Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

J At. ABERAMAN. —The arrangements for the banquet to the above well-known cyclist are now ^oteps. e* The magistrates have granted tlie pro- 0 extensi )n of half an hour. The banquet is at the LamVj and Flag. Sf'JaJrATE L^R- JAMES.—The funeral of the late 'ii Ab-raman, whose death we chronicled m lssue of the Merthyr Times, took place on 5atiye ay last at Cilycwm^ Llandovery, deceased's e' Tho remains were conveyed from "ife^fS ^ouse to the railway station amidst every respect. The cortege included vl0t68tf>^ ti'vca °f the Shepherds', Ancient Britons, a]^ and Oddfellows' Friendly Societies. There ^,representati vey fron the Al>eramaii, Fforch- ^lligr: ^wmatnan, Lletty Shenkyn and Treaman ?M traj1' as well as a large number of the ministers ^ion men of the district. The medical pro- Urjjp ^Vas also well represented. The chief w e <WfS Were Miss James and Mrs. Itees, eisters of ^Pheufaae^' and Mr. C. Davies and Master Rees, eaths§' -The coffin was covered with beautiful

W ^CWMAMAN. «a,i,r~As already reported in the Mcrthyr nfp Serict5 of lectures are being delivered during „Sei)t winter months at Cwmaman Public Hall. the lecturer was Mr. D. M. Richards, i The subject was "Aberdare Poets." in l?^raPhical sketches of over 50 posts who have Aberdare Valley were given, together with r- LtsT their productions. WIXNIXG NUMBERS of William Williams, ?88, io-ry Hill, Cwmaman's prize drawing:—217, ^15, 5060, 7882, 2709, 4396, 497, 7144, 369, 2150, -?l. 4?i 2552> 5834, 2946, 85, 7805, 7213, 8383, 5688, /8, 73 'A°l» 4707, 7230, 2690. Second drawing, 70, r?fore'HJT All claims to be in hand on or Puniel \vre^ 21yt> 1896. Prizes to be had from avM T auis, chairman, 6, Commerce-place, or rpnifH) 37, Regent-street, Aberaman. r'th tK t> —l5y invitation, the ladies in commission b-W-T.A. at Aberdare held a very success- lasf111^.?'' the Cwmaman Public Hall on Wednes- V was a l''u'o(; an(l attentive audience. Ve 'Hiams, Canon street Aberdare, opened fhe hy reading a portion of Scripture. ^>yd .^ing was presided over by Mrs. Walter garwr," who, in her address, remarked further Temperaii(-e legislation, and ^t in,, "at the reform of the individual was of the (so. 5.tanee. Mis. Lloyd hoped that all classes £ ?rt th« ,i? lonfj'ng for fresh legislation would sup- 1 A8) rne|Horial now lieiore the Premier.—Mrs. ^fta'toi Jerdare, follo%ved and gave some remarks ex- 'v Vf the aims and objects of the (society since ad W i'^htnent. A very able paper in Welsh w;ts «1.'IQ its R. J- Jones, Broniestyn, on "Alcohol -i6 illii<<t s upon, the human system." The paper ? "«artv atet^ diagrams. — Mr. Heppell proposed ^ank^ to the sjieakers.—This was V, Mo I '• Jones «nd carried unanimously. tninjvuls W«B given by Mr, and ^Treeynuu.

v,t,TR TJMKS is dclivere<L to Subscribers at ANY SteV''hrir r .rthvr and Dowlais. Country eubscribere ran H posted on Thinsda- a^rnin? in time for the v on frid!\} mcrning.

!mL!PS' MCSM WAMMOUSE, 5, Canon Street, Aberdare. Sole Agent for the celebrated Justin Browne Pianos. Pianos by any maker taken in exchange. Dean's Patent Stands, 4s. 6d. each. Henry's Piano Tutors, Is. 6d. each. Orders for Sheet Music (songs), English or Welsh, promptly attended to. ABERDARE. THE EMPIRE MUSIC HALL, Recreation Groundg (Entrance, High-street). MtXAezR MR. W. EVANS. FIRST-CLASS ARTISTES Admission, 6d., Is., 2s. Half-prioe at 9 o'clock to all seat except fjallerv.

MERTHYR COUNCIL. Wednesday. Present Mr. T. H. Bailey, J.P. (chairman), Mr. D. W. Jones (vice-chairman), Messrs. John Roberts, Dan Thomas, H. E. Gray, Thomas Thomas, John Evans, Joseph Owen, John Lewis (Penydarren), W. Lewis (Treharris), J. Ll. Atkins, David James, Evan Lewis, Thomas Jenkins, V. A. Wills, John Harpur, G. C. James (clerk), T. F. Harvey (surveyor), and Dr. Dyke (medical officer of health). ALD. EVAX LEWIS.—Before the business com- menced, the Chairman, on behalf of the Council, offered the warmest congratulations to Aid. Evan Lewis upon his recovery to health, and his return to the Council (hear, hear). He also welcomed Mr. H. E. Gray as a new member of the Council.—Aid. Lewis thanked the Council for their kind sentiments, and for the kind note of sympathy sent him during the time he was laid up. THE TAFF VALE ANDTHERHYMNEY RAILWAY BILLS. —The Chairman moved that with the view to the promotion and the protection of the interests of the inhabitants residing in the District Council's area, the Council take proceedings to oppose those Bills, now pending in Parliament, and that the costs of such apportionment be paid out of the General District Rate and the District Fund of the Council. —Mr. Thomas Jenkins seconded. As chairman of the Farm's Management Committee he assured the Council that instead of giving land away they required many acres more than they had at present. —The resolution was carried unanimously. WATERWORKS LOAN.—The Clerk said the Treasury had sanctioned a loan from the Admiralty for the new waterworks, The Admiralty asked that the schedule of repayments of principal and interest should be pre- pared and sent to them. He had seen Mr. Harris, the book-keeper, who said that the work alone would take him about a week to do. He did not know Avhether the Council would ask Mr. Harris to do the work or appoint an actuary in London to prepare the schedule.—Mr. Dan Thomas said he preferred the work being done by their own book-keeper, and it was agreed that Mr. Harris carry out the work, and get an assistant to help' him in his other duties for one month. BRAKE LICENCE. Mr. Wilson, cab proprietor, applied for a licence to run a wagonette between Cefn and Merthyr.—The matter was referred to the Cabs Committee. CAEDRAW BRIDGE.—A letter was read from the Merthyr Chamber of Trade, enclosing a cheque for J370, on account of the J3100 promised towards the cost of erecting Caedraw Bridge. The letter stated that the Chamber of Trade would proceed to get the balance. It was agieed that the clerk reply asking the Chanilier to pay tho balance as soon as possible. THE NEW WATERWORKS.—The sub-committee of the new Waterworks Committee met on the 28th February, and visited and inspected the works, to- gether with the officials employed at Neuadd. The question of a postal and money order office was considered, and the committee recommended that the Council request that such facilities be at once provided, letters in the first instance to be addressed to the head office at Merthyr. It was also recommended that the Council invite tenders for the erection of a store for provisions of fresh meat, and that tenders bo invited for supplying the same. The contractors made a strong recommendation to the committee as to the desirability of at once dealing with the question of a licensed store for the supply of refreshments and intoxicating liquors in order to prevent the men from taking drink illegally, and also from wandering away from their work, and they recommended that a store be provided, and that those sending in tenders for provisions, &c., include refreshments in their tender. —Mr. Harpur proposed the adoption of the report.— Mr. Dan Thomas seconded.—The report was adopted, and the matter of the licence was referred to the clerk to be dealt with. MEDICAL OFFICER FOR WATERWORKS.—In response to the Council's advertisement for a medical officer for the new waterworks, three applications were received, as follows :—Dr. J. R. Evans and Dr. H. L. Hughes. Dowlais, and Dr. W. W. Jones, Merthyr.—Mr. J. Lewis proposed, and Mr. John Roberts seconded, that Dr. Hughes be appointed, Mr. Lewis remarking that it was important the Council should appoint a gentleman who understood Welsh as well a3 English.—Mr. V. A. Wills moved that Dr. W. W. Jones receive the appointment. He said that Dr. Jones had the highest and best qualikca- tions of the three candidates.—Mr. Harpur seconded the amendment. — On a division nine votes were recorded for Dr. W. W. Jones, and five for Dr. Hughes. — On the proposition of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. T. Thomas. Dr. W. W. Jones was appointed to the position. THE MERTHYR VALE WAKD VACANCY.—Mr. W. Lewis rose to draw attention in accordance with notice of motion, to the filling up of the vacancy caused through the death of Mr. Walter Bell.—Mr. Wills said the notice had not been upon the Council's books for seven days, and Mr. Lewis was therefore not in order.—Mr. Lewis Notice was given seven days aero.—Mr. Wills It was not in the book.—The Chairman, upon being appealed to, told Mr. Lewis that his motion should have been entered upon the I woks.—Mr. Lewis thought the Council should strain a point, and continuing, referred to the exceedingly brief notice given of the bye-election in the Merthyr Vale Ward, and the limited time allowed for selecting a suitable candidate to fill up the vacancy. There was, he said, but two days allowed the electors to chose their candidate.—Mr. Wills I should like to know whether this election has been conducted in accordance with the law.—The Clerk Certainly.— Mr. Wills: Then Mr. Lewis is out of order.—Mr. Lewis said he made no complaint against the officials of the Council. He was simply going to say that they might have given four of five days notice, Mr. Dan Thomas You'caunot go against the law.—Mr. Lewis said that Merthyr Vale Ward was peculiarly situated.—Mr. Wills: I ask you, Mr. Chairman, to call him to order. He is speaking against the law.— Mr. W. Lewis No, I'm not.—Mr. Wills: Is it in the province of the clerk to give more than two days' notice ?—Mr. W. Lewis I may say we had an Inde- pendent Labour candidate to come out (laughter).— The Chairman I am afraid you cannot alter it now (laughter). The Clerk hos already said that the elec- tion was carried out in accordance with the law.—Mr. W. Lewis I propose that in future we have four or five clear days' notice.—The Chairman You cannot (laughter).—Mr. D W. Jones said it appeared to him that what Mr, Lewis really .meant was that the people of the Merthyr Vale Ward did not have a fair opportunity before this matter was rushed upon them. He (Mr. Jones) had great sympathy with Mr. Lewis' argument. He thought it would have been far better if the election had not been rushed through m the way it had been done. Of course, any two members wero at liberty, he knew, to call upon the clerk to fill up any vacancy which occurred, and he believed, that as soon as the vacancy occurred, two members signed the requisition to tho clork, and he was bound to act upon it.—The Clerk It was done on the eve of the funeral.—Mr. Jones: It would have been far better if those two gen- tlemen had allowed one meeting of the Council to pass by, so that if necessary, the Council themselves could fill up the vacancy.—The Chairman pointed out that under the new Act the Council could not fill up any vacancy.—Mr. D. W. Jones Whether they can or not, I do say that one meeting of the Council after a member's funeral could very well elapse before rushing into the contest as was done in this case. It it is Mr. Lewis' intention to try and prevent this I shall suppert him.—Mr. Lewis said that from what he heard that day they were surrounded by an extraordinary state of things. —The Chairman said they could not go behind the Act, The clerk had suggested in order that there should be no misunderstanding that he should in the future give notioeof forthcoming elections,—Mr. Gray said he knew nothing about the matter" but he thought his friend—(pointing to Mr. Dan Thomas)— rather precipitated matters. — The Clerk then announced that one member would retire for each ward this month. The election would take place on Monday, the 30th instant, the notices of the election would be out on Wednesday, 11th of March, and nomination papers would have to be presented not later than four o'clock on Monday, the 16th March. LICENCE OF THE THEATRE ROYAL.—A letter was read from Mr. Will Smithson, lessee and manager of the Merthyr Theatre Royal and Opera House, apply- ing for the renewal of his theatrical licence.—Mr. Dan Thomas hid great pleasure in moving that the licence be renewed.—The Chairman: Unfortunately this licence carries with it a spirit licence.—Mr. Dan Thomas I do not think it is unfortunate.—The Chairman I think it is. I thmk there have been a great many complaints about it.—Mr. Dan Thomas: The motion has not been seconded, and I should like to know whether you are in order in speaking.—Mr. Evan Lewis seconded the motion. The locality was much improved since the licence had been granted, and now people were not stopped on the road by any suspicious characters. The lessee did not allow women or children in the refreshment buffets every- thing was conducted in an orderly manner, and no complaints had been made regarding the licence.— Mr. W. Lewis: Are there any complaints?—The Chairman None.—Mr. W. Lewis: I do not think we should make any objection then. I have been making inquiries, and I find that the bar is totally separated from the theatre itself, No one has more objection than myself to intemperance, but I find everything is conducted at the theatie very orderly. One thing about it is that people cannot stand in the bar and see what is going on upon the stage. I find that only one barrel of beer is consumed to every 2,000 bottles of lemonade (laughter).—Mr. John Lewis moved, as an amendment, that the licence be not granted if it carried with it the liquor licence. It was unfair to the people who hekl publicrhouses. He believed people could obtain drink in the theatre after they were prohibited from so doing in public-houses. He referred to the Nelson Hotel, and said that some con- sideration should be shown for the interests of holders of licensed houses.Mr. Atkins seconded the amend- ment.—Mr. Wills supported the motion. Canvassing had been going on amongst some members of the Council, by interested parties. — Mr. Thomas Thomas also supported the renewal of the licence.— Mr. J. Roberts supported the amendment.—In reply to queries, Mr. Dan Thomas said the licence allowed the holder to serve refreshments up to 11.30, but the directors of the theatre, at a meeting, passed a stringent resolution to the effect that the bar must be cleared at the conclusion ok ead) performance, and that rule was observed.—Onl^-four vytes were given for the amendment, and the motion was declared carried. Mi'I>i>T MEIU'HVG,—Mr. T, F. Harvey presented his report. Paragraph 2 stated that Lower High- street, Dowlais, from the top of the New-road to near Gellifaelog, required breaking up, metalling, and rolling, upon which Mr. D. W. Jones said that the public had made complaints with regard to the dirty state of the roads, and he suggested that a com mittee should go into the matter.—Mr. V. A. Wills said that for over two months he had been in com- munication with Mr. Harvey about keeping the roads clean.—Mr. Harpur said that some time ago the surveyor was asked to give an estimate for paving the roads with wood.—After further discussion it was resolved, upon the motion of Mr. D. W. Jones, seconded by Mr. John Evans, that the matter bo referred to the Bridges and Roads Committee for con- sideration. BUITDINO WITHOUT PLANS BEING PASSED.—The JJridges and Roads Committee reported having visited Brecon-road, and were surprised to find that Mr. Thomas Rees, builder, was proceeding with the erec- tion of two shops, the plans of which had not been approved of by the Council.—Mr. Wills said the plans were received and re,erred to the sub-committee, but the buildings were being proceeded with.—Mr. Dan Thomas did not see why Mr. Rees should defy the Board, when a poor man at Dowlais had been sum- moned for erecting a shed. and Mr. J. Evans moved, Mr. Thomas Thomas seconded, Mr. John Lewis sup- ported, and it was agreed that Mr. ReeabeRUounoncd for alleged contravention of the bye-laws. TWYNYRODYN IMPROVEMENT.—A letter was read from Mr. F. T. James, clerk to the Merthyr Rural District Council, pointing out that the present seemed an opportune time for the construction of the road between Bedlinog and the Merthyr pariah road at the top of Twynyrodyn.— On the proposition of Mr. John Lewis, the letter was referred to the Bridges and Roads Committee. FRANCIS-STREET, DOWLAIS.—A letter was read from Mr. David Price, Dowlais, on behalf of the Francis- street Improvement Committee, stating that at a meeting of the house-owners of the street, held on the 18th February, they agreed, with the exception of one owner, to accept the conditions of the Council for improving that thoroughfare.—Mr. D. W. Jones said they would all agree that the road was in a most deplorable state, and he thought the owners were entitled to some consideration at the hands of the Council. He proposed, and it was agreed, that the matter be referred to the Bridges and Roads Commit- tee for consideration. VACANCT ON COMMITTEES.— On the proposition of Mr. J. Roberts, it was agreed that Mr. H. K Gray fill the vacancy on the Bridges and Roads Committee, and upon the motion of Mr. D. W. Jonea, seconded by Mr. Dan Thomas, Mr. Gray's name was also added to the Finance Committee. CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION.—A letter was read from Mr. Benjamin Rogers claiming damnres for an accident alleged to have been sustained by falling upon the pavement near Waterloo Chambers, owing to some rubbish being placed there by the Council's workmen.—Mr. Henry Evans wrote claiming £ 48 for losing time, &c., through falling over some rubbish in New Castle-street about 12 months ago, and Thomas Jones, 351, High-street, Penydarren, claimed compensation on behalf of his wife, for injuries sus- tained through falling over a trap-door in Glebeland- street.—The clerk was instructed to reply denying liability. THE OVERSEERS. —Mr. D. W. Jones said the time was near at hand when the Council would have to re- appoint overseers. He proposed that the clerk com- municate with the present officials, asking them to prepare a report showing what duties, &c., they carried out during the year. — Mr. John Lewis seconded, aud it was carried. THE BURIAL BOARD.—On the motion of Mr. Dan Thomas, the clerk was asked to report upon the posi- tion of the Council with regard to the election of the Burial Board.

TREHARRIS. Several reports held over for lack of space. ON WEDNESDAY se'nnight, at Bethel English Baptist Chapel, the Rev. W. D. Nicholas delivered an address in connection with the Y.P.S.C.E., entitled "The Baptist Denomination," before a fairly numerous audience. Mr. W. R. Thomas (Bristol House) presided. TRUANT SCHOOL.—We are glad to obseu o that the ministers of the district, with a few exceptions, con- tinue their practice of self denial by attending in rotation at the Iruant School, and delivering appro- priate addresses gratuitously to the boy. The Rev. E. Glandon Davies, Merthyr Vale, officiated at the school on Sunday last. THE MARRIAGE of MR. D. Morgan, of Windsor, place, to Miss Lousia Eynon, Perrot-street, to >k place on Thursday morning lastat Brvnhyfryd Welsh Baptist Chapel. The Rev. W. Jones officiated. Breakfast was afterwards provided at the bride's home. The happy pair left by the one o'clock train for Cardiff amidst the congratulations of their friends. MUSICAL.—A meeting of the choristers selected to form the Treharris centre of the South Wales Musical Festival was held at Bethania Vestry on Tuesday evening, March the 3rd, 1896, under the presidency of Mr. John Powell (Eos Cynwyd), the convener for the centre. It was decided to practice on Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m., and Sunday afternoons at 4.30 p.m. The selection of conductor for the centre was then proceeded with. Messrs. John Powell and J. H. Davies were appointed scrutineers, the result of the ballot being that Mr. Tom SVilliams (Llew'r Berth) was elected with a large majority. A ote of thanks was given to the convener for his services in connection with the centre, and the proceedings terminated. SOCIALISM.—At the Public Hall, oil Wednesday se'nnight, an address was delivered by Mr. Fred Brocklehurst, B.A., financial secretary to the I.L.P., in support of the latter and Socialism. Dr. Jones, Cardiff, presided, supported by Messrs. Marconi be and Jenkins. There were about 160 persons present, and the Chairman, after uttering a few preliminary remarks, called upon Mr. Brocklehurst, who addressed the meeting for upwards of an hour, the audience manifesting much interest in liis remarks. He declared himself to be a member of the I.L.P. and a Socialist, and said he had seen some correspondence in the papers about the I.L.P. finances. He was ore- pared to say how and where their money was obtained, and he made bold to say that no other political party dare say the same thing. He argued that every working man should have a fair share of the profits derived from the industry in which he was employed. Instead of the land being held by I:t private landlord it should be commonly conttolled. If you got Disestablishment to-morrow, wlinld it put one penny piece in your pocket-) ? He was not there to speak for or against Disestablishment. T The work- ing classes have been long neglected. We carry the battle forward against land and capital. He found the Tories and Liberals against them the chief opposition came from Liberal officialism. It was re- markable how they were charged with receiving Tory gold, and he was prepared to say they had never received a penny. Tho Liberal leaders are prepared to sell titles to wealthy snobs, The Liberals dared not advance beyond a certain point, because if they did the wealthy men would leave them. The only paid agitator in the I.L.P. was Mr. Tom Mann, the secre- tary, nor has the party an army of paid propa- gandists. The working people themselves had made the I.L.P. what it was. Socialism, he argued, was international. He enumerated the various countries where it had a footing. They had fought numerous local elections and 28 Parliamentary seats out of the pockets of the working classes at the last General Election. One of their chief questions was Land Nationalisation. Are you going to opposethe I.L P., he asked, and thus brand yourselves reactionists ? He did not believe that of progressive Wales. Questions were then invited, when Mr, J. Pearce asked if Mr. Brocklehurst thought it discreet that the Socialists of Northampton should nominate two candidates at the last General Election, and thus throw out Mr. Harford, a direct representative of the railway men. Mr. Brocklehurst said that the questioner had made one mistake there was only one I.L.P. candidate in opposition to Mr. Harford, and although he regretted Mr. Harford was not in Parliament, he could not expect the support of the I.L.P. until he was in accord with their views. Mr. Pearce complained of a Socialist being put up at Southampton bye-election, who only polled 274 votes a gainst over 5,000 votes recorded for the Liberal and Conservative candidates. Mr. Brockle. hurst said he was bound to say the questioner was ignorant of the question he was dealing with the Southampton candidate belonged to the Socialist Democratic League (cheers). Mr. Pearce retorted But how am I to distinguish between them ? Mr. Brocklehurst By studying the different organisa- tions (cheers). After other questions from Mr. E. Charles, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Gtle-i Joner., and Mr. Barrat, the meeting dispersed.

CAERPHILLY. For all kinds and best of printing and stationery go to OWEN" JONES, Printer, Caerphilly. [3641 DISTRICT COUNCIL ELECTIONS.—In the Caerphilly Town Ward there are already two candidates in the field, Councillor Thomas, the sitting member, the chosen of the Ratepayers' Association, and Mr. Thomas Evans, the working men's champion. The bets are against the British workman.—After writing the above news has reached us that Senghenydd is going to run a candidate. In the Nelson Ward, also, there is every probability of a three-cornered fight. Messrs. Peters (sitting member), Jones, and Williams have already put the gloves on. Councillor Corbett, according to latest advices, is going to have a walk over at Llanbradach or Ystrad Ward. There is some uncertainty about the Taff's Well Ward, but Mr, C. F. Richards, we are told, has ambitions to enter the local St. Stephen's. PRESENTATION.—&n interestingceremony took place at the close of the Literary Society's meeting last Thursday, when Mr. T. R. Phillips, formerly of the Inland Revenue service at Caerphilly, and who is about to take a position in the analytical department, Liverpool, was presented with a combined walking and tishing-stick, mounted with a silver band, in- scribed as presented to him by his friends of the Caerphilly Literary Society. The pleasant task of presenting this mark of esteem:of his knowledge and talents fell to the lot qf Miss Evans, Castle Cottage, who also oonveyod to him, in well-chosen terms, the sentiments of the society, of regret at his departure, and of good wishes for his future. Messrs. J. Morgan, S. E. Evans, C. S. Goodfellow, W. Thomas, and P. A. Lewis followed in the same strain. Mr. Phillips suitable responded. CAERPHILLY LITERARY SOCIETY.—At the ordinary meeting of the society last week two papers were read, one by Castellydd on the History of the Van," the pther by Mr. Ernest Gray on Spiritualism." Castellydd was m his element, tracing the descent of the Lewis family from the celebrated Prince of Car- digan, who had declined to do homage to Edgar at Chester—in fact, risked a row with him rather than row for him. A. Lewis, of Y Van, was sheriff in 1580. The last of the family mentioned as sheriff was Harry Lewis, of Greenmeadow, father of the present owner. —Mr. Gray handled his subject in a manner which greatly pleased and interested the audience, treating the awful mysteries, ghosts and spooks included (he had no "Julia," though), with a calmness worthy of a Priest of Isis. —A hearty vote of thanks to Castellydd and Mr. Gray was proposed by Mr. T. H. Phillips, and seconded by Mr. W. Thprnas, who felt justified in giving their highest commendations, SNAP SHOTS FROM THE LEANING TOWER. MORF CHEESE Brrs FOR OURM.A.T.—"Because this lady was by accident married." Decimal Nothing." "Much pleasure (?) in supporting a vote of condolence." All these were spoken not a hundred miles from the Leaning Tower. Hats off sit down in front, I say, Were words we often beard But now with Rongton's famed X ray, The words will sound absuid. CAERPHILLY MUSEUM.—"One of the Thomases" has been agitating our risible faculties lately. He has written us pages of foolscap, but after wading through his interesting, though enigmatic, letter, we have completely failed to discover if he is going to take this matter of museum under his tender care or not. And then, if you pleaso, he must needs, in I during his epistle, poke fun at us by imitating the classic u) style qf ^nap-sliotsi AU rioht, Longfellow, wait a bit, SUPERSTITION OR ECCENTRICITY, WHICH ?—We have a young lady friend who ia superstitious. At least, that is what she terms it. She almost quarrelled with us when we called it by another name. We asked her to explain. She said it was absurd axioms needed no demonstration. According to her philosophy, it is lucky to see the new moon through the window, to he born or start on a journey on a 1 lid ay, for a crow to croas your path, for a——. (Look here, Snap-shots, we don't believe the young lady ever said anything of the kind, so ring in the end.—ED. M.l\)

LLANBRADACH. MEETING OF CREDITORS.—On Tuesday a meeting was held nfc the otlice of Mr. W. L. Daniel, Merthyr, of the creditors of Vinson Lewis, tailor, Llanbradach. The gross liabilities were JS98 0, 7d., and the deti- ficiency £ 87 10s. 7d.

-+- TRECYNON. TRECYNON CHOIR.—This choir, conducted by Mr. Morris, is busily rehearsing for Mountain Ash. The choir have also decided to take part in the perform- ance of "A Psalm of Life" at the Crystal Palace. We wish the choir every success. FUNERAL.—The funeral of the late Mrs. Powell. 6, Anne-street, Trecynon, who died on February 22ud., at the age of 78 years, took place at Aberdar. Cemetery, when a large concourse of people assembled Hie Rev. J. Grawys Jones officiated at the house. A funeral service was also held at Ebenezer Chapol, where the deceased had been a faithful and consistent member. The Rev. H. J. Jacob read a portion of Scripture and prayed. The Pastor of the chapel also made feeling references to the deceased, and the hymn Daeth yr awr i'm ddianc adre," was sung most im- pressively by all present. At the graveside, the Rev. D. Griffiths, Cwmdare, officiated. The deceased was well known and respected. Her husband pre-deceased her 17 years ago. There were four nons of the mar- riage, viz., Rev. Evan Powell, Pontardulais Rev. William Powell, Neyland Rev. Howell Powell, Pembroke; and Rev. R. Powell, America. The Revs. Evan, William, and Howell Powell, were present at the funeral. "MESSIAH Y PLANT."—A performance of "Messiah y Plant was given on February 24th, at Bryn Sion Chapel, Trecynon, by the Band of Hope Choir, under the leadership of Mr. Thomas H. Harris. The Rev. John Morgan, pastor of Bryn Sion, presided over a large attendance. The principal vocalists were Miss M. Davies, Cwmdare; Miss Annie Davies, Mr. Jonah Jones, Mr. Gwiljm Jones, Mr. Rees Morgan, Mr. J. Thomas, Trecynon Miss Phillips, Oxford- street, Aberdare Miss M. Morgan, Miss Martha Parker, Miss Gwen Rogers, Miss Jane Parker, Tre- cynon. The following gave the recitative parts:— Miss Sarah Davies, Mis" Lizzie Forey, Miss Lizzie Rowlands, Miss Sarah Jones, Miss Maggie Parker, Miss M. Morgan, Miss Mary E. Watkins, Miss Mary A. Davies, Miss Lizzie A. Thomas, Miss S. Evans, Mr. John Goronwy, Mis« Mary Phillips, Mr. Thomas Parker, and Miss Myfanwy Lewis. Miss Jones, Trecynon, presided at the harmonium. The perform- ance was much enjoyed by all who were preseut.

TROEDYRHIW. ANNIVERSARY.—The Sunday School anniversary in connection with Tabernacle Chapel took place on Sunday last. The meetings were largely attended throughout the day. and liberal collections were made towards the funds of the school. The children, as usual, had for some time been engaged preparing their recitations, and did their work in a manner creditable to themselves and those who had coached them. The choir, under the leadership of Mr. Charles Beune, sang suitable anthems, and Miss Lydia Davies presided at the harmonium with her customary ability. FAREWELL MKKTtxa. On Thursday evening last, a social tea and farewell meetwig were held at the Bridge-street schools. The affair was promoted by the employees of Messrs. Price Brothers, on the;occa- sion of the departure of Mr. D. M. Elias, one of their fellow-assistants, to London. The tables, which were prettily decorated with flowers, evergreens, ko., were r; -s presided over by Misses Cissie and Emily Price, Miss Morse, Miss Catherine Hughes, and Aliss Maggie Watkins. After the repast the chair was taken by Mr. George Jones, and the following programme was given in an excellent manner Overture, Welsh Airs," Miss Roberts song, Rooked in the Cradle of the Deep," Mr. William George, Mertiiyr Vale song, Holy City," Miss E. Lewis, Merthyr Vale (encored) recitation, Mr. B. O. Jones; duet, Messrs. John Davies and William George selections on pianoforte, banjo, and mouth organ, Miss Roberts and Messrs. Tom Evans and J. Picton (encorodi; song, Hen Frothyn Bach Melyn fy Nhad," Mr. John Davies finale, Men Wlad fy Nhadau," Mr. George Jones. Miss Roberts performed the duties of accompanist in a manner which did her credit. Speeches were delivered wishing Mr. Elias God speed, by Mi. David Davies, manager, grocery department Mr. J. O. Williams, manager, drapery; and the Chairman. Air. Elias, who is very popular in the place, leaves with the best wishes of a large circle of friends, iu which we may safely say that nearly all the inhabitants join. We understand that it is the intention of his fellow-assistants to privately present him with an album ere he leaves as a souvenir of his sojourn in their midst.

MERTHYR VALB. THE COAL TRADE.—We understand that Messrs. Nixon and Co. have a special trial order for 500 tons of Merthyr Vale Coal. NAVIGATION HOTEL, ARKRFAN.—As we announced some time since the proprietary of this hotel has changed hands, and the new owner, Mr. Morgan "Griffiths, took possession on Thursday last. BOARD OF GUARDIANS ELECTION.—We learn that Mr. J. Roberts will retire at the end of March, and will be a candidate for this election, and the sup- porters of Mr. Gray are actively interesting them- selves m his candidature for the seat previously held by Major Bell. There are several rumours of other candidates, but at present it is not certainly known whether they will take the field or not. CONCERT.—A grand evening concert was given at the Assembly-rooms, on Thursday, by Mr. Mills' Orchestral Party of Merthyr. Mr. Silver's per- formances were much appreciated; also Miss Thorney's rendering of her songs. Madame Myrddin'p singing of "The Long Avenue," and Alone on the Raft," wan rapturously received and also encored. The concert in general was a very good one, but the attendance was not large. The pro- moters do not seem to have made a judicious use of the press in advertising the same, the opinion being generally expressed that the t vent was not sufficiently well known to the public. Mr. GwIlym Lewis accompanied,

THE GELLIGAER SCHOOL. DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT. In the House of Commons on Monday, Mr. Stanley Leighton moved that an humble address lie presented to Her Majesty praying Her Majesty to withhold her consent from so much of the intermediate and technical scheme of the Glamorgan County Council as relates to Gelligaer School. Mr. W. Tudor Howell, in seconding, said that in their recent report the Secondary Education Com- missioners stated that in their opinion it was not a wise or politic thing in connection with intermediate education to remove endowments from one locality and spread them over a wide area. Mr. Grant Lawson said he rose with great regret to ask the House to reject any motion which liis hon, friend might bring forward (loud laughter). The Gelligaer district had more secondary education for bays than it ever had bafore. There was a new girls' school and j61,500 a year for secondary education in a population of 15,000 people. He hoped the House would continue the practice which had always pre- vailed in that House, of refusing to sanction this sort of very greedy and very selfish proposition. Air. Alfred Thomas, in supporting the motion, said that out of 134 scholars at Gelligaer School only 37 belonged to the parish. Under the scheme, not only would they receive the £ 1,500 endowment, but the county governing body allowed four travelling teachers to visit the schools and lecture upon different subjects, which he was told was equal to a money grant of £ 200 a year, and also participate in the sur- plus of the county fund. If the motion were carried there could not be worse enemies to the boys and girls of Gelligaer than its proposers, and on behalf of his young constituents he asked .that they might be allowed to participate in that crrAnd scheme of educa- tion, for which they had waited for se\en long years, and thus be properly equipped to fight the battle of life (cheers). The House divided, and the motion was lost by 21 votes to 140.

MERTHYR BANKRUPTCY COURT. WEDNESDAY.- Before Mr. Registrar Lewis. RE GWILnr JENKINS.—This debtor, who was represented by Mr. D. W. Jones, was formerly a goods guard on the Taff Vale Railway, but had lattc-ly for a period of a year and eight months carried on business as a licensed victualler at the Three Salmons Inn, High-street, Alerthyr, His liabilities in the gross were £ 377 14s. 5d., and to rank for dividend £ 347 14s. 5d., while his assets amounted to JE145 13s. 3d. He attributed his insolvency to sickness in his family, to bad trade, and to giving credit in respect of debts which were irrecoverable. He admitted that as treasurer of two societies held at his house—the Workmen's Refusre Lodge and the True Britons' Lodge—he bad used certain sums of money lielonging to them for the purposes of his own business, but he said by way of explanation that this had arisen through his not having kept the club money separate from his own.—The examination was declare closed. RE SOLOMON FAYENBLOOM. — Air. W Bcddoe appeared for this debtor, who had carried on business as a furniture dealer at Dowlais, and whose liabilities were JB173 15s. 6d,, with assets j316. The debtor stated that he started with borrowed capital, and that practically he had never been solvent since he commenced trading four years ago.—The learned Registrar declared the examination closed. HE BOWEN AND JONES, In the case of these debtors who had carried on business as outfitters at ¡ Alerthyr, the examination was adjourned until the I 18th instant,

STOWER'S LIME JUICE. NO MUSTY FLAVOUR. T.IROAT IRRITATION- AND Cocon.—Soreness and dryneM tickling and irritation, inducing cough and affecting the voice. For !.hese symptoms use Glvcerine Jujubes, In contact with the glands at the moment they are excited vy the act of sucking, the Glycerine in these agreeable con- fections becomes actively healing. Sold only in boxes, 7Jd. tins, h. ljd..labelled "JAMES Errs &Co.,Ltd.,lIomcDopathio Chemist-, London." nr. Moore, in his work on "Nose and Throat Diseases," save "The Glycerine Jujubes prepared by I James Epps and Co., are of undoubted sep.iqf as a curative or I palliative agent," while fir. Gordon ltolmH. Senior Physician to the Mumcipal Throat and Ear Infirmary, writes: After an extended trial, Ihavefound yourGlycerlne Jujubes of conslder- in almost sll forms of throat Advt

BY THE WAY. < A Comervativft Club is to be established at Moun- tain Ash. The four sons of the late Mrs. Powell, Anne-street, Treeytior, are all ministers of religion. Three are in Walts and one in America. St. Nicholas for March iff full of matter that will entrance and edify the juvenile intellect. The lowest of our quadrupeds is particularly readable. At the Board of Guardians on Saturday Mr. Dan Thomas affectionately referred to Mr. David Davies as his "junior colleague." Mr. Davies wa* not there to return the compliment. A correspondent asks us tu institute a comparison, on the score of ability, iwtween the Aberdare and the Mcrthyr Guardians. We have our opinion, but wild horses couldn't drag it out of us. Catholic priests are generally good men of business. Canon Wade and Father O'Reilly are reckoned among the smartest memtiers of the Board of Guardians, and they mv always ab!e to hold their own in that assembly. Is Mr. Andrew Lang a gipsyThere is a uian in Xew YOlk, named Sitnson, who thinks he is, and not only he, but John Bunyan, Corlyle, Francis Jeffrey, and many others. Mr. Simson is coming to South Wales soon to see whether Morien, Mr. Maclean, and Mr. Rollel t Bird have any Romany blood in their vieus. It was at the meeting of the Brecon-road Li'>eial Association, when the question of "one man one hoard" was discussed. There was a creaking noise from a bench, which caused much merriment. That w-is a case of 6HJ men one board," and the bench raised its voice in revolt against the multiplicity of seats. Mrs. Humphry Ward's novel, Sir George Tiessady," pursues the even tenour of its way in the pages of the Century. Another noteworthy article in the March numlier is MrF. Crawford's sketch of the elder Dumas. The writer, as all the world knows, is the Paris correspondent of the I)ailu Nci,-s. The illu*trations, as usual, are exquisite. One of the speakers at the Brecon-road Lit)erat Aasociation meeting said that he met a local legislator the other day. He (the legislator) complained of the work he had to do for the sake of the public he had been at it all that day, and had only had time to eat I a bun since breakfast. Hard lines, this. If it comes t) one member one bun," things will get awkward. At a sale by auction at Merthyr on Tuesday, Mr. Thomas Wake, the well-known tobacconist, offered a certain annnllt for a certain article. Just after the hammer had descended, making Mr. Wake the pur- chaser, another gentleman went a shilling higher. "I bid another Khilling," ho exclaimed. "But you are too late," replied the auctioneer. "You are not a-wake, yet. MacmUlon # Magazine for March is a very interest- ing number. The personal reminiscence of the late Alexander Macmillan is readable, and throws ntucn light 011 the origin of the magazine. Other note- worthy contributions are: "Thomas Cathro's Clock," The remarkablea of Captain Hind, Master Thief of Sngland," The Songs of Piedigrotta," and A Domestic Drama." We are glad to Bee Mwinillan maintaining its old literary standard so well. Miss Jane Douglas Roleley, who has just died at Swansea at the age of ninety-six, was a daughter (f the late Captain Roleley, who served with Nelson on hoard the Victory. A relic in her {xwsession was the breeches worn by Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. Her grandfather kept the Mackworth Hotel at Swansea, where Ndson stayed, with the result that young Roleley entered the Navy, and ultimately became possessed of the breeches. A writer in a London paper saya The Welsh hin/l meat.s vndulotion, and refers to the wave-like rise and fall of the voice through sevcral semi-tones, now louder, now softer, which form the gamut of Welsh devotional utterance. It is said that only the Welsh Nonconformist preachers can produce it in perfection, though a good many of the Welsh clergy, having been brought up among Nonconformists, are fair proficients in the art. The effect of thi" singular sustained wail on a Welsh congregation is extraordin- ary, raising them at times to a pitch of emotional excitement." Very beautiful and poetical were the old" emUel- lishments of the Triads. They gave to the moon the titles, "Sun of Night, "The Beautiful," and "Sun of the Fairies." The stars were called Eyes of Serenity," Candles of Heaven or God," and "Gems of the Sky." The waves were the "Sheep of Gwen- hidwy," "Dragons of the Salt Deep," and "Blossoms of Oct-an." The flowers were "Gems ofj Shrubs," j "Bennties of Summer," and Eyes of Zepliyi- The herbs were called Mantle ot Summer," A spect of Beauty," and Hall Floor of Lon." and tho wind bore the appeJlation of "Hero of the World," Architect of Bad Weather," and Assaulter of the Hille." Mr. Birrell madj- an extraordinary comes- ion to the House of Commons the other night. He has been a member for six years. The library is a mag- nificent one, full of looks of historic value and philosophical calm." Yet during the whole six years he has never read a single hook in that library. Why ? The reason was he had no mind to bring to bear upon a book in the asphyxiating atmosphere of the Home, and the distress which came of being con- demned to spend so much time in doing nothing." Can it be that the asphyxiating atmosphere prevents Mr. Birrell from writing as well as reading books. Fortunately, it has no depressing effect upon his speeches. King Prembi and the Ashanti expedition are esti- mated to cost this country £ 120,000, against which the crown, gold dust, and jewels of the dethroned monarch tu-ty be expected to rank as assets. The regimental p-ty is set down at £8,500; medical establishment, J62,500 trsnsport and remounts, £ 67,000; provision", forage, etc., £ 2,700; trading establishment and service, £ 10,000; warlike and other stores, £ 15,000. The payment of the native carriers, estimated at about B<0,000, has been met out of the funds advanced by the Colonial Treasurer on the Gold Coast. The balance of the cot of the expedition, to meet which the supplementary estimate has been framed, will be ultimately repaid by the Colonial Government in instalments. Mr. G. D. Leslie, R.A., told Churns a stoiy of Lady Beacons-field which has the merit of being new I recollect once getting into conversation, on n railway journey, with a linen-draper, who told me that when he was serving in a London shop a lady came in and asked for some satin. None being good enough, the lady volunteered the information that she wanted the satin for the purpose of making serviettes with it. The customer was Lady Beaconsfield, and she pro- posed to have [tarts of one of the speeches of her hus- band engraved in gold upon the satin, which, when made into napkins, was to be used at a dinner party given to the most prominent members of the Conser- vative Party." Lady Beaconsfield, as is well known, was very proud of her husband, and no doubt the story is also true. Thus the Westminster Gazette We gather from a highly exciting article in the tMilu JVewts that our liberties, if not our lives, are seriously threatened by a piece of apparently harmless legislation. We are to be liable to summary arrest, trial without sworn evidence, and punishment by fine or imprisonment, for strolling over a common, or walking in our neigh- bour's neld, even though we have his permission. All this is to be made possible if Mr. Brodrick's Military Manoeuvres Bill is passed into law. It is a liorrib'e picture of our natural rights being snatched from us at the hands of a Ministry which took office to defend the Constitution. But we are not surprised. The liberties of Parliament already have disappeared in the guillotine, and now we have Tory journals point- ing out that the country does not care for a Govern- ment whose home policy is the gag and whose foreign is atrocity-mongering. We sigh for a bye-election, in i which we might depict the villainies contemplated under this Military Manceuvres Bill. We should do this with special satisfaction when we remember the Military Manoeuvre by which,Mr. Brodrick upset the last Government. The "Brabazon Employment Society," now being introduced into the Merthyr Union, was founded 14 year-) ago by the Countess of Meath, then Lady Braba7.on. She had in 1880 offered a grant for material to any workhouse or infirmary that would try her scheme. The offer was not accepted till 1883, and then only by one workhouse infirmary, viz., Kensington. At the beginning of 1892 there were but 20 branches formed, now there are 90. This show-) that the B.E.S. is at last being appreciated. Its object is to give an interest to the lives of that saddest of all sad classes— the non-able-bodied paupers. These poor people-old, infirm, crippled, blind—are neces- sarily doomed to perpetual idleness so far as the workhouse officials are concerned. The aim of the B.E.S. is to alter this condition of things by teaching the inmates light and pretty employment, without in any way intarfering with the rules of the house. No inmate can be employed that is not exempt from work- by the Guardians, and to whom the matron has not given her permission. The pride the pupils take in gradually producing good, saleable work soon revives the self respect lost by years of pauperdom, and the whole tone o{ the man or wotaan changes. All help given iu teaching the various kinds of work is volun- tary. Each branch is self-supporting. This is effected by a yearly sale, which is held in order to provide I money for freiih materials. Tho surplus (invariably I made beyond the amount of the original grant) i;nised in vai ious ways for the benefit of the workers. No payments of any kind are admissibly

THESE WILL CURE YOU. Only those who have tried the effects HUGHES'S BLOOD PILLS Can believe what wonderful cAitcs Ilwy accomplish. All who are sick and ill, sluggish, hea<. y feeling, tired in mind and body, with a bad eomp];-x!ai, and a never absent disagreeable taste in the mouth, ought to know that the Reinedv railed HUGHES'S BLOOD PILLS Will remove all these bad symptoms, and then aid in building up a strong and robust constitution. IX EYERY J K;O\V OF HUGHES'S BLOOD PILLS' HA V};; DONE MORE GOOD THAN AKY- THING ELSE. FOR BOTH SEXES HUGHES S BLOOD PILLS Purify the Blood. Clear the Skin, Strengthen th. Nerves, Remo^-e Dyspepsia and Indigestion, Revive the Liver, Cure Headacne, Skin Rash, Rheumatism, Constipatiop. es- THEY CURE WHEN EVERYTHING ELSE FAILS. Call at in v Chemist or dealer in Patent Medicine, and get a Box with the shape of a heart on. 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[147-302 OCR HEALTH IN WINTKU.—Dr. Andrew Wilscn, writing in JJoyd i Xcv:?p<rprr on diet, says: "The teaching of nature should never be neglected, and in the matter of wintev food let us see we are not wrong and take .sufncipnt fat, for the changes that result in the wear and tear of our bodies are lessened in inten- sity by the fat of food, and the need for flesh is always less when fat forms a due proportion of our diets, The Doctor proceeds to enumerate natural products that are admiiable, among them "Cocoa" with its contained Cocoa B liter. Relatively to this it maybe said that En's PHKrAREDCwOA retains all the oon stituents of the natural Cocoa, including the oil butter, intact. RUPTURE. Unparalleled Succcss in the treat met-* Rupture bv S. J. Sherman, Hernia Specialist, 6 11 an eery Lane, London. Write for bis new !>ock full information, 7jd. post free. 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Our reporter for Aberdare, Hirwain, Aberaman, Cwmbach, Trecynon, Cwmaman, and Cwmdare is Mr. F. Lewis, 11, Upper Regent-street, Aberdare, who will be pleased to be notified of meetings, held in any of the above places, and also to reeei ve advertise- ments, &e. APPOINTMENT.—Mr. David Jones, late manager at Nantmelyn Colliery, has been appointed manager of Cross Hand Colliery, Llanelly. TRINITY.—At this place of worship on Sunday evening, Mr. Morsran Rees gave a vory able flute solo, 0 Rest in the Lord (Elijah). MfNSTRELS.—Hague's Minstrels occupied the boards at the New Public Hall and Theatre last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. There were good audiences. RATABLE VALUE.—The ratable value of the Aber- dare Urban District is £ 154,840. The assesable value of the district according to the General District Rate is jei25,225 12s. 6d. SERIOUS CHARGE.—R. Roe, formerly an insurance agent at Aberdare, and now at Barry, has been com- mitted for trial on a charge of committing an un- natural offence at Barry. GROCERS' FEDERATION. The Aberdare Grocers' Association have appointed Mr. D. Davies, J.P., Mr. F. W. Mander, Mr. D. E. Davies, Mr. Lloyd and Mr. Williams to act on the reception committee in connection with the forthcoming visit of the Grocers' Federation. DISTRICT J. W. Evans, solicitor, says that he will not contest No. 3 Ward for a seat on the above Council without the consent of the Liberal Association for that ward. A meeting of the associa- tion has been called for this (Thursday) evening to select a candidate THE BEST AND CHOICEST CIGARS are sold by Miss Oeppen, of Merthyr, who has taken over Mr. Wake's wholesale and retail tobacco and eignebtisiness at Commercial-place, Aberdare. Good Cigar, five or •seven for Is. All Tobaccos are sold at moderate prices. Walking-sticks, Poaches, Cigar and Cigarette Cases, Pipes of a hundred different kinds, Fancy Pipes, and other useful articles, suitable for Christmas and New Year's Presents. Don't forget to give a call. Commercial-place, Aberdare. [3096 REVIVAL MEETINGS.—A series of revival meetings was commenced on Sunday at Sion Welsh Wesleyan Church. In the morning the Rev. John Evans (Eslwyebach) preached. In the afternoon Rev. T. Manuel, Mountain Ash, and in the evening the Rev. T. Rowlands preached. On Monday and Tuesday nights the Rev. J. Evans preached. The Rev. A. C. Pearco, Porth, was announced to preach on Wednes- day night. To-day (Thursday) Mrs. Evans (Eglwys- bach) will preach in English, and a collection will be made in aid of the Pontypridd Mission. On Friday night the Rev. Evan Isaac, Penygraig, is announced as the preacher. The meetings are likely to pr jve of great benefit. THE KENTUCKY MINSTRELS.—The celebrated Ken- tucky Minstrels are occupying the boards of the Empire Theatre this week and are drawing big houses nightly. The singing of the Kentucky Choir is very sweet and effective. The Musical Lindsays give a splendid performance of instrumental music on the violin, cornet, fairy bells, musical bellows, banjo, etc., and are vigorously applauded. The American silver mace drill is exceedingly pretty and is greatly appre- ciated. McGoldrick gives a smart clog-dance, and DockjWatson, the principal comedian, is very amusing. Arthur Elliston, the male soprano, sings charmingly. The vocalists are all very good. They include Mr. Henry Lloyd (brpther of Mr. Edward Lloyd, England's greatest tenor) who possesses a very nice voice. Each performance concludes with a screaming comic burlesque sketch which puts the audience in a roar. The new American street drill parade through the principal streets of the town at noon is a decided novelty and attracts quite a crowd. We should advise all who suffer from a fit of the blues to visit the Empire this week.; ENTERTAINMENT.—On Thursday evening last the annual children's concert in connection with Bethania Chapel was held at Bethania Vestry. The Rev. W. James, pastor of the church, presided over a large attendance. The Rev. Pntchard Williams was also present. Mr. David Griffiths acted as the conductor; Mr. T. Lewis presided at the piano; and Mr. T. Thomas presided at the harmonium. The programme, which was well rendered, was as follows:—Chorus, Deffrown Mae'r Udgon yn Seinio," Band of Hope; opening address, Master Aubrey Davis; piano solo, Mastor Ivor Davies recitation, Dyfal Done a Dyr v Gareg," Master Henry Roderick reci- tation, Miss Maggie Davies chorus, Telynau Aur y Nef," Band of Hope; recitation, Learn to Say No," Master John Williams song, The Missing Boat," Miss Cassie Jones; recitation, Ship on Fire," Miss Lily Richards pianoforte duet, Masters Henry and David Roderick recitation, Miss Katie Davies; chorus, Cyfod Ymddygleiria," Band of Hope recitation, Na," Master Emrys Davies song, Canu Maey Coedydd," Master D. E. Davies recitation, Tone of Voice," Miss Polly Mills; reci- tation, Little Jim," Miss C. M. Llewellyn quar- tet, 0 Mor Hardd yw lesu Grist," Misses Polly Evans, Hannah Davies, T. J. Williams, and 1. Price; recitation, What is the good of doing a kindness a day too late," Miss Edith Evans; chorus, Dyrchafwyn Lawen Gan," Band of Hope recitation, The Registry," Masters D. Davies, Ivor Davies, and Brychan Thomas; chorus, Yn Mlaen," Band of Hope. DISTUIOT COUNCIL ELECTION.—A good deal of interest is beginning to be manifested in the forth- coming Council election. There are five wards, viz., Llwydcoed Ward, Gadlys Ward, Town Ward, Blaen- gwawr Ward, and Aberaman Ward. There will be a vacancy in each ward, the retiring councillors being Mr. Owen Harries, Harriet-street, Trecynon, Llwyd- coed Ward; Mr. G. George, J.P., Gadlys Ward; Mr. T. Thomas, Graig House, Town Ward Mr. John Howell, Lamb and Flag, Aberaman, Blaengwawr Ward and Mr. Thomas Rees, Swan Hotel, Aber- aman, Aberaman Ward. As already reported in the Merthyr Times, Mr. Thomas Thomas will not seek re-election. Mr. J. W. Evans, C.C has been named as a likely candidate for that ward. A meeting of Liberals has been summoned for this (Thursday) evening, for the purpose of discussing the situation. There is a feeling that Mr. T. Thomas shouid re- consider his decision not to seek re-election but Mr. Thomas is firm in his inclination not to stand again. Mr. J. W. Evans will contest the seat with the con- sent of the Liberal Association of the Ward. With reference" to the other Wards, there are various rumours. There is every probability of there being a couple, if not three candidates, for the Llwydcoed Ward. Mr. Owen Harris, the retiring councillor, will probably seek re-election. With regard to the Aberaman Ward, Mr. Rees is likely to seek re-elec- tion. He has been a most consistent member, and we do not think that the Aberaman electors will find a better man to represent them. Mr. Howell, for the Blaengwawr Ward, is also likely to seek re-election, and lie, also, like Mr. Rees, has proved a very good representative. There is every probability of there being contests in both wards. Very little is known as yet about the Gadlys Ward. That there will be a fight is, however, a foregone conclusion. There are several "dark horses" in the field, and revelations may ba expected in the sweet by and by. It is mar- vellous wnat interest the electors take in an election, but they take very httle interest in the doings of their representatives on the board all the year round. SOCIAL GATHERING. — A very successful social gathering, promoted by the Unitarians, was held on Thursday evening at the lougroom of the New Public Hall, in honour of Mr. L. N. Williams, High Constable of Aberdare. There were about 100 guests preseut. The room had been prettily decorated with flags, pictures, curtains, and couches, which gave the place quite a drawing-room appearance. Refresh- ments were supplied and done ample justice to. The Rev. J. Fisher Jones, Cwmbach, gave a song, Miss G. George accompanying on the piano, and Mr. Berry playing a. violin obligato. Mr. S. Lewis, of Ponty- pridd, also rendered a humorous song, and Mr. Berry gave a violin solo. Col. Phillips moved a hearty vote of congratulation to Mr. L. N. Williams, who had dis- charged the duties of High Constable in such a credit- able manner. The speaker said that during the last 21 years one-third of the High Constables of Aberdare wete Unitarians. This reflected great credit upon the Unitarian body, especially when they considered that they had not a numerous membership. And although some people thought that there would be a warm time for the Unitarians in the pext world-(laughter)-the Unitarians were at any rate getting a. fair share of the honours of this world (laughter and applause). He again congratu- lated Mr. Williams upon the efficient manner in which he had carried out the duties of the oi^ce (applause).—The Rev. Mr. George cordially seconded the motion of congratulation. He fully endorsed all that Colonel Phillips had said as to the very able manner in which Mr. Willlar»a had carried out the duties of the office. He (Mr. George) would also like, before sitting down, to extend a hearty welcome tp Mrs. Lewis, daughter of Mr. James, Teilo House. Mrs. Lewis, who was now on a visit to Aberdare frcm America, had always proved a war n sympathiser with the Unitarians. She would shortly be returning to her adopted home in America, and lie felt sure that they would all wish her renewed prosperity and health in that country. Both Mrs. Lewis and her husband (Mr. Lewis, engineer), were old pupils of his (the speaker's). In fact Mr. and Mrs. Lewis were the two best pupils that he had ever had.—The motion of congratulation was carried unanimously and with acclamation.—Mr. L. N. Williamssuitably responded on behalf of himself and Mrs. Lewis. He thanked them very much for all their kindness. He had endeavoured to fill the duties of the office of High Constable satisfactorily. He was pleased to fee Mrs. Lewin present. That lady was now on her third visit to this country. Hha had thus crossed the Atlantic five times, lie wished her every success ip the future (applause).- Dancing was kept up with mucli vigour to the strains of Mr. Berry's Quadrille Band Mr. E. Griffiths, Mill-utreet, acted as M.C. The gathering was a great success in every way, all having thoroughly enjoywi themselves.