The Merthyr Telegraph and General Advertiser for the Iron Districts of South Wales

SIR CHARLES DILKE'S MOTION. THE two Members of Parliament-Sir W. LAW- SON and Mr. ANDERSON—who had the courage to vote for the motion introduced by Sir CHARLES DILKE, and seconded by Mr. A. HERBERT, last Tuesday night need not be ashamed of themselves. If the people have no right to know what is done with their money, they have an equal right to withhold their money. A person does not require to be disloyal in order to ask for information about public expenditure. There is no doubt that much of the public taxation runs to waste by being lavished, not upon royalty, but upon needy persons appointed to offices which exist only in name. We do not grudge the QUEEN an income commensurate with her exalted position, and it is not about Her Majesty's income that we are curious. In fact, we know what she receives. There is no attempt at concealing what goes into her purse. But there are meaningless offices which seem to exist solely for the purpose of affording a plausible pretext for giving public money to some person or other who does not seem to render any service for it. Sir CHARLES DILKE wished to know what was done with this money, and how much is annually expended in this mysterious way. Could anything be more reasonable ? Could anything be more just ? And yet only two Members of Parliament voted for the motion Where were the advocates of economy ? Where were the men who on hustings and public platforms declared themselves uncompromising advocates of retrenchment ? Were they overawed by the shadow of "Society 1" Where they thinking of houses in which they would probably have cold shoulder as their only luxury ? We are certainly not much disposed to praise them either for loyalty to principle or for their personal courage. We very much question whetherJ monarchy itself owes them any debt of gratitude, for if a monarchy can only be upheld by refusing to tell the people what is done with their money, the days of monarchy are numbered. Mr. GLADSTONE in his precipitate downward course seems to invite the people to pull him down from popularity. When Nonconformists in England cry out because of an unjust Education Act, Mr. GLADSTONE replies by imposing a worse measure on Scotland. When Nonconformists complain of a Church Establishment in England, Mr. GLADSTONE replies by promising a measure to enable the Established Church clergy in Scotland to build churches and manses out of the public rates. When the people cry out with indignation that freedom of speech is being suppressed by organised and riotr us mobs, Mr. GLADSTONE replies by bringing in a Bill to shut the people out of their parks. And now when the people are groaning unier taxation, Mr. GLADSTONE replies by refusing to tell them what is done with money rightly or wrongly supposed to be needlessly wasted. This is the minister of the people! Never was popu- larity more recklessly thrown away. Mr. GLAD- STONE further taunts Sir CHARLES DILKE with being ignorant of the amounts expended and the purposes to which they are devoted, and yet refuses to enlighten him. What a noble policy -to shut a man up in the dark, and then upbraid him for not being ablo to see The people, however, are growing weary of such statesmanship, and one or two general elections will bring many long hidden treasures into the light of day. THE TOWN WARD CONTEST. THE Town Ward is gaining for itself an unenviable notoriety in the Board of Health contest. The meeting held in the Temperance Hall last Tuesday evening was only one of the series of disorderly an I disreputable assem- blies which, if not promptly put down, will make the town of Merthyr a public reproach. The right of the friends of any candidate to hold a meeting cannot be questioned; the right of any party to convene a public meeting cannot be questioned; and yet a disorderly faction in the community, having apparently no character to lose, seems bent on howling down every meeting in which there is the remotest chance of a difference of opinion. The same senseless mob thrusts itself forward on all occasions, and attempts to tyrannise over reason and common-sense, by imitating the conduct of barbarians rather than reasonable men. It matters not what the object of the meeting may be, the same persons rush forward to disturb. Healthy discussion cannot be objected to by any person. Ratepayers have a perfect right to express their approval or disapproval of any candidate for public office. No sensible person can object to speeches delivered for or against any motion, provided nothing personal or otherwise offensive be introduced into them ? We do not therefore object to manly opposition, to amendments, or to any other legitimate mode of expressing opinion. Fair play should always be given to both sides, and equal rights should be extended to all parties without distinction. But is there a. man worth the name of citizen or patriot who does not regard with unmingled contempt the systema- tized rowdyism which has of late been alike the pest and the disgrace of public meetings in Merthyr ? Unless strong, repressive measures be adopted, it will be impos- sible to have any free public discussion in our midst, for once a lawless party forms the idea that by mere noise and physical force it may bring the deliberations of a meeting to nought, that party will play the despot, and crush public spirit and public sentiment altogether. We would appeal to all parties to wash their hands free from this ruffianly element, to protest that they will lever accept support from these who countenance it, and to repudiate with scorn their sympathy with all and every one of the discreditable measures adopted by persons known and unknown to prevent meetings from being conducted in a decorous manner. At the meeting last Tuesday there were individuals present, who, not being ratepayers, had never been invited, whose presence was therefore merely tolerated, and who, never- theless, exerted themselves to the utmost to keep alive disorder and confusion. There were others there who, being ratepayers, were, nevertheless, more competent to betray than to sustain the true and loyal cause of citizenship. We say this in the interest of both candi- dates to the vacant seat in the Board of Health. Such meetings cannot injure the cause with which the dis- orderly faction sympathizes. No true citizen can desire to be carried to any civic honour on the shoulders of insensate brawlers, and no estimable man falls in the opinion of the people because stupid persons bay at him. We protest against such proceedings as those which disgraced the town last Tuesday evening. Whatever purpose they were intended to serve, they reveal a state of things perilous to the public interest. All parties will suffer when public discussion is denied free exercise. Local Boards may cook accounts, may defraud, may plunge into extravagant expenditure, may neglect public interests, may act just as they choose, and with perfect impunity, whenever public discussion is stifled. Were the State to shut the mouths of the people on public platforms, there would be a fine outcry throughout the whole land, and outraged rights and privileges would be the text for every citizen possessed of the gift of speech. But are we to allow a disorderly mob to deprive us of the very rights which we would not permit any State to take away ? This is a question which Merthyr men must settle-the sooner the better. Mr. DANIEL and Mr. GABE are both well known to the ratepayers of the Town Ward. We appeal to the electors to decide calmly and dispassionately between them. Every one is at liberty to vote as he chooses qualifications of a special character, which give him no inconsiderable advantage in dealing with the practical duties of a Sanitary Board. It is free for every rate- payer in the Ward to choose between them. If any one thinks Mr. GABE will make a better member than Mr. DAMEL, he may vote for him, or if he should think Mr. DANIEL superior in that respect to Mr. GABE, he may vote for him. This is a very simple matter. Carrying bags of flour, and insulting fellow-townsmen at a public meeting by throwing such stuff upon them, will not decide between the merits of the two candidates. We appeal to common-sense, to citizenship, to unselfish motives, to love of justice, and to appreciation of merit -qualities in which the ratepayers are certainly not deficient—to decide which of the two is to represent the varied interests of the Ward. ==-==

TO CORRESPONDENTS. Uniawnder in our next. "Barbara has not sent us her name in confidence, and therefore her letter is inad- missible.

BIRTH. On the 17th instant at High-street, Merthyr, the wife of Mr D. J. Evans, draper, of a daughter.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. BASTARDY. -A oase involving a charge of this kind occu- pied the time of the Bench on Monday for a considerable time. The parties reside at Dowlais, and a remarkable and disgusting feature in the case is that the allegod father is a mere boy of some thirteen or fourteen years of age. -The case was adjourned for a week, and when decided we will give our readers such a report of it as may be necessary. SEVERE ACCIDENT TO R THOMAS, ESQ., COURT HOUSE.— Ou Thursday last an accident, thuu,'b severe, yet, pro- videntially, not fatal, occurred to R. Thomas, Esq., of the Court House, Merthyr. He had been dining with a friend at Cardiff, and on his return home to the Wern in a trap, the horse shied at a sharp corner of the road at Ystrad, near Caerphilly. and the trap was upset. Mr Thomas was thrown with considerable violence to the road, sustaining many severe injuries on the head and face. Happily, as- sistance was soon procurer!, and Mr. Thomas was taken into a neighbouring bouse. After the wounds had been carefully dressed, and the necessary restoratives taken, he was enabled to resume his journey homeward. He is now rapidly recovering, and it must be a gratif) iug fact to him, as showing how highly he is esteemed by his acquaintances that his residence during the last few days has been visited continuously by friends, anxious to know the extent of the injuries he received, and the progress he is making towards recovery. SHOCKING RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT DOWLAIS.—THREE MEN KILLED.-On Tuesday evening a shocking accident occurred on one of the Dowlais Company's lines which ran between the works and the colliers towards Vochriw. It appears that about half-past five a train, laden with coal, was proceeding from Vochriw to Dowlais, having been preceded by an engine some time before. The engine ahead, from some cause which has not yet transpired, stopped midway and at a point of the line where there is a very sharp curve. The train in question followed on at its usual pace, the conductors being unconscious of any impediment until within a few yards of the now stationary locomotive. A violent collision now took place, disastrous in its con- sequences. In the tender there were three colliers, two of whom were killed on the spot, and the third expired on the following morning. Next to the tender, and immediately preceding the coal train, was a truck containing a number of colliers. How these men escaped unscratched is miracul- ous—a severe shaking, however, was the worst that awaited them. The debris was scattered about the line in all direc- tions, the road at this point being, of course, much damaged. An inquest was formally opened on Wednesday afternoon, on the bodies of the three deceased men, at the Dowlais Inn, before Mr George Overton, corener, and formally adjourned to a future day. The names of the deceased are —John Harris, overman; William Francis, collier; and William Williams, collier. PRESENTATION.—A social tea-party of the members and congregation of Hope Chapel took place on Thursday evening last. After tea, the Rev J. Thomas, B.A., the esteemed minister, presided, and a most happy and in- teresting incident in the after-proceedings was the presenta- tion by the chairman, on behalf ot himself and congregation, of a gold watch and chain, to Mr Samuel, draper, as a mark of respect and gratitude to him for his gratuitous services for a period of three years as organist at their place of worship. Mr Samuel, who was evidently much surprised at receiving so valuable and unexpected a gift, returned thanks in a short address of much feeling. The meeting was an exceedingly pleasant one throughout, and will long be remembered by tbose who were present as one in which kindly feeling, one to another, was manifested in no small degree. SUSPICIOUS DEATH OF A WOMAN AT MERTHYR.—Another of those acts violence under most revolting circumstances was perpet;rated:on Wednesday at Caepantywyll, Merthyr. On the afternoon of that day three persons, named Mary Power, Martha Power, and Mary Power (who bear the same name through marriage with three brothers named Power) were returning from a funeral, when they repaired to the Castle Tavern, Caepantywyll, for the purpose of drinking. Whilst there some words ensued, followed by an apparently unaggravated assault upon Mary Power, deceased. The Powers are Irish. The deceased woman is also a native of that country, and, it is stated, was in the habit of reproach- ing her assailants (who are Welsh womeu) as to their children being of a "mixed breed." This, it is stated, was the cause of provocation in the present instanoe.—An in- quest was held at the Black Bull, Pontstorehouse, Merthyr, on the body of the deceased, before Mr George Overton, coroner.-The evidence of the husband was to the effect that, on Thursday, she was in bed, and complained of a pain in her head and side, consequent upon a beating she had the day before.-The evidence of Mr Crockett, surgeon, was to the effect that there was no trace of any external violence on the body, and the internal organs were quite healthy. He believed she died from fits, to which she had been sub- ject.-Dr Gabe confirmed the evidence of the last witness, and several witnesses were called who were present at the rf)w.-The Coroner summed up, and the jury reiurned a verdict of "Death from a fit Of appoplexy."—The two women had been taken into custody, but on this verdict being given they were discharged.—On Monday morning the husband of the deceased, and some friends, attended at the Police-court, and made a complaint against Mr Crockett, and also denounced the proceedings at the inquest as unfair. They wished the case to be investigated by Mr Fowler. Mr Crockett ex- plained to his worship all that had taken place, and the explanation was deemed satisfactory. Mr Fowler said that he very much regretted the death of the woman, and though he could not justify the suspicions of herhusband, he though t every one would grant him all possible allowance under the painful circumstance of losing a wife. He would carefully examine the depositions, and if he saw any evi- dence that would justify an investigation in a criminal court, he would at once oommunicate with the Deputy Chief-Constable, Mr Supt. Thomas. The husband thanked his worship, and then retired.—[We understand that after a perusal of the depositions, no prosecution has been recommended.-Ed. M. T-1 THE REV. CHARLES WHITE.-The recognition of the Rev. C. White, late of Merthyr, as pastor of the Baptist Church, Little Wild-street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London. took place on the 12th mat. A highly respectable company sat down to tea, presided over by Mrs. White,lafter which a public meeting was held in the chapel, and en- couraging addresses were delivered by the Revs. Charles Grahim (Baptist), D Jeavons (Independent), J. Bailoy (Baptist), and J. Dupee. The Church is one-of the oldest places of worship in London, and it has been honoured with the ministry of some of the first men of the denomi- nation. Dr. Stennett, his son, and grandson, were suc- cessively pastors of this church, and the now venerable C. Woollicott held that position for nearly fifty years, resigning through age and infirmity some years ago. Hopes are entertained that the cause, which has been languishing for some time, will now revive. DISGRACEFUL PROCEEEDINGS AT A PUBLIC MEETING.— For some months past our town has acquired an unenviable notoriety for the noisy character of our public meetings. and the personal attacks and provocations which a small but apparently well-organised body of young men, having themselves neither character to lose nor good reputation to hope for. are making upon our public men, when they ap- pear upon the platform to express their views on questions of Heal or national interest. These noisy interruptions culminated on Tuesday evening in a complete victory for these roughs, for they effectually interrupted the proceed- ings of a legally constituted public meeting and not only was the issua of an important question completely pre- vented, but a great disgrace was inflicted upon the town by such conduct. This is not a matter for mere patty regret and disappointment, but it concerns the credit of ilie whole population, and we hope the day is not distant when, like other towns, the people in Merthyr may enjoy their un- doubted rillht of meeting in public, to discuss in a quiet and orderly manner any subject in which they may frel an in- terest. No one can object to fair discussion and ciffercnce", of opinion, but hideous noise, iier.tonal insult, and senseless and brutish violence, it is the duty of every uood citizen to discountenance and suppress. The conduct of the dis- turbers on Tuesday evening at the Temperance Sail was a discredit to the town and a disgrace to themselves. The meeting was called to support the candidature of M r W. L. Daniel for a seat at the Board of Health for the town ward. Mr Mathew John occupied the chair. in the absense of Mr Thomas Williams. of Goitre, who had been announced to preside. Before, however, much time had been occupied in addresses, the most hideous yells, cat-calls, barkings, and personal insult were indulged in, so that it was impossible to proceed, notwithstanding the efforts of the chairman. These noises were made partly by the supporters of Mr Gabe, and partly by the supporters of Mr Daniel, the disgrace being about equally divided between both. A great number of the disturbers were, however, indifferent to the claims of either candidates, and appeared to have come to the hall, as on former occasions, for the express object of annoyance. Whether any law will reach them by-and-bye it is not for us to express an opinion, but we know they deserve punishment, and if the right of public meeting is to be upheld, and these proceedings are repeated, they must be punished-with or without law. Mr Gould, whose age and public service ought to have entitled him to Immunity from insult, was grossly assaulted by having flour thrown over him. and several of our most respectable tradesmen, in endeavouring to allay the disturbance, were publicly charged by persons -themselves not worth powder and shot—with fraudulent and immoral conduct. Whilst these graver proceedings were going on, they were now and again interspersed with incidents which at another time and place would be regarded as humourous. There was considerable innocent chaff, and practical joking, which excited roars of laughter, in proportion to the way in which the objects of these jokes accepted the infliction. With regard to theopinion of the ratepayers present in refer- ence to the two candidates it was impossible to judge with any accuracy, for the great majority of those present were not householders, but we are sure that had the resolution pledging the meeting to support Mr Daniel, and the amendment (proposed by Mr H. Lewis, and supported by disolved. Shortly afterwards the gas was lowered, and the assembly, which was by no means numerous, then dispersed. -The promoters of the meeting, and others interested in the matter, shortly afterwards assembled at the ante-room of the hall, when resolutions were passed protesting against the conduct of the disturben of our public meetings, and the adoption of measures by which the right of public discussion may be upheld. ,j VESTRY MEETING —A meeting was held in the Vestry- room, Glebeland, on Friday evening, at seven o'clock, for the purpose of electing three members for the Burial Board of the parish, and to appoint two auditors to examine the accounts of the said Burial Board. The Rector of Merthyr took the chair with characteristic punctuality, and was loudly applauded. He read the notice convening the meet- ing, upon which Mr. Matthew Jnhn suggested that the proceedings should be suspended for a short time in order to give persons whOPe business ceased at six o clock an opportunity of being present. The place of meeting, how- ever, being already comfortably crowded by ratepayers, it was determined to go on with the business. It transpired that the retiring members were Messrs Thomas Williams (Goitre), George Roach, and the Rev. W. Morgan. Mr. Newbury, Troedyrhiw, proposed, and the Rev. James Lewis, Troedyrhiw, seconded, "That Mr. William Price, grocer, Troedyrhiw, be elected instead of the Rev. W. Morgan, Troedyrhiw." It was proposed by Mr. Jones, and seconded by Mr. Smyth, That Messrs. Thomas Williams and George Roach be re-elected." These names were submitted to the meeting, and carried unanimously. It was proposed by Mr. Goodfellow, seconded by Mr. Smyth. "That Messrs. Plews and Henry Lewis be re-elected auditors." Mr. David Davies proposed, and Mr. John T. Morgan seconded the following amendment, "That Mr. Vauehan, of the county court office, be appointed one of the auditors, instead of Mr. Plews (solicitor). Some warm discussion ensued, in which Mr Smyth, Mr P. Williams, and others, took part, on this attempt to super- sede Mr Plews. who had hitherto performed the duties gratuitously and efficiently. Mr Davies subsequently with- drew his motion, and the retiring auditors were re-elected amid applause. Mr Smyth proposed, and Mr P. Williams (TFLKGRAPH) seconded, "That the best thanks of the vestry be given Mr Plews for having given his services as auditor gratuitously. "—The usual recommendation to the Burial Board to offer payment to the auditors was agreed to. Mr Thomas Williams (Goitre) called attention to the fact that Mr Koos, chairman of the Board, had intimated his desire to retire altogether, and suggested that as they were now met together it would save much trouble to recommend to the Burial Board a successor. If a vestry were not called th<» power would be with the Board to elect a successor. Mr Koos then stepped forward, and corro- borated Mr Williams's remarks, adding that he had attended as often as possible, still, not with that punctuality he should desire, and finding from a pressure of business that there was little hope of doing better in this respect, he preferred retiring altogether to having a reat assigned to him which he could not conscientiously, either to himself or to the ratepayers, adequately occupy. This open acknowledgment elicited warm sentiments of approval from Mr William Gould, who. in a few well-timed com- ments, suggested that certain others who undertook responsibilities at public Boards would do well to consider thiR creditable action on the part of Mr. Koos.—Mr Peter Williams proposed the recommendation of Mr Oarlyle as a successor. Mr Williams stated that Mr Carlyle had for many years occupied a seat at the Burial Board. He was always attentive to the duties, and especially careful to act impartially towards all parties, irrespective of creed or denomination. He was also one of the oldest tradesmen in the town, and deserving in every respect of any honour that his fellow-townsmen could confer ftpon him.—Mr Newbury seconded the proposal, and it was carried unanimously. -Dr James thought that should throw not the Catholics on one side. They formed a tenth part of the population, and should be represented. For that reason he disapproved of the appointment of a person who did not belong to that body. It was generally understood that the Board should be formed of so many members from the Church of England, D'ssentera, and Catholics. Now, if this recom- mendation as to Mr Carlyle were agreed to, it would be ignoring a previous understanding.—Mr Peter Will urns ap- pealed to the chair as a matter of order. They bad decided by a previous vote to recommend a person to the Board.— The Chairman assented, but Mr James was also correct as to the understanding referred to.—Mr Gould approved of all parties been fairly represented, and the propriety of this had always been recognised at the Board. They had on two occasions elected Catholics, who failed to attend to their duties, and if that night the old understanding should be ignored the Catholics themselves were to blame for previous inattention.-Dr James was not aware that this was about to take place, or he should have been prepared for them. The public should not pe kept in the dark upon such a matter.-Mr Thos. Williams, as chairman of the Burial Board, warmly protested againtst Dr James s re- marks as to keeping anything in the dark- ?, -Pr J,ftm,es been present at the last meeting of the Burial Board, he would have heard the matter brought forward. Mr. Wil- liams then proceeded to say that perhaps the Catholics considered they were already sufficiently represented by Dr James. He didn't suppose that Mr James was recognized by the Church party as their representative, and he was quite sure that he was repudiated by the Nonconformists as their representative. (Hear, hear.) He (the speaker) Slip. posed that Mr James must therefore be considered as the representative of the Roman Catholics, and he must give him the credit that in that capacity he had displayed very great z;eaL—At this point in the proceedings there were hisses from two or three individuals, who from their pro. vions interruptions seemed to give proof that the statement bv one gentleman that they had been dining out, and that the old cheese hadn't agreed with them, was correct.—Mr Williams observed that the two or three persons who were interrupting need not hiss. He made no reflection on Dr James whatever. He only wished to imply that Mr James's sympathies alw&ys appeared to be with the Catholics. That was a circumstance well known throughout the town, but if Mr James denied it, and considered it a reflection, he would at once withdraw the remark and apologize to him. -The Rector explained that all this was irrelevant to the business of the meeting that evening, which was called for the purpose of electing certain members and auditors. What they did now would simply be a recommendation to the Board, and he hoped they would endeavour to dispas- sionately express themselves. —The meeting olosed with an address from Mr Gould, who pointed out that although, as as bad been stated, Dr James was absent from the Board as bad been stated, Dr James was absent from the Board at the last meeting, such a thing was of rare occurrence for the doctor, either at th:.l.t or auy other Board. (Cheers.)- The Rev. Cornelius Griffiths proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was seconded and carried unanimously. -The meeeting then dispersed. 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OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. LONDON, THURSDAY. Thrv1 iiT-inr-friT^n1 of confidence, which through all the perhaps reasonable panic (if a panic can be reasona- ble), caused by the Alabama difficulty has been felt in the British Cabinet, was considerably strengthened on Monday night, when Mr. Gladstone made his statement. It was his anxious desire," he said, in a tone of lofty earnestness, "to give the house the fullest information at the earliest possible opportunity, and he trusted it would be found that while they did not fail in courtesy to a foreign State, they would do nothing that was in- consistent with the honour of the country." Words of grave pregnancy, these; need one wonder that they were listened to in breathless silence, and greeted with loud cheers by the entire House—such cheers as are seldom heard in St. Stephen's Hall- An iron hand in a velvet glove is exactly what Lord Granville possesses. He and Mr. Gladstone are Englishmen—emphatically Englishmen. We may rely upon it that there will be no war between this country and America, and we may also cherish a confident hope that the settlement of the vexed question in terms satisfactory to the patriotic thoughts and aspirations of the nation is not far distant. Mr. T. Dennis Rock brings a heavy charge of plagiarism against Mr. Cardwell. He prints in parallel columns certain extracts from a pamphlet of his Sublished in January of last year, an4 quotations from 'r. Cardwell's recent speech on army organization. When they do agree, their unanimity is wonderful and, in fact, the main ideas of the two gentlemen are so similar that the Secretary of State for War is placed in rather an awkward position. Mr. Disraeli is doubtless able to write good English, but a passage from a letter of hi", just published, is almost worthy of a place amongst his father's "curiosities of literature." Alluding to the Burials Bill, he says, It is my intention myself to move the rejection of the Bill on the third reading, and I am not without con- fidence of not inconsiderably reducing the majority." The principle of appointment and promotion by merit makes headway. It is now announced that appointments in the supply and transport departments of the War Office are henceforth to be made by open competition to be conducted by the Civil Service Commissioners. The interest cf the public at large is thus served infinitely more than by the old system of pstronaire; hut, of course, many people don't like it-voung- fellows, for example, who have influential friends, and who find influence of no me against the superior attainments of 'a some clever, but friendless, young man. But within w these last few years—since the competitive system has come into vogue, and since there has been so much stir about maladministration in Government offices-Govern- ment appointments have lost much of their charm that they once had. With such men as Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Lowe, and Mr. Ayrton in the Ministry—I say nothing of their political opinions, but allude only to their economical views—Government clerks can never feel themselves safe. At this moment there is a flutter in the Custom-house, Inland Revenue Office, the Legacy and Succession Duties Office, and other departments, and the clerks dread some change or other in their duties or salaries, or in both. St. George's Hall, Lana-ham-place, Regent-street, isone of the few high-class halls that we have in London, and I was rather surprised when I found that this was to be the l-ocale of a meeting on Monday night to celebrate the birth of the Commune. The proprietors of the hall, however, came to their senses in due time, and although they had actually let the hall to facilitate the frothy spouting of Communists and revolutionary fanatics, the permission to hold the meeting there was withdrawn in time to prevent it. The question of com- pensation for breach of contract, of course, arises, but the public may congratulate themselves that better late than never" was exemplified in preventing the contemplated meeting. I have not lately seen either the Oxford or the Cambridge crew out for a spin," but I have read the profound and sagacious remarks of many who have, in the ordinary course of business, had to criticise the per- formances of these crews, and consequently my mind is in a rather unsettled state. Any reader at a distance from the scene of action, who may attempt to found an opinion upon what he reads on the subject, is sorely to be pitied. The professional critics, who, with a mixture of supercilious bearing and aquatic slang, profess to uct the public as to the chances of the contest, ^bly know very little about rowing, and positively nothing about the merits of the two crews but they hide their ignorance under vague generalities and slangy predictions couched in language long since adopted by Zadkiel, Tas Tze, and Francis Moore, physician. The natural consequence is, that-if I may judge by the expressed opinions of various Universitv and other rowing men-the public simply take no heed Last week was almost wholly devoted to Sir Roger Charles Doughty Tichborne." That enormous creature was, if I may be allowed such a figure of speech, in everybody's mouth He still absorbs more than his proper share of attention. His demeanour in Newgate is daily worked up into an appetizing dish by enter- prising penny-a-liners, and every word of the prepara- tion is eagerly devoured by an insatiable public. We are touched by the news of his weight—" 26 stone odd "-by the intelligence that he sleeps well and rises early-that he reads the books provided for him, that he sends out for his victuals, and so on. His present con- dition has, of course, been turned to account by Mr. Sheriff Bennett (Sir John Bennett, I beg his pardon), who, equally cf course, has written to the papers, Thomns Castro must not be made a show of." Certainly not, considerate Sir Sheriff; but. then was it absolutely necessary in order to secure a rigid adherence to the regulations of the Old Bailey on the part of the claimant" that you should pay him a visit ? Good Mr. Jonas, the governor of Newgate, may be trusted to fulfil the duties incidental to his position, one would feel inclined to think. But some sheriffs vnll be sheriffs. How the rats are forsaking the sinking hulk ("Hulk"—suggestive word, very, as Mr. Jingle might say.) The claimant has had an interview with one of his early attorneys, Mr. Moojen. That is significant. He would be bailed out at once," said Rumour but, not for the first time in the history of the world, Rumour was wrong. Amongst the men mentioned on Wednesday afternoon and on Thursday as having actually become bail were Lord Rivers, Baron Roths- child, the Duke of Bedford, and the Marquess of Queensberrr. This sort of talk was quite in accordance with the whole tone cf the case. From the beg-inning Sir Roger has aimed high. The g^bcmoyiches would have been none the worse for a little legal knowledge. Notice of bail had to be given to the solicitor to the Treasury, and the news of that notice would not be con- cealed from the public for more than a couple of hours, especially with reporters, both regular and special, so much on the alert. Lord Rivers has visited Thomas Castro." Let us charitably hope that his lordship (who, if I recollect aright, introduced "Sir Roger" to Evans's supper-rooms) yet believes in the claimant's bona fides, and will back him up with money when he is called upon to stand his trial at the Old Bailey. Mr. Holmes has signified his intention to deliver up to the Attorney- General all the papers in his possession concerning the case. He has also expressed his willingness to be sworn. Worse remains behind." With the exception of a feeble article in the Observer, and a "philosophical" one in the Spectator, all the papers (even the Daily Tele- yrnph, Serjeant Ballantine's especial organ) have de- nounced the claimant in no measured terms. The Morning Post's leader was terribly scathing. Poor Mr Odcrer has been burning a copy of the Parks Preservation Bill under the Reformers' Tree," in the presence of an audience that numbered some three thou- sand persons, and included not a few curious M.P.'s, we are tald. Very curious, I should say. Let us hope that Mr Odger's pyrotechnics edified the legislators. The inspired shoemaker will exercise no influence whatever on the intentions of the Government with regard to the parks, let him rave his maddest. Liberal and Conserva- tive will combine to pass one of the most necessary and salutary measures ever put before the House of Com- mons. Let the Reformers stick to the Hole-in-the-wall, Hatton Garden, or to Clerkenwell Green. We want the parks for the purpose of quiet recreation. Is not Mr Odger becoming rather too much of a nuisance, by the way ?

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE. ▲ ADKBSSVD TO TKE KDITOB. The Iditorls not responsible for the opinions of his Corresponds nts THE NINE HOURS MOVEMENT. Snt.—In glancing over your impression of last week I came across the above heading. Well, sir, I eagerly read it, thinking I was about to be enlightened as to the dispute at present between employers and the employed of various trades in the town. But after carefully reading it, more than once. I utterly failed to see in it more than a series of libels on the various trades. It is true that the advantages of technical education have taken vast strides lately, and it is a. great pity if the young men of our country do not see the benefit of such. But can we expect immediate results ? Can a day bring forth a better class of painters, carpenters, plasterers, &c. ? No, sir, we must wait. It is rather young in the day yet for technical education to have made its mark upon our various trades. For although there is a chance now of working-men getting that really necessary knowledge in their various trades which will tend to raise them pro- fessionally to a higher level, still, how has it been in former times ? What chances were then for working-men to arrive at the technicalities of their trades ? Like angels' visits "few and far between." Well, sir, leaving that subject alone are the assertions of Mr Lumley true ? For instance, he says that with respect to house-painting, it is not an uncommon thing to see what was intended for ornamental painting, executed in a style a North-American Indian would be ashamed to acknowledge as his handy- work." This is mild Is it not ? Oh, Merthyr hide thine head for shame Poor Merthyr there are but one or two painters within thee that can be called better than North- American Indians. Poor daubers take yourselves off as fast as you can, for there is a spirit risen in the town that at one fell swoop will do away with you, unless you attend the Science Classes. It seems to me that Mr. Lumley makes use of this opportunity merely to vent his spleen on the various trades, because they are bold enough to ask for their rights. In conclusion, allow me to ask Mr Lumley to point out a few of his choice bits of handicraft, that we may take as models, he being so well up in technical knowledge. I am, sir,—Yours respectfully. E. B. MORRIS. House Painter. 7, Burnell's row, Brecon road. Merthyr, Mar. 19th, 1872. THE CONTEST IN THE TOWN WARD. SIR,—Complaints are made against the candidature of Mr Daniel, because he is a tradesman of recent advent in Merthyr. So far as I can learn, this is the only ground of opposition to him, and the very fact that it is the only ground is to my mind a powerful argument in his favour. Compare Mr Daniel with the majority of our tradesmen—his independence of character, his intellectual ability, his knowledge of human nature, his grace of deportment, in fact every feature which makes up individual idiosyncrasy, and it is plain that Mr Daniel is by nature, education, and tiaining, pre- eminently adapted as a leader of the people. We may lament the fact that the list frotin which to select eligible candidates is of very limited extent, but prudence should nevertheless guide us to use only the best men we have, and I say, without fear of contradiction, that in this contest of Daniel v. Gabe, the former gentleman is the one whom men of common sense, and common observation, can alone support. It is true Mr Gabe is a builder, and knows some- thing about the proper expenditure of money in public works, but that is a small matter in comparison with Mr Daniel's qualifications. Suppose the Board had to he re- presented before an Inspector sent dowu by the Home Offioe, or befqre a committee of the House of Commons, who is there in the town to be compared with Mr Daniel ? His very presence would at once carry conviction that the Board was right, and if to his appearance be supplemented the arguments which he, of all the members, is alone able to arrange in an effective manner, then we do not know what inestimable service he might, at some future time, render to the town. It need he no matter of surprise that Mr Daniel is superior to Mr Gabe. In additio;i to the early educational training whicH*Mr Daniel enjoyed at the Carmarthen College, and which gave him 4 familiar acquaintance with classic literature, he has had the advantage of extensive travels at home and abroad from Cwmscwt to Constantinople -and knows bow to address in their native language a German Prince, a French Count, a Spanish Don, or an Italian ecclesiastic and possessing these advantages it is idle to raise the ridiculous and puerile argument that because he has not been a long resident in Merthyr he is unfit to represent the town on its Board of Health. Unfortunately WQ in Merthyr have depended too long on mediocrity in our local government. Henoeforth let us rise to thp appreciation of our great men, and very soon our town will be in fact. what we have long assumed it to be. as a matter of sentiment-the metropolis of Wales not only in respect of population and wealth, bnt in the intellectual character of our local government. Yours truly, AN AWAKENED CITIZEN.

THE NINE HOURS MOVEMENT. RIR, \ViJl you kindly allow me space in your columns to express my feelings in reference to Mr Lumley's letter and the Nine Hours Movement in your last week's issue. It seems t') me very evident that Mr Lumley is taking upon himself a more active part in this affair than is re- quired of him to do, for surely he intends in some form or another to give us enough of his science classes and techni- cal education. I think myself it would be more creditable for Mr Lumley to find a different way to convince us of our duties in reference to our craft than what he has done, viz., in questioning the different classes of men connected with the building trade of Merthyr generally, through the press, their ability in comprehending even the meaning of geometrical terms. As for the carpenters and joiners, I think myself they have ever proved themselves in all their doings a credit to the town, as well as the surrounding districts. Anyhow, they have never been known to lack in any special degree technical knowledge, and what tbey do know they have had labouriously to persevere for. It is the strangers coming into town who are as a rule the most innocent in their knowledge of geometrical terms, and not the townsmen themselves. I question very much if Mr Lumley himself knows the difference between a Grecian and a Roman moulding, their principles, &c. It is all very well for him to try at persuading us that he is himself a scientific man. Whether he is or not, I will express no opinion. But I am sure it were better that he should not again attempt to criticize the artisans of Merthyr, for it is not science classes we tradesmen want at present, but the hours of labour to commence at 6 a.m., and conclude at 5 p.m., and at 1 o'clock on Saturdays; then we may go in for technical education or any other kind of education that may be required. Thanking you, Mr Editor for the space afforded me-I remain, sir, yours very truly, Merthyr, March 20, 1872. G. WILLIAMS. I THE APPROACHING BOARD OF HEALTH ELECTION. SIR.—I was in the Nonconformist Committee meeting the other evening, when the question of Mr. Daniel's can- ditature was being discussed. Mr Gould, moved by the liberality which is always prominent on the Chartist lip, but ever absent in the heart and practice, denounced every attempt at nominating any candidate, excepting such as he approved of. In fact, it is evident that many members of our Local Board seem determined that .there shall be no change. This year Mr Gould and Mr Harris support Mr Daniel, and denounce all efforts at effecting a change and should Mr Daniel be so fortunate as to be returned at the ensuing election (of which there is at present grave doubt), of course it will be expected, when Messrs Harris and Gould present themselves before the electors, that Mr Daniel will in turn say that the interests of the public can only be served by their re-election. Thus we shall, by- and-bye, unless the public have their eyes open, have a Dice little coterie forming our Board of Health, and the rule will be well established that any person who may be nominated will be charged, as Mr Gabe is charged in the present contest, with needlessly incurring an expense upon the parish. It certainly is a cool statement for Mr. Daniel to make, that the expense of a contest has been provoked by Mr Gabe. Certainly, Mr Daniel during the few years he has resided in Merthyr has not been over modest in the proclamation of the advantages we poor benighted Merthyr people have enjoyed through his directing hand, but is is something unique and peculiarly Daniel-like to imply that he has a prescriptive right to a seat at the Board, and that any persons who may challenge that right are alone guilty of needlessly spending the public money Well, well! if the town is for ever to be burdened by a corph y farwolaeth, let us, Mr Daniel, for heaven's {sake, choose a corph as little deformed as possible, and if in the exercise of that choice we may shake you off, be consoled with the fact that a change of burden, be it equally heavy, is itself a measure of relief. I was especially gratified at the Committee in question by the presence of the Rev. T. Williams, B. A. of High- street, who with great modesty represented the views of Mr W. Harris on the merits of Mr Daniel. Mr Williams added that although he was not an elector, he took great interest in public matters, and that he quite coincided in the opinion of Mr Harris. Truly what a blessing it must be when minister and deacon think and act together so harmoniously. May brotherly love long continue Amen. Yours truly, AN UNWASHED RED-HOT REPUBLICAN. Merthyr Tydfil, Mar. 16th, 1872. NINE HOURS MOVEMENT. SIR,—I see in your impression of the 15th inst., a letter from Mr Lumley in relation to the above movement, and I perceive other letters have been written by him and other parties on it. which I have not had the pleasure of perusing 1 presume Mr Lumley and the other correspondents will consider the adoption of this system favourable to im- provement both in particular and general knowledge. Indeed, this has been the great argument in favour of Nine hours work during the week and six hours on Siturday,"—more time for improvement, which may em- brace technical, religious, moral, physical, in short, universal improvement. Every counter-argument that could be framed against a movement that has for its object such blessings, is shrivelled up at once and prospectively the individual that could argue against it, denounced for inhuman croaking and justly so, if experience of 41 the movement," is going to place its truth In the scale it proffers. Mr Lumley deplores the want of a technical education in the various handicrafts. And no doubt but it is a matter to be deplored. The want of such institutions was one of the reasons assigned for Great Britain's position in the Paris Exhibition of 1868, when the absence of improvement in the industries exhibited, compared by their previous exhibitions, was the cause of general remark. The progress of other nations could be decisively marked, and the en- quiry was often made, where merit was awarded, at what- Institution did the manager study ? Who is the professor there? Now, no such enquiry could be made of British exhibitors, as schools for supplying a technical education, specially for the various branches of industry, are wanting in this country, and this was one reason that was advanced for their standing apparently still for the previous sixteen years. A voice cries through this for us to be up and doing." I am not aware of any institutions in Britain in connection with any trade for supplying a. special education for that trade, except two or three "Schools of Mines "over the country, which have kept up a bare existence for the last twelve or fifteen years. No doubt but we have schools or colleges that will embrace the education Mr Lumley speaks of to a lesser or greater degree but this is wide of the mark that our continental neighbours aim at, and cannot touch the details, spirit, and far less, the advancement of any trade. Technical education, to be beneficial to ad- vancement, must be thoroughly practical and also special, and infuse a spirit to know all that is known of the art, and foster a faith that there are no limits to what may be known and beneficially practised belonging to it, and that our duty lies to contribute our share of work to that end in our generation. But this all implies labour, activity, and concentration; indeed, a subversion or inversion of the present popular mind. "To learn the luxury of doing good But, sir, are the principles that have begotten the "Nine Hours Movement" likely to lead its participants to lay down their hammer, chisel, plane, trowel, tool, or pen, in the evening, and face unconquered subjects ? Or will they set a premium for those who could economise labour or increase it ? I believe these are essential elements of the popular mind where a technical education is to bear good fruit, and there is no reason that I have read of, or experienced, to warrant that either are articles of the creed. Still, sir, this is a matter that I sincerely wish our worst fears are groundless that the hope of trades will put up the wise man's saying for their banner, In all labour there is profit," and the usages of their trades will not set limits to a noble fight round it. Here I must beg your pardon for such a transgression on yourvaluable space, and Mr Lumley's most gracious pardon, in subscribing myself Your most obedient servant, 19th March, 1872. MODERN BRITON. 0 Y MUDIAD NAW AWR. Syr,-Caniatewch i mi alw sylw eich lluosog ddarllenwyr at y pwnc uchod, ac yn neillduol at lytbyrau ag hysbys- iadau Mr Lumley. Buasai yn dda genyf allu ysgrifenu yn yr iaith Seisnig, ond gan fod y senedd wedi gosod an- rhydedd newydd yr wythnos ddiweddaf ar iaith anwyl y bryniau, gobeitbio y caniatewch i minau sylwi ar y pwnc yma yn yr iaith hawddaf i mi. Y mae Mr L. yn ei epistol cyntaf yn ymogoneddu ac ymfawrygu, yn arbenig yn yr anrhydedd tybiedig, sydd yn ddyledus i Feistriaid Adeiladaeth Merthyr, am iddynt "ganiatau y mudiad naw awr i'w gweithwyr. Ymdden- gys ei fod yn gwneud hyny oddiar yr ymwybyddiaeth na fuasai yr un gweithiwr yn gwneud, am y rheswm y gwyddai fod y "caniatad" wedi ei roddi mewn dull, a than reolau, a gondemnir yn unfrydol gan bob gweithiwr adeilyddol. Dywed fod y meiatriaid a'r gweithwyr wedi dyfod i ddealltwriaeth hynaws a charedig (amicable understanding), ar y pwnc. Y mae hyn yn anwiredd holloL Nid yw y gweithwyr a hwythau wedi dyfod i ddealltwriaeth hyd beddyw, ac nid ydynt yn debyg o ddyfod tra byddo Mr L. a'i frodyr yn parhau yn eu cyndynrwydd. Pe buasai efe yn dilyn yr hen ddihareb, "Canmoled arall dydi, ac nid dy enau dy hun," buasai Mr L. yn arbed yr amryfusedd yr aeth iddo. Ond gan ei fod ef a'i frodyr mor awyddus i ydganu eu gweithrodoedd da (?), syrthiodd drwy hyry i'r pwll a gloddiodd iddo ei hun. Er profi fod yr haeriad uchod yn gamsynied, oaniatewch i mi fanylu ychydig ar yr amgylchiadau. Pan gyfarfyddodd y meistriaid y tro cyntaf, tynasant allan lechres o reolau i'w gweithwyr i'w dilyn, pa rai a dderbyniwyd gan y gweithwyr yn y modd mwyaf anfoddhaol ag oedd yn bossibi, a hyny am eu bod yn eu amddifadu hwy o bob mantais sylweddol ac ymarferol a allasent gael drwy y "caniatad." Yr achos o'r anfoddlonrwydd yw, fod y meistri yn rhoddi y gwahaniaeth yn y boreu, ac yn parhau yr amser i orphen yn y prydnawn yn agos iawn i'r byn yw yn bresenol; pan y mae y gweithwyr ya oeisio cael dechreu yn y boreu yr un amser ag yn bresenol, a gosod y gwahaniaeth yn y prydnawn. fel y gallant ei ddefnyddio i ryw amcan a dyben ymarferol iddynt eu hunain. Danfonodd y gweithwyr wrthdystiad unfrydol i Mr. L., fel cadeirydd y meistri, yn erbyn y trefniadau, ond yn y cyfarfod nesaf a fu ganddynt, safasant yn gyndyn wrth eu rheolau, gan wrthod caniatau dim yn mbellach a ofynai y gweithwyr, ond penderfynu hawlio eu ffordd eu hunain yn ngwyneb anfoddlonrwydd unfrydol eu gweithwyr, ac yni fan hon y saif pethau yn bresenoL Dichon y medr Mr Li. gysoni y ffeithiau yna a'r haeriad fod y owbl wedi ei ben derfynu drwy ddealltwriaeth hynaws a charedig. Nid wyf yh bwriadu dilyn Mr L- drwy yr holl o i epistol cyntaf. Yr wyf yn cyduno ynhollol ai syniadau cyda golwll ar y pwysigrwydd i greffewyr i ddiwyllio eu meddyl- iau, ac eangu eu gwyhodaeth yn elfenau y gwyddorau perthvnol i'w galwedigaeth, ond buaeai yn ddoeth ynddo l beidio defnyddio y dull sarhaus ac edliwiadol a wDa yn ei epistol cyntaf a'r ail, at anwybodaeth ao anfedrusrvrydd gwahanol grefftwyr Merthyr. c Own y medrant ddal oyfer- byniad boddhaol a rhyw dref arall yn ywlad. a chredaf befyd y medr amryw o bonynt (Idal oyferbyn^d anrhyd. eildus ag awdwr yr epistojau dan syl«r. C.-hed Mr L. fod yn fwy boneddL'aidd o hyn allan yn ei edhwiadau, a pheidied a dirmygu y rhai na chawsant y manteision a'r cyfleusderau y mae ereill wedi gael, Ond y mae prif amcan ac ymresymiad epistol uyntaf Mr L. yn dra an«hyson ar rheolau a rpddwyd i ni, wedi eu harwyddo gan Mr L. fel cadeirydd Mr L., yr epist.jlwr, a waaga ar y gweithwyr y priodoldeb I ddefnyddio yr oriau ychwanegol y mae y naw awr" yn rhoddi iddynt i ytnuno a'r science classes, a thrwy hyny wneud y defnydd priodol o bonynt. Ond y mae Mr L. y cadeirydd yn hawlio rhoddi yr oriau ychwanegol hvn yn y boreu. Yr peddem ninnu wedi deall mat yn y prydnawn y mae y classes hyn yn cael en cyuaal, oult dieboa M Mr L. yn bwriadu, OR owl o hyn nJan rhwng 6 a 7 o'r gloch y boreu. Os felly, bydd yn sicr y bydd eu mynychwyr yn ychydig ag anaml. Eto, y mae Mr L y cadeirydd, yn yr ail proclamation a. ddanfonodd allan yn ei enw ei hun a thros ei frodyr, yn dyweyd eu bod hwy wedi ystyried manteision eu customers a'r cyhoedd yn gyffredinol yn y pwnc o reolau gweithio. Carem wybod ai ni ddygwyddodd manteision y gweithwyr ddyfod i feddwl yr un o honynt? Os na ddaeth carem wybod y pahani. Hefyd, carem yn fawr wybod pa fodd y mae manteision y cyhoedd yn fwy pwysig i'r meistriaid na manteision eu gweithwyr eu hunain? Ymddengys fod manteision y gweithwyr i gael eu aberthu er mwyn man- teision y cyboedd-edrycbwyd heibio i'w manteision hwy er mwyn gofalu am fanteision y rbai a fedrant ofalu am fan- teision eu hunain. Yr ydym yn beiddio dyweyd yn eofn nad oes arnom ni yr un rhwymedigaeth i ofalu am fanteis- ion y cyhoedd, a hyny am y rheswm na wnaeth y cyhoedd erioed ofalu am ein manteision ni. Felly, yr ydym yn beiddio dyweyd wrth Mr L. eu bod wedi ymddwyn yn hollol annheg atom ni wrth geisio ein rhwymo i drefniadau er mwyn dosparth sydd wedi bod bob amser a'u holl allu i gadw y gweithiwr yn ddigon isel dan draed. Hefyd yr ydvm yn beiddio dyweyd fod genom ni gymaint, a mwy, o hawl i geisio am ein manteision a'n hawliau a'r un dosparth arall o gymdeithas, ac a rhan arbenig o'r cyhoedd y mae ein hawl mor gysegredig a neb i geisio am yr hyn a farnem sydd fantais i ni. Yn y proclamation dywededig, y mae Mr L. a'i frodyr yn dyweyd fod y trefniadau a gynygir gan y gweithwyr yn anymarferol ac anweithiadwy (practically inoperative). Dymunwn hysbysu fod hwn yn anwiredd, rhif yr ail. Yr hyn a geisir gan y gweithwyr yw y trefniad ymarferol a gweitbiadwy drwy y deyrnas ac yn gymaint a'i fod yn ymarferol a gweithiadwy mewn manau ereill, beth all y rhwystrau fod sydd ar y ffordd i'w gael felly yn Merthyr ? Y mae yn bresenol yn weithiadwy yn Aberdar, Caerdydd, Pontypridd, Castellnedd, Abertawe, Tredegar, Penycae, Blaina, Casnewydd, a lluaws o fanau ereill; ac y mae yn ffaith mai dyna fydd trefniadau Cwmpeini Dowlais, Cyfarthfa, a Plymouth. 0 ganlyniad, yn enw rheswm a synwyr cyffredin, paham na allwn ninau, adeiladwyr Merthyr ei gaet ? A ydym ni yn fwy diraddiol a dirmyg. edig na rhyw ddosparth arall o weithwyr? Beth bynag fydd canlyniad yr anghydwelediad hwn, pa un a wna. y gweithwyr sefyll allan yn eofn yn ei erbyn nea beidio, nid wyf fi yn cymhell y naill na'r llall. Ond hyn wyf yn sicr, na fydd y meistri na'r cyhoedd yn enillwyr os Uwyddaat i gael gan y gweithwyr i'w gymeryd. Bydd yr anfoddlonrwydd yn parhau mor gryf yn eu mynwesau, ac felly n^ fydd ganddynt na chalon nac ysbryd i foddhau y naul na r llall o u gorthrymwyr. Felly, er mwyn y nefoedd cynghoraf y cyhoedd a'r meistri i ail feddwl y pwnc, a chaniatau i'w dynion yr hyn a ganiateir mewn manau ereill, yr hyn yw eu rhesymol ddyledswydd. A chynghoruf hefyd Mr L. i beidio bragawthan ychwaneg ar y pwnc, canys y mae ei weinidogacth yn bresenol megys yr had yn syrthio yn mysg y drain, yn aneffeithiol. Merthyr. D. J. JONES.

MERTHYR BOARD OF HEALTH. The usual meeting of this Board took place on Wednes- day morning, present-Mr William Jones, chairman, Messrs George Overton, George Martin, Thomas Jenkins. Dr James, W. L. Daniel, William Gould, W. Rice, and J. James. The minutes of the last meeting were read and con- firmed. DEPOSIT NOTES. The Chairman called attention to the deposit notes now at hand. There were fourteen of El,000, one of JE1 500 on sewage, and £ 1,500 to the Town-hall account. It was proposed, seconded, and carried that the chairman should be custodian of the notes. The Chairman expressed his readiness to take charge of the notes, remarking that they would be placed in the Cyfarthfa safe. INSPECTOR OF NUISANCES AT DOWLAIS. Testimonials from 14 applicants for the office of inspector of nuisances at Dowlais were opened. Mr Roderick Macleod, aged 38 years, was recommended by the committee as a fit and proper person to be elected, at a stipend of 30s per week, with uniform. He was consequently elected. SURVEYOR'S REPORT. The following report of the Surveyor was read ;— "To the Chairman and Members of the Merthyr Tydfil Local Board of Health. Gentlemen,—I beg to report that in pursuance of the notice of your medical officer of health and your orders thereupon, the owners of the undermentioned houses or their agents, have, within the last six months, been served with notices requiring such owners to provide for such houses sufficient, means of ventilation, but that such re- quirements have not been complied with, viz :-No. 456 and 7, Watkins's; houses, Grawen-road house under No. 8, Grawen-road No. 12 and 13, under 38 and 39, Grawen. road No. 17 and 18, Ball Court Lane; No. 9, 10 11 12 and 13, Yew-street; No. 9, 10, 11, and 12, Tramroad South No. 22. Newfoundland Tip No. 9, 10, and 11, under 40, 41, and 22. Grawen-road No. 5 and 6,' under 4& and 49, ditto No. 3, 4. 5, and 6, under 300, 301, 302, and 303, Pcnydarran-road No. 11, under New Inn, Penydar- ran No. 2, under 304, Penydarran-road No. 1 to 11, Ash Houses, Penydarran No. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, under 230 to 234. Penydarran-road No 4, 5, and 6, under .58, 259, and 260, High-street, Dowlais No. 1 to 8, under 1 to 8, Castle-street. Dowlais No, 1, 2, and 3, Chapel Court, Cardiff-road, Troedyrhiw No. 3 and 4, White Lion Court Troedyrhiw No. 28 and 29, top of Dowlais No. 4 and 5 behind 58, 59, and 60, top of Dowlais No. 52, 53. 51 and 55, Sand-street, Dowlais No. 1 and 2, under 19 and 20 Castle-street, Dowlais No. 77, 78, and 79. High-street.' Dowlais; and No. 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21, Plough Couit Dowlais. I beg to submit estimate of expenditure on account of water works, and of sums to be provided by a General Di i- trict Rate for the mouths of April, May, June, and July, 1879, showing that a rate of Is in the 2, together with the balance in Treasurer's hand and other sources of income will provide sufficient funds for that period, and probable. surplus of jEl.292 18s 8d. As desired at your last meeting, I beg to submit rough plan and estimate of Baths and Wash-houses, consisting of four first-class and eight second-class baths, twelve wash. ing stands, patent wringing machine, six ironing compart- ments, two drying closets, attendants' apartments, waiting- room, office, &c. The estimated cost of erection is JE1250 I beg to submit plan, section, and estimate of proposed road improvement at Tai'refail. The road should be widened by the addition of the lands coloured green, which would probably be given up by the owner in consideration of the improvement. The proposed cutting and filling are shown upon the section. The worst gradient will be 1 in 14. The length to be improved is 29 chains, and the cost of excavating, forming, metalling, and fencing, will be 4e360 With respect to the fencing of the new road between Penydarran-road and High-street, Dowlais, I beg to re. port that 193 yards of fencing are required, which, if of £ 57 18™8 aracter 88 that already erected, will cost. I beg to report that Charles Sanders, a haulier in employ of Benjamin Thomas, your contractor for WuhenT' work, has taken the small-pox from removing linen and clothes to the disinfecting room, and is now « inmate in your hospital; meanwhile, his wife and children are destitute. I beg to recommend that his waees whilst he remains in the hospital. ages Paid I beg to report that the Plymouth Iron Company have converted their tramway through Merthyr into an eneine same n°W running a locomotive engine over the "I beg to report that I have received the following build- ing plans and notices, viz. a WililamJ\Tu^' builder, Dowlais, of behind the house No 27, White-street, Dowlais, for Joseph Rees. As this building would occupy nearly the whole ef the open space attached to the house, 27 White-street I cannot recommend you to sanction its erection. 2--F/otn William Thomas, builder, Dowlais, of an fli10nTf\;A°Un in ,Cae Ha™8' Dowla»> for Matthew Lewis. If this building be curtailed to the red line on the plan, so as to leave a clear space of thirty feet between the same and the wall on the upper side of the tramway, I see no objection to it. J' "3.-From the Dowlais Iron Company of a hospital ia High-street, Dowlais, to which I see no objection. '4 4.-From John Gabe, of additions to the house No 2(). Mary-street, Twnyrodyn, for Taliesen Evans, to which I see no objection. I beg to report that I have received from the Dowlais Iron Company plan and sections of two proposed new streets in Cae Harris, to which I see no objection. I am, gentlemen, "Your obedient servant, "Merthyr Tydfil, 20th March,^U1g7 £ »UlPDB' Sarveyor' ORDERS ON THE REPORT. m proposed, with respect to the improvement ai lai refail, that a communication should be made with the Dowlais Company, seeking certain co-operation. The fencing in the Penydarran-road was postponed, to await the opinion of Messrs Martin and Jenkins as to the hoe of extension. Mr. OVERTON questioned the legality of the conversion of the old tramway through Merthyt for locomotive engines unless proper gates were supplied at certain crossings. His. proposal as to taking counsel's opinion on the matter was. postponed, it not being considered one of urgency. The building plans recommended were passed. A NEW RATE. A rate of Is. in the pound waa ordered to b» prepared and it transpired during subsequent discussion that there would be a balance in the hands of the treasurer at the end- of this month of £ 913. MEDICAL OFFICER'S REWRT. trTul r^P?rti 0,f T- J-, D>ke' the Medical Officer of Health, detailed several cases of over-orowding at Dowlais the reading of wb.cb, from the sUrtling disclosures made* excited the astonishment and disgust of the members Prosecutions against the several parties were ordered. The- number of cases of small-pox in the district, since the commencement of the epidemic is 625, of this number 469 had been vaccinated, and of these 18 died. The unvacoi. nated cases numbered 155, and of these 83 rH«a > total deaths are 81. Two person, had bSi BrevionJ]v afflicted with small-pox, and these recovered^ P y NEW CHANNELS FOR THE SPENDING OF PUBLIC MONET. A petition Parliament was adop-ted by the Board in mav in future h* JV6' by which the public rates Corporations. of HeaIth or Municipal THE CLERK'S BILL. fromethederk ato + w° thaJ he had reived a letter present to HQ fo,11.owlI!g effect: that he would not be his bill waa f^' a asking, inasmuch as a great portion of »,.L for raoney Paid out of pooket, for a cheaue on unt for £ 400. The Chairman further said that with l°the clerfc's oill Mr Simons, who was ap,K,inted o go into the matter, had not done so, feeling some delicacv about the matter. There was no doubt a better plan would be that a committee of the whole Board should go into it. It was one that should be settled without delay because whilst it was unsettled they would have it banging over them. Therefore they should appoint a committee of the whole Board specially to go into the clerk's bill. He would leave it to the Board to name a time that would be most convenient. Dr Jd toes We agreed to that before. The (hairOlan Yes, but there was no time fixed. A Member It was left entirely to Mr Simons. The Chairman Yes, but he has thrown the tning out of hand, from what I can understand, in cunsetaence of what some persons have been saying of him. Mr Thomas Jenkins Mr Simons teld me he had some delicacy about it. Some people it appears had thrown it in his terth that he oame here to W?;,ch the clerk, and he did not like the insinuation at all, 4nd would therefore prefer to have nothing to do with it, Mr W. L. Daniel; I have heard it said publicly that he was sent here for that purpose—to watch the clerk; 1W14