The South Wales Star

SUDDEN DEATH AT PENARTH.—We have to announce the death of Mr. John David, Albion Hotel, at the comparatively early age of 44. Mr. David was a member of the Bethel Independent Chapel, Plassey- street, and was much respected. This death is ren- dered the more sad owing to the fact that it is the fourth sudden death which has taken place in the family during the last fortnight.

BRIDGEND SCHOOL BOARD. The monthly meeting of this board was held on Tuesday at the Board School, when there were present, Messrs. T. Stockwood (chairman), W. Buckley T. T. Lewis. T. Jenkins, Rev. W. John. and Rev. F. W. Edmondes. The Clerk reported that Mr. Rogers, the recently appointed assistant master, had written that he had accepted another appointment, and that he had written to Mr. John David, Pontypridd, who had accepted the appoint- ment.—Rev. F. W. Edmondes proposed that a call for £ 330 be made.—Mr. T. Jenkins seconded.— Mr. Jenkins, head-master, applied for the assist- ance of a boy for the next month.—Mr. T. T. Lewis moved that the application be acceded to at 2s. per week.—Rev. W. John seconded.—Mr. John George, assistant master, applied for an increase of salary from C,45 to £ 50.—Mr. T. T. Lewis proposed that Mr. George be informed that at the expiration of twelve months the board may feel disposed to entertain his application,—Rev. W. John moved that a vote of condolence be for- ward to Mrs. Cole, expressive of the great loss the board had sustained in the death of their vice- chairman. and conveying their sincere sympathy with her in her bereavement. — Rev. F. W. Edmondes seconded.—It was resolved to hold a special meeting to appoint a member in lieu of the late Rev. T. Cole.-The Attendance Officer, in what is called a report, anxious to show to his superiors that he was doing something worthy of his hire. complained that a number of boys were absent from school on Fridays owing to the sale of local papers on that day. The number had been increased by the South Walex Star. He had spoken to the local representative. But it subse- quently transpired that the representative had the unpardonable audacity of laughing at the dis- tinguished officiaL-Rev. F. W. Edmondes sug- gested that the managers of the Bridgend papers, and the local representative of the new paper be written to, calling their attention to the matter.

OGMORE AND GARW LOCAL BOARD ELECTION. The votes in the contested election in the Garw Ward were reckoned on Wednesday with the following result Edward John Parry 477 John Williams 434 David John 299 David Matthews v 297 Evan Williams 99 Thomas Bagnell 21

APPOINTMENT OF OVERSEERS AT COWBRIDGE. At Cowbridge Police-court on Tuesday (before Colonel H. Tyler, St. Hilary Mr. D. H, Davies and Mr. F. W. Dunn, the following persons were chosen Its overseers for the several parishes :— Cowbridge, Messrs. William Iorwerth, sadler. and Daniel Gibby, hay merchant: St. Athan. Messrs. John Thomas and T. J. Dunn, farmers Fleming- stone, Messrs. D. Spencer and John Thomas. farmers St. Hilary, Messrs. Lemuel Griffiths and Thomas Jones, farmers Llandough, Messrs. David Thomas, farmer, and Thomas Eddolls, miller Llanharan, Messrs. Morgan Morgan, inn- keeper, and "Thomas Miles, farmer: Llanharry, Messrs. Evan Davies. inkeeper. and Evan Lewis. farmer Llanilid. Messrs. John Edmunds and George David, fanners Llanmaes. Messrs. William Powell and David Thomas, farmers Llansannor, Messrs. James Jervis and David John, farmers Penllyne. Messrs. John John and Manoah Davies. farmers: Llantwit Major. Messrs, William Andrews, postmaster, and D. Jenkins, farmers: Lisworney, Messrs. David Delahay. and Evan Thomas, farmers St. Mary Church, Messrs. Henry Braddick and Jenkin Crook, farmers pendoylan. Messrs. David Morgan and Thomas Phillips, farmers; Welsh St. Donatt's, Messrs. Thomas Jervis and E. Roberts, farmers Llan- blethian, Messrs. Morgan Rees and Thomas Thomas, farmers Ystradowen, Messrs. Charles Matthew and Llewellyn David, farmers. The overseers were re-elected in Eglwysbrewis, Gile- stone, Llanmihangel, Nash, and Stembridge.

THETORIES AND EDUCATION. [BY MISS CAROLINE WILLIAMS.] I live in a London parish which has no school board. Elementary education is conducted exclu- sively in denominational schools, and this is a cause of much rejoicing to many of the parishioners. The school board system is bitterly denounced by some of my neighbours of the Established Church, who are never weary of com- plaining that it is as extravagant in its teaching as it is in its expenditure. I am quite ready to admit that the voluntary system may be acquitted y of any desire to teach too much. and that it often practices economy at the expense of the teachers. The sympathy of the ratepayers is often enlisted in favour of an institution which boasts of its charitable basis. At the present moment in this parish it is proposed to raise the £2,000 that is wanted, for the Church schools—by means of a bazaar to be managed by fashionable patrons. thus substituting the charity of a small area for the aid properly afforded by the State. My Welsh compatriots, however, need no argu- ments in favour of Free Education. The necessity for this was proved by every discussion carried on lately at Cardiff by the Conference of Teachers. whether in reference to the dignity and usefulness of the teacher or to the interests of the children. Welshmen are also very unlikely to be misled by promises of real Liberal legislation on this question from either Tories or Liberal-Unionists. They were proof against appeals to their religious preju- dices. when made to them by a distinguished Liberal Unionist in the early days of Home Rule." The same tactics are now being adopted with regard to Free Education. At a recent contest the device of the enemy was to ignore a handbill, on which, under the Tory candidate's name. Im- mediate Free Education" was printed, while Immediate Home Rule was the promise of the Liberal. No Liberal measure framed by a Tory Government will be satisfactory, however im- mediate." It is only necessary to read the present Prime Minister's remarks on Free Education (which is now seen to be inevitable) to be confirmed in this district. In March, 1890. Lord Salisbury is re- ported by the Timex to have urged his Conservative followers to deal with this question on the plea that they might put the Voluntary Schools in a position from which no future hostile majority could dislodge them." While his Tory Whip.Mr. Sidney Herbert, about the same time thus discoursed on the subject The sole object of the Tory Government in taking up this question at all is to save and promote the welfare of the voluntary schools." Never has there been a more woeful travesty of Liberal opinions than by the present Government. supported as it is by those who ought to know better-better how to wear the clothes the enemy has stolen. [Miss Williams does not confine herself to mere words, but has given substantial proof of her interest in Welsh education. It will be remem- bered that Miss Williams gave £ 1.000 for Girls" Scholarships at Cardiff University College, and recentlv c 200 to the Intermediate School at Porth. —Ed. N. I I

OGMORE AND GARW LOCAL BOARD. A meeting of this board was held at the Fox and Hounds. Brynmenin. on Tuesday, when there were present. Mr. J. B. Jenkins (chairman). W. Llewellvn. D. Matthews. J. Jones. J. Owen. J. Salathiel. D. Price. D. Edwards. T. Rees. J. Williams. T. Lewis, and D. John.—The Clerk read a letter from Mr. Drake, in reference to the water supply in certain streets at Tynewydd. and in promising that steps would be taken to remedy any defect.—Mr. D. John enquired if there was a clause in the Water Works Act in regard to filter- ing.—The Clerk said he did not think there was, but he should like a notice given of the question. -The Clerk read a letter from Miss Mary H. Thomas. Tondu Farm. Tynyrheol. complaining that fences on her lane alongside the road were not properly maintained.-The Chairman said the board were not liable to keep in repair every fence by the roadside.—Mr. D. Edwards remarked that the fence was probably in a bad state.—The Chair- man said that if there was any defect in the fences the complaint should have been made when the fences were repaired, and given over to the landlord. But no such complaint was received, therefore, it was too late to complain to the board now.—A letter was read from the Local Government Board in reference to an application from this board for a loan to carry out certain public street improvements in the Llest and Pantsawel-roads.—The Chairman moved that the Clerk reply to the letter, and forward a plan and estimate of the remaining portion of the road. to- gether with an application for a further sum of l: 500.—Mr. D. John enquired if the consent of Lord Dunraven had been obtained.—The Surveyor re- plied that there would be no difficulty in obtain- ing the consent.—Mr. D. Edwards seconded the motion.—Carried.—The Clerk read an application he had received from Messrs. Balfours and Co.. Limited. London, asking the consent of the hoard to erect automatic letter boxes in various places throughout the district of the board in positions to be decided by the surveyor.—The Surveyor said he thought they ought not to allow the erection of these boxes without the payment of a certain sum per annum.—Mr. W. Llewellyn said it was hardly fair to make a charge. They ought to allow the company to erect the boxes gratis as their erection would be a great convenience to the public.—Mr. J. Salathiel proposed that permission be given to erect these posts at positions to be selected by the Surveyor, and to be removed at any time at the discretion of the board at a charge of Id. per post per annum.—Mr. D. John seconded. —Carried.—The Chairman proposed that the seal of the board be affixed to the contract for certain street improvements at Tynewydd.—Mr D. John seconded.—Carried.—The three collectors of the board made applications for increase of salary.— Mr. D. John proposed that the salary of the collec- tors should be increased as follows :—Llangeinor. £ 30 Llandyfodwg. £ 25 Bettws. £ 18. To include postages and all expenses, to commence 25th March.—Carried.—The Chairman proposed that tenders be advertised for to carry out the work Of sewerage, including tanks, but inclusive of all other works. Sealed tenders to be sent in on the 11th of May.—Carried.—Mr. Thomas Lewis pro- posed that application be made to the Llangeinor Burials Board, calling upon them to put Alexander- road. Pontvcymmer. in proper repair, so that this board may take it over.—The Surveyor pre- sented his report. He stated that in regard to the footbridge belonging to the Great Western at Tynewydd. that there need be no claim, as it is precisely the same level as the previous wooden structure. The parish road leading from Pandy to Bettws was in a delapidated condition. The Garw Water Company had not restored 700 yards of trench on the Pontvrhil-road. Plans of new house had been received as follows :—Mr. J. Rees. architect. Pentre. Ystrad. 2 houses in the Nantir- road. Mr. W. Edwards, builder. Blaengarw. 2 houses in Blaengarw Mr. Joseph John, Bettws. one house at Bettws: Mr. Fox. stable and coach-house, Pwllypant: Mr. T. Batchelor. Pontycymmer. stable at Waun Bant. The inhabitants of Pontyrhyl had been for two weeks without a sufficient supply of water for domestic use from the Ogmore and Garw Water Company. Occupiers in Garreg-road. Pontycymmer. had not a regular and sufficient supply of water.—An adjourned meeting of this board was held at the Fox and Hounds. Brynmenin. on the 8th April, when there were present. Messrs. D. John (in the chair), W. Llewellyn. D. Edwards. and Daniel Price.-The estimate for the new rate was adjourned till the next meeting.—The report of the Inspector of Nuisances was read and con- sidered. and notices were ordered to be served on the owners to abate the nuisances referred to in the report.—Two tenders were received for extend- ing the drain on the old parish road at Blaengarw. a The tender of Mr. John Batchelor was accepted.

TWINKLINGS, "A RELIC OF BYE-GONE DAYS WAS HE. "Born September 6th. 1798—died April 7th. aS1.,1 So will read the coffin-lid of our old and respected townsman, Mr. William Yorath. who passed calmly to his rest on Tuesday. It is difficult to realise the- wealth of reminiscences wrapped up in his long life. Born at the death of the eighteenth century—(lying: almost at the birth of the twentieth A school boyT when England was electrified at the news of Trafalgar, and plunged into mourning for brave Nelson's death. Growing into man's estate, when the bells were ringing, and the bonfires burning for the victory at Waterloo. Married, while George the III. was king. A widewyer and renamed while the First gentlemen of Europe" swayed a septre. Three times the soveriegn power changed hands, and still he lived to see the Jubilee of the fourth of the line. For sixty-two years, he lived a happy married life. with the lady who left him but four years ago, and whom he has so soon followed to the better land. To the last. he was wonderfully self-reliant, and completely retained his faculties, sight, hearing, memory. Peace to his ashes. He was indeed a grand old mall." BEWILDERED HOUSEHOLDERS. It was an odd coincidence that Monday should have been chosen by our lowd authorities for collection of voting paper? for the Local Board election as well as by the big wigs at Westminster, for the collection of census papers. Imagine the horrible jumble that might follow, if the two papers got mixed. Think of the long vista of libel suits consequent upon Mr. William Morgan Richards being set down, by an innocent but bewildered elector, as imbecile from birth or Mr. Charles Henry Price, as being "F. aged 19. general servant (domestic). It makes one positively shudder I Seriously though—dontyou think the time has quite come when Local Board elections should be made by ballot ? I really think that the ballot is a greater necessity in local elections, where every-one knows everybody else, and where petty tyrujiny can be carried out to its bitterest end. than in Parlia- mentary elections, where the field is wider, and one has a chance of getting lost in the crowd. It is cheering to think that "the fight here was a good- humoured one. I trust that there will be no arrii-re pen fie. and the losers will take their licking in good part, and" live to tight another day." SAFE BUT INSECURE. Cordially do I endorse the "pronouncement of the Bridgend magistrates at a recent Petty Session in regard to the unsafe condition of the "common or garden" safety-lamp. Their worships consider that the plug system of locking a collier's lamp should be adopted in all collieries—and so do 1. Saturday after Saturday, luckless colliers are hauled up "before their betters "on the time-worn charge of having unlocked lamps in their possession, and often those who set the law in motion arc themselves found to have been culpably negligent in carrying out the spirit as well as- the letter of the Mines Act. Only last Saturday, for instance, it transpired that the only copies of the Act. (which should be posted in a "conspicuous place") to be found near the colliery were in the weigh-house, over the door of which appeared the legend. "Xo admittance." and in the colliery office. The only solu- tion of the difficulty is to make it impossible for the collier, whether by accident or design, to get his lamp unlocked: and, considering the tremendous issues of life and death at stake, the extra trouble and. expense of the introduction of the plug system, which is already adopted at one colliery in the neighbourhood, ought no longer to be shirked. STILL IN THE CLOUDS. Well, wherever it is. it isn't where it ought to be by this time-in Caroline-street. Of course you guess what I mean—the new post-office. The ancient and moth-eaten records of the city fathers show that some time in the remote past the plans were approved, and "the seal of the Board affixell thereto." and still we tarry. Caroline-street looks like a set of molars with the lower jaw-tooth missing, and people are beginning to wonder whether the new building will be delayed until the beginning of the 20th century, so as to start fair." We live rapidly in these days, and if they don't look sharp, post-offices may become a thing of the past, before they are ready. Goodness only knows what Edison's fertile brain is contriving, as I am pegging away at these notes in my den 011 the "second floor back." How disappointing it would be if. by the time the new post-otnce is completed, he should have devised some "compressed air fake for carrying our messages. Now. Mr. Lambert, be wise in time, and earn our 11n- dying gratitude while it is yet day. A !:OLL OF RHYMES. Have you read a delightful book of poems culled Love-letters of a Violinist ? The writer is Eric Mack ay. and the little book forms one of that jolly series of booklets known as the Canterbury Poets." The love poems are simply delicious, and there are be- sides some exquisite little bits of word painting. One—" An ode to the skylark." being the very perfec- tion of poetry—I heartily congratulate the committee of the forthcoming eisteddfod upon having fixed on it as the test for the English recitation competition. There is also an ode to Beethoven, and another to Sara sate, and some sweet little sonnets. I cordially recommend the book to any who is fond of reading beautiful thoughts, beautifully expressed. It is ridi- culously cteap at Is. TRIALS OF JURYMEN. Why shouldn't jurymen get paid for their services, I should like to know ? It has always seemed to me an anomaly that while everyone else in the conn, from His Lordship to the doorkeeper gets paid for their services, the men who really play the most imjxutant part in the piece go unrewarded. Oftentimes the sheriff s summons is obeyed at great inconvenience and pecuniary loss, and it seems to add insult to injury, when a small tradesman from the other end of the county, who has been kicking his heels about the court for days without nothing to do, gets severely fined because he doesn't happen to be in •' COlin" when his name is called. Why don't you strike 'r PERSONAL. May I take this opportunity of bowing my acknow- ledgements to a heap of correspondents who have written expressing their cordial approval of Twink- lings" ? Kind sirs. I am muchly obliged to yc. as our old friend Captain Costigan would say. I hope as time rolls on, and as the constellation of successive increases in volume, to increase the circle of my readers, and to make them all my very good friends. BRUTUS.

BIRTHS, MARRIAGES, IC DEATHS. Air. H. L. Jones. Jlefrfstmr IIf Uirtlis ainl Deaths, resides at Holton JloiK1., Darry Vllck, '1(']"(' hi- may 1)(' seen <!a:iy Jr,,¡n Ð to 11 ,lli. BIRTHS. ROBERTA.—Ou the 5th inst.. at 7. Glebe-terrace. Barry Dock, the wife of A.T.Roberts,of a son. DAVIES.—On 2nd inst.. at the Kymin-terraee. Penarth, the wife of \V. H. Davies, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. MORGAN— PULSFORD.—On the 31st ult., at the Con- gregational Church. Bridgend, by the Rev. J. Gwilym Jones. A.T.S.. John William Morgan, mason, North-street, Bridgend, to Mary Pulsford, Kenfig Hill. MORRIS—JOHN.—On the 26th ult.. at Methodist Chapel, Pyle, by the Rev. H. Howe. David Morris, Ton Ystrad. to Miss Mary Jane John. Cornelly. RHYS—EVANS.—Oil the 25th ult., at Coity Parish Church, by the Rev. fc\ W. Edmondes. M.A.. Wintle Henry Rhys. Wyndham street. Bridgend, to Catherine Maria, daughter of the late John Evans, South-street. Bridgend. PETERSON—JAMES.—On the 2St-h nIL. at the Parish Church, Cury. Cornwall, Edward Whit-brcd Illtyd Peterson, of 59, Pall Mali, to Gertrude Percy, eldest daughter of the Rev. Thomas James, of Bonython and Melbourne. Australian papers please copy. THOMAS—THOMAS.—Rev. J. Thomas. B.A.. Baptist minister. Huddersfield, and Miss Deborah Thomas, step-daughiei of Mr. D. W. Davies. J.P., Tony pandy, by the Kev. W. W. Richards, brother of the bride, Tondu. assisted by the Rev. Hugh Jones, pastor of the church, at Zoar Baptist Chapel. Fi'r'.vda 1120s, Penygraig, on Tuesday morning. The ceremony was witnessed by a large number of DEATHS. EVANS.—On the 30tli uk.. at Treoes, Maigaret, wife of Noah Evans, aged 69 years. JENKINS.—On the 28th ult., at Aberkenfig, Ann Jenkins. aged 71 years. FORD.- On the 30th ult., at Aberkenfig, William Thomas Ford. aged 3 years. DAVID.—At the Albion Hotel. Penarth (very sud- denly). Mr. John David, aged 44 years. LEYSHON.—David Leyshon. grocer. Penbrvn House, Merthyr-road. Pontypridd, aged 37 years; died April 6th. PHlLUPS.—On tly 1st inst., at 13. Foster-street, Cadoxton. Benjamin Phillips, aged 32 years. WALLACE.—On the 3rd inst.. at Barry Dock-road, Barry. Louisa Wallace, aged 72 years. HARTOP.—At 10, Morel-street, Cadoxton, William George, son of R. Hartop. labourer, aged 1 year and 7 months. PARK.—Or. the 6th inst.. at 3, Weston-street, Cadox- ton, Harrietta Park, agc-tl 47 years

DEATH OF MR. WM. YORATH OF BRIDGEND. We regret to announce the death of Mr. William Yorath. of Park-street. Bridgend, who expired at his residence on Tuesday morning at the advanced age of 92. The deceased throughout his long career had led a very active life. He was well known and respected throughout the county as one of the most successful farmers in the vale. He retired from business life some 25 years ago. and has since resided at Bridgend, where his genial disposition won for him the respect and esteem of all. Deceased had been in indifferent health throughout the past winter, and had been com- pelled through increasing infirmities to remain .indoors for the few months prior to his death. Mr. Yorath was an attached member of R.diamah Baptist Chapel. Bridgend, and for many years held the responsible position of treasurer of the Church. He leaves one daughter and three sons to mourn his loss. viz. W. J. Lewis, London House, Bridgend Mr. Thomas Yorath, draper Swansea Mr. Christopher Yorath, chemist. &c., Swansea and Mr. Llewellyn Yorath, Tynytsia, St. Bride's Major. Mr. T. J. Hughes, solicitor. Bridgend, is a grandson of the deceased. The funeral, which will be a private one. takes place to-day (Friday) at Ewenny Churchyard.

BRIDGEND BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of this board was held at the Board-room, Union Workhouse, on Saturday, when there were present, Mr. T. Rees (in the chair). Colonel Warlow. E. Price. G. Thomas. W. Jones, T. L. Roberts, J. Thomas, W. Howell (Pen- coed). Howell Williams, J. G. Loveluck, W. Howell (Wick), Daniel Thomas, Dr. Spencer, T. John (Llanblethian), G. Powell. John Lewis, Thomas John (Llanharry). J. H. Thomas, J. Barrow. John Thomas (Blaenogwr), W. Hopkin. Edward Lewis. D. Bowen, John Williams, Rees Thomas (Pyle), D. Thomas (Tylagwyn). John Thomas (Coychurch Higher), and Richard Williams. FIXAXCE. The Clerk read the following estimate of expen- diture for the ending Michaelmas, 1891 Out-relief £ 2,800 Maintenance 270 Non-resident SO Lunatics 820 Registrati on 80 Vaccination 100 Salaries. 400 Medical Fees 20 Returns 40 Instalment of loan—Cottage Homes 161 Workhouse. 23 Other common charges 300 Cottage Homes expenditure. 450 £ 5.564 Balance in hand, April 3, 1891 £ 3.852 0 0 Deduct Lunatics. £ 418 16 11 „ Invoices 346 4 2 765 0 0 £ 3,067 0 0 The Clerk read the following calls on the several parishes for the half-year ending Michaelmas, 1891, viz. Bettws £ 220 Llanilid £ 14 Coity Higher .140 Marcroes 18 Coity Lower.250 Merthyrmawr 20 Colwinstone. 30 Monknash 28 Cowbridge 64 Nash 6 Coychurch Higher. 50 Newcastle Higher .230 Lower 50 Newcastle Lower 70 Cwmdu. 300 Newton Nottage.130 Eglwysbrewis 6 Penceed 80 Ewettny 40 Penllyne 40 Flemingstone 12 Peterstone 50 Gilestone 12 Pyle 88 Kenfig1 40 St. Andrews Minor. 6 Llanmaes 36 St. Athan 36 Llanmihangel 12 St. Brides Major. 80 Llansannor 30 St. Brides Minor 50 Llantwit-Major 120 St. Donats 24 Lisworney 20 St. Hilary. 30 Laleston 70 St. Mary Church. 14 Llanblethian 90 St. Mary Hill 20 Llandough 18 Sker 2 Llandow 24 Stembridge 1 Llandyfodwg .300 Tythystone Higher.160 Llanfan 24 Tythystone Lower 18 Llangeinor .500 Wick 28 Llangonoyd Higher 180 ¡ Ynisawdre 70 Lower 30 Ystradowen 24 Middle 58 Llanharan 160 Llanharry. 34 :.1.:4,227 The Clerk read a letter he had received from the Local Government Board in reference to an appeal sent by Mr. E. Jones, relieving-officer, asking that the sums disallowed by Mr. S. H. Brett at a recent audit be remitted.—Mr. T. L. Roberts moved that the clerk write to the Local Government Board asking them to remit the sums disallowed.—Mr. W. Howell seconded.-Carried. TENDERS FOR HAIRCUTTING, kc. The Clerk said he had received two tenders for haircutting, &c., viz. :-£1 6s., and £ l 15s. per quarter respectively.—Mr. J. Barrow moved that the tender of Mr. T. Daniel. £ 1 6s. per quarter, be accepted.—Mr. J. Thomas seconded.-Carried. INSPECTION OF THE WORKHOUSE. Mr. Bircham, Inspector of the Local Govern- ment Board, read the following report of hit.1 in- spection of the workhouse :—" It is my duty to lay before the Guardians the present state of the workhouse, which cannot, I think, safely be allowed to remain as it is without some effort being made to remedythe undermentioned defi- ciences. The house is now almost entirely a hospital, there are no able-bodied men, and only three able- bodied women in the house. There is no trained nurse, and the need of more adequate nursing arrangements is one which the Guardians cannot fail to recognise. There are 35 male in- flates in the house, none of whom are anything like able to work of these 22 are either confined to bed or otherwise helpless some are serious cases requiring constant attendance. Old and infirm men are employed to sit up during night- time with serious sick cases. The women are under 20 in number of these eight are helpless one only is really able-bodied. This allows of but two women being experienced in the laun- dry. But it is evident under these circumstances that the washing cannot properly be carried out with the number of helpless and dirty cases. There is a great deal of washing required to be done. and the state of the bed clothing of the sick, the floors of the wards, kc., are not what they should be if more assistance were available, and this applies also to the personal cleanliness of the patients and attention to their comfort as to bedding, bed- making, kc.. which it is not now possible to look after in as satisfactory a manner as is desirable. Then, again, notwithstanding the house is so short- handed, the appliances for saving labour by means of hot water supplied to the sick wards and baths are deficient, and it would certainly seem desirable to lay on hot water to the upstairs sick wards as well as to the bath rooms. Again, the w.c.'s of both the wards and of the yards which are unsupplied with cisterns are unfit: to flush them water has to be carried and poured down the seats, which has to be done by feeble old men emptying dirty slops, as I myself saw, often over the seats and floor. The sick wards on the ground floor at the back of the house are really not fit for sick cases at present; the walls and floor are damp owing to the earth outside being higher than the floor level. If those are to be continued in use as sick wards they should be raised so that the floor level should be higher than the surrounding ground, and proper- means of ventilation provided under the flooring. The laundry is too small for drying clothes in wet weather, and a part of the present straw room might easily be utilised as an addition to the laundry, and provided with. drying closet: this would also tend to save labour, and the laundry yard should be levelled and turfed or paved. The vagrants' wards are now used to a much greater extent than they were a few years ago, but they are scarcely up to the requirements of the present day, if cells are not provided either hammocks should be provided or else the sleeping platform should be drawn into bunks, and a plain canvas sacking stuffed with cocoa fibre placed in each bunk as a mattress between the occupant and the wooden planks. Here also the rugs, &?.. supplied are not washed nearly often enough. Two of the dormitories are very damp as to the walls, and having no fire places cannot be properly dried or aired. It would be very desirable to obtain more bedsteads similar to those in the female sick wards for sick cases also an air cushion or two for cases of bed sores. &c. The rice dinner on Tuesdays appears to be not appreciated by many of the inmates. There is not much nourishment in such meals, and the guardians might, perhaps, consider the point. The w.c.'s cisterns were empty on the occasions of my visit, and arrangements should be made to have those filled by the waterworks' water, as otherwise the supply has to depend on pumping, and the male inmates are too feeble to expect a constant supply being provided at these wards. "F. T. BIRCHAM. P.S.—I omitted the subject of appliances for extinguishing fire, which practically are not in existence. Hydrants should be placed within a yard or other suitable place, and the necessary hose provided." Mr. Bircham said that all he had stated in his report he had seen with his own eyes. There was a good deal too much out-relief. If they were to indulge in that luxury, then they must be prepared to pay for it. The house was filled with helpless people, with a great want of competent officials. He regretted to find that there was a vacant home at the Cottage Homes. This should not be allowed to continue. The Homes contained 55 children 15 belonged to Cardiff, and 40 belonged to their union. The committee should take im- mediate action to increase the number of children and fill the vacant home. They had magnificent buildings and better facilities for pre- venting the pauperism of the rising generation than any in the kingdom. In allowing children to remain in certain houses of paupers they stereo- typed the pauperism of that home, but by placing the children in a home where they are kept clean and taught thrift and industry, they prevented pauperism hereafter. Every credit should be given for the efforts already accomplished, but he would urge the committee to take immediate steps to fill the vacant house with about twenty children. Colonel Warlow proposed that Mr. Bircham's report should stand over for consideration by the new board.—Mr, Edwin Lewis seconded.-Carried.

BRIDGEND AND COWBRIDGE BOARD OF GUARDIANS. LIST OF NOMINATIONS. Jtrftirx (2)-Evan Williams, Thomas Lewis, and David Morgan. Coity Higher (1)—John Rees. Coity Loirer (2)-Frederick William Edmondes and William Hopkin. Co! win xt one and Stembridge (1)—Daniel Thomas. ('airbridge (2) John Thomas and Edward John. Coyehureh Higher (1) Griffith Edwards and John Thomas. Coyehureh Laterr (1)—Thomas Rees and James Barrow. Cwmdu (3)—James Barrow. William Jones, John Hopkin Thomas, James Tamblyn, and George /Ferrier. L'i/1 iryxbreirix and Flemingxtane (1)—D. Spencer, junior. Liming (1)—David Bowen. Kenfig and Sker (1)—William Morgan. Lalexton (1)—No nomination. Llanblethian (1)—Thomas John. JJandogh and St. Maryehureh (1) — David Thomas. Lla/idn/r dud St. And mex Minor (1)—Robert Thomas. Ll tnid yfwhrg (2)—D. Vaughan, Thomas Jones. Thomas Williams, and Daniel Price. Jlangan (1)—Thomas Jenkins. Llangeinor (3)—Edward Lewis, Richard Thomas. sen., and John Thomas. Liang gnu-gd Higher (2) David Davies, and Thomas Lewis Roberts. Liang yntryd Lower (1)—David Thomas. Lhnigyniryd Middle (I)-Richard Williams. Llanharran (1)—Thomas Richards. Llanharry (1)—Thomas John and Evan Lewis. Llanilid (1)—John Lewis. Llanmacx and Llanmihangel (1) — William Jenkins. Llanxannor (1 )-X 0 nomination. Llantirit Major (2)-William Thomas and Rees Thomas. Lixirorney and Xaxh (I)-.Tames Board. Merthyrmawr (1)—John Williams and Thomas Cornelius. Monhnaxh and Mareroxx (1 )-Griffith Powell. *Xewcaxtle Higher (2)—Edwin Williams. William John Richards, Evan Matthews, and James William Edwards. Xewcaxtle Lower (1)—No nomination. Xewton Xottage (I)-Griffith Thomas. Pencoed (I)-William Howell. Penllyne (1)—Evan Thomas. Peterxtone-xnper-Montem (1)—Thomas Thomas. St.. I than and (ri/extone (1)—Iltyd Williams. Sf. Jtridex Major (1)—Edward Morgan. St Jiridex Minor (1)—Edward Davies. Sf. JJonatx (1)—Edward Wilde. St .Hilary (1)—Lemuel Griffiths. Sf. Mary Hill (1)—Edmund Lewis. Tgthegxtone Higher (1)—Hopkin Williams. Tgthegxtone Lower (1)—Morgan Jenkins. Wick (1)—William Howell. Ynixairdre (1)—Henry Lewis. Yxt radowen (I)-Daniel Evans. At those parishes denoted by an asterisk there will be a contested election.

BRIDGEND LOCAL BOARD I ELECTION. RESULT OF THE POLL. The result of this election was declared about mid-day on Tuesday as follows :— EJECTED. *Williiii i Morgan Richards 488 William Powell 358 *Michael Davies 348 NON-ELECTED. Charles Henry Price 299 George James 200 Those denoted by an asterisk are old members. We congratulate the electors upon the result of the recent election, and our confident anticipations of the judgment and discernment of the elections has been amply fulfilled. We are pleased to find Mr. W. M. Richards, the chairman of the board, for the fourth time at the head of the poll, thus ex- pressing. in a very marked manner the appreciation of the electors for the valuable services he has rendered to the town. We trust he will be enabled to perform the duties appertaining to his position for many years to come with still greater distinc- tion and honour. Mr. W. Powell will prove a valuable member. His large and varied business experience, combined with a sound judgment, will be a distinct acquisition. Mr. Michael Davies has been re-elected by a substantial majority. The electors thereby approve of his past services, and show a desire that his shrewdness and close atten- tion to the affairs of the town may be continued.

the Llandinam family now as ever. Mr. Davies and his widowed mother propose to give £ 2,000 for an Intermediate School in Montgomery, another £2,000 for the Rhondda Intermediate School, and a £ 1,000 for the establishment of a Working Men's Reading-room in Barry. This is the right way, and 0 the best way to com- memorate the life of a noble man. Mr. David Davies, when alive, sought useful ways of showing his generosity: -no good object in Wales that we can re-call to mind was without Mr. Da vies' substantial help. And Welsh Education -received his special assistance and sympathy. His work in con- nection with the establishment of the Aber- ystwith University College was most valuable. We are glad to think that his son is determined to use the best means of assisting the College t, 11 which his father helped to found, by enabling young Welshmen to prepare for entrance into C, it in Intermediate Schools. We would not like to say a word against the application of Mr. Davies' generosity at Barry, but perhaps Mr. Davies was not aware of the proposed establish- ment of a Public Library in the district. Such a Library would render a Reading-room un- necessary at Barry, seeing that a branch of the Free Library will be opened there. May we suggest—without being thought to unduly interfere—that it would be well if Mr. Edward Davies could be brought to re-consider the 11 question ? We heartily thank Mr. Davies for taking such practical steps to commemorate the life of his worthy father. It is proposed to erect a monument for Mr. David Davies at Llandinam, and we are sure that Welshmen -will not be slack in contributing to the monu- ment of one of the noblest sons of Wales. THE BARRY LOCAL BOARD ELECTION. The result of the local election will be a sur- prise to very many of the ratepayers. It was generally anticipated that one at least of the Trades Unionist candidates would be returned, but not one of the three have come near to being returned. This may be attributed to three main causes the lack of sufficient organisation and enthusiasm, the property votes, and the ambition to run three candidates. Had the Trades Unionists decided on supporting only one candidate, and that a bona fide- working man, they would probably have been able to secure the return of their nominee. As it was, in the face of the fact that it was a property vote, they divided their votes between the three and secured the election of none. We hope the lesson will not be lost on them, and that next year they will run one candidate, who will be run on strictly Trades Union lines. The Unionists this year were too anxious to con- ciliate men not in sympathy with themselves and they did themselves an injury by not keep- ing to the conditions which they had previously set to other candidates. But though we are sorry that no representative of labour has been 'elected, we have nothing to say to the com- -position of the new Board. We advocated the claims of no candidates, except that of the labour candidate, as we saw no general prin- ciple involved in the election of any of the can- dicates. We may say, however, that we are sorry that an important distriet like Holton is 'still without a representative on the Board. We would earnestly advocate also some changes in the manner of eleoting members. Voting in every Selection should be by ballot, in Board of Guardians as well as -in Local Board Elections and we are strongly in favour of one man, one vote." These are measures of the future, however, and do not at present affect us. We hope and, indeed, feel confident that the newly-elected members will do their utmost to promote the best interests of the district. THE BAND OF KINDNESS." In our social column, which will be edited by a lady residing in the district, we propose to start a society for helping the poor, the -sick, and the helpless. The idea is by no means an original one. It has been tried, with con- spicuous success, by several north-country papers, and the "Dicky Bird Society of one of the papers is known all England over as one that has done much good. We hope that a similar success will attend our modest effoits, and we appeal to our readers for their kind assistance and support. Every member will be expected to take a pledge that he will not miss an opportunity of being kind to old people, little children, and all animals. It is intended by this pledge to impress on every one the sacredness of life, however small and insignifi- cant it may appear to most of us. We hope also to make the column as interesting as •possible. Many good friends have already pro- mised to help us, and we are sure that many more will materially help us by contributing matter and otherwise by their active support.