Merthyr Times and Dowlais Times and Aberdare Echo

ABERAMAN. Co A i. OCTPI:T.— Over 8,000 tons of coal were raised 'ast week from Aberaman Pit. This is quite a record. MOTHERS' GUILD.—It has been decided to form a, S^thers' guijj jn connection with Aberaman Church. guild has been taken up with much heartiness, nd is likely to prove very successful. W.L.A.—A meeting in connection with the local b*anch of the Women's Liberal Association was held 011 Thursday at Saron Hall. There was a very K°od attendance. Mrs. D. M. Richards, Aberdare, Presided, and made a few suitable opening remarks. ^wyneth Vaughan subsequently gave a very ablo address on women's rights and politics in general, and listened to with rapt attention. Addresses were also given by Revs. H. P. Jenkins and Thomas Davies, Gwawr, and Mrs. Walter Lloyd, Highland- place, Aberdare. OBITUARY.—We deeply regict to record the death of Miss Elizabeth Batten, daughter of Mr. Batten 1 enylan Inn. Deceased, who was young in vears' rn, ,ebS °, [lea,r Her death is deeply regretted The funeral took place at Mountain A*h CemeWv ? HS TFFJE C°NCOURSEFOF.THE P"Wic assembled to pay At A /espect for one so greatly beloved. KraYe»'d« the beautiful hymn. «' Davs and moments qmckly nymg," which was a favourite hymn ol the deceased, was feelingly sung by the assembly.

CWMAMAN. .MBCHAXtca ANn STKAM.—On Friday evening last, tk in mechanics and stesm had a meeting at Library, when Mr. B. Jones, Aman-street read a •Jfy able paper on lleat as applied to Geology and w'fiing." The following took part in the discussion \i,.esji £ ,s. Thomas Morgan, teacher of geology Mr J; • Daries, Mr. C. M. Humphrey-, Mr. Arthur W. J^nmphreys, Mr. Rees Phillips, and Mr. Jones, fire- r*5; The chairman was Mr. T. E. Davies, teacher, ys, A berdare. NI °MRX'H LIRKRAL ASSOCIATION.—On Tuesday j ?'lt jn last week, a very pleasant conversazione was in connection with the local branch of the "men j Liberal Association. There was a capital Tendance. The Public Hall, in which the gathering place, had been prettily decorated with evtT- plants, mottoes, and bunting. Mrs. R. J. „ f5' ^ror.iestyn, Trccynon, occupied the chair, and a ^ew appropriate remarks. The following pro- i\ was gone through *—Pianoforte duet, jVlru. tCavries Jones and Miss Alice Williams wong by Mrs. ljf. Davies; pianoforte selection by Miss Alice Y 'luanis; Huto Solo, Dr. Davies Jones, ami. recita- v?u» Miss S. Phillips. An address Was also given by j?*8- I>. M. Richards, Alicrdaro. During an interval of IWJ? handed round to all those present by a band ,i .dies. Several new members joined the branch ting the course of the evening, and several more to lie enrolled shortly. n-

MOUNTAIN ASH. Our Mountain Ash correspondent is Mr. W iu.c Commercial-street, who will lie glad to lie of meetings, &c., and to receive advei tisments Printinf orders. EifiTT,1)I)KnT) _Qn Monday evening an eisteddfod rrf\- ]d at Bethlehem Vestry, under the presidency \rAlr-J- Davies. The adjudicators were Singing, ii !"• Thomas; poetry and recitation, Mr. Isaac Vamunds, Capcoch composition and questions, Rev. )>Edwards., Pcnrhiwceiber bags, Mrs. D. 1. r The prizes wers won as follows: Answer- (..5,, questions, Maggie Edwards; recitation for dren under eight years of age, Maggie Davies and /V* Isaac spelling, M. Edwards solo, Kobm Anthony Jones; bag, Mrs. Jones, Dover- Vreet; stanzas, J. llosser; tenor solo, Awelon fv • Kwlad, s. Powell recitation, "Ysboyd yr Oes, i av'd Isaac and Anthony Jones composition on "Glanibvr"; recitation, 4 Carlo ar David Davies, saddler hymn tune, ■Tanymarian," Tom Morgans and Ed. Williams; quarts, «• l)ad or Nef Tosturia Mawr,'1 David Davies *Ucl friends. There was a good attendance, and the meeting throughout was cry interesting.

CAERPHILLY. „ all kuida tnd best of printing and stationery 8° to OWEN JOXEK, Printer, Caerphilly. T3641 URBAN* DISTRICT ConsciL ELECTIONS.—From the Rowing it will be men that there will be two con- namely, at Nelson and Taff s^\ell. lhe last qay for receiving nominations wae Monday, and we l'n?erstand that the following gentlemen were nomi- for the respective wards :Nelson Mr. D. E. Llancaiach House, and Mr. Lmym Williams, J^.tailwr Farm. Taffs Well: Mr. W'll.am Brace Sll'iery manager, Groeswen, and Mr. E. Ivor pC ,ams» J.P., Duffryn Ffrwd. Town Mr. William fhomas, Manchester House, the retiring member. Btradmynach: Mr.;E. W.M. Corbett, Y1? ron, 1 wlly- also the retiring member, AP-SHOTS FROM THE LKAXING TOWER. SCHOOL Bou:f. STATISTICS.- We have by ns some )'ery startling figures concerning the expenditure of Eglwysilan School Board. We would pobl'-h only we wish to compare them with those ot the •nance Committee, whose report we are anxiously Raiting. Why the delay, we wonder ? Moral—well, there is a moral it lies on the surface, J&IUIINFSC VR IN PACE.—-Poor Charlie Turner His "jMdlike," but honest, smile will greet us no more. Railway passengers will miss linn. Ihe Caerphulj gymnasium will iniss him more. Xhe l^ngli^li I>aptist ■^nday School will miss him most. Yes, his memory Reserved the wreaths sent by the Sunday School and jynanasium. EGLWYSILAN SCHOOL BOAKD. — Tail's ell Schools the maximum Government grant, lhe Caer- PhiUy Schools (excepting the infant department) don t, a long way' At Taff's Well the school furniture *>*tures, &c are old, broken, and generally out of *'ePair. At Caerphillv everything is spick and span j A»id np to date. Whv this difference ? NV hy are Taff'a Well Schools compelled to labour under disadvantages ? The Board had better take care the Taff's Well Schools learn the moral which is llot far to seek.

Eprs'* i._GRATEFrii^sCoMFORTiss.—" By a Jioro-^h «nowledK«- ol the natural lfcvs which govern the operations ?' digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the Properties of well-selected COCOA, Mr. Kpps ha9 mouded *«rour breakfast and supper a delicately flavoured .beverage may save us inany heav y doctors bills. It is bj the f^ioious.use ot such articles of diet that a constitution mai >e mduaHv built up mitil stron; enough to resist, e»:ry j'tdency to disease. We may escape many a fatal shal t by k«»ping ourselves well fortified with pure blood and a proper y Nourished framer{vil Servic. Gazette.—MMi- wmplj *>th boiling water or milk. Hold only in packet?, bi ?„rocers, labelled- "JAMWJ Errs & Co., l,ld., Homaopath c |;hemists, I^ndor." roaV.ers of Kpp's Cocoaine or *-ocoa-N"ib E\lr3"' ■ i«.m beverage of full flavour, now vith ?,any benefirialh taking the place of tea. Its active principle -being a Krn,-v „rnr etimulant, supplies the needed energy 'Without unduly exciting ibe eystern

MERTHYR COUNCIL. Wcdcesclf y. Present Messrs. D. W. Jones (in the chair), 1). James, T. Harpur, J. Owen, Dan ThomM, V. A. Wills, H. Grey, T. Thomas, W. Lewis, J. Roberts, J. Lewis, Llowelyn Atkins. D. Davies, T. Jenkins, and W. Griffiths (deputy clerk). THE CHAIRMAN AND THE CLERK.—It was reported that the chairman and clerk were away in London in connection with the loan question. COTTAGE AT THE RESERVOIR, Four tenders were received for the erection of a cottage at the new reser- voir, viz., from Mr. R. Lloyd, Mr. John Williams, Mr. J. Jenkins, and Mr. T. Rees (Merthyr Vale).— The tender of Mr. Rees was accepted for JE218 2s. 4d. -Aid. D. Davies asked who would be looking over the work.—The Surveyor said that there were two insjiectors there every day.—Mr. T. Thomas Surely we don't want two of them. LIMESTONE.—The committee appointed to deal with the supply of limestone reported that they had dis- cussed afresh scheduleof prices received fiom theTylery bon tCOlopany, and the comm 1 ttee recommended that the contract be given to that firm, providing that 4d. per ton be allowed for stone crushed by the Council's machinery,—The report was adopted THE NEW PUBLIC OFFICES.— It was reported that at a meeting of the sub-committee, which had the matter of the new public offices in hand, the question of the lighting came on for discussion, and the surveyor wap authorised to make enquiries as to whether the pres- sure of gas would be sufficient to drive a gas engine for lighting the building by electricity should it be thought advisable to do so. The committee recom- mended that the wide doors next to the tramway be done away with, so that a more useful purpose might be adopted for the adjoining space.—The report was adopted. Cot" RTLA N R; -TK it RACE SEWER.—It was reported that at a meeting of the special committee appointed to inspect the sewer complained of at Courtland-terrace, the sewer had been found to be in a very defective i condition, and the medical officer and inspector pointed out several places at which the smoke had issued when the test had been applied and the com- mittee recommended that if the Council were liable for the repair, steps should be immediately taken to do so.—The report was adopted.—The Chairman said that there was a complaint that one of the Council's workmen had demanded 6s. from a resident of Courtland-tcrrace for closing a drain.—The Sur- veyor stated that the man had received no money. MEDICAL OFFICER.—Mr. T. Jenkins proposed the re-election of Dr. Dyke as medical officer for three years.—Mr. I). Davies seconded.—Carried unani- niously. PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE -It w.M reported that at a meeting of the Health Committee held on the 11th, 11:10 reports of tho medical officer and surveyor were read, with regard to the provision of a hospital for the treatment of infectious diseases. The medical officer reported a case of small-pox at Pant, and the committee instructed him to make further investiga- tion. The committee recommended that a hospital be provided for the lower district for ten beds, and that enquiries he made with regard to the necessary land. The committee drew attention to the fact that nothing had appeared in the reports of the inspector, or medical officer with regard to the case of typhoid fever at the house of Mr. J. P. Lewis, printer. High- street, and the committee instructed the inspector to investigate the drains, &c., atlthat house.—Another meeting of the Health Committee was held on the 16th, when the following report of the medical officer was read :—"The number of births registered in February was 179 and of the deaths 111, giving 36 per 1,000 for births, and 21 per 1,000 fordeaths. The notifications of infectious diseases num- bered six of small-pox, 15 of scarlet fever, four of typhoid, one of child-bed fever, 11 of ery- sipelas, and one of diphtheria. The number of cases of small-pox previously reported were one in December and three in January. Of these, three cases were pauper patients removed from the Work- house, and one was a man who had visited at the hospital. The cases that were reported in February were one married woman, 4, Cross-street, Dowlais, and five persons living in the immediate neighliour- hood, who visited at the house before the patient was removedito Pant Hospital. All the cases are recover- ing/'—The Medical Officer stated, at the. request of the committee, that the scale of charges for the board and lodging of nurses from the General Hospital, who wished to live at the Brecon-road Cottage, was Is. 6d. per day, or 10s. per week, for each person. The medical officer reported fully as to the case of small- pox at Pant, and the committee -decided that Mr. Ricketts be asked to attend before the next committee with regard to his calling in a midwife to layout the body of a person who had died from small-pox. -The Inspector reported that the drains at Mr. J. P. Lewis' in High-street, were in a very defec- tive condition, and the committee instructed the inspector to sene the usual notice on the owners. The Chairman in proposing the adoption of the report referred to the decision of the committee to ask Mr. Rjckett1-: to attend lief ore the next committee. Mr. Ricketts had called in a midwife to lay out the body of a person who had died from small-pox. The com- mittee thought this a serious thing to do, and that was their reason for deferring the matter. THE SURVEYOR'S REPORT. — This was read and adopted.—New ashbins were ordered to be erected near the Dynevor Arms, Troedyrhiw one near Saron Chapel one near the Brewery, Penrheol and one on the old trainroad, near the Musical Hall, Peny- darren.—A letter from Mr. Rees, Ynysgored, with reference to a nuisance at Aberfan, was referred to a committee.—Several building plans were passed. No WATER AT TREHARIUS.— Mr. W. Lewis drew attention to the ûu,jJl.Y ur hftrris, and mentioned several dates on which no water could be obtained.—The Chairman said that there wai also a similar complaint from Bedlinog, and he hoped that the surveyor would do all he could towards getting a better supply for those districts.— Mr. T. Thomas said that the question was a serious one. Treharris was a growing place, and it was of the utmost importance that it should be provided with a proper water supply.—The surveyor's recom- mendation, that further air valves of improved con- struction lie obtained, was agreed to. CORRESPONDENCE.—Mr. Rees, Merthyr Vale, wrote expressing regret that he had commenced building without having sent in plans, and asking the Council to withdraw the summons against him.—It was wan decided to withdraw the summons on Mr. Rees paying expenses.—A letter was received from Colonel Lewis, with reference to the erection of a town clock on the Parish Church.—The question was deferred to the next meeting. A letter was received from Messrs. R. T. Jones and Co., with reference to the cabs and brakes that assembled above their dining room and kitchen.—It was decided that the inspector's attention be drawn to the mutter, and that the ques- tion be referred to the Cabs Commlttee.A letter was received from Mr. Seal with reference to the necessity of repairing the road at Picton-street was referred to the Roads and Bridges Committee. BUNCH OF Grains.—The licence of the Bunch of Grapes was endorsed from the Council to the book- keeper. OVERSEERS' REPORT.—The first annual report of the overseers for Merthyr was submitted, a copy of which appears below.—The Chairman said that he was very glad to have the first annual report of the overseers, and he only hoped that they would have such a report every year. He did not complain of the report, but still he thought that there was a good deal left out, and the overseers had done nothing to comply with the reasonable request of the District -6_ Council. There was one matter on which he should like to make a complaint, and that was with regard to the rating of the Constitutional Club at Dowlais. He was not raising this as a political matter, but they wanted to deal fairly with all sections. The club was rated at a gross rental of £ 16, and a ratable value of £ 13 10s., which was very unfair, and he hoped that something would be done in the matter.—Mr. T. Jenkins: Then you arc no judge. —The Chairman, continuing, said that unless the overseers would tilce action he should go in for electing overseers from the Council, so that they should have some influence on them.—Mr. David Davies I am glad yon referred to the Conservative Club. There are 300 members there, and they pay 5s., and their annual income is J675. Continuing, Mr. Davies said that it was high time that they thould get a. radical change in the matter of rating. They wanted men who would grapple with the matter. They had heard a good deal last year altouk the negligence of overseers, but he thought that there was more irregularity this year.—Mr. T. Thomas said that he wished to get justice done in the matter of rating. -Mr. Dan Thomas said that there had not been a general survey of the parish.—Mr. T. Thomas moved the re-election of the old overseers en bloc.— Mr. W. Lewis thought that on the whole the overseen had done very well.—Mr. D. Davies proposed the appointment of Mr. T. Jenkins, Mr. W. L. Daniel, Mr. D. Abraham, Mr. E. Edwards, and Mr. J. Jones. --The six old overseers were ultimately elected. Mr. D. Davies hoped that the remarks that had heen made would not go for naught, as they meant what they said. ROAD FROM BEDMXOH. -Two farmers appeared before the Council as a. deputation with reference to obtaining a new road from Bedlinog to Merthyr. Such road would, they said, mean easier communica- tion between Bedlinog, Trelewis, and Trehi rriq. Chairman Is there a difficulty in getting the land ?- Mr. Kiusey (one of the men) replied that lie did net think there would be any difficulty on that point.- The Chairman asked who were the owners of the land. —Mr. Kinsey Lord Wimborne, Lord Windsor, and Lord Tredegar, I think. Continuing, Mr. Kinsey said that the new road would also be very convenient for those people of Penydarreu who worked at Bed- linog.—Mr. Dan Thomas proposed that the matter be referred to the Roads and Bridges Committee, which was agreed to, and the Chairman, addressing the deputation, told them that the matter would have the Council's best consideration. ESTIMATES.—With reference to the surveyor's esti- mate of JB700 for repair of roads and other works now being executed by men from Plymouth Works, Mr. T. Thomas moved, and Mr. J. Lewis seconded, that the item he increased to £ 1,300.—Mr. Harpur ques- tioned the legality of the expenditure.—In reply to questions, the Surveyor said that he thought that the work the men were doing now could go on for two or three weeks again.—Mr. Harpur moved that the item he eliminated altogether.—Mr. D. Davies said that tho workmen were not getting a fat lot it wae only 9s. 6d. each, and he thought that in engaging the men they should be honourable enough to pay them. It had been stated at the previous meeting that the men were doing their work well, and, con- sidering the defective state of the water mains, and the roads, he thought that the men were only doing work thatought tohave been done years back. The posi- tion was this: The Plymouth men could not get work owing to the discharge note, and he was very sorry for it. The men hai been enduring great privation, and many of them had not a crust of bread in the house. That being so, he maintained that so long as they (the Council) had work to be done, they were doing quite right in employing the men in the manner they were.—Mr. J. Lewis said that it had been proved that the workmen had been locked out and debarred from getting work elsewhere.—The Chairman: You must keep to the question.—Mr. J. Lewis maintained that the objection to the item in the surveyor's estimate was only a trick to get Mr. I). Da vies sur- The Chairman moved, as a further amend- ment, that the amount be £450. He moved that so as to place them in a proper legal position.—Mr. T. Thomas said that he appealed to the Council in all seriousness to put the amount at £ 1,300. Even if the Plymouth Works were restarted they could not expect that the whole of the men would be taken in at once. The men were boycotted all round.—The Chairman said that he must ask Mr. Thomas to keep to the question. Ho was going into the question of the dis- pute between the employers and the men. He must discuss the specific question before the Council.—Mr. T. Thomas (continuing) said that he was positive that 99 per cent. of the ratepayers of Merthyr were ready to support the Plymouth men.—Mr. T. Thomas' proposition that the item be increased to £ 1,300 was carried.—Mr. Harpur said that despite the large expenditure they could still do with a f. 6d. rate.—It was decided that the rate for the six months should be la. 6d. FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OVER- SEERS OF THE PARISH OF MERTHYR TYDFIL. To the Chairman and Members of the Merthyr Urban District Council. GENTLEMEN,—We readily respond to your request for a report of our proceedings, since you did us the honour of electing us overseers some twelve months since. Upon entering office in April last, we found that a new rate of Is. 3d. in the £ had been prepared, and on the 25th of that month it received official sanction and became law. This rate was shown to produce J615,254 17s. 4d., and, with 2194 5s. lid. recoverable arrears, there was for collection a total of £13,429 2s. SAd, As it will be interesting, we gue particulars of this collection f ,i Actually collected 1^54 11 Legally excused < 9 Vacancies allowed 69 9 0 Allowed to owners compounding for rates payable upon cottages 722 8 4 JS13429 2 5 Further sums of £1 15s. lOd. from the magistrate's clerk, and of £810s. from the Paymaster-general in lieu of rates upon the excise offices were received, besides a sum of about j6350 received from the added area, formerly a portion of the Llanfabon parish. Of this rate. the School Board received £ 4,000,_fliid the. Board of Guardians £7,958, a total of £ 11,958. The following rate—the one at present iieing closed ivas made on the 21st October, and with the above recoverable arrears of £182 9s. 5d., showed a collec- tion of £13,490 78. 2d. The rate not having been closed the following are approximate, figures :— £ s. d. Actually collected 12643 0 0 Vacancies allowed 74 10 0 Allowed to owners compounding for rates payable upon cottages 750 0 0 Recoverable arrears atjout £ 10 0 0 Appeal pending £ 12 10 0 22 10 0 £13490 0 0 We would especially draw attention to the small amount of arrears—only about £ 10—in this rate, and consider the assistant-overseer and his staff are to be complimented upon the very satisfactory character of the collection. The rate for the added area having been made in January last, but a small amount of it has been collected so far. Fortunately both the rates above dealt with were commenced with balances to the credit of the over- seers of JB1,500, otherwise the amount of rate would have had to be increased, for out of the October rate the School Board received no less a sum than £7,000, and the Board of Guardians £6,908, a total of £13,908. Besides thtt regular monthly meetings, at which the collecting IJooka and liank deposit books are regularly examined and compared, there have been several othwr meetings in all 20. The attendances have been as fo!lo%vs David Abraham i5 William Lewes Daniel 9 Edward Edwards, J.P 15 Thomafi Jenkins, J.P 7 John Jones 16 Dan Thomas 18 Visits for assessing purposes have been made to Troedyrhiw, Quakers' Yard, and the lower portion of the district, these attendances being as follows :— Thomas Jenkins, J.P 1 W. L. Daniel. 1 Edward Edwards, J.P 2 John Jones 2 Dan Thomas 2 OlllDany other occasions Messrs. Jenkin", JolM, and Thomas in8)»cted property in Merthyr and Dowlais. The overseers are gratified in being able to report that their assessments have given satisfaction, and in two or three appeals of a minor character the figures of the overseers have been confirmed. When we took office the ratable value of the parish was j3211,757 17". 6d., and at present it i8, with that of the added area, £216,615 15s., whilst a supplemental valuation list amounting to JB2,283 17s. 6d. has just been deposited, and will be included in the next rate. We have reason to believe that the demands of the School Board and the Board of Guardian; for the en- suing six months will be such as to permit of another Is. 3d. rate being made. It will be seen and acknow- ledged that whilst the above authorities require such larle sums annually, the overseers are absolutely powerless to reduce the aiiiotintof rate. At the outset we were confronted with a difficulty arising out of the addition of the area formerly a por- tion of the Llanfabon parish, Mr. Henry Lewis, Gellihir, following an appointment made some years ago by the last-mentioned parish at vestry meeting, acted as assistant overseer. Your representatives,hav- ing regard to the very small amount of work attaching to the post, thought the dual offices unnecessary. Mr. Lewis made a. claim for compensation, and this matter is still iinder consideration. It may be added that in these negotiations the overseers have been in consultation with, and are acting upon the advice of, Mr. Frank T. James. In the matter of the assessment of the Ocean Coal Company an unfortunate clerical error was com- mitted in preparing the last rate. Hitherto the returns were not examined by the overseers, and the majority of us being new to the duties followed the old course of things. Precautions have been taken against a recurrence of such a mistake, and we can unreservedly assure the Council that the work devolving upon the overseers is now thoroughly per- formed. We desire to state that the overseers in approach- ing the work of valuing new property or revaluing old. have been actuated with but one feeling—that of doing absolute justice to those affetted and to the ratepayers generally. In conclusion we thank the Council for the eon- fidence reposed in us.—Yours obediently, W. L. DANIEL, JOHN .JONES, DAN THOMAS, DAVID ABRAHAM, E. EDWARDS, THOMAS J EN KINS.

CEFN. ARMENIA.—A most interesting lecture on this all- engrossing subject was delivered at the Temperance Hall on Wednesday evening last. The lecturer was Mr. M. Owen, our able schoolmaster. The lecture dealt most graphically with the inhuman atrocities in Armenia, and was illustrated with views produced from photos taken at immense cost and risk. The description given by Mr. Owen, together with the vivid pictures thrown on the canvas by the manipula- tor of the lantern, Mr. M. Thomas, caused a deep feeling of horror to run through the congregation. DEATHS.—We regret to have to record the death of Air. John Powell, l ower Vaynor-road, which hap- jjencd at the end of last week. Mr. Powell was a quiet man, of exemplary character, and a faithful member of the church at Ebenezer. His remains were buried at the Hen Dy Cwrdd burial ground on Tues- day afternoon, in the presence of a large concourse of people.—We have also to chronicle the death, on Sunday afternoon, of Mr. Gwilym James, the younger son of Mr. and Mrs. W. James, Aliercar Cottage, after a severe illness. Younar James was in his 20th year, and his death must be a terrible blow to his family. He was a member of the church at Hen Dy Cwrdd, in the burial-ground of which his remains will be interred to-day (Thursday).

MERTHYR VALE. THE STOKERS' DISPUTE.—Mr. W. Evans, miners' agent, paid a couple of visits to the district on Wednesday and Saturday last in connection with the stokers' dispute, there being some points not quite satisfactorily cleared up. Wo learn the incident may now be regarded as settled, the men obtaining the concession of hours asked for, but not the advance in the wage rate. MEDICAL AlD.-A meeting of the supporters of Dr. Jones was held at the above place to discuss their alleged grevianccs, and advocating the adoption of the system which obtains at the collieries of Messrs. Nixon's Company at Mountain Ash, namely, the em- ployees being allowed to choose what medical man they prefer to support, and the colliery company retaining such deductions for such medical man as they may chop-e. At a meeting of the Colliery Workmens' that bSSv'to'appoinfl'i^ahJktii;.was.decided by agent of the company, Mr. H. E. Gray, to obtain his sanction to adopt the Mountain Ash system. It is thought that Mr. Gray is fa\ourably inclined to their wishes in the matter.

PENRHIWCEIBER. RE-OPENING OF CARMEL CHAPEL.—This auspicious event took place on Saturday last, when them was a full congregation. The services were conducted by the pastor, the Rev. R. Thomas, and T. E. Edwards (C M.), Penrhiwceiber. The chapel has been enlarged by the addition of 300 sittings, besides various ves- tries, &c., a full account of which appeared in our issue of Novemlier 14th, 1895, at the time of laying the memorial stones. The work of extension has been excellently carried out by the contractors, Messrs. C. Jenkins and Sons, Porth, under the supervision ot the architect, Mr. Arthur 0. Evans, Pontypridd, and reflects very great credit upon lioth architect and builders. Tho menders of Carmel Chapel are to be congratulated upon having such an edifice in which to worship. The building committee, of which Mr. J. P. Davies was treasurer, and Mr. David Thomas, Primrose Hill, Mountain Ash, the very energetic secietary, he having been most assiduous in his duties and services to the chapel, are also to be congratulated on the completion of the work of extension. Services were held on Sunday, and will be held each Sunday henceforth. The best thanks of the members of Carmpl Chapel are due to the very kind friends at Penuel (C. M.) Chapel for kindly granting the loan of their chapel in which to hold joint services. n n

BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. Best Baking i BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER, Powder in &e HORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. \\cnkl. BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER. True, and Free BORWICK'S BAKING POWDER From Alum.

MERTHYR BANKRUPTCY COURT. YESTERDAY.—Before Mr. Registrar D. Rees Lewis. RE BoWEX AND JONES.—Mr. Phillips, Ponty pridd, appeared for debtors, and Mr. George David, Cardiff, for the trustee, Mr. C. E. Dovey.—Mr. Bowen was first examined by the official receiver. Accord- ing to his statement ot affairs his gross liabilities were £ 929 Is. Id., £ 870 was expected to rank for dividend, and £ 575 10s. 3d. was the whole of his assets. He did not wish to alter the figures. He had put £ 135 2s. 3d. down for book debts as "good," £ 12 14s. lid. as doubtful, and £ 18 2s. 5d. as bad. He had not collected the money put down as good because times were bad. He put them down as good because the customers were respectable people. He had no capital when he hought the business. He valued his stock as £ 400, most of the cloth being fashionable. Some of it was out of condition. He did not agree with the trustees if they said that the value of the stock wai worth 60 per cent. less than his valuation. He adhered to his statement that the stock was worth £400. He agreed to pay Mr. Evans £ 720 for the business. He did not have the stock valued, !iecau#e he had every confidence in Mr. Evans.—The Official Receiver So have I, but that is no reason why you should purchase the stock with- out its being valued.—Continuing Mr. Bowen said both partners took out 30s. per week for household expenses. It was agreed that Mr. Evans should draw a third of the profits at the end of 12 months. Mr. Evans had access to the shop and books, but had nothing to do with ordering goods. The books were kept by his partner. The balance due to Mr. Evans was payable in the year 1900. As he commenced with no capital he could say that he was insolvent from the first.—The Official Receiver: Then your deficiency account is not correct. Witness admitted that he was an undischarged bankrupt, and that he did not tell his creditors of that fact. Mr. D. J. Erans knew that he was an undischarged bankrupt. The first meeting of creditors was held at Pontypridd on the 23rd January. It was called by Thomas Phillips, solicitor. He called the meeting because they had been served with a county-court summons. Mr. D. J. Evans had not filed a petition in bank- ruptcy asrainsfc them at that time. His object in calling the meeting was to make some arrangement with their creditors. They were advised to file their petition and that course was taken on the following day. The meeting cost £ 13, which was paid to Mr. Phillips by Mr. Upham. — Mr. Jones, the other Eartner, agreed with the statement made by Mr. oweti. He did not have any capital when he joined Mr. Bowen in taking over the business in fact, he was himself £4 14s. in debt. — Mr. Bowen, re- examined, in reply to Mr. David, said that Mr. Phillips was in the shop when they were served with the summons. At the first meeting of creditors he heard his solicitor read a statement, but ho could not say whether he read the statement held by Mr. David. At the private meeting of creditors he put forward J6400 as the value of stock. Mr. Elans' name was not in the agreement as a partner, neither was his name printed over the door with Bowen and Joues. They agreed to pay B60 a year to Mr. Evans for rent, but they never paid :any. < Some weeks ago Mr. En-ns issued a distress summons against them for rent. Part of the agreement stated that the vendor should have power to inspect the books so long as they had not concluded the payment of the amount agreed upon, and that he should make suggestions for their benefit. Witness had not quarrelled with Mr. Evans. The petition in bank- ruptcy was served upon them before the first meet- ing of creditors was held. All the names of creditors were entered in the statement of affairs. Messrs. Corner, Nicholson, and Co.. Leeds, were not in the list, ljecause they had bought nothing from the firm. He had since heard that that firm had claimed JB75 19s. He made no profits in his business times were so bad. They verbally agreed to pay Mr. Evans J660 a year rent, and not 100 guineas.—Mr. David said it seemed to him that bankrupts must amend their statement of affairs, and asked for an adjournment for that purpose. The examination was accordingly adjourned until tho 1st April, at 2.30 o'clock. RE D.J. EVANS.—Mr. Spencer, solicitor, and Mr. W. W. Meredith represented the various creditors, and Mr. J. Vaughan alil)eared on behalf of the debtor.— In reply to the official receiver, the Bank- rupt stated that he was desirous of altering his state- ment of affairs, and for this purpose the examination was adjourned until the bt of April, at three o'clock. RE EDWARO WHITE.—This debtor, who had carried on business as a picture-fame maker and artists' eolourman, was represented by Mr. D. W. Jones. He returned his liabilities to rank for dividend at £ 22118s. 4d., and his assets at JB22 7s. 10d., leaving a deficiencv of JS199 10s. 6d.—The debtor attributed his failure to ill-health of himself and family at various periods during the last few years, and to bad trade owing to slowness of work in the neighbourhood.— The examination was declared closed.

ABERCANAID. LIBERAL ASSOCIATION.—On Wednesday evening last a meeting of the above association was held at the Board Schools. Officers were elected, Mr. William Davies being appointed secretary. A resolution sup- porting the candidature of Mr. Arthur Daniel was unanimously adopted. CONGRATULATIONS.—We are pleased to hear that the Alierc-anaid Rechabite Band has been awarded the first prize and also the srold medal in the competition at the Porth Eisteddfod. We congratulate Mr. Robert Jones, the very able conductor, and also the members of the band. I FATAL ACCIDENT TO A COLLIER.—Ou Tuesday John Morgan, collier, of 10, Newton street, was acci- dentally killed in the Gethin^Pit.. Tt anoears he was walking alonsr unruey of tmni, caught him and dragged him some distance. When extricated he was still alive, but he died soon afterwards.

TREHARRIS. THE OPENING SERVICES in connection with the Forward Movement" New Mission Hall, in Perrot- street, will take place on the 28th, 29th, and 30th inst., followed by a fortnight's mission. Several well-known preachers and laymen will take part in the services. ITEMS.—Half-yearly meetings were held at Taber- nacle Inde]>endent Chapel on Sunday and Monday last.—Are the committee of the Lawn Tennis Club going to re-elect themselves for the next twelve months?-The Cefn Forest hounds started a fox at the Holly Bush Inn, and captured in a coal-house in Victoria-street. — Mr. Prosser's cart met with an accident on Saturday evening in Fox-street. POLICE ARRANGEMENTS.- Mr. Prosser presented a memorial on behalf of the Graig Berthlwyd, Quakers' Yard, electors at the Council meeting, held at Ponty- pridd on Thursday last, Playing that the above dis- trict should be under the control of the Merthyr Police Division, and not, as it is at present, under the Bany Police Division. We believe it will be a far better arrangement than the present one, especially in cases of fire, as nil tire appliances are kept at the Treharris Police Station. We also hear that the Lewistown friends would be glad to get the same arrangement regarding their police.

The Merthyr Times Office is the only Society Offiee 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 principles. Gcod printing, for charges which are strictly moderate.

I THE DOWLAIS SL RIKE. Interview with one of the men's representa- tives. The strike of fitters and smiths in the Dowlais Iron Works still continues, though the men had been out about 17 weeks. Within the past few days various and conflicting rumours have iieen circulated with regard to an attack made upon several men, who are termed blacklegs," as they proceed to and from the works, and the result is that on Tuesday night one of the strikers named Thomas Roderick was served with two summones for alleged intimidation. The case is down for hearing on Monday next. Evry day the men form themselves into a procession, and march through the streets, and it is alleged that on Thursday the 12th inst. the demonstiators assembled outside the residence of Mrs. Snead, Pantscallog, where the blacklegs lodge, that they hooted and jeered, and afterwards smashed the windows of Mrs. Snead's house. The leaders of the men deny that the blame should ho placed upon the shoulders of the men, but allege that the few men who have been imported into the work-; began the quarrel, and that very likely a disturbance followed which resulted in the windows being smashed. A reward of £ 10 has been offered to the jierson who shall give information that will lead to the conviction of the guilty person or persons, but soon after this notice was posted upon the gate* of the works it was torn in halves, and one piece of the printed t-heet is still to be seen. The men contend that they march through the town in an orderly manner. For the last day or two, however, two constables have accompanied the strikers, 0110 being stationed in the front and the other at the rear of the procession. On Wednesday our reporter went to Dowlais for the purpose of ascer- taming the position of affairs. ) [0 arrived in the vicinity of Victoria-street at about one o'c!o<jk, and was surprised to see that usually quiet neighbourhood in a state of excitement. He soon ascertained that the strikers, in processional order, had just passed along to Pantscallog. The strike was the principal topic of conversation, and ths streets were crowded with men, women, and children. Soon afterwards the men marched back again. One of the men walked in front carrying a pole over his shoulder. At the end of the pole was represented a leg painted black, and upon that was painted in white 17s. 9d. the wages said to be offered the men by the Dowlais Company, but which they refuse to accept. On the right-hand side was a police-constable, and then followed about 200 men, two abreast. They were laughing and chatting to their hearts' content. At intervals groups of women and children joined in the procession, waving hand- kerchiefs and calling out the names of the nien whom they recognised. At the rear another constable fell in the ranks, and accompanied the strikers around tho town. After viewing this sight, our reporte1- saw one of the men's leaders, and interviewed him. In reply to questions, the men's representative said We have 'oeen to Mr. Martin several times, and he won't make any concessions whatever. The gates are open for us to go in at the wage of 17s. 9d. per week, but we say that we should have at least 25s. per week, which would e\ en then be low enough. When we came out the l>est fitter and smith in the works earned from 16s. to 21s. per week. Now at the Dowlais Works at Cardiff the fitters receive 3011. per week, and we contend that we are entitled to 25s. if not 30s. also. As tfood men in Dowlais as in Cardiff? Rather I maintain that t the Dowlais smiths and fitters are as good as any of the men at Cardiff, and we therefore see no rerson why we should be offered only 17s. 9d. There were three men in the works, but two of them went away yesterday, and I took the trouble to see them get into the train and leave the place. The one man who is working, and who has broken from our ranks, has taken an active part in the strike. It is not a fitct that when wo were before Mr. Martin he told us to go about our business, and that he did not require u > any longer. I give fairplay to Mr. Martin: I give him his due; for he has not yet treated us in such a contemptuous manner. O yes, the men receive their strike pay every week from the Amalgamated Society of Engineers. Each man receives 15s. per week", and 6J. to 9d. for each child, so that if a man has six children he receives say 4s. 6d. for them, which makes his strike pay about £ 1 per weak. I do not know who broke the windows at Pantscallog. The UVrffr;/ Mail on Monday stated that the windows of the Pantscallog Inn were smashed, but that was wrong. The windows that were smashed were in the house of Mrs. Snead. where the men we call "blacklegs" lodged. Last night (Tuesday) Jam s Roderick received summonses, charging him with intimidation upon two occasions on the 12th inst. Roderick denies the allegation— but we had better not go into that matter, as the caso is to be tried before the magistrates. I may say, however, ) that Roderick is one of the quietest chaps yon would wish to meet in fact, I respect him very much, because he keeps his sister and is exceedingly good to her." After a few other interrogations, both men went their way.

AN EVANGELIST CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLEMENT. Arrested at Aberdare Junction. The police have been considerably exercised for some time past as to the whereabouts of one George Thomas, a baker, of London, for whose arrest a warrant was issued in November, 1894. upon a charge of embezzling 8s. Sd., the moneys of his employer, Mr. Hill, baker, of High street, Acton, near London. A few months ago he was traced to Cardiff, but he disappeared from there. and as a result of enquiries made by the Cardiff XI- Nis under the assumed name of George illiams, was engaged as an evangelist in that town. The search tor the missing one was unsuccessful, and it was then thought that the place mi-lit be Aberdare Junction and not Aberdare. Accordingly, on Tuesday night the Pontypritla police communi- cated with the police at Alterdare Junction, and about U o'clock P.C. Nicholls proceeded to a local preacher's house in Catherine-street. There he found Thomas, and upon charging him with the offence he replied, I am the man you want. I have been thinking of giving myself, up for some time." He was then taken into custody and removed to the Pontypridd Police Station. A telegram was forwarded to Scotland ard on Wednesday morning announcing the arrest, and an officer was immediately despatched to remove him to Acton. Thomas, it appears, has been in Aberdare Junction for three or four months, and during that time conducted evangelistic services of a successful nature at the Temperance Hotel in that mining village, but under the name of George Williams. He is a married man with three children.

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GOMER'S BALM THE SURPRISING HEALER Of Wounds, Sores, Ulcers on Feet, Neck, Head, Erysipelas, Cuts, Bums, Sore Breasts and Nipples, Skin Eruptions, Bed Sores, Boils, Gatherings, Eczema. POSITIVE CURE for Skin Disease, Breakings out in Children's Heads, Neck, Face, Ears, &c., Tender Feet, Galling or Chaffing, Piles, Sunburns, Chapped Hands, Cliiiolains, Sore Eyes and Eyelids, Scurvy, Bruises. Ringworm, Inflamed Bunions and Coras Gout, Rheumatism, Stiff Joints, &c., Jfcc, THIS BALM is most singular and prompt in its action. Every external disease that the human body is subject to at once gives way to its greal curative virtues. IT IS NOTED in relieving all pain and sMsneM when applied to Wounds, Sores, Ulcers, Erysipelas, Gout, I lies, Sore Eyes, or any inflammatory parts of the body, cooling and allaying all Irritation, softening and reducing hard Swellings, relieving Rheumatic Pain, and making pliable Stiff Joints. IT IS HARMLESS AXD EASY OF APPLICATION. TRY IT. CURE IS CERTAIN. 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One Million Pairs Annually. D JO,'6 F. 8/6 }' 6/6 G 5/. I,OX' WAISTY.n _BLACKS, 1/. EXTRA. Approy..d hy the whole polit-e 'world. TWELYE FIRST MED.U.I. If your Dr».pl\t' cannot ,>upp]y you, write dired t..) enclosing P.O.O., aud the Corset will at once bo sent you. W. S. THOMSON k COMPANY, LIMITED, MANUFACTURERS. Made in Lengths, 13, 14, and 15 in-he*. A Large Stock of these Good Vulv Corsets a!war* on hand at Messrs. J. E. Da una & Co., Ten pin of Fashion, High-stre2t, Merthjr. [117-302 Om HEALTH IN Wi.mkk,—Dr. Andrew Wilson, I writing iu Lloyd*a Jtfcwtpii'tr on diet, *ay.- "lhe teaching of tuiture should nev er bo noph-ctcd, and in the matter of winter food let u- see Wf»are not wron^ and take sufficient fat, for the changes that result- in the wear and tear of our bodies ;<re les t'npd in inten- sity by the fat of food, and the need for flesh is always less when fat forms a due proportion of our j The Doctor proceeds to enumerate natural products that are ndiniiah!<\ amonp: them "Cocoavr;ih its contained Coec a Batter. Relatively to this it may hw said that Kn 's PKKI'AUF.H COCOA ivtains all the stituent- of the natural Cocoa, including ths oil butter, intact. KcrTLCK. I'tipara'ili-1 -<! Suixtess in the treattnen Rupture i'V S..1. Sherman, Hernia Specialist, h h.-uuvry Lane, London. Write for h", new book- ftil« iufovv.uiti-i 11, 7M. pest free. Mi I t football • luX Wt'l'- is cat 's-,l fixtnre to: c*n Ve ^-one K-et an<i ch?i>p;H >v (be. Ttrntft rsnUng AVoik5,Htttbyr