Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

THE MERTHYR WATER BILL. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COUNCIL. A special meeting of the Merthyr Council was held on Friday morning last, convened by Mr. David Davies, Mr. Joseph Owen, and Mr. John Harpur, for the purpose of dealing with the new Water Bill. The chair was occupied by Mr. T. H. Bailey, J.P., and there were a:so present :—Messrs. J. Harpur, Dan Thomas, D. Davies, J. LI. Atkins, W. Lewis, and J. Robert, together with Mr. Gwilym C. James (clerk), and T. F. Harvey (surveyor). Mr. W. Lewis said that in the first place he begged to move the omission of Clause 20 from the Bill. He did not know whether it was necce"sary for him to travel over the same grounds of objection as he had in the part, although at the last special meeting of the Council the chairman advanced some strong argu- ments from his point of view in respect to the new clauses. Mr. Lewis in continuation, contended that the charges as involved by the new scale would make a double increase in the charges upon cottage owners and the occupiers. There was no denying the fact that the scale showed an average increase of 50 or 55 per cent. Houses rated at £7 15s. Od., which now paid 8s. 8d., would under this scale have to pay 17s. 4d. Whilst offering these criticisms he acknow- ledged the courtesy which had been shown towards him by the chairman, whohad forwarded him by traina copy of the statement he made at the previous meet- ing, thus showing every desire to deal fairly in the matter. He went on to argue that the figures being an extra tax upon the owners already referred to, must mean an additional relief to the proprietors of big workx. The Chairman remarked that there was JB120,000 to be obtained in loan% and the question was, who was to bear it. This money was to be spent for the benefit of the water consumers, and it was not fair that the ratepayers who were not lienefitted by this water should have to pay the greater share of the money. They were prepared to pay some towards it, but not the whole. He would further ask whose was it in the past that they should go to this increased expense now ? The Chairman: The increase at Treharris among other places. Mr. Lewis said he never heard that argument advanced before. He knew that they had gone to an fxpense of E40,000 in connection with Treharris some years ago. but was it not in consequence of the errors in the past, and of litisration with the Crawshays that this extra expense bad been caused ? It was a moot abominable state of affairs for the ratepayers. Mr. Dan Thomas said he was sorry to interrupt this, but thought they had all met to discuss the question of charges, and he thought it was their duty to go through the clauses wrintivi. If they were going to deal with the Bill they had better go through it in its entirety. He did not think they would be any the more forward if they were to go on for two hours in this desultory way. Mr. W. Lewis observed that he was determined to oppose these charges. At the came time, he was anxious to put his arguments in such a way as to do justice to the ratepayers, and not to do injustice to the great proprietors. Mr. David Davies proposed that they should go through the clauses one by one.—Mr. Dan Thomas seconded, and it was agreed to.—The question aa to whether the press should remain then cropped up, and Mr. David Davies proposed that they should. He thought that was only fair, as it was a public ques- tion, and there was so much talk ahout the matter, and so much feeling created in the town. The more publicity they gave these things the better, but at the same time it was not necessary for the press to remain when the question of petitions came on.—Mr. Lewis seconded the motion, and Mr. Dan Thomas remarked That is just my position. After a long conversation the Council agreed eventually to the original idea of discussing clause 20 in public.—Mr. Dan Thomas had very great pleasure in seconding Mr. Lewis' projxwition that clause 20 he omitted. The resolution would be that the charges now in force would be the charges in future. He agreed with Mr. Lewis in everything he had said, and that the ratepayers of the present day should not be saddled with the shortcomings of those who had gone before them. As Mr. Lewis had pointed out, the majority of those who had ruled the parish in the past were to be relieved of this £ 1,800 a year. He thought it came with very bad grace that the rate- payers were now to be saddled with what was put forward as their just liabilities," but which was really only the result of errors committed in the past. After alluding to the contentions put forward on behalf of the larger properties Mr. Thomas went ou to say that the position they were now in was entirely attributable to the shortcomings of the gentlemen who had formerly been entrusted with this work, and who constituted a majority of the old Board. It was a shame that the cottage owners and occupiers of the district should be asked to bear this burden now. If the proposed scale of charges was sanctioned the present generation would have to pay for the benefit which would have to be enjoyed by their successors. He also wished to call attention to the wording of the preamble of the Bill, which said that the charges are unusually low.The Chairman So they are.- Mr. Dan Thomas Why should we say so ? It was never an instruction to our clerk to put anything of that kind into the preamble. As far as I can find out the Board was never consulted. The Clerk I beg your pardon I really cannot allow this to go on any further. The instructions given to the Parliamentary agents (Messrs. Bell) and myself were to get the Bill ready, and we had plenary powers. As far as I am concerned I shall not act as your solicitor if this sort of thing goes on. —Mr. Dan Thomas I don't see why Mr. James should have any feeling in the matter.—The Clerk I have no feeling I am only protecting my honour. Mr. Dan Thomas said he was speaking as a rate- payer, and h« had never heard anything of the clerk being instructed to put these words in the preamble or as to the old Board being consulted upon the matter. He had asked several members of the Board, and he had failed to discover that any instructions had been given. It appeared to him that somebody had been briefed to draw up a Bill which would be best for the large ratepayers. He desired to cast no reflection upon the clerk, but it might be that the London agents had done what they thought was right, but not what he considered was fair to the general body of ratepayers. Mr. J. Harpur said he did not like to gi .-e a silent vote upon this matter. He considered that if this clause was omitted it would be a very unjust thing to tha properties which did not derive any benefit from i the supply of water. With regard to the statement that the affairs of the old Board had been adminis- tered for the benefit of the large properties, he thought that if they took the trouble to look at the names of those who were upon the Board at the time when the old Neuadd reservoir was constructed, they would see that the majority of the members were not connected with the large properties, but that they represented the general body of the ratepayer-. If this clause was left out of the Bill they would not know how the petitioners would act undur the altered circumstances. The Clerk, in reply to a questiou said that anyone could petition against the Bill. The Chairman said that a great deal had been said— and he daresay justly—upon this matter, but when they went before a committee of the House of Lord* or the House of Commons, they would have to justify their statements by facts, and the great point thei had to meet was that £ 120,000 was required for the water supply of the district. The committee would at once want to know how that money was going to be raised. The water rates in their district were extremely low, lower than any which had been made since 1879 and now they were going to seek powers to increase theit reserroirs, for which purpose money would have to be found. They might take it from him that if the Bill was opposed—and,it certainly would be opposed—and if it was proposed to saddle the ratepayers with this money, there would be a serious eon test before the committee, and a very expensive ene. The question was as to whether it was worth their while, after the rates had been fixed on what was considered fair and reasonable grounds, to go and place themselves in such a position before committees as would lead to a severe fight, which might last for days. He certainly looked upon it as a very eerious matter, and he thought that for the sake of saving expense to the Council and also for the purpose of placing a Bill before the committees in a proper manner, it would be letter to leave the proposed charges as they stood at present. Mr. D. Davies said he regretted very much that all the members of the Council were not present, as this was a very important thing for them all. He was very glad to find that such a good spirit prevailed amongst those present, as they all appeared to be dis- Ejeed to do their duty in an impartial manner. Mr. ewis had stated that he did not wish to do an in justice to tit. large companies, and Mr. Harpur had said that the majority of those who were on the Hoard at the time when the old Neuadd reservoir was constructed were representatives of the general body of ratepayers. —Mr Harpur I said I believed so.—Mr. I). Davies, continuing, said it was his impression that at the time alluded to, the gentlemen who were connected with the large companies held the rein*. At the same time he did not wish to act dishonestly towards them, for there was no doubt they had done good service to the parish. But he considered that the Water Act of 18S8 tnorw especially was framed—he was sorfy to think -,), but that was his opinion—in j the intereHt<< of t!i<j lar^e companies. Tnev knew \vh»t had bcru ^oiug on, and the threats they had i received fiom these companies from time to time when they were pretty well famishing for water. They had a duty to perform to the ratepayers generally, and be was one of those who did not believe in being frightened from what he conceived to be his duty. This water question was undoubtedly one of the most important questions the Council could dis- cuss, and he thought they should endeavour to pass through Parliament the very best measure. so that the majority of the ratepayers might receive benefit from it. He ventured to say that if they looked over the statement which had been prepared by the book- keeper, they would see that the average of the pro- posed new charges was alxjve those of other districts. He did not wish to do an injustice to the Dowlaia, Cyfarthfa, Nixon's, or any other of the companies, but he repeated that he thought the former Acts had been framed in the interests of the large companies. These companies had taken care of themselves, especially the Cyfarthfa people. He understood that the old Waterworks' Committee had been harrassed continually, and it appeared that that Council was to be threatened again with opposition if they insisted— and he hoped the majority would insist—in keep- ing the water charges where they stood at present. He hoped the majority of that Council would not allow anyone to thwart their efforts. He was desirous of respecting the large owners; at the same time, if the Council committed errors now this Bill was before them, future generations would have to suffer through their neglect, and probably those who would he in power in the future would have more cause to criticise the action of the present Council than they had to criti- cise their precdecessors. He had much pleasure in supporting Mr. Lewis' motion, because he did not think they were justified in making these exorbitant charges which would relieve the larger owners at the expense of the smaller ones. The Chairman said he really must object to that, because a considerable additional burden would in effect come upon the proprietors of the large works.— Mr. D. Davies said he thought that if the Bill waR framed so that the general body of ratepayers would recoup from the large owners it would be more e 'p I reagonahle.-The Chairman: What do you mean?— Mr. Davies said that the companies had had the advantage in bygone years. As to the leakage in the Xeuadd Reservoir, it would seein money had been thrown away. He did not wish to refer to any gentle- man who could not defend himself and for whom he had very great respect, but at the same time there were the defects and now they had to pay heavily. He supported the resolution as proposed bv Mr. Lewis. Mr. G. C. James They had to deal with the re- payment of loans every year, and the working expenses, and interest on the loans. Now, with regard to the repayment of loans, if they took from 1831 to 1895 they found that the annual repayment of loans had been in 1837 £ 6,663. Taking 1891 it was £ 6,604. He cited other figures and pointed fat that their annual repayments of loans had always fallen upon the general district rate, that had never been met by the general consumers of water, but came out of the general district rate. When they made their new reservoir and borrowed their £120,000, they would have another repayment of loan annually, that in addition to the sum which they had to pay now on borrowed money would also come out of the general district rate, because they had not a sufficient balance from working expenses. He showed, in fact, that the present deficiency upon working expenses and interest amounted to £ 3,228. If the proposed charges were in then that deficiency would pretty well disappear, but they must remember that in future the general district rate would have to bear the annual repayment of loan, not JM,958, but of a sum very much larger, and that would fall upon the general district all round so that to the extent of the annual repayment of loans, those who used domestic water were relieved in respect of the extent to which they contributed to the general district rate. He thought the principle was that charges should be made to meet as far as possible the working expenses and the loans come from the general district rates. Mr. D. Davies remarked that they were about to negotiate for amalgamating the present and future loans, and he believed they would be able to j secure the money at three per cent. Hence their rates would be considerably diminished.- Mr. J. Roberts, Merthyr Vale, said it would have been better for the lower part if the district had been divided.—Mr. Dan Thomas And for the upper part of the district too.—The Chairman And we should not have required this £120.000 now.—Mr. Lewis T haveno hesitation in saying that this money is required in consenuence of the incompetency of the past mem- bers.—The Chairman: The bulk of it is required through the increase in the population of the district. —Mr. Lewis said that he did not know who instructed the clerk as to the insertion of the proposed charges. —Mr. Dan Thomas: You were not on the secret com- mittee.—Mr. Lewis Just so, then.—Mr. Jttmes (to Mr. Lewis): Is it not before you now, sir? What more do you want ? Wo had to prepare a. Bill. We have done so, and it is before you for consideration. Mr. Lewis, in further observations, contended that the large owners were being relieved at the expense of the smaller ones, and no doubt somebody deserved to lie well whipped for the money expended on litigation. He thought the consumers should not bo made to bear the burden let them all bear the burden equally.— The Chairman But they are not equal.—Mr. Lewis It is a matter of opinion.—The Chairman It is a matter of fact, Mr. Lewis. Mr. John Harpur said he did not think himself it was right that with a Council consisting of 18 mem- bers a question of this sort ahould be considered by seven of them. He knew that all the members had had an intimation to be present, but several were very ill, and would have been there if they could. He did not think seven members of the Council should take upon themselves this responsibility. — Mr. Dan Thomas: If you defer it we shall all be laid up.—Mr. James: And we shall be before the committee on Tuesday.—Mr. Harpur I merely throw it out as a remark more than anything else. With regard to Mr. Davies' remarks about Cyfarthfa, 1w did not seem to take into consideration that when the Act of 18M was framed, the Cyfarthfa Company were the riparian owners of the river, and had a. perfect right to pro- tect themselves. I think Mr. Davies, if he had been in the same position, would have looked after his own interests.—Mr. Davies I am sorry that Mr. Harpur, after the matter has been discussed, should take this exception. If we were to do this, we may always take exception. I am here from the counting (the counting of the School Board votes was being proceeded with at the workhouse), and I think Mr. Wills, Mr. Owen, and others should be here.- I Mr. Harpur: Hear, hear.—Mr. Davies said he was prepared to defer it until to-morrow.—Mr. Lewis said he must press his motion, and Mr. Davies said in that case he must support it.—The Chairman Then I will put Mr. Lewis' motion to the meeting. -For the omission of Clause 20 from the Bill: Messrs. Lewis, Thomas, Atkins, Davies, and Roberts, five. Against: Mr. Harpur and the chairman, two. The motion to omit the clause was therefore carried. The Council then went into committee to consider petitions against the Bill.

ABEKDAKE COUNCIL. Friday Mr. R. H. Rhys in the chair. Present: Rev. B. Evans, Mr. T. Williams, Mr. T. Thomas, Mr. T. Howell*, Mr. P. Llewellyn, Rev. D. P. Davies, Mr. T. Rees, Mr. D. Williams, and Mr. Morris.-The Roads and Bridges Committee were instructed to view the cab-stands in the town, to re-arrange and improve the positions and sites.—Mr. T. Rees drew attention to the bins at Aberaman not being properly cleaned.—The clerk was instructed to wtthhold the scavengers' wages until the places had received proper attention.—The Surveyor submitted plans and estimates for alterations to the Blaennanty- groea-road, Cwmbach, and the matter was referred to the Roads and Bridges Committee to inspect the ground.—A new tool-shed was ordered to be erected at a cost of £ 4 10s.—Building plans from E. Williams, Ton. Pentre, for four dwelling-houses at Tanyard- placc; a workshop for Messrs. Hopkins and Prosser, Abenunan and stables and smithy for Mr. H. Hopkins, General l'icton Inn, in Brook-street, were Ea'sed. The proposed alterations to the Temperance Fall, whereby there would be two exits into Canon- street by means of a stone stairway were also passed. —The rainfall recorded at Nanthir Reservoir for the month of February showed 1^5th of an inch, being a decrease of 6*09 inches in the previous month, ana a decrease of 6'64 inches on the corresponding month of last year. Rain fell on three days, the greatest fall being on the 24th, viz., '08 of an inch.—A copy of a letter from the Local Government Offices to the over- seers of the parish of Aljerdare was read, which [jointed out that unless the overseers forwarded a etter to the District Council within ten days that body would proceed to appoint overseers of the poor in accordance with the resolution forwarded to the Government offices.

Dirt thinks it,«eif the niost abided When MATCHLESS CLEANSER stwAll is used. j

LAMENTABLE END OF A DOWLAIS! GROCER. Mr. R. J. Rhys, the district coroner, held an in- quiry at the Dowlais Inn, Dowlaia, cn Monday morn- ing concerning the death of Mr. George Jones, grocer, Victoria-street, who died on Thursday morn- ing last.—Peter Evan Jones ?aid he lived at 16, Crosa Blanche-street, and was a brother of the deceased. The latter was 39 years of age, and was a grocer. Deceased died at witness' house on Thursday morn- ing, having come there on Tuesday night at ten o'clock. On Wednesday night both went to deceased's shop and returned to Blanche-street. It waq abont eight o'clock on Thursday morning when deceased died. He was in the habit of drinking heavily, and had been drinking since the Thursday before his death. Witness believed that the bruises and scratches on deceased's face were caused by a fall. On Tuesday evening, when deceased came to witness' house, he was badly under the influence of drink but all day on Wednesday he was sober. On that day he complained of a pain in the chest, but on Thursday morning witness did not speak to him until just before he died. Deceased was a single man.—Jessie Edwards said I live at 16, Cross Blanche-street, and am in service with the last witness. George Jones had Ijeen sleeping on Wednes- was a single man.Jessie Edwards said I live at 16, Cross Blanche-street, and am in service with the last witness. George Jones had been sleeping on Wednes- day night on the couch, and when I got down on Thursday morning, aliout 7 o'clock, I found he had fallen on the floor. I thought he was in a fit, as ho was subject to them he han had a fit on the pre- vious night. We got him upstairs as soon as we could, and then I ran for a doctor. He had the bruises when he came to our house on Tuesday night. ^Police-sergeant O'Neill said I was on duty in ictoria-street on Tuesday. The deceased's shop was closed, and I could hear the dog crying. I found the dog was starving. I went in search of George Jones, and found him in tho Cardigan Arms. I took him to his place, and as he was very drunk, and altogether unfit to be left about the place, I locked him in and took the key to Mrs. Griffiths, a neighbour. I noticed the bruises on Jones' face, and Mrs. Griffiths told me that he had had them before that day. I did not know deceased before I came to Dowlais" Acting on the orders of the inspector I went to Jones' shop again the same evening. He was then acting and talking very strangely, and I conld see that he was still under the influence of drink. I should say he was more stupid or muddled than when I first saw him. I learned that he had been drinking heavily.— him. I learned that he had been drinking heavily.— The Coroner commended the witnass for his foresight in locking the deceased in his house, and for going to visit him later. j Richard Griffiths said I am the landlord of the Bruce Hotel. I knew George Jones very well. On Monday afternoon I was upstairs and a man came up to me and said that George Jones had fallen in the kitchen. By the time I got downstairs they had raised him up, and I found him sitting in a chair, and he was very drunk. He was bleeding from a cnt about the eyebrow. I tock him home after seeing him washed, and having a piece of plaster placed above his eye. Jones had called in the afternoon and seemed very ill. He was trembling, and asked for a drink of whisky. I refused to give him oue considering that he had had enough already, but I told him that if he would wait a moment I would get him a cup of tea, telling him that that would du him more good than whisky. I left the room in which he was for the purpose of getting the tea, and when I returned he had gone. When he came back in the evening be was much worse than in the afternoon. He was very dirty, and I should say he had not washed himself for three or four days. I took him home. Dr. H. Lewis Hughes, Gwernllwyn House, said he knew deceased very well. He had attended him in a professional capacity last year. The last time he attended him was on the 12th of January last. It was on account of his drinking habits that witness attended him. Witness found that be was suffering from a weak heart, and warned him that unless he gave up the drink he would some day die suddenly. When witness saw him after death lie found a small superficial wound on the forehead, but the wound was of no importance. There was a slight oozing of blood and mucus from the nose and mouth, most likely due to decomposition. In witness' opinion death was due to a weak heart, and he had no doubt at all that it was accelerited by intem- perance and neglect.-The Coroner: Do you mean personal neglect?-- Witness: Yes, certainly, the neglect to take sufficient nourishment. The Foreman of tho Jury (Mr. John Thomas, Vic- toria-street) in reply to a general question by the Coroner, said he could bear out all that the witnesses had said regarding deceased's drinking habits. He was *ot a constant drinker, but had "bouts." He would sometimes keep away from the drink for a long time; indeed, he was once an abstainer for three years, but recently his drinking "boute" becanic more and more frequent.—The Coroner summed up very briefly, remarking that it was a lamentable thing that a man should so tboroughly give way to drinking in the very bsst j'ears of his life, and so briny that life to a premature end. The evidence was too plain to leave any doubt in the mind of the jury.-The Jury, without hesitation, returned a verdict in accordance with the evidence of Dr. Hughes.—The funeral of the deceased took place on Monday afternoon, and was well attended.

TRADE DEPRESSION AND THE WORKING CLASSES. At the annual dinner of the "Prospect of Hope" Lodge of Oddfellows, held at the Ivor Castle Hotel, Dowlais, on Thursday evening, Mr. David Francis, a working man, proposed the Town and Trade of Dowlais." He said that unfortunately trade all over the country was in a very bad condition. A heavy gloom had settled down upon the iron and steel trades of South Wales, and now a similar gloom was threatening the coal trade. He had reason to believe that the lowest depth had not yet been reached. What was doing an immense amount of harm in the country was the absurd notion that was being drilled into the men that the masters were making huge fortunes on their backs. It only required a little thought and a study of trade journals and the com- mercial columns of the daily papers to see how ridicu- lous this notion was (hear, hear). Trade, he would repeat, and as they all knew, was in a desperate state, and it behoved the men, as well as the masters, to be very careful that they did not precipitate a struggle. Another great struggle like that of twenty years ajyo would mean the destruction for ever of the staple industries of the Dowlais district. Apart altogether from the local aspect of things, the outlook all over the country was gloomy, and he thought that the time had come when demands should be made upon legislators of this country that they would look & little more closely to the furtherance of our trade and commerce (hear, hear). He hoped that when Parliamentary candidates came before them they would demand of them pledges that they would not waste valuable time in talking about things that were of no use to anybody, while starvation was staring the working classes in the face (applause). It was a shameful thing to see so many thousands of unem- ployed about the country, when there were millions of mile3 of railways wanted to be constructed in Africa and India, and other parte of our Empire (A Voice: Bravo, old man and cheers). The time had come when the working men should look after their own interests, and should force upon their Parliamentary representatives the necessity of push- ing this question of railway construction to the front.—Mr. Thomas Jones, Church-street, in responding, said it was undoubtedly true that the trade of this country was in a bad way, although in that respect Dowlais was far better off than most towns in the country. Foreign competi- tion was undoubtedly having a very serious effect upon our trade some of our industries had been killed altogether, while otheis were more or less crippled. bpeaking of his own trade, the grocery, things were now about forty or fifty-five per cent. cheaper than they were some twenty years ago flour was fifty per cent. less. Of course that was due to foreign competition, which had been disastrous to English agriculture, but which, in the present depressed state of thing?, enabled colliers and all others who were not agriculturists to live more cheaply than they formerly could. It was not for him to suggest a change that might revive trade, but like the proposer of the toast he hoped that the men and masters would not meet one another in a spirit of antagonism, but would the rather exhaust every com- promise before plunging the whole country into a strife that would have disastrous results.—Mr. R. P. Rees, High-street, also responded. He aaid that it was true that Dowlais was better off than any other part of the country, and that was no doubt due to the fact that the affairs of the Dowlais Iron Company were being capably and faithfully looked after (hear, hear). Mr. Martin was a uiau of sound business capacity and unlxmuded energy, and he had a capable and efficient staff under him, so that if there really was any trade in the country Dowlais wquld get its share of it (hear, hear). He agreed with the proposer of the toast that our legislators were not doiug their duty in the furtherance of British com- merce, and he quite agreed that pressure should be brought to bear upon them in the matter of railway extension (cheers). Trade was, as had been said, very bad indeed. Only the other day he was speaking to it well-known manager, and the latter did not attempt to conceal his fears that a worse state of things was in store, since he (the manager) did not know where to look for orders. But let them all hope that the clond would soon pass away, and they might be sure that if a revival did take place Dowlai?, under the control of Mr. Martin, would be among the tirbt towu?s in the country to feci it (ohceiv). J

A ROW AT PENYDARREN. Margaret O'Neill was summoned before the Merthyr magistrates on Monday, charged with assaulting Daniel McGrath, who said that on the 26th of February he was going towards his house at the back of the New Inn, Penydarren, when Margaret O'Neill ran down the hill and was foaming about the month. She spat on his face and all over his clothes. She also ctruck him.-The Defendant said that McGrath came to her house and wanted her husband to come out to tight.John Howells said he saw defendant coming on with a stone in her hand, with which she threatened to strike McGrath.—For the defence, Mary Parker said she saw the two parties squabbling. McGrath had his fist up and attempted to strike Mrs. O'Neill. He was there for three-quarters of an hour, had his coat off, and was using the most abominable language.—The case was dismissed,

THE POKER AT DOWLAIS. Michael Long, Dowlaifl. was charged before the Merthyr magistrates on Monday, with unlawfully wounding Daniel Connell on the 10th of March. Tha prosecutor stated that he WR8 a shearer residing next door to the prisoner in Thompson's-court. On Satur- day night witness heard screams coming from Long' house. He went towards the house and shouted to Long Don't murder your wife." Prisoner then rushed out and struck prosecutor several times on the head with a poker (produced), saying I'll give you the same." Prosecutor fell to the gutter, and prisoner struck him three times on the head with a poker. Prisoner then went back to the house. There were four cuts on his head caused by the poker.—Wm. Becket said he heard Connell tell Long not to kill his wife. Prisoner then rushed out with something in his hand, and gave Connell a blow on the head. He could not say what tho weapon was, but Long 4ruck him several times after he feU.—Mary Ann Thomas gave similar evidence.—Dr. John Richard Evans, Dowlais, said he examined the prosecutor, who was suffering from four lacerated wounds in the head ranging in length from three-quarters of an inch to two inches. There was a lot of blood on the head, and the witness gave it as his opinion that it was very probable that they had been produced by blows from a poker.—Sergt. Lewis nroved the arrest of the prisoner, who, on being charged, said, he fell down three or four times. He came into my house and I pushed him out. He fell against tho wall and was bleeding from the head then."—Wm. Long, son of the prisoner said he saw Connell coming to the house, and he was bleeding from tho head. Long pushed the prosecutor out and he fell down.— Prisoner was committed to stand his trial at the next Quarter Sessions.

ABERDARE SCHOOL BOARD. Friday, Mr. R. H. Rhys, J.P., in the chair. AccoMMonATlox. — The Education Department pointed out that the attendance at the Town School was in excess of the accommodation provided, and certain repairs were needed. — Mr. 1). p. Davies remarked that a number of repairs had been ordered from the contractor since last June, but the greatest difficulty was experienced in getting them done.- The Clerk read a copy of the reply sent to the Education Department to the effect that the Board were waiting to see what effect the Higher Grade Schools would have upon the attendances in the town. It was anticipated that a considerable reduction would be apparent, which would reduce the pressure to within the authorised limits. SEUIOCS COMPLAINT.—The Cymru Fydd League at Cwmbach wrote that at a meeting of that society held recently, a complaint was made that a certain clergyman (whose name was not given) had visited tho schools, and tried to persuade the teachers to attend Church services (cries of "Shame." — The Chairman said that the Board could not take an assertion in that manner without fuller inquiry. Mr. Morris, tho clerk, was deputed to visit the schools and make an enquiry into the circumstances and truth of the report, and put an instant stop to any- thing of the kind should the complaint turn out to be well founded. VOTE OF CONDOLENCE.—The Chairman moved a vote of condolence with Lady Aberdare in her sad bereavement. — Mr. David Morgan, miner's agent, in seconding the resolution on behalf of the working classes, spoke of the liberality which the late peer always showed toward the children of the miners.— The vote was passed in silence, REPORTS. — The Clerk (Mr. Morris) read the inspectors' reports showing Llwydeoed School to have an attendance of 85 against 86 of last year, and the fixed grant of 14s. a variable grant, Is. 6d. sinking by note, Is. English, Is. geography, 2s. mating a total of 19s. 6d. against 19s. last year. The infants showed an attendance of 66 against 69 last year. The highest grant of 9s., and a variable grant of 6s. drawing, Is. singing, Is. Abernant Boys' School. — There was an average attendance of 81 against 82 last year. Tbo principal grant awarded was 12s. 6d., a variable grant of Is. singing by note. Is. English and Welsh, Is.; geography, 2s. total, 17s. 6d. The attendance grant amounted to £ 70 17s. 6d. against £ 71 15s. last year. Abernant Girls' School flowed an average attendance of 94 against 82. Principle grant, 12s. 6d. variable grant, Is. 6d. geography and needlework, 2s. singing by note, Is. English and Welsh, Is. total, 18s. For attendance £ 84 12s. against £ 71 15s. last year. Abernant Infants'.—Average attendance, 109 against 203. Principal grant, 9s.; variable grant, 4s.; needle- work, Is. singing by nqte, Is. total, 15s. and the attendance grant of £ 8l 15s. against L74 13s. 6d. For the three departments in this school there is an aggregate of B282 2s. as against J6262 83. 6d. last year. RESIGNATION OF THE CHAIRMAN.—At the conclusion of the general business, the Chairman said that as he would not be present at the next meeting of the Board this was in all probability the last meeting that he would attend upon the Aberdare School Board. He did not intend to seek re-election. "I have during the twenty-one years of my office (be said) tried to the best of my ability to do all in the interests of the children and the ratepayers. As chairman I have no doubt passed many remarks somewhat harsh, but I am sure you will sec with me that they have been for the best so far as my ability went, and according to my feelings for justice. I trust you will be as lenient with me. I hoj)e the Board will continue to conduct its business in the tame manner as in the past. Gentlemen, I wiah to thank you all for the kind way in which you have treated me, and the patience which you have exhibited in conducting the business of this Board. As this will be my last attendance I wish the Board and the members all, much prosperity." —Mr. Charles, speaking of the past services which the chairman had done to the Board, said lie had the honour to propose Mr. Rhys to the chair three yearig ago, and during that time ho had filled tho cjiair ip I most fair and creditable way. IJo proposed a hearty e vote of thanks to Mr. Rees.—Some of the members having apoken as to the impartial spirit which the chairman bad always shown it was resolved, "That this Board expresses our best thanks to Mr. R H. Rhys for the able services he has rendered."

That line full of clothes, so perfwlly ckan, MATCHLESS CLEANSER S been used, lhal is eaiiii seen

SUSPICIOUS DEATH OF A BEDLIKOG CHILD. UNSATISFACTORY EVIDENCE. Mr. R. T. Rhys, the district coroner, held an inquest at the Dowlais Inn on Monday morning, to enamre into the circumstances attending the death of JIlld named Ellen Taylor, upon whose certificate 1" Davie*, Penydarren, had marked the word, "Neglect." Annie Thomas, the wile of David Thouvas, and a most voluble witness, said she lived in Lower Hisrh- ttreet. Witness had had the child Ellen Taylor for a month, one did not know who were her parents but she came from a .MR. Wills in Colly, near Kealinog, to witness, who, continued the mother of the child, asked Mrs. Williams, the butcher, near the Dowlais Office, if Ollie knew of anybody who would take it (it was then with Mrs. Wills), and Mrs. Williams spoke to me that was how I came to know about the child. I saw the toother in the shop of Mrs. Williams, and then she agreed to pay me 2s. 6d. a week for taking care of it. I have not had any- thing yet for keeping it. I don't know the name of the mother, but think it is Beatrice Taylor. When I got the child she looked very weak, "Poor little sould." She was nice and clean. I fed her on cow's niilk and biscuits. The child died on Thursday night. 1 was putting a poultice on her back at the time, UMJ" she had some sort of convulsions. When the child was with me she was seen by I)r. Davies, of I enydarrcn, twice in the week before she died. He told me that the child had the bronchitis. I think that just after the child came to me she was getting on. I have three children of my own, and I don't care who 11 see 'em either."—P,y ft Juryman: There was no written agreement when I took the child, and I was prepared to keep her as long as I was paid for it. 1 rv" on the point witness repeated with much volubility that twasn't so much the money, no sir, indeed. I would keep the poor litle thing myself, i,1 care KO ,Tric'h for the money at all only—" 1 he Coroner (interrupting) Only if the 2s. 6d. came it would i.te so much the better, I suppose. Emily Wills said I live at Bedlinog. Annie nofnas had the child from me about five weeks ago it had previously been with me for six weeks or two mont.ip. The child was that of Beatrice Taylor, who, I believe, is a married woman. I believe her husband has left her, but I don't know. This part of the evidence was given with great hesitation. I was paid £ S. 6d. a week by the father of the child, whose name I do not know. The money used to come from 28. 6d. a week by the father of the child, whose name I do not know. The money used to come from C pham, "a place a long way from here." I don't know whether the mother or anybody else informed the father that the child had been taken from me, but in :tny case he stopped sending the money to me. The child was a very delicate one. Dr. J. L. Davies, Penydarren, said I have no knowledge of attending the child as stated by the witTiess Thoma-i. It wai, about half-past four o'clock ) on Ihursday when I saw the child, and it was then suffering from acute bronchitis. It appeared to have been badly cared for, and I told the woman about it. It was thin and weazened, but was fairly clean. It was a bi^-boned child for its age, but was very thin, I added neglect to the certificate because I believed that the child had not been properly cared for. I do think there was neglect in this case, And I do not remember ba\ing seen the child at all b-ftr e the day of its death. The witness Thomas, recalled, maintained ht'r ,-torv that ^he called twice at the I'enydarren Surges y trd received powders from the doctor, but the (h,cto- reiterated his statement that he had 110 recollection of having seen either the woman or the child until the oay of the death. In reply to a juryman Mrs. Thomas said she had not insured the child —Mr> Wills said that the child ate heartily at times. Dr. Morgan (Bedlinog) had attended it several times while at Bedlinog, and 3aid it had recovered f-oin bronchitis before its removal to Dowlais. Dr. Davies who had left the room to examine the child's body now returned, and said there was no indicatoin that it had died from convulsions. As to the thinness ofwhichjhe had apokentheCoroneraskcd l)o jod think it was due to improper supply of the food eupplied not agreeing with the child arid the doctor replied That is too delicate a quest'on for me to answer unless I know how much food was gi ven to it.Mrs. Thomas said she used to feed the child on about half a half-pennyworth of milk at a time and used to give it that quantity about three or four times a day.ihe Coroner said he was none the wiser, because he did not know bow milk was sold. — Witness* said it was sold at the rate of twopence a pint, and she used to have a pint in every day for her own children and the child that had died. She repeated her statement as to the quantity of milk given to the child Taylor.—Dr. Davies said that a child of that size ought to have a pint and a half of milk per day, while tho witness had said that she only gave it at the outside half-a- pint.—Mrs. Thomas mamtained that she used to feerl the child on other thing- besides milk she gave it biscuits, and in fact everything that she gave her own children, and often, when the milk ran short she used to buy some off the man who went round with the horn.-Dr. Da vies said he was not aware that the child had suffered from bronchitis at Bedlinog as well as at Dowlais he knew the tendency which such a disease had to pull down anyone afflicted with it but he saw no reason to change his opinion as to the child having been neglected. After numerous other questions had been asked the women Wills and Thomas, the Coroner proceeded to sum up, remarking that the evidence was not as satis. factory as they might wish. The whole case seemed to turn on the one point whether or no, they Ijelieved the woman Thomas. Dr. Davies had in- sisted in stating that the child was not properly nourished, although he was willing to admit, what indeed nobody could deny, that the frequent illness of the child had caused it to be thin and weazened. He did not think, after bearing the evidence, that anyone could doubt that the child was a delicate one, although of large bone. There appeared to be a good deal of mystery about the parentage of the child, but so far as a verdict was concerned, it did not matter whether the child was legitimate or not. What was of more moment to the inquiry was this was this a case of baby farming or not? As he had said, every- thing turned upon the evidence of the woman Thomas. Had she been paid a premium by the parents, or had she insured the child V then there'might have been eome motive in the woman's making away with it. But the fact that Bhe was to receive a weekly allow- ance for its maintenance told rather in her favour than otherwise, since it would follow that the allow- ance would cease at the child's death. He left it entirely with the jury to say whether they believed Mrs. Thomas or not, and they must duly consider whether they had heard anything that would lead them to believe that she would profit by the child's death or not. As regards the evidence of the doctor, it was not denied that illneas produced emaciation but the doctor seemed positive that the child's nourishment had been neglected. They had heard Mrs. Thomas say that the child had been treated like one of her own, and it might be that her code of diet for the child was an injudicious one. But there w&it a very great difference ljetween injudiciousness and J wilful neglect. If the jury wished to have fuller evi- dence, and particularly to check the <-tatementn cf the two wQmcn, 110 would adjourn the inquiry.—The Jury, after considerable discussion,[returned a verdict of Death from natural causes."

CARDIFF FURNISHING ESTAB- LISHMENTS. Among the leading establishments of its kind in Cardiff is that of Messrs. N. Berry and Company house and general fu-nisheia, This important estah. lishment was opened more than twenty years ago and has, under the able and business-like n^etliods of its proprietors, steadily, but surely increased in its importance, and at the present time it is deservedly considered as one of the largest and most useful in the town. The premises occupied are very suitable and commodious. Visitors from the hill district-! proceeding either from the Taff or Rhymney Stations down Queen-street, cannot fail to notice this we.ll- known establishment opi the left-hand side, oppodHe Saint John's School. The windows apd showrooms are always tastefully laid out with an excellent assortment of dining-room, and bedroom furniture of the most carefully seleoted designs and manufacture at very moderate prices. No doubt this can be accounted for from the fact that this firm buy and sell for cash, thus avoiding all bad debts. A pleasant feature of this house, and one most eutieing to ladies is the fancy department, where a grand^display of most useful as well as fancy articles are displayed from all parts of the world. Most of our readers have no doubt inspected this firm's immense bazaar at Christmas-time. There ate to be seen carpets of every description, oil-cloths, linoleums, clocks bronzes, cutlery, electro-plate, gl*ss, china, and earthenware in endless profusion, all ready for imme- diate delivery, thus enabling thia finu to undertake orders of any magnitude. They pack all goodi free, and deliver any distance up to 100 miles on all orders over £ 2. Messrs. Berry and Company recommend all buyers to. inspect their requirements personally before purchasing, which cannot fail to merit satis. faction on lioth sides, [2956

Country Gentlemen should not fail to obtain a copy U ,E COCKTRY GENTLEMEN'S OATALOOCK." It u th« handiest and most useful book pablithtd. flvertthinflf you want i« Cloth. 3«. M. PcttMt board?, 2S. M. fie*. — EPKX FTSIJH* k~ Co., 6, 7, and.8, Clement's La»f, E.C., and all bodtauffler* 6, 7, and.8, Clement's 1M. E.C., and all bodtauffler* and bookstalls, £ #33 l

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ALLEGED WOUNDING AT CAEDRAW. Before Mr. W. M. North (stipendiarv) and Mr. C. H. James, at the Merthyr Police-court on Monday James Wade, the landlord of the General Picton was charged with unlawfully wounding Thomas Burrows on the 19th of March.—Thomas Burrows, a haulier, residing at Upper Taff-street, Caedraw, said that on Saturday night he was in tho General Picton. James Wade was the landlord. About ten past nine witness had become intoxicated, and Wade caught hold of him by tho neck, and attempted to turn him out. Prosecutor struggled and refused to go. Wade pushed him, and he fell into the passage, and while he lay on the ground Wade kicked him twice in the eye. When he came to himself he was standing out- Bide. He kicked at the door five or six times, and asked Wade to come and fight it out.—Wade's story was to the effect that he asked the prosecutor to go out several times, hut he refused. He then caught hold of him and pushed him out. He fell in the road, and that was how he was injured.-Dr. Yiret, surgeon, deposed that on Saturday night he examined the prosecutor. He was suffering from a lacerated and contused wound on the left side of the eye, and a smaller wound—a "V" shaped wound—on the inside of the forehead. There was a lot of mud about them. The wounds might have been caused by a kick, and they might also have been caused by a fall against a sharp stone. It was more likely that the wounds bad been caused by a muddy instrument than by a fall into a muddy substance.-P.C. Towney said that on Saturday night he arrested prisoner soon after ten o'clock. He was brought to the police- station and charged with wounding Burrows. He said, Alright, I never did it, I had a shovel in the passage, and he fell on the side. Witness examined the outside, and there was not a single stone about. There was a lot of mud there. There was no mud on Burrows clothes when witness saw him. Prisoner was drunk when brought to the station. Prisoner pleaded "Notguilty," and called Sarah Davies, 8, Wool- street, Caedraw, who said she saw Burrows kicking at the door. He slipped and fell on the paving. He was not bleeding before he fell, but was bleeding after. Defendant was committed to stand his trial at the next Quarter Sessions.