The South Wales Star

NOMINATION OF OVERSEERS. A POLL TAKEN AT COITY. At a vestry meeting held at Coity on Thursday in last week, the nomination of overseers to serve for the next twelve months was the business. The rector of the parish (Rev. F. W. Edmondes) pre- sided. The names of four persons were put for- ward for the nomination of overseers to go before the magistrates, viz., Messrs. Richard Llewellyn (Penyrallt). William Jenkins (Tremains), John Rees (Coity), and Thomas Bevan (Hendra). A poll was desired, which was commenced that night, and continued last Monday before the Rector. The re- sult, which was anxiously looked forward to, was declared about 4 o'clock, as follows Voters. Vates. Thomas Bevan 73 81 John ReM. 72 80 Richard Llewellyn 37 63 William Jenkins 35 61 The names of the two first will, therefore, be submitted to the magistrates for their confirmation. About three-fourths of the ratepayers polled.

WHAT HAS BECOME OF BASSETT'S CHARITY ? THE LANMAES RECTOR DOESN'T KNOW. The dangers of a Press man for humbly striving to do his duty in pointing out the abuses which are only too prevalent in our land, was brought home to us on Sunday morning last. The South Wales Star some two months back called attention to the fact that while the Charities for Llantwit Major were regularly distributed, Bassett's Charity at Lanmaes, the adjoining parish, had not been divided for many years. The note seems to have given offence to the rev. rector, and to the surprise of a congregation leaving a Nonconformist place of worship, the rector driving past in his carriage boldly attacked the supposed offender. The parson accused the man of having stated-, that he, the rector, was the individual who misappropriated the Charity, but when coolly met by the Press man, he suddenly collapsed, having to admit that though he was Rector of Lanmaes he knew nothing of the Charity, in this case proving that the Press is more powerful than the Pulpit.

NEWS AND NOTES FROM PONTYCYMMER. [BY LOUSIN.] Elections Nothing but elections. Some are past and gone, others are now raging like a great battle, but soon we shall be in a position to count the number of slain and wounded. Cabmen, builders, managers.and grocers are engaged in this struggle. I have just returned, Mr. Editor, from a long sea voyage to take part in this fight which is now raging. May the best men win. I was in a chamber of commerce last Friday night. The chair was occupied by a man of ,clerical mien. A slim man was addressing the meeting, who, I was informed, was a candidate for local honours. He made a mark inversely." But I suppose he pleased himself, and gave those who were his audience a little jollification. I suppose he did not know that it is illegal to hold meetings on licensed premises, and if he did not know why did not the chairman instruct his poor sheep when they go astray. He answered twenty- five questions to the satisfaction of that august assembly wonderful to be sure. But does he know that he must appeal or be disqualified as a voter for seven years, for the simple reasons that he spouted in licensed premises. I am pained I am pained We have lost the bridge at Pontycymmer, and the road from Bryn- menin to Cwmtynrhoel. The officials of the Board will be able to do as they think proper, and all other things that were promised us in that noble address of a would-be candidate. Weep with me because the mighty are fallen in battle. There has been some boycotting" in this place during the last elections. Some have /got the sack because they would not stand aside for a certain gentleman to pass. The old precept was, "Love your enemies., do good to them that hate you." &c. Man's addition is, and give them the sack if they won't vote for you." There is a kind of coercion here as well. There are some tradesmen who have houses. If the tenant don't buy with them they have notice to leave the house as if they were having the house for nothing. They pay enough rents in all conscience —from 25s. to 30s. every four weeks. So I think all ought to claim the liberty to spend their hard earned wages where they pleased. Right is right, but some think might is right. I wish all to remember that the law of retribution is sure. "The mills of God grind slowly, but they grind very small and sure." We have had a change in all our landlords in the pubs at Pontycymmer, and for the better. A disgraceful fight took place upstairs in one of them on Saturday night, which was witnessed from the road by a number of people. I wish to remind the "pubs" that their licence is not granted them for such things as throwing the penny into the chalk ring. &c., nor for manufactur- ing drunkards. We need the law applied in the right direction upon the real offenders. Where are the slum officers of the Salvation Army to report on these things ? -n_

MUSICAL FESTIVAL AT BRIDGENI). SUCCESSFUL GATHERINGS. The annual festival of choirs connected with the Welsh Methodist Church in Bridgend and district took place at Hermon (C.M.) Chapel, Bridgend, on Monday last. The choristers altogether numbered over 500. and formed a veritable mass when arrayed on the spacious gallery of the chapel. The attendance throughout the day was exceptionally large, and in the afternoon and evenings meetings several were disappointed in not being able to gain admission. The leader of the singing was Mr. D. Thomas, F.T.C.S. (Bridgend), and the choruses were excellently sustained. The conductor threw himself heartily to the duties of his position, and the result was that the old Welsh hicyl was very marked by its continued pre- sence. Miss M. A. Jenkins, Tremains, per- formed the duties of accompanist in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. Mr. D. Samuel, as secretary, deserves commendation for the assiduity he dis played in piloting the many indirect contingencies of so large an assembly of choristers successfully through. Tea was provided in the vestry of the chapel, and several fair and willing hands did ex- cellent service in the direction of providing" the cup than cheers," and the necessary eatables, for the large number. The morning meeting was commenced by Mr. William Lewis, of Ynysybont. Rhydyfro, Pontardawe, a native of Bridgend, engaging in prayer. The Rev. W. James, M.A., Xantymoel presided over this meeting. The tunes Moldaria, Crugybar, Cwymp Babylon, and Dussel- dorf, preceded the rendering of the anthem. "Cenwch i'r Arglwydd." This latter is the compo- sition of the conductor, and the large volume of combined voices, brought into full force, displayed the idca of the conductor, and also pleased the con- gregation immensely. Gethsemane was sung to the verse commencing with Wrth Gofia riddfanau'n vr ardd." and this concluded the meeting.—The Rev. Samlet Williams delivered a very edifying address to the conductors, choristers, and the re- spective churches, showing the necessity for the whole congregation joining in soft and loud parts, as there is a tendency in Wales at the present day of persons stopping altogether when a piano part was being sung. which was entirely in contraven- tion to the most elementary rudiments of music.- The afternoon meeting was commenced by the Rev. J. Mills, Blaengarw, reading a portion of scripture and engaging in prayer. County Coun- cillor William Howell, Pencoed, was the president, and in his remarks he treated very happily with the methods of learning a new tune in the days of his youth. The news that a new tune had been sung caused a furore throughout the district, and delegates were sent to the place where it was heard to endeavour to copy it in order that it may be introduced into their own place of worship. Wareham. Nebo, Amsterdam, Tiberias, Blaencefn, and a Psalm tune were rendered at this meeting, besides a tune to the words" Byd o erlidiau," which evoked great effect, and was repeated several time in hici/lux style. The chorus. We never will bow down was also sung. The Rev. J. H. Davies (Pontycymmer) delivered a short address at this meeting dealing chiefly with the Biblical connec- tion of singing praises, &c. in ancient times. Chrysostom Llangeitho, Trallwm, "Mae pop peth yn dda (Dr. Parry), IJanillar, and a psalm were rendered in the evening meeting. The sacred edifice was uncomfortably filled, and it proved throughout a fitting close to the success of the day's festival in every way.

COITY SCHOOL BOARD. ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE. The ordinary meeting of this Board was held at the schools on Monday afternoon last when there were present -.—Rev. F. W. Edmondes (in the chair), Messrs. George Singer, Evan John, and M. David. -The Clerk submitted the estimate of expenditure for the ensuing year, amounting to JfH24 Is. 10d., and the estimated receipts, £ 31 48. 8d., made up of £18 in hand, C4 2s. 6d. allowance as school fees, and £ 9 from the grant. The Board, therefore, would require about £ 93. It was decided to call for :C!)(). in two rates of R,45 each.—A form was placed before the Board requiring to be filled up and sent to the Education Department. A query was contained therein as to the change of master, if any, and if the Board were dissatisfied with such teacher the cause was to be stated. The cause of the late teacher's resignation was put down that the Board were not satisfied with the report of 1891, and they having previously warned him that if a more satisfactory report was not received, they would be obliged to change the master. This report of 1891 not being satisfactory, they reminded the late master of that, and he resigned. They plated, in reply to other queries, that they were perfectly satisfied with their present master's intellectual fitness. The Chairman thought that under adverse circumstances he had done his best. The neglect of the pupil teacher alleged against the late master was also stated. — The Attendance Officer reported that he had taken out summonses as instructed at the last meeting, and he found that two of the children, in respect of whom orders were made, are attending the Pencoed school, while the others still attended Mr. Peter's school. A bill of costs of the proceedings before the justices was received. Two cases were named wherein the orders were not made by the magistrates owing to illness, and in the case of Eleanor Rees, who was stated to be under five years of age. The register showed her age to be six on the 29th April next.—The board agreed to follow up these cases.-It was decided that the clerk and the attendance officer confer as to requirements of the orders made, and take sum- monses out in these cases, obtaining a certificate of birth from the superintendent of registrar.-It was decided that the schools be closed from the Thursday to the following Tuesday at Easter.—Mr. Evan John applied for the use of the schoolroom to hold a tea-party on Good Friday, which was granted.

LLANTWIT VARDRE SCHOOL BOARD. —+ SCHOOLMASTERS AT LOGGERHEADS. IMPORTANT DISCUSSION ON SUNDAY CLOSING, On Tuesday last the ordinary meeting of the Llantwit Vardre School Board was held at the Graig Board Schools, Pontypridd, when there were present:—Messrs. James Richards (chairman). D. Leyshon (vice-chairman), James Roberts, D. Bryant, H. Brydges Barnett, E. Griffiths, and F. Judd. SCHOOL MANAGEMENT. The reports of the teachers of the different schools were read, and it transpired that the average attendance at the Graig Boys' Schools was 198-9; Girls', 159-5; Infants', 187-1; Treforest Boys', 129-1 Girls, 119-1 Infants', 157-6 Llan- twit Mixed, 123-8 Infants', 69-2.—It was recom- mended that in future all bills for materials re- quired by the different schools should be initialled by the the local members. A letter was read from Mr. Joseph David, the head-master of the Graig School, asking the Board to request the inspector to defer the examination of the schools until the end of May, owing to the prevalence of measles in the district. It was recommended that this should be done. A letter was read from Mr. Griffith Morgan, assistant certificate master at the Llantwit School, resigning his post at that school, which he alleged he had to do owing to the officiousness of the head-master. A long discussion took place regarding the question, and Mr LEYSHON asked whether it would be possible to have a committee to inquire into the matter. The Chairman said that the young man said he was accused by the head master with being a. bad I disciplinarian, whilst his testimonials proved the contrary. Mr. Bryant thought that in justice to the young man, they ought to have an inquiry into the matter. Mr. Roberts was of opinion that he should come personally before the Board and make his complaint. Eventually the Vice- Chairman moved, and Mr. Barrett seconded, that a sub-committee, consisting of the Chairman, Mr. Hopkin Morgan, and the members for Llantwit, should inquire into the matter and report to the next Board. This was agreed to. and the report of the School Management Committee was adopted. FINANCE. The Finance Committee reported that the sum received as free grant for the last quarter was £ 134 7s. 6d., and there remained a balance in hand of £57 18s. 2d. Bills were submitted, and were ordered to be paid, and on the motion of Mr. Judd, seconded by Mr. Griffiths, the report was adopted. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE. The report of the school attendance was sub- mitted and adopted. It was resolved to summon a number of parents for neglecting to send their 7 children to school. The school attendance officer reported that measles was still prevalent in the district, and that typhoid fever and scarlet fever had broken out in different parts of the town. THE TRUANT SCHOOL. On the motion of Mr. LEYSHON, seconded by Mr. JrDD, it was resolved—" That this Board, in accordance with the provisions of the Industrial Schools Act. should contribute the sum of £ 23 towards the purchase of land for the erection, in conjunction with other boards of a truants' school at Quaker's Yard, and that application be made for the borrowing of the money. COOKERY SCHOOLS. The CLERK said he had received a letter from the Rev. Father Smythe withdrawing his notice of motion to erect cookery classes in connection with the schools of the Board, because he understood that the County Council were taking the matter up. SUNDAY CLOSING IN ENGLAND. A letter had been received from the central association for the stopping of Sunday drinking in England, asking the Board to sign a petition in favour of the Sunday closing of public houses. The CHAIRMAN moved that the petitions be signed. Mr. JAMES ROBERTS seconded the chairman's motion, and said he thought it was a great pity England had not got Sunday Closing. It was his candid opinion that Sunday Closing had benefitted Wales very considerably. Mr. BRYANT said that before this Act came into operation a very different state of things existed to what existed at present. Before the passing of the Sunday Closing Act there was little or no drunkenness seen about the roads of Llantwit Vardre on Sunday. But since the act came into force the scenes which were to be observed from Treforest to Llantwit, from Llantwit to Llantrisant, and Llantrisant down to the seaside were disgraceful. Their country seemed to be perfectly demoralised. If they brought in a Bill to stop drink being supplied to anybody on Sunday, it would be a different matter, but he could not advo- cate the introduction into England of an Act similar to the Welsh Sunday Closing Act. The CHAIRMAN was of opinion that since more stringent measures had been taken to enforce the Sunday Closing Act there had been a marked im- provement at Treforest. Mr. BARRETT testified to the disgraceful condi- tion of things which had been produced by the Sunday Closing Act in the Llantwit Vardre dis- trict. Mr. BRYANT I beg to propose that the petition lie on the table-or under the table, rather. (Laughter.) Mr. DAVID LEYSHON seconded, and referred to the fact that the Sunday Closing Act had given rise to shebeening and illicit drinking, which did not exist under the old regime. Ultimately the motion was carried by four votes to three.

BRIDGEND POLICE COURT. SATURDAY.—Before Mr. R. W. Llewellyn (chair- man), Messrs. R. L. Knight and W. S. Powell, Colonel Franklen, and Major D. R. David. OVERSEERS.—The appointment of Mr. Jenkin Jones, 26, Metoalf-street, colliery manager, and David Davies, Liverpool House, grocer, was confirmed for the parish of Llangynwyd. Messrs. John Evans, farmer, Gilfachorfydd, and Ed. David, grocer, Nantymoel, were also confirmed as over- seers of the parish of Llandyfodwg. TRANSFER OF LICENCES.—The licence of the Pontycymmer Arms, Pontycymmer, was, on the application of Mr. T. J. Hughes, granted David Lewis Griffiths. Mr. Lewis formerly held the licence of the Griffin Hotel, Pentre; Ystrad.-The licence of the Navigation Inn, Maesteg, was also transferred to Mr. William Thomas, printer and stationer, Ferndale, from Morgan Howell Jones.- Robert Delahay was granted the licence of the Coach and Horses, Bridgend, instead of David Stradling. The latter was also granted a final transfer of the licence of the Victoria Inn, Bridg- end, from John Walters. ASSAULT ON A TOWN-HALL CUSTODIAN. — Stephen Watkin Richards, custodian of the Maes- teg Town-hall, summoned James Dupplaw, lessee of the Market Buildings, Maesteg, for committing an assault upon him on the previous Saturday.'— Air. T. J. Hughes appeared for the complainant, against whom there was a cross summons taken out.-Complainant said that on the morningof the day in question he proceeded to the market by the authority of the Local Board to obtain some timber for the purpose of making a pay box and some steps leading up to the gallery. He there saw de- fendant, who asked witness if he had authority from the Surveyor to fetch the timber. Defend- ant said Alright" to this, and went away. How- ever, he subsequently returned to the market, and told the carpenter to come out of that." Lewis (the carpenter) said Alright, but keep your hands away." Defendant swore, and after saying that everything in the market belonged to him, witness pushed him away, only to receive a blow in return. Witness was felled to the ground, defendant striking him while there also. Witness then caught hold of a piece of wood, but Mrs. Dupplaw came and took it from witness, who ran away.—Defendant (producing a long piece of wood, which, owing to its pointed shape, Mr. Hughes described as a toothpick ") You did not use that piece of stuff, did you ?—No.—Jenkin Lewis, carpenter, corroborated.—Cross-examined by de- fendant I saw you punch him.—Defendant: Lor' bless yer, it is something to puneh at, at any rate. (Laughter.)—Defendant was next examined, and said he tried to forcibly turn them out of the market, as he thought it his duty, when Richards lifted the piece of wood (produced), which came down nicely on the side of his head. If it had caught him squarely, he should not have been talking to them there that day. And that nice young fellow (meaning Richards) against a young man like myself he ought to be ashamed of himself. Although he has ability and size, he could not do angthing." (Laughter.)-In cross- examination, defendant said he did not deny that plaintiff had put his face against his fist, although he was a bit" slack in his memory. He would not let the timber go from there before he had been paid a fortnight's storage.-The Clerk Did it do you any harm then ?—Defendant: Well, it did not do me any good.—Hopkin Jenkins, butcher, having given evidence, defendant was fined JB1, includ- ing costs, and the charge against Richards was dismissed. SECOND COURT. SATURDAY.—Before Colonel Franklen and Mr. R. L. Knight. DRINK AND REFUSING TO QUIT. — For this ottence Jonathan Liddicott, labourer, Tynewydd, was, on the evidence of Richard Connibear, land- lord of the Ogmore Valley Hotel, Tynewydd, con- victed and fined 20s. for being drunk on his licensed premises, and refusing to quit them. "PITCH AND Toss :-For indulging in pitch and toss on the highway at Nanthir. Garw Valley, at 5.30 on the previous Sunday, Thomas Neil, collier, Nanthir, was fined 10s. including costs. Two others caught at the same time named Stephen Warick and Thomas Moses have not been served with the summonses. ASSAULTING A CONSTABLE. — Jenkin Davies was brought up in custody for assaulting Police- constable Benjamin Jones whilst that officer was in the execution of his duty. The police constable was called to the Pontycymmer Hotel, Garw Valley, to eject prisioner, who was creating a dis- turbance, when he (prisoner) struck the officer twice in the face.-Seven days imprisonment with hard labour. OBSTRUCTIONISTS.—John Milward and Lewis Watts, colliers, of Maesteg, engaged in a fight near the Rock Inn, Maesteg, on the previous Wednes- day. about 11.20 p.m., completely blocking up the roadway by attracting a large crowd.—Fined 20s. each. DISMISSED CASES.—An application by Miss Ann Hopkins, of Alma Cottage, Brickyard, New- ton, for sureties of the peace against Richard Marshall, coal trimmer, of the same place, was dismissed.—Mrs. Winifred Williams, Heol Laethog, brought a charge of assault against Rachael 11 a Hannah Still, Blaengarw. The affair arose out of the exchange of cross words between the parties, and defendant alleged that, in trying to prevent compltinant hitting her, a dolly which she had in her hand accidentally struck her.-Case dis- missed.

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A BLAENGARW GROCER. -4>.—,— A CASE OF LARCENY DISMISSED. THE GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY AND THE INHABITANTS. On Saturday last, at the Bridgend Police-court, a case was heard which occupied nearly three hours, in which Mr. Rees Jenkins, Blaengarw, grocer, was charged by Frederick Benton, detective inspector for the Great Western Railway Company, with feloniously stealing one box of tobacco, value ;C10, the property of the Great Western Railway Coin- pany. Mr. Plummer, solicitor, Paddington. ap- peared for the prosecution, and Mr. R. J. Rhys (Morgan and Rhys). Pontypridd, defended. The detective inspector also watched the case for the prosecution.-Alfred Dyer, 2. Church-lane. Temple, packer to .Messrs. Franklyn and Co., tobacco manu- facturers, Bristol, was the first witness called, who said he received the note (produced), and packed the goods mentioned in a box. He checked the note when the packing was completed, and also marked the note accordingly. The box was numbered 171. He detailed the amount of tobacco in the box when sent. He identified the box pro- duced as the one mentioned, upon which he had himself placed a chalk mark. There were tacks remaining where the label had been placed. He identified some packets of tobacco (produced), together with some pig-tail." as being similar to what he put in the box.—Cross-examined by Mr. Rhys He was sure that the label on the box was addressed to Pontycymmer, although the account for the same tobacco was addressed to Pontypool. Deducting the tare weight from the gross, it only leit 42]lbs. Witness accounted for this discrepancy by the fact of the paper and rope used in the process of packing.—William Leyshon Williams, Pontycymmer, checker in the employ of the Great Western Railway at Pontycymmer, said that on the 9th of March last he was on duty at Pontycymmer Station, when he checked the goods contained in the invoice produced as having arrived that day from Bristol. He checked one box of tobacco consigned to W. Pegler and Son, carriage paid, and received it. He put it on the platform in the goods shed. It was Messrs. Pegler and Son's custom to fetch their own goods from the station. The box remained at the station un- til the 11th March. On this date he saw defend- ant at the station about 12 o'clock, mid-day. He (defendant) had a pony and trap, and witness told him there were some goods there for him, viz., some paper and butter. Witness loaded the paper only into his cart, and upon witness asking him to come and sign, he (defendant) said No," that he would be back immediately to fetch the butter. There was room in the cart for the butter. At about 12.30, or a little afterwards, witness met defendant going to dinner. This was at the level crossing near the station, when witness was going to dinner. Witness told defendant there were 2 kegs of butter for him in truck 30-37, and defendant said Alright." There were other people's butter in the truck, besides some bags of onions. The truck was standing at the side of the platform, and the tobacco was on the goods shed platform. Any person could have seen the tobacco if he was going towards the truck. He (witness) returned from dinner at 1.10, and shortly afterwards he missed p Jbox of tobacco for Messrs. Pegler and Sons. In consequence of this he made a communi- cation to George Hall and the stationmaster. In the evening, about seven o'clock, witness accom- panied the stationmaster and the clerk (Mr. Cole- man) to defendants' house, but witness did not go in at first. After a time witness went into the shop, and the stationmaster said to defendant, "I have not come for the butter, but for the tobacco. Where is it ? Defendant replied that it was downstairs.—Cross-examined by Mr. Rhys Pontycymmer was a busy goods station, but he had not known of any confusion in consequence. Witness had only been there two or three months. He did not know of any com- plaints about parcels having been delivered to the wrong persons, but he admitted some- thing about a half chest of tea which Mr. Alfred Watkins had sent back as not being for him. Witness persisted that there was no mistake, because it was according to the invoice." On the invoice the date was down as 12,121'92, which was a mistake of a figure and also of a month. It ought to have a 3 in the middle. Defendant did not deny having the tobacco when they went there, and they took it away. Witness admitted giving defendant some paper consigned to a Mr. Jones, Pontyrhil. He would swear he did not throw him the box of tobacco as well, and that Jenkins did not take the tobacco at the same time as the papers. The tobacco was on the platform all the time. The mistake about the papers was found out a few hours afterwards, and they were returned. He discovered the loss of the tobacco about two o'clock when the owners came to enquire for it.- George Hall, carman, said on the llth March the last, witness nude a communication to him and in consequence of that information he called upon defendant on the afternoon of that day about three o'clock, at his shop. He asked defendant if he had taken any papers or a box of tobacco. He asked him if he knew anything about the tobacco, and he said that he did not. Witness saw the box of tobacco that morning close to the crane. He examined the label, and found that it was addressed to Messrs. Pegler and Sons. He knew of some two or throe other tradesmen who fetched their own goods from the station as a rule. Very seldom he delivered goods wrongly, but they were in cases where the goods were undermarked; tobacco was always fully addressed. — Edwin James Coleman, goods clerk, said he was in the goods office on the 11th of March, when defendant came in there between 12.30 and one o'clock. De- fendant signed for two kegs of butter and some paper, and paid the carriage. He did not make any mention of tobacco at that time.—Cross-ex- amined by Mr. Rhys He had been there for six years, and he knew of certain cases where mis- takes had occurred.-Wm. Abel, stationmaster, in charge of the Great Western Railway Station at Pontycymmer, said on the 11th March, about 4.20 he went to Blaengarw, and called on defendant at his shop. Witness said that some paper had been delivered wrongly, and defendant admitted there was something wrong about it. Defendant was then asked if he had taken a box of tobacco away in error, and he said, No." and that it was Williams. Witness told him there was a box of tobacco missed from the station, and he (witness) then went away. Returning between six and seven o'clock witness, in company with Williams and Coleman, saw defendant and asked if Williams was the man who loaded him up, and defendant replied, Yes." Williams answered saying, Yes, the first journey only," to which defendant did not reply. At this same interview defendant was asked where was the box of tobacco, and defendant replied, It is downstairs." He then said, I will bring it up." Witness accompanied defendant downstairs, and found the box (produced) empty. There was no label on it at the time. The contents were in a tea chest close by, and defendant went there himself to fetch them. The roll of tobacco was also there, but some of the packets were also deposited in a drawer. About 381bs. 6ozs. was given witness in return, and a 21b. roll of pig-tail tobacco besides. Defendant called with witness on the evening of the 18th March at the station, and asked witness if he thought anything would come of the affair that happened that day week. Witness told him that he had reported it to the district goods superintendent, and the matter was entirely in his own hands to take action. He also told witness that if he wrote to the district goods manager he (witness) would not be a loser. Witness again told him he could not do anything in the matter. The tobacco was delivered to Messrs. Pegler and Sons on the 12th March.-By the Chairman He was not aware that defendant was in the habit of getting consignments of tobacco.—By Mr. Rhys He would swear that he had not told Mr. Evan Griffiths that he only went to the defendant the first time about the papers. He had heard it mentioned by one party that labels were taken off the parcels. When he saw the box there was no label on it. He knew there was a deputation to get a goods station at Blaengarw, but it had not been successful in getting what they desired.—Mr. Rhys submitted, but was overruled that the com- pany could not prosecute by taking the goods and, secondly, if so they had condoned the point thereby. In a lengthy address he also put it to the Bench that there was no fraudulent intent by conducting the company's official to it.—Mr. D. H. Lloyd, merchant, Bridgend, said defendant was one of his customers. On February 2 he took an order from defendant for a box of tobacco, and. as a rule, they asked the wholesale people to send it direct. The wholesale firms do not send less than 281bs. at once to any customer. Complaints are very frequent about this sort of t.hing, and he could, if necessary, give instances I He produced a telegram received on the 12th March from defendant regarding his order.—Mr. Plummer objected to the telegram being put in, and the clerk, upholding him, Mr. Rhys insisted upon an adjournment to prove its contents. Ulti- mately. this difficulty was overcome by allowing the Bench to read the contents.-Evan Griffiths, cashier at the International Colliery, Blaengarw, said that he had had occasion many times to complain of goods having been delivered witboat an address, and also re- ceived goods intended for other companies, He had a conversation with Mr. Abel, who said that he did not mention anything about the tobacco when he went to see defendant first of all. He (witness) had known defendant about four or five years, and knew him to be strictly honest, —Cross-examined by Mr. Plummer: He gave an instance of a box coming from Aberdare.—William Jones Lewis, traveller to Mr. Lloyd, said he visited Mr. Jenkins's shop at Blaengarw, and on the 24th of February lie received a memorandum from defendant to send the tobacco on at once. Witness took it for granted that there was tobacco on order at the time.—Cross-examined Defendant did not specify what tobacco, but they usually supplied both Ringer's and Franklyn's. They did not manu- facture tobacco, but were packers. He had no reason to distrust the defendant. He would simply take the reminder, and ask no questions.- At this juncture Mr. Rhys said that he had several other witnesses to call, but the Chairman, inter- rupting him, said they would not trouble him any further. he magistrates had had a good deal of the matter before them already, and they had de- cided to dismiss the case. However, it was dis- missed with grave suspicion. So much time existed from the time the tobacco left the grocer's that the Bench could not consider it as with small import. At the same time defendant was expecting tobacco, and the magistrates thought he might have taken it thinking it to be his own tobacco therefore they had decided to give defendant the beuefit, of the doubt and dismiss the ca#c.

OGMORE AND GARW LOCAL BOARD. APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES. The ordinary meeting of this Board was held at the Fox and Hounds, Brynmenin, on Tuesday last. Present Mr. J. Bla ndy Jenkins (chairman), Dr. E. J. Parry, Messrs. T. Lewis, J. T. Salathiel, David Edwards, Jenkin Williams, W. Rees, Thomas Williams, Daniel Price, D. Owen, and John Jones. A letter was read from the Public Works Loan Commissioners granting the loan applied for of £ 5,250 for works of drain, sewerage, and sewage disposal, for a period of re-pavment for 30 years under Section 243, of the Public Health Act' 1875. A QUESTION OF FENCING. A letter was read from the occupier of Tydu Farm. Bettws. again calling the attention of the Board to the unprotected state of the new road bordering on his land. He also referred them to the precedent of other Boards, and stated that it was the regular practice to do so. The Chairman said, as far as he remembered, the fence was erected by the direction of the old Highway Board, and he believed the people were satisfied with it at the time. Dr. Parry Are we to take the burdens of the old Highway Board ? The Chairman No but if we make a fence we He to protect it. It is a wire fence, and the peope have allowed it for six or seven years, and had nothing to say about it. The matter then dropped. GARW WORKS COMMITTEE. This committee reported that in viewing the road leading from Ffynonmelus to 3Ioelgenla, they noticed its unprotected state, and recommended that a post and rail be fixed for a distance of 100 yards from the present stone wall to the mainroad at Pontycymmer, and 100 yards from Jenkins' houses to the houses near Nanthir-road, and the Board were recommended to ask the consent of the Margam Estate to fell a few trees, in order to widen the road and render it more easily passable. The report was received and adopted. APPOINTMENT OF INSPECTOR OF NUISANCE. The applications for the appointment of an in- spector of nuisances for the Garw Valley were next considered. Dr. Parry, at the outset, desired the production of a copy of the advertisement inasmuch as there existed some misapprehension that the only persons qualified for the post would be masons. The Chairman did not think it contained anv intimation to that effect. Dr. Parry But that appears to be the under- standing. The Chairman It doesn't matter what people understand. The following were the applicants Thomas Davies, Pencoed D. Rees, assistant inspector to the Llanelly Sanitary Authority, Panteg, Felin- foel; A. J. Lawrence, 41, Oxford-street. Ponty- cymmer: Thomas Morgan. Ivor-terrace..Black- mill Francis Rees, 41, Francis-street. Skewen, Neath and Gwilym Thomas. Nantvmoel. Mr. D. Owen proposed that Mr, Gwilym Thomas be appointed, and Mr. D. Price seconded. Dr. Parry in a few laudatory remarks proposed the appointment of Mr. A. J. Lawrence, Ponty- cymmer. Mr. W. Rees seconded. The Chairman proposed that Mr. David Rees, Llanelly. be appointed, an d Mr. Thomas Williams seconded. The voting was then proceeded with as follows —For Mr. Gwilym Thomas: Messrs. Owen J. Williams, John Jones, and Daniel Price, 4 Mr. A. J. Lawrence: Dr. Parry, Messrs. Rees, Salathiel, and Lewis. 4: Mr. David Rees The Chairman. Messrs. T. Williams. and David Edwards. 3. The Chairman then left the name of Mr. David Rees out, and Messrs. Edwards and Williams voted for Mr. Lawrence the Chairman giving his vote to Mr. Gwilym Thomas. He therefore declared Mr. Lawrence elected by 6 votes to 5. MEDICAL OFFICER. The Chairman and Dr. Parry, with the Clerk, were appointed to draw up an agreement with the medical officer of health. SUNDAY CLOSING IN EXGLAXD. A petition was received desiring that the seal of the Board in favour of the closing of public- houses in England. Mr. Dl. Price thought that Wales was ahead if it was only in respect to this one measure. Mr. J. T. Salathiel proposed that it be signed and sealed, because he desired to stop these gentle- men drinking on the Sabbath. (Laughter.) Mr. Thomas Williams seconded, and it was carried. MISCELLANEOUS. Mr. Salathiel gave notice that at the next meeting of the board he would move that the board petition Parliament to get the board elections decided by ballot. It was pointed out that the board had adopted a similar proposition previously, but the chairman did not see any hope of getting it from the present Government. Mr. Van Gelder attended as a deputation from the Ogmore Athletic Club asking for the authority of the board to preserve a cricket pitch for that club on the new recreation ground, and to protect it from the children being allowed to play thereon. He pointed out that the club were perfectly willing to pay a rental for it. The result of a lengthy dis- cussion between the deputation and the chairman was that matter should first of all be brought before the local recreation committee. This concluded the important business.

OGMORE AND GARW LOCAL BOARD ELECTION. The election of two members in both the Ogmore and Garw Wards of the Local Board respectively took place on Tuesday last. Mr. J. Blandy Jenkins (the chairman of the Board) acted in the capacity of returning officer, the counting taking place at the Fox and Hounds, Brynmenin. The result was declared in the afternoon from the two wards as follows OGMORE WARD. ELECTED. David Sims Rees, colliery manager. 958 *Wm. Llewellyn, provision merchant 810 XOX-ELECTED. George Williams, hotel-keeper. 371 *Thomas Jones, farmer 24 The latter withdrew his nomination when too late to be omitted from the printed voting paper forms. GARW WARD. ELECTED. *John T. Salathiel, colliery manager 598 *Thomas Lewis, provision merchant 582 XOX-ELECTED. D. Matthews, colliery manager. 445 Jonathan Maddocks, builder 102 Thomas Davies, cab proprietor. 49 Edward Lewis, gentleman 13 The latter also withdrew his nomination when too late. An asterick (*) denotes old members.

An authority on newspapers says that a well managed local paper is ploughed steadily through just as the horses plough the fields, and every furrow of type conscientiously followed from end to end, adver- tisements and all. The brewer's, the grocer's, the draper's, the ironmonger's, the chemist's advertise- ments (market-town tradesmen) which have been there montlt after month are all read, and the slightest change immediately noted.

REVIEWS OF PUBLICATIONS. Y GENINEN (ls.).-One may be always sure of finding at least one or two articles worth reading in the Geninen, but it is seldom one finds so many admirable articles in one magazine as appear in the April rn.mber of the Jtniiu/u.' They are all, without exception, very readable, and withal as full of matter as an egg* i-s of meat: but the best articles in our opinion are Jlr. T. S. Ellis's Land Laws in Wales." Mr. T. Darlington's The National Movement in Wales, and Mr. D. Lleufer Thomas's "The 'Sessions' in Walts." We refer to Mr. Thomas's article in another column. The principle that underlies. it is the necessity for decentralising mr judicial system. Mr. Ellis's article on "Welsh Land Laws," though the introduction seems a bit I clumsy in style, is one of the most interesting things we have seen on the subject. His conten- tion is that "circumstances and accidental usages of land tenure and social life in Wales afford a reason for special study and special Act of Parlia- ment." He gives a succinct and interesting account of the old system of land tenure in Wales. 0 the difference between the freemen and the "taiog-iaid," or serfs, and some distinctive Welsh manorial customs. He then proceeds to give a brief account of the change that has come over the tenure of land in Wales, how Englishmen by conquest and by marriage possessed themselves of the land, and introduced the English system and how, some quarter of a century ago. that iniquitous and fatal land hunger which has worked such havoc in agricultural Wales had its beginning. As an in-tancc of the wrong which Wales has suffered in this century, he mentions that Pennant in his Tour through Wales." testifies that early in the. century over 286,000 acres of land in Merionethshire alone was common land, whereas in the Domesday Book of 1874 there is only a re- cord of 416 acres of common land. He finishes cord of 416 acres of common land. He finishes by quoting Emerson's saying, The men of the towns, who are the centres of enterprise, the driving-wheels of trade, politics, and the practical arts, and the ladies of beauty and genius. are the children or grandchildren of farmers." and exhorts all to keep alive the agricultural class by giving them fairer conditions of life.—Mr, T. Darlington, headmaster cf Queen's College, Taunton, contributes a remarkable paper on The National Movement in Wales." Mr. Darlington is an Englishman, who has never lived in Wales, but who began to take an interest in Wales and Welshmen some twelve years ago. He can not only speak Welsh like a native, but he is extremely well-versed in Welsh literature and history, and understands and sympathises with Welsh feeling and Welsh aspirations to a greater extent than any Englishman and many Welshmen His insight into the true character of the National movement in Wales considering his alien extraction and training—is extraordinary deep and true. The con- clusions he eomcs, too, are almost identical with those put forth by Mr. Llewellyn Williams in an article in the April number of the Welsh Jicvieic. It is worth while," he says, to ask for a moment, what is meant by the National feeling in Wales ? It means this at least—that the conviction is be- ginning to prevail among us that it is better that Welshmen should remain Welshmen than to be- come Englishmen tha-t it is pretty likely, if they become Englishmen, that they will be but poor Englishmen; that Welshmen have peculiar characteristics which fit them for peculiar work in the world and if they should lose these pecu- liar characteristics, if Welshmen merge themselves in the English nation, that this work will be done hy no one else." As England has her mission, so Wales has her mission. England's mist-ion, how- ever, is not to Anglicise the world, and he would be sorry to see a nation of the original genius of Welshmen vanish before the English inroad. He makes short work of the Philistine notion that a small nation has no rights or reason for its exist- ence. Athens was a small city, but what city has influenced the thought and imagination of the world as much as Athens ? A small nation was Macedonia, but Macedonia conquered the great empires of Asia, and brought Greek civilisation to the far countries of the East. A small country was Judoea but out of Jud;ca came the truth that conquered the world, and made the civilisation of Europe what it is to d".y." The national movement is accompanied by two phenomena-a democratic spirit and a. love of education. This is but for it is the people—" y werin "-who preserve their national characteristics more than the educated, whose customs and modes of thought are pretty similar in all countries. This democratic spirit makes the national movement partake, at the same tiino. of a political character. Its love of education, on the other hand, makes 'ita literary movement. It makes Nationalists study more and more the litera- ture and the history of their native land, and has already given rise to a young school of Oxford Welshmen who are devoting their lives to their country's cause, and to ehut their eyes to the allurements of greater gain and fame beyond Offa's Dyke. The literary movement, it is true, has not resulted in any great additions a3 yet to Welsh literature. Only one Welsh novelist has arisen, and no Welsh dramatist. But it may be said (1) that under similar circum- stances, i.e., as a result of a great national awaken- ing, the best literateurs which the world has ever seen were created (2) that the people (gwerin) of Wales have at all times shown literary aptitude far better than the average and (3) that to the Welsh nation literature in the Middle Ages was indebted for its purest and most poetical creations. Mr. Darlington ends up with an eloquent plea for the preservation of the Welsh language. It is hard for a small nation to preserve its nationality with- out its language but the result will be that Wales will be bilingual-speaking Welsh as the language of the hearth, and English as the language of trade, But Welsh must be the language of litera- ture. There is a charm of strength in the lan- guage that is learnt in early life that cannot be transferred to another. There is heard in the mother tongue something to which the stranger is deaf. The native language is always full of words which are laden with the tenderest memories of home and the most beautiful traditions of the nation-electric words that awake deep feelings in the bosoms of all that speak the language—words which signify more than can be conveyed in another tongue—words that possess a seeret music which none but a native can hear. These are the words that lie next to the nation's heart, and which gives to its language its national colour. There will always be something in the Welsh mind which will remain dumb in a foreign language because it cannot find proper articulation in it. If, after all, the Welsh language must disappear, let it dis- appear gradually and by degrees, so as to give time to the national characteristics of the lan- guage to transfer themselves, as far as possible, to the English language." His concluding words are full of hope to Young Wales. Everything depends," he says, on Welshmen of this genera- tion—on their faith in themselves and in their nation. All outside conditions are more favour- able to-day than they have been for centuries before. Wales is strong in hope and young in spirit. She is awakening from her long sleep, and is beginning to feel her strength. If her people are willing in the days of her strength, Wales will again clothe herself in the garments of her ancient glory, and will hold an honourable place -if not among the imperial nations of the world-among those who have brought her a few steps forward on the pathl of culture."—The other articles are Spurgeon," by Professor Row- land A Papist's Dream," by a clever writer who has assumed the nom de plume of Father Mor- gan"; The Beginning and Growth of Weslevanism in Wales," by the Rev. Hugh Jones; "Welsh Lakes." by the Rev. J. E. Davies; Letters on Philosophy," by Dr. Llugwy Owen "Galatia," by Mr. E. Anwyl; a sensible and most needful and timely "Letter to Welshmen." from the Rev. Emys ap Iwan (a son of Michael Jones y Bala), who exhorts Welshmen, to be Nationalists first and politicians afterwards a sketch of Principal Lewis." by the Rev. M. D. Evans "The Bards and the Eisteddfod," by Dafydd Morganwg- and Mr. Marchant Williams, and a reply to Dean Owen's statistics," by the Rev. Evan James, Carnarvon, which is marked by vigour, ill-temper, and in- fallibility., Altogether, the editor is to no con- gratulated on one of the very best numbers of the magazine that we have ever read, and which will bear comparison with the most notable English magazine. [Carnarvon, W. Gwenlyn Evans.] ° A LYCECM SorvExm.—We have been favoured with a most interesting souvenir of the remark- able production of Shakespeare's historical play, King Henry the Eight," at the Lyceum Theatre, London, in the shape of a beautifully got up number of sketches of the play which have been reproduced from the well-known illustrated weekly magazine, Blaeh and White. The variety of the colouring and the real excellence of the work itself serve to render a perusal of the various scenes depicted an unqualified pleasure.

Whenever I have symptoms of Hoarseness coming on, I always fly to my favourite remedy, LEWIS'S PECTORAL BALSAM, take a dose or two, and am right again."—Is. Hd. :).n'l 2s. 9d. per bottle. BAD TIMES.—Timid business men get frightened out of incurring a trifle of expense for advertising, and J. the enterprising man, by keeping himself before- the public, reap the benefit.

CONGL Y CYMRY. [DAN OLYGIAETH LLWYDFRYN.] B A KDDOXIAETH. YU EXETII FA-CL-I VTRTH FEDD EI MAM. Ar foreu Sul y Blodau Mi welais eneth fwyn Yn ncni tua'r gladdfa brudd. A'i bron yn llawn o gwyn Hi gjiriai swp o flo(lau- Fe wyddwn i paharn- VVaeth yn y fvnwcnt oedd g-erllaw 'Roedd bedd ei hanwyl fim. Fe safodd yn ei vniyl. Gan svllu arno'n brudd, Ymgollai'i hiaith yn nystaw iaith Y deigryn ar ei g-rudd Tra v cwVnfanai'r ywen Alarnad rhwng ei dail Gosodai flod'yn ar y beud A deigryn bob yn ail. Ymgrwydro drwy'r gorphenol Wiiai 'i phruddaidd deimlad hi. Fel erwydra ewch 'rol colli'r llyw Ar ryw gynhyrfus li" Yn mreichiau 'i mam cai 'i hunan- Rho'i gusan ar «i grudd, Heb feddwl fawr am "fan ei bedd Yng nghwr y fynwent brudd. Ond dystaw iaith v blodau Adgofient iddi'r ffaith Mai huno'ii dawel oedd ei mam Ar fron y beddrod llaith Mi wylais gyd&'r eneth- Pvvy feiddia ofyn, p'am ? 0 pwy a. fedda'r gilon ddur Na thawdd wrth fedd ei mam ? Cwmogwy. GWENTFKYN JONES. ANERCHIAD I MR. SALATHIEL, LLYWYDD EISTEDDFOD BLAENGARW. Aedfedawl Eisteddfodwr—yw'n llywydd A'nll.),wenddiBynwr: Llawn, gwrol fel llengarwr. Yn y gvvaith yn flaenaf gwr. s Yn mhob achos mab uchal-ydyw, Prif nodwedd Salathiel Cywir ffrynd; dyn o fyn'd fel Ewig o fiaen yr awel. GWENTFRYN JONES.

ORIGINAL POETRY. SPRING. It has come at last, oh welcome, This glad season of the year, With its gift of early wild flowers, Earth's weary ones to cleer. The days may yet be chilly, The snow may fall again, Yet we know that Spring is near us, Like sunshine after rain. Each season brings its pleasures, v Its happy passing hours But. oh how bright and cheering, Is Spring and Spring-time flowers. When Winter has departed, With all that made it drear How welcome, oh how welcome, The violets do appear. The hedges and the woodlands, With primroses are gay And here and there the daisies Behold the light of day. The children are so buoyant. At play in fields and street: The rough winds only hasten, Their unwearied, restless feet. 'Tis good to see them happy, Those little ones, so bright, For Spring-time is life's morning, As Winter is life's night. We praise God for His goodness, For He gives us everything, The sunny skies, the song of birds, In the lovely, early Spring. Cadoxton. A. M. S.

BRIDGEND BOARD OF GUARDIANS. The weekly meeting of this Board was held at the Union Wrorkhouse on Saturday last, when the Rev. F. W. Edmondes presided. The result of the Government inspection of the Cottage Homes' School was reported, wherein it appeared that Mr. Thornton (the superintendent) had been awarded a certificate in the first division and Mrs. Thornton one in the second division. The payments which these certificates bore were 449 4s. and £ 38 6s. respectively.-The Finance Committee presented the half-yearly report and estimate. They had in hand, after making provision for certain payments, £2,268 Is. lOd. The estimate for the coming half-year amounted to £ 5,244. and they pro- posed to make calls amounting to £ 4,234, they proposed to pay out of the balance in hand 4. 700. to be incurred in alterations at the Work- house.—Mr. James Barrow proposed the adoption of the report, and Mr. W. Hopkin seconded.—Mr. T. L. Roberts protested against the proposal to pay the JE700 out of the current rates, and held that all permanent improvements should be car- ried out by way of loan.—The motion was carried.

RIVER POLLUTION IN THE RHONDDA. On Monday afternoon a sub-committee com- missioned by the Sanitary Committee of the Glamorgan County Council, consisting of Alderman Moses Moses, Captain Lindsay, Councillors Richard Morris and J. Thomas, inspected the Rhondda river from Tynewydd to Porth, in order to ascer- tain to what extent the river was polluted. Dr. James, the medical officer of the Ystrad Local Board, accompanied the committee over a portion of the route, and it is stated that the general state of the river is most filthy. Considerable pollution was found caused by the tipping of rubbish into the stream by the Fernhill, Pentre, Ocean, Naval, Dinas and Cymmer Collieries, and in several portions of the district it was noticed the scaveng- ing refuse of the localities was tipped into the river, and decomposed matter found its way there- in from slaughter houses and other places, whilst all the sewage of the district flowed into it.

STOPPAGE OF A COLLIERY IN THE RHONDDA. 200 WORKMEN THROWN OUT OF EMPLOYMENT. Twenty-four hours' notices to terminate con- tracts were tendered on Wednesday to the work- men employed at Tylacoch Colliery, Treorky, and consequently all the men brought out their tools on Thursday morning. The horses were raised in the afternoon, a number of which were taken to the Lady Margaret Colliery, Treherbert, and the others to a colliery at Hirwain, belonging to the same proprietor. It is stated that the rails and the machinery will also be brbught to bank in a, day or two. The colliery is the property of Lord Bute. Work has been very slack in the pit for some time past, and the men worked by the day to day contract." The shaft was sunk to the steam coal about 35 years ago. and it is therefore one of the oldest in the valley. Nothing is known in the locality as to the cause of the stoppage, which has thrown about 200 workmen out of employment.

CONSUMPTION CURED.-An old Physician, retired from practice, had placed in his hands by an East India Missionary the formula of a simple vegetable remedy for the speedy and permanent cure of Con- sumption, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Ashma, and all Throat and Lung Affections, also a positive and radical cure for Nervous Debility and all Nervous Complaints. Hav- ing tested its wonderful curative powers in thousands of cases, and desiring to relieve human sufferiugj I will send free of charge, to all who wish it, this receipt in German, French, or English, with full directions for preparing and using. Sent by post by addressing, with stamp, naming this paper, Dr. J. P. MOUNTAIN, 16, Percy-street, London, W. WHY don't you trade with me," said a close-fisted manufacturer to a customer thu other day. "Because," was the characteristic reply, You have never agked me, sir. I have looked all through the newspapers for an invitation in the shape of a-i advertisement, but in vain. I never go where 1 am not wanted." THERE is an art in advertising. It may be costly and ineffective, or cheap and pront:tble—a!i depends on how it is set about. IF you wish success i. niak* perseverance your bosom friend, experier >ur wise councillor, caution your elder brother, an .ope your guardian genies.— Additon. J~ Additon. T