G. T. Pts. I Pontyclun 1 5 20 Miskin 0 1 3 The game was not particularly interesting from a spectator's point of view, there being very little open play. The Pontyclun for- wards were superior to the Miskin pack, both in the tight and loose. Russell's tries were the result of meritorious efforts. Reeves, Pickard, A. Heke, Grace, and D. Keke were most prominent for Pontyclun, and Sumsion, Jenkins and Williams for Miskin.

Hid-Glamorgan Rechafcites. The annual district meeting of the Mid- Glamorgan Independant Order of Re-chabiteo was held at Ton, under the presidency of Bro. John Davies, D.C.R. Thirty tents were represented. The returns from the district were considered very satisfactory, the membership having increased 300. The funds in hand were reported to be equal to El 4s. to every £1 for which the society is liable. Bro. John Davies was re-elected chief ruler, Bro. Charles Hunt, treasurer, and Bro. D. Williams secretary. Bros. Hunt and Hughes, Porth, were appointed to represent the district at the next A.M.O.

Sir Fwtescue Flannery. Sir Forteeque Flannery has been adopted by the Maldon Conservative and Unionist Association as the candidate of the party for the division at the next election. Maldon is a fickle constituency to fight. It is at present represented by Mr. T. R. Bethell (Liberal), who won the seat from the Hon. 0. H. Strutt, the old member, by the narrow majority of 149. Mr. Strutt's majority in 1900 was 1,348. In 1895 Mr. Strutt was returned by a majority of 612, but in 1892 the Liberal majority was 168.

I J6r I#1?>! Wit 4* 1CTT "TS[ I I THE *UFF€RING OF ANIMALS1 j|S Rationa' Treatment ^iven m The E.F.A. Book, 108 pages, Illustrated, cloth board cover 9 1 TH" HUMAN FIRST-AID BOOK ,11, rw M II' i ANIMAL a T i E ATIVIENT 5th Edition, completing ;^Q,000 copies, commands the COM- m MPV!>.VV|,)N o PRACTICAL HORSEMEN. and OWNERS OF ANIMALS senorViy thr..u £ h-.ut the [jjf \V r!d. by ue o the Rational Treatment it affords in eases of Accidents to, and Ailments of HORSES, $3 CA TTL;; \i and BIRDS, as indicated by this summary of its Contents: i HO ■' » -•:?!i';uroatism. Sprains of the Back, Shoulder, SUfie Joint, Hock, Knee, Check B !|1 I,; >; T ns, Fetlock, Pastern also Swelled i.egs, Splints when forming. Sprung <jj| i 'aches, Ringbone, Sidebone. Sore Back, Sure Throat, Si re Shoulder, C.-> •' ••. >-J •>■ -angles. Broken Knees, Cuts, Wounds, Capped Elbow. Capped Hock, j|| C is, !$i t. ntis, Congestion of the Liver and of the Lungs, Inflammation of the LIM o; the '5 '\veis, Care of Horses, &c. Pages 1 to 97. Hi cA T"r Common Diseases of, with Prescriptions. Pages 155 to 193. 1 DG Rheumatism, Sprains, Cramp, Bruises, Cuts, Wounds, Kennel Lameness, Kennel I si lire o- Hou d^ and other Dogs, Bronchitis, Distemper, fic. Pages 99 to 134. .g £ > :_> <• -Rheumatism, Leg Weakness, Roup, Egg-bound, Diseases of the Comb, &c. Pages 137 T U" I L'MAN FIRST.AID BOOK. price 1s.. post free to all parts of the world (foreifiTi stamps accepted). || of .rl„s to be •<>und upon a label affixed to the outside of the back of the wrapper of 2s., 3s. 6d. || bott,.> ?}* ?~>YAl EM^BOCATON. The DOOS-BIROS section, 54 panes only, may be had S3 anart trom tlie complete book of ID" papes. and this section alone (54 natr^si is irce and post free— 1 P ELL1MAN. SONS and CO., SLOUGH, ENGLAND. fit 1 E.F.A. Hook, ^11 MLS Treatment. R.E.P. Book, HUMAN Treatment. I jLlnffr-" > "II"-¡"- :1i' «■ «J IF YOU ARE FURNISHING, YOU WILL REQUIRE PICTURES! ou can bee a Large Selection from OUST "F HILLHTO- UPWARDS, AT J. ¥. RICHARDS', Picture Frame Maker and Artists' Colourman, MARKET BUILDINGS, BRIDGEND. B. KALTENBACH CO., WATCB MAEEFvS & JEWELLERS, 108, Commercial Street, MAESTEG (CLOSE TO THE VICTORIA HOTEL). WE have the laigest stock in the district, of Watches, Clocks, Jewellery, Electro Plated TT and Silver Goods, Wedding Rings, Keepers, and Engagement Rings. SPEOIALITIES. 8 DAY STRIKING SPRING CLOCK, 15s. 6d. 8 DAY STRIKING WEIGHT REGULATER, 35fi. ALARM CLOCKS, frem 2s 6d. WORKING WATCHES, 2s. 6d., 3s. 6d., 5s., 6s. 6d., and 10s. 6d. We take special pains with Repairs of Watches, Clocks and Jewellery. We have a practical staff of workmen, and we use the best material only. Our charges are moderate, and we guarantee our work for Twelve Months (No Second Charge). We fetch Clocks for Repairs and take them home again (No Extra Charge). We take great pains in testing the eyesight; we have a complete stock of LenBee to suit a child from 5 years old to a person 80 years of age; we make no charge for testing the sight. We have a large stock uf Spectacle Frames in Steel, Rolled Gold, and Solid Gold. Kindly give us a trial. Established 1880 P.O. Telephone—12 Maesteg.. A. & Or. TAYLOR, rnOTOGRAPHIC ARTISTS and PORTRAIT PAINTERS, « Beg to inform the Inhabitants of Bridgend and sarrouading District that they h liVE rsifed their Bridgend Studio to the rank of A F1KST-CLASS ART STUDIO, and have entrusted its Management to I&OR/- ■WinSTSTOZTSr. In introducing Mr. Winston to oar patrons we are confident that they will 100 him A genial aud thoroughly practical operator, and an expert iu Children's Portraiture. Patrons to our Bridgend Studio will always have his personal attention. Mr. Winston took over bis dabies some few months ago, but wished to be weH acquainted with his new Studio before we publicly announced his co-partnership in the buiaeI8. 8M