Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

MERTHYR TYDFIL URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. Abstract of Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March, 1895. General Water s, General Water „ RECEIPTS. District Works Total. EXPENDITURE. District Works a** 1,7 Total. Rate. Account. Account Rate. Account. Account 1894.—Marcli 26th. £ s. d. £ ». d. £ s. d. £ s. d. 1894.—March 26th. £ »• d. £ s. d. £ s. d. £ s. d. To balance in Treasurer's hands 724 12 2 532 1 3 1306 13 5 By Balance due to Treasurer 2134 1 11 2134 1 11 » >) Collector's hands 31 17 8 31 17 8 Collector 34 10 5J> 34 10 5^ 1895.—March 31st. 1895.—March 31st. To General District Rate made 4th April, 1894, and Scavenging 1562 7 5 1562 7 5 Arrears of former Rate 10792 18 3 Emptying Ashpits 2917 16 2 2917 16 2 Allowances 188 10 A, Street Watering 102 9 7 102 9 7 Arrears carried forward 401 7 3 589 17 7i 10203 0 7i 10203 0 7, "Cleaning and Repairing Sewers 1197 5 6 1197 5 6 To General District Rate made 1st August, 1894, and 2 „ Merthyr Vale Sewers. 40 10 0 40 10 0 Arrears of former Rate 11211 14 4 Morlais Culvert 83 3 7 83 3 7 Allowances 208 3 221 Private Sewers 9 4 6 9 4 6 Arrears carried forward 531 4 9 739 7 lla 10472 6 4i 10472 6 4 2 Salaries 1983 18 3 395 0 0 247 18 2 2626 16 5 To General District Rate made 5th December, 1895, and Maintenance of Hospital—Merthyr 315 16 8 315 16 8 Arrears of former Rate 11268 11 4^ M 1 Dowlais 478 2 8 478 2 8 Allowances 76 9 1 .Repairs of Highways and Footpaths 5947 5 2 5947 5 2 Arrears carried forward 826 19 1 903 8 2 10365 3 2? 10365 3 2i Caedraw Bridge 452 7 3 452 7 3 To Water Rent for, Quarter 24th June, 1894, and „ Stone Crashing Machine 32 6 8 32 6 8 Arrears of former Quarter 2554 7 9 Dowlais Yard 23 11 5 23 11 5 Allowances 134 15 7 Treharris Yard 54 15 0 54 15 0 Arrears carried forward 833 12 0 968 7 7 1526 0 2 1586 0 2 Repairs of Main Roads and Footpaths 1190 8 6 1190 8 6 ■lo Water Rent for Quarter 29th Sept., 1894, and „ Street Works and Improvements 73 12 5 73 12 5 Arrears of former Quarter 2551 1 8 Collector's Commission J 401 21 1.34 0 535 2 8 Allowances 42 15 5 Rates and Taxes 89 11 8 557 13 5 647 5 1 Arrears carried forward 887 4 9i 930 0 2^ 1621 1 5i 1621 1 5s Street Lighting 1808 3 3 1808 3 3 To Water Rent for Quarter 25th Dec., 1894, and Rents 454 15 4 6 15 0 461 10 4 Arrears of former Quarter 2755 15 8i Printing-and Stationery 1. 161 4 8 49 4 6 13 6 0 223 15 2 Allowances 35 15 3 Establishment Charges 192 7 2 29 9 7 221 16 9 Arrears carried forward 1090 19 2^ 1126 14 b!z 1629 1 3 1629 1 3' Town Clock 18 9 10 18 9 10 To Water Rent for Quarter 31st March, 1895, and Fire Apparatus 14 17 9 14 17 9 Arrears of former Quarter 2967 3 2J, Diunfectants. 93 15 7 93 15 7 Allowances. 64 0 0 Lepal Charges 545 18 8 1121 14 0 241 4 6 1908 17 2 ) Arrears carried forward 1092 8 8J> 1156 8 8J, 1810 14 6 1810 14 6 Elect-oii Ex 267 10 5 267 10 5 j I » Private Improvements 294 1" 11. 294 13 11 Treastieer's lai-y 150 120 150120 Sundry Accounts, Jobbing and Materials 141 2 9 141 2 9 Compensations 4 17 0 0 10 0 1 0 0 6 7 0 Magistrates' Fines, &c 12 11 2 12 11 2 "e rinals 23 6 6 23 6 6 .HouseReuts. 161 3 8 161 3 8 Cab Shelter 0 10 3 0 10 3 11 Rent of Pentwyn 31 10 0 31 10 0 Notifications Infectious Diseases 64 13 6 64 13 6 Rent of Land 1 17 0 1 17 0 General Repairs to Works and Mains 2616 18 0 2616 18 0 >: Weighing Machine Tolls 23 11 6 23 11 6 Upper Neutdd Works, Labour and Teamwork 1145 15 5 1145 15 5 » Licences 22 2 0 22 2 0 Materials 250 16 6 250 16 6 >, Deposit Fee with Railway Plan 110 110,, „ Railway 88 8 0 88 8 0 1, Bank Charges Refunded 54 6 0 54 60 Workmen's Huts 929 6 9 929 6 9 M Caerphilly District Council, Profits 011 Waterworks. 2 14 6 2 14 6 Carriage of Goods 27 19 8 27 19 8 .Merthyr Guardians, Hospital Account 225 0 0 225 0 0 Instaii-netits of Loans 4883 14 11 1253 10 5 6137 5 4 >> Moiety Election Expenses 99 13 5 99 13 5 Intercut on Loans 2287 13 7 2909 18 6 5197 12 1 M County Council Grants—Roads 1303 13 10 1303 13 10 » Added Area 40 0 0 40 0 0 Balance in Treasurer's Hands 7749 13 11 7749 13 11 Surveyoi and Clerk 30 0 0 30 0 0 Collector's Hands 29 3 9i 29 3 92 Special Grant—Improvements 131 17 8 131 17 8 „ M.O.H. and Inspector 185 0 0 185 0 0 M Aljerdare District Council 1184 5 0 1184 5 0 Balance due to Treasurer. 1843 1 6 5079 16 11 6922 18 5 „ to Collector 1 3 6 1 3 6 JB55712 9 3i 9103 17 9J 5079 16 11 49896 4 0 JB55712 9 3J, 9103 17 9i 5079 16 11 49896 4 0 r_ GEORGE L. GIBSON, Esq., the Local Government Board Assistant District Auditor, audited the several Accounts, of which the foregoing is an Abstract, and compared the several payments, for which the 1 Measurer takes credit, and certified that, subject to the disallowances which he made, the same appeared to be correct ahd legal. And that the Balances of the Cash Account, namely, Seven thousand seven hundred and ■orty-nine pounds thirteen shillings and elevenpence (General District Rate), agrees with the Treasurer's own Account, as having been in his hands, and One thousand eight hundred and forty-three pounds one shilling and sixpence (Water Works Account), and Five thousand and seventy-nine pounds sixteen shillings and elevenpence (Suspense Account), as having been due to the Treasurer at the time of closing such Accounts. W. ROWLAND HARRIS, Dated this 2nd day of March, 1896. ACCOUNTANT.

announcements. OPERA H OUSE, MERTHYR. Sole Lessee and Manager.MR. WILL SMITHSON. ^N'DAY, MARCH 9TH, RETURN VISIT OF MR. G. HOWARD WATSON Anf.) his Celebrated Company in the Original Drama in Five Acts, entitled- 'PliF, ROAD TO FORTUNE, A Tale of the King's Dragoon Guards, by Charles E. Dering, ÁIIl>layed before that Regiment with the greatest pil and approbation, and pronounced by Press and Public the most accurate and brilliant representa- tion of BARRACK LIFE. MARCH 16TH.- RETURN VISIT OF WEP TON NO MAH." LOOK OUT FOR "TUILBY." Time and Prices as usual. TIIEATRE JJOYAL, 0ARDIFF. ljESSEE & MANAGKK, MR. EDWARD FLETCHER. 'pi ^Ucces^ er/orillancc Out of London, and Instantaneous of M'- A. R. Garlands Company in a New and Original Comedy in Three Acts, entitled LATE MR. CASTELLO IVoi (1,y SIDNEY GRUNDY), 111 the Comedy Theatre, London preceded at 7.30 By BEFORE THE DAWN. AKTU, MONDAY, MARCH, 9th, M01 ROUSBEY'S GRAND OPERA CO. ,0heinian Girl. Thurs II Trovatore A1°'cedes. New Opera, Fri Faust '"p" •• Pagliaeci and Sat..Matinee, Mercedes Cavalleri iRtisticana. Evening Maritana 1 Box Plan now Open. jy AX ARTIST'S MODEL IS COMING. 7 to £ 2 2s. Early doors, 6.30. Doors open afc ^-50. 15ooking Offices, Messrs, ^^Peonanq ^i;x.iV. Telephone. No. 521. BiiUhe,adq> Han.lbillg, Lftbeh » the TlMFs mfti,,K' vvitli Hrspato WNTINO WORKS, JEU.S SIKEKT, MKRTBVR en kmds of work. public announcements. Merthyr Tydfil Union. THE GUARDIANS desire TENDERS for supplying Provisions, Meat (including Officers' Joints), Groceries, Printing and Stationery, Hair- cutting at Schools, Drugs, Oils, and Paints, Coal, Coffins, and Funerals, Haulage of Timber and Coal from Cefn and Merthyr Railway Stations, Slippers, Women's and Infants' Boots, Men's and Boys' Suits, and Materials required for Tailoring and Shoe- making. Tenders for Meat, Provisions, Groceries, and Coal to be for Six Months, viz., from 28th March, 1896, to the 2nd October, 1896 (both inclusive). Tenders for all other goods and materials to be forTwelve Months, viz., from 28th March. 1896, to26th March, 1897 (both inclusive). Sureties to be named in Tender. Samples where practicable, exbeptCoal. Milk, and all out-door supplies. Samples of Drapery and Tender Forms for same will be supplied intending contractors by the Master and Superintendent. All goods to be delivered at the Workhouse, or at the Aberdare Industrial School, at the option of the Guardians. Payments quarterly, but Butchers and Grocers may draw on account once in the middle of the quarter. Tenders to be sent in on or before WKDXKSIJAv, March 18th, 1896-those for the Aberdare School on the Forms printed in Red Ink, and for the Workhouse on those printed in Black, either of which can be obtained on application to the Master at the Work- house, or the Superintendent at the Aberdare Train- ing School, who will furnish all other particulars. Goods not in the above list can be seen in the Forms of Tender. The Guardians do not bind themselves to accept the lowest or any Tender. Tenders, unless received on WEDNESDAY, March 18th. 1896, at Six p.m., will not be opened. By order, FRANK T. JAMES, 134, High street, Merthyr, Clerk. February 29th, 1896. GRAND THEATRE, CARDIFF. THE PREMIER THEATRE OF WALES. LV:SSEE & MANAGER.MR. CLARENCE SOUNES. GRAND SUCCESS OF THE UPS AND DOWNS OF LIFE. Doors open 7, commence 7.30. Box Office Open at the Theatre Daily from Ten to Four. Telephone, 725. Revised Prices of Admission Dress Circle, 2s. 6d.; Upper Circle, Is. 6d. Stalls, 2s. Front Pit, Is. Pit, 9d. Gallery 6d. Early doors extra. Second price at Nine o'clock to all part- MONDAY NEXT, March 9th, the only American- Indian Actrcii", GO-WON-GO-MOHAWK, in WEP-'i OIsT -IS: O-M Ail. public announcements. ¡ Merthyr Working Men's 1\ Building Society. The 50TH APPROPRIATION BY SALE will be held at the Offices of the above Society (No. 1, Market-square, Merthyr), on MONDAY NIGHT, MARCH 16TH, 1896. The chair will be taken at 9.10 o'clock sharp by I Mr. J. T. Docton, High-street, Merthyr. Mountain Ash Hospital Eisteddfod. EASTER MONDAY, APRIL 6TH, 1896. TO CATERERS.—Tenders are invited for the sole right to sell Refreshments (non-alcoholic) and Fruit on the Eisteddfod Grounds. Full particulars may be had on application to me. Sealed Tenders, endorsed Refreshments," must be delivered to me not later than 8 o'clock on Thursdav evening, February 27th. D. T. EVANS, Secretary. The St. David's Church Choir CONVERSAZIONE AND DANCE, THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH, DRILL HALL. T. RHYS LEWIS' BAND. M C.^S l MR. H. FENNELL, MR. HOWY POWELL, MR B. HAVARD, MR, J. FRAYNE, MR. W. THOMAS. DANCING TO COMMENCE AT 3. Ticket?, 2s. 6d. 3s. at Door. W. Lr.oRI> MATTHEWS, Sec. j National v. Denominational | Education. A CONFERENCE AND PUBLIC MEETIN G On the EDUCATIONAL QUESTION WILL BK HELD ON MONDAY, MARCH 9TH, 1896. I | Conference in HOPE HALL, Merthyr, at 3 p.m. j President W. L. DANIKL, Esq. Public Meeting in ZOAR CHAPEL, Merthyr, at J 7.30 p.m. Presiclent D. A. THOMAH, Esq., M.P. j I KEY. J. HIRST HOLLOWELL, of Rochdale. | will addre.^ Conference and Meeting. | FttrtSfof particulars Oil posters and circulars. public announcements, Merthyr Tydfil Gas Company. ESTABLISHED 1886. Incorporated by Special Act of Parliament, 25th -Tune, 1868, 31 and 32 Vict., cap. 77. "\T OTICE IS H ERE BY GIVEN, that the Twenty- JJl Eighth Yearly Ordinary General Meeting of the Proprietors of this Company will be held at the Offices, Merthyr Tydfil, on THURSDAY, the 27th day of FEBRUARY instant, for the Election of a Direc- tor and the transaction of the General Business at such meetings authorised. The chair will be taken at Three o'clock in the Afternoon precisely. E. B. EVANS, Chairman. AND NOTICE IS HEREBY ALSO GIVEN, that the Books of the Company will be CLOSED for the Transfer of Stocks from the 21st day of February instant, aud will not be Re opened until after the holding of the said meeting. By Order of the Directors, JOHN L. COCKER, Secretary and Manager. Gas Office and Works Merthyr Tydfil, February 13th, 1896. [3696

MERTHYR TYDFIL. MARKET SQUARE FLOWER SHOW, ANT) ART, & INDUS- TRIAL EXHIBITION, TO BE HELD IN DRILL HALL, JULY, 1896. PRELIMINARY NOTICE OF SPECIAL COMPETITIONS. ( A M A T f, U R « 0.% r. Y ). 1st 2nd Prize. Prize. £ s d s d Open to all under 17 years of age. 1.- Best Copy in Oils (any subject) 0 7 6 40 Entrance Fee, 3d. 2, 3, and 4, open to all under 21 years of age. Entrance Fee, 6d. 2.—Copy in Water Colours (any sub- ject) 0 10 6 60 3.-Copy in Oils of any Land or Sea j Scape 0 10 6 6 0 4.—Copy in Oils of any Flower, Fruit, or Figure subject 0 10 6 6 0 5 to 16, both inclusive, open to any age. Entrance Fee, 6d. 5.-Copy in Water Colours. Flower, Fruit, or Figure subject 0 10 6 6 0 6.—Copy in Water Colours of any Land or Sea Scape 0 10 6. 6 0 7.—Copy in Oils of any Land or Sea Scape 1 1 0 10 6 8.—Copy in Oils of any Flower, Fruit, or Figure subject 1 1 0 10 6 9.—Original Painting in Oils of Still Life 1 1 0. 10 6 10.—Best Drawing in Pen and Ink, copy of an etching or engra- ving 0 10 6 6 0 11.—Pencil Shaded Drawing 0 10 6 6 0 12.—Shaded Drawing from Cast, Ornament or Fruit 0 10 6 60 15. -Model of a Railway Station, base not to exceed3ft. by 2ft, 1 l 0 — 14. Fretwork model of Tower Bridge (hand work' 0 i0 6 — 15.—Fretwork Model of Doll's House with Furniture (machine work) 0 10 6 — 16.—Hymn Tune to words" God Who Hath Made the Daisies (words •tiay be found No. 774 in Con- gregational Hvmnal). To be written in old notation, and sent to Hon. Sec., not later than July 1st. Aujudicator, E. MINSHALL, Esq., London 1 1 0. — For particulars of further Competitions, Rules and Regulations, &c., see Schedule, which will be pub- lished the end of March, and may upon receipt of stamped addressed envelope, be obtained from the Secretary, GE()RGK UPHAM, 29, Albert-street, Merthyr Tydfil.

62. THOMAS-STREET, MERTHYR TYDFIL, FEBRCAKY 15 TH, 1396. DEAlt Sw. Recognition of the Honour conferred by Her Majesty upon Sir W. T. LEWIS, Bart. From the moment it was made known that Her I Most Gracious Majesty bad conferred the honour of a Baronetcy upon SIR WILLIAM T. LEWIS, it was felt throughout the district that practical expression should be given in testimony alike of the dignity awarded, and in earnest appreciation of Sir William's long and able services to Wales. To review those services would be a lengthy and pleasant task. No one has laboured more than he in theDeveIopement of the Industries of the Princi- pality. The impress of his work is to be ?een over a wide area. Docks, Mines, Steel Works, yielding comfort to hundreds of thousands, are his memorials. I The Seaman, the Miner, the Steel Worker, have been I unceasingly benefitted by him, and his services have not ended there. He has been assiduous in looking I after the wounded in the battle of Trade and Com- merce in establishing a Fund for the injured and in Mining Schools and Colleges; and not least, in Hospital work his generous sympathies havp been exhibited. To hand down to future generations the memory of To hand down to future generations the memory of a reputation so excellent, a Committee has been formed for the purpose of soliciting Subscriptions towards the Erection of a Statue in some chosen spot in his native place, or some other form of lasting recognition of the dignity conferred upon him by Her Majesty; and I am directed to appeal to you for your co-operation in the Movement, which, while aiming to honour him, cannot fail to reflect honour upon all concerned. Subscriptions may be made payable to either of the Treasurers, or to Yours faithfully, W. J. JONES, Hon. See. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: THOMAS JENKINS, Esq., J.P., C.C., High Con- stable, Chairman. E. P MARTIN, Esq., J.P., Dowlais; WILLIAM EVANS, Esq., J.P., Cyfartlifa, Treasurers. I Messrs. W. L. Daniel, E. P. Martin, J.P., ^'illiam Evans, J.P., T. H. Bailey, J.P., Christmas Evans, \1 Wni. Griffiths, F. T. James, R. P. Rees, John Rogers. J.P., Rev. Daniel Lewis (Rector), Joseph Owen, H. W. Martin, Charles Wilkms, Ilev. Canon Wade, H. W. Sou they, J.P., Isaac Edwards, Isaac I Lewis John Jones (Glanynant), Thomas Price (Loco- motive Inspector), J. Ctlllehnd, Colonel Cresswell, J.P John Roberts (Merthyr Vale). Colonel Lewis, I Dr. Biddle, Gwilym C. James, David Williams, Thomas Evans, Thomas Morgan, Dr. Ward, J.P., Dr. Webster, J.P., Thomas Williams, J.P., Dr. Crom- I well Jones, H. E. Gray, Wra. Harris, W. T. Bell. MARKET SQUARE CHURCH. NEXT SUNDAY, MARCH 8ill. PREACHER— REV. J. G. JAMES. Morning Subject-" The Christian's Reward—What is it?" Even ng Subject—" The New Light."

Births, flDarnaaes anfc Deaths. BIRTH. JONKS.—On the 3rd inst. at 5, Agents-terrace, Pentre- bach, wife of W. D. Jones of a daughter.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5TH, 1896. CoMPAKK Mr. Goschcn's with its huge expenditure, naval estimate, with the famous "bunget of Sir William Harcourt. Sir William left a surplus of many millions. Mr. Goschen has elaborated a scheme by which £ 5o,0tX>,0tMJ will be spent on the Nav y in the course of the forthcoming ten years. is there any need for this gigantic expenditure? Are we going to light the combined naval forces of the whole world ? 101 Europe will soon be paralysed by its standing armies and navies.

Ox Friday the House of Commons agreed to a vote of :CIO,(I(K) towards the building fund of Cardiff University College. The late Government, Mr. Hanbury explained, had promised £ 20,000, pro- vided a similar sum be raised by local subscrip- tions. More than half that amount had been collected, and the Government, therefore, granted j an equal amount. When the remaining half was forthcoming the other ;CI 0,000 would be handed over to the College fund. This grant, it may he mentioned, is not connected with the \('elsh University Fund. j

Poon Mr. Ellis nrifiith has suffered a humiliating defeat over the first resolution lie ever proposed in his capacity as member of Parliament, or rather, to be quite accurate, of the Welsh Party. He had moved that no action be taken by a Welsh Liberal member unless it had the sanction of a majority of the members. We said a fortnight ago that this proposed rule was artificial ami, under present circumstances, unnecessary. It might be necessary when the Welsh members were in a position to imperil the (Roveriintent. At present each and every member can afford to be a free lance, and Mr. Griffith's rule. would only hamper individual activity. At Thursday's meeting of the Party, the motion was supported only by three members, namely, Mr. Griffith, Mr. Herbert Lewis, and Mr. Vaughan Davies. The opposition was led by Mr. S. T. Evan1-, Mr. D. A. Thomas, and Mr. Bryn Roberts.

THK Lichfield Election is a great victory for the Liberals. The title really seems to be turning in downright earnest. The Tories had fully counted on capturing Lichfield. Their candidate, Major Darwin, was a very strong nian locally, while Mr. Warner, the Liberal candidate, was almost a total stranger in the constituency. Lichfield, more- over, comes within the Birmingham sphere of influence, and Mr. Chamberlain threw his snppoit in the Major's favour. So did Sir Robert Peel, who, from the sands of Egypt, exhorted the electors to vote Toiy, and described Home Rulers as rebels." The" rehels," how- ever, sent up the majority from 44 to 528, and so Lichfield makes a rattling good third to Montrose and Southampton. It should be noted, however, that Mr. Warner did not go in for extreme Temperance legislation on restrictive lines. He took his stand boldly on the Anti-Local Veto plat- form. This is an incident the Liberal leaders should take cognisance of.

THE Brecon-road Liberal Association, on fuesday night, discussed the "One mail one Board" question. Like the true and loyal Liberals they are, the members present, without a single exception, approved of the principle, and strongly denounced multiplicity of seats. They are fully aware that this policy, if adopted, would exclude some of the most faithful Liberals from some of the seats they occupy at present. But they do not look on the question as a party one. They regard it from the point of view of the general welfare of the com- munity, and they base their argument on the broad democratic principle that it is well to get the greatest possible number of people directly and actively interested in the administration of local affairs. Other Liberal Associations could not do better than discuss and ventilate this important question.

WHAT a wise thing it was in the Cardiff people to send Mr. Maclean to Parliament, and in the people of South Glamorgan to send Major Wyndham Quin In the House of Commons on Monday, the former proposed, and the latter seconded, that the Cowbridgc School be eliminated from the Gla- morgan Ittermediatc scheme. These two mem- bers of Parliament are thus undoing the work doae by the representatives of the people in the county council. It is a delicious arrangement to send a man to the county council to do one thing, and another man to the House of Commons to do some- thing quite different. We hope the Cardiff and South Glamorgan electors are satisfied with the work of their hands. Mr. 1). A. Thomas fought valiantly for the common rights of the people, but nothing can avail against a Tory Government with a huge majority. Mr. Stanley iii, tioii to exclude Celli- gaer School was defeated by a tremendous majority. The motion was seconded by Mr. Tudor Howell, one of the Tory members from North Wales. Mr. Alfred Thomas defended the county scheme in a vigorous speech. Mr. Grant Lawson, speaking as a Charity Commissioner, characterised the policy of the motion as very greedy and very selfish."

THK present Government, despite their huge majority, are not getting on so very well. They seek to cripple debate in the House of Commons. That may be a blessing in disguise. But what can be said of their museum-crippling propensi- ties ? France, we read, is spending more and more on commercial museums, and even Turkey is waking up to the importance of that factor in popular progress. England, however, is apparently going to adopt a reactionary policy. The Science and Art Department is to be crippled to the tune of £ 4,740 this year. The Jermyn-street Geological Museum is to suffer a re- duction of £ 160, the Edinburgh Museum £ I ,HOO, and Dublin Museum JB900. Wales, alas has no museum to he docked in this ruthless was. The total grant is to be lowered from £ 24,000 to £ 17,000. This is how the Tories encourage and assist intellectual development Lord Beacous- field used to pride himself on his patronage of science, literature, and art. But then, as Mr. Balfour would say, Lord Beaconstield is dead." The Liberal Government did all they could to render more effective the educational machinery. But now a Ton- Government have conic in, and though they have an immense surplus to dispose of, one of the very lirst things they do is to aim a cruel blow at popular education. Yet the Tories hold up their hands in pious horror at continental competition, and wonder how the workmen of European countries beat us even in our own markets.

THE Royal Commission appointed to consider the question of Relief of Agriculture have presented their report. There is a majority report and a minority report. The former suggests three re- medies 1, the abolition of the anomalies in the incidence of the Land Tax 2, loans for agricul- tural improvements; 3, land to be assessed for local purposes at one-fourth its ratable value, the remaining three-fourths to come from Imperial sources. The landlords are thus to be generously treated. If the Commission's third remedy is adopted by the Government, the owners of land will be relieved, it is calculated, of something like two and a half millions a year. That sum will have to be made good by the toiling masses of the towns. The poor fellows who cut coal, tend the furnace, and ply the loom will be heavily taxed in order to keep the landed aristocracy in the enjoyment of its luxuries. The Tories boast, says the HV^- minster Gar.ette, that they represent all the large I centres of population, and there is, unfortunately, a good deal of truth in their contention. Are they going to, and can they, justify supporting a scheme which is to rob these towns to pay the landlords The minority report may be regarded as giving the Liberal view of the matter. Mr. Shaw Lefevre, Lord Rendel, and Sir H. Giffcn are not averse to Land Tax reform. They point out, however, that the tithe is a far heavier burden, and they are of opinion it should be reduced. As regards local taxation, the grievance is not the total amount, but the inequality between various parts of the country this inequality, they recom- mend, should be redressed by State assistance. They do not concur with the majority in recom- mending that subventions from the State should be granted to the occupiers of land only in the shape of three-fourths of the poor rate. This would practically mean a national poor rate.

)11:. D. A. THOMAS and Mr. Bryn Roberts made a plucky tight for a good cause on Thursday. Dr. John Rhys, principal of Jesus College Oxford, had met the Welsh members to discuss the Meyrick j Fund. It had been proposed that this fund, con- sisting of £ 20,000, should be included in the Central Board scheme. After discussion the Welsh members agreed to its elimination from that scheme, the money to be given in scholarships, tenable at Jesus^ to graduates of the Welsh University and Lampeter College. It was to this latter provision that the two mem- bers named objected. Mr. Bryn Roberts proposed that the scholarships be open to all Welshmen, and not confined to graduates of the University or Lampeter. Mr. 'lhomas seconded, but the motion was lost. As we said last week, the three Univer- sity Colleges have fairly captured the University from the stai t, and they have now virtually cap- tured the Meyrick Fund. It will answer their purpose just as well to have the Meyrick scholar- ships tenable at Oxford as at one of their own colleges, because the students will have to go through the latter on their way to the former. Mr. Roberts, in seeking to throw the scholarships open f to Welshmen generally, was only pursuing the course of policy he has advocated all along. From the beginning he has held the view that the Welsh University degrees should be granted to everyone who can pass the examinations. But that demo- cratic policy did not suit the three colleges, and I the degrees were limited to studeuts of those institutions. The Meyrick scholarships have now gone the wav of the degrees. All are perquisites, so to speak, of the colleges. In our humble opinion, the colleges are strong enough to stand on their own merits, and do not need all this artificial bolstering up. The Welsh University is now only an ad junct of the colleges, whereas it ought to be something greater and laid on a broader basis.

I)ots a Welshman, when he crosses Offa's Dyke and pitches his tent in England, of necessity cease to be a elsh patriot Somebody has said some- thing of that sort, it appears, and the TIev. Hart well Jones smites him hip and thigh with great slaughter through a whole column of the Wet em Mail. Mr. Jones is a man of culture and erudition. Ho was formerly professor of Latin at Cardiff College, and now he is a south of England rector. He generally knows what he is about, but in the present instance we fear he is pursuing a vain shadow. By whom, whetc, when was it said that Welsh- men in England arc not patriotic. We do not suppose they are all patriots. There is a fool iu every crowd, and our Welsh friends over the border, we may safely hold, are pretty much like the pink-eyed potatoes of Cwmtwrch some good, some bad, some indifferent. Speaking generally, however, we may, with confidence, lay down this doctrine: some of the best Welsh I)ati-iots are, firstly, the Englishmen who live in Wales, and. secondly, the Welshmen who live ill England. Concerning the former, we say nothing further at present. As for the latter, the malady they suffer from, as a rnle. is not lack of patriotism, but excess. They love their country well, if not always wisely. They are patriots with a vengeance. What they are weak in is not patriotism, but a sense of pre- portion and a sense of humour. Not content with serving their country, they want to patronise and control. They are inebriated with the exuberance of their patriotism. The London Welshmen are terrible sinners in this respect. For years they controlcd Aberystwyth College. For years they have wanted to boss the Natknal Eiste Idfod. The Manchester and Liverpool Welshmen are not much better. Was it not they who, in their eagerness to regenerate their native eouiituy, set on foot the Cymru Fydd movementj We mention these things not in any carping j spirit, but to show that the H elsh in England are fairl\ bubbling over with patriotic enthusiasm. The London Cymrodorion are occasionally given to high falnt-in, as when they went in for that medal business, or when they sought to capture the eisteddfod. Still they have rendered priceless services to Wales, and done much to foster literary progress. The charge of non-patriotiain cannot for a moment be brought against them. Nor can it be brought, with any measure of comprehensive- uess, against the Welshmen of England generally. What 5lr. Hart well Jones said is quite true, but it scarcely needed saying.

SPAllKS FROM THE ANVIL. By JOE HAMMERSMITH. Au old Welsh proverb says, "Trydydd tro bydd eoel." The Guardians have now elected a relieving officer for Aberdare for the third time. The choice on Saturday fell on Mr. Llewelyn Richards, a native of Aberdare, and undoubtedly an excellent man in every respect. Let us hope that everything will go on satis- factorily this third time. Mr. Thomas Thomas, the popular guardian," did well to call attention to a matter I touched upon in this column last week. There was a doubt, as I said, as to whether the Board's procedure was techntcallv regular. Mr. Price had withdrawn his candidature by reason of his being over the maximum age. Then the Board decided to elect one of the three other can- didates picked out-, along with Mr. Price, for final selection. Was this strictly regular? Or should the whole business have been gone through over again, beginning with an advertisement of the vacancy in the usual way? Mr. Thomas asked the clerk to explain the legal position of the Board, so as to avoid any further complication and delay. The clerk replied that the law did not compel the Board to advertise at all, md that their mode of procedure was well within the regulations. The real point of the matter, how- ever, was not the advertising, but the limiting of the final choice to three men. The gist of the problem is this: was Saturday's election a part or continuation of Saturday fortnight's election, or was it a fresh elec- tion? If the former, it was legal if the latter, the Local Government BoaiU may possibly give trouble. The Guardians and the clerk take the former view, which is now doubt as m')"h in accordance with the strict letter of the law as it is with the dictates of common sense. MrrP rice, as we have seen, was over the age. Cnri- ously enough, one of the three candidates on Saturday turned out to be under the age. Two of them were young, one You.ig by name, the other young in year. Mr. Young was not too young. The candidate who was too young was Mr. David Williat)t-, who was born just a few days too late for the purpose o: this appointment. I Wisli him better luck in the future. Time is !In his side. Out of-the four candidates chosen for final selection two wo to disqualified on the score of age. One was below the minimum, and the other over the maximum, One thought himself a little older than he really was, and the other a little younger. Both acted in good faith, and did not attempt wittingly to mislead tbo Board. But the moral of the affair, as I pointed out. a fortnight ago, and as the Board resolved on Satur- day week, is let every candidate in future produce a certificate of birth. The number of people, even of intelligent people, who are ignorant of their actual a^e. is astonishing, and a rule like the foregoing is absolutely necessary to obviate difficulties. Lunacy is on the increase in this country. In Eug- land and Wales the increase from 1885 to 1893 was 15'5 per cent. The increase in Ireland during the same period was 21'8. In 1893-4 the increase in Eng- land and Wales was only 2'5 per cent. Is that a feather in the Liberal Government's cap ? In Ireland, during the same period, the increase wae 5'7. The Lunacy Commissioners have made a special report with regard to Ireland, and among the causes of in. crease they mention the excessive use of tea. Verb SJ p. Sir Charles Dilke has a \ery interesting article oil fines and deductions in last week's Saturday liei ieic. Employers of a celtain class impose the most out- rageous and tyrannical fines on their workmen. It has often happened that the men, when pay-day comes round, actually owe their employers money by reason of the tines they have incurred. The plain and simple truth of the matter is that the tines and deductions are only a part and parcel of the sweating system. Some firms make ery tidy profits in this way. For instance, they deduct >'0 much for gas or steam power, but the deductions are far in excess of the gas and steam bills. It is maintained that tines are necessary from a disciplinary point of view. Punctuality, for example, cannot be secured, it is alleged, except with the assistance of this system. Sir Charles Dilke, how- ever, points out that some of the leading firms in all trades are abandoning fines altogether, and the results of that experiment have exceeded their most sanguine expectations. Fines annoy and irritate the employed they are a species of tyranny very difficult to tolerate and their removal produces the most salutary effects. Continental Governments do not permit employers to bleed and harass their employed in this manner. In France, fines and deductions must not exceed a certain proportion of the total earnings. In Germany the fines must be devoted to some objects that are of benefit to those who pay them. Sir Charles knows pretty well everything that is knowable in this world. His knowledge of fines is extensive and peculiar. But there is one species which he does not seem to have heard of. I refer to the fines imposed by Cardiff shonkeepers on their assistants for talking Welsh. Per naps he will investi- gate this part of the subject, and write another article thereon for the Saturday. What are things coming to., Professor Morris Jones is demolishing the Gorsedd, and now Ur. Edward Foulkes comes along, and says, in an article j in the Gwyl Dewi number of the Genincn, that he does not believe a tithe of what is given to us as the history of Dafydd ab Gwilym. If things go on at this rate the whole of antiquity will be swept away into the limbo of oblivion, and we shall be left forlorn without a single belief to oheer our dreary solitude. Dafydd is our greatest (x>et, but it is preeiou* little we kuow of his life. What generally passes as his biography is evidently only a mass of legends, which may be true, but which do not look as if they were. We have his poetry at least wc have a lot of it; and perhaps that should lie sufficient for us. It is not very likely that our curiosity about his earthly career will ever be satisfied. What we want now is a cheap and popular edition of Dafydd's poems. There are three or four men who could supply this very lung-felt want. They could give an accurate and reliable text, and elucidate that text with grammatical and historical notes, together with a glossary of difficult words. It is a pity the beauties and charm of our greatest poet should be almost entirely unknown to the mass's of Welsh readers. Professor Morris Jones employs himself in belabouring a puerile fetish which nobody except Morien beliek e; in. He would he doing us greater service, I rather think, if he gave us a good and popular edition of the works of Dafydd ab Gwilym. We are FDON iu' along," as Ai tenuis Ward would say, "slowly along" towards the goal of Liberal organisation. An association has been formed at Troedyrhiw, and next week a stait is to he made at Abercan lid. In Merthyr the Brecon-road Association is doing good work and gradually increasing in strength and influence. Something may be done one of these itne days in the Town Ward, and Dowlais may follow in the same path. The feeling generally prevails that the time lias come to join hands together once more, and bury the bitterness of the past in the grave of oblivion. Does the spirit of Henry Richard haunt St. Stephen's classic pile these days ? W hat does it c-av of the gigantic expenditure of public money un the Navy? It is something terrible to think of, this Na\v esti- mate. We are at peace with all the world. There i* not even a rumour of war. Yet we are going to spend money on our Navy as if Armageddon itself was to come off in the summer. Wo complain of comhiercial depression. ('11 tinental countries are stealing our trade from uand beating us in our own markets. The outlook generally is not very cheerful. We are gioaning under a lw,n y burden of taxation. Thrifty, hard-working folk lind it difficult to keep the wolf from the door. And yet the lories have nothing letter to suggest for the salvation of the country than to upend scores of ln.I,onf on 71ach"lt"' to shoot people into atoms. How w.ll it benefit us to kill iur neighbours ? 'Tis a mad world, my masters.

MUSICAL GOSSIP. Mr. Howard Lees, uf the Blackpool Pier Concerts, is in communication with Madame Miles-Beynon with a. view to booking a weekV engagement in thesumnner. The Ysguborwen and Aberdare Rifle Volunteer Brass Band have secured the services of Mdlle. Amelia Sinico, late of Co\ent Garden, and Mr. James Bailey, late of the famous Black Dyke Mills Prize Band, its artistes at their forthcoming concert. Mr. H. C. Mellon, I.S.M., gaveh is first complimen- tary orchestral concert at Pontypridd Town Hall last Thursday night. The orchestra included the follow- ing Aberdare instrumentalists :—Mr. Phillips, leader of the Aberdare Quadrille Band Mr. Lawrance, Mr. Minetr, and Mr. F. Arnold. Amongst the vocalists of the Kentucky Minstrels who are appearing at the Empire Theatre, Aberdare, this week, is Mr. Henry Lloyd, brother Jo Mr. Edward Lloyd, who is considered to be England's greatest tenor. The brothers bear a resemblance to one another. The Aberdare Eisteddfod on Monday was very poorly attended. Nevertheless, there was a good programme. The Welsh Quartet," who have been lately on tour in the South of England, were much in eviderce. Two of them captured the prize of 15s. for the duct, "Flow Gently, Deva," and one of their number also won the prize of 10s. 6d. for the tenor solo, "Llam y Cariadau." Treevnon Choir have entered for the big eisteddfod at Mountain Ash on Easter Monday. Mr. Morris is the conductor. The Alierdare Choral Union have decided to per- form Sullivan's Light of the World next Chiistmas. The work is a beautiful one. Miss Maggie Davies and Mr. D. Price, soloists at the Westminster Abbey, have been engaged for the principal parts. We are pleased te state that the members of the Choral Union keep well together. Mr. W. J. Evans is the conductor. We are, however, sorry to say that the last Christmas Festival of the Choral Union was not a financial success. The Royal Artillery Band have been engaged to give a concert towards helping to wipe away the deficit. Mr. D. C. Williams' tune, Irfon," was sung twice at the Zion (Merthyr) Singing Festival on Monday, and is likely to prove very popular. Tin* Treorkv concerts at the Merthyr Drill Hall on Monday were hugely enjoyed. Financially the venture has turned out a brilliant success, the profits l>eing estimated to reach aliout JE40. The Pontmor- lais C.M. Chapel friends are to be congratulated on the result of their enterprise. It isn't often they go in for this kind of thing, but when they do they go ahout it with a. will. Musically the concerts were a rare treat. The greatest amount of interest was perhaps centred in the choir. >\ hat struck people most were the perfect blending of voices,, and the volume of sound produced. The training has reached a marvellous degree of efficiency. The Tyrol'' was the choir's finest effort, though the Destruction of Gaza and Safe in Port were cleverly rendered. Dr. Parry's Pilgrims is apt to lag here and there the finish is magnificent and full of vigour. Of the soloists. Madame J. Thomas must be awarded the fiist place. She has a voice of great power and flexibility, and she knows how to handle it to advan. tago. Her rendering of Ernani and Carmen- cita was exquisite. This lady will soon become one of our most popular vocalists. Mr. Gabriel Williams, Mr. Todd Jones, and Mr. J. Dcvonald acquited themselves with credit.

M EET OF THE LLANWONNO HOUNDS. A iiieet (ii the Llanwonno Hounds took place on Wednesday morning. About 30 ladies and gentle- men assembled at Cwmpennar Bridge, Mountain Ash, and among those present were Mr. Evan Llewellyn, M.F.H., Llanwonno Hounds; Mr. Willie Morgan, M.F.H., Tyn-y-Cymmer House Mr. D. Pritcliard, M.F.H., Cefn Forest Ilounds Miss Morgan, Maesycocd, Pontypridd Miss Grover, Clydaeh Court Miss Kitty Evans, Duffryn Ffrwd (who was mounted on a Russian pony); Dr. E. P. I'"vans, T.P., Duffryn Ffrwd Sir, Tom Morgan, Maesyeoed, PontA pridd; Dr. Washington David, Llwynypia Mr. 1). Llewellyn, Darwonno Mr. H. Edmunds. Penybailev Mr. J. Long, Mountain Ash Mr. A. Clark, Mountain Ash Mr. J. Williams, Bryneerddin Mr. B. Morris, Mountain Ash Mr. Walter Morgan, Aborfan Hotel; Mr. Walter Davies, Monachty. The Middle Duffryn Woods were first drawn, then across the Incline, and Tynte Wood. Not drawing anything in either of these woods, the hounds drew the covers along the mountain side, from Cefn pen nar along above Newtown, Lower Forest, thence to the Tunnel Woods. Rsynard not having been met with, tho hunt proceeded across to the cast side of the mountain, and drawing Ravens Crag and Aberfan Rocks, and then proceeded up the valley.

A FACT THAT PURCHASERS AT Y^ttlliamss, j HIGH STREET SAVE FROM 15 TO 25 PER CENT. This is an absolute fact, as many of our customer. have testified. Ask anyone who ha.s purchased from us, and they will satisfy you. Many houses in the furnishing trade re 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. THE TRIUMPH LEATHER SUITE.—Com- A moner Suites are sold elsewhere from 6 to 8 guineas. Our price for a good Suite, sound as a bell, £4 17. 6d. PEDESTAL WRITING TABLES. Others' JL price, £3 10s.; Williams's price, 44e. OIDEBO ARDS.—Agrand 6ft. how-front Sideboard, KJ in walnut, oak, or mahogany, only 13 guineas. DINING TABLES.—Telescope Dining tables, ID with extra leaf, polished throughout, 35e. OVERMANTELS.—See our really magnificent display of "all solid Walnut OvermantelB at 10 to 20 per cent. less than others charge for veneered ones. Call upon us, and you will be satisfied this is true. C10UCHES.—Good Leather Couches, well stuffed, J 17s. lid. SADDLEBAG SUITES.—A good, sound, saddle- bag Suite, nice pattern, well-made frames, and clean finish, for 7 guineas. ABF-NET. — Inlaid Rosewood, with bevelled J plates, 95 12s. 6d. EDP.OIDAI SUITES. -Williams's Gigantic Stock of Bedroom Suites is unapproached and ua- approachable. They are not garret-made roocl.. 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, &c., &c., £4178. 6d. BEDROOM SUITE.—6ft. Black Walnut Bedroom BEDROOM SUITE.—6ft. Black Walnut Bedroom 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 6-e this suite. DUCHESSE TOILETS. — Williams's Cheap Duchesse Toilets, 36s. 6d. the pair. EbSTEA DS. —Full size Bedsteads, cl&ap make, 9s.lld. 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 j64 48. BEDSTEAD in Parisian shape, with brass mounts and pearl spindles, £ 2 12s. 6d. "^yriRE MATTRESSES, double woven, from "^7o6i7M.^m MANGLES, full size, 24-inch, warranted l>est quarted rollers, 35s. Compare the prices. BRASS CURBS and FENDERS front 4s. lid. I13 The Champion Brass Curb, with 6 massive supports and heavy tail, at 13s. lid., speaks fur itself you have doubtless seen it in our windows. Call and look at it next time you are passing. MOTLET and THNNER 'WARE.—A neat pattern, JL full size, Toilet Set, 4s. lid. Dinner Services from 7s. lid. (4 \RPETS and CURTAINS.—Tapestry Squares, j 15s. lid., excellent pattern Lace Curtains, with frilled edges, 6s. lid. BASSINETTES and MAIL CARTS.—As we are compelled^ to clcar these to make room for ou growing Furniture trade, we are offering them a exceptionally Low Prices. 0 2>RINCES^^MAY 'HbUKERS/lOsi'M. each. fjlKlUMPH N L: KSEUV CH ALKS from 10s. 6d. KITCHEN CHAIRS.—Good Lati)-back Chairs, 2s. 10/,d. each. STAIR RODS. — Round, Half-round, and Trt ks angular Stair Rods at 25 per cent. off iron- mongers' prices. (CORNICE POLES of every description. Shaj>efl J Brass Day Window Poles, Isin. thick Is. 6H. per foot. Our Maguificcnt Furnishing Guide Free by Post All Goods Delivered Free. Please Notu Addrc.-s A iNI rjpili: j^URNISHlNG EMPORim 11, 11 S1 CARDIn.