The Aberdare Times

rpHIS IS TO GIVE NOTICE, that Ii'>' i'jJ not I be ^responsible for any debt my wife, Eliza Oav¡. may contract from this date. Gallys, Ah. Hare, LEVI DAVIES. December 6th, 1865. 4 PTOF.ON MATCH will take place at the Bridgend Inn, Mill-streot, on CHRISTMAS DAY. To commence at I! o'clock a.m.

TO THE INDEPENDENT E L E C T 0 It S fOF THE U 0 R 0 U 0 H OF "BRECON L AND THE TOWN OF LLYWEL. GKNTLEMKN,— "r HnHE lamented death of your late Member, Colonel Lloyd Vauprhan Watkins. has created not. only a vacancy in the representation of your Borough, but avoid in the ranks of true, honest, and consistent Liberals; the first must be filled, the second ought to be. You will, in a few days, be called upon by your Sovereign to electa burgess to represent you in Parliament; it rests with you to make choice of a gent'eman who shall worthily •"follow in the footsteps of him who served you so long and so well. I have waited with considerable interest, but hitherto in vain, hoping that a gentleman of local influence and of advanced liberal principles would come forward to seek your suffrages neither of the candidates now before the electors is prepared to ad- vocate measures that would have had the hearty support of your late respected Member and, firmly believing that neither of the addresses already issued contains a programme suitable to the wishes of the preat majority of the Independent Electors of the Borough of Brecon, or the wants of the period in which we live, I beg most respectfully to offer myself as a candidate for the honour of repre. senting my native town in Parliament. The important question of Parliamentary Reform is likely to occupy the attention of the Legislature at its next sitting. I should be fully prepared to support a comprehensive and liberal measure-such .L measure as is now justly demanded by the intel- ligence, and improved moral and social condition of the industrious classes of this country. The elective franchise should be at least so extended as to embrace a six pound rental in Boroughs, and, in addition to-all other qualifications, to a ten pound rental in the Counties. This, in my opinion, should be the minimum of extension in any measure of Par- liamentary Reform to be acceptable to the great 'majority of the best portion of the people, and to be of permanent advantage to the institutions of the country. I would also support a well defined Edu- cational franchise-one that would enable a large number of educated professional men; that useful and intelligent class engaged in training our youth; those engaged in offices of trust in our mercantile -establishments, and a very considerable number of our intelligent artisans, who may not be house- holders, to have a voice in the election of those who become the Legislators of our land. I would heartily support the BALLOT as a measure absolutely necessary for the purity of elections in this country the Ba'lot can do no injury to the rich and influential voter, but it may be a protec- tion to him who is dependent upon another for his daily bread, but has a vote and a conscience, and would like to give the:former according to the dic- tates of the latter. The Redistribution of Parliamentary Seats ought to be a prominent feature in the next Reform Bill the great changes that have taken place in the lo- cation of the people of the United Kingdom since the year 1832 renders this a necessity demanded by » equity and justice; a wise and fair proposal for effecting this object should, therefore, have my hearty support. I would give my cordial aid to a policy of Non- intervention in the affairs of other nations; and I believe the time has come when disputes between nations should be submitted to arbitration in the first place, and that an appeal to the sword should be the last resource, I would give my honest support to the present Government while maintaining the principles of a wise neutrality, by which it has carried our coun- try safely through the perils of the Polish, Danish, -and American crises, without impairing out national dignity or influence. The Commercial Policy of the present Govern- ment, in the able hands of Mr. Gladstone, approves iiself to every thinking man who has the prosperity of the nation at heart; and the further development of the resources of the country in the same direc- tion shall have my warmest assistance. I wonld also earnestly wish a still further reduc- tion in our military, naval, and home expenditure, which I firmly believe can be effected consistently with the honour, strength, and influence of the ■country. Having had twenty years practical experience in the working of the Friendly Societies of this country, it shall be my constant care to watch o,er the inter- ests of these important institutions, and to guard against any undue restrictions being put upon these creations of the working-men of this kingdom. I shall also do what I can to promote a change in the Registrar's Office, so as to give practical effect to the generous intentions of the Legislature in affording every facility to place these Societies and their accumulated funds under the protection of the law of the land, in a manner consistent with the growing intelligence of the working classes of the United Kingdom, who are the great snpport of these important and fast-increasing institutions. In Ecclesiastical matters I am a Nonconformist, and believe that the religion of Christ was not in- tended by its Divine Founder to be allied with or to become an engine of the State, and that true re- ligion would be greatly benefited by being freed from all state patronage and control. I would, therefore, while firmly maintaining vested rights, and duly respecting the interests of all living per. sons, and whilst cherishing the most cordial feeling of regard and respect towards the Episcopal Church, as one of the Christian communities of our land, gladly support a measure for the total emancipa- tion of the Church from the State, firmly believing that this would prove an act of lasting blessing to the Episcopal Church itself, and a simple mea- sure of justice to the other religious bodie s of this kingdom. The Church-rate Question will have the early at- tention of Parliament; the experience of the last fif- teen years, and the futile efforts made to effect a com- promise, have fully convinced me that the total and unconditional abolition of the tax is the only true and practical solution of the question I should therefore vote for the total and immediate aba'i- tion of Church-rates. I should give my vote for any measure having for its object the opening of our National Univer- sities to the youth of the country, without respect to creed or party. I would do all in my power to promote a Com- mittee of Enquiry into the working of the Estab- lished Church and Endowed Schools in Wales, with a view of ascertaining the amount of provision it has made, or is now making, for the spiritual wants of the people and the education of the children of the poor the effect of appointing into high offices those who do not understand the language of the .people, the evil of alienating the revenues of the Establishment from the poor churches in Wales for the purpose of the aggrandizement of richer ehurchos elsewhere; and whether. the Establish- ment in Wales has answered the purpose of its bein", and if it has brought forth fruit commensu- rate with the large sums drawn by it from the taxes of the country. ■ I should be fully prepared to do all in my power to co-operate with the leading men of the Princi- pality in obtaining from the Government of the day a fair and equitable distribution of the educational grants for Wales to Schools that are free and unsec- tarian. It is full time that the Nonconformists in the Principality should be fsirly and honestly dealt v. |:U in the matter of Education^ Gentlemen,—I have thus briefly indicated some of the important subjects that will have the atten- tion of the present Parliament should my views coincide with your own, I respectfully solicit your independent support at the forthcoming election and, should it be your pleasure to honour me with the important trust of representing you in tht House of Commons, I pledge myself to do so honestly, faithfully, and to the best of my abilities; and I shall strive to do all that can be fairly ex- pected from your Member for the interest of the County of my birth, and the Bonugh in which I spent some of the happiest ormy early years. I have the honour to remain. Gentlemen, Your faithful and obedient Servant, THOMAS PRICE. Rose Cottage, Aberdare, Dec. 19th, 1865.

MARRIAGES. By license, on the 6th December, before the Registrar, Mr. David Pow 11, at the Registrar's Office, PontypnMd, Mr. William Lawrance, of Aberdare, to Elizabeth, daughter of Sergeant Bradshaw, of Pontypridd. November 25. at the Parish Church, by the Rev. E. M. Griffiths, curate, Mr. Philliph Grif- fiths, to Martha Richards, both of Cwmbach. November 26, at the same church, by the Rev. David Davits, curate, Mr. Peter Jones to Ann Evans, both of Aberaman. November 26, at the same church, and by the same clergyman, Mr. John DaviestoAoft: Davies, both of Aberdare. December 3, at the same church, by the Rev. John Edwards, curate, Mr. John Morgan to Ann Watkins. December 10, at the same church, by the Rev. E. M. Griffiths, Mr. William Morgan to Johan- nah Williams. December 10, at the same church, and by the same clergyman, Mr. David Jones, to Jane, daughter of Mr. Nicholas Davies, Caecwm. December 12th, at the same church, by the Rev. David Davies. Mr. Thomas Purntll to Rachel Jenkins, both of Owmdare. December 9, at St. Elvan's Church, by the Rev. John Edwards, Mr. William Morgan, weaker, to Martha James. December 14, at the same church, by the Rev. Evan Lewis, vicar, Mr. George Moores to Mary Ann Carpenter. DEATH. On the 13th instant, aged 71 years, ^Margaret, the beloved wife of Mr. Rees Price, Mill street, Aberdare. Deceased was held in very great re- spect.

A MEUllY CHRISTMAS. CHRISTMAS, with its festivities and joys, has once more dawned upon: us It has found us^busier andjhappier than we have been for maay'a long year. No foreign war, no home famine, exists to disturb our peace of mind," or to check the overflow ofVur spirits. As a nation we"ought to be the happiest of the happy. A-Government pledged to "peace, retrenchment, and reform," presides over us, and we are surrounded by every indication of prosperity. At home, employment and labour are plentiful, and labourers are bend- ing to with a determination which must yield pleasant results. Christmas comes but once a year," says the old adage Vit, thank God, it does come once a year for it is a time of family reunion, of festive gatherings, of mercantile as well as social ameni- ties. Many an oU breach is healed at Christmas* "so hallowed and so gracious is the time many a friendship cemented — maoy a love-match formed. No country is so bounteous in its charity as our own, and as the year is dying OHt this charity is called out more than ever. He nrustbe an outcast indeed who fails to procure, if not by his own earning, at least by the hand stretched out in hearty sympathy, a good dinner on this one day in the year. Bat in a'hundred ways is the kindly sympathy of the rich with the poor manifested at Christmas-tide. The poor in our^workhouses and almshouses are feasted; the widow and orphan are sought out by their richer neighbours, andf their distress « relieved; the children in our poorer schools can usually look forward to a treat on Christmas Day, tnany an additional comfort is given to the pensioners of our wealthy families; and rlothing and blanket societies make a special effort to relieve the pain- ful distress which at this season is peculiarly 1 urgent. In our town the grocers, butchers, fruiterers, and others tempt us with their display of fat and luscious goods, and it is pleasing to find that ye shall not be behind our neighbours in our 'festive fare. Preparations are everywhere visible for the proper celebration of Christmas and everything seems, as it were, to he stamped with "the com- pliments of the season or a "merry Christmas and happy new year;" and we have no doubt the sentiment finds as sympathetic an echo in every heart as it does in our$. We heartily and sincere- ly wish all our readers every enjoyment they could desire in the approaching festival, and a prosperous and HAPPY NEW YEAR.

f0ol Iittellunu*. THE COUNTY COURT.— We are rrqucsted to state that the County Court Office in this town will be closed, as usual, during the first week of the new year. CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.— Notices have been is- sued to the effect that the shopkeepers of the town intend closing their establisments on the Tues- day following Christmas-day. This, we are glad to state, will afford a large number of young men who are pretty well confined during the best portion of the year, an opportunity of visiting their friends at a distance or otherwise enjoy their Christmas. MOUNTAIN ASH SEPARATION. — In connection with this subjets we may state that Mr Arnold Taylor, (brother, we believe, of Mr. Tom Taylor) is the gentleman who has been appointed by Sir George Grey to conduct the inquiry rendered ne- cessary by the petition of the inhabitants of Mountain Ash, to be allowed to form the Ecclesi astical District of St. Margaret into a Public Health District. Mr. Taylor will open the inquiry at the Bruce Arms, Mountain Ash, at 12 o'clock, on the 3rd day of January, 1866. In our short leader on this subject, in last week's edition, the word "re-establishment"' was printed for establish- ment, and in Mr. Jones's speech at the public meet- ing appointed was printed for apportioned." LOYAL DARE LODGE OF AIFREDS.—On Satur- day evening last, a special meeting of the above lodge was held at the Lodge room, Locomotive Inn, Aberdare, f"r the purpose of presenting one of the members, Mr John Davies, past-president, with a splendidly framed emblem of the Order, for his activity in bringing into the lodge the greatest number of members during the post year. The meeting wqs presided over by Mr. Henry James, high-president, and Mr J. Pic- ton, vice-president. A number of speeches were delivered in the course of the evening, the pre- sentation being gracefully made by Miss Eliza- beth Williams, daughter ot the worthy host. e CONCERT. Mr. Nicholson's concert came o'f.at the Temperance Hall, on Tuesday last, with, we regret to state, very limited success- The singing wis verv pleasing the lively little duet by Mrs Hay-ward and Miss W lght, The ( ousins, which thev kindly gave in reply to an encore was cer- tainly the gfm of the evening, but nil the pieces were well received. Mr. Nicholson s pianoforte solo, Robin Adair with variations, was cle\ erly executed, and Signor Paggi's solos on the nute were delightful. The audience, as we have before indicated, was a most meagre one: the Hall was cold almost to freezing point, and the entertain- ment was thus rendered anything but a cheerful and inspiriting one. FURIOUS DRIVING, as will be seen by onr police report to-day,is receiving a merited amount of at- tention at the hands of the police and the mag-is trates. On Monday last three men were fined 409. and costs each, for furiously driving alone the highway,and Mr. Fowler, as if to convey an additi- onal caution to that portion of the public who de- light in displaying the speed of their cattle, ex- pressed his earnest determination to go on inflicting heavier penalties for such offences until the heaviest (£5) should be reachpd. We advise all therefore to be carefbl how they go within reach of the worthy magistrate's judicial rod, and at the same time express our satisfaction that so much watch- fulness fand determination are excrcised for the safety of the public.

ABERDARE PENNY READINGS. However satisfactory was the result of the rate- payer's meeting on Thursday last, the change of evening it occasioned for holding Penny Readings wns in no way beneficial to them. Nor was it any improvement to hold them at the same time as the similar entertainments at the British Schools, the existence of which was overlooked when the announcement was made for Priday. In conse- quence of the combined circumstances, change and collision, the attendance at the Temperance Hall was little more than half the number of some previous evenings. Of the entertainment, how- ever, there is no serious cause of complaint. Per- haps there was hardly variety enough, a feature which is always desirable, and always has a pleas- ing effect. In the musical portion some master hands and spirits were engaged. Their namps are sufficient guarantee of the character of the performance. The Rev. D. M, Jenkins, who was voted to the chair, called upon Mr. Frost, ofMer- thyr, for a harp solo Mr. E. Jones, a reading from Pickwick; Mr. J. W. Woodcock, a solo on the cornet, accompanied on the pianoforte by Mr. Lewis Evans; Mr. O. H. Riches, a reading from Dickens; Mr. D. Rosser, a song, pianoforte ac- companiment by Mr. Abraham; Rev. D. M. Jenkins, a reading, "Little Hermann's Dream Mr. Griffith Jones on the violin, and Mr. Frost on the harp, enchanted the audience, who gave them an irresistible encore; Mr. Rosser, a song, accom- panied on the pianoforte by Mr. Abraham Mr. Simmonds, a reading, "The Dignity of Labour;" harp solo. Mr. Frost; finale, "God save the Queen. Mr. Rosser was suffering from a severe cold, and was not quite himself. The audience, however, rapturously applauded him, because, notwithstanding his cold, he did well, and because they remembered his devotion to their pleasure in the past. A WELSH COLONIAL TRADING CO. LIMITED. A committee meeting was held in Chester, on Tuesday night, the 12th instant, to consider a proposal which has been some time on foot to form a Commercial Company, incorporated under the law oeLimited Liability, to conduct the Carrying Trade to and from the Welsh Colony, established in-the valley of the Chupat, Argen- tine Territory. The Colony emigrated nearly twelve months ago to this valley in consequence of the glowing description given of it by the late Admiral Fitzroy, (the world-renowned intro- ducer of storm-signals,) who explored it in 1834. The following is Admiral Fitzoy's description of the place, copied verbatim from page 39 of the sixth edition of the "South America Pilot," pub- lished by order-of the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty:—"About eighteen miles up the river (measuring byjthe very serpentine course of the stream) is a place admirably adapted for a settlement. It is a rising ground from 20 to 30 feet in height, close to the banks of the river, commanding a view of fifteen miles to the north and west and an interrupted view to the eastward. Throughout this extended view the country is fertile in the extreme. The soil is of a dark colour and very rich Excellent grass covers it in every direction. Numerous herds of wild cattle graze in the plains. There are several lakes on tbe south side literally convered with wild fowl." The main points of the scheme under notice are: To charter,purchase,orbuild a ship or ships for general trading purposes; to convey passen- gers at the lowest remunerative rates to the Welsh Colony, to take cargo there or to any South American Port for which advantageous freights may offer, and to collect return cargoes in the ordinary way at any port where the best remuneration may be obtainable; and if the Com- pany should deem it to their interest to add the business of General Merchants to their primary occupation as ordinary carriers, tho scheme pro- vides power to do so. The matter was thoroughly discussed, and particular attention was directed to the feasibility and commercial soundness of the plan. It was distinctly understood that the con- nexion of the company with the Welsh Colony would be of a purely commercial character, so that although its services would probably contri- bute more than any other existing or prospective institution to the perfect success of that colony from every point of view, the directors would he most sedulous to extend the relations of the-Com- pany on a solid basis to several of the best repu- ted South American ports in order that its interests might never be materially implicated by any con- tingency, which might probably affect the said Colony. They confidently expected that this course of action would render the :proposed busi- ness at the least as remunerative as any similar business already established. One of the members inquired how the pro- moters proposed to obtain the money requisite to carry out this programme ? The chairman re- plied that the Company would be an aegregate of Branch Associations to colleet subscriptions in every town and village in Wales on the same principle as Building Societies. The monthly subscription for each share would be 2s 6d. though, of course, every person would be at liberty to pay the fnll value of each share (£10) in advance. The meeting, after deliberation, resolved that a prospeotus should be issued that the adver- tisement which will be found in another column of this paper should be published, and that articles of association should be drawn up to enable the company to be incorporated. CADIVOK.

DR. PRICE'S CANDIDATURE FOR BRECON. The Rev. Dr. Price's address to the electors of the Borogh of Brecon and Llyvvel, appears in our paper of to day. The rev. doctor's character and great abilities are too well known and appreciated within the radius of our circulation to n^ed any special mention thereof on our part. We may add, however, that he is warmly backed in his candi- dature by several of the most eminent men con. nected with the liberal came, and these gentle- men have expressed a determination to get him into the House of Commons, if not for Brecon fur some other constituency. The following is an extract of a letter written to a contemporary by one of the electors :— I should like to know what Welshman in our day has brought greater honour to the principality than Dr. Price ? and I know of no man more po- pular amongst his countrymen. What has en- abled him to attain this eminence, but his great intelligence and indomitable perseverance ? Dr. Price may not have a drop of aristocratic blood in his veins, but he is as fit a person to represent a constituency as William Cobbett was, and who will say that the electors who sent that great man to parliament committed a sin ? Brycheiniog knows very little about the state of things in Brecon, or he would not have written such a letter. It is enough for us that we get a thoroughly qua- lified gentleman of broad liberal opinions to soli- cit our suffrages, and to save us from the grasp of a young lord in leading strings, or an old tory sworn to the maintenance of the old abuses of the country. Let Dr. Price come then and win in spite of Mr. Howel Gwyn, Lord Brecknock, and 1 Brycheiniog.' AN ELECTOR. Wattori, Brecon, 12th Dec. 1865."

ABERDARE BOARD OF HEALTH. The usual fortnightly meeting of the Board was held on Thursday, when the following members were present-Messrs. R. H. Ithys (in the chair,) D. Davis, Ilees Williams, M. Edwards, John Williams, W. Powell, and D. Richards. The minutes of the last meeting and those of the apodal meeting, held on the 18th instant, were read over and confirmed. The balance in the treasurer's hands was stated to be £3J3 3s 10d, Cheques for the following sunn we-e then signed: Men's w.tges, £24 4s. lid.; Mr. Philip John, 5s 6d.: Mr D. Davis, fcr 1 mestone, -e334s.7J; ditto for coal, £30 Is. 8d.; Clerk's salary, £25; balance of Surveyor's salary* £18 153.; Mr. H. Williams, £10; Officer of Health, ;1::3 3s.; Inspector of Nuisances, £2 10s.; Inspector of Lodging Houses, £2 10s. Mr. George Robinson, £9; Mr. James Hek, £77; Messrs. J. T. Jones and Son, ^for printing: and advertising, £10 19s. The following report of the committee appointed to examine the Cefnpennar-road was then read: — Your committee appointed to examine the roads near Cefnpennar, complained of by Mr Thomas Thomas, visited the said road on .Wednesday, the 13th December, 18G5, and upon au examination of the road we found the same in a substantially pood condition, with the exception of two small lengths near a public-house below Mr Rees Williams's re- sidence, and a'so opposite Mr. Williams's house- We would recommend that the Surveyor be directed to get the large stones on that part of the road, situate onjthe Mountain, at once removed. We found that several lar?e stones had been re- moved, and the ditches lately cleansed in different places, but on the whole we found the road to be in good passable order, and this would also have been the case, even had not the Surveyor directed any of his men to have interfered with the road after the complaint by Mr Thomas Thomas, and prior to our inspection. Dated the 21st day of December, 18G5, Mr. Rhvs Raitt the report appeared a very fair one, and he moved that it be adopted. Mr. Rees Williams said he did not think it would satisfy "the Mountain Ash people. Mr. John Williams said a suggestion had;been made that a committee should be appointed to report upon the state of the roads in the parish onco a year, and tho Board thought thesugges- tion a good one. A letter complaining that men had been sent to repair ths Cefnpennar road, just previous to the committee's riding over the same, waa read; from Mr. Thomas Thomas. Mr. Davis thought it would do Mr Thomas good to ride over the road between! Cwmamanfmd Bwllfa. A nuisance committee for the District w as then appointed. Notices from the Central and Mid-Wales Rail-j ways were then read, and the Board instructed their Surveyor to see to the plans and report thereon. A deputation of gentlemen then waited upon the Board as to the road in the Cefnpennar ham- let, to which reference has so frequently been made. In the course of a lengthy discussion with the Board the deputation made out that ample- provision was not made for the overflow of water which happened during wet weather abd that, owing to this, the^roads were sometimesjrendered impassable. The Board instructed their Surveyor to make some changes in the gratings and to prepare plans and sections of the road between the Ynyscynon Canal bridge and Pantygerdinen gate, with a view of carrying" >ut some improvement. A letter was then read from Mr. John Morgan, Abernantygroes lsaf, with reference to the widen- ing of one of the Cwmbach-roads, and the Survey-^ or stated that the ground mentioned in the letter had not been handedover to him.. VJ The following report of the Survoyor^s read 11 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—I bef to report that. I have examined Highland-places complain- ed of by Mr. Lindsay, to have been biiiltin an in. ferior manner, the same being without a bottom and the side wal!s of stone set on edge, and a covering of timber. Owing to the inferior workmanship of the said drain, it has fallen in at different p'aces, and has caused an obstruction to the w aters of the Dare Fechan brook, and to overflow Highland-place. I would recommend that notice be given to the res- pective owners or occupiers of the premises fronting, adjoining,or abutting upon Highland-place to sewer, level, flair, kerb, channel, and macadamize the same as specified in the 69th section of the Public Health Act, 1848, and Amendment Act, 1861. I also beg to state that Mr Williams, of Cwmneol, will not construct a drain from the stable, on Fforchaman-road, proposed to be licensed for a slaughter-house to the river Aman. I also beg to state that I have received a notice from the promoters of the Aberdare and Central Wales Junction Railway Company. Building plans to whom leave may be granted to build: Rees Morgan, four houses opposite Watch- maker-row, Gadlys-road, Aberdare David Jones, three houses and a shop, Fforchaman-road, Cwm- aman Joseph Price, a house and shop, in Canon- street, Aberdare. A letter from the Charity Commissioners with reference to the Recreation Ground and a scheme for the regulation of the same were then read by Mr Gery. Mr Rbys said the scheme was an excellent one, and after certain alterations to make the same locally su itable had been made, he proposed the ground should henceforth be called the Aberdare Public Park. The Clerk was also desired to take the neces- sary legal steps with reference to the park, so that the bye-laws may be made. confirmed, and placed for inspection in the Board of Health oiBee. Counsel's opinion having been obtained with reference to the liability of the Board to keep the new roads constructed by the Inclosure Com- missioners (on the Hirwain Common) in repair, it was decided that the same should be kept in re- pair by the Board. Mr. Shys gave notice that he would introduce a motion for the regulation of cabs at the next meeting, and the Boardithen separated. A special meeting of the Board was held on the 18th instant,>nd,Jamongst other matters, it was decided that Messrs. R. H. Rhys, David Davis, and John Williams, should form a com- mittee, to take whatever steps may be rendered necessary by the proceedings of the people of Mountain Ash.

ABERDARE POLICE COURT. TUESDAY.—(Before J. C. fowler, Esquire.) John James and James Perkins, two young lads, who stated that they came from Glo'atershire, were charged with stealing two steel wedges and a small miner's lamp, the property of David Wil- liams, on the 16th inst.—Complainant said, he left the wedges and the lamp in the level on leav- ing his work on Saturday. Having occasion to pass the mouth of the level some time after, he noticed two lights in the lodge, and on proceeding to the spot he found the prisoners. He suspected they were there for an unlawful purpose, and charged them with having been in the level, which they at first denied, but on threatening them, one of the prisoners delivered up the lamp, and the other the wedges. The latter were worth Is. 8d. Neither of the prisoners had been working in the level.—P. C. Edmunds,arre8ted the prisoners on the previous afternoon at Cwmaman, and, having told them the charge, both acknowledged having taken the articles away, and said they would pay any money if the prosecutor would make it up.— Both prisoners pleaded gailty to the offence, and they were committed to prison for two calendar months each with hard labour. ASSAULTING THE POLICE.—James Howells was charged with assaulting P.C. Jennings while act- ing in the execution of his duty, on the 12 inst. The constable stated that he brought the defend- ant to the station, on a charge of being drunk and riotous, and in attempting to prevent his break- ing away defendant struck him on the breast, and afterwards stuck him again. Sergeant Mathews then came in, and defendant aferwards became quiet.— Howells, who expressed his regret for what he had done, was fined 10s. and 7s. costs. THEORY WITHOUT PRACTICE. — David John, Abernant, was charged with being drunk and riotous, on Sunday hist. Sergeant Thorney said he found the defendant in Harriet street, about half-past two in the afternoon, very drunk, jump ing about, and pretending to preach. Defendant 1-iid down on the ground and he had great diffi- culty in taking him to the station.—In answer to the charge, defendant said he was "famous in the Welsh Bible and having taken a glass too much he certainly did try to preach a bit. His Worship reminded the defendant that the Bible said Be not drunk with wine wherein is excess," but if writ- ten now the writer would no doubt have said "with beer wherein is excess." He was ordered to pav 10s. fine, and costs, or in default 7 days. INFRINGEMENTOF LICENSE. — WilliamWiltshire, landlord of the Bruce Arms, was chnrged with selling beer at an illegal hour on the 11th instant. Sergeant Mathews proved the offence and he was fined 20s. and costs. FURIOUS DRIVING AGAIN. —Charles Williams and Thomas Jones were charged with this offence. Sergeant Mathews stated that, on the 8th instant', at a quarter to six h the evening, he was on duty on the Abernant road when he met the defendants coming down the rond on horseback at a most furious rate, galloping as fast as thev could go. Tn re were a gre..t number of people on the road et the time coming from their work whose lives were endangered. He followed defendants to Mill-street where he found them in a beer-house. —Fined 40s. and costs each. David Davies was charged with a similar offence on the same evening. Sergeant Mathews met i him on the Hirwain Road, near the British Schools driving a pony, galloping at a furious rate and nearly ran over three young men who were walking up the pathway. He cautioned him there, but to no purpose for when he got to the Gadlys-road he again drove a3 hard as he could split." There was a great number of people on both roads who were in great danger. Defen. dant said he had been to a funeral and had drank too much beer. He was sorry for what he had donp-His Worship remarked that he did not think itt mended the matter to say he had been to a funeral and then to ride back to Aberdare like a horse jockey. He would be fined 40s. and costs. His Worship would rise the fine to £5 unless this dangerous practice were put a stop t o. John Rees was fined 5s. and costs for being drunk and riotous, on the Hirwain-road, on the 10th instant. Mary Jones was charged with doing damage to a tree to the amount of 2s., in a plantation be- longing to Mr. R. Edwards, Hendrebailey. Mr. F. James, appeared for complainant, and Mr. Gascodine for the defence. It appeared from the evidence that the prosecutor had a number of young trees destroyed from time to time, and he suspected defendant from the footprints. He gave information to the police, and Sergeant Thorney compared the defendant's boots with the footprints near the spot, which were found to correspond. —The case having been gone into at some length, his Worship considered it one of the clearest cases of tracking by footmarks that had ever oome under his notice. Defendant was ordered to pay 2s. compensation, 10s. fine, and costs, BREACH OF CONTRACT.—William Bird, a shoe- maker, in the employ of Mr. S. B. Witchell, boot and shoemaker, Aberdare, was charged with leaving his work without notice. Mr. F.James appeared for the defendant. Mr, Witchell in the course of his evidence stated that he had been put to much annoyance through men leaving their work without any intimation, and he wished to make an example of the defendant. Defend- ant, ttho worked by the job, it appears, com- tiifi-eed two pair of boots and afterwards went awuy leaving his work unfinished. Mr. James contended that the defendant having beenf set to other w tk put an end to the contract.—The Bfnch ordered defendant to complete the work. 'Sly* Lewis, of Aberaman, was committed to prixou for disobeying a bastardy order. LEAVIXA woEK WITHOUT NOTICE. — THOMAS" Edwards, coi'ier, was charged with unlawfully absenting himself from work at the United Merthyr Colliery, the property of Mr. George El- liot and c. hersy Mr. James appeared for the prosecution. '^MSeiidant. it appears, was engaged in malting a n < %igvand /as taken away by the overman, who nte&Jhim to work in a single stall, in OTFTISEQWENCE ot their being about con- struetipg an iucline which would damage the headjflg. The defence was that while defend- iant'cculd aarn 5s. lOd, a day in the heading, LYT eonld aot earn more than 2s. a day in the ?ptall. The case was ultimately adjourned for the "1Uendance of the overman.

MOUNTAIN AStT. n THE PENNY READINGS came off as usual at the Workmen's Hall, on Thursday, the 14th inst., when there were about 500 persons present. The chair was occupied by Mr. David Rees, who made a few suitable remarks in opening the pro- ceedings, for which he was loudly cheered. He then called upon the Brass Band (Messrs. Willi- ams and party), who played Llwyn Onn," and were encored; reading, "Patsy and the Squire," Mr. D. John Welsh song, Miss Annie James Welsh reading, Menyw," Mr. John Morgan; solo bugle, Mr. G. Hagger (encored); reading, The Cotter's Saturday Night," Mr. P. Me. Kin- lay solo concertina, Master Charles Choles (en- cored) Dadi, "Y Tan a'r Dw'r," Messrs. Jones and Revan; song, "Some Folks," Mr. Callaway (encored); reading, Song of the Shirt," Miss Mellish;" song, "Bonnie Dundee," Mr. James Coe, who was encored, and responded with "Good-bye, Sweetheart, Goodbye;" Welsh reading, Mr. Bevan; Welsh song, Miss Hopkins; reading, Maclane's Child," Mr. Copeland. Mr. G. W. Wilkinson here camp forward, and pro- posed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was heartily responded to. Finale, God save the Queen." We must not forget to notice tho appearance of a new pianoforte on the platform, and we feel sure that now we have an instrument worthy the performance of the fair sex, a greater number of those of the neighbourhood will make their appearance on the Penny Readings' plat- form. WORKMEN'S HAL:—Messrs. Pool and Young have been giving their entertainment of the Ghost, &c., since Monday, to delighted audi- ences, at the above hall.

€MtariaI temgaabm*. 1 he Editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions of his Correspondents. MOUNTAIN ASH. To THE EDITOR OF THE" ABERDARE TIMES." SIR,—I am glad to see that your correspondent X.Y.Z." has, in his last letter published in your columns, in a great measure withdrawn the charge he made against the police of this district, and that he has inquired into the circumstances of the case but I beg leave to ask him, in the the name of common sense, why did he not adopt this course before he rushed into print to calumniate a body of public servants ? He talks largely of the weakness of the case I have made out, but anyone who reads his epistle can see that he feels the awkward position he has placed himself in by his own want of judgment in this matter. He seems to be cut to the quick with some ex- pressions I made use of in my last letter, and tries to insinuate that I am actuated by something approaching to hatred; but he can depend upon it I was actuated by no other motives than the principles of honesty, justice, and truth—honesty to the public, justice to the officers whom he re- viled, and truth as regards the true statement of facts. And as to his piece of "tall talk" about "a band of drunken Sabbath breakers," &c., I can only regard it as being the emanation of a weak mind, as I did not seek to justify theni in the least, but only to save our officers from what I considered a piece of vile calumny. As his last letter is written in a sort of apologetic strain, I believe he has saen the folly of his first lucubra. tion, and upon this ground I, for one, forgive him, trusting he will look twice before he again takes a leap of this kind. I offer you my kind thanks, Mr. Editor, for your insertion of my last, and as I shall not trouble you again in this mat- ter, I hope you will spare me a corner in your next for this.—I am, sir, yours, &c., RESIDENT. Mountain Ash, Dec. 12, 1865.

To THE EDITOR OF THE ABERDARE TIMKS." SIR,—While reading the account of the Board of Health meeting in your impression of Saturday last, I noticed with great surprise the remarks made by Mr. Hall, surveyor to the Board, in his report relative to the Cefnpennar road. The sur- face, he stated, was in good repair, the channels and drains open, and not full of mud. leaves, and debris, as described in A letter which I recently wrote to the Board. When, owing to what was said by the chairman, he (Mr. H.) found the Board determined to select a committee to exa- mine it, then the first following days after the meet- ing four or five labourers were sent to make the requisite repairs. Now, if the road was in good condition previous to his report, what necessity could there be of employing so many men imme. diately after his report was given to the Board Does not this clearly prove that the statements made in my letter were quite correct, and that the case was misrepresented by Mr. Hall P I trust the above will be enough to convince your read- ers and the public generally of the accuracy of my description of the said portion of the Cefnpen- nar parish road.—I am, dear sir, yours sincerely, THOMAS THOMAS. Cefnpennar Uchaf, Dec. 13, 1865.

APALLING CONDITION OF THE AMERICAN FREEDMEN. To THE EDITOR OF THE ABEUDARE TIMKS." ESTEEMED FRIEND,—The kindness of the Brit- ish press in the insertion of articles and letters on behalf of the four millions of suffering freed people in America has been of immense service. In various ways-in cash, implements, cloth- ing, &c.— help has been rendered to the extent of between £50,000 and £60,000. Still, our worst fears for these poor creatures for the ensuing winter are likely to be far ex- ceeded as even those but little acquainted with the subject may in part judge from the subjoined letter of General Saxton, of the American Freed- men'a Bureau, and from extracts from two fully reliable letters, since received by myself, as one of the secretaries and treasurers of the Binning- ham and Midland Freedmen's-Aid Associstiofl within R few days. The sternness of the American winter is terti bly trying to the well-fed, well-clothed, and wet boused what it is likely to prove to hundreds thousands of these poor destitute creatures tl testimony at the foot of this letter too surely • too sadly indicates. May I most earnestly urge such of your read as have the ability to send help at once. We ha already been enabled to purchase 1,000 pairs' blankets since the receipt of General Saxton* letter (within the last three weeks). Thousand of pairs besides are available, on the most advatt tageous terms, had we hut the means of purchf ing them. One sum of £200, another of £ & and several smaller amounts, have enabled us < do thus much. Hereford, also, has sent to < £50, and several ladies' circles are in full "0 there, making up warm garments, &c., especial^ for the freed women and children, 800,000 of th latter being orphans. We are looking daily H an equal amount just contributed at Neath. M I most earnestly urge others promptly to imitat theseexamples. I am persuaded that thy insertion of this let will induce some of thy readers liberally to r* spond, according to their ability, especially to & in the purchase of blankets for the winter. i This appeal is made—not on political ground for our Association comprehends gentlemen every shade of politics-but on grounds of b" inanity and Christian philanthropy. I shall be willing to supply any information H my power gratuitously to persons wishing for th same, as to the freed peoplp, as to contribution of money, implements, and clothing, and as to tb formation of sewing circles. Meanwhile, contributions may beptid to Lloyd, Banking Company, Birmingham, to the aceo of Edward Geu, (chairman and treasurer) or myself, through the same medium, or directly. I Thine very truly, BJSNJ. H. CADBVRY, I Secretary and Treasurer to the Birming- ham & Midland Freedmen's-Aid Association, j Grove.Houte, Edgbaston, Birmingham, "i November 27, 1865. 1

THE TEMPERANCEHALL-COMPANY THE PENNY READINGS. To tub EDITOR OF, THE" ABERDA.RR Trass*" SIR,-—Another mountain has been in labour — and a long time, too — and with proverbi** accuracy has brought forth a mouse, ia the shap* of a letter from Mr. James James. With tb« several anonymous letters," and the writing* of "Spectators, &c. of course, ) have nothing ta do neither do I need to take unto myself thl gratuitous advice of Mr. James to people intend ing to write on this subject to write under thai* proper names, for up to the present I have writ' ten nothing respecting the Hall Company aO the Penny Readings to which I have not attache" Thos. H. Evans," a name of which I am quit^ as proud as Mr. James is of ff James James. I am much obliged to Mr. James for giving dlB and my little boys credit for what we did for tbØ Penny Readings last season, add I can him if I could but have brought myself to lieve the Temperance Hall Managers, or Commit' tee, or whatever it may be proper_to call then* were acting in a fair and liberal spirit towa^1 the Penny Readings Committee, I should ha*e; continued my humble efforts. As to Mr. Jan»^ not being able to understand what u induoed to speak so derogatorily of the H ill Companyt ø all I have to say is that I have only stated tb simple truth, which Mr. James has not yet 000" troverted; and if there be anything derogatory the Hall Committee in this, upon their heads bØ the blame. Perhaps Mr. James, if he is anxious for rnyø6 and the public generally to understand what means, will explain in what way it is "resll! childish to compare the meeting in which Mt. Bruce addresses his constituents with Penny Readings meeting." As a rule, I thin* political meetings are charged higher for all otef the country than meetings held for the sociw moral, and intellectual good of the people. Th'* may not be Mr. James's opinion, but it certain^ is that of every man who knows anything & public meetings and public life. As to my fancying I was acting the anction when I wrote, and therefore said the first thMfc that came to my head, this is just as likely to correct as that Mr. James when writing shou have thought that he was dealing with the rof meterial, and could blow away as hard as blowing power would permit hira. Coming to Mr, James's postscript, I find ft*? like the postscripts of most lady writers, it cgl tains the most important part of the letter. Pfl rait me, sir, to quote this When Mr. T. Evans was asked the price of his pianoforte last season, it was 15s. per night. I am utreJII glad to find that Mr. Evans has grown so Jibe in less than twelve months." Now it would ha) cost me 5s. per night, or more, to take my pi to and from the Hall, and the damage it wo, receive in being shifted about would n.ost lit be more than this; besides, I happened. know that a gentleman closely connected .\fJ, the Hall had two pianofortes in his own that very time, and I also did not shut my ef to the fact that whatever profits were made woll go to the pockets of a private company, could belter afford to pay for a piano thall could afford to lend mine for nothing. Th season I offered my piano for nothing knew it would not be removed, and that it required to assist in getting up entertairoents r profits of which were intended for some g°°^ cause. I think this wi 1 show how far my Jibe ality had grown, and how far Mr. James J justified in his illiberal comparison, and so, wi* this explanation, I make my oow, sir, and reffln' Ycur obedient servant, t THOS. H. EyAlfØ. J Cardiff Castle, Dec. 7, j

SMtrict fitting luMicjeitce. Trade continues brisk throughoat this vall^' and there seems to be no lack of energy on part of employer or employed. All the works being preserved in brisk operation, and even connection with building and other kinds of oil door work the greatest spirit is noticeable. > CARDIFF.—The exports of eoal from this pO for the month of November show a decrease r about 7,000 tons as compared with the eor^esp< ing month, but this decrease would no doubt been an increase had it not been for the wnfavo^f able weather. At present the steam coal tradf in a moderately satisfactory state, and the coHj$!jj ies are employed with tolerable regularity. shipments at the docks are fully up to the a agp, and Penarth is gradually getting a shaff the export trade in conI. A fair demand for all the foreign markets, and the orders f.ft.' the Continent are coming in pretty rapidly. Great Western coal traffic to Birkenhead is" creasing, and if the railway companies w<rc j grant proper facilities, a large quautity of steam would find its way to the London Ten shillings and sixpence per ton, the rate from the Aberdare Valley to Ijondon, i* t t' high to enable South Wales coal proprietor* compete successfully in the metropolitan mark^ In the house coal there is a slight improvement note, and the West of England and Irish are evidently of opinion that the prevailing ness will be followed by a severe season. local sale may be said as well to have imp but not to any great extent. Increased vitality evinced in the iron trade, and an improved has been manifested for the last few days. further orders for plates have been secured, *rj the expectations as to an increased demand at rL commencement of the new year are likely 40 j fully realised. The American inquiry conti«u^ to fluctuate, but there are a good many con^j from the states on the books. once more in progress for the sale of the Aberai»»j!> works, and it is not improbable that the prope may shortly change hands. —— w*

HOLLOWAY'S OINTMRNT AND PILLS.— RELIEF.—Sores which are daily extending, »'fil which are hourly deepening, may he arrestee their torturing progress and iuduccd to takejm healthy action by appiping this healin? Ointm^M and takipg these purifying Pi!2s. They act euch extraordinary promptitude and effect tb»l. jm ulcers of the legs, inflammations oaused by vari^^B v eins, and cramps of the iower limbs, can be eased, and are quickly eradicated by the JoJ agency of these powerful remedies, which rep excessive, and stimulate sluggish, vascular nervous action. In constitutions breaking under piles, fistulas, and other similarly painT^B miladies, a few applications of this coolinsf JB will give comfort, and a persistcnoe in it*^B will with certainty effect a cure. ABERDARE: jB Printed and Published by JOSIAH Thomas J and THEOPHILUS LINES JONES, at the TIMES Office, Commercial-place, ALetidaf^jB the County of Glamorgan. Saturday, December 29; 1865.

A STRANGER AT ABERDARE. "The value of any commodity is tho price it will bring is a sound commercial maxim. So the worth of any town or neighbourhood to an individual, consists of what it yields him in wealth, or pleasure or health, that is, in the means it affords him of enjoying life. Attend to a man's description aud estimation of a locality which he has only visited and you mav soon and easily discover his ruling passion. Is he anx- ious to make money, then he will enlarge upon the opportunities such a place presents for the purpose. Should he delight in the grandeur of creation his enthusiasm will find vent in extol- ling the outspread landscape, or the undulating hills, or the richly wooded valleys or other natural features that charmed his eye and struck the chord of his fancy. A geologist will enter- tain you by enumerating the pitrified remains of plants that adorned, and of animals that tenanted that particular spot in ages past beyond concep- tion the naturalist will discourse eloquently about plants that now grow along the heldge- banks, or the insects and birds that hum and carol over the fields to-day. The literary man will enumerate the institutions for the encourage- ment of the study of letters; the artist the op- portunities for disseminating a knowledge of the fine arts a lover of science, on the progress of the sciences. Thus the salient points of a man's conversation, his descriptions or enquires, gener- ally betray what he mostly has at heart. Something not very unlike marks the case of the man whose local habitation is just changed. If of studious habits, he will search for objects or institutions at which to slake his thirst for know- ledge. In this respect the writer can speak em- phatically. Such has been his own experience. On becoming a resident of Aberdare, a stranger amongst strangers, his sympathies led him to en quire what literary institutions the town could boast of; what societies existed for the mutual improvement of their members. But imagine his surprise at the result, at the astonishing fact that the town of Aberdare with a population of 30,000 has only the ruins of a Mechanics' Institute, in tho shape of a Reading-room and Library, and these only ruins, as the outward and visible sign of its literary aspirations. Of the arts and sciences not a vestige seems to exist. In fact there is no help for one pursuing knowledge un- der difficulties. Whatever attractions and privileges the Mechanics' Institute mav have once afforded, it has now none t., offer. They have disappeared and allowed indifference, and perhapiI ignorance, to gain the ascendcncy. One knows not how to estimate the mental status of the town, but if his conclusion be drawn from the character of its public institutions, the fesultwill bp far from flattering. Yet, what is more natural than to expect in a place which has such extensive wealth-making machinery, and such devotion and energy in employing this machinery, that brain culture should not be the one thing pre-eminent- Iv ne-glected ? The writer confidently supposed tho existence of a debating society or an elocution class, but even this belongs to the future. 1 In these days of Penny Readings an elocution class would ren- der valuable services, and is sorely needed. It is a matter of surprise that this evident want has not created the supply. Will young men always be content to read indifferently in public, nav, rather let us see the matter taken up at once. In this case there is no difficulty; no elaborate machinery is necessary. A room for meeting once a week may be secured for a small amount. Half a dozen members, with a chairman or pre- sident who has some knowledge of the laws of good reading and speaking to correct errors aud suggest improvements,and a society is established, the influence of which for good, if wisely and in- dustriously persevered in would,I have no doubt, bo immeasurably great Every one has or may have books from which to read and few there are who could not find a subject for debate, if the two features should be allowed. Of course a few rules, from which there must be no appeal, would be requisite for the maintenance of order Young men, t'ike the matter in hand, inaugurate a new era in the character and institutions of Aberdare. A STRANOER.