Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

DOWLAIS. VICTORIA. THEATRE. MARKET SQUARE, DOWLAIS. ?»ra2TM8« MRS. SINCLAIR. 6PSN NIGHTLY. Monday, February 25tb, London by night," or Th« Wolves of Society. Tuesday, "February 26tb, 8avourneen Deelish, or Dark is the Hour before the Dawn. Wednesday, February 27th, Jo the Crowing Sweeper." Thursdav, February 28tb. Called Back." Friday, March let, The Jewess," or The Council of Constance. Saturday, March 2nd, Ben the Bo'san," or A Man-o'-War'f Man, and the Privateer to be followed by singing, and concluding with Dick Penderyn "—A tale of the Merthyr Riots. Doors open at 7 commence at 7.30. Front Seate, Is. Pit, 6d. Gallery, 3d. UNDBMA:T?fO and all kinds of Carpentering and Joiaery Work done. Hearse and Mourning Coaches order. Gn. J. O'Neill, Frederick's Court, North Street, and Pond Street. Dowlaia. i. T. DOCTOS, SASITABT ENGINEER, Plumber, Hot Water Fitter, Gas Fitter, Electric Bell Fitter, and Goa" House Decorator, etc., 133, Hiyh-atrect, Mertkyr. All orders will receive prompt attention. Distance no object. A etaff of experienced workmen ingularly, employed. J.T.D. may be consulted on Sanitary mattere, embracing drainage, ventilation, etc. [281 SrcrBSS.—Mr. Percy F. Griffiths, of Dowlais, a pupil at Todd's Marine Engineering Academy, Cardiff, last week successfully passed the Board of Trade's Examination for engineers' competency cer- tificates. LEGAL SUCCESS.—We are glad to learn that Mr. John Thomas Jones, son of Mr. Joshua Jones, 8, Market-street, Dowlais, has successfully passed his final legal examination held on the 22nd and 23rd January Ip^st. Mr. Jones waa originally articled to Mr. Harry Cousins, solicitor, Cardiff, and subse- quently had his articles assigned to Mr. Tracey Percy Clode, solicitor, of Cardiff. PBOPEKTT SALB.—On Thursday evening Mr. John Forrester sold by auction the freehold inn and premises known as the Pant Cad Ivor, Dowlais, together with certain land adjoining, held under a lease from the Marquess of Bute for an unexpired term of 63 years, at a ground rent of £ 2 per annum. Part of the land is sub-leased to under-tenants, and produces a ground rent of £ 1 a year. The property was purchased by Mr. John Evans, the present land- lord of the inn, at £ 976. MB. JOHH CKAIG.—An examination in sanitation and sanitary engineering was held at Bristol on Friday and Saturday last under the auspices of the Sanitary Institution of Great Britain, and amongst the candidates was Mr. John Oraig, the well-known oomio singer of Dowlaie. The examination, by reason erf the number of candidates who came forward, was more than usually difficult. On Tuesday Mr. Craig received an intimation that he had satisfied the uxaminerq, and had aiso won a diploma, which entitles him to an associateship in the institution. BEDLINOG. BKDLIKOQ PBIZE DRAWER.—The following arc the successful members in the abovo drawing :—1st, 02072 2nd, 04203 3rd, 02371 4th, 02332 5th, 00096 6th, 04429 7th, 06296; Stb, 02245 9th, 06275 10th, 06064 11th, 06861 12th, 05072 13th, 04836 14th, 03314 15th, 02370 16th, 00616 17th, 03043 18th. 06511. CEFN. MEETINGS.—The annual meetings in connection with Moriah Chapel began Saturdav night and were continued throughout Sunday and Monday. Excel- lent sermons were delivered by the Rev*. Lloyd Jones, M.A., Llandinaui, and John Evans, Llanfair- eaereinion. LBCTCBH.—On Wednesday eveuiug, at Ebenezer Chapel, Mr. Morgan Thomas and Mr. Matthew Owen yavean interesting lecture on Y Tabernacl yn yr anialwch," and Hanes Moses, illustrated by a series of magic lantern views. There was a good attendance. TESTIMONIAL.—A meeting W¡b held at the Farmers' Arms, Cwmtaff, ou Thursday night, under the pre- sidency of Councillor Watkin Powell, for the purpose of considering the advisability of presenting Mr. Evan J. Rogers, late road surveyor, with a testimonial en the occasion of the termination of his office, under the Local Government Act, 1394. Several gentlemen were appointed to collect subscription*. Mr. David Williams, Fairviow-terrace, Cefn, was appointed secretary, and Mr. Robert Roberts Lhvynon, trea- iU-er. OBnTARY.—Oa Saturday, the rtmaiua of Mrs. .Tones, the lato esteemed wife of Mr. W. Jones, J.P., for many years cashier of Cyfarthfa. Works, were interred at Cefn Cemetery. The funeral was a private one. The chief mourners were Mr. J. J. Jones, Cefn Dr. Leigh. Treharns Rev. Leigh, Llanwonno Rectory (sons-in-law of the deceased) Mr. Harold Jones, Mr. Reginald Jones, grandsonx Mr. E. O. Jonee, Cardiff. The Rev. T. C. Richards, Llanfihan- ?ol Rectory, an I the Rev. Lloyd officiated. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Jones, who is an invalid, in his sad bereavement. TREHARRIS. ACCIDENT.—We are very sorry to hear that Mr. Jacob Ray, the agent of the Ocean Coal Company, met with an accident at the colliery ou Monday last. We understand his injuries are not serious, but it was found necessary to cail in a medical gentleman. OBITTABT.—WB regret to have the painful duty of informing our readen of the death of our townsman, Mr. Jonee, chemist, Fox-street, which took place on Friday morning last, after a long and painful illness. Much sympathy i3 felt for Mrs. Jone3 and family in their bereavement. LAWy TES-VTB CLFB.—We are informed the above elub is in a fair way of becoming a success. A meet- ing waa held em Friday night last, at the Royal Hotel, which was well attended, and we are asked to announce that the next meeting will be held at the Royal Hotel en the 23th inst. All interested are invited to attend. COKCHRT.—On Monday evening last a grand con- cert was held at the Public Hall, the following well- known artistes taking paitMadame Clara Samuell, Hiss Mary Thomas, Mr. W. Trevor Evans, Mr. David Hughes and Mr. John Edwards (JJlew Bach), the accompanist being Miss Maud LLddom. The attendance was not all that could be desired. SOCIAX, -At the Public Hall on Thursday se'nnight the above event came off under very favour- able circumstances. It was promoted by the friends of the Established Church, and quite 150 ladies and gentlemen attended. The amusements of the even- lag eonsristed of danee", interspersed with songs. Altogether ft very interesting programme was gone through. The Treharris Orchestral Society provided the musie. Much praise is due to the Rev. R. David and those who worked with him for their excellents arrangements. NELSON. CALVABTA BAPTIST CHAPEL.—On Sunday last, at the above place of worship, Mrs. Brynferch Rhys, of Pontyrhyl, preached three powerful sermons to numerous congregations. "KING FROST" AND HIS VICTIMS. MERTHYR. Mr. T. H. Bailey, of the Plymouth Collieries, nas handed the sum of £ 10 to the Workmen's Committee relieve distr-is^. A levy of 6,i. en adults and 3d. on boys has been made, and this, it ia estimated, will bring in JE60. Mr. Bailey has kindly advanced .EM, which will be divided among-it the various soup kitchens, as well as individual cases of poverty. The committee are making a special effort to find necessi- tous cases among carpenters and masons, who are invited to meet the committee at the GJQIJB Inn on Thursday night. The Merthyr Jewish Philanthropic Society have nubseribed the sum of about L5 to Mrs. Beddoe for the soup kitchen fund In consequence of the continued severity of the weather, the distress existing in the district has by no means abated, but there is reason to believe that the rumours in circulation concerning the poverty of tbo people very greatly exaggerate the true state of affairs. That dire distress doan exist among individual families is true, but bearing in mind the fact that the population is largely made up of collier?, underground workmen, and the employe* of the iron works, who '.re still in regular work, it stands to reason that the genuine distress is not so great as many would have us believe. Iu order tc obtain a true report of the state of affaire, a Mertkyr Tir-m representative visited the various parts of the town, and paid special atten- tion to the homes of the poorer community, with the result that he returned with a statement that dire poverty was not widespread. Special ease* of extreme want came under his notice, but tbeee were few and far between. Several families were in need of food and furl, bu'; many of them absolutely refused to avail themselves of the three soup kitchens which bad been opened. This was evidently due to the fact that they were families of able-bodied respectable worhing men, too proud to beg, and too honest to steal. Their pclf-rospect kept them from sending their children to fetch the neces- sary food. Other cases of squalid poverty came uudt-r his notice, where the fathers and mothers were drunken and thriftless, and who ?pent all their earn- ings in selfish debauchery, leaving their offspring for all they cared to starve or bo dependent upon the charitv of others. These poor children are well- looked after by the charitably disposed, but those of poor respectable parents are sadly neglected though starvation stared them in the face. Some of tho cchoois too, were visited, and here the reporter found t-he children for the mOOit part warmly clad and apparently well fed. The pinch of hunger was not noticeable in their features, and they have uo great traces of want. [Three soup kitchens have been ppened, the first in the Salvation Barracks, bv the ladies committee, the second in the vestry of High-street Chapel, and the third in connection with the Roman Catholic community. Soup and bread in plenty is supplied through these mediums, but there is every reason to believe that the charity is greatly abused. Little children and aged poor receive their share, and they deserve it, but able-bodied tramps, thove vagrants and "agabeuds who mouch and cadge, and vho are the bane of our country, also found their way thither and were relieved. Some of these were bona jidc working men, who would, if they could, work and •arn their own living but the large majority were the impudent brazen-faced scoundrels who swarm around our towns in times of plenty, and refuse to do bonest work, though it may be offered them, To pro- vent this abuse of charity ought to be the duty of the townspeople, for by it the poor and deserving are robbed of their due. The Rev. H. Kirkhouse, vicar of Cyfarthfa, informed the Times reporter that in his district there were not many cases of extreme poverty, and that he had oft?n seen more genuine distress than at present existed. The Rector of Dowlais said that it was only what could be expected duringasevere winter. He, together, with a few friends had been easily able eope with the distress by the distribution of clothing and fuel. There w&a nothing to call for distribution öi food beyond the systematic relief carried on in the I parrah. The Rev. Alfred Hall declared that Jie had relieved many tiamps, somo of whom were bono fir. working men who had left their homes in search of employment and failed to get it. The Rev. D. C. Edwards, M.A., declares that there is no widespread distress among the inhabitants of Merthyr, though be had met cases of pitiful want among men who came from other parts in search of work. He added that the ladiee of the town were awidously and zealously working and had visited and relieved case* of great misery among children and the aged poor. On Wednesday morning Mr. Alfred Edmonds received from Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., a chequoJor £5 5a. for the distress fund. DOWLAIS. For the last fortnight Mrs. Evan Lewis, Mary- street, has been distributing soup and other articles of food to the deserving poor of the neighbourhood, and a very large number of distressed families have been relieved. The soup, which in of excellent quality, is given out almost daily to all persons irrespective of creed or race, and in many caaes where the destitute ones have been too much ashamed to go for it Mrs. Lewis has had it sent to their houses. Thill same benevolent lady ha4 also given away several tons of coal. Miss A. Houlson, Dowlais, thus writes: The response to my appeal in your ifisue of last week has been most generous, and I should be obliged if you would be good enough to convey my best thanks to those who have so kindly sent. All the garments have been distributed, the little ones are comfortable and much suffering saved. Several friends of the children have also shown their kindness by other gifte, and to them I would also express my gratitude. CEFN. The committee formed for the purpose of relieving distress here are doing very efficient work. A number of hungry children were last week provided with soup at Mr. Simons', Piasyrywen, who kindly lent his place for the occasion, and who has contributed very liberally towards this praiseworthy object. The relief committee hero is doing good work, and many cases of suffering have been relieved. Mr. I). A. Thomas, M.P., Mr. H. C. Lewis, and Mr. Vazie Simons have contributed two guineas e?.ch. Mr. Simons gives in addition a sheep every week to the soup kitchen, and distributes large quantities of sonp daily in his own house. There is considerable poverty here, especially among those employed at the Cardiff Watcrv.orks. ABERDARE. Swept 'Berdare writes :—Aberdare does not feel disposed to be behind the time* in any of her doings. This, I suppose, is the main reason why there is so much activity shown about tho distribution of relief to the poor. Certainly there are many (perhaps fifty all told) really deserving cases in the town but from what some of the champions of tho cause would make us believe three-fourths of the district are in urgent need. This is, however, well-known to be a grossly exaggerated account of the actual facts. The actions of the promoters of the object are to be com- plimented. They had a good cause at heart, and I should be very sorry to write a single word which would deter them from continuing such a philan- thropic movement. There is a general belief in Aber- dare that two soup kitchens and two committees, with two sets of (subscription books, are in excess of the actual need. Aberdare is nut as bad off as most other industrial towns. The working class of Aberdare arc a thrifty lot of people, otherwise there would be con- siderably more seeking relief than is apparent. The Aberdare district seems to be forging ahead in their energetic endeavours to relieve all possible cases of distress which may be found in the neighbourhood caused by the severity of the weather. There are two district funds organized. The one is called the town fund, over which the High Constable presides the other is the Constitutional Club fund. The High Constable's fund up to Saturday had relieved 200 cases. It is stated that there are actually 450 cases of persons in much distress and dependent upon chari- table institutions of this kind for food and warmth. On Saturday Mr. M. R. David, the proprietor of the Empire Thestre, handed to the ministers of the town 100 loaves of bvead for distribution. Rev. Father O'Reilly and the Rev. T. Jones, Carmel, undertook the distribution, going to all cases, irrespective of creed or sect. Mr. P. Halewood has sent over 56 41b. loaves. A large number of tickets for food and loads of coal have been given out from the town fund. ABERA),IAX. Last week a committee sat at Saron llail to con- sider what measures should be taken to provide relief for the persona in distress owing to the continued frost ana severe weather. During the negotiations it was decided that tho Rev. H. P. Jenkins (Saron) be chairman, and the Vicar (Rev. Morgan Powell, ice- chairman, and Mr. Phillips (schoolmaster), secretary of the movement, who, with a committee should tender relief in the shape of tickets for various amounts according to the number of family, Ac. A large number of tickets were given out, and trades- men are requested to supply only necessaries to those presenting them. The various churches tendered amounts, and a number of persons are contributing sums of 10s. to 3s. weekly during the demand. Others have given lump sums, coal, kc., but more is required, and benevolent persons are earnestly invited to contribute. MOUNTAIN ASH. The terrible epidemic of distress is very acutely felt in Mountain Ash. A very largo numlier of hungry men, women, and children are being daily fed hy means of the soup kitchen, which has its head- quarters at the coffee tavern. Lord Aberdare has sent a donation of J310. HIRWAIX. Mr. D. E. Williams, J.P., of Cartref, Hirwain, who is at present in Cheltenham, has sent supplies of fuel, bread, and tea to the poor of Hirwain. On Wednesday the Rev. T. Edmunds received from him a parcel of clothing for distribution among the poor of the place. ABERDARE JUNCTION. There areabout300 people suGerir)gsevere privation at this place. Building operations up to Christmas lust were very active, but since then they have been entirely stopped by the severe frost. Sinking is going on rapidly at the new pits, but until coal is reached there cannot be any great demand for labour. A soup kitchen has been opened which greatly helps to mitigate the distress. TREDEGAR. In his report just issued Mr. Biieham, the Local Government Board inspector, states that the closing of the Tredegar Steel Works was the eauso of much distress in that part of the Bedwellty Union, and the Guardians were obliged to open a stone yard wherein 294 men were employed. On these men there depended 560 women and children, and tho cost of maintenance amounted to £ 1,600. The stone broken, however, realised £ 850, ao that the total cost of extra relief to the Union could be put down at £ 750. A well attended meeting was held at the Congrega- tional Vestry on Monday night, to devise means for coping with the distress. Some J513 was subscribed there and then, and a relief committee) was enrolled to canvas for more aud to distribute the same in kind arr.cngst the needy. Mr. Thomas, bank manager, was elected treasurer, and Mr. Jenkins, secretary. BRYNMAWR. Bad trade and the hard frost have told their tale upon hundreds of working people at Bryninawr. A meeting, convened by Mr. A. E. Kvan", J.P., chair- man of the Urban District Council, was held at the old Town Hall ou Friday night to deviso steps for relieving the distressed. There was a large atten- dance. Mr. J. J. Isaac was appointed secretary of the relief committee, and Mr. Roberts, J. P., treasurer. The committee consists of all the mem- bers of the District Council, Board of Guardians, and ministers of all denominations, with power to and to their number. Several gentlemen in the room pro- mised various contributions, including 500 loaves of bread, 30s. worth of meat, and 40 half-pounds of butter. The sum of £ 15 10s. was also collected in the room, and promises given for £ 3 more on Saturday morning. The relief committco made an inspection of the town to find out tho most necessitous case;. On i Saturday afternoon Mr. A. E. Evans, Mr. J. J. i Isaac, and Mr. Frank Vaughan, relieving officer, attended at the old Town tlall and gave out tickets to a large number of poor people. By presenting | these tickets at various shops in the town they could receive a supply of meat and bread and other provi- tions. Mr. W. Davies, Mr. Jamew Bloor, Mr. Wilt- shire (membcrM of the District Council), and Mr. Lyddon, Mr. Sykes, and Mr. Richards (memljers of tho Board of Guardians), were also present during the distribution, as well as the Revs. H. L. Evanaand J. M. Daviess, aud other townspeople. Wo also understand that Mr. Jones-Parry collected several pounds, which he distributed in kind amongst the poor people of Llanelly Hill. This week free breakfasts are also being given to the children at the Brynmawr National Schools. MB. :iforLEYli GENEKOSITV. We arc pleased to announce that Mr. Morley, of Padworth House, Reading, the Liberal candidate for lirecoir hire, has bent, through Mr. A. E. Evans, J.P., chairman of the Brvnmawr Liberal Hundred, the handsome donation of £11 towards the Brvnmawr Relief Fund.

MERTHYR CHAMBER OF TRADE AND POSTAL FACILITIES. In future the nortii mail will reach Merthyr with the first London aud North Western train, instead of with the Taff Vale via Cardiff. This arrangement will probably date from the let of March, and will b. a gain for the Merthyr people of close upon two hours. The letters for Merthyr Vale and Troedyrhiw, according to present arrangements, would be sent down with the 10.35 Taff. But the Chamber of Trade, at their meeting on Tuesday, resolved to ask Mr, D. J. Evans, the president, to wait on Mr. C. Wilkin?, tho po'-tnmter, to ascertain whether the letters could not bo forwarded down the valley by the first Taff. Mr. E v ans saw Mr. Wilkins on Wednes- day, and was informed that if an application was made to the postmaster from the localities interested the request would bo granted. A REMARKABLE LITTER OF PIGS. The town of Mountain Ash seems to be a very pro- lific spot for the breeding of pigs. On Monday morning a sow belonging to Mr. Richard Morgan, estate carpenter to Lord Aberdare, gave birth to nineteen little mochyns." Out of this extraordinary number seventeen were born alive and two dead. The sow commenced giving birth at 5.30 a.m., and the la«t pig saw the light of day at 7.0 p.m. the same night. As a matter of course tho mother was rendered very ill, but the 17 young ones are all alive, and can be seen at Mr. Richard Morgan's residence, 10, Jeffery- street.

To OVERCOMB WEAKNESS.— Pepper's QUINTN aiid Iron Totiie -.Ix-es New (.if". Health, Strength, and Energy Insist on having Pepper's Quinine Advt.

MERTHYR SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION. POINTS AT ISSUE. lEr IANTO Goes.] Dai: Well, Jim, I've lieen thinking over what you said last week about the State Schools and Sectarian Schools. Jim Any talk about it in tho Roaring Lion ? Dai: Yes, no end of talk. Most of us agreed that the Statp, represented, as you say, by the School Boards, should undertake the elementary education of our children that the schools ehould be run in thl) interests of education only, and not in the interests of sects that they should be so conducted that all children could be sent to them without the least interference in any way with their denominational training; that, maintained as they are by public funds, they should be controlled by public representa- tives, elected by the people. Jim: That's right, Dai. Always insist on the great fundamental principle that public support should cany with it public control. Dai Now, Jim, don't you bamboozle me with big words, or I shall not bo able to follow you. Well, there was one thing that puzzled us a bit. We quite agree with what you say, and we are all for State Schools. But if a sect chooses to set up a school of its own, how does that affect the general public outside that sect. Jim A very good question, Dai. Let me try and explain the matter. In the first place, you are aware that these Sectarian Schools get nearly all their income from public funds. Dai: 80 I undeis^and. Jim But that the public have no manner of control over them. Is that right. Dai: He who pays the piper should call the tune that's my motto, Jim. Jim Think, for instance, of a Catholic School; the children are taught to become devout Catholics, to regard the Church of Rome as the only true religion, and to look on all other churches a3 heretical. hit right that this should be done at the expense of the public ? Dai: It's a blooming shame, Jim. The whole basis of the thing is utterly wrong. It's takingyouf money and mine to manufacture narrow-mindedness, sec- tarian jealousy, and religious bigotry. Jim Now let us proceed a step farther. Just think what the position of a Sectarian School is. We are talking generally now, understand, and not deal- ing particularly with any local schools. Dai: You mean a Sectarian School where thoro is a Board School Jim Just 80. The Sectarian School gets the Government grant like any other school. That is the main source of its income. But that is not enough, wo will suppose, to cover the expenses. In that case the deficit must be made good by private subscrip- tions. Dai Aye, which come from tho pockets of people who have to pay School Board rates as well. I don't understand how these people are soft enough to sub- scribe to a petty, miserable school of their own, while the children could be sent to a much superior school, to a school where they would get far better education. Jim Only one thing explains it, Dai, and that is the power of the priest, whether in the English or the Roman churches. Dai I would let the blessed priest go to Jericho. Jim That is the growing opinion among Church- men. They are getting tired of subscribing to the priests and paying School Board rates. And what is the result ? Dai That the Sectarian schools are short of cash, I suppose. Jiui Precisely so. Their funds arc low all over the country, and will keep getting lower and lower, in all probability. Churchmen want to be satisfied with the State schuob, if the priests would only let them alono and the time will come when all the wheedling arts of the priestrf will fail to screw out of them the necessary funds. Dai What was it I saw some time ago about the archbishop's committee ? Jim This committee was appointed to investigate the matter, and the report was that half-a-million of money was wanted to keep the schools croing. They want this enormous sum from Church of England folk. Dai Are they going to get it, Jiui ? Jim It will take them all their time to manage it, I should say. And this half-million is not the only money they want they also ask the Government to pay the full salary of thfir staffs of teachers. Ihi: What about public control ? Jim Not a syllable. But the main point I want you to notice is this the Sectarian schools are iu a bad way. For the Catholic schools are quite as bad, if not worse than tho Church Schools. They can't wheedle enough money out of their flocks. In conse- quence of lack of funds the efficiency of their schools suffers. Their buildings are inadequate and un- healthy, their staffs of teachers are insufficient and inefficient, and the schools generally are left behind in the educational race. They can't keep up with tho State schools. Dai But how are they able to comply with the re- quirements of the Education Department? Jim They are not able far from it. Mr. Acland, some timo ago, wanted to get some of them to comply to a greater degree than they did. There was a great outcry against him all through the country. The Department is very lenient and merciful to these Sec- tarian schools, and allow them to do things, or rather not to do things, which it would not dream of in the case of the Hoard Schools. Dai So they are in a bad way, generally. Jim: la i very bad way, and getting worse year after year. Even the Times advises them to throw up the sponge. The advice is not likely to be adopted, worse luck for the children And what do vou think is the little game played by the Sectarian schools. Dai They will try to get more money out of the rates. .Jim That is our card, but they do not set much value an it. They do not think the people of this country will give them more money unless they set the control of the schools into their own hands. Dai Have they another card to play ? Jim Yes, and it is this they are trying to stop the progress of the Board schools, so that their miser- able schools may keep pace with them. As they can- not ciimb any higher they are trying to drag the Board schools down to their level. Dai Are they bound to try and keep pace with the Board schools, Jim? Jim If they fall too far behind their schools will be discredited, and even their ovvu people will send their children to the Board schools. They are bound to fall behind unless— Dai Unless thevgot more money? Jim Y es, and failing to got more money, they can only try and stop the Board schools for going on quite so fast. Dai That would be an injustice to our children, Jim ? Jim Of course it would, but what do the Sec- tarians care for that? Not a brass button. The interest of their sects is the only thing they study, "and to that they would readily sacrifice the intellec- tual welfare of the children. A priest is a peculiar being, you know, though some priests, I admit, are very good men. Dai But do tho Sectarian candidates say they want to reduce the efficiency of the Board Schools ? Jim Not they; if they did that they know they would never be elected. What they say is that they go in for" economy." Dai Ah, I think I understand now what that cry of economy really means. Jim It is a dishonest cry, Dai, used only as a pre- text. In the case of the Merthyr School Board, there has been no extravagance. As we have seen, the ex- penditure is below tho average, while the efficiency, as shown by the Government grants, is above the average. There cannot have been any extravagance. And you remember that the rate is— Dat Only Is. 2id. iu the pound for last year. Of course, I believe in economy myself. Jim So do I, but I tell you what economy in this case means the reduction of efficiency. If you spend less money the schools are bound to suffer. We must fight, Dai, for the education of our children. Dai When I hear a candidate talking of cconomy I will now know what he means. Jim Especially when that candidate happens to be a priest of any church, orthe manager of the school of any sect. MR. C. H. JAMES AND THE INDEPENDENTS. A very representative meeting of townsmen favour- able to efficient and unsectarian education was held on Monday evening last at the Abermorlais Girls' School for the purpose of hearing an address by Mr. Charles Henry James, J.P., on the question of un- sectarian education. Mr. H. W. Sou they, J.P., presided. Mr. C. H. James, in the course of a brilliant and somewhat lengthy speech, dealt with the question in a lucid manner. He said that efficient education did not mean cheap education. The education of little children should be like water, pure and the best that could be obtained. Eiffciency, in the first place, meant good teachers, and when the Board had to appoint a new teacher for the school he purposely shut his eyes to anything relating to the religious opinions of the various candidates for the post (bear, bear). The Board should take every trouble in choosing a teacher, but once be had been ohosen ho should be given a free hand. They should not in any way be interfered with until they were found guilty of a grave breach of duty, or a great fault (hear, near). Young Mr. Menelaus, of Dowlais, when talking abeut the choice of agents, remarked that the great secict of the success of an undertaking was the apjKiintment of a good agent or manager. People, be believed, should take as much time and pains as possible in choosing an agent or a manager in order to secure the best possible man, but once he had been chosen he should be given a free hand, and he (Mr. James) agreed with this view (hear, hear). Another matter regarding the management of schools was that they should have sufficient teachers. This meant expense, of course, but he did not think,taking everything into consideration, that the Merthyr School Board had been over lavish in this matter. The staff- ing of schools such as were under the jurisdiction of tho Merthyr School Board was a very difficult matter, when they bad to deal with large schools like Dow- lais, and small schools like C'lwydfagwr. Each class should have a separate teacher, but in the case of smull schools this was almost an impossibility, and the number of teachers per child varied considerably in each school. He contended, however, that the Board bad done what was fair aud right in the interest of the children and the ratepayers, and they had tried their very best to make every school efficient (applause). There were very often changes in the staffs which constantly required filling up. Their teachers, male and female, left there for other Boards, where they received more remuneration. They went to Cardiff and to Barry, where they received better pay, and that in itself proved that the teachers did not get too much money as compared with other schools. And if anyone present were to come to the schools during working hours and see the work there was to be done, he felt sure they would agree with him that the teachers were not overpaid. It was a hard and trying work, requiring training and education, and it wai only fair anu reasonable that good teachers should have proper pay (applause). Good buildings and classrooms with sanitary arrangements and proper apparatus were ulso required ia order to make the schools efficient. This all meant money. The Board bad been con- tinuallypressed by the Go vernment to make thei rschools more efficient in these ways and to provide better accommodation for the children. He felt very strongly in this matter (hear, bear). Further, in order to acquire efficiency, the children should be compelled to attend regularly at the schools. The schools could never be made efficient when the children were allowed to como and go just as they pleased. He took upon himself the other day to send a copy of a speech he had delivered on this question to Lord Aberdare, and his lordship said: "Wel!, you must wait patiently, for you will never have proper attendances at the schools until the children of the present generation became parents themselves. Then the fruit of your work will be seen." He felt sorry that there were a number of parents who would not or could not, or positiveiy refused to send their children to school with that regularity which they ought to. Then they did not keep pace with the children who did, and the whole tone' of the school was kept town. This showed want of discipline, and it was a very important matter that they should do their very best to get more regularity of attendance at the schools (applause). The Government only paid their fee grant according to the regularity of the children: so if the schools were "well- attended the fee grant received by the School the children: so if the schools were well- attended the fee grant received by the School Board would be so much greater each quarter (hear, hear). But some people in this town of Merthyr rose I up indignant, and pretended that there was a great deal of hardship involved upon the poor parents who were summoned before the magistrates. When a parent did not do his duty towards his child ho (Mr. James) believed that parent should be punished with the utmost rigour of the law, and serve them very well right, too (applause). He would like if lenH-Y ratepayer in Merthyr were to read that admirable triennial report by the clerk of the School Board. In that they would find that 874 notices had been issued to parents, and that 515 summonses were issued. They might take it for granted that these summonses were not issued except to people who really deserved them. These were tho cases where the parents were convicted for drunkenness, assault, and battery, whichlthey had to hear, and the poor unfortunate children bad to suffer (shame). It was said thai there was an unsectarian majority on the School Board, but be felt surprised that they had the impudence to say so when every sect or chapel was anxious not to be represented by the best men in Merthyr, but by men who upheld their religious views and opinions. It was a scandal and a shame (applause). He did not think the Merthyr people could boast of an unsectarian majority when the members interested were too ready to represent a par- ticular place of worship, or religious sect or party (applause). Ho should like to say a word or two all to what a School Board member ought to be. He should at any rate be a man of education, for a man who had been reasonably well educated had a better claim than a man who lacked that education (hear, hear). Although he did not like to say anything against the members of the present Board, he could claim to be as fairly intelligent and well-educated as many of them (hear, hear). Then a School Board member should be independent (hear, hear), indepen- dent of all sects, of all chapels, of all parties and politics, and independent of everything except the true interests of the children (applause). He was still an Independent in religion, but he was indepen- dent of Independents in the matter of education (bear, hear). A member of the School Board .should also have plenty of backbone, and be able to say no" very emphatically when necessity called upon him to do so. It was a great pity that School Boards had the option of allowing children to leave school at a certain age, and he believed that the age at which a child shouid leave school should be laid down by the State (applause). He knew of some instances where persons in a particular chapel went to a member and influenced him to allow the child to leave school before the proper time, and these members exer- cised power they had and granted the request in order that a parent may have a few shillings a week more because that child went to work (shame). A School Board member should also have a certain amount of leisure to attend to his work. He could then visit the schools and take an interest in educa- tion, which he could not otherwise. He could sym- pathise with the teachers in their work, and by doing so would increase the efficiency of the schools. Some members of the Board visited the schools and treated the teachers and the children with scant courtesy, instead of trying to appreciate their difficulties and sympathise with them in their work. The School Board Clerk had prepared a table of the attendances made by the members of the Board at the meeting and committees, and he found that out of a possible 190, he (Mr. James) had attended 121 times during the past three years, while he had attended the various schools quite as many times but these visits could not very weil be recorded. Proceeding, the speaker pointed out that a member of a School Board sliould have an unbiassed mind, that when a discussion took place at the Board h« should try to see both sides of the question, judge fairly and reasonably, and then be as firm as possible, having made up his mind, and not, like some, hot- headed and anxious to drive their opinions to the bitter end (applause). Having told them what the duties were, it was for them to judge how far he had justified his election during the past three veal's. He had told the Independent Committeo that- if they could prove that any of their candidates possessed those qualifications in a greater degree than he did, he would willingly retire to-morrow. He was not going to make promises of what he would do if he was elected, IA;t he could tell them that he would not represent any particular sect or class, but would endeavour to further efficient and unsectarian educa- tion (applause). Ho feared they had had too much experience of committees in Merthyr, committees called together to do work which they were not fitted to do. That was an argument which could be proved by the result of the Parliamentary election, when a comparatively unknown man, who belonged to a par- ticular feet, was thrust upon the constituency. If this committee had not done their work badly, that candidate would not have been defeated. The same might be said about the recent elections, and for the future he, for one, would never bind himself to vote for any candidate chosen by a committee, unless he approved of the candidate himself (loud applause). There was no doubt about the f.ict that the Liberal and Nonconformist Party in this town was thoroughly divided. They ought to have taken the trouble to select the best men irrespective of religious belief. Proceeding, Mr. James read the communications which had passed between himself and the Independent Committee, and the letter he had received was curt, but not courteous. They thanked him for his sen ices in the past, and then sent him a letter such as this If he had a cook or a housemaid who had served him faithfully for three year", he would not have treated her with such a scant courtesy such as this. Although he had published these letters, he had not vet received an apology from the committee. Now/he would place himself in their hands, for if he would be returned by their help, and if elected, there would be at least one independent member on the Board to pro- test against the Sectarian spirit still rampant in tneir midst (applause). He had received promises of sup- port from the Rev. Charles Angwin and his Wesleyan Friends, from some of the colliers, and from the Jewish Rabbi in the town (applause). A number of gentlemen then spoke as to the merits of Mr. James as a member, and of the good work he had accomplished during the three years he had been on the Board. A letter was read from Mr. Peter Williams, following in the same strain, hoping that he would be triumphantly returned to the School Board, and that ho would allow himself to become a candidate for the Town Ward seat of the County Council (applause). Mr. D. J. Evans, referring to the splendid address delivered by Mr. James, said he quito agreed with the sentiments expressed, and had very great pleasure in proposing that they ask Mr. James to' continue his candidature. It would be impossible for them to find a letter man to represent them on the Board (apphmse).-Mr. John Jones seconded, and a number of other gentlemen supported, after which the motion was put to the meeting and carried unanimously. THE COMMITTEE'S REPLY. The committee deeply regret that Mr. C. H. James should rush to the press and use what was intended as a compliment, which honourable men thought due from them to a gentleman who accepted their help and support to become a member of the School Board for the last three years, as a means to create sympathy with him in the present election. They also wish to state that they were not dis- satisfied on the whole with his conduct on the Board, although they cannot forget that he remained neutral on a question upon which Independents have given no uncertain sound—that of public control of all State-aided schools. This is not, howev er, the reason why he was not selected by them this time. They felt bound, in the present contest, to select candidates who would command the general support of the constituency to which they had to appeal, and in deference to the wishes of a very large number of educationalists in the Churches, Mr. Daniel, as an old and tried friend of education, and a man of unusual tact and ability who has stood in the forefront of educational battles, and the Rev. J. Thomas, as a man who is well-known and very much appreciated for his ability, and who is moreover approachable to the Welsh-speaking popu- lation, were selected as the two candidates who were most likely to be returned by them in the struggle which is being made by the Roman Catholics and Churchmen for predominance. The committee appeal to Mr. James and to the general body of the electors to look upon the matter lD a. calm and impartial manner, and although they wish him well and would gladly return him if it were possible to do so, they venture to hope that he will not allow himself to be made a tool of for the purpose of prejudicing tho position of the selected candidates, and of preventing them from doing their share towards securing the victory for Free Education —free from every intolerance, free for every child in the parish, whether Church, Catholic, or Noncon- formist; but conic what may, the committee are determined to stand to their guns.—For the Com- mittee, I). L. Jones, Secretary. There if no reason to fear that there will be too few applicants for the vacant seats on the School Board. Tho only members of the late Board who have declined to be nominated are the late chairman, Mr. Thomas Wi!!iam", J.P., whose loss all will deprecate. and the Rev. R. S. William?, of All the others, it is believed, will seek the suffrages ,f the people, in addition to a host of new comers, some whom are popular, and others who are not so well known. For instance, we have, first of all Mr. C. If. Janit'S, known. For instance, we have, first of all Mr. C. If. Janit'S, J.P., who, to-day perhaps is more popular than evtT he was. Notwithstanding the fact that he has broken loose from the traces of what is generally termed a por- he was. Notwithstanding the fact that he has broken loose from the traces of what is generally termed a Por. tion of the Nonconformist caucus, he is considered to be safe for a seat, even if he does Dot stand high 11p oo the poll. Of the two other Independent candidates, jV £ r. W. L. Daniel and Rev. John Thomas, opinions Yary- It is believed that Mr. Daniel may throuch his owxi personal popularity, poll sufficient votes to secijro a I seat, whereas on the other hand the Independents- of the borough are not considered strong enough to seci re the return of the Rev. John Thongs. Tho I' facu that the Independents have thrown mi-or Mr. ChnrleH Henrv James, who is regarded as Che of the most practical and efticie.it members of tho Board, has incited the indignation of the populace, and a reaction has set in in his favour. The Independent vote is divided, whilst the Jews, the Wesleyans, and the Unitarians will give almost a Solid vote to Mr. James. In addition to that he is certain of support from Liberal Churchmen and Baptists. Mr. Dan Thomas, who has issued a thort but independent" address, will, it is generally thought, secure election. He has not declared his policy, but depends mainly upon personal popularity, and the fact that be has so strenuously opposed what he terms j the partiality and extravagance of the retiring Board." j The Church party in Dowlais will be represented at the poll by the Rev. LI. M. Williams, tha rector, a i popular man, and one, by the way, who will h<ve a 'I large following of his own. In Merthyr Vale, Mr. Gray, the old member, is confronted with Mr. Arthur Daniel, a staunch I Liberal, and Unpoctarian educationist. Then there is Mr. Joseph Owen to be reckoned with, and inas- much as he comes out with an independent policy, I and makes no promises, it is believed he will secure a seat. I In Treharri*, the battle still waxeth hot. Mr. Henry Davies and Mr. W. M. Evans are making a 1 desperate fight, but it is pretty generally feared that the two will be defeated. One local candidate might easily be returned two cannot be returned without complete and absolute unanimity. i A deputation from Treharris was introduced by Councillor Prosser to the Technical Instruction Com- mittee of Glamorganshire on Tuesday. These gentle- men stated that it was tho unanimous wish »f the ratepayers of that place that Mr. Henry Da vies, the County Council mining lecturer, should represent I them on the Merthyr School Board, and they wished to know if tho Council would take any objection to Mr. Davies filling this post.—The Revs. W.Jones and W. W. Nicholas emphasised this wish of the Treharris people, aud after some lictle discussion, in Treharris people, and after some lictle discussion, in which it waa explained that Mr. Davies was not directly in tre employ of the Council, but that he was engaged by the college, to whom the Council paid a E, certain sum, tho Council passed a resolution to the tffect that they would take no exception to Mr. Davies occupying a seat on the School Board, so long as this office did not interfere with his duties as mining lecturer. Menevius writes:-—" Amongst the many recent elections which have been held, I think that the above election is a very important one, and one which calls forth our immediate attention, inasmuch as the vital interest of our offspring is at stake. I find that dif- ferent committees have been held for the selection of candidates. I find that the different committees have been very discreet and wise in their selection. I shall not dwell on the merits and demerits of all the candi- dates. I shall leave that to the electors themselves but if you will permit. I "hall crave a small space to refer to the solootion the Baptists have made by selecting the Rev. James Williams, Dowlais, Joseph Owen, Taff Vale House, and Mr. Rees Williams, insurance agent. The two former come out in virtue of their past service they are two well-tried and experienced men. I think that they have fulfilled their duty manfully, and we can without hesitation place renewed confidence in them. In Mr. Rees Williams we have new blood of sterling quality, one who possesses profound knowledge, and rare ability as a speaker. He i3 one in his official capacity who has an advantage second to none to know the wants, the needs, and the necessities of our working class rising generation. I beg most respectfully to urge my fellow comrades not to despise him at the poll. 1 have not the slightest doubt that if elected, by engag- ing his noble efforts, the electors will never have a cause to regret in returning him, and that at the head of the poll. Now, Dowlais especially, I call upon you not to flag in supporting him. He is in his prime of life, full of vigour and ability, out-spoken, full of energy, and a most conscientious administrator. Let In give him a chance, and ever will thereby infuse new blood into the School Board, and advance the cause of the mental development of our rising generation." DOWLAIS. A meeting was held on Monday evening last at Moriah Schoolroom, Dowlais, in support of the Rev. James Williams' candidature, when the chair was occupied by the Rev. B. Davies, pastor. The can- didate addressed the meeting in a forcible speech, which served to show his thorough grasp of the work of the School Board, and the active interest taken by him in the discharge of hi.s duties. He was heartily cheered upon his declaration that upon no considera- tion would he ever pin himself to the sleeve of any individual, and that he would accept no guide but his conscience oven if, as in the past, it led him to run counter at times to personal interest and in opposi- tion to personal friends. Speeches wera delivered bv Messrs. E. Jones, T. Davies, Berry-square, J. Francis, W. Rees, and others, and a vote of confi- dence pledging all present to do all in their power to help forward the candidature of Mr. Williams was pro[*>sed in flattering terms by Mr. T. Davies (Ceiriosydd), seconded by Mr. David Kedart, and en- thusiastically supported by Mr. Jno. Jenkins, Russell-street, and unanimously agreed to. The appearance of two new candidates on the scene in the persons of the Rector of Dowlnis and Mr. Isaac Lewis, tho Labour candidate, has complicated matters very much in Dowlais. It is absolutely im- possible to gauge the chances of the various candi- dates. It i? generally agreed that the official Noncon- formist candidates will be elected, although the can- didature of Mr. Isaac Lewis, who is a Baptist, is regarded in some quarters as a menaco to the Rev. James Williams. The Methodist1? are working bard in the interest of Mr. Rees Price. The Independents have at a meeting of the Rev. R. S. Williams' sup- porters unanimously agreed to go solidly for that gentleman, and for him alone. The sensation of the week has undoubtedly been the openly declared in- tention of Mr. Evan Lewis to supjwrt thecandidature of the Rector of Dowlais. TREHARRIS. On Thursday se'nnight a. meeting of the supporters of Mr. Henry Davies was held at the Public Hall, Mr. Thomas Davies presiding;. There was good attendance. The following gentlemen addressed the meeting: Councillor Prosser, Mr. Joseph Thorna- and Mr. J. Gaines. DATE OF ELECTION. The date of the School Board election is laid don-o for Thursday, March 7th, and the nominations close to-day (Thursday). It is impossible, of course, to give a full list of the candidates before they axe nominated, but from enquiries made the following gentlemen will probably stand tDavid Davies, Glebeland (Baptist) Rees Williams (Baptist) tRev. James Williams, Dowlais (Baptist). tJoaephOwen(Bapti"t). Rev. R. S. Williams, Dowlais (Cong.) ■ Rev. John Thomas, Merthyr (Cong.) W. L. Daniel (Congregational) Henry Davies (Congregational) Arthur Daniel, Troedvrhiw (Cong-) tRev. D. C. Edwards fC.M.) +Rets Price (C.M.) W. M. Evans. Treharris (Labour) Isaac Owen, Dowlais (Labour). ITsaac Edwards (Labour) W. Roberts (Labour) 10. H. James (Independent) Dan Thomas (Independent) fT. Jenkins (Independent) Rev. LI. M. Williams, Dowh1^ (Church) Rev. Daniel Lewis, Merthyr (Church) +11. E. Gray (Church) Rev. Canon Wade (R.C.) I Rev. Father Pinpctt (R.O.) fV. A. Wills (R.C) Those marked t are old

GELLIGAER SCHOOL BOARD. Tho votes recorded on Monday in the election of eleven mem!>ers to serve for tho next triennial term on the Gelligaer School Board were counted on Tuesday in the Boardr"?"! of the Merthyr L'rron Workhouse. Tho officer, Mr. Frank T. James, declared the restlIt a", follows — ^LECTKI). Thomas Jesso Jones, rector of Gelligaer 1,949 R. O. Jones, Congregational minister, Bed!inog 1,741 Aaron Davies, C.M. iiiinister, iVutlottyn L564 It. P. D. Phillips, (ielligaer 1,501 John Morgan. Deri 1,421 Thomas Rees, The "V 'Carage, Pontlottyn 1,267 W. A. Morgau, innkfleper, Pontlottyn 1,320 W. A. Morgau, innkfleper, Pontlottyn 1,320 ¡ J, P. Williams, Baptist minister, Pontlottyn 1,241 Daniel Davies, grocer and butcher, Bedlinog 1,079 W. C. Beddoe, Cefn Llwyna Hall 1,070 Evan Thomas, miner's agent, Pontlottyn 1,041 NON-ELECTKD. Henry Evans, foreman erector, Vochriw 1,023 William Williams, grocer, Pontlottyn 1,018 Daniel Williams, farmer, Cefn Hengoed 906 Edward Lcjwie, grocer, Bargoed 875 Thomas .Tone3' farmer, Greenhill, Gelligaer 760 I Robert S\vidf.nliank, gentleman, Pontlottyn 193 Thomas I)iivid Jones, ale and porter merchant, Tirphil 185

flirt thinUs itscif the most abused V. hen MATCHLESS Cl.KANSKK SUAI' is used.

Errs's COCOA. GR ATS.FCI, AXDCOOTORTISS.—" By a thoroc-W knowledge of the natural laws which :0' f) n the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of tlu» fine properties of well-selected COCOA, Mr. Epps has provided for our breakfast and suppe a delicately flavoured which ma" save us many heavy rlocton;1 bill?. It is by th!' judicious use flf such articles of diet that a constitution m&y be gradually built up until strong enough to resist every tendency to disease. We may escape many a fatal shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a properly nourished fral11e.('n'!{ Serriee Gazette.—Made simply with boi1iuj water or milk, Sold only In packets, by Grocers, labelled—"JAMF.S Errs & Co., Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Also makers of Eppa's Coceaine 01" Cocos-Xib Extract A thin bevernge of full flavour, nsw with many beneficially taking the place of tea. Its active principle beins a gentle nerve Ffimulant. supplies the needed energf without unduly exciting the system.