Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

0& Public announcement. I PALM SUNDAY. WREATHS, CROSSES, Ac. ALL ORDERS ENTRUSTED TO FLORIST J. GRAY, SEEDSMAN, 6, GLEBELAND, MERTHYR, t ^ill l>e made up of the Choicest White Flowers Maidenhair Fern. Prices 5s., 7s. 6d., 10s. 6dM • W.f 15s., 20s., 25s., 3(K. and upwards. k*\e also taken the shop lately occupied by Mr. •" hite, 7, Pontmorlais, Merthyr, which will be on Saturday, 14th inst. J. E. COMLEY & SON are now Booking Large Orders for Coming Season for PRESENTATION CHINA, BALLS, PLUSH GOODS, PURSES, ALBUMS, *ANCY GOODS of all Descriptions, &c., Ac. Garden and Flower Seeds p*«»_ In Id. Packets, CAREFULLY SELECED FROM SOME OF THE BEST GROWERS. Special Quotation on Application, v, **e hold the Largest and Pest-selected Stock of and General Goods in South Wales. Our name so well known needs no further comment, ^ote Address: — A MOIKA TERRACE, CARDIFF, v Close to New Infirmary. ^TABLISHKD 18S0. WHOLESALE ONLY.

THURSDAY, MAUCH 12TH, 1896. ^.JURic cloud haugs over the coal industry of South rp1 The storm may be upon u« any moment. discharge-uote system, recently introduced by t,lS employers, lies created the most intense feeling "tiKnig the colliers. A conference was held at *rdiff on Monday to discuss the question. So Onerous a gathering has not been seen for seven ■ e*r8> and the voice that went forth was clear, emphatic. The men say they will not toler- the system. They demand its instant and ^conditional w ithdrawal. That was the nnmis- th ^ll€ *'ie conference on Monday, and \»<re was not a single dissentient voice. Mabon, .r« David Morgan, and Mr. Brace were united in 'Her and relentless hostility to the discharge note. a employers held a conference on Tuesday, this question was discussed there. No decision *?*nived at, the subject having been postponed. Monday next the men's representatives will le«t once more at Cardiff", when some definite t^Ur*e of action will be adopted. It is quite P^sible that an universal order of "down tools" be the result of the conference. We hope, ?Wever, that Mabon's suggestion of giving ^'Plomacy a trial" will be acted upon, and that \ery possible means of effecting an amicable settle- ment will be exhausted before resorting to the "t'euie ami disastrous machinery of a strike.

W orking Men s Dwellings Bill, introduced ? the House ot Commons by Sir A. Hickman, J** approved by the Government, has two funda- *utal drawbacks. In the first place, the work- *Q cannot avail himself of its provisions unless he advance about Jt'tO of his own money. How workmen are able to do this? Not many. tViose who are, do not stand in much need of Bill at all. The second drawback is that tlie ownership, so speak, is vested in the tenant. Workmen, as a ,e> have no desire to become the owners of their "fuses. The reason for this is obvious. Labour .J^'jjratory. Workmen of all classes, whether 'killed or unskilled, want to be at liberty to move ,reni one place to another. The owner of his house J* seriously hampered in this rcspect. He cannot always move, at short notice, without suffering a heavy pecuniary loss. He may not be able to find ■j buyer, or even a tenant for his house. This difficulty would be met by vesting the ownership y* the local authority, as suggested in Sir Charles Dilke's amendment. The Tories make loud profession of their love for the sons of toil. They even pretend to favour measures of a Socialistic tendency. But the gjhj«wt«».ly the «we wUh th. McA

THIRK were not as many young men in the educa- JWB meeting at Zoar Chapel, Merthyr, on Monday have been expected. The fact is the younger generation have not been per- ^•*ted with the principles of Liberalism as regards his question. A quarter Of a century- has passed 5 eince the Education problem has occupied the ?ri°u* attention of the country. There was a *fce struggle in 1870, when the Forster Act was j?*sed. Since then the question has not held a j^ioent place in the public mind. „ 'B forcing itself, however, to the front once ro^'i ^em&nds of the clerical party have Tl?"J country from one end to the other, tliif *ie Liberal Party now is to educate Th ^.c 'n tlie elementsof the education question, is (K ^'n8 fundamental principle we contend for Mi M *ver-v institution maintained bv public funds tie* i. •Ejected to public control. Representa- m*n "houW go with taxation. According to this scho°ls established for sectarian purposes J">ttld be supported by the sects controlling them. he eUcatioti of the children is one of those duties fttiU the State should discharge, untrammelled ? unhampered bv any sect whatsoever. This in other words, universal school boards, br VUimate g°al of Liberal policy. Such is the taW healthv platform on which all Liberals bv\e,U'eir stand.* The demands now put forward e«d t^er'ca^ Pal'ty must be resisted to the bitter C.l»iricai education, as the Rev. Hirst. Hollowell !ted out on Mondav, lias always and every- ,been R ^ilure. \ln Italy nnd Spain the °ols are in the hands of the priests, and those the only two Continental countries which do Push us hard in commercial competition. In r ? ,n<l I lye same shite of things prevails, with the ill?, that one clector out of every five is an eiate. Schools flourish most under popular "trol. The Established Church claims to have to the rescue of education when the State p *8 apathetic. Mr. Hollowell proved that the iu\erSe this was the case, and that the Church, AS it could, had hampered the State in it s to improve and develop the educational ginnery. "P. Daniel, in a verv impressive»speech, regretted present attitude of the Irish Nationalist mem- fs. Their action, he said, was ungrateful and Ju<*>nsistent. The Liberals of this country, at ^rrihle cost, had stood faithfully by them in their i'Atriotie efforts. But now when we require their they desert us, and go over to our eleri- j*1 opponents. Mr. Daniel deprecated rctalia- U.°u- We must continue to advocate the princi- Home Kuie because it is a just and reason- principle. Still the fact remains, as we have 'n°i'e than oncc pointed out, that the Irish members '3 doing all they can to alienate the sympathy of ^f'"erals and Nonconformists, aud to paralyse Rule enthusiasm.

LLANWOXNO SCHOOL BOARD. »,^ednesdav. Present: Mr. E. Jones (chairman), V*v- B. Lloyd. B.D., Messrs. E. T. Williams, Rev. 'lames, E. Jilorris, W. Phillips, G. A. Evans, and 1 • Shipton (clerk). ITEMS. — The School Management Committee Jel>orted having discussed the question of engaging •eadteachere from the qualified a.*sistant-teacners j\ader the Board.—The Iiev. B. Lloyd pro|>o.sed that Jjr Solution limiting the choice of headteachers to *P.e qualified assistants he rescinded.—There voted for motion Rev. B. Lloyd, Mr. G. A. Evans, Mr. J. r? £ .V|«S Mr. W. Phillips—♦ against: Chairman, Dr. Ur'ffkh, Rev. J. James, Mf. E. T. Williams Mr. J. '•"Vans—5.—Dr. Griffith again complained of the per- flation nuisance near Navigation School.—The clerk instructed to write to the Local Government ^oprd.—Ix»rd A'jerdare wrote saying he would be r?**sed to perfom the oeremony of opening the j;*v'gation School.—Miss Annie Jone~, of Cardiff p9Uege, was engaged as assistant-mistress at Duffryn i?' School.—Miss White was appointed assistant Tperobert Infant School. PtriL TfACHKRS.—Mr. A. Morgan, headmaster Mpil teachere' centre, Pontypridd, reported having ^de an examination of the pupil teachers with the flowing results Fourth year—seven passed first J'V*, twelve second class, three third class, one f*'lure. Third vear—one passed first class, six second class, two third class. Second year—three passed fiist Vi?93* five second class, three third class, one failure, 'irst year—four passed first class, six second diss. 'T^M»(tK3.—Ten tenders were received for the new ^nools at Ynysyboth as follows Messrs. C. Jen- kins andSons^ T'orth, £ 3,400 ;Mr. A.Richards, Pentre, ^3,750; Mr. W. Lissauian, Navigation, £ 3,880; Messrs. Williams and Jame. Pontypridd, £ 3,991 M^srs. Co.\ and Bard", Cardiff, £ 4,052 Mr. T. *«-ee8, Merthyr ^'aIe, £ 4.100; Mcs-rs. D. C. Jones And Co., Swansea, £ 4,139 Mr. D. Jenkins, ^Swansea, £ 4,200 Messrs. Knox and Wells, Cardiff, £ 4,300 Messrs. A. J. Howell and Co., Cardiff, £ *»S18 12s.—The Board resolved to meet on the ground at Ynysyboth with the architect, and that Messrs. C. Jenkins and Sons, Porth, be asked to attend to confer with the Board.Eight tenders were Reived for the new infants' schools at Cribin Ynysybwl, as follows Mr. T. Hughes, n3'«ybwl, £ 1,108 Messrs. Williams Bros., Cribin J)l,» £ 1,179 Messrs. C. Jenkins and Sons, Portli, ^1,250 Messrs. Williams and Jame- Pontypridd, Mr. W. Li«saman, rsavigation, £ 1,376 Mr. D. Jenkins, tfwau Messrs. D. C.Jones 1. Howell And Co., Cardiff, £ 1,575. —The tender of Mr. T. Hughes, Ynysybwl, was accepted, subject to certain pfovi&iotjs,

I SPARKS FROM THE AXVli. Ur JOE HAMMERSMITH. The Cymrodorion Dewi Sant dinner on Friday night, was an interesting and an enjoyable function. Close upon forty patriotic Welshmen, who have not bent the knee to the Baal of cosmopolitanism, assem- bled round the festive board, each wearing our national emblem, the leek. The bardic and other addresses which followed the repast were full of the laC red fire of national enthusiasm, and they were all delivered in the grand old language of Paradise. lechyd igalon Cymro oedd en gwrando. Mr. William Edwards, the patriotic and erudite Inspector of Schools, dwelt on the recognition at last awarded to the Welsh language in our system of national education. He had the pleasure, he said, now of examining hundreds of school children in that language, which was chosen by them in preference to French and other continental tongues. He also hoped that Welsh would be given its due place in out intermediate school", colleges, and the University. To that, from the bottom ot my heart, I whisper a cordial "Amer." The Rev. John Thomas, in an instructive address, dwelt upon the service rendered to Wales by the pulpit in the past. In the future the pulpit, if it was to maintain its power, had to become more and more cultured, and its occupants would have to devote themselves more and more exclusively to their sacred duties. The preachers, in other words, would have to be specialists. In years gone by they had given some portion of their time and talent to education, journal- ism, politics, ond other outside work. They could not afford to do this in the future. Mr. David Evans very properly reminded the fathering of the great debt Wales owed to Liberalism. le did this in the spirit of the historian rather than of the political partisan There was no disputing the fact that Liberalism had fought our battles in the; past, and secured for us the privileges we enjoy' to-day. Education had done a great deal, but- it was Liberalism that had prepared the way and obtained for us even our educational advantages. I am sorry to understand that the Cymrodorion Society is not in as flourishing a condition as it ought to be. The active and devoted secretary, Gwernyfed, complained bitterly of the meagre attendance at the fortnightly meetings, and the subscriptions appear to come m rather slowly. Some effort should be made, ere another season comes round, to infuse the society with renewed vigour. Morien believes almost everything, provided it is old enough. Antiquity is a never-failing key to the archdruid's heart. He does not believe, however, in Dewi Sant. Probably the saint is not old enough to find favour in Morien's sight. The archdruid may be right. Perhaps there never was a Dewi. Morien in the rdle of iconoclast is a novelty anyhow. Our patron saint is enveloped in mystery. Goly- ddan, who, it is conjectured, flourished in the latter half ot the sixth century, calls him the principal saint of Wales. Gwynfaidd Brycheiniog, in the twelfth century, describes him as the great David of Mon- mouth." Yet Dr. Owen Pughe says he never heard of Dewi until he went to Loudon-just six score years ago. When Dewi came to be regarded as our patron saint, and when the leek was adopted as our national emblem, no man knoweth. Perhaps it doesn't matter very much. I am sorely aud sadly puzzled, Mr. Editor. The Pope, I read, is consideiing the advisability of "defi- nitively condemning Anglican orders as heretical, invalid, and outside the p?Ie of possible recognition." That sounds terrible. But to a Lay Protestant Non- conformist the exact meaning is not quite clear. Does it mean that the clergymen of the Church of England are not parsons ? If they are not parsons, what are they! And are they entitled to the tithe ? Is it to Rome we are to look, after all, for the solu- tion of the Disestablishment problem ? The mov'er in this business is paid to be Cardinal Vaughan. But behind the Cardinal there is another priest named Canon Moyes. This Canon is going to bombard the Anglican clergy, and smash them into smithereens. He has proceeded to the Eternal City to fetch ammunition and shells. When be comes hack there will be incidents. What will the Rector of Merthyr say if Rome declares his orders to be heretical, invalid, and beyond the pale of possible recognition" ? What will the militant Bishon of St. Asaph say to this ? He will not be disestablished in this way, and delivered over to Satan, without a big struggle. The Western Moil will fight for the bishops and the parsons with as much energy and courage as it does for the publican?. The only real bishop in Wales, if the Pope carries out his threat, will be Bishop Mostyn, and he is only a vicar-apostolic in Wales, his epis- copal title being Bishop of Cappadocia. I am not quite sure of the latter name, but I think it is Cappadocia. And if the Anglican clergy are to be declared here- tical, invalid, and beyond the pale of possible recogni- tion," what about the Nonconformist ministers ? Are their orders," too, to he swept off the face of the earth by a stroke of the Papal pen ? But these De great and difficult questions, altogether beyond the comprehension of an ordinary blacksmith. So I think I will leave them alone. On Saturday the Merthyr Guardians discussed the Poor-law Officers' Superannuation Bill. And a rather ourious thing happened. Canon Wade proposed that the Bill be supported, and Father O'Reilly moved the previous question. Of course, there is no reason why Catholic priests should agree on the subject of pensions. Stillthe incident appeand to tickle the Guardians, and there was some merriment when the Father rot up to oppose the Canon. Mr. Wills eat between them, and seemed at a loss to know which of his spiritual counsellors to follew. Eventually he threw in his lot with the Canon, and helped him to bombard the Father. The Father had said he expected no peusion when he arrived at old age. Mr. Wills playfully retorted that it was in the next world he would come in for it. Poor-law officers had better make sure of something in this. Mr. Dan Thomas seemed doubtful about Mr. Wills' title to a pension either in this world or the next. So the fun went on. The end of it wai that 18 guardians voted with the Father, and 19 for the Canou. Very pathetic cases come before the Guardians of the poor now and then. Two such cases were dealt with on Saturday. One was introduced by the Rev. Aaron Davie. It was that of a woman with three children. She was described as the wife of a travelling tinker, and her treatment of her offspring was revolt- ing in the extreme. After some discussion the Guardians decided to put their legal power in force, and assume the custody of the children. This is undoubtedly the best thing that could happen to the little or.es. Another case was mentioned by Mr. Dan Thomas. A poor workman lay on the bed of sickness, suffering from a serious malady. He had several children, and the wife of his bosom, who ought to care for and nurse him, had gone away. He was in receipt of ten shillings a week out-door relief, and now he suggested that the Guardians should take his children into their care. If they did that, he could go to his brother, and would not require any further relief. This very wise and humane course was adopted. A different case was that of the Dowlais man who had buried a pauper relative, and now asked the Board to refund the funeral expenses. The bills he presented amounted to £10 7s. 9d. The Board thought this was piling on the agony rather thick, and went through the bills one by one, with the result that they were taxed down to £7 0. 9d. Let this be a lesson to others. On Tuesday Mr. Massoy-Mainwarin<? introduced a motion in the House of Commons re the Sunday opening of museums, public libraries, and other institutions of that sort. The most intense interest is felt in the subject in the town of Merthyr. lu appointing new J.P.'s for Glamorganshire the Lord Lieutenant, for some mysterious reason, did not travel further north than Pontypridd and the Rhondda. It is true the Hon. Ivor Churchill Guest, whose elevation to the Bench is exceedingly popular, is connected with Dowlais and the district but he does not live there. Not a single name from the Aberdare or the Merthyr Valleys is to be found in the list. Is not this rather funny ? We have plenty of men qualified in every way for the honour, and a large number who would not exactly object to append J.P." to their namew. The list contains 17 Tories, four Liberals, and eight neutrals. Even taking all the letter to be Liberal", there are almost 50 per cent. more Tories. Comment is superfluous. Everyone, T think, will rejoice in the elevation of Mr. Lascelles Can, who has identified himself in a very acthe and enthusiastic manner with various public movements in South Wales. The newspaper he controls plays a prominent part in public affairs. We do nut all agn'c with its nulicv, and cannot all accept it" ideals. Hut everyoni: lvadily recognises the ability with which it is conducted, and its chief editor fully deserves the honour now conferred upon him. The new Sj>eaker of the House of Commons is getting on splendidly. I read tim* in tlie ISla Gazette Three times Silomo rose to.is feet, but his blatant pose and the clare of his eyeglass had no effect upon Mr. Gully, and each time Silomo was peremptorily suppressed. And the House was pleased, for both sides keenly enjoyed seeing the friend of Abdul sat upon."

GHAND THEATRE, CARDIFF. There was a crowded audience assembled at the Grand Theatre on Monday night to welcome the famous Indian actress, Go Won-Go Mohawk, in the universally-known and generally-appreciated pic- turesque sensational drama, Wep ton no-Mah, the Indian Mail Carrier." With Carditfians Go-Won-Go- Mohawk is an especial favourite, and her performance in this her own play—the scenes being taken from her experience of life among her own people—is so mar- Tellously clever that even those ordinarily uninterested in startling spectacular plays are aroused to enthusiasm. Go-Won Go Mohawk is supported by an exceptionally talented company, and from first to last the piece goes with rare vim and spirit. Laughter and cheers were the rule on Monday even- mg. Among the members of the company who claim special mention are Mr. C. W. Charles, who, as Colonel Stockton, is even better than usual, and that is saying much. Mr. Will W. Evans and Mr. Will Skelton, and Miss Dorothy Neville, who introduce a series of excruciatingly funny variety sketches as Sam White, "a happy Hottentot"; Garry Cullen, "everybody's friend"; and Miss Matilda Sniffles, the colonel's housekeeper, succeed in doing their business so well that the smooth movement of the piece it not impeded. Other artistes also signally successful are Mr. Wilbur Collins, as Manuel Lopes Spanish Joe, the illain of the play and Miss Sadie Lloyd, as the colonel's daughter. Crowded audiences are assured during the stay of Wep-ton-no-Mah," which locally, at all events, only takes second place with the dramas on the road to the popular Grip of Iron."

MAKE LII K ENMOVAJJLK.— Loss of health means loss of all which makes lift) enjoyable for, in addition to t')e bodily pain and suffering which it causes, it entails a vast amount of mental pain and aniety, especially in the homes of the working classes. It brings in it-J traiu a host of discomforts which retard the recovery uf the sufferer, aud hinder, iustead of assisting.

I ABERDARE NOTES. tHy ARUIS]. If the Welsh language is dying at Pontypridd, it is not, at any rate, the case at Aoernant, Hirwain, Trecynon, and Cwmdare. At those places Welsh is very extensively spoken, and it is not an unfrequent thing to hear 80 per cent. of the children speak the language of the mountains whilst coming hom school. Our athletic friend, Mr. Arthur B. Manning, is no* in strict'training. We may hear of him figuring in the Good Friday Sports at Cardiff, and he may also j turn out at Manchester, or Nottwham, at Easter. The offer of Mr. Davies, solicitor, to provide J3100, I if nine other gentlemen will du the same, towards procuring a proper cycling track at Aberdare, was a ] very magnanimous ene. Such a track id greatly required. Will some nine gentlemen respond ? The many friends of the former Vicar of Al>erdare, the Rev. Bowen Jenkins, will be pleased to learn that his brother, Mr. Lawrence Hush Jenkins, will suc- ceed Mr. Justice Pigot at the High Court of Calcutta. He was educated at Oxford, and has practised at the bar for some years. He if, of course, a thorough Welshman. Welshman. There is no truth in the statement that a man was rescued from drowning in Nith-street the other even- I ing. It is, however, true that there was a very high tide," but there was no occassion to call out the lifeboat. They say that Welsh m dying: Anyway, there was a man at the police-court on Tuesday, who told the magistrates that he could not stieak any English, He was allowed to tell his story in pure Cymraeg. Mr. B. Thomas, photographer, Aberdare, has decided to present the conductor of the successful male voice party at Mountain Ash Eisteddfod with his (the conductor's) portrait in black and white, with frame complete. "Dear Argu*,—Don't yon think that the inhabi- tants of Albert-street, Wind-street, Upper Regent- street, and Bond-street, should unite in tunning a candidate for the District Council, who would make it his business to further the improvement of those much neglected portions of the town ? He would, of course, be known as the member for Mudville?" Mr. Tudor^Williams, one of the candidates at the forthcoming Council election, has very properly drawn attention to the need of a public library in the town, and baths at the Park. These are two very important questions, and, if carried out, would confer incalculable benefit upon the townspeople. Members of the theatrical profession often go through some curious experiences. A recent company did not take at all in Aberdare, and, as a result, the members got "stranded." The electors of the Gadlys and Llwydcaed Wards evidently mean business. At the meeting last week at Bethet they bombarded the outgoing councillors with a regular fusilade of questions. All manner of queries were made. Why did the Council appoint an Englishman and Englishwoman as caretakers of the Hospital ? Why was an inspector appointed for the new waterworks Why did the Council appose the new Railway Bill ? &c. This shows that the electors of these wards are taking an interest in the policy of the Council. And it is only right that they should do so. Mr. George came through the ordeal well. He explained that the new Railway Bill alluded to was opposed owing to the Sewage Farm. The reason that the English people were appointed caretakers at the Hospital was owing to the fact that no Welsh people had applied who were trained." The inspec- tor referred to was appointed before he (Mr. George) was on the Council. Here are a few questions which a ratepayer from the West End would like that superior body, the District Council, to answer :—Int.- Why is a copy of the financial statement for the year showing the Council's receipts and expenditure not sent to every ratepayer? And why are the Mcrthyr papers not allowed to tender for the publication of the statement in their columns ? 2nd.—Why are a large number of houses left without troughing, so that the rain is poured on one's head! 3rd.—Why are buckets ef tilth and ashes allowed to remain in the streets all the morning as in Seymour-street last Monday for example ? 4th.W7hy are some of the irons which support the awnings over the shop windows placed so low as to catch in one's hat? 5th.—Why aen't the Council go in for a scheme for lighting the town with the electric light, and thereby be up-to-date? A-

DELIGHTFUL TREATMENT FOR CURING CORPULENCE. The process of curing any physical disorder is so generally the converse of delightful" that the use of this and similar terms in reference to Mr. F. C. Russell's now popular treatment for corpulency natur- ally attracts special attention. These terms are to be found in a large number of letters included in the jui«t-issued 18th edition of Mr. Russell's little volume of 256 pages, "Corpulency and the Cure" (Wobnrn House, Store-street, Bedford squaro, London, W.C.). These communications are from persona of both sexes, and it is apparent that their number is represented by thousands annually, w'.io have found in this system of treatment a safe, rapid and permanent cure for excessive fatness. This testimony forms in the aggregate, indeed, a wonderful record of rapid reduction of excessive adipose tissue, and those who have pesonal reasons for being inter- ested in the subject should send to the above address six penny stamps for a copy (post free) of Mr. Russell's notably-suggestive little book. I think the treatment most delightful," writes one out of a large number of equally-enthusiastic correspondents. And the expressions Admirable tonic," Splendid stuff," A delicious beverage mixed with mineral waters," are of constant recurrence in this singularly-interest- ing correspondence' The details given by many of I the writers of these letters as to the results of the treatment fully justifies the use of such eulogistic phraser It must certainly be delightful to experience the sensation of losing unnecessary and dangerous fat by pounds per week, and frequently by stones per month, and that bv aid of treatment which simul- taneously increases the appetite and renders its reason able indulgence inocuous. The experience, too, must be still more delightful by the knowledge, which may be gained from a perusal of Mr. Russell's book, that his preparation is a pure vegetable product, without any admixture of the mineral poisons which are too frequently administered. With a candour which also is delightful, Mr. Russell prints in his hook the recipe for the preparation.

BY THE WAY. The new high sheriff of Glamorganshire is Colonel John Picton Turbervill, of Ewenny Priory, Bridgend. A letter was lately received by the High Constable of Aberdare bearing the following address Sir L. N. Williams, Esq., Aberdare. Mr. David Duncan, J.P., of the South- Wertes Daily News, haa been elected a member of the London Reform Club. failures in England and Wales gazetted during the week ending March 7th, was 174. The number in the corresponding week of last year was 197, showing a. decrease of 23. A Gellifaelog correspondent says there was much surprise and disappointment when it was found that the list of now J. P.'s did not contain the name of a certain well-known tradesman in that salubrious locality. We hear a similar tale from Treharris. What a fine thing larnin' is In a quarter of a column leading article on tea, published in a con- temporary, the writer manages to drag in the follow- ing names and classical references: -James I., Pan- dora, Hesiod, Epimetheus, British Solomon, Byron, Stygian fumes of Tartarus, Cowper, Nasmyth hammer, Pepys, Hazlitt, and Leigh Hunt. The second numher of the Western. Mail literary supplement, issued this week, is a very considerable improvement on the first. More space is given to Welsh literature, the critiques in this department being written with a great deal of ability. The whole number is very interesting and readab'e. The pro- prietors of the Mail richly deserve success in this praiseworthy enterprise. Mr. Beddoe was examining a witness in the County Court on Friday. The judge interposed with a string of questions, when suddenly he pulled up with, But there, Mr. Beddoe, I am taking your place please proceed with your examination." But your Honour can do it far better than I," courteously replied Mr. Beddoe. Oh, I don't doubt that in the least," answered the joke-loving judge, amid great laughter, but I mustn't do your work." Next to doctors," said Judge Gwilym Willliams at the last Merthyr County Court, the people who disagree most are architects and builders." This was aprojxjs a doll's house, which a Merthyr builder valued at;CS 7s. Sd., and an Aberdare builder at £2 10s. His Honour should have rememliered that the doll's house was for one of the Aberdare Board schools, and that the scale there is lower all lound than is the case with the Merthyr Board. Considerable interest (writes a correspondent) is taken in Aberdare Junction in the anticipated attack on Cardiff by the Russian fleet in 1898, as foretold by Mr. Louis Tracy, and the Chamber of Trade are taking the matter into their consideration at an early meeting. The leading members of the Chamber think the Russians, having vanquished Shebeenopolis, will probably march in the direction of their town, which should, therefore, in their opinion, be protected by fortresses We qnote the following from the West-em Mail. :— People with capital letters are on the increase. Mr. W. Harris, the deputy American Consul (or the American Deputy Consul, or the American Consul's deputy-which is correct ? ) at Cardiff has been elected a F.R.G.S. Mr. Harris is a portly man, so it will not be necessary to have a bag to carry this bunch of initials. His interest in geography is explained by the fact that he is a native of Dowlais. Everybody in Dowlais roam (in books) all over the world to find if the Creator has duplicated Dowlais anywhere. A correspondent in a contemporary recalls a storv about a once famous Scottish judge, the Lord Justice Clerk Hope. His lordship was extremely partial to eating raw turnips, and when taking country walks frequently strayed into a turnip field for that pur- pose. Being one day surprised by a falmer-into whose field he had gone-in the act of eating a pur loined turnip, he was somewhat rudely ordered out. "Sir," said the judge, with all the dignity he could assume, and it was not I i -tle, "do you know who I am ? I am the Lorl Justice Clerk." You may be onybody's clerk ye like," replied the farmer; "come oot among my neaps" (turnips). The following is given as a specimen of a baboo pleader's eloquence :—My learned friend, with mere wind from a teapot, thinks to browbeat me from my legs. But this is mere gorilla warfare. I stand under the shoes of my client, and only seek to place my bone jf contention clearly in your Honour's eye. My learned friend vainly runs amuck upon the sheet anchors of my case. Your Honour will be pleased enough to observe that my client is a widow, a poor chap with one post-mortem son. A widow of this country, your Honour will be pleased enough to observe, is not like a widow of your Honour's country. A widow of this country is not able to eat more than one meal a day, or to wear clean clothes, or to look after a man. So my poor client had not such physic or mind .as to be able to assault the lusty complainant. For a quarter of a century Mr. Keith Frith has been an advocate at the Old Bailey, and in a lecture the other day ho passed in review the misdeeds of many notable felons who had come under his notice, and told stories about them. One tale iras about a parrot which was stolen from the house of a well- known barrister, now deceased. The thief was caught, but his advocate took an objection before the magistrate that the bird came under the legal descrip- tion of wild, and so could not bj made the subjeot of larceny. Hearing this objection, the parrot, address- ing his owner, said, "T told you so, you infernal old fool. Why didn't you charge him with stealing the cage ? He couldn't have got ont of that." Mr. Frith was once retained by a swell-mobsman to defend him. The accused called at his chambers and paid him half his retaining fee, promising him the rest the following day. The man had not been gone many minutes, however, before he returned and paid liP, saying that he had come across a bit of luck in the Strand." What that luck was he did not disclose. Juries also came in for some humorous comments. In one case an Irish juror had been "got at" to do his best to reduce a charge of murder to a conviction for man- slaughter. A verdict accordingly was the result. Thanked effusively by the prisoner's friends, the juror replied, I like to be as true as my word. The other eleven were in favour of finding him not guilty, but I insisted upon it being mansiatigii ter. Telegraph. -+-

THE DISCHARGE NOTE QUESTION. On Saturday a meeting of the Sliding-scale Com- mittee was held at Cardiff, the following being the official report of the proceedings :—A telegram was received from Sir W. T. Lewis explaining that absence in Scotland prevented him from attending. Mr. W. Abraham, M.P., occupied the chair, and Mr. Archibald Hood the vice-chair. The following were also present on the owners' t-ide — Messrs. Edward Jones, Forster Brown, Edward Martin, William Thomas, F. L. Davis, Edward Davies, Graeme Ogilive, Charles Eden, and W. Gascoyne Dalziel (secretary). On the workmen's "iùe there were present Messrs. W. Abraham, M.P., D, Morgan, Thomas Richards, T. Daronwy Isaac, D. Beynon, A. Ouions, E. Thomas. J. Davies, J. H. Jones, John Morgan, John Thomas, and Lewis Miles (secretary" The meeting was called in response to the request of the workmen's representatives to consider the ques- tion of the adoption by the owners at the associated collieries of the discharge note system before the en- gagement of workmen, which system is protested against by the workmen's representatives, who con- tend that it is a breach of the Sliding-scale agreement. The whole matter was discussed at considerable length, and the committee adjourned for luncheon. On resuming the discussion in the afternoon, the em- ployers gave their reasons for the aodption of the system, and, the two sides of the committee having exchanged views upon the subject, it was suggested by the workmen's representatives, and agreed to, that, as the general body of the workmen's delegates will be holding a meeting on Monday, March 9, and as the colliery owners hold their annual meeting on L Tuesday next, the further discussion of the question be adjourned until the further meeting of the joint committee proposed to be held on Saturday next. A largely-attended special conference of miners' delegates, convened to consider the question of dis- charge notes and other matters, was held on Mon- day at St. John's Hall, Cardiff, under the presidency of Mr. W. Abraham, M.P. (Mabon). Mr. David Morgan, Aberdare, was voted to the vice-chair. The attendance of delegates was unusually large, the conference l>eing described as the largest of tne kind ever held inCardift. The mrml>er of delegates pre- sent were 146, representing 90,344 workmen. Strong s(>eeche« were delivered condemnatory of the dis- charge note^ystem, and the most intense feeling pre- vailed. Eventually, after a protracted discussion, an emphatic resolution was passed, protesting against the ,system, and positioning further decision until the coalowners had met. Another conftr.a,-e will be held to consider the question on Monday next. The annual meeting of the Monmouthshire and South Wales Coalowners' Association was held at the association offices, Cardiff, on Tuesday. The chair was occupied by Mr. William Evans, of Cyfarthfa, the retiring chairman, and there were about 60 colliery owners present. Mr. William Thomas, of Brynawel, A berdare, was elected president. Returns were received from the members of the association showing their output during the year 1895, of which the following is a summary :— Cardiff District 16,946,001 tons. Newport District. 7,137,559 tons. Swansea District 1,291,082 tons. Total 25,374,642 tons. This ahows an increase upon the previous year of 247,160 tons.- The association received the report of the owners' representatives at the Sliding-scale Com- mittee on the discussion that took place at the meet- ing of the committee on the 7tli inst., in regard to the discharge note question, and in view of the adjourned meeting of the Sliding-scale Joint Committee, to be held on Saturday next, the further consideration of the matter was deferred.

At a safe, permAnent. and warranted cure for Firoples S'.TOIUIR, Scurvy, Bad Legs SIr!n and Blood Diseases, and Sore vf all kinds, we can with contldenct recommend CLARRJ> Tontn-FAABN ELOOB )U*TUKB. t^GLD by cnemi> eve*} rwherf

THE BATTLE OF THE SCHOOLS. Conference and Public Meeting At Merthyr. On Monday last, a conference and public meeting were held in Merthyr for the purpose of discussing the questron National v. Denominational Educa- tion." Imitations to attend were extended to ministers of all the Nonconfoimist Churches in the Merthyr parish and borough, and there was a large attendance at the conference, which commenced at three o'clock in Hope Hall, under the presidency of Mr. W. L. Daniel, chairman of the Merthyr School Board. The secretary, Mr. Arthur Daniel, of Troedyrhiw, read letters of apology for non-attendance from Rev. W. James, Rev. Aarou Davies, Pont- lottyn and Mr. John Davies, Monk-street, Aber- dare. The Chairman, in opening the proceedings, re- ferred to the passing of Mr. Forster's Hit!, and the support given it by the Tories. With regard to the formation of school hoards, he said they in Merthyr district experienced considerable difficulty in that matter, there being a certrin circle of rate- payer?. and others who took a decided stand in oppo- sition to the formation of the School Board. And some of those present had not forgotten the meetings that were held in this and other parishes before they succeeded in obtaining the passing of a resolution to form a school hoard. Since it was established in 1871 a large amount of good, honest, real work had been done in the matter of education (hear, hear). It did not matter by what system of railway they left Merthyr, they would find that the whole of the country at the present moment was studded with some of the most suitable and creditable buildings in which the work of education was being carried on. He did not think anyone would venture to challenge the statement that a great educational work had been done since the establishment of the School Board (hear, hear). He unhesitatingly said that ever since the election last summer the friends of denomina- tional schools had felt that their hopes had risen with the result of that election, and he believed they had been bent upon biinging about what they had in view at the present moment, namely the securing of better terms for publicans and for the friends of denomina- tional education. There was almost a holy alliance of beer and Bible. He quoted various resolutions which had been adopted elsewhere in regard to the subject of popular control of State-aided schools, and touched upon some of the leading points in general controversy which has lately taken place in reference thereto. He maintained that it was their duty to insist thateducation, instead of being reduced to a minimum, should be advanced to the maximum, and they should try, as far as they possibly could to help worthy and deseiving children through their elementary schools, then to the advanced schools, then to the intermediate schools, and from them to the University College at Cardiff (applause). And then from the University at Cardiff to compete side by side with the sons of dukes and lords and the aristocracy in this comtry in the old universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and so let the world know what Merthyr boys could do if their education was properly attended to (applause). The Rev. J. G. James then readapaperentitled" The Significance of the Present Crisisin Elementaiy Educa- tion." Would it, he asked, be seriously contended that a teacher cannot reprimand a boy for telling an untrut h, acting dishonourably, discourteously, without giving religious instruction ? It was easy enough to show that a moral tone, which is insisted upon by H.M. Inspectors, mieht be entirely satisfactory without any religious teaching being given at all. Mi. James severely criticised the proposals of the denominationa- lists who wished to "capture the schools," and re-estab- lish theChurch of England in all the elementary schools. They were not, he said, accustomed to see any of the f ti nds raised voluntarily, or compulsory, being supplied, to any purpose, without popular representation upon the administrative Board. But wheu they were asked to submit to still larger sums being voted professedly towards national education, aud instead of that support being administered by properly-constituted, responsible authorities to be used as the appanage of a wealthy religious denomination to the detriment of others, would they not resent any such attempt as being grossly unfair, antiquated and ridiculously behind the timex ? The injustice was still further aggravated when the Boatd schools system had been called a System of the devil," a Public denying of Christ." a naughty cuckoo that had come into the nest of harmony and loved to turn out its sweet occupants, and take their nourishment instead. If this movement had been inapired by the genuine desire to improve the educational advantages of the children as a whole, if < all the teachens were to be better paid, and ail the schools more efficiently worked, they would be hound to lend it their hearty eupport in some measure or other. It was not their wish to cripple denomina- tional schools. That really was not a Nonconformist movement at all. It was not a genuine love for the Bible or religion that could inspire a movement that aimed at decreasing efficiency in secular subjects. It was an attempt to capture the schools, and make our < national education subserve the purposes of the cleri- cal party in the Church of England. The Rev. Charles Angwin, i»astor of the English Wesley Chapel, moved the following resolution:— "That this meeting of friends of national education Strenuously protests against the demands now being made on behalf of denominational schools under private management for increased grants from public ( funds, without the subjection of such schools to local representative management. That compliance with J such demands would not only he unfavourable to the < extension of a national system of education, but would < aggravate the injustice now inflicted in localities in < which all parents are compelled by law to send their children to schools belonging to one denomination. This meeting is stronply of opinion that if the educa- tional policy adopted by the Act of 1870 is to be departed from, there should IK* effected such changes as would redress this and other grievances, and also extend the principle of popular local control in con- nection with public elementary education." He represented a shurch that for a large number of years had been a great educational body in this country, and they would all understand that this question was one of gr-afc importance to We»leyans. Although the schools were called" Wesleyan schools," they received but very little pupport financially from the Wesleyan people (he.r, hear). They received in support of their schools, £223,000 of public money, and in voluntary subscriptions, including payments of the children's books &c., £26,000. They must not suppose that the schools were at all clerical. In his last circuit they had two day schools, which were managed by committees formed of laymen, of which he had the honour of being chairman, and he could assure them that if he had made an attempt to exer- cise any clerical influence, they would hate sent to him to know the reason why (hear, hear). Their position in relation to the present educational ques- tion was in direct harmony with the resolution he had proposed (hear, hear). The speaker dealt at some length with the question, and said the day was gone when children were brought out on the green, and learned tosay ",God bless thesquire and all his rich rela- tions," and when they as poor people" were taught to keep their "proper station" m life (laughter and applause). Rev. Hathren Davies, Cefn, seconded the resolu- tion, and Mr. David Evans supported, speaking, he said, from a Churchman's point of view. The Rev. J. Hirst Hollowell, Rochdale, supported the resolution in an able speech. The motion was carried unanimously, and the usual votes of thanks brought the meeting to a close. PUBLIC MEETING. In the evening a well-attended public meeting was held at Zoar Chapet. At the outset of the proceedings Mr. Arthur Daniel read the following letter from Mr. D. A. Thomas, M.P. :— Dawern, 8th March, 1896. "DEAR MR. BKRRT,—Will you kindly tell the secretary of the Education meeting convened at Merthyr for to-morrow night that I am suffering from a sore throat and cold, and very much fear that I shall not be able to preside at the meeting as promised. If I should find myself letter to-morrow, I will send you a wire in the morning. In any case please convey my hearty good wishes for the success of the gathering, and my strong hope that Merthyr will uphold its great Liberal traditions and express its uncompromising opposition towards any attempt on the part of the Government to prejudice unde- nominational education.—Yours very faithfully. D. A. THOMAS." Unfortunately, continued Mr. Daniel, our respected Senior Member was not able to leave home for Merthvr that day, and the following telegram had been sent by him to Mr. Berry :—" Exceedingly regret not well enough to attend meeting to-night. Heartiest wishes for its success.—D. A. Thomas." They would all be sorry that Mr. Thomas was uot able to take the chair that evening. In his absence, he begged to propose that Mr. Thomas Williams, J.P., preside. — This was seconded by Mr. W. Morgan. J.P., Pant, and carried. Mr. Williamsthen took the chair. In his opening address Mr. Williams said he was sorry the present meeting had to be called. The question in dispute had been forced to the front, not by them, hut by their opponents. The clerical party sought to disturb the compromise of 1870. We were content to go onJ- tut they were not. There was nothing for it now but a fight (hear, hear). And we are determined to fight to the bitter end (hear, hear). He hoped Merthyr would be firm. Thev were uphold- ing a great and salutary principle. They believed that control ought to go with maintenance. If they read the blue liooks they would be surprised and astounded to find how little the churchpeople contributed towards the maintenance of their schools. Yet the control of those schools was entirely in their hands. Such an arrangement was not fair or just, and they must fight and tight until they had put an end to it (hear, hear). The Rev. J. Mathews, of Swansea, was glad to find Merthyr waking up to the gravity of this question. What did the clerical demand amount to ? It was at bottom nothing less than an attack on our Noncon- formity and our Protestantism (applause). He wanted them all to realise that fact. Their religious freedom was menaced. The question they were met to discuss that evening was a very important one. He would ?;ive them a few figures. There were 43 training col- eges in this country, and of these 30 were absolutely in the hands of the Church. The Government had paid £100,000 for building these 30 colleges, the remainder being contributed by the general public. The Government also paid JB85,000 towards the main- tenance of these colleges. Yet not a single Noncon- formist could enter them ("Shame"). There were 20,000 voluntary schools in this country. 12,000 of them being in the hands of the Church. A million and a half pounds were given towards the buildings of the latter by the Government, and nearly three million pounds are contributed annually towards their sup- port. Not a single Nonconformist was allowed to become a teacher in these schools ("Shame"). One thousand Church schools were supported entirely by State aid. In Swansea they had a Church school without a single penny of contributions from outside, and he was not quite sure that the whole of the money received from the Government was spent on the school. 1 n another Church school the only voluntary contribution was the sum of £1,gi\"er1 every year by a retired clergyman (laughter). The clericals were alio asking for the abolition of the Cowper-Teniple clause in the 1870 Act. This clause prohibited denomina- tional teaching in Board schools, and the cleiicals, by r eliminating that clause, thought they would be able to capture the Board schools in many places, and turn them into Church schools. Against that demand every Nonconformist and every Liberal must fight to the death (applnuse). The Rev. J. Hirst Hollowell, of Rochdale, delivered a most eloquent and convincing speech. He looked on Merthyr, he said, as a centre of Liberal thought and action. His visit to the town had made him a sturdier Liberal and a stauncher Nonconformist (hear, hear). The atmosphere had been permeated by the grand teaching of Henry Richard—(applause) — and it was no wonder they spoke fo clearly on the present question before the country. Why did the clericals want to disturb the arrangement of 1870? They reminded him of an epitaph in the West of England I was well I would be better I took physic and here I am (loud laughter). They had enjoyed a monopoly of education for many years. 1 he privileges given them were enormous. Why could they not let well alone ? But they could not be satisfied with what they had. They wanted more, and thought they would get more from the present Government. In 1876, when the 17s. 6d. limit was conceded, the demand was opposed by the Duke of Devonshire and Mr. Chamberlain. What would those men say now, when that limit was about to be swept away ? He often thought Mr. Chamberlain had a golden opportunity in the present crisis. He had kept the commercial filibusters out of the Transvaal (applause). Would he keep the clerical filibusters out of the public pockets ? (laughter and applause). Will Mr. Chamberlain take the flood of fortune at the tide ? Will he abide by the principles he advocated so eloquently in the seventies? Mr. Balfour had recently said th It the schools of Scotland were denominational. That only showed that Mr. Balfour did not know what he was talking about (laughter). The Scotch schools were strictly undenominational. The catechism taught there was as undenominational as the Bible itself. The churches of Scotland were going to unite with the Noncon- formists south ot the Tweed to resist to the utmost thedemands of the clericals (applause). The Bishop of Hereford was sound on this question. Hereford was enough to convert even a bishop on the education problem. The children of that city had no school to go to other than Anglican or Catholic schools. The idea prevailed in some quarters, and was fostered with all their power by the clergy, that the Estab- lished Church in the past hud succoured education when the State neglected its duty. That was a fallacy. The State had made several efforts to pro- vide unsectarian education for the children, but the Church had stepped forward and defeated it. In 1807 the House of Commons passed a Bill establishing elementary schools the Hose of Lords, at the dictation of the then Archbishop of Canterburv, threw the Bill out ("Shame"). In 1847 the State) proposed to build unsectarian training colleges the. clergy rose as one man against the scheme, and it had to be abandoned. In 1864, the Government approached the Church, and asked that the school* should be thrown open to Nonconformists. The stig- gestion was rejected with scorn. What was the result? Six years later the Ferster Act was passed (applause). The State endowment of sectarian schools was wrong in principle that was the prin- cipie on which Lilmrals took their stand (loud applause). The clericals said, and Mr. Balfour had repeated their cry, that the strain on the sectarian schools had become intolerable. What were the facts ? The contribution of the State to those schools had increased 5s. per child, while the voltintarv contributions had decreased 2s. 2d. per child. And yet the clergy had the effrontery to tell them that the strain had t>ecome intolerable (laughter). But, the clerics said, the total contributions of Churchmen towards their schools had very considerably increased. Well, in 1887 the amount was jS620,000, and last year it was jB622,000 (laughter). And a goodly share of that money, mark j you, was given by railway companies and property owners to avoid paying a School Board rate. Clerical education had always been a failure (hear, hear). In Italy and Spain the schools were in the hands of the priests, and those were the only two Continental countries fiom which we had nothing to fear in commercial competition. In Ireland the education was clerical, and one elector out of every five was illiterate. France had seen the error of her ways in this matter. In pre-revolution days, the priests controlled the schools of that country, but the people had revolted against that system, and told the priests to mind their own business (laughter and applause). Wherever the clerics had interfered with education they made a pretty mess of it (laughter). Now they wanted more money. The clerics had a keen eye for money (laughter). But let every Liberal and every Nonconformist clearly understand this: the money was asked for to instil superstitions caricatures of Christianity into the minds of the children (applause). He (the speaker) was a Congregational minister, and he was bound to admit that there were a few Con- gregationnl duv schools in some parts of the country, He wished, from the bottom of his heart, there wasn't a single one (loud applau-e). Nonconformists had been driven to establish schools in self-defence, and they were enly too ready to give them up the very day unsectarian schools, under popular control, were opened (applause). There was going to be a big fight over the education question in the near future, and he hoped the Liberals and Nonconformists of Wales would be true to their principles in the day of trial (applause). Mr. \V. L. Daniel .-said he was there, not as a politician, but as a Nouconforoiist citizen, and a payer of rates and taxes. As a Nonconformist he objected to the State endowment of sectarian institutions. As a ratepayer, he objected to the State support of schools whioh were not understate or popular control (applause). Mr. Hollowell was doing great service in visiting different parts of the country, and rousing the peoptt to realise the gravity of the present situation, and instilling healthy and sturdy principles into the public con- science. He (Mr. Daniel) could not help referring to the attitude of the Irish members. The Liberals of this country had sacrificed a great dtialln order to f support the cause of Ireland, but now the Irish mem- bers were turning their l»ack on them and going over bodily to the clerics (" Shame"). They could not but bodily to the clerics (" Shame"). They could not but come to the conclusion that the Irish memliers obeyed the command of Rome rather than the dic- tates of their own conscience ("Shame"). Their action was ungrateful and incon-usteut in the extreme. To retaliate, however, would l>e wrong, and they must go their way in the path they considered the right and ju..t one (applause). In conclusion, he had great pleasure in moving the resolution placed in his hands. The resolution was the same as that passed at the afternoon conference, with the addition that copies of it be sent to Lord Salisbury, Mr. Balfour, the Duke of Devonshire, Mr. Chamlterlain, Lord Rosebery, Sir W. Harcourt, Mr. Joint Dillon, and the local M.P.'s. Mr. Daniel, referting to Mr. Dillon, said he had gone down fully 75 per cent, in the estimation of W elsh Liberals since his visit to Merthyr. Mr. John Morgan, coal merchant, seconded the resolution in an enthusiastic Welsh speech. He was not opposed to the giving of more money to the schools. Money spent on education was money well spent. But he had always fought for popular control, and meant to go on fighting to the end (laughter and applause). The conscience-clause in the Forster Act was a dead letter, especially in rural districts. The pi inciples they were now fighting for were veiydear to them as Literals and Nonconformists, aud they mmt be trun to them (applause). Mr. W. Morgan, J.P., Pant supported the resolu- tion. Speaking in Welsh he said he felt strongly on this question, and he was glad to t'link that this part of the country was sound in the faith. In the near future the feeling of t'le country would bended to a high pitch of enthusiasm, and the clerics would live to rue the day they put forward their present iniqui- tous demands. The country did not mean to go back m its education policy (applause). The resolution having been carried item ran., Mr. Arthur Daniel moved a vote of thanks to the chair- man, the speakers, and the Zoar friends for so kiudly putting the chapel at the disposal of the committee. This was seconded by the Rev. Dr. Rees, Cefn, and carried unanimously. Mr. Daniel hoped that meet- ings on the education question would tie held in every district in the Merthyr Valley, He also announced that he had a. supply of pamphlets on the subject which he would be pleased to forward to anyone who would like to have them. r

ABERDARE COUNTY COUnT. WKOXKSI>AT.—Before his Honour Judge Williams. DISTRICT COCNCIL y. HARRIS.—This was a case in which the Aljerdare District Council sued Mary Harris, 9, Pembroke-street, Aberdare, for JB10 19s. 6d. for improvements effected under the Public Health Improvement Act, 1892.-Col. T. Phillips, clerk to the District Council, appeared for the plaintiffs.— Judgment for plaintiffs. f EVANS Y. GRIFFITHS.—Joseph Evans, grocer, Pen- j rhiweeiber, sued Phillip Griffiths for groceries sup- plied of the value of 27s. 2d.—Plairtitf's wife and defendant's wife appeared.—The two women pro- ceeded to argue the matter between themselves, whereupon his Honour told them to go outside if they wanted to do that sort of thing. — Judgment given for plaintiff for 27s., the amount to be paid in instalments of 5s. per month. HARMSTON &, Co. v. MARSH.—Harmston and Co., music sellers, Cardiff-street, sued William Marsh, Morgan-street, Gadlys, for j31 lla. 6d. for hire of a piano.—Defendant admitted to his Honour that he had signed the agreement produced by plaintiffs, but alleged that when he signed he did not know that the rules were to be altered.—Mr. Harmstou (to defen- dant) You had a copy.—His Honour You have signed the agreement and you knew what you were doing at the time.—Mr. Harmston said that he thought at one time that the agreement was invalid because it was represented that the defendant was under age. He had, however, subsequently ascer- tained that defendant was of proper age, and the agreement was, threfoie, valid.—His Honour told the defendant that he had duly signed the agreement, and he must abide by the terms of the same. He knew what he was signing, and he could not get out of it.— Judgment for plaintiffs, the amount to be paid in HI- stalments of lO*. monthly. Ltswis Y. OWKN.—John Lewis, tailor, Whitcombe- street, sued Nicholas Owen for 25s. 6d. for a suit of clothes supplied.—The case was adjourned. EYNON V. Joxhs. — Luther Eynon sued Herbert Jones, Victoria-street, Mountain Ash, for the value of groceries supplied.—Judgment for plaintiff for the amount claimed. JOHN* V. THOMAS.—This was a case in which Mary John, Cambrian Inn, Aber hue, sued Samuel Thomas, carpenter, Gadlys, for £16". Id., value of beer and spirits supplied.—His Honour Where are the particulars ?—Plaintiff I have not got full par- ticulars but defendant acknowledged the deht in a letter.—Plaintiff produced a letter written by the defendant who said that he would come and settle the amount he owed her.—Defendant acknowledged that he owed 10s. 6d., but denied further liability. Judg- ment for plaintiff for 10s. 6d. and costs. --Defendant left the court with a smiling face, and returned a diolch yn fawr i chwi, svr," to his Honour.

The Merthyr Timet Office is the only Society Oftiee in this district. No Sweating. As regards wages, hours and apprentice?, the rules of the Manchester Typographical Association are adhered to, and this a guarantee to the public that the establishment is conducted on fair and humane principle?. Gccd I printing, for charges which are strictly moderate.

I MISS MAGGIE DAVIES. HER LATEST TRU MPH. WHAT THE LIBRETTIST SAYS. Miss Maggie Davies, of Dowlais, has achieved another brilliant triumph. We ref«-r, as our readers arc aware, to the production of the new Irish romantic opera, Shan.us 0"Biien," at the Opera Comique, London. Thf metrop«.litan press, without a single dissentient voice, have pronounced this opera a splendid and unqualified sneers. It was produced on Monday week, the libretto having been written by Mr. Jessop, and the music by Professor Stanford. The root-idea of the opera is to familiarise English audiences with certain phases of Irish life. The plot is declared by all the critics to be exceedingly in teresting, aud it is to be hoped the opera will afford the English people a certain amount of enlightenment as well as amusement. The part allotted to Mies Magerie Davies is that of Kitty This is Mis; Davies' first appearance on the operatic stage, and her success has far exceeded the mo-t sanguine expectations. Our readers, we feel sure, will lie interested to know what the critics say of her performance. First of all we reproduce what Mr. Jessop, the librettist, wrote to Miss Davies a few hours after the fall of the cut tain. In a letter dated March 3rd he says I cannot go to bed to-night (though I'm qúite ready for it) without sending you a word of thanks for what you've done this night. Pluck and talent will go far. but faith, I never saw so big a hit made before under such physical disadvantages. I only hope you'll I* none the worse for it, and that your cold will be. before to-morrow, a thing of the past, like Mrs. Brian's first husband. And to be serious, I have been writing for the stage since '79, and I've never seen facial expression and dainty bye-play carried out so well since poor Mile. Awiel'a death. I can pay you no higher compliment than to aay you reminded me of the best soubrette I ever saw on any stage. ButDlsayno more. I know enough not to Try Blarney wid an Irish girl. I'll only thank you again, and from my heart, for the effort rou made, and made so Buccessfnlly, to create "Kitty" You were the Kitty I dreamed of, and put in touches that I never imagined. I hope Shamns will run till all London has had a chance of admiring yon as I did." Mr Jessop refers to the physical disadvantages" under which Miss Davies labobr-ed. The cold she suffered from was so serious that it was once thought she would be unable to appear, but the plucky Welsh girl was not to be defeated, and she resolutely determined to attempt the part alloted to her. With what success, we have seen. We append extracts from some of the criticisms of the leading journals on Miss Davies performance. Pall Mail (lo'.cttr —Miss Maggie Davies is what our grandfathers would have called a "winsome" Kitty O'Toole. Saturday Jtcvinc. — Mi^e Maggie Davie? was delightfully pert as Kitty O'Toole, though the language she spoke seemed to me (who am no Irish- man) more like Scotch than Iri«h as it is spoken in London. St. Jtnafx t'tcette. Miss Maggie Davies, as Kitty," was a bewitchingly dainty Irish maiden. IM'ih/ Telearaph.—It would almost seem thtt the part of "Kitty" and Miss Maggie Davies were made for each other. The young Welsh songstress has not had much stage experience, but last night's performance proved that already she is a long way on the road to distinction. Her success was instant and unquestionable, and largely helped by a bright and delicate sense of humour which often much amused the house. Tryth. It is the very Iiishry of Shamus O'Brien which is itschief charm, and as most of the music, aud the majority, of the players, are Irish, the humour of the. thing is kept up with unflagging zeal. Even Miss MJtggie Davies took the infection, and only occasionally dropoed into the Welsh accent. The Academy gives the following summary of the plot of the opera :—" The story is connected with the suppression of the Irish rebellion of 1798. A price has been set on the head of Shamus and Mike Murphy, an unsuccessful suitor of Nora, wife of Shamus, informs Captain Trevor of his place of abode. After some display of Irish wit and cunning, Shamus is caught. The charms of Kitty, Nora's sister, have softened the captain's heart, and he allows the two women and the parish priest to visit Shamus before the court-martial takes place. A plan is arranged to loosen the prisoner from his cords at the spot where he is to be hanged. Shamus escapes, and the soldiers, firing after him, kill Mike. Thus the patriot triumphs, and the treacherous villainy of tbe informer meets with its due reward." Speaking of the perfor- mance the Academy says all the leadine: singers "deserve high commendation," and adds: "The chief honours were naturally won by Miss Davies, Mr. O'Mara, and Mr. O'Sullivan, both for singing and acting." Morning Leader.—Kitty, in the hands of Miss Maggie Davies, became a living, sentient being. The arch, cajoling Irish girl was done to the life, and Miss Davies has a voice and method, with which she carried off the honours of the evening so far M the ladies were concerned. Her duets with Captain Trevor were charming. The. Star. — Mr. Joseph O'Mara. as Mike *he informer, and Miss Maggie Davies as Kitty, were the great successes of the production. Miss Davies sane and acted the part of tne arch and alluring Kitty wits real cleverness, and charmed her audience no lees well than Captain Trevor. Illustrated London Neics.— Misa Davies made an excellent Kitty O'Toole. Penny Illustrated Papa. — Miss Maggie Davies* sweet, fresh voice was heard to advantage in Where is the man that is coming to marry me, and also in the chic If" duet, which arch Kitty sings with Mr. W. H. Stephens. The World.—The cast at the Opera Comique does not contain many well-known names, but it is an efficient one nevertheless. Miss Maggie Davies seemed to make the greatest hit. I do not like her voi:e production, but she sings cleverly, and has a certain funny impertinence of acting. She should learn to heår her body in less Audrey-like fashion. Mr. O'Mara, Mr. O'Sullivan, Miss Kirby Lunn, and others worked hsrd and well, and the mixture of Irish, Scotch, and Welsh brogues was really sublime. The Mux>>al Standard has a lengthy and able lead- ing article on the opera. We cull a few sentences If we were not certain that the Shamus O'Brien Com- pany, Limited," is strictly a commercial undertaking, we should imagine that it was a last effort on the part of the Home Rulers to present their case to the Bntish public, and ultimately to arouse the passions of the Irish themselves. Indeed, in witnessing this romantic comic opera, those of the audience who had a strain of Celtic blood were thankful of it, so pitiful a figure de the English cut in the play. Dr. Stanford had to forget much before he sat down to the com- position of music to this story. He had to forget that* he is a serious professor at Cambridge and at the Royal College of Mnsic. He had to go back, ae it were, to his youth when he was probably more Irish than he is now. Miss Maggie Davies was full of mirth and coquetry as Kitty O'Toole. She should prove quite an acquisition to the comic opera stage, and ought to be snapped up by our comic opera managers." She probably will be snapped up," and that by tie prince of managers, Sir Augustus Harris himself. The opera was produced under his direction, and it is not likely that he will allow such a promising artiste as Miss Davies to give him the slip. Depend upon it, he has his keen eye on her, and fwill ere long give her genius full swing. Her old friends in South Wales rejoice exceedingly in her success, end cordially wish her a brilliant career in the future.

TROEDYRHIW. EISTEDPKOOIC.—We congratulate Mr. Evan Evan., our popular baritone, upon adding another victory to his credit. This he did at Aberdare on Monday last, the adjudicator remarking that he had a voice of exceptional purity and quality. We should be pleased to see Mr. Evans a little more ambitious and going in for National Eisteddfod honours. PKRSONAL.—We regret to learn tha.t Mr. Fred James, jeweller, is laid up with rheumatism. The wish ef his numerous friends is that he may ere long find himself completely recovered. We are glad to note that Dr. Jones is so far recovered from his recent attack as to be able to resume his professional dutits. ANNIVERSARY.—The anniversary services in connec- tion with Mount Zion Chapel, were held on Sunday last, when thiee eloquent discourses were preached by the Rev. J. Watkins, Swansea. The afternoon service was held at Saron Chapel, kindly lent for the occasion, when the Rev. John Thomas, Zoar, Merthyr, preached a thoughtful sermon to a crowded congregation. The collections realised a good sum. Mr. William Evans presided at tbe instrument, whilst the singing was under the leadership of Mr. George Jones. OBITUARY.—We regret to chronicle the death of Mr. Pryse Ingram, fourth son of the late Mr. Rubert Ingram, Cefn, Penarth, Llanidloes, and of Mrs. Ingram, Rhodfa.terrace, Troedyrhiw, who died on the 7th of February, at Farmington, New Mexico. Deceased let! here for America about three and a half years ago for the benefit of his health but neither the climatic cl angs nor the skill of medical experts effected his recovery, for, on the date mentioned, he passed peacefully away in the presence of his brother, Mr. John Ingram, manager of the Silver LakeMinen, Colorado. Deceased, who was only 33 years of age, was well-known in this place, where his mother still lives, and his demise is mourned by a large circle of friends. We tender Mrs. Ingram and family our heartfelt condolence in their bereavement. Scorn WALES MustCAt. FESTIVAL.—The result of the local examination of voices for this festival reached the hands of Mr. D. J. Davies, hon. sec., a few days ago, and we chronicle with pleasure the fact that no less than thirty-three passed. This tpeaks well of the singers we have in our midst, for some centres of more than twice the dimensions and population have failed to secure so large a number of passes. We beg most heartily to congratulate all. The section met for the fir, t time at Nazareth Chapel, on Tuesday evening. The attendance was nut so large as it should be, and if the event is to prove tne success its promoters anticipate then much enthusi- asm must be displaye by every member. Measrs. Henry Phillips and David Jones were appointed conductors, the former to take the Elijah and the latter tlie "Messiah." It was decided that they practise on Tuesday and Friday evenings at Yew- street Schools provided that the Board grant per- mission for the use of same. WHAT THKY SAT.—That a large number of appli- cations have Wen received for the post of conductor to the Choral Society. That one or two of Wales' most eminent conductors are amongst theiii.-—rI hat one of the most popular tradesmen of the place is ) busilv preparing a lecture on Erasmus." that it will be a treat to the inhabitants when it is com- pleted.— I'll at great disappointment wius felt that no one from this place had been created a magistrate. That the genial Doctor Jones would have been an ornament to the Ixmch.

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