The Aberdare Times

MARRIAGE. LLEWELYN-RICHARDS. January 2nd, at the Congregational Church, Aberdare, by the Rev. W. E. Thomas, assisted by the Rev. D. Silyn Evans, William Llewelyn, Fairwater, Ammanford, to Lizzie, fourth daughter of the late Eustace Richards, Esq., J.P. DEATH. MORKIS.—At Bridgend Inn, Trecynon, Aber- dare, on the 29th ult Eliza, widow of late Mr Charles Morris, aerated water manufacturer, aged 51 years.

TO CORRESPONDENTS. We cannot insert anonymous letters. The read name and address must be forwarded, not neces- sarily for publication ,but as a guarantee of good faith. We shall be glad to receive notices of all meetings &c., of local interest, and if correspondents will be kind enough to send us intelligible infoi roation relative to these matters, they may rely upon proper reports appearing in due course. We cannot undertake to return rejected manu- script. 11 communicationst9 the Editor must be sent in by Wednesday. in

THE RECESS AND A LESSON. \1 a a Our parliamentary session closed at the end of last week. It is therefore the time for re- e' vision and criticism. Members of Parliament n 84 carry important responsibilities. They have e to make themselves acquainted with the needs 1 of an Empire and to legislate accordingly. g When legistation fails to meet the wants and F opinions of our various nationalities the blame ? falls on Parliament. Very frequently a ë majority of the members is implicated, and a v change of Government is demanded. This change is a sign of political health, and serves r as a safety-valve against revolution and dis. it order. We rejoice to note that this generation has not been plagued with such a crisis, and d we devoutly hope that the date is far distant when such an event will visit us. But we £ unhesitatingly state that this depends on the < wisdom of our members of Parliament. Not- ( withstanding our present apparent safety we ] are not without sad proofs of our statement. 1 One hundred and three years next July we lost the United States of America through the inability of our legislature to govern our colonies. Our conduct towards Canada has been marked by a wiser and nobler policy. The loyalty of Canada is often quoted as an instance of our administrative progress. Very likely in North America our Government has gained terra Jirma, but it seems unable as yet to cross the bogs of Ireland without the utmost peril. Political progress, like civilization, generally takes frequent leaps forward, follow- ed by sudden stagnation. We are to-day in the latter condition. Administrative ability is often lamentably lacking in our rulers. It would be difficult to prove that the present House of Commons is really in advance of that in the time of George the Third. The ad- ministration should always test its laws by these three criteria, namely, justice, majority, benevolence. All our Acts of Parliament should strictly accord with Christian justice; with the consent of a fair majority of the nation and with the well-being of the community they are purposed to benefit. If the act anticipates the regulation of a nationality the will of that nationality should be consulted. What of the case of Ireland in the balance of these principles? It is weighed and fouud wanting. The majority of the Irish nation is for Home Rule. The majority of Irish re- p resentatives in the British House of Commons is for Home Rule. What is the real objection to it ? We may be considered severe; still we honestly desire our views tested by the above criteria. This can be done during the rtccss. Our reply,—Man has no inherent right to rule any one but himself. If he undertakes to rule others it should be by mutual arrangement. Possibly few members of Parliament would listen to such language as this. The genius of true Government is on our side. The philosophy of history confirms and teaches our lesson. Let us all look for- ward and upward, instead of harbouring the lust of supremacy and listening to the be- 1 witching dictates of despotism. The clouds; are hnrriedly disappering from the new heavens of humunity. There is nothing more clearly el y written across the future firmament of destiny than the epitaph of Belshazzar-the MEBTE, MEXE, TEKEL, UPHAHSIN of every wanton tyranny over the progress of man. j i We once more wish a happy New Year to alj. our readers. We have now fairly entered upon 1889. Christmas and New Year's Days are just gone by, and we are about beginning to recover from the attack of indigestion with which, no doubt, we have all been afflicted. We can therefore afford to look forward with hopefulness to the New Year; and to make perhaps, vows of improvement in our lives. New Year's Day is at Lea&t serviceable in this oue respect, if no other. We aU make resolu- tions of amendment in whatever we fancy we are wanting; and we systematically break them before the first quarter of the year is gona. But what does it matter if we do break them. We flan make them again in 1890, and in 1891 and if wo can only manage to keep them,—say, two months longer, each time, we shall at last- if we live Ions; enough—become very praise- worthy people indeed. • In our town New Year's Day was nqfc dis- tinguished by any particular animation. AS twelve o'clock struck, the bells of St. Elvan's, that conspicious and sturdy structure, which I. seems to "stand foursquare to all the winds that blow," changed from the muffled tolling ?.?- which they had previously been treating us to I (in token of the dying of the old year) to a merry peal. Simultaneously there was a great deal of noise in the streets;—the streets did'nt make the noise, but somebody in them ;—then there was the ringing out of the hooters at the various collieries; —the weird whistling of locomotive engines. And then all became quiet again. That was New Year's Morning in Aber- dare. Not very startling, was it ? • • It is curious to note the different degrees of warmth and enthusiasm with which Christmas and New Year's Days are observed in different parts of the country. In England and Wales, we are tremendously hot over Christmas. Christmas is the one season of jollity for the whole year. Then all hearts are opened, and everybody joins in making everybody else as jolly as he or she can. Now in Scotland, very little notice is taken of Christmas; they are getting to think more of it of late years, certainly but even now it is nothing, compared with the English and Welsh Christmas. But on New Year's Day, the Scotch have high jinks." Then they are all alive if you like. It is exactly like our Christmas. Bottles, full of whiskey are emptied ag though they were thimbles, full of water. It is nothing to see a party of jovial gentlemen dancing round a room, flourishing empty whiskey bottle.* in their hands. They are not drunk, you understand, but they are elated. However, Scotland is coming over to Christmas Day; and there is reason to believe that the custom of keeping up New Year's Day with such tremendous hilarity will gradually die out. < Mr Thomas Thomas, like a good Samaritan, has had pity on the mothers of Aberdare. He drew attention, at the School Board meeting on Friday last, to the fact that the Government examinations had been fixed to commence at some schools as early as 8 o'clock,—in others at 8.30. This, Mr Thomas very properly pointed out was too early. Mothers, he said, could not be expected to get their children ready at such an early hour on these wintry mornings. The result of Mr Thomas's forethought will be seen by glancing at our reporting columns. We give Mr Thomas thanks on behalf of the Aberdare mothers. The County Council election is proceeding without much show of animation. Matters will doubtless be more lively as the eventful day ap- proaches. We wish to put a very strong word in on behalf of the candidature of Sir W. T. Lewis, Mr n. H. Rhys, Mr James Lewis, Mr D. P. Davies, and Mr Hann. May they—for they are the best men-win.

gotal Jtttelligence. o "UNCLE TOM'S CABIN."—Mr C. Hermann's well-known company appeared in the Temper- ance Hall, in this town, on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday before large audiences, when a dramatic represent of Mrs H. Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was rendered each evening. The company included a large number of genuine negroes, the plantation scene being particularly attractive and some excellent banio Dlavins: was introduced therein The performances were heartily appluaded and gave much satisfaction throughout. ABERDARE COUNTY COUNCIL ELECTION.—On Friday night a public meeting in support of the candidature of Mr R. H. Rhys, J.P., was held in the vestry of Nebo Chapel, Cwmdare Mr Griffith Thomas presided, and stirring addresses were delivered by Mr David Duncan, Mr J. J. Thomas, Mr Rees Llewellyn, and others.—Major Thomas Phillips and the candidate having epito- mised the nature of the business to be transacted by the council, a vote of confidence in Mr Rhys was passed with unanimity.—On Wednesday evening last a meeting in support of the candi- dature of Sir W. T. Lewis was held at Ebenezer, Trecynon, under the presidency of Mr Thos. E opkin. The meeting was numerously attended and a very able address was delivered by the candidate explanatory of the duties of a councillor. He also refuted some false state- ments which had appeared in the Welsh press respecting his alleged refusal to grant a building site for a chapel at Hirwain. At the close a unanimous vote in support of Sir William's candidature was carried. "PUNCH'S" MERRIMENT AND MR PRITOHARD MORGAN.-The Melbourne Punch is about as humorous as our alleged comic organ of the same title. The issue of November 15th contains an allusion to the junior member for Merthyr, and it is written in that funny vein which characterises the London journal. This is what it says •—" William Pritchard Morgan, who is now a member of the British House of Commons, once stood for the constituency of Mount Perry in Queensland. He was so guyed and badly beaten on that occasion that he fled immediately after, and in his hurry to leave the scene of defeat far behind, he fell right over an outcrop of gold-bearing quartz away up in the North. He had the sense to pull up and stick there until he filled his pockets. Then he went on a visit to the Clan Morgan in Wild Wales, and now wears gloves and saya Mg Speaker" in St. Stephen's." ? COLLIERY OFFICIALS ASSOCIATION. — 4 numerously attended meeting of the members of this association was held at the Assembly Rooms of the Bush Hotel, Merthyr, on Satur- day night. Mr D. E. Davies (the president) took the chair, and there were present Messrs J. L. Thomas, secretary; William Hughes, treasurer; T. Phelps, vice-president, and about 15 others from the Aberdare Valley. There were also about 40 officials from the Merthyr Valley, including Messrs R. Snape, Merthyr Vale; J. Jones, Gyfarthan; and J. Eynon, Bodlinog.—The President said that the object of the meeeting was, in the first place, to ascertain whether the oolliery officials in the Merthyr Valley were anxious to become members of an association of that kind; and, if so, whether a scheme that had for its object the forming of one association of all the colliery officials in both valleys was feasible or not, or whether it would be better to form two associations, one in each valley.—After a very fair discussion, it was found that all the officials present were unanimously of opinion that it was better to form one association, and a resolution to that effect was carried without a dissentient vote. After this the code of rules that had been drawn out and adopted by the Aberdare meeting was read to the Merthyr officials, and they were all approved of and confirmed without a single objection. Thirty-four new members were enrolled and paid their subscriptions. ApERDARE ,SCHOOL BOARD.—A meeting of the above Boaid was held on Friday, the 28th ult., Mr D. P. Dayies, vice-chairman, presided. There were also present Messrs W. Charles, R. Wigley, D. Morgan, W. D. Wight, T. Thomas, Revs. T. Jones, B. Evans, W. James, and D. Griffiths. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The finance committee re- commended the payment of accounts amounting to J1268 9a Id. Cheques were drawn for Hir- wain J oint Schools amounting to JE75 4s 8d, and Duffryn Joint Schools, C74 17s Id. The Super- intendent reported the number of children on the books of the various schools for the week ending December 21st to be 4309 number pre- sent at all, 3790 in average attendance, 3199 per oentage of number on books, 74*5 present at all, 84-4 amount due as fees, 246 lis lid received, X46 11s lid; received as poundage, JE10 12s; total received and paid to treasurer, JM7 3s lid; due from Board of Guardians, JE17 14s. An application was received from Mr John M. Dayies asking for the use of the Cwm- aman School for tfya purpose of holding a short- hand class. The application was granted on the usual terms. H.M. Inspector wjroto informing the Board that he had fixed the examinations of schools as follows: Blaengwawr, on the 8th, 9th, and 10th January; Cap Coch, 11th at 8.30 a.m., infants ditto, 14th; Cwmbach, 15th; Uwmdare, 16th; Abornant, 18th, at 8 a.m. Hirwain, 21st, 22nd, and 23rd; Llwydcoed, 23rd, and 24th Penywain, 25th Roberts Tovn, 29th Town, 30th. Mr T. Thomas drew attention tQ the early hour at which the examinations were proposed to be held, viz., 8 o'clock and 8.30 å.m: toy infants. How, he asked, could parents be expected to send their children to school at such an early hour' in winter? Mr Wight considered it a most un- reasonable thing to get children out of bed before daylight. Mr D. Morgan proposed that they make a representation to the Inspector not to held the examinations at such an early hour during ihe winter months, and, if possible, that auch alteration he rcade during the the ensuing examinations. This was unanimously agreed to. There was no other business of public interest,

ABERDARE POLICE COURT. TUESDAY— (Be/ore W. M. North, R. H. Rhys, and, j), P JJaviiii, Esqrs.) ALLEGED THEFT. — .\Iary Ann Jones, a married woman, was summoned for stealing four pairs of boots, the property of Mr P. lialewood, Canon-street, Aberdare. It was stated that defendant was hardly responsible for her actions, and the charge was withdrawn. DRUNKENNESS. umes McDonald was charged with being drunk and disorderly in Duke. street, A.'erdm <m Thursday, the 23rd ult. Fined 10s and cost-, or fourteen days.— A young man lla. IJ tJd Locker was fined.-os and costs, or seven days, for being drunk and dis- orderly in Canon-streety Aberdare, on the 27th ult. Daniel Davies was summoned for being drunk and disorderly in Bwllfa-road, Cwmdare, on the 15th ult. Fined 5s and costs, or seven days.—J ames Nelson and Daniel Phillips were summoned for being drunk and disorderly on the 23rd ult., in High-street, Aberdare. P.O. J. Davies stated that whilst he was taking Nelson to the police station he threw himself down aud kicked him three times. Nelson said the constable threw him down first. Phillips was fined 10s and costs, or fourteen days, and Nelson 153 and costs or three weeks' imprison- ment. SELF-DEFENCE. — David Harris and George Simons were sutnmonod for obstructing Sion- terrace, Cwmbach, by fighting thereon. Simons: I was defending myself. Harris And I was defending myself (Laughter). Fined 5s and costs each. or seven days in default. STEALING LIMESTONE. — David Davies, a canal boatman, was chaiged with stealing a quantity of lime-stone, the property of Messrs Nixon & Co Navigation Colliery. Mr Kenshole appeared for the prosecution. Jeremiah Conolly. lime-burner, Philip-street, Mountain Ash, deposed: I work at the Upper Lime Kiln. Mountain Ash. On Christmas morning last, I missed some stone from this kiln. I saw it safe on Monday even- at 5 o'clock, and I missed the stone a little after 7 o'clock on the following morning and, having finished my work, went down the canal bank to another kiln which I was to att3nd to. I met prisoner, who was in a boat which wai being towed along the canal. Upon looking into the boat I saw a auautitv of lime-stone, and asked him where he had it from. He replied from Davies, Blaengwawr." I told him he could not get it there, and prisoner then said he had it from the caual iu course of further con- versation he admitted that he had taken some of the stone from the kilns, as his kiln, which was situate at Poutypridd, was running out. P.S. Reed stated that he was called to prisoner's boat, where he found about three tons of lime- stone belonging to Messrs Nixon, nearly all covered with small coal. In answer to the charge he admitted having taken the stone. Prisoner now stated that he el used the limestone simply for the purpose of balancing the boat. The Bench failed to accept the explanation as true, and sentenced him to one month's im- prisonment with hard labour. A LAME EXCUSE.—James Welsh, an able bodied man, was charged with stealing 2s 6d the property of Joseph Griffiths, on the 29th ult. Prosecutor deposed: I am a butcher, livingat27, Oxford street, Mountain Ash. About half-past 10'clock, on the day in question, I was in my shop. There was no one there then. I afterwards heard a footstep in the shop and saw prisoner there loaning over the counter near the till. I went round and naught hold of him and asked him what he hid. He said, I have the horrors and the devil tempted mo to do it. I asked him how much money he had taken from the till, and he told me that he had taken halt-a-crown. He then put his hand in his pocket and threw half-a-crown on the counter, and asked me to let him go. I sent for a policeman and kept prisoner till he came P.C Martin said that on the 29th ult., he was sent for to prosecutor's shop. He went there and found prosecutor and prisoner in the shop. Vlr Griffiths gave prisoner in charge and he took him into custody. At the station prisoner said, I did take it. I had been drinking for the last few days and had no money left. Witness found l £ d. upon him Prisoner pleaded guilty, and said he was sorry for what he had done. He was distitute and out of work. He was sent to prison for fourteen days with hard labour. DAMAGING A FENCE.—David Rees, Stephen Rothwell, James Jones, Joseph Owen, John i Gay, and William Havard, ajll young men, were summoned for damaging a fence. P.C. T- Jenkins said that on Monday night, the 10th of last month, he saw the defendants in a field, the property of Mr Daniel l'hornas. There was a fight going on. When defendants saw him and another constable, they all ran away, and in crossing a wire fence they broke it down. William Havard said he was not there at the time. The witness said he could not swear to him, and he (Havard) was discharged. A witness, called for Mr Thomas, said the damage to the wire fence amounted to 3s. The Bench fined the defendants 5s. and costs each, the damage, 3s., to be divided between them, or seven days each in default. CLAIM FOR WAGRS -David Jones, White Horse, was summoned for the non-payment of 12s. 3d., wages alleged to be due to Edward Owen. Complainant stated that he worked for defendant at a colliery level at a guinea a week. He met with an accident and defendant only paid him lis. 9d. He worked seven days, aud defendant kept back 7s. for tools. Defendant said he never made any agreement about wages. Complainant left and went to work at Lletty Sbenkin The Benph believed complainant's statement, and said defendant had deducted money for tools, which he had no right to do. Judgment was entered for plaintiff. ASSAULT.—Evan Morgan Williams was sum- moned for assaulting Mary Davies and Thomas Davies, on the 22nd ult. The complainant, Mrs Davies, said she was going home, on the night in question, when defendant jumped between her and her hijshanu, first knocking her husband down and afterwards illtreating her, giving them both black eyes. Her husband had no chance of defending her. Her mother, hearing her screams from the house, came and took defend- aut away, Tfios. Davies said defendant knock- ed him down seyefal tildes. He was too weak to defend himself. The Bench considered it a cowardly assault, and fined defendant qs. and costs, in each case, or seven days in each case.

COLLIERY LAMPS FOR THE RHONDDA VALLEY. EXPERIMENTS AT ABERDARE. For some time pagt a ioint committee of agents and workmen connected with the collieries in the Rhondda Valley have conducted a series of experiments for the purpose of testing the resisting power of the lamps now used at the various works in that district, and on Fri- day evening an influential deputation attended at the pambrian Lamp Works, Aberdare. There were present—^pssjrs. William Abraham (" Mabon "), M.P., Willianj Jenkin^, Qcean Collieries T. Griffiths, Cymmer David Evans, Ferndale; W. W. Hood, Glamorgan Coal Com* pany; J. L. Thomas, Nantmelyn; Oliver Cromwell, Bwllfa Tibbett, Ferndale; — Kent, Llwynpia; — Williams, Clydach Vale; and -re* Evans, Penrhiwfer. Mr Lewis N. Williams, proprietor of the works, kindly placed his test- ing apparatus at the disposal of the committee, and after subjecting several lamps to a severe test, the-proceedings were further adjourned, pending the erection at Cymmer Colliery of a testing apparatus on an extensive scale. On the motion of Mr W. Abraham, a vote of thanks was accorded Mr Williams for the facilities afforded by him in assisting to settle the question.

DRUNKENNESS CURED. A Wealthy American Lady whose only sen V!ks for: years a slave to intemperance, after seeking to vam for a cure, and trying all known remedies, at fcst found a simple means that cured and saved him lom a drunkard'sx grave. Any one suffering Of desiring to help", othera in this worthy cause, by sending a self-adaressed stamped envelope to Mr. James Holland, 25, Hart Street, High Holborn, London, will receive this information free of charge. Mention this paper. TK* DisooTMy 01 Painleaa Dentistry, and ibig prokctic-e Ot ay Dr. G. H, Jones,' Burgeon Dentist, of Buasell Street, Jon, W.C., has gained for bim M eUais, Awards of Honour, fcnd'pipjomta far more numerous thwi kr M* etfus mmbu CADBURY'S absolutely pure Cocoa is manu- factured by a special process, retaining in a concentrated form aU the flesh-forming cos- stituents and invigorating qualties for which the Cocoa-bean is famed. j

THE NEW SECRETARY OF THE PEACE SOCIETY. ANOTHER WELSHMAN APPOINTED. The committee of the Peace Society have i appointed Mr Evans-Darley, of Watford, Herts, to be secretary of the society. Like his two predecessors in the office, Mr Henry Richard, M.P., and Mr Jones-he is a Welshman, a native of Carmarthenshire. He formerly resided at Plymouth, where he actively opposed the C. D. Acts. '?

ABEltDARE LOCAL BOARD OF HEALTH. The ordinary bi-monthly meeting of the above Board was held on Friday, the 28th ult., there being present Messrs. R. H Rhys (chairman), J. Lewis, D. P. Davies, W. Thomas, D. Davies (Canon-street), D. Davies (Canton House), E. M. Hann, O. tl irris, and r. Thomas. The minutes of the last meeting were read aud confirmed. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REPORT. Dr Davies, the Medical officer, reported nine cases of scarlet fever, bein., a decrease of seven as compared with last report; and three death. being a decrease of two as compared with the same period. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The following was read :— Surveyor's Office, Town Hall, Aberdare, Dec. 22nd, 1888. To the Chairman and Members of the Aberdare Local Board of Health. Gentlemen, -Lighting.-I beg to submit a lighting table for the five months ending the 31st day of May next. "Ten&rs for Ironmongery,$c.—I beg to report that the current tenders for Ironmongery, Smith's Work and Repairs of Lamps, will expire on the 31st inst., and that tenders for the ensuing year have been asked for to .be presented to the Board at their next meeting, oirtfee''28th inst. Mardy Bridge.-I beg to submit a plan shewing the proposed new bridge over the Rhondda Fach River, at Mardy, and an estimate of the cost of the said bridge. A tracing of the plan is in the hands of the Surveyor to the Ytradyfodwg Local Board since the 13th inst. High Street Footway.-In accordance with instructions I have inspected the footway in front of No. 31 High Street, and find that it is 10 inches below the level of the roadway opposite, and 3 inches below the floor of the shop. The width of the footway is S feet 6 inches and it is in a bad state of repair. There has been no alteration in the level of the roadway opposite tha shop during the last twelve years, except what is due to ordinary wear and periodical repairing. Canon Street Footways.—I beg to remind the Board that the sum of X50 was included in the last half-yearly estimate for the repairs of Canon Street Footways and to ask for instructions thereon. Hackney Carriages.—A requisition for a license to ply for hire within the District of the Board with a two wheeled Hackney Carriage called a Hansom having been received from Mr Edmund Wrentmore, of No. 158, Cardff Road, I inspected the said carriage and found it in proper condition to be licensed. I have the honour to remain, gentlemen, your obedient servant, T. LL. EDWARDS. CANON-STRKET FOOTWAYS. Mr Davies (Canon-street) alluded to the de fective state of the footways in the above street, particularly to that portion near the Brecon Old Bank. He suggested that the E50 set aside for the purpose of repairing the footways in the last estimate be expended for this purpose—the most necessary part to be done first. This was agreed to. PROPOSED INCREASE OF MEMBERS. At the last meeting Mr D. P. Davies gave notice of motion to increase the number of members of the Board to fifteen and that the district be divided into five instead of four wards. He remarked that he was not quite ready to proceed with his motion and wished to adjourn it for a month. Mr Davies (Canon-street) said his notion was that the matter should be postponed until parlia- ment met, to see what would be done with the Local Governtnent Bill. He thought that Aberdare was entitled to six members on the County Council. SCAVENGING CONTRACTS. Only one tender had beea received for the haulage and removal of road scrapings and street sweepings in Cardiff-road to Aberaman bridge, viz., from William John, Victoria Inn, the amount being JE12 168 6d for a period of six months The tender was accepted. The seal of the Board was also attached to the Abernant scavenging contract This being all the business, the Board then separated.

THE COAL TRADE IN 1888. During the closing weeks of the year a dis- turbing element of great moment considerably modified the position of the coal trade and in- fluenced the same trade on the continent, namely, the advance of wages obtained by the miners. Coalowners in all the districts where the advance was given were so conscious of the prematureness of the men's demand that at first it was not taken seriously, considering that prices of all descriptions of coal had not advanced up to the autumn of this year, but if anything slightly Receded, and that the coal industry for employers was most unremune^- ativo. This feeliug was perhaps natural, but the easy victory secured by the men shows that their demand was justified by the prospects of trade. In the early part of 1887 there was a long strike in Northumberland which it was estimated caused a loss of 1,600,000 tons of output, Kit the loss to the district was much more serous than a mere loss of output. Merchar-ts and and consumers had placed many of the- orders ce for the year in other parts of th& juntry, so that the Ncrtu uuiuorianti coal trade felt the disturbance to their business all the year, and wen into 1888. To regain their position their sales for the present year were made at very low prices, which kept down the price of coal for export from tbe Yorkshire coal fields, Steam coal and house coal were lower than for years, and gas coal was also sold in many cases at less rates. The first indications of improvement in prices came from South Wales. Early in the year at Cardiff and Newport extensive sales were made at previous years' price, but later on a gradul improvement took place, until now prices of best smokeless steam coal in Cardiff have risen to 12s 6d and even 13s 6d f.o.b. During the summer and early autumn York- shire coalowners felt envious of the prices re- alised in South Wales, but were unable to help themselves as long as the North of England masters supplying the same markets were sell- ing their steam coal at 7s 3d to 7s 6d f.o.b. This lasted until October. However, during the six or seven weeks since the advance of miners-' wages was conceded, coal that was selling in the earlier part of the year at New- castle at 7s 3d and 7s 6d is no^y realising §s and 9s 6d, and it is expected that oontraota over next year will not ba made under 9s. The house coal trade throughout the year has been more depressed, and prices have been lower relatively than for any other class of coal, and this condition is likely to continue. The output of coal in Great Britain in 1887 exceeded that of the previous year by 4,000,000 tons. For the 11 months, 500,000 tons ad- ditional were sent to the London district than in the previous year, or nearly four times as much as the increase 1887 over 1886. There is every indication at present that coal will be able to maintain a fair advance in price during the coming year. Coalowners, having given 10 per cent. advance in wages, and paying 33 per cent. more for mining timber, and increased prices for stores, must, if they are to realise my profit out of their undertaking, obtain more money for their coal, and, though consumers may complain, it' is probable that they will succeed in obtaining what they require at a reduction on recent rates,- Times. A CARD.—AN IMPORTANT DISCOVERY is announced in the Paris Figaro, of a valuable remedy for nervous debility, physical exhaustion and kindred complaints. The discovery was made by a missionary in Old Mexico it saved him from a miserable existence and premature decay. The Rev. Joseph Holmes, Bloomsbury Mansions, BloomsburySquare, London, W.C., will send the prescription, free of charge, on I receipt of a self addressed stamped envelope. Mention this paper.

RAILWAY COLLISION. ACCIDENT TO AN ABERDARE TRAIN. TWO LIVES LOST: DESTRUCTION OF ROLLING STOCK. The west end of the Stow Park tunnel, on the Great Western Railway, was the scene of a shocking disaster early on Sunday morning, by which two poor fellows lost their lives. Travellers to and from Cardiff and Bristol will remember that a hundred yards or so on the Cardiff side of the tunnel, which carries them under the fashionable suburb of Newport, there [ is a signal box known as the Gaer box, f Opposite to this the Western Valleys line duea parts from the main line. There are signals onm the face of the cunnel near by which the traffic of both incoming lines is regulated. The lesser signals on the left side approaching Newport govern the Valleys trains, and the higher ones in the six-foot control the main line. At 10 minutes past two o'clock on Sunday morning this portiou of the line was the scene of a dis- aster which fortunately is without parallel in the annals of local railway affairs. A heavily-laden train, which left Aberdare at 9.15, had come via the Caerphily and Ponty- pridd Railway near to the spot, and the signal- man &t the Gaer box had given it the signal to advance. The train consisted for the most part of laden coal trucks, but there were also several trucks laden with steel rails. The grandient here is a heavy one, and drivers are often com- pelled to put on steam to check speed. The Aberdare train, which was driven by Henry Meade, of Swindou, with a tank engine, numbered 1661, and who had for his fireman Edward Derby, also of Swindow, came on to the points at a swinging rate. Just at or before this another mineral train irom Cardiff was approaching on the main line. For a few yards the two lines run parallel before converging. The train from Cardiff was slightly in advance of the other. The Aberdare train took the points, and struck the Cardiff train at the fourth or fifth truck in the rear of its engine. The impact was so great that the trucks in the rear of the Aberdare engine, thus suddenly arrested, mounted on to the rear of the engine in front of them, crushing in the sides of the cab or platform on which stand the driver and fireman, and killing Meade and Derby before they could escape. The front part of the Aberdare engine kept to the metals, but the rear wheels were thrown off, and the engine stood athwart the rails at the converging points. Both trains were heavily freighted, and the destruction was great. Trucks were rolled up in all directions, and their contents strewn about for a considerable distance. The driver and the fireman of the Cardiff train jumped off unhurt, the only effect of the collision being to push the engine on with a bound. Both lines were blocked, and the South Wales mail, due out of Newport station at 2.13 a.m., was in im- minent peril Fortunately, the train was stopped both by message from the Gaer box and by one of the guards running on through the tunnel to Newport station with his lamp to warn back anything approaching Messengers were dispatched for aid, and the lines were blocked all round by telegraph. Mr Herbert, the cdief of the locomotive works in Bolt-street, Newport, was upon the spot within a ahorttime with a gang of men. The poor fellows who were crushed beneath the trucks at their post of duty were seen to be beyond human help, and every effort was made to get the down line clear for the service of trains. By six o'clock the mail, which had been kept at Newport during the interval, was enabled to pass but the bodies of the two men were not recovered until eleven o'clock They were with difficult goc out of a tangled mass of twisted iron rods and charred I wood. The foremost truck appeared to have I dashed in the bunker at the rear of the cab." As it did so it crushed the heads of the two men against the iron in front and above the furnace. The heads of the poor fellows were flattened out of all recognition, but the other portions of their bodies were only injured by steam and heat. Death must have been instantaneous. The hands of the fireman (Derby) were on the handles of the brake, as though his last act in life had been to endeavour to check the speed of the engine. The bodies were removed to the Pill mortuary. A special train from Swindon brought Mr Simpson, the chief superintendent, and a reinforcement of men. Mr Adey, district superintendent, Cardiff, was early upon the scene of the disaster, as were also Inspetor Seymour and Howells. During the day gangs of men, amounting altogether to over 50, were engaged in removing the debris and repairing the permanent way. The traffic was worked over the down line. The fields adjacent were utilized by persons who came to look at the traces of the accident, and the services of the police were called in to keep the line clear. The driver of the train from Cardiff, who be- longs to Bristol, was sent on to that city by the first train. It is supposed that he, being now to the work, mistook the signals of the Western Valles train for his own, and thus contributed to the accident. The morning was starlight and the air frosty, and the signals could bo distinctly seen. Great praise is due to Evans, the signalman at the Gaer box. The mail had been signalled out of Newport in the usual way, and there was only half a mile between the train and the scene of the disaster. Evans at once rang up the gong, but the signalman at the station would not credit the alarm, and asked the reason on the instrument. Evans then explained what had occurred, and by his promptitude prevented another and more dreadful/iostrophe. The down line was :¡Ii cleared until late on Sunday night. Inquiry at ''ae Great Western Railway Station at Cardiff incited the information that the mail train vassed through at 7.30 a.m., being thus fiv hours late. Other trains during the day ./ere not retarded, and traffic was easily regu- lated. It appears that Meade, the unfortunate driver of the Aberdare train, leaves a wife and five children. Derby also leaves a wife and two children

8 istrixt &nUlliQtw. » MOUNTAIN ASH. MILITARY FUNBRAL.-The funeral of Mr T. Jarman, a local volunteer, took place on Tues- day, when a good muster of the volunteers attended in uniform, Captain Morgan Morgan being in command. The band, conducted by Mr Shaw, played very effectively The Dead March in Saul on the way through the town to the cemetery. The usual volleys were fired at the grave. WOMEN'S TEMPERANCE SocIETY-The annual meeting of the Mountain Ash Women's Temper- ance Society was held on Monday, at the coffee- tavern, when a large number took tea together, Lady Aberdare, the Hon: Mrs Mackenzie and, the Hon. Misses Bruce being present. In the meeting held after the tea, Lady Aberdare gave an excellent address, and a very interesting pro- gramme was gone through. MERTHYR. TQE MBR^HYR VA^B TRAQKDY.—At the Police- court on Saturday Richard Evans was charged with the wilful murder of Richard Roberts, at Merthyr Vale. The evidence adduced was practically the same as that given at the coroner's inquest on Friday. On the application of Superintendent Thomas, prisoner was remanded for a week. PROPOSED REGREATION GROUND.—A further meeting of the projeotors of the recreation ground movement at Merthyr was held on Wednesday night at the Victoria Coffee Tavern, Merthyr, Mr C. Henry James, high oonstable, in the chair. Mr Dixon reported that the committee appointed at the previous meeting had altogether failed to find a ground that would be suitable for the whole of the purposes contemplated; but for the purposes of tennis they had ascertained that they could obtain a space suitable for three courts near the Thomas- town tips at £ 13 per annum, and another piece for JE10. It would cost £ 65 to construct the courts, and current expenses of maintenance would be about £ 25 per annum. After some discussion with regard to the adaptability of the Pentrebaoh ground, and of the advisability of joining the Plymouth Club, it was proposed by Mr Dixon, and seconded by Mr R. Phillips, that a tennis club be formed in Merthyr.—Mr Davies (Pentrebach) pointed out that this was scarcely the oWect for which the meeting was called, and Mr Bailey, Plymouth, suggested as a matter of order that it should be put to the meeting to aocept or reject the committee's report.—The High Constable oonourred, and expressed the opinion that it would be the fairest course for another meeting to be called at the close of that one by those who desired to establish the tennis courts only. He moved that the report be adopted, and mentioned that at present it committed them to nothing.—Mr Rees second- ed the motion, which was carried.—It waa urged in discussion that the distance to Pentre- bach was an objection with a great m§&$. persons in regard to aa>ilg»»~. j > Plymouth, as had been ^eajating with stated in the cou^bft-ested.—Mr Dixon had already > t^0 proceedings that they ofojn^ J promises of subscriptions ■' 2 SntTemen, and of half-a- !tuiTi8iSiM,^he hul n0-'ioubt.t!??t from lo f 0 oonsUuction of the i°Uwould be obtained by "ans of outside la would J ft theatrical entertainment.— ?tI PVthinks to the chairtun brought the j (JOB to a close. Satu^^ON^2^YiisL?BoiLER. On man, w5 • a Edward Du»an, engine- of Tylor v aoaidedin a boiW the top s | The decease;erY Rhondda *<h Valley « about one a.n0hn duty boiler. Adam.n Duns tan enters a larg, |g as he thought oed *g STHLT„^ET'»I« XTTJ steam nuked in, f5 rfjC whose cries attracted" ^non*: A s and others, who went9 t^e ^cue.Tje was carried to the lamp-roo a'td')r CS^c for, but he was so badly i^-edhat iudied v°" half-an-hour.

VALE OF SEAT a itf LaV V I mar -run „ ■DOWN. Weekdays. a m.a. m. p. m. p.m. p. m. m. p.a iuaker'sYdJc. 9 46 ,2 526 54a 365 i MountainAsh 9 54 2597 2 f 45 6 Uerdare 7 5010 5 9 7 13 9 55 6 1 Merthyr 7 30 9 45 1220 2 50;6 55 9 35 5 I Abernant 7 419 58 12313 0 7 5 9 45 6 Llwydcoed 7 46jl0 2 12363 4j7 9 9 49 6 Hirw«in dep. 8 310 18,1244 3 22,7 26 10 7 6 i □ lyn Neath 8 21 10 33 1 2 3 37 7 43 1025 6 4 Resolren ..8 3010 391 12 3 43 7 50 1033 6 1 Aberdylais 8 4010 48,1 213 527 59 104lio Neath 8 50 10 56 1 32 4 0 8 1105°17 Dynevor 8 58 11 4;1 40 4 8|8 15 1058 7 Llansamlet ..9 4 11 >0 1 47 4 15 8 22 11 5 7 I Laodore 9 10 11 20:1 55 1 23;8 30 1110 7 Swansea nrr. 9 15 11 25 2 0 4 28 8 35 1125)7 (Jr. WeekOi/s. SUNDAY a.m. a. m ip. m. p m. p.m. H.m.jp.i Swansea 7 40 11 20 3 5 5 55 8 0 9 0 6 Landore 7 45 11 25 3116 18 59 g 6 Llansamlet 7 5111 313 176 7dll9 12'6 Dynevor 7 57 11 37 3 24 6 15 8 Ht9 186 Neath 8 8 11 46 3 36 6 26 8 30 9 28^fi Aberdylais ..8 14 11 51 3 46 6 3/ 8 36 9 34it»■' Resolven 8 23 12 0 3 55 6 47 8 46 9 4> Glyn Neath 8 30 12 7 4 2 6 55 8 54 9 Hirwain 8 57 12 —— Llwydcoed 9 .3 'g 5' j? £ & 5' o J £ Abernaht,. 0 O S- ST § • g I 5 0 Merthyr tQ,f'? g Aberdare 9 4 12 4<tt £ -38 ? & £ ° Mountain \sli 9 13 12 48J4 48 .T Quaker'Y<1 9 21 12 56'4 56 1 ?

file 1 ublisLers do not h ot d them sol ves rcsponsil for any inaccuracy that may occur in tliabov although they are published with an much ca as possible in order to ensure correctness. "?" _??

THROAT laaiTAXios & COUGH.—Soreness ar dryness, tickling and irritation, inducing cough ai affecting the voice. For these symptom* u: Epps's (glycerine Jujubes. In contact with tl glands at the moment they are epited by tl act of sucking, the Glycerine it) Mese agreeab confections beoomps actively hewing. Sold oul in boxoa, 7ad., tins Is. 1 ^d-^labelled "JBII Epps & Co., Homoeopathir*Chemists, London. Dr. George Moore, in hiat-'work on Nose an Throat Diseases," iays :The Glycerine Jujubi prepared by Jamei. Epps and Co., are of undoub ed service as a oufative or palliative agent. While Dr. Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician the Municipal Throat and Ear Infirmary, writ* After an extended trial, I have found yoi Glycerine Jujubes of considerate almost all forms of throat ur.JLaq :=: ? Z 0 HOME SWEET HOsn.iL.—The sweetest house in this town are thpae where Hudson's Dry Soa is in daily use. k leaves no taint nor smell. ] quick, safgjmlf sweet. Splendid for Washin Flannels and Winter Underclothing. Sol Everywhere. For Family use in Dozens an Half-Dozens, also in 141b and 281b Boxes. YALUABIS DI»COT*BT FOB TOT HAIB.—If you hair is turning gr«y or white, or falling off. IIM TH; MEXICAN HAIB BE^EWER," for It will pojtivel restore in every case Grey or White hair to its origins colour, without leaving the disagreeable smell of mos "Restorers." It makes the hair charmingly beantifu as well as promoting the growth of the hair on 1»1, spots, where the glands are not decayed. Price 3s. 6d —For an Oil to make the Hair soft, glossy, and luxn riant, ask for "CARTER'S COLOGNE OIL." Pric 18. of all dealers. Wholesale depot, 33, JTarringdo good, London. Hallqway't Ointrnent and Pill.s.-During ever break of wintry weather exertions should b made by the afflicted to recover health befor unremitting cold and trying storms set in Throat ailments, coughs, wheezings, asthmatica affections, shortness of breath, morning nauset and accumulations of phlegm can readily b< removed by rubbing this fine derivative Oint- ment twice a day upon the chest and neck Holloway's treatment is strongly recommende< with the view of giving Immediate ease, pre. venting prospective danger, and effecting per- manent relief. These all-impr r c-v Ointment and Pills can accon \>;?:; surely prevent insidious diseases ~,<.g on the constitution to display th m- aitsr wards in those disastrous forms ".hat ??iE ;(;- bably embitter life till death itself is almost prayed for. THBOAT AFFECTIONS AND HOAKSENESS.—Ail suf- fering from irritation of the throat and hoarseness will be agreeably surprised at the almost immediate relief afforded by the use of "Brown's BronchiaJ Troches." These famous lozenges are now sold by most respectable chemists in this country at Is. l$d. pSr box. People troubled with a "hacking cough, a V slight cold," or bronchial affections, Cannot try them too soon, as J^Aiilar troubles, if allowed to pro- gress, result in serious Pulmonary and Asthmatic affec- tions. See that the words Brown's Bronchial Trochee are on the Government Stamp around each box.—Prepared by JOHN 1. BROWN & SON8, Boston, U.S. European depot, 88, Farringdon Boadt London. CADBURY'S COCOA is absolutely p TIN • tampered with, It has stood th analytical tests, and consists solely ot on centrated extract'of the Cocoa bean, th riavoui being developed and the aroma impro c by > special process of roasting. VTOBILIME!—FOB THE TMTH AND BKIATH.—A few drops of the liquid u Floriline" sprinkled on a wet tooth-brush produces a pleasant latheip. which thoroughly cleanses the teeth from all parasites or impurities, hardens the gums, prevents tartar, stops decay, gives to the teeth a peculiar pearly-whiteness, and a delightful fragrance to the breath. It removes all;unpleasant odour arising from decayed teeth 05 tbbatsco smoke. The Fragrant Florilino beino' cont- pospdlin part of Hortey and sweet herbs. the taste, and the greatest toilet disco's ■- •=..<*■ Price 2s. 6d., of all Chemists and Perft w* W" .:? sale depot, M. Farringdon Road. Lond ).'ta; ?- ABERDARE Printed and Published by THEOPHILUS LINES JONES at the ABEBDARE TIMES OFFICE 31, Commercial-place, Aberdare,lin the County of Glamorgan, Saturday, January 6, 1889,