The South Wales Star

OGMORE VALLEY. TYXEWYDD BUILDING- SOCIETY.—On Tuesday evening in last week the above club had their first ballot, which resulted as followsLot 1 fell to Mr. Edward Jones, Lot 2 to Mr. J. Bennett, Lot 3 to Mr, William Davies, Lot 4 to Mr. James Ham, Lot 5 to Mrs. Jenkins, Lots 6 and 7 to Mr. R. G. Pugh, Lot 8 to Mr. John Rees, Lot 9 to Mr. Daniel Thomas, Lot 1D to Mr. John Bowen, and Lot 11 to Mr. D. S. Rees. During the year £640 have been received and £613 7s. lid. expended, leaving a balance in hand of £26 12s. Id. OBITUARY.—We regret to have to record the death of Mrs. S. Jones, the wife of Mr. Thomas Jones, until recently of Tynewydd, which took place on Tuesday night, the 8th inst.. at Maesteg, where she had been living for a few weeks. Mrs. Jones was a very faith- ful memoer at Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, and a pro- minent member of the choir there. Her unexpected death at the early age of 28 3"oars, leaving behind her a husband and two little children, is a sore trial to her relatives, and has cast a gloom over the church and a large circle of friends. Her remains were buried at idaesteg Cemetery last Saturday, when the Rev. J. Jones (Penrhiwceiber), her former minister, officiated. The funeral was a very large one. A large number from Ogmore^Vailey attended the funerai to pay the last tribute of respect to the departed.

ST. BRIDE'S MAJOR. THE VILLAGE WELL SCHEME has verified the general prediction at the commencement—an ignomini- ous failure', after the expenditure of about £120 of the ratepayers' money in trying to get the villagers to drink their grandfathers and grandmothers. From the beginning, the scheme, promoted by two too- knowing parishioners, was ludicrous in the extreme. Only fancy digging a well, one hundred feet deep, within sixty yards or so of the parish churchyard, which is on rising ground, and, forming part of the gathering ground. It would naturally strike any person, with only a modicum of common sense, as ridiculous ia the extreme. The two parish Moses are down in the dumps at the miserable failure of their pet scheme so adroitly forced on the l'atcp"yers, The sanitary authi rity, after some considerable delay, have given im order to secèlrely cover it over, a" the public analyst has condemned the surface water that percolated into the well as unfit for any purposes whatever. If the parish had a properly-constituted council, not a far- thing would have been expemled upon such a fool- hardy undertaking. ALLOTMENT COMMITTEE. — The Saint Brides Major Allotment Committee recently formed hope shortly to have the pleasure of hearing an address from the pnlnlar and \1\Uch-ebt2em8rl member for South Glamorgan. The secretary of the Allotment Committee has, we hear, partly had a promise from Mr. A. J. Williams to address a meeting of labourers on the allotment question, the most popular topic of the day, and most essential to the future welfare of the agricultural labourer. We fear the farmers gene- rally have an evil eye against any proposal to raise the status of the labourer; but, depend upon it, the soldier of peace and production will, on the return of the Liberal party into Parliament, be able to unfurl the banner of freedom on the present citadel of parish aggression and tyranny.

PORTHCAWL. FOOTBALL.—A very good football match was played at Porthcawl on Saturday afternoon last, the rival teams being the Neath Harlequins and the Porthcawl College Club. It was quite an amusing spectacle when both teams stepped on to the field as they were very unevenly matched as regards size— though not as regards the science of the game. The Harlequins looked like Herculean giants compared with the College boys, some of whom reminded one uf the inhabitants of fabled ancient Lilliput. Amusing it was to see the way in which the youngsters set about their opponents, and by sheer smartness and cleverness, succeeded ill gaining a well earned victory. We are not able to record the soore, but know that the Collegians won by several points. For them Matthews, a young boy who played at half-back, was quite ubiquitous; Ainsworth, one of the assistant masters at the College, W. S. Vivian, and E. John, grown up persons who helped" the boys;' all played a sterling game. Some of the Harlequins, whose names we do not know, played a very good game also. Un- doubtedly there is splendid stud: among the College boys, and with good training they will develope into an excellent team. RENT AUDIT.—Lord Wimborne's rent audit for thp Newton Nottage tenants was held at the Ancient Briton Inn, Newton, on Wednesday, December 16th. Mr. Paterson, the chief agent, attended also Messrs, Mabey, Heneage, and Crossland. An excellent dinner was provided by the landlady, Miss Bevan, to which ample justice was done by those present. At the dose, of the dinner a long toast list was gone through, several of which were drunk with musical honours. The toast of the chief agent, Mr. Paterson, was re- ceived with much enthusiasm, as. was also that of Mr. Mabey, of whom Mr. Paterson spoke in terms of high eulogium. An excellent feeling exists between Lord Wimborne and his Newton-Nottage tenants, as was manifested by the unbounded enthusiasm that ob- tained after the drinking of the toast of his name. Several good speeches were delivered, and Mr. Paterson gave a song which created much laughter. Amongst those present we noticed Rev. W. J. Jones (rector), Messrs. Lane, J. Howells, W. J. Phillips, W. Bevan, and Leyshon Harding.

BRIDGEND COUNTY-COURT. WEDNESDAY.—Before his Honour Judge Gwilym Williams. A GROCER'S CLAIM.—WM. James, grocer, Bkien- garw, sued Chas. Garrett, a collier, of the SAME place, for the payment of the sum of £ 11 3S. 4d. an amount alleged to be due for groceries supplied. Plaintiff had taken out a summons under section 1 to have the money paid in one instalment, and His Honour said he had a good mind to refuse to hear the case. In the cases of workmen he said, it was unreasonable to expect to pay the amount at once, and by taking out this summons he was bound, unless given the assent of the plaintiff, to give judgment otherwise. The plaintiff consented to judgment be taken in the ordinary course. The shop book was produced, and the amount therein due was d66 2s. 4d., but the plaintiff explained that the remainder was due before the book was commenced.—His Honour despaired of making the amount up by the book produced, and said it was besides very unfair to the husband if this amount was left unentered in the first place. The plaintiff consented to accept the amount on the book, and it was ordered to be paid by 5s. monthly instalments A PACKMAN'S CLAIM.—Robert Irshine, travel- ling draper, "Cardiff, sued Henry Jones, labourer, Maesteg, for the payment of £4 for goods sup- plied. Mr. T. J. Hughes appeared for the plaintiff. —William Farrold, who had been subpoenaed from Liverpool, said he had repeatedly called upon defendant at his house, and measured him for a pilot suit, and had also supplied his wife with a flannel shawl. He detailed the amounts paid on account.—Defendant denied ever allowing a "pack- man the liberty of visiting his house, but his wife said she had some flannel, but had never seen Farrold.—The case was adjourned for a month for the production of evidence to show that Farrold had actually visited the house, his Honour remark- ing that it was a clear case of perjury one side or the other. ANOTHER CLAIM FOR GOODS.—John Jones, grocer, Maesteg, sued Daniel Davies, blocklaver, of the same place, for the payment of :£ 9 17s. 7Jd. for groceries supplied. Mr. T. J. Hughes ap- peared for the plaintiff. — Elizabeth Salmon, daughter of the plaintiff, gave evidence showing that monies were received in respect of an old old account, up to December, 1889.—An order was made for 6s. a month, with costs.

OGMORE AND GARW LOCAL BOARD. The usual fortnightly meeting of this Board was held at the clerk's office, Bridgend, on Satur- day. when there were present, Mr. J. Blandy Jenkins (chairman). Dr. E. J. Parry. Messrs. John Williams, Jenkin Williams, John Owen. and D. Edwards.—The surveyor's report was read, stating that. in accordance with instructions, he had given Mr. John Rattray, builder, Pontycymmer, 14 days' notice to remove and carry away the building materials he had deposited on the road near the Methodist Chapel, Pontycymmer. He (the sur- veyor) subsequently had an interview with him respecting the same, and he had then promised faithfully to have it removed without delay, but he regretted to say that no steps had yet been taken towards removing it, but he now stated that it had been removed. In consequence of the scarcity of stone-breaking labour, he was not able to give the roads the proper quantity of macadam to keep them in good order, and although the price now paid for such work was exceptionally high, still it was impossible to men to break the stones. He therefore recom- mended to the Board to consider the advisability of purchasing a stone-breaking machine, to be worked at some central point, for supplying every part of the district either with cut limestone, Clee Hill stone, or other durable road material. As in- structed, he had estimated the value of the pigstye taken down in making the road approach to Llesb Houses, the property of Mrs. Ann Lewis, widow, at £3, and he recommended also the payment of £1 for the compulsory removal of same. He waited upon Mr. H. J. Randall on the 21st November last respecting the overflow of surface water into the houses in Morian-street, Blaengarw, and that gentleman had promised it his immediate atten- tion, and that he would give instructions to have the water directed to another course. In consequence of the widening of the old Llest-road near the Tylagwyn Baptist Chapel it was necessary to take a portion of the garden, the property of Mr. John Thomas, Tylagwyn Chapel-house also a portion of the garden in front of the cottage near the last-mentioned house, the property of Thomas Morgan. Bpth parties had assented to it, and he recommended the pay- ment of some compensation to them, as the Chair- man would decide, and that an agreement be drawn up between them and the Board. The following building- plans had been examined, and found to have been prepared in consistency with the bye-laws :—Fiom Mr. J. Hurley, two shops at Oxford-street. Pontycymmer. subject to a slight alteration which he suggested Mr. John Davies, house at Oxford-street. Pontycymmer.—This re- port was formally received and adopted.—The Inspector of Nuisances' report was also received and adopted.

I THE PAINTERS' STRIKE AT BARRY AND CADÜXTON. Up to the time of going to press there was no appearance of a cessation of the strike, both sides, apparently, being determined to hold firmly out. During the strike the men have been daily in- strumental in sending back men brought from other districts by the employers to work. A lead- ing Cadoxton building firm has refused to allow one of the masters to employ "blacklegs" on work he is doing for them, and it is probable that the firm will undertake the work themselves and employ some of the strikers direct. These minor victories are encouraging the men, who are confident that the employers will be bound to give in some time or another. Meanwhile the men are winning the support of the workmen employed in kindred trpdes, which is a great factor in such disputes as these. Mr. E. C. Gibbs, the general secretary of the Painters and Decorators' Society, returned to London on Wednesday. On Saturday evening Mr. E. C. Gibbs, of London, the general secretary of the Painters and Decorators' Society, visited Cadoxton-Barry. and was met at the station, and accorded a very enthusiastic reception by the painters at present on strike in the Barry district. The men formed themselves into a procession, and escorted Mr. Gibbs to the strike head-quarters, at the Witchill Hotel. At eight o'clock in the evening a mass meeting was held in the club-room, which was attended by representatives of the Bairy and District Trades' Council, including Messrs. W. Copp (president), J. Rees (secretary), T. Thomas (Typographic), G. Birch (Carpenters and Joiners), .0., SEE. Mr. J. W. Howells, chair- man of the local branch of the Painters and Decorators' Society, presided, and was supported by Mr. Gibbs. Representatives from the Cardiff branch were also present. During the meeting Mr. G. Lewis (Messrs. E. Lewis and Co.), one of the 'employers, entered the meeting, and was received with loud cheers, renewed with still greater enthusiasm later in the meeting when it was announced that he had decided to adhere to the joint agreement, as desired by the men. and that, consequently, his employees would be enabled to return to work the following Monday. —After the chairman had given the history of the strike movement, pointing out that the men had no other alternative but to cease work owing to the gross breach of faith on the part of the em- ployers in not adhering to the working agreement, he pointed out that efforts were made on the part of the men the previous week to bring about an amicable settlement of the dispute, but Messrs. Morgan Brothers and Messrs. Dando and Sons, as employers, had positively refused to see a deputa- tion from the branch, so that they were obliged to call all the men out during the week, and he was very glad to state that in most instances both Union and non-Union men readily responded. (Ap- plause.) Strange to say, however, the late secre- tary of the Cadoxton branch (MR. W. Hughes) did not comply, and, instead, sent in his resignation as secretary. (_Cries of Shame.)—Mr. E. C. Gibbs (the general secretary) then delivered a lengthy and forcible address, during which he was warmly applauded. He said the executive council of the society fully approved of what the Cadoxton branch had done in connection with the present dispute. The action of the employers, he said, was most unwarranted, and while the society were prepared to support both Union and non-Union men who held out in the existing strike, the em- ployers should bear in mind that they were not only fighting the painters of the Barry and Cadox- ton district, but the associated painters, and even the kindred trades of the entire country. (Loud cheers.) There was no excuse whatever for what the employers had done, for, throwing arbitration and conciliation on one ssde, they ignored the rules which they themselves signed, and attempted to dictate to the men as they thought proper. (Laughter.) He strongly urged the men to stand together shoulder to shoulder, and neither Unionists nor non- Unionists would ever regret the step they were now taking.—Mr. W. Copp, President of the Barry and District Trades Council, moved the following resolution :— That we in public meeting assembled pledge our- selves heartily to support the painters now on strike in the Barry district, considering their cause to be a just one. —(Cheers.)—He said he had been deputed to inform them that they had the heartiest support of the Barry Trades Council. (Applause.) In the event of a settlement not being affected by Mr. Gibbs before Tuesday, the Trades Council has decided to send a deputation to the employers, and in the event of their efforts at reconciliation proving futile, there were other branches of trade in the district who would fight as well. (Loud cheers.)—Mr. Thomas Thomas (Smith Walex Star) seconded the resolution, condemning the action the imasters had taken, and advising the men to stick pluckily together, and victory would be theirs, as public opinion was undoubtedly on their side. (Hear, hear.)—The resolution was unani- mously carried amid loud cheers. — During the eveninsr the men (including the non-Unionists) who have come out were given their first week's strike pay by the general secretary. All the non- Unionists paid their entrance fees to become members of the society. ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT OF THE PLAS TERERS. At a largely-attended meeting of the Cadoxton branch of the National Association of Plasterers, held at the Witchill Hotel, Cadoxton, on Monday night, Mr. G. Allen presiding, a deputation from the painters now on strike, and consisting of Messrs. Peters, Munn, and Miles, attended.—Mr. W. Copp introduced the deputation, and said that the battle of the painters should be the battle of the plasterers as well, and he thought they should lend a helping hand. (Applause.) The plasterers' plan of campaign could be put into force once more—(cheers)—and inasmuch as it had been suc- cessful in the past they might rely upon it proving so in the present dispute. If the masters did not come to terms on Tuesday night then the Trades' Council would meet upon the following evening and decide upon the best action to take for the working of the building trade. (Hear, hear.) He should like for the plasterers to act unanimously that evening, for he believed the carpenters and plumbers would do so. They must not let the painters be beaten. This was the first struggle, and if the painters were beaten then the employers would have a go at the plasterers. On a job he had been working that day, the plasterers had been instrumental in sending one blackleg back ( cheers) and he advised them if anyone put in an appearance on their job, to get a crowd of unionists around them, point out the justice of the strikers' action, and, by moral suasion, get them to clear away. (Hear, hear.)—Mr. Peters, addressing the meeting, said the battle was not sought by the painters, but it had been forced upon them by the masters. The masters were sticking to rules, mutually agreed gpon. They were determined to stick manfully together, and they asked the plasterers for their, moral support. (Cheers.)—Mr. Miles said they did not ask for financial support altogether, but they at least asked for their moral assistance. The fight was one representing rules and prin- ciples. The masters had signed a rule which they now sought to ignore without giving proper notice. The men were sorry the strike had taken J place, but right was on their side. (Applause.)— Mr. W. Copp moved—" That this meeting of the Cadoxton branch of the National Association of Operative Plasterers resolves to fall in and sup- port any movement the Trades Council may initiate with the view of supporting and helping the painters on to victory." (Cheers.)—Mr.. Bennett seeonded the resolution, which was un- animously agreed to. It was decided to vote a sum out of the funds towards the support of the men on strike, and to request the London execu- tive to do the same. CONFERENCE BETWEEN MASTERS AND MEN'S REPRESENTATIVES AT BARRY DOCK. NO SETTLEMENT EFFECTED. At the Barry Dock Hotel on Tuesday, a meeting of the master painters affected by the existing dispute was held. There were present—Messrs. A. W. Morgan (chairman), Dando Brothers, T. H. Morgan, F. W. Taylor, — Taylor, jun., Ravenhill, E. J. Roberts, Paull, Hepp, Edmonds, &c. A deputation from the Barry Trades Council, consist- ing of Messrs. W. Copp (chairman), T. Thomas, Smith II ales Star (assistant secretary), G. Brock, Prince, and — Smith attended the meeting, The question in dispute was gone into most exhaustively, and the employers maintained they were only asking the men to do what was perfectly just and reasonable—to leave work at 4.30 instead of five during the six weeks before and after Christmas, on the ground that it was too dark to work properly. They also contended that the men were the first to violate the code of working rules by consenting some weeks ago to commence work in the morning at 7.30 instead of seven. The masters further desired to explain that nearly all the men agreed to the 4.30 proposal when asked on the matter, but that they had since been persuaded to the contrary by two or three agitators. On the other hand, the repre- sentatives urged that the masters had no right to violate the rules (as they evidently had done) without giving the required three months' notice.—Mr. F. W. Taylor said there was only a small point of difference after all between the masters and men in connection with the present dispute, involving really only sixteen hours in the whole year, the masters offering 2,736 working hours per annum, whilst the men sought 2,752. —The Chairman also remarked that they offered the men half an hour per day more than was the case at Cardiff.—Mr. T. Thomas asked the masters whether they were aware when they signed the rules that it was impossible to work between 4.30 p.m. and 5 p.m.—The Chairman It was over- looked. — Mr. Thomas Do you consider that your action in breaking the agreement is strictly just — Several masters Yes.— Mr. T. Thomas You were either wrong in signing the rules at the commencement of the year, or you are wrong to-night.—An Employer We were undoubtedly wrong.—Mr. T. Thomas said he de- sired to ask Mr. Taylor to what extent did he con- sider at the time he signed the rules he could deviate from the strict wording of the rules, in- asmuch as that gentleman had said that that was understood when the rules were signed.—Mr. F. W. Taylor To the extent of the exigencies of my business.—After the deputation had retired, Mr. E. C. Gibbs, the general secretary of the men's society, attended, and at once proceeded to deal with TH^ points at issue. He said he thought that the masters should have foreseen when they signed the rules that it would be impossible to work after 4.30 if such was the case. The rules were signed in February, and did not come into effect until May, consequently they could not complain that the rule had been brought into operation hastily. So far as he was concerned he had always believed in conciliation and arbitra- tion, which to his mind was the best way to settle such disputes. That being so, the men considered that the agreement was entered into by concili- ation, and they did think that the employers would, as gentlemen, adhere to the code of rules, and give the requisite notice if any alteration was to be made. With regard to artificial light after 4.30 p.m., he understood that during the last few weeks Messrs. Morgans' men had been employed by candl 3 light until eight o'clock at night.—The Chairman But until eight o'clock at night.—The Chairman But it was at the men's risk.—Mr. Gibbs But you would not have let them work unless it was at your convenience.—The Chairman But it was a chapel, well lighted.—Mr. Gibbs That just sup- ports my argument, for if it is possible in one case it is possible in another. Continuing, he said he was very sorry the dispute had occurred, and he saw no other way out of it than to ask the em- ployers to adhere to the rules, and, at the proper time, give notice, if they desired to alter them. Itseemed strange that all the dispute should have sprung upon the question of working after 4.30 p.m., when last winter the men worked by candlelight. Was that not a fact ?—The Chair- man I cannot answer for last winter.—Mr. Gibbs said he must, therefore, rely on the information he had received.—The Chairman: But we've suffered loss last winter through it.—Mr. Gibbs Then you ought to have had that in your mind when you signed the agreement. He thought it was against the interest of a respectable employer to fight about half an hour a day. He asked them to act as gen- tlemen, and adhere to the agreement. He did hope that a mutual settlement might be arrived at on the old lines. He should be sorry to go away without a settlement being effected.—After Mr. Gibbs had retired (being thanked for the fair and gentlemanly way in which he had laid before the employers the men's claims), Mr. F. W. Taylor moved, That, inasmuch as the masters, by their resolution of December 8th, consider they have made all the concessions possible, this meeting is of opinion that the men should accept the terms offered." — Mr. 1. T. Dando seconded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Paull, and unanimously carried. The following resolution was also passed on the motion of Mr. T. W. Taylor, seconded by Mr. T. H. Morgan :— "That this meeting having heard that Mr. George Lewis, tiler and plasterer, the principal of the firm of E. Lewis and See., plumbers and decorators, Cadoxton, attended the meeting of the painters, now on strike, at the Witchill-hotel, Cadoxton, on Saturday. December 12th, and give his adhesion to the demands of the strikers, hereby declares its opinion, that as Mr. Lewis did on Thursday. Decem- ber 10th vote in favour of a resolution, pledging the masters to resist the said demands, and to the formation of a Master Painters' Association, that such conduct is contrary to the spirit and inten- tions of this association, and in declining to re- cognise him as a member of this society utterly repudiates his actions in the present dispute."— Mr. Gibbs ^having been apprised of the decision of the masters, the proceedings concluded. DETERMINED ATTITUDE OF THE MEN. On Wednesday morning, at nine o'clock, the strikers met at the Witchill Hotel, Cadoxton.— Mr. Gibbs spoke at length, giving the men details of the conference between himself and the em- ployers, and communicating to them the resolution passed.—After a long discussion, in the course of which Messrs. J. W. Howells (chairman), Jeffries, Harris, Peters, Munn. and Miles joined, the fol- lowing letter was ordered to be sent to Mr. W. Dando, secretary of the Master Painters' Associa- tion :— Cadoxton, December 10, 1891. Deai Sir,—At a meeting of the Cadoxton branch of the Amalgamated Society of House Decorators and Painters, held this morning at the Witchill Hotel, Cadoxton, the following resolution was unanimously agreed to :—" That no terms of settlement can be re- garded as a satisfactory solution of the present dispute other than that of adhering to the conditions as laid down in the rules which were mutually agreed upon by both employers and workmen in February, 1891, and, therefore, request the employers of the district who were parties to the agreement to pursue the course as defined in Rule 8, for any alteration they may consider desirable to make. I may point out that, while giving your suggestion due consideration, on the 6th of February the men would be allowed to com- mence making full time, starting at 6 a.m., so that the same friction would then take place with artificial light for the first hours in the morning as that which is the cause of the dispute from 4.30 to 5 p.m. at the pre- sent moment, hence the necessity of adhering to the terms of agreement of February last. Any further communication you may liare to make on the subject, kindly address such communications to Mr. J. W. Howell, Witchill Hotel, Barry-road, Cadoxton.— Faithfully yours, E. C. GIBBS, General Secretary. IMPORTANT MEETING OF THE TRADES COUNCIL. At the Picnic-hall, Cadoxton, on Wednesday night, a special and well-attended meeting of the Barry District Trades' Council was held for the purpose of considering the present dispute. The proceedings were strictly private, but we under- stand that a resolution was unanimously agreed upon, which, when put into operation, will have an important bearing on the dispute, and especially, it is needless to add, to the interest of the men on strike. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SOUTH WALES STAR. SIR, Kindly allow us to publicly thank the firm of E. Lewis and Co., painters and decorators, Cadoxton, for still adhering to the rules of the Painters' Union in this district, although the name of this firm appeared in conjunction with the other employers. As not recognising the rule alluding to the hours of labour before two days had elapsed, it was publicly announced that this same mentioned firm wished to have their name taken from the Employers Association, and that the contract signed between employers and men would in future be kept. We hope the inhabitants of the district who are in a position to employ labour of painting, &c., will support this firm.—Signed on behalf of the Cadoxton Branch of A.S.H.D. and Painters, JOHN WM. HOWELLS. Witchill Hotel, Cadoxton.

RATEPAYERS' ASSOCIATION.—A meeting of the Pontypridd Batepayers' Association was held on Wednesday evening last, under the presidency of Councillor James Roberts. The proposed Taft Vale and Barry Railway improvements were discussed in detail, and it was eventually decided that the Local Board be asked to watch the progress of the Bill, in order to stop any attempt to inconvenience the public such as the widening of the bridges in different parts' of the town, which would become, if carried out as proposed, so many tunnels, and a small deputation were appointed to wait upon the Local Board, and re- quest them to use the best counsel and engineers to protect the interests of Pontypridd.—Mr. F. J. Harris (Pontypridd Chronicle) was appointed secretary, at a salary not exceeding £ 25.—It was also resolrod to re- quest the Barry Company to erect their passenger station in a central position in the town. Mr. J. Morgan was appointed auditor. CARADOG S CHOIR. — The famous Pontypridd Philharmonic Society, under the leadership of Mr. G. R. Jones (Caradog), has been invited to play Athalie in the Barry district, but up to the time of writing it has not been decided whether the invitation will be accepted or not.

PLASTERERS' MEETING AT CADOXTON. THE WORK OF THE MEN S SOCIETY. On Monday night at the Witchill Hotel, Cadox- ton, a crowded and enthusiastic meeting of the members of the Cadoxton branch, of the National Association of Plasterers was held. Mr. George Allen, president of the branch took the chair, and there were also present Messrs. A. Parish (a mem- ber of the London executive), and A. Chasey, — Bailey, and Dyer (representing the Cardiff branches), W. Copp (local secretary of the society and chairman of the Barry Trades' Council), &c. -After a few introductory observations from the chairman who said the primary object of the meeting was to hear addresses from Mr. Parish and the other visitors, and to receive a deputation from the painters now on strike in the district. Mr. H. Parish rose to address the meeting, and received a very cordial reception. After express- ing the great pleasure it afforded him to visit the Cadoxton branch, he proceeded to deal with the objects of their society, and the various aspects of the trades union movement generally. He con- gratulated them upon the growth of trades unionism amongst plasterers in the Cadoxton district, and said unfortunately in London there were about 10,000 plasterers who had not yet become Trades' Unionists. Lately, however, the society had adopted a kind of coercive measure to induce non-union men to affiliate themselves with the society, which had had in a large degree proved effectual. But from what he could under- stand there was no necessity for such measures being taken in Cadoxton, because in that locality the plasterers almost to a man were Unionists. (Applause.) But there was this to be said about the coercive measures he had mentioned, and that was, if any had been coerced, they had seen it was to their special interests to maintain the principles of Traded Unionism. (Cheers.) Proceeding to condemn the system of piece-work, which, in many instances, existed in the trade, the speaker said he was glad to see that one of the Cardiff rules, which the majority of the masters had agreed to, did not entertain the piece- work system, and he hoped there was very little of it in the Barry district, for the sooner it was stamped out the better. (Hear, hear.) The majority of piecework takers were bad masters' for it was an inducement to scamping, and every- thing which was bad. With regard to the duties of Trade Unionists as citizens, they should do all they could to further their interests in regard to political and municipal work. He hoped the time was not far distant when they would see one of their Cadoxton and Cardiff brothers on the muni- cipal authorities and also the School Boards. (Hear, hear.) He did not know whether they had vestries in that district, but they had large ones in London, and very important work very often had to be done, but he hoped the time was not far distant when vestries would be done away with, and the business transacted by them placed in the hands of popularly-elected bodies. (Hear, hear.) But, as working men, he really did not know which party they cculd look to; for, as John Burns-(cheers)-said, their bread and cheese was their politics. Personally he was a Socialist, and he did not think there was much to choose be- tween the two great political parties. Anyhow, as working men and Trade Unionists, they should use their utmost endeavours to help forward the great labour question. That was a question which was very much talked of but, as far as he understood, it appeared to him that the question, to put it simply, was to try to secure what they really earned, and do away with the middleman altogether. He hoped the time was not far distant when they would be in a position to do away with the contractor altogether, IN order that the working man could reap the proper fruits of his labours. (Cheers.) Whilst he was on the executive last year he understood that there had u been some slight dispute between the Cadoxion and Cardiff branches, which he was glad to learn had now been amicably settled, because he thought there was nothing worse than to have two neigh- bouring lodges bickering. (Hear, hear.) In con- clusion, he wished them every success, and when he went back to the executive committee in Lon- don he should be able to say how prosperous the branch at Cadoxton was, and what a splendid welcome he had had. He hoped and he believed that they would do everything which lay in their power to further the interests of their society and trades' unionism generally, and if they did so he felt sure that their National Association would be a greater success in the near future. (Cheers.) Messrs. H. Chasey, Bailey, and Dyer (Cardiff) then delivered addresses. Mr. William Copp, secretary, said that for the eleven months of the year so far they had sent to the central office the sum of £ 124 Os. 9d., being entrance fees, &c., and -411 odd for goods. They had received for sick pay, funeral claims, &C., the small sum of d614 16s. 2d., showing a balance to the good for the eleven months of tlll 4s. Sd. Their balance previously in favour with the association was £52 12s. 10d., consequently the total sum now placed to their credit was £ 163 17s. 7d. With regard to local fees they had received for local aid the sum of J650 9s. 2td., and they had a balance 2 after meeting all contingencies of -18 Is. 4^D. After expressing himself satisfied at the general progress the association had made, the speaker said that in the Cadoxton district out of 86 plas- terers, only 18 received 8d. per hour, the remainder getting 8id., 9d., and 9 £ d., and in two instances 10d. (Cheers.) The society was showing up well in the district, and this satisfactory aspect of affairs could be continued by their keeping united. If they fell away, the employers would 11 get the upper hand of them. The employers of the painters in the district thought they had the men under their finger. At a part of the year such as this they had snapped the working agreement, and they would do more if they were allowed to suc- ceed on the present occasion. But they might take it from him that the employers were afraid of the plasterers in the Cadoxton district. The speaker drew his remarks to a conclusion by suggesting that the executive should appoint an organiser for three or four months, so as to form new branches in various parts of South Wales where they were wanted. Mr. Parish said, with regard to the proposed organiser, he would most certainly fall in with the suggestion if it would be a success. The proceedings shortly after concluded with votes of thanks to Mr. Parish and the deputation from Cardiff.

Cadoxton Theatre, IDIESLEIG-H-STREET. (Five Minutes' Walk from Cadoxton Station.) Lessee & Manager MR. JAMES ELPHINSTONE. Assistant Manager MR. C. J. WELCH. Bfr. Herbert Barr's Celebrated Company. Dec. 24th to Jan. 31st, THE GREAT DRAMA First Class January 1st, East Lype. January 2nd, Two Christmas Eves AND THE UNKNOWN PtICES OF ADMISSION—Stalls, 2s. (Half-price at 9) Chairs, Iii. (Half-prica at 9) Pit, Gd. (Half- price at 9).; Gallery, 4d. (No Half-price). [406 A If you Want a Good Piano, ORGAN, HARP, OR HARMONIUM, GO TO HOLLOWAY'S, 71, Main-street, Cadoxton, Agent for HEATH and SONS' CELEBRATED INSTRUMENTS, MUSIC BOOKS, &c. LESSONS GIVEN ON THE ABOVE INSTRUMENTS. Terms on application. STABKEY, KNIGHT & CO LIMITED, MALSTERS, BREWERS, WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANTS. CELEBRATED SOMERSET ALES. ERE STREET STORES, OADOXTON, BARRY. 0 SPIRITS OF WHOLESALE STRENGTH, Sold in Botles and Jars. ALES IN CASKS OF 4h GALLONS and upwards always in stock. MILD ALES from 10d. to 1/3 per Gallon. PORTER & STOUT from 1/- to 1/6 per Gallon. L. Y. OWEN, Agent. LL. THOMAS, OLDEST ESTABLISHED TOBACCONIST AND CIGAR DEALER MAIN-STREET, CADOXTON. ALSO TOBACCONIST AND HAIRDRESSER, 102, HIGH-STREET, BARRY. THE WORKING MEN'S STORES, 36, VLRE-ST., CADOXTON, ^JONTINUES ITS NOTORIETY for the VERY BEST TEAS, GROCERIES, AND PROVISIONS. The only vendor of Payne's iustly 'celebrated WILTSHIRE BACON and IIAMS in the whole district. Unequalled for the Breakfast Table. POST ORDERS RECEIVE PROMPT ATTENTION. Never visit Cadoxton without calling to inspect my Varied Stock. B. SUMMERS, PROPRIETOR. JJECKITT'S gTARCH. JJECKITT'S J^LUE. JJECKITT'S BLACK LEAD. [7? WATCHES JEWELLERY WHY Go to Cardiff if you can buy equally V V Good and Cheap in your own Town by going to F. J. GREENER, UNDER PUBLIC-HALL. VERE-STREET, CADOXTON, Who keeps in Stock a good Selection of Clocks and Watchss of all kinds and prices, Gold and Silver Jewellery of newest style, E. P. Spoons and Forks, Wedding Rings, Keepers, Dress and Gents' Signet Rings, at Special Low Prices. Best Place to Go for All Kinds of REPAIRS, Especially Watches of All Descriptions. THE PONTYPRIDD AND RHONDD.A. VALLEYS BILL-POSTING COMPANY Have Splendid Bill Posting Stations all through the RHONDDA VALLEY, FERNDALE VALLEY, MOUNTAIN ASH, AND PONTYPRIDD. lAll Orders Promptly Executed. Special Attention paid to HANDBILLS. For Terms and Particulars, apply to Mr. LEWIS J. WARD, Manager. Offices: MILL-STREET, PONTYPRIDD. Secretary, Mr. W. SPICKETT, Solicitor, Court House-street. Collector. E. LEWIS. ALTER J. -yy I N D S O R PRACTICAL TAILOR & WOOLLEN DRAPER HOLTiON ROAD, (Near Graving Pock-street), BARRY DOCK. Favour of Orders Respectfully Solicited. Gentlemen'sown Materials made up. SALT! SALT! RETAIL & WHOLESALE, OF C. J. THOMAS &0°" 92, HIGH-STREET, BARRY. The 'Hero' Remedy e/ of the Age. 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M. HANOOCK. The above was a very interesting case. She was in a pitiable state. Now completely cured. I consider the case to be a good test of the value of your BLOOD PILLS."—Rev. D. B. JONES, Llandilo. Hughes's Blood Pills Hughes's Blood Pills Hughes's Blood Pills Secure Active Liver Secure Active Liver Secure Active Liver Rev. B. D. WILLIAMS, WaunarlwyckL SIR,—I have very great pleasure in being able to testify to the value of your" HUGHES'S BLAOOD PILLS." I took one box of them about a month ago, and since then I feel as well as ever. I have known nothing yet that renews my strength and revives me as these Pills do. My complaint was Indigestion, accompanied with great weakness anli palpitation of the heart. I would highly ?econ« mend them to all sufferers. Hughes's Blood Pills Hughes's Blood Pills Hughes's Blood Pills Ensures Strong Nerves Ensures Strong Nerves Ensures Strong Netves From Rev. D. B. JONES, Gowerton. I have been a sufferer for many months from Nervous Debility, Indigestion, and weak Eyesight; and so bad has the latter been that I have been compelled to abstain from reading. But the re- sult of taking your Blood Pills has been to com- pletely strengthen the Nervous System, relieving1 Indigestion, and much improving the Eyesight. Hughes's Blood Pills Hughes's Blood Pills Hughes's Blood Pills Guarantee Vigorous Stomach Guarantee Vigorous Stomach Guarantee Vigorous Stomach I WORN TO A J was, at the beginning of 55TT'*i,T Tjimnivr I year and the end of last, 1 -"■••■l-E'-i- UJN • | very poorly with coughing > ancl throwing up, and could not ueep; had no appetite. I was worn to a skeleton. I heard of your BLOOD PILLS." I sent for a box. and continued using them. 180011 found great relief, I could sleep at nights, cough stopped, and able to eat well; am now as well as ever. I must praise and highly recommend them. DAVID THOSVIASK Hobshill Mountain, Pembroke. Every Man, Woman, Boy, and Girl Suffer- ing from Indigestion, Headache, Skin Rash" Scurvy, Biliousness, Constipation, Nervous- ness, Low Spirits, \Fits, should take these- Pills without delay. THEY CURE WHEN EVERYTHING ELSJi FAILS. Sold by every Chemist and Patent Medicine Vendor, at Is. lid 2s. 9d., 4s. 9d.; by Post, at Is. 3d., 2s. lid., 4s. ed., from JACOB HUGHES, Manufacturing Cipjist, PENARTH, CARDIFF. NOTICE.—None are Genuine without the I|g|y|Trade Mark OR Printed and Published for the Proprietors bv HERBERT MORGAX. at the Star Printing Works, Vere Street, Cadoxton-juxta-Barry, intheCounty of Glamorgan, Decembei>18TH, 1891.

TONDU AND ABERKEXFIG. A GRAND CONCERT was held in the Toudu School- room on Wednesday evening last, the 9th inst., in con- nection with the Wesleyans of Pontradu, the room being well tilled, and without fear of contradiction it may he said that it was the best concert of the season. The Rev. Levi James made an excellent chairman. The programme was as follows:—Pianoforte solo, Miss Hawkins song, 0 na byddai'n haf o hyd," Mr. W. Davies (Cerddor): duett, Where are you going to, my pretty maid," Miss Lawrence and Master Smith; song, ■■ Bill the Bos'n," Mr, J. H. Lewis (Llew Aber); song (selected), Miss Whitebread song, "Oh what an alteration" (encored), Mr. J. Smith; song, The wish- ing well," Miss Megan Thomas song, The ferry- man," Mr. Long; song, The fairer garden," Miss Collins; song, "Good company" (encored). Mr. W. Davies duett, Money matters," Mr. J. Smith and Miss Maud Hopkins song, Gay Robin Redcoat," Mr. J. H. Lewis (Llew Aber); duett, The three kittens.' Mis;, Jenkins and friend; song," Bedouin love song," Mr. F. G. Long song, Three jolly girls in a boat," Miss Maude Hopkins song, Old Mother Shipton" (encored), Mr. J. Smith; National Anthem. The singing of Mr. J. H. Lewis was excellent. Also Mr. Long, Mr. Davies. and Miss Hopkins sang well, but the singing of Mr. J. Smith fairly brought down the house. The duett by Miss Jenkins (a little girl of about six summers) and friend produced a hearty encore. Miss Hawkins accompanied the singers in an excellent manner, her playing in her opening solo being a grand treat, which reflect. great credit on her teacher. FOOTBALL.—Our footballers scored another victory on Saturday. Matches played, 8 won 4, lost 4. Tondu has scored 10 goals, 9 tries, 36 minors, to their oppo- nents' 3 goals, 9 tries, and 1 minor, which speaks well for the home team. WESLSYAN SCHOOLROOM.—A very successful entertainmeut was held in connection with the Band of Hope of the above school on Tuesday evening. Several songs, duetts, recitations, and addresses were rendered, the feature of the evening being the duett by Mr. W. Taylor and Mr. T. Whittingham. Mr. W. Taylor occupied the chair, and proved to be the right man in the right place. THE STOUM.—Great damage was done by the ex- cessive rain on Sunday last at this place. A stream recently diverted by North's Navigation Company overflowed its banks during the night, and rushing through Evanstown soon rose over the roadway oppo- site the Golden Lion Hotel. The shops of Messrs. D. Thomas (draper) and W. Moles (fruiterer) were flooded, and the former suffered greatly from the damage done to his goods by the water. It was about mid-day on Sunday before the water subsided and allowed the occupants of the houses to come down- stairs.

COWBRIDGE. TEMPERANCE. — A correspondent writes: The publication of the correspondence between the secre- tary of the Sons of Temperance here and onr Mayor hits caused a little flutter in our ancient town. People f differ in opinion on- th« question whether the Mayor V should have the right to prevent a meeting being neui in our Town-hall, as human nature is subject to likes and dislikes, and more or less subject to prejudice or bias. Some think the secretary did not go about the work in a proper way as becoming a humble individual entreating with the dignified majesty of the chief administrator of the law in the town by bowing down in submission before his august presence, ex- tolling him for all kinds of imaginary virtues, and en- treating until puffed, up to the highest pinnacle of vanity. He might have come away feeling rewarded with success, and perhaps win his worship over to the temperance platform, and there renounce strong drink for ever, but this is a matter of opinion, and opinions vary. The secretary is a very good sort of man, a friend to all, an enemy to none, but as old sores do nat casily heal, some wonder if there was a personal grudge. Various are the opinions and rumours afloat. Some say the Mayor will relent by giving the temperance party a treat before the year of office expires, and will beg that the past little dis- courtesy will be pardoned, others say that he will lavish his money for the good of the town. and many are the plans formulated by the public who seem to be in the know. Some say he will renovate the Town- hail and fixed an illuminated clock, others say we are to have a free library, and a water supply, all at his expense, and as he has been appointed mayor by the Liberal majority on the council he will denounce Toryism for ever, march with the Liberal army of justice and progress, and read the Star every week.

EWENNY. W HICH is RIGIIT ?—Some people in Ewennyare perplexed as to the observance of the eastward position in interments. The other day the sexton prepared a grave in the usual way, indicating the position of the cotfin. On the day of burial the undertaker is said to have reversed it. Query, Which is right ?

SOUTHERNDOWN. A SINGULIS OVERSIGHT.—A herd of cattle be- longing to a butcher a.t Maesteg, depasturing in a field at the above place, was found about a fortnight agp to be one short of the number put into the field. A bull was missing. A search was made at once for the miss- iag animal throughout the neighbourhood, but not the slightest clue could be got of the lost animal. On the eve of giving up all further search, a labourer return- ing home was asked if he had seen a stray bull on the farm he was employed on. He replied, No. After detailing the search already made, the labourer en- sured if the wooden shed in the field had been looked into. The man in search said No, he believed not. The labourer pressed him to return at once and do so. Acting on the labourer's suggestion, he returned there and then, on opening the door of the shed, discovered the poor animal in a wretched condition, having been confined in that place for nearly a fortnight without food of any kind. STORM.—During the storm on Sunday last an American carvel-built boat, 21 feet long, was washed ashore in Dunraven Bay.

LLANTWIT-MAJOR. CONSERVATIVE MEETING.—The annual meeting of the above association was held at the Reading-room on Friday, the 11th inst. There were about 20 mem- bers preseet. Mr. T. T. Jenkins (president) occupied the chair. Mr. Jenkins was re-elected president, Mr. J. Deer hon„#sec., Mr. Digby Nicholl was elected treasurer. Mr. B. Nicholl vice-president, and the fol- lowing gentlemen on the local Executive Messrs. Dunstan, D. Thomas, and R. John for Llantwit and Messrs. J. Williams, Lanmacs W. Richard, St. Donatt's; W. Jenkins, Llanmihangel; Mr Jones, schoolmaster, St. Athan's J. Spencer, Gilstone and Mr. D. Spencer, jun., for Flemingstone.—The Secre- tary informed the meeting that Sir Morgan Morgan would address the electors at an early date. STORM.—We experienced a severe storm of wind and rain on Sunday last. No serious damage was done in the district. The Colhugh Brook was much swoollen, and on Monday a valuable mare, the property of Mr. David Hopkins, Swan Inn, was drowned near the beach. Mr. Hopkins, having had the mare to the shelter shed, went a short distance on the beach to fetch some timber, when the mare, drawing back over the embankment, fell with the shafts over her neck and was drowneù