Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

?-?- -?- MOUNTAIN ASH. -The "New Woman" is certainly progressing at Mountain Ash. She has "caught on" to the uni- versal craze of smoking, so much so as to necessitate the Great Western Railway Company posting up a notice in the ladies' waiting-room that" Smoking is strictly prohibited." -There is nothing better calculated to lan 1 yon on your back than the act of stepping upon a piece of orange peel. Several persons have come to grief in this way during the past week whilst walking along the street pavements. Where are the peelers" V —The numerous friends of Mr. Morgan Edmunds, son of the late Mr. Edmunds, Bruce Arms, will he pleased to learn that he has taken the business of the Cresselly Inn. The famous hostelry could not have a more popular and genial landlord. -The exhibits at the recent poultry, pigeon, cage bird, and rabbit shc\w held at Mountain Ash were limited to residents of Capcoch, Penrhiwceiber, and Mountain Ash. —The adjutant from Cardiff was in attendance at last Thursday evening's volunteer drill. There were a good muster present. -The Taff Vale excursion and sea trip arrange- ments to Weston-super-Mare and other places of in- terest are well patronised. The journey is quickly one, and the fares are very reasonable. —An open-air speaker near the Town Hall the other evening related the following by way of illus- tration :-An old woman appeared before the great unpaid as a witness, and on her entering the witnes- box she became very uneasy, and was engaged in con- tinually fumbling with her bonnet. One of the pre- siding magistrates told her to take her bonnet off. On hearing this the old woman pulled herself together, and exclaimed that she was not aware that there was any law either in heaven or eartli which could com- pel a woman to take off her head-gear. Well," replied the J.P. if you think you know the law better than I do you had better come and sit up here." Oil dear no," said the lady witness, there are plenty of old women already sitting up there." —Mr. J. H. Wiltshire, the well-known posting master, has resolved to extend his business. For some considerable time, as will be seen by our advertising columns', Mr. Wiltshire has been funeral furnisher. He now intends enlarging his premises for the funeral furnishing and undertaking complete. -At the 35th annual prize meeting of the Glamorgan Rifle Association, held at Port Talbot, the following officers belonging to our local corps distinguished themselves Sergt. R. Gillard, Cor pi. T. Davies, Col.-Sergt. T. Griffiths and Lieut. Shipton. Sersrt. Gillard took second place in the sergeants' competition, making a total of 32 at the 600 yards range. Lieutenant Shipton in the nursery contest succeeded in winning a bronze medal. --The guardians of the poor for the district of Mountain Ash assembled on Friday afternoon last at dinner at the Navigation Hotel -In our obituary notice last week of Mr. George Millard we stated that after serving in the Indian Mutiny he was invalided home. This, it seems, is incorrect, for after serving 11 years 161 days he claimed his freedom, which was granted. We under- stand that if poor Millard bad lived a little longer it is probable he would have benefitted under what is known as the Chelsea Fund for Indian Mutiny Veterans. FLNEEAL SERMON.—A very impressive funeral sermon was preached on Sunday evening last by the Rev. M. D. Jones, pastor of the Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel. The rev. gentleman's discourse was in remembrance of Mr. David Morgan, Wood- land-street, who, it will be remembered, was killed recently whilst following his employment at the Navigation Colliery. The chapel was well filled with members and friends, and the sermon, which was preached from Isaiah xii. 2, was listened to with rapt attention throughout. SINGING FESTIVAL.—The annual musical festival of the English Baptist Chinches of the Aberdare and Merthyr Valleys was held on Monday, at the Rhos Chapel, Mountain Ash. The pre, ideiits were Alder- man Jones, Mountain Ash, in the morning Rev. J. Howell, in the afternoon; and G. George, J.P., Aberdare, in the evening. Mr. R. R. Price, Aber- dare, was conductor. Tunes and anthems were sung with considerable enthusiasm. Addresses were delivered by the Revs. W. D. Nicholas, Treharris D. Howells, Penrhiwceiber J. Griffiths, Aberaman T. T. Hughes, Mountain Ash H. P. Jones, Merthyr Vale; and Mr. Edwin Jeffreys, Mountain Ash. Solos were also effectively rendered by Miss Nellie Jones, Miss Rose Parkin, Merthyr Vale Mr. J. M. Bennett, Mountain Ash and a duet by the Misses Jones, Mountain Ash. The choristers were assisted by an orchestra consisting of the Berthlwyd String Band and others. LOCAL VETO BILL-An open-air meeting was held near the Town Hall on Wednesday evening in support of the Local Veto Bill now before Parliament. The chair was occupied by the Rev. W. L. Powell, and the meeting, which numbered some four or five hundred persons, was orderly throughout. The following resolution was proposed by Mr. John Rosser and carried That this meetiug of the inhabitants of Mountain Ash desires to tender its best thanks to Sir W. V. Harcourt for introducing a Bill into the House of Commons giving the people of this country control over the liquor traffic, and it respect- fully presses upon the Government tho urgent need of pushing forward the Bill through all its stages, so that it might become law during the present session of of Parliament."—The resolution was ably supported by the Rev. J. Tertiua Phillips, of Cardiff, in a speech of great interest. It was decided to send copies of the resolution to the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the members for the division. MEDICAL FUND SUPPKII.—At the Navigation Hotel, on vriday evening last, Dr. E. P. Evans, J.P. gave his annual supper to the joint medical committee connected with Messrs. Nixon's Navigation and Deep Duffryn Collieries. Between forty and fifty sat down to an excellent spread provided by the" host and hostess, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Clark, who, on such occasions spare no trouble to make their guests as comfortable as possible. After full justice nad been done to the inner man the tables were cleared and a pleasant meeting of a convivial character was held. The worthy doctor occupied the chair with his accus- tomed geniality and ability. The honour of proposing the toast of *<0 evening war placed in the able hauds

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MOUNTAIN ASH COUNCIL. Monday, Mr. W. Little in the chair. Members present: Messrs. A. Clarke, J. Price, E. Morgan, G. Jones, M. Morgan, J. Powell, W Long, and the Rev. J. T. Williams. A NEW FooTBHtU(:n.—Mr. J. Towell Ulond a notice standing in his name for the erection of a foot- bridge to connect the East and West Words. He said that as the matter had been before the Board some years ago, he did not intend going very minutely into it that day. At the previous discussion the project was abandoned because of the expense. He did not think it would now amount to a very large sum. A meeting was held in the wards recently, and it was considered by the per-ons present at that meeting that the bridge was very inadequate for the traffic which exists. It was also very dangerous for the children to cross over, and whenever persons wished to catch a train, they invariably had to start much earlier in consequence of these things and the roundabout way which they were compelled to go. He thought that if a bridge was made at the bottom of Phillip-street that the expenditure would be nominal, providing the canal company did not want a great dea!.—M). J. Price seconded the motion, because the bridge was a much-needed improvement. —Mr. M. Morgans asked the amount of cost.—Mr. J. Price remarked that they* need not fear it would not amount to a thousand pounds.—The Chairman thought it best to have an estimate before committing themselves, and it was ultimately decided that the surveyor prepare plans of the proposed bridge, and obtain the Canal Company's charges which would be included in the estimate.—The Surveyor said that providing the Canal Company's charges are reason- able, the total outlay would be about E300. WATER CONNECTIONS.—Mr. J. Williams attended before the Board with reference to a water connec- tion which he had made to his four new shops in Margaret-street, Aberdare Junction. He had run one pipe only along the backs of the premises, and made one connection with the branch main in Walter- street.—After a lengthy discussion, it was thought that this was an exceptional case in which the bye- laws must he waived, but it was resolved that in no circumstances would they allow a repetition of this. GAS COAL CONTRACT.—The following tenders were received for the supply of gas coal delivered at the gas works :-The Taff Llantwit No. 3 Colliery Com- pany, 9s. 9d. per ton Jonathan Williams and Co., 89. 6d. Harold Dixon and Co., Manchester, 13s. lid.; John Ripend and Co., 8s. lOd. Goldsworthy, 7s. lOJid. Lewis Lewis, Blackwood, 8s. 9d. and D. Richards, Maesycwmmer, 7s. 9d. I t was ultimately decided to divide the contract between the Taff Llantwit and Ripend and Co. THE WATER SUPPLY.—TheSuiveyor reported that they had been able to give a full and continuous supply of water to all houses connected with the mains, and it is not at present necessary that he shoutdad'.iseanycurtaihncnt. However, as the drought may be prolonged for a considerable time it is necessary that there be no wa-te or misuse of water. The nllrilherof houses at Aberdare Junction which are now supplied from the works is 115, and at Mathewstown there are about 30 houses so supplied. He had inquired into the present supply to the houses on the tramroad-side, Aberdare Junction. The only supply available was provided in lieu of a supply which was cut off by the contractor of the Llancaiach branch of the Taff Vale Railway. No storage has been provided, and the people are cer- tainly very inadequately supplied at the present time, and he did not think that even at the ordinary seasons the quantity was sufficient. He had no reason to think that the quality was bad. A very lengthy and detailed report of the water supply of the district, prepared by Mr. Manser, was then read. The Inspector said that from the high elevation at which some of the houses in the district were built it was practically impossible to give those houses an adequate supply of water from the mains as con- structed and arranged at present. He suggested sundry alterations which would give additional facilities without minimising the supply to places along the main streets, and in view of the rapid growth and increase of population he recommended the construction of a receiver at Cefnpennar, which would cost 2900, and also the opening of a new reservoir at Penrhiwceiber, to cost £ 3,000.—The Chairman thought it was a very complete report. The scheme was a good one, and in order to provide for the increase in population it was necessary for them to go to some outlay. It was a credit to the District Council that they had at present one of the best water supplies in Glamorgan. This project would moan an increase in the rates, but in return for theexpenditure they could enjoy considerable luxuries. He, therefore, proposed that they adopt the scheme laid out by Mr. Manser, who should also supply the plans and specifications.—The motion was carried without dissent.—The clerk was instructed to nego- tiate for the necessary loan at a low percentage. ROAD SUBSIDENCE.—Mr. J. Powell drew attention to a claim which was made by a haulier some weeks ago for loss of work and injury sustained to his horse whilst travelling along one of the roads at Penrhiw- ceiber. The total damage sustained amounted to JE14. —The Clerk pointed out that the Board was liable for any defect in their road.—Replying to questions, the Surveyor was of the opinion that at sometime or other a sewer was laid across thestn e, and the boards must have been left in the earth. These boards had become rotten, and this was the cause of the accident. —The Chairman was anxious to investigate the case, but he suggested that the clerk write to the haulier, stating that the Council did not see themselves strictly liable. l,i,i,m s. --Tite Surveyor reported that the contractors of the new cemetery were proceeding with the grounds in a very satisfactory manner, aud there was every probability that the work would be completed within the stipulated time.—A dramatic licence was granted to Mr. Johnston, Penrhiwceiber.—Tho fence wall above Clydach-terrace, Ynysybwl, had gone down, and it was decided to expend £ 12 upon raising it to a proper level. — A uumoer of plans were passed.'—lie Medical Officer reported 24 fresh cases of scarlet fever during the last fortnight, being an increase of six upon the same period reported previously. Two cases of erysipelas and two cases of diphtheria and one case of enteric were also reported. The inspector had served notices upon a large number of owners of ptu- perty to cleause and repair defecti\e drains.— lu-pec- tur Llewellyn reported that he had received two lvujjths vf new hose.

AN UNLUCKY WEEK AT BRYN- MAWH. It has been well said that misfortunes do not conie singly. The truth of this sayin? was fully exemplified at Brynmavvr last week, when the inhabitants were startled by reports of four accidents, three of them fatal, and the other one of a serious nature. The first was the case of Samuel Smith, a middle-aged collier living in Worcester-street. Poor Smith was at work on Tuesday morning, dune 11th, at Peggy's Pit. Coalbrookvale, when a large stone fell from the roof light on top of his head. The poor man was fearfully battered, his head presenting a pitiable sight. His brother, who was working by his side, went to h« aid, as did also another collier who was working in the next stall. Smith was conveyed to the pit's mouth, and taken home, where he lingered for a short time, until death supervened. An inquest was held on the following Saturday, before Mr. R. H. A. Davies, deputy-coroner, and a jury, of which Mr. Hope was foreman. Mr. Bain, Inspector of Mines, was present. and a representative of Messrs. Barnes, the owners of the pit, also watched the case on behalf of that com- pany. The evidence of the man who worked along with the deceased, and the other man who went to his aid from the next stall, was taken, as well as the medical evidence. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned. Deceased, who was a quiet, inoffensive man, was buried on Saturday.—The second accident was that in the case of Mr. S. Jones, of the firm < of Jones Bros., colliery proprietors, Nantyglo. The deceased was going home in the evening when he tumbled over a ledge of stone not far from the big house," and received terrible injuries. He was con- veyed home, but after lingering in agony for one night he succumbed to his injuries in the morning.—The third fatal accident was that of Dr. Dobbf. The doctor, who was quite young in years, has been an assistant with Dr. Beavan for some time. He wss lately making arrangements to take up a good prac- tise in London, where his ability would, undoubtedly, have won him a first-class position. He was not, however, destined to occupy such a position, for whilst on a visit to Scarborough last Friday, he met with a sad end. It appears, according to the telegrams that were sent to Brynmawr, that whilst walking along a street a loose brick fell with great force from some scaffolding^on to his head, causing terrible injuries. He was delirious throughout the night, and died on the following Saturday moruing about nine o'clock from concussion of the brain. Needless to state, the sad intelligence caused much sorrow at Brynmawr. Deceased, who was an M D. and had a brilliant college career, was much liked in this locality.—T'ie remaining accident that we have to chronicle did not, fortunately, prove fatal. The facts are somewhat singular. It is alleged that two men (strangers to the town) were fighting on the square, and it is further alleged that the combatants pushed up against a woman named Mrs. Morgan, of South- street, Beaufort, who happened to be walking near. Mrs. Morgan fell down, and in the fall had the mis- fortune to break her leg. She was conveyed home and medically attended. --?.

BRYNMAWR SCHOOL BOARD. Thursday.—Present Councillor Watkins (chair- man), Messrs. William Roberta, J.P. (vice-chairman), Rev. Jno. Williams, William Rosser, William Evans, and William Davies Councillor Thomas (clerk), and Messrs. D. Morgan and J. Mackintosh (school attendance officers). SCHOOL ATTEXDA\CE.—The school attendance lists for the previous month were gone into. The average attendance at the Brynmawr Board was 244 (boys), 206 (girls), and 297 (infants). During the previous month the numbers were 238 (hoys). 200 (girls), and 257 (infants). In the Clydach Schools the average attendance was 190 (boys and girls) Darenfelen, 215 (boys and girls); Gilwern, 140 (boys and girls). During the previous month the numbers were :— Clydach, 164; Darenfelen, 191; and Gilwern, 125. There was thus a good increase all round. APPLICATION FOR AN INCREASE OK SALAR>\—Mr. Llewellyn Thomas, head-master of the Brynmawr Board Schools, wrote asking for an increase of his salary to £ 150 per annum. His application was a most moderate one. Indeed, lw had been censured by the teachers in the neighbourhood for mentioning such a low sum."—Mr. W. Roberts gave that the matter be considered that day month. THE MAIN ROOM.—Mr. Llewellyn Thomas also wrote suggesting that larger panes be obtained for the main room, otherwise it would be badly lighted. —Mr Rossi.?!* agreed that there would be a better light if it were done.—The Clerk questioned whether it would be well seeing that there was so much btone- throwing.—Mr. W. Roberts said that they had to pay a lot of money for broken windows at his chapel.—I he Clerk remarked that at his chapel also they had to pay some £1- or £ 5 per year for broken glass.—The matter dropped. THE HOLIDAYS.—Mr. R. P. Adams, assistant- master at the Board Schools, wrote asking the Board to include the first week in August in the summer holidays, so that he might be able to go to Tenby with the volunteers.—Mr. William Evans proposed that the brynmawr Schools should close for the holi- days on July 12th, which would meet Mr. Adams' case.—This was agreed to.—The Chairman suggested that Clydach, Darenfelen, and Gilwern Schools Schools should close for the holidays on July 5th.— This was also agreed to, MILITARY DISCIPLINE. —The Clerk referred in very complimentary terms to the excellent manner in which the boys at the Brynmawr Schools were drilled by Mr. Adams. It had been said that they were the best in South Wales. CUMULATIVE VOTIXI;. —The Rev. Jno. Williams proposed that the Board adopt a petition in favour of the abolition of cumulative voting.—Mr. Rosser said that he should go against it, though he was afraid that he would be kicked out (laug-bter).-It was decided to adopt the petition. -Iiev. J. Williams It won't come at once (laughter). A DE.H* AND DL*MH GIRL. — A letter was received from Miss G wynne, head-mistress of the girls' depart- ment at the Brynmawr Schools, respecting a deaf and dumb girl, named Moore, who had bden in the habit of attending the Brynmawr Schools.—Rev. J. Williams said that he had referred to the case some time ago. He now proposed that inquiries be made with the view of getting the girl admitted into a deaf and dumb school.—The Clerk explained that the Board had power to select a deaf and dumb school, where deaf and dumb children could be taken to, and if the parents of the children had the means they would be required to pay a part of the expenses of maintaining their children in the institu- tion.—Mr. Rosser asked how old the girl Moore was ? —The Clerk replied that she was 13.- It was decided to instruct the clerk to make inquiries into the case. TRUANT SCHOOL.—Mr. William Roberts, the vice- chairman of the Board, was selected to attend the meeting to meet Mi'. Dauncey, solicitor, with reference to the re-arrangement of the deed between the different school boards relative to the Truant School. CLYDACH SCHOOL ALTERATIONS.—Rev. J. Williams: What about the alterations at Clydach Schools?—The Clerk replied that he would see about the matter and call a spacial meeting. CLERK OF WORKS. — Mr. 1. George, of Govilon, wrote accepting the post of clerk of the woiks in con- nection with the Brynmawr School alterations. THE CLEANING OF THE BRYNMAWR SCHOOLS.— Mrs. Watkins wrote asking how it was that her salary for cleaning the Brynmawr Schools had been reduced.—The Clerk said that he had been instructed by the Board to reduce the salary from 9s. to 6J. because there were two rooms 1es3 to be cleaned owing to the sehool alterations.—It was decided, after some discussion, to give Mrs. Watkins 7s. per week for two weeks. TREASURERSHU' OR CLYDACH SCHOOLS.—Mr. Jones Parry, C.C., and Mr. Hayman, of Clydnch, attended the Board respecting the treasurer's book for Clydach. -Mr. Parry explained that matters were practically at a standstill as Clydach. Some time ago Mr. Hay- man had been appointed treasurer of Clydach School by the local managers, and this appointment was sub- sequently confirmed by the School Board, who asked the late treasurer to hand his book over to Mr. Hay- man. They had waited until that evening to see whether the book would be forwarded it had not, however, come, and consequently they did not know how the finances stood. They now asked the Board to do something in the matter.—Mr. Havman cor- roborated the remarks of Mr. Parry.—Mr. Parry also added that Mr. Hayman had offered to fetch the bootc from the late treasurer, but no book was forthcoming. The school managers had, therefore, no alternative I but to come before the Board.—Rev. J. Williams suggested that Mr. Rosser should call for the book.— The Clerk remarked that it would be well if the late treasurer was to balance up his book, but to keep the vouchers until the audit.—Mr. Rosser said that lie believed that was the late treasurer's idea -The Clerk said that it would be neeessaty for the school managers to get a new book, so that they might go on. Mr. William Evans suggested that Mr. Rosser should get the book.—Mr. Rosser said that lie would bring the book to the clerk for him to look over.—Mr. William Roberts And the clerk had better drop the late treasurer a letter asking him to balance up the book.—Mr. Hayman observed that it was a most un- desirable thing to have to pay away money without ha\ ing a book to record it. CLYDACH SCHOOLS.—Mr. Jones-Parry stated that the school managers would also be glad to know what was the rule respecting the granting of Clydach School for meetings, &c.—The Chairman replied that the proper course was for the applicants to apply to the Board.—Mr. Jones-Parry asked whether the Board could not give the treasurer power to grant the use of the school for any meetings which might be held 111 the interval between the School Board meetings.—Mr. Rosser thought that the treasurer would rather be relieved of such power. The question had been previously discussed at the Board, and they had then arrnedattbe conclusion that it would be better to leave the matter in the clerk's hands. As far as Gilwern was concerned the school had not been granted without the consent of the clerk or the Board. He (Mr. Rosser), had never granted the use of it himself.—Mr. Jonc-Parry asked if the school had ever been granted without his (Mr. Rosser's) permission.—Mr. Rosser replied that it had not. -M;. Jones-Parry asked if they were to understand that applications tor the use of the schools were to be made through the treasurer to the c;erk, and that the fee was to be deposited with the clerk.—The Chairman replied in the affirmative, and added that in some cases the fees were refunded. GILWERN.—The Board decided to enquire as to whether tho Congregationalists at Gilwern had applied beforehand for the use of the school, in which they had held their concert. DARENI ELEN SCHOOL.—Mr. William Davies applied for the use of the Darenfelen School on behalf of the Blaenavon Male Voice Party, in order to hold a concert there.—It was decided to grant the use of the school on payment of the usual fee. BRYNMAWR SCHOOL ALTEUATIONS.—The following letter was received Abergavenny, June 6, 1895. Deai Sir,—I have to-day given the builder a certificate for E200 on aceount of his contract. I visited the work yesterday and went into matters with the clerk of the works. T found the buildings progressing satisfactorily, and am doing all I can to the builder to push ou during the fine weather.—Yours truly, E. A. JOHNSON." -?-

All hop;: ot comfort in inv home hiul died Uuti the MATCHLESS CLEANSER OOAP 1 Iritd.

-?_?_h ,-?- ?-- -?- of Mr. Henry Jones, who, in a very effective and fitting manner, complimented the joint medical staff of Mountain A*-h.—I)r. Evans briefly responded, thanking them most heartily for the manner in which the toast had been received. lie was pleased that their joint management of the medical fund was satis- factory to all, and expressed the hope that future working would be quite as pleasant (applause).—The proceedings were enlivened from time to time with some capital sentimental and comic songs? by the following Messrs. Tom Evans, Edgar Reynish, Joe Evans (comic), Griffith Daviess R.A.M., E. Swan- borough, and Adam Clarke.—The toast to the host and hostess was put by the Chairman in a compli- meutaiy manner, and Mr. Clark, on behalf of his wife and himself, responded.—The singing of the Land of my Fathers," brought the proceedings to a close with the usual vote of thanks.