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[No title]
THE Neath Conference was a far greater 0 sUccess than had been anticipated, but where ^ere the M.P.'s ? Only two attended, Mr. Jones and Mr. S. T. Evans. Two others, Mr. D. A. Thomas and Mr. McKenna, apologised for their absence. The other Liberal members neither attended nor apolo- gised. They absolutely ignored the Con- ference. Such conduct deserves the most P-rnphatic ccnsure. This was a conference *°f the whole of South Wales, and every Liberal M.P. should have been there to discuss and ventilate the Education Bill. It us«d to be thought that it was part of a Member of Parliament's duty to guide and enlighten public opinion on questions of the day. Such a view seems to be going out of fashion nowadays.
[No title]
novels are read in Merthyr 1 The following is the list supplied this week to the Western Mail "Literary Supplement," by Mrs. Powell, of the Merthyr Library :— "Sorrows of Satan," "Trilby," "Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush," "Marcella," Gentleman of France," "Doreell," "Joan Haste," "Prisoner of Zenda," "Stickit Minister," "God's Fool," The Manxman," "Ships that Pass in the Night," St. Elmo," Prince of "Alone on the Wide, AVide "Nobly Born," "Uncle Mat," "The Guinea Stamp," "My Lady Greensleeves," and" The Fate of Davon." The list is not Satisfactory. It contains many of the wrong s°rt of books, and the right books are in the *Vr°ng places. Fully one-half of the books have no business to be there at all, and ^here, oh where, ?re such contemporary ^'assies as Stevenson, Hardy, and George Meredith 1
[No title]
SIR JOHN GORST, in introducing the Edu- ction Bill, drew a very gloomy picture of the rural Board Schools. He said nothing about the rural sectarian schools. Things are bad in many of the former, it is true, but lot so bad as in the latter. Monday's issue the London Daihj Xe-ws contains extracts tr°ni inspectors' reports showing the con- Jti°n of sectarian schools in the country. The most inefficient schools in the district voluntary schools that is what one lQspector says, and it is pretty much the "A"'P- tale we hear from all parts. Now, should Sir John Gorst have put on the Pjint so thick 011 the Board Schools, and let e sectarian schools go scot free 1 Such j^Cthods do not commend themselves to V^est men. Mr. D. A. Thomas describes Education Bill as Jesuitical. There not seem to be much integrity in any- lnK connected with this measure.
[No title]
'V E have not been able to agree with the ^abour Guardians in everything they have r °"e of late. This makes it all the more Peasant to endorse and applaud a course of they now declare their intention of ^opting. In future they are going to I uress their fellow-guardians in the Welsh *nguage. They are not sufficiently familiar v,th the English tongue, they say, to do full Justice to the views and opinions they may fch to inculcate, and it is not right that J*ey should be handicapped in this respect, purely no onc denua. to the course they to adopt. There is nothing unreason- in a member of a public body speaking j!1 the language of the country where he ^es, and the business of which he transacts, be Labour Guardians have some anxiety as 0 the treatment meted out to their Welsh Peeches by the press. We beg to assure that their speaking in Welsh will not nlake the slightest difference as far as the reports of the Merthyr Titties are concerned.
[No title]
Oin correspondent, A Labourer," misses the point, we rather think, of the controversy ^ent the Gelligaer relieving officer. The Question raised at the Guardians was not Whether the father was to receive his salary or the time he was ill, but whether the son ]v'as to be remunerated for the services he eniporaiily rendered the Board during his ather's illness. It was not proposed that he father's salary be discontinued. Had 81tell a proposition been made, the voting .^ht possibly have been different to what t was. The Board had engaged the son as e^porary officer, and were bound to pay lln for work done. He could sue them in c,°ourt of law if they did not do so, as the clearly and definitely informed the ard. The point is not a merely technical Jle> for the son is in business of his own at ?r8°ed, and had to give up virtually the bole of his time to the affairs of the llardians. It was only right, although he Z5 'lPpened to be his father's son, that he be paid for the work he had done. Ik regards the Aberdare officer, we still here to the view that Mr. David was '^titled to the salary given him as well as Pension. Supposing he had refused to ei'take temporary duty on the ground, 'j^y* of age or infirmity, the Board would ofK G 'Jeen compelled to employ some other fl^eer pro tem., and give him a salary. The avd could not compel Mr. David to act, th ^Veie n°t entitled to take advantage of e pension they had granted him. It may f^e been wrong to grant him that pension y all, but that is entirely a different ques-
[No title]
HE Merthyr School Board, by seven votes three, have passed a resolution con- eninatory of the Government's Education tK ^ther School Boards,we hope,will follow ls example. Mr. Arthur Daniel said he Ie wed with horror and dismay the prospect v..the Board's work being revised by the Strict Council. A body that has failed to Pl>(>vide the town with a free library, or an bch of recreation ground, docs not seem to the proper body to superintend the Uv Cati°n of the people. Mr. Wills argued 1 at the managers of sectarian schools, Jecau«e they were ratepayers, were entitled 1° seats on the School Boards. Quite so ril't does not the argument cut both ways 1 he payers of rates are also payers of taxes; he sectarian schools derive about five-sixths their income from the taxes therefore he taxpayers are entitled to a voice in the eontrol of the sectarian schools. This Reasoning seems to us to be unanswerable. aIr. W. L. Daniel travc a verv effective reply .° Mr. H. E. Gray's remarks anent religious instruction. Mr. Gray approved of the pauses in the Bill giving power to a reasonable number of parents to demand Religious instruction of the kind they favoured to the children. This provision, *1'. Gray argued, was thoroughly demo- Cfatic. Mr. Daniel very pcitinently asked ]v'here it would stop. All the sects in the land might push their dogmas into the sehools, not excluding Agnostics and Atheists in some districts. Such a consum- mation would be a calamity of the most disastrous kind, and it is scarcely credible that the framers of the Bill could have realised what the ultimate results of its adoption might be.
A MERTHYll DRAPERS FAILURE.
A MERTHYll DRAPERS FAILURE. « A meeting uf the creditors of William ^h'inas, draper and outfitter, <>0, High-street, 'Herthyr, was held on Friday before Sir. W. L. "aniel, official receiver. The statement of e., *ftiiir:s showed liabilities amounting to JE:1,228 Us. the whole of which was returned as '>«ing expected to rank as dividend. The assets a\ailnble for distribution were given as £ 859 'id., there being a deficiency, therefore, of 10n. 5«1. Mr. J. D. Viney, chartered Accountant, W, Cheapside, London, was appointed trustee of the estate, with a com- mittee of inspection.
[No title]
H YLr,i'?MN>! LOTION is ininm al to ever.y kind of Spot, Biotch, »»a i' Eczematous Roughuess and Cracking also *08olutely destructive of a germs causing trouble to the Sim Advt.
SPARKS FROM THE ANVIL.
SPARKS FROM THE ANVIL. [BY JOE HAMMERSMITH.] There was a grand flare-up against the Education Bill at Neath on Thursday. Mer- thyr was well represented there. Mr. Thomas Williams, J.P., presided over the afternoon conference, and the following Merthyrians were also present :—Messrs. W. L. Daniel, J. Williams, J. Morgan, D. Davies, E. W. Harris, J. M. Berry, from Penydarren, Messrs. John Lewis, W. Lewis, and J. Lloyd Mr. Arthur Daniel from Troedyrhiw, and the Rev. Dr. Rees from Cefn. We travelled by the 11.30 from Merthyr, arriving at Neath about an hour and a half before the time appointed for opening the conference at the Gwyn Hall. The interval was utilised in fortifying the inner man. Some of us found it rather difficult to secure a supply of eatables It was at a well-known restaurant, and we were told by the man- agers that they did not know there was anything on in the town that day, and they had, therefore, been taken by surprise. Fancy that now. Had this been a Tory conference the party daily organ would have made it known to every man, woman, and child in the country. Our party, unfortun- ately, has no daily organ with sufficient spirit to render it that service. I follow the columns of the organ we have with a fair amount of diligence, but I do not remember seeing in it one single word about this con- ference. I understand, however, from Mr. Morgan Thomas' circular that the conference has been announced in the advertising columns of the journal referred to. Though Mr. Morgan Thomas was denied the assistance of our party organ, he worked up the conference with a great deal of energy. The result of his labours was an attendance far in excess of the most sanguine anticipations. Representatives from all parts of South Wales filled the Gwyn Hall, and the progressive thought of the country was, I should say, adequately reflected at the conference. The gathering may safely be regarded as a true expression of South Wales public opinion on Sir John Gorst's iniquitous and hypocritical Bill. Last week I characterised the Bill as Jesuitical. To some that epithet may have seemed too strong. Mr. D. A. Thomas, however, in his letter to Mr. Morgan Thomas, made use of exactly the same word. Great men frequently hit on the same ideas. Aberdare was also well represented at the conference. There was one thing that rather struck me. Aberdare sent several minis- ters, while there was not a single one from Merthyr. Also, there were two women from Aberdare, namely, Mrs. Walter Lloyd and Mrs. D. M. Richards, and not one from Merthyr. I could say a lot on this subject, but the facts speak for themselves. The chairman's address produced a deep impression, and gave the meeting its key- ZD Z5 note of profound earnestness. Mr. Williams was far from well. He said he dared not let himself go," and tied himself down to manuscript. It was pathetic to see the veteran hero of a hundred platforms com- pelled to adopt the methods of a fresh-from- college curate. The resolution condemnatory of the Education Bill was moved 5 by Mr. T. W. George, of Neath, and seconded by the Rev. Lewis James, of Narberth, both speaking with great force and eloquence. It was supported by Mr. W. L. Daniel, chairman of the Merthyr School Board, in a carefully- thought-out speech that was much appre- ciated by the meeting. Mr. Daniel charac- terised the Bill as an insult to the intelli- gence and the citizenship of the people of this country, and the remark was cheered to the echo. Mr. Lewis Williams, chairman of the Car- diff School Board, followed with one of the most interesting speeches of the meeting. Every sentence was a hit. Mr. Williams, in illustration of what religious teaching meant in some schools, told us a story, for the truth of which he could vouch. A lady went into a school, and gave a religious lesson to a class. The subject was the Storm on the Lake." "Here is Christ," said she, in the bigboat, and here is a little boat with other people in it. The big boat was saved, and the little boat was lost, and the people in it drowned. Now the big boat means the Church of England, and the people in the little boat are the Dissenters." There was a Dissenting boy in the class, and" he went home sobbing and crying, telling his mother he would be lost for ever unless he attended the Church. It is a horrible thing to make bigots and fanatics of dear little children like these. Dr. Rees, of Cefn, who delivered a vigorous Welsh speech, found it difficult to believe the Government really meant busi- ness. There were two men quarrelling, he said, in a public-house. Twmi vowed he was a better man than Shoni, and better than anyone that belonged to him. Shoni rather doubted this bold asseveration, and suggested a fight as the best method of getting at the truth. Twmi was willing to fight, but looked round to see if there were men within reach to stop the encounter. The Government, said Dr. Rees, like Twmi, were now looking round for people to stop the further progress of their Bill. I can only hope the doctor's prediction will prove correct. Mr. Richard Cory spoke strongly against the Bill, and Mr. Richard Morris, Mabon's bosom friend, opposed it "as a Unionist and a man." He went for clericalism in grim earnest. The Rev. E Jenkins, who now occupies the pulpit once filled by the immor- tal Thomas Jones at Swansea, having spoken, the resolution was carried without a single dissentient. The second resolution, to the effect that a committee be formed to organise opposi- tion against the Bill," was moved by the Rev. Towyn Jones, who edified the audience with two very good stories. One was about a man in America who built a steamer. It was a small steamer for river traffic, but the man thought he would fit it up with a whistle as large as that of an Atlantic liner. When the time came to start, the whistle was blown, and the steam turned on. But not a piston moved. The steam had all gone outjthrough the big whistle. The moral is obvious. Another story was that about the two poor students in Edinburgh. The winter was cold, and the students scraped a little money together to buy a stove. One of them had enough to pay for the stove, and the other to pay the mason for putting it up. When the session was over, the former said to the latter, The stove is mine, and you take the hole in the wall." The Government, said Mr. Jones, are going to give the stove to the clericals, and the hole to the people's schools. Mr. J. Griffiths, Porth, seconded the reso- lution, which was supported by Mr. Burnie, of Swausea. Mr. Burnie, it was evident, felt intensely on the subject. The martyrs have died in vain," he said, if this Bill becomes law. We must fight the clerics, even as our forefathers fought them." Mrs. Walter Lloyd, Aberdare. also denounced the clerics, and said the Bill simply meant the further endowment of the State Church. Mr. Brynmor Jones, M.P., delivered a stir- ring address, and Mr. Thomas Thomas, of Merthyr, impressed on the audience the necessity of carrying the enthusiasm of that meeting each one to his own district. The resolution was then carried. Mr. Arthur Daniel proposed that four men be elected from each constituency to serve on the com- mittee. Mr. David Davies thought two would be enough. Mr. Cory proposed three as a compromise, and this was carried. From East Glamorgan the three are Mr. Arthur Daniel, Troedyrhiw Mr. J. Griffith, Porth; and the Rev. Aaron Davies, Pontlottyn. For the Merthyr Boroughs Mr. T. Williams, J.P., Gwaelodygarth Mr. D. Davies, Glebe- land, and Mr. G. George, Aberdare Where were the South Wales M.P.'s ? At the conference only Mr. Brynmor Jones was present. In the evening meeting Mr. S. T. Evans was there to keep him company. Letters of apology were received for Mr. D. A. Thomas and Mr. McKenna. All the others absolutely ignored the gathering. Despite their absence, however, the Neath Conference was a magnificent success. The attendance of leading Liberals from all parts was far greater and more representative than had been anticipated, and the enthusiasm displayed was overwhelming. The Govern- ment may expect the most strenuous oppo- sition to their Bill from the Liberals of South Wales.
THE EDUCATION BILL.
THE EDUCATION BILL. Denounced by the Merthyr School Board. At Friday's meeting of the above School Board Mr D. Davies moved the suspension of the standing orders to deal with a question of urgency.—Mr. Wills only objected.—Leave being given, Mr. Davies moved that the Board express its disapproval of the Education Bill of the Government, and that the clerk be instructed to forward such an expression to the proper quarters. This Bill was a retrograde Bill. It took us back to the dark ages. He shuddered to think what disastrous results it would work in .20 or 30 years time. The Torie-j owed a debt to the clerics, and this Bill was a payment of that debt. But the ratepayers generally were healthy on this subject, and they would resist to the utmost the passing of this abominable Bill. The Neath conference, held the day before, had shown what South Wales thought of the Bill.—Mr. Arthur Daniel, in seconding the notion, said the object of the Bill was to strangle the School Board system. He viewed with horror and dismay the prospect of the Merthyr District Council having autho- rity to revise the work of the School Board. [Mr. Wills Sour Grapes."] The conduct of that Council, during the last twelvemonth, had proved that they did not care a jot about the real welfare of the people. They should spend more, not less, on education. In Chicago, the cost of education was as much as E7 10s. per child per annum, and it was no wonder America was beating us in the industrial markets of the world. This Bill was taking us back in educa- tion. The martyrs had died in vain if such legislation as this was to be carried. It was a dastardly attempt to play into the hands of the clerical party. The sects should teach their own dogmas at their own expense. It was horrible to think they should have power to send sisters of mercy and other people to the Board Schools to make them hotbeds of religious strife. -The Rev. R. S. Williams sup- ported the motion. The Bill took it for granted that the moral teaching in sectarian schools was superior to that in the Board Schools. If they went to the Guardians and the Police they would be told quite a different tale and he maintained the whole Bill was based on an erroneous and impudent assumption. Mr. Wills moved the previous question. He had listened with amazement to the previous speeches, which contained the most astounding statements. The fact was that the School Boards had only themselves to thank for the introduction of this Bill. It was a wise pro- vision, in his opinion, to subject the School Board accounts to the supervision of the coun- cils. Objection had been taken to the managers and supporters of sectarian schools having seats on School Boards. Surely, as ratepayers, they had every right to a share in the control of their own money. They did not want to intro- duce dogma into the Board Schools. It was not the fact that the Bill had been promoted in the interest of the sectarian schools. The Act of 1870 had gone too far, and the expenditure of School Boards had reached too high a point. Much was being said about the efficiency of sec- tarian schools. In this district, at all events, the sectarian schools were not backward. He welcomed the new Bill, because it would put all schools on the same footing of equality.- Father Pippett seconded the amendment.—Mr. H. E. Gray supported, and said that the clauses dealing with religious instruction seemed to him to be thoroughly democratic. It was only at the desire of a reasonable number of parents that such instruction could be given. Under the School Board system the rates were undoubtedly heavy, and the strain on the sup- porters of sectarian schools was very great. The opposition to the Bill, he thought, showed a bad spirit. The Bill had many good clauses, and contained the element of popular control. Mr W. L. Daniel said the position of Non- conformists on the education question was apparently not clearly understood by some mem- bers of the Board. Nonconformists were not opposed to religious instruction. Let there be no mistake about that. What they said was that sectarian education should be carried on at the expense of the sects, and not of the State. They objected to giving public money to any institution which was not subject to popular control. He had read the Bill three times, and had had it read to him once. Still he was com- pelled to say that he did not understand all its clauses. He should like to have a two hours' chat was the draftsman of the Bill, as the wording was complicated ind nebulous through- out. Speaking broadly, the aim of the Bill seemed to be the reversal of the policy of 1870, and to substitute it denominational for a public system of education. He had not been satisfied with the Act of 1870. At thaS time he had gone to London on behalf of the Welsh Education Alliance, and had formed one of a deputation that waited on Mr. Gladstone and Mr. Forster. Plainer talk lie had never heard than on that occasion. Still, in spite of all efforts, the Bill of 1870 was carried with the help of Tory votes. They had tried their best to carry it out, and they had succeeded. They were working on sound lines. If the present Bill were passed it would be the most serious blot on the history of this country during the last half century. It was a retrograde, revolutionary measure. The Anglican clergy were given all they asked for. The religious instruction clauses were most mischievous. They would lead to great evils. All the sects in the coui t y could get their dogmas into the schools. What would that mean ? Where would it end ? The day before he had come across an intelligent, conscientious Agnostic. That Agnostic, if lie could find others of the same opinion to join him, could demand that the principles of his creed or no-creed should be taught to their children in the schools. The Bill could never be tolerated. It was a serious reflection on School Boards. The new county authority was to be elected by the county councils. Why not by the School Boards ? He emphatically sup- ported the motion. The question being put to the vote, Mr. D. Davies' motion was carried by a majority of seven to three. The three were Mr. Wills, Father Pippett, and Mr. H. E. Gray. The Senior Member says it is a Jesuitical Bill. In his letter of apology for non-attendance at the Neath Conference on Thursday last, Mr. D. A. Thomas writes as follows I hope the Neath Conference will prove an unqualified success, and that it will give a strong lead to South Wales at this grave crisis which the supporters of the so-called voluntary schools have forced upon us. The more I study the Government proposals the more iniquitous do they appear. The Bill is a Jesuitical measure, and must be fought strenuously at every stage Liberals have always maintained that elemen- tary education provided by the State should not only be free and compulsory, but secular. The Bill is an attempt to still further endow religious education. If South Wales Liberals are in earnest in their opposition to the State endow- ment of religion, they will rise as one man to oppose this reactionary and sectarian scheme. This is a time when any small difference that may exist among us should be sunk and forgot- ten, and when all should unite to stem the wave of reaction that is passing over the country (cheers).
A RETROSPECT OF MERTHYR. ^
A RETROSPECT OF MERTHYR. Leaves from the Merthyr Telegraph II. The question of the water supply continues at this time (1856) to occupy the attention of the public. The scarcity can hardly be realised by those who to-day are apt to grumble if they go to their taps and find the supply cut off even for a couple of hours. We read of hundreds of persons collecting at Pistill y Guest, and wait- ing their turns even all night. Scheme after scheme is propounded Brunei, Lyne, Williams, and others each has his own ideas as to the best method to secure the coveted supply the Ffrwd Brook, deep wells (450 feet deep) at Penydarren for instance, pumping from the river at Pontsticill, &c., &c. Each has its advocates, and the end of the year 1856 does not apparently find the Merthyr people nearer the boon than the beginning. Complaints are made, well founded, too, we fear, that next to Liverpool, Merthyr is the most unhealthy town in the kingdom. The close of the year 1855 is marked by an accident at Cwmneol Colliery, (wiiiaiiian, which resulted in the loss of eight lives and the com- mittal of Solomon Lloyd, the engine-driver, for manslaughter. In passing we note, in Decem- ber, 1855, a meeting at Dowlais to promote the erection of gas works, Mr. Bruce being in the chair. An agreement is come to with the Merthyr Gas Company to take over their mains, and the trustees of the Dowlais Company gave an assurance that no gas works would be erected for the supply of their works. The year 1856 opens well. We find trade is good, as we learn from the report of the annual dinner of the Dowlais Iron Company's agents, 140 in number, held at the Patriot Inn, with Mr. H. A. Bruce, M.P., in the chair, and Mr. George Martin as vice-chairman. Among others present were the Rev. Canon Jenkins and the Rev. Mr. Raymond. In March, 1856, is recorded the death of a well-known Glamorgan- shire character, "Twm Cefnpennar," who was interred at the old chapel, Cefncoed. An interesting article on the Old Charity of Cwmglo furnishes much food for r dlOn. In the year 1730 there was no P.. cstant dis- senting chapel in Merthyr, save the old one at Cwmglo, of which a certain worthy, Mr. James Davies, was then minister. On the 1st of October, 1735, John Williams, a native of Merthyr, bought Penydarren, otherwise Tony- fold, consisting of 80 acres of the best land at Penydarren, for JE60, but the foolish man, little dreaming of the great mineral wealth lie had acquired, let it again the next day for a term of 999 years at the yearly rent of £ 3. On the 18th of November following he made his will, demis- ing this property and other houses and tene- ments in Merthyr in trust, to pay E2 yearly to the poor of the dissenting congregation of Merthyr £ 2 yearly to pay for the teaching of Welsh to poor children of dissenting parents, and the residue for the support of the Pro- testant dissenting minister at Merthyr, then Mr. James Davies, for the promotion of true godliness and piety in the neighbourhood. This charity is now enjoyed by Ynysgau Chapel, the successors in title to that at Cwmglo. In July, 1856, the disastrious explosion at Old Cymmer Colliery occurred. The inquest on the 114 men killed resulted in a verdict of man- slaughter being returned against the manager, Jabez Thomas. In September the sad death occurred of Mr. Lewis Morgan, The Graig. Riding on horseback on the Taff Vale Railway, he was overtaken by a train and cut to pieces. It is curious to note that the provision of a bridge across the river at Ciodraw was first mooted in this year of grace, 1856, so that it has taken nearly 40 years to bring it about. The close of the year was marked by two tragedies, C, the death, by stabbing, of Joseph Pearce, a switchman on the Vale of Neath Railway, for whose death Elias Jenkins was committed for wilful murder, and the equally violent end of Gwenllian Lewis, the caretaker of the offices of Morgan and Smith, solicitors, a verdict in this case also of wilful murder being returned by the coroner's jury against the husband, John Lewis.
INTERESTING BAZAAR AT HIGH-STREET…
INTERESTING BAZAAR AT HIGH- STREET CHAPEL, MERTHYR. An exceedingly pretty and interesting chil- dren's bazaar and fancy fair was held at High- street Chapel Schoolroom on Thursday last, under the auspices of the Sunday School Scrip- tural Classes, of which Miss Faith Price is the promoter. For the last two years Miss Price has laboured most assiduously with her pupils. Last year, owing to the success attained by the High-street Sunday School at the Scriptural examination the children were taken to Pont- sarn, and there treated to a most enjoyable tea &c. This year, greater success has been attained, at least six prizes coming to High- street. Mrs. and and Miss Price, 46, Upper Thomas-street, very generously took upon themselves the work of marking the success of the children in some tangible form, and at the same time benefit the chapel cause, by handing over a sum of money to the renovation fund. A bazaar -and fancy fair were accordingly organised, the whole of the arrangements being carried out by the two ladies whose names are mentioned in the foregoing. The affair was a great success, the large amount of patronage accorded it surpassing the most sanguine anticipations. A large number of friends came forward and assisted in money and in kind, and Mrs. Price desires to take this opportunity of thanking them for their kind subscriptions and donations. The room presented a very pretty appearance, being more like a fairy land than a schoolroom on account of the pretty colours of the articles for sale and the variety of the colours worn by the children. Tea was first partaken of, the tables being presided over by Mrs. William Williams, Union-street Mrs. Rich Mrs. Richards, and Miss Bannister, assisted by a large number of young a friends. There were six stalls, but the most attractive by far was the "doll stall," which looked a perfect doll world." The stalls were presided over as follows 1, Mrs. Jones and Miss Short, Miss Annie Jones and Miss Beatrice Williams 2, Miss Maud Jenkins and Miss Clark 3, Miss Jeannie Bailey and Miss Blodwen Jenkins 4, Miss James, Dowiais 6, Miss Gladys James, assisted by a large number of little maidens, attired in pretty costumes refreshment stall, Miss Emily Williams ice-cream vendor, Mr. Arthur Morgan, alias Berni (with apologies). A great deal of fun was made over the bran tubT this being in charge of Miss Solomon and Miss Dyke. At four o'clock the chapel and schoolroom were crowded, awaiting the arrival of Mrs. G. C. James and Miss James, the last- named lady having kindly consented to open the bazaar. Miss James came home on Thursday for the express purpose of attending the sale, though, through mistaking the date, that lady did not put in an appearance until a little later. After a few formal introductory remarks by the Rev. A. Hall, pastor of the chapel, Miss James, who was received with applause, expressed her regret at being rather late, on account of mis- taking the date. Miss James then very grace- fully declared the bazaar open. The pretty four-year-old daughter of Mr. Lewis, Pontmorlais West, presented Miss James witha beautiful bou- quet of flowers which that lady acknowledged. Miss James then presented the little lady with a lovely basket on behalf of Miss Faith Price, and also with a beautiful doll as a personal gift. The Rev. A. Hall, on behalf of the church, proposed a hearty vote of thanks to Miss James for being present to perform the opening cere- mony.—Mr. John Morgan, as secretary of the Sunday School, and president of the Sunday School Union, seconded the vote, which was accorded with enthusiasm.—Miss James having responded, business commenced in real earnest, and continued until a late hour. It is satis- factory to state that as the result of the under- taking the sum of £ 14 will be handed over to the Church Renovation Fund, after clearing all expenses. Miss Price is deserving of the highest praise for the way in which she worked, and not a stone was left unturned that would tend tofthe success of one of the prettiest functions ever carried out in High-street Chapel.
THE JUNIOR MEMBER.
THE JUNIOR MEMBER. Serenaded in Coolgardie. Thus writes the London Welsh correspondent of the South Wales Daily Ncns: Mr. Pritchard Morgan was cordially welcomed on his appear- ance in the House after his return from the Antipodes, and was congratulated on the immense concession of 5,000 square miles granted to him by the Government of South Australia. On New Year's Eve at Coolgardie, when it was 110 degrees in the shade after sun- set, Mr. Pritchard Morgan met with a pleasant surprise. Seated with his daughter on the verandah of their Coolgardie home they were serenaded by a group of musical miners who, after singing several choruses with great efiect, wound up their impromptu programme with a spirited rendering of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau."
LIFE AT CEFN. I
LIFE AT CEFN. What Happened at the Football Tournament. John Jones writes to us as follows:- My lodger, that is, Hen Lane," not being in a mood to write, the Temperance scribes having, I think, frightened him out of his wits, has asked me to jot down some of my impressions as to how the Cefn folk SpeLt Dydd Mawr Ffair y Cefan." I am not much of a writer, but I cannot disobey the old boy he has given me many a free advertisement in the Times, and I shall try to accede to his request. Had he asked me to sing Ceiliogwydd Taimawr," or Y Ddafad las a'i ho'n," I could have done it proper-no one better- but to write a note to the papers-by gosh I shudder at the idea. My impressions of Ffair y Cefan are vivid enough, goodness knows I was never in such a pandemonium in my life. But to make such impressions intelligible to the readers of the Times is a thing not in my line. I am not like Hen Lane," a teetotal, I like my drop, as he has often said. I, therefore, joined my com- rades in the drinking line, donned the white ribbon, and became a steward, or whatever they called me, in the now famous football tourna- ment. Golly there was a place there Foot- ball is a great misnomer. By what I could see, the fist was infinitely more in demand than the foot. Fights there were by the hundreds. Fighting about what ? About nothing. Someone would ask, How many tries have the Cilsanws Invincibles scored ? Three tries and a minor," says Dai. No, no," says Tom, four tries to nil." And all at once there was a fight over the matter. How many teams are going to kick ?" Ten," says one. Twelve," says the other, and there followed another fight. And so on etcetera. My impression of the affair is that it was a huge mistake from beginning to end. The game of football has been dragged in the mire by a lot of ignorant men I the most ignorant—and made a bye-word of by its enemies. To associate the game with the drinking, the filthy language, and the fisti- cuffing of Monday, has done it infinite harm, and has degraded it from being a noble pastime to be the laughing stock of the whole com munity. When I meditate over the doings of the day in my spare moments, I say candidly I am utterly disgusted with myself. The effect of our tournament must have been demoralising in the extreme, and to think that I had a hand in the affair is galling. My fellow-clubmen know full well that I spent many a day of boisterous carousal with them, and suffered many a day of dry throat and splitting headache in consequence. I have oft been a wild boy, but my lodger points out my sons to me, and asks me if I am acting squarely by them. In sack- cloth and ashes I admit that I do not. I have been, many a time, worse than a beast, grovelling in the mud, but I pray God that I shall never live to see any of my boys following in the footsteps of their drunken father. Well, Monday's tournament was meant for the boys, and I feel that I have been helping those boys to begin a downward career, which will end in misery and ruin. The tournament was a mis- take. There is another subject I wish to say a word about. It is the Cork and Bung Society that I am asked to adorn with my presence. It is held in one of the most go-a-head centres of the trade," and its object is to organise parties to take long drives on Sunday. Cork is the badge of membership, and the fee is a few coppers every week. I had, for once, the moral courage to decline the pressing invitation to join the Cork and Bung Society."
MERTHYR BURIAL BOARD.
MERTHYR BURIAL BOARD. Friday. Present: Mr. C. Price (presiding), Mr. D. Evans, Mr. E. R. Williams, Mr. W. Lewis, Rev. J. Thomas, and Mr. D. D. Williams.—The Clerk reported that the Rev. J. Thomas, Mr. W. Lewis, Mr. D. Davies, and Mr. Daniel D. Williams had been duly elected members of the Board, and Mr; Alec Lewis and Mr. Sandford Jones had been elected auditors. —Mr. Williams proposed, and Rev. J. Thomas seconded, that Mr. C. Price be elected chair- man of the Board for the ensuing year.—This was carried unanimously. — The Chairman arranged to carry out the suggestions of himself and Mr. Davies to put up wire on the walls of the Aberfan Cemetery.—An applieation from the Aberfan sexton for an increase of salary was adjourned, on the proposition of Mr. Evans, seconded by Mr. Williams. — Other minor matters were discussed.
WELSH MEMBERS' RECORDS.
WELSH MEMBERS' RECORDS. Up to Easter the number of divisions in the House of Commons were 85. The voting of Local members was as follows :—Wr. Abraham, Rhondda,15 M. Vaughan Davies, Cardigan, 47 W. Rees Davies, Pembroke, 31 S. T. Evans, Mid-Glamorgan, 23 Sir J. J. Jenkins, Car- marthen District, 16 D. Brynmor Jones, Swansea District, 32 General Laurie, Pembroke District, 32 Sir J. T. D. Llewellyn, Swansea Town, 60 J. M. Maclean, Cardiff, 41 P. C. Milbank, Radnor, 54 J. Lloyd Morgan, Car- marthen W., 40 ;W. Pritchard Morgan, Merthyr, 0 C. Morley, Brecon, 27 D. Randall, Glamorganshire, 18 Abel Thomas, Carmarthen E., 23 D. A. Thomas, Merthyr, 46 Major Wyndham Quinn, Glamorganshire, 66 Sir W. Harcourt, West Monmouth, 18 Mr. R. McKenna, North Monmouth, 47 Col. Morgan, South Monmouth, 23 Mr. A. Spicer, Mon- mouth District, 50.
A PECULIAR CASE OF RABIES.
A PECULIAR CASE OF RABIES. A case of rabies has recently been declared to exMU it Cheshire under exceptional and peculiar circum- stances. On September 13 last a black retriever dog was seen in a field belonging to Mr. Davis Worth, Goostrey, near Holmes Chapel, behaving in a strange manner, chasing and attempting to bite a number of cows, and showing suspicions symptoms of bein& affected with rabies. The dog was shot, and the veterinary inspect or, Mr. W. J. Wogstaffe, M.R.C.V.S.. made a post mortem examination of the carcass. As a result of, bis examination, be certified thai the dog had suffered from rabies. On the following day eight of Mr. Worth's cows were re ported to haTe been bitten by the dog, and Mr. Wag staffe was requested to examine them. In four or five of these animals he discovered some slight abrasions of the skin. These eight cows were vievn»d with suspicion, and were ordered to be confined to their stalls, and to be kept, under observation for «ix months. On January 2.3 Mr. Wagstaffe made a post- mortem examination of a calf, aged about one month, the progeny of one of the suspected cows that had died somewhat suddenly, show:ng suspicious symp- toms of rabies but none of the usual appearances of rabies were revealed. On March 5 the inspector made a post-mortem examination of another calf, also the progeny of one of the suspected cows that had du-d under circumstances similar to the above, and, although this examination failed to show any in- dication of rabies, he was of opinion that a further investigation was ndvisabie. The brains and spinal cord were then forwarded to the director-super- intendent of the Brown Instii ut e, London, and as a result of the inquiries there the case has just been declared to have been one of rabies. The cows that were bitten so far present no appearances of the disease, and the case is of special interest from the fact that, while the cows are still remaining in good health, two calves that were born of these cows some months after the infliction of the bite have died of the disease.
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FOOTBALL NOTES AND NEWS.
FOOTBALL NOTES AND NEWS. Bv SPECTATOR. Mr. J. Jenkins, 154, High-street, Cefn, secre- tary of the Cefn Harlequins, writes In answer to the challenge issued in your paper by the Merthyr Stars to the Cefn Harlequins, I beg to state that we will not accept it, on the ground that it will cause a further estrangement between the two clubs. The statement made by One of the the players in the Merthyr Stars" to the effect that our team glory in their success is only an excuse to bring on this challenge. He also stated that teams came to Cefn to play, but that we did not play the return matches. The only teams that we have not played the return matches with are the Troedyrhiw 3rds and the Stars. We have offered to play the Troedyrhiw team, but I did not get an answer to the effect that they could play us until two o'clock on the Saturday on which we were to play, and I wasunabletoget a team up then owing to their being in work. I have had no com- munication with them since then. In reference to the return match with the Stars, we have been advised by teams who have been playing on their ground that it is not fit to play a match on. We have played them and beaten them under the supervision of a union referee. One team had as much fair play as the other, and that is enough to dispose of any question which might arise in con- nection with the playing of the two teams. MERTHYR v. AEERDARE.— On Thursday afternoon, at the Aberdare Park, the newly-formed Merthyr Socy Club played the Aberdare Rangers. There was a fair attendance of spectators. Merthyr took the field with several men short, and substitutes were found from the ranks of the Aberdare Town Club. During the first half the Rangers scored two goals, one of them being headed in.by Ben Bowles. During the latter half the Rangers attacked vigorously, but the Merthyr backs, W. S. Stephens and W. Jones, defended well, whilst the goal-keeper, HowellThomas, made some marvellous saves. For a young team the Merthyrians played a very good gan e. Where "ley failed was in combination, the Rangers being superior to them in that respect. The following composed the Aberdare Rangers Goal, Sid Evans back- Joe Lloyd and D. Jones half-backs, Roger Jones, C. Wiltshire, and Frank Handle}' forwards, right wing, Syney and Francis left wing, D. Williams and D. Moran centre, Ben Bowles. The following comro3ed the Merthyr Team Goal, Howell Thomas backs, W. S. Stephens and W. Jones; half-backs, Jones, W. B. Harries, and Caldicott forwards, right wing, W. D. R. Lewis and Thomas centre, T. M. Yeates; left wing, T. Yeates aid Evans.
ASSOCIATION.
ASSOCIATION. The Aberdare Town F.C. have put their football and warpaint by until next season. They have done very well, having won most of the matches played. Next season they hope to have even a better team. The Aberdare Rangers finished their season on Thursday, when they played the newly-formed Merthyr F.C. The Rangers also have done very well. And now a few words as to Thursday's match. Of course, the Merthyr Club is only in its in- fancy. It was only formed a few weeks ago as a sort of preliminary for next season. Next winter, however, the Merthyrians hope to have a decent little team. On Thursday Merthyr were only able to put nine men on the field two Aberdare players were obtained to fill the gaps. And capital substitutes they proved, too. In the first half the match was fairly even, the Rangers having slightly the upper hand. From a coiner kick, Ben Bowles headed the ball through. By half-time the Rangers had scored No. 2. In the second half the Rangers pressed vigor- ously, and experienced hard lines. Shot after shot was rained in, but the Merthyr custodian defended the sticks in a smart manner. Time was called, with a score of two goals to nil in favour of the Rangers. For the Rangers, Roger Jones was very smart at half-back. Sydney, on the right-wing, also played a great game. Ben Bowles, at centre, was very cool and resourceful. For Merthyr, Stephens, the old Ardwynian and Aberystwyth College player, did well The goal- keeper was also in fine form. The Aberdare F.C. terminated its matches on March 28th, and their record for the season is one which the townsfolk of Aberdare should look on with pride. The matches played were 27, distri- buted as follows Won, 16; drawn, 5; lost 6. The defeats were by Aberaman 2-0, Treliarris (twice) 5—3 and 1-0, Hereford 2-0, Barry Dis- trict 2-1, and Swansea Villa 2-1. Among the wins such clubs as Barry District.4-I, Swansea Villa 5—3, Treharris 4—1, St. Margaret's, Ely, Pontardawe, Nelson, Mardy, &c., were the vic- tims. In the point of class football in South Wales the club comes out nearly, if not quite, on the top.
THE DOCTORS' QUESTION AT MERTHYR…
THE DOCTORS' QUESTION AT MERTHYR VALE. Amicable Settlement. A special general meeting of the Merthyr Vale Colliery workmen was held at the Assem- bly-room on Friday evening, for the purpose of receiving the report of a deputation, consisting of six members of the Medical Committee and six other workmen representing Dr. Jones, of Troedyrhiw. that waited upon the company's agent regarding the colliery surgeon question. Mr. Peter Gardner was elected chairman. After the report had been given and confirmed by both sides' of the deputation, it was received by the meeting with great satisfaction. Mr. James Smith, the secretary of the Medical Com- mitte, read to the meeting the minutes, resolu tions, etc., that were passed at the general meeting of the workmen that was held on Thursday, October 13tli, 1892, when Dr. D. K. Draffin was elected to the position of medical practitioner to the Merthyr Vale Colliery work- men by a very large majority, lie being the candi- date selected out of 72 applicants for the appointment. At this stage a vote of confidence was proposed and carried unanimously with great applause, and Mr. Enoch George, one of the deputation representing Dr. Jones, stated that they, the minority, must for the future fall in with the majority, as that meeting was called to finally settle the question in dispute. This statement was received with cheers. Mr. John Meredith, the secretary for the Work Com- mittee, and Mr. James Smith, the secretary for the Medical Committee, were appointed to inform the management of the result of the meeting, and with the usual thanks to the chair- man, the proceedings terminated. I "THE ZOO." Jung Perchad's stall at the Zoological Societys Gardens in London, which has been empty for about a month, is now tenanted—it would be incorrect to write filled-by a young Indian elephant received by the society on deposit, with the option of purchase. The otntiml is a male, apparently healthy and in good condition, and will probably become the property of the society, unless the owner should ask too high a price. The newcomer stands about 5ft. high, and is probably some four or five years old, the tusks being very small. He seems quite at home in his new quarters, which, at present, are dispropor- tionately large for him. His small size is rendered more noticeable by the fact that on one side is stalled Jingo, the male African elephant acquired by the society in 1882, and on the other, Suffa Culla, the female Indian elephant brought home by the Prince of Wales in 1876. At this season the displays of the cranes are almost sure to attract the attention of visitors. These birds do not often breed in captivity in England, but it is interesting to record that one of the demoiselle cranes in the enclosure near the Antelope House recently de- posited an egg. It was, unfortunately, broken by the other birds in the enclosure, but enough of the shell remained to take a rough measurement—3|in. in the '2 longer and 2 £ in. in the shorter axis. The colour was olive-green, thickly spotted with rufous, especially tcwards the larger end. The ruff in the Fish House is now assuming the ornament which is the character- istic mark of the "tales in the breeding season, and from which these birds derive the English name. The colours of this ruff vary greatly, no two birds being alike in this respect, though each bird keeps its dis- tinctive colouration year after year. This variation is well shown in a tine series of specimens exhibited in the Central Hall of the British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell-road. In one of the large cases on the north side of the Reptile House is a boa from Dominica, recently pre- sented to the Society, and described as of unknown species. It differs from the common boa (Boa, con- strictor), in the size and shape of the scales, and in the colouration and the shape of the markings, but may i" possibly be only a variety of the common species, of which there are two specimens in the same case, so that the differences may be readily seen by those interested in the eubiect.
BY THE WAY.
BY THE WAY. There are 108 children at the Aberdare Training Schools at present. There is a place at Merthyr known by the sombre name of "Coffin's Court." From November, 1894, to November, 1895, Gwyddonfryn took as many as thirty-eight poetical prizes at eisteddfodau. Love your neighbour as yourself." Yes, but what if your neighbour has a fool of a dog that barks incessantly all night ? Sir W. T. Lewis, Bart., has subscribed JB120 to the fund in aid of the restoration and enlargement of Cwmbach Schools. The Aberdare police are fully bent upon checking obstruction of the thoroughfares. Quite a number of young men have been summoned and fined lately for this offence. Mr. W. L. Daniel, chairman of the Merthyr School Board, says he would like to have a two hours' chat with the draftsman of the Education Bill. The desire, we understand, is not reciprocated. On Friday evening last the Cefn Church was a receptacle of much of this world's wealth. During the organ recital Mr. Go(u)ld was the organ blower, while Mr. Silver manipulated the keys. Magistrate, to complainant at Merthyr Police- court Can you prove that defendant broke the window ?—Complainant: He can prove it himself (laughter). There must evidently be a tremendous lot of geese and fowls at Heolcrerrig. Several assault cases have arisen in which either the geese, or the fowls, have been the indirect cause. The numerous ascault cases that have lately cropped up at Merthyr, caused a gentleman to say in the police-court last Thursday, "That the whole parish must evidently be up m arms." The Rev. W. T. Lee, of Cardiff, who preached at Morlais Baptist Chapel on Sunday, is one of the most prominent lecturers of the Christian Endeavour Society. This is how Alafon describes the critic:- Er yn grwt mae'n wir gritic,—a'i einau Fel diferol gostic; Hen scamp a camp yw cael cic, Cystal a'i air sarcastic. A portrait of Lord Aberdare, and another of the key which was recently presented to him when he formally opened the new schools at Aberdare Junction, ha3 been added to the mural decorations of that school. According to Stubbs' Weekly Gazette, the number of failures in England and Wales gazetted during the week ending April 11th, was 112. The number in the corresponding week of last year was 179, showing a decrease of 67. It is stated that an exciting incident occurred in one of the quietest streets of Aberdare the other evening. A man, who had no business there, was found in the coal shed of a certain house, and being courageously attacked by the son of the occupier of the house, was very glad to make his escape. A man came into the office the other day, looking very ill. Why," he asked, with a weary sigh, why should the police be the most learned people in the countrj ? Then he writhed with agony of soul, and whispered the reply, Because they receive such a lot of information. He then collapsed utterly, and it was with great difficulty he was brought round. Mr. T. Westlake Morgan, organist of Bangor Cathedral, late organist of St. David's, Merthyr, is this week on a visit to this county, and is giving a series of organ recitals. On Monday night Mr. Morgan was at St. Martin's, Caerphilly on Tuesday he visited St. James', Pontypool and on Wednesday he was at the Priory Church, Brecon. On Thursday he gives a recital at his old church, St. Davie's, Merthyr, and on Friday at the Cefn Church. This is from the Westminster Gazette The plucky Principality is an extraordinary place. According to the schoolboy essayist Spermaceti comes from Wales, and toasted cheese is called Welsh rabbit." The latest bird story also comes from the same quarter. A Swansea man who was smoking in his garden some months ago missed his tobacco pouch, which he had just filled with tobacco. When the garden hedge was being trimmed recently a workman found the pouch a bird's nest, the tobacco forming a most comfortable lining. If ornithologists had not, like anglers, established their supremacy above all other mortals for veracity, we shculd have been inclined to doubt the accuracy of this. But birds sometimes do queer things. "One who knows" writes:—The last meeting of the Merthyr Council lasted three hours and a half. The last meeting of the Aberdare Council lasted exactly 48 minutes. The business of both Councils is similar, and the business of the Aberdare Council is quite as heavy as that of Merthyr. In 48 minutes time the Aberdare councillors had discussed the medical officer's report, surveyor's report, and sani- tary inspector's report; considered a good batch of cor. respondence, and dealt with several other matters. On the other hand, the Merthyr Council spent about an hour in discussing one trivial subject. And the fact remains that despite their short but pithy meetings, the Aberdare Council have kept the rates quite as low, if not lower, than tho e of Merthyr, and kept their town in quite as good, if not a better, condition, than that of Merthyr. Why this difference in the length of the meeting ? The fact is that the Merthyr councillors have more of the gift of the gab than their Aberdare brethren. They waste time in empty vapourings and inane platitudes. They should take a leaf out of the book of their friends on the other side of the mountain and talk less.
MERTHYR POLICE-COURT.
MERTHYR POLICE-COURT. THURSDAY. -Before Stipendiary North and Mr. Truran. DRUNKS.—These were dealt with as follows William Evans, at Treharris, 10s.; Mary File, at Dynevor-square, 10s. Morgan Morgan, at High- street, 15s. Luke Samuel, in Wellington-street, 10s.; Daniel Dempsey, in High-street, Dowlais, 10s. AFFILIATION.—John Collins, baker, Merthyr, was summoned by Mary Davies, a single woman of Quarry-row, Merthyr, to show cause, <fcc.—Mr. J. T. Vaughan appeared for the complainant, and Mr. W. Beddoe for the defendant.—The Stipendiary not being satisfied with the corrol)orative evidence, dis- missed the case. ASSAULT. — Bridget Bryant, of Brecon-road, assaulted Theresa Colman and Charlotte Colman, and for this offence she had to pay 10s. THREATS.—Geoffrey Powell was summoned for threatening Noah Keete.-Complainant said that the defendant threatened her because she gave evidence against him.—Defendant was bound over to keep the peace. NON-MAINTENANCE. —Edward Timmswassummoned for the maintenance of his wife, an inmate of the Workhouse Infirmary, she being afflicted with spine disease.—Mr. F. T. James appeared for the Merthyr Board of Guardians, and Mr. J. T. Vaughan for the defendant.—Mr. J. H. Williams, the relieving officer to the Guardians, stated the facts, and said that defendant was an engineman on the site of the new public offices.—Mi. Vaughan said that defendant earned 15s. a week, and he had been laid up with sickness for a long time.—An order was made for 2s. per week. MONDAY.—Before Mr. W. North (stipendiary) and Mr. M. Truran. USUALS.—The following were fined for drunkenness: Dan O'Connell, Henry Josiah, Thomas Walters, D. Davies, Treharris Bertie Bev an, Merthyr Vale; E. Williams, J. Meredith, Merthyr Vale; R. Beavan, Merthyr Vale; D. M. Jones, Merthyr Vale; W. Connick, Troedyrhiw Richard Morgan, Troedy- rhiw: Morris llealy, Dowlais-; Evan Hopkins, Merthyr John Fitzgerald, Merthyr John Burke, Merthyr Ann Collins, Merthyr. SCHOOL BOARD CASES.—Several School Board cases were disposed ot. DISMISSED.—John Murphy and David Sullivan. were summomed for obstruction at Merthyr Vale.- Case dismissed. CHIMNEY ON FIRE.—William Crook was fined 18. and costs for leaving his chimney to go on tire. ENDORSEMENT.—The licence of the Market Tavern, Dowlais, was, on the application of Mr. Beddoe, temporarily transferred from Mr. John Jones to Thomas Jones. DRIVING WITHOUT LIGHTS. — A youth named David J. Woolley was fined 10s. and costs for driving a spring cart without lights at High-street, Merthyr. —John Williams was also summoned for driving a donkey and cart without lights at the same town, and was fined 2s. 6d. and costs. STEALING COAL.-Jane Mallett, Elizabeth Jones, and Barbare Helen Shaw were charged with stealing coal, value 6d., the property of Crawsbay brothers.— The Stipendiary said that defendants ought to be ashamed of themselves, and fined them 5s. each. ASSAULTING A POLICEMAN.—Michael Hayes, a tall man, was summoned for being drunk, and assaulting P.O. Coleman, at Dynevor-street, Merthyr.—The Constable said that he saw the defendant very drunk in Dynevor-street. He refused to go away and became very violent. He also kicked witness on the C iptT_A nne of 10s. and costs was imposed on defen- dant for being drunk and disorderly, and jSl and costs for the assault. OBSCENE LANGUAGE.—A man named Richard Jones was summoned for having used obscene lan- guage at Troedyrhiw.—The Constable said that l e heard defendant make use of a filthy expression whilst in company of other young men.—Fined 53. and costs.
OLD IfOV SI 8.
OLD IfOV SI 8. Cases of cruelly to aped horses that were about to be shipped 1o Rotterdam for slaughter as human food ciime It! re the magistrate nt. the Thamea Police-court <11 Saturday. It was said that the com- mercial iglize of one of these horses in London would he about, 3us., and in Rotterdam £7 or £8. It was cheaper to send them living than dead. Two defendants were fined, one 10s. and the other £ 5 le. 6d. including costs.
ST. DAVID'S CHURCH CHOIR (MERTHYR)…
ST. DAVID'S CHURCH CHOIR (MER- THYR) CONVERSAZIONE AND DANCE. The above function passed off with great success. It was held on Thursday at the Drill Hall. There was a large attendance, the arrangements of the secretary and committee being, in every way, admirable. The hall had been"prettily decorated with flags, &c., kindly lent by Messrs. J. E. Davies and Co., Temple of Fashion, Merthyr, which considerably brightened the appearance of the place. The decorators were Mr. Massey, Miss Harris, Mr. Matthews, Miss Jenkins, Miss Peoney, Miss Astle, and Mr. Lloyd Matthews (secre- tary). The refreshment buffet was under the management of Miss Kent, the following ladies I assisting at the same :-Mrs. Astle, Mrs. Massey, High-street Mrs. Lloyd Matthews. Hiwh-street Mrs. Jenkins, American Stores and Miss Cugney. The buffet was very taste- fully laid out, and the provisions, &c., were of the very best. The refreshment bar was well superintended by Mr. Massey, who was assisted by Mr. Ricketts. There was a capital pro- gramme of dances as follows :—Polka, lauceis, schottische, valse, quadrille, mazurka, lancers, valse, polka, quadrille, lancers (leap year), valse, H. schottische, quadrille, valse, lancers, mazurka, valse, schottische, and valse. The dance music was supplied by Mr. T. Rhys Lewis' Band, who gave complete satisfaction. The duties of M.C.'s were ably carried out by Mr. H. Fennell, Mr. Ben Havard, Mr. Howy Powell, and Mr. Thomas. The secretarial duties were in the capable hands of Mr. W. Lloyd Matthews.