Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

rjij —.— of H. ^ous.e.°^ Commons met on Tuesday, the state 'tea Political parties being as follows:—Tories, v* Unionists, 73 total, 4!1 Liberals, 177 Rationalists, <1 Parnellitcs, 11 total, 2;">9. The government have thus a inajoritv of 1.V2 thev have a clear majority of 79 over the combined alK' Nationalism. /■ "ss,,u" s «' l"=aJ of the most MUlrfu Gov,en,"m'nt uf nioileni times. What H, t'hJnh sti-oi.yth placed at lus disposal ? fViPOfiei! 10, «aiT.v through legislative ^'ill' S 01 in.poi tance. Has he ^ePh Nationali st members return to St. I they two hostile squadrons. Apparently JUstinr?.^ai apart as ever. The amiable Mr. the a favtliy has retired from the leadership of to i "Parnellites, and Mr. Sexton lias refused ^ble Accessor. A second Parnell might be .*rnelir«?Store harmony and peace, but a second not seem to be forthcoming. Dissen- r^ken ^ationalist ranks has done much to b*HHel Home Rule cause this side St. George's I0! the Irish attitude on the education j \>^ent h 4S feared, has alienated, to a great jncoWrn?y"lpathies ^'ie English and Welsh ^ay bell0-S^C ^'ie ,nouths of Welsh Liberals, ^T-Sai(^> to speak of Irish Nationalist dissen- FBI t0 rselves are not particularly united aders V any rate, some of our members and (Warrejg °i n°^ PUH very well together. Our little 1^'ffereii0'°W ever' aie not occasioned by any vital °i>ias ■?' j11^ a l1-iendly chat between Mr. D. A. r°oiu of l!"d Lloyd" George in the smoking- mirrilfe House of Commons, over the pipe of J'^it. n,?11 very well result in an amicable settle- i £ Rk „ e c°untty yearns for peace. greased 6 110 prospects just now, however, of t .nemh"1" between the Senior Member and H the T, for Carnarvon Boroughs. A meeting K"h was held on Tuesday. Tiiere Mr. I,l,der^an-, Proposed a resolution which, if we P°s8ihle f correctly, would render it im- ,had tije Ior a member to take any action unless he a- It • °tion of a majority of his fellow-mem- this kiil^i Very doubtful whether an artificial rule run w°uld be productive of good in the l A. Tua We are glad to understand that Mr. T?n\as and others are opposing it reso- ls a dangerous thing to smother the Ptive l -tlCe a member of Parliament, and MllbJ'^of freedom of action. The question ,°-<lav 8^Ussed at another meeting of the party he ca":i::tl We hope Mr- motion will not The II) i programme, as unfolded in the J val Peec'h, consists of the following items — ^tional '^°Pments, agricultural depression, rj0yers' r • ftate aid to voluntary schools, Em- ^Ith TV' Uity Bill, an Irish Land Bill, a Public t. for Scotland, arbitration in trade dis- ^^ormaft railways, and two or three other s° does L.ers- I' elaml gets a share of attention C°1<1. j> ^eotland but ales is left out in the c,aUng Mr. Maclean will oblige by advo- n°Unc; c'aims of his adopted country, and ^gle^: llS the action of the Government in Cctfted if 'elsli interests. As far as Wales is con- ^lunt' n,ost interesting question is that of the our members will no doubt nest in the aprn-oachinfi: fitrht.

15 _———— RKKD has given to the world his cO'ifession of faith. He says lie does not ^h l° lhe Home Rule Bill in its latest form, T favouring Disestablishment, he tliinks .V^al -t^^ent wrong and unjust. He is for PuKr not without compensation to » .r Edu»-iCails" Gne-man-one-vote Bill should, 'h^tj' ard thinks, be accompanied by the redis- ''fotin-1! °f scats. The House of Lords should be ?!a.ys 1' not abolished. The Liberals have I^PUT ricclccted the general interests of the 'etter a,1d but here Sir Edward thought his **iou t Setting too long, and he drew liis con- Mit^j, to a close. Had space permitted, as the ksssly he would, no doubt, have dealt as ruth- 1,1 anH ^'10 other planks in the Liberal plat- variation of metaphor be allowed) \0Jle theni all overlxtard. °f the questions he specifies are new. At Velor»e'i t^1C otti°ial Liberal I'arty have not thein auy change in their attitude towards they ''Ucc last July. They remain exactly where jhing before the General Election. Every- K«lM-ard says now could have been said 'M Sa \ong before last Saturday. Why did lie Cctir 1 e do not say he fought the Cardiff Scttjjj u lluder false colours. Still there is no ti»nc a^'ay from the fact that he did not, at that ^C»akie,his views and opinions known to the 8pirit ir T .^ucli a proceeding is contrary to the ESir .liberalism. i^ eXDl' ar^'s confession of faith goes a long way If-he^? defeat at the polls. He was but a haar d champion of Liberalism, and could ?8ht. V* thrown any real enthusiasm into the tW r • varui candidates and members para- ]v -"jberalism of a constituency. When the bcral comes to be fought, we hope the than s:;8 ,0^ Gardiff will have a staunchcr leader Edwar.1

t{tI\" \V ii1' ■e in the event of a sniall- ^urda rea^ Wills told the Guardians on there were 500 children in the town *ai«l tVnated. Mr. Tliomas Morris, Poutvcapcl, «Utc of^ti .Avcre unregistered as well. This is a ^^eHtion ^'hieli demands serious and prompt

THE BUNCH OF GRAPES LICENCE. TRANSFER REFUSED. On Monday, at the Merthyr Police-court, the application of the District Council for the transfer of the Bunch of Grapes licence to Garthnewydd, Mr. John Vaughan's house, on the corner of Bethesda- street, was heard. Great interest was taken in the case, as the application was opposed by the Temper- ance Party, and there were a number of prominent Temperance men seated in the well of the court. The transfer was opposed on behalf of the Temperance Party by Mr. Chavles Ivenshole.—Mr. Frank James represented some of the members of Bethesda Chapel, and Mr. Beddoe the owner of the Glamorgan Arms, which issituated opposite the house to which the trans- fer was asked for.—Mr. Gwilym C. James appeared for the Council.—Upon the case coming on Mr. James asked foi an adjournment on account of the funeral ofMajorBell.—Air. Beddoe acquif s jed,butMr. F. T. "{Fames and Mr. Kenshole explained that it would he impossible for them to appear next Mon- day.—The Bench conferred, and ultimately asked Mr. James to go on with the case, and try and get through with it in time for the funeral.—The application was thereupon proceeded with. — Mr. James said lie appeared in support of the application of the District Council, which came under the Licensing Act of 1828,for a transfer of the licence of the premises of the Bunch of Grapes. The Local Board Offices and the Bunch of Grapes, and buildings held in connection with them were pulled down under the Act of Parlia- ment known as the Merthyr Act of 1865, and upon the site of the District Council intended erecting a Town Hall or Public Offices. By doing so the licence, as far as the building was concerned, became void. The Bench, however, had power to grant, under the circumstances, a temporary transfer to the local authorities, and it was done. The majority of the Council-he did not say that they were unanimous — thereupon decided that it was onlv ricrlit and proper, in the interests of the large body of ratepayers, that they should do what they could to obtain the value of the licence for the ratepayers. They said, "Here is a licence which has a certain value, and we shall not be doing our duty unless we secure to the ratepayers what we can for the licence." It was proposed to transfer it to the house occupied by Mr. John Vaughan, and a better situation they could not find. The application was now before their worships, and after he had called evidence to show that the usual notices had been properly served it would be for them to decide whether the application should bo granted or not. The situation of the premises, and the accommodation afforded, were excellent, and he knew of no situation more suitable for a transfer. His friend, Mr. Beddoe, would, he thought, admit that in this respect the Glamorgan Arms offered no comparison to the house to which it was proposed to transfer the licence. He was under the impression that the Glamorgan Arms was a single- licensied house. If he was wrong he hoped Mr. Beddoe would correct him. The Bunch of Grapes had always been a double-licensed one. If the applica- tion was granted they would not increase the public- hotirtes in the district; the number would be the same as before. The question for their worships was whether the transfer would he so objectionable that they would not grant the application. Mr. James was then about to call Mr. Vaughan, when Mr. Kenshole said he had an objection to make. The Act provided that the notices should be served 14 days prior to the Sessions. This, however, had not been done, as the fourteen days only expired on that day (Monday). He also objected to the wording of the notice, which was made in the name of the District Council. But were the Council going to be the tenants? And if so, who would be responsible for the proper conduct of the house? The Act provided that in the case of permitting drunkenness and other offences, if the penalty were not paid, the defendant should be sent to gaol. In this case, he would like to know who would be the person to go to gaol? Would it be the chairman or the clerk? (laughter).—Colonel Lewis The question is whether the District Council are going to be the tenants. Mr. James replied in the negative.-After consulta- tion with their clerk, the Bench announced they had considered the matter, and as it was not intended that the Council should be the tenants the application could not be granted.

METEOROLOGICAL REGISTER. Recorded at Brynteg. Approximate height above sea level, 685 feet. Date. Direction of Rain- Thermometer Reading. Wind fall. Max. Mm. Wet. Dry. Feb 6 S. "02 46 39 39 40 1 eD< 7 a -0 44 40 40 40 8 S E -03 52 40 48 48 9 W' -40 53 44 45 45 in S -0 53 36 40 41 II W' -0 48 43 44 45 I', 12 W. -0 51 42 43 44 Total '45

A DELIGUNIII FLAVOCR. Cracroft's Areca-Nut Toatt A DELIGUNIII FLAVOCR. — Cracroft's Areca-Nut TootJ Paste. This delicious Aromatlo Dentrifries niakes thf Enamel of the Teeth white, sound, and P^'hed Lke nory It is exceedingly fragrant. Craoroft s Tasta is now sold in M Pots.

SPARKS FROM THE ANVIL. By JOE HAMMERSMITH. .You all remember the parable of the lost sheep, don't you ? A farmer had a hundred sheep. One of them goes astray, and the farmer searches the wilder- nes3 for her, finds her, and brings her back in his bosom. It is a very pretty story. But what I would like to find out is this how did the shepherd know that the sheep he found in the wilderness was his own sheep, and not someone else's ? There were, in that wilderness, many other sheep, no doubt, as like his as one pea to another, and how, then, could he tell t'other from which ? This is an abstruse point, and I would commend it to the notice of the theological examiners of the Welsh University. They have my permission to make what use of it they like. At Cefn Police-court on Saturday a good deal was heard about sheep-marks. An interesting volume might be written on the subject. Here's a chance for the collector of curious out-of-the-way lore. Sheep- farming is as full of romance as it is of hard work. The marking of sheep is of two kinds: you cut the ear and mark the wool with tar or pitch. Some farmers go in for both, some for the ear-mark only, which is evidently the more reliable. The pitch mark on the wool is generally a letter, or two letters, of the alphabet, though not necessarily the initials of the owner. Farms have sometimes their own letters, which are adopted by one tenant after another from generation to generation. Thus the here- ditary letter, as it were, of Penmoelallt Farm, in the Taff Fawr Valley, is W. Frequent changes of marks would lead to confusion, and shepherds are supposed to be familiar with the marks of all the farms in their neighbourhood for miles tound. They are thus able to know where stray sheep have come from, and to return them to their proper owners. At Cefn on Saturday several farmers described the marks peculiar to their tenements. The Penmoelallt mark is as follows:—Piece cut off the tip of one ear, and a swillow-tail cut in the other; letter W stamped with pitch on the wool. Swallow-tail cut means, I presume, that the ear, after the cut, is made to look like a swallow's tail. Abernantgroes Farm, near Aberdare, has both an ear and a pitch mark. The farmer, who has recently come to live there, was not quite sure about the former, but the latter consisted of a stripe across the shoulders, reaching down both sides. Ty'ncoedcae Farm, Penderyn, has the ear-mark only, but it is rather ingenious, being a pitchfork cut in both ears, with a punch-hole in the right. What a pitchfork cut is like, I do not know. The farmer said "sein- fforch," which is good Welsh, though fforch sain would have been more idiomatic. The swallow-tail cut (Welsh, cwt wenol") is also part of the Pentwyn Farm mark. There is a swallow- tail cut in the right ear, and a thumbnotch in the left; also two L's tarred on the wool. The Hendre Baili sheep are known by a thong round the base of, and a hole in, each ear, together with the letters J.D." on the wool; the Wetnlas sheep by the cut at the tip of right ear, and a thumbnotch m both ears. The shepherd in the parable must have had some marks of this sort to distinguish his sheep from those of his neighbours; and the first thing he did, when he came across that naughty sheep that wandered into the wilderness, was to look at the ears for the swallow- tail, the pitchfork, the thumbnotch, the thong, or the punch-hole. But I, too, am wandering far afield like that stray sheep, and if I do not, to speak in the manner of a paradox, "return to my mutton pretty quick, the Editor will be after me with his shepherd's crook, and pulling me back perforce by the ears. Mr. Henry Davies, the well-known "County Lecturer," has published another of his useful and scholarly handbooks. It is entitled, "Guide to Mining Examinations. Part III., Mining Machin- ery." The first chapter deals with the general questions of steam, heat, horse power, condensers, injectors, energy, and gauges. In the second chapter, Mr. Davies goes on to describe winding and other ropes also signals, cages, headgears, and brakes. The third chapter treats of boilers, the fourth and fifth of pumps, and the sixth of haulage. In the seventh chapter the important subject of ventilation is dealt with, and the various kinds of fans and blowers described. Air compressors are the subject of the eighth chapter, coal cutters of the ninth, and coal wasliing and screening of the tenth and last. It will be seen that Mr. Davies' book deals with subjects of great importance to the colliery com- munity. Those who intend going in for mining examinations could not possibly get a better "guide than this volume. The subject-matter, though of a technical nature, is set forth in a clear and lucid manner, and the Welsh student, whose knowledge of English is not very profound, will not meet with many difficulties as regards the language. The ,mathematical points are very fully explained. The volume is adorned with a great number of beautiful illustrations, most of them of local interest. The frontispiece, for instance, is a fine plate of the electric haulage engine at the Ahereanald Pit. The County Lecturer is a born teacher. Both his mining classes and text-books are doing inestima* ble service in training young colliers in the science of their vocation, and fitting them to occupy positions of responsibility. By means of his books he is able to reach a wider circle of students than he can with his lectures, and thousands of miners will welcome and appreciate his volumes. It is no exaggeration to say that he is thus conferring a priceless boon on those who follow their daily round of toil in the bowels of the earth. Nearly all the witnesses in the Cefn sheep case on Saturday gave their evidence in the Welsh language. They were farmers from the neighbourhood of Cefn and Aberdare, and apparently well-to-do. They evi- dently knew enough English to understand the ques- tions put to them, but they preferred to give their answers in their own native tongue. I hope they are all patriotic Cymry, and in favour of the domination of Welsh ideas in Welsh politics. It can scarcely be that they are cosmopolitans in disguise. Ingenious arguments are put forward to prove that Welsh politics should be dominated by English ideas. The latest and most curious specimen I have seen is deduced from the fact that Englishmen have contribu- ted more liberally than Welshmen to the Cardiff College building fund. That fact may or may not be open to doubt. I do not stay to enquire. The argument drawn from it, however, is decidedly funny. The other side might retort that while Mr. D. A. Thomas givas only £ 250, Mr. Alfred Thomas gives £ 1,000. But then the other side have perhaps been gifted with a sense of humour, and would not stoop to buttress their cause with so undignified a plea. Politics are not devoid of the element of fun these days. Mr. Chamberlain, for instance, has drawn out an elaborate scheme of Home Rule for the Ontlanders in the Transvaal. He may have in his pocket another scheme of Home Rule for Ireland. Who knows ? But consistency was never one of the Brummagem idol's virtues. Another humorous incident was the reply of the Archbishop of Canterbury to Mr. Asqmth's great speech on Education. A hundred Bensons would not be able to tackle one Asquith in argument. The Church of England Temperance Society have been asking Lord Salisbury to introduce liquor legis- lation in the course of the forthcoming session. Isn't that really too bad now ? Was it reasonable to ask the Tories to abandon their best friends, the publicans, and that in their very first session ? I am glad to find that, as far as Wales is concerned, the alliance between the beer and the Bible is not to be so lightly set aside, and that the parsons show no desire to throw the beer barrel ovei board. Lord Salisbury gave the deputation a firm, unequivocal No." The Bishop of London, that great and enthusiastic educational reformer, complained most pathetically of his lordship's refusal. That, too, was a sight to make angels weep. Mr. Balfour has brought a serious charge against the brewers. He says they make beer of some other stuff than barley. In the next election the brewers, I am told, are going to vote Liberal to a man. Is it correct to consider Sir Edward Reed an exponent of cosmopolitanism ? I should take him to be the great tPanjandrum of the Bird school of C^ardiff politicians, the leading apostle and hivii priest of the advocates of English ideas. I may be wrong, of course, as the diagnosis of a cosmopolitan is a very delicate and difficult operation. But Reed and Bird seem to me to be perilously like political twins, and if the former's letter is not to be regarded as an exposi- tion of what the latter means by the English ideas" of the cosmopolitans, then my name isn't Hammer- smith. There is no intrinsic importance in anything Sir Edwerd Reed may say or write. But if this letter of his is a true representation of. the cosmopolitan way of thinking, its importance cannot be exaggerated. It should be read by every Welshman, and by every Englishman who lives in Wales. People who want to know how the domination of English ideas in Welsh politics would work out cannot do better than study this curious document. That will help them to under- stand the present quarrel, and to make up their minds in the right way. I have said that the cosmopolitans are the Angli- cised Welshmen rather than the Englishmen. Our Teuton neighbours are better Cymric patriots than many of the Cymry themselves. How many English- men, for instance, would say ditto to Sir Edward Reed's letter ? The more Welsh our politics are the better the Englishmen like them. And so the pre- sent battle, as I have said, is not a contest between Englisbnen and Welshmen, but between the two on one side and the Anglicised Welshmen on the other. Sir Edward Reed's letter, as an exposition of cosmo- politanism, has appeared at an opportune moment, and will be of inestimable service to the country. The unselfish generosity and meek humility of John Bull fairly stagger one's mind. He wants Home Rule for himself wherever he is, and lie generally gets it. But catch him giving Home Rule to anybody else Comoare the Transvaal and Ireland.

EBBW VALE. J. E. DAVIES, late pupil and assistant to Mr. Smith, the Agricultural Hall and Crystal Palace medallist, London, general house and church decorator, plumber, gas, electric bell and bar fitter; hot-water work a speciality upon an improved system of his own. No more explosions. Written guarantee given with each job. Baths, lavatories, W.C.'s, and all sanitary work done on the ^Atost principles. Bars built, fitted, furnished, ligated, and decorated complete;. large stock of orass and sanitary goods. Bar and gas- fittings, globes, paper-hangings, lead, glass, «ils, paints, and colours kept. The largest contractor in the above branches on the hills.—22, Castle-street, Tredegar Branch, 2, Spencer street, Ebbw Vale.

RUPTURE.—Important Notice.-S. J. Sherman, Hernia Specialist, still remains at his old addresses— 64. Chancery-lane, London, and 26, King-street, Man- chester. Send for his new book of full information, 7id. post free. FOR all kinds o Printing go to the TIMES PRINTING COMrAKy, who have the largest staff ofworkiren in the district. Bes work quick despatch.

BY THE WAY. The Rector of Dowlais and a certain Merthyr press- man thought there was a meeting of the School Board on Friday, but there wasn't. Local news travels far. There was a report of the Armenian meeting at Aberdare in last week's issue of a Pembrokeshire paper. Could you not have put the furniture in the street, asked Mr. W. W. Meredith at the Merthyr County-court. I don't know, sir I'm not a lawyer" And the court laughed. There was another "record gate" at the Merthyr Guardians on Saturday, as many as forty-three mem- bers being present. It might not be amiss, perhaps, to have a missing relieving officer now and then. In what language did he swear," asked Judge Gwilym Williams at the Merthyr County-court. "In English, your honour." Oh, when I want to swear I do it in Welsh." Another feather in the Utilisation Society's cap. According to Stubbs1 Weekly Gazette, the number of failures in England and Wales gazetted during the week ending February 8th, was 160. The number in the corresponding week of last year was 156, showing an increase of 4. Encouragement for Printers. In the January number of the Typographical Circular, under the Deaths" heading, there are recorded 19 cases due to different causes, the average age at death being 51. Few trades can boast a better average. There are still some people who are unable to read and write. You could have seen them in the Merthyr County-court. Even the judge said he couldn't read Colonel Lewis' writing. He tried it, but Mr. J. J. Jones, the Colonel's partner, had to finish the reading of the document. Even county-court judges are not omniscient. Judge Gwilym Williams told the Merthyr Court on Friday he knew which was the "near" side of a carriage, and which the "off," but he didn't know the difference between the port" and starboard of a ship. Do you expect to get £ 2 10j. interest on j61 10s ? thundered an irate defendant-ess to a Hebrew plain- tiff at the Merthyr County-cortrt "if Y >11 do I'm not the woman to pay it." She would probably have piled on the agony still further only the judge pulled her up. Mr. David, the former Aberdare relieving officer, was at his old post at the Merthyr Guardians on Saturday, and the veteran was as smart and active about his work as ever. Some of the Guardians said he might have continued at his post fo ) another decade. What side of the street were you driving?" The left side as you go up, and that was the right side." The Merthyr County-court looked puzzled, and the judged chimed in, The left side that was the right side How can a side be both left and right? Then after a pause he said, I suppose you mean that the left side was the proper side to drive?" And the witness assented. Mr. John Titus Griffiths, late foreman at Captain Gower's quarries at Cilgerran, Pembrokeshire, died suddenly at Merthyr on January 21st. The Cardigan Advertiser, referring to the death, says His body was brought home from Merthyr on Friday last by the 4.45 p.m. train, and was escorted to the house of his daughter (Mrs. Daviefs) at Ddolbadan, by a large number of people. While the corpse awaited there its removal to its last resting place, a son was born, and notwithstanding the sad surroundings, mother and child are doing well." It is calculated that in point of height the Scotch, the Irish, and the English take precedence of the Welsh, the respective average figures being 68*61, 67'90, 67*36, and 66*66 inches. In weight, however, the Welsh take the second place, a fact which proves that, if Taffy is small, he is sturdy. The respective average weights are: Scotch, 165'3; Welsh, 158'3; English, 155 and Irish, 154-1 pounds. In Wales the lowest average height is to be found in Monmouth, Glamorgan, Carmarthen, and Pembroke; it is from 66 to 664 inches. The veiw the Welshman takes of the matter is that Providence gave the Englishman a long body and the Welshman a long head. It is pleasant to note (says the Western lllail) that a change for the better appears to have set in in the steel rail.tritde in Wales. Last week a cargo of over 2,200 tons went from Newport to Savona, and another of 1,000 tons to Trinidad. Foreign and Colonial orders are coming in, we hear, steadily, and home prospects are also brighter. The estimate of the engineers for the Port Talbot Dock and Railway amounts to £673,297, of which the Ogmore Valley extension lines are likely to cost £ 557,876 and the South Wales Mineral Railway £ 115,421. Then, in addition, we have the Great Wsstern Railway promo- tions, which are likely to total £ 105,531. The reason- able inference from all this is that our iron and steel works are tolerably certain to have a busy time in the coming spring. Four Merthyrians journeyed to London not long since, and one of them had occasion to write to Mr. Gay, dentist, High-street. Like Silas Wegg, he dropped into poetry, and put the address in the following form This must be, I'm sure, without e'er a doubt, The dentist that everyone's talking about, An exceedingly clever old fellow he's too, If all that's reported of him is quite true. With speed and dexterity, tenderness top, He extracts all your teeth and fits you with new And that they excel it is needless to say, For his four friends in town sing his praises all day. So slip along, Potsman, to Merthyr old town, And there you will find this great man of renown In the High-street, I think, If you pause to enquire. You'll find, without doubt, Edwin Gay, Esquire. We may add that an extra stamp had to lie placed on the envelope, that being presumably the Post Office charge for a poetic licence." _————-

MERTHYR GUARDIANS. Saturday. Present M1'- D. P. Davies, J.P. (in the chair), Mrs. Emma Williams, Mrs. Peter Williams, Mrs. M. Williams. Mrs. D. M. Richards, Messrs. H. W. Martin, J- W. Evans, V A. Wills, D. Davies, T. Jenkins, Dan Thomaa, J. W. Morgan, D. Davies (Aberdare), Rf,Y* Aaron Davies, Rev. Canon Wade, Thomas Wuhams, J. P., J. Edwards, J. Lloyd, Thomas Williams, J. E. Mills, Father O'Reilly, John Rees, Augustus Davies, Thomas Harris, E. D. Howell, J. Bevan, T. Morris, J. Rogers, E. Lewis, George Seaborne, L. Smith, M. Truran, D. Hopkins, H. P. D. Phillips, W. Davies, J. H. Jones, W. Phillips, Joseph Owen, D. Abraham, D. James, E. Edwards, D. Evans, W. Williams, and F. T. James (clerk). SMALL-Pox—Dr. Ward attended the Board, and made a statement with regard to the small-pox recently brought into the house. He said another case had been removed to the Pant Hospital, the patient being a woman living at the Shamrock- Cottages, Cross- street, Dowlais. With reference to the case of the tramping woman recently admitted into the work- house from Aberdare, Dr. Ward said that upon her admission there was nothing to indicate that she was suffering from small-pox, but immediately the presence of the disease was discovered she was removed to the hospital.—Replying to Canon Wade, who asked if there was any reason to fear the extension of the malady m the house from the introduction of the case, the doctor said he had got all the jiersons who had to do with the patient under strict surveillance. There were no isolating wards in the infirmary, and this made it very difficult to deal with small-pox cases. He might also call the Guardians' attention to another matter. Small-pox was a malady which, in its earlier stages, was rather difficult to diagnose. It was, there- fore, important that the medical man should be gi ven every possible assistance. He referred more particu- larly to the tramps that came in from outside districts. Something should be done to enable the doctor to get at the antecedents of these men. Perhaps the reliev- ing officers would be able to supply the necessary information. The state of things at the Workhouse, Dr. Ward went on to say, was getting very serious. There were 83 patients in the infirmary, which meant terrible overcrowding, several beds having to be placed on the floor. There were also 60 cases in the infirmary wards, making a total of 143. Patients were often discharged before they were really fit to leave, and some of them came back. He hoped the Board would make every effort to expedite matters with reference to the building of the new infirmary.- The Clerk read a letter from Mr. E. A. Johnson to the effect that the work work would be taken in hand with every possible promptitude.—Canon Wade asked if there was any difficulty about getting posses- sion of the land.—The Clerk replied in the negative.— It was agreed that operations should be pushed on with every possible despatch.The small.pox question came under consideration at a later stage of the pro- ceedings.—Mr. D. Davies, J.P., thought the medical men should attend the Board, and give the Guardians every assistance in taking precautionary measures against the spread of the disease. He moved that Dr. Cresswell be invited to attend the Board at the next meeting.—Mr. D. Davies seconded.—Mr. Wills said he had been infdrmed that there were 500 children in the Merthyr district unvaccinated, and he should like to know whether there was any truth in the rumour.—Mr. T. Morris And unregistered as well. -Canon Wade I know of parents refraining from registering their children in order that they might escape vaccination.—After further 'discussion, it was agreed t,) call attention to the matter at a future meeting. VOTE OF CONDOLENCE. —On the proposal of Mr. T. Jenkins, seconded by the Rev. Aarou Davies, a vote of condolence was passed with the relatives of the late Major Bell, who was a member of the Board. THE PANTOMIME. — A letter was read from Mr. Will Smithson, lessee and manager of the Merthyr Theatre Royal, asking the permission of the Board to invite the inmates of the Workhouse to the panto- mime at the theatre.—Mr. Dan Thomas moved that permission be given.—Mr. Wills seconded. lIe had visited the pantomime personally, and he bad seen nothing there to offend even the most fastidious taste. —Mr. David Davies: Will the attendance at the pantomime be compulsory ?—Cries of "No."—Mr. D. Davies What about the cripples who are unable to waJk?—Mr. Smith Perhaps Mr. Davies will send carriages for their use? (laughter).-Mr, Davies: I leave that to Mr. Smith (laughter).-On a division the motion was carried with only three dissentients.

ABERDARE NOTES. [By Altai's.] It is satisfactory to note that at a recent police-court the magistrates imposed a heavy fine upon a younv man for using obscene language. It is to be hoped there will be further prosecutions of this nature, so as to put a check to the beastly language that is indulged in m the streets by certain individuals. A most disgraceful fact was brought to light at a recent police-court, when a young man was charged with drunkenness. It appears that this disciple of Bacchus came over to Aberdare from Ferndale with the funeral cortege of four of the victims of the Tylore- town explosion. After the funeral was over this specimen of humanity went and got drunk It is satisfactory to find that the magistrates imposed a heavy fine upon the fellow for suchdisgraceful conduct. A sarcastic Musician wants to know how many more times The Destruction of Gaza is to form a competitive piece at local eisteddfodau? He thinks that it is about time there was a change. Surely, he winds up, "The Destruction of Gaza" is not the only piece suitable for male voice competitions. The steamer, on beard of which the runaway R.O. was supposed to be a passenger, has arrived at South Africa but there are no tidings of the wandering one." Dear Argus," writes" Sunflower" I hope that the oommittee will do something sensible to honour the conferring of a baronetcy upon Sir W. Thomas Lewis. There should either be a statue, a drinking-fountain, or an almshouse erected. I feel sure that both Sir William and Lady Lewis would prefer seeing some public monument of the above description erected in the town than receiving such things as an illuminated aldress or plate. A public monument would combine what Horace termed the utile cum dulci-the useful with the ornamental." Football does not thrive like the green bay tree at Aberdare. Indeec the great enthusiasm for the leather, so characteristic of neighbouring towns, is lacking, as demonstrated by the small crowds of spectators at the matches. On the other hand lawn- tennis, and the milder recreation of dancing, are exceeding popular at The Queen of the Hills." One of the defendants at the Police-court told the magistrates that she did not know what a jury meant, although she admitted she was 27 years of age and married It is to be hoped that proper steps will be taken this year to get a band to play during the summer evenings at the park. A band would prove a decided attraction, for music hath charms," Ac. The Rev. Jenkin Thomas, the pastor of the Unitarian Church at Highland-place, is delivering a series of very interesting sermons on Protestant prin- ciples as understood by Unitarians. The sermons are well reasoned and couched in good language. They will, undoubtedly, do much to dispel that prejudice which many people have against the Unitarians. The reverend gentleman, we may remark, is a native of Cardiganshire, and was educated at Aberystwyth College, and the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen. There are some very filthy houses in certain parts of Aberdare. Such ricketty shanties ought to have been condemned long ago. They are not fit for people to live in. There is no occasion to mention where these shanties are located. Everybody who has his eyes open knows where the squalid dwellings are situated. Many people are anxious to know what has become of the scheme for lighting Aberdare with the electric light? Many towns of smaller importance and size are lit with this brilliant illuminant. And why not Aberdare ? The matter of electric lighting ought to have been entrusted to a private company who would have carried out the scheme expeditiously and with- out delay. Dear Argus," writes Scorcher" I hear a lot of talk about young Jimmy Michael's prowess and challenge to the world, &c., but I should like to see Pugh, of Aberdare, race him for a mile. Cannot such a match be arranged ? Promoters of local eisteddfodau would do well not to make themselves ridiculous in the eyes of the public. At the Trecynon Eisteddfod there was a chair offered for the best ode to the collier. It was a small chair of moderate price and its appearance produced many a smile from the audience. The people's idea of a proper chair is a massive oaken one of artistic design and bearing a suitable carved inscription and coat of arms, or ensigna, and not a a kitcnen chair! I have been asked to suggest to the railway authori- ties that they should run a train to leave Merthyr for Abernant at 5 p.m. At present a train leaves Merthyr at 3 p.m., but there is no other train before 7 p.m. This is a very long time to wait. A friend wishes me to suggest a friendly billiard match between teams drawn from the Aberdare Lil)eral Club and the Aberdare Constitutional Club. Such an event would no doubt prove very interesting. The people of Cwmaman are going ahead. In addition to the free Saturday night concerts, periodi- cal free lectures are also given. This is the way to improve the intellectual status of the people. Why not get free pops" and lectures at Aberdare ? Surely The Queen of the Hills is not going to be beaten by her little sifter Cwmaman ?

T.IROAT IBRITATIOX AND Couon.—Soreness and dryness tickling and irritation, inducing cough and affecting the voice. For these symptoms use Epps's Glycerine Jujubes, In contact with the glands at the moment they are excited by the act of sucking, the Glycerine in these agreeable con- fections becomes actively healing. Sold only in boxes, lid. tins, Is. lid., labelled "JAmEs Epps & Co., Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Dr. Moore, in his work on "Nolie and Throat Diseases," says "The Glycerine Jujubes prepared by James Epps and Co., are of undoubted service as a curative or palliative agent," while Dr. Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician to the Municipal Throat and Ear Infirmary, writes: After an extended trial, lhave found yourGlycerine Jujubes of consider- oWe lioneot in almost all forms of throat disease Advt

KERVE WORRY, DEPRESSION.—Ouinine the only remedy Pepper's" Quinipe and Iron dispels all nerve trouble YUft hc Pepper's Qu ine. THROAT IRRTTATIOS AND COUGH.—Soreness and dryness, tickling and irritation, inducing cough and affecting the voice. For these symptoms use Epps s Glycerine Jujubes. In contact with the glands at the moment they are excited by the act of sucking, the Glycerine in these agreeable confections becomes actively healing. 8old only in boxes, 7Jd., tins Ie. lid., labelled "JAMKS Errs & Co., Ltd., Homoeopathic Chemists, London." Dr. Moore, in his work on Nose and Throat Diseases." says The Glycerine Jujubes prepared by James Epps and Co. are of undoubted service as a curative or palliative agent, while Dr. Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician to the Municipal Throat and Ear Infirmary, writes: After an extended trial, I have found your Glycerine Jujubes of considerable benefit n almost all forms of throat disease." A FACT THAT PURCHASERS AT ^nLLIAMS's> ] zj. JJIGH STREET SAVE FROM 15 TO 25 PER CENT. This is an absolute fact, as many of our customers have testified. Ask anyone who has purchased from us, and they will satisfy you. Many houses in the furnishing trade are accustomed to ticket goods at the doors, especially cheap, to attract attention. Williams's have no call-birds of this description all thsir goods are priced in the same low ratio as those particularised below. THE PRICES. HE TRIU'IPH LEATHER SUITE.-Com- rpHE TRIUMPH LEATHER SUITE.-Com. JL ruoner Suites are sold elsewhere from 6 to 8 guineas. Our price for a good Suite, sound as a k bell, B4 17s. 6d. PEDESTAL WRITING TABLES. Others' price, £ 3 10- Williams's price, 44e. SIDEBOARDS. —A grand 6ft. bow-front Sideboard, s in walnut, oak, or mahogany, only 13 guineas. DINING TABLES.—Telescope Dining Tables, with extra leaf, polished throughout, 35s. OVERMANTELS.—See our really magnificent display of all solid" Walnut Overmantels at 10 to 20 per cent. less than others charge for veneered ones. Call upon us, and you will be satisfied this is true. COUCHES.—Good Leather Couches, well stuffed, 17s. lid. c 17s. lid. SADDLEBAG SUITES.—A good, sound, saddle- bag Suite, nice pattern, well-made frames, and clean finish, for 7 guineas. CABINET. — Inlaid Rosewood, with bevelled C plates, JE5 12s. 6d. BEDROOM SüITES.- Williams's Gigantic Stock of Bedroom Suites is unapproached and un- approachable. They are not garret-made good8. Call and see what they are, and the prices will astonish you. BEDROOM SUITE.—A pretty Suite, Japanned Satin Walnut and Hungarian Ash, with plate- glass door to wardrobe, dressing chest, marble top washstand, See., &c., J34 17s. 6d. BEDROOM SUITE.-6ft. Black Walnut Bedroom B Suite, high-class makeand finish, for 22 guineas. This is acknowledged marvellous value. Commoner suites are sold daily for 8 and 10 guineas more money. Call and sf-e this suite. DUC HESSE TOILETS. — Williams's Cheap Duchesse Toilets, 36s. 6d. tlie pair. BEDSTEADS.—Kull size Bedsteads, cheap make. 9s. lid. BEDSTEADS, with massive pillars, a special line. With 2-inch polished pillars and heavily brass mounted for 65s. as good and heavy a bedstead as those ticketed elsewhere at £4 4s. BEDSTEAD in Parisian shape, with brass mounts and pearl spindles, £ 2 12s. 6d. WIRE MATTRESSES, double woven, from 7s. lid. ytTOOL MATTRESSES from 9s. lid. MANGLES, full size, 24-inch, warranted best quarted rollers, 35s. Compare the prices. RASS CURBS and FENDERS from 4s. lid. The Champion Brass Curb, with 6 massive supports and heavy rail, at 18s. lid., speaks for itself; you have doubtless seen it in our windows. Call and look at it next time you are passing. TOILET and DINNER WARE.—A neat pattern, full size, Toilet Set, 4s. lid. Dinner Services from 7s. lld, A.RPETS and CURTAINS.-Tapestry Squares, 15s. lid., excellent pattern Lace Curtains, with frilled edges, 6s. lid. BASSINETTES and MAIL CARTS.-As we ARE B compelled to clear these to make room for ou growing Furniture trade, we are offering them a exceptionally Low Prices. jpRINCESS MAY ROCKERS, 10s. 6d. each. fj^RlUMPH NURSERY CHAIRsTrom 10s. 6d. KITCHEN CHAIRS.-Good Lath-back Chairs, 2s. 10id. each. TAIR RODS. — Rouud; Half-round, and" Tri angular Stair Rods at 25 per cent, off iron- mongers' prices. CORNICE POLES of every description. Shaped C Brass Bay Window Poles, Hin. thick Is. 6d. per foot. Our Magnificent Furnishing Guide Free by Post All Goods Delivered Free. Please K ote Address — WILLIAMS'S, THE JjUTRNISHING jgMPORlUM I 14, H1, H S" CAliDIFF.

f)Ubltc announcements. Merthyr General Hospital. T^NNUAL MEETING of the GOVER- GRfS of the Merthyr General Hospital will be TIIT'TD BOARDROOM of the HOSPITAL on V«i,ftMAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, 1896, at half-past "taw, k in the evening, to receive the annual tr*tis» accounts, annual medical report, and °t any other business relating to the Hospital. c- „ | JOHN PLEWS, Chairman, Signed, ) R R DAVIS, Hon. Sec. Mining Machinery (^or Students), By HENRY DAVIKS. f|>, v0"ly.B(X)k kind in the market. Contain- *?rcises and Examination Questions fully Haul; worked out, on Engines—Winding, on?*' 7uraP'n&> Ventilating—Ropes, &c., as well tto-j "9* important matter. Handsomely and Ex- ^tinint .^latrated. Supplying a great want in &tion £ ~iterature. No Student need fear an Examin- n this Subject after mastering its contents. PRICE 5s., Post Free. FIFTEEN YEARS' EXAMINATION QUESTIONS. and classified with full particulars as to the —Mining Questions set at Cardiff (10 ^cien "r'stol, Manchester, West Lancashire, &c., Both and Art Pal>er8- 1>RICE l8- J1 the alx>ve to be had only from the Author, T ^ENRY DAYIES, County Mining Lecturer, -ri^South Wale.. [3690 l'ill (DBFFLLOWS' HALL, DOWLAIS, ALSn Axn SATURDAY, FEB. 14TH AND 15TH., r30' SUNDAY, FEB. 16TH (SACRED CONCERT). Visit of MR. ARTHUR BROGDEN'S ORIGINAL SWISS CHOIR Wee MYSTERIES (Established 14 Years), the 's the oldest travelling Choir now before i'tatio an^ '9 ln no wa^ connecte<^ with recent 15 MEMBERS. Oootch, Welsh. Irish and Swiss Singers m National Costumes. Bauj layers on Various Instruments. 0f Mandolines and Mr. Arthur Brogden's Sketch Party. tr*tis» accounts, annual medical report, and °t any other business relating to the Hospital. c- „ | JOHN PLEWS, Chairman, Signed, ) R R DAVIS, Hon. Sec. Mining Machinery (^or Students), By HENRY DAVIKS. f|>, v0"ly.B(X)k kind in the market. Contain- *?rcises and Examination Questions fully Haul; worked out, on Engines—Winding, on?*' 7uraP'n&> Ventilating—Ropes, &c., as well tto-j "9* important matter. Handsomely and Ex- ^tinint .^latrated. Supplying a great want in &tion £ ~iterature. No Student need fear an Examin- n this Subject after mastering its contents. PRICE 5s., Post Free. FIFTEEN YEARS' EXAMINATION QUESTIONS. and classified with full particulars as to the —Mining Questions set at Cardiff (10 ^cien "r'stol, Manchester, West Lancashire, &c., Both and Art Pal>er8- 1>RICE l8- J1 the alx>ve to be had only from the Author, T ^ENRY DAYIES, County Mining Lecturer, -ri^South Wale-. [369° l^In^KLLOWS' HALL, DOWLAIS, ALSn Axn SATURDAY, FEB. 14TH AND 15TH., r30' SUNDAY, FEB. 16TH (SACRED CONCERT). Visit of MR. ARTHUR BROGDEN'S ORIGINAL SWISS CHOIR Wee MYSTERIES (Established 14 Years), the 's the oldest travelling Choir now before i'tatio an^ '9 ln no wa^ connecte<^ with recent 15 MEMBERS. Oootch, Welsh. Irish and Swiss Singers m National Costumes. Bauj layers on Various Instruments. 0f Mandolines and Mr. Arthur Brogden's Sketch Party. i Special A' tractions AII S ADA LE BUTT, Extr Clairvoyant and Medium. tr°ui the Worcester Times, January 2nd, a'»0e 0c fVreat interest was manifested in the appear- e orit»; ,ni.Vsterious clairvoyant, Miss Ada Le Butt, «nce 'f trance medium. 'Whilst under the influ- >TVerLie hypnotic Dr. West, the young lady 0 »HiJ £ queries addressed to her by the audience as *Uh brothers, sisters, friends, and property /li'3 te]Vnaerful accuracy. To some who are more bold V-hen their marriage ceremony will take •Mixs Trf, h'lst in the trance on Wednesday night, Sn °tt suddenly started to her feet and said \ufl«,ihI 0ra (who were in the gallery) of H.M.S. Atflepi were enquiring how the present Anglo- *ePlied ti' e.r,H's would terminate. Miss Le Butt loiull ,fc w°»ld end amicably—an answer which y applauded by those present. Admission, Is., 6d., and 3d. [3689

Plv Vc'yb 1 °Uth dispute lias not yet been settled. °dy will regret this,as it lncaus the tlnowing out of work of nearly 3,000 breadwinners. The District Council have acted wisely and humanely in taking steps to provide some of these men with the wherewithal to keep body and soul together. The necessity for such measures, we hope, will not last long. At the time of writing, however, the prospects are very gloomy, and the hopes of a settlement are remote.

HITHERTO the Merthyr Valley has not spoken on the present phase of the Education Question. Arrangements have been taken in hand, however, to hold a conference and public meeting on the question, when several speakers of great eminence are expected to attend. A strong committee has been formed, and the secretarial duties have been put in the very capable hands of Mr. Arthur Daniel, Troedyrhiw.

ALLEGED SHEEP STEALING, PAINFUL CASE AT CEFN. A case of great local interest was heard at a special court held at Cefn, on Saturday afternoon, before Mr. John Rogers, J.P., when a charge of a serious nature was brought against John Jones, farmer, Ffrwd Uchaf, Penderyn. He was accused of stealing ten sheep, four of them the property of David Harries, Penmoelallt, Penderyn; two of Morgan David, Aber- nantgroes, Penderyn one of Lewis Jenkins, fy n- coedcM, Penderyn one of John Davies, Hendre Baily, Aberdare one of Thomas Walters, Wernlas, Penderyn; and one of John Llewelyn, Pentwyn, Pen- deryn. The court was crowded, most of those present being apparently farmers. The prisoner was defended by Mr. Gwilym C. James, solicitor, Merthyr. Superintendent Joseph, of Brecon, was present, and the Rev. J. Hathren Davies acted as interpreter.. „ The first witness was David Harris, Penmoelallt, who said he had lost eight sheep during the last month. His land adjoined prisoner's farm. His sheep were marked both on the ears and the wool. Witness examined a number of sheepskins produced, and identified two of them as his property. He had not sold any sheep to the prisoner, nor had any trans- action passed between them.—Cross-examined by Mr. James He had about 1,200 sheep on his farm. He did not buy sheep. It was true he had bought 20 from Bedw Farm lately, but not to keep. He had lived about three years at Penmoelallt. Prisoner had lived at Ffrwd for many years. It was true he had marked one of prisoner's sheep in mistake. It was with his own sheep, and he tarred the letter W on the wool before knowing it did not belong to him. He had not marked the ear of one of prisoner's Iambs. There were no sheep on his land except those marked with his own marks. Sometimes his sheep strayed to and grazed with those of the prisoner.—In reply to the Bench, witness said the sheep belonging to the prisoner which he had marked happened to have strayed to his own sheep, and so was marked in mis- take. Henry Davies, labourer and shepherd in the employ of the Pontycapel Brewery, said he knew the Penmoelallt sheep mark, and identified two of the skins produced as belonging to the last witness. Cross-examined There were two Penmoelallt marks, the old one, and the new mark introduced by Harris Some sheep had one mark, others the other. Similar evidence was given by this witness in regard to the other charges that followed. P.S. Lloyd, Cefn, said that, having received com- plaints of sheep stealing, he obtained a search warrant on the 6th February, and proceeded to Ffrwd Uchaf the day after, and searched the premises. Prisoner said he knew nothing about the warrant or about the sheep. David Harris and P.C. Spurry were with him at the time. In a hole under the stairs they found twelve sheepskins, and another skin in an old churn in one of the bedrooms. Some of the skins were old, and others fresh. He took the skins away likewise two carcases of mutton found in the passage. The prisoner was arrested, and charged at the police-station. He said he knew nothing about the affair. His wife did lots of things he knew nothing of, and she did all the killing. He pave similar evidence in the other charges.— Witness was not cross-examined. Morgan David, A hernan throes, Aberdare, had lost 37 sheep during the last two weeks. All his sheep were marked on the ears and the wool. He identified three skins as those of his sheep.—In reply to the Bench Theie was a distance of four to five miles between his and prisoner's farms. He also identified three heads (produced); they were a peculiar breed, and no other farmer in the neighbour- hood had any sheep of that breed. Lewis Jenkins, Ty'ncoedcae, Penderyn, recognised one skin, which bore the marks he used. He could not say whether he had lost any sheep, as he had not counted them. John Liewelyn, Pentwyn, Penderyn, swore to one sheep skin as his property. His sheep were not on the same mountain as prisoner's. He could not say whether be had lost any sheep.—To the Bench: The mountain between his land and prisoner's was not opeu. John Davies, Hendre Baily, Aberdare, described the marks lie used, and identified one skin as his property. He had not sold any sheep to prisoner. Thomas Walters, Wernlas, Penderyn, said there were two miles between his land and prisoner' The mountain between them was not open. He identified the skin of one she sp as his property. Prisoner, who reserved his defence, was then eom- mitted for trial at the next Breconshire Quarter Sessions He was admitted to bail himself in the sum of J660, and two others in JB50 each. The two gentlemen who had promised to become bails for the appearance of the defendant, John Jones, at the next Quarter Sessions, failing to carry out their promise, he was taken in custody to Swansea Gaol. On Monday, how- ever, Mr. W. Harries, Bank-terrace, and Mr. W. Meredith, Blaendyffryn, proceeded to Swansea and effected the release ot Jones, pending his trial. The three arrived in Merthyr by the seven o'clock train.

LLANWONNO SCHOOL BOARD. Wednesday. Present: Mr. E. Jones (in the chair), Rev. B. Lloyd, Rev. J. James, Mr. E. T. Williams, Mr. J. Davies, Mr. James Evans, Mr. W. Morris, and Dr. Griffiths. ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOl. BOARDS.—A communica- tion was received from the Local Government Board in reply to an enquiry of the clerk, stating that it was not legal for a School Board to pay any fees to a School Board Association, and that the auditor may refuse to allow such a charge.—It was resolved that no fee be paid. ATTENDANCE.—The reports of the Schools Manage- ment Committee was read, and contained the follow- ing The monthly returns showed 4,485 children on the book", 3,438 average attendance, and a percentage of 76. The returns fer Navigation and Ynysybwl were satisfactory. But Penrhiwceiber and Miskin and Duffryn were unsatisfactory.—The clerk was directed to write to the attendance officer in charge of those schools.—The very low attendances in the even- ing schools were deplored, and the clerk was instructed to dispense with the services of the assistants in Cwm- pennar School. (THANT.S.—Tlie Government report on Newtown and Caeganv were read. Caegarw had earned the "Excellent" grant, and Newtown the "Good" grant. PITIL TEACHKBS.— The report of the centre teachers showed that out of 29 candidates for pupil teachers only seven had qualified the other 22 had failed to obtain 67 per cent. of the required marks.— The clerk was iistructed to have the successful candi- dates placed on the staff. (jENEROsiTY.—Dr. Griffiths reported that he had examined the boy Thomas, who had been ruptured, and said that if he were fitted with a proper truss he would I)e able to attend school. The Right Hon. Loul Aberdare had sent an order for the required truss, the parents being too poor to afford the same. DEAK AND DUMB.—A letter was read from the Pontypridd School Board stating that they were prepared to receive deaf and dumb children in their school at Pontypridd for a prepaid fee of £ 2 per quarter.—The committee decided to send Llamvouno deaf and dumb children to Pontypridd. ATTENDANCE OFFICERS.—The clerk was alsodireeted to require from the attendance officers a monthly report showing work done by them. A DEAF AND DUMB CASE.—A letter was read from Mr. H. Chick, parent of the lad who is now at the Deaf and Dumb Institution in Swansea, praying the Board to allow him to remain there.—After consider able discussion it was decided it would be to the lad's interest to remain where lie was, and it was resolved that the minute in the report be modified. ABERDARE JUNCTION NUISANCE.—The Clerk read a communication from Mr. H. P. Linton, clerk to the Mountain Ash Urban Council, stating that in response to the complaint of the inspector ho had been instructed that all owners of property cleanse and keep clean all their cessjwols and prevent their overflowing. -Rev. James, Ynysybwl, said thenuisance was now as bad as ever.-Dr. Griffiths feared that the inspector was too indulgent. HEATING SCHOOLS BY HOT WATRft APPARATUS.— A communication was read from the Board's architect relating to heating the new schools by heating ap- paratus.—A considerable discussion ensued, in the course of which the merits of the system over grates and stoves were compared.—It was resolved that the architect inclnde heating apparatus in the estimates, and bills of qualities for the Ynysboeth and Ynysy- bwl School. COMPLAINTS.—Reports were submitted by head- teachers upon the use of the schoolroom for concerts, tea parties, olubs, Sunday Schools, &c., and the con- dition the schoolrooms were left in by those various societies and parties.—The Chairman, speaking of the Penrhiwceiber Girls' School, said it was monstrous that only 3s. had been received for the use of this school for six months. It was, in fact, the dirtiest school under the Board.—Mr. Williams said the Sun- day School did not pay. It was an arrangement of the Board that religious bodies should have the use of the rooms free.-Dr. Griffiths said that they could pay as well as others.—The managers were requested to take steps to prevent the repetition of the ill-usages com- plained of. INSPECTOR'S REPORT.—This "ave the following results:—Cefnpennar School This school was only opened in August last, and a grant of 14s. 6d. per head was earned. Cwmpennar School The grant for this school was only 12s. 6d. per head classed fair and "gjod" respectively in the two departments. Dutfryn Boys, grant 18s., good; Duffryn Girls, 20s. 6d., excellent; Duffryn Infants, 17s., excellent Miskin Mixed, 19s. 6d., excellent Miskin Infants, 17s. 6d., excellent; Penrhiwceiber Mixed, 20s. 6d., excellent Penrhiwceiber Infants, 17s. 6d., ex- cellent Trerobert Boys, 19s. 6d., excellent; Tre- irobert Girls, 19s. 6d., excellent; Trerobert in- fants, 15s., good.

OPENING THE TREHARRIS GIRLS' SCHOOL. The formal opening of the girl's department of the Treharris Board School took place on Monday night, and proved a very interesting function. Mr. W. L. Daniel, chairman of the Merthyr School Board, pre- sided, and there were also present Mr. E. Stephens (clerk), Mr. Edwards, Mr. W. M. Evans, the Misses Daniel, Miss Butler, Miss Griffiths, Mr. B. P. Evans, Miss Simons (the recently-appointed schoolmistress), Mr. John Williams, builder, Merthyr, the contractor, and a number of parents and teachers. The Chairman, in formally opening the proceed- ings, referred to the new school premises as the best under the Board, and called upon Mr. Arthur Daniel, of Troedyrhiw, to speak, owing to his having to leave the meeting at an early hour. Mr. Daniel said he had great pleasme, on behalf of the Merthyr School Board, in welcoming the parents there that evening. As the chairman had said, he had had something to do with the erection of the building, and he was pleased to see how satisfactorily the work had been done. They could see for themselves how cheerful the place looked, and how well lighted and splendidly ventilated it was. If they took the trouble to compare the school with any other under the Board they would see that that school was a consider- able improvement upon the others. The Board was hampered very much in connection with building new schools. They could not get schools for nothing. They all liked to see good buildings, but they had to be paid for, and the ratepayer, although a long-suffering animal indeed, sometimes kicked, and the last Board had a very painful experience in this matter. The new school looked very substantial, and he hoped that Mr. Williams, the contractor, if he had another contract, would do his work as creditably as in this instance. He congratulated t-ho Treliarris people upon having such fine school buildings. He might say that was the best building they had under the School Board. They had buildings from Dowlais down to Treharris, and he had been in a good many of them. But Her Majesty's inspector had also ex- pressed his opinion that the Treharris school pre- mises were the best under the Board. He considered the Treharris children the prettiest children in the parish (laughter and applause). They also sang very well, and great credit is due to the teachers for the ex- cellent way in which they had trained the children. He impressed upon the parents present the necessity of giving their children a good education. Education taught them to be good men and women. He asked them not to think too much of the few pounds that were spent upon school buildings, and the few shillings or pounds they had to spend in the shape of School Board rates. At the last School Board election a great deal was said about the heavy School Board rate. Through no fault of the Board there was a heavy rate, but that was brought about by some mis- arrangement of the finances. But they would not get such a heavy rate this time. He was prepared te pay a heavier rate than they were doing at present, but on behalf of the School Board members present, he would say that they would do their utmost, whilst providing them with good schools and efficient teachers, to reduce that rate as much as possible. The speaker then referred to the large amount paid by the German Government towards education, and said that Wales was waking up in the matter of education. In Merthyr they had a sound educational system already established. They hoped shortly to have the intermediate school in full working drder, and then they would be able to pass their childier, from the elementary to the intermediate school, and then send them to Cardiff to the University College. Such a system could not be beaten in the whole king- dom. They would be able to hold their own with any nation. It was said, Go where you will where Eng- lish is spoken you will find a Scotchman at the head of affairs." That was because of their admirable system of education. But no longer would Scotch- men be able to boast of a better system of education then Welshmen (applause). It would be their fault if they did not make such a mark in the world as the natives of Scotland. The University at Cardiff was going to be of great assistance to the people of Wales in making their way in the world. It was thought the other day there would be some difficulty in raising £ 20,000. He dared say most of those present saw the report of the meeting at Cardiff, when JE15,000 was subscribed in one single night towards providing buildings for the University. He was glad here to bear testimony to the fact that two of the peers—a class who were not usually in sympathy with the aspirations of the people—Lord Tredegar and Lord Windsor—headed the list to the extent of £ 2,500 each (applause). He was glad to see that those gentlemen were willing to use their wealth for the advancement of education, and if some more of them did the same thing they would hear very little of the cry Down with the House of Lords." Mr. Alfred Thomas, the representative for Merthyr Vale division, gave £ 1,000—(applause)—and that was not his first gift (hear, hear). So they could say that the Lords and Commons and others in South Wales were prepared not only to ask the Government to help them to better their system of education, but were prepared to help them themselves (applause). In conclusion Mr. Daniel asked the parents to do all they could to assist the teachers in their work. Mr. W. L. Daniel then delivered a stirring address upon the cost and expenditure of education in the Merthyr parish. He said it will be a very natural question for some of you to ask on an occasion of this kind, and a question, too, to which you are fairly entitled to have an answer, as to when the School Board for the parish of Merthyr was formed, and I find from some information which our excellent clerk, Mr. Stephens, has sent me that it was formed on the 16th of March, 1871. And having been in existence for a quarter of century the ratepayers have a right to know what it has been doing during that long period. It may be well, perhaps, in reviewing the work of the last quarter of a century that we should take into con- sideration how matters stood in 1871 when it was resolved by the ratepayers of the parish that applica- tions should be made for the formation of a School Board. At that time we only had in the parish three British, four National, and two Roman Catholic Schools? and the excellent schools which were estab- lished in Dowlais, and which at that time, and for many years afterwards, were under the excellent management of Mr. Clarke (hear, hear). Now at present l una 011 reierence to our reports that nine new buildings have been erected by the Board, that four schools are conducted in hired buildings, and that four school buildings have been transfered to the Board. And in connection with these schools there are no less than 36 departments, in addition to the pupil teachers' central classes, which are conducted so sucessfully by Mr. Kemp, and his assistants in the centre of the parish (applause). A very natural question, too, for the ratepayers to ask is the one as tohowmuch the entire cost of the buildings erected by the Board amounts to. And Mr. Stephens informs me that this is no less a sum than £ 46,287. Most of you perhaps well know that in borrowing money from the Public Works Loan Commissioners to build these schools your representatives on the School Board have always made it a duty to borrow not only at the lowest possible amount of interest, but also to so arrange matters as to repay the borrowed money and the interest in a period extending over as many years as possible (hear, hear). I find that since the Board first started to borrow money for the erection of buildings that it has repaid of the capital borrowed the sum of JB16,009, and during the same period £20,884 has been paid in interest for those loans. Some of you at any rate know that the oifly source of revenue that the Board has, in addition to the fees and grants earned, is the money taken from the rates, for which demands are made on the overseers from time to time. And as ratepayers it is but right that you should know that from the first the sum has been received from the rates. And as this appears at the end of the 25 years to be a very large sum, you cer- tainly have a right to know what has been done with that money. The tiiennial reports, which are pvb- lished regularly, give the fullest information as to details, and I may add that the information which they contain is of a most interesting character. These reports are published by the Board, and any rate- payer is entitled to a copy by calling at the clerk's office for same. I shall not attempt, therefore, to u-eary you by giving you the details contained in those reports, as it would take up too much time and probably exhaust your patience. I have put another question to Mr. Stephens, and although he has had some difficulty in answeiing it, I shall give it to you in a form for winch, perhaps, I am mor responsible than Mr. Stephens, '1 lie question wa What is the present value of the buildings erected by the Board, including school fittings, books, maps, and other furniture and fixtures" In answer- ing that question, Mr. Stephens has put down 37 departments of the Board as containing the furniture, fixtures, and other property just named by me, as being of the value of JB200 in each department. This multiplied by 37 departments, would represent the sum of JB7,400, which, added to the £ 46,287 paid by the Board for these buildings, would represent the sum of £ 53,687. Those of you who know how the present value of building is calculated may perhaps put a question to me as to why I put the buildings now at the same value as when they were erected that usually depreciation is taken into account in getting at the actual value. That is'quite true. But, as some of you know, your representatives on the School Board make it a point not only of keeping their property in good and excellent repair, but in making important additions to it from time to time. And consequently, strictly speaking, there would be no depreciation at the present moment in any of the buildings erected by the Board (hear, hear). And the estimate I have therefore given is not only a very fair, but a very natural one. In addition to tlia-01 may point out to you that this money is being spent by the Board for the purpose of providing the best possible education for the children of the ratepayers who attend the school. And you all know that in order to provide good education it is necessary to secure good and effieient teachers. This is precisely what has been done (applause). This is what is aimed at by the Board in all its departments. And we have at the present moment in connection with the Board no less than 37 head teachers-13 male and 24 female teachers 179 assistant teachers—30 male and 143 female assistants; 76 pupil teachers-19 male and 57 female teachers; and 51 monitors—6 male, and 45 female monitors. You will observe that there is a large proportion of female teachers. The necessity for this will be apparent when you take into consideration that in the infant's schools the teachers are exclusively female, and in addition to that the teachers in the girl's schools are also females. Some one may ask, perhaps, why do you have so large a staff as 343 teachers all told ? When it is taken into consideration that we have 2,693 boys, 2,669 girls, and 4,523 infants attending our schools, making a total of 9,885 schc la -s, it will be apparent » you why the departments require us to employ the number of teachers just named. It is not for me, as chairman of the School Board, to boast of the efficiency of our teachers, or of the position attained by our scholars. But I can fairly state that the results produced by the Merthyr School Board are equal to the best results in the kingdom. More than this you cannot fairly expect. Another question you might ask is, What is the total annual salaries paid to all the servants of the Board ? 1 find from Mr. Stephen's figures that this amounts to £ 15,50512s. Id., and when you consider that these salaries are paid on the first day of each month, it does not take long to calculate that a very large sum is needed every month. Now you are entitled to know what the total amount is that is earned by the Board in fees and grants from its establishment up to the present date. 1 find that in grants we have earned £ 82,562 8s. 5d., and in fees £ 35,845 Is. 8d., making a total of £ 118,407 10s. Id. (applause). Mr. Daniel then referred to the results attained by the scholars, and said that the highest position appeared to be held by Mr. William Lewis, who was the headmaster of the Llanelly Intermediate School—(applause)—a position of honour and distinc- tion (hear, hear). The Llanelly Board, who were mostly known to him, knew how to ippraciate good teachers, and if Mr. Lewis had not been qualified for the post he would not have been selected (applause). The Chairman then spoke of the admirable manner in which the contractor (Mr. Williams) had done his work, and, in conclusion, addressed a few words to the parents of the children. He pointed out that each child had the same advantages as Mr. Lewis bad had, and implored them to see to the regular atten- dance of their children at school. Mr. Stephens, the clerk, read letters of abology for non-attendance from Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P., Mr. Alfred Thomas, M.P., and Mr. Henry Davies, mining lecturer. Addresses were delivered by Messrs. J. P. Gibbon (manager), Jacob Ray (agent), E. Edwards, J. P» Penlan, Rees Jones (Fox-street), W. M. Evans, B. P» Evans (headmaster), and J. Williams (the contractor), and on the proposition of Mr. W. M. Evans, seconded by Mr. D. Prosser, a hearty vote of thanks was accorded the chairman for his excellent address.

MUSICAL GOSSIP. There was a grand performance of U Samson" ail Treherbert by Mr. M. O. Jones' choir on Thursday night. The orchestra included the following Aber- dare instrumentalists :—Mr. J. A. Phillips (principal oboe), Mr. T. B. Lawrance (principal flute), and Mr. W. E. Thomas (principal 'cello). Miss Morris, of Oxford-street, Aberdare, was heard to great advantage at a recent sacred concert at the new Public Hall, Aberdare. Alias Morris* selections were Ora pro Nobis and "Pale maer Amen." This singer has a very pleasing voice. It is marvellous how ably some juvenile singers can render selections from the great masters At the recent Sunday School Quarterly Meeting at Ynys- lwvd Chapel, Aberdare, Master Meredith Williams, a lad of some nine summers, sang He was Despised" from the (J Messiah in a very praiseworthy manner. A little lady of some 10 years (Miss Thomas, Tre- cynon) has frequently rendered very difficult selections from the great masters at Trinity, Aber. dare, to the delight of the congregation attending that place of worship. The Aberdare Operatic Society, conducted by- Mr. Dan Jones, have decided to rehearse Dr. Parry's Blodwen." The anthem, Suffer little Children" (Tom Price), was rendered at the evening service at Hope Chapel on Sunday by the choir, conducted by the composer. Excellent progress is made by the Mountaiu Ash Male Voice Choir under their new leader, Mr. Tom Richards, late of Pontycymmer. The choir competed at the Trecynon Eisteddfod in the Destruction of Gaza," and won the prize. I hope the success attained will stimulate renewed efforts to greater achievements. We congratulate the Aberaman United Choir, and their able leader, Mr. George Moses, upon their capital performance of "Ruin and Rescue" (service of song), at Aberaman, on Monday. Miss Sophia Griffiths excelled herself at the Pentre. bach Eisteddfod on Monday last. Her excellent rendering was marvellous, and the audience showed their appreciation by loud applause. Dewi Mabon earned an excellent character at the same eisteddfod. Everyone was loud in their praises of his adjudications, and however noted Dewi hafs become in the mining world he isequallyas prominent in the musical world. The Neilson Opera Company are appearing this week at the Empire Theatre, Aberdare. The leading tenor singer is Mr. William Hillier who possesses a rich voice. He is well known at Aberdare and took a prominent part in connection with the performance of the Aberdare Operatic Society three years ago. His rendering of Let me like a Soldier fall," on Monday night, was delightful and was deservedly encored. On Sunday last, at the Wesleyan Chapel, Merthyr, the choir gave a rehearsal of "Judas Maccabseue," and next Sunday a full orchestra will accompany the chorus.