Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

That line full of clothes, so perfectly clean MATCHLESS CLEAKSER'S been used,' that is easily seen Enamel of the Teeth white, sound, and poP«h-d?ke'ivory6 Ujs exceed,igli fragrapt. Cracrolt's Pa«t i5 now sold in 6d Pots.

MERTHYR. J. JERBJUAH, tne ouly agent lor Samuel Mason's Prise Bar Fittings and Bar Engines, for Merthyr, Dowlais, Alierdare. Pontypridd, Mountain Ash, jlhoildda Valley. Rhymney, Tredegar, Ebbw Vale, Brynmawr, Blackwood, &C-, &o.—Address, J. Jere- miah, Bar Fitter, Plumber, and Decorator, 36, High- street, Merthyr, and 2, North-street, Dowlais. Estimates free distance no object. I To PARTIES FCBMSHU-'g.— Messrs. J. G. Maddox and Son, auctioneers, will sell by public auction at the Auction Mart, 25, Duke-street, Cardiff, on Tuesday and Thursday, June the 25th and 27th, an immense assemblage of very superior household furniture The sale wili commence at two o'clock precisely each day. Further particular; ..ill found in our adver- tising column or may be obtained by writing to the auctioneers at the above address. [2849 J. F. DOCTOR Sanitary Plumber, Hot-water Engineer, Bar-fit tei Gas-fitter, Bell-titter, and General House Decora* ,r, has just received a choice and well-assorted etock of Paperhangings—saJe price from 2.td. per piece. Hundreds of job lots of paper- hanginga must be cleared out regardless of price to make room for our new stock of paperlianginga. Our Sold paperhangings, from 9d. per piece, i* a marvel of cheapness. A staff of experienced workmen regularly employed. fAuvr. WHWMPA What ? WHWMPA It a all about town. Like the influenza, everybody's got it. BUT have you got one of J. W. Morris's iiiew Plinybourne Shirts, with Ties and Cravats to match. If nut. why not ? It's time you had one if you wish to be in the fashion. Call and see his new range of Spring Goods, which include the finest Woollens in the market, and which will be made up at lowest possible prices. Please notice all our garments are made on the pre- mise?, and not in sweating dens. Fit, style, and workmanship une&cc-lled.—J. W. MORBIS, 10, Pont- morlals, Merthyr. THE Qt'AflTERLY MEETING of the Merthyr and Dowlais Branch of the Tonic Sol-fa College will be held Saturday next (June 22nd. 1895) at the Victoria- street Coffee Tavern, at 6.0, when Mr. M. R. Williams, G.T.8.C., will read a paper on music. All interested in music are cordially imited to be preaent. [3132 —Gwyddonfryn haa achieved another triumph. On Thursday he carried off a three guinea prize at Welshpool Eisteddfod. The adjudicator, Anthrows, accorded his composition very high praise. The subject of the pryddest is Cydymdeimlad." PONTMORLAIS CHAPEL-The Rev. J. C. Evans, of Lampeter, Cardiganshire, will occupy the pulpit of the above chapel next Sunday, at 10.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. BCROLABY.—A stable near the Bunch of Grapes Inn was broken into late on Wednesday night last, and a valuable horse, belonging to JohnRees, contrac- tor, was stolen. The police were communicated with as aoon as the horse was missed, but so far no arrests hare been made. FORTHCOMING TBOTTINU MATCH.—It is stated that ou Monday an agreement was made at Merthyr whereby, for a stake of JB50 a side, )11'. George Watkins' horse is matched to trot from Merthyr to Brecon in one hour and a quarter. The event will take place in about six weeks. FhBBMASONBY. —Mr. G. F. Harris, Merthyr, ha* been commissioned by Mr. D. A. Thomas, as W.M, of the No. 110 Loyal Cambrian Lodge of Freemasons to paint his portrait. The senior member will 00 depicted in full regalia, and the portrait, which will be three-quarter length, will be presented to the lodge. A REMARKABLE COINCIDENCE.—On Monday last a o most remarkable coincidence occurred in connection with two funerals. The name of the decoded in each case was Jane Havard, one resided at Twynyrodyn, and the other at Pentrebach. The relatives took of the registers of death at the same time, the funerals were advertised to rise at the same hour, the Rev\ Mr. Lewis, Ebenezer, Twynyrodyn, officiated at both, and further each of the deceased left a married daughter, whose names are Mrs. Jonep. COLLIERS' CONFERENCE.—At the Globe Hotel on Saturday a conference of delegates from Plymouth, Cyfarthfa, and Dowlais was held under the presi- dency of Mr. Thomas Thomas.—It was agreed that the Merthyr member of the Sliding-scale Committee ehould vacate his seat on the 30th of June, and that new members should assume duties on the 1st of July in each year, and that thy Merthyr representative should be asked to give an account of his stewardship once every four months at Dowlais anù Merthyr alter- nately. The high rents question waa discussed, and ill was resolved to relegate the question of a report ou the matter to a committee.—On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. John Evans, and sup- ported by Mr. T. P. Williams, a vote of condolence vithJMr. Isaac Lewis, Dowlais, on the death of his mother, was passed. MASONIC OUTING.—Mr. D. A. Thomas entertained the members of the Loyal Cambrian Lodge (110), at his charmingly-situated residence at Llanwern on Thursday. The guests, numbering altogether 110, left Merthyr by a special train alxjut ten o'clock, and arrived at Llanwern ehortly before noon. They were met by the Worshipful Master (Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P.) and conducted through the pleasant woods which lead to the house, where they were cordially received by Mrs. Thomas, and after a short rest entertained to an alfresco lunch under the spreading branches ef a magnificent oak. The repast in such delightful weather and extensively pleasant surround- ings proved most enjoyable. A number of games were indulged in during the afternoon, and later on tea waa eerved in the open, at the conclusion of which Bro. Colonel Lewis pruned, and Bro. Good- fellow aeoonded, a hearty vote of thanks to Mr. and Mra. Thomas for their hospitality.—Mr. Thomas ^aCheSy vote of thanks for the excellent way in which the arrantmenta were carried out—The party we-e wil satisfied with their day's outing, and left^ i u„ at route for Merthyr about eight o'dock LIan™» CONCERT AT TWYNTBODTN.—On ThurnHav last an excellent entertainment waa given it Tw w rodro Board School, by the mfuTt Sii" Em cb«rman of tha School Board Part T-Jw,?°g P'oPfmiuo was gone through dialogue, "Don't/ K. MorgSi f Tit"' action song, "Japanese Fan," Choir luifaiciffij dnll. Boys and Girls action song, '"Ten LiS Dame], E. J. Phillips, M. Thomas, B. Davies • rec-iht tion, The Days of the Week Sevpn Piri« ^d Choir; dialogue, Future Aspirations," Fourteen Boro and Two *Guls, Chairman, and Percy Miall Wftiams The Song of the Shoeblacks," Chofr rS drill, Class of Girls Tea-table Song," Choi?* jumping the rope, G. James and S. M. Thomas • Mtlon song, ''Naughty Jack," Choir: £ >lo and coh.a™a' R«*; Bed-time Song," Choi^ Votes V fer WT& ?r0P06ed by H- How V ^ndedby X: WaJter. The accompaniments were played bvMrv Writer* and Miss Bessie Rees, and the whof,™ < inwe were under the conductor^ip of Mise Watkin* the esteemed infants' mistress, to whoui the cwdit is due for the good training Vven children, which resulted in so excellent andcr edrtahl* The schoolroom was WrtSSv decorated, and the performance was h^fi y dated hy a crowded hmise iTfact "ctt 1^?^" «ain admiaaion, and a second performanrcVar f i S'»« night whe„ th,fw™t"?Jfifjgj!' the vice-chairman of the Board Aldernfan T, P.*VK^rCCU^'inf? the Chair" Mi«s Watkina toJ«ther with Mies James and Mr Waltw fi, g head teachers of the other departmeVt's, who co-^ra ted with her m training tha congratulated at the successful issue ^^f th^6 endeavours. The proceeds of the entertainment ar« to be devoted towards the purchase of a pianoforte for the use of the Infants' School. i Iorte 101 Nw AI-L SMILES. —1 his amusing plav occucie the Theatre ROJTII boards this week, w here^ unceaainpr roars of laughter. Niobe waffhi e.\°ke Amphion, a king who rulerj in Thfl™. thoouod year, feoro our L-™ S?^Bab';u,h and one of the official, of the insurance cor?.mnvTj/' charge of it, and conveys it for ^0 house. There the statue hidden from vU?"a? paze behind a screen, when the play SL ^yf happens, however, that the electric liirht ,VK up m the house, and the wires i, us'' P11,1 the 3tatue, which, in consequence flf fCK u' rictricity, oomc, into lifeTIK h.™ m"0? hole of the comedy. An auciem' a, long sleep of three thousand yearn, ia bro .U.j life again, and finds herself in the ho„c,w ,tu lnaurancy agent. The domestic fn^ansr^m^ °D many and funny. The «• Greek off a3 the new governed that was but the real governess arrives, and that •'fid found out. The poor distracted agent tries ot'Jr dodges, but they are soon seen through. The play h deverdy constructed and the d.alogue i. e.xcwSSv off>U,T1ft56fa,UiUfr3 ° nu,f'ern life are mo nf th„ a'Choi's Iiave made excellent me ot their opinjitunity. "2s'iobe'' is a play to laugh at and i » m 1S. a wonderful popularitv i» Pa3j]v ;t"r' lts author, are 5fetrs/HHr,y a?d wSr The former plays in it as well he f-iL- <i RUJton. the hero, Peter Amos Dunn, the insur iiif? V would be impossible to imagine a better a?eut. It of the character. The man of b'.niii(\v< ■u.lth i. ^"th-century J conventialities, is sorely taxed'aslo want f.Vrf °f 'I'u the Greek lady who knows uothiii" of \J but Mr. Paul ton seems^ to s,"f t T*™ 1,fe' The heroine is enaoted ».v Mi~ 1 A f"Lety- rnarvelIou,ly ai,le manner. Her r, a but she is quite equal to th« "<si ^,fhtult oue, rare fidelity the majesty and dicnitv-6 ''v.ltl' queen, and the ingenuous #urn™« 'l ^'ie,ia" seeing the various novelties of ilcr ^n^'jCed dt existence. Mr. Stockton ma'ces -( J':li Griffin, and Messrs. Child anil i'lim 1 rnt^ltls as Philip Innings and Hamilton Tomkins°WT)ale"t wife is ably enacted bv Mks l),„i! Dunns Palmer is an excellent Helen Griffin Of\h r 7" characters the most intcr^tin" L,vri f feln:lle heroine, u Hattie Griffin, a youn^ri T" tlj0 open rebellion agauut everybody auH "wi 13 ,U admirably represented by Miss Ague, Paulton jfj Kay 13 a charming Beatrice Sillcck- an-lti,. I governe.-s, Madeline Milton, is adequatelv ri l ? j hy Miss HelJier. Mary, 't!le pariJur D,P ,f fe'lted sprightly lass, and is ably stistam-d bv M T r U one-act comedietta 1, n,,t. ^nen, owing to the 'MtLfi gf the programme,'1 itngtti j FOOT RACE.—On Saturday afternoon a 120 yards foot race, for a stake of £ 5 aside, took place at Peny- darren Park between Dennis Fielding, of Merthyr, and Frank O'Brien. The latter won by six yards. O'Brien has been matched to nm a race of the same distance for j310 with T. Vaughan in a fortnight's time. THE STARVING CHILHUKN'S FCXP. — At a confer- ence of colliers held at the Globe Inn on Thursday, a committee waa oppointed to inquire fully into the character, circumstances, and title of the Merthyr Starving Children's Fund, 1873,and to re^wrt thereon, and a deputation was appointed to see the trustees, requesting them to consider the advisability of grant- ing direct representation to working men on the trust. EAST GLAMOKGAN AGRICULTURAL SHOW.—A meet- ing of the local committee was held at the Castle Hotel, last (Wednesday) night, when Mr. H. C. Lewis was elected president, Messrs. W. Griffiths, Pencaemawr, Colonel Lewis, E. P. Martin, and Gwilyru C. James, vicu-preaidenta. Mr. Thomas Jenkins, J.P., waa elected chairman of the committed, and Mr. D. J. Evans, Mr. W. Griffiths, and Mr. Henry Bailey, vice-chairmen. Schedules of prizes, &e., are expected to be ready in the course of the coming week. SAVED KKOM DROWNING.—As Mr. James Rowe, Morgantown, and Mr. W. J. Hay ward, Paris House, were walking along thecmal, near Alxrcanaid, on Monday night, they found a man and woman very much the worse for drink. The woman had sat down to rest, and when the man tried to help her up the two somehow fell into the water, where they re- mained in a helpless condition until Mr. Rowe and Mr. Hayward, running to their assistance, dragged them out. Had it not been for these gentlemen, the man and woman, who are believed to be street musiciang, would in all probability have been drowned. LOST AND FOCND.—On Saturday Mr. Caswallon J. Price, Penydarren, had occasion to send his errand- boy to Merthyr. He ga\o him two letters, one to deliver at this office by hand, and the other, contain- ing a cheque for a lar^e amount, to 1 >8 pasted to a gentlemen in Carmarthen. The boy on his return I said lie had last the letters on the road. It seems, how- ever, that some friendly hand picked them up, and sent them on their way. The tinder was kind enough to put a stamp on the letter addresaed to this office, where it arrived in due course, as also did the letter at Carmarthen. Mr. Caswallon Price feels very grate- ful to the finder, and would he glad of an opportunity to thank him or her personally. TBA PARTY.On Monday afternoon the annual tea party in connection with Salem Independent Chapel, Heoigerrig, was he'd. Throughout the afternoon a large numljer of friends and members sat down and partook of tea. The cake was supplied by Messrs. D. Jones and Co., Dowlais. The following ladies pre- sided at the tables :—Misses. Parker, Williams, Llewellyn, Edwards, Jones, Daniels, Williams, Jones, Williams, Davies, R. Davies, Mrs. Davies, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Dan Thoma", and Mrs. Abraham, and many other young ladies assisted. After tea several guinea were indulged in. both young- and old taking part. in a field close bv. ARMKM \.—At a meeting of the Merthyr and Dis- trict Ministerial I nion, which was heU "h..t Friday at Hope Vestry, the Chairman, the Rev. D. C. Edwards, M.A., at tli3 commencement, called atten- tion to the conduct of the Turks towards the Armenian Chri. t aus, and moved the following resolution, which was seconded by the Rev. W. 1'. Jones That this union of ministers of Merthyr Tydfil express their abhorrence of the atrocities per- petuated on our fellow Christians in Armenia, and hope that the British Government will show them- selves determined to hinder the jiossibility of such barbarous cruelties being i"|>eated.—The resolution having being carried unanimously, it was decided to send copies to Lord Rosebery, Lord Kimlierley, and the local M.P.'s. the local M.P.'s. CHAM BElt OF TRADK OLTING.-—The annual Chamber of Trade onting will take p!ace on Thursday, June 27. The party will leave Merthyr by the 7.43 a.m., special through carriages being provided by the Taff Vale Company. Arriving at Cowbridge, they will drive in brakes to Marlbro Grange, where they will be entertained by Mr. Fiank James, who has always taken great interest in the Chamlier and its proceed- ings. At 11.30 the drive will be resumed to Llantwit Major, where dinner will be partaken of at the Swan Hotel. It is understood that the High Constable (Mr. T. Jenkins, J.P.), Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., Mr. Friteliard Morgan, M.P., Mr. Herbert Lewis, and Mr. W. M. North, the stipendiary, and others will accompany the party. We are glad to notice that the tradesmen of the town have already arranged to close their establishments the whole of the day, so that a general holiday may be enjoyed by the commercial fraternity. WORKING MKN'H BUILDING SOCIKTY. — The fourth annual meeting of the a!,(ft'e Building Society was held on Tuesday evening in the Market Hail, Mr. Moses Goodman presiding. The Secretary (Mr. W. Jones) read the annual report.Mr. E. Morris then moved that the report be adopted as read. The total profit made during the year was JE494 18s. 8d., which added to previous profits made a total profit of 21,488 81. Davies seconded, and it was carried unanimously. The four retiring directors were Messrs. E. W. Harris, J. M. Berry. T. B. Jones, and E. Humphreys. The four gentlemen were again nominated, as also was Mr. Maddock«, grocer. The latter mimed, however, withdrew, and the chairman thereuj>on declared the retiring direc- tors were re-elected. Mr. John Morgan, Mr. Sandford Joues, and Mr. Tom Howells were nominated auditors. The result of the voting was—Mr. S. Jones, 44 Mr. T. Howells, 33 and Mr. J. Morgan, 25. The two highest were elected, at a fee of two jruineas. u Ft'NBRAL or MISS PRICE.—Amid every manifesta- tion of sorrow and respect, the mortal remains of the late Miss Price, whose death is recorded in another tul procession VaA>ki 6k"»t Cefn mourners were as follows 1st carriage, Rev. David Jones, Mcar of Aberearn, and the Rev. Mi. Jones senior curate of St. David", Church, Merthvr • 2nd carriage, Mr. Price (father), Mr. Ralph Price' Mr T Pr.ce, and Mr William Price (brother;) 3rd carriage, Mr. James Jones (brother-in-law),' Mr Wilham Jones (nephew), Mf. Robert Brown (<xmsin)' Mr. John Price tcous.n); 4th carriage, Mr. J. Jones n \ra ) Nf-ath (cousin), Mr. Griffith Cardiff, (cousin), a?d Mr. Griffiths, Dowlais A large numlier of carriages followed, containing friends of the family, who attended to show their last mark of respect to the deceased lady. Amone- tbf.m Mr. David Phillips (Messrs. Phillfps and Jones), Mr. vVVpinHnM-r- ^rsey' Mr- kivsev, unn Mr. R. R. Davis (chemist Mr. William En-dand Mr. Enoch England Mr. W. England junr Mr' Henry England Mr. Joseph England, Mr. Th'onm John. Mr. Charles Hiurhcs (T \T T? T«o%-w^ Cardiff), Mr. Daniel William** (Cardiff) Air John rj-ice (butter merchant) Mr. Washington Morgan /pr-JV»,!iramr.Jenki?8 (Dowlai*>. Mr. John jfnes \ra \»r', •eo: J"'ason' Mr- White (Gloucester) Hr- }^,lter P«v,es (Forth), Mr. J. Davies (Porth Mr' T pX (A jerdare)" Mr- W- ^est (Ablrdare T» «. ^Pectoi', Aljeidare), Mr Thom is Dav,es (Al>erdare), Mr. Thos. Davies A^rH-^J Mp John Powell Mr. BL JUbW^ llr.'S/S^S^Tiff Western Raihvav),' a^oth^^The ani North covered with beautifu! wreaths' and crosses kindfv sent;by tbci following :~Mr. Price and family Mrf Jenkins (Dowlais), Mrs. Whito (rZJ. t V ir Nathaniel (Dowlais), Mrs. Thomis, Mr and M™ Johns, TV.R.Ioeomotive staffs atMeSh^ Abc^ dare and Awrdare Junction, Mr. and Mr^. Williams [Eastbourne) Mrs. Price and family flnitter merchant) Mrs. Morris (Cross-street) and Mrf Griffiths (Bruce Hotel. Do« laTI.„ 1 Thv wiin«n/°ntaiTd rhe foIlou'i!1? "Ascription I hy wtlll>e done. In Irving Memory of Annie Price, born 17th June, 1863, aged 31 vears The rTu'^i Ser-V,CC':it -the, Ce»^tery Church was eon d.icted \t-ry impressuely by the Rev. D. Jones vicar "J near R'sca, and the Rev. Mr. Ses of St. David Merthyr, and at the graveside the t! tL trCahn, c??ducted tLe ^rvioc! The '.eaters from the church to thegrave were Messrs. D. ,T. EwCs T) Phdl.ps J. Jone, (Tandy). ,T. M. Thom-s i)' Merecfith C. Snadham T Parry, D. Jones ^'d x! T(f fu?eral arrangements were carried out by Mr. William James, and the marshal- ting of the cortege was entrusted to Mr. Thomas [Johns I he respect shown ou every hand was evident proof of the affectionate manner in which the deceased lady was held. The family received messages of sympathy from all parts of England and Wales, and we are requested by the bereaved family to return thanks through our columns to the many friends whose kind words have helped to cheer the lo\ ing father of a devoted daughter, and to which they are unable to reply to individually. AN ABSURD RUMOUR Considerable anxiety was caused in Merthvr ai.H the locality generally yesterday (Wednesday) by an K? a"d unfounded re|X)rt that the South Pit had caught fire, and that several lives were imi>erilled On making inquiries it was found that the rumour had originated in consequence of smoke being seen arisinsr aoove the mountain caused by some ferns being burnt! CCLLIERY DISPUTE AT TREHARRIS. MASS MEETING OF THE MEN. On Wednesday evening a mass meeting of the men I employed at the Treharris (Ocean) ColJieriæ was I r 7u ubuc llall, under the presidency nf ™« negleei rfth, ^|rM<?,he standing cogs in the stalls.-Mr..f0lm EdJSfrds checkweigher, explained that it was ahsJnUv necessary tor the men to stand cogs in their wor £ places wcause if they did not do so, their lives were imperilled. It had always been the custom to allow the men to use their discretion as to the necessity of standing cog*, but now the employers refused to pav t.iem, because they had not given orders to that effect. If the men only stood for their rights there was nothing to fear, for whenever the employers com- nutted a breach of the Sliding-scale agreement when brought to a court of law, they were compelled to pay. iNow the employers had committed a breach of custom, and men had stood cogs without having been tW wnnlri £ Wa'Yfor tho ,ntn to detido whether thej would take action to recover the money due. fr''V ^solution was put to the meeting to the effect tiiat steps be taken to recover the money due. I his haying been carried it was resolved that legal opinion be taken upon the matter, and that if necessary notice be given to terminate contracts unless the management allowed the men to defend their li ves by standing cogs where they were neces- sary. -1 he question of remunerating Mr. John Mwards, the labour member representing Treh irri* on the Board of Guardians, next came up for con- sideration, and it was unanimously resolved that a levy bo made of 3d. per man per year on all tho work- men employed at the pit, and that if possible the iinount be stopped at the office fiotn the men's wages.

BY THE WAY. The number of Freemasons and friends that jour- neyed to Llanwern last Thursday was 110. The number of the lodge is also 110. Another wheeze about the Dowlais cake. Mr. D. A. Thomas," wntw Hugo," tays that Dow. lai- in educational matters, takes the cake. In com- mercial mattenj it is otherwise, for our enterprising tradesman, Mr. David Jones, gives the cake (for a consideration, to be sure), to all who ask for it, and good cake to. I Mrs. D. A. Thomas, like most other ladies, its more than a match for her wusser half when it comes to talkee-talkee. The hon. member, in the course of his remarks at the Dowlais Ambulance meeting on Fri. I day night, said that Mrs. Thomas, great an advocate as phe was of woman's riights, would, after noting the fine body of police who came forward to receive certificates, hardly venture to say that man was quite played out." No," said the lady, when her turn came, I don't say that man is played out—only that woman is playing up." And then Bro. Thomas found his tongue had gone over to Java. 'Twas a jolly little party at Cefn-Coed-y-Cym mer one day this week, and how they did eujoy themselves! My word They visited Morris-town andother inter- eating spots, and finally held anopen-air conversazione, refreshments included. Speeches followed \eryelo- they eloquentand interesting andsoul-stirring speeches were too, but at the same time occasionally rather far- fetched. Speaking of the beauties of Cefn and sur- rounding districts, one of the gentlemen said the scenery far surpassed any found in Switzerland but he bad never visited that delightful spot, so the rest of the company excused him. The real fun came in when the littld party crossed the brook below Cefn Bridge. One of them, a very, very nice man, pitched stones into tho water and splashed the clothes of his companions but, unobserved, another of the party mouuted an elevated spot, and poured tho con- tents of a bucket over him, best clothes and all. Sub rosa. The office pigeon was sent with the Freemasons to Llanwern on Thursday, ordinary reporters not being allowed, you know. On her return she had a nice little story to tell. After the luncheon Colonel Lewis, in a most felicitous speech, proposed the health of the host and hostess. Mr. Goodfellow, in seconding, made a curious slip of the tongue. He meant to say, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas" but what he did say waa. "Mr. and Mrs. Lewis." He found out his mistake, and when the laughter had subsided, he said he might perhaps have been a little too previous, but the words were no doubt uttered in a spirit of prophesy. Nor was this all. In replying to the toast, the host (Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P.) made another slip, referring to the genial collector as Colonel" Goodfellow. This brought down the house, and the poor pigeon was almost frightened out of her wits. In another toast the name of Miss Haig was coupled with thit of a prominent Mason and a staunch old bachelor. Was this also done in a spirit of prophecy ? DOWLAIS. SAXITART PI.CMBING ASH HOT WATER ENGIN- EERING.—W. AUSTIN AXIJ SON have added the above to their old-established House Decorating Business. Beer Engines, Baths, etc., fitted and repaired. Good workmanship and moderate charges. The largest, cheapest, and liest selection of Paperhangings in the district. New patterns for 1895. Paints, Varnishes, G lass, etc. —261* nion-street, and 91, Caeharrie Dowlais. UNDERTAKING and all kinds of Carpentering and Joinery Work done. Hearse and Mourning Coaches to order. Gi-o. J. O'Neill, Frederick's Court, North Street, and Pond Street. Dowlais. J. T. DOCTON, SANITARY ENGINES#, Plumber, Hot Water Fitter, Gas Fitter, Electric Bell Fitter, and General House Decorator, etc., 133, High-street, Merthyr. All orders will receive prompt attention. Distance no object. A staff of experienced workmen regularly employed. J.T.D. may be consulted on Sanitary matters, embracing drainage, ventilation, etc. r281 The Chronicles of Dowlais" are held over for lack of space; also our Dowlais reporter's reply to Wil Sledgwr's challenge. CHAMBER OF TRADE .OUTINU. —The arrangements for this popular festival are now completed, and those desirous of taking part in the festivities should make early application to the secretary of the outing com- mittee, Mr. Marcellus Carlwrigiit, High-street. WESLEY CHAPEL.—A very i-uecessful xnniversary festival was held in the above place of worship on Sunday. Impressive, sermons were delivered by the Rev. A. Milligan (Aberdare), Rev. Alfred Hall (Merthyr), and the Rev. Cornwall Joues (Dowlais). ELIZABETH-STREET CHAPEL.—The Sunday School anniversary festival was held in Elizabeth-street English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on Sunday, and was perhaps the most successful yet held. The Rov. Thomas Bowen, who will shortly be inducted into the pastorate of the church in succession to the Rev. W. W. Lewis, preached at both the morning and evening meetings. In the afternoon a children's ser- vico was held, under the directiqn of the same rev. gentleman. A.S.R.S.—Mr. J. H. Newcombe, the hon. sec. of the A.S.R.S Dowlais Branch, writes sis follows :— I am instructed by the memhers of the Dowlais Amalgamated Society of Railway Amalgamated Society of Railway being realised thereat, and also to man* yU-,i tor' uk space you have given us on this and former occasions m your valuable pajjer. 1 LECTURE m DrFEiwThe well-known preacher- bard Dyfed visited Dowlais last week to fulfil a d^evenfnfageTKnt ¥ .Libam,S ChaI*l On Thurs- ThL w-fi- The chair was occupied by Mr. Thomas W llliams, J.P., Gwaelodygarth, and there was a good attendance. The lecturer dealt in his &d of 'I? ptractu,'e 8t?).e ,uPpu ^e wonders of the th» nl° • Py7l'n,dp' wh,ctl ''n company with W^ i an £ ° t!e evening, had recently visited. At the close of the lecture Dyfed was accorded a vote ot thanks, on the projxisition of Mr. William Richard* seconded by Mr. Rees Price.-Havin" Sblv' responded, the lecturer submitted a vote ol thanks to the chairman, and this having been seconded by Mr B- -kv-aiis, was also carried with acclamation. Tn-Tlvi^kWLAIS^HcIH"rhoniem!>ers of Dow- law 1 hi harmonic Society gave their first public rehearsal on Sunday evening in the OddfeUows' Hall. ti)eMy of hall were crowded, and the nlattorm was fairly well patronised. Under the conductorship of Mr. Harry Evans, the choir sang the three chorouses set as teat pieces in the llr'A yM-f3t' at ^fo'^r^nimenN being played by f,lvr*' ^•-rt'.y'Vand Mr. EvanV. Davie/ Bethania-street. Needless to say the singing waa of a high-class character, although Mr. Evans veTy wisely refrained from showing his hand tooopenlv. The choral contributions were interspersed with The Star of Bethlehem, capitally sung bv Miss Maggie 1<r"M^,rfc y°, » People" and "Every alley saa 11 IK? Exalted, admirably rendered bv Mr. Evan, R. Evans, and the quartet, Search Me O God, given by the four singers who carried off'the prize at the Mountain Ash Eisteddfod. The rehearsal wasaeomplete success and amongst those who lit tened to it were a number of friends f..run "&"l?.]J.. SLND.U SCHOOL OLTING.—The annual outing of the teachersand schojars of the branch Sunday School at Oellaaeiog l>elonging to Bethania Welsh Con- gregational Chapel took place on Thursday The weather was beautifully fine, and the party, to the number o about 120, as, em bled at tlie schoolroom! whence they were conveyed by a number of Mr ^aumel Dix s brakes to Owmtaff. The journey was i)feasant ln £ ,(lent' b,lt Ul« drive was delightfully and tftl' ti?"7 r -WaS r^achfed rthor^.V after noon, i 1 ,• l,r«ll!U,nary tour of insi)ection which is ZfJd in'n g\rnin^Aof this kiQd, lunchecn as served m the Millers Arms Hotel Th»> bill nf 'he small army of assistants. After the lunche^vSis games were indulged in by the children, while the P laTger S™'th j°urneyed on to the new Cantref Reservoir, the source of Cardiff's water supply After this bracing journey, tea was much enjoyed, it being eerved in the same room as the luncheon, the tray-holders being the same. The w?9.com'«enced about half-past eight o clocif, and Dowlais was reached about ten. It should be stated that the whole of the arrangements were carried out by Mr. Abraham Bowen, High-street, and tSlSSuS sut!0ess of the picnic was ,arge]ydue to hia DASTARDLY OUTRAGE AT CEFN. On Saturday night last a diabolical r.ntraeo w committed between Merthyr and Cefn with a view of wrecking a railway tram. The 7.15 p.m. train left fVfn in safety, but a few moments later, when tho London and North Western Railway goods train from Aber- gavenny to Merthyr proceeded along the same route an accident occured which might have resulted in great loes of life. Over the line, which is joTntl? Brecon and Merthyr and the London and North Western Railway Companies, there is a girder bndge conveying a private railway belong- ing to Messrs. Crawshay Brothers, and when the goods tram reached this bridge situate lietween Llwyncelyn and Rhydyear signal boxes, the en«nne came into contact with something hanging over°the centre of the six feet: fortunately no harm ,00 A --<J U_" .& "C\ UUIJt:: to the engine. But the guard's van in the rear, coming into contact with the same obstruction, had the roof partially lifted off. Naturally the train was «tom>ed in order that the nature of the mishap mS' S investigated and it was found that in the flLnge of S, b F thrfee l[on1rlods' a,t six feet long, and an inch 111 diameter, had t>een ulaced nnrl i, tL, /r win. had couided. S KernXd 'X S btM rr tOVe Z l>eiwanent way, and the others a little distance off on each side. The engine fortunately waa covered, otherwise both John Emery (the en-nnt^ driver), and the stoker might have sustained serious injuries. Had a passenger train gone at a rapid sueed £ D? i| at t,lie tm,e ia appalling to think what the awful result might be. Th« ZA* I immediately removed and handed over to Mr Lucas the stationmaster at Cefn, who lost no time in report- ing the matter to the police. So far no clue hlsTen gained of the miscreants, but diligent efforts are beinjr made, with the assistance of Mr. William Evans, the general manager of theWorks, to bring them to

Correcponfcnce. "Street Betting versus Street Preaching.Too late for this issue. A most able and interesting letter. a Are we Awake ?" — Democrat's reply to SatisScd unavoidable held over on account of lack of space. "Criminal Statistics of 1893.ln our next. Vaynor School Board."—" Pentwyn replies to Cefn Isa." Will appear next week. Cabs versus Brakes."—" Pro Bono Publico rubs it into the cabmen. Next week. THE JUNIOR MEMBER. SIR.—From the epistle of Mr. Piitchard Morgan to Mr. J. Vaughan, we learn that our junior member is st411 in the flesh but really, I waa tempted to look farther afield, for his bodily presence in the House of Commons is anything but common, and his record of attendances certainly most discreditable, almost loss than the least of the whole lot. Perhaps the hon. member is not aware that weloûk for, and expect, not only an occasional "look in," but the faithful support of the finest Government that has ever distinguished the precincts of Saint Stephen's. We expect him to acquaint himself with the measures for Wales, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and thus, by rendering them his sympathy and support by his presence a.nd vote, carrying out the wisnes of those who reposed their confidence in him, and thus receive support in return to carry on the measures. As to the gold mine the least said the better.—Yours, VERITAS, Sitt,Tlie electoril prospects of the Liberal Party in this constituency are very gloomy. Mr. D. A. Thomas, of course, is stronger than ever but the junior member's record of attendance in tho house has hopelessly diminished his already waning influ- enco and popularity. The figures, 23 out of 118, have tteen a painful eye-opener to hundreds of erstwhile supporters, and if he goes to the poll again, his majority wi 1 be very materially reducea, even if it does not disappear altogether. The senior member will be returned as before, but what will become of his col- league? His votes will be split up l»etween him and Mr. Alfred Davies and Mr. Allen Upward, and Mr. Herbert Lewis will slip in between theut. If Mr. Morgan retired from the field, a Liberal Association would he formed within a week, and a strong candi- date would lie selected to tight by the side of Mr. Thomas. That seems to me to be the only way to keep the seat, at any rate, to maintain the majority. Mr. Morgan's staying here spells ruin.—Yours, A T}*iirr»r u U.U" SlB,—The information four. "1 your columns j relative to the at ten'1- -(? of our juuior -member in Parliament must p.. disappointing even to his warmest adherents, ;• ,.l most humiliating to the electors of the borough at large, who seem to have trusted him wholly when they returned himat thela^t general election with such a grand majority. He was dublied a political adventurer," when he first came iii)on the scene, and has succeded in cairy out his part in an admirable manner. It's all very well to prattle about being in the House when questions affecting the locality are discussed, or when the Govcrment are placed in jeopardy but what about his duty to his constituents at othertimes? Where was Mr. Pritchard Morgan when the Merthyr Water Bill came on for second reading ? And if he was so anxiou* for the welfare of tho people of Merthyr, why was the attempt to block tho Bill relegated to a inemlter who has no claims upon the Merthyr elections ? Why do not he and Mr. D. A. Thomas force the Postmaster General to give us a late mail, or further the interests of the workmen against the tyranny of the employers? Both gentlemen have talked big about what they would do for the Chamber of Trade in the matter of postal facilities, yet we have to postourletters at half- past eight. Why does not the junior member visit his constituents and give a report of his stewardship? Perhaps it pays him better to dig gold at Dolgelly than to see whether the Morthyr workmen are properly housed or supplied with an abundance of pood water at a cheap rate. If he is anxious for our welfare, for that is what he implies by his ree-entletter to Mr. John Vaughan, could he not, with his col- league, start a Liberal Club in the town for the benefit of the rising generation, and if it was established on temperance principles even Mr. D. Davies, Glebeland, would perhaps enrol himself as a member. I agree with you, sir, that our indepen- dent" member, who by the way is becoming more independent year after year, should be brought to his senses, and shown that he cannot dawdle with us with impunity. I am glad he has mado up his mind to fight again, for that will prove what a hold he has ou {the community. We are promised half-a-dozen candidates; well, the more the merrier, say I, for that will give the Conservative a better chance. Even if wo anticipate the worst fears of Radicals that Mr. Herbert Lewis will be returned, I am sure they will agree with me in saying that he will make a better member than Mr. Morgan, even though lie be the son of Sir William. As a Conservative I look forward with a good deal of confidence at the coming election, for though we may not succeed in ousting Mr. D. A. Thomas we shall at least have the satis- faction of reducing his majority, thanks to the apathy of his supporters. Moreover, Mr. Pritchard Morgan will lie brought to his proper level.—Yours, < £ <• A MEMBER OF THE CONSERVATIVE CLUB. SIR,—I have voted for Mr. Pritchard Morgan at every election he has eon tasted in the Merthyr Boroughs. On the first occasion, it was clear to all that his knowledge of English politics was not very ex- tensive still I thought he had in him the making of a useful member, and, lieing disgusted at the tactics of the effete aud cliquish Liberal Association, I gave him my support. But now the question forces itself on us Has Mr. Morgan realised the expectations of his friends ? Is he to-day what we hoped he would become ? The answer to be given to these questions number of di visions tKey' take pSr't "fni" ^GougTaii effective public speaicer, he does not go in for plat- work, and never attends political meetings. He never speaks in the House. All he does is to walk in and out of the division lobbies, and when we find to our dismay, that he doesn't do much even of that 1 then we are compels, to use a conventional phrase' 1 to reconsider our attitude towards him." Tw.-nlv.' three divisions out of 112 is a hopelessly bad record 1 It is less than one out of every five. The junior 1 member's Parliamentary activity amounts just to one day a week. Really this is beyond defence No 1 wonder Mr. John Vaughan felt dissatisfied. t In his letter to Mr. V aughan, Mr. Morgan does not v show the slightest symptom of repentance. He miVht r have said I am really very sorry, and promise to r do better 111 future. Oh, dear me no, nothing of the c kind. He thinks everything is alright. Indeed hn practically leasts of his record, and says that that is the proper thing for a member to do. He looks down witli contempt 011 memljers who attend reffularlv 0 Such desirable pemms," he calls them sarcastically' 11 The ideal M.P., according to him, is he who attends C the House one day a week. Is that the sort of man °: we want to represent us in Parliament'' Kn ton 01 thousand times no n d; .t or my own pert, I shall never vote for Mr. Morgan again. Hes fairly flayed out. On the hustings inspired and coached by Mr. V aughan, he shows off to advantage. Ho is good for a flare-up. But want something better than that. We want a man who will do some work in the house. What's the ufo of sending a man to Parliament who only attends there one day a week? I would rather see Mr. Herbert Lewis in Parliament than Mr. Morgan Mr' Lewis would do his best to help in local affairs Tin* we need not take a Tory. There are Liberals offering m their services. There's Mr. Alfred Davies o'f Hampstead. But he doesn't seem to catch on a hi* and he only offers iIS the fag end of a life spent in money-making. That is not the sort of member we r<T,rt\ „ f^' better' able* aa well as a younger man the^WhhPartyWa,T' U'K° an accl,sit''on to the Welsh Party. Truo he isnot a persona urata with that party he is too active and restless perhans he is too clever, and they are jealous of him. But he h;i« undoubtedly the qualities which would make him a most useful member of the Welsh Party. He would stir them "P .°,gTeFa activity he is not too respectable to be afraid of an occasional row; nor would he be too ready to obey the behests of the official whips. He has moral strength and plenty of pluck. The toilers of the two valleys would welcome him with open arms' —Yours\rulj% en°Ug °f the jun,or niember, anyhow.' A PENYDARREN ELECTOB. ABERAMAN SILVER BAND SIR,-By a letter in your issue a fortnight ago, the sr ■SiBBS#"SSL belongs to wear it with satisfaction.—I am, sir, OCR ABEHAMA.Y CORRESPONDENT. MR. DAN DAVIES' VISIT TO TREHARRIS. SiR,-The aiinouncei-nent in the Tiiiies last week that Mr. T)an Davies would hold a concert at the Public Hall, Trebarris, on the Ilth I)roximo, has 80me excitement. In our perambulations we came across a group of men who were in hot dis- uussion over the following questions which wo asked to put to you, Mr. Editor, the disputant asr-ee ing to accept your reply as final(1). ft as Mr f)ln Daues, with his Dowlais Choir, won more than one first prize at the National Eisteddfod, namely Aberdare? If so, where? (2). Did Mr. Dan Daviet-S, ith his Dowlais Choir, compete at the London N agonal Eisteddfod? (3). Was there not a £ f,,0^ 1lff COI"peting at the Brecon Eisteddfod under the baton of Mr. Jacob Davies?—I am, vour« THE MEMBER FOR PENTW YN. NOTE.—The answer to all the questions is "No."—ED POLICE-STATWXI) AT ABERDARE. was surprised to see a note in your local contemporary a fortnight ago respecting the tav> tpSLfSl, 1^1. sf would suggest that the genial of GadlYM cared excused tor suggesting that the writer of Vat paragraph whoever he or she was, must have had th^6A bprH *T.of our 1)lo,1'y respected constables in the Aberdare district, and whether the men are stationed next door, in the same house, or ev £ livSE midnight animated palaver it is perhaps a good policy to station the men near to each otber.- Y OulS, Mstat.on SWEET 'BEROAR. RECREATION GROUNDS FOR MERTHYR. • S,iy7jfc almost inconceivable that a town of th« SftfS! single seat e\en in the few spots not yet given un to building plots." Is not this a disgrace and a h £ rd ship ? Now ou these lovely June <Sy^, etJecLlly in mmi K,e nciai than a lest 111 the open air, far fmm madding crowd » ? Merthyr can boast of.nanv riJh aud generous; men is there fnot one with a sense of the benefit they would be conferring upon this vast I neighbourhood by presenting substantial iron seats, and having them placed either on the tips or on the way to Pontsai n, &c. ? Aud again, will no one move to procure a recreation ground where the young toilers who have borne the heat and burden of the day in stifling atmosphere, might refresh their wearied souls ana bodies: If it were eimply a seat in the open air, with a band discoursing sweet strains, it would lie an inestimable boon to the public, who would willingly subscribe if the project were set on foot. Trusting something will be done.—I remain, A LOVER 01' NATURE. THE GADLYS OLD BRIDGE. SIR, —I heg to (-all the attention of the Aberdare District Council to the bad state of the above bridge, which crosses the main road near the Waynes Arms. This bridge belongs to the Gadlys Colliery Co., and I think that this company should be compelled to pull it down for the safety of the public if not, I am afraid that this bridge will be the cause of somebody's death before long, because it is in a rotten condition and not fit to tie up. It is alw a great nuisauce to people who have to pass under it, because sometimes a lot of boys will be standing on top of this bridge, and ainusin? themselves by throwing stones, dirt, &c., on people's heads as they paas under it. Now, here is a good chance for the councillors of Gadlys Ward to prove if thr-y are worthy of the confidence that the electors placed in them at the last election or not, and I think that one of these councillors is in a po ition to remove this dangerous bridge if he wishes, and I triif-t that he will do it as soon as ho it-m the sooner the better. In concluding, I hope that these few remarks ai £ sufficient to prove to the members of the District Council the necessity of removing this bridge.—Yours, lic. GADI.TSIAN. THE TYPOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY (MERTHYR BRANCH) AND MR. DAN THOMAS. A DISCLAIMER. Sin,—A correspondent in your last week's issue, who informs us that he is a Trades Unionist of many years' standing, and who shields himself behind the nom deplume of "Compositor," has thought fit to administer a back-handed blow to Mr. Dan Thomas for taking a step which every genuine Trades Unionist printer would ha-'e approved. Tho writer takes exception to certain remark" made by Mr. Thomas at a meeting of the Urban District Council. If Mr. Thomas made tho statements attributed to him, the Merthyr Branch owe him a debt of gratitude, for in doing so ha displayed a far greater knowledge of matters appertaining to tho Manchester Typo- graphical Society than does our friend "Compositor" with his vaunted membership "of many years' standing." We make the reservation, if Mr. Thomas made the statement," for the simple reason that we have failed to find his remarks reported in the local press, either daily or weekly. And here the question arises, how comes this favoured "Compositor" into possession of such facts? For we have yet to learn that it is customary for any members of our humble craft to be admitted to the deliberations of the Urban District Council. In fact, sir, the letter caused such surprise and indignation amongst the society com- positors in the town that the varicus "chapels" deemed it incumbent upon thorn to take steps to dis- claim any connection with the letter and disapprove of the tactics of its author. We have, therefore, this week, taken considerable pains to canvass practically the whole of the member", who, one and all, repu- diate the authorship of the said letter or sympathy with the views enunciated therein. At a special meeting, called for the purpose, a resolution to that effect was unanimously passed, and which we have also forwarded for insertion in your contem porary. We do not feel called upon to reply for Mr. Dan Thomas, who we know is perfectly able to take care of himself. In conclusion, we note with pleasure that every man in your office has been permitted, to join our association, and all are members thereof, with one exception, due to advanced age. This solitary uon- member, nevertheless, is held in the greatest esteem by his Unionist colleagues, as he is in full sympathy with the society, ha\ing been a member of it years ago. Trusting that, in fairness, this letter will have the same publicity that was given to the communication of "Compositor" so-called, we are, on behalf of the Merthyr Branch of the T. A.—Yours truly, J. F. SPENCER, President. J. LEONARD, Secretary. A PLEA FOR TOLERANCE. SIR,—There seems in these "end of the century" days to be a greater need than ever for a more deter- mined insistence upon the necessity of tolerance. People appear to be content to view only one side of a question, and form their opinions ul)on whttt ini- pression; are conveyed to them by such a partial inspection. Were partisans to contemplate even the possibility of their opponents having at least a measure of truth on their side, surely, as resonable men, they would not express their ideas in that spirit of alisolute certainty which is so characteristic of the enthusiast. We should all bear in mind that, in general, men's judgments are never wholly right, and, equally, that none can be justly considered as being entirely wrong. Truth, we are told, lies somewhere near the middle, and extremists in a controversy might advantageously keep this truism in their mind". Religion and politics Are, probably, of all subjects those most frequently discussed, and it is in regard to the first of these important subjects that my ideas on the subject of toleration have special reference. One cannot but deplore the vast amount of eneigy which is lost through the exhausting strife that is engendered by religious differences. At this present day, in our midst, there is being fought out, with the most intense and bitter animosity, a "religious" battle. The opposing forces consist of reziments in the same army, and, curiously, this ar my, which is divided into two actively-contending factions, not to mention numerous other smaller coteries in its ranks, n-rmv of Christ." We all know the d!t'ion°cn 8 T?li oeS01iT ? like disaster under like con- miiniiv v,It'^>?ddrn,n^ H.Pectacl° to !>ehol d a com- munity bi-et with internal dissension, while the com- mon foe is grow-ing i„ strength and exnltfn? It the weakness which has been bred in his erstwhile for- midable antagonist. Christianity in nasainc thrnncrh .period of «n% ,l.,tio„ ,I„,„st history. It is be,ng assailed on all sidL. iKiSiSf sm agnosticism, and scepticism are til S £ r fre* h adherents and these allied forces are tent with a merely defensive attitude, their attitude towards Christianity being one of' un^Lfnsr and vigilant aggressron. The old wickedne^S are as rampant as ever; and one is not conscimis of -nv remarkable diminution in the various phases of Is thi." thNI. a time for internal contention in the ranks 01 Chustendom, while it is bein? extern jllw harassed on all hands, and the furtherance OMK objects, and the extension of its kingdom are beinir cStT-ins1M'f*' *1? yUrely n0fc- Should nofc Christians rather endeavour to weld themselves into one corporate whole, so that they may be enabled to more effectively safeguard themsih es against common dangers, and carry on more thoroughly the aood worL- upon the merits of which they are all agreS? Believe stfr"Me; th,s laical-religious stru-gle for tl^hh 8hn, £ Dt £ t all concerned Thl! fraU?ht W1,h infinite per,I to an concerned. I his controversy is essentially nmn dano in its origin, entirely outside the province of a fee y.lplr'tUa! re,i^'?n- rt < not my intention to discuss the justice or injustice of the demand for !|'an |abbs11 ment and Disendowment, but I am eon- 4 "Vj neither side is entirely in the right and £ aISlef 'iV-6 WTon. °ne Painful feature that cannot fail being noticed is that each side dis- gyaifts IS*™* for> -d lht1 of tho othpr- „l°^raUxietyr exhibited '>y eMer of the dis- puUnts to discover the appearance of the side of the Sod'Xn tT" h's opponent. There never was a period when the necessity for mutual concession wis more apparent Let us, then, sink our nSr differ- ences as to the details for Christian attack and defence• ISvSTJtfet'M°«H€I,eT a'nongst our- selves, but let us rather close up our ranks and meet our common enemy with a united force.—Yours, tc., A. J. M. A. J. M. I ALLITERATION IN WELSH POETRY. 1 no tho"*lit, when I penned mv last brilliant re,,iv 'from forth mch a 0^ u m J*30 Hammei-smith." The answer he gives however, is not in direct reply to the S J Bent, J.he Point* at issue are cleverly evaded wrote an awdl, yet he has written cynffhanedd instances of alhterative jioetiy being found in his Caniadau. He never was reckoned much of a sue cess at th's class of i>oetrf, and it is only natural that he should be most pronounced in favour of free metre which came to him with far greater ease. Biit tu coriie to the rcal fJtlestions at They are these: The nature of the Gorsedd and''6 mental cal««Jity of the men identified with it The question of alliteration. « tHe tbe Gorsedd according to Joe Hammersmith ? Ho has 110 higher tribute to pay it than to declare it "funny." 'hat are the facts upon which we can look ? 5 numbei of men many of them well advanced in years, zealously take part in thi3 institution. The proceedings include stirring patriotic addresses by men recognised n<< orators in pulpit and on platform, appropriate poetic effusions by the most notable of our bards, peniHion singing by the masters of this distinctly Welsh accomplishment, and harp solos by the cleverest manipulators of that instrument. That is what the proceedings include, and all this, according to Joe Hammersmith, is to be dubbed "funny i e if we catch his meaning, it is to be considered ridiculous If this be funny, weliave all along the centurie^been ivrarf'f"'° "n^er a telus,on aH to the definition of the at SKI. andour ljest lexicographers are hopelessly Considered as tiie opening ceremony of the eistedd fodic meeting, ts historical and symbolicil sS" ficance is such that no intelligent onlwker is fr^' See-g no more in't than fun. he caPacities of the men who take nirt in the Gorsedd proceedings, they are descril>ei bv Joe Hammei-smith as atoning for their lack of literary talent by abundant stupidity. This is too sweeping an assertion to lie unchallenged TakennK- Hwfa Mon, Cadvan, and Dewi Ogweu from a number of equally meritorious men, and' no one who menT,Pirefai reputation would say that these niditv r ?r?Cir0r are IX?s?e;?ed of abundant stu- pidity. Joe Hammersmith may evade this Ques- tion by referring to the poetry written by these ?n. n but we tie him down to the assertion he lias swn fit to make concerning them. We do not say this merely to defend these men. They are above" the need of defence. Ve wnto m the interests of truth ..ml justice. We ave aware that Joe Ha^aSmith'' made a general .statement, naming 110 names but in the general the particular ia also included Alliteration has been condemned by many men who do not understand it. This cannot be said of "Joe Hammersmith." He has really shown an i nti mateknow- ledge of the subject. But we do not for a moment agree wifcn him in the estimate he forms of it. He persists in saving that it sacrifices sense to sound. Tbe rales of alliteration are not arbitrary, and these rules, like all other rules, are founded Upon what is natural, as observed by successive experiences of men. Welsh poets of the past noticed a tendency to expression, in which was contained a recurrence in certain regular order of the consonants. This was noted, and in adopting the art of alliteration that which habitually oicurred in the first place was formulated into law. It was no caprice or whim of any individual poet that brought about these rules. The rules of musical composition are similar in this respect. The harmony was antecedent to tho rule. It is quite possible to sacrifice sense to sound. It is possible also to compose a piece of music which may sound well to the ear of the composer, but being directly opposed to the laws of harmony it cannot be tolerated. It would bo folly for the composer to be annoyed on that account, and complain that the laws of harmony are restrictive. The laws of alliteration are restricti ve, but being natural in the sense we use the term they cannot be ugly, as "Joe Hammersmith" asserts. To further prove the naturalness of alliteration we fiud instances of it 111 Tennyson. Take following Maidens loving nothing new," which ia taken from In Memoriam." Had Tennyson lieen thoroughly acquainted with the law of cynghanedd sain he could not have written any- thing more perfectly in accordance with it. He knew of no such law hence the inference that it was natural to him. Byron, in his poem of Waterloo, uses the following: "He rushed into the field and, foremost fighting, fell," which shews that tho frequent repititions of similar consonants, by our English poets, were not always considered bad, as Joe Hammersmith" so positively affirms. "Joe Hammersmith" must know that we can quote hundreds and thousands of instances of beautiful thoughts couched in allitera- tive form. There are alliterative couplets which on account of their naturalness and sense are familiar as household words. "Joe Hammersmith" makes reference to Chaucer as being a ix-wt that an average Englishman can appreciate. He has evidently come in contract with very differents types from those generally met with. How many modern Englishmen can appreciate the following from Chaucer ? The first is from The Romance of the Rase." Many men scyn that in swevenvuges Ther nys but faViles and lesynges, But men maye some swevene sen, Which hardely that false ne ben, But afterward ne benapparaunte." Again from The House of Fame And moo berdyrs in two oures, Withoute rasour or sisoures, Ymade, than greynes be of sondes, And eke moo noldynge in hondes Aud also mo renoverlaunces." Neither can "Joe Hammersmith" say that Shakespeare, Milton, Spenser, and Chaucer are the poets of the people, and I venture to assert that were it not for the study given to these in English schools and colleges, these poets would not have anything like the hold on the English mind proportionately, which the Welsh jwets without schools and colleges to study thom in have, on the mind of the Welshman. I apologise for the space I take, but considering the importance of the subject under discussion, I trust you will grant me the favour of inserting my letter.—' I am, yours etc., Penydarren. CASWALLOX J. PRICE. THE CYFARTHFA BAND. SIR,—The letter of "Your Contributor" which appeared in last week's issue, is simply distrusting, emanating, as it does, from a man who, having proved a miserable failure as a performor, seeks to pose as><i extraordinary critic, endowed with natural apti- tude for musical penetration and the jiossession of literary gifts," as Your Contributor," with his usual modesty, would have us believe. He forthwith gives a grand display of his remarkable talents, by traducing the reputation of a body of musicians infi- nitely his superiors, the most inferior member of which is capable of teaching him. He states that ho refrained from giving a morgifengthy and detailed account of their performance through delicacy of fetling for the elder members of the band, thereby inferring ,hat if he so wished he could say a lot about tho playing of these elder memliers, which would be anything but gratifying to their feelings. Who are these men of age? The conductor, who, until he became afflicted with a nervous affection of the lip, a few years ago, was undoubtedly one of the most finished cornet players of this century. The solo trombonist, who needs no recommondation, of whom Mr. Charles Godfrey said, ho was the finest player he had ever heard." The first soprano cornet player, whose equal (scoff as Your Contributor may) cannot be found in the country to-day, to whom Lieut. Dan God- frey paid the highest possible compliment at Cardiff Flower Show a few years ago. He said, "Mr. Livsey, you have clarionets hereto-day." Mr. Livsey "No, I have not." Lieut. Godfrey I thought I heard some as I came on the field." He afterwards listened to their playing, standing on the platform behind the soprano player's back. When they had finished he said "I have found the clarionet, and clapping the soprano player on the back said, Well done," and that from an eminent, world-renowned conductor (not an upstart, would-be musician) to a man whose abilities, according to Your Contri- butor's exalted ideas, do not rise above the prosaic level of mediocrity." Lastly the euphonium player. These are a auartette of musicians in the true sense of the word, in comparison with whom, either as a periormer or critic "Your Contributor" is a mere nonentity. He next taunts them with dwelling on the past Surely it is not wrong to look back upon a glorious past? Can "Your Contributor" do this? Has he any past to appeal to ? No, and, judging by his pre- «non,V""2r, v P°°r Prospects of a future, siouai JOC-.I apijeaiances, ana a.-ks, • ^an fnfs o« fame or reputation » ? Your Contributor should ™Dran'nh0]ne' ,and con8ider hi« own record in that respect. The local appearances at w hich he scoff.* are in variably 011 behalf of local ehoritie«. Can Your Contributor" say as rt,uch for himself ? After beim? charitably educated by a generous public, who madf a calculation, what has he done ? People natur dly expected that on his return he would show what he could do. Instead of so doing, he tries to cover him self with the plea of ill-health. A very nlausible excuse, but one that is played out. Surely a pe^-on who is able to practice at home, is not too ill to pbjy I solo at a concert ? Your Contributor may pay hi had no opportunity. Surely with all our local oratorio^ with parts specially written for the ttumpet for the playing of which they are compelled to fallback upon cornet players (see report of "The Trumue- Xll Sound and the Bright Seraphim » at Dow ai, Ja Christmas by Mr. W. S. England), he has had no lack of opportunities. u nu kl'T?ur £ ontribiitor then proceeds to enlighten us about the Crystal Palace contest, his account of which is entirely erroneous and misleading. I will now give the facts as they occurred, and not merely the essential particulars necessary for my pur row On the firstday the Cy faith fa Band drew the lot to play first; Oa their ascending the platform, Mr. R. Li\sej,, the present conductor's father, gave his finai instructions to the players, exhorting them to kee, cool, &c. W hilst so doing, his book was stolen from beside his stand, in consequence of which they were unable to play the selection which they had prepared and had to fall back upon one which' they had not played for over six months previously. After all the bands had played, tha adjudicators were unable to decide whioh of three bands were worthy of the prize It bemg too late for them to play over again the ludges decided to draw lots as to how to award the Black Dyke, Sa taire, and Cyfarthfa. No "pro- nouncedMctory; in fact no victory at all, and no stretching of the imagination, as Your Contributor" afhrms On tho lIecond day the Cyfart hfa Band a-ain ,.1.0,1.1." .I.n 1.n. r..t .l.?:?_- .1.°- ? u<c„ iou 01 1paying urst, and were enabled to Hy be selection which they had prepared, the bool in t n^ntune having been restored as mysterious y as it had disappeared. What was the result? The other bands were nowhere After the performance of the Gyfarihfa Band the judges broke out in vociferous applause, and one of them afterwards remarked that had they played the same selection the pre- ceding day, no earthly band could have beaten them." And all this of a bund which doe3 not rise above the prosaic level of mediocrity." These are the plain facts, as they occurred, and can be vouched for by honourable men who were present on the occasion. Your Contributor" then compares the "relative e, degiees of reputation 1 Maintained since that contest up to the present time, by the Black Dyke and Cyfarthfa Bands." After stating that the Black Dyke has competed at all the principal contests from then to the present time, he taunts the Cyfarthfa Band with only competing at about half-a-dozen con- tests during the past ten yean. The Cyfarthfa Band has only competed at tnree contests since its forina- tion, at two of which they obtained fi^thoiom^Tnd the other still remains an open question." Not so bad for a hand which does not ri«p uK/im prosaic level of mediocrity ?" Besides, is Your Contributor" ignorant of the fact, or doe* it suit his purpose to appear so, that t he Black Dyke Land Cv&fa11Ba^ COntes.ti,f pnvposesf whilst the Cj faithfa Band is a private one employed by a private gentleman? He asks- "'L« H.2 Cyfarthfa Band, since tho Crystal Palace con- tmn'' ,)l r upheld and maintained its reputa- n »k' • ^1V~, the opinions of a few authorities on music. The late Mr. Br.nley RichaX composer of God Bless the Prince of Wales," speaking at a contest held at Rhayader some years ago, adnsed the bands present to emulate the example of the Cyfarthfa Band. Strange, is it not, that such an eminent musician should commend as a pattern to others a band which does not rise above the prosaic level of mediocrity r» Dr. Turpi, one of our gle°te't rSff W 19 h?ppened to kear the band play at Cardiff, speaking later, at a meeting in London nien- Band and /)r °l th° ce]e!,rated Cyfarthfa xiand and Dr. Parrj-, who is not ignorant in musical matter, would not have specially composed an overture Wnl IT ^ose attainments only rose to the prosaic level of mediocutj. And need I mention the high honour, a distinction conferred 011 no other brass band in the country, bestowed upon them by Ixn'ng chosen in preference to all others to nlav l>efor« T?,„I '<C3.^e Prince and Princess of Wales "at Singleton Abbey on the occasion of their visit to Swansea. I will give an <jxtract from an article which appeared in the Mcrthjtr Express at the time At night they were again at Singleton, and played during the dinner and afterwards. Beiore leaving, Mr. George L'^e.y, the able conductor, was singled out for a special honour. Mr. Vivian called him out from the band, and the Prince of Wales, advancing to meet him with the easy grace so characteristic of his Royal Highness, said, 'Mr. Livsey, I wish to compliment you upon the excellent playing of your band. You play so nice and soft, and the time is excellent nothing can !>e letter, and her Roval Highness says the same.' Mr. Livsey, who felt quite overcome by the Prince kindly bearing and unex- &8nve? uxp,res810n, of s00*1 opinion, replied, Your Sh^ h ihl'p peKS T ,'nfxa very Srpilt honour.' To which the Prince replied, 'Not more than you deserve Subsequently Mr. V,vian told Mr. Li vsev that sot hve minutes betote th9 Prince paid tlin distiusyi^bed compliment to the band through its conductor, her Royal Highness had remarked how beautifully the band played. We are delighted to have so good au opportunity of congratulating the band upon its splendid performances. The compliments of their Roval Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales, botn accustomed to the best musical performances the world can produce, were voluntarily bestowed, and. therefore, all the more to be appreciated and we need not stay to measure them beside the gratuitous dis- paragements of any number of Ivanders. We heartily congratulate Mr. Craw-thaw upon his possession of such a baud, and feel in their acquisition of these marks of royal favour a reflection of no slight honour to the town of Merthyr." Is this fame or reputation ? I may mention that at the public banquet held on the same occasion Mr. Brinley Richards pushed his way through the crowd to congratulate Mr. Livsey on the playing of bis (Mr. Richards') own composition, "God Bles-s the Prince of Wales," which he had never heard played 1'0 well; and this by a band whose reputation does not rise above the prosaic level of mediocrity." Your Contributor" next asserts "that they are never engaged at places where any well-known brass bands are performing." Why? Because the Cyfarthfa Band is 111 itself a sufficient attraction without the engagement of others, and if they have never played along with well-known brass bands, they have played alternately and in combination with the Grenadier, Coldstream, and 1st Life Guards, the acknowledged priemier military bands in the country. On one occasion at Cardiff, the combined bands of the Grenadier Guards and Cyfarthfa were conducted by Mr. G.'Livsey, an honour that would not be bestowed on a person with talents of the prosaic level of mediocrity." Lieut. Godfrey stood off the platform as a listener, and said he had never heard two bands play better. This is fame or reputation?" "Your Contributor" also asserts "that their reputation is simply a local one." So far from such being the case, they are known not only in this country, but in the L nited States of America and so far is their reputation from being on the wane, that applications from far and wide for their services have constantly to be refused, owing to the members being first-class mechauics, the majority of whom hold high positions in the various departments of the Cyfarthfa Works, whose services could ill be spared. Your Contributor seems to think the criticising of a brass brand as something insignificant, and draws a com- parison between it and a Wagner overture." Does he know that the Cyfarthfa Band has a repertoire of Wagnerian music second to none ? Is he capable of comprehending the score of a Wagner overture? Is he capable of reading the cornet parts of a Wagnerian selection? He seems to think he has given conclusive proof of his musical know- ledge and natural perceptive faculties 'by' com- peting with men of culture and experience, and com- ing out of the ordeal with honours." What is the high position to which "Your Contributor" has attained ? The bandmastership of a volunteer band, with the magnificent salary of 25s. per week, a past which no man of culture and experience" would stoop to accept. Is this Your Contributor's con- ception of fame and reputation ? I would rsmind "Your Contributor" that it is the height of ins-' pertinent presumption for a man who dwells upon such an "artistic and elevated plane that he could not retain the position of 2nd cornet in a seaside promenade band to attempt to criticise anyone, and I would advise him to give up strutting about in the borrowed peacock's feathers of high-sounding phrases, the jackdaw underneath being plainly discernible the while. To-day the Cyfarthfa Band fully uphold their high reputation of the past. They have the finest repertoire of music in the country, and perform music which no other brass band attempts. -Yotirs, &c., Gwaelodygarth-terrace. M. L. ENGLAND. CYCLING GOSSIP. By WHEELMAN. We are pleased to learn that the South Wales Cycling Union have granted a licence to Mr. Arthur Thomas, Cardiff-road, Aberdare Junction. Mr. Thomas is a rider who, we venture to think, will make his nmrk if he perseveres in the cycling world. The Aberdare Junction Cycle Club took a trip to Walnut Tree on Thursday evening, headed by their captain. This being their first run, a good number turned out, and the trip was greatly enjoyed. The newly-formed cycling club at Tredegar is mak- ing capital progress. There is a steady increase in the membership. The badges, club regulation?, and list of rnns for the season, will soon be completed. Major Shephard has kindly undertaken the pre- sidency of the club, and has sent a very interesting letter to the members wishing them every success. The Tredegar District Council have also rendered a commendatory act on the cyclists' behalf, having given, in conjunctioi^with the County Council, per- mis3ion to the members to ride their cycles over the path on the new Argoed-road. This is a great boon, for whilst the path is smooth and in good order the road is in an unfit condition, at present, for cycling. Councillor Bowen proposed that the privilege be granted, and Councillor North seconded, to whom, in addition to the other members and their clerk, the cyclists return thanks. That the club means business may be guaged from the fact that they intend holding a carnival later on in the year, as well as a ball. So look out! On Thursday afternoon in last week the club had a merry spin to the romantic little town of Crickhowell. A start was made at 3.15 p.m. and the run was made in excellent ordor, Mr. Davies, the captain, being in command. A short halt was made at the Griffin Hotel in Brynmawr. The Vskside^ town was reached in good time, and as the cyclists trooped up the street they were much admired by tbe Crickhowellites. After refreshing themselves at the hotel a start was made for home in the cool of the evening, Tredegar being reached at 8.55. It is interesting to note that tbe majority of the- cyclists managed to "do" tbe pitch at Blackrock without dismounting. The next run takes place Oii§"^i(3rjiiY",9dpv) at 3.15 p.m. for AbergavMiny. organised on Saturday afternoons'for the VnPfit"^ ,riioon,i for the )#,ne t ot who hope to run it togethe?" ^"Instructor Andrews, tV,A/u1Uir Linut0I| '3 au invalid in a Paris hospital that he has the best attention we may £ sure and though he is now m a very bad wav inrlLJi T f ^V' will ultimately regain his" usual robust]heafth^The trouble was, I understand, caused bv cvnt^uJ ride on a saddle which had given wa/under him grSnf-iovi^ir^^9' = ",The Bride and Bride- successful cyclist and a good fellow. surveienanSy'/ike "d^n" th(3m' —pil?" them under after tKom" .dan?er,0UH criminals, and dodginsr atter them in plain clothes. This, I must Pav ? abldbff'Titil actin £ towards a numerous class of law- wiil SSesteM to 1 trUSt that the townspeople trouble, wfy don't tfi'ojS'"thoLKrii body fnd iStSLV don't they 8tir and go in for a traek ?" threehours forty-five fou^r°mluters.100 Aberaman started a new cycling Iwad- quartt.r", Plough Inn: prei:;ident, Mr. H. C. Aberdare Harlequins hold another raee, aud ,w winner will I-le known iy the tinie tiji,4 13 in print. ade them the cynosure of an admiring crowd. It's hard lines when a cvcliwf ran't go for a rid6" witliotit I)eing wa,clie(i for like a roti,e atid a villain., Pugh, in the one and five !Iatnpionsiiip, is handicapped hy the lIeW police 811pcn iliion." A preliminary meeting of a new cvclintr r!„l, .,f day 3S t. ?°"f I" hon. secretary pro ion., and som'e°otTer aT- appo'ntec* made. Another meeting will be held place on Tuesday evening There L jhf tor both membership. 1 1 good demand Badgeswill fStajtt"?'*? • I'inlv, has consented to act as president. CRICKET. lrw-11°r^N VVT ^S,1X•L "^)ul' correspondent writes •— Our fcHtse f At has.a!ready t^fcablished a reputation they cpme Off th ma eh rece,ntI^ P^.Ved at Crumb TKL i i ff tllu vleton4 with over 80 runs to snar* all thre^, faS l"eaSOn t0 feeJ proud of the MuIv'ey lfrus" all three of whom are good all-round cricketers." THREE LAPS named John H. Powell J KVN Lewis, and D. Walters, wereXJ^dt I oiioe-court on Tuesday week with ste .lmrr f cricket bats, a set of wickets, three balls and" ol £ articles from a bazaar. These vounoxt»™ evidently too enthusiastic cricketers u fcre BRYNMAWR y. CRICKHOWKM. — ON afternoon week Bryiimawr journeyed to (Vir-lV'T to play the well-known chib o? that tovrif Brynmawr men did not expect to win b.if not prepared for such a bad defeat Thlv y si;81 .nj aSt "■,? wS'V-av''8- ? K Ur: «-* 0 Pearce not o,,V n Gle?n' 4«' b Green. howell—T.' Lew is e' T U* i™?' 5 c Davies b Weeks 8- A* v P) ^itVRv%20 = Green Ttavium i. • T 1 ? *» • Davies c Lev/is h ,T Whitfield I) iSwSY-'Ba"'wa'tkin ^1} h Da^ie^ 0 ► » Thomas, lun out, 4 extras, 5 total 76 ACCIDENT AT HOLLYHUSH n COLLIEItY. accident befel two colliet-8 at Colliery, the men went down the mine after the oCcolf^ had gone home, for the purpose of blowing tin a rocL with& "LV'SioS particularlj'. rortunately another collier wlin 8rU Pr<P"y °b,ained; Ai