The Aberdare Leader

Aberdare's High Constables. FROM 1855 TO 1892. Appended is an article giving a list of the High Constables of Miskin Higher from the year 1855 to the year 1892. It appeared in The Aberdare Almanack for 1893, and was written by Mr. D. M. Richards. We reproduce the article by the kind permission of Mrs. W. Lloyd. OUR HIGH CONSTABLES. The office af High Constable, or Con- stable of the Hundred, is one of great antiquity, the name being probably in- troduced into England at the time of the ■Merman Conquest, although the first statute which mentions the office is that of Edward I., ch. 6. The occupant of the office was the head of the parish or Petty constables within the hundred, and was appointed annually. The official designation of the High Constable of Aberdare is that of the "High Con- stable of M'skin Higher," the officer so designated having the charge of the Division, or Hundred of Miskin Higher. When Sir Robert PeeFe Act was passed, appointing Police Constables, the duties of petty constables became to some extent nominal, and so consequently did those of the High Constable, although up to recent times the High Constable had to take charge of the Jury List and the List of Electors in the Division. In 1869, an Act, 32 and 33 Victoria,, "eh 67, was passed authorising the various Courts of Quarter Session to abolish the office of High Constables in their divi- sions at the Quarter Session held the fol- lowing January. However, Messrs. R. K. Rhys, J.P., and G. T. Clark, J.P., of Dowlais, pleaded that as Aberdare and Merthyr were not corporate towns, the office be not abolished, as it had been often found an useful one, enabling towns' meetings to. be called and other joint action of the townsmen to be taken. On their representation this was agreed to, and the office has continued to exist in these two towns and also in the City of Westminster, and can now only be abolished by an Act of Parliament. ihese three townships are the only ones In the kingdom who possess the office of High Constable. .Appended is a list of the Constables S'nee 1855; but we have been unable to obtain the names of those who heid the office previous to that date. We learn, however, that the late Mr. G. Davies, of ^nvslwyd, and Mr. D. EL Williams, J.P., Hirwain, were High Constables some time in the fifties, but have been unable to ascertain the exact dates. 1855, Mr. Thomas Evans, jeweller, now of Pontypridd. 1856. Mr. Evan Thoma.s, ironmonger. 1857, Mr. Watkin J. Thomas, chemist. As High Constable Mr. Thomas presided ^ver one of the first meetings at which «Tr. H. A. Bruce (now Lord Aberdare) ga v, ei an account of his stewardship to his constituents. During his year of office too a serious depression in trade through- out the country took place, resulting in reduetion in wages, and a serious strike in this district, on which occasion the soldiers were brought into town and Jocated in the Town Hall (now the Pub- He Offices). This was the year of the Black Friday, so well known in financial circles. 1858, Mr. William Hodges, outfitter. During his year of office Mr. Hodges pre- sided over one of Mr Brace's meetings, a.nd an election having taken place that Jpar, also presided over a meeting of *lr. Elliston's, who opposed Mr. Bruce at teat election. When he attended at the JpsiEes with the Voters' List he was £ 5 (which was subsequently re- mitted), because the Constable of Caer- philly Higher had not produced his list: the latter official being at that time sub- ordinate to the High Constable of Miskin ligher. 1859, Mr. John Samuel, outfitter.Sub- sequently an auctioneer at Cardiff. 1800, Mr. James Sherborne, jeweller. 1861, Mr. Wm. Griffiths, ironmonger. 1862, Mr. Henry Lewis, draper, now of Cardiff. Mr. Lewie presided this year at 4 meeting convened tOo take steps to pre- sent a toyal address to H.R.H. the Prince of io on the occasion of his marriage. 1863, Mr. Thomas Williams, now of t*waelodygarth, Merthyr. During his y^ar of office he attended a banquet given by the Mayor and Corporation of SwansM to celebrate the opening of the Swansea and Neath Railway, and also Presided over a public meeting convened to sympathise with the President and the people of the Northern States of America. in their struggle against slavery, and for the unity of the United Q- "vares. 1864, Mr. John Lewis, grocer. 1865, Mr. David Davies, Maesyffynon. 1866, Mr. Thomas Evans, chemist. 1867, Mr. Thomas Price, draper. 1868, Mr. Thomas Davies, West of England Bank. 1869, Mr. William Thomas Lewis, -Marcly. 1870. Mr. Rees Williams, farmer, Cefn- Pimnar. 1871, Mr. Richard Pardoe, ironmonger. 1872, Mr. Evan Thomas, ironmonger, «ryncwnrig. In the whole list Mr. homas's name is the only one which has twice occupied the list as High Constable rwith the exception of Mr. "D. Davies, and Dr. Evan Jones, who have held *t two years in succession) he having Previously held it in the year 1856. 1873, Mr. Arthur Jones, of the Black Lion Hotel, now of London. During Mr. •Jones's year of office, the marriage of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh took Place; and Mr. Jones, on. behalf of a town's meeting convened by him, pre- sented a memorial of congratulation to H.R.H. He also presided at the public banquet given to Caradog and the officers sjnd members of the "Cor Mawr," on their victorious return from the Crystal l'alace Contest in July of that year. 1874, Mr. David William Jones, chem- let, Commercial-place.' 1875, Mr. David Davies, grocer, Can- ton House. 1876, Mr. Thos. Whitty Evans. chemist, etc., Commercial-street. During his year of office, Mr. Evans presided at a lecture delivered at the Temperance Hall by Dr. Kenealy, on behalf of the notor- ious Tich borne Claimant, then languish- inv in Dartmoor Prison. He also pre- s'ded at a meeting to invite the Glamor- ganshire Agricultural Show to the town. This show was held here the following year, and proved an immense financial Kuccess. One of the visitors to the Show \Vas Lord Mayor White, of London. 1877, Mr. Lemuel Hiley, grocer, Com- H'ercial-street, now of Abergavenny. 1878, Mr. David Hughes, grocer, Com- mercial-street. A serious colliery ex- plosion occurred at Abercarne this year, and Mr. Hughes was instrumental in collecting a large sum of money for the Relief Fund. 1879, Mr. Thomas Phillips, solicitor Mr. Phillips acted as Chairman of the hog Show held this year. During his tenure of office, the General Election of 1880 occurred, which was accompanied by a serious disturbance in the town. The conduct of the police being greatly com- plained of, Mr. Phillips, as High Con- stable, collected a mass of evidence upon the matter. Citing from this in the House of Commons, Sir William Har- court, the Home Secretary, stated that he considered the conduct of the police blameless1. 1880, Mr. Edwin Greater, Danygraig. During his year of office Mr. Gregor in- cited all the ex-High Constables to a banquet at the Black Lion Hotel. At this banquet it was decided to form a ^hamber of Trade for Aberdare, Mr. gregor becoming the first President, and j«r. T. Phillips, solicitor, the hon. secre- tfiry. This Chamber which has passed through many vicissitudes still exists. 1881, Mr. William Thomas, J.P., Bryn Awel. During his year of office Mr. Thomas gave all the children at the In- dustrial School a treat, taking them all to Briton Ferry Road for a day's outing. This was the first occasion upon which the children were so entertained, but the event has now become, happily, an an- nual institution. During this year he also presided at a meeting to agitate for improved County Court accommodation, which resulted in the present Court Room being erected. 1882, Mr. W. D. Williams, solicitor. Canon-street. This was the first occa- sion that the High Constables of Aber- dare and Merthyr were invited, in virtue of their office, to the Lord Mayor's Ban- quet at the Mansion House, when the provincial Mayors are entertained; and Mr. Williams attended. 1883 and 1884, Dr. Evan Jones held the office of High Constable both these years, and during this period convened meet- ings for the purpose of endeavouring to establish a Free Library in the town, an object in which Dr. Jones has been deeply interested. Unfortunately, how- ever, his efforts were not crowned with success. 1885, Mr. W. Thomas. Oak Hill Villa. During this year the National Eistedd- fod of Wales was held in the town. 1886 and 1887, Mr. D. Davies, grocer, Canon-street. In consequence of the ac- tive part taken by Mr. Davies in promot- ing the success of the Glamorganshire Agricultural Show which visited the town in 1887, the Magistrates at the re- quest of an influential deputation in May of that year re-appointed Mr. Davies as High Constable. This being Jubilee year, Mr. Davies took a, very prominent part in arranging for the celebration at Aberdare, which included a dinner to the poor which took place in the Market I Place, and tea to all the school children together with a commemorative medal, Mr. Davies, as High Constable, also at- tended the Jubilee Services at Westmin- i ster Abbey. 1 1888, Mr. Leonard Acomb, Brecon Old Bank, Aberdare. Mr. Acomh presided over a lecture delivered at the Presby- terian Church, the outcome of which was the formation of the very successful Naturalists' Society which, now exists in tho town. He also presided over a public meeting at which it was decided to make collections throughout the Parish in aid of the famine in China, caused by a. dreadful inundation. 1889, Mr. John Morgan, huilder, Monk- street. During Mr. Morgan's year of office he was instrumental in starting Re- creative Evening Classes in the town. He also presided over a public meeting which was called to consider the best means of relieving the distress caused by the calamitous explosions of Llanerch Colliery, Abersychan, and at the Morfa Colliery, Taibaoh, and a very substantial sum was collected by him for the Relief Fund. He also presided at the first meet- ing held for the purpose of securing one of the proposed Intermediate Schools at Aberdare, and has been throughout an ardent supporter of the movement. This year, through the liberality of Sir Wil- liam and Lady Lewis, the Deaf and Dumb connected with the Glamorgan- shire Mission were entertained at Aber- dare on Christmas Day. This has been continued annually since that date, and we understand that m Boxing Day this year, Mr. Edward Davies, Llandinam, will entertain them. 1890, Mr. Herbert C. Lewis, The Mardy. Unfortunately during this year Mr Lewis was unavoidably abroad for the benefit of his health, and he took no active part in any public movement. 1891, Mr R. Jenkm Rhys, Pla-s Newydd, Coroner. Mr. Rhys was the chairman of the committee, and an ardent supporter of the movement which resulted in a very successful May-Day Show being held. He also presided over a meeting calling upon the G.W.R. Co. to provide better station accommodation in the town; and also -over a meeting convened to express the sympathy felt in Aberdare, as well as throughout the country at large, on the occasion of the lamented death of H.R.H tfhb Duk<» of "Clarence!. I 1892. Mr. Frederick William Mander, the present High Constable of Aberdare, was born in Gloucester in 1859. His father was a builder and contractor in that town. and carried on a similar business at Lydney. The subject of our sketch in 1870 came to Aberdare, where be wa,8 apprenticed to Mr. Lemuel Hiley, grocer and provision merchant, now of Abergavenny, a gentleman who, a few years after, also held the office of High Constable of Aberdare. After serving his time as an apprentice to Mr. Hiley, he was shortly promoted to be manager of one of his branch shops; and in 1882 he opened business on his own account at 42, Commercial-street, a shop previously occupied by Mr. David Hughes, grocer, who had a few years before also occupied the post of High Constable in the town. Shortly afterwards Mr. Marnier opened a branch establishment at Hirwain, and also added to his business at Aberdare that of a meat salesman. For this purpose he took over No. 43, Commercial- street, re-building the whole of the block of houses. He was some years ago elected a Free- mason and a member of the St David's Lodge in the town, in which he has held several minor offices. While eschewing politics, he has taken a fairly prominent part in all movements having for their 1 g object the improvement of the town; the intermediate school and other movements having found in him a generous sub- scriber. Mr. Mander is a director of the Black Lion Brewery Company and of the Aberdare Steam Laundry Company, and is interested in a number of public com- panies in South Wales. He is the secre- tary of the Aberdare Grocers' Associ • ation, and, in fact, the society princi- pally owos its existence to Mr. D. Davies. J.P., Canon-street, and himself. Mr. Mander is married, and has a son and daughter. Early in this career, as High Constable, Mr. Mander was the recipient of an invi- tation to the Welsh Banquet given at the Mansion House by Lord Mayor Sir David Evans. Subsequently he opened a Fund for the relief of the sufferers by the Park Slip Explosion; and took a prominent part in the agitation for improved rail- way-station accommodation. This latter movement has been so far successful that the line for the convenience of passengers using the, down platform, and also" to erect a waiting-room on that platform. On the occasion of the visit of the chil- dren from Mr. Spurgeon's Orphanage, Mr. Mander presided at the concert given by them, and generously defrayed their railway fares. He is also arranging, at present, to secure a New Year's Dinner to the indigent poor in the Parish.

The keeping of an ever-vigilant eye on the g'ood things of the next world has not always been found to be incompatible with a. very natural determination to ob- tain a fair share of the good things offered in this state of existeitee.-I). G. Phillips.

Christianity's Best Defence. REV. CYNOG WILLIAMS AND MR. BIBBINGS' CHALLENGE. "A CHEAP ADVERTISEMENT FOR INFIDELITY." On Sunday night the Rev. W. Cynog liliams preached to a large congrega- tion at Mill Street Baptist Chapel, tak- ing as hie text the words, poor have the gospel preached to them." John the Baptist, observed Mr Williams, might nave been Herod's chaplain in- stead of a prisoner in the dungeon of Machaerus were it not for his loyalty to truth. His fidelity to his convictions cost him his liberty, and eventually his head. While in prison a cloud of sceptic Islil came over John's mind. He had heard of the wonderful works of Jesus, but he did not consider them to be in nccordance with his own ideal of the Messiah-a drastic political revolution- ary. John sends hi6 disciples to Jesus to ask him it he wis the Messiah, and Jesus sends these disciples back to their Master with a record of his doings as the best credentials of his Messiahship. The credentials of Christianity to-day were L Better men." At the present time they were called upon to defend Christianity. One gentleman had given a challenge to the -local infidels, and was prepared to defend Christianity against their at- tacks. This challenge had received the benediction and approval of certain min- isters in Aberdare. For his loyalty in coming out to champion Christianity this man had earned the deepest gratitude of these ministers. He (the preacher) had one or two things to say on this subject. If the ministers of Aberdare thought that Christianity needed defending, then tiiey should vindicate it themselves, and not lay themselves open to the reproach that they were unable to do it, or that they were disloyal to the truth. With due deference to the gentlemen in ques- tion, he would say that if such a course were deemed necessary he was not the most suitable person to defend the faith once given to the saints. They were aware that but a few months ago this gentleman, like the Philistine of old, came here to curse the armies of the living God. There was something dub- ious about these matters. As most of them were aware some people who called themselves Atheists had recently come to the place, and the impression was abroad that these Secularists had been invited to the Valley by and worked under the auspices of the I.L.P. If the object of Atheist at his meeting. If the object of the gentleman who issued the. challenge was to remove the impression referred to, then he had made a very happy hit in presuming to defend Christianity. It had been stated that "this attitude to- wards Christianity would prove a de- cided blessing to the politics of the I.L.P." Well, if it was with the view of blessing the policy of the I.L.P. that this challenge was made, then he would say, God heip us. Was it not strange that anyone should think it necessary to de- feud Christianity in Aberdare in 1907, just after the great Revival? Did they not have in their churches blasphemers who had become praying men, and Ag- nostics who had become believers ? The existence of these men constituted Christianity's best defence. Was it like- ly that anyone would be convinced at this debate? No, it was nought but a cheap advertisement for infidelity in the Aberdare Valley. What 4hen should the churches do? Let them go out into the highways just as the Secularists were going. He wished to inform the Secu- larist Society that he was prepared to go amongst them at any time in any place to preach Christianity. It was not his business to defend Christianity, but to preach it in the name of God. Religion's only defence was better men produced by the churches. In the text Jesua Christ was saying that the gospel was being preached to the poor-to the submerged tenth," or according to the latest liter- ature, the bottom dog." One author had written a book in defence of the bottom dog," alleging that it could not help its condition, that it was the pro- duct of heredity and environment, and should not be punished. If anyone was to be punished it was God, who was re- sponsible for its condition! Jesus paid a tribute to the bottom dog. He had faith in man. Something must be done to man besides improving his environment. How could he be made better ? By re-ad- justing the conditions of labour," was one reply. That wanted doing, God knows. But that would not make man more sober and less selfish. It might improve his circumstances but not his character. The housing evil was a great bane, but to remove a man from the slum to the best street in the town would not necessarily make him a better man. They could close all the public-houses, but something more would be required to kill the craving for drink. The cre- dentials of Christ's mission was Better men." The best Christian evidence was that men were better in the work, in business, and in the home, better to themselves, to society, and to God. We must remove the disabilities that are in the way of Christianity producing better men. That wa& the mission of the church to-day. Some people were more sinned against than sinning. Those who laboured among these classes knew of the relation of social to spintual conditions. How could people live clean lives in un- clean surroundings ? Moral suasion would be of no avail in these cases. Christ gave the people bread first-if they needed it—and then preached the gospel to them. It was true that sin was the cause of misery. But it wa., equally true that misery caused sin. It was time that the churches should come to the aid of these people. It was the business of the church to roll the stone from the door of the tomb, so that God might, rise those that were dead in sin. It was often said that the church did not take enough in- terest in social questions, but that should not prevent people accepting Christ. a Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me," said Christ. If the Church does not conform with our ideal let us not blama Christ. Many, like John, found the church too slow—not re- volutionary enough. Perhaps members of churches did not live as they should. The best defence of Christianity was the production of better men—men who lived its principles. During the service Miss Beatrice Evans gave a most, charming solo, U My Saviour." Mrs. D. W. Price presided at the new organ. Mr. David Evans offered a very effective prayer at the. meeting.

Mountain Ash County Court. TUESDAY'.—At the Workmen's Insti- tute, before His Honour Judge Bryn Roberts. ADMINISTRATION REQUESTS. Enoch Greenaway, Ynysboeth, whose debts amounted to = £ 42, said he had been unable to work for the last four months, and could not say when he would be able to restart. Applicant could not state when he would be able to pay any instal- ment, and the order was refused. Rees Evans, earning £ 1 6s. 3d., owed M3. No certificate of earnings was pro- duced, and the application was ad- journed. Edwin J. Ellaway, 28 years of age, owed .€40. Applicant said he contracted debts in connection with a bakery business. The order was granted. Martin Hoskins owed C20. Wages, 31s. —An order to pay 12s. a month was made. Ernest Snelgrove. Debts, 34. Age, 29; 11 wages, £ 1 14s. 8d. per week. Cause of indebtedness, illness. He offered to pay in full at the rate of 12s. a month.— Granted. COMING OF AGE. An application was made for the pay- ment of <€93 10s. 7d. compensation money to Edith Blanche Eastern, now of Pontypool. Miss Eastern's father was a guard on the G.W.R., and wa.s killed at Mountain Ash on December 30, 1901. The compensation allowed was .,t280 lis. 8d., which was apportioned as follows:—For the widow, .£187 Is. Id., end for the daughter who was then only 15 years of age, 6C93 10s. 7d. Miss Blanche, the daughter in question, now said she was 21 years of age. and applied for the money.—The application was granted. PENRHIWCEIBER. COMPENSATION CLAIM. John Frame, collier, Penrhiwceiber, sued the Penrhiwceiber Colliery Co. for compensat'on. Mr. A. T. (in- structed by Mr. D. Watts Morgan) re- presented applicant, and Mr. C. Ken shole represented the Company. Mr. James, in opening, said that ap- plicant had sustained injuries at re- spondents' colliery. The only dispute was as to the amount of compensation to be paid. Applicant claimed <€1 per week, while the Colliery Co. assessed the amount at 15s. per week, which they were at present paying. Frame described his working place and detailed the circumstances of the acci- dent. Cross-examined bv Mr. Kenshole, Frame said he worked for the Company for the six days previous to the accident. He started on Monday, December 31st. 1906. Hig three sons and himself worked in the same stall. Two of the soiis worked on the night shift. He met with an accident six days after he started there. John Frame (applicant's son), Aber- cynon, said he was 20 years of age. He wa,s a married man with two children. He worked with his father on the day of the accident. This witness corroborated his father's evidence regarding the items that made up the wages for the week. Mt. Ash County Ct. i Mr. Blacker, measuring clerk at the colliery, was examined and cross-ex- amined at great length. Mr. Edward Evans, the day fireman, then ga.ve evidence to the effect that the two sons only worked one night away from the father. His Honour said he had come to the conclusion that the applicant was not en- titled to any more than he had been paid and gave judgment for the respondents with costs. CLAIM FOR. GROCERY. John Isles claimed for groceries sup- plied to Mrs. Bowen, but His Honour was not satisfied with the book produced by the claimant, and gave judgment for the defendant. SHEEP WORRYING. Gwilym Thomas, who was represented by Mr. D. Rees, Pontypridd, sued Thos. Lewis for .£14 3s. 6d. for heep killed by the defendant's dog. Mr. W. Kenshole appeared for the defendant. Complainant eaid that defendant came to see ,him about 8 o'clock on the 19th of June, and told him that his (defendant's*) bitch had killed some sheep on the mountain, and subsequently he and de- fendant went up on the mountain and found a wether and a, lamb killed and several sheep and lamb badly worried. Several of these subsequently died. In all, 11 sheep and 5 Iambs were killed. He was then cross-examined at con- siderable length, and admitted knowing early in the morning that some sheep were being worried on the, mountain, but he did not go up then to see them. Mr. David Walters, Penrhiw Caradog Farm, saw the sheep being worried, and he followed the bitch, which made direct for defendant's farm. He knew the bitch; it, belonged to the defendant. He followed her, and got to the defendant's farm, and there saw Mr. Lewis, and sub- sequently the defendant. He told them that their bitch had worried Mr Thomas' sheep, and they said they had rot seen the bitch since the previous night. The defendant said he would go and see Mr. Thomas and pay him whatever the damage was. P.C. James Clynch said he saw the sheep which were found killed on the 22nd. Mr. David Jones, veterinary surgeon, Pontypridd, gave evidence as to the state of the sheep. Judgment was given to plaintiff for X10 and costs.

An Aberdare Man Againg A thing may occur once, and we do not notice it; or twice, or thrice but when it happens again and again, and neighbours tell us of it, then we cannot overlook it any longer. With unfailing Iegularity neighbours- come forward and gratefully tell us of their good fortune. It is good fortune for us to hear such encouraging news. "Doan's backache kidney pills have cured me of kidney disorder, says Mr. William Waite, 19, Hall-street, Aberdare, and I shall not fail to speak about them to others. The worst symptoms of my trouble was the pain in my back it was a sharp, shooting pain, and caught me in the small of the back, making it difficult for me to straighten myself, if I had occasion to bend. The kidney secretions were very unnatural. A short course of Doan's backache kidney pills relieved me of the pain, and set my kidneys acting naturally. I am better in every way now, and have lost the irritable feeling I had before my cure. (Signed) "William Waite. Doan's Backache Kidney Pills are two shillings and ninepence per box (six boxes for thirteen shillings and nine- pence). Of all Chemists and stores, or post free direct from Foster-McCelellan Co., 8, Wells-street, Oxford-street, Lon- don, W. You are sure to get the right medicine if you ask distinctly for Doan's

You never know your Luck." We publish in another column the ad- vertisement of Samuel Heckscher senr., of Hamburg. This house has acquired a high repu- tation for the prompt payments of amounts won by persons here and in all parts of the world. We would strongly recommend our readers to take particular notice of Mr. Heckscher's announcement and ti y their luck to win A FORTUNE.

While Miss Agnes Nicholls was singing [ at Cardiff Festival last week a fly stuck in her throat. Just about the same time the blower of a motor car which was pacing the road near Pyle got so filled with flies that the trumpet was unable to "sing out and shout." The heroic lady vocalist proceeded with her song, despite her throttle handicap, but the motor car came to a stop. t

National Telephone 21.] JOHN MORGAN & SON (ABERDARE) LIMITED, Builders, Contractors and Undertakers. ■ Complete Funeral Furnishers and Funeral Directors. Estimates given for Bricked Graves and Vaults. ALL NTRS ,PROMPTLLATTENDED TO AND CARR,ED °UT AT MOST REASONABLE PRICES. Orders taken at the Offices:— Penydarren Street and 4 Stuart Street, Aberdare.

Labour Jottings. BY "DEMOS." Asked what can be done to prevent un- employment in view of the introduction of machinery, Mr. W. Trainer, while j speaking at Aberaman, said that this question could easily be settled by giving the people more leisure hours, and not allowing machines to be considered as in- dividuals. And he might have added, and not allowing individuals to be con- sidered as machines." Having exceeded the estimates for the year, the Fishguard Urban Council has decided to ieduce the roadman's wages from £ 1 to 15s. One councillor charac- tel isedhe council's action as absurd, and advocated paying the man, who was well over 70 years of age, a living wage. So the wage of this septuagenarian toiler has been reduced by 25 per cent. in order to save the rates! Apart from any humanitarian consideration, the munici- pal sages or r isnguard are clearly adopt- ing a penny wise pound foolish" policy. In all probability this poor worker will now go on the rates altogether as a re- cipient of parish relief, because the sum of 15s. a week is not much inducement for him to continue his labour, handi- capped as he is by senile disability. The Junior Member for Merthyr, Mr. Keir Hardie, arrived at Calcutta on Tuesday, and was accorded an enthusi- astic welcome by the Bengali papers. That is what the British papers say. But are we to infer from this that the welcome extended to our junior member was merely a paper one? Coroners seem to regard with suspicion the presence at inquests of the accredited trades union representatives of the workers. Coroner J. B. Walford seems to be as averse to the recognition of the representatives of the A.S.R.S. as Lord Claude Hamilton himself. At the in- quest upon Walter Charles Sacker, a yard foreman at the Elliot Collieries, New Tredegar, who was run over by a Brecon and Merthyr train, Mr. Walford observing Mr. J. H. Thomas, the organ- ising secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants, present, the former asked the latter whether he had any proper status entitling him to attend and ask questions. For answer, Mr. Thomas drew attention to a circular by the Home Office, stating that an organ- ising secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants had an equal right to attend as a miners' agent. Upon this, the coroner allowed Mr. Thomas to ask questions. Very likely Coroner Walford will not speak without hie book another time. But why these continued cbjeotions on the part of coroners? Surely the rela- tives of the deceased have a right to be represented at an inquest, and who more suitable to act for them than the agent or secretary of the Trade Union of which the deceased was a member? Mr. W. Trainer, like many another English visitor, stumbles over our Welsh place-names. He knows his political economy off by heart, end can answer any question touching social and indus- trial problems without a moment's hesi- tation, but when it comes to spelling the name of a Welsh village, he is entering upon a dangerous and difficult task. In his weekly epistle to the Clarion last week, Mr. Trainer makes two vain at- tempts at naming the village between Aberaman and Mountain Ash. In the first place he calls it Abercomboi, and in the second Cap Goch Concerning the movement, Mr Trainer says that there are a few I.L.P. men scattered over these small villages, but that they are too few to form a branch of their own, and so they become mem- bers of the Aberdare Centre. Mr. Trainer is not so optimistic regarding Hirwain, as he is of other places. He savs In Hirwain I found something unusual for South Wales. No I.L.P. Branch, no trade union, little or no public spirit of any kind. Yet a smoul- dering desire for a leader out of all this confusion. The meetings were largely attended night after night, and regrets freely expressed that we could btay no longer." I note that Mr. Black, of Huddersfield, is billed at Aberdare for next Sunday. He will deliver a lantern lecture in the evening at the Theatre on "Where Britain Fails." Mr. Black has visited Aberdare on a previous occasion, and tho.se who heard him then are not likely b miss this lecture. The news that oil fuel will. in the near future, supplant steam coal on our battle ships and other vessels, is causing no small alarm among the miners of South Wales. It appears that the possible use of oil fuel has passed the theoretical stage, and that it is only a matter of time before it will be universally used. It is on its unsurpassed quality of steam ccal that South Wales has prided itself, and when oil fuel comes to be used to any great extent, one would imagine that the South Wales coal trade must suffer. But we shall see for certain, if we live long enough. )

I I I I I a t i 1 0 I I A A 1, THE 00 D%i Z 2,3,

If a man wants to forget a woman he should keep his gaze off the sky, and look out for another pair of eyes! Mrs. Craigie.

No Strike. NON-UNIONIST QUESTION SETTLED AT MOUNTAIN ASH. *] Last Sunday afternoon, at the Pavil- ion, a mass meeting was held of the workmen of Messrs. Nixon's Collieries in the Aberdare VaUey. Mr. David Lewis (cneckweigher) was unanimously ap- pointed to the chair. The Chairman pointed out that the last meeting held on Cefnglas Mountain had marked a red letter day in the history of the Feder- ation. fA Voice: Are we going to have the truth to-day?) The Chairman re- torted by saying it was according to what the questioner defined as truth, and then went on to say that at the committee meeting held on Saturday, after careful consideration, they had come to the de- i cisicn that, matters were so much im- f proved that they would advise that meeting to withdraw the notices and to resume work on October 1st. (Loud i cheers.) j The report read by the secretary, Mr. } John Powell, showed no non-unionists in Deep Duffryn, and only seven in arrears. There were five non-unionists in the Navigation Colliery, but all had started in the last fortnight, and had promised on receiving their nrst pay to join the Federation. There were 43 in arrears, but all of them were trying to pull, this fact being specially marked in 29 cases. At Cwmcynon there were two non-union- ists and 60 in arrears, but 50 out or those had joined during the last few weeks and were doing their best to clear. He waa glad to say that at Glyn Gwyn Level every man was a lunionist and all clear, and Miskin Colliery the same. The meeting was addressed by Mr. Arthur Dudden, who proposed that a. stoppage should take place. Mr. W. Morgan also addressed the meeting, but eventually the vast crowd unanimously decided to withdraw notices. A vote of thanks was passed to the women for their splendid assistance during the past two months, and the meeting dispersed in aiil orderly mansn.

FASHIONS FOR WINTER, 1907. Unique Exhibition of New Goods at R. T. Jones & Co., MERTHYR. Special Display On FRIDAY and SATURDAY NEXT, Oct. 11th & 12th, AND DAY BY DAY DURING THE SEASON, Of the most Charming Novelties AT EXCEPTIONALLY LOW PRICES. CHOICE SELECTION OF Winter Costumes, Mantles, Millinery, Coats, Blouses, Dress Goods, Silks. Ladies' Outfitting and Baby Linen. BEST GRADE GOODS, including the NEWEST and MOST EXCLUSIVE STYLES from PARIS, LONDON and VIENNA, at prices fully 20 per cent, lower than London Catalogue Houses.' FASHIONABLE FURS. We have an unusually Large Selection of Reliable FURS now in Stock. We placed our Contracts for them early last Spring, and are in a position to sell at Prices very much under to-day's market value. Another Department Just Added. Have your UPHOLSTERY done at our NEW FACTORY. Only experienced and capable workmen employed. Estimates and Samples upon application. Repairs and Renovations neatly and expeditiously executed. A trial solicited-Satisfaction guaranteed. PLEASE NOTE! WE devote more than twice the space to the Show and Sale of General Drapery, Dress Materials, Silks, Costumes, Mantles Millinery, Carpets, Linoleums, &c., &c., than any other Shop in in Merthyr and the neighbouring towns. It is only natural that choice should be widest and best here, and that handling goods in such quantities we should be able to offer considerable advantages to our customers. ° POST ORDERS receive the most Prompt and Careful Attention. ALL:PARCELS DELIVERED FREE in Glamorganshire Monmouthshire, and Breconshire. 1\ Visit of Inspection will be much esteemed. R. T. JONES & Co. 125a and 126, Higlj Street, ) MrRTHVR 1, 3 arid 3a, Victoria Street, "Wl"* 1 and 2, Central St., Market Sq., j TYDFIL