The Cambrian

— Ymhlith pethau gwerthfawr ereill dyma rai o gynhyrchion y "Geninen" am Ebriil. Gwledd fel arfer :— Penod yn Hanes Tudno." Gany Parch. John Davies. "Adfer Celfyridyd yn yr Ardaloedd Gwledig." Gan y Proffeswr Morgan Lewis, M.A. "Thomas Gee fel Ymneillduwr Gwleidyddol." Gan y Parch. James Charles. "Beirdd a Barddoniaeth Cymru yn y Bel war- edd Ganrif ar Bymtheg." Gan Watcyn Wyn. loan Aur-enau fel Pregethwr." Gan y Parch. Owen Evans, D.D. Adgofion Boreu Oes." Gan y Parch. David Griffith. Y Prifathraw Thomas Charles Edwards, M.A., D.D Gan y Pareh. M. O. Evans, F.L.S. (Dunodig.) Yr Hybarch William Williams, Abartawe." Gan y Parch. W. Evans, M.A. "RhidiaTl." Gan Mr. Seth P. Jone. Helynt Rhianzerddi Lerpwl." Gan Gadvan. Manion Barddonol."

Cor«s|tommue. 1 AUletlers to the Editor must be authenticated with the name and address of the writer, not necessarilyfor publica- elon, but as a juarantee of good faith. We cannot insert Letters which have appeared elsewhere nor do we undertake to return rejected manuscripts.

"THE BIBLE IN MODERN LIGHT." TO THE EDITOR OF THE CAMBRIAN." Sir,—I read with interest the address you published by the Rev. Copeland Bowie, at the Unitarian Church. There is much in it that is admirable, and, on the whole, no doubt it reflects the teaching of that denom- ination. Theie is, however, one portion of the address that is not quite clear to me in comparing the Wible with the productions of "Stilton, Chaucer, Bacon, Macaulay, Gib- bon. and a modern poet or two." Leaving out the side-issues as to possible errors of translation and scientific conceptions, are we to understand that the Bible ranks no higher than these productions? I would, without desiring to embark in any needless I controversy ,ask this gentleman if he con- siders the inspiration claimed for the Scrip- tures tc be on the some level as that claimed for the productions mentioned? This may not meet the eye of the Rev. C. Bowie, but no doubt it will that of the Rev. Tudor Jones, who. if he takes the same view, will favour me with the answers. I read, for instance, passages like that of Hebrews i. 1 and 2: "God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hiith in these last days spoken unto us by His Son." I ask is the same authority claimed by the Unitarians for the utter- ances of men. in these days, or for the names mentioned? Events were foretold by the prophets cen- turies before they occurred. The fulfilment has been complete. The rev. gentlemen tells us "he would compare the Bible in the same ,,(1)e as he would one volume containing se- lection* from the authors mentioned." I am not a.ware that these men ever professed to speak or write in the same sense as the prophets of the Bible. If they did, will the rev. gentleman inform us when and where? We read: "The Lord spoke unto Moses." Isaiah says: "The Lord said unto me, take thee a great roll and write in it." Jere- miah: "The word of the Lord came to me, saying, go cry in the ears of Jerusalem." A host of ether similar statements occur in the Eible. When did the authors of modern his- tory or poetry claim to speak thus by Di- vine authority, or declare they were to be understood in the same sense as the pro- phets of the Bible? We do not underrate the utterances of modern historians or poets; but we fail to see how the rev. gentleman can claim for them the same line of interpretation as the, prophets' of the Scriptures. We are quite cognisant of the fact that modern critics discussed the Bible with great freedom, but according to the rev. gentleman, he seemed to think that it contained hut varied Ele- ments of human thought, written at different periods, and that its writers were only moved by the current thoughts of the age in which they lived, and did not speak by direct inspiration from God, as they claimed to do. The plain statement of the case is very simpler, viz.: Is the Bible, or is it not, on a higher plane than other books? If it is. then give it its proper sphere. What becomes of either human origin or fhuman destiny, outside the Bible? The best thoughts given to us by the men stated, are chiefly borrowed from the Bible. The "Christ" that the Rev. Bowie holds up for admiration and example claimed a unique position among men. claimed he was, the Son of God, in a sense no other man can claim- He said: "Thous hast given him power over all flesh." He said, "All they that are it the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth." Could any of these men so speak? Surely not. Let us by all means fearlessly investigate, but not to in- vestigate merely to prop up a theory, whilst professing otherwise.—Y'ou^s, etc. G. M.

THE DRIXK QUESTION. TO THE EDITOR OF "THE CAMBRIAN." Sir,—I have been puzzling my mind over a recent speech made by the Rev. Chancellor Smith, in which he is reported to Lave said: "lor great as our nation was, if she were only a sober nation, her power would be 111- creased' ten-fold." This statement, to my mind, implies that nine men out of every ten are drunkards; which is, I think, somewhat beyond the mark. Can anyone tell me about how many drunkards there are i supposed to be in this borough of Swansea? Are there fifty? 'If so, that would only be about 1 in 2,000 of the population, instead of j 9 out of 10. It appears to me that the causs. 01 temperance is not aided by exaggerating the existence of insobriety.—Yours, etc., M. ROWED. Swansea, April 26th.

TROUBLES OF SWANSEA AND MERTHYR BARBERS. The barbers of Merthyr are up in arms because a min^r—a member of the union- alter leaving the ,nine occupies his evenings by shaving and cutting the hair of his fehow- miners .anti others. The rules of the as- sociation were contravened as to hours and Alices. A conference failed to I ring about a settlement, and now the Miner's Union j will deal with it. At Swansea the barbers have a thorn in their side. One man persists in keeping open long after the other shops shut, and every effort to induce him to fall into line so far has failed. lie also charges less than the iccal association price. Most of his cus- ers are miners and members of the federa- ticn. An appeal to the local miners' agent to help resulted in nothing. "Mabcvn," M.P. Ben Tiilet, and others had supported the association, but the barber declined all over- tures. His shop belongs to the treasurer ot the Miners' Federation, and an offer of the association to buy the shop or to pay a much ii creased rent for it than that paid by the barber came to nothing. The barbers call him a blackleg and want the unionists to boycott him, but -ip to the present nothing ha i come of it.

THE UNK1SSED PROFESSOR. Chicago, Sunday.—Professor Crook, (of the North-Western University of this city), has discovered that fame in America is eas- ily acquired. Addressing a scientific class a few days ago, the professor casually remarked that the sui-ce^ful pursuit of a scientific ei leer demanded the sacrifice of many human w?eakne;aey, and added, "For myself, I have never sworn or tasted intoxicants, never smoked, never kissel or hugged a woman." Mr. Crook's astounding declara- tion was reported in all the Chicago papers, and next day it was telegraphed all over the country. Mr. Crook to-day is one of the most discussed men in America. His Inex- perience in osculatory matters excites most comment. Newspapers devote columns tr, the subject, printing interviews with public n en like Mr. Chauncey Depew, who gravely di-cuss the professor's peculiar character- istics. Most of them express sympathy for him. Mr. Crook is 37 years of age, good looking, and has Jived a great deal abroad, especially in Paris. The modest professor is surprised and humiliated by this notor- iety. He is being deluged with letters from all over the country, .some praising, others ridiculing him. Many are from women, who n ake him offers of mairiage.—"Daily Mail.

The estate has been sworn at B240,317 of Mr. Richard D'Oyly Carte, of the Savoy Theatre, hi", will and codicil having just been proved by Mrs. Helen Carte, the widow and sole executrix. An American millionaire, Herr Mencke, and his private secretary. Herr Caro, have been murdered by New Britain natives, who afterward- ate the body of the latter gentle- man.

i Digtinrt awtr (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.) 1 ABERAVON AND PORT TALBOT. NOTES AND NEWS. rBY RAMBLER,"] One would have thought that with a 2s. general district rate doing duty the Margam Urban District Council would find the means of keeping their district lighted, but this is not so. They have removed the oil lamps from the lanterns in the side streets of the district and placed them, we presume, in the place where cobwebs, etc., congregate, until next winter comes round again. Meanwhile the occupiers of the said streets have to put up with great inconvenience after eight o'clock at night, and when it is considered that the streets which are non-lighted are not mere workmen's cottages but houses commanding in a number of cases rents from 10s. to 12s. weekly, some consideration should be shown the rate- payers of the district. Economy is all very well in its way, but the ordinary comforts of life should be not sacrificed on its altar. The members of the Aberavon Liberal Club have just presented Mr. Edward T. Evans, solicitor, L.L.B., with a highly artistic life-like portrait of himself. The work is that of the weli-known photographer, Mr. J. H. Moody, High-street. Aid. Stokes made the presentation at a smoking concert the other evening, at the Club's premises, in Cwmavon-road. Amongst those present were the Mayor (Councillor Thomas), Alderman Walsh, J.P., Llew. Howell, J.P-, Charles Jones, J.P. (Chairman), and other prominent townsmen. Councillor Burgess' town hall scheme does not seem to make much progress, and unless it is taken in hand in earnest there is great danger of a revival scheme being set on foot on the other side of the bridge." I learn it is mooted to erect a hall in Station-street, and that a Swansea syn- dicate has got the matter in hand. There can be no doubt that a large hall is very badly wanted in the district, and it would be a safe investment to capitalists to erect one and that at once. The Public Hall is too small for present day require ments, to say nothing of its inadequate staging accommodation. There is a vacant spot in readiness at Port Talbot. What offers District Councillor Enoch Thomas lost his motion, which sought to provide for the annual change of chairmanship of the District Council, but if I have not mistaken the signs of the times, Mr. Thomas's motion will ultimately be accepted. It is sound in principle the days of once a chairman always a chairman have gone by. Of course there may be exceptions to this rule. A really good chairman is not picked up every day. The first essential to a good chairman is his knowledge of the rules of debate and firmness in the chair. A lot of unnecessary talk is indulged in, in our local Council-, indeed, M. number of schemes are stifled in t^lk, talk, when a show of hands would decide the question. The promotion of Major Gray to the chair man ship appears to have given general satisfaction- He is one of the oldest members of the Council, always genial and courteous, and his knowledge of the work and requirements of the Council should stand him in good stead. The Aberavon Corporation decided a few meet- ings ago to discontinue the use of their isolation hospital building on the Moors, on account of its neglected state, and more especially from its want of a proper drainage and water system, but what are they going to substitute in its place ? The Margam authorities wiil not receive small- pox patients, and what would the Corporation do with the patients should an outbreak of this disease occur again in the town ? This matter will have to be seriously considered, especially as i with its shipping business Aberavon is more liable to fce called upon to deal with patients suffering from that or some other bad infectious disease. The present building will have to be removed in June, and at present nothing is beard of rearing another suitable building in its place. A woman of loose character named Ann Davies was sent down to Swansea on Monday, by the Borough Justices, for a month's hard labour, for behaving indecently in a public street on Satur- day night. This the second case within a week. The Alterations to the Aberavon Post Office are dragging their weary course along. The present temporary shelter ot the officials is very inconvenient, and the sooner the staff is installed in the improved buildings in High-street, the better for all concerned. To carry out new work promptly at Aberavon appears a very trouble- some matter. — The opening of the Port Talbot Swimming Bath 8 has to be postponed owing to incompleted work. Just at the moment Aberavon and district is suffering from a dearth of events. There is absolutely nothing stirring in the newsy world. Not even the home-coming of the Welsh Volun- teers concerned the ancient borough.

ABERAVON TOWN COUNCIL. SPECIAL MEETING OF THE HIGHWAY AND GENERAL PURPOSES COMMITTEE. A special meeting of the Highway and General Purposes Committee was held at the Council- room on Wednesday afternoon, Alderman Smith in the chair. There were also present:—The Mayor (Councillor Thomas), Aldermen Williams, Walsh and Stokes, and Councillors Davies, Wood, Perry, Clarke, James, Jones, Owen, Phillips and Williams. The business on the agenda paper was to consider certain street im- provements—schemes in Croft-street and Spring- field-terrace, and the question of the scavenging of the town. The Surveyor (Mr. James Roderick) laid the plans of the proposed improvements before the committee, together with the estimated coat. A question arose, however, as to how far the Council's liability to repair Springfield- terrace extended, and what portions of the street were repairable by the owners abutting on the street, and the matter was deferred until the next meeting of the committee, in order that certain matters might be looked up. The discussion of the proposed making-up of Croft-street gave rise to considerable discussion. It appeared that some years since the owners of this street had undertaken to open up the approach to the street on a leasehold interest falling in, but they had not done so. Several councillors were of opinion that they should be asked to carry out their undertaking before the Council adopted their legal rights in enforcing the provisions of the Private Street Woiks Act, 1892. Aid. Walsh, however, moved that the Surveyor's plan of a portion of the street be approved. Councillor Perry seconded, and the resolution was ultimately agreed to. Councillor Perry then moved a lurthar resolution, and Councillor Clarke i seconded, that the remaining portion of the street upon which at present no houses were erected be also repaired, and that the owner be charged with the cost thereof. This was also carried. The question of the scavenging of the town was next discussed. Councillor Clarke opened the discus- sion with a motion that the scavenging be done by contract. He maintained that it would be done cheaper. Councillor James seconded. Most of the members spoke on the matter. The majority of them, however, spoke adversely to the idea, urging that it would be a retrograde I step. They admitted, however, that they thought m're efficiency would be obtained. Eventually the proposition was lost by 10 votes to 4. ABERA VON COUNTY POLICE COURT. MONDAY. [Before Messrs. G. H. Davey (chairman), Rees Jenkins, J Arnallt Jones, Charles Jones, and Captain Morris.] A number of Justices took the oath of allegiance to the King, and the judicial oath prior to the commencement of the business of the court. Sleeping in the Mine.—Nathaniel Jones, a collier, of Aberavon. was charged with sleeping in the mine of the G.W.R. Co., at Abergwynfi, on the 28th March last, with a lighted lamp in his possession.-Defendant pleaded guilty.—Wm. James, a fireman at the colliery, proved seeing Jones asleep at the mouth of his stall with the lamp on the ground by his side.—Fined 15s. in- cluding costs. Claim for Wages.—A labourer named Vincent Thompson sued Evan John. farmer, cf Margam, for X4 4d., wages due to him.—Mr. E. T. Evans, L.L.H., prosecuted, and Mr. MO-PB Thomas defended.—Thompson said that on the 3r January last Mr. John engaged him for thre months service. He was to be paid 7s. per wee with board and lodgings. The arrangement was made in the train between Briton Ferry and Port Talbot. The quarters' money amounted to £ 4 lis., of which amount defendant had only paid him 7s.—Mr. Thomas endeavoured to induce the Bench to allow him to put in a counterclaim, I but Mr. Evans objected, and the Bench upheld his objection.—Judgment was ultimately given for the plaintiff, for £ 3 5s., advocate's fee, and costs. Keeping a Dog without a License.—For this offence at Glyncorrwg, on the 17th April, James Garrett was fined 5s. and costs.-P.C. Jos. Normington proved the offence. A "Biking" Row at Cwmavon.—Henry Bale- a tinworker, of Cwmavon, was charged by Daniel Stephens, a collier of the same place, with assaulting him on the 29th inst, and also with doing damage to his bicycle at the same time.- Mr. Moses Thomas represented the complainant Stephens, and Mr. Trevor Hunter appeared for Bale.—Stephens deposed that he was riding down London-row, Cwmavon, on the evening in ques- tion when Bale called to him. He got off his machine and went back to Bale. He asked him what he wanted, whereupon Bale said he would show him what he wanted, and at the same time struck him on the arm with a heavy shovel. He struck at him again and hit the machine which fell to the ground. He stiuck the machine several times, and bent the front wheel, crank, and pedal, doing damage to the extent of 10s.— Mr. Hunter endeavoured to show in cross examination that on the previous Saturday night Stephens had knocked defendant's little girl, and this was what the row was about; but this Stephens denied.-Constable Evans deposed to seeing Stephens bleeding from the mouth shortly afterwards, and be had also a bruise under the eye.-A witness named Dd. Thomas, called by Bale, put quite a different complexion on the row. He said he was there at the time, and saw Stephens get off his machine, and, after asking Bale what he wanted, he aimed a blow at him, and wanted him to fight. Bale did not touch the bicycle Stephens let it drop.—In the result the Bench fined defendant 10s. and costs, and awarded no compensation for the alleged damage to the bicycle. Obscene Language.—For this offence at Gladys- terrace, Glyncorrwg, ElizabethBoobier was fined 5s. and costs. The usual drunk list was gone through, and fines of 5s. and costs were imposed. A number of School Board prosecutions by Officer Rosser closed the charge sheet. I

BRITON FERRY. NOTES AND NEWS. LBY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] CRICKET CLUB CONCERT. A grand concert was held under the auspices of the Briton Ferry Cricket Club, at the Drill Hall, on Thursday, the 25t:. ult. The artistes were soprano, Miss Gertrude Wedlake (Koyai Welsh Ladies' Choir) tenor, Mr. H. Afanfryn Hill, Cwmavon: baritone, Mr. J. Williams (Eryr Afan); bass, Mr. Wm. Jones; accompanist, Miss F. Folland, C.R.A.M., assisted by the Rehoboth Glee Society. The programme was an excellent one in all respects. From the start, when the popular young lady musician, Miss Folland gave as an overture The Spinning Wheel in a style worthy of the most fastidious audience, until the finish, the large number present testified their appreciation of the treat afforded them by con- tinual applause. Miss Gertrude Wedlade was no doubt a distinct success, her rendering of Roses was perfect, while 0 Na Byddain Haf o Hyd was loudly encored. The local favourite —Mr. W. Jones-was in fine form, and his sing- ing of "The Yeoman's Wedding" was well worthy of the persistent encore with which it was greeted. Though the redoubtable "Eyr Afan" aid very well in "Blow, blow, thou wintry winds" some disappointment was felt at his not singing his second song Lead, kindly Light," which he should have done according to the programme. Mr. H. Hill did full justice to his reputation in his well-rendered solos How vain is man," and" Nirvana." With reference to the Rehoboth Glee Society, we are pleased to note the forward strides it has recently made, and its engagement in this important concert ex- emplifies the progress it has made in public opinion. Nothing could excell its lovely render- ing of the combined choruses (a) Morfa Rhnddlan" and (b) "Harlech," while in the otner items the utmost satisfaction was felt by those present in the performance of what is regarded a rising choir. BRITON FERRY URBAN DISTRICT COUNCIL. The annual general meeting of the Briton Ferry District Council was held on Thursday, the 25th inst. The members were all present, Councillors Mansel H. Hunter and George Jones making their first appearance. Councillor Wm. Phillips was appointed to the chair pro. tem. He said the first business was to appoint a chairman for the ensuing year, and he moved that the late chairman, M. G. Roberts, J.P., be re-elected. Councillor Wm. Jenkins seconded. Councillor W. G. M. Jeffreys moved as an amendment thaf) Councillor D. Davies, the past vice-chairman, be appointed. Councillor A. J. Jeffreys seconded. Councillor George Jones said that it was the desire of the workmen of the town that the representatives should be elected to the honour, and the accompanying seat on the magisterial bench. Councillor Hunter, in snpporting the amend- ment, said that the appointment should be on the rota system, and that no one person should monopolise the chair. Councillor Hill said, as the senior member of the body, he was entitled to say a word on this matter. He thought qualification should be the essential attribute of the position. The chairman would have to deal with intricate matters, and also to discuss points with heads of other corporate bodies. The best man should be appointed, and he tberefore supported the re- election of Mr. Roberts. On being put to the vote it was found to be equal. Councillor Davies, noting that Mr. Roberts had voted, said he understood that the two candidates were not supposed to vote. Several members then demanded that the vote be re taken, when Mr. M. G. Roberts said that he was not going to take upon himself a position unless he bad the full confidence of the members of the Council. He attributed personal reasons to Mr. Jestyn Jeffreys, and he declined to take the office. He moved that Councillor Hill be elected. Councillor W. Jenkins seconded. Councillor Hill moved that Councillor Hunter be appointed. He fdlt that Mr. Hunter was capable, and had, no doubt, sufficient ability. This was not seconded. Councillor Davies 5, Councillor Hill 3. Councillor Davies then took the chair, and said that he bad had no ambition to fill the position. He had, however, done everything according to his conscience, and de was not ashamed of any- thing he had said or done during the time he represented the working men on the Council. He thanked them for the honour, not for himself, but on behalf of the working men whom he represented. Councillor Wm. Jenkins was then elected vice- chairman. The various committees were then appointed, wh eh resulted as follows :— Streets and Sanitary Committee.-Counciilors M. H. Hunter, George Jones, W. G. M. Jeffreys, and Wm. Phillips. Burial Board.—The same as the Street and Sanitary Committee. Gas Committee.—Councillors M. G. Roberts, Roi ei ts, W. G. M. Jeffreys, A. J. Jeffreys, and H. Hiil. Finance Committee. — Councillors M. G. Roberts, Jenkin Hill, H. H. Hunter, and A. J Jeffreys. Fire Brigade.—Councillors George Jones, J. Hill and A. J. Jeffreys. The Water Committee to consist of all the members. After some detail business a stormy meeting came to an end.

A large number of Arabs have attackodtlle village of Marguerite, in Algeria, and killed and taken prisoners a large number of the inhabitants. The revolt, which is of a semi- religious character, originated in the dis- satisfaction created by the acquisition of some forests by a number of European manu- facturers, which reduced the natives to a state of extreme poverty. Order has now been restored in the district, and an inquiry into the circumstances is proceeding.

NEATH AND DISTRICT LFROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] BOROUGH POLICE.—FRIDAY. [Before Messrs. Edward Davies and W. R. Evans.] Theft of a Watch.—John Jones, collier, of no fixed abode, Mary Ann Jones, pedlar, and Cecilia O'Brien, described as a fallen woman, were brought up under a remand, and jointly charged with stealing a watch and chain, value 50s., from the Star Inn, Cwmgwraeth. Mrs. Birsch identified the watch, and evidence in support of the charge was given by a .Merthyr watenmaker named Meredith and P.C. Apsee. John Jones and Mary Ann Jones were committed for trial, and Cecilia O'Brien was discharged. Drunkenness.—The following were fined for having been drunk :-David Jones, Old-road, Skewen William Felton, collier, Glyn-Neath Thomas Felton, haulier, Skewen Lewis Humphries, iron-worker, Melyncrythan John Williams, pumpman, Resolven and Lewis Morgan, labourer, Rhos, Kilebebil. Various-—For behaving in a disorderly manner Charles Johns, labourer, Skewen, was fined 2s. 6d. and costs.—Richard Williams, farmer, Glyn- Neath, charged with driving without lights, was ordered to pay 2s. 6d. and costs.—For leaving his employer's horse and cart unattended, Arthur Richards, a grocer's assistant at Skewen, was fined 2s. 6d. aid costs. A Bed for Nothing."—Mr. Huxtable, a shoe- maker at Briton Ferry, was charged with having been drunk. In,pector Roberts having given evidence, defendant made a long and rambling speech to the Bench. He said he had had a small quantity of whisky, but his drink on the day in question consisted principally of water, of wnich he had drunk altogether, he should say, a gallon or perhaps two. The Royal Dock Hotel at Briton Ferry could not iurnish him with the accommodation he required overnight, so he started to look for lodgings at Neath. On the way he met the Inspector who bad given evidence, and to him he confided his intention. The Inspector said What, going to Neath to look for a beu-I can give you one here (meaning the Police Statiou) for nothing." Defendant was lodged in the cells that rJÍgnt and so kept out of harm's way. The Bench fined him 2s. 6d. and costs, or seven days' gaol. NEATH SCHOOL BOARD. At the monthly meeting of the Neath School Board held on Tuesday, under the presidency of Alderman H. P. Charles, the annual leport of H.M. Inspector of Schools was received. It showed that the work at the Gnoll and Melyn Schools during the past year had been admirably performed, and that the Gnoll School had earned £ 1,104 lis. 3d., and the Melyn X643 11s. 3d. On the motion of the vice-chairman (Mr. W. Cribb), seconded by Mr. W. E. Rees, the teachers were commended for their attention to duty and upon the excellent results. The Chairman alluded to the lamented death of the Rev. Father Ooghe, and upon his motion, seconued by the Rev. James Edwards, an expression of regret was adopted. It was resolvad not to fill the vacancy at present, inasmuch as the Board has only a few months to remain in office. NEATH COUNTY SCHOOL. The annual meeting of the Governors of the above-named school was held on Tuesday. The following were present Messrs. Hopkm Morgan Edward Davies. William Howell, Jenkin Hill' Edward Powell, W. B. Trick, F. J. Gibbins, LI: D. Howell, Rev. J. K. Thomas, and Miss Rowland. On the motion of Mr. F. J. Gibbins, seconded by Mr. Jenkin Hill, it was unanimously resolved to elect Mr. Hopkin Morgan to the office of chairman. Mr. Edward Powell proposed that Mr. Edward Davies be elected vice-chairman, in doing so, Mr- Powell made allusion to the public services rendered by Mr. Edward Davies. Mr. W B. Trick seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. The various committees were appointed seven members on both Building and Finance Committee. The Chairman was selected representative of the School on the County Governing Body. Applications for bursaries were considered, grants of travelling expenses and in some cases of costs of books being made. It was agreed, on the motion of Mr. E. Powell, that the preparation of deeds relating %o the purchase of additional land should 'be instructed to the Clerk to the Governors (Councillor L. C. Thomas), and not to adopt the suggestion that the work be done at the office of the Clerk of the Peace. An application was received from Mr. J. A. Harrison, B.Se., an assistant master at the County School. In the course of the long discussion which followed, it transpired that Mr. Harrison is now being paid a salary of £175. Mr. Edward Powell said that as a matter of strict justice an increase should be given, and he moved that the ealary be increased to £ 190. Mr. Harrison had well proved his .vorth, and honest and effieient service ouerht to be remunerated. I Mr. W. B. Trick seconded. Mr. F. J. Gibbins thought it would be well to defer the matter for three months. By that time they might expect to have their financial position improved. Mr. L D. Howell seconded this amendment. The Chairman being appealed to on a point, said there was only one school in the county, namely, that at Porth, that paid its assistant master as much as they were now paying Mr. Harrison. The County School at Porth paid £180. Some of the schools paid as low as £ 130. The Rev. J. L. Thomas said he was much impressed by the information that at Neath they paid so well in comparison with other schools in the county. Mr. Edward Powell objected to the motion being deferred, as too often the course of defer- ring a matter meant shelving it altogether. He would, however, withdraw his motion on the understanding that it would be brought up again in three months' time. It was accordingly unanimously agreed to defer the matter for three months. INQUEST. County Coroner Cuthbertson held an inquest on Tuesday at Bryncoch touching the death of Agnes Ann Isted, aged 34, who had lived with her brother, Mr. Isted, grocer, Bryncoch. The inquest was held at the Plough and Harrow public-house. From the evidence it appeared that the deceased had been in feeble health from childhood. On Sunday evening last a friend called to see her, and about seven o'clock took her for a walk- They had been out but a short time when the deceased suddenly expired. The body was taken into a neighbour's house. The jury found a verdict of death from heart disease.

PONTARDAWE- THE SHOOTING CASE IN SWANSEA VALLEY. At Pontardawe Police Court on Friday, before Mr. Herbert Lloyd (chairman) and other magistrates, David Parry, a youth of fourteen, was charged with unlawfully shoot- ing William Thomas Hopkins on the 26th of December, and John Jones, on the 25th. at Penybank Farm, Clydach. Only the charge of shooting at Jones was proceeded with. This was the case in which it had been al- leged that the boys were playing Boers and Britons, and that defendant shot prosecu- tor, who was riding round the field on horse back. The prosecutor's evidence, however, put quite a different complexion on the mat- ter. He on Christmas Day was with Parry and other boys in one of his father's fields. He (witness) put a stone on top of a gate as a target for defendant to shoot at with his gun, and whilst defendant and other boys were shooting he (witness) was riding round the field on horseback. The horse swerved ill front of the line of fire, and he got a bul- let in the back of the head. He had been ill ever since.Parry did not aim at him wil- fully—The other boys present at the time were not in court. The defendant was dis- charged.

THE BEST TEMEPERANCE DRINK. Most certainly Experts and Analysts should be believed when they say that WHEATLEY'S HOP BITTERS is absolu- tely pure. Of Wine Merchants. Bottlers, Grocers, 'etc., everywhere.

PARTNERSHIPS DISSOLVED. He-un" Barnetr, Solomon Barnett, and Isciae Selins, trading as Sol. Barnett, at 11. I)ynevoT-plaVe, Swansea, and also at Pem- bs-oke) Dock, money-lenders and bill dis- counters. Henry Barnett and Isaac Seline, trading as Isaac Seiiae, at 9, Grove-place, Swansea, money-lenders and bill discounters.

f e .0- f ttrt t- £ A novel way of seeing the" Happy Homes of Great Britain and Ireland," now adopted by the proprietor of Hudson's Soap. Hudson's War Balloons are travelling over various parts of the Kingdom. They are facsimiles of those used by the Military Authorities in South Africa. Hudson's Soap War Buffoons Four of Hudson's Soap War Balloons are now, or shortly will be, in, this district, making ascents-wind and weather permitting-from CARDIFF (No. 1 Balloon)—Athletic Grounds, Roath. NEWPORT (No. 2 Balloon)-The Crindau Gas Works Field. PONTYPRIDD (No. 3 Balloan)-The Maltsters Field. SWANSEA (No. 4 Balloon)-Vetch Field. ,-J

CWMAVON. [BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] The ordinary meeting of the Parish Coun- cil was held at the Tymaen Schoolroom, on' Friday evening, under the presidency of Councillor Hugh Price. Compounding System.—This matter was discussed at length, and it was resolved, on the motion of Councillor James O'Brien, and seconded by C. Rsys Davies, that ap- peal to the overseers, to modify the interest returned on the compounding system from 30 per cent. to 20 per cent. Election of Parochial Committee.—The fol- lowing were elected for the above Messrs. James O'Brien, William Davies (C.E.), William Davies (Tyr A Row), William Hill, Joseph Hill. William Williams (P. Row), William Williams (checkweigher). The first annual supper in connection with the Constitutional Club was held on Saturday evening last, when a number of the members sat down to an excellent re- past, provided by the steward and steward- ess, Mr. and Mrs. Richards, who well re- served the hearty vote of thanks accorded to them, for the manner in which they had provided for the members. After full jus- tice had been done to the good things pro- vided ,the cloth was removed, and an excel- lent "smoker" was held, under the presi- dency of Mr. Bowen, travelling agent, who it at present doing business in the valley. Several friend from Taibach rendered some capital songs in fine style, as also did some local singers, the whole being accompanied by Mr. James Batt, Port Talbot, with his usua,l ^ability. After the usual vote of thanks, the proceedings were brought to i close by the sining of "God Save the King." Great praise1 is due to Mr. John Thomas (Tinto), the indefatigable secretary, who had charge of the arrangements, for the excel- lent mam er in which he carried them out. The annual singing festival of the Inde- pendents v-aa held on Monday, assisted by a powerful string band from Aberavon and Port Talbot, and the whole conducted bv Prof. Harry Evans, Dowlais. The choirs that took part were Seion, Rock and Sardis (Efailbaeli). The first meeting was held at the Rock Chapel, and the whole of the ser- vice was devoted to the children, and the programme was gone through in a very creditable manner. A very pleasing feature of the service was that three tunes corn need by local musicians were included in the programme, viz.: Messrs. H. Afanfryn Hill. D. John Thomas (Seion), and John Leyshon Thomas, A.C. The afternoon and evening meetings were held at Seion, Cwm- avon, and the large edifice was crowded be- fore the appointed time. The singing throughout the day was of an exceptional]v high character, and the singers were higiiiv complimented by Prof. Evans, for their ex- x cellent renditions. The Rev. Jchn Evans, Sardis, presided over all the meetings.

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In the case of the London and Northern Bank v. George Newnes. the Court of Ap- peal on Friday allowed the appeal of the (defendant and directed inspection of the books of the London and W estminster Bank for the purpose of showing the condition of the plaintiff bank at the time the article complained of appeared in the "Money- maker," and which, it was alleged, brought complained of appeared in the "Money- ni maker," and which, it was alleged, brought about the liquidation of the London and I Northern Bank. Thp claim against Messrs. I Newnes, amounts to £ 90,000.

PONTARDULAIS NOTES. > LBY "THE DRUID." J The great Pontardulais fair was once more brought off on Tuesday last. This annual event, which was once a most important fix- ture, locally, was this year a greater success than ever. There was an abundant supply of pigs, cattle, sheep, and horses; but, not- withstanding this, the prices generally were very high. Pigs and cattle were especially brisk. A great deal of business was trans- acted during the day. The fair was fav- oured by ideal climatic conditions, and this was no doubt an important factor in its great success. The tntire horse show, which was an additional feature this year was an un- qualified success; so much so, indeed, that I understand it will be henceforth a perma- nent feature of the Pontardulais annual fair. The horse show had been entirely organised by Mr. David George Davies, Black Horso Hotel, and that gentleman must have felt really flattered at the success which crowned bis endeavours. The local public were also unstinting in their support of the show. The duties of judges were efficiently discharged by Messrs. W. V. Howell Thomas, Carmar- then; and T. T. Bevan, Retreat, Porthcawl, and their awards seamed to give general sat- isfaction Mr. J. Campbell Hill, M.R.C.V.S. Llanelly, acted as honorary veterinary sur- geon to the show. The following is a com- plete list of awards: — Carters.—1, "Duncan III. Carmarthen Stud Co. 2, "Harold, of Ruddington," Miss Talbot, Penrice Castle; 3, "Active Lad," Mr. J. R. Thomas, Towyn Farm, Burry Purt. There were six entries in this class. Hackneys.—1, "Killay Clovelly," Mr. D Jones, Wernfawr, Killay; 2, "Glantowy Comet," Mr. J. Jenkins, Penywern, Gow-ir; 3, "Wild Briton," Mr. Jones, Drameddfach, Sili&n. Six entries. Cobs.—1, "Llandilo Wonder," Mr. J. Jones, horse trainer, Llandilo; 2,: "Lor4 Bobs," Mr. J. J. Young, Penygroes; 3, "Sil- ver King VII. ,T. Maud R. Evans, Wern Stud Farm, Llanwrda. Seven entries. "The Musical Village," a charming little cperetta., was performer by the Tabernacle Baptist Chapel juvenile choir, at the Public Hall, on Thursday and Saturday evenings last. The choruses were well rendered by the children, under the conductorship of Mr. W. Philip James, and the sole, parts were ably rendered by the following ladies and gentlemen: Misses Gwenine Jones and Katie Georga; land Messrs. David Alien, Robt. J. Jones, Frauk Jones, and Ernest Hopkia.s. The chairman on Thursday even- ing was Aid. Rees Hal ries, The Bolgoed; and on Saturday evening the Rev. David Daves. Calfaria, discharged a like duty in the a b- sence, through indisposition, of County Councillor Samuel Williams. Ffosyrefail House. The proceeds of the concert will be devoted towards the funds of the chapel.

The Male Voice Party will, on Mond 'V next, compete at Carmarthen Eisteddfod. The test piece is Mr. Bryceson Treham' "Ar Ian Tcrddonen Dcfn," and the- priz of- fered is JEoO. This is the first time for h rewly organised society to enter the lists nnd I wish them every success on Mondav >' the Asylum town, "Llwyddiant mawr > chwi." boys. The Parish Council will hold its u- meeting on Saturday evening next. A h; ¡ report of the proe??dings will apnear week.

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